The happiness of society is the end of government. - John Adams
Action Item 2:
District Attorney Kenda Culpepper needs some help prosecuting drunks! She wants the city to loan out the services of our municipal judge in issuing warrants to draw blood from suspecting drunk drivers. Presbyterian and Lake Pointe hospitals will be doing the blood draws. All local police agencies are on board.
Consent Agenda.
1 and 8 pulled.
Item 8: City's ETJ moving north into Collin County. Matt opposed as it eventually the city will annex the ETJ and put part of Rockwall into another county.
Appointments.
1. New P&Z chair Michael Hunter presented a couple things from last weeks meeting: HCA portable buildings and Zoning of the Zoo.
2. Flood plain. Summary: Lady bought a house in 2006, in 2008 she went to refinance and discovered the property was now considered flood plain. Built in 1984, re-surveyed by the city and FEMA in 2006 (Ongoing prior, but the 2006 study is the one that affected this house.) After much effort and expense she was able to get the structure certified out of the flood plain to lower insurance.
Then for the next hour all the intricacies of flood plain mapping were discussed.
City engineer Chuck Todd stated "several hundred" were affected by the changes.
David Sweet and Matt Scott thought the city should have done a better job informing those who would be affected by the changes. And by better, I think they mean "a".
Basically, it seems if you live near a creek, pond or lake, you were probably affected.
If only the city had enacted "green" initiatives sooner!
3 and 4. Bond issuance stuff. Rockwall has good credit. A motion was made and passed (but I don't really think they know what the vote was about!)
[Councilman Russo for some reason started playing hide and seek under his desk. Not sure who was "it".]
5. Fella needs to extend his 212 agreement with city (forgot to file and now has to beg.) Passes 6-1 (Matt opposed)
Then for some inexplicable reason, Mayor Cecil skipped the public hearing item and moved into action items, confusing many.
Action Items.
1. Destruction of "dangerous property" in LRE. Land owner cannot afford to repair or demolish the structure himself, and is willing to allow the city to do so, after which a lien will be put on the property to recover the money once sold. Seems to me the owner shoulda sold the land, cuz now if he sells it, he'll be out $3k!
Of course, if he had put a plastic yellow fence (as was done on a burned up home off 552) instead of relying on a chain link fence to keep people out, that would have been ok!
Mayor Cecil realizes his mistake and goes back to public hearing item.
1. Heritage Christian Academy SUP thingy (see previous CP&Z posts.)
Margo had questions about fire safety. Chief Poindexter said the portables are safe, do get inspections, and are the same as those used by the PUBLIC schools.
David made a motion to approve for 1 year only, so that the school can go through the laborious process again next year.
Glen made note that he would like to see the portable "gone from the landscape". Not sure if he included the public school's portables in that.
The school needs $700,000 to finish out a building that would replace the need for the portables.
No one on the council volunteered to help.
3. Build a new radio tower for city use. Margo wants it pretty.
4. HOA Subcommittee again again. It was disolved 7-0. Then there was talk of forming another one. Some folks were named to be on the council subcommittee and a citizens committee.
"Naming people to a committee out of executive session?", I proclaimed in my head.
"Naming people to a committee out of executive session?", Mayor Cecil proclaimed .5 seconds after my thought!
The new committee will form some rules the new HOA's could adopt to have continuity in rules amongst HOA's.
If only there were some sort of council in the city that could create uniform rules that could be used by all citizens without the need for some smaller governing body to dictate behavior.
6. Apparently fence permit laws aren't restrictive enough. Here's the rule regarding permits:
Sec. 6-125. Permit required; applications; fees.
No fence shall be constructed within the city without the owner or person in control of such premises, or his agent or contractor, having secured a permit therefore from the building official of the city. Applications shall be made and a permit issued on forms promulgated by the code official for such purpose. The fees for such permits shall be as established by resolution of the city.
You don't need a permit to fix your fence (at least according to what I read) but the need must exist!
Imagine! People just going out and fixing their fences without an unqualified government agent to oversee the project!
City staff will keep looking into the issue, or as Cliff states: more clarity needed. (To me, when an elected official says "more clarity", I always hear "greater role".)
6. David Sweet and Matt Scott don't like people parking on grass in front of homes. I suggest they don't do it, then.
Mr Scott believes if you have a driveway, you should use it: "That's what it's for." (I wonder if we will soon start looking at people who use garages as storage rooms and not used for cars.)
Also, when Mr Farris made an objection, noting that some may park in the yard to wash a vehicle, Mr Scott responded that no one does that! It would kill the grass! (I believe I heard once that Mr Farris went to Bryan Adams HS. I too lived near BA for a couple years and can attest to the fact that people do wash their cars in grass. As a kid in Garland we were forbidden from washing cars on the driveway and always did so in the grass. If only it were true it killed the grass and I hated mowing the lawn, which was always so lush and green, especially the place where we washed!)
And this is not directed at Lake Rockwall Estates, because Mr Scott made a point to say this is not directed at Lake Rockwall Estates.
"There is no reason for this!"
And when objections were raised by other council members: "We don't want to penalize folks with legitimate issues [for parking in the grass]."
I always like it when a government body gets to decided what is "legitimate."
Mr Sevier also pointed out that he "hated" cars parking in the grass, to which I suggest he also not do.
Mayor Cecil said that if there is an ordinance, it must be enforceable (which this would be hard to do.)
Regarding enforcement, the "dog tethering" issue was mentioned as another that would be hard to enforce, and therefore no ordinance against tethering exists in the city. I found this last week in the animal control ordinances:
(e) Tying dogs. It shall be unlawful for any person to tie or tether a dog to a stationary object for a period of time or in a location so as to create an unhealthy situation for the animal or a potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian as determined by the supervisor of animal control.
The movement to control parking behavior morphed into just banning parking on the grass in the front yard of a home. Which staff will look into again.
Amazing after 150+ years since founding, that now it's a problem.
Some other points:
-I left city hall and went down Storrs to Clark. 5 homes had cars parked in grass (culvert) in the front yard.
-All of the objections (which were called rare) I could point to from the short drive from the corner of Texas and Tubbs to my house on Perch.
-Is the grass culvert "front yard"? (I have to mow it.)
This is just a pet peeve that a couple council members have and are now excersing powers to change behavior they do not approve. Amazing to me how concepts like liberty and freedom are so championed by the people when it comes to federal and state issues, but in small local issues, freedom and liberty are ignored or even ridiculed by those in power.
Freedom isn't doing what you want. It's others doing thing you don't like.
Dr. Thomas Sowell has an excellent column about this from a few months ago.
This also reminded me about a lady celebrating her 100th birthday a couple years ago. When asked her secret for long life she responded, "I spent the first 50 years minding my own business, and the last 50 staying out of other people's business."
Get over yourselves.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Central Planning and Zoning 11 August
Four new commissioners!
Plus new chairman, Michael Hunter, and vice chairman, Phillip Herbst.
Basically only two things going on this time.
Mr Hunter started the public hearing by noting that quite a few people showed up to speak, and would like them not to repeat what others say over and over and over.
So the dynamic oration begins:
Public Hearing #1 concerns Heritage Christian Academy wanting an extension on an SUP for some portables they use.
Mr Herbst started by wanting to know the long range plans of the school regarding finishing out an exiting permanent structure.
1st Item: HCA doesn't have a lot of money. Nor the power to threaten by force the public at large for educational funding.
More from Herbst:
How long can city keep issuing SUP's?
The city can't do this forever!
Kristen Minth wanted to klnow the time frame for making the portable look "nice".
Mr Buchanan would like the SUP to end when the finish out is completed.
Mr Herbst noted the neighbors were fine with the portables. Like the city cares what only the people affected by an issue care. There ARE lots of people who don't even know the portables are on the property and cannot be seen from the road or from any properties adjacent. Thanks goodness the city worries about those folks!
Connie Jackson would like to skirting on the portable to keep kids from going under the building. (I guess the assumption is the staff at HCA is kinda new at the whole "watching kids" thing and ain't smart enough to keep their students safe without city help.)
Also, she added that she knows the economy is tough, but in 3 years the city will demand to know why the school is still using portables!
Buchanan: Repeated what everyone else just said.
Minth: Repeated what everyone else said.
Didn't they listen to what Mr Hunter said at the beginning?
(All animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others - George Orwell, Animal Farm)
Summary of HCA's comments: HCA doesn't have the $600,000 to finish out the building.
Side note - Don't Rockwall PUBLIC schools use portables? I know I had several classes in portables when I went to school here.
2nd item: The Zoo! Zoning for Lake Rocwkall Estates! (I can almost taste the legitimacy of my citizenship!)
Summary of staff:
In English: "Does anyone here not speak English?"
There are stick built, manufactured, and quite a few multifamily homes in LRE.
"Many" citizens spoke against multifamily being allowed.
Subcommittee and task force recommended a mix of types of housing.
The laws of mathematics do not apply.
Then the great derailing happened:SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER
Some guy says his house is in the flood plain, will he have to leave?
No.
The Lady of Lake: "Now that I'm iun the city I see you don't allow development in the floodplain which really screwed up my plan to make phat loot developing it after getting annexed which I supported!!! Maybe city wants a park (hint hint)?"
James Merkel pointed out that deed restrictions forbid multifamily. (City is under no obligation to honor deed restrictions.) He opposes multifamily.
All others who spoke opposed multifamily.
(There was lively debate and excellent points made by commission. As well of lots and lots of repeating what had been said.)
In the end Mr Herbst made the motion to approve the zoning change, but to omit the multifamily. (few other changes, but no anger inducing changes)
Passes 7-0. So the P&Z agrees with the citizens. No one living in LRE wants multifamily.
Now all that's left is council approval. (E.g. it ain't over.)
Plus new chairman, Michael Hunter, and vice chairman, Phillip Herbst.
Basically only two things going on this time.
Mr Hunter started the public hearing by noting that quite a few people showed up to speak, and would like them not to repeat what others say over and over and over.
So the dynamic oration begins:
Public Hearing #1 concerns Heritage Christian Academy wanting an extension on an SUP for some portables they use.
Mr Herbst started by wanting to know the long range plans of the school regarding finishing out an exiting permanent structure.
1st Item: HCA doesn't have a lot of money. Nor the power to threaten by force the public at large for educational funding.
More from Herbst:
How long can city keep issuing SUP's?
The city can't do this forever!
Kristen Minth wanted to klnow the time frame for making the portable look "nice".
Mr Buchanan would like the SUP to end when the finish out is completed.
Mr Herbst noted the neighbors were fine with the portables. Like the city cares what only the people affected by an issue care. There ARE lots of people who don't even know the portables are on the property and cannot be seen from the road or from any properties adjacent. Thanks goodness the city worries about those folks!
Connie Jackson would like to skirting on the portable to keep kids from going under the building. (I guess the assumption is the staff at HCA is kinda new at the whole "watching kids" thing and ain't smart enough to keep their students safe without city help.)
Also, she added that she knows the economy is tough, but in 3 years the city will demand to know why the school is still using portables!
Buchanan: Repeated what everyone else just said.
Minth: Repeated what everyone else said.
Didn't they listen to what Mr Hunter said at the beginning?
(All animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others - George Orwell, Animal Farm)
Summary of HCA's comments: HCA doesn't have the $600,000 to finish out the building.
Side note - Don't Rockwall PUBLIC schools use portables? I know I had several classes in portables when I went to school here.
2nd item: The Zoo! Zoning for Lake Rocwkall Estates! (I can almost taste the legitimacy of my citizenship!)
Summary of staff:
In English: "Does anyone here not speak English?"
There are stick built, manufactured, and quite a few multifamily homes in LRE.
"Many" citizens spoke against multifamily being allowed.
Subcommittee and task force recommended a mix of types of housing.
The laws of mathematics do not apply.
Then the great derailing happened:SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWERSEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER SEWER SEWER SEWER SEPTIC SEWER
Some guy says his house is in the flood plain, will he have to leave?
No.
The Lady of Lake: "Now that I'm iun the city I see you don't allow development in the floodplain which really screwed up my plan to make phat loot developing it after getting annexed which I supported!!! Maybe city wants a park (hint hint)?"
James Merkel pointed out that deed restrictions forbid multifamily. (City is under no obligation to honor deed restrictions.) He opposes multifamily.
All others who spoke opposed multifamily.
(There was lively debate and excellent points made by commission. As well of lots and lots of repeating what had been said.)
In the end Mr Herbst made the motion to approve the zoning change, but to omit the multifamily. (few other changes, but no anger inducing changes)
Passes 7-0. So the P&Z agrees with the citizens. No one living in LRE wants multifamily.
Now all that's left is council approval. (E.g. it ain't over.)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Rockwall City Council 03 August
Quick night, 2nd in a row, too. I wonder why.
III. Proclamations
1. City Attorney Pete Eckert and Former Councilman Bob Cotti present the city with a picture of the U.S.S. Rockwall. Attack Transport that saw action in WWII.
A veteran of WWII and former sailor aboard the Rockwall, Dr Jordan (hope that's right) was present and told a story of how he saved a man's life duirng operations in the Pacific Theater.
Accepting the picture were the mayors and city managers of Rockwall and Heath.
A photo of the U.S.S. Heath was unavailable.
2. Kiawnis from Texas and Oklahoma are in town for a regional convention. Word has it the Rotarians are out looking to "rough up" any Kiwanis walking alone.
IV. Open Forum.
1. Fella who talked really needed an appointment and got it!
V. Consent Agenda.
Passed unanimously, nothing pulled.
VI. Appointments.
1. Bill Bricker talked about the P&Z's recommendations regarding the PD's (see previous post, I refuse to revisit here - too painful)
3. Speed Fab Crete and the Fire Stations.
#3 done, # 4 Almost there. (Stay on target)
2. Dude needs and extension of his 212 agreement after missing the deadline for mailing the request.
VII. Action Items.
3 moved to next meeting as Matt Scott absent, again:
6. HOA Subcommitee talk.
8. Fence ordinance talk.
9. "Parking on unimproved surfaces" talk.
1. Some money coming back to city from fire station project, and some of that is going back out "in the interest of fairness" to the architectural firm who forgot to add it to the contract.
I THINK $330k was returned, and then somewhere between $200k and $75k was give to the architect (they sure make it hard to understand when they are spending our money.)
2. Something about money or bonds or taxes.
3. Similar to 2, money stuff. Read it on the agenda if you want.
4. More of our money allocated to dedication plaques for the new fire stations: $8452.80 for 4 signs.
5. Fire Chief wants to swap some money in the fire station equipment funding for "Bunker Washing Gear" and "SCBA Filling Machines" in lieu of vehicle exhaust systems (not the fire truck mufflers, CO exhaust inside the bays).
7. Grand opening dates for fire stations discussed. Both will be on same day, probably in October or November. Donuts at 10a at #3 and cookies at 4p for #4 (same day).
10. If you got some "Weekend Development Directional Signs" you have been itching to use, now is your chance! But only from Friday evening to Sunday evening.
11. City of Rockwall in the movie biz discussion. This excites Mark Russo most of all. (Maybe awaiting his big break!)
12. Something about Atmos Energy (last item, no one cares, passes quickly)
VIII. City Managers Report(s).
I was going to go into great detail of all things discussed, but then I saw a frog in my garden this evening. Had to choose between report and frog picture, I chose the more interesting:
III. Proclamations
1. City Attorney Pete Eckert and Former Councilman Bob Cotti present the city with a picture of the U.S.S. Rockwall. Attack Transport that saw action in WWII.
A veteran of WWII and former sailor aboard the Rockwall, Dr Jordan (hope that's right) was present and told a story of how he saved a man's life duirng operations in the Pacific Theater.
Accepting the picture were the mayors and city managers of Rockwall and Heath.
A photo of the U.S.S. Heath was unavailable.
2. Kiawnis from Texas and Oklahoma are in town for a regional convention. Word has it the Rotarians are out looking to "rough up" any Kiwanis walking alone.
IV. Open Forum.
1. Fella who talked really needed an appointment and got it!
V. Consent Agenda.
Passed unanimously, nothing pulled.
VI. Appointments.
1. Bill Bricker talked about the P&Z's recommendations regarding the PD's (see previous post, I refuse to revisit here - too painful)
3. Speed Fab Crete and the Fire Stations.
#3 done, # 4 Almost there. (Stay on target)
2. Dude needs and extension of his 212 agreement after missing the deadline for mailing the request.
VII. Action Items.
3 moved to next meeting as Matt Scott absent, again:
6. HOA Subcommitee talk.
8. Fence ordinance talk.
9. "Parking on unimproved surfaces" talk.
1. Some money coming back to city from fire station project, and some of that is going back out "in the interest of fairness" to the architectural firm who forgot to add it to the contract.
I THINK $330k was returned, and then somewhere between $200k and $75k was give to the architect (they sure make it hard to understand when they are spending our money.)
2. Something about money or bonds or taxes.
3. Similar to 2, money stuff. Read it on the agenda if you want.
4. More of our money allocated to dedication plaques for the new fire stations: $8452.80 for 4 signs.
5. Fire Chief wants to swap some money in the fire station equipment funding for "Bunker Washing Gear" and "SCBA Filling Machines" in lieu of vehicle exhaust systems (not the fire truck mufflers, CO exhaust inside the bays).
7. Grand opening dates for fire stations discussed. Both will be on same day, probably in October or November. Donuts at 10a at #3 and cookies at 4p for #4 (same day).
10. If you got some "Weekend Development Directional Signs" you have been itching to use, now is your chance! But only from Friday evening to Sunday evening.
11. City of Rockwall in the movie biz discussion. This excites Mark Russo most of all. (Maybe awaiting his big break!)
12. Something about Atmos Energy (last item, no one cares, passes quickly)
VIII. City Managers Report(s).
I was going to go into great detail of all things discussed, but then I saw a frog in my garden this evening. Had to choose between report and frog picture, I chose the more interesting:
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Central Planning and Zoning 28 July
All good things must come to an end. Alas, the central planning & zoning commission is not coming to an end.
Two new commissioners were introduced: Tony Hayes (who mentioned "driving around" the Zoo in an informal chat with me before the meeting) and Kristen Minth (someone I've known for nearly 30 years).
I hope they're better than the last. /crosses fingers
Action Items.
3. Discussion of some PD's. Basically, PD's are reviewed every couple years and decisions are made whether or not changes need to be made to those PD's.
The one of most interest to the commission and owner, are PD's 26 and 31. A fella owns the properties governed by these PD's and the city may or may not want to consider if it is or isn't neccessary to change the PD's or possibly leave well enough alone at least until later or maybe not.
The properties are right about where the John King Bypass is overpassing I-30. The owner of the land doesn't know what the state is going to do and how it will affect his property, and jsut wants the city to keep the PD as is until the overpass is finished. Sounds reasonable (at least to me). But reason and commissions go together like oil and jelly.
Outgoing (thank G-d) chairman Bricker, feels something must be done, because it must. Meddling is his talent and meddle he must! He even knows what's in the best interest financially for the owner of the land!
As is, the owner has the flexibility to keep making money with the current use. A zoning change would not only limit what could be done on the property, but would also prevent it's current use under cetrain circumstances which I won't go into here, but feel free to contact the city about the rules regarding re-zoning.
The recommendation is to re-review in 24 months.
4. Heritage Christian Academy needs to renew it's SUP for some portable buildings.
Commissioner Hunter wanted to know if there were plans for a permanent structure to replace the portables. He can't make a decision without knowing the school's long range plans. Portables = ugly, permanent = pretty.
Outgoing (not fast enough) commissioner Milner noted that it was cheaper to have portable buildings than to build a permanent structure.
Commssioner Buchanan wanted to know why the school is using [exisitng] portable buildings instead of [expensively] finishing out an unfinished 2nd floor of the permanent structure [during a recession]. [emphasis added].
Outgoing (almost there) chairman Bricker opposes the portables because the only reason the private school uses portables is to lower operating costs and make more money!!!
But, he notes it's perfectly ok for public schools to use portables to lower operating costs and make more robots!!!
5. Replatting of some land in front of Costco, I love you.
6. Replatting of SE corner of Quail Run and 205 that will be used for medical offices. I am just sure the council will oppose this for not being near the medical corridor and next to the hospital.
Then Bricker said somethings that I won't type as it makes my head hurt. Instead I'll put this quote from Lewis Black which is more sensible (actually overheard by Mr Black in an IHOP):
"If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
7. Replatting of some lots by the hospital.
8. Lake Rockwall rezoning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In the not too distant future, we will be that much closer to being "real" citizens! (I think we're 65.6% citizen right now. Still waiting for that city limit sign to move...)
Robert LaCroix presented the citizen input fom the poorly advertised, poorly attended first "town hall":
- Concerns about infrastructure
- Opposition to multi-family (not one citizen supported MF)
- Density concerns
- Added traffic (from density)
Now here is something interesting I learned, even with multi-family, there will be no increased density! Check it:
1. A double wide on a double lot has 2 people living in it. (Just an example). That's 2 people on 10,000sqft, or one person per 5,000 sqft.
2. Remove the double wide and add a multi family:
a. A duplex on the same two lots with 2 in each unit equals 4 people on 7,500 (or it is 7,000 now?). That's one person per 1,875sqft.
b. Triplex, 6 people on 10,000sqft or one person per 1,667sqft.
c. Quadplex, 8 people on 10,000sqft, or one person per 1,250sqft.
3. See? Besides, taking the same double lot lot and putting in 2 single family homes, with 2 in each unit, equals one person per 2,500sqft!
No density increase!
Bricker: multi-family will raise the value of the neighborhood and could raise the standard of the neighborhood.
Hunter agrees.
Milner agrees. And uses "those people" in a sentence. Developers will come in to make money and will do so by building the bestest duplexes EVAR! Multi-family is a "positive". It attracts poor people to the neighborhood and gives them an opportunity to "get their feet on the ground." Poor people need a place to come. Anything the city does will be an improvement to LRE. 10-20 years people will be praying in the direction of LRE because of how awesome it will be!!!
Paraphrased comment of Mr Milner :
PEOPLE WHO WASH OUR DISHES AND MOW OUR LAWNS DESERVE TO LIVE IN THE CITY THEY WORK.
If my parents didn't read this, I might have something to say about that comment.
Also, Milner wanted to know if the one fire hydrant in Area 2 affects the city's insurance rating.
Bricker then continued to express his love of multi-family. Multi-family will increase the value of the homes out here already. (Now, if that's true, why doesn't he and others push for multi-family next door to their house? If that's the case, logically the homes on Southhampton and Southwood
must be the most valuable pieces of real estate in all of Rockwall!
Bricker also noted that no one will build a "nice" home out in LRE anyway. Here's a proof:
1. No one will build a "nice" home in LRE
2. Anything built in LRE will not be "nice".
3. A duplex is an "anything".
4. Therefore, a duplex is not "nice" if built in LRE.
Thanks for making a great point, Bricker.
Epilogue:
Milner, with the help of William Henry Harrison's speechwriter, bids farewell.
Bricker, also his last meeting, made several points, mentioned how he valued public opinion [except those dummies in LRE].
There was then discussion about how great the city forced Costco (I love you) to look.
What a legacy.
Mr Door, meet Mr Ass.
Two new commissioners were introduced: Tony Hayes (who mentioned "driving around" the Zoo in an informal chat with me before the meeting) and Kristen Minth (someone I've known for nearly 30 years).
I hope they're better than the last. /crosses fingers
Action Items.
3. Discussion of some PD's. Basically, PD's are reviewed every couple years and decisions are made whether or not changes need to be made to those PD's.
The one of most interest to the commission and owner, are PD's 26 and 31. A fella owns the properties governed by these PD's and the city may or may not want to consider if it is or isn't neccessary to change the PD's or possibly leave well enough alone at least until later or maybe not.
The properties are right about where the John King Bypass is overpassing I-30. The owner of the land doesn't know what the state is going to do and how it will affect his property, and jsut wants the city to keep the PD as is until the overpass is finished. Sounds reasonable (at least to me). But reason and commissions go together like oil and jelly.
Outgoing (thank G-d) chairman Bricker, feels something must be done, because it must. Meddling is his talent and meddle he must! He even knows what's in the best interest financially for the owner of the land!
As is, the owner has the flexibility to keep making money with the current use. A zoning change would not only limit what could be done on the property, but would also prevent it's current use under cetrain circumstances which I won't go into here, but feel free to contact the city about the rules regarding re-zoning.
The recommendation is to re-review in 24 months.
4. Heritage Christian Academy needs to renew it's SUP for some portable buildings.
Commissioner Hunter wanted to know if there were plans for a permanent structure to replace the portables. He can't make a decision without knowing the school's long range plans. Portables = ugly, permanent = pretty.
Outgoing (not fast enough) commissioner Milner noted that it was cheaper to have portable buildings than to build a permanent structure.
Commssioner Buchanan wanted to know why the school is using [exisitng] portable buildings instead of [expensively] finishing out an unfinished 2nd floor of the permanent structure [during a recession]. [emphasis added].
Outgoing (almost there) chairman Bricker opposes the portables because the only reason the private school uses portables is to lower operating costs and make more money!!!
But, he notes it's perfectly ok for public schools to use portables to lower operating costs and make more robots!!!
5. Replatting of some land in front of Costco, I love you.
6. Replatting of SE corner of Quail Run and 205 that will be used for medical offices. I am just sure the council will oppose this for not being near the medical corridor and next to the hospital.
Then Bricker said somethings that I won't type as it makes my head hurt. Instead I'll put this quote from Lewis Black which is more sensible (actually overheard by Mr Black in an IHOP):
"If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
7. Replatting of some lots by the hospital.
8. Lake Rockwall rezoning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In the not too distant future, we will be that much closer to being "real" citizens! (I think we're 65.6% citizen right now. Still waiting for that city limit sign to move...)
Robert LaCroix presented the citizen input fom the poorly advertised, poorly attended first "town hall":
- Concerns about infrastructure
- Opposition to multi-family (not one citizen supported MF)
- Density concerns
- Added traffic (from density)
Now here is something interesting I learned, even with multi-family, there will be no increased density! Check it:
1. A double wide on a double lot has 2 people living in it. (Just an example). That's 2 people on 10,000sqft, or one person per 5,000 sqft.
2. Remove the double wide and add a multi family:
a. A duplex on the same two lots with 2 in each unit equals 4 people on 7,500 (or it is 7,000 now?). That's one person per 1,875sqft.
b. Triplex, 6 people on 10,000sqft or one person per 1,667sqft.
c. Quadplex, 8 people on 10,000sqft, or one person per 1,250sqft.
3. See? Besides, taking the same double lot lot and putting in 2 single family homes, with 2 in each unit, equals one person per 2,500sqft!
No density increase!
Bricker: multi-family will raise the value of the neighborhood and could raise the standard of the neighborhood.
Hunter agrees.
Milner agrees. And uses "those people" in a sentence. Developers will come in to make money and will do so by building the bestest duplexes EVAR! Multi-family is a "positive". It attracts poor people to the neighborhood and gives them an opportunity to "get their feet on the ground." Poor people need a place to come. Anything the city does will be an improvement to LRE. 10-20 years people will be praying in the direction of LRE because of how awesome it will be!!!
Paraphrased comment of Mr Milner :
PEOPLE WHO WASH OUR DISHES AND MOW OUR LAWNS DESERVE TO LIVE IN THE CITY THEY WORK.
If my parents didn't read this, I might have something to say about that comment.
Also, Milner wanted to know if the one fire hydrant in Area 2 affects the city's insurance rating.
Bricker then continued to express his love of multi-family. Multi-family will increase the value of the homes out here already. (Now, if that's true, why doesn't he and others push for multi-family next door to their house? If that's the case, logically the homes on Southhampton and Southwood
must be the most valuable pieces of real estate in all of Rockwall!
Bricker also noted that no one will build a "nice" home out in LRE anyway. Here's a proof:
1. No one will build a "nice" home in LRE
2. Anything built in LRE will not be "nice".
3. A duplex is an "anything".
4. Therefore, a duplex is not "nice" if built in LRE.
Thanks for making a great point, Bricker.
Epilogue:
Milner, with the help of William Henry Harrison's speechwriter, bids farewell.
Bricker, also his last meeting, made several points, mentioned how he valued public opinion [except those dummies in LRE].
There was then discussion about how great the city forced Costco (I love you) to look.
What a legacy.
Mr Door, meet Mr Ass.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
"Town Hall Meeting" 23 July
Fact: What the citizens of the Zoo want is irrelevant.
The city long ago, with input from input from uppity white folk, decided what will be done with Lake Rockwall Estates.
The citizens of the Zoo deserve such treatment (punishment). After years and years of refusing to "clean up" the neighborhood, the city comes in with a grand plan to help all those trashy, ignorant folks fix their lives. We can only blame ourselves for the city's actions. We are too stupid and poor to make wise choices (for instance even MOVING into the neighborhood shows a lack of brains).
I for one welcome our new overlords.
It is time for the citizens out there to shut their mouths, and take their paddlins' like big boys and girls. The majority supported annexation, and this is exactly what many (in the minority) expected: Do-gooder mentality and forced compliance.
Here's a breakdown of those who spoke at the poorly advertised, poorly attended "town hall":
Joel Morgan, 234 Perch, 30-year resident - Wants water (from city)
Debbie Adams, 485 Eva, 30-year resident - Opposes Multi-family, wants another entrance to Area 2
Eldon Mass, 40-year resident - Wants water (from city)
David Jurrasicpark, non-resident land-owner, wants to build a quadplex. Also bought a home in flood plain he is unable to sell on Lakeside.
Antonio Rico, 1157 Yvonne - Opposes Multi-family, wants water (from city)
Leslie Price, 394 Wayne - Opposes Multi-family, wants water (from city)
Mary Garza, 482 Eva, 12-year resident - Opposes Multi-family
Joe Hayes, 303 Tubbs - Big trucks tearing up roads, youths bein' rowdy at night, wants street lights
Gerry Polsey, 131 Lynne, 27-year resident - Opposes Multi-family
Cindy Ellis, 394 Wayne, property owner - Opposes Multi-family
Larry Jackson, Blanche, - Opposes Multi-family
Nona Hayes, 303 Tubbs - Too many big trucks
"Bulletproof vest" guy, Althea, 36-year resident - Opposes Multi-family
The city long ago, with input from input from uppity white folk, decided what will be done with Lake Rockwall Estates.
The citizens of the Zoo deserve such treatment (punishment). After years and years of refusing to "clean up" the neighborhood, the city comes in with a grand plan to help all those trashy, ignorant folks fix their lives. We can only blame ourselves for the city's actions. We are too stupid and poor to make wise choices (for instance even MOVING into the neighborhood shows a lack of brains).
I for one welcome our new overlords.
It is time for the citizens out there to shut their mouths, and take their paddlins' like big boys and girls. The majority supported annexation, and this is exactly what many (in the minority) expected: Do-gooder mentality and forced compliance.
Here's a breakdown of those who spoke at the poorly advertised, poorly attended "town hall":
Joel Morgan, 234 Perch, 30-year resident - Wants water (from city)
Debbie Adams, 485 Eva, 30-year resident - Opposes Multi-family, wants another entrance to Area 2
Eldon Mass, 40-year resident - Wants water (from city)
David Jurrasicpark, non-resident land-owner, wants to build a quadplex. Also bought a home in flood plain he is unable to sell on Lakeside.
Antonio Rico, 1157 Yvonne - Opposes Multi-family, wants water (from city)
Leslie Price, 394 Wayne - Opposes Multi-family, wants water (from city)
Mary Garza, 482 Eva, 12-year resident - Opposes Multi-family
Joe Hayes, 303 Tubbs - Big trucks tearing up roads, youths bein' rowdy at night, wants street lights
Gerry Polsey, 131 Lynne, 27-year resident - Opposes Multi-family
Cindy Ellis, 394 Wayne, property owner - Opposes Multi-family
Larry Jackson, Blanche, - Opposes Multi-family
Nona Hayes, 303 Tubbs - Too many big trucks
"Bulletproof vest" guy, Althea, 36-year resident - Opposes Multi-family
Shannon Nerren, 599 Trout, 3-year resident - Opposes Multi-family
Reasons people opposed multi-family houses:
Overcrowding an already overcrowded area
Renters not as good neighbors as owners
Increase in traffic
Sex offenders like duplexes (???, that's what she said.)
Deed restrictions do not permit
Duplexes replacing manufactured homes negatively affects drainage (as per a Registered Professional Engineer and resident)
Impact on infrastructure has not been looked at by city
In summary: Not one resident spoke in favor of multi-family, and most who spoke oppose multi-family.
Will the city listen to the concerns of the citizens? How could they? 99.99999999999% of teh Zoo don't even speak English!!!! And the remaining 0.00000000001 speak some form of white-trash hillbilly!
Reasons people opposed multi-family houses:
Overcrowding an already overcrowded area
Renters not as good neighbors as owners
Increase in traffic
Sex offenders like duplexes (???, that's what she said.)
Deed restrictions do not permit
Duplexes replacing manufactured homes negatively affects drainage (as per a Registered Professional Engineer and resident)
Impact on infrastructure has not been looked at by city
In summary: Not one resident spoke in favor of multi-family, and most who spoke oppose multi-family.
Will the city listen to the concerns of the citizens? How could they? 99.99999999999% of teh Zoo don't even speak English!!!! And the remaining 0.00000000001 speak some form of white-trash hillbilly!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Rockwall City Council 20 July
III. Proclamations
NFPA Safe Community Awarded for kids having learned that everything they love is dangerous: bikes, fire, guns, poison, etc. Apparently written by Tolstoy.
The city of Rockwall gives out FREE (Yes, Ben, I said free.) smoke detectors at the fire stations. They will even install them!
IV. Consent Agenda.
1. Minutes
2. Mother-in-Law Storage approval
3. Approval of a bid ($$)
4. Atmos something or other.
All approved.
V. Appointments. Commissioner Herbst, sitting in for Chairman Bricker, says nothing.
VI. Public Hearings.
1. Guy turning 3 lots into 1. No public spoke. Approved by council.
2. Hair Salon thingy. Limit to 1 chair. Public Silent. Approved.
3. Solar Panels! Basically:
Glen hearts solar panels.
Cliff believes no one (other than owner) should have issues of aesthetics regarding one's own home.
Mark wants an update in the future.
The home owner is getting a write-off and Oncor money to off-set the costs, and expects a 5 year payback on his 4kw system.
I was sorely disappointed the council missed such a grand opportunity to ask ridiculous questions. Passes with almost no discussion!
VII. Action Items.
Items 1 & 6 regarding parking on unpaved surface and fences moved to next meeting. Weird how things that would so greatly impact the Zoo keep coming up after not being an issue during the previous 150+ years since Rockwall's founding.
2. City water restrictions something or other on people who pay for city water. (I assume it for city water customers, because I don't get city water and would find it downright tyrannical if the city tried to impose it's restrictions on non-customers like those of the Zoo, 95% of whom thought we would be getting a cheaper water rate once annexed, as that was all they really cared about. $150.00 this month for a house <1000sqft.) style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" size="1">(The items from here to #11 had to be re-written as something got ate up like a soup sandwich, hope I can recreate. I am quite irritated now.)
3. Area in danger of being annexed had an agreement not to develop in exchange they don't get annexed. Extended for another year.
4. Same as 3, different area.
5. City about to get "all up in the Shores Golf Course" business. Public forum will be held so questions can be asked. Questions like, "Why does the city have authority over a private golf course?" and "Why isn't this a concern of anyone other than members?".
7. Main Street Rib Rub. BBBQ competition and stuff.
(Irritation level growing, as I have written so much on all this before!)
8. More main street stuff.
Money being doled out for private businesses to update signage.
Other things:
-San Jacinto Court (Harbor competition?)
-Directional kiosks for those with myopia and neck problems to find things on square
-Sidewalk repairs
-Dog Days Event
9. Sign thing moved to next meeting.
10. David presents best idea of night! Broadcasting of city council meetings. 2 years ago city had an estimated cost of $85,000. Thank God technology has come so far with the recent invention of the "internet" and "web cams"!
Of course, this isn't nearly complicated or expensive enough for a bureaucrat to consider! After all, the peoples' money won't overspend its self!
It's not like you can go to Wal-Mart and get some cheap web cam off the shelf! Further, it's a very compicated procedure to set it up that requires a brilliant IT company's technician to install! Not just ANYBODY can do it!
(irritation back to normal levels)
11. In case you haven't heard, Family Circle has declared Rockwall one of the top 10 places to raise a family! And the city wants the world to know!
12. 2 residents have complained to the city about teenagers hanging out at the Harbor overflow parking lot.
Reports of wheelies (!), loud talking, illegal drinking, hood surfing, trucks driving on a road, and reckless driving on the street.
Police have been out many times without issuing any citations or finding any wrongdoing. Some are worried about "logging" a complaint as it will lower their property value.
Cliff and Bill would consider a restriction of times of use.
Margo points out that there have been no offenses, and this could lead those hanging out at the lot to move someplace else!
Julie believes that kids do need a place to hang out, but some place they could be monitored and not near residences! Of the 2 people that have spoken to Julie, one spoke for all other residents who haven't called anyone in the city.
Glen reinforces there is no place for kids to go and wondered if the parking hour restrictions would lead to a conflict if the hotel had conventioneers or similar that needed the parking lot.
Chief Moeller finished by pointing out there have been no curfew violations.
Early dismissal - 2034!
NFPA Safe Community Awarded for kids having learned that everything they love is dangerous: bikes, fire, guns, poison, etc. Apparently written by Tolstoy.
The city of Rockwall gives out FREE (Yes, Ben, I said free.) smoke detectors at the fire stations. They will even install them!
IV. Consent Agenda.
1. Minutes
2. Mother-in-Law Storage approval
3. Approval of a bid ($$)
4. Atmos something or other.
All approved.
V. Appointments. Commissioner Herbst, sitting in for Chairman Bricker, says nothing.
VI. Public Hearings.
1. Guy turning 3 lots into 1. No public spoke. Approved by council.
2. Hair Salon thingy. Limit to 1 chair. Public Silent. Approved.
3. Solar Panels! Basically:
Glen hearts solar panels.
Cliff believes no one (other than owner) should have issues of aesthetics regarding one's own home.
Mark wants an update in the future.
The home owner is getting a write-off and Oncor money to off-set the costs, and expects a 5 year payback on his 4kw system.
I was sorely disappointed the council missed such a grand opportunity to ask ridiculous questions. Passes with almost no discussion!
VII. Action Items.
Items 1 & 6 regarding parking on unpaved surface and fences moved to next meeting. Weird how things that would so greatly impact the Zoo keep coming up after not being an issue during the previous 150+ years since Rockwall's founding.
2. City water restrictions something or other on people who pay for city water. (I assume it for city water customers, because I don't get city water and would find it downright tyrannical if the city tried to impose it's restrictions on non-customers like those of the Zoo, 95% of whom thought we would be getting a cheaper water rate once annexed, as that was all they really cared about. $150.00 this month for a house <1000sqft.) style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" size="1">(The items from here to #11 had to be re-written as something got ate up like a soup sandwich, hope I can recreate. I am quite irritated now.)
3. Area in danger of being annexed had an agreement not to develop in exchange they don't get annexed. Extended for another year.
4. Same as 3, different area.
5. City about to get "all up in the Shores Golf Course" business. Public forum will be held so questions can be asked. Questions like, "Why does the city have authority over a private golf course?" and "Why isn't this a concern of anyone other than members?".
7. Main Street Rib Rub. BBBQ competition and stuff.
(Irritation level growing, as I have written so much on all this before!)
8. More main street stuff.
Money being doled out for private businesses to update signage.
Other things:
-San Jacinto Court (Harbor competition?)
-Directional kiosks for those with myopia and neck problems to find things on square
-Sidewalk repairs
-Dog Days Event
9. Sign thing moved to next meeting.
10. David presents best idea of night! Broadcasting of city council meetings. 2 years ago city had an estimated cost of $85,000. Thank God technology has come so far with the recent invention of the "internet" and "web cams"!
Of course, this isn't nearly complicated or expensive enough for a bureaucrat to consider! After all, the peoples' money won't overspend its self!
It's not like you can go to Wal-Mart and get some cheap web cam off the shelf! Further, it's a very compicated procedure to set it up that requires a brilliant IT company's technician to install! Not just ANYBODY can do it!
(irritation back to normal levels)
11. In case you haven't heard, Family Circle has declared Rockwall one of the top 10 places to raise a family! And the city wants the world to know!
12. 2 residents have complained to the city about teenagers hanging out at the Harbor overflow parking lot.
Reports of wheelies (!), loud talking, illegal drinking, hood surfing, trucks driving on a road, and reckless driving on the street.
Police have been out many times without issuing any citations or finding any wrongdoing. Some are worried about "logging" a complaint as it will lower their property value.
Cliff and Bill would consider a restriction of times of use.
Margo points out that there have been no offenses, and this could lead those hanging out at the lot to move someplace else!
Julie believes that kids do need a place to hang out, but some place they could be monitored and not near residences! Of the 2 people that have spoken to Julie, one spoke for all other residents who haven't called anyone in the city.
Glen reinforces there is no place for kids to go and wondered if the parking hour restrictions would lead to a conflict if the hotel had conventioneers or similar that needed the parking lot.
Chief Moeller finished by pointing out there have been no curfew violations.
Early dismissal - 2034!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Planning and Zoning Meeting 14 July
I read somewhere that if you eat something you don't like on the first try, the tenth time you try it, you will end up liking it.
2nd P&Z meeting, 8 to go.
All Public Hearings:
1. Some fella in Chandler's owns 3 lots, want to make 'em one lot. Bill Bricker: HOA's say ok? Yes. Passes 7-0 in favor. (No public spoke.)
2. Hair Salon is back. Not enough parking per city standard. Commissioners concerned about parking issues! It could get crowded! Doesn't this seem like it's the hair salon's problem?
(Side note: Mr Hunter seemed a little "abrupt" with Mr LaCroix, but maybe that's his style.)
Anyhoo, the recommendation seems to be a waiver (?) for the parking space and limit the number of "chairs" inside the salon to 2.
3. Fella with the solar dream is back. City sent out 21 notices, 3 came back: 2 in favor, 1 opposed. The one opposition was from the someone, not on his street and the opposition was only that it was going to on the front of the house, but would rescind his opposition if the panels were on the back of the house. It seemed as the the opposer lives directly behind and would see the panels from his house, but would never see them if the panel were mounted on the front! Odd.
City staff presents its recommendations.
Mr Hunter inquired as to the specificity of the recommendations. (Cuz city has no ordinance, has to be case by case for now.)
Mr Buchanan asked for a picture (more on that later) from further across the street (to see what the neighbor would see, a neighbor who has already stated he would have no problem with the panels.)
He then asked if there would be a glare. There will not be a glare. This was asked and answered 2 weeks ago at the last P&Z. Mr Buchanan was not absent from that meeting.
More: What if the trees go away? 2 weeks ago the tree concern was what if the trees got too big!
Lynn Davis: Will the wiring be visible???????? (Maybe.)
AGAIN she asks about glare because she believes all glass will glare no matter the background behind the glass (which is black.) If this sounds like Deja Vu all over again, it's not from the above reading, she asked the SAME thing 2 weeks ago. Maybe she thought the physical properties of the glass had changed in 2 weeks. (It didn't.)
The company rep and home owner then went into a brief discussion of how sun reflects off the panels and how the sun moves across the sky. Basically, it won't glare. Still. Even if SOMEone on some other council asks the same question, the answer will be the same (Unless the physical properties of glass change.)
(Don't remember who asked): A question of noise was raised. Again. It will still be quiet, nothing has changed from the meeting 2 weeks ago.
More from Ms Davis: Old panels look frosty and tacky! What about maintenance?!? We have to keep it pretty for the neighborhood!
Company Rep: If dirty, no worky. Just hose it off.
Ms Davis: Won't the cost of water to clean and maintain cancel out any monetary savings received from using solar panels?
(Thank God for T.H.)
Too hard to categorize the following, so it'll be kinda random:
Mr Hunter: Where goes the inverter? (Garage)
Mr. Buchanan: Will you have to beef up your roof? (No.)
Mr Bricker: If the manufacturer goes out of business, the warranty is worthless. How can we (the city) enforce upkeep on the panels to make sure there will never be a warranty issue?
Mr Hunter: What city employee can enforce the maintenance?
(What if panels become unsightly or no longer used?????)
Mr LaCroix: (Perplexed by the question?): Not sure how you can write into the SUP "unsightly" or "unused". The city can not regulate the (future) appearance of the panels any more than they can regulate shingle colors. (I thought they did that. Hmm, maybe I'll get some purple ones.)
Ms Davis: How bout a 1-year review to any "nuisance" (ie panel's appearance)!
Mr Bricker wondered if the city could do the review, and if negative have the panels taken down (he didn't like that idea, and neither did Mr Hunter).
Mr Bricker made 2 recommendations for the city's future ordinance:
Have an engineer's certificate to guarantee the strength of the roof.
AND address what the wires will look like on the roof.
(He also made a recommendation after adjournment [can they do that??] concerning how panels would be arranged on a roof .
If you (the reader) were also concerned about how bad the panels will potentially look (at least during summer) if installed today, and baring any sudden death of trees by some mysterious tree disease. This is a real picture (courtesy of Google street view) of the front of the applicant's house. (Even though it's public record, I have removed identifying markings of the street):
2nd P&Z meeting, 8 to go.
All Public Hearings:
1. Some fella in Chandler's owns 3 lots, want to make 'em one lot. Bill Bricker: HOA's say ok? Yes. Passes 7-0 in favor. (No public spoke.)
2. Hair Salon is back. Not enough parking per city standard. Commissioners concerned about parking issues! It could get crowded! Doesn't this seem like it's the hair salon's problem?
(Side note: Mr Hunter seemed a little "abrupt" with Mr LaCroix, but maybe that's his style.)
Anyhoo, the recommendation seems to be a waiver (?) for the parking space and limit the number of "chairs" inside the salon to 2.
3. Fella with the solar dream is back. City sent out 21 notices, 3 came back: 2 in favor, 1 opposed. The one opposition was from the someone, not on his street and the opposition was only that it was going to on the front of the house, but would rescind his opposition if the panels were on the back of the house. It seemed as the the opposer lives directly behind and would see the panels from his house, but would never see them if the panel were mounted on the front! Odd.
City staff presents its recommendations.
Mr Hunter inquired as to the specificity of the recommendations. (Cuz city has no ordinance, has to be case by case for now.)
Mr Buchanan asked for a picture (more on that later) from further across the street (to see what the neighbor would see, a neighbor who has already stated he would have no problem with the panels.)
He then asked if there would be a glare. There will not be a glare. This was asked and answered 2 weeks ago at the last P&Z. Mr Buchanan was not absent from that meeting.
More: What if the trees go away? 2 weeks ago the tree concern was what if the trees got too big!
Lynn Davis: Will the wiring be visible???????? (Maybe.)
AGAIN she asks about glare because she believes all glass will glare no matter the background behind the glass (which is black.) If this sounds like Deja Vu all over again, it's not from the above reading, she asked the SAME thing 2 weeks ago. Maybe she thought the physical properties of the glass had changed in 2 weeks. (It didn't.)
The company rep and home owner then went into a brief discussion of how sun reflects off the panels and how the sun moves across the sky. Basically, it won't glare. Still. Even if SOMEone on some other council asks the same question, the answer will be the same (Unless the physical properties of glass change.)
(Don't remember who asked): A question of noise was raised. Again. It will still be quiet, nothing has changed from the meeting 2 weeks ago.
More from Ms Davis: Old panels look frosty and tacky! What about maintenance?!? We have to keep it pretty for the neighborhood!
Company Rep: If dirty, no worky. Just hose it off.
Ms Davis: Won't the cost of water to clean and maintain cancel out any monetary savings received from using solar panels?
(Thank God for T.H.)
Too hard to categorize the following, so it'll be kinda random:
Mr Hunter: Where goes the inverter? (Garage)
Mr. Buchanan: Will you have to beef up your roof? (No.)
Mr Bricker: If the manufacturer goes out of business, the warranty is worthless. How can we (the city) enforce upkeep on the panels to make sure there will never be a warranty issue?
Mr Hunter: What city employee can enforce the maintenance?
(What if panels become unsightly or no longer used?????)
Mr LaCroix: (Perplexed by the question?): Not sure how you can write into the SUP "unsightly" or "unused". The city can not regulate the (future) appearance of the panels any more than they can regulate shingle colors. (I thought they did that. Hmm, maybe I'll get some purple ones.)
Ms Davis: How bout a 1-year review to any "nuisance" (ie panel's appearance)!
Mr Bricker wondered if the city could do the review, and if negative have the panels taken down (he didn't like that idea, and neither did Mr Hunter).
Mr Bricker made 2 recommendations for the city's future ordinance:
Have an engineer's certificate to guarantee the strength of the roof.
AND address what the wires will look like on the roof.
(He also made a recommendation after adjournment [can they do that??] concerning how panels would be arranged on a roof .
If you (the reader) were also concerned about how bad the panels will potentially look (at least during summer) if installed today, and baring any sudden death of trees by some mysterious tree disease. This is a real picture (courtesy of Google street view) of the front of the applicant's house. (Even though it's public record, I have removed identifying markings of the street):
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