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Home My WebLink AboutMIN 02.26.2019 CC-WMinutes of a Meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Georgetown, Texas Tuesday, February 26, 2019 The Georgetown City Council will meet on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 3:00 PM at the Council Chambers, at 101 E. 7`h St., Georgetown, Texas The city of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require assistance in participating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA, reasonable assistance, adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the City Secretary's Office, at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or City Hall at 113 East 8' Street for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Mayor Dale Ross called the meeting to order at 3:02 PM. All Councilmembers were in attendance: Mayor Dale Ross; Anna Eby, Councilmember District 1; Valerie Nicholson, District 2; John Hesser, District 3; Steve Fought, Councilmember District 4; Kevin Pitts, Councilmember District 5; Rachael Jonrowe, Councilmember District 6 and Tommy Gonzalez, Councilmember District 7. Gonzalez joined the meeting at 3:30 p.m. during Item B. Staff in attendance — David Morgan, Charlie McNabb, Robyn Densmore, Paul Diaz, Sofia Nelson, Nat Waggoner,. Susan Watkins, Andreina Davila -Quintero, Seth Gibson, Laurie Brewer, Mike Babin, Glenn Dishong, Jim Briggs, Jack Daly, Michaela Dollar, Skye Masson, Cari Miller, Karen Frost, Tadd Phillips, Julie Causabon, Fred Pitcher Policy Development/Review Workshop — Call to order at 3:00 PM A. Presentation and discussion of the proposed Budget Calendar for the FY2020 Annual Budget and Five year CIP -- Paul Diaz, Budget Manager Diaz presented the item. FY2020 Proposed Budget Calendar key dates were given. • Feb 15th — CIP Kick Off • March 27th — Base Budget/Request Kick Off • April 3rd — CIP Coordination Meeting • April 19th — Base Budgets are due • May 1 st — Departmental meetings with City Manager • May — Departmental CIP review with Boards • July 16th and July 17th Budget Workshops *SPECIAL MEETINGS* • Aug 6th *SPECIAL MEETING*: City Manager's Proposed Budget • Aug 13th: Normal Meeting (No budget item scheduled) • Sep 3rd: *SPECIAL MEETING* 1st public hearing on tax rate • Sep 10th: Normal Meeting: 2nd public hearing on tax rate , 1 st reading of the budget, 1 st reading of the tax rate • Sep. 24th: Normal Meeting: 2nd reading of the budget, 2nd reading of the tax rate Diaz reported that several items were being considered when working on the Annual Budget, including resource allocations due to growth, major projects, public safety needs, electric updates needed, a solid waste/transfer stations, a facilities and space needs assessment is being done, the CIP and legislative changes and effects of S132 and HB2. He also gave a report on the fee review across various service areas and cost of living comparisons in the region. Jonrowe asked how granular the review and comparisons got. She asked for staff to look for the day to day impact of fee increases on residents of all levels of income. She is concerned about affordability. Morgan said they will look into more data, and the utility rates given were based on usage, not income. Ross questioned the effect of the House Bill 2. Morgan reported that the impact is approximately $9 a year, but more on the school district side. Funding of schools has not been resolved at this point. More information will be available at a later date for this topic. B. Presentation and discussion of the findings of the technical studies of the 2030 Housing Element -- Sofia Nelson, Planning Director and Susan Watkins, AICP, Housing Coordinator Nelson began the presentation and asked Council to provide direction on the key elements of the 2030 housing goals: diversity, preservation and affordability. Goals prepared in the Council and P&Z joint session are: • Promote development patterns with balanced land uses that provide a variety of well -integrated housing and retail choices, transportation, public facilities, and recreational options in all parts of Georgetown. • Reinvest in Georgetown's existing neighborhoods and commercial areas to build on previous City efforts. • Provide a development framework that guides fiscally responsible growth, protects historic community character, demonstrates stewardship of the environment, and provides for effective provision of public services and facilities. • Guide, promote, and assist the preservation and rehabilitation of the City's historic resources. • Ensure effective communication, outreach, and opportunities for public participation and community partnerships to foster a strong sense of community. • Ensure access to diverse housing options and preserve existing neighborhoods, for residents of all ages, backgrounds and income levels. • Maintain high quality infrastructure, public safety services, and community facilities. • Actively partner with GISD, Williamson County, other governmental agencies, and local organizations to leverage resources and promote innovation. • Maintain and add to the existing quality parks and recreation. • Improve and diversify the transportation network. Fought discussed affordable housing vs. making housing affordable, there is a big difference and that needs to be clear. Hesser agrees and wants to provide housing opportunities for all levels of citizens. Nelson addressed their questions regarding workforce housing concerns and the difference between what exists and what is perceived as being needed. Nelson continued with the 2030 Comp Plan update. When funding was allocated to update the Housing Element, Council expressed a desire to evaluate housing needs in three parts: Senior Housing, Workforce Housing, and Low Income Housing. Policies are being developed to address these. Watkins continued with the Technical Study portion. Technical Study completed by Community Development Strategies. Inventory is the baseline for analysis, subarea profiles can be used for applying policies at micro level, and affordability analysis provides the gap data to assist in making policies. Gonzalez commented that diversity and density need to be accounted for and distributed throughout the City Pitts wants to see a diversity in product options. The City could use more and he would support this based on facts; policy statements encouraging diversity. Fought responded he is not opposed to more diverse housing, but asked what statement can be made to encourage more diversity. He doesn't want to change the city to meet the needs of the developers. Watkins continued. Key findings of the study: housing product options are not evenly distributed across subareas and there are decreasing options among lower price points. Gonzalez gave feedback that he would like to define word diversity to clarify — is it price or size or type or affordability or costs? Jonrowe asked if this study looked at other requirements/infrastructure issues that have prevented smaller infill projects. Nelson stated that once the policies are identified, they will begin to address implementation. Pitts wants to look at additional housing types so that Council can be prepared when they are brought before them. Watkins continued with the preservation element. Fought responded that gaining in place is important but more than just the house; preservation is meant to protect existing neighborhoods; there is a line between preservation and preventing McMansions and he will be looking for balance. Eby added to that that some people have to make a choice to sell their home or make the choice to stay and with the cost of living increasing, some cannot afford to stay. Watkins also stated older duplexes, four-plexes and multi -family properties play an important role in affordable housing stock. Neighborhood change is a concern for some existing residents. Watkins continued with affordability. Affordable housing, regardless of income level, is housing for which all combined expenses—mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance and taxes—cost no more than 30% of gross household income. The Market Analysis numbers were presented. • 1 in 4 households (HHs) rent (6,710 HHs) • 3 in 4 households (HHs) own (18,525 HHs) • I in 3 HHs with mortgage are cost burdened (3,562 of 12,005 HHs) • 1 in 10 HHs without mortgage are cost burdened (662 of 6,520 HHs) Council reviewed the numbers. Watkins explained a lot of the date was based on census data. Jonrowe asked how the homeless population was accounted for. Watkins said that was not a part of this study but they could be accounted for in future studies. Jonrowe would like information on how to fill that gap. Gonzalez stated he would like Council to realistic in regards to what they can affect and what is the right point to make a difference. If they try to do everything, they might not have the desired impact. Fought brought up that the issue goes beyond the city limits, and that we should consider recruiting businesses with higher paying jobs. Next Steps reported by Nelson: • Survey on housing diversity and preservation • 3/7 Steering Committee to review 2012 Housing Element recommendations evaluation from HAB and draft policies • 4/10 Joint Session with City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission to discuss housing policies • Public input (speaking to community groups) C. Presentation, update and discussion on the 2018/19 Unified Development Code (UDC) Amendment Review Process -- Sofia Nelson, CNU-A, Planning Director Nelson presented the item. She asked for direction on which of the listed UDC amendments you would like staff to review through the annual review process, the executive amendment process, or the emergency amendment process. She gave a recap of the February 12 Workshop discussion. The following direction was given: • Review of setbacks for Multi -family and non-residential development when adjacent to ETJ single family residential property. • Update UDC to increase notice requirements to 300' rather than the state mandated 200' for rezoning requests. • Update UDC to identify notice shall be provided to ETJ residents if located within the prescribed notice area. • Review automotive uses to require a special use permit in a local commercial (C-1) zoning district. • Allow council members the opportunity to review the UDC amendment list and returnto a workshop session to discuss UDC amendments that may be processed outside the annual review process. Currently in regular annual review: • Parkland dedication requirements • Historic standards and processes • Notification requirements for zoning map • Number of units per building for multi -family districts • Residential masonry standards • Permitted Use Table • Administrative clean-up Next Steps: • Direction to staff on the UDC topics to be reviewed in the 2019 Review Cycle. • UDCAC and City staff continue/initiate work on topics to be amended • March 6th 4-6pm UDC public open house will be held in the Library. Pitts asked for a review of setbacks adjacent to multi -family in the ETJ. Fought asked for an acceleration of the discussion of automotive uses and their placement. Ross confirmed car washes are considered automotive uses. Nelson confirmed the lists is good to proceed with as presented. D. Presentation, discussion and direction to staff regarding waiving fees for temporary signage for 501c(3) non- profit organizations and the City of Georgetown's current Policy for Waiving Fees for Major and Minor City - Sponsored Special Events -- David Morgan, City Manager Morgan presented the item. He stated the UDC Section 10.07.040 outlines the location, size and height restrictions, duration allowed, spacing, etc. The current practice for signage for a temporary event is defined as a public gathering held on private or public property and does not include promotional sales events for existing commercial uses. The fees for the permit is $31 for the first five signs, $5 for each additional sign. He gave the historical information on temporary event signs and estimated that only four non -profits were issued permits in 2017 and 10 permits were issued for non -profits in 2018. Cities are limited on when and how they may impose content -based regulations on signage. Morgan asked for direction on exempting non- profits from temporary sign fees for temporary events. Fought suggested something easy to administer. McNabb reviewed the court case ruling. They debated and were all supportive of the permit but allowing exemption of the fees. Pitts asked about waiving other non- profit fees, such as permits for ROCK or others. Morgan reported he would look into adding those types of fees to the strategic partnership grants. Morgan also reviewed Major and Minor City Sponsored Events and asked for direction on those fee waivers as well. The City Attorney's Office indicates this policy needs to be approved through ordinance and not just by resolution. • Does the City Council want to direct staff to develop an ordinance to continue the policy on Major City Sponsored Events as well as Minor City Sponsored Events? • Should there be more parameters around Minor City Sponsored Events • Eligibility Criteria, Type of Fee Waivers, Limits on the amount of fee waivers Council were generally in support of this type of policy, E. Presentation and discussion regarding the Convention and Visitors Bureau's (CVB) upcoming Tourism Strategic Plan -- Cari Miller, Tourism Manager Miller presented the item. This is an annual report. She provided background, explaining that there has been 111% increase in Hotel Occupancy Tax rates since 2014. They strive to advance the City Council goal of becoming a destination for unique experiences. The Tourism Strategic Plan is to conduct visitors experience assessment, direct key stakeholder workshops, provide an analysis of the current tourism program and provide strategy sessions with CVB staff and board. The RFP was issued in late 2018 and four bids were received. North Star Destination Strategies was chosen. The project kick-off is to begin in March and assessments and meetings will be held over the summer. The strategic plan is planned to be presented to CVB, the Board and the Council in late August. The Council did not have questions for Miller. Mayor Ross recessed the meeting to Executive Session under Section 551.071, Section 551.086, and Section 551.074 at 4:55 PM. Executive Session In compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes, Annotated, the items listed below will be discussed in closed session and are subject to action in the regular session. Sec. 551.071: Consultation with Attorney Advice from attorney about pending or contemplated litigation and other matters on which the attorney has a duty to advise the City Council, including agenda items Sec. 551.086: Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters - Purchased Power Update -- Jim Briggs, General Manager of Utilities Sec. 551.087: Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations - Project Deliver Sec. 551:074: Personnel Matters City Manager, City Attorney, City Secretary and Municipal Judge: Consideration of the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal - City Attorney Adjournment Mayor Ross adjourned the meeting to begin the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:00 PM. Approved by the Georgetown City Council on ?Va- Date A"I'; Y" L-YA�� Dale Ross, Payor Attest: Ci# Secretary