HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_P&Z_04.16.2024Minutes of the
Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Georgetown, Texas
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
The Georgetown Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 6:00 PM at
Council and Court Building, 510 W. 9th Street.
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The following Members were in attendance:
Present were: Scott A Allen, Chere Heintzmann, Stephen F Dickey, Pierce P Macguire, Lance A
Morgan, Shelley G G Rodocker, Alice L York
Public Wishing to Address an Advisory Board
On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registra on form which can be found on the
table at the entrance to the mee ng room. Clearly print your name and the le er of the item on which you wish
to speak and present it to the Board Liaison prior to the start of the mee ng. You will be called forward to
speak when the Board considers that item. Only persons who have delivered the speaker form prior to the
mee ng being called to order may speak. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to speak. If you wish to
speak for six minutes, it is permissible to use another requestor's granted me to speak. No more than six
minutes for a speaker may be granted. The requestor gran ng me to another speaker must also submit a form
and be present at the meeting.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: A request must be received by the Advisory Board or Commission
Liaison prior to the day the agenda for this mee ng is posted. Each speaker will be given three minutes to
address the Board or Commission members. No action can be taken at this meeting.
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments from the Chair
Announcements
Action from Executive Session
1. Statutory Consent Agenda
The Statutory Consent Agenda includes non -controversial and routine items that may be acted upon
with one single vote. An item may be pulled from the Consent Agenda in order that it be discussed and
acted upon individually as part of the Regular Session.
1.A Meeting Minutes
Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the April 02, 2024
regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission -- Erica Metress, Planning
Specialist
Moved by Scott A Allen; seconded by Chere Heintzmann to Approve the April 02, 2024,
minutes of the regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Motion Approved: 7- 0
Voting For: Scott A Allen, Chere Heintzmann, Stephen F Dickey, Pierce P
Macguire, Lance A Morgan, Shelley G G Rodocker, Alice L York
Voting Against: None
2. Regular Session
2.A Downtown Master Plan Update
Downtown Master Plan Update -- Kim McAuliffe, Downtown & Tourism Director
Kim McAuliffe provided an update of the Downtown Master Plan.
Alternate Commissioner York acknowledged that the enhanced restrooms are only
planned for Blue Hole Park and inquired about consideration for public restrooms
around the square for functions. McAuliffe acknowledged that restrooms were
incorporated in the plan for the downtown parking garage and noted that future
parking structures will have the same plan.
Commissioner Allen inquired about the directional traffic planned around the square.
McAuliffe explained that the one-way proposal is just for the square to include 7th
street, Main Street, and Austin Avenue.
Commissioner Allen inquired about consideration in which direction people will travel
towards the square from either University Avenue or Austin Avenue. McAuliffe explained
that the consultants acknowledged that traffic flows better in that route.
Commissioner Allen inquired about the proposed art walk. McAuliffe explained that
there will be a variety of art forms and that the art walk is to activate areas off the
square to expand economic vitality.
Commissioner Heintzmann questioned if the county courthouse will be turned over to the
City of Georgetown. McAuliffe acknowledged that the inquiry has not been
discussed.
McAuliffe continued the update of the Downtown Master Plan.
Commissioner Heintzmann inquired about the possibility of a presentation of the cost at
the next P&Z meeting. McAuliffe acknowledged that the implementation strategy will
include the costs of the projects that will be presented to Council.
Sofia Nelson, Planning Director, approached the podium to address the Commission
and explained that the purpose of the next meeting that will include the Downtown
Master Plan is to review the vision, policy, and to identify if it is consistent to the
Comprehensive Plan.
Alternate Commissioner York inquired about traffic and parking on 9th street. McAuliffe
confirmed that there will be parallel parking and traffic lanes on 9th street.
Alternate Commissioner York questioned if side streets around the courthouse will lose
parking. McAuliffe acknowledged that some parking spaces will be removed from Main
Street and the Rock Street Promenade.
Commissioner Heintzmann requested that future parking garage and spaces are
outline in the presentation for the next P&Z Meeting. Commissioner Heintzmann
inquired about alternate transportations for downtown Georgetown. McAuliffe
confirmed that they are exploring alternate transportation options such as a trolly or
shuttle system.
Alternate Commissioner York inquired about the parking garage height.
Maddison O'Kelley, Preservation and Redevelopment Manager, approached the
podium to address the Commission and explained that the overall height of the
structure will range from 40-52 feet. O'Kelley clarified that one stairwell on the corner of
Main Street and 6th Street will be up to 56 feet in height.
Alternate Commissioner Morgan inquired about the net increase or decrease in parking
spaces with the plan. McAuliffe acknowledged that she would need to follow up on the
inquiry.
There were no public comments.
2.B 2024-2-SUP Quick Trip #4172
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Special Use Permit (SUP) for the
specific use of Fuel Sales in the General Commercial (C-3) zoning district on the
property located at 701 Westinghouse Road, Georgetown, TX 78626, bearing the legal
description of Lot 2, Block 1, Park Central Section 1 (2024-2-SUP) -- Haley Webre,
Planner
Haley Webre presented the staff report.
Chair Dickey inquired about the right -in and right -out access on Westinghouse Road.
David Munk, Senior Utility Engineer, approached the podium to address the Commission
and confirmed that the driveway on Westinghouse is right -in and right -out only. Munk
explained that the request meets the minimum 200 feet from the right of way.
Chair Dickey questioned if there was a traffic count on Westinghouse Road.
Travis Baird, Assistant Planning Director, approached the podium to address the
Commission and confirmed that there were traffic counts at two points on Westinghouse
Road. Baird explained that the count for Vista View Drive was 13,086 and the count at IH
35 was 13,393. Baird noted that the data was collected from the 2020 counts.
Commissioner Heintzmann shared concerns that the zoning change is not consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan and that 6 fuel sales saturates the area. Webre referred to
Unified Development Code 5.04.0203 regarding fuel sales limitations.
Commissioner Allen asked how a left turn would be prevented from the right -in and
right -out driveway. Munk explained that there is a possibility of installing a median or
plastic vertical sticks.
Alternate Commissioner York inquired about the sloping of the lot and how that will be
impacted. Webre highlighted the proposition of subdivision of 3 lots and explained that lot
1 will be the construction of the fuel sales. Webre continued to explain that lot 2 and 3
have slopes that may constrict development.
Robert Costello and Mike Schneider, applicant, approached the podium to address the
Commission and provided a presentation on Quik Trip.
Commissioner Allen asked if either applicant could speak to the criteria that were non-
compliant. Costello explained that the criteria marked as non -compliant was about
spacing and have been addressed with the city's Engineering Department. Costello
further explained that they will work with city staff to ensure traffic safety. Schneider
recommended that the Commission include any conditions that they may want.
Alternate Commissioner York inquired about the timeline of phases 2 and 3. Schneider
acknowledged that they would want to begin immediately.
Chair Dickey opened the public hearing.
Richard Mathias, 27001 Montana Creek Xing, approached the podium to address the
Commission and acknowledged that he is representing the property owners at 5510
North Mays Street. Mathias noted that they have joined with other property owners in
opposition of the request. Mathias noted that the application met some criteria and
highlighted 5 additional fuel sales stations in the vicinity. Mathias referred to a previous
P&Z meeting where the Commission denied a rezoning request. Mathias highlighted that
the staff report from that meeting stated that the proposed use of fuel sales would not add
to the variety and availability of commercial services in the area. Mathias referred to a
similar request that was denied by the City Council in 2021 and 2022. Mathias
recommended that the SUP was denied based on the following: the proposed fuel use is
not consistent with all the land use criteria, there are 6 existing service stations in the
immediate area, the application is not consistent with the city's Comprehensive Plan, and
that the use does not provide a balance of mixed uses as critical. Mathias noted that there
is a concentration of fuel sales in the area which are mainly small businesses. Mathias
concluded with reference to the amount of rejection forms submitted.
Shakil Prasla, 1125 Westinghouse Road, approached the podium to address the
Commission and acknowledged the amount of fuel sales in the area. Prasla noted that
introducing another fuel sales station in the area would have a detrimental impact on his
business Prasla explained that their business will provide high paying jobs, good lighting,
good customer service, and fresh food. Prasla noted that the approval of this request will
risk oversaturation and could result in negative consequences for all businesses
involved.
Keith Potash, 401 Teravista Parkway, approached the podium to address the
Commission and noted that he was grateful to hear the opposition. Potash commended
the Quik Trip representatives but questioned the development on whether it can be a
benefit for the community. Potash shared that the response from the community is very
evident in what the city of Georgetown cares about.
LaQueeta Humes, 525 Georgia Lace Trail, approached the podium to address the
Commission and acknowledged that a city is an ecosystem that requires balance. Humes
highlighted that adding another fuel sales to the community will not balance the area.
Humes noted that the possibility of congestion is increased with the added fuel sales
station.
Vonda Countiss, 1400 Westinghouse Road, approached the podium to address the
Commission and highlighted that the area is already busy.
Kristiana Beck, 1511 Justin Lane, approached the podium to address the Commission and
acknowledged that she is speaking in favor of the request. Beck highlighted Quik Trip's
focus on safety with the lit area, private security officers, license plate scanner, and facial
recognition. Beck continued to highlight Quik Trip's clean facilities and child friendly
stores. Beck acknowledged that competition between businesses is better for the
consumers due to creating a situation where all business owners must continuously
improve their store instead of being complacent. Beck highlighted Quik Trip's valuable
employment opportunities and asked the Commission to approve the SUP.
Imran Sumesan, 930 Westinghouse Road, approached the podium to address the
Commission and highlighted that two properties were denied SUPs. Sumesan noted that
his previous SUP request was denied due to the proximity of other fuel sales stations
and highlighted that they weren't as close as the other fuel sales were in the current
requested area. Sumesan believed that the other fuel sales businesses sell the same
products as Quik Trip. Sumesan concluded with a request to be consistent with the
policy.
Emily Martinka, 200 E 8th Street, approached the podium to address the Commission and
acknowledged that she felt safe at Quik Trip stations. Martinka noted that she stops at a
Quik Trip store during her daily commute and shared that the Quik Trip store on
Westinghouse Road would be a great addition.
Chair Dickey closed the public hearing and continued to make a motion.
Moved by Stephen F Dickey; seconded by Lance A Morgan to Approve the Special Use
Permit with the condition that the right in and right out on Westinghouse Road will
include knockout sticks to eliminate a possibility of left-hand turns.
Commissioner MacGuire acknowledged the objections that were included in the staff
report and shared his appreciation for the presentation from the Quik Trip
representatives.
Alternate Commissioner Rodocker referred to the car washes on Williams Drive.
Alternate Commissioner Rodocker noted that the development around the current
request would balance the area.
Commissioner Heintzmann shared that the location of the request concerns her and
does not feel that it meets the land use policies and Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Heintzmann shared that they need to consider the current uses in the
area and the residents' opposition of the request. Commissioner Heintzmann
appreciated the plan of the development around the request.
Commissioner Allen asked for the number of gas stations are within the regional
center. Weber noted three fuel sales in the regional center.
Alternate Commissioner York shared her concerns with the saturation in the area.
Alternate Commissioner Morgan shared his dislike with the fuel sales cluster in the
area.
The Commission proceeded to vote on the motion.
Motion Approved: 5- 2
Voting For: Scott A Allen, Stephen F Dickey, Pierce P Macguire, Lance A Morgan,
Shelley G G Rodocker
Voting Against: Chere Heintzmann, Alice L York
2.0 Discussion Items
Updates, Commissioner questions, and announcements -- Travis Baird, Assistant
Planning Director
There were no discussion items.
Adjournment
These minutes were approved at the meeting of G� L
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Cha Ir Attest