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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-05-26Regular Meeting Euless City Council May 26, 1981 The regular meeting of the Euless City Council was called to order at 8:15 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Euless City Hall, by Mayor Harold Samuels. Other members present were Mayor Pro Tem Willie Mae McCormick, Councilmen Robert Pippin, Bob Eden, and Ron Sternfels. Councilman Glenn Walker was absent. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Manager W. M. Sustaire, City Secretary Kay Rainey, City Attorney James Cribbs, City Engineer James Knight, Director of Planning and Development Kent Flynn and Secretary Joyce Smith. VISITORS PRESENT: Ken Chenault, Bill Barnes, John Deithloff, Jim Lucas, Bill Perry and Bill Pasteur, and Stephen Crim. 401 The invocation was given by Mayor Pro Tem Willie Mae McCormick. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting dated May 12, 1981, were approved as written. OLD BUSINESS 0 ACCEPTANCE OF DELLA HOUY'S RESIGNATION Mayor Pro Tem Willie Mae McCormick moved to accept Della Houy's resignation as City Secretary of the City of Euless, effective at the end of her vacation time. Mr. Sternfels seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Sternfels, Pippin, and Walker Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. (Page Two, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, May 26, 1981) APPOINT KAY RAINEY AS CITY SECRETARY Mr. Eden moved to appoint Kay Rainey as the new City Secretary of the City of Euless, Texas. Mr. Pippin seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Eden, Pippin, Sternfels, and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. City Attorney James Cribbs adminis- tered the oath of office to Kay Rainey. "Do you, Kay Rainey, solemnly swear or affirm that you will faithfully perform the duties of City Secretary of the City of Euless, Tarrant County, Texas, to the best of your ability, performing this administrative obligation at all times as an appointive officer of said city, serving at the pleasure of the City of Euless Council, SO HELP YOU GOD." Kay Rainey raised her right hand and accepted the oath of office. PUBLIC HEARING - ZONING CASE NO. 333 - REQUEST OF JAMES TONICK FOR CHANGE OF ZONING FROM "C-2" COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT TO "PD" PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ON LOT 1R, BLOCK 1, EULESS TOWN CENTRE - PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF AIRPORT FREEWAY AND FM 157 Mayor Samuels opened the public hearing on Zoning Case No. 333 for change of zoning from "C-2" Community Business District to "PD" Planned Development on Lot 1R, Block 1, Euless Town Centre, property located at the southwest corner of Airport Freeway and FM 157, and stated the Council would hear from the proponents first and then any opponents. Mayor Samuels recognized Mr. Bill Barnes. Mr. Bill Barnes, with Pearcy- Christon Developers, 5429 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas, stated that on April 17, 1981, they were notified by the City of Euless that the proposed garden center at the Woolco Store was in violation of C-2 zoning, which did not permit outside storage. 10 Z5- (Page Three, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, May 26, 1981) Although the garden center was within a fenced and partially covered area, it is not enclosed within the major structure, and therefore, is considered outside. He stated that the site plan submitted at the time of application for a building permit did not clearly depict the garden center. He advised that Woolco is very active throughout the United States and in some of their stores, the garden center actually carried the profit for the store, and without the garden center, Woolco would undoubtedly cancel this lease. He does, therefore, respectfully request approval of this zoning change. Mayor Samuels inquired if there were any other proponents. There being none, he inquired if there were any opponents. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. Mr. Pippin moved to approve the zoning change in accordance with the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendations which included a stipulation that the developer label the garden center at Handy Dan as an enclosed garden center on the development plan. A ..... Mr. Eden seconded the motion and NO, the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Pippin, Eden, Sternfels, and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. III. WA Mayor Samuels opened the public hearing on Zoning Case No. 334 for change of zoning from "C-2" Community Business District to "PD" Planned Development of Lots 18 and 19, Block 4, Bell Ranch Terrace Addition, located at the southwest corner of Toplea Drive and FM 157. 'o' 100 (Page Four, R 1981) Mayor Samuels stated the Council would hear from the proponents first and then any opponents. Mayor Samuels recognized Mr. Bill Perry. Mr. Bill Perry, Consulting Engineer for Midas Realty, the developer of these lots, stated there was one problem which called for a paved area required under the "C-2" zoning in the rear of the building. He stated the paved area would serve little purpose and eliminated some additional trees that they had intended to leave untouched. He stated he had discussed with Staff about removing the requirement for the fifteen foot apron behind the building. He requested that the "PD" zoning be granted, which would allow proceeding with the development. The developer would then be ready to begin the construction of this facility. Mayor Samuels asked if there were any questions, discussion, or opponents of this change in zoning. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. change be approved. Mrs. McCormick moved the zoning Mr. Eden seconded the motion. Mr. Pippin asked what was the rea- soning for the fifteen foot requirement in the back of the building; was it to assure maintenance of at least that Portion? Mr. Sustaire said he believed that was correct. Mr. Pippin stated he is fully in favor of granting this and saving the trees, but is there some way of requesting maintenance attachment on this property? Mr. Knight stated that the plans prepared do not have any access for delivery from the rear; therefore, it is not felt there would be any problem in this case. He stated that many "C-2" zoning buildings will have a delivery from the rear and in such cases, then it would be desirable. The vote of the Council is as Ayes: Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Eden, Pippin, and Sternfels Nays: None 107 I (Page Five, Regular 26, 1981) carried. Mayor Samuels declared the motion IV. PUBLIC HEARING ON RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS OF THE EULESS ZONING ORDINANCE Mayor Samuels opened the public hearing on recommended changes to the residential provisions of the Euless Zoning Ordinance, and stated the Council would hear any public comments in this regard. Mr. Kent Flynn, Directorof Planning and Development, City of Euless, made a presentation outlining the need to review the current ordinance pertaining to single family development. He stated that the ordinance is in need of clarity, organization, and updating to make it relate more generally to the public. He stated that on May 5, 1981, the Planning and Zoning Commission took the first step toward rectifying the current problems with the ordinance. The first phase involved is the elimination of oversights and clearing up the existing ordinances, and the second phase is to provide some flexibility to accommodate new housing of more affordable types. He stated the Planning and Zoning Commission is looking right now at three areas of needed improvement; parking requirements, exterior masonry, and common wall construction requirements for single family attached dwellings. Mr. Flynn also stated that attention will be given to the townhome ordinance, especially in the areas of minimum floor space and maximum height. Mr. Flynn requested input of any nature from the audience and Council. Mayor Samuels asked if there were any questions from the Council. Mr. Eden requested that Mr. Flynn review the proposed parking requirements again. Mr. Flynn reviewed the proposed parking requirements. Mayor Samuels inquired if there were any other questions from Council. There being none, he inquired if there were any questions from the audience. Mr. Bill Perry asked if the twenty foot requirement can be from the center of the alley. Mr. Flynn stated that presently the parking must conform with the rear building line, which in (Page Six, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, May 26, 1981) single family and two-family zones is fifteen feet from the center line of the alley. Mr. Knight stated that is not measured from the center of the alley, but from the rear property line. Mr. Perry inquired if this would affect any plats now ready for presentation. Mayor Samuels stated that no changes would be made for several weeks. Mayor Samuels recognized Mr. Jim Lucas. Mr. Jim Lucas, builder and developer, and a property owner in Hurst, Texas, requested a chalkboard for his presentation and made the point that a city must maintain affordable housing for young families. He stated if a city allows itsproperty to consist of all apartments, townhomes, and businesses, then the degree of private ownership will decline, and therefore, so will the integrity, safety, beauty, and use- fulness of the city. Mayor Samuels inquired of any suggested solutions from Mr. Lucas on the issue of affordable housing for young families. Mr. Lucas reiterated that he has no definite solution, but that somewhere between the apartment sector, rental properties, and townhomes, you must set aside some type of affordable housing for young families. Mr. Pippin asked Mr. Lucas if he would suggest dispursing this housing throughout the city or limiting it to certain cluster housing areas. Mr. Lucas said either or both, but something must be done. Mayor Samuels recognized Mr. Stephen Crim. Mr. Stephen Crim spoke, emphazing maintaining neighborhood integrity and flexibility toward more affordable housing. He said city planning started after World War II with the FHA and VA programs. He said we may be witnessing the end of the American Dream where each young family can afford to own their own home. The average price of a house in the metroplex today is over $88,000.00. He discussed the price of housing in Europe and Asia and the trends that have developed there. He stated we must be able to let the market (Page Seven, Regular Meeting, Euless City Council, May 26, 1981) respond and let it give the people what they can afford. Mayor Samuels asked Mr. Crim what his thoughts were on the idea of sprinkling the 900 square foot housing throughout the city. Mr. Crim stated that he wasn't sure the 900 square foot housing was the solution, but rather other measures to cut the cost of housing. He stated that alleys encourage on-street parking and he would recommend keeping the on-street parking to a minimum. Mr. Pippin remarked about the concept of narrowing the streets and took the position of not reducing width of streets due to the overcrowding it would create. Mr. Crim agreed and encouraged not reducing lot sizes too drastically. He re-emphasized letting the market demand dictate the size of the house, within reason. Mr. Pippin stated smaller duplexes are being constructed within the city and this has developed because of costs, but that we want this housing to be some- thing that people can enjoy living in, not just existing. Mr. Bill Perry stated that so many houses are built on the 1750 foot variety and contain a lot of wasted space. He said the point is not that smaller is worse, but more useful implementation of available space is developed. Mr. Cribbs asked Mr. Lucas if in his opinion 80% masonry on three walls was too much? Mr. Lucas stated in his opinion it is because of affordability. Mr. Lucas requested permission to rebuttal some comments that had been made. again. Mayor Samuels recognized Mr. Lucas Mr. Lucas spoke again on the cost of land. He reiterated that he was concerned for the single family detached housing to maintain individual ownership and neighborhood integrity. He stated that housing must be more affordable and accessible to the young person. Mr. Sternfels asked Mr. Lucas if he thought maybe 50% masonry would be a better idea. 1 i I Lo (Page Eight,,Reqular Meeting, 81) Mr. Lucas answered that he thought 50% was better because it made it more affordable. If it made housing more available to young people, he is for it. Mr. Kenneth Chenault spoke of re- ducing lot sizes a little to maintain flexibility, but we must also maintain some kind of open space. Townhomes save space; staggering houses saves space; odd-shaped lots save space. He stated this way you can save individual home ownership, maintain open space, maybe add parking spaces, save on street pavement area. He stated that the PD and CUD plans are wise and you have the ability to try new ideas and regulate what is occurring in your city. He stated he is in agreement of the uncovered parking which is screened from the view of the street, and the 80% masonry wall covering on the front, with perhaps 50% covering on the sides, and even less on the back since it will not be viewed from the street. Mr. Flynn stated that Staff's recommendation corresponds with the Planning and Zoning Com- mission's recommendation for a two-hour fire wall between two family attached dwellings. Mr. Chenault stated the area developers greatly appreciated being invited to speak their minds tonight. Mayor Samuels asked if there were any further comments or questions from Council or the audience. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. V. RECOGNITION OF THE PRESS Mayor Samuels recognized the Dress. Ms. Jackie Rixen, with Mid-Cities Daily News as a summer intern, was in attendance and was introduced. 1. Mayor Samuels announced the following Planning and Zoning Commission: John Deithloff, Sam Houston, Bob Williamson, were appointed for two year terms. One one-year term vacated by Councilman Bob Eden is being filled with Mrs. Norma Morelock. Park and Recreation Board: Sherry Kachel, Don Calhoun, Carolyn Park. (Page Nine, 6, 1981) Zoning Board of Adjustment: (Two year terms) Marland Ernest, Helen Lightbody. For a one-year term re- placement for Norma Morelock, who will be moving to the Planning and Zoning Board, Ron Henson is appointed. Library Board: For two-year terms, Sonja Adams, Marilyn Adamson. We still have one opening for a lady that has resigned, and we will leave that open for a few weeks. Hospital Authority: Marland Ernest for a two-year term; Robert Nail, who will replace Bill Byers, who will be moving to a different board for a one-year term. Council for Social Concern: William R. Vestal, Sr., B. J. Whitley, and Rodney Ashford, for two-year terms. The Civil Service Commission and several of the smaller boards including the Trinity River Authority Central Waste Water Treatment and Street Naming Committee and the person for the Library Board and the person for the Zoning Board of Adjustment will be made at a later date. Councilman Pippin moved to appoint the aforementioned Board Members as read. Councilman Eden seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Plessrs. Pippin, Eden, Sternfels, and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Samuels declared the motion carried. VII. vague malft2rd mmaw-walumAgg.-M Councilman Pippin moved the Council adopt a resolution requesting reappraisal of all parcels of land within the City of Euless by the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District. Mayor Pro Tem McCormick seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: (Page Ten, Re 1981) Ayes: Mr. Pippin, Mrs. McCormick, Messrs. Sternfels, and Eden Nays: None carried. Mayor Samuels declared the motion • u .LIGHTING IN BEAR CREEK PARK Councilman Sternfels moved that the City Manager enter into a contract with Texas Power and Light Company for lighting in Bear Creek Park. Councilman Eden seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Sternfels, Eden, Pippin, and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None carried. Mayor Samuels declared the motion WAN Mrs. McCormick stated the dedication of Bear Creek Park went very well even though it rained, and that the Parks Department did an outstanding job in making everything attractive. X. Councilman Sternfels inquired about the current status of cable TV. Mr. Sustaire stated that he was in- formed they had 100% of the city ready to hook up. He stated that he was aware of some areas that had been missed, especially in new neighborhoods. He has also been informed that they are six weeks behind on installation due to a lack of personnel. He further stated that many problems have developed because of the cable company subcontracting labor on installation of lines. (Page Eleven, Regular Meeting, Euless Cit Council, Mai 26, 1981) 'fir. Sternfels stated he would like to ;. see a report from, the cable company regarding their progress. TES OF MOSQUITO SPRAYING Councilman Eden inquired about the status of mosquito spraying in the city. Mr. Sustaire reported that Jack Bullard had begun Spraying and could continue as weather permits. COMMENTS ON NEW CITY E CRE` ' RY Mr. Sustaire remarked that Kay Rainey was new in the position of City Secretary and had never before attended a Council session; that he was pleased to see her in the position and was looking forward to working ing with her in the future. CITY T CR TE ' REPORT M--. Cribbs stated he had nothing to CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT Mr, Knight t stated he had n t ping to 0 U R11,11VIE N 'there being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m. Isl Harold Samuels Mavor s Kay Rainey City Secretary