02-26-2002Planning and Zoning Minutes
February 26, 2002
The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened in a regular session on February 26,
2002 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Complex at Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway,
Schertz, Texas.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
David Richmond, Chairman
Ernie Evans, Vice -Chair
Ken Greenwald, ex- officio
Tony Moreno
Keith Van Dine
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Joyce Briscoe
William Sommers
Gary Wallace
CITY STAFF
Ron Youngblood, City Planner
Misty Nichols, Recording Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT
Sam Bledsoe, MBC Engineers
Robert Brockman, 4505 Grand Forest
Rene De La Cruz, 7055 Pipestone
Larry Hunt, 1400 FM 1518
Mary Sittenauer, 713 Marilyn Dr.
Alan Lindskog, CEC Engineers
#1 Call to Order: Chairman Richmond called the regular session of February 26,
2002 to order at 7:01 p.m.
#2 Approval of Minutes: There were none.
#3 Status of Final Plats: Savannah Elementary School has been signed and is ready
to be recorded.
#4 BOA Actions: There are none at this time.
#5 Citizens' Input Other Than Agenda Items; Mary Sittenauer stated she has
concerns about the bridge drainage issue at Live Oak Rd. and Schertz Parkway. Mr.
Youngblood stated that the remaining area of West Dietz Creek is being looked at by our City
Engineers. Ms. Sittenauer stated last November the residents were told it would take
approximately two months for the creek to be cleaned out; she is concerned with why she has
not yet seen any progress. Mr. Youngblood then explained the City is in the process of
negotiating an offer with three property owners. Once these properties are acquired the City,
will then have an idea when construction will begin. Mr. Youngblood then explained that City
Council's number one priority is storm water run off. Ms. Sittenauer then thanked the
Commission for the helpful information.
#6 Consider and Take Appropriate Action: On a request from MBC Engineers for
site plan approval of Forest Ridge Unit 6 (PC# 511 -02).
Mr. Youngblood stated this is not a site plan; therefore, we will not be able to take action on
this tonight. The Commission, however, may make any comments or suggestions on the plat in
order for this to be ready for approval at the next Planning and Zoning Meeting.
Mr. Youngblood explained the City staff has gone over the plat and MBC has made the
corrections as requested by staff. There is still a concern with the lot lines that go through the
private road (lots 25 -31); the small island between Wiederstein Rd. and the private drive may
cause a problem. Mr. Youngblood asked Commissioners to provide possible alternatives to
the problem.
Mr. Evans stated there is a thirty -foot G.V.E.0 easement; a note on the plat must state that the
homeowner may not build in this easement.
Mr. Evans also stated his concern on the street naming of Deep Springs Pass, Blue Forest Dr.,
and Monument Pass. He would like to see what looks like one street named as one street.
Mr. Youngblood stated the staff is going to have a meeting to determine what Bexar Metro 911
requires for addresses and how to determine when streets should carry a separate name. At
that time the staff will be better equipped to explain the reasoning behind this.
Mr. Moreno asked if the parkland dedication, which is planned to become a public hike and
bike trail, needs an outlet. He then asked the staff where this path will end.
Mr. Youngblood explained the path would have a good connection with Schertz Parkway when
it is completed.
The Commissioners discussed three lots in question (lot #'s 4,5,6 of block #55) and agreed
these lots cannot be sold as they are part of the utility easement
Chairman Richmond asked if Mr. Bledsoe might be able to explain the plan for the island and
the G.V.E.0 easement.
Mr. Bledsoe explained the G.V.E.0 easement is a 30 -foot easement for wooden poles.
Chairman Richmond asked for a note to be added to the plat that no structure would be built in
the easement. Mr. Bledsoe did not see a problem with making a note on the plat.
Mr. Bledsoe then explained to the Commissioners in lots 25 through 31 the property line
extends to Wiederstein Rd. because each property owns that portion of the island as well that
portion of the private road. Although the Commissioners did not care for this idea they did
agree this would be the only solution in order to access these lots with few curb cuts onto
Wiederstein Rd.
Mr. Evans pointed out that lot 1 o Blue Forest Pass, lot 24 on Monument Pass, and lot 24 on
Deep Springs Pass need to have noted on them the 1' foot non - access easement.
#7 Consider and Take Appropriate Action: On a request from Larry W. Hunt for site
plan approval on two warehouse buildings (PC# 510 -02).
Mr. Youngblood stated the staff had no comments or concerns on this site plan.
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Mr. Evans asked about a document from Ford Engineering stating the proposed
office /warehouse is not 30' from the edge of pavement on FM1518. Mr. Youngblood stated the
staff has looked closely at this and the proposed 25' setback with an additional 5' inside fence
line adds up to the 30' setback.
Mr. Evans asked if the drainage issue for this area had been considered. Mr. Hunt responded
by explaining he is working closely with TxDOT on this matter. He explained he will be
installing a drainage pipe at each concrete apron; otherwise, there will be no other drainage
construction on this property. Mr. Hunt did state the Seventh Day Adventist Church is in the
process of making the existing drainage channel deeper in order for better flow.
Mr. Evans asked if the existing Persimmon trees would remain and if the fencing would be
wrought iron. Mr. Hunt explained the Persimmon trees would stay although there are some
Mesquite trees that will be taken down. The fence will be chain link in back and on the side
opposite FM1518. There will be a rail fence facing FM1518 unless crime increases; in that
case, the fence will become wrought iron.
Tony Moreno moved to approve the site plan for Larry Hunt Properties at FM1518. Keith Van
Dine seconded the motion. A vote was taken. The motion carried.
#8 Consider and Take Appropriate Action: On a request from Ransor Inc. for site
plan approval on a Telecommunications Tower (PC# 509 -02).
Mr. Youngblood explained this is a unique situation. Initially Ransor installed a tower with a
temporary permit approved by the City. The permit time has now lapsed. Now Ransor Inc. is
interested in making the tower a permanent structure. At issue is the tower's 60' height.
Vestal Steel is the only adjoining property that will be affected by this structure if it should ever
fall. Mr. De La Cruz explained this tower is made to withstand 85 mile per hour plus winds.
Mr. De La Cruz also explained this is a mono -pine pole made with concrete at a depth of
seventeen feet into the ground and 6 feet wide.
Mr. Youngblood stated the staff would like to see the engineering specs on this tower to
ensure it has been: designed properly. Mr. De La Cruz stated he would gather this information
and deliver it to the City.
Mr. Evans asked about this tower being removed when sold and replaced with another tower.
How can the City be assured that the same type tower always will be erected. Mr. De La Cruz
stated to the Commissioners that the intent is to keep this tower a permanent structure.
Chairman Richmond stated for various reasons the Commission only will approve this request
as a permanent structure.
After a brief discussion with the Commissioners it was decided to table this request to the next
meeting in order for the City to review engineering diagrams and specifications, and for Ransor
Inc. to improve the site map on the property.
Mr. Van Dine moved to table the request from Ransor Inc. until these requirements have been
met. Mr. Moreno seconded the motion. A vote was taken. The motion carried.
#9 Consider and Take Appropriate Action: On a request from CEC Engineers for
final approval on The Fairways of Scenic Hills Unit 1 (PC# 507 -01).
Mr. Youngblood stated The Fairways of Scenic Hills had been brought before the Planning and
Zoning Commission previously. He stated that Mr. Lindskog is here to explain why it is not
necessary for the cul -de -sac on St. Andrews to remain. Therefore, Mr. Lindskog would like to
replat this area to make lots 4 and 5.
Mr. Lindskog stated the cul -de -sac was only constructed temporarily for the model homes.
Mr. Evans asked if this subdivision is a continuation of the existing Scenic Hills Subdivision.
Mr. Lindskog explained The Fairways of Scenic Hills is a subdivision of its own.
Mr. Evans stated there is nothing that indicates the utility easement is in the middle of the
street. Mr. Lindskog stated a note will be on the plat stating that in addition to the streets being
a right of way they are also utility easements.
Mr. Evans asked about a note on the plat stating "concrete monuments shall be placed at all
block corners, angles, points, points of curve, and all corners of boundary lines as per
subdivision ordinance" Mr. Lindskog explained this note was on the original plat. He stated
he would remove it from this plat.
Mr. Evans also stated the lots that back up to Country Club Blvd. need to have a one foot non -
access easement. Mr. Lindskog stated this will be taken care of.
Mr. Van Dine moved to table the request from CEC Engineers so they can meet these
requirements. Mr. Moreno seconded the motion. A vote was taken. The motion carried. .
#10 Items by Commissioners and City Planner:
Ernie Evans: The construction on Schertz Parkway seems to be going well. He
suggested advance notification of road closures.
Ron Youngblood, City Planner: Stated the City has a new Public Information Officer, Tony
Wilson. Also, the City has a new Fire Chief, Elroy Friesenhahn, former Asst. Chief from New
Braunfels. The revised Article IX of the UDC, Sign Standards, has been scheduled for a public
hearing by City Council.
Tony Moreno: None
Keith Van Dine: Stated he believes the Building Official should ensure future "permanent"
structures such as the Ransor Inc. tower are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning
Commission before a temporary permit is issued.
David Richmond Stated the Comprehensive Land Plan and the revised Sign Standards
both are positive additions for the City. He also attended the Northeast Partnership meeting
with Mayor Hal Baldwin and City Manager Dewey P. Cashwell Jr. This was a good opportunity
to discuss our revised Sign Standards with nearby city officials.
He is interested in having the briefing Bret Keast of Wilbur Smith Associates gave to City
Council on the Comprehensive Land Plan used in paper form as an Executive Summary in the
Plan notebooks. Also, this Executive Summary would be a great handout for citizens and
prospective developers in Schertz
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Chairman Richmond would like to have on the next agenda the Green Valley Road issue to
discuss making a request to City Council to consider pursuing purchase of the needed
additional right of way for future widening of the road.
Ken Greenwald: Passed out some information to the Commissioners about L.C.R.A.
easement.
#11 General Discussion: In a brief discussion the Commissioners decided they would
have their regular meeting on March 12, 2002 rather than holding it a day earlier. Chairman
Richmond and Mr. Wallace cannot attend because of a Playscape organizational meeting at
the same time, but a Planning and Zoning quorum will be present.
Mr. Youngblood stated that Mr. Balcar from the City of Cibolo would like to have a possible
joint Planning and Zoning Meeting. Chairman Richmond stated April might be a more
appropriate time due to the present construction of the playscape.
#10 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:15pm.
Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission
ATTEST:
Planning Secretary, City of Schertz
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