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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01092025 ZPC Minutes City of West University p Place Public Works Department Zoning & Planning Commission MUNICIPAL BUILDING 3800 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD MEETING MINUTES January 9,2025 MEMBERS PRESENT: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu and Myrenda Takashima MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Powell and John Howard STAFF PRESENT: Legal Counsel Philip Boedeker and Planning & Zoning Administrator Chris Guess GUEST: Councilmember, Clay Brett, Sam Harwell 1. Notices, Rules, Etc. John Cutrer, Presiding Officer, called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. John Cutrer asked staff to confirm that appropriate notices were given. Chris Guess stated notices were posted per state and local laws. 2. Public Comments. Clay Brett provided recent City Council updates including the upgrades to the city's wastewater treatment plant. Bids are expected soon. The Facilities Master Plan for the Community Center and library is progressing, with ongoing negotiations around parking and land use. The city is considering a progressive pricing structure for residential water usage to encourage conservation. Pedestrian safety concerns have also been raised at the intersection of Academy St. and Bissonnet St., which is outside the city's jurisdiction but an area of focus. Sam Harwell provided context on the challenges homeowners face with generator noise and placement and noted that manufacturers do not provide clear information on noise levels to consumers. 3. Discussion Items from City Council. • HVAC/Generator Placement—Chris Guess provided background on the ongoing discussion pertaining to generator placement regulations. This item has been examined under the broader category of mechanical equipment, and as this item was initially looked at relocating generators, the city started to consider other ancillary equipment, such as HVAC units. Factors like manufacturers' recommended separations, underground utility lines, and other logistical 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 City of West University Place Public Works Department concerns have all played a role in these discussions. There was general discussion whether the city should be enforcing noise regulations for generators, especially during power outages and suggested considering raising the decibel limit rather than lowering it. There was general discussion on balancing the need for safety and noise mitigation with the practical challenges of implementing new regulations, especially on existing properties. Chris Guess suggested generators be separated from other mechanical equipment regulations to address the issue more directly. ACTION: After discussion, ZPC suggested tabling this item,pending further review by the Building and Standards Commission (BSC). • Sight Distance Analysis at Major Thoroughfares — Chris Guess presented a staff report on considering additional visibility requirements at major intersections and proposed a sight distance analysis to ensure clear visibility to drivers. There was general discussion acknowledging the potential challenges with enforcing such requirements on existing commercial properties. Staff reviewed the applicable regulations and the existing street visibility triangle. For many of the internal residential streets with a 25-mph speed limit, the current visibility standards are sufficient. Within West University, the city can generally maintain clear sightlines without causing driver inconvenience or reducing visibility. However, when approaching major roads such as Kirby, Bissonnet, Holcombe, or Bellaire, the city has considered implementing an additional measure beyond the existing street visibility triangle. While the current regulations have been in place and consistently enforced, the city believes an improvement may be beneficial at these higher traffic intersections. The ZPC members suggested exploring other solutions, such as protected left turns, to address safety concerns. ACTION: The ZPC agreed to wait for the completion of the visibility study before considering taking any further action. [Adjournment] Dick Yehle made a motion to adjourn. Second by Doug Rephlo. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu and Myrenda Takashima. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m. 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 City of West University Place Public Works Department PASSED THIS 1 DAY OFT-60NCAC , 2025. John Cutrer, hairman(� �/�,� ATTEST: ._A QC. '1 `i \ . y W1/19 Ms. Josie M. 'ayes, Administrative Coordinator 3826 Amherst St. wwzv.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830