Recommendation 20230524-7 - Cooperation between the Airport Advisory Commission and Environmental Commission — original pdf

Recommendation

JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Recommendation No 20230524-7 Cooperation between the Airport Advisory Commission and Environmental Commission WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee recognizes the City of Austin requires a First Class International Airport to serve its Residents and travelers to and through the City of Austin to support a vibrant economy; and the long-term viability of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport requires strong management, long-term planning and close cooperation with vendors, contractors, airlines, and the City; and the Environment surrounding ABIA needs to be protected for the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for the Residents of Austin and airport users. WHEREAS, the City of Austin Department of Aviation is responsible for oversight of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; its operation, projects, capital improvement programs, aviation contracts, annual operating budget, long term planning, and quality of service to for the Customers of ABIA and the Residents of Austin. WHEREAS, the Airport Advisory Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the Council on aviation projects that the Department of Aviation proposes for the capital improvements program; and review and make recommendations to the council on aviation contracts that are presented by the Department of Aviation for council for action; and review and make policy recommendations to the council on quality of services at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Residents of Austin and customers of the airport and long term planning of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; in addition to other responsibilities. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission shall assist the city council, the city manager, and the Watershed Protection Department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all residents within the City’s incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and advise the city council, city manager and Watershed Protection Department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment as specified in Austin, Texas Code 2-1-144 Sections H-L. WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee shall promote close cooperation between the Council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and agencies concerned with procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and Austin Climate Equity Plan in order to secure the greatest public benefit; the joint committee may advise City boards, commission, and committees on policy matters that impact the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of the Residents of Austin. BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the Airport Advisory Commission, the Environmental Commission, and the Department of Aviation establish a collaborative relationship, which will allow the Environmental Commission to provide recommendations, advice, and suggestions on any project whose Environmental impact extends beyond the boundaries of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Discussions regarding planned activity or project will occur prior to or concurrent with the approval process and with the understanding that final decisions would be made by the Aviation Department and Airport Advisory Commission within the scope of their responsibilities. Date: May 24, 2023  Motioned By: Richard Brimer Seconded By: Christopher Campbell Vote: 13-0 For: Anna Scott, Kaiba White, Charlotte Davis, Rick Brimer, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Yure Suarez, Alice Woods, Jon Salinas, Melissa Rothrock, Rodrigo Leal, Heather Houser, Chris Campbell, Diana Wheeler Against: None Abstain: None Attest: Zach Baumer, Joint Sustainability Committee Staff Liaison