CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOPMEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 5:301 PM Municipal Court Room/Council Chamber 2801 Ranch Road 1869 Liberty Hill, Texas  JERTY  B10  1.C CALLTOORDER  The meeting was called to order by Mayor Mancilla at 5:33 PM.  Council Members Present: Mayor Mancilla Council Member) Helbing Council Member Jones Council Member Pezold Council Members Absent: Councilmember Young Staff Members Present: Paul Brandenburg, City Manager Marianella 'Nella' Joseph, City Attorney Katie. Amsler, Communications Director Elaine Simpson, City Secretary David Thomison, Public Works Director Joseph Crawford, Legal Counsel Mary Poche,' Executive Director ofthe LHEDC Carol Gyergyo, Public Works Administrative Assistant Matt Brown, Wastewater Dept. Supervisor Marc Calderaro, Legal Counsel  McKenzi Hicks, Interim Director ofI Planning and Development  Page1/3  Liberty Hill City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes, April 10,2024    2) REGULAR AGENDA  a) Discussion and Update related to the Downtown Master Plan presentation from Halff Ms. Capriccioso spoke to City Council from her PowerPoint Presentation and from her summary Liberty Hill's Downtown Master Plan aims to enhance livability, vibrancy, and attractiveness in the downtown area and address its challenges and opportunities. The City contracted with Halff Associates to initiate this effort, as part oft this comprehensive approach, Halff Associates collaborated with Johnson Planning to prepare a historical assessment, integral to understanding the heritage and significance of downtown Liberty Hill. The overarching goal remained shaping the future of the area through strategic private and public investments, with objectives focused on enhancing downtown livability, vibrancy, and attractiveness. The ultimate aim was to create an implementation matrix detailing prioritized actions, policies, and investments. The community engagement process included direct interviews with staff and stakeholders, an online survey, a Downtown Day Stakeholder Workshop, a Community Open House, and presentations to City Committees. Stakeholder meetings and walking tours provided crucial insights, with discussions covering downtown features, challenges, and opportunities. Key takeaways included feedback on streetscape features, walkability preferences, and desired downtown amenities, including insights gathered from the online survey. The plan is broken down into seven sections: 1.I Introduction 2. Community Context 3. Public Engagement 4. Historic Assessment 5. Vision 1.7 The Introduction chapter is a standard component explaining the purpose oft the Downtown 2: Community Context This chapter provides an overview of the existing conditions of downtown assets, encompassing elements such as parking, parks, roads, and sidewalks. Additionally, it explores the significance ofLiberty Hill to the community, its growth, and its 3: Public Engagement This chapter serves as a summary of the main forms of community and public engagement. The community engagement process for the City ofLiberty Hill's Downtown Master Plan was multifaceted; involving direct interviews with staffand stakeholders, an online survey, a Downtown Day workshop, and open house, as well as presentations to various City 4: Historic Assessment This chapter focuses on the historical assessment component of the Downtown Master Plan. The report includes the overarching themes and key findings gathered from local residents. The assessment not only identifies opportunities for preservation initiatives 5: Vision & Framework This chapter contains the foundation of the Downtown Master Plan. It shares the vision and the preferred framework developed for Downtown Liberty Hill. The core principles and vision serve as the foundation for the downtown master plan, informing the identified Character Areas and Special Features. This section defines four unique downtown character areas-Core, Village, Flex, and Residential. Each is presented with a corresponding vision for development and future character, supported by various new features and elements.  Associates. (Ylda Capriccioso-Halff. Associates)  memo. Here is except from Memo.  & Framework 6. Implementation 7. Appendices: Master Plan and the importance ofDowntown Liberty Hill.  regional importance.  Committees.  but also the historical district process required for designation.  Page213  Liberty Hill City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes, April 10, 2024    6: Implementation This section provides the implementation approach the recommended actions outlined in the Downtown Master Plan, emphasizing the necessity of cohesive collaboration between public and private entities for success. Economic development and revitalization of downtown require patience, investment, and commitment from public officials, citizens, partners, and various city departments. Specific catalyst projects and programs include:. Development ofal Downtown Streetscape Master Plan, prioritizing enhancement oft the Downtown Core along Main Street and Myrtle Lane. Enhancement of downtown walkability through sidewalk and pathway expansions. .) Preservation and promotion ofLiberty Hill's history. . Updates to development codes to align with the Downtown Framework. . Coordination ofwayfinding for key gateways to Liberty Hill, particularly vehicular signage along Highway 29, FM 1869, CR 279, and areas affected by the bypass. . Development of the VFW property and other vacant city-owned properties. . Implementation of Downtown building improvement programs to support infill development. The section presents an implementation matrix, which provides detailed strategies and actions for executing Liberty Hill's Downtown Master Plan. This matrix delineates each action, required steps, responsible organization(s), and implementation timeframe, whether upon plan adoption or as ongoing initiatives. Additionally, the section outlines funding opportunities to be explored as the City pursues the plan's implementation. 7:A Appendices This chapter contains appendices that supplement the Downtown Master Plan by providing greater detail for certain sections, including a full report of all the public engagements, and compilation of the historical assessment and histories gathered by Johnson Planning. Next Steps: The draft plan is currently under review by staff for any recommended changes. Over the next two weeks, the consulting team and staff will collaborate to make revisions, with the aim of There was a brief discussion regarding the focus on 'Historical Significance' of the 1970s in Liberty Hill, which was the time when the city held the first International Sculpture Festival. The 1970s are considered the time when the city's artistic character began to be expressed.  presenting a finalized draft to the City Council in May....  3) ADJOURNMENT  Being no further items on the agenda, and no objections from the Council, Mayor Branigan PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE City Council oft the City ofLiberty Hill, Texas on the 24th  adjourned the meeting at 6:08 PM.  of April 2024, on vote of ayes, nays, and Labstentions.  Mayor  A  Bydks  ZTAI  Elaine Simpson, City Secretary  RE  *  Page3/3  Liberty Hill City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes,    7Hi  MASTER PLAN  PROJECT UPDATE  Ylda Capriccioso, Halff Associates  April 10, 2024    DOWNIOWN MASTER PLAN OVERVIEW  The Downtown Strategic Master Plan is a roadmap and the forum to identify Liberty Hill's downtown brand.  -  E  Itwill prioritize recommendations for walkable, access, scenic, and cohesive  downtown landscape.  Be a tool to leverage funding  opportunities for the implementation of  the plan.    PROJECT SCHEDULE  AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY  PHASE 1: DISCOVERY  Project Initiation & Staff Kick-off Downtown Tour RFI & Project Review Comp Plan Coordination PHASE 2:VISION  Historic Preservation Assessment Stakeholder/Focus Group Downtown Day/Community Workshop Community Survey CC/DRC Presentations PHASE 3: ACTION  Draft Design Development Recommendations Draft Historic Preservation Assessment Draft Action Priority Matrix Final Recommendations & Report    DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES  Understand key constraints and opportunities   Identify opportunities to better realize Downtown's economic and placemaking  potential  E Evaluate mobility opportunities that would support an active and vibrant downtown  Establish a clear land use, historic preservation, community-driven design and mobility framework to guide future public and private investment  Identify specific actions, including policy changes, regulations, capital investments, economic development efforts, partnerships, funding pursuits and programming, that the City, EDC, other public partners and the private sector can advance to help  Downtown reach its full potential.    THE DOWNIOWN MASTER PLAN  The plan is broken down into seven sections:  1. Introduction 2. Community Context 3. Public Engagement 4. Historic Assessment 5. Vision & Framework 6. Implementation 7. Appendices    NIRODUCTION  This chapter is a standard component explaining the purpose of the Downtown Master Plan and the importance of Downtown  Liberty Hill.    COMMUNITY CONTEXT  This chapter provides an overview of the existing conditions of  downtown assets Parking Parks Roads Sidewalks  Additionally, it explores the significance of Liberty Hill to the community, its growth, and its regional importance.    COMMUNITY CONTEXT  Map) XX, Parking in! Downtown  LANDMARKS & ASSETS In the boundaries of Downtown, numerous longstanding gems contrbute tot the area's pride and allure. Many of these establishments. have stood for over a century, serving as steadfast anchors and noteworthy destinations for visitors exploring Downtown. Some of the landmarks and assets near and within the Downtown include: Local businesses Parks Downtown entertainment City Hall The gate at 918 Main Street The Old VFW Building Shared Use Path Liberty, Hill Elementary School Masonic building Liberty Hilll Murals Liberty Hill Library Liberty. Hill Sculpture Garden Noble Elementary School Lions Foundation Park  E7  Legend Existing! Parking Downtown Area Parcellines    PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT  This chapter serves as a summary of the main forms of community  and public engagement.  Interviews with staff and stakeholders  Online Survey  Downtown Day Workshop and Open House Presentations to various City Committees    PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT  Ii    ESSENCE OF DOWNTOWN  SURVEY RESULTS  SURVEY RESIDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION 47% BUTI NOT DOWNTOWN  31% 8%  durablerelgênçe  LIVE INI LIBERTY HILL LIVE IN THEETJ LIVEI IN DOWNTOWN  LIBERTY HILL  hometowrrangu  charming historic picturesque. family-triendly vintagetight-knit  VISION FOR DOWNTOWN ECONOMICI PREFERENCES VIBRANCY ENHANCEMENTS  Toppriorities for Downtown #1 Walkability #2 Restaurants Small-town #3  What establishments MORE Restaurants, farmers/artisans  What would make 33% Downtown events (music, movies, & chalk/art) &s street performance 27% Temporary pop-up markets ort food: stalls  doy your want Downtown? Downtownt feel more vibrant?  markets, &outdoor event spaces 33% Live-music, dance,  : rustic  natural,  traditional  charm LESS  hotels, professional offices, &beauty shops  HOUSING PREFERENCES  a pas  34% 33% 23%  FAVORED SINGLE- PREFERRED FAMLIY HOMES  PREFERRED: 2-STORY  GARDEN HOMES RESIDENTIAL    HISTORIC ASSESSMENT  Key findings and overarching themes from local residents Opportunities for preservation initiatives Historical District process    Map) X.X, Historic Properties Map  HISTORIC ASSESSMENT   3  D  ER  LIBERTY HILL  By Robert A. Burns Uani wale Nelan's 19751 Frth squaint. cmmpact downtown, Chesley ofJuls Penie ati Liberty u, nellon sel about buying the buildings and many, pevple. were mere than installing businesses in them. vauely. aware there Because most ef the huildings had town Butinthez year andahalfs sinee been forgotten long: age, bet. the name has up with were roppeds ownersw surprising regularity. Actually, lar In ane tren an impetus thes tevival thet the aE the amal! farmland comm nity. slling at the the piente looked hy upen talked arthe ocals as emethine just shert et . disaster. The general sture building and rsturing elesed even though : wasa their riginal laver. Saturday. af the sie suilding in' by lamel sruly ather The rr enterprising stay at limetese win sol harbeque their o1d MCL  Pa  5  - R  RMIBS9  LOOP3 332  LEGEND HistoricBuildings PotentialH HistoricE Buildings BuildingFootprints 200    : halff  HISTORICAL ASSESSMENT  DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN  KEY FINDINGS & RECOMMENDAIONS  1. Embrace the international art renaissance of 1970s  2. Preserve what you have through historical context statement to be eligible for National Register of Historic Places or Certified Historic  District designation  3. Embrace art tourism for downtown - Outdoor Sculpture Capital of  Texas and Sculpture Park preservation/maintenance  4. Develop a detailed review of significant properties identified in the  assessment.  LIBERTY HILL DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN  19    VISION & FRAMEWORK  This chapter serves as a summary of the overall vision for Downtown Liberty Hill based on Guiding Principles that target  placemaking, walkability and preservation.  Character Areas  The Downtown Framework Map Special Concepts and Features    E halff  LIBERTY HILL IS..  Distinct  Walkable  Authentic  Connected  Alive  Special  LIBERTY HILL DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN  21    E halff  DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK PLAN  LIBERTY HILL DOWNTOWN MASTERPLAN  22    DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK ELEMENTS  APPROACH  FEATURES  Target enhancements on Main  Myrtle Lane Promenade Myrtle Lane Connector Shared Use Path Link  and Myrtle  Focus on Experience & Placemaking  Church and Stubblefield Districts Street Network Expansion Shared Street and Van Alley  Focus on Mobility & Walkability Focus on Preservation & Identity  Parking    Downtown Core Downtown Village Downtown Flex Downtown Residential Promenade Shared UsePath Myrtlel Lane Connector Enhanced Intersection  CHURCH STREET DISTRICT  Gateways  Potential Street Major Streets Parking/Flex Space Parks  STUBBLEFIELD DISTRICT  050100    Downtown Core (DC)  CHARACTER  Downtown Village (DV)  AREAS  Downtown Flex (DF)  Downtown Residential (DR)    DOWNTOWN CORE (DC)  Buildings interface directly with the public  Buildings sited close to the street; creation of consistent street wall with little to no space  realm andsidewalk.  between buildings.  Buildings and entries face primary streets  Residential and employment uses are focused on upper floors of vertical mixed-use buildings.    DOWNTOWN VILLAGE (DV)  Buildings interface directly with the public  realm and sidewalk.  Pathways to provide connection to the pedestrian experience.  FDC  Lush landscape along street  edges.    DOWNTOWN FLEX (DF)  Less compact urban environment, blending residential and commercial.  Flexible siting.  Parking positioned. at rear and sides ofthe buildings.  Building are moderately setback from the street.    DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL  Multifamily  Single family  ADUS    Myrtle Lane Connector  SPECIAL  CONCEPTS  Myrtle Lane Promenade  & FEATURES  Districts    MYRTLE LANE CONNECTOR  Enhanced pedestrian connection between two newly envisioned districts - Church Street and  Stubblefield.  Wider sidewalks Decorative paving Street furniture Lush landscaping Lighting    MYRTLE LANE PROMENADE  Vibrant and activated signature space that blends walkways the private and public realms.  Wide pedestrian wheelchair ramps ampleseating thoughtful landscaping family-friendly amenities    MYRTLE LANE PROMENADE  Frontage Zone 8  Pedestrian Walkway Promenade  Amenity/UilityZone  Sidenalk 6  Travel Lane 10'  Travellane 10  50    DISTRICTS  CHURCH STREET DISTRICT  STUBBLEFIELD DISTRICT  Health and wellness Businesses specializing in holistic living Self-care  Eclectic shops Creative businesses Family-friendly  ur Radom Capital    Parking & Flex Space  MOBILITY&  Street Network  WALKABILITY  Expansion  Shared Use Path    STREET NETWORK EXPANSION  PARKING & FLEX SPACE Downtown Framework: Map of Parking/Flex Space  SHARED USE PATI  Downtown Framework: Map ofStreet Network Expansion Downtown Framework Map of Shared Use Path    PRESERVATION  Gateways  & IDENTITY  Wayfinding    GATEWAYS  WAYFINDING  Distinct alerts to drivers, walkers, and bicyclists Strategically positioned Various forms: Public Art Signage Murals Lighting Landscape Elements  Optimize pedestrian and vehicular navigation for visitors in Downtown Phased in wayfinding signage  Roadway Signage Gateway Signage Vehicular Directional Pedestrian Directional Pedestrian Map/Kiosk  HISTORIC  Map X.X, Signage Placement Map  legoai CMeBdligs CtyPata Pltg SundUPa    MPLEMENIATION  Create a Cohesive Public Space Aesthetic for Downtown  Define the Downtown. Area Using Prominent Features that Serve as Welcoming Landmarks orl Indicators to Visitors, Signaling Their Arrivali into Downtown Liberty Hill  Create a More Vibrant and Economically Resilient City by Diversifying Land Uses in Downtown Liberty Hill Foster: a Walkable and Dynamic Downtown Environment Using Character. Areas Expand Residential Development Options Beyond Single Family to Promote More Downtown Housing  Enhance Mobility and Accessibility in Downtown Liberty Hill Prioritize Pedestrian Enhancements and! Safety in Downtown Enhance Downtown Vitality through Streetscape Design and Tactical Urbanism Use Park Spaces and other City-owned Parcels as Catalytic Sites Enhance Cultural Identity and Historic Preservation Develop Community-led Beautification and Building Revitalization Ensure Effective Navigation to and Throughout Downtown    # halff  NEXT STEPS  DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN  APRIL  Final Recommendations  PHASE 3: ACTION  MAY Approval  LIBERTY HILL DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN  40    QUESTIONS?  Thank you!  Halff Team Contacts:  Ylda Capriccioso, AICP, Project Manager  vcapnecioso@malri.com Shelby Sweet, Planner ssweet@half.com