PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Tuesday, February 25, 2020 - 6:00 p.m. City Hall Board and Commission Room, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St., Austin, Texas 78701 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEMBERS: Dawn Lewis (D-10), Chair Romteen Farasat (D-4), Vice Chair Richard DePalma (Mayor) Nina Rinaldi (D-1) Anna L. Di Carlo (D-2) Kate Mason-Murphy (D-3) Kim Taylor (D-8) Sarah Faust (D-5) Fred Morgan (D-6) Francoise Luca (D-7) Laura Cottam Sajbel (D-9) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of January 28, 2020. B. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action regarding selection of members to serve on the Land, Facilities, and Programs Committee and the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board. 2. Discussion and possible action regarding the 2019 Annual Internal Review of the Land, Facilities, and Programs Committee. Presenter: Fred Morgan, Committee Chair, Land, Facilities and Programs Committee 3. Discussion and possible action regarding recommendations associated with the Land Development 4. Discussion and possible action regarding a Board training opportunity. C. STAFF BRIEFINGS & REPORTS* 1. Update on Austin City Limits (ACL) C3 Presents contract. Presenter: Jason Maurer, Sales and Event Manager and Colin Wallis, CEO, Austin Parks Foundation 2. Update on Roy G. Guerrero Park channel stabilization. Presenter: Fred Fuller, Project Manager and Janna Renfro, Engineer, Watershed Protection Department Code. 1 3. Off leash dogs and portable signage in parks. Presenter: Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Programs Division Manager D. ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS 1. Discussion and possible action regarding the Alternative Funding Working Group (Lewis, Farasat, DePalma, Rinaldi). Farasat and Rinaldi). 2. Discussion and possible action regarding the Parking and Mobility Working Group (Cottam Sajbel, 3. Discussion and possible action regarding the Park and Facility Renaming (Ordinance 20160324-021) Working Group (Di Carlo, Farasat, Luca). E. DIRECTOR’S REPORT ON PROGRAM AND PROJECT UPDATES AND EVENTS F. FUTURE ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS ADJOURNMENT * A member of the public may not address a board at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing, per City Code Section 2-1- 44(E). The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD January 28, 2020 MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Board Members in Attendance: Dawn Lewis; Laura Cottam Sajbel; Richard DePalma; Anna L. Di Carlo; Francoise Luca; Fred Morgan; Kate Mason-Murphy and Nina Rinaldi Board Members Absent: Romteen Farasat and Kimberly Taylor Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley; Liana Kallivoka; Lucas Massie; Suzanne Piper; Anthony Segura; Sammi Curless; Denisha Cox; Kevin Gomillion; Steven Linnet; Larry Mendez; Thomas Rowlinson; Randy Scott; D’Anne Williams and Ana Sievert A. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:04p.m. B. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Sharon Blythe – removal of trees planted by neighborhood at Mountain View Park; homeless camps in parks Kevin Reinis – Austin Rowing Club end of year update Fred McGhee – Oakwood Cemetery chapel restoration Eric Harris – Millwood Neighborhood concerning Walnut Trail through Balcones Park C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board Member Morgan made a motion to approve the minutes; Board Member Cottam Sajbel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Vice Chair Farasat and Board Member Taylor absent. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS Consent 1. Recommendation to approve the 2020 meeting schedule for the Concessions & Contracts Committee according to approved Concessions & Contracts Committee November 12, 2019 Minutes. Board Member Luca made a motion to approve the 2020 meeting schedule for the Concessions & Contracts Committee; Board Member DePalma seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Vice Chair Farasat and Board Member Taylor absent. 1 Non-consent 2. Make a Recommendation to City Council regarding the superiority of the Austin Green Planned Unit Development and Municipal Utility District as it pertains to parkland. Board Member DePalma made a motion to recommend to the City Council regarding the superiority of the Austin Green Planned Unit Development and Municipal Utility District as it pertains to parkland; Board Member Cottam Sajbel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Vice Chair Farasat and Board Member Taylor absent. 3. Make a Recommendation to City Council to authorize the execution of Amendment No. 1 to the Parkland Improvement, Management, and Operations Agreement for Republic Square Park between the City, Austin Parks Foundation, and the Downtown Austin Parks, LLC. Board Member Luca made a motion to recommend to the …
This report covers the time period of 1/1/2019 to 12/31/2019 (Please note that this is to be completed by the Chair of the board, commission or committee.) Annual Internal Review Land, Facilities and Programs Committee of the Parks and Recreation Board The Land, Facilities and Programs Committee mission statement (per the City Code) is: to serve in an advisory capacity to the full board on issues of development and programs of the public parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities and the general welfare of the parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. 2019 Overview The Land, Facilities, and Program Committee (LFPC) of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) met a total of four times in 2019 – January, February, September and November. Board Member Frank Ward served as chair of the Committee for the early part of 2019 until he was replaced on the Parks and Recreation Board. Board Member Fred Morgan was appointed Chair by the Parks and Recreation Board at its June 25, 2019 meeting. January 2019 LFPC made a recommendation to PARB to recommend to the Department Director the approval of the Givens District Park Master Plan. Action Taken: A motion to approve this item and move it to the full Board for review carried on a vote of 5-0. LFPC made a recommendation to the PARB to recommend to the Department Director the approval of the Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Master Plan. Action Taken: A motion to approve this item and move it to the full Board for review carried on a vote of 5-0. Page 1 of 3 February 2019 LPFC made a recommendation to the PARB to recommend to City Council approval of the Brush Square Master Plan. Action Taken: A motion to approve this item and move it to the full Board for review carried on a vote 3-0 with 1 member absent. March 2019 No LFPC meeting held due to lack of agenda items. April 2019 No LFPC meeting held due to lack of agenda items. May 2019 No LFPC meeting held due to lack of agenda items. June 2019 No LFPC meeting held due to lack of quorum. July 2019 No LPFC meeting held due to lack of agenda items. …
+ Parks & Recreation Board - February 25, 2020 - 15 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP $6.2 MILLION FOR PARKS FROM THE 2019 FESTIVAL ALONE $41 MILLION IN PARK INVESTMENTS $5 MILLION IN COMMUNITY INITIATED GRANTS NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY IMPACT UP TO $5,000 UP TO $50,000 $100,000 $850K IN RECREATION & PROGRAMMING STRATEGIC FOCUS ON PARK EQUITY EASTLINK- ST. JOHN- REPUBLIC SQUARE- HARTFORD- DOVE SPRINGS- GREAT PARKS FOR EVERY AUSTINITE
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS MUSIC FESTIVAL PARKS BOARD BRIEFING by OFFICE OF SPECIAL EVENTS and AUSTIN PARKS FOUNDATION AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (PARD) OVERVIEW PRESENTATION TO: PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FEBRUARY 25, 2020 http://www.austintexas.gov/parkevents Presentation Overview 1. 2. Joint presentation by Austin Parks and Recreation Department Office of Special Events (PARD OSE) and Austin Parks Foundation (APF) PARD OSE Event History Event Agreement Event Benefits and Revenue to the City Event Foundation Agreement Board and Grant Funding Partnership Benefits 3. APF 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. Questions Event History and Event Overview Events support the PARD Mission – “creating diverse programs and experiences” Public activations serve those who enjoy recreation differently, enhance our image as Austin, celebrate our green spaces and create community. Park events serve purpose – civic celebration Civic celebrations contribute to our economics, culture and sense of place. 1.2 M attendees /year 2002 Austin City Limits Music Festival founded – celebrating 19 years in 2020 2013 Festival occurs 2 weekends in the park (2012 City Council action) 8 stages, approximately 130 bands/year 300,000 attendees, 20% of total park special event visitors 2015 Parkland Events Task Force. Year long public process. Adopted 2017 by Austin City Council. Zilker Metropolitan Park: One of three park locations with codified limits. 6 events – limited to 27 event days Event Agreement All event agreements require payment of established fees and permit costs. All agreements also require post event inspections, and require the event to replace/repair impacts to parks/damages Maintains attendance at established cap 75,000/day or less Maintains 10 set up days and 5 take down days Maintains event commitment to neighborhood patrols, enforcement and direct response 2011 and 2014 ticket fee remittance scaled adjustments 2015 system wide maintenance fee adjustments Benefits and Highlights – City of Austin 1. Paid all City Fees/costs – no fee waivers 2019: $100,000 PARD general fund use fees part of a total of $2.4 M city festival costs/fees PARD Revenue Totals Since 2008: $700,000 use fees, $1 M post reimbursement, and $9.2 M ticket fees ($11 M total) 2. 3. 4. Event funds equipment and staff supplies for the event Event helped establish best practices through testing grounds protection technology in cooperation with PARD (starting in 2009) Environmental Initiatives 1. 2. Rock and recycle. Composting. Compostable cups/ware. …
Approaches to Managing Off Leash Dogs on Parkland Amanda Ross-Division Manager, Natural Resources Austin Parks and Recreation Department February 25, 2020 Levels of Notification & Enforcement Informational-Signage & Notification Voluntary Compliance Through Contact with Park Rangers or Austin Police Department Seek compliance through soft enforcement and provide information to park user First approach of APD and Park Rangers Focused Programing In Concern Areas-Bark Rangers, Pop-up Events Ticketing & Fines/Warnings Park Ranger Joint Efforts with Animal Services Department and Austin Police Department Movable Large Signage Display In Problem Areas Year 1 (2018) 3 Signs Rotated Barton Creek at 360 access Barton Creek at Spyglass Barton Creek at Gus Fruh Bull Creek Greenbelt North Bull Creek District Park Longview Park Mabel Davis Year 2 (2019) 3 Signs Stationary Barton Creek Greenbelt at 360 access Longview Park Bull Creek Year 3 (2020) Signs Rotating Barton Creek Greenbelt Twin Falls Hill of life 360 access Bull Creek Longview Park Mexican American Cultural Center Onion Creek West Austin Park Number of Dogs Off Leash Contacts by Park Rangers October 19-February 20 GIS Tracking To Identify Areas of Concern Park Ranger Notices SOP Being Developed Implement in Concern Areas-Spring 2020 Would only be done in a safe environment Questions
Country Club Creek West at Roy G. Guerrero Park Parks and Recreation Board January 25, 2020 Janna Renfro Engineer, Project Sponsor Watershed Protection Department 1 Project Area Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park • 363 acres • Constructed drainage channel – Country Club West • Original drainage channel – Country Club East • Park& Channel Improvements constructed in 2010 2 Erosion Damage • 2015 Floods • Severe erosion created a shorter path to the river. • Pedestrian bridge collapsed • May 2015 - December 2017: Erosion damaged ~1500 feet (5 acres) of drainage channel • 100s of trees lost • Equivalent of 2500 dump truck loads of sand and soil lost (~37,000 cubic yards) 3 Temporary Repairs • Project No. 1 • 2017 • Stabilized bank near ballfields Interim Project № 1 Permanent Project 4 Temporary Repairs • Project No. 2: • 2018 • Stabilized headcut Interim Project № 2 Permanent Project 5 Temporary Repairs • Project No. 3: • 2019 • Wastewater Line Encased Interim Project № 3 Permanent Project 6 Permanent Solution • ~2,000 linear feet of channel stabilization • Three concrete “drop structures” • Natural channel between structures • Bridge over middle structure above 500- year flood elevation 7 Trail Connectivity 8 Project Schedule Complete Design Bid Begin Construction Complete Construction Funding Sources $8.5 M $2.5 M $1 M $5+ M 9
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: February 2020 MASTER PLAN UPDATES: John Treviño Jr. Metro Park at Morrison Ranch Master Plan (District 1) The draft master plan for John Treviño Jr. Metro Park has been completed and will be presented to the Land, Facilities, and Programs Committee on March 9 and the Parks and Recreation Board on March 24. The park master plan is also scheduled to go before the Environmental Commission on March 4 and the Design Commission on March 23. The draft master plan can be found at the project’s website: http://www.austintexas.gov/JohnTrevinoMetroPark George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center Master Plan (District 1) The Capital Contracting Office finalized the contract with the consulting firm on January 27. Park Planning is holding internal meetings with the Carver Museum leadership team to discuss outreach efforts, community engagement and strategies to help direct the consultant team, Smith & Company Architects, on next steps. Zilker Metropolitan Park Master Plan (District 8) The solicitation for qualifications was issued on February 17 for a consulting team to lead the master planning process for Zilker Metropolitan Park and then rescinded. The solicitation was rescinded because it was discovered the incorrect scope of work was used in the solicitation. This solicitation is expected to be reissued by the end of February. PARD anticipates bringing a recommendation for a consultant for City Council approval by early summer of 2020, and begin the community planning and engagement process shortly thereafter in the fall of 2020. Land Development Code The Land Development Code (LDC) rewrite was approved on second reading on February 13. Changes from the first draft included an exemption to site plan requirements for standard parkland improvements, which will make it easier to develop and improve existing parks. Additionally, an amendment was approved to modify the LDC for sites 1.66 acres to 6 acres, located along Transit Priority Network (TPN) corridors and in Imagine Austin activity centers. The intent of the amendment is to encourage housing on these parcels and lists criteria for parkland dedication. If the criteria for parkland dedication is not met, fee-in-lieu will be collected. The amendment stipulates that when the Department identifies parkland deficiency as a need, these cases will go before the Land Use Commission for consideration/approval. PARD will continue to coordinate with the LDC team to implement Council’s direction, will present data on the effects of these changes, and …
Parkland Dedication Need, Facts, and Strategic Direction Soroptimist Park. Bozeman, MT .25-acre Downtown Park Rich DePalma 2.25.2020 West Thames Playground New York City Valmont Dog Park Boulder, CO Liberty Community Garden New York City Sister Cities Park Philadelphia Parkland Dedication Purpose To date, the City has received 1,743 acres of dedicated parkland and 38 acres of easements. Parkland Dedication Application Additional Proposed Change in the Land Development Code Housing Credit Already Received 23-4B-2050 Added in Proposed LDC Revision – January 31, 2020 Equity and Planning Challenges PLD Dedication Examples of Why Parkland Dedication #FlexibilityWorks Density, Parkland and Walkability Are They Compatible? How Do We Compare? 2019 Largest US Cities + Density, Parkland & Walkability Data Source: Trust for Public Lands, 2019 City Park Facts Data Tables 2019 TPL Rank2019 Rank of Largest CitiesCityDensity (people per acre, adjusted area)Parkland as percent of city areaPercent of Residents within Half-Mile Walk of ParkPlaygrounds Score91New York, NY46.1821.7%99%13552Los Angeles, CA13.5712.5%61%4103Chicago, IL20.249.5%98%27854Houston, TX6.378.9%58%10565Phoenix, AZ4.9315.2%49%9196Philadelphia, PA19.2013.3%95%9727San Antonio, TX4.9910.4%42%10168San Diego, CA6.8319.1%79%14529Dallas, TX6.299.4%69%103310San Jose, CA9.3014.1%78%224311Austin, TX5.199.4%59%8 2019 Trust for Public Lands Ranking + Density, Parkland Percent, & Walkability Data Source: Trust for Public Lands, 2019 City Park Facts Data Tables 2019 TPL Rank2019 Rank of Largest CitiesCityDensity (people per acre, adjusted area)Parkland as percent of city areaPercent of Residents within Half-Mile Walk of ParkPlaygrounds Score120Washington, DC17.6821.1%98%10264St. Paul, MN9.4515.3%98%31345Minneapolis, MN12.3714.9%96%31498Arlington, VA14.3311.1%98%35525Portland, OR7.9918.0%89%13677Irvine, CA6.4027.4%80%31714San Francisco, CA29.3019.6%100%17863Cincinnati, OH6.3414.1%77%4091New York, NY46.1821.7%99%13103Chicago, IL20.249.5%98%271118Seattle, WA13.4612.5%96%131284Madison, WI5.4414.0%94%401322Boston, MA23.1317.4%100%301460St. Louis, MO8.079.5%95%191567Plano, TX6.449.5%75%36168San Diego, CA6.8319.1%79%141783St. Petersburg, FL6.6115.6%75%261837Long Beach, CA15.4810.1%83%7196Philadelphia, PA19.2013.3%95%92048New Orleans, LA3.6525.9%80%174311Austin, TX5.199.4%59%8 How Does Parkland Align w/ Other Goals? Urban Trails Master Plan Urban Trails Master Plan Urban Trails Master Plan Age-Friendly Austin Plan Eight Domains of Livability Domain 1: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings Goal 1.1 – Increase access to and utilization of parks, open spaces and public buildings Domain 2: Transportation Goal 2.1 – Ensure all modes of transportation are safe affordable and accessible Goal 2.3 – Create an ongoing dialogue and innovative transportation options and expand models for the future Domain 3: Housing Goal 3.1 – Expand and promote the development of diverse housing options that are affordable for seniors of different income levels Goal 3.2 – Support and expand affordable housing options for seniors Domain 4: Social Participation Goal 4.1 – Strengthen and develop recreation, leisure and education activities involving and targeting older adults Domain 5: Respect and Social Inclusion Domain 6: Civic Participation and Employment Domain 7: Communication and Information Domain 8: Community …
Parkland Dedication Need, Facts, and Strategic Direction Soroptimist Park. Bozeman, MT .25-acre Downtown Park Rich DePalma 2.25.2020 West Thames Playground New York City Valmont Dog Park Boulder, CO Liberty Community Garden New York City Sister Cities Park Philadelphia Parkland Dedication Purpose To date, the City has received 1,743 acres of dedicated parkland and 38 acres of easements. Parkland Dedication Application Additional Proposed Change in the Land Development Code Housing Credit Already Received 23-4B-2050 Added in Proposed LDC Revision – January 31, 2020 Equity and Planning Challenges PLD Dedication Examples of Why Parkland Dedication #FlexibilityWorks Density, Parkland and Walkability Are They Compatible? How Do We Compare? 2019 Largest US Cities + Density, Parkland & Walkability Data Source: Trust for Public Lands, 2019 City Park Facts Data Tables 2019 TPL Rank2019 Rank of Largest CitiesCityDensity (people per acre, adjusted area)Parkland as percent of city areaPercent of Residents within Half-Mile Walk of ParkPlaygrounds Score91New York, NY46.1821.7%99%13552Los Angeles, CA13.5712.5%61%4103Chicago, IL20.249.5%98%27854Houston, TX6.378.9%58%10565Phoenix, AZ4.9315.2%49%9196Philadelphia, PA19.2013.3%95%9727San Antonio, TX4.9910.4%42%10168San Diego, CA6.8319.1%79%14529Dallas, TX6.299.4%69%103310San Jose, CA9.3014.1%78%224311Austin, TX5.199.4%59%8 2019 Trust for Public Lands Ranking + Density, Parkland Percent, & Walkability Data Source: Trust for Public Lands, 2019 City Park Facts Data Tables 2019 TPL Rank2019 Rank of Largest CitiesCityDensity (people per acre, adjusted area)Parkland as percent of city areaPercent of Residents within Half-Mile Walk of ParkPlaygrounds Score120Washington, DC17.6821.1%98%10264St. Paul, MN9.4515.3%98%31345Minneapolis, MN12.3714.9%96%31498Arlington, VA14.3311.1%98%35525Portland, OR7.9918.0%89%13677Irvine, CA6.4027.4%80%31714San Francisco, CA29.3019.6%100%17863Cincinnati, OH6.3414.1%77%4091New York, NY46.1821.7%99%13103Chicago, IL20.249.5%98%271118Seattle, WA13.4612.5%96%131284Madison, WI5.4414.0%94%401322Boston, MA23.1317.4%100%301460St. Louis, MO8.079.5%95%191567Plano, TX6.449.5%75%36168San Diego, CA6.8319.1%79%141783St. Petersburg, FL6.6115.6%75%261837Long Beach, CA15.4810.1%83%7196Philadelphia, PA19.2013.3%95%92048New Orleans, LA3.6525.9%80%174311Austin, TX5.199.4%59%8 How Does Parkland Align w/ Other Goals? Urban Trails Master Plan Urban Trails Master Plan Urban Trails Master Plan Age-Friendly Austin Plan Eight Domains of Livability Domain 1: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings Goal 1.1 – Increase access to and utilization of parks, open spaces and public buildings Domain 2: Transportation Goal 2.1 – Ensure all modes of transportation are safe affordable and accessible Goal 2.3 – Create an ongoing dialogue and innovative transportation options and expand models for the future Domain 3: Housing Goal 3.1 – Expand and promote the development of diverse housing options that are affordable for seniors of different income levels Goal 3.2 – Support and expand affordable housing options for seniors Domain 4: Social Participation Goal 4.1 – Strengthen and develop recreation, leisure and education activities involving and targeting older adults Domain 5: Respect and Social Inclusion Domain 6: Civic Participation and Employment Domain 7: Communication and Information Domain 8: Community …
Members of the Parks and Recreation Board will be exploring Zilker Park with an eye to transportation access to and between different parts of the park. How can we make Zilker Park more accessible to people traveling on foot, with a mobility device, riding a bike, driving a car or taking a bus? PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Community Interest Announcement Zilker Park Mobility Field Trip Saturday, February 15, 2020 10:00am – 12:45pm Zilker Hillside Theater 2206 William Barton Dr. Austin, TX 78746 Attendees will meet at a tent in the vicinity of Zilker Hillside Theater. Please dress appropriately to spend a few hours outdoors and bring a water bottle. Schedule of Activities 10:00-10:15am Greetings and introduction, divide into teams 10:15-11:45am Explore the park and environs, take notes 11:45-12:45pm Regroup and share takeaways A quorum of board members will not be present. Board Liaison Sammi Curless 512-974-6716
Members of the Parks and Recreation Board will be exploring Zilker Park with an eye to transportation access to and between different parts of the park. How can we make Zilker Park more accessible to people traveling on foot, with a mobility device, riding a bike, driving a car or taking a bus? PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Community Interest Announcement Zilker Park Mobility Field Trip Saturday, February 8, 2020 10:00am – 12:45pm Zilker Hillside Theater 2206 William Barton Dr. Austin, TX 78746 Attendees will meet at a tent in the vicinity of Zilker Hillside Theater. Please dress appropriately to spend a few hours outdoors and bring a water bottle. If you are able, we would appreciate a $5-10 donation to supply tacos and coffee! Schedule of Activities 10:00-10:15am Greetings and introduction, divide into teams 10:15-11:45am Explore the park and environs, take notes 11:45-12:45pm Regroup and share takeaways + tacos and coffee! A quorum of commission members may be present. No action will be taken. Board Liaison Sammi Curless 512-974-6716
SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION & PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Friday, February 7, 2020 – 11:30 A.M. Board and Commission Room, Room 1101, City Hall 301 W. 2nd St, Austin, Texas 78701 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Parks and Recreation Board Rich DePalma (Mayor) Romteen Farasat (D-4) Dawn Lewis (D-10) Vacant AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER B. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Environmental Commission Linda Guerrero – Chair (D-9) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Pam Thompson (D-3) Speakers must be signed up prior to the meeting being called to order, and each speaker will be allotted three (3) minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & Parks and Recreation Board meeting of October 16, 2019. D. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation on Stakeholder and Public Notification Requirements When Considering New Tree Plantings at Barton Springs Pool, Lucas Massie, Parks and Recreation Department 2. Upper Dam Project Update, Mike Kelly, Watershed Protection Department 3. Discuss and Set Future Meeting Dates, Linda Guerrero, Committee Chair E. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS F. 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) Page 1 of 2 before the meeting date. Please call Sammi Curless, with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, at 512- 974-6716, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & the Parks and Recreation Board, please contact Sammi Curless at sammi.curless@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-974-6716. Page 2 of 2
JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION & PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD October 16, 2019 – 11:30 AM Council Chambers, City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 MINUTES ATTENDANCE: Parks and Recreation Board: Present: Dawn Lewis (left meeting at 1:28 pm) Rich DePalma Absent: Tom Donovan Romteen Farasat Environmental Commission: Present: Mary Ann Neely (left meeting at 2:12 pm) Linda Guerrero—Chair Peggy Maceo Pam Thompson A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order by the Chair at 11:35 a.m. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Committee Member Lewis moved to approve the minutes of the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and the Parks and Recreation Board meeting of May 29, 2018. Motion was seconded by Committee Member Maceo. Motion carried on a vote of 6-0, with two committee members absent. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION There was one general citizen communication. D. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 2. Upper Dam Project Update, David Johns, Watershed Protection Department After presentation of the agenda item by City staff, there were seven citizen communications, with additional citizens donating time to speakers. Committee Chair Guerrero moved to have the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department outline a stakeholder process for the Upper Dam Project with consideration for a third-party analysis, and notify the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and the Parks and Recreations Board of the outcome of that decision, reporting back on the stakeholder process for review by the Joint Committee. Motion was seconded by Committee Member Lewis. Motion carried 6-0, with two committee members absent. 3. Barton Springs Bathhouse Update, Sergio Altamirano, Public Works Department & John McKennis, Parks and Recreation Department After presentation of the agenda item by City staff and project consultant, there were three citizen communications. No action was taken by the Joint Committee. Due to staff time constraints, Item D5 was moved up on the agenda and heard before D4. 5. Review, clarify, and discuss notification requirements for tree plantings on the South side of the Barton Springs pool including written agreements with the public and stakeholders, Linda Guerrero, Committee Chair & Peggy Maceo, Committee Member. There were two citizen communications. After staff presentation and discussion, Committee Chair Guerrero moved that the Parks and Recreations staff and the Forestry Division staff will devise a written agreement with stakeholders, partner groups, and nonprofits that request planting within the Barton Springs pool area. The written planting agreement will be directed to the …
Barton Springs Tree Planting Process Joint Committee Ask PARD Staff and Forestry Staff will devise a written agreement with stakeholders, partner groups and nonprofits that request tree plantings within the Barton Springs Pool area. The written planting agreement will be presented or communicated to the Joint Committee as a notification process. Planting Guiding Principles • Masterplan • • “new trees should be planted to preemptively replenish the canopy and to densify the shade” “selected from the native Texas tree palette and should be chosen for their beauty, their durability and their appropriateness to their waterside location” • Age Diversity • Species Diversity Planting Notification • Planting will be shard via a memo by July 1st each year • Presentation when the Joint Committee meets between July 1st and the start of the tree planting season Steps After Notification • PARD makes tree purchases. Possible donation support • Planting dates established • Maintenance details coordinated • Work with volunteers and support groups Tree Inventory
M E M O R A N D U M Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & Parks and Recreation Board Michael P. Kelly, P.E., Managing Engineer Environmental Resource Management, Watershed Protection Department January 16, 2020 TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & Parks and Recreation Board, Item 4b, Upper Dam Project Update In response to discussions at the October 16, 2019 Joint Committee meeting on the Barton Springs Pool Upper Dam proposal, staff has the following update. Staff presented a proposal to install three gates into the upper dam that would allow periodic inflows of Barton Creek water into Barton Springs Pool. Public testimony on the proposal included the following categories of concern: Increases in pollutant concentration, risk to human health; Increases in algae; • Changes to temperature; • • • Certainty of gate operations; • Costs/benefits and • Certainty of ecological benefits. Staff from Watershed Protection and Parks and Recreation appreciate this first round of stakeholder input. The concerns raised by the public echo questions posed by staff in developing a plan to further investigate the feasibility of this proposal. After examining the existing data and information and determining what is needed to make conclusive projections regarding the performance of the gates, staff decided that we are unable at this time to recommend moving forward with the next phase of the gate project. In order to move forward, staff needs to gain a more complete understanding of the pool ecosystem that will allow us to define a desired condition warranting the investments in a gate system. That understanding requires more information on historical and baseline conditions in the pool. It also requires that we develop a more comprehensive model of the pool system that will allow staff to manipulate the inflow variables to calculate impacts on temperature, pollution concentration, impact on pool cleaning and gate operations. To that end, staff will develop a workplan for consideration in Fiscal Year 2021 that outlines all the needed steps to develop a more complete understanding of the pool. Should this plan rise to high priority as a department activity, staff will include in our project list for Fiscal Year 2021. At that time, we will be able to provide an updated briefing on potential next steps. Should the Joint Committee members have any follow up questions, please contact Mike Kelly at 512- 974-6591 or mike.kelly@austintexas.gov. cc: Jorge …
JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION & PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2020 Meeting Schedule Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Barton Springs Tree Planting Process Joint Committee Ask PARD Staff and Forestry Staff will devise a written agreement with stakeholders, partner groups and nonprofits that request tree plantings within the Barton Springs Pool area. The written planting agreement will be directed to the Joint Committee as a notification process. Planting Guiding Principles • Masterplan • • “new trees should be planted to preemptively replenish the canopy and to densify the shade” “selected from the native Texas tree palette and should be chosen for their beauty, their durability and their appropriateness to their waterside location” • Age Diversity • Species Diversity Planting Notification • Planting will be shared via a memo by July 1st each year • Presentation when the Joint Committee meets between July 1st and the start of the tree planting season Steps After Notification • PARD makes tree purchases. Possible donation support • Planting dates established • Maintenance details coordinated • Work with volunteers and support groups Tree Inventory Contact Lists Twitter Facebook Nextdoor Barton Springs Conservancy Barton Springs Conservation District AISD Save Barton Creek Association Hill Country Conservancy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Friends of Barton Springs Expedition School Keep Austin Beautiful Sunshine Camps The Trail Foundation Communities in Schools Central Texas Austin Parks Foundation Zilker Botanical Gardens Conservancy Save Our Springs Alliance Zilker Neighborhood Association Friends of Zilker Neighborhood Barton Hills Neighborhood Association Trail of Lights Foundation and Zilker Kite Festival Blues on the Green Austin City Limits Music Festival Zilker Park Boat Rentals Watershed Protection Austin Water Waterloo Disc Golf Association Zilker Hillside Theater Austin Nature and Science Center Friends Group Umlauf Sculpture Gardens
