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04.09.2018 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 9, 2018 City of Nacogdoches Planning Department 202 E. Pilar – PO Box 635030 – Nacogdoches, TX 75963 936-559-2502  Fax 936-559-2912  www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us Home of Stephen F. Austin State University  www.sfasu.edu THE NACOGDOCHES CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION WILL MEET IN REGULAR SESSION, MONDAY, April 9, 2018, AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER ROOM 119 AT 202 EAST PILAR STREET TO CONSIDER: 1. Call to Order. 2. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from March 12, 2018 Regular Session 3. Staff Presentation: I. Discussion on tree preservation in the City of Nacogdoches. II. Discussion on SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) Analysis for future planning projects. 4. Staff Announcements 5. Adjourn:______________ _________________________________ Jerri Turner, Planning Assistant The City Council Chambers is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking spaces are available. Requests for accommodations or interpretive services must be made 48 hours prior to this meeting. Please cont act the City Planning Department at (936) 559-2571 or FAX (936) 559-2910 for further information. CERTIFICATION I certify that the above notice was posted on the public notice board at City Hall, 202 East Pilar Street, on Wednesday April 4, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. I further certify that the News Media were properly notified of this meeting as stated above. ______________________________________ Jerri Turner, Planning Assistant I certify that the attached notice and agenda of items to be considered by the Planning & Zoning Commission was removed by me from the directory outside City Hall on the _______ day of _____________________, 2018. Name: _____________________________ Title:_______________________________________ P&Z Minutes Page 1 MINUTES TO THE PLANINNG AND ZONING BOARD March 12, 2018– 5:00 p.m. City Council Chambers Members Present: Matt Turner, Jay Anderson, Stephanie Malott, R.J. Bohac Members Absent: Don Mills Staff Present: Leo Mantey, Jerri Turner, Nick Domovich Others Present: Jeff Opperman, Glorine Gregory, Jeff Reed, Becky Reed, Tim Howell, Kerri Deckard, Lyn Howell, Stephanie Jones. 1. Call to Order: Commissioner Turner opened the meeting and called it to order at 5:07 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes: December 11, 2017 Regular Session: Commissioner Anderson made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Bohac seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously (4-0) 3. Introduction of the new City of Nacogdoches, Director of Planning, Leo Mantey. Planning Assistant, Ms Jerri Turner, introduced, Mr. Leo Mantey to the board. He then took over the meeting. Planning Director, Mr. Leo Mantey stated that this is his 4th week here with the City of Nacogdoches and that he was looking forward to working with the board as well as the other boards and citizens of the community. Agenda Item #4: Public Hearing: Please consider the request for a n approval of the preliminary plat for the Deckard Subdivision, Lots 10 -1/2-B, Part of Lot 10-B-2, and Part of Lot 10-B-6, Block 62, located on Lamar and Sutton Streets. This request was submitted by Opperman Surveying. Planning Director, Leo Mantey, explained this request. He stated this is a Preliminary plat located in the north eastern part of Nacogdoches. It is within a built out subdivision. It is a stretch of land with four structures on it. The applicant wishes to divide the property to put each structure on its own lot. It is not in the floodplain, and there are no issues with drainage or utility access. Staff recommends approval of the plat because it meets all the subdivision and platting requirements. Commissioner Bohac stated that this is a stretch of land with four houses on it. Mr. Mantey stated yes, and said the platting will bring the land in conformity to city regulations. He stated that each house would have its own driveway. Commissioner Anderson asked if there were any plans for the developing lot 5. Ms Kim Deckard stated that she lives on Lamar Street. Possibl y in the future, they would sell the 5th lot and maybe eventually construct a house per the zoning regulations. P&Z Minutes Page 2 Ms Stephanie Jones stated that she lives at 415 Hasley and wants to make sure this is not affecting her property in any way. Mr. Opperman the applicant, assured her that it would not affect her property in any way. It is basically just cleaning up the lot lines and assigning each house to a lot. Chairman Turner asked if there was anyone to speak for or against. There were none. He called for a motion. Commissioner Anderson made a motion to approve the request. Commissioner Malott seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. (4-0) Agenda Item #5: Public Hearing: Please consider a request for an approval of the preliminary plat of the Jeff Reed Subdivision, Lots 4 & 5, Block 2, of the Idylwild Addition and Lots 1-L & 1-L1, Block 54, located on Colonial Drive and Walnut Streets. This request has been submitted by Opperman Surveying. Director of Planning, Leo Mantey, explained this request. He stated this is a three (3) lot subdivision in a built out residential neighborhood. The site is currently made up of four lots. The purpose of this subdivision plat is to reconfigure the lot lines in order to create access for the landlocked lot located at the rear of the properties, or to improve the accessibility and circulation in the subdivision. There are currently three homes on site and they will remain as is. All the lots conform to the subdivision regulations stipulated for the R -1 zoning district Commissioner Bohac asked if it was just a cleanup issue. Mr. Mantey answered in the affirmative and stated that they are making sure all lots have accessibility. Mr. Jeff Opperman, the applicant, stated this is a unique situation. The triangular lot would be sold to Tim Howell. They are cleaning up the area to reconfigure the lot for Mr. Howell. Chairman Turner asked if there was anyone to speak for or against. There was no further discussion. He called for a motion. Commissioner Bohac made a motion to approve the request. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. It was approved passed unanimously (4-0). Staff comments and updates: Director of Planning, Leo Mantey, stated that he wanted to thank everyone for the welcome. He stated that he would like to see this city move forward. He stated to the board that he is a facilitator and open to any ideas or suggestions from the board and citizens that will help move the city forward. Mr. Mantey explained that the city is in the process of applying for a Scenic City Certification. He stated that the mission of the Scenic City Certification Program is to support and recognize Texas municipalities that implement high -quality scenic standards for public roadways and public spaces. The Scenic City Certification Program provides a P&Z Minutes Page 3 proven, highly-regarded tool to Texas cities for assessment, evaluation and recognition of infrastructure standards Commissioner Bohac asked what the cost would be. Mr. Mantey stated it would be $749.00 for application and the results would be out in mid July. Commissioner Malott asked if the application is annual. Mr. Mantey stated that it is renewed every five years and also there is a $300.00 fee to upgrade the certification to the next level. He stated that is not required but encouraged. Commissioner Bohac stated that basically it’s having a 3rd party come in and review. Mr. Mantey replied in the affirmative. Secondly, Mr. Mantey also stated that he has met with a citizen who is proposing a “tiny house” concept within the city limits. It is targeted to be used for in-fill development, and might possibly consider senior citizens. The project may involve 40 houses with paved parking and driveways and landscaping. The developer would manage the property and do all the upkeep. Mr. Mantey asked the board if they thought it would work. Commissioner Bohac stated he would worry about traffic and infrastructure. Commissioner Anderson stated that he owns a tiny house as rental property and would like to see how this would be designed. Chairman Turner asked how you the rental would be managed to ensure it blend well in the neighborhood. Commissioner Bohac stated that overseeing and maintaining the property by the owner would help. Mr. Mantey stated that he has advised the citizen to do one and two bedrooms. Ms Becky Reed stated that she and her husband are building a small home. She stated there is the need to ensure that ADA requirements and specifications are put in place before approval. Mr. Opperman stated the city should consider issues with overcrowding, especially with the city being a college town. Mr. Mantey thanked everyone for their contribution and stated he will like to have regular workshops with the P&Z Commission. P&Z Minutes Page 4 Agenda Item #5: ADJOURN Meeting was adjourned at 6:00pm _________________________________ Chairman, Matt Turner _________________________________ Attest: Jerri Turner, Planning Assistant PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA ITEM 3-I DISCUSSION ON TREE PRESERVATION IN THE CITY OF NACOGDOCHES City of Nacogdoches 202 E. Pilar – PO Drawer 635030 – Nacogdoches, TX 75963 936-559-2571 Fax 936-559-2910 www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us Home of Stephen F. Austin State University www.sfasu.edu PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEMORANDUM AGENDA ITEM # 3-I FROM: The Office of the Director of Planning DATE: April 09, 2018 DISCUSSION ON TREE PRESERVATION IN THE CITY OF NACOGDOCHES. Background Visitors and residents new to Nacogdoches are always fascinated and appreciative at the extensive woodlands parklands, and pocket forests which occupy the region. This has been achieved through a collaborative effort between citizens, city staff, elected and appointed officials and all stakeholders. Most city ordinances help to preserve trees and the natural environments due to the fact that, they are written based on the fundamental principles of sound urban forest management, diversification, preservation, and replenishment. In recent months there have been discussions by city management and citizens on the need to discuss whether a tree preservation ordinance will be worth considering especially considering the increase in growth within the city in the past years. Currently, it looks like there is no cause for alarm with regards to tree preservation. However there is the need to consider future occurrences which might happen as a result of a major boost in the city economy that might propel rapid development in both commercial and residential areas. It is the desire of every city to experience growth physically and economically, it is also pertinent that the natural environment and other unique features be preserved while experiencing these positive growths. Staff believes tree preservation has a lot of benefits for citizens and the natural environment and has undertaken research on how Tree Preservation Ordinances have worked in other cities. Staff hopes to start discussion on this and see if it is needed in the City now or in the future. Action by Planning and Zoning Commission 1. Discuss the importance/possible threats associated with Tree Preservation within the City, and consider the next step moving forward. 2. Any other action deemed necessary. Attachments: 1. Tree Preservation Facts Tree Conservation Facts Trees and forests cover nearly one-third of the earth’s surface, according to the United Nations Environmental Program World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Trees beautify the landscape, remove pollutants from the air and create the oxygen we breathe. That’s why maintaining sustainable management of both natural and planted trees remains important to tree conservation efforts. One way to help tree conservation is to add trees to the landscape and gardens that surround our everyday lives. Environmental Benefits To restore and maintain soil and water resources while removing 25 percent of the carbon in our atmosphere, the World watch Institute estimates the planet needs at least 321 million acres of trees. In the United States alone, forests take up 745 million acres of land. Yet, some forests keep diminishing, including the rainforests where 1.5 acres of forest are lost each second. Economic Benefits Trees provide more than 5,000 products that make our lives more comfortable, including nuts, fruits, oils, medicine and wood for household goods and construction. According to North Carolina State University, a person uses wood and paper products each year equivalent to a 100-foot tall tree with an 18-inch trunk. The processing, manufacturing and distribution of these products provides jobs for many people. As long as forests are replanted, the trees will provide jobs and economic benefits. Local Uses Gardeners and landscapers find trees invaluable for shading buildings on hot summer days, eliminating a need for extra energy for cooling. Trees can be used as windbreaks along borders, fences or yards, keeping snow and damaging winds to a minimum. Trees also beautify the landscape, especially in cities where they integrate nature into urban areas. Endangered According to a survey by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, more than 8,000 tree species remain threatened with extinction. This represents nearly 10 percent of all tree species. Wildlife Wildlife depends on trees for shelter, food and temporary habitat. Birds also rely on certain trees for food, nesting locations and shelter. Even dead trees help wildlife, such as woodpeckers, squirrels and other small mammals that use the cavities for shelter and raising their young. Medicinal The rainforest contains a wealth of trees and plants that may prove useful for medicinal purposes. More than 25 percent of Western medicine comes from rainforest ingredients, yet only 1 percent of the trees and plants are further tested to determine other benefits. Pharmaceutical companies research rainforest trees in hoping of finding cures to life-threatening diseases. Source : https://www.gardenguides.com/114375-tree-conservation.html PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA ITEM 3-II DISCUSSION ON SWOT (STRENGTHS,WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND THREATS) ANALYSIS FOR FUTURE PLANNING PROJECTS. City of Nacogdoches 202 E. Pilar – PO Drawer 635030 – Nacogdoches, TX 75963 936-559-2571 Fax 936-559-2910 www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us Home of Stephen F. Austin State University www.sfasu.edu PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEMORANDUM AGENDA ITEM # 3-II FROM: The Office of the Director of Planning DATE: April 09, 2018 DISCUSSION ON SWOT (STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND THREATS) ANALYSIS FOR FUTURE RANGE PLANNING PROJECTS. Background A SWOT analysis is a term used to describe a tool that is effective in identifying the Strengths and Weaknesses, and for examining the Opportunities and Threats you face. While it is a basic, straightforward model, it has been a popular practice for many years because it helps provide direction and serves as a basis for the development of current and future planning initiatives. It accomplishes this by examining the strengths (what a city does well or possesses) and weaknesses (what city does not do well or lacks) in addition to opportunities (potential favorable conditions to be harnessed) and threats (potential unfavorable conditions for an operation) The planning department has a list of current and long range planning initiatives which includes: updating the comprehensive plan, improving north/south street aesthetics, consider a possible overlay district, master planning for undeveloping areas in the inner city and a host of other plans that are all geared towards improving living conditions and enhancing the overall image of the City of Nacogdoches. Since resources are scarce, staff will like to have a discussion with the P&Z commission on the strengths and potential opportunities that currently exist which can be harnessed to promote the aforementioned long range plans. Also we will discuss the problems and threats that must be overcome in order to ensure sustainability and effectiveness, as well as to promote cost saving activities in future planning projects. Action by Planning and Zoning Commission 1. Discuss the broad Strengths and Weakness of the City of Nacogdoches and consider how they contribute to the future plans of the Planning Department. 2. Any other action deemed necessary. Attachments: 1. SWOT Analysis Facts WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A SWOT ANALYSIS The list below gives a general description of the SWOT analysis. However for the purpose of our discussion, our emphasis will be city government. Thus what exist or is being done by the city. What services or functions are being done or should be potentially done by the city. Our discussion will look at factors that will relate to, and help create policies or plans for future planning initiatives. Strengths The first element of a SWOT analysis describes the strengths of an operation. These strengths include what an operation does well, and should be viewed from both your point of view as well as the point of view of people with whom you come in contact. In some cases, an organization’s strengths are obvious, for example, being a low cost producer. If you have trouble determining your strengths, start by simply listing your community’s attributes (e.g. location, size, parks, and recreational opportunities). What are its assets, benefits and/or advantages? What do you/your organization(s) do well? What have you accomplished? Weaknesses The other internal element of the SWOT analysis describes the weaknesses of an operation. Examining weaknesses include identifying what an operation does not do well. As with the stre ngths, weaknesses should be examined from both your perspective and from the perspective of those outside your operation. It is also possible for weaknesses to be obvious such as a limitation of resources or be more of a perspective issue such as a lack of teamwork. What can you/your organization do to improve? What is done poorly? What areas are not covered? Opportunities The first external element of the SWOT analysis is opportunities. The opportunities include any favorable situation in the business’s environment that the operation may realize gains from. These could range from diversification and the use of new technologies to market trends and relationship developments. It is important to note that all operations have some opportunities: identifying these opportunities is the sign of a good analyst. What are the opportunities facing you and your organizations? What are the opportunities you might choose to pursue? What trends can you take advantage of? Threats The final element of the SWOT analysis is the external threats that the operation faces. Regardless of size or profitability, all operations face threats. These threats could range from lower international prices to key relationships that are not going well. Whatever the threat, the operation should have a plan in place to resolve the problem. What obstacles do you/your organization face? Are the requirements needed to address issues changing? What is holding your organization back?