ccwks 06-09-04
COUNCIL - WORKSHOP SESSION
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2004
The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday, June 9,
2004 at 7:00 pm in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal Baldwin
presiding, Councilmembers Carl Douglas, Steve Simonson, Reginna Agee, and Ken
Greenwald. Councilmember Wilenchik absent. Staff members present City
Manager Mark Marquez and Deputy City Secretary Mary Ybarra.
Mayor Baldwin welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Robert Brockman. 4505 Grand Forest had the following comments:
. Stated he was upset with feedback information he has heard relative to proposed
EMS contract (two proposals), which he was surprised to learn there were two.
However, received clarification from Commissioner Wolverton on the issue. He
hopes the City doesn't short change itself, because he also heard that the City
may be put in position to go out on it's own. Mayor Baldwin advised Mr.
Brockman that he might want to sit down with Dudley Wait, EMS Director and
let him explain the details.
City Manager Marquez explained that the wheels have been set in motion;
meetings are ongoing with surrounding cities to establish a coalition, and
meetings with County Commissioners, Copland and Guadarrama are ongoing. He
stated the City would not short itself.
#2 Discussion and possible action regarding sign variance appeal from Mark
Roberts.
City Manager Marquez reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission met and
denied the request. This is first sign variance appeal coming to Council since amending
the sign ordinance. Council packet contains all information regarding the request. He
added that the City currently has an ordinance prohibiting LED signage and recommends
disapproval. If variance is approval he believes it would reduce the prohibition of these
signs, and asks Council to consider the prohibition; is it worthy of a variance? Staff is
also recommending disapproval.
Councilmember Douglas asked what is the issue, it square footage or electronics? He was
advised electronics. If that is the case, why does Schertz Bank on IH-35 have an
electronic sign? The banks variance request at that time was a height issue; electronic
signage was authorized with the exception ofFM3009 and Schertz Parkway, which were
Overlay Districts. The two LED signs on FM 3009 were authorized in error, when I held
the position as City Planner, stated Councilmember Simonson. However, it was
mentioned that one of the signs was approved in a site plan, indicating channel lettering,
but at time of permitting presented a site plan with LED signage. Since then, (1999) the
ordinance has been amended to prohibit LED signage throughout the City.
In brief discussion, the question of why are LED signs prohibited was raised. In the
current City ordinance (excerpt was read) relative to Mr. Roberts sign request, the sign
does not fit the criterion, sign will not flash, scroll, it would mainly be a community,
neighborhood message board. The sign is illuminated from within and message would
display on a timer, message staying for short intervals that are programmable. Sign fronts
Borgfeld Road and can be seen from the corner ofFM 3009. Mayor Baldwin said that in
his opinion this type of sign is better than change board signs. This type of sign is neat,
clean and off a side road and he doesn't see a problem with it.
City Manager Marquez stated that if Council approves the signage, does it send a
message to the Planning and Zoning Commission to make a change to the prohibition.
Mayor Baldwin commented that Planning and Zoning is the enforcer of established
ordinances, however Council has authority to make the exceptions as part of the appeal
process, and is not looking to change the current process.
Without further comment, Councilmember Douglas moved to approve the sign variance
for Mark Roberts based on the criterion presented and documentation presented.
Councilmember Agee seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, and Agee.
NAY: Councilmember Greenwald.
#3 Discussion regarding installation of wall/shrubbery at the Park at Woodland
Oaks.
City Manager Marquez informed Council that agenda item comes at the request of
Councilmember Douglas and deferred comment to Councilmember Douglas.
Councilmember Douglas reminded Council of a previous meeting where Will Brown
Woodland Oak HOA, informed Council of homeowner concerns relative to basketball
court and issues such as noise, curfew and basketballs ending up in backyards. For this
reason, the item was placed for discussion.
He went on to say that after meeting with Gail Douglas, Community Services Director he
found that Council had been misinformed on many concerns, as an example many
basketballs ending up in backyards, only to find out it happen on one occasion. He
mentioned the possibility of a curfew as a fix, which he is totally against. The park is a
city park for everyone's use. He totally agrees with the suggestion of planting fast
growing shrubbery. In addition there is also a request for placement of a wall of some
kind. Wall material plus labor would cost approximately 20,000 dollars, not including
shrubbery. If wall were implemented the next thing coming forward to Council would be
concerns relative to climbing, safety hazard, etc. Is the solution wall placement, maybe
not when considering the expense and heartaches? He reiterated that he is in favor of
shrubbery placement and issues such as noise, curfew time, etc.; there are City
Ordinances currently in place to cover such issues.
It was Council consensus that letter be sent to HOA explaining Council direction on the
Issue.
At this time, Mayor Baldwin commented that item #5 would be next on the agenda.
#5 Discussion regarding tax freeze.
City Manager Marquez stated he still remains negative on the issue, and does not
recommend it. The information in Council packet is simply a refresher of options to
consider; pass the freeze; referendum and possibly increase to current exemption by
$5,000.
Brief discussion followed on several options, however suggests were that options (not tax
freeze) would be researched; such as checking the criteria of all the exemptions;
disabilities, etc., with the focus being on the over 65, and bring forward with
recommendation for Council consideration.
#6 Public Works Update.
City Manager Marquez advised that Sam Willoughby, Public Words Director and Larry
Dublin, City Engineer would be reporting on the various public works projects. The
following projects are ongoing:
Dietz Creek (FEMA) Drainage Channel- over 50% of Elbel Bridge is complete and
walls should be coming up when it stops raining.
Upper Dietz Creek Drainage Channel-90% of utilities have been relocated, looking at
move diet possibly in the next two weeks.
Green Valley CCN Swap- waiting for response from area notification.
NPDES II Permit-ongoing
GIS System-ongoing
Master Sewer Plan (Town Creek)-reviewing numbers.
Street and Drainage Master Plan-Borgfeld drainage/Road improvements-going out for
designs, project is a 12 month project; other projects are ongoing.
PID Creation and Road Design-moving dirt and TXDOT would start construction of
traffic light 1 st of August.
IH-35 Emergency Sub-Station-Have gone out for bids and hope to start by July 1 st.
Public Works In-House Projects-Very busy with ongoing City projects and the day-to-
day schedule.
Councilmember Simonson inquired on status of Lower Seguin Road project. He was
advised the project has been started. Work starting from Women Hollering Creek to the
bridge; road is closed for the time being.
#4 Discussion of recreational facilities on newly acquired property.
Gail Douglas, Community Services Director explained the information booklet as part of
Council packet is the City's wish list, which has been complied to produce a preliminary
master plan for City by Land Design Partners (architects). A large design map of the
proposed preliminary master plan was introduced. She pointed to the various layout
designs, indicating the first phase; ball fields (behind the Community Center and Church
property), she added that the bottom of drainage channel would be utilized as walking
and maintenance trails; also taking advantage of channel for a placement of skate park, of
which equipment can simply be moved in the event of flooding. There is also a proposed
Library; multi-use center and amphitheater; dog park; spray park; volleyball courts; duck
pond; and town center concept (architecture style). Of course the design is only a
concept to consider for future development.
She went on to say that if Council approves the preliminary master plan, it could be put in
the City's 5 to 10 year plan, however she would like to see in it in a 5-year plan,
beginning with ball fields. She believes the concept was well documented and cost for the
plan was $2,400 dollars. The architects have come up with a wonderful plan, giving the
City an opportunity to do it in phases. They also are interested in creating a master plan;
which is a necessity when applying for grants. The City is eligible for a $500,000 dollar
grant and also a trail grant. She believes the City can do this and would like to see it in a
5-year plan.
It was Council consensus to have architects take a look at all city parks and come up with
a plan for recreational facilities throughout the City. Again, Council reiterated on a job
well done, it's an excellent design layout.
#7 Discuss final reading of Ordinance rezoning 693.53 acres from
Residential/Agricultural (A-A) to 76.38 acres General Business (GB) and to 617.15
acres Manufacturing District-Light (M-l).
City Manager Marquez noted changes had been done relative to the number of acreage in
the Graytown area and there were no other changes. Council would be ready to consider
Ordinance at next Tuesday night's meeting.
#8 Discuss final reading of Ordinance regarding a Tax Abatement Agreement
for and with L.O. Apartments LTD (formerly Legacy Oaks Apartments).
City Manager Marquez stated the matter is pretty straightforward; the name change is the
only change to the Ordinance. Council would be ready to consider the matter at next
Tuesday night's meeting.
#9 Discuss public hearing scheduled for June 15, 2004 on a request from Ernest
Gonzales for a Specific Use Permit for Block 1, Lot 2, Pecan Street Center Addition
to allow the location of an office/warehouse facility in the Air Installation
Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ).
City Manager Marquez stated the only issue before Council this evening is setting public
hearing date on specific use permit from Ernest Gonzales. Council would be ready to take
action on setting public hearing date at next Tuesday night's meeting.
#10 Items by City Manager
General Announcement
. Commented that President Reagan passed away last Saturday; funeral is Friday
and many businesses and public facilities are closing. Does Council believe it's
appropriate to have City Hall close that day? He recommends closing and going
to a Sunday schedule. Council had no problem with closing to City Hall.
. Reported Chuck Balcar, is not doing well, his prognosis is not real good.
. Reported on meeting with Edmund Kuempel relative to legislative agenda issues.
Council will have a report included in their Friday packets. Ten to twelve topics
were discussed such as; one-way traffic as opposed to two-way on frontage road
along IH-35; platting issues, etc.
. Called attention to FYI item, number of phone calls received in the month May.
#11 Items by Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison EDC
Liaison-Schertz Library Board
. Reported that Library Board had met last evening and found it very
informative. After listening to the volume of usage in our Library, he
would be first in line to vote and support a new Library system. The
Library is busting at the seams as well as staff is very cramped.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVY A
. Reported BVY A hasn't met for three months, everyone is busying trying
to make up rain date games.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
. No comment.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
Ex-officio- TSAC
. Was not present.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P & Z Commission
Ex-officio SSLG Corp.
. Planning and Zoning Commission met last evening, relative short meeting only
lasting approximately 2 hours.
. Attended Savannah Square HOA meeting last Monday evening with City
Manager, and Chief Starr. The questions were pretty standard and for the most
part everyone is pleased.
#12 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
. Commented that Church signage is still up on Schertz Parkway. If it
exceeds the City Ordinance why is the sign still up.
. Stated that he is a proud grandfather of his second grandchild; Matthew
Austin born at 8:30 am this morning.
#13 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
. Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
Ex-officio-TSAC
. Was not present.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P & Z Commission
Ex-officio SSLG Corp.
. Planning and Zoning Commission met last evening, relative short meeting only
lasting approximately 2 hours.
. Attended Savannah Square HOA meeting last Monday evening with City
Manager, and Chief Starr. The questions were pretty standard and for the most
part everyone is pleased.
#12 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
. . Commented that Church signage is still up on Schertz Parkway. If it
exceeds the City Ordinance why is the sign still up.
. Stated that he is a proud grandfather of his second grandchild; Matthew
Austin born at 8:30 am this morning.
#13 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Mayor, City 0
ATTEST:
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retary, City of Schertz, Texas
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