Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Called Meeting August 6, 2024 2801 Ranch RD 1869 6:30 PM  LIBERTY HILL Liberty Hill, TX 78642 SMALL TOWNBIG HEART Meeting minutes  Commissioners Present: Chad Cormack, Vice Chair Devin Vyner Ernesto Barreras Karlyn Keller Commissioners: Absent: None City Staff Present: McKenzi Hicks, Interim Planning Director Stephan Zaparolli, PlannerI Elaine Simpson, City Secretary (Recording Secretary) Marc Calderaro, City Attorney Mayor Crystal Mancilla Council Member Amanda Young Council Member Diane Williams 1) CALL TO ORDER  The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Cormack at 6:31 PM on August 6, 2024, at 2801 Ranch Road 1869, Liberty Hill, Texas. Quorum was established and all members were present. Vice-Chair Cormack led the invocation and  Pledges.  2. PUBLIC COMMENTS  Public Comments are welcome. You may submit Public Comments in person, or you may submit to the City Secretary at simpon@iberyAlicgor before 3:00 PM the day of the meeting.  There were no Public Comments.  Planning &2 Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  Page 1 of7  August 6, 2024    2) PUBLIC: HEARING  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City ofLiberty Hill has been asked to review and  approve the following application(s), to wit:  a) Discussion, consideration, and a possible recommendation regarding proposed Unified Development Code (UDC) text amendments to Section 6.12 (Sign Regulations) and Section 6.13 (Outdoor Lighting) of the City ofLiberty Hill UDC. (M. Hicks) McKenzi Hicks, Interim Planning Director, introduced the staffr report. The changes in the ordinance will require all signs to adhere to the lighting ordinance. Itv will also prevent any future MD's after the ordinance is passed unless it is onj property owned by the ISD. The third is inserting explicit requirements in the ETJ sign regulation by requiring signs in the ETJ to adhere to the C3 zone requirements. The last one is clarifying the definition oftemporary signs.  Chad Cormack opened the Public Hearing at 6:361 PM.  Chad Moore with Moore Liberty Buildings spoke regarding how signs are significant investment for small businesses. Chad had concerns about the wording in 6.12.07 regarding Nonconforming signs. Chad requested clarification as to when his sign would need to be brought into  compliance. What is the timeline?  Thad Gillespie with Liberty Hill Dental spoke regarding his electronic message display sign. He installed his sign in 2015 with the appropriate permit. Mr. Gillespie commented that he assumed his sign would be grandfathered in and if that is not the case, he has a very strong objection to this ordinance. Mr. Gillespie requested the City work with the existing business owners towards Keith Bright with Brightfire Cigars spoke in opposition to Dark Skies as iti is bad for business and lacks safety. Mr. Bright suggested that ordinances should be written specifically for that Nick Page, Liberty Hill citizen for 25 years. Mr. Page commented that as a homeowner he should not be seeing lights from Highway 29. Mr. Page would like for the lights to be turned Andrea Farr with Texas Pawn &. Jewelry spoke and informed the Commission that she permitted her sign in compliance with the City code and erected it in 2020 and there is an electronic message display at that location. This was a $30,000 sign. This sign is the primary way that location advertises. Ms. Farr is opposed to a change in the sign and lighting ordinance. Ms. Farr said that having lights around her property at night detours someone from breaking into a Dawn Davies, Night Sky Program Manager for Hill Country Alliance and head of the Hill Country Night Sky team. She is delighted to see progress and where the community is going. Ms. Davies said this not about turning off the lights but about dimming the color temperature and  al better future.  community and not cut and pasted from another community.  down or dimmed at night.  location.  directing the light where it needs to go.  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  Page 2of7  August 6, 2024    Jon Branigan, long time Liberty Hill citizen, spoke that he was against the Dark Sky Ordinance. He would like less government and not more. The City needs tol help businesses and Mark Grossman with Jonestown Dark Sky Advocacy spoke about how Jonestown started its Darks Skies community. Mr. Grossman encouraged folks to visit Jonestown and see its  developments come to the City and not hinder growth.  businesses' lights and signs.  Brent Lloyd signed up to speak but chose not to.  Donna Leonard, Liberty Hill citizen since 2015 and started Liberty Hill Save our Stars. Ms. Leonard said that they were not against business owners and asked ift they would consider doing Liz Branigan, longtime Liberty Hill citizen, would like for people to work with each other and Sherry Paul, Liberty Hill citizen, owner of2 businesses in Austin with a lighting ordinance. She agrees with the business owners, but this does not prevent businesses from thriving. Elaine Simpson, City Secretary, read emails from concerned citizens. Chad Cormack closed the Public Hearing at 7:39 PM.  things a little differently and learn about it.  find the best way to do this.  Chad Cormack asked McKenzi Hicks for clarification on the two ordinances. Chad informed that the Commissioners that the Commission is only the recommending body, but the City Chad Cormack opened the item up for discussion amongst the Commissioners. Chad asked about the grandfathering and the timeline for being brought into compliance. McKenzi responded that only the toning down of the lighting would have to be brought into compliance within five years but the sign could remain. Audience member asked for the Commission to redline the 2700 kelvin number because it is the dimmest light you can buy and not useful. Commissioner Barreras asked what the process is for a citizen to amend an ordinance? McKenzi responded there are certain times during the year where a Planning & Zoning Commission will hear UDC text amendments from the public. Audience member also requested that the Commission redline the verbiage that a business owner has to get a permit to fix a sign that has  Council makes the final decision.  been damaged.  Chad Cormack reopened the Public Hearing at' 7:51 PM.  Mr. Bright, owner of Thirsty Penguin and building where Capital Title is located. He just installed the Thirsty Penguin sign board a couple of years ago and he is in a seven-year contract for that board. Mr. Bright asked for clarification on what needs to happen in 5 years with his  sign.  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  Page 3of7  August 6, 2024    Chris Winkley with Winkley's General Store spoke about the money he spent on his sign. He said he followed the permitting rules for his sign. Mr. Winkley expressed his concern for safety and lighting. Mr. Winkley also suggested the City assist the business owners with funding to  redo their signs.  Chad Cormack closed the Public Hearing at 7:58 PM.  Chad Cormack re-opened the item up for discussion amongst the Commissioners. Commissioner Vyner spoke about the safety oflighting. Commissioner Vyner also expressed concern over the wording that "ifyou can see the light source from a different property, itis Commissioner Barreras asked for the definition of starlike lighting and what that means. Commissioner Keller had concerns over just receiving the redlines the day of the meeting and not having enough time to review the changes. Commissioner Keller requested that in the future they receive more time to review on redlines. Commissioner Keller also would like to see some grandfathering for existing business owner's signs. Commissioner Keller expressed concerns about the schools being able to have lights on targeting sports wins, she would like that term "sports" removed and have it be more broader. She would also like to know the different levels ofkelvins. What kelvin level do business owners have now? Commissioners Barreras and Vyner agreed with Commissioner Keller wanting to know what the difference in kelvin levels are. Commissioner Cormack echoed his concerns regarding the grandfathering in for existing Dawn Davies, Night Sky Program Manager for Hill Country Alliance and head of the Hill Country Night Sky team, informed the Commission that per the guidelines ofI Dark Sky International once a community receives their designation they must come into full compliance within five years. Commissioner Keller asked to see a copy oft the Dark Sky International Motion: Motion by Commissioner Vyner, seconded by Commissioner Keller, to recommend approval of the proposed text amendments with the revision to 6.13.06a.(12) oft the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, strike "athletic victories" and replace with "achievements". Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote: Ayes: Cormack, Keller, Vyner, and  unlawful".  business owners and the limitations that relate to the ISD.  guidelines.  Barreras. Nays: 0  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  Page 4of7  August 6, 2024    3) CONSENT AGENDA  a) Approval of Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting July 16, 2024 meeting  minutes. (E. Simpson)  b) Disapproval oft the Natalie Sutton (3. Acres) Preliminary Plat, consisting of approximately 3.437 acres ofland, addressed as Hwy 29, more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcels R543512, R543513 and legally described as part of and out oft the. John B. Berry Survey, Abstract No. 56, Williamson County, c) Disapproval oft the Gunner Southwest Minor Plat, consisting ofa approximately 35.865 acres of land, more particularly described by Williamson Central Appraisal District Parcel R022856 and legally described as part ofa and out of the John B. Robinson Survey, Abstract No. 521 in Liberty Hill, Williamson County, Texas. (M. Hicks)  Texas. (M. Hicks)  Motion: Motion by Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Vyner, to approve the consent agenda as presented. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote:  Ayes: Cormack, Keller, Vyner, and Barreras. Nays: 0  4) REGULAR AGENDA  a) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding recommending an appointment Jon Branigan, Planning and Zoning Commission applicant, spoke about his interest in the Commission. Jon spoke about how he has helped reshape this town and bring new people here. Jon said he would be very happy to serve on thel Planning and Zoning Commission and he would McKenzi Hicks, Interim Planning Director, went over the outline of the applicants. Motion: Motion by Commissioner Cormack, seconded by Commissioner Barreras, to recommend to City Council to consider Matthew Miller, Jeff! Mayes, and Dale Cox to fill the vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote: Ayes: Cormack, Keller, Vyner, and Barreras. Nays: 0  tot thel Planning and Zoning Commission. (M. Hicks/E. Simpson)  bring his experience and qualifications to the Commission.  Planning &2 Zoning Commission! Meeting minutes  Page 5of7  August 6, 2024    5) REPORTS  Att this time, the Commission may consider reports which do not require action. Examples might be reports.from other committees orfrom the Cross-Committee Communications group.  a) Receive the Projects in Motion Report. (S. Zaparolli)  Stephan Zaparolli, Planner I, went over the Projects in Motion Report. There were three requests for releases from the ETJ. McKenzi Hicks, Interim Planning Director, went over the process for being released from the ETJ. The department has received four more site plans. The department  has received a new plat from Gunner Southwest. b) Receive the Future Items Report. (M. Hicks)  McKenzi Hicks, Interim Planning Director, went over the future items report. The Downtown Master Plan has been adopted. The first phase funding in the amount of $200,000 for the UDC Rewrite has been established in the next fiscal year budget. The RFP for the UDC Rewrite has been prepared and she has a meeting with the purchasing coordinator next week to go over the process. Commissioner Keller requested a copy oft the current UDC and Engineering Manual. McKenzi will send a link to the UDC and Engineering Manual, but currently the City uses the Commissioner Cormack requested a future agenda item for McKenzi and Stephan to educate the Commission on the UDC to include what ordinances changes have been made, why do we need to sync it up with the new Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Cormack would like this item in Commissioner Barreras requested to add water to the reports. McKenzi will speak with City Council at its next Executive Session for their thoughts on adding water to the Planning & Commissioner Keller asked about the Comp Plan Dashboard and requested an update on the dashboard. Commissioner Cormack asked McKenzi to send the Commission the Comp Plan Commissioner Barreras asked about what happened to the District 29 and asked it to be put on a Commissioner Cormack is going to start meeting with McKenzi on the Thursday before agendas are posted. Commissioner Cormack asked the board that any agenda items they would like to see on the agenda to email those requests to McKenzi, Stephan and cc him on it.  City of Round Rock's Engineering Manual.  the next 4-6 weeks.  Zoning reports.  Dashboard. future agenda.  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  Page 6of7  August 6, 2024    6) PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT COMMENTS:  TML Workshop Land Use Essentials for City Officials (August 22nd from 9:00 am  to3:00 pm in Austin) City Council Update-I P&Z Items  Downtown Master Plan - Approved - will be on website soon. Gracie Lane Acceptance of Public Infrastructure & Deeds - Approved  7) ADJOURNMENT  Given there were no further agenda items and hearing no objections from the members,  Commissioner Cormack adjourned the meeting at 8:49 PM.  PASSED AND APPROVED by the Planning and Zoning of the City of Liberty Hill, Texas on October, 2024, on vote of_ ayes, Onays,and 0 abstentions.  aD AB Chair Chad Cormack  City Sectetary  honiv  III LIBERDN  D/  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting minutes  Page7of7  August 6, 2024