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11-10-1992PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a public meeting on .Tuesday, November 10, 1992 at 7:00 P.M. in the Municipal Complex conference room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were as follows: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION BOB ANDREWS, CHAIRMAN GEORGE VICK, VICE - CHAIRMAN MERWIN WILLMAN BOBBIE VONADA DAVID RICHMOND OLIVER NELSON KEN GREENWALD, COUNCILMAN MEMBERS ABSENT KEITH VAN DINE, SECRETARY #1 CALL TO ORDER CITY STAFF STEVE SIMONSON, ASST. CITY MANAGER NORMA ALTHOUSE, PLANNING SEC'Y. /DPTY. CITY SEC'Y. JOHNNY WOODWARD,. FIRE CHIEF MARY LOU MALONE, EMS DIRECTOR OTHERS PRESENT HAL BALDWIN, COUNCILMAN HERB REHMAN, SCUC ISD KENNY ROTHE, CDS ENGINEERS Chairman Andrews called the public meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. (There were no citizens present, so the public meeting was held in the conference room rather than the Council Chambers as posted.) #2 PUBLIC MEETING: To Receive Citizen.Input as to the Long - Range Planning for the Police, Fire and EMS Depts. Chairman Andrews advised this is the second public meeting being held on the Development and Growth Plan. Mr. Andrews then explained to the two new members that the Commission is in the process of updating the Plan and they have been holding public meetings for citizen input. Fire Chief Johnny Woodward and EMS Director Mary Lou Malone were present. George Vick.suggested making the- Police Department last in case Chief Agee can make it to the meeting. Chairman Andrews agreed. A copy. of the GOALS, OBJECTIVES and RATIONALE for the Police Dept., the Fire Dept. and the EMS Dept., as prepared and made available to the citizens, is attached. i } FIRE DEPARTMENT Chairman Andrews asked Chief Woodward about the response time of the Fire Department.. Mr. Woodward informed the Commission the response time within Schertz proper is 3 minutes, and out on IH -35 it's approximately 5 -6 minutes. Mr. Woodward went on to say that after 11:00 o'clock at night, when everyone has to come from their homes, it's 6 -7 minutes within the City proper and probably 10 -12 minutes out on IH -35. When they are able to have a 24 -hour crew, it will cut down on the response time. Under GOALS for the Fire Department, George Vick suggested adding item (c): Construct future sub - station as population growth dictates. The Commission agreed. Chief Woodward commented that probably the first sub - station would be required in the IH -35 area and that the Fire Department and EMS would both be housed in the same building. Bobbie Vonada asked how long it will be before the Fire Department has 24 -hour people and Chief Woodward estimated it will be two years. Oliver Nelson inquired how many additional personnel will be required and Chief Woodward replied he had requested one additional person this year, which was not approved. Mr. Woodward stated he would need two additional people to get the 24 -hour shift program off and running. Chairman Andrews then asked Chief Woodward if there was anything he would like to add to the long -range planning and Mr. Woodward replied it looks good to him the way it is. Chairman Andrews questioned Chief Woodward if there is a national standard as to population via area of coverage-versus number of firemen. Mr. Woodward replied the national standard recommends 1 paid fireman per 1,000 population, but most cities don't have that many because they can't afford it. EMS DEPARTMENT Bobbie Vonada asked Director Mary Lou Malone if they aren't on duty 24. hours a day now and Mrs. Malone replied yes they are, but they are volunteers. Mrs. Vonada then asked where they sleep and Director Malone replied they sleep.at home. George Vick questioned response time and Director Malone replied they are ready to roll in about 3 minutes and mentioned. the various cities they serve.- Bobbie Vonada asked if- they 'ever have any complaints about how long it takes to get to: these other cities and Director: Malone replied no, fortunately all the other cities have a rescue squad which gets there first and administers aid until SAFES arrives. George Vick inquired how many paid personnel there are in the EMS Department and Director Malone replied there are 5. Mr. Vick then asked if they need more personnel and Director Malone replied yes, but they can't afford it. Mr. Vick then asked if they budgeted for more personnel and Director Malone replied no, they have 37 volunteers and they have a greater need for larger facilities than for more people. Steve Simonson informed the Commission the EMS Department has, over the years, grown from volunteerism to professionalism and has outgrown its facilities. Chairman Andrews asked if any long -range planning has been done on the size facilities needed and the cost. Director Malone replied there's no money in the budget for a new facility - they operate on a zero budget and are putting money aside now for a new ambulance. Chairman Andrews remarked that doesn't set well with him. Councilman Ken Greenwald interjected that last year the City went to Bexar County for Community Development Block Grant money on at least 8 projects and they were all turned down. Bobbie Vonada asked if any reason was given and Steve Simonson replied they suspect it's because we're in Guadalupe County. Mr. Greenwald advised they are now trying to apply for grants from the State. Oliver Nelson wanted to know how you expect the EMS Department to provide the necessary services when you can't furnish them with adequate facilities. Councilman Ken Greenwald stressed that you equip them as best you can. Chairman Andrews questioned how the equipment is replaced and if 'a zero budget.includes planning for the future. Councilman Ken Greenwald answered by saying yes and no.. How can you plan for $120,000 worth of unpaid ambulance bills? George Vick pointed out that San Antonio has turned their unpaid bills over to a collection agency. Mr.. Greenwaldnoted that the City has tried almost everything. George 'Vick then asked if there is a budget for future growth of EMS and Councilman Ken Greenwald replied yes. -3 2. Oliver Nelson brought out something mentioned earlier this evening about the EMS and Fire Department being in the same facility. Steve Simonson indicated it is 'fine to combine the departments. in a sub - station, but.the central core facilities need to be separate. Mr. Simonson mentioned several properties owned by the City for possible location of sub - stations, but stressed the City is land poor and that's why these needs should be written down so people can read them for themselves. POLICE DEPARTMENT No one from the Police Department was present at the meeting. Steve Simonson informed the Commission that Chief Agee approved of what is written under GOALS, OBJECTIVES and RATIONALE. David Richmond asked about the standard for population versus the number of police officers. Steve Simonson replied there is a standard, but it's unrealistic cost wise. The ratio right now should not be degraded anymore. David Richmond then asked what the ratio is and if more police officers are budgeted. Steve Simonson replied the ratio now is 1.75 officers per 1,000 population. There are 13 patrol officers and a total of 22 personnel in the Police Department. David Richmond asked if that is adequate and Steve Simonson replied no when you want to beef up patrol for a particular time frame or have special projects, you're stretching it thin. George Vick pointed out the size of the City as far as square mileage is concerned. Steve Simonson related that the department is adequate as far as budgeting for additional officers, but they need new facilities. Oliver Nelson asked if the City has any type of holding facilities and was informed by Steve Simonson they have two cells. Chairman Andrews remarked that, like it or not, the City has a juvenile problem to which.Councilman Ken Greenwald added that juveniles require special handling. Oliver Nelson wondered if the Police Department could be expanded at the current location. Steve Simonson answered that the. 'City owns two acres behind the Municipal Complex and the Community Center. -4- There was some discussion about the possibility of making the current Municipal Complex a two - story building. Some were under the impression.that when it was originally built, it was structured so a second story could be added. Councilman Hal Baldwin suggested contacting Paul Hesson, the original architect, to find out for sure. #3 ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC MEETING Chairman Andrews adjourned the public meeting at 7:33 P.M. The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened in a regular session, after the public meeting, in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. #4 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Andrews called the meeting to order at 7:34 P.M. #5 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Session October 27, 1992 Merwin Willman made a motion to approve the minutes for the regular session October 27, 1992. Bobbie Vonada seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Motion carried. #6 CITIZENS' INPUT OTHER THAN AGENDA ITEMS There was none. #7 CONSIDER AND TARE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Election of Secretary Bobbie Vonada made a motion to nominate Oliver Nelson for Secretary of the Planning and Zoning.Commission. George Vick seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Motion carried. The request for approval of Oliver Nelson as Secretary will be forwarded to City Council. #8 CONSIDER AND MARE RECOMMENDATION: Preliminary Plat Approval - SCUC ISD District Offices (PC #184 -92) Chairman Andrews commented the Commissioners had a copy of the plat in their packages. The school distract purchased 11.283 acres of- land between the Administration Office and the Sycamore Creek Apartments and are•now platting it as Lot 1, Block 1. Mr. Andrews then asked for Staff input and Steve Simonson commented the zoning is there, it.is a straightforward plat. -5- Merwin Willman asked..why the ditch is easement to a drainage right -of -way. Steve Simonson .replied the City is responsible for the outfall on the other property, and it was mislabeled in Simonson added that if it's approved, it with a drainage right -of -way. )eing mai; side the will changed from an retaining it, is of the McCuistion beginning. Mr. be Lot 1, Block 1 Mr. Simonson indicated he had a few comments to make. Ford Engineering looked over the plat and recommended two items: (1) the new flood map date of September 30, 1992 be on the plat instead of the old date; and, the name and address of the owner of the land east of the right -of -way be included on the plat. Oliver Nelson inquired if putting all the fill in didn't change the drainage on this property. Steve Simonson replied no, it all slopes back into the ditch which was designed as a 100 year ditch. Chairman Andrews asked if the school district ever plans on platting the property where the central office is located and Councilman Hal Baldwin replied not unless.they absolutely have to. Then Mr. Baldwin, taking back his statement, said there may be a possibility someday of the school district having to work something out with GVEC on the land where the utility lines run and at that time they would probably plat it. Merwin Willman made a motion to approve the preliminary plat for the SCUC ISD District Offices contingent on the flood map date being changed on the plat and the name and address of the owners of the land east of the right-of-way-being listed on the plat. Oliver Nelson seconded the motion and. the vote was unanimous in favor. Motion carried. Steve Simonson informed those present representing this plat that if all corrections are made, the final plat could be considered at the Commission's meeting on November 24th. Chairman Andrews thanked them for coming. f9 REVIEW AND SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE: Possible Name Change for FM:3009 /Jack Hays Blvd. Chairman Andrews asked Steve -'Simonson for.any.Staff input. Mr.. Simonson. pointed out the letter from the San Antonio Post Office ;(the Commissioners had received a copy) saying there is. no problem with the name change. Mr._. Simonson - further stated. the Commission has 'a copy of the Resolution :from City Council- listing: the intent to consider the name change and indicated the City will be providing nothing else to us. -6- George Vick made a motion to set up a public hearing date for Planning and Zoning and recommend City Council move ahead with the process and schedule their public hearing. Before the seconding of the motion, Oliver Nelson asked what this name change will cost the City. Steve Simonson replied it will cost them for a legal notice in the newspaper and approximately 6 or 8 street signs. Oliver Nelson then asked if it will cost for the name change on any maps and Steve Simonson said no, the big maps of the City are on the CAD system at Ford Engineering and they can change it whenever we get new maps, but in the meantime we can just cross out the old name and write in the new. Mr. Simonson indicated it is not-a big expense one way or the other. Oliver Nelson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Motion carried. The Commission decided to set up their public hearing for the first meeting in December which is the 8th. After the vote, Merwin Willman commented the City has established procedures for changing the name of a street and asked if we're going to follow them. If not, Mr. Willman suggested the procedures be eliminated. Mr. Willman then elaborated saying that in paragraph 3 it states that the City shall send letters to all owners of property adjacent to the street or road in question advising them of the proposed name change. Chairman Andrews assured Merwin Willman that procedure will be followed. #10 CONSIDER AND MARE RECONN[ENDATION: Development and Growth Plan Update Chairman Andrews reviewed the procedure they have been following of having one public meeting per month on several sections of the Plan. Mr. Andrews then asked if they want to have the public meeting and public hearing on the road- name change on the same evening in December. The Commission agreed they did not, they suggested the first meeting in January for the next public meeting. After some discussion, it was decided to review State and Federal Services, Recreation, Schools and Public Housing at the public meeting in January. Steve Simonson remarked he will try to have something for the Commission on these four items zt. the December-8th meeting. -7- • f Bobbie Vonada asked what State and Federal services we are entitled to. . v Chairman Andrews. mentioned the office of the Department of Human Services which has only been in Schertz for a couple of years; Steve Simonson brought out the possibility of a satellite office here, for example, for people receiving rehabilitation treatment for things like mental problems; and George Vick pointed out the office where you can now go and pay your County taxes and get you car license stickers instead of having to drive to Seguin. Steve Simonson informed the Commission that one -third of the population of Guadalupe County lives in Schertz. #11 GENERAL DISCUSSION George Vick (a) Mentioned the portable flashing sign at FM 1518 and Lower Seguin Road and asked if it's legal. Steve Simonson replied no it's not - they can have a portable sign, but it can't flash. Mr. Simonson said he will have the inspectors check into it. Merwin Willman: (a) Referring to the letter from Theodore Duigon,.said it looks like there's a problem with one of the applicants from the last meeting. Mr. Willman suggested that guidelines be set up for interviewing applicants. Steve Simonson reminded the Commission that it's legal to have an executive session to discuss the qualifications of the applicants rather than the way they've been doing it. Bobbie Vonada questioned if the meeting when the applicants are interviewed has to be open and Chairman Andrews acknowledged the door cannot be closed while the .meeting is going on, but they could hold an executive session after the interviews to discuss the applicants' qualifications. Oliver Nelson observed that it sounds from the tone of the letter. from Theodore Duigon that he feels he was singled out because he is involved in a lawsuit with the City. George Vick agreed with Merwin Willman that the Commission needs some definite guidelines and Chairman Andrews said he has no problem with that. Oliver Nelson: (a) Reported that at 105 Henry Ford there's a construction vehicle parked in the street without a current license plate sticker or current inspection sticker. _ -8- Chairman Andrews noted that the City.has an ordinance regarding junk vehicles and the law states they are not considered a junk vehicle, even though they have no current license plate sticker or current inspection sticker, if they can move under their own power. If however, they are parked in the street rather than on private property, then something can be done about it. David Richmond: (a) Brought up one other point in the letter from Theodore Duigon, that point being the consideration of the geographical location in the City where the applicants reside. Mr. Richmond asked how the Commission goes about doing that. Does everyone get invited to be interviewed even if you have other applicants from the same location? Chairman Andrews told David Richmond he was listening.for.that key phrase "other applicants because the number of applicants they had at the last meeting was very unusual. Sometimes they have only one applicant for one opening. Mr. Andrews also pointed out that normally everyone who applies is invited, because there's always a chance someone may not show up'. George Vick commented it would help if the Commission had some definite procedures. In response to that Chairman Andrews said everything's not cut and dried, but the Commission does try to maintain an even geographical spread of representation from its members. Councilman Ken Greenwald: (a) Reminded everyone of the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on December 3rd at 6:30 P.M. (b) Noted the water in Woodland Oaks, Deer Haven, Oak Forest and Greenshire will be off from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on November 12th to make changes for water line relocation in Oak Forest, to meet State requirements for the widening of FM 3009. Mr. . Greenwald said everyone effected is. supposed to have a door hanger on their door to notify them. (c) Informed the Commission that in conjunction with the widening of FM 3009, Southern Pacific Railroad wants to close the crossing at'FM 78 and FM 3009 in anticipation of some.work that needs to be done before the widening. The City is asking them, in order to avoid heavy traffic on E1bel Road, to hold off until the school's two week Christmas vacation, but doesn't know if they will cooperate. David Richmond asked how long the crossing is expected to be closed and Mr. Greenwald replied 3 to-5.days. equipment needed to repair the damage at the pavilion is on back order. Steve Simonson: (a) Told the Commission that Allen Ghormley of Hallmark - Ghormley (the developer interested in buying the 200 plus remaining acres of Greenshire) wrote him a letter offering to give a tour of his various projects in San Antonio. Mr. Simonson expressed the opinion it might be a good idea for the Commissioners to take up this offer for a tour so they can see the quality of Hallmark- Ghormley's various projects and take a look at their track record. David Richmond asked what Hallmark - Ghormley's.relationship is to RAYCO.. Steve Simonson replied they are separate from RAYCO /Ray Ellison. Sometimes they use them as a builder and sometimes they don't. Hallmark - Ghormley is the developer. Mr. Simonson related further that Hallmark - Ghormley wants_ to use the land for mostly residential, not commercial. They are close to buying, and if they buy, they will be developing, they are not just going to sit on it. There was some discussion about the.different classes of RAYCO homes and Chairman Andrews mentioned the people in Silvertree who purchased two lots for the purpose of building one of the.. larger RAYCO homes. Mr. Andrews commented there have been several people in Savannah Square who have also purchased more. than one lot so they could build a bigger home. Oliver Nelson.asked, if you combine two lots, can you put the house in the center and Chairman Andrews replied yes you can, if there is no utility easement between the lots. David Richmond suggested that the Commission take the tour before the.purchase by Hallmark - Ghormley is a done deal. There was discussion on the best time to do this with the decision being that Saturday would be the best day for everyone. The Commission, realizing we're coming up on the holiday 'season, said they would prefer a Saturday in November, but if not, at least one of the.first couple of Saturdays in December. Steve Simonson.told the Commission he will call and',try to set up a date, and asked if January would also be acceptable.`. The Commission agreed it would be. #12 ADJOURNMENT Chairman Andrews adjourned the meeting at 8:40 P.M. The next regularly scheduled meeting is November 24, 1992. -11-