05-10-1994 PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES
The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a public
hearing on Tuesday, May 10, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal
Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas.
Those present were as follows:
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION OTHERS PRESENT
BOB ANDREWS, CHAIRMAN CORALEE FENNER
GEORGE VICK, VICE-CHAIRMAN CHARLES MACDONALD
MERWIN WILLMAN, SECRETARY LEROY FENNER
KEITH VAN DINE ALAN LINDSKOG
DAVID RICHMOND RAYMOND KENNETT
TONY MORENO BOB POND
PIA JARMAN BETSY POND
COUNCILMAN KEN GREENWALD
CITY STAFF
STEVE SIMONSON, ASST. CITY MGR.
NORMA ALTHOUSE, RECORDING SECY.
#1 CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Andrews called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
#2 PUBLIC HEARING: To Receive Citizen Input on the Proposal
to Rename that Portion of FM 78, Within
the Schertz City Limits, to John E.
Peterson Parkway (PC #207-94)
Chairman Andrews explained the procedures to be followed at the
public hearing and then asked for Staff input..
Steve Simonson reported that 99 letters had been sent. Two
were returned as undeliverable, 10 returned as opposed and 5
returned in favor. In addition, Mr. Simonson commented he had
received several calls opposed to the renaming. These people
felt something should be done to honor John Peterson (renaming
the library or community center in his honor) but felt renaming
a road is the wrong thing to do. One caller felt boulevard
rather than parkway would be more appropriate since FM 78 is
not designed as a parkway.
These were. seventeen citiz:ens~ attending the meeting. to
represent this request and several of them chose to speak.
-John Spence of 802 Main St., stating normally these kinds of
honors are reserved for dignitaries, emphasized it's about time
to give consideration and appreciation to one of our citizens
who was hard-working and dedicated and also time the
townspeople expressed their feelings about the fact they
appreciate the employees of Schertz, Texas. Mr. Spence felt
the renaming was an excellent idea.
Debra Clutes, a part-time employee of Video Minor Maintenance,
read a letter to the Commission expounding on how John Peterson
represented the "common citizenry." The local citizens are who
put and keep the Schertz businesses on the map and it would be
fitting that one of Schertz's own be honored this way. This
kind of recognition would show every citizen of Schertz that
anyone of its members can be valued by the businesses for their
efforts. The letter asked for the City's support on this name
change saying it exhibits the consummate demonstration on the
part of the businesses for their appreciation of John
Peterson's efforts on behalf of them and the City.
Ms. Clutes further read that the measure of a man is not the
size of his bank account, but how unselfishly he seeks to serve
his fellow man and his community, and in doing so making
everyone's life a little better. John Peterson was such a man.
Coralee Fenner, a citizen of the City of Schertz and a City
employee, passed around copies of a letter from James L. ;bu
Lindsey of the San Antonio district of the U.S. Post Office
explaining that the renaming will not affect mail delivery to
those persons currently receiving mail at an FM 78 address.
The process involves the input of an "alias" or alternate"
street name and mail delivery will not be impacted because mail
addressed to either FM 78 or John E. Peterson Parkway will be
delivered. Mrs. Fenner indicated she has had several
questions regarding this matter.
Mrs Fenner reported that when the petition was circulated it
was felt this needed to have a common name all the way from
Loop 410 (Connally Loop), underneath Loop 1604 (Anderson Loop),
all the way out - from one city to another. Portions of this
are already in San Antonio on the other side of-Kirby and on
Foster Road. Mrs. Fenner went on to say if we can get this
renamed out here, she will personally go before the San Antonio
City Council
Mrs. Fenner informed the Commission the petition requesting
the renaming was signed by 444 citizens of the City of Schertz.
and by a total of 1437 persons living in the Metrocom area.
She is retaining the original petition and will give it to the
Peterson family.
- Raymond Kennett of Cibolo Creek Pharmacy,. remarking he had
- operated the pharmacy now for five gears, said there is still
= confusion -resulting from the renaming.of Live Oak Road to
Schertz Parkway and he is against the renaming of FM 78. Mr.
Kennett felt a major highway should note be chunked into
different names..
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Mr. Kennett suggested donating books to the library in John
Peterson's memory or naming a street in a new subdivision in
his honor. Mr. Kennett also suggested that perhaps, because
of all the years of service Mayor Sawyer has given the City, a
street in a new subdivision should be named after him.
One other point brought up by Raymond Kennett was the cost of
signs. He wondered if anyone had checked into it to see what
kind of expense that would entail.
#3 ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING
There being no further citizen input, Chairman Andrews closed
the public hearing at 7:13 p.m.
The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened in a
regular session, following the public hearing, in the Municipal
Complex conference room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas.
#4 CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Andrews called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m.
#5 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Session April 26, 1994
Pia Jarman noted that on Page 1, in the last line of the first
paragraph under Item #3, the word effect should be affect.
Also, on page 6, fifth line up from the bottom, the word
reguiried should be required.
Merwin Willman made a motion to approve the minutes, as
corrected, for the regular session April 26, 1994. Tony Moreno
seconded the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: B. Andrews, G. Vick, M. Willman, K. Van Dine, T. Moreno,
P. Jarman.
NAYS: None _
ABSTENTIONS: D. Richmond
Motion carried.
#6 CITIZENS' INPUT OTHER THAN AGENDA ITEMS
There was none.
#7 CONSIDER AND MARE RECOMMENDATION: Proposal to Rename That
.Portion of FM 78, Within the Schertz City
Limits, to John E. Peterson Parkway-
George Vick commented that in Steve Simonson's notes he -
mentioned he hadn't heard what any of the other cities in the
Metrocom area are doing. Mr. Simonson acknowledged that .was
before he talked to Coralee Fenner who told him the other
cities are waiting to hear what Schertz does.
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Pia Jarman mentioned the objection to the word :parkway and
asked if there were any other objections. Steve Simonson
answered the Riedel family. felt.. there should have been
something done in honor of Odo Riedel when he passed away.
Councilman Greenwald brought up the fact that regardless of
what Schertz does, any other city can rename their section
anything they want. Mr. .Greenwald also pointed out the state
maps will still have the road designated as FM 78.
Pia Jarman pointed out it's not really changing the name, it's
simply using an alternative.
Merwin Willman remarked he has heard the citizens say John
Peterson was dedicated and hard-working, but they haven't
listed any specific accomplishments. Is dedicated and
hard-working enough to warrant a street named after him? Two
Council members have died while in office and nothing was done
for them. Mr. Willman suggested the possibility of naming the
Water/Wastewater building in John Peterson's honor.
David Richmond declared the concern about the cost of the signs
was a valid point. In response, Steve Simonson informed the
Commission the street signs are $35.00 apiece and the most `
required would be four. Mr. Simonson added that we were only
charged for one sign in the recent renaming of Jack Hays Blvd.
to Roy Richard Dr.
Keith Van Dine, mentioning the problem with the word parkway,
asked how those supporting the name change feel about boulevard
instead. The supporters were agreeable to boulevard.
Mr. Van Dine, referring to Merwin Willman's remarks, said
perhaps those Council members who died in office should have
had some recognition, but someone could have come forward and
asked for something to be done in their honor and obviously did
not.
Pia Jarman intimated that the citizens feel somehow they are
being honored because an "ordinary" person is being honored.
Perhaps it is time we recognized an "ordinary" citizen not just
the leader doing his thing. Mrs. Jarman felt that concept is
a small reflection of the nation's feelings and especially_
poignant because FM 78 is where John Peterson died.
Merwin Willman mentioned Graham Ball Park and Thulemeyer Park
which are named. after ordinary citizens. Pia Jarman, saying
- she does not remember those people, observed there are new
people in town and we should respond to them.: -
Keith Van Dine emphasized it's not an issue as far as addresses
and maps go, and citizens have come forward and proposed this
renaming in John Peterson's memory.
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Keith Van Dine made a motion to recommend to City Council
approval of the renaming of FM 78, within the Schertz City
_ limits, to John E. Peterson Blvd. Pia Jarman seconded the
motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: B. Andrews, G. Vick, K. Van Dine, D. Richmond, P. Jarman
NAYS: M. Willman and T. Moreno
ABSTENTIONS: None
Motion carried.
#8 CONSIDER AND TARE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Request from U.S.
Homes for Final Plat Approval of the Vacate
and Replat of a Portion of Northcliffe
Estates Model Home Park and the Subdivision
Plat of The Fairways at Scenic Hills, Unit 1
(PC #205-94 A/B)
Alan Lindskog was at the meeting to represent this request.
Chairman Andrews asked for Staff input and Steve Simonson
reminded the Commission they have his comments and also a copy
of a letter from George d'Hemecourt of U.S. Homes outlining
the disposition of the property in question behind Lots 7 and 8
on sheet 1. Sheet 2 has the statement requested concerning the
responsibility of maintenance for all common areas and safety
lanes.
Ed Ford recommends approval of the plat, but Mr. Simonson went
on to say he still thinks the Commission needs to take a look
at the lot numbers for sheet 1 because this area is being
platted separate from the existing Northcliffe Estates Model
Home Park and yet they are using the existing block numbers and
continuing lot numbers from the Estates Subdivision into the
Fairways Subdivision. Mr. Simonson fears this could cause
some problems.
George Vick asked if St. Andrews is an existing street now and
was told by Steve Simonson it is. Mr. Vick then asked if
Pelican Hill will join up with St. Andrews and Alan Lindskog
replied there will be a wall between them.
.Alan Lindskog explained that in the beginning U.S. Homes owned
all the lots., but they have had to leave the: existing Model
Home Park Estates as is because they couldn't get the approval
of one of the property owners. There will be a barrier along
the cul-de-sac between St. Andrews-and Pelica~i Hill.
George Vick questioned what's going to be doA_e with the land _
between Lots 3 and 4. Alan Lindskog replied it is not large
enough to build a house on so it will be conveyed to the owner
of Lot 6. Mr. Lindskog also affirmed the land between Lots 7
and 8 will be. conveyed to the owner of Lot 6 for the same
reason. A letter stating this has been provided to the City.
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Alan Lindskog reasoned the purpose for continuing block and lot
numbers is because it is a contiguous block and somewhere down
_ the road you will end up with. two lot 1's in the same block.
Chairman Andrews advised Alan Lindskog since there is going to
be a wall and The Fairways is going to be a private road and
St. Andrews is still going to remain a public road, they need
to start with new blocks and lots in the new subdivision.
There was then some discussion about City limits and about
disannexation. Merwin Willman asked whether or not all of this
development is in Comal county. Alan Lindskog responded all
but a water easement which crosses the county line into
Guadalupe County.
David Richmond made a motion to approve the request from U.S.
Homes for final plat approval of the Vacate and Replat of a
portion of Northcliffe Estates Model Home park and the
subdivision plat of The Fairways at Scenic Hills Unit 1
contingent on the developer using new block and lot numbers in
the new subdivision. Tony Moreno seconded the motion and the
vote was unanimous in favor. Motion carried.
#9 CONSIDER AND TARE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Discussion of Letter
to the Commission from Betsy Pond Regarding
Development in Greenshire
Chairman Andrews retraced the steps leading to this discussion.
Betsy Pond had written a letter to the Commission regarding the
feelings of the current Greenshire Oaks residents about new
development in Greenshire and had distributed copies to the
Commission at the last meeting (copy enclosed). Mrs. Pond had
wanted to read the letter at the last meeting, but Mr. Andrews
asked her to come back to tonight's meeting because the
Commission wanted time first to read over the letter.
Following the last meeting, a letter of response to Betsy Pond
was drafted by Merwin Willman on behalf of the Commission (copy
enclosed). Chairman Andrews asked the Commission if they want
to write a letter of response and if they do, does anything
need to be added or removed from the Commission's draft.
George Vick remarked he thought Mr. Willman pretty well
covered all the valid points brought up by Mrs. Pond. Mr.•
Willman stated he wanted Mrs. Pond to see what types of
controls the City has in place.
Pia_ Ja~man=observed it's good stating all the controls, but we
should ;also incorporate the citizens' ideas - they're. very
_cogent. Mrs. Jarman stated-ever since she has been on the
Commission and attended workshops,~the emphasis has been on
changing the current growth patterns that have degraded
communities, in other words, going toward creative practical
land use and preserving open space and community character. We
should be grateful that someone cares about green areas.
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Mrs. Jarman, saying she knows new developers have to set aside
a prescribed amount of parkland, wanted to know if we count all
the old areas of Schertz, are there enough green areas. Merwin
Willman answered no, and we can't go back and correct, but we
can review the Master Plan for the City, designate certain
areas where parks are needed, and suggest the City buy land for
more parks.
David Richmond commented that regrettably he was not here for
the last meeting because he still has grave reservations about
the Commission's vote in favor of the developer doing what he's
doing in Greenshire. Unit #3 portends inattention for current
development in Greenshire Oaks and the further away they get
from that current development, the more "cracker box" approach
they take. Mr. Richmond was hoping we wouldn't see that.
Mr. Richmond further stated they had said they were going to
build off FM 3009 first because that was the choice place to
show off the area. The plats show him they had no intention of
doing that and by the size of the lots in Unit 3, they propose
to put model homes in and sell from there.
Mr. Richmond stressed the Commission might suggest to the new
developer he continue the islands in the streets. That was a L
significant accomplishment on the part of Planning and Zoning.
Mr. Richmond also reported that a survey crew cut down a 300
year old oak tree on Woodland Oaks Drive rather than just cut
off a limb that was in the way.
Getting back to the letter, Mr. Richmond felt that merely
suggesting they read our ordinances is falling short. If we
invite them to attend meetings and are willing to listen, then
it is the obligation of the Planning and Zoning Commission to
follow through and not be sweet talked by developers.
Merwin Willman, defending the letter, said he felt that was the
only way to let her know what controls we have in the areas she
asked about. Mr. Willman pointed out the citizens have to do
some legwork also.
David Richmond, saying he understands all that, felt the
Commission should take developers to task. They should
exercise some hard knocks to them over things like the
environment, traffic and noise. We have to put some teeth into
our ordinances.
Mervin Willman reminded David Richmond the plats the Commission
_ saw for Units 2 and.3 of Greenshire conformed to the Master
Plan that was. approved for that subdivision. Referring to
island in the streets, Mr. Willman mentioned they. need to keep
those kinds- of things exclusive and not give them blanket
aPProval.
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Pia Jarman admitted the .letter sounds very defensive to her and
feels a word of thanks should have been added for the citizens'
interest and concern. Mrs. Jarman related that at all the
workshops. she has attended,- they stress being open and r
receptive to the ideas of the citizenry. If we are not going
to do that, then the City is wasting it's money sending us to
these seminars. Mrs. Jarman finished up by saying an interest
is an interest, even though it may not be the exact interest we
want, and if we don't respond to it, we build walls.
Chairman Andrews asked Pia Jarman if she would like to take the
drafted letter and expound on it. She agreed to do that if it
were not offensive to Mr. Willman. Mr. Willman was not
offended.
#10 GENERAL DISCUSSION
David Richmond:
Declared he enjoyed his vacation, but was sorry he missed the
meeting where they approved the preliminary plats for
Greenshire, Units 2 and 3. It was a good job on Unit #2 and
Unit #3 through the first 35 lots. Beyond lot 35, there needs SL
to be more discussion. Mr. Richmond reiterated what he had
said earlier about continuing islands in the streets through
Greenshire.
Chairman Andrews mentioned they have encountered some problems
in the past with developers, so they need extra eyes and ears
to help notice if something wrong seems to be happening. Mr.
Andrews then told Steve Simonson he would like to know who cut
down the 300 year old tree.
Keith Van Dine•
Asked Steve Simonson when the roads in Schirmerville are going
to be repaired. Mr. Simonson replied probably-this summer -
plans are in progress. The City still needs some right-of-way
in the area. Mr. Van Dine then remarked on the gravel pit and
pointed out those trucks haul a lot of weight which is not good
for the roads. Mr. Simonson, acknowledging it's an ongoing
problem, requested Mr. Van Dine let him know when the hauling
starts up again.
Pia Jarman:.
(a) Wondered since we revoked the original Master Plan for
Greenshire and it was zoned a PUD, do we have to start again -
- - with the zoning process. Steve Simonson advised the. zoning is
- ~ still the same.. The developer has 'been informed he will -need
to request rezoning for the area .adjacent to FM 3009, if he is
going to build homes there, because it is now zoned for.
commercial use.
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Mrs. Jarman surmised then, that's why they started building
where they did rather than adjacent to FM 3009. Steve Simonson
said that's correct, they wanted to get started right and show
-the residents they could do the right thing.
(b) Mrs. Jarman then asked if in the back of Unit #3 of
Greenshire where there are 60' x 120' lots, will people buy a
large home knowing a small home will be built behind them.
Steve Simonson explained it has happened in two subdivisions
already. It depends on the developer. If the developer
doesn't do what he promised (build a quality home), then we
don't approve anymore of his homes. Chairman Andrews indicated
it depends on the type home the developer builds. The Gardens
is a good example of upscale homes backing up to smaller homes.
Steve Simonson told the Commission he had spoken with Sam
Bledsoe regarding streets around trees and David Richmond asked
if we're beyond that in Unit 3. To this, Chairman Andrews
answered we haven't approved the final plat yet for Unit 3.
Chairman Andrews compared their experiences regarding trees and
roads in Woodland Oaks versus Savannah Square and said they had
learned some valuable lessons. Mrs. Pond wanted to know if .
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the City can fine developers who take down trees. Chairman
Andrews answered he doesn't believe there's anything in the
ordinance right now allowing them to do that.
Steve Simonson remarked on the overlay ordinance restrictions
where any tree under a certain size can't be taken out and if
any tree over that certain size needs to come out, the
developer has to prove that to the City. Chairman Andrews
stressed, however, the City needs help from citizens to know
when things like cutting down a big tree are going on.
(c) Asked if we have the publication "Planning Made Easy" or a
library where we could get it. Steve Simonson replied we have
a library we can order it from. _
Merwin Willman•
Referred to the derrick up in Tri-County (seems to be in the
area where the motel is supposed to go) and asked if anyone
knows what they're drilling for. Steve Simonson answered he,
.doesn't know, but from the location he would suspect it's
probably a soil core drill.
George Vick•
(a) Mentioned the new ordinance on priva-te streets and brought
up the approval of Greenshire Es ate8.- Mr. Vick then referred .
to paragraph C. from the ordi°nance where it says a private
street or road serving only resident is exempt from
construction and maintenance standards for public streets and
pointed out Greenshire Estates-will eventually have more than
_g_
one 'resident. Steve Simonson declared Greenshire Estates has
only-one street and it's considered a private dri"ve.
Mr. Vick wanted to know, if you keeping adding on behind, for
example giving lots to your children to build on, is it still a
driveway. Steve Simonson replied that's something they would
have to look at on an individual basis.
(b) Commented he read in the Newsletter where City Hall has
gone smoke free. Steve Simonson explained that the article in
the Newsletter should never have been published. The employees
who smoke got together and volunteered to go smoke free. The
City decided, knowing how the conference room is used, to allow
smoking in the conference room, the front of the lobby and the
lounge. This is not something that was mandated, but strictly
a voluntary action on the part of the smokers.
Councilman Ken Greenwald:
(a) Thanked those who voted.
(b) Reported he and John Bierschwale had attended a Canyon
Regional Water Authority meeting. They have approved a tracer
study and will be pulling water out of Lake Dunlap by the first
week of June. A tracer study takes approximately two weeks and
involves pumping water through the clarifiers and filters, etc.
and getting the chemical balance right.
Between June 15th and 30th .they will be ready to start pumping.
The cost is 55 cents per thousand at Lake McQueeney. How much
more it will cost to get it to Schertz is unknown. It will not
be cheap.
The Bexar Metro System is in the process of buying 2,000 acre
feet of water from Lake Dunlap to feed the Lackland Water
System. If that comes to pass you could see.a system which,
instead of running all new lines, would pump -water through
Marion lines to Cibolo lines to Schertz lines. Legally that
can't be done right now.
Edwards water is going to become expensive and we still don't
know what date they've picked for the water usage date.
Steve Simonson•
(a) Reported that he received, from the National Highway
_ System, a 1997 building date for the FM 78 widening. _
_ (bj Related the Metropolitan Planning Organization today, just
- for planning purposes, had to cut 2~ million dollars out of its
_ budget.
(c) Asked if anyone else is going. to the APA luncheon this
-Friday.
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#11 ADJOURNMENT
_ Chairman Andrews adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is May 24, 1994.
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