06-25-1991 PLANNING AND ZONING MINIITES
The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened in a regular session on
Tuesday, June 25, 1991 at 7:00 P.M. in the *~lunicipal Complex Conference
Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway. Those present were as follows:
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OTHERS PRESENT
BOB ANDREWS, CHAIRMAN THERESA SEILER, MCDONALD'S CORP.
JIM SHRIVER, VICE-CHAIRMAN VICTORIA E. ELLIS, UTSA
KEITH VAN DINE, SECRETARY FRED PETMECKY, PETMECKY INTERESTS
MERWTN WILLMAN LEON DAVIS
GEORGE VICK BOBBIE VONADA
HARRY BAUMAN
GARY BRICKEN
KEN GREENWALD, COUNCTLPERSON
CITY STAFF
STEVE SIMONSON, ASST. CITY MGR.
NORMA ALTHOUSE, RECORDING SECY.
#'1 CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Andrews called the meeting.to order at 7:U0 P.M.
#2 APPROVAL OF MINIITES: Regular Session June 11, 1991
Merwin Willman made a motion to approve the minutes for~the regular session
• June 11, 1991. Gary Bricken seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous
in favor.. Motion carried.
#3' CITIZENS' INPIIT OTHER THAN AGENDA ITEMS
....There c~as none.
At this time Chairman Andrews notified the Commission that Item #4.on -the
.;.agenda is .contingent on the approval of Item #5, so. Item #5 will be _
considered first.
#5 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: McDo.nald's - 35
Request.for.25' Height Variance to the Sign
Ordinance !Variance #38-91)
Theresa Seiler and Fred Petmecky were at the meeting to represent this
request.
Chairman Andrews noted the Commissioners had already seen the pictures of
the proposed sign, showing the sight distance at various locations. Mr..
Andrews then asked for any Staff input.
Steve Simonson informed the Commission this is a straightforward request.
Their sign will be 200 square feet and we allow 250 square feet. We allow
50 feet in height and they are asking for a 25 foot variance to allow them
to have a sign height of 75 feet.
Theresa Seiler stressed it is of critical importance for the sign to be
seen by motorists at a distance which allows them enough time to make a
safe exit onto the access road.
Merwin Willman remarked about the comment on the sign variance application
which says the sale of the property is contingent on the approval of this
variance request and said statements like-that give him a funny feeling and
make him a little gun shy.
Chairman Andrews added he uncTerstands that feeling and would like to
recommend that if this request is approved, it be very specific. In other
words it should be approved only for McDonald's and only ..for that
particular site.
There was a brief discussion on the sign with Gary Bricken asking if the
Commission needs to send forward a recommendation on this request.
Chairman Andrews replied no and Steve Simonson pointed out the Commission:.
can approve this request tonight.
Gary Bricken made a motion .to approve the request from McDonald's for a 25'
variance to the height. requirements of the Sign Ordinance. The variance is
approved only for McDonald's and only for the IH-35 lccation.
George'>Vick seconded the `motion and the`vote was unanimous in favor.
Motion carried.
#4 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: McDoriald's - 35 ~ .
A. Preliminary Plat Approval (PC #170-91/A)
B. Site Plan Approval (PC #170-91/B)
Theresa Seiler and Fred Petmecky represented this request also.
A Preliminary Plat Approval.
Chairman Andrews asked for comments on the plat.
Merwin Willman. observed that the certification by owner., on the bottom left
--of :the plat, is not completed. Steve Simonson stated it will be complete
on the final plat. Mr. Willman commented that according to the ordinance,
it`is required to be completed on the preliminary plat.
Jim- Shriver asked whose responsibility it is to maintain the non-exclusive
access easement and Steve Simonson said the property owner.
Theresa Seiler related to the Commission that. contractually the easement
is owned by Barshop and maintained by McDonald's. If, in the future,.
someone buys the adjacent land,. then it will be a joint maintenance.
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Harry Bauman asked what the chances are of getting a turn-off lane on Jack
Hays Blvd. because of the increased traffic and Steve Simonson answered
that the State controls that road, it is not up to the City.
Going back to the non-exclusive easement, Chairman Andrews asked if
somewhere on the plat, for the protection of the City, the regulations
shouldn't be shown. .Steve Simonson replied it is nothing the City can
control.
Fred Petmecky mentioned that Barshop has the standards in writing for
maintaining the non-exclusive easement.
There were. no other .comments and George Vick made a motion to approve the
preliminary plat for McDonald's - 35 (PC 17U-91/A) as presented. Merwin
Willman seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. -Motion
carried.
B. Site Plan Approval
Chairman Andrews advised-that Steve Simonson had sent a copy of our new
site plan ordinance to McDonald's.
Before discussion started, Merwin Willman distributed. copies to the
Commission of the application for site plan approval.
Chairman Andrews said, if he understands correctly, McDonald's has no
landscaping franchise at the. present time and Theresa Seiler acknowledged
that statement as being true.
Harry Bauman then questioned if McDoriald's doesn't have its own landscaping
standards and was.ir_formed by Fred P.etmeckey that, yes, they do..
';Jim Shriver noticed landscaping areas on~both ends of the building and
asked what they are.
Theresa Seiler informed Mr. Shrives the front is landscaping and the rear
is` playground. They put the playground .to .the rear of the property for
aesthetic purposes. _
Merwin Willman inquired if there will be a sign on Jack Hays Blvd. - it is
not shown on the site plan.
Theresa.,,.Seiler replied there will be a sign. and it will be within the
'parameters permitted by the City.
Fred Petmecky commented that it was on the original site plan, but was
omitted, inadvertently, by the local engineer.
Merwin .Willman pointed out there is no indication of where the
proposed water lines will be. Theresa Seiler remarked the water lines are
shown on the complete set of building plans, but Mr. Willman said they
should be shown on the site plan.
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Steve Simonson asked if the Commission wants the site plan to show where
the lines come into the building from the main line and Merwin Willman
replied yes, they do.
Steve Simonson mentioned that the 12" line (which is shown on the site
- plan) runs right in front of McDonald's, so he didn't feel it necessary to
show the lines coming into the building. He had interpreted the ordinance
to mean the lines should be shown if they have to run a special line in
from somewhere rather than just tapping into the existing main line.
Merwin Willman. expressed his desire to see the water lines on the site
plan.
Gary Bricken questioned why the Commission would want .to know this. Mr.
.Bricken asked if they go ,back to this in case of a problem.
Steve Simonson explained the water lines are checked out during the
platting process.
After further .discussion, Mr. Simonson said if the Commission wants .the
water lines shown on the site plan, it is not that hard - the engineer can
show where they tap into the line.
Chairman .Andrews inquired about water run-off and asked if it is shown..
anywhere. Steve Simonson related there are two concrete flues to take it
.back out to the driveway (which is curved)•and the driveway will take it
to FM 30.09 and run it-down the right-of-way of FM 3009 to the crossover to
bring it under FM 3009. Mr.. Simonson also mentioned that this is a fairly
f-Tat piece : of ~~property with very iittle`'topography change.
Jim Shriver made a motion.to approve the site plan for McDonald's. - 35
contingent on two. factors: (1) showing the location of the sign for Jack
Hays Blvd. entrance; and, (2) indicating the location of water line tap
far the property .
Gary,,.. Bricken.. .seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
Motion carried.`
Fred Petmecky~thanked the Commission, and Steve Simonson in particular, for_
all their cooperation on this project..
#6 CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Proposed Changes to the
Subdivision Ordinance
The Commissioners had received, in their packages, material put together by _
Merwin Willman regarding proposed changes to the Subdivision Ordinance..
These proposed changes have. to .do mainly with the terminology for the types
of streets, specifically in Article IV, Section 28, Exhibit "A", Paragraph
12, and Exhibit "C", Definitions - Public Streets..
Merwin .Willman stated he had been talking about the need.for this change
and Steve Simonson added it's really a matter of cleaning up the
Subdivision Ordinance.
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In the current Subdivision Ordinance there are references to major
thoroughfares, minor thoroughfares, collector streets, local streets,
commercial streets,. marginal access streets (non-residential), marginal
access streets (residential), and paved alleys.
After discussion, the Commission decided to go with just four types of
streets: t1) major thoroughfare, (2) commercial, (3) residential, and (4)
paved alley.
Keith Van Dine asked about streets not included in any of these categories
and Steve Simonson answered those would be considered nonconforming
streets.
Harry Bauman then asked if a nonconforming street is repaved, does it have
to conform and Steve Simonson replied yes it does, unless a variance has
been granted.
Merwin Willman made a motion to table Item #6 on the proposed changes to
the Subdivision~Ordinance until it is rewritten in ordinance form. George
Vick seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Motion
carried.
#7 CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: IIpdating of Comprehensive Plan
A. Interview Intern
B. Miscellaneous.
A. Interview Intern
`Victoria E1"lis'`of IITSA'` was`at the meeting to be interviewed for the
internship.
Ms. Ehlis introduced herself- to the Commission, saying she had just
graduated from college, and saying she was born and raised in San Antonio
and her father is a San Antonio police officer with the bomb squad.
Ms. .:..Ellis :then went,on to say she had .spoken with Mark. Marquez. of the
City, but he was kind of vague on what would be expected of. her, so any
'.information the Commission could give her would be appreciated.
....:Chairman: Andrews gave~Victoria Ellis a copy of an outline on a~project for•~
an intern and explained it is just a sample, nothing carved in stone.
Chairman ,...Andrews asked..Ms.,;, Ellis if she had studied anything either, on
comprehensive plans or urban planning. Ms. Ellis replied she is kind of
°familiar with .the research involved in such a project and indicated that
she can learn anything.
Steve Simonson explained the Commission is interested in demographics
as far as the kind of growth the City will experience in the future.
.Victoria Ellis commented that seemed to be simple and a typical City
concern.
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Steve Simonson then went on to say the City is in three counties to which
Victoria Ellis observed that makes it a challenge. "
Steve Simonson elaborated on the .type of growth demographics the City is
interested in. Is the growth going to be fast? Is it going to be slow?
Is it going to be steady? Will the population be young or will most of it
be retired people? Mr. Simonson emphasized there are lots of variables.
Gary Bricken informed Victoria Ellis that Schertz is kind of a unique
community and Ms. Ellis directed Mr. Bricken to sell Schertz to her.
Gary Bricken informed Victoria Ellis that Schertz has. many different types
of income sources and lots of military income. The north side of Schertz
.(areas along Jack Hays Blvd./FM 3009 and IH-35) is our money in the bank
.now, where development in the next few years will take place. The. south
side of Schertz (areas along IH-10) is our long range savings program. The.,.
center of Schertz never really had a form to it - no City square.. Schertz
is not going to have a uniqueness like New Braunfels of being .German or
like San Marcos of being a college town, however, most of the people who.
live here now were not born here, they chose to live. here. Mr. Bricken
expressed the opinion that Schertz has the most potential of any city...
surrounding Bexar County.
$.teve Simonson added to this that the City limit s. of Schertz cover 23.3
sduare`.miles and the population is the second highest of any of the
"suburbs" of San Antonio.
Victoria Ellis .remarked it looks like a place where young families might
wanti " tc :move.....
Ms. Ellis then asked if they want, to remain the-City of Schertz. .
Steve Simonson`. pointed ;:out that Schertz city limits represent l00 of the
'`San-Antonio-Austin Corridor and 'Schertz wants to remain Schertz.
Chairman,- Andrews'.acknowledged ;.that :.Schertz-wants.to be prepared t.o.attract .
new'businesses'and people as well as maintain what it. is.
Victoria Ellis inquired as to what the population of Schertz is and
,~>.Charman Andrews replied `-there `are :awo .figures .:from the Census Bureau.
".The `"first f figure is 10,555 and the second figure.is-12,600 based on the
:ethnicity formula.
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...;-.Gary Bricken emphasized that what the Commission needs is help with.. the., _
<'demographics` and population projections and something to support these
"projections.
Jim Shriver asked Victoria.Ellis if she knows, what a comprehensive plan is
and Ms Ellis .asked Mr. Shriver to enlighten her - she can learn
anything:
George Vick asked Victoria Ellis where she attended school and. Ms.
'Ellis replied she is attending UTSA, working on her Masters in Public
Administration.
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Gary Bricken then asked Victoria Ellis why she wants to do this. Ms.
Ellis replied she thought it would be an interesting experience and would
look good on her resume.
Chairman Andrews then asked Victoria Ellis what kind of remuneration she is
looking for and if she will be getting college credit for doing this.
Ms. Ellis replied that she understood the internship does not pay much,
and she is not a professional and will need some guidance, but about the
only remuneration she might expect would be reimbursement for travel
expenses involved in gathering information. As far as college credit, Ms.
Ellis declared that if she talked fast enough, she was sure she could get
credit for this project.
Jim Shriver asked Victoria Ellis when she would be available to start and
Ms. Ellis replied she would be available anytime.
Chairman Andrews, referring to a.time frame, asked Victoria Ellis how long
she would be .available and Ms. .Ellis replied she has whatever time is
needed to finish the project. Ms. E11is did mention that she has classes
on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and currently has a part time job which
she. is looking. to quit.
- Gary Bricken asked Victoria Ellis where she would. start on this project and
Ms. Ellis said with previous census figures.
Steve Simonson then inquired from Victoria Ellis that if she decided to
accept this internship, could the City work out .a minor agreement with her.
Ms. ~^"~ElYis 'answered'-yes "tc that' quest"ion'.
Jim Shriver asked Victoria Ellis if she is looking at other. offers of
internship and Ms. Ellis said yes she is, but she is new at this and
doesn`t know all her options.
Chairman Andrews asked Victoria Ellis.if she had talked with other interns
-and Ms. Ellis .said no not really..
Chairman Andrews informed-Ms. Ellis that the Commission, at one point,-had
considered using two interns.
Victoria `Ellis asked the Commissioners if there's a date when she' might
expect .to.-hear from them and Chairman Andrews answered it would probably be
after:,the ,July .9th ;.meeting.:.::
B. Miscellaneous
-.The first part of the discussion on this item focused around the process of
- hiring an intern. A number of points were brought out. Among. those
discussed were the following:
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(a) Someone's going to have to be the focal point for putting .all these
things together.
(b) We need to provide a job description, a salary, a time, etc. The way
we are doing it is not the correct procedure. We need to let these
prospective interns know what is expected of them.
(c) Each intern has different needs.
(d) We need to make a decision instead of talking it to death.
(e) If we wait until after the July 9th meeting, someone such as Victoria
Ellis, who is out there looking, will have already been hired by another
business.
(f) We should let the City Manager and Steve Simonson work out the details
of the contract.
Gary Bricken made a motion to recommend to the City Manager that Victoria
Ellis be hired as the intern to help the Commission with the Comprehensive.
Plan.
Harry Bauman seconded the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: B. Andrews, J. Shriver, M. Willman, G. Vick, H. .Bauman,
G. Bricken
NAYS: K. Van Dine
ABSTENTIONS: None
Motion carried.
Bobbie, Vonada asked, if they're not a City employee, who pays the intern's
-expenses and<Chairman Andrews replied the intern-pays his/her own expenses.
Councilperson Ken-Greenwald added that if the intern travels someplace to
gather information, then he/she will be reimbursed.
" Steve Simonson informed Victoria. Ellis theguidelines'will be written up,
- they will look at the budget to determine how=much the City can afford _ to
pay, and some decision will be made as to :what:. the hours will be.
Mr. Simonson told the Commission he will have.a clear cut document to
present.at_the next meeting.
,:'Moving along to the-next part of the discussion on this Item, Jim Shriver
noted `the -survey has been`prepared.and asked its 'status. Steve Simonson =
reported `it;is ready to be distributed with the Newsletter. Boxes will be
provided at the designated locations so people can drop off their surveys...
Mr. Shriver said if no one objects, he would like to compile a report on:
the-results of the survey. There was no objection.
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#8 TOUR BRIEFING
Steve Simonson emphasized, to the Commission, how important it is for them
to participate in the tour. Mr. Simonson informed them they will be given
a packet which includes a clear-cut route of .the tour and an agenda because
there will be an official meeting of City Council, Planning and Zoning and
the Economic Development Task. Force. There will a briefing, by some of the
. City Staff, at the conclusion of the tour. Mr. Simonson remarked they
will be looking for suggestions as to what the City needs in the future and
input from the Commissioners is vital.
#9 GENERAL DISCUSSION
George Vick:
(a) Mentioned that at the corner of Curtiss and Pfeil there is now a pull
behind trailer hooked on behind a motor home. (This is.the same location
mentioned by Mr. Vick several meetings ago where a motor home was hooked
u.p to the sewer line.)
Steve Simonson said he doesn't know about the travel trailer, but the motor
home owner was given a three month variance allowing him to keep his motor
home there because he's down here from out of .state rebuilding. Mr.
Simonson indicated he would ask the inspectors to check it out.
Keith Van Dine•
(a) Reported that last week he received a call from a gentleman named Joe
Oberhausen:;-who` is om a committee 'at. Canyon: Lake". ` Mr.'" Oberhausen wanted to
know if Keith Van Dine knew anything about a regional airport being built
in-the area of Graytown Road. Mr. Van Dine asked if anyone had heard
-about a,;project like this., but no-one had heard anything.. The Commission
-acknowledged that Graytown Road crosses IH-10 and goes further south.
Merwin Willman:
(a) Asked the Commission to take a look at the Checklist for the Site. Plan-
and see if it needs any refinement. Mr. Willman then suggested -the
Commission bring up any recommended changes at the next meeting.
(b) Reminded everyone. of the APA Conference in October at Corpus Christi.
(3.):;_;;Pointed.-out an-article in the-"Zoning Newsletter" about a program in
Michigan for training' unprofessional Planning and Zoning Commission _
members= Thought it would be worthwhile to approach the. State .Chapter
..'about setting up a similar pr.ogram~in Texas.
Councilperson .Ken Greenwald suggested sending a letter to the State
Chapter.
Councilperson Ken Greenwald:
(a) Said that the closing ceremonies for BVYA were held last week and 548
children participated in the program this year. The cost was in excess of
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$40,000. to put the program on (with lots of volunteer help) and BVYA
finished out the season with $34.D0 in it's -fund. Mr. Greenwald told the
Commission he would try and get some information to them with the figures
broken down as to how much it costs per child.
tb) Advised everyone to register for the tour. Participants include
Council members, Planning and Zoning members, EDTF members, some City
Staff members, a few reporters, and if any room left, interested citizens
up to the point where the school bus if full.
Mr. Greenwald advised the tour will have to be posted as a meeting.
#10 ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Andrews adjourned the meeting at 8:53 P.M.
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