In this issue:
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Features
Boards and Commissions
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Mobility and Traffic Updates
Parks, Preserves, and Pools
Keeping Up with District 10
General Information
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New Policies at Bull Creek District Park
For the past several months, Council Member Gallo and the District 10 Office have been working with the Northwest Austin Civic Association (NWACA) and Lakewood residents to address concerns resulting from the increased usage at Bull Creek District Park. The issues included the presence of intoxicated visitors to the park, illegal parking, excessive trash, glass bottles left on the trails near the creek and illegal cooking fires.
Caroline Alexander, chair of the NWACA Parks Committee said, "Council Member Gallo's office was instrumental in setting up a meeting that brought together the neighborhood associations around Bull Creek District Park with the Parks and Recreation Department, Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, and City of Austin Transportation. We were able to collectively discuss the issues and concerns at Bull Creek and then collaboratively come up with solutions to address these issues. Changes to the alcohol policy, improved signage at the park, increased enforcement of illegal activities, and additional volunteer workdays were some of the solutions that we came up with at that meeting."
To view the resolution passed last week at the NWACA Board Meeting, click here.
One of the main concerns discussed was the presence of intoxicated visitors to the park which will be addressed with a new alcohol policy at the park.
After reviewing community concerns related to intoxicated visitors, increased litter and broken glass around the creek, Austin Parks and Recreation Director Sara Hensley determined that alcohol use shall now be prohibited (per
City Code §8-3-2) in the entire park.
The new Bull Creek District Park & Greenbelt alcohol prohibition will be enforced by the Austin Police Department and their Park Police Unit. New signs have been installed throughout the area to remind visitors of the new park rules.
The increased number of visitors has also produced a large volume of trash, including glass and beer cans. Neighbors are planning to organize volunteers in order to pick up garbage along the trails, and the City has increased the trash pickup on weekends. The new signs also will remind visitors to take their trash with them after visiting the park.
Parking issues have been a growing concern at Bull Creek Park as the volume of visitors greatly outnumbers the available parking. The overflow of parking along Lakewood Drive often led to an unsafe flow of traffic down the street with people parking in the middle of the street or in the creek. In response, "No Parking" signs have been set up along Lakewood Drive this past week with heightened enforcement of illegal parking.
Because of resident concerns from homeowners on Lakewood Drive parking will be allowed on the east side of Lakewood Drive in between Driftwood Drive and Lakemoore Drive. This addresses the parking concerns of the six homeowners on the east side of Lakewood Drive while still addressing the larger public safety concern of parking along Lakewood Drive for Bull Creek Park.
Starting Next Week newly installed No Parking signs will restrict parking in the following manner:
- On the west side of Lakewood Drive parking will be restricted from Driftwood Drive to North Capital of Texas Highway (360).
- On the east side of Lakewood Drive parking will be restricted from Lakemoore Drive to North Capital of Texas Highway (360).
Council Member Gallo and the District 10 Office want to thank Director Hensley, PARD staff, Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department and the Transportation Department for moving so quickly to make changes in order to address the neighborhood's concerns.
The Council Member and the District 10 Office will still continue to work with NWACA and neighbors to improve Bull Creek Park to the best of our abilities.
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Let Your Voice Be Heard
Search for New City Manager
Late last Friday afternoon, City Council was notified City Manager Marc Ott was officially resigning his post in order to take a position with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Ott will step down as City Manager on October 30, 2016 and the City Council will soon begin looking for his replacement.
On Tuesday, during the Council Work Session, the Council discussed the next steps for choosing a new City Manager for the City of Austin. The most immediate next step is to name an interim city manager who will manage the day-to-day operations while a search for a permanent city manager takes place.
Council Member Gallo and the District 10 Office want to hear from you regarding what qualifications are important to you for the next City Manager to have. We also would like to know what issues you feel the new City Manager should be prepared to address and in what priority order. Email us your thoughts at district10@austintexas.gov.
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Updates on the Austin Energy Rate Case
Every five years, the Austin City Council reviews Austin Energy's (AE) base electric rates through an in-depth cost of service study and independent public rate review process. This review process is done so that rates recover the operating costs of the utility. Rate changes are also made to incorporate the community's goals for reducing greenhouse gases and promoting energy efficient housing and businesses. Any rate changes approved by the Austin City Council are expected to start in January 2017.
For more information on the 2016 Rate Review process,
click here.
On Monday, August 15, Austin Energy, Samsung, NXP, and more than a dozen other parties reached a tentative settlement that could mean lower electricity rates for users. The proposed settlement is a part of the Austin Energy rate case currently being discussed. If passed, the lower electric rates would go into effect January 1, 2017.
Below is the schedule of the series of meetings being held to discuss the proposed rates. The final vote on the rate case will take place on Monday, August 29. Meetings or hearings marked with an asterisk will provide opportunities for members of the public to speak.
AE Utility Oversight Committee Meeting #3
Monday August 22, 2016
Starting at 9:00 a.m.
Austin City Hall
301 West 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
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*Austin City Council Public Hearing #1
Thursday August 25, 2016
Starting at 4:00 p.m.
Austin City Hall
301 West 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
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*Austin City Council Public Hearing #2
Monday August 29, 2016
Starting at 1:00 p.m.
Austin City Hall
301 West 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
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Updates on $720M Mobility Bond Proposition
 On Thursday, the Council approved on final reading an ordinance calling the $720 million Bond election for November 8 and agreed on the specific ballot language.
Traffic gridlock is one of the major concerns throughout our community. The recent Mobility Talks survey showed that 90 percent of District 10 respondents depend on vehicles for transportation needs. Council Member Gallo advocated for a portion of the Bond money being directed to address traffic gridlock on District 10 roads. The Mobility Bond would allocate $46 million in matching funds for the TxDOT-owned Loop 360 corridor intersections at Westlake Drive, Courtyard Drive, FM 2222, Lakewood Drive, and Spicewood Springs Road/Bluffstone Lane. The Bond also includes $17 million for improvements to Spicewood Springs Road east of Loop 360.
Also included in the Bond proposition was an amendment by Council Member Gallo which addressed the geographic inequity of Austin's Sidewalk Master Plan in funding new sidewalk construction in Austin.
Because of the priority ranking system of the Sidewalk Master Plan, "missing" sidewalks in District 10 fail to make the "high/very high" priority list because those "missing" sidewalks are not within 1/8 or ¼ quarter mile of government buildings and/or rail transit even though the missing sidewalks may be close to schools. The Absent Sidewalk Map (click here) visually demonstrates this concern.
Based on the current Sidewalk Master Plan prioritization matrix, the construction of new District 10 sidewalks will find it difficult to ever reach the "very high/high" levels of the priority list. This is especially concerning given that District 10 is missing 476 miles of sidewalks, the highest of any district. District 10 would have had only received 3 percent ($1.65 million) of the $55 million in the upcoming Mobility Bond.
Council Member Gallo's amendment directed $27.5 million of the sidewalk money toward Safe Routes to Schools instead of the Sidewalk Master Plan. Without her amendment, District 10 schools would have received no new sidewalk construction money. With the passage of her amendment, District 10 schools will receive $2.75 million in money for new sidewalk construction.
Placing a priority on our children's safety is important to the Council Member and that is why she has continually advocated for allocating a portion of the sidewalk funding in the Mobility Bond equally among Council Districts focusing citywide on Safe Routes to Schools.
Council Member Gallo believes the Council owes it to the public to help each person understand the impact of this Bond on their property tax bill. To make sure we provide that transparency, the Council passed the Gallo Amendment which added to the Bond Resolution the following language:
City Manager is directed to include in bond informational materials that educate the voters about the bond election, in addition to the typical voter information about projects and programs that are included in the bond program as described above, as well as the typical tax rate and tax bill impact information that has been included in previous bond information, tax impact information for a median-valued house and houses of various appraised values in a Bond Voter Information Brochure and a tax bill impact calculator to be included on a Bond Program Informational Website.
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Support the Austin Animal Center
"1 Dog 1 Hour"
New Program Will Help Pets Find Homes
Austin residents can help more dogs get adopted by participating in the "1 Dog 1 Hour" program. The
new venture, in partnership with the Austin Animal Shelter, allows volunteers to walk any eligible medium or large dog around the shelter and then take a picture of the pet and post it to social media. The dogs get some exercise, the volunteers get to spend time with animals, and the added exposure helps more dogs get adopted.
Anyone can help and no previous volunteer training is required. To participate in the program, you can simply drop by the Austin Animal Shelter at 7201 Levander Loop, Austin, Texas 78702 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Learn more about the "1 Dog 1 Hour" program by visiting 1dog1hour.org and check out the program's instagram to see pictures of the lovable pets in need of homes.
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Serving our City on Boards & Commissions
Ruth Powers is the District 10 appointee
to the Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board
 Ruth Powers, who has been an active part of Austin for more than 30 years, serves as the District 10 appointee to the Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board. A professional realtor, Ruth first joined on the board because she was concerned about the impact Austin's significant growth was having on the local culture. She sees the Mexican American Cultural Center (MAC) as a vital place for residents of Austin to connect with an important part of Austin's heritage and culture.
"The MAC is really coming into its own," says Ruth. "It offers so many opportunities for the community from cultural productions with actors and actresses to kid's camps for children. That is why it is so important it gets the attention required to take it to the next level."
One of the many things Ruth is proud of at the MAC is the passionate community that has taken root there committed to bringing about a vibrant, richer culture. She hopes that community is able to be heard by city leaders in order for it to grow and develop as the city grows.
Ruth lives in the Laurel Mountain neighborhood with her family. A marathon runner, she enjoys running throughout the neighborhood and seeing all the diversity of the community.
"I love all the different walks of life I see in the neighborhood," says Ruth. "The neighborhood is very multicultural, very friendly. I enjoy watching as all these different people coexisting."
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The Role of Board & Commissions Appointments
For City Boards and Commissions with 11 or more members, each Council Member is able to nominate one member to serve as a representative of that Council Office. Providing each Council Member an appointment allows each district to have a voice on the various boards and commissions. These appointees serve at the pleasure of the Council and can be removed at any time by an affirmative vote of the majority of the Council. When selecting Board and Commission appointees Council Member Gallo has chosen people who live in District 10 and who she feels will make policy decisions in a balanced way so as to best represent the very diverse communities of District 10.
To view the city ordinance regarding board and commissions,
click here.
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District 10 In Search of Commissioners
The District 10 office is currently accepting applications from those who would like to represent the district as volunteers on a City Commission. In order to stay true to the vision of the 10-1 Council where each Council Member represents a geographic area, we ask that all applicants be permanent residents of District 10.
African American Resource Advisory Commission
The African American Resource Advisory Commission provides recommendations to City Council on issues relating to the quality of life for the City's African American community. The Commission will recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront African Americans in social, economic and vocational pursuits, including; health care; housing, including affordable housing, home ownership and homelessness; entertainment opportunities for professionals and students; employment; and cultural venues, including museums, theaters, art galleries and music venues.
Commission on Immigrant Affairs
The Commission on Immigrant Affairs advises City Council on issues of common concern to immigrants, particularly in the areas of health and human services, education, and the demographic makeup of the Austin immigrant community.
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals
The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals hears and decides appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the building official relating to the application and interpretations of the Building Code and Fire Code.
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Northwest Hills Neighbors Advocating for Old Quarry Library
Late into the night during Thursday's City Council Meeting, District 10 resident, Deborah Pardo-
 Kaplan, spoke to the City Council urging them to consider adding into the next City Budget the much-needed and overdue renovations for the Old Quarry Library. Deborah lives in Northwest Hills and is a weekly visitor to the library, as are many neighbors in the surrounding community.
Deboah's presentation to the council included the following information:
Old Quarry Library was built in 1976 and has had few updates since then, despite the recommendation of City Staff that libraries be refurbished every 11-25 years. In addition to equipment and furniture updates, the library needs to be brought up to ADA standards and is in need of asbestos abatement. Old Quarry Library was listed as among the top three infrastructure renewal projects listed by Austin Libraries Facilities Manager John Gillum who spoke to the Council back in May.
Like many neighborhoods around Austin, the Northwest Hills neighborhood has grown significantly in recent years. Last year, nearly 500 homes were sold in the neighborhood and many of the new families have school-age children, including at least 100 children from families who are refugees from the
 Middle East and Africa. The increase in families has not been met with needed renovations, which has caused added strain on the library already struggling from a lack of updates.
Deborah and Joyce Statz, a board member of NWACA, met with Council Member Gallo and Senior Policy Advisor Tina Cannon in May to discuss the needed renovations and will continue to advocate for the much-needed renovations to the Old Quarry Library.
Council Member Gallo really appreciates both Deborah and Joyce advocating for our neighborhood Old Quarry Library.
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MoPac Lane Closures
Areas of MoPac will close throughout this weekend to allow for paving, striping, installation of drainage structures and the placement of temporary barriers. These steps are being taken as part of the MoPac Improvement Project, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Closures August 22 through August 23, nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
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Southbound MoPac
Closed:
The two southbound main lanes from south of Duval Road to the Braker Lane bridge
Reason:
This work was rescheduled due to this past week's wet weather
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Closures August 24 through August 25, nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
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Northbound MoPac
Closed: The two northbound main lanes from north of US 183 to Braker Lane bridge.
In addition, the northbound entrance ramp to Capital of TX Hwy. will be closed on Thursday night. Traffic will be detoured to the Braker Ln. entrance ramp.
Reason: This work was rescheduled due to this week's wet weather.
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*These closures are subject to change because of weather or other issues.
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Ride-Hailing (TNC) Options Available in Austin
There are currently 9 authorized Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) providing service in Austin. Other new TNCs are also planning to launch in Austin to provide more mobility options.
Currently authorized TNCs:
- RideAustin is a non-profit company led by longtime Austin tech entrepreneur Joe Liemandt, who co-founded the software company Trilogy. RideAustin currently provides service from downtown to the airport with plans for a city-wide roll out by December. Passengers of RideAustin can 'round up' their fare to donate to a variety of local charities.
- ScoopMe has been approved to operate in Austin and is scheduled to launch July 25. The company will allow passengers to select "favorite" drivers as well as pre-book trips.
- Tride is a Tulsa-based company which launched in Austin on June 15 and does not implement surge pricing.
- FARE first launched in Phoenix, Arizona earlier this year with transportation and logistics experts at the helm of the company. They studied the ride-hailing business for two years, including driving for other companies, and now use that knowledge to operate their own TNC. FARE does not implement surge pricing and plans to relocate its headquarters from Arizona to Austin within the next year.
- zTrip allows users to request a ride on demand or schedule a ride for a later time. Passengers can choose between riding in an up-scale, black car or in a taxi. zTrip does not implement surge pricing and its app allows users to track their driver.
- Fasten is a Boston-based service that recently launched in Austin. The company emphasizes lower prices for passengers with higher pay outs for drivers. Fasten does not implement surge pricing, but does allow passengers to use a "boost" function where they can pay an extra fee for faster service.
- Wingz provides rides to and from the airport and allows passengers to book their ride in advance. A flat fee structure is used for ride charges. Wingz is currently in the beta stage of launching WingzAround in Austin, which would provide service to destinations throughout the City.
- GetMe connects customers with drivers who can take them to a destination of their choice or can provide personal delivery service of items, such as food. The company does not implement surge pricing and allows passengers to choose between vehicle options ranging from cars to limousines.
- InstaRyde matches passengers and drivers using a system where passengers can track their driver's location and determine their ETA. Passengers are also able to instruct their driver on a preferred route to their destination of choice. InstaRyde does not implement surge pricing.
Council Member Gallo supports innovative companies that are already here and those that are coming to Austin to be partners with the City and help address our community's transportation issues and needs. She wants to make certain we are sending the right message to the world that Austin is open for business and committed to solving our transportation problems. Austin is a creative and innovative community and by as many of us working together as possible, we will ensure that both riders and drivers have job and transportation options.
In addition, Council Member Gallo is committed to streamlining our regulatory process and addressing the roadblocks that businesses face when operating in Austin.
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Let Your Voice Be Heard:
Pilot Program to Change Traffic Pattern at Far West and Mesa
A large concentration of pedestrian and bicycle traffic occurs at the intersection because Far West Boulevard provides access to Doss Elementary School and Murchison Middle School.
The intersection is not considered standard because of the geometric skew of the two streets. The Transportation Department's two main concerns regarding this intersection are:
- The merge from the two-lanes to one-lane within a short distance after crossing the intersection creates a safety issue. Drivers try to overtake each other while merging into the single lane.
- Many drivers enter the intersection prior to its being cleared.
Austin Transportation Department's Traffic Engineering Division (TED) recently restriped the approaches at this intersection to provide a left-through shared lane and a right only lane as a pilot project in order to address the safety and operational concerns.
For more information contact Steven Romero at 512-974-5620 or Nathan Aubert at 512-974-7136.
Before the pilot program is continued on a permanent basis, there will be an opportunity for the community to provide input to the City's Transportation Department and the District 10 office. Please email District 10 (district10@austintexas.gov) regarding your input on the pilot program and we will pass it along to the Transportation Department.
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Mobility and Traffic Updates
Addressing Traffic and Safety Concerns at Hill Elementary
Council Member Gallo attended a neighborhood meeting at Hill
 Elementary School last week where traffic and safety concerns were discussed by community members. As a result of the meeting, there will be increased enforcement of State Law prohibiting parking within 30 feet of
a stop sign, within 20 feet of a crosswalk, and within 15 feet of a fire hydrant at the following intersections:
- Mesa Drive and Austin Woods Drive
- Tallwood Drive and Austin Woods Drive
- Tallwood Drive and Cima Serena Drive
Additionally, the Austin Transportation Department has issued a work order at the intersection of Tallwood Drive and Hyridge Drive (Hyridge Drive runs north and south) in order to:
- Stripe the eastbound approach of Tallwood Drive to provide a left-through shared lane and a right-only lane
- Stripe the southbound approach of Hyridge Drive to provide a left-through shared lane and a right-only lane
The Council Member and the District 10 Office would like to thank Dipti Borkar-Desai and Laura Direnfield with the Austin Transportation Department, and Chad Crager and Chris Moore with Austin Public Works for their responsiveness to the Hill Elementary community's concerns. We will continue to assist with implementing the proposed solutions which have been agreed upon by the community.
New Traffic Light at Pecos and W. 35th
There is a newly installed traffic signal at West 35th
 Street and Pecos. The District 10 office has been working with the surrounding neighborhoods to address the safety concerns at this intersection. The Pecos stop sign is now being replaced with a signal light. The Council Member and District 10 staff would like to thank the residents and city staff who helped us make traffic safer on these neighborhood streets.
Construction Update on Far West and Mesa
Construction is underway to install a new waterline transmission main on Far West Boulevard from Mesa Drive to Edgefield Drive. While the road is still open during construction, traffic in both directions has been narrowed to one lane. The construction is part of a larger project that will span Ledgestone Drive. The new main will provide more consistent water pressure, improve water flow to fire hydrants and add reliability to the water infrastructure.
Due to weather delays and utility conflicts, the contractor was unable to get this section of the project completed before the start of school. Currently, all of the 8" water pipe is installed and all the water services have been installed.
The remaining sections of the project include:
- the connection from Sun Gate Dr to Far West Blvd, to be done by August 26.
- the connection to the existing water line at Mesa Drive, to be done by August 29.
- testing for the water line
- final paving
- testing for the asphalt
Estimated time for the completion of the project is September 15, depending on weather.
On the first day of school, Monday August 22nd, Austin Water staff along with an Austin Police officer will be positioned in the area near Mesa Dr. and Far West Blvd. to ensure that parents and children safely navigate that area during the hustle and bustle of the start of the new school year. The officer is scheduled to be there all week.
Construction Project Affecting Jollyville Road
Texas Gas Service began a construction project Saturday, August 6th.
 The work affects Jollyville Road between Loop 360 and MOPAC for approximately four months. Only northbound traffic will be able to drive on Jollyville Rd between MoPac and 360 during the time.
In order to efficiently complete the construction and in the interest of your personal safety, Texas Gas Service asks residents to please be aware of the project equipment and personnel, and to follow all traffic control signs.
Should you have any questions regarding this project, please contact Texas Gas Service employee Michele Eiben at (512) 465-1140 or via e-mail at Michele.Eiben@onegas.com.
35th Street Underground Electrical Service Project Update
The city's contractor installed traffic controls between Timberwood Circle and Foothills Trail
last Saturday but was stopped by rain until Thursday. The workers are currently digging test holes to confirm the location of the existing utility lines in the street. This current phase ought to be complete by mid to late September.
A map of the traffic control plan is available
here. Please notice the revised phasing (work will now begin in the west and end in the east). Work in the immediate vicinity of Maintenance Drive, Pecos Street and Balcones Drive will be limited to the weekends.
The contract for this project includes funds for Austin Police Department officers and flaggers to help with any additional traffic congestion caused by this work. In January, a traffic monitoring camera was installed at the intersection of 35thStreet and Exposition Blvd to monitor existing traffic conditions.
Public Work's Sidewalk and Special Projects group will take advantage of the opportunity to work behind the contactor's barricades to install sidewalk along the north side of 35th St from the existing sidewalk at Hillview Road to Foothill Drive, and along the northwest side of Old Bull Creek Road to tie into the existing sidewalk.
Update on Traffic Safety Projects and the Quarter-Cent Fund
On April 14 Austin Transportation Department (ATD) and Public Works Department (PWD) began the process of coordinating the implementation of the Quarter-Cent Fund projects. ATD and PWD will provide an update to the Council's Mobility Committee on the progress of these projects and their implementation in August. The majority of projects should be complete within two to three years.
In the interim, ATD and PWD are working on a web-based map that will allow the public to access information on the progress of Quarter-Cent funded projects, as well as other mobility-related projects. An update on this program will also be provided to the Mobility Committee in August.
Background
The Quarter-Cent Fund was created to pay for the light rail proposition before it failed in 2000. In 2001 Capital Metro agreed to share the 25 percent of its annual revenue that was previously allocated for light rail with the City of Austin for transportation projects.
Council Member Gallo was a driving force behind Council passing a resolution in June 2015 directing these funds to be equitably distributed among the 10 Council districts as well as citywide. Council Member Gallo is focusing these funds toward our children's safety by spending on projects close to our District 10 schools. A portion of the funds will also be used to improve every signalized intersection in District 10 through the implementation of the Adaptive Signal Program.
Adaptive Signal Program Update
The City of Austin is installing equipment for the implementation of the Adaptive Signal pilot project in District 10. Capital of Texas Hwy from Pascal Lane to US 183 has been chosen for the pilot project. The City has completed installing video detection from Pascal Lane to Great Hills Trail along the pilot corridor. Data is being collected to fine tune the video detection settings. The City is expected to deploy the Adaptive Signal control along the Loop 360 section in September. Council Member Gallo has directed money from the Quarter-Cent Fund to make sure that all signaled intersections in District 10 will be ready for implementation of the Adaptive Signal program as soon as the pilot work is complete.
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Parks, Preserves & Pools
District 10 Park: Allen Memorial County Park Update
The City of Austin is finalizing the acquisition of Allen Memorial County Park, commonly known as Allen Park. The necessary work in order to remove contaminated soil and replace it with good soil has been completed and the City hopes for the transfer of the deed to be made very soon.
Once PARD has taken ownership, they will assess current conditions of the site such as immediate repairs needed or areas where the park does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rules. PARD hopes to eventually create a master plan for the site to begin developing a long-range plan for the park.
Burning Restrictions Issued for City Parks
On July 15, the Parks and Recreation Department issued a Parks Burning Restriction within all City parkland that took immediate affect. Smoking, open fires and grilling (with the exception of propane grills and stoves) are not allowed on all City-owned parkland while these restrictions are in place. Violations of the Parks Burning Restrictions will result in a fine between $300 and $500.
These restrictions are being put in place due to the current drought conditions, which make wildfires a serious potential hazard to the City's parks and surrounding communities.
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District 10 Involvement in Supporting Our Parks
Over the past several months, Council Member Gallo and the District 10 staff have been hard at work working to preserve and support the many great parks here in the district. Below are a few highlights.
New Park Benches
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The Council Member and Great Hills Park Board President Marie Laing enjoying the new picnic table purchase by the District 10 Office and installed in the Park.
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Because the District 10 office handled its budget in a fiscally conservative manner in 2015, there
were funds available to allocate money to needs in District 10. Council Member Gallo chose to purchase picnic tables using these available funds and have the tables installed throughout parks and pools in District 10.
Several locations received new park benches including Bailey Neighborhood Park, Bull Creek District Park, Doss School Park, Eilers (Deep Eddy) Neighborhood Park, Emma Long Metro Park, Great Hills Neighborhood Park, Hill School Park, Mayfield Nature Preserve, Mount Bonnel at Covert Park, Murchison Pool, Oakview Neighborhood Park, Perry Neighborhood Park, Ramsey Neighborhood Park, Reed Neighborhood Park, and the St. Edwards Greenbelt.
Walsh Boat Landing Improvements
Council Member Gallo attended a community meeting on April 19 where the conceptual plan for Walsh Boat Landing improvements was presented.
The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) plans to begin construction on the improvements by November. The plan addresses concerns that the current level of commercial and private boating use has resulted in congestion and conflict as well as a decline in the facility.
The plan creates clearly defined zones for commercial boat use and private boat use. To see the plan and the rest of the presentation given by PARD during the April 19 meeting, click here.
Stillhouse Hollow Nature Preserve Celebration
Council Member Gallo attended the celebration event on June 11 where neighbors came together in honor of the recently restored Stillhouse Hollow Nature Preserve. The Council Member presented a proclamation during the event honoring this natural treasure in the neighborhood as well as the neighbors who worked so hard to see it restored.
The nature preserve was damaged in a fire, which ruined the deck area. A new deck was built by the City as a result of the hard work and perseverance of neighbors Janelle Medrano, Joyce Statz, and Stephannie Behrens. Funding was provided through a Neighborhood Partnering Program which combined generous contributions from neighbors and the Austin Parks Foundation with funds from the Parks and Recreation Department budget.
District 10 Park: Emma Long Vision Plan
The Parks and Recreation Department has
been in the process of developing a Vision Plan for Emma Long Metropolitan Park using input received from neighbors and park users who have participated through various feedback opportunities.
On July 16, they revealed the completed Vision Plan, which will help guide future improvements at the park.
Council Member Gallo attended the community meeting to stay updated and informed on this important matter for District 10. To review the vision plan map, click here.
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Help the Cultural Asset Mapping Project
Help Austin's Cultural Arts Division map our city's cultural assets and creative resources.
With your help, CAMP will create a community-developed map of what Austinites value as their cultural assets. CAMP is asking Austin residents to identify what places, facilities, and resources are important cultural touchstones and help creativity in Austin flourish.
The map and directory residents help create will inform future planning efforts for Austin's creative spaces and cultural assets, recognize existing and potential cultural hubs, and we hope inspire your own community's efforts to reveal and celebrate Austin's culture and creativity.
Through your input on the CAMP Culture Map below, we hope to learn the answers to the following questions:
- Where is Austin's art and culture created?
- Where is it shared and performed?
- What resources support and nurture it?
You
r next opportunity to help in the process for District 10 will be Saturday, September 17th from 10:30am-12pm. The meeting will be held at Old Quarry Branch Library at 7051 Village Center Drive and participants will have an opportunity to submit cultural assets to CAMP maps by taking part in a group discussion and mapping exercise.
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Important District 10 Zoning Updates
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The Champions tract is located at the southeast corner of City Park Road and 2222.
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Update
On August 11, the City Council voted to postpone the Champions Tract zoning case until September 1.
City Staff informed Council that the postponement is needed to provide the time necessary to prepare an amendment to the existing settlement agreement to limit future development of the eastern track.
The District 10 Office has continued to work with City staff to address the remaining concerns of neighbors surrounding the Champions tract.
Council Member Gallo remains committed to limiting development on the eastern track and ensuring the following conditions are met by the property owner:
- height restricted to no more than 53 feet
- daily vehicular trips are limited to 2,100
- dwelling units are limited to no more than 325
- development is prohibited within 100 feet of the southern property line
- endorsement of the City Staff recommendation for signal improvements as identified in the TIA memo with additional improvements to signal timing at the intersection of West Courtyard and Loop 360, not to exceed $5,000 as agreed upon by the applicant
What Next...
The case will come back to Council on September 1 for its second and third reading, meaning final passage of the item will be considered at that time.
The public hearing will stay open for the September 1 meeting, which is unusual, but Council Member Gallo requested that the public hearing not be closed for the September 1 meeting to allow neighbors enough time to complete the desired research or follow up on questions before testifying. Members of the public who did not testify during the June 23 Council meeting can testify during the September 1 meeting.
Background
 A vacant property known as the "Champions" Tract, which is 45.35 acres, is located at the southeast corner of City Park Road and 2222. The lot could be developed as office and clinic space under the current zoning. The applicant originally submitted a plan to construct 325 apartments, 50,000 square feet of office space and 42,000 square feet of clinic space.
After surrounding neighbors expressed concerns, the applicant is now offering to eliminate the office and clinic space and only build the 325 apartment units at the northwest corner of the tract, where 2222 intersects with City Park Road. Access to the apartment community is proposed along City Park Road as well as from 2222, however only right-in turns and right-out turns would be allowed at the 2222 connection.
Council Member Gallo and Senior Policy Advisor Taylor Smith have hosted numerous meetings with neighbors and neighborhood representatives from:
- Glenlake Neighborhood Association
- Long Canyon Phase II & III Neighborhood Association
- Shepherd Mountain Neighborhood Association
- Westminster Glen HOA
- Two Coves Neighborhood
- Courtyard HOA
- Oak Shores Neighborhood
The District 10 office also hosted a meeting on June 2 between neighbors and City Staff to further discuss the zoning case and to understand the neighborhoods' positions on the Zoning and Platting Commission's recommendation to Council.
City Council heard public testimony from neighbors regarding the Champions tract proposal during its June 23 meeting and passed the recommendations of the Zoning and Platting Commission with an additional condition of requesting that City Staff include a mechanism to limit future development of the eastern track of the site.
Our office will continue to listen to input and work with the neighbors and property representatives to make sure the property owner addresses neighborhood concerns. We are also assisting neighbors in getting additional information and explanations from staff.
The Grove at Shoal Creek
Update
This week, the Council Member and the District 10 Staff continued to work on finding workable solutions to concerns raised by neighborhoods surrounding The Grove at Shoal Creek property.
During the August 11 City Council Meeting, based on Council Member Gallo's motion, the Council voted unanimously to postpone a vote on The Grove at Shoal Creek PUD until September 22 to allow six weeks for outstanding concerns and questions to be addressed. Council Member Gallo's motion for postponement was based on the postponement request from the BCRC.
For the past few weeks the Council Member and the District 10 Office have been working with City Staff and ARG to address as many of the concerns from the Ridgelea and Oakmont Heights Neighborhood Associations, 45th Street neighbors, Idlewild residents and the BCRC. Because the District 10 office has maintained a productive working relationship with ARG, the Council Member is confident she and her staff will be successful in effectively advocating for the surrounding neighborhoods in conversations with ARG.
Based on conversations with both sides, the Council Member believes each side is close and we need to work together to bridge the gap. The Council Member recommended the District 10 Office, the Mayor's Office and Council Member Pool's Office work together to find a compromise that benefits the surrounding neighborhoods and the City.
Advocating for Neighborhoods Close to The Grove
Council Member Gallo continues to work with City Staff and ARG to address concerns of the surrounding neighborhoods in hopes of bringing compromise between ARG and neighbors. The Council Member and Senior Policy Advisor Taylor Smith have worked closely with Ridgelea Neighborhood Association and the Oakmont Heights Neighborhood Association to encourage ARG to meet as many of their requests as possible.
This past Monday, the Council Member and Senior Policy Advisor Taylor Smith met with representatives from the 45th Street Residents to discuss changes they would like to see to The Grove at Shoal Creek's proposal. The attendees representing 45th Street Residents included: Steve Feng, Michelle Schutt, Philip Courtois, Amity Courtois, Grayson Cox, Ryder Jeanes, Daniel Hernandez, Daniel De La Garza, and Pim Mayo.
To see a list of requests from the 45th Street Residents,
click here.
On August 15, the Council Member and
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Council Member Gallo addressing questions from the Ridgelea Neighborhood Association. |
Senior Policy Advisor Taylor Smith attended the Ridgelea Neighborhood Association meeting to discuss and hear their concerns regarding ARG's response to the RNA position statement on The Grove.
To see ARG's response to the RNA position statement,
click here.
For an update on the District 10 Office's progress in advocating for the Ridgelea Neighborhood, click here.
For an update on the District 10 Office's progress in advocating for the Oakmont Heights Neighborhood, click here.
To view the lists of requests from Bull Creek Road Coalition, click here.
Advocating for Parkland Superiority
From the beginning, the District 10 Office has heard that increased parkland is one of the most important issues for all of the surrounding neighborhoods. Based on recent conversations with representatives from the Ridgelea and Oakmont Heights Neighborhood Associations and the Bull Creek Road Coalition (BCRC) and hearing their requests for additional parkland Council Member Gallo will continue to push ARG to work with Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) staff to achieve parkland superiority based on City Staff's requirements.
To read the latest update regarding efforts to advocate for parkland superiority, click here.
Addressing Neighborhood Concerns about Traffic at The Grove
Another prominent concern the District 10 Office has heard from the surrounding neighborhoods is about increased traffic congestion as a result of The Grove. Based on recent conversations with representatives from the Ridgelea and Oakmont Heights Neighborhood Associations and the Bull Creek Road Coalition (BCRC) and hearing their requests for additional funding for off-site traffic mitigation and multi-modal improvements, the Council Member is proposing the creation of a Local Traffic Mitigation Fund as part of the zoning approval process of the Grove. This Fund will be resourced financially from a portion of the incremental tax generated from the Grove's property taxes. The Fund will be used in the surrounding neighborhoods to pay for both immediate and long term improvements.
Council Member Gallo would like to be very clear, she is not suggesting that the City's allocation of property taxes take the place of the property owner's required financial commitment. The Council Member's intention is to make certain we have a source of additional money available to fund more traffic mitigation and safety solutions now and in the future.
For an update on the District 10 Office's progress in addressing neighborhood concerns about Grove traffic,
click here.
What Next...
City Council will discuss the proposal and hear public input during its September 22nd meeting. During the next six weeks, Council Member Gallo and the District 10 Office will continue to work with the neighborhoods, City Staff and ARG to find common solutions to address concerns raised by neighbors. The Council Member and the District 10 Office will coordinate with the Mayor's Office and Council Member Pool's Office to work together to find a compromise that benefits the surrounding neighborhoods and the City.
Background
The Zoning and Platting (ZAP) Commission approved City Staff's recommendation for The Grove at Shoal Creek's proposal during the Commission's July 14 meeting after six hours of discussion and debate continued from its June meeting. The staff recommendation plus 11 additional conditions were approved on a 6-4 vote:
- Permit 250,000 square feet of additional residential units
- Provide an on street bike lane on northbound Bull Creek Road
- Request that the applicant consider flat level structured parking garages
- Prohibit Single-Family Detached Residential uses on Tract B, with the exception of within 150 feet from Tract A
- Prohibit Single-Family Detached Residential uses on Tracts F and G
- Revise Note 17b on the Land Use Plan to allow for a minimum of eight (8) car-sharing parking spaces
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["17.b. A minimum of 8 car-sharing parking spaces will be reserved on the site, subject to inclusion of the site in the coverage area of a car-sharing service."]
- Revise Note 16a on the Land Use Plan to state that if the proposed bicycle and pedestrian bridge is not constructed across Shoal Creek, then funds shall be utilized for pedestrian and bike improvements east of the site
- [16.a. ...If the City of Austin or the applicant is unable to secure an easement to allow for the construction of said bridge, the posted fiscal may be utilized by the City to complete other bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the area that provides access east of the site...]
- Provide a 25-foot building setback from homes along Bull Creek Road on Tract D
- Provide a trail connection from the greenbelt to Jefferson Street
- Add the Group Residential use to Tracts B, F and G as a permitted use
- Request that the applicant consider working with Transportation Review (ATD and DSD Departments) on a Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDM) to reduce vehicular trips to the site prior to 3rd reading of the case at City Council
To watch the July 14 ZAP Commission meeting,
click here.
To watch the June 21 ZAP Commission meeting,
click here.
During its June 15 meeting, the Environmental Commission decided that The Grove as it is currently proposed is not environmentally superior with six Commissioners voting in favor of that stance, four against and one Commissioner absent. The Commission provided eight suggestions of what could be changed in The Grove's proposal to become environmentally superior, including:
- Remove flex space from the parkland area
- Comply with at least Three Star Rating building requirements as described by LEED
- Design the drainage system for the 500-year floodplain instead of the 100-year floodplain
- Specifically identify where drainage easements will be located
- Implement an air quality plan
- Commit to preservation of 100 percent of the Critical Root Zone on all Heritage and Protected trees as well as retrain trees that line the properties along Idlewild Road to serve as a barrier
- Reduce density to a maximum of 2.1 million square feet by reducing the amount of office and retail space
- Conduct an erosion control study and implement erosion control measures
Council Member Gallo is very appreciative of the City Staff's commitment to a thorough and professional evaluation of The Grove's zoning application which resulted in a Staff recommendation that is a balance between The Grove's initial application and the neighborhoods' concerns about density and traffic. City Staff's overall recommendation report recommends approval of The Grove with certain conditions including:
- limits on the total square footage for the overall development to not exceed 2.4 million square feet with an additional 130,000 square feet for affordable housing not included in the square footage cap
- limits on square footage of office and retail space
- at least 18.12 acres of open space
- the property provides Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably Priced, Transit Oriented (SMART) Housing for 40 years using 5% of the permanent ownership units and 10% of the rental units
To view City Staff's full recommendation, see the Summary Staff Recommendation section of the report, by
clicking here. The complete 180-page City Staff report will be available on the Environmental Commission website in the near future.
Click
here
to view The Grove's planned unit development application and to follow the progress of this zoning case. If you have questions regarding this case particularly for City staff contact Case Manager Sherri Sirwaitis at sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov.
You can find additional information through the following links:
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Bull Creek Road Coalition
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The Grove At Shoal Creek
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Austin Oaks
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Representative Michael Whellan meeting with neighborhood representatives earlier this year.
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Update
This week, Andrew Moore, Case Manager for the Austin Oaks PUD zoning case, sent an email on behalf of City Staff releasing the most recent Master Comment Report on the Austin Oaks proposal. You can read that email here.
In his email, Case Manager Moore also provided a tentative schedule of public hearings that City Staff has proposed.
The tentative public hearing schedule for the Austin Oaks zoning case was completely organized by City Staff. Council Member Gallo and her staff had no input on the schedule of these public hearings. The tentative schedule for public hearings released by Case Manager Moore includes:
Zoning and Platting Commission:
September 6, 2016
Environmental Commission:
September 7, 2016
City Council:
October 13, 2016
If you have any concerns or complaints about City staff's tentative schedule for public hearings please communicate with them directly to Case Manager
Andrew Moore
at
(
512) 974-7604
Council Member Gallo feels it is appropriate from a governance standpoint to allow the zoning process to proceed and be completed among the property owner, neighborhoods and City staff before she takes an official opinion on The Austin Oaks proposed plan.
Council Member Gallo and the District 10 office are continuing to work with Northwest Austin Civic Association (NWACA) to encourage positive and productive communication between the neighborhood and property owner to ensure that Austin Oaks results in the best possible benefit to the surrounding neighborhoods.
What Next...
City Staff has indicated that the Zoning and Platting (ZAP) Commission will need to discuss the Austin Oaks proposal by September 6, 2016 in order for the application to avoid expiration, which would occur on September 12, 2016. At the September 6th ZAP Commission meeting, City Staff anticipates the zoning case will be postponed until at least the September 20th ZAP Commission meeting to allow time for the Environmental Commission to hear the zoning case.
Council Member Gallo continues to encourage the property owner and the neighborhood associations surrounding Austin Oaks to work together with the facilitator. We know that with continued productive and positive communication between neighbors, the project owner, and our office that Austin Oaks will be an innovative mixed-use urban community and an asset to the surrounding neighborhoods.
Background
At the end of January's week-long charrette, a preferred design plan was developed by the TBG design team using the feedback received throughout the week from neighbors who attended the charrette.
The Austin Oaks zoning case was indefinitely postponed during the March 15 Zoning and Platting Commission meeting at City Staff's request to allow more time for the review process to take place. Another public hearing notice will be mailed out prior to any future hearings.
The Austin Oaks team submitted an updated proposal and Traffic Impact Analysis on April 21 and a master comment report from City Staff in response to the proposal is expected to be released by the end of this week.
Changes made to the plan include:
- removal of the additional driveway connection to Spicewood Springs
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removal of an office building in the northwest corner of the property
- reduction in height of a building along MoPac from seven to six stories tall
- increasing an interior building from five to six stories
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more green space at Hart Lane and Spicewood Springs Road
- a decrease in impervious cover from the possible 70% to 90% range to 54% as well as at least 10 acres of green space
- more Heritage Trees will be preserved with plans to preserve 59 instead of the previously proposed 52
- the proposed hotel would be five stories tall
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an overall reduction in square footage of the project to 1,191,700 square feet
- the number of workforce affordable housing units was increase from 5% of the residential units to 10% of the residential units
The housing model would remain the same, however neighbors were provided with more details about the housing specifics. The plan now proposes 100 efficiency units, 100 1-bedroom units and 50 2-bedroom units.
Click
here to view Austin Oaks' planned unit development application and to follow the progress of this zoning case. If you have questions regarding this case particularly for City staff c
ontact Case Manager
Andrew Moore at
Andrew.Moore@austintexas.gov
.
The District 10 office encourages the surrounding neighbors to stay involved with this process and make sure your voice is heard.
Our office will continue to provide updates on the plan through the District 10 newsletter. For more information about the project, visit the NWACA page by clicking here.
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Keeping Up With District 10
Working on Policy Issues
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District 10 residents, Sammie and Susan Joseph, met with Council Member Gallo and Senior Policy Advisor Tina Cannon to discuss issues they are having regarding the Meridith Drainage Project.
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Earlier this week, representatives from the Wild Horse PID, David Armbdust and Pete Dwyer,
met with Senior Policy Advisor Tina Cannon.
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Monday the Council Member attended the second Austin Energy Work Session, where the Council discussed the rate review process and Austin Energy's initial rate proposal.
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On Tuesday, Council Member Gallo participated in the Council Work Session to discuss upcoming agenda items, including the appointment of an interim city manager.
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On Wednesday, Council Member Gallo participated in a budget work session where presentations were made regarding public safety, City of Austin Communications and Technology Management, and other City Departments.
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Thursday's Council meeting lasted until past midnight in order to discuss more than 90 agenda items.
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On Tuesday, Senior Policy Advisor Tina Cannon, along with staff members from the offices of Council Members Kitchen and Garza, met with the new public policy director for Uber for the Southeast region, Trevor Theunissen. Uber initiated the meeting in order for Mr. Theunissen to introduce himself to council members' staff.
Supporting Community Organizations
Earlier in the week, the Council Member attended the Hindu Charities for America and Indian American Coalition of Texas' announcement of plans to disburse $33,000 in scholarships for the education of economically disadvantaged youth throughout Austin. Hindu Charities of America's motto is "Give Where You Live" and they are certainly living that out with this generous gift.
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Engaging the Community
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On Friday, the Council Member attended an announcement by Mayor Steve Adler, US Congressman Lloyd Doggett and US HUD Secretary Julian Castro that Austin had effectively ended homelessness among veterans.
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Tuesday evening, Council Member Gallo attended the Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association Board Meeting and discussed the mobility bond and sidewalks, the budget process, and the Austin Energy rate case settlement proposal.
Council Member Gallo was asked by individual board members to assist with reviewing the policy of yard debris being blown into streets and how to increase architectural controls by the board. |
Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association
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Facebook page.
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Mark Your Calendar
Important Dates for District 10 Residents
Villa Serena, Summerwood and The Trails
Tuesday, August 23rd
6pm
Club House on Club Court
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Cat Mountain Villas HOA
Monday, September 12
6:30pm
Cat Mountain Club House
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Back Court HOA
Tuesday, September 20th
6pm
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Rosedale Neighborhood Association
Monday, September 26th
6:45pm
Yarborough Library
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How To Contact Our Office
301 W. Second St. Austin, TX 78701
(512) 978-2110
Sheri Gallo
District 10 Council Member
STAFF
Ryan Self
- Communications Director
Tina Cannon
- Senior Policy Advisor for Audit & Finance, Austin Energy, Mobility, Economic Opportunity, Public Safety, Health & Human Services and Public Utilities
Tina.cannon@austintexas.gov
512-978-2206
Taylor Smith
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In addition to City Council Work Sessions on Tuesdays and City Council meetings on Thursdays, Council Member Gallo enjoys serving on the following Council Committees:
- Austin Energy (Chair)
- Mobility (Vice Chair)
- Housing & Community Development
- Planning & Neighborhoods
Intergovernmental Committees:
- Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)
- Pecan Street Inc.
For a list of Austin City Council Meetings, please click here
. You can often watch meetings live on ATXN.
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Join Our District 10 Email List
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STAY CONNECTED
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