HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2008-03-03 Speciall l
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MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD PLANNING
AND ZONING COMMISSION, HELD MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2008, AT 5:30 PM, IN
THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL, LOCATED AT 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD
DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS
1.Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 6:44 pm with the following present:
Chairman Jim Gibson
Commissioner Michael Brown
Commissioner Hassan Moghaddam
City Attorney Bobby Gervais
Dir. of Comm. Dev. Les McMahen
Vice-Chairperson Sherry Weesner
Commissioner Mark McLean
Commissioner David O'Farrell
City Planner Mona Miller
Dep. Dir. Of Comm. Dev. Frank Manigold
2.Discussion with City Council regarding proposed amendments to Resolution #2002-55
Planning and Zoning Rules and Procedures
Chairman Gibson explained that the Commission feels that a majority vote should be
required for a recommendation instead of the four affirmative votes currently required.
He stated that the majority vote clearly represents the majority of the Commissioners
present. Vice-Chairperson Weesner agreed that a 3-1 vote is clearly a vote in favor.
Mayor Smith asked if there was relative unanimity with the proposed changes. Chairman
Gibson explained that the changes were recommended 6 to 0. Several Council members
expressed their concerns with the "tag rule". They felt like tabling an item was a much
better alternative than "tagging" it and removing it from the agenda.
Chairman Gibson explained that if the Commission felt like the "tag" was malicious, they
could suspend the rule. Commissioner Weesner added that the "tag rule" would not
apply to items that have a time limit for approval, such as the thhty day window to
approve a final plat. She also stated that they plan to review the Rules and Procedures
annually; therefore, if the tag rule does not work, they can change or remove it during
their annual review.
3.Discussion with City Council regarding the Design Criteria Manual
Chairman Gibson read a prepared statement regarding the adoption of the Design Criteria
Manual as an ordinance. Councilmember Hill stated that he has heard from present and
former P & Z memb ers that think making the DCM an ordinance, was a mistake.
Chairman Gibson expressed his concern for the DCM being elevated to an ordinance and
now conflicting with the Zoning and Subdivision ordinances. Commissioner McLean
stated that the P & Z Commission was bypassed entirely on making the DCM an
ordinance. Mayor Smith explained that he and City Attorney Bobby Gervais have
discussed the issue. He added that their concern with revoking the ordinance is that an
ordinance is more enforceable, including penalties for non-compliance. Mr. Gervais
expressed his concern with platting without having the DCM as an ordinance.
Councilmember Rivera stated that everything other than the engineering specifications
should be removed from the document.
Former P & Z Commissioner Kevin Holland expressed how important he felt it was that
the DCM reverts back to a resolution. Councilmember Ewing felt that it was very
impo1tant to point out that three of the opposing opinions are from previous P & Z chairs.
4.Adjour11111ent
The meeting adjourned at 7:36 pm.
These minutes respectfully submitted by:
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