HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2012-09-20 Regular PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
1. The regular meeting was called to order at 7 pm with the following people in attendance:
Vice Chairman Mark Tibbitts Commissioner Jim Gibson
Commissioner Chris Brown Commissioner David O’Farrell
Mona Miller, Planner Nick Haby, Planning Manager/PIO
Aubrey Harbin, Development Specialist Morad Kabiri, Asst. City Manager
Steve Rockey, Councilmember
Absent: McLean, Nye, Triplette
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.)
Ruth Piper, Friendswood, spoke in regards to property upkeep. She stated that City
Council repealed the International Property Maintenance Code and that she has been
studying that code. She stated that she is concerned with the term “international” and that
the City already has code enforcement for weeds and buildings. She also stated that she is
concerned with the power given to the code official. She explained that the code regulates
the minimum temperature of buildings, light standards, floor area of certain room, too
many occupants, and other things. She asked that the IPMC not be adopted.
3. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes for the:
1) September 10, 2012 regular meeting
Motion to approve: Gibson
Second: Brown
Vote: 4 to 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
HELD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
AT 7PM
CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE
FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS
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September 20, 2012 P&Z Meeting
O’Farrell recused himself from the meeting.
4. Consideration and possible action regarding the final plat of Corder’s Corner, being
1.018 acres out of Lots 49 and 50, and part of a 60’ private road adjoining said Lot 50, of
the Voss Subdivision, according to the map or plat thereof recorded in Volume 254-A,
Page 9 in the Office of the County Clerk; and situated in the Sarah McKissick League,
Abstract 151, Galveston County, Texas
No action taken. Not enough members to vote.
Gibson asked about the tree mitigation note and Miller explained that there are a lot of trees
on this lot that will require mitigation if they are removed at the time of commercial site
plan approval.
O’Farrell re-entered the meeting.
The Commission went into Executive Session at 7:12pm.
The regular meeting reconvened at 7:28pm.
5. Consideration and possible action regarding possible amendments to the Sign Ordinance
as per Keep Friendswood Beautiful’s suggestions regarding political signs
No action taken. Due to legal issues this item will be deferred to City Council.
6. Consideration and possible action regarding possible amendments to Appendix B –
Subdivision Ordinance, Section IV. Parkland dedication and Appendix D – Fees, to
include Parkland Dedication Fees
Motion to approve: Gibson
Second: O’Farrell
Vote: 4 to 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
Kabiri explained that this ordinance has been discussed at City Council level and the
proposed changes are a result of those discussions. He explained that city-wide parks
would be more beneficial to a city the size of Friendswood. He explained that an inventory
of the current parkland shows us approximately 50 acres away from the ideal number of
acres of parkland for a city our size. The proposed $600 per lot takes into account the price
of land per acre. The current parkland fees range from $300 to $822 per lot. Kabiri
explained that the Parks Board may require land dedication or payment. Kabiri also
presented park fees from other surrounding cities.
Brown stated that the proposed ordinance clarifies the legality of using the parkland funds
and that he likes the idea.
Kabiri explained that fees collected up until the last City Council meeting will be used the
old way, but that there is not enough money collected in any one zone to utilize for any
significant purpose, such as a land purchase. He stated that the proposed changes will
result in better utilization of the money.
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September 20, 2012 P&Z Meeting
Tibbitts asked what happens if the money is not spent; Kabiri explained that they will be
treated the same as impact fees with a life of 10 years which will give the City time to
accumulate money and complete projects.
7. Consideration and possible action regarding possible amendments to Appendix C –
Zoning Ordinance, Section 8.N, Downtown District supplemental requirements and
the Design Criteria Manual, Appendix E Downtown District Amenities
Motion to approve with 2 changes: Gibson
Second: O’Farrell
Vote: 4 to 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
Miller explained that the proposals contain the changes suggested previously including the
recommendation from the last meeting to add the diagram to show how height of the light
poles will be measured.
Haby explained that there have been concerns about who will maintain the amenities and
sidewalks once they are installed. He explained that ROW maintenance with all of the
amenities and pavers will be expensive. He also stated that the requirements to install all
amenities only applies to new development, but also asked for clarification of whether or
not existing property owners can add amenities without having to install all of the required
amenities.
Brown stated that we should clarify that a business should be allowed to upgrade sidewalks
and other amenities without being required to install everything and that maintenance
should be up to the property owner.
Gibson stated that it was the intention of the Commission for the land owner to maintain
the DD amenities.
8. Discussion regarding proposed amendments to Appendix C – Zoning Ordinance,
Sections 8 through 18, as a part of the entire Zoning Ordinance rewrite
Postponed for a future meeting.
9. Consideration and possible action regarding future Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting dates
Miller proposed to move the Oct. 4 meeting to Oct. 1. A Joint Work Session with City
Council is scheduled for Oct. 1 and the APA Conference is Oct. 4-6, so Mona and a couple
of the commissioners will be out of town at the conference.
Next regular meeting after that will be Thursday, October 18 at 7pm.
10. Communications from the Commission
O’Farrell stated that for the second time in about 6 months, he has received compliments
on City Staff regarding the DRC meetings; staff was described as being welcoming,
encouraging and willing to help solve problems.
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September 20, 2012 P&Z Meeting
11. Reports
A. Council Liaison – Steve Rockey – nothing to report
B. Staff – Miller informed the Commission that the bus tour has been rescheduled
for Tuesday, October 30 from 9:30am to 3pm with lunch from 11:30am to 12.
12. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55pm.
These minutes respectfully submitted by:
Aubrey Harbin
Aubrey Harbin
Development Specialist/P&Z Secretary