Sunset Valley City Council

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The Sunset Valley City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (unless Council formally changes the meeting dates) in the City Hall Chambers, 3205 Jones Road. Meetings generally begin at 6 PM, and may not go past 10 PM. The public may participate in the Council meetings by coming to the meeting, watching on line via livestreaming, or after the meeting watching the video recording. Access the livestreaming and recordings via the City's YouTube Channel. The public may utilize the guestbook feature below to leave public comments for City Council meetings.

From left to right: Mayor Marc Bruner, Council Member David Bourell, Council Member Rudi Rosengarten, Mayor Pro tem Charles Young, Council Member Rob Johnson, Council Member Karen Medicus

The Sunset Valley City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (unless Council formally changes the meeting dates) in the City Hall Chambers, 3205 Jones Road. Meetings generally begin at 6 PM, and may not go past 10 PM. The public may participate in the Council meetings by coming to the meeting, watching on line via livestreaming, or after the meeting watching the video recording. Access the livestreaming and recordings via the City's YouTube Channel. The public may utilize the guestbook feature below to leave public comments for City Council meetings.

From left to right: Mayor Marc Bruner, Council Member David Bourell, Council Member Rudi Rosengarten, Mayor Pro tem Charles Young, Council Member Rob Johnson, Council Member Karen Medicus

Public Comments

The public may utilize this guestbook tool to engage with the City Council by posting public comments. These comments may be general comments or related to a specific Agenda Item for a Council Meeting. The comments will be ready by the Mayor and City Council Members, but will not be read aloud during the meeting. 

To access a Council Agenda and backup materials, see the City Council Meetings section of this page beneath the signup banner, or visit: https://www.sunsetvalley.org/government/council-meeting-agendas-minutes. If you wish to make a public comment related to a specific agenda item, please indicate the meeting date and agenda item number in your comment. 

If you are having any account issues, please email support@engagementhq.com and or reach out to Kaitlyn Neal at kneal@sunsetvalley.org 

You need to be signed in to comment in this Guest Book. Click here to Sign In or Register to get involved

I am writing in support of the zoning change for the Uplands tract as proposed. I have. been a SSV resident for 22 years and find the nearby wildlife a large part of my enjoying my living space. I see the proposal as a boon to that value.

Jeff Thorne, Lone Oak Trl.

Jeff Thorne 11 months ago

Resident of SSv for 22 years now--and I fully and enthusiastically support the zoning change for the Uplands tract. The health of the nearby wildlife is a large part of what makes living in SSV special and I see this as a great way to foster that value. Jeff Thorne Lone Oak Trl

Jeff Thorne 11 months ago

Resident of SSv for 22 years now--and I fully and enthusiastically support the zoning change for the Uplands tract. The health of the nearby wildlife is a large part of what makes living in SSV special and I see this as a great way to foster that value. Jeff Thorne Lone Oak Trl

Jeff Thorne 11 months ago

I am against the rezoning of the Uplands Tract for the following two reasons.
The arguments for changing zoning for the uplands presented in the Zoning Board meeting included preservation of habitat for 50 species of birds, wildflowers etc., i.e., a park vs commercial development. Yet comes now a project for a pavilion and parking lot and clearing for farmers market tents. This development is contrary to greenbelt and parkland usage. It involves partial destruction of the very habitat used to argue for the zoning change. Can the exclusive park zoning property be used for a commercial enterprise? I have heard in response that the farmers market is non-profit, which is obvious since SSV has to subsidize its existence. Does the non-profit designation make it any less a commercial enterprise.

My second point which was also offered at the Zoning Commission meeting is that neither Zoning nor Council need change any designation to use the Uplands as a Park. The current zoning GUI has “Park” specifically designated in the allowable uses. Of course, GUI also allows for medical and other uses, which options would be negated by a more restrictive Park Only zoning change. Logic dictates that a Council exercising its fiduciary responsibility to its citizens would keep all options available. There is no sound reason to further restrict this property’s zoning use other than to add another hurdle in the process for future Council should changes in circumstances dictate an alternate use of this property. Even this argument is specious since any sale of the property for commercial use would necessitate a zoning change from either Parks or GUI.

Archimedes 11 months ago

Dear Mayor & Council,
I strongly support the zoning change to Parkland discussed in agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract. The previous Councils who helped design the newer neighborhoods of the Meadows and the Villas ringed them in green for good reasons. It's beautiful, good for residents, wildlife and the environment. Efforts were also made to ring the entire city in green. The entrance properties at Jones and Westgate, the pocket park at ERW, the properties on Brodie, and most noticeably the Triangle area and the Uplands were all part of that effort. The forward thinking Mayors and Councils of the past did this for future generations to enjoy. It is part of what makes this city so wonderful and has led to increased property values and greater quality of life.
Sincerely,
Melissa Gonzales
26 Reese Dr

sunsetvalleygal 11 months ago

I am against the rezoning of the Uplands Tract for the following two reasons.
The arguments for changing zoning for the uplands presented in the Zoning Board meeting included preservation of habitat for 50 species of birds, wildflowers etc., i.e., a park vs commercial development. Yet comes now a project for a pavilion and parking lot and clearing for farmers market tents. This development is contrary to greenbelt and parkland usage. It involves partial destruction of the very habitat used to argue for the zoning change. Can the exclusive park zoning property be used for a commercial enterprise? I have heard in response that the farmers market is non-profit, which is obvious since SSV has to subsidize its existence. Does the non-profit designation make it any less a commercial enterprise.

My second point which was also offered at the Zoning Commission meeting is that neither Zoning nor Council need change any designation to use the Uplands as a Park. The current zoning GUI has “Park” specifically designated in the allowable uses. Of course, GUI also allows for medical and other uses, which options would be negated by a more restrictive Park Only zoning change. Logic dictates that a Council exercising its fiduciary responsibility to its citizens would keep all options available. There is no sound reason to further restrict this property’s zoning use other than to add another hurdle in the process for future Council should changes in circumstances dictate an alternate use of this property. Even this argument is specious since any sale of the property for commercial use would necessitate a zoning change from either Parks or GUI.

Archimedes 11 months ago

I am against the rezoning of the Uplands Tract for the following two reasons.
The arguments for changing zoning for the uplands presented in the Zoning Board meeting included preservation of habitat for 50 species of birds, wildflowers etc., i.e., a park vs commercial development. Yet comes now a project for a pavilion and parking lot and clearing for farmers market tents. This development is contrary to greenbelt and parkland usage. It involves partial destruction of the very habitat used to argue for the zoning change. Can the exclusive park zoning property be used for a commercial enterprise? I have heard in response that the farmers market is non-profit, which is obvious since SSV has to subsidize its existence. Does the non-profit designation make it any less a commercial enterprise.

My second point which was also offered at the Zoning Commission meeting is that neither Zoning nor Council need change any designation to use the Uplands as a Park. The current zoning GUI has “Park” specifically designated in the allowable uses. Of course, GUI also allows for medical and other uses, which options would be negated by a more restrictive Park Only zoning change. Logic dictates that a Council exercising its fiduciary responsibility to its citizens would keep all options available. There is no sound reason to further restrict this property’s zoning use other than to add another hurdle in the process for future Council should changes in circumstances dictate an alternate use of this property. Even this argument is specious since any sale of the property for commercial use would necessitate a zoning change from either Parks or GUI.

Archimedes 11 months ago

We've received your comment and are currently reviewing it to ensure it meets our site's policies. Thanks for your understanding and patience.

The Hobbit 11 months ago

I wanted to write in support of 7/16/2024 Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. The city's consensus has largely been to use the land as a park. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. It was a wonderful site for the Adventure Playground aspect of Artfest. We could add additional benches and make it more of a destination. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park for our city.

We have so few opportunities to add land to our city. If we sell or develop this land for commercial use, we will never get it back. We should embrace it as a park and zone it accordingly.

Regards,
Zoe Trieff
1031 Sunflower Trail

zoetrieff 11 months ago

Posted by admin on behalf of resident:

Dear Mayor Bruner & Councilmembers.

I would like to write in FAVOR of agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract to Parkland.

It is an excellent opportunity to have usable green space with natural landscaping and trails, a playground, a pavilion structure (to house the farmers market, ARTFEST, and other events that enhance the culture of our City), seating areas, and other landscape beautification.

In a day and age where trees are being cut down and meadows are being mowed away, I strongly urge City Council to NOT allow Sunset Valley to become another cookie-cutter suburb of Austin. We, as a City, should be committed to protecting and preserving the Uplands for now and for our future generations to enjoy.

Thank you!
Supriya Kharod, 36 Lone Oak Trail

mlingafelter 11 months ago

Posted by site admin on behalf of resident:

I wanted to write in support of 7/16/2024 Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. We could add additional benches. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park.

Regards,
Zoe

mlingafelter 11 months ago

Posted by Admin on behalf of Citizen:
I wanted to write in support of 7/16/2024 Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. We could add additional benches. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park.

Regards,
Zoe

site.admin 11 months ago

As residents on Lone Oak Marion & Laura McMillan strongly support the zoning change of the Uplands to parkland. We appreciate Council advocating to preserve the natural green space we have.

Lkohler 11 months ago

Dear Mayor Bruner & Councilmembers.

I would like to write in FAVOR of agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract to Parkland.

It is an excellent opportunity to have usable green space with natural landscaping and trails, a playground, a pavilion structure (to house the farmers market, ARTFEST, and other events that enhance the culture of our City), seating areas, and other landscape beautification.

In a day and age where trees are being cut down and meadows are being mowed away, I strongly urge City Council to NOT allow Sunset Valley to become another cookie-cutter suburb of Austin. We, as a City, should be committed to protecting and preserving the Uplands for now and for our future generations to enjoy.

Thank you!
Supriya Kharod, 36 Lone Oak Trail

Supriya 11 months ago

Dear Mayor Bruner & Councilmembers.

I would like to write in FAVOR of agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract to Parkland.

It is an excellent opportunity to have usable green space with natural landscaping and trails, a playground, a pavilion structure (to house the farmers market, ARTFEST, and other events that enhance the culture of our City), seating areas, and other landscape beautification.

In a day and age where trees are being cut down and meadows are being mowed away, I strongly urge City Council to NOT allow Sunset Valley to become another cookie-cutter suburb of Austin. We, as a City, should be committed to protecting and preserving the Uplands for now and for our future generations to enjoy.

Thank you!
Supriya Kharod, 36 Lone Oak Trail

Supriya 11 months ago

Dear Mayor Bruner & Councilmembers.

I would like to write in FAVOR of agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract to Parkland.

It is an excellent opportunity to have usable green space with natural landscaping and trails, a playground, a pavilion structure (to house the farmers market, ARTFEST, and other events that enhance the culture of our City), seating areas, and other landscape beautification.

In a day and age where trees are being cut down and meadows are being mowed away, I strongly urge City Council to NOT allow Sunset Valley to become another cookie-cutter suburb of Austin. We, as a City, should be committed to preserving the Uplands and making it into a jewel for the city as a green gathering space, while simultaneously doing our part to be good stewards of our Earth.

Thank you!
Supriya Kharod, 36 Lone Oak Trail

Supriya 11 months ago

Dear Mayor Bruner & Councilmembers.

I would like to write in FAVOR of agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract to Parkland.

It is an excellent opportunity to have usable green space with natural landscaping and trails, a playground, a pavilion structure (to house the farmers market, ARTFEST, and other events that enhance the culture of our City), seating areas, and other landscape beautification.

In a day and age where trees are being cut down and meadows are being mowed away, I strongly urge City Council to NOT allow Sunset Valley to become another cookie-cutter suburb of Austin. We, as a City, should be committed to preserving the Uplands and making it into a jewel for the city as a green gathering space, while simultaneously doing our part to be good stewards of our Earth.

Thank you! Supriya Kharod, 36 Lone Oak Trail

Supriya 11 months ago

As a 11-year resident of Sunset Valley we support the re-zoning of the Uplands to Parklands. - Ravi Srinivasan

ravisaustin 11 months ago

As a 11-year resident of Sunset Valley we support the re-zoning of the Uplands to Parklands. - Ravi Srinivasan

ravisaustin 11 months ago

Hi there, I wanted to write in support of 7/16/2024 Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. We could add additional benches. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park.

zoetrieff 11 months ago
Page last updated: 04 Jun 2025, 11:04 AM