Planning & Zoning Commission
	Agenda Request
Agenda Of:	10/25/07	Agenda Request No:		IV 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:	Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes October 9, 2007 Approve Minutes
Exhibits:	Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes October 9, 2007
Clearances			Approval
Legal:	N/A		director of plann9ng:
Recommended Action
Approve the minutes of the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting October 9, 2007.
Exhibits

STATE OF TEXAS	§
COUNTY OF FORT BEND	§
CITY OF SUGAR LAND	§

CITY OF SUGAR LAND

Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission MEETING

October 09, 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 Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 7:02 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

Ahmed Farha

Marlena Berger

Paula Stansell

Ke Chen

QUORUM PRESENT

All of said members were present with the exception of Commissioner Zimmerman and Commissioner DeLaRosa who were absent.

Also present were:

Meredith Wilganowski, Assistant City Attorney

Kathy Munoz, Executive Secretary, and

A Number of Visitors and Staff

CONVENE MEETING

Commissioner Yeung convened the session, open to the public, to order at 7:02 o’clock p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Commissioner Yeung 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

Commissioner Yeung introduced approval of the minutes of the regular City of Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting held September 27, 2007.

Following a full and complete discussion, Commissioner Shaw, seconded by Commissioner Stansell, made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular City of Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting held September 27, 2007. The motion carried unanimously.

public hearings

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

Commissioner Yeung introduced the Public Hearing to receive and hear all persons desiring to be heard on a request for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a short-term rehabilitation hospital in Lake Pointe Tract C, Reserve D in the Business Office (B-O) District.

Ms. Ruth Lohmer, Planner II, stated the property consists of 2.45 acres located on Creek Bend Drive southwest of the Fluor complex. The rehabilitation hospital is classified as a skilled nursing care and specialty hospital, caring for patients with orthopedic surgery or joint replacement, stroke, diabetes, head injury, IV therapy, wound care, pulmonary diseases including pneumonia, post-operative observation and plastic surgery recuperation. The proposed hospital is a 60 bed facility with a standard stay time of 15-18 days, requiring about 33 staff persons for each shift. There are 63 parking spaces to accommodate a two story building of 42,000 square feet. Ambulatory services will be minimal, and a van pool will be provided for patients to the facility from the hospital and back home when released.

The use is well suited to the site and is compatible with existing and proposed surrounding uses including traffic, noise and property values, is in accordance with the comprehensive plan and the land use plan and determination of conditions or restrictions may be necessary to mitigate any adverse impacts.

Mr. Mark Fritz, CEO, Remington Medical Resorts, stated that they are licensed as skilled nursing and mostly rehabilitate orthopedic patients doing physical rehabilitation. The business is relatively quiet and the atmosphere provides a safe and secure haven for patients. Emergency care is uncommon and patients are transported by van to the facility and home. Other locations currently being operated are San Antonio and Denver. Occupancy rate fluctuates with the average being between 75 and 85 percent. Parking is adequate as most patient visitation is not as frequent as in regular hospital settings.

Mr. Don Janssen, Planned Community Developers, Ltd., stated that because patients do not drive he felt there was adequate parking; from the developer perspective the applicant has met all criteria.

Commissioner Yeung hearing no further requests to speak closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Yeung introduced discussion and direction on a Conditional Use Permit to operate a short-term rehabilitation hospital in Lake Pointe Tract C, Reserve D in the Business Office (B-O) District.

Following discussion regarding parking requirements the Commission concurred that the number of spaces is adequate for the facility.

2007 Hike and Bike Trails Master Plan

Commissioner Yeung introduced the Public Hearing to receive and hear all persons desiring to be heard on the 2007 Hike and Bike Trails Master Plan.

Mr. Douglas Schomburg, Assistant Planning Director, introduced Ms. Kimberly Terrell, Parks Development Manager.

Ms. Terrell stated the purpose of the update is primarily due to the rapid growth of the City and that 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 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 which can reduce the number of vehicle trips. The plan identifies open spaces and critical natural areas that should be protected and preserved.

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 the city, homeowner associations, and a Hike and Bike Task Force made up of city residents.

A positive response was received from the majority of homeowners, HOA’s and LIDS. 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. Concerns and a 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.

Commissioner Yeung introduced consideration on a recommendation to the Mayor and Members of City Council on the 2007 Hike and Bike Trails Master Plan.

The Commission discussed trails for Sugar Creek and requested that staff pursue trail development on the CenterPoint easement located on Montclair; and restroom facilities and lighting for the trail systems.

Following a full and complete discussion, Commissioner Berger, seconded by Commissioner Shaw, made a motion to approve a recommendation to the Mayor and Members of City Council for the 2007 Hike and Bike Trails Master Plan with the condition that consideration be given to the Sugar Creek trail development and connection on Montclair. The motion carried unanimously.

facts, findings and recommendations

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR METHODIST HOSPITAL LIFE FLIGHT HELIPAD

Commissioner Yeung introduced consideration on a recommendation to the Mayor and Members of City Council for a Conditional Use Permit for Methodist Hospital Life Flight Helipad, 16655 Southwest Freeway in the General Business (B-2) District.

Mr. Travis Tanner, Senior Planner, stated that the helipad will be located 500’ to the northeast on top of the parking garage. The elevation for the helipad is 65’ from ground level. The flight pattern avoids any level of imposition on residential uses.

The applicant is coordinating with Sugar Land Regional Airport staff from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to secure necessary permission in addition to the CUP. The FAA will not grant a license for the helipad until the CUP is approved by City Council. There are licensing provisions with the City of Sugar Land, and the Airport is responsible for enforcing the provisions. Airport staff is concerned with the helipad complying with the FAA Advisory Circular document; the aviation department will ensure this with city licensing.

The Advisory Circular addresses:

Safe location and appropriate helipad size

Paved helipad surface

Avoidance of any obstructions in the flight path

Avoidance of crosswind approach/departure (i.e. approach/departure consistent with prevailing winds, hence the initial north/south direction of the flight path)

Helipad perimeter markings

Helipad identification markings

Lighting

Marking/lighting of any obstructions

Limited public access to helipad

Compatible land use

Staff recommends approval of the site as the relocation is suited to improve safety and noise and is located further from residential than the current site with the conditions of compliance with the site plan and FAA Advisory Circular.

Following a full and complete discussion, Commissioner Stephens, seconded by Commissioner Stansell, made a motion to approve a recommendation to the Mayor and Members of City Council for a Conditional Use Permit for Methodist Hospital Life Flight Helipad, 16655 Southwest Freeway in the General Business (B-2) District with the condition of compliance with the site plan and FAA Advisory Circular. The motion carried unanimously.

PERMANENT ZONING OF 40.79 ACRES, TELFAIR SECTION FIFTEEN

Commissioner Yeung introduced consideration on a recommendation to the Mayor and Members of City Council for permanent zoning of 40.79 acres, Telfair Section Fifteen to Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District.

Ms. Ruth Lohmer, Planner II, stated the property contains 40.79 acres, 139 lots and 8 reserves. The request complies with the comprehensive plan, and the Telfair General Plan as amended in December 2006. A public hearing was held September 2007 with no public comments.

Following a full and complete discussion, Commissioner Berger, seconded by Commissioner Ahmed, made a motion to approve a recommendation to the Mayor and Members of City Council for permanent zoning of 40.79 acres, Telfair Section Fifteen to Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District. The motion carried unanimously.

subdivision plats

TELFAIR SECTION 15 PRELIMINARY PLAT

Commissioner Yeung introduced consideration on Telfair Section 15 Preliminary Plat.

Ms. Ruth Lohmer, Planner II stated that the plat of 40.79 acres contains 8 reserves and 139 lots with access from Chatham Avenue and Easton Avenue. A drill site owned by the State of Texas has been included; staff is recommending open unrestricted zoning for the site for possible use as recreational open space.

Mr. Keith Behrens, Newland Communities, stated that the plan is to leave the space restricted to landscape and drill site, and leave as open space as long as it does not become a drill site.

Following a full and complete discussion, Commissioner Stephens, seconded by Commissioner Shaw, made a motion to approve Telfair Section 15 Preliminary Plat with the condition of permanent zoning of the 40.79 Acres to Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District, approval of the final plat for Easton Avenue access, removal of extraneous line in rear of lots along Reserves E and F, and recordation of Chatham Avenue and Easton Avenue. The motion carried unanimously.

REPORTS

CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS

Council Member Olson commented on rezoning along Matlage Way from Mixed Use Conservation District to Business Office District, the 2007-2008 City Council Work Plan that includes 37 projects ranging from the Hike and Bike Trail Master Plan, Museum of Natural Science, Groundwater Reduction Plan, wireless communications, vision and long term planning for Telfair and Highway 59 area, entertainment facilities and a children’s museum.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION LIAISON REPORTS

Commissioner Berger commented on FEMA modernization maps, the Antidefamation League recognition of Sugar Land for the Community of Respect Program and plans for the City to annex Greatwood and New Territory.

CITY STAFF REPORT

Mr. Douglas Schomburg, Assistant Planning Director, commented on the upcoming American Planning Association conference.

ADJOURN

There, being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Stephens, seconded by Commissioner Stansell moved that the meeting adjourn. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned, time at 7:55 o'clock p.m.

Joe Zimmerman, Chairman

(SEAL)