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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967-05-16 1 o Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission May 16, 1967 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Len Weber called the Regular Meeting of the Plan- ning and Zoning Commission to order, in the Council Chambers of Euless City Hall, at 7:45 P. M, The following members were present: Messrs. Bill Tench, Don Hastings, Richard Lande, and the Chairman, Len Weber. (Absent: Mr. Sterling Ward) Also present were City Inspector Jack Bullard and Mrs. Florence Murr, Recording Secretary. VISITORS Visitors in attendance were: Messrs. B. R. Nowell, David Moak, Walter A. Elliott, Jr., B. J. Reaves and Kenneth E. English, representing the City's Consulting Engineers, Knowlton-Ratliff-English. I . APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Tench made the motion to dispense with the reading of the Minutes of the previous meeting, dated Hay 2, 1967, and approve as written. Mr. Hastings seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Tench, Hastings and Lande Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. II . PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL - ROYAL OAKS ESTATES - MR. B. J. REAVES Chairman Weber read a letter dated May 15, 1967, from the City's Consulting Engineers, which contained the following comments pertaining to the Preliminary Plat for Royal Oaks Estates, as submitted by Mr. B. J. Reaves. (1) While normally we do not recommend long, straight streets as are indicated on this plat, the shape of the property involved must be considered and this tract may be the exception in this respect. (2) The block lengths of 1100 feet come within Item IV A 7 of your subdivision ordinance which states, "Block lengths, generally, should not exceed one thousand feet in length. In blocks of one thousand feet or more, there shall be provided, near the center of the block, a utility or pedestrian easement or walk, the walk to be paved to a width of not less than five feet and to be lighted properly". (Page Two, Minutes of Regular Meeting. .Planning and Zoning C9smission 5/16/67.) (3) The drainage provisions appear to be sound with the provision that swales will be provided over the storm sewers in the final construction plans. (4) We believe the amount of right-of-way provided for North Main and for Ash Lane to be sufficient for future widening. It should be understood that the procedure in such cases, where an existing road section bounds on a subdivision, is that the Developer either installs curb and gutter to a grade approved by the City and paves to the connecting pavement or deposits $2.75 per front foot in escrow for this purpose under a City Capital Improvement Program. In reply to an inquiry, as to whether the Developer had been made were of the Engineers' recommendations prior to this time, Mr. Reaves replied negatively. Mr. Moak requested permission to study the letter, specifically, the Engineers' comments contained in paragraph two. Mr. Reaves inquired if exceptions could be made, with reference to the length of blocks stipulated in the ordinance. Mr. Bullard advised that, in his opinion, the Consulting Engineers' letter does not indicate disapproval of the length of the blocks and the straight streets indicated on the plat, as they are aware that, due to the rectangular shape of the tract, the street out-lay indicated is probably as good as could be done. Mr. Bullard stated, that in his opinion, the Engineers are concerned that, in order to comply with the ordinance governing subdivisions, there may be a need for some pedestrian cross-walks, Mr. Hastings inquired if Ash Lane is an existing street, at this time. Mr. English advised affirmatively, but that the street is unimproved. There followed, a lengthy discussion pertaining to the desirability of a walkway across the blocks. The City Inspector pointed out the additional responsibility which would be placed on the City of Euless, if such is required. Mr. English inquired if the streets for the subdivision have been cut, at this time. Mr. Reaves stated that the streets have not been cut, and a discussion followed pertaining to the possibility of relocating the street indi- cated as Cedar Ridge Terrace on the plat. Chairman Weber inquired of Mr. Reaves opinion regarding the Engineers' recommendations. Mr. Reaves advised that he is hopeful the Planning and Zoning Commission will waive the restrictions pertaining to the length of the blocks and the walkway. Mr. Reaves stated that he is of the opinion the walk- way would divide the subdivision, and that he would also like to avoid the ad- ditional expense which would be incurred, should the walkway be required. Mr. Reaves stated that he and his engineers had considered dedicating a street in a different location, but they came to the conclusion that the other location did not fit the pattern as well as the location indicated on the plat. Chairman Weber inquired of Mr. English if he is of the opinion a ,. long street promotes faster traffic. Mr. English replied affirmatively. Chairman Weber asked Mr. English for his opinion regarding the re- quirements, as stated in Ordinance No. 147. Mr. English advised that, in his (Page Three. Minutes of Regular Meeting. Planning and Zoning Commission 5/16/67.) tor opinion, Ordinance No. 147 is a good ordinance. He stated that the people should be informed of it; that it is more or less a guide and can be stretched some. It was determined that the Developer would lose one lot, plus two hundred, forty (240) feet, if required to relocate Cedar Ridge Terrace. Chairman Weber inquired of Mr. English if moving Cedar Ridge Terrace Is the logical solution to the problem. Mr. English stated that he would be reluctant to comment, until he has had an opportunity to study the matter further. Mr. Walter Elliott advised that Mr. Reaves paid a premium for this tract of land; therefore, he feels that it is necessary that he get the maximum yield from the lots and will appreciate the Commission's consideration of the plat, as presented. Mr. Reaves stated that he is of the opinion there are more blocks within the City which do not comply with this ordinance than those which do. Mr. Hastings inquired if everything else appeared to be in order. Chairman Weber asked Mr. Reaves if he intends to comply with the Engineers' recom- mendation pertaining to curb and gutter. Mr. Reaves stated that he is in agree- ment and will comply with the Engineers' recommendations, as set out in their letter. Mr. Tench made the motion that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat of Royal Oaks Estates, as submitted by Mr, B. J. Reaves, subject to the Developer's compliance with the Engineers' recommendation, as set out in paragraph 4 of Mr. Bill Ratliff's letter to the Planning and Zoning Commission; that the Council carefully consider Paragraph 2, which cites a deviation in the length of blocks vs. easement or pedestrian walk- way. Mr. Hastings seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Tench, Hastings and Lande Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. (Copy of Engineers' letter dated May 15, 1967, and Preliminary Plat of Royal Oaks Estates on file in Office of City Inspector.) III . COMMERCIAL PERMIT NO. 50, MR. OUICK RESTAURANT HIGHWAY 133 AND VINE Chairman Weber read a letter dated May 15, 1967, signed by Mr. Kenneth E. English, representing the City's Consulting Engineers, Knowlton- Ratliff-English, in which the Engineers approve the drainage and make the follow- ing recommendations: Traffic Control : In regard to the proposed paving and other improvements that are to be constructed on Highway right-of-way, we suggest that the Texas Highway Department be requested to review and comment on the plans prior to City approval. (Pa.- Four Minutes of Re•ular Meetin. Plannin• and Zonin. Commission /16/6 Street Right-Of-Way Dedication & Improvements: We note that the "Site Plan" shows the right-of-way line on Vine Street to be set back approximately 19 feet with a total future right-of-way width of 50 feet. As far as we can determine this additional right-of- way has not been officially dedicated to the public, and we suggest that this be a condition of approval . in regard to the future improvement of Vine Street and in order to be consistent with existing City policies, the Developer should be required to install the curb and gutter on Vine Street along the West boundary of the development to a grade approved by the City and make the tie-in to the existing pavement. In lieu of making the improvements at this time, the developer could deposit $2.75 per front foot or $660.00 in escrow for the purpose of constructing the street improvements under a City Capital Im- provements Program. Sewerage System Extension: (1) The Texas Highway Department is proposing a reinforced concrete box culvert that will cross the proposed sewer line at approximate Station 0 + 45. The drainage culvert will conflict with the sewer line if it is constructed at the grade shown. In order to prevent the conflict and facilitate the construction of the future box culvert, we suggest that the sewer line be constructed on a 00.00% grade from the flow line of the existing manhole (9,7.65) to a grade break at Station 0 + 70. We further suggest that cast iron pipe be used from Station 0 + 00 to Station 0 + 70 with concrete encasement from Station 0 + 25 to Station 0 60. The concrete encasement should cradle the sides and bottom of the pipe but should leave the top of the pipe exposed. (2) 'We feel that the sewer line will have to be extended to the East in the future; therefore, we suggest that a manhole with a joint of pipe and plug be provided at Station 9 + 80 in lieu of the pro- posed cleanout. This planning will facilitate the future extension. (3) We wish to remind the Developer that a permit will have to be ob- tained from the Highway Department and furnished to the City prior to the construction of the line. (4) In regard to the processing of the job, the Developer should now decide whether he will ccntract directly with a Contractor or whether he will escrow the amount with the City and request the City to handle the project. Then a City-Developer Agreement must be prep®red and executed to cover the project. The recommendations of the Consulting Engineers were not discussed at length; however, Mr. Walter Elliott, Engineer, advised that he and Mr. Howell are in agreement with the recommendations, and they will comply with all re- quirements, as stipulated in the letter. Chairman Weber suggested that comments from the Texas Highway Depart- (1111, ment should be obtained prior to the presentation of this request to the City Council. (Page Five, Minutes of Regular Meeting. Planning and Zoning Commission 5/16/67.) Mr. Elliott agreed and stated that, should it be impossible to °b- limp. tain a letter from the Highway Department before the next Council Meeting, he will request that this item be removed from the Agenda, until such time as the information can be obtained. It was determined that MR. QUICK is a short order restaurant, which specializes in hamburgers. Mr. Hastings made the motion to recommend approval of Building Per- mit No. 50, subject to the recommendations of the City's Consulting Engineers being complied with and providing a letter from the Texas Highway Department is furnished for the Council 's consideration. Doctor Lande seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Hastings, Tench and Lande Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. (Copy of Engineer's letter and plans for Mr. Quick restaurant on file in Office of City Inspector.) IV. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 147 There was a lengthy discussion of the Subdivision Ordinance (Ordi- nance No. 147) specifically, Section IV-A 7, which was referred to in Item II of this meeting, and which reads as follows: Block lengths: Block lengths, generally, should not exceed one thousand feet in length. In blocks of one thousand feet or more, there shall be provided, near the center of the block, a utility or pedestrian easement or walk, the walk to be paved to a width of not less than five feet and to be lighted properly. In the discussion, it was emphasized that the cost of maintenance of a pedestrian walk, as referred to in the ordinance, would be the responsibility of the City of Euless and such a walk would, possibly, create numerous complaints and/or problems for the City. Mr. Tench made the motion that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend to the City Council that Ordinance No. 147, Section IV, Paragraph A-7 be amended to delete that portion referring to a utility or pedestrian easement or walk where blocks exceed one thousand feet in length; the reason being the poten- tial cost to the City is unrealistic to its purpose. Mr. Hastings seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Tench, Hastings and Lande Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:05 P. M. APPROVED' ATTEST: irkiA/442-t__„ Secreta Chairman