Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03062008 BSC Minutes 1 s City of West University Place • A Neighborhood City ® Recycled Paper Building & Standards Commission Located in the Bill Watson Conference Room, 3800 University Blvd, West University Place, Texas 77005 Meeting Minutes March 6, 2008 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, Dr. Peter Benjamin, J. Denis Powers, Dave Miller, Muddy McDaniel and Gerry Spedale MEMBERS ABSENT: Brian Hoogendam and Frank Griffin STAFF PRESENT: Building Official Sean Landis, Permit Technician Josie Orosco, James L. Dougherty and Urban Forester Craig Koehl GUESTS PRESENT: N/A [Call to Order] Bryant Slimp called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1. Notices, Rules, Etc. Bryant Slimp welcomed BSC members, visitors and staff members to the meeting. Bryant Slimp stated all BSC members present would be voting members. Sean Landis stated he is leaving the City of West University Place to work for the City of Seabrook as the Building Official. His last day would be Friday, March 14, 2008. Sean stated that Debbie Scarcella would the Acting Interim Building Official until the position as is filled. Dave Miller asked if Sean Landis had an update regarding flood insurance only coving the tax valuation of a home. Mr. Landis said he is still waiting to hear back. Bryant Slimp asked for an update regarding the street lamp project. Sean Landis stated it is a three phase project and there is not a deadline, but they are trying to get it done as quickly as possible. Rod dots means that is where the placement of the lights will be. Bryant Slimp also asked for an update regarding the Bellaire Blvd project. Sean Landis stated he does not have any updates or status of the project. 2. Meeting Minutes. Dave Miller made a motion to table the February 7, 2008 minutes. Muddy McDaniel seconded the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, Dr. Peter Benjamin, J. Denis Powers, Dave Miller and Muddy McDaniel. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting minutes tabled. 3. Urban Forest Code Amendments. BSC members discussed the proposed tree ordinance spreadsheet, section by section. Dave Miller stated most of the text has been cut and pasted from previous documents. Dave Miller stated instead of giving City Council an entire new ordinance, BSC would give only the specific changes and let James Dougherty make the necessary chan ges to the ordinance that is usable by staff. J. Denis Powers asked what classification of tree a pine tree fell in because it is not on the tree classification list. Craig Koehl stated it was an over sight on his part and should be on the list of tree classifications. (Gerry Spedale joined the meeting at 6:10 and David Flame joined the meeting at 6:15). The classification tree list was discussed and Bryant Slimp asked if an additional category should be added to the list for certain trees to be • recommended for use under power lines. Craig Koehl stated no additional category should be added; instead, asterisks should be placed next to the trees recommended to be placed under power lines. The tree rating system was also discussed. There were some questions as to rather 3800 University Boulevard 0 West University Place, Texas 77005-2899 0 713066804441 0 www.westu.org A ~ Building and Standards Commission Meeting Minutes March 6, 2008 • the trees should be rated on their current or future conditions. Dave Miller stated he would suggest the rating of their current condition be used. BSC agreed the replacement is based upon the proposed conditions. There was discussion what the valuation of a tree between two homes should be. The established standards for the selection, sizing and sitting of tree planted pursuant to a permit were also discussed, which included tree diversity and matching of species to the site. Craig Koehl stated that a sidewalk would not be counted as a penalty towards the 200 square feet of permeable growth space to allow future growth of a tree. Craig Koehl stated that if trees are planted too close, he quite often fails the tree final inspection, but there is no specific requirements regarding growth space under the current ordinance. The redefinition of the diameter of protected trees was discussed and why a change is needed. The current ordinance only protects tree of 6" and greater in diameter, allowing current 2" and 4" replacement trees to be cut down immediately after complying with a permit requirement. The proposed change is to reduce the diameter of protected trees to 4" in diameter. The proposed diameter change requires some thinking due to the price of a 4" tree over a 2" tree and the extra money it would take to have trees planted from the tree trust. Dave Miller stated that at least one councilmember has raised an issue regarding the proposed diameter change due to cost. Another proposed change is to add the definition of heritage trees to be a Class I or II tree with a 26" or greater diameter and a Tree Evaluation Score of 68 or greater and to have anyone requesting a heritage tree be removed go before the BSC to get approval prior to removing the tree. Replacement trees for a "problem" tree were discussed. James Dougherty stated the current ordinance does not require replacement for diseased, damaged, dead or suppressed trees. The procedures to allow homeowners to remove trees in over planted portions and upgrade the trees of the building sites • were also discussed. The permit process for removal of trees located on property lines between building sites was also discussed. James Dougherty stated that it is the resident's responsibility to obtain the neighbors approval before removing any trees located on the property line. Another proposed change that was discussed is to require a tree survey, protection and planting plan that shows a view of the building site with existing trees, proposed tree removals, proposed construction, proposed tree protection measures and proposed tree plantings. Simplifying the variety of tree permits used in West University and to enable the BSC to issue special exceptions or variance to remove a tree in extremely unique situations that were not reasonably anticipated was also discussed. [Adjournment] Muddy McDaniel made a motion to adjourn. Dr. Peter Benjamin seconded the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, David Flame, Dr. Peter Benjamin, J. Denis Powers and Muddy McDaniel. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. PASSED THIS. AY OF 52008 Bryant Slimp, Ch is a ATTEST: 1~~Q- Ms. Josie M. Orosco, Permit Technician Page 2 of 2