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03-13-2000BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING March 13, 2000 The Schertz Boazd of Adjustment convened in regulaz session on Monday, Mazch 13, 2000, at 6:30 p.rn. in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were as follows: BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Eazl Hartzog, Chairman Norman Slocum, alternate Kathy Hill James Hazden, alternate Joyce Briscoe, P & Z, Representative MEMBERS ABSENT Ted Duigon (family related) Peggy Brown (work related) James Harris (family related) #1 CALL TO ORDER CITY STAFF Steve Simonson, Asst. City Manager Mazy Ybarra, Planning & Recording Secretary OTHERS PRESENT Glenn Mueller, SCUC ISD Chairman Hartzog called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and reported that several regular members aren't present. However, the board's alternate members are present. At this time, Eazl Hartzog welcomed and introduced James Hazden newly appointed alternate member, and acting alternate member Norman Slocum. Others present were, Kathy Hall board member, Joyce Briscoe ex-officio Planning & Zoning Commission, Steve Simonson, asst. city manager/planning coordinator, and Mary Ybazra recording secretary. #2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular sessions of January 31, 2000 and February 14, 2000. Chairman Hartzog asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of January 31, 2000 and February 14, 2000. With none voiced, a motion was made by Kathy Hill and seconded by James Harden to approve the minutes of January 31, and February 14, 2000. With a vote being called, the vote was as follows: Ayes: Earl Hartzog, Norman Slocum and Kathy Hill Abstained: James Harden Motion approved #3 Public Hearing: Request from Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (SCUC ISD) for a special exception to the Zoning Ordinance to encroach 15' into the 25' front yard setback for placement of portable classrooms at Samuel Clemens High School, Elbel Road, Schertz, Texas. Chairman Hartzog stated that the purpose of the public hearing is to receive comments from interested citizens. The Board of Adjustment will take all comments into consideration in making their decision. After the public hearing is closed there will be no other comments taken from the citizens on this matter. Earl Hartzog asked for staff input. Steve Simonson stated that in accordance with the city ordinance six (6) letters were sent out to property owners within a 200' radius of said property. Of the letters sent none were returned. There were several calls that city staff was able to resolve the questions with no problems. Steve Simonson added that this is a straightforward request and as indicated it shows the encroachment into the front yard setback. It is approximately 15' into the 2 setback, which leaves 10' to the property line, and another 10' to the curb of the property, actually being 20' back from the curb to the portable building. Joyce Briscoe stated for the record, she had not participated in discussion or the vote on the agenda item due to her employment with the school district. Joyce added that the meeting generated very little discussion, however the Commission questioned, "how was the district planning to resolve the problem of the portables". Joyce commented that it's a known fact that a bond election is scheduled for May 6~' to address the issue of a new high school. Earl Hartzog asked if the City of Schertz required special permits for placement of portable buildings, and was advised that a building permit would be issued, and it wasn't necessary to issue a special permit. In further discussion, the question was raised; if more portable classrooms were needed would another request be necessary? Steve Simonson commented that only if the classrooms would encroach and as indicated on the drawing there are four buildings and one building is encroaching. If the building would continue towazd the ball field areas and start encroaching again, this would have to be a new request. Mr. Glenn Mueller representative for the SCUC ISD stated that the reason for the placement of the portable classrooms in this manner is that it's the most efFicient way to utilize the azea at this time, less electrical hook-ups, Nandi-cap ramps, and walkways. It also allows for more room for future additions. The set-up according to Mr. Herb Rebmann should be adequate until the year 2004 depending on the bond issue passing scheduled for this May and a new high school coming on line. Earl Hartzog commented that there are poles at the end of one of the walkways, are these poles going to affect the placement of the portable classrooms? Mr. Mueller replied no, all the electrical is in place for the buildings at this time, the poles are close, however are not a problem. 3 Kathy Hill asked, "how close are the buildings from the circular driveway exit" and would visibility be obstructed. Mr. Mueller stated that the distance is approximately 20 to 25 feet from the street. Norman Slocum asked, "is the district required to do any type of surveys for safety or emergency, etc.," (i.e. evacuation from building or safety access to the building for the students). Mr. Mueller stated that the buildings are set, as far as fire exits, 20 feet apart and according to fire codes the distance is adequate. Mr. Mueller added that Mr. Outlaw, Fire Department and Mr. Truitt, Inspection Department have pre-approved the plat as of last year, with the first phase of portable classrooms. The fire exits are legal, which are double the amount needed in fire exits and pathways. A full fire alarm system is in place, telephone in every room, public address system in rooms and meet all codes and more. Norman Slocum commented that he would re-phrase his question. "Is there a type of survey required for EMS access to the building in case of an emergency? Mr. Mueller replied, "he could not answer the question." James Harden commented that if the first sets of building are single portables, is there any reason why singles could not be utilized instead of double portables? Mr. Mueller stated that single portables aren't made any longer due to the buildings having to be 20 feet apart, it isn't cost effective to place single portables. Earl Hartzog commented that the purpose of the setback is for safety. His concerns are; traffic of students, vehicles of inexperienced drivers, etc., is there plans for a fence along Elbel Road? Mr. Mueller stated that there would be a fence on the property line (along Elbel Road). The fence is not shown however it is part of the bond election. Earl commented that if a fence were placed, it would be after the bond election, sometime in the year 2004. With no further discussion, Chairman Hartzog closed the public hearing. 4 #4 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Request on the above from Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (SCUC ISD). Earl Hartzog asked for discussion or comments at this time. James Harden commented that a fence along Elbel Road would be a good thing, due to the traffic flow of students to the portable classrooms. With no further discussion, a motion was made by Kathy Hill and seconded by Norman Slocum to approve the request from Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (SCUC ISD) for a special exception to the Zoning Ordinance to encroach 15' into the 25' front yard setback for placement of portable classrooms at Samuel Clemens High School, with the stipulation that a fence would be placed along Elbel Road for safety purposes. With a vote being called, the motion was approved. #4 GENERAL DISCUSSION: James Harden• James Harden provided information packet on water issue for Mr. Simonson's review. Norman Slocum• Norman stated that he would like to commend the board members that attended the January 31 ~` and February 14~' meetings. He believes that staff exceptionally supported the authority issue that was presented to the board, and added that he believes that from a long-term perspective the board precluded a dangerous precedent. He believes the right decision was made. Kathv Hill• 5 Kathy reported receiving her Census, which she has finished and mailed off. Joyice Briscoe: Joyce stated that in response to Norman's concerns of emergency vehicles, (fire trucks} and evacuation plan for the High School. She commented that the school conducts monthly fire drills. Both the main building and portables have a certain plan that is followed and believes there wouldn't be a problem getting emergency vehicles in the area. Precautions have been made such as telephones in each room and teachers have been provided with code words to be used in case of emergency. Steve Simonson Steve made mention of an article in the San Antonio Express News, political cartoon section, "Nacho Camacho." The City of Schertz is `mTacho Caxnacho" and it was quite funny. Steve also mentioned a proposal that would be introduced at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting tomorrow the 14th of March. The property is the last viable piece of property along Schertz Parkway, which has been purchased. The property extends from Maske Road to Ashley Place Unit 1. Steve added that the developer is new to the area and would be bringing something really different to area. There are plans for Garden Homes for one whole section, front porches, area park, large gazebo, hidden garages, old time street lights, a retro 40's look; other sections would be your traditional large lot upscale housing. Earl Hartzog• Earl mentioned that he will gone for three weeks starting May 6th. Earl welcomed and thanked James Harden for his attendance at the meeting. 6 #7 ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Hartzog adjourned the meeting at 7: 10 p.m. ~ ~ _ ~.. Board of Adjustment Chairman, Cit of Schertz, Texas ATTEST: /' o /lF~ ~~~.-~ Planning Secretary, City of Schertz