Planning & Zoning Commission

Agenda Request

Agenda Of:

10/09/07

Agenda Request No:

iii-a

Initiated By:

Kathy Munoz,

Executive Secretary

Responsible Department:

City Secretary

Presented By:

Glenda Gundermann,

City Secretary

Department Head:

Glenda Gundermann,

City Secretary 

 

 

Additional Department. Head (s):

N/A

Subject / Proceeding:

Minutes Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting September 27, 2007

Approve Minutes

Exhibits:

Minutes September 27, 2007

Clearances

Approval

Legal:

N/A

Director of Planning :

Recommended Action

 

Approve the minutes of the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting September 27, 2007.

 

Exhibits

 

STATE OF TEXAS

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COUNTY OF FORT BEND

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CITY OF SUGAR LAND

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CITY OF SUGAR LAND

Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission MEETING

September 27, 2007

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

The City of Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission convened in a regular meeting open to the public and pursuant to notice thereof duly given in accordance with Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes, Annotated, as amended, in Sugar Land City Hall within said City on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 7:00 o'clock p.m. and the roll was called of the members; to wit:

 

Joe Zimmerman, Chairman

Jesse DeLaRosa

James Shaw

Carl Stephens

Bridget R. Yeung

Farha Ahmed

Marlena Berger

Paula Stansell

Ke Chen

 

QUORUM PRESENT

 

All of said members were present with the exception of Commissioner Farha Ahmed, Commissioner Bridget Yeung, and Commissioner Ke Chen.

 

Also present were:

Meredith Wilganowski, Assistant City Attorney

Kathy Munoz, Executive Secretary

A Number of Visitors and Staff

 

CONVENE MEETING

 

Chairman Zimmerman convened the session, open to the public, to order at 7:00 o’clock p.m.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Chairman Zimmerman introduced Public Comment stating that citizens desiring to address the Planning and Zoning Commission with regard to matters on the agenda would be received at this time.

 

There were no public comments.

 

Minutes

 

Chairman Zimmerman introduced consideration on approval of the minutes of the regular City of Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting held August 23, 2007.

 

Following a full and complete discussion, Commissioner Stephens, seconded by Commissioner DeLaRosa, made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular City of Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting held August 23, 2007.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Public Hearings

 

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - LIFE FLIGHT HELIPAD AT 16655 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY

 

Chairman Zimmerman introduced a public hearing to receive and hear all persons desiring to be heard on a request for a Conditional Use Permit for Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to relocate an existing Life Flight Helipad located 16655 Southwest Freeway in the General Business District (B-2).

 

Mr. Travis Tanner, Senior Planner, stated the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is proposing to relocate the existing ground helipad to the northeast on top of a proposed parking garage.  The helipad would be at an elevation of 65’ from ground level and will be for life flight purposes only, which will result in greater safety for interior traffic circulation; and will not have an increased noise impact.  The Aviation Director for the Sugar Land Regional Airport has been consulted and the applicant has been informed of Sugar Land Code of Ordinances licensing provisions.  Representatives are coordinating with Sugar Land Regional Airport staff and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to secure all necessary permission.

 

Points for consideration are applicant coordination with the Airport and Federal Aviation Administration, use of the helipad for life flight purposes only, one quarter mile proximity to residential, safer internal circulation, no increased noise and improved location.

 

Mr. Greg Quintero, HOK Architects, stated the helipad is currently at ground level and is no longer conducive to the safety and future plans of the hospital as a result of current construction, therefore, the client proposes to move the helipad to the top of the parking garage.  The plan is 20 years, for life flight purposes only and the client does not anticipate moving the helipad again.  Differentiation between a helipad and heliport is a helipad is used for transporting patients from Methodist to the Medical Center in the event that the patient cannot be serviced at Methodist Hospital.  It is not where a patient is flown into the hospital for treatment. A helipad is not intended to be used in times of disaster or for military purposes. In an emergency a helicopter can land anywhere as long as it is safe for everyone.  Captain Stephen Scroggs, Life Flight Director at Herman Hospital through Texas Medical Center, has been consulted and he supports the proposed location.  Helicopter pilots, where possible, fly over major traffic routes in case of an emergency so that the aircraft can land and be accessed and serviced more easily. The helipad is approximately 390’ to the east, 550’ to the north, and 65’ from the ground.

 

Chairman Zimmerman hearing no further requests to speak closed the public hearing.

Chairman Zimmerman introduced discussion and direction on a Conditional Use Permit for Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to relocate an existing Life Flight Helipad located 16655 Southwest Freeway in the General Business District (B-2).

 

The Commission discussed the project completion date and other building locations in the vicinity, questions regarding approvals from the FAA and the Airport and how the approval might affect what is written into the Conditional Use Permit.  Additional information was requested regarding jurisdictions over helipads such as airport review and licensing requirements.   Consensus was that the new location was a better site overall and safer.  

 

PERMANENT ZONING - Telfair Section Fifteen

 

Chairman Zimmerman introduced the public hearing to receive and hear all persons desiring to be heard on a request for permanent zoning of 40.79 acres, Telfair Section Fifteen, located in Tract 4 north of Telfair Section Nine, to Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District. 

 

Ms. Ruth Lohmer, Planner II, stated the request is in conformance with the Telfair General Plan (Amendment No. 3), and is not in conflict with the City of Sugar Land Comprehensive Plan.

 

Chairman Zimmerman hearing no further requests to speak closed the public hearing.

 

Chairman Zimmerman introduced discussion and direction on permanent zoning of 40.79 acres, Telfair Section Fifteen, located in Tract 4 north of Telfair Section Nine, to Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District.

 

The Commission discussed the 6 acre drill site, which the state has retained for mineral rights and the potential to use the property in the interim for soccer fields or some type of recreational use.  Mr. Keith Behrens, Newland Communities, stated the property would eventually be deeded to the HOA; initially there will be berming and landscaping provided on the site.  The site will primarily be open space which could be used for recreational purposes until such time as the state decides to drill.  With regard to questions about zoning property on the levee at Ditch H, Mr. Jason Kelley, LJA Engineering, stated that the property had been conveyed to the Levee Improvement District.

 

facts, findings and recommendations

 

2007 MASTER DRAINAGE PLAN UPDATE

 

Chairman Zimmerman introduced consideration on a recommendation to the Mayor and Members of City Council on the 2007 Master Drainage Plan update. 

 

Mr. Christopher Steubing, City Engineer, stated the Master Drainage Plan (MDP) is a conceptual planning document that identifies various watersheds located within the City.  The MDP is utilized to help establish policy and to identify future studies; and is used as the basis for formulating projects that will be part of the City Drainage Capital Improvements Program (CIP).  The master plan was presented for Commission review at the August 14, 2007 meeting; the role of the Commission is to provide a recommendation to City Council for adoption of the plan.

 

The MDP update has two distinctive phases.  Phase 1 included the coordinating committee, comprised of both policy and technical representatives from various jurisdictions and dealt primarily with multi-jurisdictional drainage issues.  During Phase I, it was determined that there were gaps or duplication in some areas for serving the public needs.  It was determined that the City must play a broader role in coordination, regulation and operation.  Phase 2 included development of a project ranking criteria and policy thresholds for street ponding and flooding.  Drainage CIP projects in various watersheds were ranked using this criteria. Under the current policy, projects were prioritized by complaints with no justification measures in place.  Under the proposed policy, prioritization will occur using ranking criteria of:

 

The MDP is a constant working document that will be refined throughout the process, and some of the information gained to date is already being applied to projects.  Complaints are tracked and the public is encouraged to provide data in order for the threshold criteria to be applied properly.  There will be across the board training for staff so that in response situations all staff will be knowledgeable.

 

Following a full and complete discussion, Commissioner Berger, seconded by Commissioner Stansell, made a motion to approve a recommendation to the Mayor and Members of City Council for the 2007  Master Drainage Plan update.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

subdivision plats

 

EASTON AVENUE PHASE II STREET DEDICATION PRELIMINARY PLAT

 

Chairman Zimmerman introduced consideration on Easton Avenue Phase II Street Dedication Preliminary Plat.

 

Mr. Harold Ellis, Planner II, stated the plat consisting of approximately 4.41 acres is a Preliminary Street Dedication Plat for Easton Avenue, Phase II, located at the northwest corner of Tract 4 in the Telfair development.  The street will connect to existing Chatham Avenue, and eventually connect Telfair to U.S. Highway 90A and align with the prison road on the north side of 90A when Phase I is approved.  The plat contains the rights-of-way crossing Bullhead Bayou, which is approximately 300 feet in width.  Phase I is currently under review.  The rights-of-way width is generally 70’, which is consistent with the approved Telfair General Plan, the street is referred to as Collector A. 

 

Following a full and complete discussion, Commissioner Stephens, seconded by Commissioner Berger, made a motion to approve Easton Avenue Phase II Street Dedication Preliminary Plat with the condition that the note reflects the Levee easement has been conveyed to the LID.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

The Enclave at Lake Pointe Final Replat

 

Chairman Zimmerman introduced consideration on The Enclave at Lake Pointe Final Replat.

 

Mr. Travis Tanner, Senior Planner, stated the final replat containing approximately 12.7 acres and 100 residential lots is zoned Planned Development (PD) and is located in the northwest portion of the overall Lake Pointe development.  There are a number of reserves for parking within the development and for open space.  Lots along Creekbend Drive are designed for townhomes and lots within the development are for garden homes in accordance with the PD requirements.

 

All utility and emergency access concerns have been addressed in the infrastructure construction plans.  The floodplain note has been revised by the applicant and the plat complies with all applicable development regulations.

 

Mr. Chad Hablinski, Costello Engineering, clarified a question regarding plat markings that indicate where the UE starts, which ties down the edge of the property lines.  Mr. Hablinski stated that the purpose was to give the surveyor the pin marking on the property.  Some 16 ft. UE markers will be added to the plat for clarification purposes if necessary.

 

Following a full and complete discussion, Commissioner Shaw, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, made a motion to approve The Enclave at Lake Pointe Final Replat.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

workshop

 

SUGAR LAND HIKE AND BIKE TRAILS MASTER PLAN

 

Chairman Zimmerman introduced review of and discussion on Sugar Land Hike and Bike Trails Master Plan. 

 

Ms. Sabine Somers-Kuenzel, Director of Planning, introduced Mr. Joe Chesser, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation.

 

Mr. Chesser began by introducing Ms. Kimberly Terrell, Parks Development Manager, who has been responsible for overseeing the development of the plan, and Mr. Jim Carillo, Halff Associates consultant, who provided technical advice in the development of the plan.  

 

The purpose of the update is primarily due to the rapid growth of the City and because trails were identified as a high priority in the 2005 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan and identified as an objective in the City Comprehensive Plan.

 

The main goal of the Hike and Bike Trails Master Plan is to plan a connected system of off-street and on-street routes for pedestrians and bicyclists for exercise, recreation and mobility.  The plan focuses on linking portions of the City together as well as connecting neighborhoods to parks, schools, libraries, shopping areas and other areas of interest.

 

The process, guided by the Parks and Recreation Department staff and consultants from Halff Associates, includes input from all of the levee improvement districts in Sugar Land, homeowner associations, and a Hike and Bike Task Force made up of Sugar Land residents. On April 25, 2007 a public meeting was held at City Hall with a presentation that outlined the scope of the Hike and Bike Master Plan. Attendees provided input and feedback. Staff is coordinating efforts with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and the Sugar Land Pedestrian/Bicyclist Special District Study that H-GAC and Public Works are conducting.  The plan has been approved by the Parks and Recreation Policy Advisory Board.

 

Objectives and strategies of the plan include:

 

 

The strengths for development of the hike and bike trails were the existing trail segments, many worthwhile destinations, and being a high priority for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.  The weaknesses include few existing off-street routes, some narrow sidewalks and traffic lanes and the lack of connectivity.

 

Opportunities for developing the trail plan include the city having a young, active, health conscious community, numerous levees, drainage channels and easements, many shaded streets and sidewalks in many areas, trails that can be incorporated into developer agreements in master planned communities, and community wide support, while threats include heavy traffic crossing major highways, and an ability to acquire easements.

 

A positive response was received from the majority of homeowners, HOA’s and LIDS.  Some of the concerns expressed by homeowners included increased security measures, increased crime, decrease in privacy due to increased activity, increased noise, motorized vehicles, trash, parking access to neighborhoods, maintenance and property valuations, needs for bike racks at business destinations and schools, restroom availability and connectivity.  Consensus from the Levee Improvement Districts was a primary concern for maintaining the levee integrity, trail material and engineering, safety and liability issues, and the maintenance of the trail and grass.  Formal legal agreements with the LIDS will be executed prior to trail construction.

 

The overall recommendations for the trails master plan is estimated to take up to 20 years to complete with acquisition of trail corridors being the highest priority.  The city will embark on an extensive trail development schedule over the next 10 years that will average construction of 1 to 2 miles of trails each year for the next 10 years; city wide trails plan will be updated annually.

 

Chairman Zimmerman entertained questions and comments from the Commission.

 

The Commission discussed limited trail access for the Sugar Creek community and the potential for the city to negotiate usage of a gas power line easement located on Montclair that previously was open but is now closed to the public, for usage as a connector trail. The major trail connectors were reviewed that could link the northern portion of Sugar Land to the southern portion, and how the major intersections could be traversed to link future trails.

 

REPORTS

 

CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS

 

There were no comments.

 

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION LIAISON REPORTS

 

There were no comments.

 

CITY STAFF REPORT

 

Ms. Sabine Somers-Kuenzel, Director of Planning, commented on an orientation session scheduled for the October 09, 2007 meeting, requested comments from the Commission regarding the new draft policy provided, and stated that beginning in January Commission Liaisons to City Council meetings would be scheduled by seating order with Commissioner Shaw serving first.

 

ADJOURN

 

There, being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Shaw, seconded by Commissioner Stephens moved that the meeting adjourn.  The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned, time at 8:56 o'clock p.m.

 

 

 

                                                           

Joe Zimmerman, Chairman

 

 

 

(SEAL)