08.19.1999 PZ MinutesPg. 661
CITY OF KENNEDALE
MINUTES OF
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
19 AUGUST 1999 — 7:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY CENTER
Chairman Conroy called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M.
Conunission Members Present: David Conroy, Jerry Miller, Ray Cowan, Bryan Lankthorst, Brian Johnson,
and Tiffany Spencer. Both Richard Jernigan and Alternate Jody Risinger were unable to attend.
City Staff Present: Mort Wetterling, Planning Department; Chrissy Knapp, Permit Clerk
ITEM NO. 1— Approval of the minutes of the Public Hearing, the Water Impact Fee Committee Meeting,
and the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission, all of which took place on 15
July 1999,
Bryan Lankhorst made a motion to accept the- minutes as drafted. Brian Johnson seconded the motion and
all Commission Members voted in favor.
ITEM NO. 2 — Continuance of a Conunission discussion relative to drafting and formulating a City Sign
Ordinance.
Commission Members and Staff engaged in a lengthy and somewhat spirited discussion relative to the
drafting of this Ordinance as well as the length of time that has been involved in that endeavor.
Conunission Members expressed chagrin that an unfinished and incomplete version of the latest Sign
Ordinance draft had been distributed to Economic Development personnel as well as to merchants within
the community. Staff advised that there was growing concern over the length of time that had been taken
as against the results achieved. Ms. Tiffany Spencer distributed two handouts followed by a statement that
finalization of this Ordinance was still a long way off and stressed the importance of the Commission
taking its time to ensure that all aspects were thoroughly addressed and that it was imperative that this
Ordinance meet the challenges of legal scrutiny — the Mansfield situation with political signage was cited
as an example. Staff responded by stating that Ms. Spencer's point was well taken, but that it did not erase
the fact that thirty -four (34) months would have to be considered an unrealistic period of time in which to
draft an Ordinance relating to signs. Mr. Wetterling continued by advising the Commission that it should
not be their intent to attempt to formulate an Ordinance that is totally flawless and able to withstand every
possible legal challenge and that Ordinance review; relative to enforceability and possible legal challenges,
is the responsibility of the City Attorney's office. Ile added that it is virtually impossible to draft the
"perfect" Ordinance and that an Ordinance that may be marginally imperfect is better than no Ordinance at
all. The last three Ordinances enacted (Fence, Sub Division, and Park Dedication) were cited as examples
of new Ordinances that have already been proven to have shortcomings. All present were in agreement that
the drafting of a Sign Ordinance was certainly not the only duty or responsibility that the Commission had
encountered over the past thirty -four months and all Commission Members expressed disappointment in
the general consensus of opinion that a final draft was long overdue. Two Commission Members stated
that they were not at all sure at what point the Commission was, relative to finalizing a draft. Chairman
Conroy stated that it was not as though the City was totally without sign regulations in that the Business
287 Overlay Ordinance provided guidelines for the greater portion of business related signage. Additional
discussion and submittal of opinions followed with the end result being that Chairman Conroy and Ms.
Spencer will meet for the purpose of upgrading and modifying the latest revision, for submittal at a later
date.
Pg. 662
DISCUSSION
At the Commission's request, Staff provided an update of on -going challenges within the City which
included the number of Items to be placed on the September Agenda as well as the number of Public
Hearings (3) that are scheduled to be conducted. A short discussion followed relative to the curve
widening of Little School Road, the future need for the widening of Kennedale Sublett Road for the
purpose of adequately facilitating traffic caused by the anticipated increase in KISD enrollment, as a result
of new Sub Divisions in the area around Highway 287. Staff briefed Members on the status of the
Commission formed to generate an updated/revised Master Land Use Plan. Jerry Miller expressed a desire
to go on record as saying that he was disappointed that P & Z Members had not been appointed to that
Committee and that he was displeased that this Committee would be determining the re- zoning of newly
annexed territory when, in fact, that should be a duty, and function, of the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Mr. Miller was advised that both Tiffany Spencer and Brian Johnson were on that
Committee and that the Planning and Zoning Commission's authority would not be usurped. Ms. Spencer
stated that she was of the opinion that this Committee was formed to establish goals and priorities relating
to the City's infrastructure and organized growth for the future. As it relates to growth, a very short
exchange followed, relative to concern by some individuals, that the City may be experiencing growth that
is possibly too rapid — the limited availability of water service was cited as an example. Lastly, the
Commission was forewarned that they may be required to consider a large number of requests for zone
changes in that a lot of the recently annexed territory is unimprovable in its current "R -1" classification,
All were in agreement that the much needed rezoning of that territory merits a high priority and that it must
be accomplished expeditiously.
ADJOURN
With no further discussion, Bryan Lankhorst made a motion to adjourn. Brian Johnson seconded the
motion with all Connnission Members voting in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
TTET
all aid
Planininig & • ng min ass on Secretary
APPRO
Chainnan, P1am ' Zoning onunission