HomeMy WebLinkAbout09072023 BSC Minutes City of
West University
Place Public Works Department
Building & Standards Commission
Located in the Council Chambers,
3800 University Blvd,
West University Place, Texas 77005
Meeting Minutes
September 7, 2023
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bruce Beneke, Muddy McDaniel, Eddie Matthews, Gerry Spedale,
David Flame, Jonathon Hance and Charles Marshall
MEMBERS ABSENT: James Craig and Anthony Beebe
STAFF PRESENT: Building Official, John McGowan, Administrative Coordinator,
Josie Hayes, Legal Counsel Scott Bounds, Urban Forester, Craig
Koehl and Permit Technician Paula Alonzo
GUESTS PRESENT: Alida Drewes, Carol and Joh Burke, Jordan Jewett, Lou Antonell
and Ricardo Delaz
[Call to Order] Bruce Beneke called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Notices, Rules, Etc. Bruce Beneke welcomed BSC members and staff to the meeting. Josie M. Hayes
stated that the agenda was posted per state and local laws. Josie M. Hayes stated the alternate voting
members were Gerry Spedale and Chuck Marshall. Bruce Beneke reviewed the general rules for the
meeting and all members and staff introduced themselves. Bruce Beneke swore in all witnesses.
2. Meeting Minutes Eddie Matthews made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of December 1,
2022. Second by Gerry Spedale. AYES: Bruce Beneke. Muddy McDaniel, Eddie Matthews, Gerry
Spedale, and Chuck Marshall. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting minutes approved. Eddie
Matthews made a motion to approve the June 1, 2023, minutes. Second by Gerry Spedale. AYES:
Bruce Beneke, Muddy McDaniel, Eddie Matthews, Gerry Spedale, and Chuck Marshall. NOES:
None. AYES: None. Meeting minutes approved.
David Flame made a motion to suspend the regular meeting and go into hearing mode. Muddy
McDaniel seconded. AYES: Bruce Beneke, Muddy McDaniel, Eddie Matthews, Gerry Spedale and
Chuck Marshall. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed.
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
City of
West University
Place Public Works Department
3. Appeal of an order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Urban Forester (or
other administrative official) of the City for the property located at 3104 Georgetown St., West
University Place, TX 77005 as provided by Chapter 82, Urban Forest and Preservation and
Enhancement, of the City's Code of Ordinances. Shawn Regan gave a brief background of the
appeal. Mr. Regan stated the tree is stressed due to the current work being done at the property. He
has been working with Craig Koehl, Urban Forester to mitigate the impact on the tree roots. Any
type of damage to the tree roots couldn't be determined until the driveway replacement work was
done. Craig Koehl explained that when he declined the application to remove the tree last March, it
was a healthy tree. However, since then, the construction work plus the summer drought has
damaged the tree and it is unlikely to survive. Craig Koehl recommended having the tree removed
and replacement plantings required. He did not think the tree would survive. Shawn Regan stated the
tree has been losing limbs and has declined within the last six-to-seven months. Carol Burke, owner
of 3104 Georgetown submitted a report from Tree Care stating they were concerned about the safety
of the tree. Neighbors Ricardo Delaz, 3106 Georgetown, Lou Antonell, 3036 Georgetown and Jordan
Jewett, 3831 Riley were all in support of having the tree removed siting safety concerns.
David Flame made a motion to go out of hearing mode and resume the regular meeting mode. Gerry
Spedale seconded. AYES: Bruce Beneke, Muddy McDaniel, Eddie Matthews, Gerry Spedale and
Chuck Marshall. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved.
After deliberation, Eddie Matthews made a motion to approve the appeal because BSC finds the tree
is diseased, severely damaged or dead, or a hazard to human life or a building. Gerry Spedale
seconded. AYES: Bruce Beneke, Muddy McDaniel, Eddie Matthews, Gerry Spedale, and Chuck
Marshall. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved.
Gerry Spedale made a motion to adjourn. Muddy McDaniel seconded. AYES: Bruce Beneke,
Muddy McDaniel, Eddie Matthews, Gerry Spedale, and Chuck Marshall. NOES: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
PASS e
e THIS Th, _ DAY OF 4If( 1-- , 2023.
, ,_____________
Jon. o un Hance Chairman
ATTEST:
Josie M. Hayes, Administrative Coordinator
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830