11-28-1995 PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES
The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened in regular
session on Tuesday, November 28, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz,
Texas. Those present were as follows:
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION CITY STAFF
PIA JARMAN, CHAIRWOMAN STEVE SIMONSON,
MERWIN WILLMAN, SECRETARY ASST. CITY MANAGER
TONY MORENO DENISE GRANGER,
KEITH VAN DINE PLANNING SECRETARY
ERNIE EVANS
KEN GREENWALD, COUNCILMAN
MEMBERS ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT
DAVID RICHMOND (WORK RELATED) Sam Bledsoe,
MBC Engineers
#1 CALL TO ORDER
Chairwoman Pia Jarman called the November 28, 1995 regular meeting
to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pia Jarman asked for everyone to observe a moment of silence in
remembrance of Bob Andrews.
#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Session November 14, 1995.
Ernie Evans advised on page 5 next to the last paragraph third line
down the word "one" needed to be deleted.
Merwin Willman moved to approve the November 14, 1995 Regular
Session minutes as amended. Tony Moreno seconded the motion which
carried with a unanimous vote.
#3 CITIZENS' INPUT OTHER THAN AGENDA ITEMS:
There were none.
#4 CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Request from Sam Bledsoe
MBC Engineers, to Rezone Approximately 2.00
Acres from General Business (GB) to Single
Family Dwelling District (R-2). (ZC #124-95)
Steve Simonson explained that more than half of the property is in
the AICUZ Zone. The AICUZ as we know it is this side of Oak
Street. It is on the outside of APZ 1 which does not allow any
residential structure to be built in that type of area. It is in
the APZ 2 area which does give the authorization to allow scattered
site or nothing more than one residence per 1/2 acre. The
understanding is that there will only be two houses platted on this
property.
Sam Bledsoe advised that the plan is to plat two one acre lots to
front on Nell Deane. They both will be single family residential.
Tony Moreno mentioned that it looks as if the density would not
create a problem. Steve Simonson agreed, if it is platted the way
they are requesting it to be zoned as a single family residential.
Pia Jarman asked if they would be compatible with the other
residential that is across the street? Steve Simonson advised that
would be true. The R-2 zoning they are requesting is identical to
the R-2 zoning of the adjacent homes.
Tony Moreno commented if this was to follow along with that pattern
then they would be able to plat 4 or 5 other lots.
Sam Bledsoe stated this could give more flexibility later on if
they wanted to develop the rest of the property. At this time they
do not have any plans for the rest of that tract of land.
Pia Jarman questioned that at some time there was talk about a
business and a residential going on this property. Steve Simonson
advised that was a different person. There have been several
different people looking at this property.
Merwin Willman questioned that this request is for two single lots
to be split. If this is true it does not fall under the R-2
zoning. Steve Simonson stated that there is not a one acre lot
zoning but if you say R-2 that is the zoning that goes along with
the adjacent area. If they want to go with R-2 and make it one
acre that would be acceptable as this would not be making it any
smaller.
Pia Jarman asked how it is determined that the property is only 1/2
in the AICUZ. Steve Simonson showed how the AICUZ area runs along
the requested property which is just outside of Oak Street. The
center line of the flight path is on FM 1518 in the creek.
Keith Van Dine asked how often do they adjust or move the line for
the AICUZ? Ernie Evans stated it is based on the type of air craft
that will be flying in the area.
Ken Greenwald advised that it had just recently been changed
because they are flying different air craft.
Steve Simonson advised that more than half of the property is in
the AICUZ and lies within the APZ 1 area. The recommendation that
Randolph Air Force has, that you may not put residential in APZ 1
because of accidents.
-2-
Keith Van Dine asked for clarification on Randolph Air Force Base
guidelines that the City must obey. Steve Simonson explained that
the guidelines are not binding. We do not have to do anything.
The City has adopted the guidelines in the ordinance to follow to
the best of our ability. There are always interpretations on what
we should do but as part of our zoning ordinance which was adopted
four or five years ago, the AICUZ zone would continue to be
observed.
Merwin Willman commented that the noise zone of the AICUZ has also
changed. Merwin Willman questioned if granting of the request
would not create an incompatible use, from the surrounding
property. With this only being part of the property what is
happening with the rest of the property?
Sam Bledsoe advised that the owners own a very good size portion of
the property which extends down to FM 1518 but at this time they
are only asking for this portion.
Steve Simonson mentioned that the owner is requesting to have the
property rezoned as the lots are not yet owned by the people
wanting to develop the property.
Merwin Willman stated on the zoning checklist the petitioner must
meet the following conditions as outlined in Article XXIII, Section
2, Paragraph 2.2.2.:
1. The requested changed is in keeping with the
Comprehensive Plan adopted by City Council.
2. There have been environmental and/or economical
changes which warrant a change since its original
zoning
3. Granting of the request would not create an
incompatible use different from the surrounding
property, or show favor to the property under
consideration for rezoning. (Spot Zoning)
Pia Jarman said the request would be compatible with the
surrounding property by staying with the R-2 rezoning; as far as
the other changes, with bigger planes flying, to build in the area
it may cause more of a hazard.
Merwin Willman commented that the accident zone has not changed it
is the noise zone that has changed. It is on the fringe of the
noise zone for that area, the people would need to be notified in
writing that this area is in the noise zone and the people need to
sign a statement.
Pia Jarman asked about the liability. Steve Simonson said all we
are doing is using the AICUZ as a guideline. The ordinance for the
City clearly states we are to follow the guidelines to the best of
our ability but they are guidelines, exceptions can be made to the
-3-
guidelines.
Ernie Evans said his concern is, if we are to continue the
development of this land and the remaining property for residential
we would be cutting right through the middle of zone 1 area by
hitting the center of the flight path. This might not be a good
thing to be doing and this needs to be reassessed for the future.
Merwin Willman stated the reason this area was zoned General
Business was due to the AICUZ. Windy Meadows was required to put
their trailer park towards the back because of the AICUZ.
Merwin Willman moved to disapprove the request from Sam Bledsoe MBC
Engineers, to rezone approximately 2.00 acres from General Business
(GB) Single Family Dwelling District (R-2) based upon the location
in the AICUZ zone. Keith Van Dine seconded the motion which
carried as follows:
AYES: Merwin Willman, Ernie Evans, Keith Van Dine, Pia Jarman.
NAYS: Tony Moreno.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
#5 CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Unified Development Code
Pia Jarman stated that in a conversation with Mr. Sweatt, he has
suggested a joint workshop with the Planning and Zoning Commission
and City Council possibly to go over the UDC. He also suggested an
executive summary be written on the UDC. This will be after the
new year.
Merwin Willman passed out a draft of a letter that is very helpful
to go along with the UDC on what important changes have been made.
Pia Jarman thanked Merwin for what will serve as the executive
summary sheet.
Tony Moreno moved to approve the UDC as prepared. Merwin Willman
seconded the motion which carried with a unanimous vote.
Merwin Willman mentioned if the Commissioners could please return
the gray binders to the Planning Department for reuse.
#6 CONSIDER AND DISCUSS: Future Growth
Steve Simonson showed the planning map for the future growth for
the next five years. Steve asked for the Commission to decide what
areas they would like to go forward to City Council to have annexed
by numbering in order of priority. The areas that are numbered "1"
there will be no dispute over in the ETJ. The area towards Garden
Ridge and IH 35 will not create a problem with the agreement with
Garden Ridge. The area marked number "2" that is felt by the
Commission that needs to be in our City, but it would be the City
Council's responsibility to have the Mayor talk with the Mayor of
San Antonio. If number "2" was to become possible, number 3-A
would be more important than 3-B. There are more possibilities and
less opposition. The city limits for New Braunfels is clearly
-4-
marked with the City of Schertz not being able to go any further
north. San Antonio is shown from FM 1518 to IH 10. St. Hedwig is
growing very rapidly to almost IH 10. We have to stay at least
five miles from the city limits of San Antonio. With volunteer
annexation the City does not need authorization. The question we
need to ask ourselves is if we still feel the same way about the
areas to be annexed and what recommendation, in a series of
priority numbering is to be made to City Council.
Ernie Evans asked about the current rules and limitations on the
annexation. Ernie stated he has read the information from the
conference in Arlington but it does not seem to go by what we as a
City follow.
Steve Simonson advised that the new annexation rules have been
looked at and they have not hurt our City on what we can and can
not do without being in penalty. We as a City can annex 10~ of our
land area. As far as the carry-over Steve said he would look into
that. We have not lost our ability to annex the 10~ but Steve will
check on any roll over that may be available. Every time you annex
land that adds to how much more you can annex the next year.
Ernie Evans mentioned that for example if it was January of 1996
and we have already proceeded and started our process with area
number "1" and four months later San Antonio agrees to release to
the City area number "2". If we were to look at the area number
"2" would we have already exceeded our limit on the land mass and
would not be able to get to number "2"? Steve Simonson advised he
would have to check on the square miles and see how much we have
and how .much we have left as any carry-over. The City hasn't done
any annexation for about three years.
Merwin Willman asked about the area in Garden Ridge: what is in
the area and what value would it have to annex that area? Steve
Simonson stated at this time there is no value it is just an
undisputed area.
Ernie Evans mentioned if we are going to go -out next year to annex
these areas and we have the support to do this, we should maximize
that percentage usage. This would position us better sooner for
future boundaries. While the City is working on one area they
could start the process for the next area. If the City does have
any percentage carried over from previous years we should use that
now if we can afford it.
The Commission was in agreement to look at the future development
and discuss at the next meeting the recommendation to be given to
City Council which will be written by Ernie, Pia, and Merwin after
the square mileage etc. information is presented by Steve
Simonson.
#7 GENERAI. DISCUSSION:
Pia Jarman:
-5-
Pia Jarman stated usually she puts herself "modestly" at the end,
after all the Commissioners' have had a chance, but at this meeting
she claimed executive privilege to make some remarks for the
record:
1. Congratulations are in order for our Recording Secretary,
Denise Granger, on being selected the Employee of the quarter
(July-September 1995).
2. Thanks to David Richmond, our Vice Chairman for suggesting
such a good method of selecting the new Commissioner. The
numerical method he suggested and the Commission adopted gave each
of the commissioners a means of evaluating without worrying about
offending someone or having to vote negatively against any
individual. I recommend that in the future this method be made
standard operational procedure (SOP) in selecting a candidate for a
vacancy.
Tony Moreno•
Tony Moreno stated he had no comments.
Keith Van Dine:
Keith Van Dine stated he had no comments.
Ernie Evans:
Ernie Evans asked who is responsible for the power lines that are
on Schertz Parkway with a pile of dirt that keeps washing into the
road. Steve advised that is GVEC and just as soon as they no
longer have to help with the Christmas Ornament preparation, he
will speak with them.
Merwin Willman:
Merwin Willman mentioned the article in the paper on manufactured
homes was very interesting.
Keith Van Dine asked about the water that was being wasted out on
Ashley Park Unit 2 on who is responsible for that water being
wasted. Steve Simonson advised that the developer has to hook up
to a meter and they are responsible.
Councilman Ken Greenwald:
Ken Greenwald stated that Gary Wallace was appointed by the City
Council as the new planning and zoning member.
Ken Greenwald mentioned that he and Steve had attended the MPO
meeting that was held in Live Oak and it was very interesting. As
an exercise in decision making, fake money was used, with the
individual players deciding which roads will be worked on.
-6-
Ken Greenwald commended the Commission on the disapproval of the
rezoning on the property that is located in the AICUZ area. It was
a very smart decision.
Steve Simonson:
Steve Simonson mentioned if everyone could get out on FM 78 and see
how beautiful the Christmas decorations are. With the help from
Mr. Peterson and the Public Works Department and the Christmas
Committee, it has never looked better.
~8 ADJOURNMENT:
Keith Van Dine moved to adjourn the meeting. Ernie Evans seconded
the motion, which carried with a unanimous vote.
Chairwoman Pia Jarman adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is December 12, 1995.
e
Chairwo an, Planning and Zoning Commission
TTEST:
Planning cretary
City of Schertz, Texas
-'7 _