BM 2000-01-20 PZ Minutes of January 20, 2000
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Coppell met in pre-session at 6 p.m., and in
regular session at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, January 20, 2000, in the Coppell Town Center, 255
Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The following members were present:
Chairman Rick McCaffrey
Vice Chairman Texx Stewart
Commissioner Anna Kittrell
Commissioner Jon Nesbit
Commissioner Greg McGahey
Commissioner Drew Halsey
Also present were Assistant City Engineer Mike Martin, City Attorney Bob Hager, Attorney David
Dodd, Civil Engineer Kent Collins, Assistant Planning Director Marcie Diamond, City Planner Isabelle
Moro and Sr. Administrative Secretary Barbara Jahoda. Commissioner Sam Clark was absent. Also
absent were Planning Director Gary Sieb and Fire Marshal Travis Crump.
PRE-SESSION (O~en to the Public)
1. Briefing on the Agenda.
Staffbriefed the Commission on the cases.
REGULAR SESSION (O~en to the Public)
2. Call to Order.
Chairman McCaffrey called the meeting to order.
3. Approval of Minutes dated December 16, 1999.
Commissioner Halsey made a motion to approve the minutes of December 16, 1999, as
written. Commissioner Nesbit seconded; motion carried (6-0) with Commissioners Nesbit,
McGahey, Kittrell, McCaffrey, Halsey and Stewart voting in favor. None opposed.
4. CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. PD-176R,
McMillan Estates, zoning change request for property zoned PD-176, (Planned
Development-176, Single Family-9), by amending the planned development conditions
to permit an extension of a 54" reinforced concrete pipe eastward for an approximate
distance of 155' and the installation of a stone headwall on 1.49 acres of property located
along the north side of Bethel Road, approximately 120' east of Hearthstone Lane, at the
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request of Terry Holmes.
Assistant Planning Director Marcie Diamond introduced the item to the Commission, showing
exhibits of the proposal, including photos of what the headwall retaining wall and the bag wall
along a portion of the creek will look like. She then gave a brief history of the property, stating
that with the extension of the drainage pipe, 176 caliper inches of trees will be removed and
230 caliper inches of trees will be replaced, exceeding the requirement. Ms. Diamond stated
that a flood plain study has not been submitted; consequently, development within the flood
plain will not be allowed. She went on to say staff recommends approval of this request,
subject to no development occurring in the flood plain until appropriate flood plain studies have
been completed, mentioning the latest Site Plan and Landscape Plan show a significant buffer
of landscaping along the western property line.
Terry Holmes, 510 Country Lane, Coppell, TX, was present to represent this item before the
Commission and answer any questions. He thanked the Commission for its patience with this
case, admitting that previously, he wasn't totally prepared. Mr. Holmes stated that he has met
with the neighbors and believes their concerns have been addressed, adding that the latest
Landscaping Plan is reasonable and fair. He stated that he would like to be able to work with
staff with regard to the Tree Mitigation process so that he could take every possible measure to
preserve as many trees as possible along this pipe extension. When asked about the Flood
Study for this property, Mr. Holmes stated it is basically completed, however the voluminous
documentation that goes along with it is not yet assembled, adding that the Engineering
Department believes that what has been submitted does work from a flow standpoint.
Chairman McCaffrey opened the Public Hearing, asking for people present who wanted to
speak either in favor or opposition or wanted to comment on this request to come forward.
Those speaking were:
Kristin Volpe, 306 Hearthstone Lane, Coppell, TX - Stated that the headwall presently
ends in her backyard and asked that when the pipe is extended, how will it affect her
property?
Larry Wender, 310 Hearthstone Lane, Coppell, TX - Thanked Terry Holmes for
speaking with the neighbors about this project, helping to clarify a number of issues.
He asked whether or not the caliper inches of trees to be replaced included the holly
bushes, which will be planted on the western property line? Ms. Diamond stated that
replacement trees need to be a minimum of 3" in width and "no", the hollys do not
count as replacement trees. Mr. Wender then asked if the natural landscaped fence line
as shown on the plan would be mandatory, and he was told "yes". He questioned the
location of the pool and its proximity to his backyard. Finally, Mr. Wender asked if this
natural fence line precludes the possibility of Mr. McMillan ever putting a solid fence
between their properties?
Chairman McCaffrey asked the applicant to come forward so that he could clarify some of
these questions. Justin Landes, Civil Engineer, 1107 E. First Street, Ft. Worth, TX 76102,
addressed the headwall question, stating that a portion of Ms. Volpe's fence will be removed
so that the headwall can be removed. The new pipe will be connected, the ditch will be back-
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filled and graded and the Volpe's fence would then be reinstalled, re-sodding, if necessary. He
added that there is presently some erosion on her property around the headwall just under her
fence and this area will be leveled out so that it can be better maintained. Terry Holmes
addressed the pool location question, stating that the Landscape Plan location does not track
with the Site Plan location, which shows the pool closer to the retaining wall. He indicated the
pool may change its shape and will probably have decking around it, which is not shown on the
plan. Chairman McCaffrey advised Mr. Holmes that minor changes can be approved by the
Planning Director; however, major changes need to come back through the system. Assistant
Director Marcie Diamond brought to the Commission's attention a cabana which is shown on
the Site Plan. Mr. Holmes indicated that the cabana is not being considered, referring to the
large Grading/Site Plan sheet. After discussion regarding the fence issue (whether or not one
would be allowed), Mr. Wender, 310 Hearthstone Lane, stated that according to Old Coppell
Estates covenants, residents must have 6' wrought iron fences; consequently, they would
prefer the planting of a living fence vs. a wooden or stone fence along Mr. McMillan's western
property line. Mr. Holmes responded, indicating that Mr. McMillan would like to have the
option of building a privacy fence on his own property.
James McMillan, 524 Leavalley Circle, Coppell, TX, addressed the Commission, stating he
would like to reserve the right to be able to build a privacy fence, within the codes and
guidelines of the City.
After some discussion, Chairman McCaffrey closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner McGahey made a motion to approve Case No. PD-176tL McMillan Estates,
Planned Development amendment, subject to the following conditions:
1) The Landscape Plan and Tree Survey/Mitigation Plan shall match the
Site/Grading Plan, Sheet 1 of 1.
2) There will be no cabana at the pool area.
3) The pool location will be as indicated on the Site/Grading Plan,
Sheet 1 of 1.
4) The applicant will comply with the Landscape Plan and Tree Mitigation Plan but
will also try to preserve as many trees as possible on site.
5) Compliance with Engineering and Leisure Services comments.
Commissioner Halsey seconded the motion; motion carried (6-0) with Commissioners Nesbit,
McGahey, Kittrell, McCaffrey, Halsey and Stewart voting in favor. None opposed.
5. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. PD-178R, Town Center West,
Detail Site Plan Review of a Retail Center, zoning change request to amend the planned
development and allow the construction of a 13,393 square foot retail facility on
approximately 1.8 acres of property located at the southwest corner of N. Denton Tap
Road and Town Center West Boulevard, at the request of Dowdey, Anderson and
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Associates, Inc.
6. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. PD-178R2, Town Center West,
Detail Site Plan of the Children's Courtyard, daycare and child development centers,
zoning change request to amend the planned development and allow the construction of
a 10,262 square foot daycare and a 10,545 square foot child development center on
approximately 2.7 acres of property located along the south side of Town Center West
Boulevard, approximately 320' west of N. Denton Tap Road, at the request of Dowdey,
Anderson and Associates, Inc.
Assistant Planning Director Marcie Diamond referred to a letter from the applicant's attorney,
Arthur J. Anderson, dated January 20th, confirming a request to postpone Items 5, PD-178P~
Town Center West, Detail Site Plan of a Retail Center, and Item 62 PD-178R2, Town Center
West, Detail Site Plan of the Children's Courtyard, to the Commission's February 17th meeting.
This letter is attached as Exhibit A.
Chairman McCaffrey reopened both Public Hearings, asking for a motion.
Commissioner McGahey made a motion to hold open and continue Public Hearings for Case
Nos. PD-178R and PD-178R2 to the Commission's meeting of February 17th._ Commissioner
Stewart seconded the motion; motion carried (6-0) with Commissioners Nesbit, McGahey,
Kittrell, McCaffrey, Halsey and Stewart voting in favor of continuance. None opposed.
7. Consider approval of the Town Center West, Lots 1 and 2, Block A, Preliminary Plat, to
allow the development of a retail center, daycare facility and child development center
on approximately 4.5 acres of property located at the southwest corner of N. Denton
Tap Road and Town Center West Boulevard, at the request of Dowdey, Anderson and
Associates, Inc.
Because Cases Nos. PD-178R and PD-178R2 were continued to the Commission's February
17th meeting and because action on Plats must be taken within 30 days or they are
automatically approved, Assistant Planning Director Marcie Diamond asked that this
Preliminary Plat be denied.
Commissioner Nesbit made a motion to deny the Town Center West, Lots 1 and 2, Block A,
Preliminary Plat. Commissioner Kittrell seconded the motion; motion carried (6-0) with
Commissioners Nesbit, McGahey, Kittrell, McCaffrey, Halsey and Stewart voting in favor of
denial. None opposed.
8. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. PD-177R, La Chateau of Covvell
(Concevtual Plan), zoning change request from LI (Light Industrial) to PD-LI (Planned
Development, Light Industrial) to allow the development of a 90-unit retirement
motel/motor hotel on approximately 8.7 acres of property located at the southeast corner
of W. Sandy Lake Road and State Road, at the request of Charles Bandemer.
City Planner Isabelle Moro introduced the item to the Commission, showing exhibits of the
proposal, giving a brief history of this property and reminding the Commission that when this
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proposal was originally presented in October, it was denied by the Commission and was not
appealed to Council. She stated that the Comprehensive Master Plan encourages small-scale,
mixed-use development, which combines office and retail uses, not a retirement motel. Ms.
Moro then described this proposal, mentioning its various amenities. She stated that this
upper-scale retirement community is for active adults 55 and over and will have monthly and
yearly rentals ranging from approximately $1,800/month for a one-bedroom suite to
$2,500/month for a two-bedroom suite. With this request, Ms. Moro went on to say that the
applicant is asking for a number of variances; i.e., reduction of loading spaces, waiver of the
dumpster requirement, height of the screening wall at State Road entrance and parking space
type (garage parking, driveway parking, etc., which staff supports because it reduces the total
pavement area on site.) Ms. Moro then stated that staff still recommends denial of this project
because of its incompatibility with the Master Plan and it being under the D/FW flight path,
referring to Karen Robertson's letter dated January 12th and its attachment, see Exhibit B. Of
the 42 notices sent to homeowners within 200 feet of this site, 7 replies were received, 5 in
favor; 2 in opposition.
Charles Bandemer, 305 Dogwood Trail, Coppell, TX, was present to represent this item before
the Commission and answer any questions, showing exhibits of the project, including a survey
of 25 retirement communities in the Dallas Metroplex as of October, 1999. Mr. Bandemer
feels there is a real need for this type of facility in our area, choosing this property because it
backs up to 17 residential lots. He feels this use is more compatible to these residents than
some other light industrial/mixed-use development, which would probably affect their property
values. Regarding its proximity to the airport, Mr. Bandemer said that he has spoken with
Karen Robertson and feels it's not what her letter says, but what her letter doesn't say. He
stated that Ms. Robertson cannot come out in support of any project that is not part of D/FW
property - they must oppose every project that infringes upon their territory. He feels that Ms.
Robertson's is actually not opposing this project and is assisting the Commission in approving
the project because in Paragraph 2, she said this project will be located just outside D/FW's 65
DNL noise contour and that number is very important. Throwing the project into the 60 DNL
zone makes his buildings even more sound proof. Again referring to Ms. Robertson's second
paragraph, he stated she does not mention hotel/motel usage as being noise sensitive
developments. Mr. Bandemer said that Ms. Robertson told him to "read between the lines"
regarding her letter. He then referred to Special Definitions, Section 42-84 of the Zoning
Ordinance under Motel, Motor Hotel or Tourist Court, which states that a motel is a non-
residential use, which makes this project a commercial use and compatible with the Master
Plan. He then stated that he discussed "mixed-use" under Light Industrial zoning with
Planning Director Gary Sieb and was told that under Light Industrial zoning,
office/retail/commercial uses can be built without the benefit of a Planned Development and all
that would be needed was Site Plan approval. Mr. Bandemer feels he needs a PD to be fair to
the near-by residents and the City of Coppell so that there are no hidden agendas - what is, is;
what isn't, isn't. He feels that the Master Plan was violated in 1993 when Council granted the
change of zoning for Oakbend Estates. He feels strongly that property values will be hurt if
warehouses, office complexes, etc., were built on this property because these would create
noise, light disturbances, and other problems to adjacent homeowners. Mr. Bandemer then
addressed the dumpster variance request, stating that on the final plan for approval, the two
dumpster locations will be shown behind the loading dock area and said that dumpster pick-up
will be at least twice a week. Trash may also be compacted. Mr. Bandemer indicated that
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most neighbors are comfortable with this project and approve of the fence height variance.
When asked about the variance to reduce the loading spaces from six to two, Mr. Bandemer
stated that they don't expect many deliveries during the course of a week's time, adding that
possibly on Mondays they will get their food supplies and possibly on Wednesday or Thursday
supplies from Office Depot, etc. He feels that two loading spaces are more than sufficient.
Because the kitchen area will be adjacent to the loading area, there will be no long-term
parking of trucks. Regarding the dining area, Mr. Bandemer believes there is a misconception
on staff's part of its use, stating that this will be a multi-use area for dining purposes and other
activities such as dancing, recreational activities, etc. He added that because of the sound
issue, this facility is designed for total enclosure and except for the pool and park areas, all
activities will be held indoors.
Chairman McCaffrey opened the Public Hearing, asking for people present who wanted to
speak either in favor or opposition or wanted to comment on this request to come forward.
Those speaking were:
Steve LeMay, 107 Oakbend, Coppell, TX - Stated support for the project. He feels
that the intent is in the right place, that this facility is needed and will be an attractive
contribution to this location, and it should be a good neighbor to the residents of
Oakbend. He doesn't feel that airplane noise should be an issue. When asked if
anyone had concerns about this project, Mr. LeMay stated that the only concern he
heard expressed was a fear that at sometime in the future, this facility could become
more of a daily or weekly rental use like a motel rather than a longer-term facility,
mentioning that Mr. Bandemer assured the neighbors this was not his intent and could
not foresee any reason why that would ever happen.
Kevin Kennedy, 724 Post Oak Drive, Coppell, TX - Very much in support of this
project. He feels the majority of airplane traffic is out over the water tower and the
park area and D/FW noise has never been an issue for his family. He said when
someone buys a home in this area, they are aware of the airport and air traffic. He feels
the noise issue was made a bigger issue than it needs to be and the study that was made
years ago is too old. He stated that most planes flying in the area are landing, not
taking off, and the majority are very quiet. He feels that most neighbors are in support
of this development. He also feels that if the City says that Oakbend was a mistake and
no other residential areas are allowed in this area, then Oakbend is doomed to be
surrounded by light industrial uses. When asked if he had concern about the proposed
fence, Mr. Kennedy replied that he's looking forward to seeing a line of trees along his
backyard area. He feels that residents of LaChateau would also benefit from the park
area across the street.
Lauren Horton, 123 Oak Bend Drive, Coppell, TX - Is very impressed by the up-scale
look of this facility. When her home was built, the insulation was upgraded as much as
possible and she experiences very little, if any, airport noise in her home. She feels this
is a non-issue. Ms. Horton expressed her opinion that the diagram attached to Karen
Robertson's letter is deceiving, is very emotionally effective, but she lives there and
that's not how it is. She stated that if any light industrial use goes on this property, it
will materially affect her property, as the people in Chaucer Estates are experiencing
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now. She would much prefer to see this development in the back of her home than
another light industrial use because it will not decrease the value of her home. She
asked the logic of having this property zoned Light Industrial, adding that if a mistake
was made with Oakbend, then "square it off" and keep this area all the same zoning.
Ms. Horton then stated this development is the best the community can get for this site.
She said that if something light industrial is built on this site and her property value
decreases, she will be a very angry voter and will drum up as much support as possible.
She has spoken to as many neighbors as she could and they all feel this use is better, in
the worst case scenario, than any other light industrial use. She then encouraged the
Commission to see this project from where she sees it - in her backyard.
Nancy LeMay, 107 Oakbend Drive, Coppell, TX - Agrees with everything that has
been said and asked the Commission to look at the whole picture. She also said that
airport noise is not an issue in her development and pointed out that statistically
speaking, senior citizens have hearing loss so she doesn't think airport noise will be a
problem for people living in this facility. She added that some neighbors have
expressed the desire for their parents and grandparents to live at LaChateau.
Chairman McCaffrey closed the Public Hearing.
Discussion followed relative to staff concerns about this proposal. Ms. Moro addressed
Commission concerns relative to the Comprehensive Master Plan, the fact that a motel would
be allowed in Light Industrial zoning, the current classification of this project as a motel/motor
hotel use and the reasoning behind this determination and the variances regarding the loading
space area and dumpster issues, decibel levels, etc. Ms. Moro emphasized that this proposal is
very much a residential use with monthly and yearly rentals. When asked how many airport
noise complaints come from this subdMsion, Ms. Moro deferred to Barbara Jahoda, Secretary,
who listens to and records noise complaints for the City. Ms. Jahoda stated that in the past
two or three years, very few complaints emanate from the Oakbend subdivision.
Commissioner Kittrell made a motion to approve Case No. PD-177tL La Chateau of Coppell
(Conceptual Plan), zoning change request from LI to PD-LI. Commissioner McGahey
seconded the motion; motion carried (6-0) with Commissioners Nesbit, McGahey, Kittrell,
McCaffrey, Halsey and Stewart voting in favor. None opposed.
9. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. S-1172, Starbucks Coffee
Company, zoning change request from TC (Town Center) to TC-S.U.P. (Town Center,
Special Use Permit) to allow the operation of a 2,485 square foot retail coffee shop with
outdoor seating at 106 N. Denton Tap Road, at the request of CMA P.A.
Assistant Planning Director Marcie Diamond showed exhibits of the proposal, stating when
this property was originally developed, there were quite a few mature trees in the area,
including a 28 caliper inch Post Oak tree at this particular location, which was deemed worthy
of preservation. Since Starbucks is requesting to build a deck for patrons' use directly beneath
the canopy of this tree, staff is concerned about damage to the tree's root structure. Staff
requested a letter from an arborist assuring the survival of the Post Oak. Ms. Diamond added
that normally in a commercial development, if a tree dies within two years of construction, it
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must be replaced; however, in this case, a three-year life span is required by the conditions
attached to the approved Site Plan for this shopping center. Another concern of staff is the
colored sample of a mural that Starbucks is requesting on 33 percent of the western elevation
windows. She stated that the Sign Ordinance limits 10 percent of windows for signage and
from the sample provided, staff classifies it as a sign. She stated that the intent of this
translucent mural is to shield the public from viewing the restroom area, however, staff also has
a safety concern of not being able to see what is going on in the restaurant. Ms. Diamond went
on to say that staff recommends approval of this request, subject to three conditions outlined in
the Staff Report, adding that of the 40 notices sent to surrounding property owners, 4
favorable responses were returned, none opposing.
Henry Quigg, Richmond Group, 12200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX, was present to
represent this item before the Commission and answer any questions. With him were Drew
Martin, CM Architecture, Marc Funderburk, Landscape Architect, representing Certified
Arborist Kurt Holcomb, who was not able to attend but whose letter dated January 10, 2000,
is attached as Exhibit C. Marie Coucher, construction representative from Starbucks Coffee
Company was also in attendance. Mr. Quigg stated that their intention is to preserve the tree
and the concept behind the design of the deck is to assure that the tree will live. Drew Martin
described the footings to be used, which take up less than .03% of the critical root area of the
tree. Marc Funderburk referred to the arborist's letter, reiterating that because of the design of
the deck, it should have minimum impact on the tree's root structure. Mr. Quigg described the
reasoning for and use of the translucent window treatment, showing examples of decorative
patterns that are being considered. He stated that the treatment they are proposing is like
hanging blinds in the window; it most definitely is not an advertisement for Starbucks; hence
not a sign, but is a means to block the view of patrons on the deck to the restrooms.
Chairman McCaffrey opened the Public Hearing, asking for people present who wanted to
speak either in favor or opposition or wanted to comment on this request to come forward.
There were none.
Chairman McCaffrey closed the Public Hearing.
Discussion followed regarding the window treatment and consideration was given to the
samples provided. Mr. Quigg stated that this treatment would be used on only three out of
ten windowpanes, to shield view of the restrooms.
Commissioner Nesbit made a motion to approve Case No. S-1172, Starbucks Coffee
Company, zoning change request from TC to TC-S.U.P., subject to the following conditions:
1) Provide structural drawings of the footing for the deck structure.
2) Provide a statement by a Certified Arborist that the addition of the
wood deck and platform footing will not harm the tree.
3) Signage to conform to City standards, allowing a white/translucent
mylar film to be applied to the window, giving the glass a frosted/etched
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effect, using the "grow" pattern as shown to the Commission.
4) Compliance with Leisure Services comments.
Commissioner Kittrell seconded the motion; motion carried (6-0) with Commissioners Nesbit,
McGahey, Kittrell, McCaffrey, Halsey and Stewart voting in favor. None opposed.
10. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider approval of Case No. S-1173, Svrint PCS Antenna,
zoning change request from C (Commercial) to C-S.U.P. (Commercial, Special Use
Permit) to allow the construction of a 65'-high monopole to accommodate the Sprint
PCS wireless communication antennae and CISD two-way radio antennae, as well as 4
equipment cabinets at the base of the tower at Coppell Middle School West Campus,
1301 Wrangler Road, at the request of Zone Systems, Inc.
City Planner Isabelle Moro introduced the item to the Commission, showing exhibits of the
proposal, including an aerial photo of the campus site, stating that the applicant is proposing to
lease approximately 1,200 square feet at the southeast corner of the school property. She
stated that the Fire Department will accept the asphalt pavement to the south of the existing
ball fields (to the west of this site) as a temporary fire lane to this proposed site as long as it
meets requirements and can be extended to the site, adding if any additional buildings are built,
a concrete fire lane will become necessary. In terms of land use, Ms. Moro stated that this
tower would be appropriately located, being on commercially zoned property and being
surrounded by properties zoned either Light Industrial to the north, west and east and
Agriculture to the south. She stressed that the Zoning Ordinance encourages use of existing
structures rather than construction of new towers and said that during the development review
process, staff suggested that the applicant study the possibility of locating on one of the 13
existing light fixtures at the ball fields, which range from 50-60 feet in height. She went on to
state that the applicant indicated that the light fixtures would not be there for the long term,
hence the request to build a new tower. Ms. Moro stated that after some research as to the
longevity of the light fixtures, staff believes that there are no plans, at this time, to move ball
fields 5, 6 or 7; however, ball fields 8 and 9, which are the closest to this antenna site, will
eventually be eliminated. Staff continues to support the possibility of locating the antennae on
an existing light fixture, encouraging the applicant to locate the equipment cabinet on the south
side of the asphalt pavement. This would require underground cable for approximately 290
feet and would forgo the need to extend the asphalt pavement to the tower site. In any case,
Ms. Moro said that the applicant would have to improve the existing asphalt pavement.
Regarding the equipment cabinet, staff would like it landscaped and fenced with an 8' high
green vinyl-coated chain link fence, discouraging the use of barbed wire. Staff recommends
approval of this zoning change, subject to the nine conditions outlined in the Staff Report.
Peter Kavanagh, 1620 Handley Drive, Dallas, TX, was present to represent this item before the
Commission and answer any questions, addressing staff comments, showing photographs of
equipment cabinets and elaborating on Ms. Moro's presentation. He stated this site is one-
third of a mile from any street and feels this location is best for everyone. Mr. Kavanagh then
stated that the school district plans to build a new service center in this area and the school
would like to collocate with Sprint at this location. Otherwise the school will eventually have
to build its own tower at this southwest corner to meet its communication needs. Relative to
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collocating on an existing light pole structure, Mr. Kavanagh explained that these poles are not
built to accommodate anything other than lights. He went on to describe how a light standard
would have to be replaced by Sprint if they were to collocate. Mr. Kavanagh then described
the 6' tall gray cabinets to the Commission.
Chairman McCaffrey opened the Public Hearing, asking for people present who wanted to
speak either in favor or opposition or wanted to comment on this request to come forward.
The following person spoke:
Ralph Seeley, 737 Westminster Way, Coppell, TX - Stated that the ball fields on this
property can be used by the City until such time that the school district has another use
for this area. He stated that he doesn't believe the City is willing to make a 25-year
commitment to Sprint for use of that property any more than the school district has
made that commitment to the City. He added that Sprint would probably not get the
school district's permission to sign a contract for as long as they need with regard to
the ball field site. The school district has willingly signed a contract with Sprint at the
southeast corner because that's the only site on their property that they are willing to
make a long-term commitment. When asked when their antenna facility was needed,
Mr. Seeley replied within eighteen months to two years, at which time they would
entertain a rooftop antenna or a tower, if necessary.
Some discussion followed and Ms. Moro stated that if the school district needs to erect a tower
for their system, they would need to go through the Special Use Permit process, reiterating that
the City is trying to minimize the number of tower throughout the community. When asked ifa
masonry screening wall was needed for this project, Ms. Moro replied in the negative,
explaining that this is a requirement when the cabinet is greater than 150 square feet. Chairman
McCaffrey stated that we don't know what type of development will be built in the future,
emphasizing the need to keep towers to a minimum. Because of the fact that there are still
things to be worked out between the school district and the City on this particular property, it
was suggested that a decision be postponed.
Commissioner Kittrell made a motion to hold open the Public Hearing for Case No S-1173,
Sprint PCS Antennae Special Use Permit request to the Commission's February 17th meeting.
Commissioner McGahey seconded the motion; motion carried (6-0) with Commissioners
Nesbit, McGahey, Kittrell, McCaffrey, Halsey and Stewart voting in favor. None opposed.
11. General discussion concerning planning and zoning issues.
A. Update on Council planning agenda actions
a. PD-181, Bethel Road Estates, C to PD-SF-12
b. Bethel Road Estates, Lots l&2, Block 1, Minor Plat
c. S-1077R2, Sonic Restaurant, C & C-S.U.P. to C-S.U.P.
d. Sonic Replat of Lot IR, Block A & Minor Plat
e. PD-182, The Townhouses of Coppell, MF-2 to PD-TH-2
f. The Townhouses of Coppell, Preliminary Plat
g. S-1171, Coppell Beauty Shop, HO-R to HO-R-S.U.P.
h. Freeport North, Lot 2, Block A, Building VH Site Plan
i. Freeport North, Lot 3, Block A, Building VI Site Plan
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j. Freeport North Replat of Lots 1-3, Block A
B. Director's comments
Because of Planning Director Sieb's absence due to illness, no discussion was
held on Items A or B.
With nothing further to discuss, the meeting adjourned at approximately 9:10 p.m.
Rick McCaffrey, Chairman
ATTEST:
Barbara H. Jahoda, Sr. Administrative Secretary
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