P&Z Agenda Packet 11-29-2021 (Special Mtg)Nacoadoche
the oldest town in Texas
Planning & Zoning Commission
November 29, 2021
Notice is hereby given of a Special Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission to be held on
November 29, 2021 at 3:00 p.m., via videoconference, with the opportunity to appear in person in the
Council Chambers, Room 119 of City Hall, 202 E. Pilar Street, Nacogdoches, Texas, for the purpose
of considering the following agenda items. All agenda items are subject to action.
The City of Nacogdoches Planning & Zoning meeting will be deemed as being conducted via teleconference or
videoconference. However, some Board Members may attend virtually, while others may be present in the
above stated physical location. Regardless, the meeting will be streamed live at
www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/21. There will be an opportunity for the public to comment on agenda items either
by teleconference or in person in Council Chambers.
Members of the public who wish to submit comments on a listed agenda item in writing or via teleconference
must contact the Planning & Zoning office by email at Iewisr('Onactx.us or by calling 936-559-2574 and
providing their name, telephone number and relevant agenda item upon which they wish to speak. All
requests to make comments via teleconference must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November
29, 2021. For all timely requests received, staff will call the submitted phone numbers directly during the
meeting when the corresponding item comes up for comment. NOTE: The incoming phone call from City staff
will be an unfamiliar number.
PLEASE LIMIT PRESENTATIONS TO THREE MINUTES
(UNLESS PRIOR APPROVAL IS OBTAINED)
1. Call to Order.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Open Forum: In addition to public comment on agenda items, the Commission offers an open forum
whereby citizens may comment on governance issues over which the City of Nacogdoches has domain.
In accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, members of the Commission shall not discuss,
deliberate, or make any decisions on topics not posted as an agenda item. Speakers should address all
remarks to the Commission and limit your remarks to no more than 3 minutes.
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the Commission and will be
enacted by one motion. These items include final plats where staff has found compliance with all
minimum subdivision regulations. All items approved by Consent are approved with any and all staff
recommendations. Since there will not be separate discussion of these items, citizens wishing to
City of Nacogdoches Planning Department
202 E. Pilar St. — PO Box 635030 — Nacogdoches, TX 75963
936-559-2574 -1 Fax 936-559-2912 n www.nactx.us
Home of Stephen F. Austin State University - www.sfasu.edu
Nacoadoche
the oldest town in Texas
address the Commission regarding one or more items on the Consent Agenda may address the
Commission at this time as well. If any Commissioner desires to discuss an item on the Consent
Agenda it may be moved to the Regular Agenda for further consideration.
a. Approval of Minutes: Consider approval of minutes from the November 8, 2021 Planning &
Zoning Commission meeting.
5. REGULAR AGENDA:
a. Consideration, discussion, and possible action on items removed from the Consent Agenda by
Commission action.
b. Consideration, discussion, and possible action on a Letter of Support to update the
Nacogdoches Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Master Plan.
6. Discussion and possible action on future agenda items: A Planning & Zoning Member may inquire about
a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific factual information or the
recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the
subject on an agenda for a subsequent meeting.
7. Adjourn:
Rhonda Lewis, Office Assistant II
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 contact the City
Planning Department at (936) 559-2574 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, November 24, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. I further certify that the News Media were properly notified of
this meeting as stated above.
Rhonda Lewis, Office Assistant II
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 , 2021.
Name: Title:
City of Nacogdoches Planning Department
202 E. Pilar St. — PO Box 635030 — Nacogdoches, TX 75963
936-559-2574 -1 Fax 936-559-2912 n www.nactx.us
Home of Stephen F. Austin State University - www.sfasu.edu
MINUTES TO THE
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
November 8, 2021— 5:00 p.m.
Hybrid Meeting
Members Present: Ken Deppisch, Don Mills, Lily Phou, Ruth Carroll
Members Absent: Shannon Conklin
Staff Present: City Planner, Alaina Helton; Office Assistant, Rhonda Lewis; and Planning Technician, Juan
Pollette
Others Present: Matt Moore, David Connolly, Warren Sparks, Charles Wheeler, Brad Maule, Mario Torres,
Mable Cannings, Margaret Forbes, & Anne Keehnen
1. Call to Order: Chairman Deppisch called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Open Forum: Chairman Deppisch welcomed comments to the open forum. There were none.
4. Work Session: City Planner Helton made a presentation regarding `comprehensive planning &
community visioning' as the first installment of a community educational series on planning topics. The
presentation covered the elements of a comprehensive plan update and the planning process for
community outreach and action.
There was general discussion among the Commission regarding the Nacogdoches Comprehensive
Plan Update, including: the consultant's experience; online public engagement; elements to be included
in the Plan; changes in the city's growth pattern; where the current Plan falls short; and, the frequency
of future Plan updates.
5. Open Forum: Chairman Deppisch opened the floor for public comment on the Work Session.
Matthew Moore addressed the Commission and gave suggestions on implementing the current 2003
Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Moore mentioned his monetary donation to the City to add resources to the
library to study and learn about the planning process. Mr. Moore also recommended that the City delay
updating the Plan to do more upfront work on engaging the community.
Chairman Deppisch closed the open forum.
6. Consent Agenda: All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the
Commission and will be enacted by one motion. These items include final plats where staff has found
compliance with all minimum subdivision regulations. All items approved by Consent are approved with
any and all staff recommendations. Since there will not be separate discussion of these items, citizens
wishing to address the Commission regarding one or more items on the Consent Agenda may address
the Commission at this time as well. If a Commissioner desires to discuss an item on the Consent
Agenda it may be moved to the Regular Agenda for further consideration.
a. Approval of minutes: October 11, 2021 Regular Session
Commissioner Mills made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Commissioner Carroll
seconded the motion and the minutes were approved unanimously (4-0).
7. Regular Agenda:
a. Consideration, discussion, and possible action on items removed from the Consent Agenda by
Commission action.
P&Z Minutes Page 1
b. Public Hearing: Consider a request for approval of a Concept Plan for a PD, Planned
Development District for Lots 1, 1-A & 1-B, City Block 64, located at 2827 Railroad Street. This
request has been submitted by Warren Sparks. Case File PD2021-04.
City Planner Helton presented the item and recommended approval of the proposed Planned
Development district and the Concept Plan.
Chairman Deppisch asked if the screening around the Contractor Yard is required by
Ordinance.
City Planner Helton stated yes. A Contractor Yard has an aesthetic requirement to screen
from the adjacent properties.
Chairman Deppisch asked if the details on the agreement for shared maintenance of Railroad
Street were finalized.
City Planner Helton stated no. However, the Engineering Dept. agrees to this condition as
part of the Concept Plan, should it be approved.
Commissioner Phou asked how expensive the cost for street maintenance would be and if the
tax revenue from the business would sustain the cost; also, if the new development plan would
accommodate the changing traffic in the area.
City Planner Helton stated that some minor repairs to the street had already occurred, and
future evaluation will be conducted of the costs of repairing the street and the impact of the
planned development will have on the area. Ms. Helton stated that the applicant is proposing
to share the costs of the street repair and maintenance.
The applicant, Warren Sparks, addressed the Commission and stated that he had looked at
other properties to rent, but the cost is too expensive. Mr. Sparks stated that he had been in
business for eighteen years at that location and did not want to phase the business out right
away as it is his livelihood and is not at retirement age. Mr. Sparks stated that the existing
equipment on the property is primarily used for parts, and that he has changed the exhaust
systems on six trucks. He also stated he is willing to do anything required to help the City to
fix any potholes on the street.
Chairman Deppisch inquired about the phase out of the planned development, and if it was
gradual or if it would be from fully operational to closing up shop at some point.
Mr. Sparks stated that it would be gradual over a 10-year period. He also stated that he is
looking into another location to move the business within the 10-year period.
Chairman Deppisch asked if Mr. Sparks could explain what he proposed to put up as a screen
along Railroad Street.
Mr. Sparks stated he would plant shrubs, and possibly some type of mesh fence, and that all
the large equipment will be moved to the north side of the property.
Chairman Deppisch opened the floor to the public comment.
David Connolly addressed the Commission and read from his email sent in opposition of the
request. Mr. Connolly stated he does not believe that his primary complaint of the dump
trucks leaving at early hours and causing loud noises would be enforced. Mr. Connolly
suggested placing a camera on the road to monitor the early morning hour traffic or placing a
fence around his own home might remedy the problem. Mr. Connolly expressed his concerns
about future maintenance of Railroad Street and a hump in the street located in front of his
property. Mr. Connolly also expressed his concerns about the applicant complying with the
conditions of the Planned Development.
P&Z Minutes Page 2
Chairman Deppisch inquired about the hump in the road in front of Mr. Connolly's home and
stated that this is something that could be addressed in the shared street maintenance
agreement proposed by the applicant.
Commissioner Phou asked about the timing for the installation of the proposed fence and
screening around the outdoor storage area and along Railroad Street.
City Planner Helton stated that the construction drawings for the plantings and fencing should
be submitted immediately upon approval of the PD Development Plan, which is the second
phase of the planned development process.
Chairman Deppisch and Commissioner Phou asked City Planner Helton if a camera would be
placed to monitor road traffic.
City Planner Helton stated that if the City was made aware of a violation of the conditions of
the Planned Development in regards to the truck schedule, that the City has cameras that
could monitor the roadway traffic in this area.
Chairman Deppisch asked if there any further public comments.
Mr. Sparks addressed the Commission and stated that he and his staff have never had an
accident on Railroad Street and that his staff is instructed to report any near misses.
Chairman Deppisch asked Mr. Sparks if he is selling any of the fill dirt on his property.
Mr. Sparks answered no.
There was discussion amongst the Commission and Chairman Deppisch made a motion to
approve the Planned Development district and Concept Plan with the following conditions:
1. As part of the shared maintenance agreement of Railroad Street, the applicant will repair
the hump located in the right-of-way immediately in front of the residence located at 2620
Railroad Street.
2. A 6-foot mesh screening fence will be installed along the southern boundary of the property
to block the views of commercial activity from the existing residents located on the south side
of Railroad Street.
Commissioner Phou seconded the motion and the request was approved unanimously (4-0).
8. Discussion and possible action on future agenda items: A Planning & Zoning Member may inquire about
a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific factual information or the recitation
of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an
agenda for a subsequent meeting.
Chairman Deppisch thanked City Planner Helton for the educational series and stated that he looked
forward to the next one.
9. Adjourned:
Meeting was adjourned at 7:14.
Chairman, Ken Deppisch
Attest: Juan Pollette, Planning Technician
P&Z Minutes Page 3
Nacoadoche
the oldest1�n towin Texas
PRESENTER: Alaina Helton, AICP, City Planner
Planning & Zoning Commission
Date: November 29, 2021
Agenda Item: 5.b
ITEM/SUBJECT: Consideration, discussion, and possible action on a Letter of Support to
update the Nacogdoches Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Master Plan.
Summary: The action before the P&Z Commission is to send a letter in support to the City
Council to move forward to hire a consultant to create a Downtown Master Plan, and
update the City's Comprehensive Plan, which would also incorporate a Housing Needs
Assessment and an I-69 Corridor Plan.
Background: In December, 2020 and January, 2021 staff presented a list of long-range
studies and strategies to the City Council that would assist the City in creating long-term,
strategic action -plans to help further current and future planning, engineering and
economic development efforts. Based on input received from City Council at these work
sessions, staff was directed to move forward with the advancement of these initiatives,
including conducting the procurement process of the following two proposals: Hire a
consultant to create a Downtown Master Plan; and, Hire a consultant to update the City's
Comprehensive Plan, which would also incorporate a Housing Needs Assessment and an I-
69 Corridor Plan.
The Downtown Master Plan
This Plan would create a vision for Downtown Nacogdoches and act as a framework for future
ordinances and initiatives with strategies to help reinvigorate the downtown area. This plan would
also include a market analysis to explore how much, and what type of new retail, entertainment,
and housing that exists, and may be needed in the years ahead. A design plan for the downtown
area was last completed in 1974.
The Comprehensive Plan Update, I-69 Corridor Plan & Housing Needs Assessment
The Comprehensive Plan Update includes three (3) different studies, and would include a review of
current conditions of land uses, recommend future land uses, a future transportation plan, and
implementation strategies. The update would include an I-69 Corridor Plan, with in-depth study of
the proposed I-69 Corridor, which would include more specific future land use, utility, and design
suggestions. The update would also incorporate a Housing Needs Assessment, which would include
a review of the City's current housing stock and project housing needs for the near and long term.
The Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 2003.
Benefits of These Studies
• Change - Current plans identify new issues as they emerge while others no longer remain
relevant.
0 Maintain Relevance - Ensure the Plan continues to reflect the overall goals of the community.
• Public Support - Periodic review and community feedback is an opportunity to affirm the
public's ownership of the Plan remains strong.
CITY CONTACT: Alaina Helton, AICP, Director of Planning & Neighborhood Services
heltona@nactx.us
(936) 559-2572
ATTACHMENTS: Support Letter
Fact Sheet
Naco doches
the oldest town in Texas
Nacogdoches Planning & Zoning Commission
November 29, 2021
City Council
City of Nacogdoches
P.O. Box 635030
Nacogdoches, TX 75963
Via email: mizejPnactx.us, belangerkPnactx.us, fischeraPnactx.us, andersonj P nactx.us,
boldonrPnactx.us
RE: Support to update the Nacogdoches Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Master
Plan
Dear Mayor & City Council
The Nacogdoches Planning & Zoning Commission supports the update to the Comprehensive Plan
and Downtown Master Plan. These Plans will give our city the tools to adopt and refine
development ordinances, utility capital improvement plans, and other public services to best take
advantage of our strengths and opportunities, while protecting against threats.
The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2003, in an environment vastly different than the
one we live in 2021. Nacogdoches' demographics, development patterns, and economy are
different than they were 20 years ago, and cell phones, email, online shopping, and social media
were all in their infancy. These technologies have changed the way we live and work in our
community, and a modern Plan will reflect these changes.
Growth and development will be accelerated by the continued work to upgrade Hwy 59 to I-69.
The I-69 Corridor plan component of the Plan update will give the city the tools to plan for the
needed infrastructure to support development along this corridor. The creation of development
standards for this corridor is also important, as it will become the face of Nacogdoches for tens of
thousands of drivers each day.
Nacogdoches is also struggling with a lack of single family housing, particularly due to the lack of
new residential subdivision development. The housing assessment included in these studies is
necessary to identify what kinds of housing are needed, project those needs for the future, and
provide solutions to encourage housing development in ways supported by the residents of
Nacogdoches.
Downtown is the jewel of Nacogdoches and having a current Master Plan will help this asset reach
its highest potential while ensuring proper preservation is maintained. For these reasons, the
Nacogdoches Planning & Zoning Commission supports the update to the Comprehensive Plan and
Downtown Master Plan.
Sincerely,
Ken Deppisch
P&Z Commission Chair
City of Nacogdoches
cc: City Manager Mario Canizares, canizaresmPnactx.us, & City Secretary Jan Vinson, vinsonj onactx.us
Nacogdoches Downtown Master Plan and
Comprehensive Plan Update
SUMMARY
City Council has directed Staff to move forward
with the procurement process for the following
two proposals: Hire a consultant to create a
Downtown Master Plan; and, Hire a consultant to
update the City's Comprehensive Plan, which
would also incorporate a Housing Needs
Assessment and an 1-69 Corridor Plan.
BACKGROUND
In December 2020, and January 2021, city staff
presented a list of long-range studies and
strategies to the City Council that would assist
the City in creating long-term, strategic action -
plans to help further current and future planning,
engineering and economic development efforts.
Based on input received from City Council at
these work sessions, staff was directed to move
forward with the advancement of these
initiatives, including conducting the procurement
process to hire a consultant to create a
Downtown Master Plan and to update the City's
Comprehensive Plan, which would also
incorporate a Housing Needs Assessment and an
1-69 Corridor Plan.
PROJECT SCOPE
The Downtown Master Plan
This Plan would create a vision for Downtown
Nacogdoches and act as a framework for future
ordinances and initiatives with strategies to help
reinvigorate the downtown area. This plan would
also include a market analysis to explore how
much, and what type of new retail,
entertainment, and housing exists, and may be
needed in the years ahead. A design plan for the
downtown area was last completed in 1974.
The Comprehensive Plan Update, 1-69 Corridor
Plan & Housing Needs Assessment
The Comprehensive Plan Update includes three
(3) different studies, and would include a review
of current conditions of land uses, recommend
future land uses, a future transportation plan,
and implementation strategies. The update
would include an in-depth study of the proposed
1-69 Corridor, including future land use, utility,
and design suggestions. The update would also
incorporate a Housing Needs Assessment, which
would include a review of the City's current
housing stock and project housing needs for the
near and long term. The Comprehensive Plan was
last updated in 2003.
SUPPORT
It is normal to do an entire rewrite/update of a
comprehensive plan every 20 years or so.
Nacogdoches' demographics, development
patterns, and economy are vastly different than
they were 20 years ago when the current
comprehensive plan was written. To put it in
perspective, at the time the current plan was
written, the dot -corn bubble had just burst,
smartphones didn't exist, and social media was in
its infancy.
Why it is important to update the plan instead of
just continuing along with the existing 2003
Plan:
• The bulk of the work hours to update a plan
will be contained in the demographic projections,
analysis of current conditions, market analysis,
and updating of the future land use, utility and
transportation plans. There are good
recommendations in the 2003 Plan, and any
recommendations still found to be valid after
exposing them to 2021 conditions and public
review, will remain.
• The 2003 Plan was drafted in an environment
vastly different than the one we live in 2021. Cell
phones, email, online shopping and mapping, and
social media were all in their infancy. The
development of these technologies has changed
the way citizens are engaged, allowing segments
of the population to be reached that have never
before been engaged. Equally as important, those
technologies have changed the way we live and
work in our community. A modern
comprehensive plan will reflect those changes
technology has produced in our community.
Benefits of These Studies:
• Change: Current plans identify new issues as
they emerge while others no longer remain
relevant.
a Maintain Relevance: Ensure the Plan
continues to reflect the overall goals of the
community.
• Public Support: Periodic review and
community feedback is an opportunity to affirm
the public's ownership of the Plan, remains
strong.
OPPOSITION
The current proposal may seem relatively
expensive when compared to other cities'
expenditures on comprehensive plans because it
contains extensive public engagement, beyond
what other cities may have requested. The City
Council has emphasized public involvement and
requested the comprehensive plan process
include a great deal of public input. This public
involvement, while worthy, is expensive. Heavy
public engagement in the comprehensive plan
process will not only ensure the concerns and
desires of all of the community's residents are
heard, but it also provides an opportunity to bring
the community together and hopefully find some
common ground.
While SFA has many experts in a variety of fields,
SFA does not have the expertise to prepare a
municipal comprehensive plan. A comprehensive
plan needs a team of professional planners,
engineers, economists, and marketing specialists.
While SFA may have some of those experts, those
SFA faculty and staff certainly do not have the
time to complete this process as volunteers. SFA
administration is supportive of the process, but
has not volunteered to complete the plan.
Several of those opposed to the plan have
indicated the money should instead be spent on
infrastructure. The $450,000 for the
comprehensive plan is dwarfed by the
infrastructure needs. Directing this money to
infrastructure construction will not make a
significant impact on Nacogdoches'
infrastructure needs. A long term capital
improvements plan that identifies future utility
upgrades and maintenance is the logical next
step after a comprehensive plan outlines the
future growth and infrastructure demands of
the community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Alaina Helton
City of Nacogdoches
City Planner
heltona@nactx.us (936) 559-2572
Jessica Sowell
City of Nacogdoches
Historic Sites & Main Street Manager
sowelli@nactx.us (936) 560-4441