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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00073009MINUTES Planning and Zoning Commission CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS June 6, 2002 7:00 P.M. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Commissioners Floyd, McMath, Trapani, Williams, White, Shafer, and Hall. COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: None. Council Member Maloney. STAFF PRESENT: Staff Planner Hitchcock and Reeves, Director of Development Services Templin, City Planner Kee, Senior Planner Battle, Development Review Manager Ruiz, Assistant Development Review Manager George, Planning Interns Flanery, Butler, and Hiche, Action Center Representative Steptoe, Graduate Engineer Thompson, and Staff Assistant Hazlett. Chairman Floyd called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 1 : Hear Visitors. Mary Oprisko, 14125 Rene Lane, addressed the Commission regarding the new UDO (Unified Development Code), PDD (Planned Development Districts), and Neighborhood Integrity. Paul Clarke, Developer, addressed the Commission regarding a Wolf Pen Creek Development Theme and the completion of the Dominik Plan. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Public Comment for the Record. None. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Consent Agenda Regular P &Z Minutes June 6, 2002 Page 1 of 6 Commissioner Williams motioned to approve. Commissioner Trapani seconded the motion. The motion carried 7 -0. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a Final Replat for the Richards Subdivision Lot 10 located at 129 Richards Street. (02 -82) Staff Planner Hitchcock presented the Staff Report. Ms. Hitchcock stated that this plat requires a variance to Section 18 of the Subdivision Regulations in order to be approved. She also stated that Staff recommends approval of the variance and the plat. She explained that this area was platted before the City had Subdivision Regulations and that by 1980 many of the lots on Richards had been subdivided, and have created lots that still meet the minimum R -1 single family residential lot requirements. Regulations over the re- platting of older properties was created to ensure that development and re- development in the older sections of town didn't exceed the capacity of the existing infrastructure or create an incompatible increase in density. Ms. Hitchcock reported that the subject property is planned for high density. Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing. Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing. Commissioner Williams motioned to approve the variance and the plat. Commissioner Trapani seconded the motion. The motion carried 7 -0. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a Conditional Use Permit for the Haskins Wireless Telecommunication Transmission Tower located at 207 Dominik Drive. (02 -99) Staff Planner Reeves presented the Staff Report. Ms. Reeves reported that the Commission recently approved an 84 -foot stealth tower at this exact location with the same color and design. The proposed new tower would take the place of the previously approved tower. Prior to construction, an application to raise the tower to 118 -feet was submitted. Staff does not believe a tower of this size at this location meets the Stealth Technology Ordinance provision. Therefore, Staff recommends denial. Additionally, Staff has concerns regarding the increased height that creates an impact on the adjacent neighborhood. Also, by moving the 118 -foot pole 34 feet closer to the front of the property increases the impact on Dominik. The previous public hearing resulted in a split vote by the Commission as well as concerns expressed by both the Commission and residents. Chairman Floyd pointed out that at the previous public hearing, he abstained due to his responsibilities connected with Texas A &M University. However, negotiations have not occurred and are not an issue and will take part in this hearing. Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing. Regular P &Z Minutes June 6, 2002 Page 4 of 6 Mrs. Melba Hecox spoke in opposition to the Conditional Use Permit. Mrs. Penny Thomas was included as a matter of record in Mrs. Hecox's opposing statement to the Commission. Michael Brown, Property Manager, Sprint Com, 1431 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, spoke in favor of the Conditional Use Permit. He stated that the request to extend the already approved stealth tower by adding an additional 34 feet is to accommodate Verizon Wireless's co- location on this tower. Also, the proposal to move the structure 34 feet closer to Dominik is proposed in order to meet the R -1 setback requirements. Mr. Brown stated that the lights on the structure could be moved closer to the ground or be removed altogether. He explained that the impact of the one tower is less than that of having to have two towers, which would be required in order to accommodate Verizon Wireless if they are not allowed to raise the height of the tower to 118 feet. Dave Smith and Wanda Kilty, Verizon Wireless, 6300 Rothway, Houston, stated that considering the 10 -foot separation requirement, the additional 34 feet in height is needed to place their telecommunication system at a height that would be conducive to providing the necessary service to their customers. They are in full compliance with FCC emissions standards. The search ring process was explained at Commissioner White's request. Chairman Floyd asked Mr. Smith and Ms. Kilty to point out where the proposed location is within the search ring. The search ring is .6 miles Commissioners Floyd and Williams asked about utilizing surrounding buildings and existing towers. Mr. Smith and Ms. Kilty stated that the surrounding building heights are not sufficient and existing towers are full. Senior Planner Battle stated that the 3500 -foot separation requirement in the ordinance does not apply to stealth towers. Therefore, another tower could be constructed in the area, whether a regular tower or stealth designs. Chairman Floyd questioned Staff about the City's policy on placing telecommunication towers on its water towers. Senior Planner Battle explained that to do so raises a number of issues and concerns for the Staff, including conflicts with our own communications equipment, risk management and liability issues, franchise issues, aesthetic issues, and security concerns for public water systems. Chairman Floyd asked Staff to discuss this further with City Council. Sherry Ellison, 2705 Brookway Drive, expressed concern regarding the type and height of the lighting that will be used. Paul Clarke, Developer, stated that the fall distance was a concern. Also, a comprehensive plan and moratorium should be placed on this block since it is a highly visible location. Regular P &Z Minutes June 6, 2002 Page 5 of 6 Development Services Director Templin briefly discussed the Telecommunication Tower law. Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing. Commissioner Trapani motioned to deny the Conditional Use Permit. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion carried 7 -0. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: Discussion of future agenda items Chairman Floyd asked Staff to follow -up in looking at the area bound by George Bush, Texas Avenue, and Highway 30 regarding a possible small area plan and direction from City Council regarding cell towers. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: Adjourn. Commissioner McMath motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Trapani seconded the motion. The motion carried 7 -0. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M. APPROVED: Chairman, Rick Floyd ATTEST: Staff Assistant, Susan Hazlett Regular P &Z Minutes June 6, 2002 Page 6 of 6