City of Austin Water Oversight Committee met May 13.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
The Austin Water Oversight Committee convened in a regular meeting via videoconference.
Committee Members in Attendance:
Chair Ann Kitchen
Council Member Leslie Pool
Council Member Alison Alter
Vice Chair Vanessa Fuentes
Council Member Paige Ellis
Other Council Members in Attendance:
Council Member Kathie Tovo
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kitchen called the Austin Water Oversight Committee meeting to order at 1:34 p.m.
CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL
No citizens registered to speak
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approve the minutes of the April 19, 2021 special called meeting of the Austin Water Oversight Committee
The minutes of the April 19, 2021 special called meeting were approved on Council Member Alter’s motion, and Vice Chair Fuentes’ second, on a 5-0 vote.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
2. Discussion and possible action on recommendations to Council on resolutions for Code amendments and other actions relating to strategies for Water Forward, including water conservation and reuse
The Committee discussed and voted on three resolutions as outlined below.
Resolution from Chair Kitchen
On a motion by Chair Kitchen and a second from Council Member Pool, the committee discussed a resolution from Chair Kitchen. The resolution recommended Council adoption of Code amendments to implement Water Forward strategies related to water benchmarking, on-site reuse, and reclaimed water connections. It included a recommendation to seek a waiver of requirements for Planning Commission review. A friendly amendment from Council Member Ellis regarding affordability impacts was accepted.
The resolution from Chair Kitchen, as amended by Council Member Ellis, passed on a vote of 4 to 0 with Council Member Ellis abstaining.
Resolution from Council Member Tovo
On a motion by Council Member Alter with a second by Council Member Ellis, the committee discussed a resolution from Council Member Tovo. This resolution recommended Council adoption of Code amendments and incentives to implement Water Forward strategies related to water benchmarking, and reclaimed water connections, along with dual-plumbing, landscape transformation and irrigation efficiency measures. Council Member Ellis offered an amendment regarding affordability impacts that was accepted. The resolution from Council Member Tovo, as amended by Council Member Ellis, passed on a vote of 5 to 0.
Resolution from Vice Chair Fuentes
On a motion by Vice Chair Fuentes with a second by Council Member Ellis, the committee discussed a resolution from Vice Chair Fuentes. This resolution referenced on-site reuse of storm water, community storm-water harvesting and rainwater harvesting at multi-family sites as strategies to achieve economic and environmental benefit to address both water supply needs and flood management. A motion to add this resolution language as an amendment to Chair Kitchen’s previously approved resolution passed on a vote of 5 to 0.
BRIEFINGS
3. Director’s Report
a. Upcoming recommendations for Council action
b. Innovations, events and awards
Austin Water Director Greg Meszaros reported on water main replacement projects coming to Council in May and June. He also gave an update on an award-winning and innovative on-site wastewater treatment plant coming online at the City’s new Permitting and Development Center (PDC).
4. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (My ATX Water) Pilot
Rick Coronado, Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations provided a briefing. He gave updates on the development of the citywide secured network for My ATX Water, as well as the installation of data collection units and meter components. About 4,800 meters have been installed to date. Randi Jenkins, Austin Water Assistant Director of Customer Experience discussed the process for communicating with customers prior to meter installation and other outreach efforts. She also gave an update on the development of the My ATX Water customer portal.
5. Water Forward Implementation Updates
Kevin Critendon, Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services provided a briefing which included an overview of past, current and projected lake levels. A process to update the Water Forward plan will be initiated soon, with community engagement, that will conclude in 2023.
FUTURE ITEMS
6. Identify items to discuss at future meetings
Council Member Pool noted the Tesla project, drought planning and conservation plans as future topics. Council Member Alter suggested an update on bond purchases for water quality protection lands, remaining bond funding not yet spent, and potential future acquisition opportunities. Council Member Ellis asked to keep Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project updates on the list. Chair Kitchen added drought status as another potential topic.
ADJOURN
Chair Kitchen adjourned the meeting at 3:50 p.m. without objection.
https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=369622