HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2011-11-17 Regular PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
1. Call to order
Chairman Kevin Holland Vice Chairman Mark McLean
Commissioner Hassan Moghaddam Commissioner David O’Farrell
Commissioner Jim Nye Mona Miller, Planner
Morad Kabiri, Director of CDD Frank Manigold, Dep. Director of CDD
Aubrey Harbin, Development Specialist Steve Weathered, City Attorney
Holland gave an invocation.
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.)
None
3. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes for the:
1) October 17, 2011 special and regular meetings
Motion to approve: McLean
Second: Moghaddam
Vote: 5 to 0 (unanimous) Minutes Approved
4. Consideration and possible action regarding the preliminary plat of West Ranch West
Lake, Section Three, being 16.7 acres out of the John Dickinson Survey, Abstract 9, and
being a portion of Lots 87, 88, 108 thru 111, Lot 128 and a portion of an unimproved right-
of-way South of Lots 108 thru 110 and North of Lot 128, Slone Subdivision as recorded
under Volume 3, Page 61A (Volume 254A, Page 6), Galveston County Map Records; Said
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING & WORK
SESSION
HELD THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
AT 7PM
CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE
FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS
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November 17, 2011 P&Z Meeting
Lots 87, 108 and 128 also being described in instruments filed for record under Clerk’s File
No. 8900646 and 9305532 of the official public records of real property of Galveston
County; Said Lots 88, 109 and 110 also being described in an instrument filed for record
under Galveston County Clerk’s File No. 2010017232; and Said Lot 111 being described in
an instrument filed for record under Galveston County Clerk’s File No. 2008021030,
Galveston County, Friendswood, Texas
Motion to approve with staff comments: O’Farrell
Second: McLean
Vote: 5 to 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
Staff Comments:
Planning:
1) The block length measurement of Bolivar Point Lane from Matagorda Lane to
Texoma Bend Lane is 1,389 feet. The developer is requesting that the
Commission allow the longer block length since it is only 189 feet longer
than the maximum block length allowed.
2) Change the note on the Regulation Matrix to reference General Note 15, not
16.
Engineering:
1) The 8-inch waterline is mislabeled as 8’ WLE.
2) Water service and sanitary sewer service leads need to be placed at property
lines.
3) Please add water and sanitary sewer service leads to every lot within the platted
area.
Kabiri explained that the Commission does have some flexibility in approving block
lengths longer than 1200 feet. He stated that with the curvature of the road, he does not see
an issue.
Holland clarified that we did not have this plat as information when WR West Lake Section
2 was approved.
McLean verified with staff that the Police Department and Fire Marshal reviewed the plat
and did not have concerns with safety.
5. Consideration and possible action regarding recommendations on adoption of vested
rights ordinance
Motion to discuss: McLean
Second: O’Farrell
No action taken.
Kabiri explained that the City Attorney Steve Weathered drafted a vested rights ordinance
based on ordinances from other cities and previous P&Z discussions. He stated that there
is some concern from staff’s perspective of defining vested rights in the ordinance because
the more if it is defined, it may cause greater liability or exposure for the City.
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November 17, 2011 P&Z Meeting
There was a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of adopting a vested rights ordinance
and the fact that not many cities have vested rights ordinances. Most rely on Chapter 245
of the Local Government Code; however, Chapter 245 is vague and does not provide
specific guidelines for municipalities.
Weathered explained that the proposed ordinance is short, addresses appellate rights, will
not require City to prepare or maintain an inventory of records, and it addresses dormancy.
There was also discussion that currently the City does not have a procedure for determining
vested rights. Kabiri explained that it would fall on him to decide and he would consult
with city attorney. He explained that a procedure is not spelled out in city ordinance, and
that the City currently defaults to local government code. Mclean stated that he would like
the city to outline a procedure of determining vested rights rather than an applicant going to
court.
Weathered explained that the proposed process requires the applicant to provide 10 items
as part of the application, the City Manager would determine based on the information
submitted, whether or not the project/property is vested. If the City Manager determines
that it is not vested, the applicant can appeal to City Council, and if Council determines it is
not vested, the applicant can appeal to District Court.
Mclean stated that he feels that the proposed process helps the applicant determine what
they are claiming and helps protect the City.
McLean asked about the possibility of adding Alternative Dispute Resolution as part of the
process as a last ditch effort before going to court.
Weathered stated that one good thing about this ordinance is that it will provide attorneys
with all evidence that would be taken to court, if it were to go that far. All parties would be
using same evidence.
Mclean explained that this is would be an optional procedure that the property owner
would have to pursue. If the property owner does not get letter acknowledging their vested
rights, their vested rights are voided after 2 years. He also stated that vesting goes with the
property, not the property owner.
Holland stated that he would like to see mediation added as an option.
McLean provided some mark ups on the ordinance to Weathered. Weathered will make
changes and bring back for further discussion.
6. Progress report from the sub-committee regarding Single Family Residential – Estate
zoning
Joint discussion with City Council on Monday, December 5 discussed with Mayor Smith
and Councilman Jim Hill – direction to discuss with City Council since there are several
new councilmembers that were not involved when this issue was first discussed.
7. Consideration and possible action regarding future Planning and Zoning Commission
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November 17, 2011 P&Z Meeting
meeting dates
Motion to move Dec. 1 meeting to Monday, Dec. 5: McLean
Second: Nye
Vote: 5 to 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
Next regular meeting will be Thursday, December 15.
8. Communications from the Commission
Moghaddam stated that he attended a City Council meeting and that the City is receiving
$4.5 million in grants for fire station and roadway projects. He also stated that Kabiri
was a guest speaker in his class at UH today.
O’Farrell attended Parks Board and enjoyed it. He stated that there is a lot of discussion
about Lake Windemere.
McLean stated that he also attended City Council meeting and that the 1st reading of the
PUD changes and NC use changes passed. He stated that Mayor Smith said he
appreciated the work by staff on this issue. McLean also stated that Emery Riddle
University is going to build a facility at Ellington Field and he hopes that it will be an
asset to the community.
Holland thanked staff and the Commissioners and wished everyone a Happy
Thanksgiving.
9. Reports
A. Council Liaison - None
B. Staff - None
10. The regular meeting adjourned t 7:51pm.
WORK SESSION (2nd floor conference room immediately following regular meeting)
1. The work session was called to order at 7:59pm with the following people in attendance:
Chairman Kevin Holland Vice Chairman Mark McLean
Commissioner Hassan Moghaddam Commissioner Jim Nye
Mona Miller, Planner Morad Kabiri, Director of CDD
Frank Manigold, Dep. Director of CDD Aubrey Harbin, Development Specialist
Steve Weathered, City Attorney
O’Farrell could not stay for this portion.
2. Discussion and review of proposed Appendix C – Zoning Ordinance rewrite
Staff briefly explained proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. The Commission will
discuss further at a future meeting.
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November 17, 2011 P&Z Meeting
3. The work session adjourned at 8:11pm.
These minutes respectfully submitted by:
Aubrey Harbin
Aubrey Harbin
Development Specialist/P&Z Secretary