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20200902-003a: Community Climate Plan Revision Recommendation — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 202000902-003a Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely Date: September 2, 2020 Subject: Community Climate Plan 2020 Revision Motion by: Katie Coyne RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Austin Community Climate Plan includes a schedule for reporting and updates, with a full plan revision in 2020; WHEREAS, the harmful effects of climate change, including floods, droughts, heat waves and wildfires, are worsening in the Austin area and around the world; WHEREAS, the “Global Warming of 1.5 °C” issued in 2018 by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change illustrates that keeping the average global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius will help to avoid severe effects of climate change, including ecosystems collapsing, that will very likely occur if warming reaches 2 degrees Celsius; WHEREAS, low-income communities and communities of color in Austin and around the world are the most impacted by extreme weather and pollution despite having contributed least to the drivers of climate change and pollution; WHEREAS, harmful land use and the refusal to create or enforce real environmental regulations continue to disproportionately expose communities of color to environmental harms, leading to unjust quality of life outcomes both historically and today; WHEREAS, low-income communities and communities of color must be prioritized to receive the disproportionate benefits of the transition to a pollution-free society to remedy disproportionate harm done historically and presently; WHEREAS, if we design and implement programs to serve low-income communities and communities of color, we will positively impact all residents in the Austin area; WHEREAS, the Paris Agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change set a goal of “keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius”; 1 WHEREAS, current international, federal, state and local commitments to greenhouse gas reduction fall short of what is needed to keep average global warming to either 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s “Emissions Gap Report 2019” illustrates the significant magnitude in the gap between international commitments and needed emissions reductions; WHEREAS, the City of Austin is a member of C40 Cities, a network of global cities committed to addressing climate change; WHEREAS, C40 Cities has developed guidance for cities on setting greenhouse gas reduction goals that are based in science and equitable in the global context, and according to that methodology, …
20200902-004a: SP 2019-0328C 1010 Clermont Avenue Recommendation — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 202000902-004a Date: September 2, 2020 Subject: 1010 Clermont Avenue, SP 2019-0328C Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from City Code 25-2-735(D) to allow impervious cover greater than 40% in the Festival Beach Waterfront Overlay – outside of the primary and secondary setback areas – without having met specified criteria for allowing 70% maximum allowable impervious cover; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the 0.26-acre lot currently contains approximately 81% impervious cover without onsite water quality treatment and has historically been used a used car lot; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. Provide water quality treatment with the proposed project such that the proposed development pollutant load will be lower than the existing conditions pollutant load. A rain garden will be constructed to provide treatment for the runoff from the building and porous pavement will be constructed to provide treatment for the runoff from the parking lot and the onsite sidewalks. 2. Provide specific window glazing on the office building to reduce potential of bird strikes. 3. All trees planted on site will be tree species native to central Texas. VOTE 9-0 For: Bedford, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Guerrero, and Ramberg Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Gordon 1 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
Approved Minutes — original pdf
2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 2, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Nill Curtis Smith Pam Thompson Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Perry Bedford Katie Coyne Peggy Maceo Mary Ann Neely Commissioners Absent: Andrew Creel Wendy Gordon Staff in Attendance: Robert Anderson Zach Baumer Sammi Curless Kaela Champlin Chris Herrington Hank Marley Atha Phillips CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 3:04 P.M. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the August 19, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) The minutes of the August 19, 2020 Environmental Commission meeting were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Creel was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Briefing on Variance Conditions—Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 3. 4. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discuss and consider a recommendation in support of the Community Climate Plan 2020 Revision—Zach Baumer, Climate Protection Manager, Office of Sustainability (30 minutes) A recommendation to adopt the Climate Equity Plan was approved on Commissioner Coyne’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Creel and Gordon were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: 1010 Clermont; SP-2019-0328C Applicant: Jim Schissler; Civilitude LLC Location: 1010 Clermont Avenue, Austin TX, 78702 (District 3) Staff: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: Lady Bird Lake Watershed, Urban, Desired Development Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-2-735(D) to allow impervious cover greater than 40% in the Festival Beach Waterfront Overlay – outside of the Primary and secondary setback areas – without having met specified criteria for allowing 70% maximum allowable impervious cover. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions. (30 minutes) Motion to close by Guerrero, second by Ramberg on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Creel and Gordon were absent. A motion to recommend the variance request with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Guerrero’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Creel and Gordon were absent. 5. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Growth Policy and Water Quality Protection Committee – Pam Thompson, Kevin Ramberg, Mary Ann Neely, Curtis Smith, and Perry Bedford b. Urban Forestry Committee – Peggy Maceo, Pam Thompson, Linda Guerrero, and Mary Ann Neely …
Agenda — original pdf
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 19, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held August 19, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, August 18, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 19, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 2. 3. Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 19, 2020 3:00 P.M. To 4:30 P.M. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Ryan Nill (D-4) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Katie Coyne (D-6) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ (Mayor) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. (5 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the August 5, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Election of Environmental Commission officers for the May 1, 2020 through April 30, 2021 term (15 minutes) b. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for the Springdale Green Planned Unit Development located at 1011 Springdale Rd, CD-2020-0001 (District 3)—Heather Chaffin, Planner Senior, Planning and Zoning Department, and Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office (30 minutes) PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Goodwill Store, SP-2019-0171C Applicant: Dunaway | UDG Location: 2411 …
20200819-002b: CD-2020-0001 Springdale Green Development Assessment backup — original pdf
Project Name: Springdale Green Address: 1011 SPRINGDALE RD File Number: CD-2020-0001 June 5, 2020 Proposed superiorities: Environmental Officer - Atha Phillips (512) 974-2132 • 3-Star Green Building • Remove impervious cover from critical water quality zone (CWQZ) • Restore the floodplain and CWQZ with native vegetation • Limit impervious cover to 50% or less • 100% Green Stormwater Infrastructure through bio-filtration and rain gardens • Capture stormwater and condensate for landscape irrigation • Utilize silva cells for trees planted within hardscape to provide additional soil volume • No surface parking proposed, will provide parking garage to minimize footprint Additional suggested superiorities: EO 1 Reduce width of proposed bike path from 50’ to 25’ to decrease the area of disturbance within the CWQZ and floodplain. EO 2 Use span bridges for all creek crossings proposed, locate the bridge abutments outside of the erosion hazard zone. EO 3 Consider placing solar panels on the roof. EO 4 Consider dual pipe plumbing within the buildings. EO 5 Utilize glass that has reflectivity of less than 15% to prevent bird strikes. g dale Sprin A i r p o r t B l v d Critical Water Quality Zone e n a y L d a h S Site Watershed Boundary
20200819-002b: CD-2020-0001 Springdale Green Development Assessment Presentation — original pdf
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20200819-002b: CD-2020-0001 Springdale Green Environmental Commission Staff Report — original pdf
BRIEFING SUMMARY SHEET DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT CASE NUMBER: CD-2020-0001 REQUEST: Presentation of a Development Assessment Report for the Springdale Green Planned Unit Development (PUD) located at 1011 and 1017 Springdale Road. The property is east of the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Springdale Road within the Boggy Creek and Tannehill Branch watersheds. DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The property owner is proposing to rezone a 30.18-acre parcel from GR-MU-CO-NP and RR-NP to PUD zoning. The property is proposed to be redeveloped with office and commercial land uses and a public trail easement. The Property is located within an Imagine Austin Neighborhood Center and along two Imagine Austin Activity Corridors. The property is near the proposed Capital Metro Green Line. The property is currently vacant but is located in the area generally known as the East Austin Tank Farm. The Tank Farm area was used for storage of petrochemicals for decades before the uses were removed and environmental remediation occurred. This site was remediated in the 1990s but not to a level that would allow redevelopment with residential land uses; only office, commercial, and limited industrial land uses are permitted. The property is also significantly constrained by waterways, floodplain, and water quality buffer zones. There are heritage trees on the site. The applicant has stated that the project will comply with all Tier One PUD development standards, as well as several Tier Two standards. Tier Two standards proposed include green infrastructure, 3-star Green Building rating, revegetation and restoration of environmentally sensitive areas, and providing a 50-foot wide trail easement to connect to surrounding trail systems. The applicant is proposing to reduce the permittable impervious coverage from 90% to 50% and will pay a fee-in-lieu of onsite affordable housing based on increased building square footage since residential land uses are not permitted on the property. The applicant proposes the following Code modifications: increase permitted building height from 60 feet to 90 feet, relax Compatibility Standards, and modify Critical Water Quality Zone requirements. OWNER: Jay Paul Company APPLICANT: Armbrust & Brown PLLC (Michael Whellan) CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING DATE: August 25, 2020 ASSIGNED STAFF: Heather Chaffin Email: heather.chaffin@austintexas.gov Phone: 512-974-2122 ATTACHMENTS: Zoning Map Aerial Exhibit Proposed Land Use Plan Applicant Letter (with attachments) Development Assessment Staff Report CS-CO-NP KAY ST SF-3-NP CS-1-CO-NP CS-CO-NP T SF-3-NP R S E T N U G SF-3-NP SF-3-NP SF-3-NP GOVALLE AVE SF-3-NP PUD-NP P-NP SF-3-NP D E R L A D G …
20200819-003a: Goodwill Store SP-2019-0171C backup — original pdf
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA August 19, 2020 Goodwill Store, SP-2019-0171C COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Dunaway | UDG, 5707 Southwest Parkway, Bldg. 2, Ste. 250, Austin, TX 78735 (512) 399-5365 LOCATION: 2411 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX 78703 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 10 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-1879, pamela.abee- taulli@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: Lady Bird Lake Watershed, Water Supply Suburban Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone The applicant is requesting a variance from City Code 25-2-744(E) (University/Deep Eddy Subdistrict Regulations) of the Waterfront Overlay, which limits the impervious coverage of a site area not included in a primary or secondary waterfront overlay setback at 40% impervious coverage. The existing development is currently at 89% impervious coverage, and the proposed development would reduce the impervious coverage to 83%. Staff recommends this variance, because it is in compliance with the requirements of City Code Chapter 25-8 (Environment). The applicant has elected for this site plan to be governed by City Code 25- 8-27 (Redevelopment Exception in the Water Supply Rural and Water Supply Suburban Watersheds). The application is in compliance with all of the requirements of this section. The Redevelopment Exception allows development that pre-dates the City’s water quality and impervious cover regulations to maintain existing impervious cover in return for providing additional water quality treatment. This project proposes to slightly reduce impervious cover from the existing condition. Water quality control is proposed for the Redevelopment Exception. the entire site, exceeding the requirement of Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: None ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SITE PLAN VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION REQUEST REVIEW SHEET CASE NUMBER: SP-2019-0171C EV DATE: 2/19/20 (512) 637-7518 (512) 399-5365 Phone: (512) 974-2711 Renee.Johns@austintexas.gov Goodwill Central Texas 1015 Norwood Park BLVD Austin, TX 78753 Dunaway | UDG 5707 Southwest Parkway, Bldg 2, Ste. 250 Austin, TX 78735 PROJECT NAME: Goodwill Store ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: 2411 Lake Austin Blvd. APPLICANT: AGENT: CASE MANAGER: Renee Johns PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: The applicant is proposing to construct a Goodwill store that will be a general retail sales (convenience) use at 2411 Lake Austin Blvd. Associated improvements include underground parking, utilities and other associated improvements. DESCRIPTION OF VARIANCE: The applicant is requesting a variance from § 25-2-744(E) Waterfront Overlay University/Deep Eddy Subdistrict Regulations, which limits the impervious coverage of a site area not included in a primary or secondary waterfront overlay setback …
20200819-003a: Goodwill Store SP-2019-0171C presentation — original pdf
Renee Johns Planner Senior Development Services Department & Pamela Abee-Taulli Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department GOODWILL STORE 2411 LAKE AUSTIN BLVD SP-2019-0171C PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the- ground survey and represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. This product has been produced by the Watershed Protection Department for the sole purpose of geographic reference. No warranty is made by the City of Austin regarding specific accuracy or completeness. 0510Miles[ PROPERTY DATA • Lady Bird Lake Watershed • Water Supply Suburban Classification • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Features • No Critical Environmental • Council District 10 PROJECT BACKGROUND • Existing site conditions: • 0.39 ac. tract, • 86% impervious cover, • Brownfield (former gas station). • Developed under Redevelopment Exception [LDC 25-8-27] • exempt from 25-8, Subchapter A, including: • Watershed impervious cover, • • grading (cut/fill). construction on slopes, • Must provide water quality controls for redeveloped area. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT • 83% impervious cover – a slight reduction. • Provides Water Quality controls for redeveloped area & additional 0.13 ac. of offsite drainage. Lake Austin Blvd. – West Elevation – Lady Bird Lake South Elevation VARIANCE REQUEST Request to vary from Zoning Code, LDC 25-2-744(E), to exceed the allowable zoning impervious cover. Code reference LDC § 25-2-744 – Waterfront Overlay, University/Deep Eddy Subdistrict Regulations (E) For an area not included in a primary setback area or a secondary setback area, the maximum impervious cover is 40 percent. WATERFRONT OVERLAY DISTRICT § 25-2-710 - GOALS AND POLICIES. Decisions by the accountable official and city boards regarding implementation of this Division shall be guided at all stages by the goals and policies of the Town Lake Corridor Study, including but not limited to the following: Ensure that zoning decisions in the (A) Colorado River corridor achieve the highest degree of land use compatibility by: 1. eliminating industrial uses from the confluence of Longhorn Dam; 2. phasing out resource extraction; 3. providing the pubic visual and physical access to the Colorado River. (B) Protect, enhance, and interpret natural values and environmentally sensitive areas of the Colorado River Corridor through: 1. …
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20200819-003a: Goodwill Store SP 2019-0171C Recommendation — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 202000819-003a Date: August 19, 2020 Subject: Goodwill Store SP 2019-0171C Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Wendy Gordon RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from City Code 25-2-744(E) (University/Deep Eddy Subdistrict Regulations) of the Waterfront Overlay; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes this regulation limits the impervious coverage of a site area not included in a primary or secondary waterfront overlay setback at 40% impervious coverage; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site currently contains 89% impervious coverage, and the proposed development would reduce the impervious coverage to 83%; WHEREAS, the applicant has elected for this site plan to be governed by City Code 25-8-27 (Redevelopment Exception in the Water Supply Rural and Water Supply Suburban Watersheds), and the application is in compliance with all of the requirements of this section; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends this variance, because it is in compliance with the requirements of City Code Chapter 25-8 (Environment). Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance from LDC 25-2-744(E) (University/Deep Eddy Subdistrict Regulations) of the Waterfront Overlay with the following conditions: The Environmental Commission requires the applicant shall exceed the water quality treatment required by City Code. VOTE 7-1 For: Bedford, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Maceo, Ramberg, and Gordon Against: Neely Abstain: Guerrero Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Coyne 1 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
Approved Minutes — original pdf
2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 19, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Nill Curtis Smith Pam Thompson Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Wendy Gordon Perry Bedford Katie Coyne Peggy Maceo Mary Ann Neely Commissioners Absent: Andrew Creel Staff in Attendance: Pamela Abee-Taulli Heather Chaffin Kaela Champlin Chris Herrington Renee Johns Atha Phillips CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 3:04 P.M. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the August 5, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the August 5, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Creel was absent. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Election of Environmental Commission officers for the May 1, 2020 through April 30, 2021 term (15 minutes) Commissioner Maceo nominated Commissioner Guerrero for Environmental Commission Chair. Commissioner Guerrero was elected Chair on a 10-0 vote. 1 3. Commissioner Ramberg nominated Commissioner Coyne for Environmental Commission Vice Chair. Commissioner Coyne was elected Vice Chair on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Coyne nominated Commissioner Ramberg for Environmental Commission Secretary. Commissioner Ramberg was elected Secretary on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Creel was absent. b. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for the Springdale Green Planned Unit Development located at 1011 Springdale Rd, CD-2020-0001 (District 3)—Heather Chaffin, Planner Senior, Planning and Zoning Department, and Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Goodwill Store, SP-2019-0171C Applicant: Dunaway | UDG Location: 2411 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX 78703 (District 10) Staff: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-1879, pamela.abee-taulli@austintexas.gov Watershed: Lady Bird Lake Watershed, Water Supply Suburban Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: The applicant is requesting a variance from City Code 25-2-744(E) (University/Deep Eddy Subdistrict Regulations) of the Waterfront Overlay, which limits the impervious coverage of a site area not included in a primary or secondary waterfront overlay setback at 40% impervious coverage. The existing development is currently at 89% impervious coverage, and the proposed development would reduce the impervious coverage to 83%. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance, because it is in compliance with the requirements of City Code Chapter 25-8 (Environment). (15 minutes) A motion to close …
Agenda — original pdf
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 5, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held August 5, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, August 4, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 5, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 2. 3. Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 5, 2020 3:00 P.M. To 4:30 P.M. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Ryan Nill (D-4) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Katie Coyne (D-6) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ (Mayor) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. (5 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the July 15, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Update on Green Infrastructure web portal—Erin Wood, Planner Principal, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Update on the Environmental Commission Annual Internal Review—Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair (5 minutes) b. Discuss and consider a recommendation to name an unnamed tributary in Battle Bend Neighborhood Park in memory of Watershed Protection Department employee Nick Down—Chris Herrington, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (10 minutes) c. Discuss and consider a …
20200805-002a: Green Infrastructure Update — original pdf
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and Council Members THRU: Rey Arellano, Assistant City Manager Chris Shorter, Assistant City Manager FROM: Jorge L. Morales, P.E., CFM, Director, Watershed Protection Department Lucia Athens, Chief Sustainability Officer, Office of Sustainability DATE: July 17, 2020 SUBJECT: Update on Council Resolution No. 20170615-071 (Green Infrastructure) The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update on outcomes related to Council Resolution No. 20170615-071, which directed the City Manager to assess the City’s progress toward achieving the vision, goals, policies, and actions relating to green infrastructure, as defined in the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan1 and to identify and evaluate opportunities and strategies to further integrate and leverage the City's green infrastructure related programs and projects. Staff provided two deliverables to Mayor and Council via a memo on March 30, 2018: a report entitled Green Stormwater Infrastructure: A Catalog of Infrastructure, Initiatives, and Next Steps as well as a framework for the development of an Integrated Green Infrastructure Plan. Attached is a matrix that provides an updated status for each element of the Council Resolution. Phase 1 of the framework for an Integrated Green Infrastructure Plan proposed to create a dynamic web portal to introduce the concept of green infrastructure and serve as a streamlined, user-friendly gateway to available data and resources. This phase has been completed with the launch of the Green Infrastructure web portal this June at http://arcg.is/0HXLyH0. The content was developed in partnership with multiple City departments, including Watershed Protection, Office of Sustainability, Parks and Recreation, Development Services, Austin Water, Public Works, and Planning and Zoning. The portal is divided into eleven major topics: Introduction, Urban Forest, Water Resources, Parks, Wildlands, Trails, Green Streets, Food, Habitat, Landscape, and Land Management. Using the ArcGIS Online Story Map format, the portal provides descriptions of key plans, programs, and regulations; maps of relevant data; links to additional resources; and ways for the community to get involved. For Phase 2 of the framework, the City hired local environmental planning firm, Siglo Group, to prepare a data-rich inventory of the city’s current green infrastructure and identify existing strengths and gaps. Data from multiple departments and external sources was compiled into a 1 Imagine Austin defines green infrastructure as an interconnected system of parks, waterways, open space, trails, green streets, tree canopy, agriculture, and stormwater management features that mimic natural hydrology. single resource, …
20200805-003a: Annual Internal Review — original pdf
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2019 to 6/30/2020 _Environmental Commission __ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: Per section 2-1-144(F) of the City Code, the Environmental Commission may: 1) review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the city; (2) act as an advisory board to the city council, the city manager, and the department in their efforts to oversee the protection and integrity of the natural environment; (3) promote growth management and land use planning, minimize degradation of water resources, protect downstream areas, and promote recreation opportunities and environmental awareness; and (4) advise and recommend on any issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest both public and private. (G) The commission shall: (1) assist the city council, the city manager, and the department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all citizens within the City's incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and (2) oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in the City's jurisdiction, and revise the plan as necessary. When a portion of the plan has been developed and established, it shall be submitted to the city council for adoption before implementation. Annual Review and Work Plan 7/1/2019 to 6/30/2020 Page 2 (H) The commission shall advise the city council, the city manager, and the department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment, including those that relate to or affect: (1) water quality: (a) watershed protection; (b) urban runoff; (c) innovative wastewater treatment; (d) regional wastewater treatment; (e) improvement and protection of the Colorado River and the Edwards Aquifer; and (f) wastewater irrigation; (2) growth management and land use planning: (a) municipal utility district review; (b) capital improvement project review; and (c) the comprehensive plan; (3) construction controls for erosion and sedimentation; (4) City environmental policies regarding monitoring and enforcement; (5) solid waste disposal plan alternatives; (6) watershed protection: (a) flood control; (b) erosion control; (c) water quality; and (d) utility management; (7) roadway planning; (8) beautification; (9) recreation resources; (10) public education on environmental matters; (11) hazardous waste …
20200805-003c: John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch Vision Plan presentation — original pdf
Vision Plan for John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch Environmental Commission Meeting Charles Mabry, Associate Project Manager, PARD David Malda, Principal, GGN August 5, 2020 • 330 acres of former ranch 5 I-3 Walter E. Long Metro Park Park Context • 2003: Purchased by PARD • 2006: Named after John Treviño Jr., former Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem • 5,000 feet of Colorado River frontage • 2/3 of the site lies in the 100-year floodplain and TX-130 • Located at 9501 FM-969 between US-183 Ladybird Lake 3 8 1 S U e r o R i v d o l o r a C Decker Ln F M 9 6 9 Treviño Park M 973 F 0 R 13 S US 71 Austin-Bergstrom Intl Airport John Treviño Jr. at City of Austin park dedication in 2016 (Image credit: BetoATX) 2 MONTOPOLISDEL VALLECENTRAL EAST AUSTINDOWNTOWN AUSTIN Vision Plan Schedule 2019 MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC FEB MAR APR 2020 JAN Discovery Site Analysis Existing Conditions, Opportunities, and Challenges Report Develop Shared Vision Story Gathering Community Meeting #1 Summary What We’ve Heard: Vision & Values Community Meeting #2 Summary Focused Engagement Phases Ongoing Community Engagement Explore Concepts Preliminary Concepts Community Meeting #3 Summary Develop Vision Plan Preferred Vision Plan Community Meeting #4 Summary Document and Refine Draft (cid:55)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:79) Plan Report Boards and Commisions Review and Adopt City Council Final Vision Plan Report 3 Public Engagement: Approach Meetings and Events • 4 community meetings (two on-site at Treviño Park) • 11 Small Group Discussions • 3 Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Meetings Surveys • 3 community surveys (digital and print in English and Spanish) Individual outreach • Engagement with individuals, 16+ organizations, 3 neighborhood associations, and 5 local schools • In-person outreach in East Austin: 3 school events, 5 neighborhood/organization events, and 5 church services July 8 community meeting nature talk + hike December 7 community meeting with organization partners 4 Public Engagement: Listening 1) Site, parks, and your story • Connection to place • Notes & postcards • Oral histories • Survey: 398 respondents (41% responses from neighboring zip codes*) Community Priorities: 2) What we heard • Park Vision and Values • Opportunity to share feedback to date and confirm understanding of community goals Nature Stewardship + Education 3) An ideal day at Treviño Park • Site character, activities, design concepts • Survey: 222 respondents …
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20200805-003b: Recommendation to Name Tributary in Battle Bend Park — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 202000805-003b Date: August 5, 2020 Subject: Recommendation to Name Tributary in Battle Bend Park Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Wendy Gordon RATIONALE: WHEREAS, Nicholas “Nick” Down was born on June 5, 1992 in Houston, Texas; and WHEREAS, while earning his bachelor’s degree at Texas State University, Nick served on the Bobcat Build Student Planning Committee, enthusiastically and effectively helping organize one of the largest, one-day community service projects in the State of Texas; and WHEREAS upon graduation, Nick joined the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department in May 2014, drawn by his great love of our natural environment and passion for public service; and WHEREAS Nick has put his irrepressible energy and talent into his work by creating maps and analyses used to understand and protect Austin's environmental and water resources, including our streams, trees, and open spaces; and WHEREAS one of Nick’s most memorable contributions was to the beautiful City of Creeks poster beloved by Watershed staff and shared widely with the public; and WHEREAS Nick and his wife Stephanie lived near Battle Bend Park and visited the park with their dog Otis, being attracted by their love of the outdoors; and WHEREAS the Watershed Protection Department completed a project in 2020 to daylight and restore a small, unnamed tributary in Battle Bend Park, which helped restore natural health and beauty to this community gem; Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends the newly-daylighted and previously unnamed tributary of Williamson Creek within Battle Bend Park will be known as “Down Stream” in commemoration of the lifework of Nick Down to the betterment of Austin. 1 VOTE 10-0 For: Bedford, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
20200805-003c: Vision Plan for John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 202000805-003c Date: August 5, 2020 Subject: Vision Plan for John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the need to develop and implement a vision plan for the John Treviño Metropolitan park at Morrison Ranch; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the unique environmental setting of the site along the Colorado River; and WHERAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the Parks and Recreation Board recommended adoption of the Vision Plan; THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the adoption of the Vision Plan for the John Treviño Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch with the following Environmental Commission condition: As the Master Plan continues to develop, the Parks and Recreation Department will re-present the plan to the Environmental Commission and seek the Environmental Commission’s input. VOTE 11-0 For: Bedford, Creel, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1