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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2010-04-15 RegularMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2010 7:OOPM COUNCIL CHAMBERS CITY HALL 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS 1. The meeting was called to order at 7pm with the following people in attendance: Chairman Kevin Holland Commissioner Mike Huss Commissioner Hassan Moghaddam Mona Miller, City Planner Morad Kabiri, Dir. of CDD Jim Hill, City Councilmember Commissioner David O'Farrell Commissioner Ruben Garcia Bobby Gervais, City Attorney Aubrey Harbin, Development Specialist Frank Manigold, Deputy Dir. of CDD Mike Barker, City Councilmember 2. Communication from the public/committee liaisons (To comply with provisions of the Open Meetings Act, the Commission may not deliberate on subjects discussed under this agenda item. However, the Commission may direct such subjects be placed on a later regular Commission agenda for discussion and/or possible action) Mark Tilley, Friendswood, stated that this has been a long road and he hopes that the citizens will get the consideration they deserve. He stated that he knows the Commission works hard and he appreciates that and he hopes that the Commission understands the position of the citizens. Charles Prendergast, Friendswood, stated that he is on the Board of Directors for Boca Raton HOA and has spoken repeatedly against item 4 on the agenda. He stated that he has many concerns, but will not restate all of them tonight. He stated that a major concern, even before the hotel was proposed, is drainage. He stated that in April 2009 all of the streets in Boca Raton flooded because the detention ponds were full, He said the Drainage District explained that it was an above average rain event. He stated that the subject property where the hotel is proposed was under water at that time. He said that he has provided photos previously and stated that the drainage problem that has not been fixed. He also stated that allowing something to be built on this property is not going to help the situation and that it will just make it worse. He said that the best course of action is to kill this project tonight and forever based on citizens concerns and the comments that have been compiled by city staff, as well as the drainage issue. He asked the Commission to act in the best interest of the citizens and the City. Jackie Gibson, Friendswood, stated that the proposed site plan does not comply with the purpose of the site plan according to Section 9 of the Zoning Ordinance. She stated that new development should not cause detriment to surrounding properties and that this motel in this location will do just that. She stated that it violates protection of the general welfare by jeopardizing the safety of the children in the nearby schools. She also stated that increased criminal activity will add more work to the Police Department and that businesses that are open 24 hours invite crime. Ms. Gibson stated that she also has concerns with lighting and noise, privacy issues, drainage, landscaping, the location and that people will not patronize the business. She asked other citizens present at the meeting who oppose the proposed hotel to stand and approximately 50 citizens stood. Steve Stack, Friendswood, stated that he lived directly behind the hotel and he does not see how there will be enough parking on the site once the front parcels are sold. Pam Singleton, Friendswood, stated that she is being forced to relocate and this could be a problem in selling her house and she feels that others may have this problem as well. She said that she hopes the hotel issue will be satisfied in favor of the citizens. 3. Consent Agenda: A. Approval of minutes for the February 22, 2010 special meeting B. Approval of minutes for the March 4, 2010 regular meeting Motion to Approve: Moghaddam Second: O'Farrell Vote: 5 — 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried 4. Consideration and possible action regarding the commercial site plan for the Sleep Inn at 2355 W. Parkrvood Avenue Motion to approve with staff comments: Garcia Second: Huss Vote: 0 — 5 (unanimous) Motion Failed Kabiri explained that there were numerous deficiencies cited by staff on the site plan review. He stated that the applicant resubmitted plans late yesterday afternoon, but staff has not had a chance for a thorough review and it is not in compliance with current ordinances. Holland said that the owner made a statement at the Feb. 4 meeting that he did not know what was going to be built on this property, but he is not here to answer questions. 5. Consideration and possible action regarding possible amendments to Appendix A —Sign Ordinance of the City of Friendswood Code of Ordinances Motion to remove from agenda: Holland Second. Moghaddam Vote: 5 — 0 (unanimous) No Action Taken Gervais stated the proposal is a result of research that he did in looking at ordinances 2 from other cities and case law regarding handheld signs. Chairman Holland stated that he would like to wait until Gibson is present to discuss since this was his concern. 6. Consideration and possible action regarding future Planning and Zoning Commission meeting dates No action taken. Next regular meeting will be May 6, 2010. 7. Communications from the Commission Garcia had questions regarding item 4. He stated that the owner has been conducting business behind the scenes and not being upfront by going to the newspaper with information and then showing up at one meeting and stating that they did not know what was going to be built on the property because they did not have funding. Garcia stated that he would like the owner or a representative here in the future to answer any questions the Commission may have. Garcia also asked Gervais if anything could be done to prevent the hotel from being used as a halfway house transitioning people from incarceration back into society or being used as temporary housing by FEMA via vouchers. Gervais explained that the City has police powers over the operation separate from the Zoning Ordinance and that regulation and taxation issues will be discussed by City Council this coming Monday night. Garcia also asked if the Police Department had any comments regarding the site plan and Kabiri explained that they did not have any comments regarding the site plan. Holland encouraged citizens to fill out applications for committees and commissions. 8. Reports a. Council Liaison — no comments b. Staff — no comments 9. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26pm. These minutes submitted by: Aubrey Harbin, TEED AP Development Specialist