HomeMy WebLinkAbout03122026 ZPC Agenda Item 4 West University Place Public Works Department
Zoning & Planning Commission
Municipal Building
3800 University Blvd.
Meeting Minutes
February 12,2026
Name Role/Function
John Cutrer Chair(Zoning and Planning Commission)
John Howard Commissioner(Voting Member)
Allan Elkowitz Commissioner(Voting Member)
Carolyn Galfione Commissioner(Voting Member)
Sam Mazzu III Commissioner(Voting Member)
Doug Rephlo Commissioner(Voting Member)
Richard"Dick"Yehle Commissioner(Voting Member)
Christopher Guess Planning and Zoning Administrator(City Staff)
Teri D. Moore Planning Technician(City Staff)
Charles "Chuck" Sandifer Chief Building Official (City Staff)
Josie Hayes Administrative Coordinator(City Staff)
Philip Boedeker City Attorney(Olson&Olson)
Guest: N/A
1. Notices,Rules,etc.
John Cutrer,Presiding Officer,called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. Mr. Cutrer asked the staff to confirm
that appropriate notices were given. Josie Hayes stated the notices were posted per state and local laws. The
quorum was present.
2. Public Comments.
The Chair reviewed public comment procedures, including time limits and relevance requirements. There were
no public comments.
3. Yard Art and Sculptures.
Chris Guess presented staff research regarding municipal authority to regulate yard art and sculptures. The
analysis included Texas Local Government Code §211.016 limitations and examples from other
municipalities, including River Oaks HOA bylaws and regulations from University Park,Texas. Staff
recommended no additional regulation at this time.
4. Discussion included safety considerations such as anchoring,visibility, and structural integrity;distinctions
between aesthetic regulation and public safety authority; enforcement practicality; and First Amendment
considerations.
ACTION: After the discussion, Sam Mazzu III made a motion to accept the staff recommendation and take no action
regarding additional regulations of yard art and sculptures at this time. Allan Elkowitz seconded.
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
West University
Place Public Works Department
AYES: John Cutrer,John Howard,Allan Elkowitz,Carolyn Galfione, Sam Mazzu III,Doug Rephlo and Richard
"Dick"Yehle.
NOES:None
ABSTAIN:None
Motion approved.
4. Lighting and Seasonal Decorations.
Chris Guess presented a proposal to clarify an amendment to Chapter 6 to address seasonal decorations
separately from the lighting ordinance. The proposed display period would be November 10 through January
30. Discussion included enforcement authority and ordinance cross-references.
ACTION: After discussion, Sam Mazzu III made a motion to recommend the proposed seasonal decoration ordinance
amendments, as discussed and subject to legal review,to the Building Standards Commission. John Howard seconded.
AYES: John Cutrer,John Howard,Allan Elkowitz,Carolyn Galfione, Sam Mazzu III, Doug Rephlo and Richard
"Dick"Yehle.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion approved.
5. Sexually Oriented Businesses(SOB)Ordinance Review.
Chris Guess reviewed the current 750-foot buffer requirements and proposed amendments,including adding
residences to the separation requirements, adding parks and municipal buildings, and clarifying and
consolidating definitions.
After the discussion, the Commission reached consensus to revise the draft ordinance incorporating the additions
discussed and clarifications. The item will be returned for further review prior to a joint meeting with City Council.
No formal vote was taken.
6. Various Enterprises Ordinance Review.
Businesses reviewed included bail bond services,head shops/smoke shops,massage establishments,poker
clubs,precious metal dealers,tattoo shops and credit access businesses. Discussion included potential 2,000-
foot separation requirements and state law limitations.
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
West University Place Public Works Department
After the discussion,the Commission directed staff to return with a revised draft incorporating consistent spacing
standards and legal guidance.
No formal vote was taken.
7. Selection of Vice Chair.
John Cutrer nominated Sam Mazzu III to serve as Vice Chair. Doug Rephlo seconded.
AYES: John Cutrer,John Howard,Allan Elkowitz, Carolyn Galfione, Sam Mazzu III, Doug Rephlo and Richard
"Dick"Yehle
NOES:None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion approved.
[Adjournment]
John Cutrer made a motion to adjourn.
Motioned by: Carolyn Galfione
Seconded by: Sam Mazzu III
AYES: John Cutrer,John Howard,Allan Elkowitz,Carolyn Galfione, Sam Mazzu III,Doug Rephlo and Richard
"Dick"Yehle.
NOES:None
ABSTAIN:None
Meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM.
PASSED THIS DAY OF ,2026.
John Cutrer,Chairman
ATTEST: ?eta D. Loofce
Planning Technician
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830