01-24-1989 PLANNING AND ZONING MINOTES
:The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened in a regular.
session on Tuesday, January 24, 1989 at 7::00 P.M. in the
Municipal Complex Conference Room. Those present were as .
follows:
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION OTHERS PRESENT
MARY MARSH, VICE-CHAIRMAN JIM SHRIVER, SCHERTZ
KEITH VAN DINE, SECRETARY _ BUSINESS CLUB
MERWIN WILLMAN WILLIAM M. CARROLL,
BOB ANDREWS GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH
JOE POTEMPA CHUCK SHARPE
KEN GREENWALD, COUNCILMAN MR. & MRS. RAY MC MINN,
$EN`S BBQ & SMOKE HOUSE
MEMBERS ABSENT
CITY STAFF
TY BRISGILL, CHAIRMAN
GEORGE VICK STEVE SIMONSON, ASST.
CITY MANAGER
NORMA ALTHOUSE,
RECORDING SECY.
~1 CALL TO ORDER
In the absence of Chairman Ty Brisgill, Vice-Chairman Mary Marsh
conducted the meeting and called it to order,at 7:00 P.M.
#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Session January 10, 1989
Bob Andrews asked that Page 7, Paragraph 3, be changed from
either we should authorize no parking in that area, therefore
ticketing cars for parking there, or take the rest of the signs
down." to read as either we should authorize parking in the
area or ticket cars for parking in a No Parking area."
Bob Andrews made a motion to approve the minutes, as amended, for
the regular session January 10, 1989. Merwin Willman seconded
the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Motion carried.
#3 CITIZENS' INPUT OTHER THAN AGENDA ITEMS
Jim Shriver, President of the Schertz Business Club, informed the
Commission Steve Simonson had spoken to the club that day about
the Sign Ordinance and after he left, the club suggested taking a
survey of the businesses to get their input on the Sign
Ordinance. Mr. Shriver wanted to know if this would interfere
with the survey being distributed to get input about the City.
Steve~Simonson~told Jim Shriver it .would not interfere..
~4 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Robert A. Diehl, on
Behalf of Church of the Good Shepherd, Request
for Permission to Erect Banners at Main Street
and-First Street and Schertz Parkway and Aero,
and to Erect Signs at Schertz Parkway and Pecan
. tin Front ofChurch) to Advertise the Parish
Festival on May ,7
' William M. Carroll was at the meeting to represent this request.
Vice-Chairman Marsh asked for comments.
Steve Simonson informed the Commission Mr. Sweatt asked, since it
falls under the jurisdiction of the Planning and Zoning
Commission as part of the Sign Ordinance, that the Commission act
formally on the request even though this has not been done in the
past.
Bob Andrews said his only question is when will the signs and
banners be put up and when will they come down.
William Carroll replied they will be put up approximately three
weeks before the festival and taken down within one week after
the festival. Steve Simonson noted they will be up for
approximately 30 days.
Vice-Chairman Marsh asked if this is the same procedure as every
year and was informed by William Carroll it is. -
Joe Potempa made a motion to approve the .request from Robert
Diehl, on behalf of the Church of the Good Shepherd, for
permission to erect banners at Main Street and First Street and
Schertz Parkway and Aero, and to erect signs at Schertz Parkway
and Pecan (in front of church) to advertise the parish festival
on May 7. The motion stipulated the signs and banners will be
put up approximately three weeks before the festival and taken
down within one week after the festival.
Bob Andrews seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in
favor. Motion carried.
#5 CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Request from Ray Mc Minn, .
on Behalf of Ben's BBQ and Smoke House, for an
Exception to Sign Ordinance 86-5-28
Vice-Chairman Marsh asked for Staff input.
Steve Simonson informed the Commission they had received his
comments -in their packages and also received a copy of the May
12, 1987 minutes showing that exceptions had been granted at that
time for both .the free-standing .sign and the sign on the
building. Mr. Simonson said since that time a considerable
amount of auxiliary signs have been put up and also a flashing
light sign.
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Mr. Simonson also remarked that the Inspection Department had
been out to the business and this request is in response to that
visit.
Joe Potempa, noting that Ben's BBQ is in a prime location near
Garden Ridge Pottery, asked Mr. Mc Minn why he needs a flashing
light sign.
Ray Mc Minn told the Commission that, when coming ors the access
road from I'M 3009, his sign is completely blocked by the Natural
Bridge Caverns sign.
Joe Potempa asked Ray Mc Minn if he aware of the Sign Ordinance
and Mr. Mc Minn replied he was not aware of it at the time he
bought the flashing light sign. Mr. Mc Minn then referred to the
San Antonio Shoe Sign saying it flashes and his sign changes
colors.
Joe Potempa asked Ray Mc Minn how long ago he acquired Ben's BBQ
and Mr. Mc Minn replied in December, 1987.
Vice-Chairman Marsh asked for some. background on the San Antonio
Shoe sign.
Steve Simonson reported that San Antonio Shoe had come to the
City requesting an exception to the existing Sign Ordinance at
that time, and an exception allowing an "electronic message" sign -
was authorized by the City Manager.
Vice-Chairman Marsh asked if that was prior to the Sign Ordinance
now in effect and Steve Simonson replied' yes it was. Mr.
Simonson further stated no such signs are approved in the current
Sign Ordinance. Mr. Simonson also said he would like to point
out that San Antonio Shoe has only two signs on their property.
Mrs. Ray Mc Minn spoke at this time saying that people have
indicated they didn't realize the restaurant was there. Mrs. Mc
Minn went on to say they are trying to make a business work and
word of mouth is not enough, the sign is a way of letting people
know they are there. Mrs. Mc Minn also added they have gotten a
little more business since putting up the flashing light sign and
asked the Commission if they couldn't be granted an exception to
the ordinance. Mrs. Mc Minn stressed they are a small business
trying to make it.
There was some discussion about the hours during which the
blinking Iight sign is turned on (5:00 P.M. -5:000 A.M.). The Mc
Minns indicated they would be glad to shorten the length of time
the sign is turned on.
Vice-Chairman Marsh told the Mc Minns it is unfortunate they put
up the blinking light sign before checking into the ordinance.
Mrs. Marsh went on to explain to the Mc Minns that Planning and
Zoning has a problem - they are making efforts to control the
sign problem and keep the City aesthetically pleasing. Mrs.
Marsh said they are discussing the Sign Ordinance with the
Business Club to get their ideas. Mrs. Marsh also said the City
wants to encourage business, but at the same time ensure they
fulfill their dreams for an aesthetically pleasing City.
Bob Andrews remarked that when the Dees who previously operated
the BBQ and Smoke House came in, they said they were only
leasing .the land where the business is located. Bob Andrews
asked if that is still the situation and the Mc Minns replied yes
it is.
Vice-Chairman Marsh, saying they are in the midst of a study and
don`t know what the results will be on the Ordinance - it sort of
places things in limbo, asked how the Commission feels about
waiting to make a decision. Mrs. Marsh also stressed to the Mc
Minns that they need to come to City Hall and have some one
explain the Sign Ordinance to them because they are in violation.
Merwin Willman asked how long the study will take.
Steve Simonson replied the Business Club should have their study
completed by March 31 and he had told them the City should be
able to finish their study by summer.
Bob Andrews asked, if instead of blinking, the sign could be
turned on and left on.
Ray Mc Minn replied they don't need the sign on during the day,
but they could put in all white bulbs so the sign does not change
colors.
Joe Potempa suggested tabling the request until the study is
completed and in the meantime have them put all one-color bulbs
in the sign.
Councilman Greenwald commented that when you're traveling south
on IH-35, the blinking lights do distract you momentarily.
Bob Andrews made a motion requiring the Mc Minns to change the
yellow bulbs in their blinking light sign to white and to turn
off the sign at midnight. Mr. Andrews also stated that the
request for an exception to the Sign Ordinance will be considered
following the study now being conducted by the Planning and
Zoning Commission and the Schertz Business Club.
Joe Potempa seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in
favor. Motion carried..
Vice-Chairman Marsh reminded the Mc Minns again to come by and
read the Sign Ordinance.
#6 CO~iSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Proposed Amendment to
Sign Ordinance 86-5-28
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Don Brodeur of the Inspection Department had written up a
proposed amendment to the Sign Ordinance, but Merwin Willman said.
since the previous item was tabled awaiting the results of the
study by the Business Club and by-the Commission, then this item
should also be tabled.
Bob Andrews made a motion to table Item ~6, Proposed Amendment to
Sign Ordinance 86-5-28, until such time as the Commission
receives feedback from the Scliertz Business Club regarding the
Sign Ordinance.
Joe Potempa seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in
favor. Motion carried.
Before going to Item #7, Vice-Chairman Marsh made a few remarks
about the survey and it`s distribution. Mrs. Marsh said she had
picked up the surveys for Oak Forest, Deerhaven, Greenfield
Village and Greenshire and she needed the name of a
representative from Silvertree. Sharon Fruge was suggested as a
representative from Silvertree.
Mrs. Marsh said the plans for distribution are coming along and
the surveys are ready. Mrs. Marsh indicated she had spoken with
the owner of Autumn Winds about distribution of the survey at the
nursing home for those able to complete it because she feels we
also need the input of those senior citizens.
~7 CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Updating of City Plan
A. List of Names for Panel of Civic Leaders
Keith Van Dine arrived at 7:40 P.M.
Vice-Chairman Marsh asked the Commission what they want to call
it - a panel? a citizen`s committee? It was decided to call it
a panel of civic leaders.
At this time the Commissioners made their recommendations of
people to be considered for the civic leaders panel. Those
recommended were as follows:
1. Lee Boswell
2. Sharon Fruge
3. Leonard John
4. Kim Potempa
5. Billy Cress
6. Wayne Hofferichter
7. Sherrie Jones
8. Gilbert Strub
- -9. Jodie Mitchell
10. Ann Richards
- 11. Jim Todd. -
12 . Darwin Peek - - - - -
13. Eric Crugna~.e - -
14. Jim Shriver
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It was also .recommended the list contain the name of a minister,
a library employee, a lawyer and a doctor.
Vice-Chairman. Marsh asked if the Commission wants to recommend
all the names and they said yes.
Vice-Chairman Marsh asked if the Commission wants to recommend a
number such as 7 for a final panel and they said yes. It was
also suggested they recommend so many names be held in reserve
after the final 7 are selected.
Vice-Chairman Marsh then asked if the Commission wants to
recommend a chairman for the panel and they agreed to leave this
up to City Council.
A letter with all the names, plus a brief synopsis describing
each of those recommended by Planning and Zoning to serve on a
civic leaders panel, will be sent to City Council along with all
the other recommendations discussed above. (Copy attached)
Steve Simonson reported that information about the survey will be
in the February Newsletter. Mr. Simonson said they hope to get
a 25% return. The library book drop has been made available as
one of the places where people can return their completed
surveys. Alsc, they can drop off their surveys at City Hall
during normal working hours or to their Homeowners' Association
if they are represented by one.
Steve Simonson said he's having trouble getting distribution to
those people along IH-35 and Joe Potempa volunteered to
distribute to those people.
~8 GENERAL DISCIISSION
Joe Potempa asked if there's something going in next to Jack-in-
the-Box and was informed it's just for parking.
Joe Potempa reported that the trailer at Salvage Enterprises had
been removed like the Commission asked but now Mike Besch has a
camper shell, a big yellow bus and a hood with advertising on it
at the location.
Steve Simonson said he would have the Inspection Department look
into it.
Councilman Greenwald informed the Commission the amendment to the
Mobile Home Ordinance on storage buildings had been passed and
Council had passed a bunch of Stop Sign Ordinances for Silvertree
and Schirmerville. Also, some land in Comal/Guadalupe County was .
rezoned.
Steve Simonson said the. City had been briefed~on the widening_of _
FM 78 .and should receive the schematics in 6-8 weeks.
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Regarding irhe IH-35 expansion,. Steve Simonson said they expect to
go to contract by October of this year.
Regarding the Jack Hays Boulevard expansion, Steve Simonson said
they expeci to go to contract sometime in 1990 based on perceived
difficulty~in getting right.-of-way.
Chuck Sharpe spoke at this time saying he feels the State Highway
Department~is dragging it's feet as far as the widening of Jack
Hays Boulevard and he thinks the City should push them a little
harder. Mr. Sharpe also said it's time fcr tide citizens to make
their wishes known again to the State Highway Department.
Vice-Chairman Marsh responded to this by saying she has been
working with Steve Simonson, and brings up the subject of Jack
Hays Boulevard all the time.
Chuck Sharpe asked if the City is having trouble getting right-
o f -way .
Steve Simonson said they are anticipating some trouble, but can't
ga ahead anyway with right-of-way acquisition until they have
actual measurements.
Bob Andrews asked about the speed limit on Woodland Oaks Drive in
both Woodland Oaks and in Greenshire saying someone he knew had
been stopped by the police because the police thought the speed
limit was 20 mph but found out it is actually 30 mph on Woodland
Oaks Drive.
.Steve Simonson informed the Commission GVEC 'will install street
lights at Crest Oak and Shady Oak and at Crest Oak and Crown Oak.
Steve Simonson also said they are moving right along with the
ballfield lighting at .the City Park - the poles have all been
stripped and new ones should be arriving, possibly tomorrow,
they are going out for bids for new light fixtures and they will
use in-house help for the baskets for the light fixtures which
should save considerable money.
Vice-Chairman Marsh commented on the distribution for the
Newsletter and asked if the pick-up points are published. Bob
Andrews said a few of the pick-up points are published each
month.
#9 ADJOQRNMENT
Bob Andrews made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Joe Potempa seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in
favor. Motion carried.'
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Vice-Chairman Marsh adjourned the meeting at 8:00 P.M.
There is a public hearing scheduled for February 7, 1989.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is February 14, 1989.
Follcwing the meeting a video of current signage in the City of
Schertz was shown.
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