PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 2, 2024 at 6:30P PM City Council Chamber/Municipal Court Room 2801 Ranch RD 1869 Liberty Hill, Texas 78642  ERTY  Commissioners Present: Diane Williams, Secretary Bryan Rivera Sarah Novo Commissioners Absent: Steve Messana, Chair City StaffPresent: McKenzi Hicks, Interim Planning Director Stephan Zaparolli, PlannerI Elaine Simpson, City Secretary (Recording Secretary) Francisco Paco' Guerrero, Pape-Dawson 1) CALLTOORDER  Chad Cormack, Vice Chair, joined at 7:04 PM  The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was called to order by Secretary Diane Williams at 6:30 PM on April 2, 2024 at 2801 Ranch Road 1869, Liberty Hill, Texas. Quorum was established and all members were present, except Chair Steve Messana and Vice-Chair Chad Cormack (who joined at 7:04 PM) Secretary Williams led the invocation, and led the pledges ofa allegiance to US and Texas flags, respectively.  2) PUBLIC COMMENTS  Public Comments are welcome. You may submit Public Comments in person, or. you may submit to the City  Secretary at spon@lberonlicgon before 3:00. PM the day oft the meeting.  There were no citizen comments. 3) CONSENT AGENDA  Consent Agenda items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion oft those items unless requested by the Commission, in which event the item(s) will be removed from a) Approval of the minutes for the March 19, 2024, Planning and Zoning Commission Regular  the Consent Agenda and considered under the Regular Agenda.  Called Meeting. (Secretary Williams) Planning &2 Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  1  April 22024    b) Receive the quarterly update to the Planning & Zoning Commission's 2024 Annual Work Plan. (M. c) Disapproval ofthe E.. Johnston Plazal Minor Plat, consisting of approximately 1.69 acres ofland, generally located approximately 250 feet north ofthei intersection ofSH 29 and CR214, more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel R375843, and legally described as part of and out oft the Thomas P. Plaster Survey, Abstract No. 510, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks) d) Disapproval ofLa Tequila Jalisco Minor Plat, consisting of approximately 1.86 acres of land, generally located along West State Highway 29, more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel(s) R392561, and legally described as part of and out of the Thomas P. Plaster Survey, e) Disapproval of the Henrietta Highway 29 Replat, consisting of approximately 33.97 acres of land, generally located approximately 1,300 feet east of the intersection of Hwy 183 and SH 29, more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel R650897, legally described as Lot 1,Block A, Henrietta Highway 29 Subdivision, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks) Motion: Commissioner Bryan Rivera moved, and Commissioner Sarah Novo seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0. Ayes: Williams, Rivera and Novo. Nays: 0.  Hicks/Secretary Williams)  Abstract No. 510, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks)  Abstentions: 0. Chair Steve Messana and Vice-Chair Chad Cormack were absent.  4) PUBLIC HEARING application(s), to wit:  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City ofLiberty Hill has been asked to review and approve the following a) Discussion, consideration, and possible direction regarding amending Section 6.12 of the City of Liberty Hill Unified Development Code (UDC) regarding sign regulations and Section 6.13 ofthe CityofLiberty Hill Unified Development Code (UDC) regarding outdoor lighting to the City Council. (M. Hicks/J.  Crawford)  i)Ir Introduction and Staff report.  Interim Planning Director McKenzi Hicks went over the redlined Sign Ordinance, highlighting the changes outlined. Interim Director Hicks noted that Section 6.12.06 regarding Temporary Sign permits had also been clarified given some permitting concems, even though the code says that everyday things are as defined in the Interim Director Hicks went over the redlined Lighting Ordinance, noting that Section 13.04 (4) would be  dictionary. Ife exceptions are: requested, then they can ask for a variance.  corrected to add "whichever occurs later". ii) Hold a Public Hearing.  Secretary Williams called the Public Hearing to order at 6:38 PM.  City Secretary Elaine Simpson advised that there were three (3) speakers signed up to speak.  Mr. Mark Billingsley, 604 N. Baker Circle, Leander, shared that his property backs up to Leander and Liberty Hill Independent School Districts (ISDs), in the Baker Estates Subdivision. Mr. Billingsley noted that there is a tall neon sign at the entrance which affects the night sky and shines in their front window, and he hopes that the  business can be asked to turn it off and leave it off ati night to avoid affecting the night sky.  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  2  April22024    Ms. Leah. Jenkins, 2251 Eagle Owl Loop, in thel ETJ (extra-territorial, jurisdiction), shared that shei is ai native Texan who could see the milky way growing up. Now, 12-13 years later, the stars are. hard to see, and the trees are being cut, even on her own property. Ms. Jenkins added that the Hot Mix Center has lights that shine in her bedroom window, and neighbors have flood lights that come on at least 21 times ai night. Ms. Jenkins stated that she became Ms. Donna Leonard, 261 Rio Gabriel Drive, shared that she and Molly Evans had started the Facebook Group as part of] Dark Skies and that it has grown. Ms. Leonard stated that the view from her home was spectacular, and she is amazed how: many people today have not seen a shooting star, and it makes her sad. Ms. Leonard stated that she is counting on the Commission to keep the momentum going and it will be a huge source of pride to be  part oft the Dark Skies community, and encourages: new regulations.  the first Dark Skies Community in Williamson County. Secretary Williams closed the Public Hearing at 6:44 PM.  ii) Recommendation  Commissioner Rivera noted that while he can'trespond directly, he wanted to say from the City he came from There were discussions on the changes and potential revisions. The following are the agreed upon changes to  he didn'tknow dark skies and thanked the ladies on Dark Skies for their efforts.  the redlined version oft the Sign Ordinance:  Section 6.12.05. -1 1. Should read' "No sign shalll bei illuminated, in whole or in part, where the illumination is intermittent or varies in color or intensity from time to time, nor shall any sign be illuminated that interferes with traffic or with the effectiveness of, or obscures an official traffic sign, device, or signal; unless currently or proposed to be owned by, and utilized by, an Independent School District (ISD) on Table 6-2C3 column header, add ai footnote to repeat the text added relative to the ETJ. The following changes to the redlined Lighting Ordinance were agreed upon: Section 6.13.04 (c)(4), at end of 1"'sentence, add "whichever occurs later"  property owned by the ISD."  Section 6.13.04 (c) (5), Change the name International Dark Sky Association" to its new name. 6.13.08 (c)(5), correct the first sentence to be consistent with the wording in Section 6.12.05 oft the Sign Secretary Williams asked Interim Director Hicks to discuss next steps. Interim Director Hicks advised that due to Senate Bill 929, any non-conforming uses have to be notified and that thanks to the Save our Stars Group who  ordinance.  did the inventory, notifications will be sent out and another public hearing will be held.  Noi formal action was taken.  Secretary Williams handed over chairing of the meeting to Vice-Chair Chad Cormack who had joined the  meeting.  Planning &2 Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  3  Apil22024    5) REGULAR AGENDA  a) Receive an update on the progress of seeking Dark Skies designation. (S. Zaparoll/Secretary Williams) Mr. Stephan Zaparolli, Planner 1, introduced the topic and provided an update on the City lighting Audit, noting that additional information will be needed related to cost to retrofit. Interim Director Hicks thanked Gerald of PEC who helped with list of City Lighting. Mr. Zaparolli covered the Estimated Time Line, noting the updates, with the goal to submit the application in June. Secretary Williams noted that thel Estimated timeline needed some  corrections as follows:  October 2024 should be October 2023 for #6.  For# January/February 2024 should be changed to. January-May 2024.  Secretary Williams also noted that Lighting Education and EDC assistance needed tol be added to the Action List. b) Receive presentation oft the staff assessment of the Comprehensive Plan Dashboard (Ihtx2040.com). (M. Interim Director Hicks went over the staff presentation oft the website and dashboard, including the pros and cons from the staffassessment. Interim Director Hicks noted that there had not been a lot ofinteraction with it, but it also had not been broadcast. City Secretary Elaine Simpson clarified ifit was free to people and cost the City the $25/month referenced in the slides. Interim Director Hicks clarified that the $25/month was only to the City. Interim Director Hicks emphasized that the major component being static is what concerns her because it has to Secretary Williams asked ifVerdunity had provided the template for staffu updates, and how/who will educate all the other Departments, noting that Planning will update their portion in April, but what about others? Vice-Chair Cormack stated that it won't happen unless Council requires it sO it needs to be discussed with Council and it should be the City Manager. Secretary Williams stated that we want accountability and why she had asked about  Hicks)  be manually updated, but that it is noti impossible.  the templates to assist the Departments.  Vice-Chair Cormack stated that he thinks it looks good and is worth the $25/month.  c) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding the 2024 Planning and Zoning Commission Bi- Annual Report from the Planning and Development Department staff. (S. Zaparoli/Secretary Williams) Mr. Zaparolli advised the Commission that he thinks he has addressed most of the notes from the last session, adding that on slide with the legend that Chair Messana wanted lower, that it would not let him lower the legend sol he put it on top. Mr. Zaparolli went over the changes made. Secretary Williams noted that some slide numbers were still missing and that the work plan should be updated before the meeting, removing the colors, and updating thel Planning-related. items. City Secretary Simpson asked about the TABC related action item, noting that people Motion: Secretary Williams moved, and Vice-Chair Cormack seconded, to approve the Bi-Annual Report presentation for Council, with the corrections for slide numbersnoted, and update to the Work Plan for staffaction items. Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0. Ayes: Cormack, Williams, Rivera and Novo. Nays: 0.  think it needs a city license but it doesn't.  Abstentions: 0. Chair Steve Messana was absent.  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  April22024    6) REPORTS  At this time, the Task Force may consider reports which do not require action. Examples might be reports from a) Receive the monthly Director's Report as provided by EDC Director, Mary Poché. (M. Hicks)  other committees orj from the Cross-Committee Communications group.  There was no discussion.  b) Receive the March 2024 Cross-Committee Communication Report. (Secretary Williams/M. Hicks) Secretary Williams advised the Commissioners that two (2) reports for the Parks Board and EDC were not available as the Parks Board had only met that morning, and the EDC President had hoped to join via telephone c) Receive the Projects in Motion Report, as provided by Planning and Development staff. (M. Hicks/S. Secretary Williams asked regarding page 9 of 10 related to the Mansions plat, and page 10 of 10 related to the Mansions Construction Plans, and ift these are normally submitted for review in parallel. Interim Director Hicks advised that the ordinances say no, provided some background, and stated that staff has made it clear that they Vice-Chair Cormack inquired on page 10 of10, last item, as to the location of Phase 3 oft the sidewalks. Interim Director Hicks advised that it is the ones seeing constructed on Main Street. Vice-Chair Cormack asked if we have a future item on the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) City Projects going through a future review. Secretary Williams noted that a CIP permitting presentation would be added as a future agenda item to be scheduled. d) Receive the Due Next Month report, as provided by Planning and Development staff. (M. Hicks) Interim Director Hicks asked for input on the format provided. Secretary Williams stated that she likes the  but it didn'twork out; and that was why these were included the way they were.  Zaparolli)  cannot be approved out ofs sequence.  report format presented by staff.  7) PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT COMMENTS  Interim Director Hicks went over the following items: City Council Update - P&Z Items  Re-naming ofLarkspur Park to Fisk-Cashion Park- Approved Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) Update - Postponed, noting an update only. 2024-R-015 - Establishing CIAC Amendment No. 1- Approved City ofLiberty Hill & Kimley-Horn Contract Amendment No. 1- Approved  Planning & Zoning Commission! Meeting minutes  5  April22024    8) FUTURE ITEMS  a) Receive Future Items report. (M. Hicks)  Interim Director Hicks asked ifthis was okay as ai report, versus in the agenda. It was determined it would remain Secretary Williams went over the future agenda items that she would not be able to participate in, assuming they would go to the Council after May 4th. Secretary Williams noted that the CIP Permitting Presentation needed to be added to Future Agenda Items to be scheduled based on the earlier request from Vice-Chair Cormack under  ar report going forward.  the Project in Motion. Agenda Item. 9) CONVENE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION  The Planning and Zoning Commission will convene into Executive Session for discussion of the following items pursuant to' Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney). a) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) to receive legal  input and advice on the following matters:  1. UDC Rewrite  Vice-Chair Cormack read the Texas Open Meetings Act 551 exceptions into the record at 7:55 PM.  Vice-Chair Cormack recessed the Open Meeting at 7:551 PM.  Vice-Chair Cormack called thel Executive/Closed meeting to order at 7:581 PM. Vice-Chair Cormack adjourned the Executive/Closed meeting at 8:31 PM.  10) RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION  The Planning and! Zoning Commission will reconvene into Regular Session for discussion oft the following items pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney). a) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) to receive legal  input and advice on the following matters:  1. UDC Rewrite  Vice-Chair Cormack reconvened the Regular/Open meeting at 8:34) PM.  Vice-Chair Cormack announced that there was no action taken during the Executive Session. Vice-Chair Cormack announced that there would not be action resulting from the Executive Sessions.  Planning &2 Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  6  April22024    11) ADJOURNMENT  Given there were: no further agenda items and hearing no objections from the members, Vice-Chair Cormack  adjourned the meeting at 8:35 PM.  PASSED AND. APPROVED! by the Planning and Zoning of the CityofLibertyl Hill, Texas on.  0 nays, and o abstentions.  Stevel  Chair  MA  Auu BWaliamo  City Secretary  Planning &2 Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  April 22024