PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES March 5, 2024 at 6:30PM City Council Chamber/Municipal Court Room 2801 Ranch RD 1869 Liberty Hill, Texas 78642  SERTY  "OWN .BIO  Commissioners Present: Steve Messana, Chair Diane Williams, Secretary Sarah Novo Commissioners Absent: Chad Cormack, Vice Chair Bryan Rivera City Staff Present:  McKenzi Hicks, Interim Planning Director Elaine Simpson, City Secretary (Recording Secretary) Stephan Zaparolli, PlannerI Joe Crawford, City Legal Counsel from Bojorquez Law Firm 1) CALL TO ORDER  The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Steve Messana at 6:30 PM on March 5, 2024, at 2801 Ranch Road 1869, Liberty Hill, Texas. Quorum was established and all members were Chair Steve Messana led the invocation, and led the pledges of allegiance to US and Texas flags, respectively.  present, except Vice Chair Chad Cormack and Commissioner Bryan Rivera  2) PUBLIC COMMENTS  Public Comments are welcome. You may submit Public Comments in person, or. you may submit to the City  Secretary at impon@lheronlicgon before 3:00 PMI the day of 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 of those items unless requested by the Commission, in which event the item(s) will be removed the a) Consider approving the minutes for the February 20, 2024, Planning and Zoning Commission Regular b) Consider conditionally approving the Liberty Hill Office Park Preliminary Plat, consisting of approximately 10.43 acres of land, addressed as 15730 W Hwy 29, more particularly described by  Consent. Agenda and considered under the Regular Agenda.  Called Meeting. (Secretary Williams) Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  March 5, 2024    Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcels R392617, R392616, R023039, and R436996 and legally described as part of and out of the Richard West Survey, Abstract No. 643, Liberty Hill, Williamson c) Consider disapproving the Mansions at Liberty Hill Final Plat, consisting of approximately 251.34 acres ofland, addressed as 445 CR 277, more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcels R023031, R023088, R090856, and R639488 and legally described as part ofand out ofthel Richard d) Consider disapproving the Henrietta Highway 29 Replat, consisting ofapproximately 33.97 acres ofland, 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) e) Consider disapproving the Stonewall Ranch North Section Eleven Subdivision Amending Plat, consisting of approximately 12.95 acres of land, and legally described as Stonewall Ranch North Section Eleven Subdivision, Liberty Hill Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks) Motion: Secretary Diane Williams moved, and Commissioner Sara Novo seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0. Ayes: Messana, Williams and Novo. Nays: 0.  County, Texas. (M. Hicks)  West Survey, Abstract No. 643, Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks)  Abstentions: 0. Vice-Chair Cormack and Commissioner Rivera were absent.  4) PUBLICHEARING application(s), to wit:  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City ofLiberty Hill has been asked to review and approve the following  a) Discuss, consider, and take possible action on Unified Development Code (UDC) text amendments tor reflect the recently approved Planning and Zoning Commission Bylaws amendment. (M. Hicks)  Introduction and staff report.  Interim Planning Director McKenzi Hicks presented the proposed UDC code text amendments to reflect the recently approved amendment to the Commission Bylaws, along with some clerical corrections. Interim Director Hicks highlighted that Growth Sector Map had been added to item 2.03.06 J.2.i and explained the rationale. Interim Director Hicks advised that other changes in the Bylaws were not needed because they were not outlined  in the code itself, and that the Bylaws would be sufficient. Attorney Joe Crawford concurred.  ii)  Hold a Public Hearing.  Chair Messana opened the Public Hearing at 6:39 PM.  There were no public comments.  Chair Messana closed the Public Hearing at 6:40 PM.  iii) Recommendation regarding requested variance  Chair Messana noted that a minor correction was needed to 2.03.06Jto end in aj period. Secretary Williams also Secretary Williams advised that the Council had approved the bylaws on the condition that the membership requirements would be updated to reflect the requirements of the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC). .Chair Messana expressed his concern with making that change in the event the Commission was not the CIAC in the future. Attorney Crawford advised that if the Commission does not have the members to meet a  noted that the numbering was off starting with item ii, which needed to be corrected.  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  2  March 5, 2024    CIAC requirement, the City can just supplement the CIAC with an additional member for that requirement,noting that this would bel his preference versus changing the membership requirements oft the Commission. Motion: Secretary Diane Williams moved, and Commissioner Sara Novo seconded, to recommend approval of the UDC text amendments with corrections noted. Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0. Ayes: Messana, Williams and Novo. Nays: 0. Abstentions: 0. Vice-Chair Cormack and Commissioner Rivera were  absent.  5) REGULAR AGENDA  a) Receive, discuss, and possibly give direction regarding electronic message displays (EMDs) within Section 6.12 ofthe City ofLiberty Hill Unified Development Code (UDC). (Chair Messana/M. Hicks) Chair Messana provided his research ont thet topic at the dais, noting that he would prefer tol have more discussions when Vice-Chair Cormack and Commissioner Rivera were present. Chair Messana proceeded to go over the related excerpts from code from the Cities ofLakeway, Leander, Cedar Park, and Georgetown.  Chair Messana noted the following:  Lakeway basically outlaws any electronic signs in a very succinct way.  Leander code is overly complicated, and allows the restrictions on time and lighting aspects, with rules. While Leander allows them, there are a lot of requirements, and it is only allowed as a free-standing Cedar Park was reviewed and it was noted that only 50% ofthe sign area can be electronic. Georgetown seems to prohibit them in Section 10.4 (F) and (G) while not specifically referencing  monument sign. electronic signs.  Chair Messana advised he would prefer to have discussions when the full Commission is present, and also expressed concerns that some things are not being enforced. Interim Director Hicks advised that any allowances or prohibition would be up to the will oft the Commission and Council, but she can give more guidance as needed and thinks there could be some allowances. Chair Messana stated that he was personally leaning toward prohibiting them given Dark Skies and Scenic City efforts, and believes that the core ofLiberty Hill moved here Secretary Williams reminded that at the last Commission meeting, there was consensus that the Commissioners did not like them and the only question was about schools. Secretary Williams stated that she believed that the Commission could proceed and have staff correct the sign ordinance, and the lighting ordinance accordingly, and add some language regarding schools, given there would still need to be aj public hearing which had been planned for the March 19th meeting. Interim Director Hicks mentioned perhaps gas stations should be included in any exception. Chair Messana noted that ift the Lakeway example is used, then gas stations would not be affected. Interim Director Hicks provided another gas station example and Chair Messana advised that he would prefer not Chair Messana suggested that the wording to be used ini the sign ordinance to prohibit them be from Lakeway as No sign. shall be illuminated, in whole or inj part, where the illumination is intermittent or varies in color ori intensityf from time to time, nor shall any sign be sO illuminated. that it interferes with traffic or with the  to not see them.  to allow. follows:  effectiveness of, or obscures an official traffic sign, device or signal.  Planner Stephan Zaparolli mentioned that there may be a way to address schools under the exception clause like subdivision signs. Chair Messana advised that he didn'twant: al blanket exception, stressing that there still needed  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  3  March 5, 2024    to be parameters. Secretary Williams highlighted that would include schools still needing to abide by the curfews under the lightening ordinance. The following highlights the outcome ofadditional discussions:  Attorney Crawford advised that prohibiting should be in the sign ordinance, which would also apply to Lighting Ordinance would need to be updated to remove references to electronic signs, except for public schools, and the requirements related to lighting should be included with specific notations iti is for public Public schools only would be allowed, with restrictions discussed, and this was acceptable based on discussions with. Attorney Crawford ofthe rationale for only public schools being they are used for public  the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).  schools.  information dissemination.  As separate column for ETJ will be added to the sign ordinance table.  Lighting ordinance would be amended.  Staff will update the ordinances accordingly, with aj public hearing to be scheduled for March 19th meeting. b) Receive the 2023 Planning and Zoning Commission Bi-Annual Report from the Planning and Development Planner Zaparolli, along with Secretary Williams, reviewed the slides with the Commission. Corrections needed  Department staff. (M. Hicks/S. Zaparolli)  were noted as follows:  Slide 3, page 74, ensure bullet #5 is consistent with statistics on final graphs on later slides. Slide 4 (page 75), delete the wording beneath the graph, and add wording to the effect that while case reviews went down, overall, the Commission workload increased (see wording from last bullet ofslide 3, On statistics, Chair Messana and Secretary Williams will review past agendas for 2020 to be able to add another year given the sample is for five (5)years yet reports are: not readily available for 2020 and before. Page 77, add the definitions for MC and NH at the bottom like GEN and LUGM. Page 77 and' 78, slide numbers need tol be added ini the boxes to be consistent with other slides. Page 78, bullet #7, add "capital improvement" before "Advisory Committee" and add the acronym Page 78, bullet #5, correct wording to reflect that only the initial assessment will be done in 2024. Slide 8, page 79, add a bullet for Parkland stop gap April 2024. Slide 11, page 82, #4, capitalize the word Search; #6, capitalize the word Outside. the Commission did not review Development Agreements in 2023.  page 74)  following that as (CIAC)  Page 85, delete the statistics forl Development Agreements, while keeping the statistics for PUDs, because  Page 86, tol bei inserted by staff.  Work Plan to be updated prior to presentation to Council to ensure it is up-to-date.  6) REPORTS  a) Receive the monthly Director's Report as provided by EDC Director, Mary Poché. (M. Hicks)  Chair Messana noted that this report was the same as the last meeting. Secretary Williams advised that it was because the report was in the EDC (Economic Development Corporation) packet which was posted for the day  after the Commission meeting.  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  March 5, 2024    b) Receive the Projects in Motion Report, as provided by the Development Services Department. (M. Hicks/S. Interim Director Hicks handed out the Project in Motion Report at the dais and advised the Council that Planner Zaparolli and Kacie Glosson (Development Coordinator) had worked hard to go back over the projects in the past year. Interim Director Hicks went over the information included in the report now. Chair Messana requested it be left justified in the future. Interim Director Hicks said Katheryn Mitchell (Permit Coordinator) had provided a report on building permits that was helpful but she had not brought it to hand out. Staff was thanked for their  Zaparolli)  efforts. Planner Zaparolli noted that it was also helpful to have the data now. 7) PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT COMMENTS:  Interim Director Hicks presented the following updates:  City Council Update - P&Z Items:  P&Z Bylaws Amendment - Approved.  Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc. Master Services Agreement (MSA) ) Approved.  Appointment of Engineer of Record - Postponed. Chair Messana asked ifit was on the Council Direction was provided regarding the creation ofa streamlined site plan process for infill Working group with 2 P&Z Commissioners and 2 City Councilmembers to review ordinances impacting the downtown area and LUE reservation policy(ies) was discussed (Councilmember Young/Secretary Williams to lead working group). Secretary Williams noted that it was expected  agenda for next week, and Interim Director Hicks confirmed. development, which Interim Director Hicks is working on.  that Chair Messana would join the group.  8) FUTURE ITEMS  Interim Director Hicks presented the following upcoming future items:  Downtown Master Plan - 1st Draft Presentation by Halff Associates (March 19th). Interim Planning Director to enable time for the Engineer ofRecord to be involved.  Initial Presentation of Review of Engineering Manuals by Commission Lead Vice ChairCormack and Planning and Development Staff (March 19th). This target was moved to May 2024 at the request of the Presentation ofl Initial Draft of the Comprehensive Plan Update Process by Commission Lead Secretary Capital Improvement Advisory Committee Responsibilities: and Overview-including City Manager, City Short-Term Rentals/Hote-Mote. Tax Ordinance by Stop-Gap Work Group (April 16th). Following discussions on pending litigation in Dallas on Short-Term Rentals, this item will be split and the Hotel- Motel Tax will proceed now, and then it will be decided how to proceed on Short-Term Rentals later to  Williams (March 19th).  Staff Assessment of Comprehensive Plan Dashboard (April 2nd).  Attorney, and City Engineer (April 16th).  give time to see how the legal aspects will be resolved. Quarterly Dashboard Reporting (April 16th). Development Agreement Workshop (April 18th).  Parkland Stop-Gap Ordinance by Commission Lead Chair Messana (April 16th).  Special-Called Joint Meeting between the City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission (April TBD). There had been confusion on this target from the work plan, versus the discussions under prioritization of future agenda items, to move the joint meeting forward at the last meeting to March 7th, which had been pursued by the City Secretary Elaine Simpson but the Mayor was not available on that  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  5  March 5, 2024    date. It was determined that the next possible date was April 3rda and the City Secretary will work to confirm availability ofCouncil. Chair Messana advised that he would not be available on April 11th, when that date  was discussed as a possibility.  There was discussion on the information to be provided under this Agenda Item given Vice-Chair Cormack had asked fort the next two (2)monthsi information at the last meeting here, but int thej past Chair Messana had requested it be a total list to ensure nothing fell through the cracks. Staff was directed to include both sets ofinformation in separate sections. Secretary Williams reminded Staff that the first meeting ofthe month should also include the information on "Due Next Month" from the Work Plan targets, and it was determined that this section would be  placed under Reports on the agenda. 9) ADJOURNMENT  Given there were no further agenda items and hearing no objections from the members, Chair Messana PASSED AND APPROVED by the Planning and Zoning oft the City ofLiberty Hill, Texas on Warch  adjourned the meeting 7:54 PM.  19 2024,on vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions.  Steve/Messana Chair  Aa EWlans Commission or City Secretary  ER  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  6  March 5, 2024.