Item # 1a January 24, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes
- 1. CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL January 24, 2022 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Alamo Heights, Texas was held at the Council Chamber, located at 6116 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas, at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2022. A teleconference was held via Zoom; staff and meeting attendees were welcomed in the Council Chamber. Composing a quorum were: Mayor Bobby Rosenthal Mayor Pro Tempore Lynda Billa Burke Councilmember Lawson Jessee Councilmember Wes Sharples Councilmember Blake M. Bonner Councilmember John Savage Also attending were: City Manager Buddy Kuhn Assistant City Manager Phil Laney – Via Zoom Community Development Services Director Lety Hernandez City Attorney Frank J. Garza Assistant to City Manager Jennifer Reyna – Via Zoom City Secretary Elsa T. Robles Director of Finance Robert Galindo – Via Zoom Police Chief Rick Pruitt Human Resources Manager Brenda Jimenez – Via Zoom Deputy Police Chief Cindy Pruitt Public Works Director Pat Sullivan – Via Zoom Fire Deputy Chief John Massey Fire Deputy Chief Allen Ottmers Absent was: Fire Chief Michael Gdovin * * * Mayor Bobby Rosenthal opened the meeting at 5:33 p.m. * * * Item # 1 Approval of Minutes Mayor Bobby Rosenthal asked City Council for a motion to approve the January 10, 2022 City Council Meeting minutes. Mayor Pro Tem Lynda Billa Burke moved to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilmember John Savage and passed by unanimous vote. * * *
- 2. January 24, 2022 City Council Meeting 2 Item # 2 Announcements Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption. a. Candidate Filing Period City Secretary Elsa T. Robles stated this was a second announcement regarding the candidate filing period for the May 7, 2022 General Election. The filing period started on January 19, 2022 and runs through February 18, 2022. Any interested candidates can apply to serve a two-year term for Councilmember Place 3, Councilmember Place 4, and Councilmember Place 5. Interested candidates must be residents of the City of Alamo Heights for at least one year and a registered voter. Applications, along with a $100.00 filing fee, will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022. Additional information is available on the City’s website and kiosk. Candidate packets are available at City Hall and on the website. * * * Item # 3 Citizens to be heard No comments made. * * * Items for Individual Consideration Item # 4 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption. Architectural Review Board Case No. 869F, request of Sunrise Restoration, applicant, representing Rebecca Cavazos, owner, for the compatibility review of the proposed design located at 160 Terrell in order to construct a 2-story detached garage Community Development Services Department Director Lety Hernandez stated the Multi- Family District (MF-D) zoned property is located at 160 Terrell at the corner of N New Braunfels. The applicant requests approval of a compatibility review in order to construct a 2- story detached garage. Ms. Hernandez reviewed the existing property conditions, proposed site plan, elevations, and floor/roof plans. The applicant proposes to have a garage on the first floor and a bedroom, bath, and kitchen on the second floor. Ms. Hernandez noted this is allowed in a multi-family zoned property. In terms of policy analysis, Ms. Hernandez stated lot coverage and floor area ratio does not apply to properties that are zoned multi-family, but instead are limited by impervious coverage. The proposed impervious coverage is 35.07% under the maximum allowed of 85%. Ms. Hernandez stated the demolition of the existing structure does not require to be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board (ARB); however, the replacement detach accessory does. The ARB conducted the compatibility review on January 18, 2022 and recommended approval of the design as compatible; however, requested the designer/applicant consider the
- 3. January 24, 2022 City Council Meeting 3 following revisions: raising the ridge height to 25ft by increasing the pitch height on the upper and lower roofs with gable treatment to match the main residence while meeting the current looming standards that are required for the property. The proposed placement of the garage with increased height would require more of a side-yard setback if they choose to make the proposed revision. Staff will review again prior to permitting. At this time the applicant does comply with City policies and regulations. Public notifications were mailed to property owners within a 200-foot radius. Notices were posted on the City’s website and on the property. Staff received one response in support and none in opposition. Councilmember Lawson Jessee moved to approve ARB Case No. 869F as requested. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Savage and passed by unanimous vote. Item # 5 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption. Discussion and possible action for a license agreement for 10 parking spaces between the City of Alamo Heights and Damien Watel, owner of Broadway Eats 6106 LLC City Manager Buddy Kuhn reminded Council they approved a parking license agreement with Mr. Damien Watel, owner of BISTR09, on April 8, 2019. Mr. Kuhn stated Mr. Watel requested to continue the license agreement for 10 employee parking spaces behind City Hall. The current lease has expired and there are no proposed changes to the 2019 agreement terms. The City retains first rights to the parking lot for meetings, elections, and other events. Any scheduled dates are worked in advance with the licensee. The parking spaces can only be used after 5:00 p.m. Mr. Kuhn stated BISTR09 was a good tenant and no issues had been reported. The agreement includes indemnification and insurance. It is good for one year and has renewal options. Either party can cancel the agreement after providing a 10-day notice. The City engages in license agreements for various items. Mr. Watel agrees with the terms and conditions of the proposed agreement which is solely with BISTR09 and is non- transferrable. The agreement was reviewed by the City Manager and City Attorney. There is a fee of $150.00 per quarter, in advance, for a total of $600.00 annually. A fee is required for license agreements as outlined under the Texas Constitution. Mayor Pro Tem Billa Burke moved to approve the license agreement for 10 parking spaces between the COAH and Mr. Damien Watel. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bonner and passed by unanimous vote. * * * Staff Reports Mayor Rosenthal announced Item # 7 would be heard next. Item # 7 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.
- 4. January 24, 2022 City Council Meeting 4 Staff report on the results of the Montclair Avenue traffic survey and a discussion on various traffic calming solutions for future consideration Chief of Police Rick Pruitt this was to inform Council of the traffic survey results for the 100 & 200 blocks of Montclair. The presentation will provide steps to develop a profile of vehicle driving behaviors, consider neighborhood recommendations, and initiate traffic calming remedies deemed appropriate for the situation. Police Chief Pruitt reviewed the 24hr traffic survey findings and explained 902 vehicles traveled in the 100 blk. of Montclair and 941 vehicles traveled in the 200 blk of Montclair with speeds averaging from ≤ 25mph to > 45mph. 100 blk. Montclair Total Veh ≤ 25 mph 26 – 35 mph 36 – 45 mph > 45 mph 85 th Percentile Speed – 25.5 mph 902 739 162 0 1 Avg Speed – 20.5 mph 81.9% 18.0% 0.0% 0.1% 10 mph Pace Speed – 16- 25 mph Number in Pace – 592 Percentage in Pace – 65.5% 200 blk. Montclair 85 th Percentile Speed – 27.5 mph 941 705 224 9 3 Avg Speed – 22 mph 75.0% 23.8% 0.9% 0.3% 10 mph Pace Speed – 16- 25 mph Number in Pace – 579 Percent in Pace – 61.5% Police Chief Pruitt identified vehicles are traveling at a higher rate of speed in the 200 blk. of Montclair. Drivers may use it as an alternate route to enter or cross Austin Hwy. He stated the 100. blk of Montclair can be managed through police enforcement, but other options are being explored to address speeding on the 200 blk. of Montclair. By practicing traffic profiling steps, he maintains open communication with concerned parties and listens to proposed solutions. The use of a radar survey and a mark vehicle will be used to identify the problem. If radar survey results deem necessary, a mechanical survey can be used. Staff will then evaluate the mechanical survey and determine an appropriate solution. Other traffic calming options include stop signs; however, they are not recommended for speed control and results are questionable. Even though stop signs are the most affordable option, they could divert traffic to other streets and cause the same issues.
- 5. January 24, 2022 City Council Meeting 5 Police Chief Pruitt explored the option to install speed notification signs. The signs provide instant feedback to drivers and compliance is usually instantaneous. They are easy to relocate and have programable message features. Costs range from $3,250 each (solar) to $3000 - $5,500 for two battery or rechargeable signs. He stated there is currently money in the budget to purchase four signs. Speed humps are another option that is frequently requested; however, they have some drawbacks. They create uncomfortable travel routes and increase noise. Speed humps are also known to delay emergency response vehicles. Speed humps require continuous maintenance/re- painting and require warning signs and/or pavement markings. The cost for speed humps will vary. Rubber cushion speed humps cost approximately $112,000 for two blocks and require additional costs for warning signs, pavement markings, road preparation and installation. Parabolic asphalt concrete humps are also an option; however, they can cause some liabilities and should be discussed with the City Attorney and Texas Municipal League (TML) if Council selects this option. Police Chief Pruitt reviewed pictures of established speed humps on Claywell Drive. He recommended studying the traffic calming effects in this area to evaluate if speed humps are effective in slowing traffic. He will report his findings to City Council at a future meeting. Police Chief Pruitt advised the installation of speed humps deserve a lot of consideration and planning should Council decide to proceed. A plan similar to the street maintenance plan may be considered. Police Chief Pruitt stated police presence will be enforced on Montclair until City Council decides which option to choose. His recommendation is to establish electronic speed notification signs which can be relocated as needed. Mayor Rosenthal shared he abides by speed notification signs daily which are effective in slowing traffic down. Council agreed notification signs may be a better option and didn’t think a speed hump study on Claywell was necessary. City Manager Buddy Kuhn stated the study would provide valuable data on the effectiveness of speed humps and help Council make a better decision since residents request these frequently. The study will also help establish a speed hump policy similar to the City of San Antonio. Mr. Kuhn asked Council for direction. If they decided to purchase notification signs, he suggested establishing them on Harrison Avenue and Montclair Street which are the two streets citizens complain about. After some discussion, Council decided electronic notification signs were the best option to calm traffic. Police Chief Pruitt stated he could get the signs in place in less than 30 days. Mr. Kuhn added staff would provide a report on the Claywell speed humps study at a future Council meeting. Before moving on to the next item, Mayor Rosenthal asked if any one wished to speak on this item. Mr. Angel Gonzales, resident, spoke via Zoom audio. He thanked the Alamo Heights Police Department and everyone involved in helping to find solutions to address speeding on his street.
- 6. January 24, 2022 City Council Meeting 6 Item # 6 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption. Notice of Intent for addition of Argyle Hall to the existing main structure located at 934 Patterson, also known as The Argyle Club Mr. Jeff Rochelle, President of the Argyle Club, stated the structure has been consistently renovated for the past two decades. He provided some background and history on the building considered to be the oldest existing structure in Alamo Heights. He and Biomedical Research Institute, is requesting approval for an addition to the building. The proposed addition will accommodate future events and will help eliminate outdoor tents currently being used. The tents pose liabilities, and safety/nuisance concerns in the neighborhood. Mr. Rochelle stated the addition request includes a 20ft rear setback variance. Parking accommodations have been discussed and they plan to offer off-street and valet parking for guests. He reviewed additional site plans and stated their purpose today was to inform Council regarding their intentions and seek the opportunity to start the process. Mayor Rosenthal offered the opportunity for citizens to speak on this item. Ms. Anne McGlone, resident, stated this was a large commercial structure located in a residential neighborhood which creates noise, traffic issues, and congestion. She stated she is tired of the continued expansion and with the addition of space, they will have even more events causing issues for the neighbors. Mr. Mike McGlone, resident, stated this has been a long slow steady increase to the structure. In his opinion, additional space will cause additional parking issues in front of their house and on their street. Mr. Forest Word, resident, shared the Argyle has always been a good neighbor. He stated the Argyle has taken the initiative to divert delivery trucks and guests off the street. Mr. Word added he is in favor of the addition to the structure. City Attorney Frank Garza stated he spoke with Mr. Daniel Ortiz, attorney representing the Argyle, and informed him the proposed project is a non-conforming use of the property because it is located in a residential zoning district. Mr. Garza recommended Council discuss the proposed project in executive session. Council agreed. Closed Session Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption. Executive Session per Section 551.071 (consultation with attorney) to discuss Notice of Intent for addition of Argyle Hall The City Council of the City of Alamo Heights convened into Executive Session at 6:40 p.m. and reconvened in Open Session at 6:55 p.m. in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Section §551.071 (Consultation with Attorney), and §551.074 (Personnel Matters).
- 7. January 24, 2022 City Council Meeting 7 Open Session Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption. Discussion and possible action resulting from Executive Session No action taken. * * * Closed Session Item # 8 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption. Executive Session per Section 551.071 (consultation with attorney) to discuss Broadway infrastructure construction The City Council of the City of Alamo Heights convened into Executive Session at 6:56 p.m. and reconvened in Open Session at 7:31 p.m. in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Section §551.071 (Consultation with Attorney), and §551.074 (Personnel Matters). * * * Open Session Item # 9 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption. Discussion and possible action resulting from Executive Session No action taken. * * * With no further business to consider, Councilmember Bonner moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sharples and passed by unanimous vote. PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 14th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2022. __________________________ Bobby Rosenthal Mayor ____________________________ Elsa T. Robles, TRMC City Secretary