1. 02252026 JSC Minutes for Approval — original pdf

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JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Feb 25, 2026 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin CIty Hall. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Iris Suddaby, Mridula Madipakkam, Haris Qureshi, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Jon Salinas, Chris Campbell Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Josh Hiller, Varun Prasad, Rodrigo Leal, Chris Crookham, Charlotte Davis, Diana Wheeler, Anna Scott Board Members Absent: Aaron Gonzales, Lane Becker City Staff in Attendance: Braden Latham-Jones, Phillip Duran, Molly Ellsworth CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:09 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on January 28, 2026. a. Qureshi motion, Maxwell-Gaines second. Approved 13-0 (Scott off dais) STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Staff briefing on Refrigerant Management. Presentation by Molly Ellsworth and Phillip Duran, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. a. Scott: What is the cost need here? b. Duran: Primary focus is internal coordination and establishing internal protocols. c. White: How complete do you think your data set is? d. Ellsworth: Austin Water is only able to send appliances over 50lbs, but they’re working on this. e. White: While you don’t have data for smaller units, do these requirements still apply to smaller units? f. Ellsworth: Requirements won’t apply for smaller units, but the process to collect data for smaller appliances is in progress. g. Chris XXXX: What do people do with household appliances when they’re outlived their use? h. Duran: There are existing programs through Austin Energy that allow for recycling and destroying those, and we’re exploring other opportunities for this kind of program. 2. Staff briefing on the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program. Presentation by Braden Latham-Jones, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the FY26 City of Austin Budget. a. Discussion about possible budget recommendations from Scott. b. Discussion about “Local Solar Energy” budget proposal related to Solar Standard Offer c. Discussion on exact dollar amount asks to advance City fleet vehicle electrification d. Discussion on existing budget funds that should be maintained or reduced. e. No action taken, discussion will continue at a future meeting. 4. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the 2026 bond. a. Discussion on proposed recommendations, proposed by Chair White. b. Davis moves to adopt, Qureshi seconds. c. Davis moves to formally adopt amendment of language “to be carbon negative in total.” Approved on unanimous consent d. Chair White calls for a vote. e. Vote passes unanimously (12-0), resolution adopted. 5. Approve a recommendation related to Gas Conservation Programs. a. Davis lays out resolution. b. White amendment to include, Davis second, passes unanimously. i. ‘Any such conservation program operated by the city of Austin should have the goal of reducing total natural gas consumption by Texas Gas Service customers in Austin compared to current levels. ‘ c. Chair White moves approval, Qureshi seconds. d. Vote passes unanimously (12-0) as amended. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. 7. Update regarding Austin Water’s Emergency Management; and Q4 report on Water Management Strategy Implementation – Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Water and Wastewater Commission. Update regarding the revisions to the Urban Design Guidelines and the barriers to the update – Jon Salinas, Design Commission FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Solar on City Facilities • Free buses Meeting adjourned at 9:14pm. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Zach Baumer with the Office of Sustainability at 512-974-2836, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Joint Sustainability Committee, please contact Zach Baumer at (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2836).