08-13-1991 PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES
The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened in a regular
session on Tuesday, August 13, 1991 at 7:00 P.M. in the
Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway. Those
present were as follows:
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OTHERS PRESENT
BOB ANDREWS, CHAIRMAN LEON DAVIS, 1017 GETTYSBURG
JIM SHRIVER, VICE-CHAIRMAN BOBBIE VONADA, 121 HENRY FORD
KEITH VAN DINE, SECRETARY
MERWIN WILLMAN CITY STAFF
GEORGE VICK
GARY BRICKEN STEVE SIMONSON,
KEN GREENWALD, COUNCILPERSON ASST. CITY MANAGER
NORMA ALTHOUSE,
RECORDING SECRETARY
VICTORIA ELLIS, INTERN
#1 CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Andrews called the meeting to order at 7:00 F.M.
#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Regular Session. July 9, 1991
B. Regular Session July 23, 1991
A. Regular Session July 9,.1991
Merwin Willrnan asked that on Page 6, Paragraph tc) under Merwin
Willman, "Oak St." be changed to "Wright St."
Chairman Andrews then asked that on Page 7, Paragraph ta) under
Chairman Andrews, the word "they'll" be changed to "they car.".
There being no other changes, Jim Shriver made a motion to
approve the minutes, as amended, for the regular session July 9,
1991. Merwin Willman seconded the motion and the vote was
unanimous in favor. Motion carried.
B. Regular Session July 23, 1991
Merwin Willman pointed out that on Page 5, Paragraph 3, it should
say the school has "two" curb cuts instead of "three".
There were no other changes and Merwin Willman made a motion to
approve the minutes, as amended, for the regular session July 23,
1991. Keith Van Dine seconded the motion and the vote was
unanimous in favor. Motion carried.
#3 CITIZENS' INPUT OTHER THAN AGENDA ITEMS
There was none.
Chairman Andrews told Leon Davis how much he appreciates his
attendance at some of .the meetings and the interest he has shown
in what the Commission does.-
#4 CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Selection of New Planning
and Zoning Member
Chairman Andrews explained to Bobbie Vonada, the applicant
present for the interview, that the selection is an open process.
Mr. Andrews went on to tell Mrs. Vonada that after her
interview, she can either stay in the room while the Commission
discusses their thoughts, or she can leave the room - whichever
makes her the most comfortable.
Bobbie Vonada stated she would prefer to stay, but asked if the
Commission members would rather she leave the room. The
Commission felt at ease with her choice to stay.
George Vick asked if there's only one applicant and was told that
is correct.
Chairman Andrews mentioned he had spoken with Earl Hartzog who
said he is still interested in serving on the Commission, but is
aware that the Commission has to choose its members to represent
different sections of the City. There are already three members
on the Commission living in the same area of the City as. Mr.
Hartzog.
Merwin Willman commented to Bobbie Vonada he had heard sre has
her house up for sale .and asked what that's going to mean in
terms of her serving on the Commission.
Mrs. Vonada informed the Commission they have two properties up
for sale, but her husband is working until 1993, so she can
promise them at least a year and a half of service.
Gary Bricken, referring to advertisement for the vacancy, asked
how long the Newsletter has been out and Steve Simonson replied
since August 1st. Mr. Simonson also mentioned there had been a
notice in the local newspaper.
Chairman Andrews remarked it's either feast or. famine, but did
emphasize that Bobbie Vonada has shown a tremendous interest in
what the Commission is doing.
Jim Shriver informed the Commission Mrs. Vonada had volunteered
to help him with the survey results.
Keith Van Dine made a motion to recommend to City Council the
appointment of Bobbie Vonada to fill the vacancy on the
Commission. George Vick seconded the motion and the vote was as
follows:
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AYES: B. Andrews, K. Van Dine, M. Willman, G. Vick,
G. Bricken
NAYS: None
ABSTENTIONS: J. Shriver
Motion carried.
#5 CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Annexation of. Beck Concrete
and the Surrounding Area
Gary Bricken asked if there's no downside liability to this
proposed annexation and Chairman Andrews mentioned that the City
already provides services to Beck Concrete.
Steve Simonson observed that one possible downside would be if
something should go wrong with the groundwater, then they would
expect help from the City.
.Gary Bricken .questioned Beek Concrete's attitude .about being.
annexed and Steve Simonson said, naturally, they're not in. favor .
of it.
Mr. Bricken then commented, that to his understanding, the City
will also be taking in a landfill and asked if they have an
environmental survey of the property.
Steve Simonson advised that the City would rely on any survey
that may have been done by the State when the permit was granted.
Councilperson Ken Gree:wald indicated that was only about a year
ago.
Jim.Shriver remarked there were 3-5 comments on the surveys about
trucks coming out' of Beck Concrete and throwing dust, rocks,
dirt, etc. all around.
Gary Bricken said he hadn't ever seen any of the trucks being
stopped for throwing dust and rocks around, but Steve Simonson
assured ?~Ir. Bricken they had been stopped and Beck Concrete has
cleaned up FM 78 numerous times.
Leon Davis asked to make a comment at this time. Mr. Davis said
he lives behind Wuest's and the dust that flies around from Beck
Concrete leaves a thick Iayer of residue on his car - he has no
idea what.it may be doing to your lungs when you breathe it in.
Merwin Willman reminded the Commission this is only a
recommendation to City Council and if they go ahead with it, the
engineer will survey the property and a public hearing will be
held.
Gary Bricken asked if it's known how much tax revenue this
property will generate and Councilperson Ken Greenwald said that
should not even be a consideration.
Chairman Andrews pointed out the City would be closing up a hole,.
they have annexed all the way around this area.
Gary Bricken wondered, that if it's a negative revenue flow, will
it be worth it.
Steve Simonson related that one good thing to come from the
annexation of this area would be City control over animals
running loose.
Keith Van Dine brought. up the possibility of Beck Concrete
opposing the annexation and taking the City to court over the
matter.
George Vick made a motion to recommend City Council consider the
annexation of Beck Concrete and the surrounding area. Keith Van
Dine seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
Motion carried.
#6 CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Proposed Changes to Zoning
Ordinance Regarding Control of Manufactured Housing
in a Residential District
Merwin Willman informed the Commission he had written these
proposed changes plain and simple as they requested. Mr.
Willman expressed concern, however, about these proposed changes
not accomplishing what the Commission wants, specifically in
regard to the minimum sized manufactured .homes (8' x 40'). Mr.
Willman said he feels he should go back to the drawing board and.
come up with more specifics, still keeping it simple.
George Vick asked if the City can restrict manufactured homes if
they meet HUD code requirements.
In response to this question, Chairman Andrews stressed that they.
are not trying to restrict, but instead set up certain
regulations. Mr. Andrews said one of the main concerns is the.
compatibility of a manufactured home with other homes in tre same
area.
Mr. Andrews remarked that most of the homes in Schertz that have
720, ?60 and 800 square feet have a one-car attached garage.
Some others, for example in the area of Judith Ann, Lori Lynn,.
and Nell Deane, have 900 square feet not counting the garage.
Referring to the proposed changes, Gary Bricken observed he
doesn't think it gets any better than what they've got.
Again bringing up compatibility, Steve Simonson acknowledged that
from a Staff point of view, he would treat it differently in
different zonings. Mr. Simonson said "compatible" is a nebulous
word - it's like legislating aesthetics.
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Bobbie Vonada asked if a manufactured home includes pre-fabs and
was informed it does.
The consensus of the Commission was that the proposals written up
by Merwin Willman should go forward as written.
Gary Bricken make a motion to recommend the proposed changes to
the Zoning Ordinance regarding control of Manufactured housing in
a residential district be forwarded to City Council for their
consideration. Keith Van Dine seconded the motion and the vote
was unanimous in favor. Motion carried.
#7 CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Updating of Comprehensive
Plan
A. Demographics - Victoria Ellis
B. Review of Accumulated Material
A. Demographics - Victoria Ellis
Steve Simonson advised the Commission the information was taken
differently for the 1990 Census as compared to the 1960 Census,
so the data available is not the same. Mr. Simonson praised
Victoria Ellis saying she had done yeoman's work under adverse
conditions.
Victoria Ellis distributed a package to the Commissioners which
was an el wen page document with the following breakdowns:
1. Population Data
2. Race and Ethnic Spread
3. Migration - Residence 5 Years Ago and Area of Previous
Residence
4. Marital Status
5. Crude Birth Rate
. 6. Education Data
7. Income Distribution
8. Occupation Data and Unemployment Data
9. Industry
10. Housing, Data, Owner Vs. Renter and Occupancy and Tenure.
11. Value of Residence - Owner and Renter
The Commissioners reviewed the document page by page, made
comments and asked questions.
A couple of areas the Commission requested further information
about were the Income Distribution chart and the Industry chart.
Gary Bricken wanted to know in regard to income distribution
whether the median family income of $18,086 in 1980 had more
buying power than the median family income of $7,017 in 1970.
Mr. Bricken asked, in other words, if there`s any way to account
for the cost of living index.
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t
Merwin Willman questioned the industry chart. For example, the
chart says in 1970, 2.98% of industry was construction .and in
1980, 6.52% of industry was construction. Mr. Willman wanted to
know what .2.98% and ..6.520 are compared to - the .entire
construction industry, the construction industry in Schertz, or
the percentage of people in Schertz who are employed in the
construction industry.
B. Review of Accumulated Material
Chairman Andrews explained how he had set up all .the data
received so far on the Comprehensive Plan by putting it in a
binder separated by dividers for the various categories. Mr.
Andrews expressed a desire for all the Commissioners to follow
his example. Steve Simonson .commented he would look into
providing them all with binders and dividers.
Chairman Andrews mentioned the list of goals included in the.
packages and pointed out they were in the order voted on by the
Commission at the last meeting.
George Vick noted the. City had already come up with a list of the
top. ten goals from a combination of the votes of Planning and
Zoning, City Council and Economic Development. Mr. Vick said
they had been discussed at the meeting at the library. on August
10th and they are looking for volunteers .for study groups on the
different goals.
#8 GENERAL DISCIISSION
Keith Van Dine:
(a) Keith Van Dine informed Steve Simonson a manufactured home
has been put in on Ware-Seguin Road and asked if they had
obtained the proper permits. Mr. Simonson said yes they had.
ib) Keith Van Dine then mentioned a brown cedar two-story further
up on Ware-Seguin which looks like it has been abandoned and
Steve Simonson said he would check into it.
Gary Bricken:
ia) Advised he had seen surveyors working out by the Tiger Tote
off Jack Hays Blvd. and asked Steve Simonson if he knew what
they were doing. Mr. Simonson surmised they were probably
surveying for the church that's going up across the road.
Gary Bricken said it looked. to him like they were surveying
Woodland Oaks and Mr. Simonson said in that case he didn't know
what they were doing.
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Merwin Willman:
(a) Asked if the school has~done anything about the parking lot
drainage at Corbett Junior High. Steve Simonson replied they
haven't done anything, so the City will have to go back to them.
tb) Reported that on May 16, 1991 the Commission sent a letter to
City Council asking them to look at the Platting Fee Ordinance.
What is the status of that?
Councilperson Ken Greenwald advised he knows that Mr. Sweatt is
looking it over, but there probably won't be any action for the
next four or five sessions due to work on the budget.
Mr. Willman commented the City shouldn't drag its feet on this.
(c) Asked the status of McDonald's and Steve Simonson said ,they
.have already started laying in infrastructure.
(d) Told the Commission the Board of Adjustment disapproved the
variance request from Mr. Webster to locate a storage shed in
the cable TV easement.
(e) The next meeting regarding the City's goals and objectives is
scheduled for September 23rd at the library.
(f) Distributed copies to the Commission of an article in the
July issue of the APA magazine on the development of maps. Mr.
Willman said this article had caught his eye because it showed
how maps can sometimes be distorted.
(g) Reminded everyone they had all received. the schedule for the
APA Conference in October. Also suggested everyone check to see
if they still have enough business cards.
Jim Shriver
(a) Regarding the survey, said 165 had been returned which is
about 5%. In 1988 when they were mailed out, the return had been
between loo and 11%. M,r. Shriver determined that the citizens
like another category besides yes and no and said he would have
the results at the next meeting.
(b) Asked if the letter recommending Bobbie Vonada's appointment
to the Commission could get to the City Council by tomorrow
night's workshop. Councilperson Ken Greenwald said he would
bring up the appointment of Bobbie Vonada.
(c) Asked if anyone knows anything about FM 1518 toward Selma
being widened. Steve Simonson said he didn't know anything and
George Vick commented they are staking out the area for new water
lines. -
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(d) Stated he was caught off guard at the meeting on August 10th
and felt like he was put in the position of defending the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
Steve Simonson indicated that the original intent was not to
duplicate study groups, but rather to seek input.
(e) Informed the Commission the annual Business. Appreciation
Dinner will be held September 19th at 6:30 P.M. at the VFW and
they are all invited.
(f) Wanted to know if everything is squared away for the APA
conference. Norma Althouse replied she needs to know if Bobbie
Voanda is planning on attending and how many nights each member
wants reserved at the hotel.
Merwin Willman asked if they're going to go over the conference
schedule and short course sessions at the. next meeting. and
Chairman Andrews replied yes they can.
- Chairman Andrews:
ta) Asked what happened that the Board of Adjustment turned down
Mr. Webster's request for a variance allowing him to locate a
storage shed in the cable TV easement.
Councilperson Ken Greenwald replied Mr. Webster did not attend
the hearing, the Council had no documentation from the cable.
company giving him permission to locate his shed in their
easement, and there were several citizen complaints about .the
request.
George Vick reported that several people have complained to him
that they don't know when these meetings tabout the City`s goals
and objectives) are being held.
Merwin Willman mentioned information on water saving devices for
new homes and Councilperson Ken Greenwald advised that as of
January 1, 1992 it will be a state law that all new homes contain
these. water saving devices.
#10 ADJODRNMENT
Chairman Andrews adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is August 27, 1991.
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