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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02052026 BSC Agenda Item 6 ity 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 June 6, 2025 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jonathon Hance, James Craig, Matthew Brejot, Eddie Matthews, Andy Fiedler, and Krishna Shah MEMBERS ABSENT: Bruce Beneke, Gerry Spedale and Spyros Maragos STAFF PRESENT: Building Official Chuck Sandifer, Administrative Coordinator Josie Hayes, and Legal Counsel Philip Boedeker [Call to Order] Jonathon Hance called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 1. Notices, Rules,Etc. Jonathon Hance welcomed BSC members and staff to the meeting. All members and staff introduced themselves. Josie Hayes stated notices were posted per state and local laws. Josie Hayes stated Andy Fiedler was the alternate voting member. 2. Public Comments. There were no public comments. 3. Docket No.2025-0001,regarding the property at 2738 Talbott St.,Houston,TX 77005. Variance to allow a fence to be built outside the property line, in the City's right-of-way. Eddie Matthews made a motion to suspend the regular meeting. James Craig seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, James Craig, Matthew Brejot, Eddie Matthews and Andy Fiedler. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved. Homeowners, Edward and Caroline Williams sought permission to rebuild a fence outside their property line to protect the critical root zone of a century-old oak tree. The City's arborists recommended that a new fence could be built safely on the actual property line if the post holes were hand-dug to avoid significant root damage. The owners presented two experts' opinions, from Davy Tree and Arbor Tree who strongly recommended not moving the fence. They argued that digging in 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 OUtyof West University Place Public Works Department the critical root zone (defined as the area under the tree's canopy) would further stress a tree that was already weakened by previous utility pruning,potentially leading to the tree's death or creating a safety hazard if it were to fall. It was also stated the tree was already heavily stressed due to previous utility pruning by CenterPoint. The board considered the practicality of the city's recommendation. One member noted that even with careful contractors, manual labor near roots often leads to accidental damage, citing personal experience where workers severed irrigation lines despite being careful. This skepticism influenced the board to view the city's proposed alternative as a high-risk gamble compared to maintaining the current fence location. The conflicting opinions highlighted a choice between a proven status quo and an uncertain future. The board noted that the fence had been in its current location for over 20 years without causing issues for the city or the neighborhood, providing clear evidence that the current setup was safe. Jonathon Hance explained the variance process and reviewed the nine required findings for granting the variance. The following resident spoke in favor of granting the variance: Richard Weiss, 2737 Arbuckle, Elizabeth Weaver, 2715 Talbott, Cort King, 2728 Talbott and Paul Mathews, 6614 Wakeforest. ACTION: Jonathon Hance made a motion to approve a variance request to allow a fence to be built in its current location, which is outside the property line, in the City's right-of-way with a recommendation for a formal encroachment agreement to ensure the city retains future access to the public right-of-way. Eddie Matthews seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, James Criag, Matthew Brejot, Eddie Matthews, and Andy Fiedler. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved. 4. Meeting Minutes. Jonathon Hance made a motion to approve May 1, 2025,minutes. Matthew Brejot seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance,James Craig, Matthew Brejot,Eddie Matthews and Andy Fiedler. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved. Jonathon Hance made a motion to adjourn. James Craig seconded. AYES: Jonathon Hance, James Craig, Matthew Brejot, Eddie Matthews, and Andy Fiedler. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m. PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2026. Jonathon Hance, Chairman 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 ;ity of West University Place Public Works Department ATTEST: Josie M. Hayes, Administrative Coordinator 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830