HomeMy WebLinkAbout00071394Staff Present: Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation; Eric Ploeger, Assistant Director;
Pete Vanecek, Senior Park Planner; David Wood, Park Planner; Jane Kee, City Planner; Jessica
Jimmerson, Staff Planner; Judy Downs, Greenways Coordinator; Kris Lehde, Staff Assistant.
Board Members Present: John Nichols, Chairman; Larry Farnsworth; Glen Davis; Don Allison;
Glenn Schroeder; Laura Wood (Alternate).
Board Members Absent: Bill Davis; Jon Turton.
Guests:
Randy French, Developer
Wallace Phillips, Developer
David Scott, President of the Brazos Greenways Council
Visitors:
Debbie Hammon, P.O. Box 5206, Bryan, Texas 77805
Kourtney Rogers, 2910 Normand, College Station, Texas 77845
Aaron Melsohls, 1105 Hawk Tree Drive, College Station, Texas 77845
Kari Klafkin, 4924 Spearman Drive, College Station, Texas 77845
Elizabeth Caldbrese, 117 Holleman Drive, College Station, Texas 77840
Buty Bows, 117 Holleman Drive, College Station, Texas 77840
Jaimie Hachett, Southwest Parkway, College Station, Texas 77840
Justin Smith, 401 Anderson #12 N., College Station, Texas 77840
Jennifer Bishop, 1800 Holleman, #608, College Station, Texas 77840
Christy Moug, 401 University Oaks, #1305, College Station, Texas 77840
Ashley Griffin, 1315 Mullins Loop North, College Station, Texas 77845
Rachel Lyons, 950 Colgate, #167, College Station, Texas 77840
1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. Hear visitors: No visitors spoke at this time.
3. Pardon - Consider requests for absences of members from meeting: Larry
Farnsworth made a motion to accept the absences of Bill Davis and Jon Turton as
excused. Glen Davis seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed
unanimously.
4. Approval of minutes from the regular meeting of September 11, 2001, and the joint
meeting of September 20, 2001: Don Allison made a motion to approve the minutes
from the regular meeting of September 11, 2001. Larry Farnsworth seconded the motion.
All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 9, 2001
Page I of 6
MINUTES
Planning and Zoning Commission
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
September 20, 2001
7:30 P.M.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Commissioners Floyd, Williams, Kaiser, Trapani,
and Hawthorne.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Happ and McMath.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Maloney.
STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Brown, Staff Planners
Jimmerson, and Hitchcock, Assistant City Engineer
Mayo, Graduate Engineer Thompson, Assistant City
Attorney Nemcik, Director of Development Services
Callaway, Neighborhood Services Senior Planner
Battle, Senior Planner Kuenzel, Development
Review Manager Ruiz, Assistant Development
Review Manager George, Transportation Planner
Fogle, and Staff Assistant Hazlett.
Chairman Floyd called the meeting to order.
AGENDA ITEM NO. is Hear visitors
Ray Hanson, 73o North Rosemary, Bryan, encouraged the Commission to consider architectural style
and control in building structures and signs, including an ordinance that will protect trademarks,
when considering future development.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Public Comment for the Record
Ray Hanson, 730 North Rosemary, Bryan, stated that he is requesting a change in the Sign Ordinance
in the C-N zoning district, to reduce the square footage that is currently allowed and to increase the
size for near street signage. He made recommendations.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Consent Agenda
The following items were approved by common consent.
P&Z Minutes September 20, 2001 Page 1 of 5
3.1 Approved the Final Plat for Castlegate, Section 1, Phase 2, located at 2250
Greens Prairie Road, consisting of 74 lots on 26.o1 acres. (01-34)•
3.2 Moved to the regular agenda the Consideration of a Final Plat for Ashford
Square, Lot 3, Block A, located at 230 Southwest Parkway East, consisting of
three C-1, General Commercial lots on.61 acres. (o1-189).
3.3 Moved to the regular agenda the Consideration of a Final Plat for Ashford
Square, Lot 8, Block D, located at 240 Southwest Parkway East, consisting of
five C-1 lots on .93 acres. (ol-19o)
3.4 Approved the Preliminary Plat for Pebble Creek, Phase 9-A, located east of
Pebble Creek, Phase 8, consisting of 46 R-1, Single Family Residential lots on
19.62 acres. (01-192)
REGULAR AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Consider request(s) for absence from meetings.
None.
AGENDA ITEM NO. s: Consideration, discussion, and possible action on items removed
from the Consent Agenda by Commission action.
3.2 Consideration of a Final Plat for Ashford Square, Lot 3, Block A, located at 230
Southwest Parkway East, consisting of three C-1, General Commercial lots on .61 acres.
(oi-189).
Graduate Engineer Thompson explained that the applicant realized that common area
and public utility easements are needed. These will appear on the final plat for
signature.
Commissioner Trapani motioned to approve the final plat with these necessary
changes. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously, 5-0.
3.3 Consideration of a Final Plat for Ashford Square, Lot 8, Block D, located at 240
Southwest Parkway East, consisting of five C-1 lots on .93 acres. (oi-190)
Graduate Engineer Thompson explained that the applicant realized that common area
and public utility easements are needed. These will appear on the final plat for
signature.
Commissioner Trapani motioned to approve the Final Plat. Commissioner Hawthorne
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a Conditional
Use Permit for the Seventh Day Adventist Church located at 135o Earl Rudder Freeway
South. (ol-18o)
P&Z Minutes September 20, 2001 Page 2 of 5
This item was removed from the agenda by the applicant.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a Conditional
Use Permit for a sign only for Covenant Family Church located at 401o Harvey Road. (ol-
196)
Staff Planner Hitchcock presented the staff report. She stated that the applicant is proposing
to construct a new freestanding sign to replace the old sign that was torn down during the
construction of the church's parking lot. The applicant did not realize that removing the old
sign would eliminate the legally non-conforming status, or grandfathering the sign may have
had. Staff is recommending approval of the request. The subject property is currently zoned
A-O Agricultural Open, which does not allow freestanding signs. However, Ms. Hitchcock
explained that properties that are granted a Conditional Use Permit must comply with the
sign regulations of the underlying zoning district, unless an alternate standard is approved
through the C.U.P. process. Therefore, the applicant is requesting permission to have a
freestanding sign meeting the City's freestanding sign requirements.
Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing.
David Ritter, 4501 Andert Road, Bryan, reiterated the removal of the non-confirming sign
and the request to construct a new freestanding sign.
Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kaiser motioned to approve the Conditional Use Permit. Commissioner
Hawthorne seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a Conditional
Use Permit for Cody's, a nightclub, located at 2501 Texas Avenue South, Suite D-fol. (01-
183)
Staff Planner Hitchcock presented the Staff Report. Ms. Hitchcock stated that Staff
recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit. She explained that the subject property
is located in the Park Place Plaza shopping center and that the Land Use Plan designates this
area as Retail Regional. The property is currently zoned C-1 General Commercial and is
surrounded by C-1 except to the southeast where there is an R-7 Manufactured Home Park.
Ms. Hitchcock pointed out that the Commission granted a Conditional Use Permit for a
nightclub at this location in June, 2000. The applicant is now requesting a permit to expand
the nightclub into a neighboring lease space that has become available. She added that there
was a limitation of no live music placed on the existing club last year. Ms. Hitchcock reported
that Cody's currently has dancing and pool tables and that the expansion will include more
pool tables. In closing, Ms. Hitchcock stated that the zoning ordinance allows up to 25% of a
shopping center to be used for restaurants, theaters, and nightclubs without having to create
additional parking. No additional parking is required for this expansion.
Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing.
Allen Swoboda, owner of Oak Forest Mobile Home Park, stated that there have been noise
problems with a club in this location for a number of years.
P&Z Minutes September 20, 2001 Page 3 of 5
Ava Williams, manager, Oak Forest Mobile Home Park, pointed out the closeness of several of
the homes in the mobile home park to the nightclub's site. The noise disturbances must be
rectified. She provided the Commission with incident reports from public records of the
police department and asked the Commission to take these things into consideration when
taking action on this request.
Seth McGuiness, resident, Oak Forest Mobile Home Park, stated that since Cody's opening,
the noise level is very loud and disturbing, Thursday through Saturday from opening time to
the early morning hours. He expressed concern over the noise level becoming even worse
with the expansion that is planned.
Mike Skipper, owner, Cody's, suggested the item be tabled. He also stated that police records
will only show that one citation for noise violation was issued. Since then, the sound proofing
of the back doors was done. He also stated that a police report if requested by staff, will show
that a noise problem does not exist. There are no plans to add more sound equipment so the
sound decibal levels will remain the same. Additionally, the expansion should allow the room
to compress and absorb the sound.
Commissioner Kaiser asked Mr. Skipper if he had received any complaint calls from the
neighbors. He stated that he did and has worked with Ms. Williams and others to correct the
problem. He stated that the police department entered one of the homes to listen to the
impact of the noise and reported to him that they did not believe the problem existed any
longer since the sound proofing of the back doors was taken care of.
Greg Swoboda, 8605 Topaz, stated that the manager of the Mobile Home Park has a police
report for several months. The violations listed on this report were not dismissed in court
and are numerous.
Commissioner Trapani asked to see the police reports Mr. Swoboda referred to.
Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kaiser motioned to table the item. He also asked for further staff report and
elaboration on these complaints. Commissioner Trapani seconded the motion. The motion
to table carried 4-1, with Commissioner Hawthorne voting in opposition.
AGENDA ITEM NO. A: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on the Eastgate
Neighborhood Plan.
Senior Planner Battle presented the Eastgate Neighborhood Plan. For the benefit of the
newest Commissioners, Mr. Battle explained the background of the program and the process
they have been through in creating the plan. Since the Commissioners were provided a copy
of the plan earlier in the month, Mr. Battle highlighted only some of the recommendations of
the plan. In conclusion, Mr. Battle explained that the planning effort was designed to involve
citizens and identify issues that needed resolutions. The Eastgate Neighborhood Plan is the
result of this effort. The residents see these recommendations as reasonable and necessary to
address other issues and in protecting their neighborhood and the quality of life they enjoy.
We request the Commissions' recommendation of approval and adoption of this plan.
Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing.
P&Z Minutes September 20, 2001 Page 4 of 5
The following spoke in favor of adopting this plan:
Bob Droleskey, iio9 Ashburn Avenue
Dennis Berthold, 1204 Marsteller
Sharon Colson, 1116 Neal Picket
Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kaiser motioned to (a) recognize and commend the staff in their efforts in
preparing this document and working with the citizens in the community, (b) endorse the
process that was used in the preparation of this plan, (c) to adopt the report and recommend
the adoption by City Council.
Commissioner Trapani seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0, unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: Discussion and possible direction for staff regarding an Ordinance
Amendment Request for zoning district C-N, Neighborhood Business.
Staff Planner Hitchcock clarified that gas stations, regardless of what district they are in, are
allowed 16 square feet for fuel price signs and that it is the intrusion of the freestanding signs
that are in question. She explained that the entire sign ordinance is under consideration with
the drafting of the Unified Development Ordinance. Ms. Hitchcock asked the Commission to
take this request into consideration with the sign ordinance as a whole and not begin to make
interim changes. She stated that Staff is requesting direction with regard to size and height
and will return to the Commission with a draft ordinance that could then be considered and
forwarded to City Council for final approval.
Chairman Floyd asked about the possible variance discussed earlier. Ms. Hitchcock explained
that a new development wants a freestanding sign and their options would include either a
rezoning request or a variance granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Commissioner
Hawthorne asked for further clarification. Ms. Hitchcock explained that a chart in the
ordinance contains size information. She added that the width and height of a sign depends
how much frontage the property owner has and how far back from the road they would be
willing to place it.
Senior Planner Kuenzel interjected that the Commission and the City Council is interested in
limiting the attached signage through the Unified Development Ordinance.
Commissioner Kaiser motioned to place this item on a future workshop to discuss further the
options on signage. Commissioner Hawthorne seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: Discussion of Agenda Items.
None.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: Adjourn.
Commissioner Kaiser motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Hawthorne seconded
the motion. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
P&Z Minutes September 20, 2001 Page 5 of 5
APPROVED:
Chairman, Rick Floyd
ATTEST:
Staff Assistant, Susan Hazlett
P&Z Minutes September 20, 2001 Page 6 of 5
November 13, 2001, meeting in order to give staff more time to recruit new members to
serve on the committee. Don A. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion
passed unanimously.
12. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board's recommendations to the City Council (Reference: Memorandum
dated May 2001): This item is related to a request that was made by one of the Board
members for an update of the Board's recommendations that were presented to the City
Council during the joint meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the
Council on May 10, 2001 (refer to memo titled "Response to Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board's Recommendations to Council, " dated September 11, 2001).
Steve went over the memo with the Board. This was an informational item only, and no
motion was made.
13. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning City Council Vision
Statements: This is a standing item, and there were no updates to report during the
meeting.
14. Consent items:
Capital Improvement Project Report:
Eric reported that there is money budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2002 budget to concrete
the surface of the jogging tract at Jack and Dorothy Miller Park. Staff have met with
the College Station Independent School District and the Parent Teacher's
Organization to discuss the possibility of coming up with an interlocal agreement to
pay for rubber surfacing to be put over the concrete. If approved, the intention is to
complete the work during the Christmas break.
Eric reported that bids were opened for Phase I construction of Veterans Park and
Athletic Complex on October 3, 2001. There were five (5) bidders, and the low bid
was Acklam Construction. He added that the total cost for all of the alternates to the
project totaled just under $3 million dollars. There was approximately $2.7 million
available for construction, so at this time, the City would not be able to pay for the
entire project. He added that the only alternate that the City would be able to fund
was the landscaping alternate. The additional two (2) soccer fields and parking
would not be funded at this time (there would only be four (4) soccer fields, instead
of six (6)). The cost for this alternate was estimated at $300,000, which is
significantly above what the engineering firm estimated that it would be.
Next meeting date and agenda: The next regular meeting of the Board will be held on
Tuesday, November 13, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. at the Central Park Conference Room.
John N. added that he would be out of town on business and would not be able to
attend the meeting.
15. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 9, 2001
Page 6 of 6
7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding potential parkland donation
in the Pebble Creek Subdivision: Steve said that this item does not pertain to a
dedication requirement, and that there was no action required of the Board at the meeting.
The developer of the Pebble Creek Subdivision has indicated a desire to donate some
land to the City for the use as a neighborhood park. He added that the Pebble Creek
Subdivision has no additional dedication requirements because of the initial land trade
deal that took place when the Subdivision and the College Station Business Park were
created.
Steve showed a map of the proposed parkland donation, which is in the southern
boundary of the Subdivision, and is approximately 4.4 acres. The property will have
frontage on one of the future streets and has connections to cul-de-sacs. He added that
the property is heavily wooded, and the intent of the developer is to keep it that way, with
the possibility of building a small play unit on it. Eric and Steve have visited the site
with the developer, and suggested scheduling a site tour with the Board as well. Steve
added that the City does not have an obligation to accept the parkland donation, but he
does feel that the park would help service access to some of the new neighborhoods.
Steve added that by accepting the park, the City would incur future operation and
maintenance costs for the park. The Board was in consensus on having a site tour of the
property in the future.
This was an informational item only, and no motion was made.
8. Presentation and discussion of the College Station Greenways Program: Steve said
that this is an item that the Board had requested. He introduced Judy Downs, the City's
Greenways Coordinator.
Judy passed out several handouts: an educational brochure about the College Station
Greenways Program, the Proposed Greenways Education Program, and a printed
PowerPoint presentation of the Project Status of the College Station Greenways Master
Plan (see attachments). She added that the City has hired a Transportation Planner and a
Transportation Engineer to help with the Greenways Program. She pointed to a GIS map
that showed the City's Greenways, and explained several projects that were currently
underway. Judy said that one of the purposes of having greenways is to connect people
through natural trail systems, and asked the Board to consider keeping greenways and
parkland dedication separate. She added that there are several grants available that can
assist with the acquisition of greenways.
Judy introduced David Scott, the President of the Brazos Greenways Council. Mr. Scott
stated that he hopes that College Station Parks and Recreation and the greenways fully
integrate, because he feels that the greenways will become good recreation amenities for
the community. He pointed to several studies that encouraged recreational trail activities
(i.e. bicycling, walking, running, jogging, and in-line skating activities). He added that
these types of trail activities supercede activities such as baseball or softball.
Laura Wood asked how the Greenways Master Plan would fit into parkland dedication.
Judy responded that she tries to attend all of the predevelopment meetings to ensure that
the Greenways Master Plan is being followed. Steve added that staff is also in the
process of creating a review checklist for parkland dedication that would incorporate
greenways into it to ensure that the proposed dedication is supportive of the Master Plan.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 9. 2001
Page 4 of 6
Don A. made a motion to approve the minutes from the joint meeting of September 20,
2001. Larry F. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed
unanimously.
5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the Castlegate Park site
plan: Steve Beachy said that the current Parkland Dedication Ordinance has a provision
in it, under Item #10b, that gives the developer an option to construct a neighborhood
park in lieu of paying the development fee. Wallace Phillips, with the development of
the Castlegate Subdivision is taking this option.
Steve said that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board have already approved the
dedication for the park. The action during the meeting would be to approve the site plan
that will release Mr. Phillips to begin construction of the park.
Eric Ploeger said that a draft of the site plan was brought to the Board during the July 10,
2001, meeting as an informational item with the intention that it would be brought back
to the Board as a proposed site plan. He added that with the proposed site plan, Mr.
Phillips is more than satisfying the amount that he would have been required to pay for
the dedication fee.
David Wood discussed the essential elements proposed for the park:
- Tennis courts;
- Basketball court;
- Playground unit with rubber surfacing;
- Shelter with stone columns to match the entryway theme;
- Expanded walk with handicap ramps;
- Shade trellis;
- Drip irrigation system;
- Benches; and
- Sculpture.
Steve stated that the park site incorporates intergenerational features and has maximum
visibility and accessibility. Part of the dedication will also include the two (2) detention
ponds that are at the entranceway to the subdivision.
Mr. Phillips said that there would be lit sidewalks that would go through the park and in
front of the tennis courts, and that there would also be a handicap drinking fountain.
There will be no off-street parking. He said that the park would be a showcase for the
City of College Station, as well as the Castlegate Subdivision, and that the intent is for
the park to be more of a community-type park for the subdivision. Mr. Phillips pointed
out on a map the property that would become a future City park as well.
Steve said that Parks and Recreation Department staff recommends approval of the site
plan. John Nichols asked if the signage of the park would be recognizable and
comparable with the standard style that is currently being used in other City parks. Steve
said that the signage would be more consistent with the theme of the subdivision than
with what would typically be put in a neighborhood park. John asked if there would be
signage that would identify the park as part of the City park system. Mr. Phillips stated
that he is proud that Castlegate Park is a City park, and would not have a problem
incorporating the City's logo into the park signage.
John asked about the maintenance of the park. Steve said that due to the fact that the
park is in a fairly remote area, the City has opted to include the park in the landscaping
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 9, 2001
Page 2 of 6