REGULAR CALLED CITY COMMISSION MEETING
M I N U T E S
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016 – 5:00 P.M.
KENNETH T. NUNN COUNCIL ROOM – CITY HALL
M I N U T E S
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016 – 5:00 P.M.
KENNETH T. NUNN COUNCIL ROOM – CITY HALL
A Regular Called Meeting of the City Commission was held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at 5:00 P.M. in the Kenneth T. Nunn Council Room in City Hall, Texas City, Texas. A quorum having been met, the meeting was called to order at 5:03 p.m. by Mayor Matthew T. Doyle.
1.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
-
- Matthew T. Doyle, Mayor
- Bruce Clawson, Commissioner At Large
- Dee Ann Haney, Commissioner At Large
- Thelma Bowie, Commissioner District 1
- Phil Roberts, Commissioner District 2
- Dorthea Jones, Commissioner District 3
- Jami Clark, Commissioner District 4
2.
INVOCATION was lead by Reverend Walter Abernathy, Cathedral of Faith Chapel.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was lead by Commissioner Clawson.
4.
MAYOR PRO TEM APPOINTMENT
a.
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 16-039, appointing Mayor Pro Tem. (City Secretary)
Motion by Commissioner At Large Bruce Clawson, Seconded by Commissioner District 1 Thelma Bowie to appoint Comissioner District 2 Roberts as Mayor Pro Tem.
Vote: 7 - 0 CARRIED
5.
PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
a.
Recognize Texas City Recreation Youth Basketball Championship winners. (Recreation & Tourism)
Team: 12u D11 409 Elite (1st Place)
Coach: Reginald Batiste
Dashon Batiste
Kevin Boone
Jathan Caldwell
Chandler Swain
Kevin Venible
Andre Davis
Anthony Krivokopich
Jason Washinton
Brando Smith
Jordan Herd
Kenny Seymour
Team: 10u DIII Pistons (1st Place)
Coach: Jerald Ford & Clovis McCain
Clovis McCain Jr.
Broderick Jackson
John Solomon
Trever Gregory
TyQuan Mumphrey
Bryce Joseph
Tre Torres
Marquis Traver
Jayden Johnson
Team 12u DIII Pistons (3rd Place)
Coach Jerald Ford & Clovis McCain
Larry Butler
Dreuz Milburn
Reese Milburn
Bryce Pson
Rian Edwards
Quidin Tottenham
Rickey Jingles, Jr.
D’Shawn Decolouet
Team: 12u D11 409 Elite (1st Place)
Coach: Reginald Batiste
Dashon Batiste
Kevin Boone
Jathan Caldwell
Chandler Swain
Kevin Venible
Andre Davis
Anthony Krivokopich
Jason Washinton
Brando Smith
Jordan Herd
Kenny Seymour
Team: 10u DIII Pistons (1st Place)
Coach: Jerald Ford & Clovis McCain
Clovis McCain Jr.
Broderick Jackson
John Solomon
Trever Gregory
TyQuan Mumphrey
Bryce Joseph
Tre Torres
Marquis Traver
Jayden Johnson
Team 12u DIII Pistons (3rd Place)
Coach Jerald Ford & Clovis McCain
Larry Butler
Dreuz Milburn
Reese Milburn
Bryce Pson
Rian Edwards
Quidin Tottenham
Rickey Jingles, Jr.
D’Shawn Decolouet
6.
PUBLIC HEARING
a.
Public Hearing to Amend Zoning Ordinance: Amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Texas City by deleting Sections 160.035 (B) (10), 160.037 (B) (3), 160.045 (B) (5) and adding: Section 160.051 C) (1) (b) 13. Hotels. The use of any parcel for a hotel shall comply with the following standards and requirements. a. A hotel shall contain restaurant accommodations. b. A hotel shall contain a guest lounge or cocktail area. c. A hotel shall contain a swimming pool with a hot tub area. d. A hotel shall contain a fitness center. e. Guest rooms may be accessible only from an internal hallway that is primarily accessible from a central lobby area contained within the hotel. f. A hotel shall contain a minimum of 80 rooms.
Todd Sukup, Building Official, told the Commission the purpose of the changes was to set minimum standards for new hotels in the City. Among some of the requirements would be a swimming pool with hot tub and a fitness center. This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance was given approval by the Zoning Commission during a Public Hearing held on May 3, 2016. The amendment was also presented to the Planning Board for review and a recommendation on April 11, 2016. It is now ready for action by the City Commission.
Mayor Pro Tem Roberts asked how many units were in the City currently and was advised by Mr. Sukup there were 1200.
Commissioner Jones asked if this would affect current hotels and was advised by Mr. Sukup that this would only affect new hotels and the current ones would be exempt. However, if they did a expansion or rebuild then they could be subject to the regulations depending on the size of the expansion or rebuild.
Commissioner Clawson asked Mr. Sukup what is the definition of a guest lounge and cocktail area. Mr. Sukup advised him that it would be up to the Planning Commission to determine.
Mr. Patel and his son, who own several hotels, said he was in favor of the ordinance stating it would bring safer, solid hotels in the City.
Todd Sukup, Building Official, told the Commission the purpose of the changes was to set minimum standards for new hotels in the City. Among some of the requirements would be a swimming pool with hot tub and a fitness center. This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance was given approval by the Zoning Commission during a Public Hearing held on May 3, 2016. The amendment was also presented to the Planning Board for review and a recommendation on April 11, 2016. It is now ready for action by the City Commission.
Mayor Pro Tem Roberts asked how many units were in the City currently and was advised by Mr. Sukup there were 1200.
Commissioner Jones asked if this would affect current hotels and was advised by Mr. Sukup that this would only affect new hotels and the current ones would be exempt. However, if they did a expansion or rebuild then they could be subject to the regulations depending on the size of the expansion or rebuild.
Commissioner Clawson asked Mr. Sukup what is the definition of a guest lounge and cocktail area. Mr. Sukup advised him that it would be up to the Planning Commission to determine.
Mr. Patel and his son, who own several hotels, said he was in favor of the ordinance stating it would bring safer, solid hotels in the City.
Motion by Commissioner At Large Dee Ann Haney, Seconded by Commissioner District 4 Jami Clark to close public hearing.
Vote: 7 - 0 CARRIED
b.
Conduct a Public Hearing for Nick and Christy Stepchinski's request to rezone from "A" (Single Family Residential) to "E" (General Business) to construct a 36 unit motel. Being Lots 47,48 and Part of 49, Lot 73 and 74, Highland Subdivision. Located on I-45 and west of So. Noble Road.
Todd Sukup, Building Inspector, told the Commission that the request had been denied in the zoning hearing and cited the citizen opposition to the hotel.
Commissioner Jones asked if the property was currently under construction. Mayor Doyle told her that construction had not started.
Debbie Roberts, citizen, spoke in opposition stating that there are already three hotels in the area. She said that 7 of the 14 residents were opposed to the hotel. She also cited increased crime and traffic accidents if the hotel was approved based upon activity at the other hotels in the area.
Nick and Christy Stepchinski, developers, addressed the Commission to get approval to construct a 36 unit motel. He stated the property is in an activity list of the land use plan. He stated it meets development and there is commercial activity in the area. In 2008, the Zoning Commission approved the application to build a hotel and in 2014 they approved the lot next to his lot. He stated he pays taxes on it as a primary road. Additionally, he told the Commission that he would keep the hotel small so it would not impact the neighborhood and the entrance would be away from the residential area. He stated they would make sure the hotel would conform to the new hotel regulations.
Mayor Pro Tem Roberts stated that he knew of seven home owners who were opposed to the hotel.
Todd Sukup, Building Inspector, told the Commission that the request had been denied in the zoning hearing and cited the citizen opposition to the hotel.
Commissioner Jones asked if the property was currently under construction. Mayor Doyle told her that construction had not started.
Debbie Roberts, citizen, spoke in opposition stating that there are already three hotels in the area. She said that 7 of the 14 residents were opposed to the hotel. She also cited increased crime and traffic accidents if the hotel was approved based upon activity at the other hotels in the area.
Nick and Christy Stepchinski, developers, addressed the Commission to get approval to construct a 36 unit motel. He stated the property is in an activity list of the land use plan. He stated it meets development and there is commercial activity in the area. In 2008, the Zoning Commission approved the application to build a hotel and in 2014 they approved the lot next to his lot. He stated he pays taxes on it as a primary road. Additionally, he told the Commission that he would keep the hotel small so it would not impact the neighborhood and the entrance would be away from the residential area. He stated they would make sure the hotel would conform to the new hotel regulations.
Mayor Pro Tem Roberts stated that he knew of seven home owners who were opposed to the hotel.
Motion by Commissioner At Large Dee Ann Haney, Seconded by Commissioner District 4 Jami Clark to close public comment.
Vote: 7 - 0 CARRIED
7.
PRELIMINARY ZONING APPROVAL
a.
Approve or deny rezoning request by Nick & Christy Stepchinski to rezone from "A" to "E" to construct a 36 unit motel. Being Lots 47,48 and part of 49, Lot 73 and 74, Highland Allotment 1st S/d. Located on I-45 and S. Noble Road.
Motion by Commissioner At Large Dee Ann Haney, Seconded by Commissioner District 4 Jami Clark to deny the zoning change.
Vote: 7 - 0 CARRIED
8.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.
Approve City Commission Minutes for May 18, 2016 meeting. (City Secretary)
b.
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 16-040, approving and awarding Bid # 2016-320 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project - Phase 17. (Public Works)
c.
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 16-041, approving to award Bid # 2016-321 Water Line Replacement Project - Phase 15. (Public Works)
d.
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 16-042, approving and awarding Bid # 2016-008 Laboratory Testing at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Annual Contract. (Public Works)
e.
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 16-043, approving and awarding Bid # 2016-319 Fire Station 1 & Fire Administration Building Roof Restoration Coating Project. (Public Works)
f.
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 16-044, approving and awarding the installation of three (3) covered pavilions at Haney Park, through BuyBoard - Local Government Purchasing Cooperative. (Recreation and Tourism)
g.
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 16-045, authorizing the City to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Gulf Coast Center to fund a Transportation Projects Funding Strategy. (Planning)
This item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Commissioner Haney. Doug Kneupper, City Engineer, stated that the Goodman Corporation will study all transit related issues from sidewalk to roads, from bus service to bike routes. He stated it was a transportation strategy and not a plan.
This item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Commissioner Haney. Doug Kneupper, City Engineer, stated that the Goodman Corporation will study all transit related issues from sidewalk to roads, from bus service to bike routes. He stated it was a transportation strategy and not a plan.
Motion by Commissioner District 3 Dorthea Jones, Seconded by Commissioner At Large Dee Ann Haney to approve Consent Items A through F.
Vote: 7 - 0 CARRIED
Vote: 7 - 0 CARRIED
Motion by Commissioner District 4 Jami Clark, Seconded by Commissioner At Large Dee Ann Haney to approve Consent Agenda Item G.
Vote: 7 - 0 CARRIED
9.
REGULAR ITEMS
a.
Consider and take action on Ordinance No. 16-18, approving or denying the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance concerning standards for hotels. (Planning)
Doug Knuepper, City Engineer, stating this item was discussed earlier and was ready for a vote.
Doug Knuepper, City Engineer, stating this item was discussed earlier and was ready for a vote.
Motion by Commissioner At Large Dee Ann Haney, Seconded by Commissioner District 4 Jami Clark to approve Ordnance No. 16-18.
Vote: 7 - 0 CARRIED
b.
Consider and take action on Ordinance No. 16-19, amending the City of Texas City's Fiscal Year 2015-16 Budget to appropriate funds for renovations to the Public Works North Service Center. (Finance)
Laura Boyd, Finance Director, told the Commissioners the money is needed to upgrade the maintenance shop.
Laura Boyd, Finance Director, told the Commissioners the money is needed to upgrade the maintenance shop.
Motion by Commissioner District 4 Jami Clark, Seconded by Commissioner District 2 Phil Roberts to approve Ordnance No. 16-19.
Vote: 7 - 0 CARRIED
c.
Consider and take action on Ordinance No. 16-20,amending the City of Texas City Fiscal Year 2015-16 Budget to appropriate funds for the City contribution to the Gulf Coast Center Capital Projects Funding Strategy. (Finance)
Laura Boyd, Finance Director, told the Commissioners this Ordinance goes with Resolution No. 16-045.
Laura Boyd, Finance Director, told the Commissioners this Ordinance goes with Resolution No. 16-045.
Motion by Commissioner At Large Dee Ann Haney, Seconded by Commissioner District 1 Thelma Bowie to approve Ordnance No. 16-20.
Vote: 7 - 0 CARRIED
10.
STAFF COMMENTS
Dennis Harris, Director of Recreation and Tourism, stated the summer programs were starting next week and there were going to be numerous Juneteenth activities throughout the month of June.
David Zacherl, Fire Chief, stated the Fire Fighter Games and parade were next week. He also recognized the Deputy and Battalion Chief for passing a very hard inspection.
Dennis Harris, Director of Recreation and Tourism, stated the summer programs were starting next week and there were going to be numerous Juneteenth activities throughout the month of June.
David Zacherl, Fire Chief, stated the Fire Fighter Games and parade were next week. He also recognized the Deputy and Battalion Chief for passing a very hard inspection.
11.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS
12.
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Commissioner Bowie reminded the audience that hurricane season had started and people needed to make sure they had their plans in place in case one comes.
Mayor Pro Tem Roberts stated graduation would be coming up next week.
Commissioner Clawson encouraged everyone to attend the Fire Fighter Games. He also thanked City staff for all of the hard work they do.
Commissioner Clark stated that last weekend was busy and she was anticipating a busy summer in Texas City with all of the activities planned.
Commissioner Bowie reminded the audience that hurricane season had started and people needed to make sure they had their plans in place in case one comes.
Mayor Pro Tem Roberts stated graduation would be coming up next week.
Commissioner Clawson encouraged everyone to attend the Fire Fighter Games. He also thanked City staff for all of the hard work they do.
Commissioner Clark stated that last weekend was busy and she was anticipating a busy summer in Texas City with all of the activities planned.
ADJOURNMENT
Having no further business, Commissioner Clark made a MOTION to ADJOURN at 5:54p.m.; the motion was SECONDED by Commissioner Clawson . All present voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Nicholas J. Finan, City Secretary
Date Approved:
| ______________________________ | |
| MATTHEW T. DOYLE, MAYOR |
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Nicholas J. Finan, City Secretary
Date Approved: