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BOA 5-21-1811 If IMMAIX1119W-11 May 21, 2018 The Schertz Board of Adjustment convened on May 21, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. at the Municipal Complex, 1i Council Chambers, 1400 Scheitz Parkway Building #4, Schertz, Texas. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Richard Dziewit, Chairman David Reynolds, Vice Chairman Earl Hartzog Frank McElroy Danielene Salas Reginna Agee I CITY STAFF Brian James, Interim City Manager Bryce Cox, Senior Planner Channary Gould, Planner I Scott McClelland, Project Manager OTHERS PRESENT James Herrera, Resident Ernest Marshall, Resident Mr. Dziewit called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. and recognized members present. Danielene Salas was seated as an alternate for Board Member Agee, who was absent. RIXZ 1 Minutes for the September 25, 2017 Regular Meeting. Mr. Hartzog moved to approve the consent agenda. Mr. McElroy seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0. Motion carried. BOA2018-001 Hold a public hearing, consider and act upon a request for a variance to Unified Development Code Article 5, Section 21.5.7.13 Dimensional Requirements, Non-Residential Zoning Districts, in order to permit structures that exceed 35 feet in height in the Public Use zoning district, located at 12191 Ray Corbett Drive, City of Schertz, Bexar County, Texas. Mrs. Gould gave a presentation to the Board, indicating that the requested height variance is to allow for an elevated water storage tank that is proposed to be a maximum height of 225 feet. She explained that Article 5 Section 21.5.7.13 lists the maximum allowed height for the Public Use District at 35 feet. She indicated that the requested maximum height of 225 feet for the proposed water tank height is required in order for the tank to function as intended to provide water service to customers in the southern Schertz region. She described the site location for where the water tank is proposed. Mrs. Gould indicated that a public hearing notice was published in the San Antonio Express on April 25, 2018 and that on April 27, 2018, a total of eight (8) notices were mailed to the surrounding property owners. At the time of the staff report, two inquiries were received, however Minutes Board of Adjustment May 21, 2018 Page 1 of 4 no written responses were received indicating objection or support for the project. Mrs. Gould presented the draft site plan for the project and summarized elements proposed with the site plan that is currently being processed by the City. She indicated that the requested height variance complies with the approval criteria for granting a variance. Staff recommended approval of BOA 2018-001. Mr. McClelland introduced himself and explained to the Board pressure zones in the City and discussed tank elevations for existing tanks and the proposed tank site. He mentioned that the pressure ranges need to be approximately the same. He also provided a little history regarding how the City selected the project site and coordinated with Randolph Air Force Base to ultimately wind up with the current proposed site. Mr. McClelland indicated that the City is confident that FAA will be supportive of the proposed tank and location. Mr. Dziewit opened the public hearing at 6:14 P.M. Mr. James Hererra, 12020 Schaefer Road, mentioned that he owns Shady Oaks Ranch, right next to the subject site. He indicated that he lives there and also hosts corporate picnics and weddings at his property. He mentioned that he was not consulted by Engineering and expressed concern about the aesthetics of the water tower having an effect on his property value. He also suggested that the water tower location should be reversed and indicated that he disagrees with the proposed location for the water tower. Mr. Ernest Marshall, 12198 Schaefer Road, mentioned that he resides next to Mr. Hererra. He mentioned that the City did not reach out to him and that he heard from his neighbor. He was hoping that the tank would be moved further away from his property line. He also commented about livestock on his property and wondered about fencing around the tank. He wondered his fence would be replaced with the project. Mr. Dziewit closed the public hearing at 6:49 P.M. Mr. McClelland responded to some of the comments made. He mentioned that there will be an 8- foot tall fencecrete masonry wall along one of the property lines and around other areas of the project site. He also pointed out areas that will include chain link fencing. Mr. McClelland explained that the proposed location of the tower is so that it will be as far away from Ray Corbett Drive as possible. He also explained that this new water tower will make the water system more reliable for residents in southern Schertz. He discussed distances of the tower location from adjacent properties, including Mr. Hererra's and Mr. Marshall's properties. Mr. Hartzog asked about the proposed elevation compared to the height of the tower off Live Oak. Mr. McClelland explained the topography of the sites and the site selection process and explained that the proposed site is at a lower elevation, so the height of the water tower being proposed is higher than the tower off Live Oak. Mr. Clelland also mentioned how it is best to locate the water source as close to customers as possible. Ms. Salas asked about whether there were other proposed sites for the water tower and wondered why this specific location was selected. What are the other proposed sites and what are the impacts to the surrounding properties of those other sites? Mr. McClelland explained the site selection process and how the site is in the no conflict zone. He mentioned a memo that the City received from Randolph in 2017. Minutes Board of Adjustment May 21, 2018 Page 2 of 4 Ms. Salas wanted to know what other options are. Mr. Brian James explained that the challenge that the City has is we have a system for water service that is spread throughout the community to service the public. A series of elevated and ground storage tanks is part of the water system for the City and that it cannot be all from a centralized source. He gave a summary about the site selection process and explained that if we changed the location to a different location, then another resident would complain. He indicated that the City has not typically done condemnation where we can help it. Ms. Salas said she has not heard that there were other options available and is still wondering if other options were looked at. Mr. James indicated that the City looked at a series of other sites throughout southern Schertz, but the other sites were eliminated due to conflict with flight paths of Randolph. He said that the City worked closely with Randolph, who indicated that we would not have an issue obtaining FAA's approval. Mr. James confirmed that the City looked at a series of sites with property owners willing to sell and the City tries to look for willing sellers to avoid condemnation. Mr. Dziewit commented about engaging the public and how it may have resulted in a more positive outcome for the adjacent property owners. Mr. James responded indicating using the example of a sewer lift station, nobody wants that near them. And fundamentally with an elevated storage tank, staff is not going to try to minimize the impacts of an elevated tank. If you move it away from one person, you move it closer to another resident. He is not sure if changing the location of the tank really changes the impact it has. Mr. Dziewit indicated that the Board is looking at height, not location. Mr. Hartzog confirmed that is correct and made a motion to approve the request. He indicated that if they disapprove it, they would have to consider it for a different location anyways. Mr. Hartzog moved to approve the variance. Mr. Reynolds seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0. Motion carried. A. Announcements by Members Mr. Hartzog mentioned attending the Main Street event and said it was interesting, with a lot of vendors and food trucks. He said it was fun. Mr. Dziewit asked about continuing education. Mr. Cox mentioned that staff is working with the City Attorney on training for the Board for next meeting or meeting after. B. Announcements by City Staff Mr. Cox mentioned the packets included CCAB summaries and said staff will email out summaries in the future. He also mentioned the upcoming Council on the Go meeting. Mr. Hartzog expressed that he likes information being emailed out to the Board. He also mentioned the roadway impact fees that were adopted by City Council. He also asked about the "What's Developing in Schertz" feature on the City's website. Bryce walked the Board through how to access the interactive GIS map that shows all projects under construction. Minutes Board of Adjustment May 21, 2018 Page 3 of 4 The meeting adjourned at 6:59 P.M. CKat an, Board of Adfustment Minutes Board of Adjustment May 21, 2018 Page 4 of 4 Record)� g ecretary, City of Schertz