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04-26-1988 _ PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened in a regular session on Tuesday, April 26, 1988 at 7:00 P.M. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway. Those present were as follows: PLANNING & ZONING MEMBERS OTHERS PRESENT BOB ANDREWS, CHAIRMAN COUNCILMAN CHARLES SHARPS MERWIN WILLMAN EARL HARTZOG MARY MARSH BYRON NICHOLS GEORGE VICK CITY STAFF MEMBERS ABSENT STEVE SIMONSON, TY BRISGILL, VICE-CHAIRMAN ASST. CITY MANAGER KEITH VAN DINE, SECRETARY NORMA ALTHOUSE, KEN GREEtiTWALD, COUNCILMAN RECORDING SECY. #1 CALL TO ORDER Cl:airmar. Andrews called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. #2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Session April 12, 1988 Merwin Willman pointed vut that on Page 6, Fax-agraph 8, at the end cf the sentence where it says "the 3 spiral type approaches" the phrase should be changed to read "Note 3 . - Any access to FM ?~09 will have a spiral taper approach." Chairman Andrews asked that cn Page 6, Paragraph 5, the phrase "if the land isn't platted" be changed to read "if the land next tc it isn't platted". And Chairman Andrews also asked that on Page 7, Paragraph 4, first sentence, the phrase "~,-ith the intention of R-5A residences being built there" be changed to read "with R-5A residences to be built". Mary Marsh made a motion to approve the minutes, as amended, for the regular session April 12, 1988. Merwin Willman seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Motion carried. ~3 CITIZENS' INPUT OTHER THAN AGENDA ITEMS There was none. ~4 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Councilman Charles B. _ Sharpe - Request for Interpretation of Sign Ordinance, Jack Hays Overlay District, Concerning Political Signs along Jack Hays Boulevard Councilman Charles Sharpe was at the meeting to represent this request. Chairman Andrews asked if there was any Staff input and Steve Simcnscn replied there was none. Councilman Sharpe informed the Commissian he had seen Byrcn I~~iclzols, whc is running for the school board, putting up a sign along Jack Hays Boulevard. Gpon stopping tc talk with the Mr. ~'ichels, Councilman Sharpe said he fcund out permission from the property owner had been obtained to put up the sign. Mr. Sharpe said then the next day when he went by, the sign was down. Mr. Sharpe commented he had thought to himself that's a good place for a sign, but was aware of the overlay district on Jack Hays Boulevard and so he came into City Hall and asl~ed for an interpretation cf the Sign Ordinance concerning political signs along Jack Hays Boulevard. Mr. Sharpe noted that as a result of t}~at conversation, the interpr_etaticn by the Cit~° empleyee almost seemed to completely rule out the use cf political signs cn private property. Councilman Sharpe said after a review of the ordinance, he could understand how that ruling by the empleyee was made in a r~asonabl~ manner, however, ha didn't thinly it was the intent of the Planning and Zcning Commission to deL~rive citizens seeking an elected office from placing signs in the overlay district. Mr. Sharpe said he talked the matter ever with Mr. Gilmore, the City ?a:~agcr, and it was suggested he came before the Planning and Zoning C:JmmiSSlOn and make a request for an interpretation cf the ~uinance . Councilman Sharpe and Byron Nic'hcls both submitted letters asking for an interpretation cf the ordinance concerning political signs in the overlay district. Mr. Sharpe also submitted a letter requesting permission tc place nc more than ten (10) signs along both Jack Hays Boulevard and Schertz Parkway and said he would like tc make that request cn behalf cf all the local candidates running for office in the upcoming election. Merwin t~'illman commented he didn't see where there was any question about political signs being allowed in the overlay district, but the person needs to come before Planning and Zoning and get permission to put up these signs. Councilman Sharpe pointed cut he is a big supp::rter of the Sign Ordinance, but in his opinion, the ordinance includes political signs ir. the same category as bandit signs, and he thinks a little refinement is needed. -2- Merwin Willman indicated that the Overlay District Section in the Zoning Ordinance takes precedence over the Sign Ordinance-:= Mr. Willman also stated he didn't see .any reason not to: appr;cs;~ez~ the request which now includes all candidates. Councilman Sharpe suggested that in the future it might be a good idea, cbhen a candidate files for election, to hand cut the applicable excerpt from the ordinance in regard to political signs. Byron Nichols informed the Commission that an open forum for the candidates had been held at the Bluebonnet Palace and no one except the candidates showed up. Mr. Nichols also pointed out that an open ferum had been held at the school for thi~-ca-ri~da~es .and ne one was there except the candidate's wives and-children. Mr. Nichols asked the Commission, because of the extreme apathy :.:n the part cf voters, to lock at signage favorably. Mr. Nichols said he felt twat at least if a number of signs were out, it micfht encourage some of the citizens tc vote. Chairnta:a I~ndrews assured Mr. Nichols the Planning and Zoning Commission is not against political signs, they are merely trying to rlai.ntain some form of ccntr~ol over them. Merwin r,~'illman made a motion to approve t`he request from Coa<c~i].n:an Sharpe to allow each political candidate, in a to^al election, to place no more than ten (10) signs along both Jack i~a~-s Boulevard and Sc)~ertz Parkway. Tlie candidate must have the permission of the property owner to put up the signs, the signs :lust net be in the right.-cf-way of any street or road, ar.d all . signs mLast be r~~mcved net later than May 10, 1988. George Vic!.' seconded the motion a.rd the vote was unanimous in favor, Motion carried. ~ Ct:~'SIDER AP~TD MAEiE RECQMMENDATIDII?: Establ i-shment of a Special Signage District Merwin Willman had prepared an amendment to the Sign Ordinance with two options for-the Commission to consider. The first option addresses the current problem, making motorists traveling F^a 78 aware of the businesses cn Main Street. The second option is more dctaiied. It establishes the purpose for the special sign district and the procedures to establish a district. It also establishes a special sign district along one side of Main Street. Mary Marsh asked why we need a special sign district and was informed that several of those who have businesses along Main Stroet have expressed a desire tc have signs facing FM ?8. Merwin ~~Tillman commented he can foresee someday needing a special sign district along the railroad right-of-way of FM 78. -3- , Steve Simonson suggested that maybe, since a special sign _ district along the railroad right-of-way of FM 78 can be foreseen, the Commission would like to ge ahead and take care of it now. Mr. Simonson said it could be done by changing the basic short option to include the area along the railroad right-of-way cf FM 7~ from Cibalc Crook to Dietz Creek. Mr. Simonsen went on tc say none cf the businesses would be facing the railroad and they would all need signage facing FM 7°. There was a brief discussion cn whether_ ;;r net growth along that particular area is anticipated in the near future or in the very distant future. Merwin Willman said, in his opinion, grcwtll in that area would be a long time ;:coring. Mary Marsh indicated she was prone to agree with Merwin Willman and made a motion tc recommend to City Ccurcil approval of Option an amendment to the Sign Ordinance 36-5-2° adding a Main Street Special Sign District. (Copy attached) Merwin Willman seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Motion carried. #6 Cf1NSIDER AND MAKE RECQMMENDA~'ID~4: Discussion on Possibility of Public Hearing for Input cn Locating a Facility of the Texas Department of Corrections in the Schertz ?area Chairman nndrows informed the Commission he had spoken with Keith Van Dine, who was un~l;le to attend the meeting this evening, and M~~. Van Dine has asked that this item be tabled until he can be presont for the discussion. The Ccmrnission concurred with Mr. Vary Dine's request. #7 CQNSIDER AND FAKE AI"PR©PRIA'IE AC~Ii3l. Discussion on Updating the City Plan tpages through 9G) Tl;,e Commission roviewed the soctior~s on Transportation, S?~FES, and the Contral Business District and made their comments and suggestions. Steve Simonson asked that the section on the Folice Department be postponed for review the nett time in order to give him an opportunity to obtain all the necessary information. NIr. Sirnonscn did inform the Commission that the new g-1-1 system should be installed sometime this summer and that the City ras already purchased the TLETS II Upgrade for the Police Department and is ready to gc cn line with the new system as soon as the physical switchover can be made. Mary Marsh commented she would have the section on the Fire Department ready for review at the next meting. She had also mentioned the section on the Library, but Earl Hartzog, wro was present at the meeting, said a professional from the State is visiting the library on May ?3th to advise them on some things -4- and so Mary,. Marsh informed him the library could wait to give her their information until after May 13th if they wanted. Because cf the number. of Commissioners absent, it was decided not to ccntinue with .the review of the remainder of the City Plan until the next meeting. #8 GENERAL DISCUSSION Mary Marsh expressed her pleasure at seeing the City of_Schertz sign on FM 78 finished and locking good. Mrs. Marsh said in ten years she would like to see lighted signs, similar to the one at Samuel Clemens high School, at all the entrances tc the City. George Vick brought up the fallowing: (1) Als: said the City of Schertz sign looks good and observed that some ether cities have their population on their signs and some have the logos of the various crganizaticns in the city such as the Lions Club on their signs. (Some cf the Commissicners thcught it might be a good idea to allow organizations to display their Logos on the City of Schertz sign.) (2) Tcld Stet=e Simonson the sprirkl~r head at the far corner was net sL~~~inliling, the water was gushing :;ut. (Mr. Simcnscn said they- aro still making adjustments.) (3) Asked about the latest infcrmation on the ccfferdam at the FM 78 railroad bridge. (Steve Simonson said he had spoken ~~~ith them and they= aro e~;pecting to be out at the end of May . ) Mr . Vick said he had spoken with some of the workers and they said they don`t expect to have to clean it up. (Steve Simonson said the enginee~• in San Antcnio had tcld him they would be cut and cleaned up by the erd of May. Mr. Simonson said the man's name with Southern Pacific, fer anyone who wants to contact him, is Mr . BLtdd . ) (4) Asked if any of the workshops offered in the "Sur_cessful Communities" brochure would be worthwhile fer somecne to attend. (Merwir. [n~illman ccmmented he thought they cost too much. Mr. Trdi 1 loran went on to say that the wcrkshops that the local A . P . A . puts on are more geared to the Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission's needs.) Merwin G~iilman brought up the fallowing (1) At 816 Brooks, there are signs advertising lawnmower repair and lawnmowers for sale. (2) At 402 Brooks, it is time the cwner is asked to move the g•~oseneck_ trailer parked in the yard. (3) Asked about the "lawnmower junkyard" at 306 Winburn. (Steve Simonscn said a letter had been sent tc the property owner giving -5- him a certain amount of time to comply and also a letter had been sent denying his-request for a home occupation permit.) George Vick remarked that in several sections of the City it Looks like people have an auto repair shop in their driveway and asked if the City could do anything about them. Steve Simonsen said he feels the position of the City is that if the person advertises or there are complaints by citizens, then the City will investigate the problem, but they are not going to go snooping. Steve Simonson brought up the following: (Z) He had received a call from the Highway Department telling him they are going to be upgrading the Schertz Parkway and FM 3009 overpasses with four lanes plus dual Left turns and sidewalks. (2) There have been numerous inquiries about the proliferation of items (vehicles, etc.) advertised for sale along Jack Hays Boulevard. Each Commission member received a copy of a proposed "NOTICE" which has been written up to try and held: deter that activity. (Copy Attached) (3) There has been a request from some citizens for a means of turning around at the Post Office by making a cut across the island so you can come out on Lindbergh. Mr. Simonsen said he is dead set against it because of the traffic hazards, but he gave a map outlining the proposal to the Commissioners and asked that they Look it cve.r. Mr. Simonson also recommended it be - placed cn the agenda of the nett meeting for discussion. ( ~r ) Said the City is looking for a pool n.anager for the summer and if anyone knows of someone who may be interested, please let him knew. Speaking of the pool, Chairman Andrews asked what happened to the c-~ncession stand that Mr. Lavelady built. Nc one seemed to know anything about it, but Councilman Sharpe did say he thought he remembered the City had signed a contract with Mr. Lovelady in the past whereby he had agreed to run the concession stand for a given period of time. (5) Reminded everyone of the dedication of the Schertz Parkway at 9:00 A.M. Saturday, April 30th. Councilman Sharpe commented that in regard to the City of Schertz sign, the Schertz Business Club and GVEC were also largely responsible for getting it revitalized. Mr. Sharpe also said he would like tc recommend Gary Bricken as a possible member for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Steve Simonson suggested Mr. Sharpe have Gary Bricken fill cut an application. -6- ~9 ADJOURNMENT Chairman Andrews--adjourned the meeting at 8:45 P.M. The next regularly scheduled meeting is May 10, 1988. -7-