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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes* *Minutes ** Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Tuesday, January 14 2003, at 7:OO p.m. The EXIT Teen Center 1600 Rock Prairie Road College Station, Texas Staff Present: Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation; Eric Ploeger, Assistant Director; Peter Vanecek, Senior Park Planner; David Gerling, Recreation Superintendent; Dana Albrecht, Recreation Supervisor; Jenny Hartsfield, Assistant Recreation Supervisor; Peter Lamont, Recreation Superintendent; Marci Rodgers, Senior Services Coordinator; Curtis Bingham, Parks Operations Superintendent. Board Members Present: John Nichols, Chair; Larry Farnsworth; Glen Davis; Jodi Warner; Don Allison; Bill Davis. Board Member Absent: Glenn Schroeder. Guest: George Mchean, College Station ISD Visitors: Jason Fikes, 1309 Danville Court, College Station, Texas Christina Livingston, 1203 Baywood Court, College Station, Texas Theresa Duncan, 1101 Luther Street West, #914, College Station, Texas Robert Crowley, 2319 Kendal Green, College Station, Texas 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Chairman John Nichols at 7:00 p.m. 2. Pardon — possible action concerning requests for absences of members from meeting: Bill Davis made a motion to accept the absence of Glenn Schroeder as excused. Larry Farnsworth seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Hear visitors: No visitors spoke during this item. 4. Public hearing and possible action concerning the Recreation, Park, and Open Space Master Plan: Eric Ploeger stated that a subcommittee of the Board was appointed that worked with staff to review revisions made to the Master Plan and offer suggestions. The original Master Plan was adopted by the City Council in July 1999, and the Department has been working on revisions from that plan. Eric discussed a list, included in the Board packets, which highlighted items that have been updated during the process (refer to Revised Recreation, Park, and Open Space Master Plan list). John Nichols asked if there were any comments from visitors. No comments were wade. 14a10andRct/co m.Irhimii - Room I'nhli( llcoI/11g ctnd /aI 1h, IIiIv nr•,dho,.huinnrI IJ 20o, 141'.11 1 ' ' I 1 ' Glen Davis made a motion to accept the Recreation, Park, and Open Space Master Plan. Don Allison seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. Steve Beachy said that the plan would be taken to the Planning and Zoning Commission during a joint meeting with the Commission and the Board on March 6, 2003, and would then be presented to the City Council for approval. 5. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of the minutes from the regular meeting of December 10, 2002, and the Board Tour of the Crowley Tract on January 7, 2003: Bill D. made a motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of December 10, 2002, and those from the Board Tour of the Crowley Tract on January 7, 2003. Jodi Warner seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 6. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning a request from residents of the Alexandria Subdivision for a neighborhood playground: This item pertains to a petition signed by residents of the Alexandria neighborhood for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to consider a request to install city playground equipment at the edge of the greenway space on the north end of Alexandria Drive (refer to the minutes of September 10, 2002, Item #3, and December 10, 2002, Item #3). Eric P. pointed to a location map showing the greenway in question that is located in Park Zone 10. He said that there are some funds available in that zone that were previously intended for development of Shenendoah Park. He added, however, that there is a significant impediment for the children who live in the Alexandria subdivision: they have to cross Barron Road to get to that park. Eric said that there have been informal discussions with the College Station Independent School District concerning the development of a joint school /park project in that area, but nothing has been determined at this time. Eric stated that he had spoken to the City's Greenways Coordinator, Judy Downs, who indicated that the developer had originally intended to dedicate the greenway to the City, but never did. Ms. Downs had also indicated that the developer has offered to sell the greenway to the City, but she does not think that the City would be interested in purchasing it. He added that at this time, the City could not develop anything on the greenway because it does not own the property. Glen D. asked if, hypothetically, the City did own the property, would there be an interest in, and the space to build, a playground. Eric responded that if the City did own the property, there would be enough space to build a small playground, however, it has been policy to have at least five (5) acres for a neighborhood park to 1) reduce maintenance costs, and 2) avoid having small, closely spaced parks. Jason Fikes with the Alexandria Neighborhood Association stated that the Association had received a letter that day (January 14` from the developer (Ed Froehling Builder, Inc.) stating the intention to donate the portion (approximately I I acres) of the greenway in question to the City. Eric P. stated that if the Board Nvanted to pursue a playground in that area, there would need to be several public Park, im(116 (') cal Imi l! i ... •rr Umi,el nl�ltr lh Wring rum RnvrLrr llrrIin,, hearings involving the residents of the Alexandria Subdivision to determine what their playground needs were. Jodi W. said that the south end of the City is developing very rapidly, and asked about the possibility of placing temporary playground, equipment at the property in question, and then moving it to another problem area south of town, if necessary, at a later time, thus recovering the cost. Steve said that it would be difficult to recover the cost. Although playground equipment could probably be relocated, half of the cost incurred would be placing surfacing down on the site. After some discussion, Mr. Fikes suggested scheduling a site tour of the greenway property with the Board. The Board requested staff to do the following: - Obtain a copy of the letter of intention from the developer; - Follow up with the developer; - Schedule a site tour of the property; - Provide a cost estimate of basic playground upgrades that have been done in that area; - Provide information showing how the developer dedicated the Alexandria Subdivision. The Department will come back to the Board with a report. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 7. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning a park land dedication request for the Northgate Condominiums (Zone 1): Pete Vanecek pointed to a location map of the proposed development. He said that the proposed multi - family, eight dwelling -unit development is located at the corner of Cherry Street and College Main in the Northgate area. The total land dedication requirement would be .06 acres. The total cash dedication requirement would be $4,896. Staff is recommending acceptance of the fee in lieu of land. Bill D. made a motion to accept the fee in lieu of land for the Northgate Condominiums. Larry F. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. Glen D. asked if there had been any progress on acquiring three lots in the Northgate area for a potential park. Steve responded that the consultant the City hired to revise the Northgate Master Plan determined that those lots were not a suitable area for park land. So, the acquisition process is on hold. Steve does not know at this time if there is an alternative portion of land recommended in that zone. After some discussion, the Board was in consensus on requesting staff to obtain a report from the committee that is working on the Northgate Master Plan, and to carry forward to that Committee the motion that was made by the Board concerning Zone l during the September 10, 2002, meeting, which was: Po/ kc aAd Ro II wholl . I& isun Rnard f "INi( l Lo om" Glenn S. made a motion recommending that the Department actively pursue the acquisition of park land in the Northgate area, as well as protect park land dedication fiends from being spent on "marginal" amenities, such as are in the Northgate Promenade area. Bill Davis seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 8. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning a park land dedication request for the "Trails at Neelley Ranch" (Zone 10): Eric P. stated that the park land dedication request came from developer Tony Jones. There is not a complete layout of the site available at this point, but Mr. Jones is proposing to dedicate the fee in lieu of land due to the close proximity to a park that is proposed in conjunction with the College Station Independent School District and Westfield Park. Staff is also recommending the acceptance of the fee. The proposed single - family, 400 to 410 -unit development is located on the south side of Graham Road, east of Cypress Grove Middle School. The total land dedication requirement would be approximately 3.96 acres. The total cash dedication requirement would be approximately $222,400. Mr. Jones is proposing to develop the land in phases. Bill D. asked, if the land were to be developed in phases, and if the Board were to accept the fee in lieu of land, would they be committing themselves to the current fees. Steve stated that the fee is paid at the time the plat is filed, and would fall under the Park Land Dedication Ordinance and fee methodology current at that time. Bill D. made a motion to accept the fee in lieu of land. Larry F. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 9. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning park facilities for the Crowley Tract: Steve stated that staff recommends acceptance of the proposed 5.48 -acre dedication (located at the extension of Decautur and Oxburge Drive, west of Highway 6, north of Greens Prairie Road) as presented during the Board tour on January 7, 2003. There was some discussion concerning the access to the park. Eric P. stated that the proposed Spring Creek Townhome development would generate $41,464 from park development fees. The City has not received a formal request from the Developer (Wallace Phillips), but he has indicated that he would like to build the park himself, in which case he may be required to produce a letter of credit for the $41,464 to be applied to the development fee for the park. If this request is made, it will be brought back to the Board at a later time. After some discussion, Bill D. made a motion to accept the land for the Crowley Tract. Glen D. seconded the motion with the provision that 1) there be adequate access to the park, and 2) the land bank be located exactly from the access back. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. l'1114,� orrcl Rci II ollml ,Idri"n i /heard nhlit 1, 11 and 11,u Ilrrrni 10. Presentation, discussion, and possible action concerning leisure program evaluations for Educational Programs: Steve introduced Dana Albrecht, Recreation Supervisor; Jenny Hartsfield, Assistant Recreation Supervisor; and Marc] Rodgers, Senior Services Coordinator. Dana A. discussed the program evaluation for Xtra Education (refer to program evaluation form). She stated that Xtra Education ]s an joint venture with the College Station Independent School District, and is designed to be a leisure educational activities program that utilizes facilities from both entities, as well as facilities from other agencies. Dana gave a background of the program, and distributed a progressive summary report (refer to Xtra Education Progressive Summary — 1996- 2002). She added that Xtra Education is an Enterprise Activity, which is charged with producing its own budgetary needs. She stated that approximately 50% of the program's participants are College Station residents, approximately 30% are Bryan residents, and approximately 20% are residents from surrounding areas. Bill D. asked how cost accessible the classes were to all residents. Dana responded that the classes are very inexpensive, compared to the market. She added that the idea behind the program is to offer classes as inexpensively as possible. Staff recommends increasing involvement of area business and organizations, and upgrading the quality of the printed brochure. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 11. Presentation, discussion, and possible action concerning the Fiscal Year 2003 Parks Maintenance Standards Report: Parks Operations Superintendent Curtis Bingham referred to the Fiscal Year 2003 first quarter Parks Maintenance Standards Report, included in the Board Packets, and highlighted some of the significant changes that have occurred since Fiscal Year 2002: - Athletics Facilities — There was a decrease in standards met, from 86% in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2002, to 82% in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2003 because the facilities are not highly used during the first quarter of the year. - Playgrounds — There was an increase in standards met, from 75% ]n the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2002, to 84% in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2003 because of 1) the playground replacement in Anderson Park, and 2) maintenance done to the playground surfaces and decks. - Basketball Courts — There was an increase in standards met, from 83% ]n the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2002, to 90% in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2003 because of maintenance that was done to the courts. - Sand Vollevball Courts — There was a decrease ]n standards met, from 93'1% ]n the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2002, to 87% ]n the first quarter of 2003 because 1) at the time the survey was conducted, some hard rains had just occurred, and 2) some 01'01C courts had been vandalized. Pal mul R''CI,1111"n 1,11ImlI Hoard 14ii�lr� ll,v!��nv ��rJ Rr ^r�l�rrllr� vim, - Ponds — There was an increase in standards met, from 60% in the fourth quarter of 2002, to 68% in the first quarter of 2003 because 1) some of the ponds had been cleaned, and 2) there had been some maintenance repairs to decks and fishing piers. Curtis noted the following: - He had compared the first quarter numbers in fiscal year 2003 to the fourth quarter numbers in 2002 because there had been changes to the standards in 2002, and the fourth quarter numbers give a more accurate comparison. - Some of the categories have very few standards, so if one standard changes, then it greatly affects that category's standards met. - The Department intends to bring all fall surfaces up to standards on the playgrounds, as well as resurface some of the tennis and basketball courts. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 12. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning a College Station Independent School District report on growth trends and facility needs: Steve stated that he was not prepared to make a formal presentation on behalf of the School District. However, he has included copies of the material that was presented to the City Council by the District in the Board Packets. He added that the City would be presenting information to the School District as well. A key part of this information exchange is that the School District is in a position to review the information and determine needs for future facilities, which will have an impact on the Department and potential joint ventures. Steve said that there is the potential of doing a joint project for an indoor recreation center with the School District and the City. Steve introduced George Mchean, who is the Director of Operations for the School District. Mr. Mchean stated that the District would be kicking off their fiscal budget process in March, so in the meantime, they would not be able to commit to any projects at this time. John N. asked what the timeline would be for submitting an indoor grant application. Steve stated that the indoor grant process occurs annually in the summer. He added that a decision would need to be made very quickly in order to submit a grant application in 2003 -- although realistically, it may be 2004 before this could happen. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 13. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning a school, park program in Houston, and the possible development of a similar program in College Station: Eric stated that he had done some research on the possibility of school park projects similar to projects which have been done in the City of Houston, through a School Park Program called SPARK. This is a cooperative effort between the neighborhoods, the schools, the school district, and the private sector, to help I'nr1, nul Rrf rrrNiun Idl Is, II BwlIrl 9rblir 11.=irv �iiirl Rl s th1 11 l, schools in areas most in need of park development. The parks are located on school property and maintained by the school district. Eric distributed information he had obtained from a website (refer to SPARK, School Park Prograin handout). He added that he had spoken to a representative of the City of Houston to find out how the program is funded. He found out that typically a school that wants such a development has to show a commitment and be willing to help plan and fund the project. Each school, with the help from community groups, raises $5,000 or more. The school district also provides a grant of $5,000. Schools located in low - income neighborhoods are entitled to federal Community Development Block Grants. Eric said that from what he could tell, this program is an effective way to obtain Community Development Block Grant money for these types of projects. Eric stated that the Community Development Block Grant funds in College Station are approved by the City Council, so there would not be a need to go through many organizations to obtain those funds. John N. stated that he had requested discussion of this item as a way for the Board to think about dealing more routinely with future Parent /Teacher Organizations and neighborhood inquiries for playground development. Steve stated that the intent of the discussion was to put together basic criteria that may give structure for future funding requests (similar to recent joint projects with the College Station Independent School District, the Rock Prairie PTO, and the South Knoll PTO to rubberize surfacing on the jogging tracks at Jack and Dorothy Miller Park and South Knoll Elementary School). After some discussion, the Board was in consensus on having staff develop a policy statement that would establish guidelines and criteria for future funding requests. Jodi W. and John N. volunteered to serve on a subcommittee of the Board if requested. This item will be placed on a future agenda for discussion. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 14. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning the future Capital Improvement Program: Steve said that a list of selected members to serve on the citizens committee was included in the Board packets. He added that this committee would be meeting on Tuesday evenings, but that no schedule has been distributed at this time. Steve said that the City Manager asked the Public Works Director to include some money in the initial CIP projections for an indoor recreation center in the event that the School District could take part in the project. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. Pw A, mirl R( . Idriswr Boa I l PI1!4ir I L'ni f,It' a I,I Rr,IiMr .1lrriim 15. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning the current Capital Improvement Program: Eric P. stated that a list of the capital bond and park land dedication projects was included in the Board packets. He added that most of the capital bond projects are under construction or in design. The Department has also begun to work on the park land dedication projects, and some of those are under construction and in design. Glen D. asked if 1) the Department was on track with completion of those bond projects, where an expected completion date had been posted, and 2) if there were any of those projects on the list that the Department would not complete by the first quarter (March 2003). Eric stated that the Bee Creek Light Pole Replacement Project's completion date would need to be moved back. Glen D. had some concerns with the scheduling of the project. Steve explained that the scheduling would be determined by several factors, such as coordination with user groups. Glen D. asked when the Department would start working on the park land dedication projects that were listed on hold. Eric responded that the Department would start working on those projects in January and February, and that they were being implemented in accordance to direction from the Board (refer to minutes from September 10, 2002, Item #9). After some discussion, Glen D. asked if the Department could come up with a projected timeline for the implementation of the park land dedication projects. Eric stated that he could incorporate dates into the list, but that they would be very conservative estimates. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 16. Review, discussion, and possible action concerning Board and Departmental Goals and Objectives, and City Council Strategies: This is a standing report item, and there was no discussion. 17. Discussion of next meeting dates and possible agendas: - Regular Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting — Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at 7:00 p.m., at the EXIT Teen Center. - Joint Meeting with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission concerning revisions to the Recreation, Park, and Open Space Master Plan — Thursday, March 6, 2003, at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall. 18. Adjourn: Jodi W. made a motion to adjourn. Bill D. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m. Parks cuid Recreation Advisorr Board Pnblir Hcaria,t and Rc,s�ulw Afcelim,, hw JumrnrI N ?U!l; Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 20, 2004, 7:00 p.m. The EXIT Teen Center 1520 Rock Prairie Road Col lege Station, Texas Staff Present Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation; Eric Ploeger, Assistant Director; Peter Vanecek, Senior Parks Planner; Curtis Bingham, Parks Operations Superintendent; Peter Lamont, Recreation Superintendent; Marci Rodgers, Senior Services Coordinator; Geri Marsh, Recreation Supervisor; Jane Kee, City Planner and Trey Fletcher, Senior Planner - Development Services; Pamela Springfield, Staff Assistant. Board Members Present Jodi Warner, Chair; Glenn Schroeder; Don Allison; Larry Farnsworth; Gary Erwin; Jeannie McCandless; Carol Blaschke; Gary Thomas. Board Members Absent Kathleen Ireland. Guests John Nichols, Planning & Zoning; Mike Hester, Hester Engineering; Alton Ofczarzak; Joe Gattis, Gattis Engineering Visitors Sonny McLennon, Open Loop SPTS Training; Greg Huchingson, The Press; Stephanie Miller, BVSUA; Patrick and Ann Marie Hazlett 1. Call to order Jodi Warner, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Pardon N Possible action concerning requests for absences of members Kathleen Ireland had submitted a request for absence. A motion was made by Larry Farnsworth to accept the request and seconded by Gary Erwin. The motion was voted on and carried unanimously. 3. Hear Visitors Hearing none this item was closed. 4. Presentation of Plague to outgoing Board member Steve Beachy presented John Nichols with a plaque to recognize his leadership and hard work while serving on the Board. John will remain as an ex- officio member of the Veterans Park and Athletic Complex subcommittee because of his interest in the project. S. Discussion consideration and possible approval of minutes from the regular meeting of June 8 2004 and the Joint meeting with City Council on June -10, 2004 Don Allison stated that in the minutes of the regular meeting on June 8, 2004, under item #12, 'Possible July Agenda Items', he had requested a discussion on the status of girl's fastpitch softball tournaments, instead of adult softball. A motion was made to accept the minutes from both meetings with the change mentioned. The motion was seconded and hearing no opposition, carried unanimously. 6. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding requests for park land dedications • Horse Haven Estates N Review (Park Zone 4): After discussion regarding thoroughfare issues, Glenn S. moved to table this dedication issue pending the outcome of the Thoroughfare Plan that would be going before the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council. The motion was seconded by Larry F. Hearing no further discussion the motion was voted on and carried unanimously. t � t . <rfro,n (Ir 7 CI • Trails at Neelley Ranch N Review (Park Zone 10): In January 2003 the Board accepted a cash donation with the intention of building a park in conjunction with a proposed elementary school. The development was now moving forward as "Dove Crossing and staff was still staying with the recommendation of a cash donation. Staff will hold discussions with the school district about the possibility of using some of their land for a neighborhood park, and will keep the Board apprised. This was an informational item only. • Stonebrook Subdivision N (Park Zone 9): Because the land requirement for this development's proposed 93 lots would be less than one acre, staff was recommending acceptance of the $51,708 in park development fees. A motion was made by Don A. to accept the staff recommendation of acceptance of the fees in lieu of land, and was seconded by Glenn S. The motion was voted on and carried unanimously. 7. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding growth trends for College Station Development Services Department Senior Planner, Trey Fletcher, gave a Growth Trends presentation to the Board showing past and projected future growth. The growth trends for the county were based on information received from the Texas State Data Center, which reveal rapid growth within Brazos County. The estimates for College Station were based on the 2000 census and Certificates of Occupancy. With limited exception, every part of the community was experiencing residential as well as commercial development and this trend was expected to continue. (See attached presentation.) This was an informational item only. 8. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding appointment of new members to the Senior Advisory Committee Marci Rodgers, Senior Services Coordinator was present on behalf of the Senior Advisory Committee to recommend the re- appointment of Laura Holmes, Haskell Monroe, and Neal Nutall, and the new appointment of Patricia Boughton and Joe LeCour to the Committee for a term of three years, with Robert Meyer serving as Chairman and Neal Nutall serving as Vice Chairman. Glenn S. moved approval of all five recommendations. Gary E. seconded. The motion was voted on and carried unanimously. 9. Presentation discussion and possible action regarding status of softball tournaments and affiliation Peter Lamont gave a report on the evaluation done by staff of softball tournament possibilities and league affiliation with A.S.A. District 30 and other organizations. This was based on a request that had been made at the June Board meeting. (See attached report.) Staff was not recommending changing affiliations at the current time. Discussion took place regarding: The city re- evaluating its affiliation on a regular basis in order to determine whether that affiliation was in the best interest of the city; The department making it known that its' fields were open to tournaments under other affiliations, not just A.S.A.; The costs involved, and availability of officials under other affiliations; Reviewing the affiliation with A.S.A. in September or October after a new District 30 Commissioner has been appointed, to see if certain issues have been resolved. Glenn S. moved that the Board accept the position statement as presented in the report and to make it adequately known that the city's complexes are open to other affiliations for tournament play. The motion was seconded by Don A. After further discussion the vote was called and carried 6 -1. 10. Report on status of signage at the Arboretum Curtis Bingham gave a report on the type of sign being considered for use at the Arboretum. The aluminum signs which were being used in Richard Carter Park consisted of a S" x 7" plate and stood about one foot tall when 10, 20u. installed. The cost would run approximately $40 per sign and as many as 47 signs could be ordered. A local group of Girl Scouts will be re- establishing some of the trails and noting which markers are still in place and which trees are associated with them. This was an informational item only and no action was required. 11. Discussion and possible action regarding appointment of Board members to a By Laws Subcommittee Jodi explained that a subcommittee made up of two to three volunteers was needed to update and edit the Board's By Laws. Jeannie M. and Glenn S. volunteered and were appointed to serve on the subcommittee. 12. Report discussion and possible action concerning the Capital Improvem Program (CIP Eric P. gave an update on the status of ongoing Capital Improvement and Park Land Dedication projects. Items of particular interest: • $200,000 out of the Community Development budget would be used to help fund the development of Steeplechase Park; • The small pond in Central Park would be renovated with curbing, sidewalks, and public art; • A design for thirteen lights around the Jack & Dorothy Miller "Road Runner" track had been done. The project would be bid out and should be complete in the fall; • O'Malley Engineers had been chosen to do the design work for the second phase of Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. Staff is aiming for design approval by October; • The Lincoln Center expansion project was underway. 13. Review, discussion, and possible action concerning Board and Department Goals and Obiectives, and City Council Strategic Plan Steve explained that Council would have a mid -year retreat to come up with issues important to them and the issues that concerned Parks would affect the department's work load and goals. The Board will begin working to develop their goals in September, some of which would also be tied to those Council issues. 14. Discussion of calendar, future meeting dates, and possible agenda items • The next regular meeting of the Board would be held on August 10, 2004; • Possible August Agenda items: Review Subcommittee list and any appointments that need to be made; Discussion of a goals workshop prior to the regular meeting in September; Staff will come back with a softball update /report in September; N Jodi asked for an update on the status of the small piece of property next to the new Fire Station #3. Steve stated that he did not believe the city purchased the property, but he could get an answer to that information out by e -mail to the Board. 15. Adiourn A motion was made to adjourn and seconded. Hearing no opposition, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. "l, ctmy of lulu- ?0. ;?(li) -I MINUTES Planning and Zoning Commission CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS OctoberU, 2004 5. Public hearing, consideration, discussion, and possible action on variance requests and a Preliminary Plat for Dove Crossing, consisting of 97.942 acres, generally located along the south side of Graham Road, across from the intersection of Graham Road and Schaffer Road. (04 -213). Staff Planner Prochazka presented the staff report and stated that staff recommends approval of the Preliminary Plat with the condition that the Staff Review Comments are addressed. If the variance requests are not approved, the Preliminary Plat must be denied as well. The development is for R -1 single - family development just less than 100 acres. The development will include the construction of two minor collectors. A pedestrian access way to the school property to the west is proposed. The applicant has proposed detention for this development on the adjacent property to the south, which is not yet platted. The property will have to be platted prior to the development of the detention facility. The applicant has requested variances to four of the blocks in the subdivision. The letter of variance requests is on file in the Planning and Development Services Department. The variance requests are to Section 8 -J.2 of the Subdivision Regulations. Of the four variances requested, staff is not recommending approval of the variance request to Block 6. Commissioner White opened the public hearing. Tony Jones, the applicant, stepped before the Commission. Mr. Jones spoke in favor of the request and discussed at length with the Commissioners the over all project. One of the principle concerns was having Dove Chase Lane connect into the property to the west. Ms. Prochazka told the Commissioners that no one street being punched through to the west would solve the need for a block length variance. The variance would still need to be asked for at the final plat stage. Commissioner Nichols made the motion to approve the variances to Blocks 1, 2 & 4 and deny the variance to Block 6. The motion failed with a lack of a second. Commissioner Nichols explained his motion. Commissioner Reynolds seconded the motion, which passed (4 -0). FOR: Nichols, Reynolds, White and Fedora AGAINST: None ABSENT: Chairman Shafer, Davis and Hooton Commissioner Reynolds made the motion to approve the Preliminary Plat subject to Staff Review Comments. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motion, which passed (4 -0). FOR: Reynolds, Nichols, White and Fedora AGAINST: None ABSENT: Chairman Shafer, Davis and Hooton