HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 01/21/2009 MINUTES RECEIVED
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers-City Hall
Wednesday January 21,2009 MAR 0 4 2009
5:30 P.M.
COMMISSIONERS: STAFF: CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
Rudy Garza,Chairman Johnny Perales, Interim Assistant City Manager of
A. Javier Huerta,Vice-Chairman Development Services/Special Services
James Skrobarczyk Miguel Saldana, AICP,Special Services
John C.Tamez Bob Payne,AICP,Senior City Planner
Govind Nadkarni Dan McGinn,Project Manager
Johnny R.Martinez Annissa Garrett, City Planner
Evon J. Kelly Andrew Dimas,Planning Technician
Mark Adame Yvette Aguilar, Assistant City Attorney
Debra Brown,Assistant City Attorney
Elena Juarez,Recording Secretary
ABSENCES:
None
I. CALL TO ORDER
• A quorum was declared and the meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m.by Chairman
Garza.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion for approval of the January 7, 2009 minutes was made by Commissioner Tamez
and seconded by Commission Martinez. Motion passed unanimously.
III. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS
A. PLATS
1. Continued Plat
Mr. Miguel Saldana, Development Services, read Continued Plats agenda item "a" (shown
below) into the record, stating this plat is submitted for continuance to the February 4, 2009
Planning Commission meeting.
a. 0109005-NP005 (08-21000032)
River Square Unit 2, Block 8,Lots 5A&5B (Final
Replat-2.28 Acres)
Located north of Interstate Highway 37 and east of
McKinzie Road.
Public hearing was opened.
No one came forward in support or opposition. SCAS EES
Public hearingwas closed.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 21,2009
Page 2
Motion for approval of the continuance was made by Commissioner Tamez and seconded
by Commissioner Govind. Motion passed unanimously.
2. New Hat
Mr. Saldana read New Plats agenda item "a" (shown below) into the record and stated this
item is submitted for a continuance to the February 4,2009,Planning Commission meeting.
a. 0109006-NP006 (09-21000001)
La Palmera Mall,Block 1,Lots I &2(Final Replat-
59.384 Acres)
Located north of South Padre Island Drive(SH 358)and
west of South Staples Street.
As a courtesy, Chairman Garza asked if anyone present would like to come forward in
favor or in opposition of the continuance. No one came forward.
Motion for approval of the continuance was made by Commissioner Nadkarni and
seconded by Commissioner Martinez. Motion passed unanimously.
B. ZONING
1, Tabled Zoning
a. Case No. 1008-05
Reimco, Ltd. - A change of zoning from a "F-R" Farm-Rural
District to an "I-2" Light Industrial District resulting in a change
of land use from rural to industrial, 42.19 acres out of Lots 7 and
8, Block 2, Nueces River Irrigation Park located on the northwest
corner of County Road 69 and County Road 52.
Mr. Payne presented the.above case via Power Point, stating the applicant is Reimco, Ltd.
Mr. Payne stated there is controversy regarding this case. Mr. Payne stated this case has been
tabled twice. Mr. Payne stated the purpose of this change of zoning request is to relocate Nueces
Co.Electric Co-op. Mr. Payne stated currently percentage of homeowner's in notice area that were
opposed to change of zoning is 22.66%. Mr.Payne stated staff recommends denial.
In response to Commissioner Skrobarczyk, Mr. Bob Payne stated at this time 1-69 is U.S.
77, to the east of the subject property. Also, I-69 should not be confused with County Road 69
which is designed as an arterial on the transportation plan.
Public hearing was opened.
Ted Van Blarcum, 5077 Siesta Loop,came forward in opposition stating primary reason
for opposition was proximity to his church which was purchased because the city master plan
showed future use as residential. Mr.Van Blarcum also cited traffic issues as well as hours of
operation.
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Planning Commission Minutes)
January 21,2009
Page 3
Ted Clower, representative for Driscoll Foundation,and owners of the property stated
location selection is critical for returning service and their choice of locations is due to the relative
proximity of other substations.
In response to Chairman Garza, Bob Payne stated that a PUD had not been discussed with
the applicant.
Dave Koepke, an independent consultant brought in by Nueces Co.Electric Co-op, stated
that in his options the land would not be used for residential purposes.
Dennis Morgan,4550 River Park Drive,came forward in opposition and also stated that
property owners#1,2,5,6 and 7 on the Notice Ownership Map are also in opposition.
Charles Wilson,4856 County Road 69,#3,came forward in opposition and stated the
proposed change in zoning is not in keeping with the city's future development,there are safety
issues,there is an inadequate infrastructure,possibly added pollution, traffic issues and the existing
Robstown facility is unattractive.
Lynn Anderstein,Riverway Drive, came forward in opposition stated heavy traffic issues.
Maureen Sacky, 13934 River Rock,representative from River Ridge Subdivision,came
forward in opposition and reiterated Mr.Wilson's concerns. Mrs. Sacky handed a petition to Mr.
Bob Payne
Sam Guajardo, 13902 River Rock,came forward in opposition stating the hospital made
similar landscaping promises they did not fulfill. Mr.Guajardo stated current Radiology
Associates has a parking overflow and also stated concerns regarding street light and
thoroughfares.
Michael Clifford, 14931 Sandy Creek,came forward in opposition stating he does not want
an "I-2"Light Industrial District in his neighborhood.
Fred Nemec, 3362 County road 52,came forward in opposition stating road concerns
regarding County Road 52 and 69.
Don Boyd, 14018 River Rock,came forward in favor but not in this neighborhood. Mr.
Kosarek simply stated traffic concerns and equated the current proposed expansion to that of south
side planning and traffic changes done in the Holly area.
Linda Wilson,4856 County Road 69,#3,came forward and chose to give her public
speaking time to her husband,Charles Wilson. Mr.Wilson came forward and reiterated his
opposition.
Rick Kosarek,3649 County Road 52B,came forward neither in opposition nor in favor
simply stating traffic concerns regarding County Road 52 and irrigation canal.
Karen Vaughn, 3627 County Road 52B,came forward in opposition and stated she
reiterated previously stated opposition.
Greg Besdy, 14033 Riverway Drive,came forward in opposition.
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Planning Commission Mina')
January 21,2009
Page 4
Tim Clower, representative for applicant,came forward in favor presenting photographs of
Fox's Tree Nursery in rebuttal to the previous opposition regarding unflattering building premises
and landscaping.
In response to Chairman Garza's request,Jim Sims,NEC Retail Representative stated this
property was an ideal location,will increase reliability and hurricane readiness and efficiency.
Sam Guajardo came forward again in opposition.
Becky McNamara,2707 Deer came forward in opposition and requested that church
members present at the meeting stand so commissioners could see the number of those opposed
from the church.Approximately 25-35 people were in attendance.
Chairman Garza stated he did not believe"I-2" is appropriate and believes that even with
site plan and Planning Commission approval that the applicant will not receive the super-majority
that will be needed by the City Council.
Public hearing was closed.
Motion for denial was made by Commissioner Martinez and seconded by Commissioner
Tamez with Commissioner Huerta abstaining.
Chairman Garza question whether any further discussion was necessary.
Commissioner Nadkarni stated the need for a compromise between the applicant and the
community.
In response to Commissioner Skrobarczyk and Commissioner Nadkarni,Bob Payne stated
if the applicant withdraws the case before the case is presented to City Council,then a new
rezoning case for the property must wait one year. Commissioner Skrobarczyk stated he would
prefer to table the application.
Chairman Garza requested roll call. Commissioner Adame,Commissioner Kelly,
Commissioner Tamez,Commissioner Martinez,Chairman Garza voted to deny the change of
zoning request.
Commissioner Skrobarczyk and Commissioner Nadkarni voted against denial of the
rezoning request.
Motion passed for denial of request for an "I-2",Light Industrial District with
Commissioner Huerta abstaining.
Note: At this point,Vice-Chairman A. Javier Huerta, Commissioner Martinez and
Commissioner Nadkarni left the planning commission meeting.
b. Case No.0109-03
Andrew Salmon — A change of zoning from a `B-1"
Neighborhood Business District to an "I-2" Light Industrial
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 21,2009
Page 5
District resulting in a change of land use from residential to
commercial
Carroll Place, Unit 7,Block 1,Lot 3,located on the
north side of Holly Road approximately 900 feet from
the Holly Road and Carroll Lane intersection
Mr. Payne presented the above case via PowerPoint, stating the applicant is Andrew
Salmon. Mr.Payne stated the applicant is requesting a change of zoning from "B-1"Neighborhood
Business District to "I-2" Light Industrial District and staff recommends denial of the"I-2"Light
Industrial District. Mr. Payne stated that Planning Commission had asked for an alternative
recommendation for commission consideration. The alternative is to approve a "B-4" General
Business District with a Special Permit subject to a site plan and the following four(4)conditions:
1. Uses: The only use permitted by the Special Permit other than those uses permitted by
right in the "B-4" General Business District are retail sales of clay, stone and glass
products, including granite slabs,and outdoor storage within the screening area depicted on
the site plan.
2. Screening: A wooden screening fence or masonry wall with a minimum height of six (6)
feet shall be installed per the site plan. Such storage materials shall not exceed the height of
the fence.
3. Lighting: All outdoor lighting must be directional and shielded away from adjacent
properties, and light poles must be no higher than 15 feet. Cutoff shields are required for
all lighting. No lighting is permitted to project beyond the rear property line.
4. Time Limit: This Special Permit expires one (1) year from the date of this ordinance,
unless the property is being used as outlined in Condition #1 and in compliance with
all other conditions
Public hearing was opened.
Andrew Salmon, owner of the property states he is in agreement with alternative
recommendation.
Public hearing was closed.
Motion for denial of the "I-2"Light Industrial District and in lieu thereof approval of"B-4"
General Business District with a Special Permit and four conditions as presented was made by
Commissioner Skrobarczyk and seconded by Commissioner Kelly. Motion passed unanimously
with Vice-Chairman A. Javier Huerta, Commissioner Martinez and Commissioner Nadkarni being
absent from the vote.
c. Case No.0109-04
Augustine Charles Prochazka — A change of zoning from"FR"
Farm Rural District to an "R-IA" One Family Dwelling District
resulting in a change of land use from farm and rural to single
family residential use
0.91 acres out of a 15.11 acre tract recorded in file number 2008025662 of
the Deed Records of Nueces County,Texas located on the east side of
Figueroa Road between Up River Road and the Nueces River.
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 21,2009
Page 6
Mr. Andrew Dimas presented the above case via PowerPoint presentation. Mr.Dimas
stated that staff recommends denial of"R-1A" in lieu thereof withdrawal of the application giving
applicant time to plat a five acre lot and for staff to prepare a development agreement to reduce or
defer development fees until the property is proposed for a use other than for brush and pasture
land with a fishing pier and gazebo..
Chairman Garza stated concerns with tabling without a resolution in sight and also stated
concerns with applicant not attending last meeting on January 7, 2009 or today's meeting on
January 21,2009.
In response to Commissioner Skrobarczyk,Mr.Dimas stated that the applicant was in fact
aware of the Planning Commission meeting and was encouraged to attend the meeting.
Public hearing was opened.
No one came forward in favor or opposition.
Public hearing was closed.
Motion to table the case to the February 4,2009 Planning Commission meeting was made
by Commissioner Skrobarczyk and seconded by Commissioner Tamez. Motion passed
unanimously with Vice-Chairman A.Javier Huerta,Commissioner Martinez and Commissioner
Nadkarni being absent from the vote.
d. Case No.0109-06
Charles K.Miller-A change of zoning from ""I-2"
Light Industrial District to an "I-3"Heavy Industrial District
resulting in a change of land use from to light industrial
to heavy industrial
Roblex Industrial Area, Block 6, Lot 16 located on
the east side of Flato Road approximately 0.17
miles north at Bear Lane
The above case was presented via PowerPoint by Mr. Bob Payne. Mr. Payne stated there
was a computer issue with notices being received by owners within the required notice area and
requested that the case be tabled to the February 4, 2009 Planning Commission meeting so new
notices could mailed.
Public hearing was opened.
No one came forward in favor or opposition.
Public hearing was closed.
Motion to table the case to February 4, 2009 was made by Commissioner Skrobarczyk and
seconded by Commissioner Kelly. Motion passed unanimously with Vice-Chairman A. Javier
Huerta,Commissioner Martinez and Commissioner Nadkarni being absent from the vote.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 21,2009
Page 7
2. New Zoning
a. Case No.0109-05
Proportional Prosperity-A change of zoning from "B-4"
General Business District to an "I-2"Light Industrial District
resulting in a change of land use from business to light
industrial
Las Colonias Subdivision Unit 4, Block 1,Lots 25,26
and 27 located at the northeast corner of Saratoga and
Calle Las Colonias approximately I/2 mile east of
Greenwood Drive
Mr.Andrew Dimas presented the above case via PowerPoint presentation. Mr.Dimas
stated the applicant is requested a change of zoning from "B-4"General Business District to an
"I-2" light Industrial District.
Chairman Garza deferred to legal regarding Commissioner Adame. Yvette Aguilar,
Attorney for the city, informed the Planning Commission that Commissioner Adame would have to
abstain from this case.
Mrs.Aguilar also informed the Planning Commission the case would automatically be
tabled to February 4,2009 due lack of a quorum with only Commissioner Kelly,Commissioner
Tamez, Commissioner Skrobarczyk and Chairman Garza able to vote on this case.
Mr.Mark Gamboa,applicant from San Antonio,TX came forward to state his only
purpose in requesting a change of zoning is to include outdoor storage on his property.
Will Douglas,the property's realtor,came forward to state the only purpose in requesting a
change of zoning is to follow city regulations regarding outdoor storage.
b. Case No.0109-07
B.L.Real Estate Holdings—A change of zoning from a
"R-1C" One-family Dwelling District to an "A-2"
Apartment House District resulting in a change of land use from
low density residential to medium density residential
Tyler Subdivision, Block 1, Lot 11 located on the
east side of Claudia Drive approximately 400 feet
north of the Laguna Shores Road
The above case was presented by Mr. Andrew Dimas via PowerPoint presentation. Mr.
Dimas stated the applicant has requested a change of zoning from "R-1C" One-family Dwelling
District to an "A-2"Apartment House District. Mr.Dimas stated staff recommends approval of
"A-2" Apartment House District.
In response to Commissioner Skrobarczyk,Mr. Dimas stated the percentage of notices
received in opposition totaled 18%.
Public hearing was opened.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 21,2009
Page 8
Mr.James Preis, 2151 Burgatin.came forward in opposition stating that those listed as
being in favor on the requested change of zoning are in fact properties that belong to the applicant.
Mr. Preis stated he had no issues with previous zoning requests from B.L. Real Estate but currently
his main concern was parking and traffic.
Mr.Roger Viar,representing B.L.Real Estate stated he only wants to provide additional
lodging and currently has ten full-time fishing guides for Laguna Madre. In response to James
Preis,Mr.Viar stated the streets have been narrow for quite some time.
Public hearing was closed.
Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Skrobarczyk and seconded by
Commissioner Tamez. Motion passed unanimously with Vice-Chair Huerta,Commissioner
Martinez,and Commissioner Nadkarni not being present for the vote.
C. ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 27B
LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS,SECTION 11 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES
(Continuation)
Mr. Bob Payne presented information regarding text amendment and would allow
submittal of landscape plans by a non-certified and non-registered designer with a landscape
architect degree and,experience under the supervision of a registered architect or experience
submitting plans to the city. The proposed amendment also contains a change to allow a registered
engineer to submit landscape plans consistent with state law and specific criteria for sites and
landscaping situations where landscape plans must be sealed by either a registered landscape
architect or a registered engineer.
Commissioner Skrobarczyk stated concerns as to whether those involved in the changes
were present at the meeting.
Public hearing was opened.
No one came forward in favor or in opposition
Public hearing closed.
Motion to table proposed text amendment to February 4,2009 was made by Commissioner
Skrobarczyk and seconded by Commissioner Tamez. Motion passed unanimously with Vice-Chair
Huerta,Commissioner Martinez and Commissioner Nadkarni being absent for the vote.
D. AMENDMENT TO THE CORPUS CHRISTI URBAN
TRANSPORTATION PLAN (ZAHN ROAD)
Mr.Dan McGinn,Project Manager,presented information regarding an
amendment to the Corpus Christi Transportation Plan (Zahn Road)and stated that a modified
collection design is needed. Mr. McGinn stated currently the road functions as a one way exit
point for large crowds leaving the beach during peak events.
In response to Commissioner Skrobarczyk,Juan Perales stated that more detailed
information could be brought at the next meeting regarding prohibition of parking.
Planning Commission Minutes',
January 21,2009
Page 9
Greg Thompson,Naismisth Engineering,reviewed transportation plans including
emergency access during peak events.
Public hearing was opened.
No one came forward in favor or opposition.
Public hearing was closed.
Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Skrobarczyk and seconded by
Commissioner Tamez. Motion Passed unanimously with Vice-Chair Huerta, Commissioner
Martinez and Commissioner Nadkarni not being present for the vote.
E. PLATTING ORDINANCE VARIANCE FOR MAPLE HILLS
UNIT 5 SANITARY SEWER COLLECTION LINE
REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT
Mr.Juan Perales presented the above variance and stated that previously staff considered
the reimbursement agreement to be cumulative and to be disbursed at the end of the project in its
entirety. Mr. Perales stated that staff and legal has reviewed the ordinance and now feels that the
reimbursement is not cumulative and can be reimbursed. The variance is being requested because
the ordinance currently states that the reimbursement must be approved before the construction
takes place.
Public hearing was opened.
No one came forward in favor or opposition.
Public hearing was closed.
Motion to approve the variance was made by Commissioner Tamez and seconded by
Commissioner Skrobarczyk. The motion passed unanimously with Vice-Chair Huerta,
Commissioner Martinez and Commissioner Nadkarni not being present for the vote.
F. PLATTING ORDINANCE VARIANCE FOR MAPLE HILLS
UNIT 5 STREET PAVEMENT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
Mr. Juan Perales presented the above variance and stated that as in above case staff
considered the reimbursement agreement to be cumulative and to be disbursed at the end of the
project in its entirety. Mr.Perales again stated that staff and legal has reviewed the ordinance and
now feels that the reimbursement is not cumulative and can be reimbursed. The variance is being
requested because the ordinance currently states that the reimbursement must be approved before
the construction takes place.
Public hearing was opened.
No one came forward in favor or opposition.
Public hearing was closed.
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Planning Commission Minutest
January 21,2009
Page 10
Motion to approve the variance was made by Commissioner Kelly and seconded by
Commissioner Tamez. The motion passed unanimously with Vice-chair Huerta, Commissioner
Martinez and Commissioner Nadkarni not being present for the vote.
IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE PROCESS UPDATE
Mrs.Annissa Garret,City Planner,presented an update on the Unified Development Code
(UDC)and program. Mrs.Garrett stated in 2005 Duncan Associates were selected to assist with
the UDC. She also stated the UDC has gone through a 45 day public review and staff has reviewed
500 comments and seven focus groups were developed. Currently six of the seven groups have
completed their reviews and the changes have been incorporated. Mrs. Garrett also added that
section by section analysis has been conducted to check for internal consistency. Mrs. Garrett
stated the following items still need to be completed: verify accurate focus group draft document,
verify accurate staff draft document,compile analysis of changes,create Planning Commission
transmittal memorandum, and create public hearing schedule/notices and advertisement.
In response to Commissioner Skrobarczyk,Annissa Garrett stated that if a joint meeting
with City Council takes place then only a notice in the news paper could be required. She also
stated the approximate timeline for finishing the project included April as a finishing point.
B. DISCUSSION OF THE DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND
FOUNDATIONS FOR THE WORK PROGRAM
Bob Payne stated the intent of this discussion is simply that more time needs to be given
for preparation of upcoming Planning Commission workshops. Chairman Garza stated he would
rather wait to give staff time to compile the best possible workshop. The commissioners agreed to
cancel the currently scheduled workshops.
C. FOLLOW UP PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION ITEM FOR PLANNING
AGENDA OF JANUARY 2009,RELATED TO PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI PLATTING
ORDINANCE
Mr.Juan Perales stated the purpose is to redistribute the revenue coming into the trust
funds and to provide means to incorporate a density factor when calculating water and wastewater
lot acreage fees. In response to Commissioner Tamez,Mr. Perales stated that money could come
from CIP program contributing to this fund which would be used to increase the trust funds. Mr.
Perales stated that the question of how much money will be diverted from CIP will need to be
addressed. In response to Chairman Garza,Mr.Perales stated the plan is to draft an amendment
and bring it back to the Planning Commission.
V. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
A. ABSENCES
Bob Payne stated there were no absences to report.
B. RESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMMISSIONER LOEB
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Planning Commission Minute3
January 21,2009
Page 11
Mr. Payne informed the Planning Commission that Commissioner Loeb had resigned and
is running for City Council.
C. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION FOR PLANNING COMMISSIONER
APPLICANT
Mr.Payne informed the Planning Commission that Biographical information for possible
replacement commissioners is available in the packet. Mr.Payne stated he was unsure
when the vacancy would go to City Council.
D. FUTURE SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Mr.Payne stated the following meetings are scheduled:
February 4,2009
February 18,2009
E. CITY COUNCIL ACTION ON CASES
Mr.Payne stated the following cases went before the City Council:
January 13,2009
Case No. 1108-02 AI Crozier/Prime Income Asset Management—
Approved B-2 District
Case No. 1008-04 Raquel Medina—Approved Special Permit
Mr.Payne stated the following cases scheduled to go before the City Council:
January 27,2009
Case No. 1208-01 Mostaghasi Investment Trust
Case No. 1208-02 Portland U-Rent It
Case No. 1208-03 Portland U-Rent It(Cantwell)
F. IDENTIFY ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON NEXT AGENDA
Chairman Garza requested information on the state of the city finances and discussion with
information to possibly be include the packet for February 4,2009, or as soon as possible
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Skrobarczyk seconded by Commissioner
Tamez. Meeting adjourned at 9:41p.m.
Bob Payne, Elena Juarez
AICP,Senior City Planner Recording Secretary