HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 09.10.2019 CC-WNotice of Meeting of the
Governing Body of the
City of Georgetown, Texas
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
The Georgetown City Council will meet on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 3:00 PM at the Council
Chambers, at 510 West 9" Street, Georgetown, TX 78626.
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 808 Martin Luther King Jr. Street for additional information; TTY users route through Relay
Texas at 711.
Mayor Ross called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. The following Council Members were in attendance.
Mayor Dale Ross; Valerie Nicholson, Council Member District 2; Mike Triggs, Council Member District
3; Steve Fought, Council Member District 4; Kevin Pitts, Council Member District 5; Rachael Jonrowe,
Council Member District 6; and Tommy Gonzalez, District 7. District 1 is vacant.
Nicholson arrived at 3:31 p.m. during Item B.
Policy Development/Review Workshop — Call to order at 3:00 PM
A. Presentation and discussion regarding the 2019 Red Poppy Festival Economic Impact Study -- Cari
Miller, Tourism Manager
Miller introduced the item and Vicky Soderberg with Cygnet Strategies who did the presentation.
Soderberg noted that there was a team of seven people attended Poppy Festival to reach out to attendees.
She continued that 358 surveys were completed by out of town visitors and the have a 95% confidence
level in the results. Soderberg noted that the primary purpose of Red Poppy is to showcase downtown
and drive spending by out-of-town visitors. She added that it is important that these visitors have a good
time so that they view Georgetown in a positive light and want to come back, which continues bringing
dollars into Georgetown long after the event is over. Soderberg noted that there were lots of positive
comments and suggestions. She then reviewed the results of the survey and noted, on a scale of 1
(boring) to 5 (awesome): the attendee responses averaged 4.18, somewhere between Enjoyed Myself
and Awesome; vendors rated it even higher at 4.58 and when your vendors are happy, it's a pretty good
sign that their sales were good. Soderberg reviewed the overall economic impact of: $2.56 million total
impact comprised of out of town attendees and out of town vendors; $1.41 million in food and beverage;
$360,000.00 in lodging; $236,000.00 in visitor attractions; and $552,000.00 in retail. She stated that
yes, there was a significant impact and this is only the impact from the weekend, and it does not track
additional impact as a result of people coming back to Georgetown because of their positive experience
at Red Poppy. Soderberg then reviewed the underlying data which consisted of. 75,000 people
attending; 57% from out-of-town; 4.27 people per group because people are bringing family and
friends; 1.53 days spent at the festival; $38.34 per person per day spent. She added that it may not seem
like a lot but it's excellent considering most of the people who stayed overnight stayed outside of
Georgetown because the hotels were full due to other events. Soderberg reviewed the local spending
that: totaled $860,000.00; $494,000.00 in food and beverage; $320,000.00 in retail; and $46,000.00 in
attractions. She then reviewed possible next steps and noted that everything seems great right now, the
City is making money, people are having a good time, the vendors are happy. Soderberg said that was
all true, but the City has been so successful that it has maxed out the venue. She continued that
downtown can't safely hold more people for this event, and since the City doesn't sell tickets it will be
hard to manage the attendance. Soderberg stated that the first step is to remember why the City is doing
the event and then finely target those who will come, spend money, and hopefully spend the night. She
noted that there are many events similar to Red Poppy that are seeing increased attendance and reduced
spending. Soderberg noted that those who are interested in shopping downtown and with vendors is not
necessarily the same group that comes just for the music with their coolers.
Mayor Ross stated that he doesn't necessarily believe the intent of the event is to expand economically,
but did agree that the event has probably reached capacity in the current location.
Pitts asked for a definition of "younger" crowd. Soderberg responded and noted that the people coming
to the arts and crafts portion of the event are generally 40s and up and if the City wants to target music
to the demographic that spends money. Pitts asked if success is defined by a higher total financial
impact. Soderberg responded that economic impact is important, but so is bringing people from out of
town over longer periods of time. Pitts asked if the calculation for economic impact included local
spending. Soderberg responded no, because that's not how it is calculated.
Mayor Ross asked how staff came up with 75,000 figure for attendance. Miller responded that since
the event isn't ticketed, it is hard, but staff observes the crowd and make an estimate.
Fought stated that he has no problem with the current impact and Georgetown is safe family place.
"half of the crowd drinking Jack Daniels and half drinking Ensure"
B. Presentation, update, and discussion on the Update to the Land Use Element for the 2030 Plan -- Sofia
Nelson, CNU-A, Planning Director
Nathaniel Waggoner, Long Range Planning Manager presented the item and recapped the work done
so far. He then reviewed the feedback being sought on the policies as: are there any draft land use
policies that Council seeks additional information; do any of the policies require refinement; and are
there any topics that Council feels warrant a policy that is not represented. Waggoner stated that for
best practices staff is curious if there are there any practices that Council would like to see further
explored. He then reviewed the Land Use Element components, the goals guiding the Land Use Policy,
and how staff drafted the policies.
Waggoner then reviewed 2030 Goal 1: 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. He noted the following options:
• LA - Encourage a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and employment uses at varying
densities and intensities, to reflect a gradual transition from urban to suburban to rural
development.
• LB - Promote more compact, higher density, well-connected development within appropriate
infill locations.
• New - Promote development of complete neighborhoods across Georgetown.
Waggoner then reviewed 2030 Goal2: Reinvest in Georgetown's existing neighborhoods and
commercial areas to build on previous City efforts. He noted the following options:
• 2.A - Encourage redevelopment in target areas.
• 2.0 - (formerly option 2.13.) Identify potential opportunities and selectively target, plan, and
promote development/reuse initiatives.
Waggoner then reviewed 2030 Goal3: 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. He noted the
following options:
• 3.A - (formerly 2.13.) Continue to promote diversification of uses while strengthening the
historic character and supporting the existing historic neighborhoods.
• New - Strengthen Georgetown's image and quality feel within enhanced gateways and
commercial corridors.
■ New - Proactively support existing and recruit new employers and incentivize development
that is consistent with Georgetown's target industries and that support diversification of the
City's tax base and promote economic development.
■ New - Adopt development practices that preserve and enhance the environment.
• New - Develop and apply approval standards for annexation and creation of special districts.
Waggoner then reviewed 2030 Goal 6: Ensure access to diverse housing options and preserve existing
neighborhoods, for residents of all ages, backgrounds and income levels. He noted the following
option:
• 6.A - (1.E.) Encourage innovative forms of compact, pedestrian friendly development and a
wider array of affordable housing choices through provisions and incentives.
Waggoner then reviewed 2030 Goal 7: Maintain high -quality infrastructure, public safety services, and
community facilities. He noted the following option:
• New - Support public safety services and infrastructure to ensure that Georgetown continues
to be a safe, welcoming community that serves all residents.
Waggoner then reviewed 2030 Goal 8: Actively partner with GISD, Williamson County, other
governmental agencies, and local organizations to leverage resources and promote innovation. He
noted the following option:
• New - Promote development decisions that serve the needs of our interlocal government
partners.
Waggoner then reviewed 2030 Goal 9: Maintain and add to the existing quality parks and recreation.
He noted the following option:
• New - Ensure that the subdivision and development process includes consideration of the way
in which residential lots relate to parks and open space, emphasizing adjacency and
accessibility to parks and open space.
Waggoner then reviewed 2030 Goal 10: Improve and diversify the transportation network. He noted
the following option:
• 10.A - (formerly 2.13.) Proactively plan investments in transportation and other infrastructure
to leverage partnerships with the business community and interested neighborhood
organizations and maintain the level of service as the City continues to grow.
Gonzalez stated the City needs to keep quality when seeking affordable options and determine
minimum standards.
Pitts asked about 6.A. and how would staff work to achieve that with developers. He asked what the
spirit of the policy is. Waggoner responded that staff grouped policies together. He added that when
infrastructure is extended it will meet a whole host of goals including meeting housing the diversity
goal. Pitts stated that he didn't see connectivity being addressed. Waggoner responded that it may fall
in the subdivision policy. Pitts stated that transportation and connecting neighborhoods, as well as
promoting connectivity is important for long term planning and land use. Waggoner asked if that is
something staff could incorporate into Goal 10 or should they create an additional policy. Pitts said he
would just like the high-level thought addressed.
Mayor Ross stated that at the last steering committee meeting the members discussed development out
at 130 is more expensive because of infrastructure. He added that he didn't see anything related to
affordability on the City side relating to infrastructure which is important. Waggoner responded that
affordability related to infrastructure and connectivity will be noted by staff, as well as maintaining
quality standards when dealing with affordability.
Waggoner then recapped the August 27`h workshop meeting noting the best practices and tools and
asked if there was anything staff missed.
Gonzalez asked where Council should address the goal related to the proportion of single family vs.
multi -family housing. Waggoner responded that staff utilizes the Residential Development Map that
also track the residential development (pipeline) and the housing inventory/subarea map. He added
that the committee suggested using corridors and supporting development along those corridors.
Waggoner recapped the September 5" Steering Committee initial results which included the key areas
of. increase densities along major corridors, further explore SH 130; redevelopment opportunities along
N. and S. Austin Ave, Williams Drive and FM 971; employment Centers along and east of I 35; and
increase the mix of land uses and couple residential with supporting nonresidential. He noted that the
initial observations of the committee so far were to: modify density ranges for residential; evaluate
incorporation of high density multifamily into commercial uses; prioritize the use of the target
industries study to further explore the employment center future land use district; identify where key
density locations should take place; identify locations where redevelopment is desired; and develop
ratios for percent of uses per future land use designation. Waggoner then reviewed the proposed next
steps of. September 191h Steering Committee; a joint session on land use covering growth scenarios,
land use policies, land use categories sometime in September or October; a public meeting in October;
and a Council Workshop in October.
Mayor Ross asked when Council can expect this to be completed for Council's final review. Waggoner
responded that staff expects to have the Steering Committee work completed by November and then to
bring it to Council for adoption in December or January.
Gonzalez stated that the City needs to look at putting infrastructure in place so that the City can drive
development where it wants to drive it.
Nicholson asked if anyone had discussed the acceleration of development. She noted the number of
single family and multi -family builds. Nicholson asked if the City was doing too much too fast and if
there was a point where the City presses pause. Wagg responded that staff is hearing Council's desire
for decisional framework. He added that if the rate of growth needs to be evaluated, staff will build a
decisional framework to be utilized. Nicholson noted that people sometimes operate in their own silos
and with the rapid growth, different groups don't always talk to each other. She added that the growth
affects many other areas as well.
Pitts asked about the ratio for future land use designations and that he would like base line for today.
He added that rooftops drive commercial development. Wagg asked for clarification on the baseline
being request. Pitts responded that he was wanting to see how much residential/commercial/etc. the
City does have currently including zoning designations. Morgan reference rate of growth and noted
that Council has to consider when the key decision points are for the City. He added those key points
are when the City shifts from long range plan to the use of entitlements.
Jonrowe asked if the City could legally establish a tiered fee structure. McNabb responded that a tiered
fee structure can't be done, and fees need to be cost based in terms of staff time. Jonrowe thanked staff
for the great presentation and noted that he she is interested in small area plans.
Gonzalez noted that the City can put up 12-1500 units per year and the City controls what is coming
in. He added that fully built out developments effect numbers for future years.
Jonrowe asked if when the baseline is developed can staff break down based on the number of units per
acre. Waggoner responded that staff will bring that back.
Mayor Ross cautioned on hard percentages, but noted the need for guidelines.
C. Presentation, discussion, and possible direction regarding the downtown parking garage design --
Laurie Brewer, Assistant City Manager and Michael Walton, Chair of the Downtown Parking Garage
Design Committee
Brewer presented the item and provided the purpose of Workshop. She noted the 2014 Downtown
Master Plan and that Chapter 5 related to Auto Circulation and Parking. Brewer said that the Master
Plan considers parking a "utility", not as a land use and provides a service that customers use. She said
that the Master Plan also takes a systems approach, locates facilities where it will serve broad range of
users, contemplated multiple locations for structured parking, and initiated a parking study. Brewer
then reviewed the Downtown Master Plan Parking Map. She reviewed the 2015 Parking Study that
focused on the 9-block zone where staff conducted an online survey and stakeholder outreach that
included a public workshop. Brewer said that the Study: confirmed the existing parking inventory;
observed and documented existing parking occupancies and turnover; reviewed existing parking
policies and management practices; and developed recommendations and studied parking garage sites.
She stated the Parking Study also emphasized location and shows through the survey that people are
willing to walk two to three blocks at most for parking and the lot north of Monument Cafe was not
included in the parking count of. 1,096 total off-street spaces; 640 total on -street spaces; and 1,709 total
spaces. Brewer reviewed the Parking Study recommendations of: short term needs of enforcement and
utilizing existing assets; mid term needs of completing surface lot expansion and studying garage
multiple locations; and long-term needs of completing the City Center which would relocate employees
and adding parking structures. She then reviewed the Downtown development from 2015 to present
which has consisted of. increased demand for parking; increased development of dining and
entertainment uses; sale of City facilities; overall economic growth in downtown; continued pressures
for parking; and Downtown parking continued to be a priority for Council. Brewer noted the new
construction and large renovations projects: Riverplace 32,000 square feet (SF); Riverbluff Multi -
Family 21,000 SF; Smith Performance Center 14,500 SF; Watkins Development 9,000 SF; Heritage
Court 12,890 SF; Hitch Hall Building 11,600 SF; City Post Building 12,500 SF; and Wish Well House
6,600 SF. She recapped the garage planning and noted that the 2018/19 Budget planning process
identified potential for smaller garage to address parking needs. Brewer added that this was related to
the sale of City Council Chambers retaining the surface parking lot where a smaller garage could be
funded, and Downtown Tax Increment Fund could absorb 50% of cost. She continued that staff and a
consultant developed costs totaling $5 million. Brewer reviewed that Council approved funding for the
parking garage budget in the FY19 budget, bonds were issued for project in April 2019, staff and the
consultant began schematic design and testing, and Council set a design committee for public input to
drive design elements in June 2019. She recapped the benefits of the current plan which include:
continued support of local business investment; a smaller garage can be funded at this time with an
impact of an additional 150 parking spaces within 2 years and it utilizes existing city -owned property;
the location is within the 9-block downtown zone; it provides spaces to provide alternative to parking
in adjacent residential areas; 200 spaces; and adds approximately 150 Additional Parking Spaces.
Brewer then reviewed the current work in progress, provided a utility review, noted the boring and
collection of soil samples, and noted the work with new council chambers owner for coordination of
construction and utilities. She emphasized that staff will work with adjacent property on an appropriate
height for the garage and that the schematic was conceptual and not meant to determine the design.
Brewer then turned the presentation over to Sofia Nelson, Planning Director, to present the Public
Engagement Plan. Nelson reviewed the goals for engagement as: seek as broad public input as possible;
utilize business owners as ambassadors of the public outreach efforts; and utilize up to date collection
methods for collecting input combined with traditional meeting methods. She then reviewed the
education and outreach topics of. where/what/why of the Downtown Parking Garage; goals and benefits
of a parking garage; material influences in the downtown area that should be considered for inclusion
in this project; streetscaping including plants and lighting; activating ground level/pedestrian
experience; public art including a community history exhibit incorporation; mass and scale; and
architectural character. Nelson noted that the stakeholders included merchants, nearby residential
owners, nearby community building owners, customers, people who work downtown, Preservation
Georgetown, Downtown Georgetown Association, neighborhood associations city wide, downtown
churches, Young Professionals Group, and Downtown and Old Town property owners. She stated that
the engagement strategies included: public meetings; a short presentation; staff and Steering Committee
present to address questions; online participation referred to a meeting in a box; website survey that
was a consistent survey across the community; opportunity for small groups to meet together and
provide feedback; building on existing outreach opportunity in person and in writing; joining existing
meetings and publications; scheduling special meeting with specialized stakeholders; and asking local
businesses to promote via their social media accounts. Nelson stated that staff the worked to determine
what engagement method was best for each stakeholder group
Nelson the turned the presentation over to Michael Walton, Chair of Downtown Parking Garage
Committee. Walton provided a Downtown Parking Garage Steering Committee Update and provided
a meetings summary of. June 24" meeting consisted of introductions, background on the Parking Study,
and an overview of design guidelines; July 22°d meeting consisted of art/exterior options and
consideration of what appeals to passers-by, especially those on foot and ground floor engagement;
August 12' meeting consisted of details about public outreach, the who/what/when/how; and
September 17' will be the next meeting. He then went over some open questions for Could that were:
is the proposed location of the parking garage open for discussion; is the size of the parking garage up
for discussion; what are the top three goals for the parking garage; Council's opinions/thoughts about
including some form of retail/business on the ground floor; and what are your expectations of the
committee.
Pitts asked if the 2015 Study specified how many spots were needed. Brewer responded that the study
said the City had sufficient spaces at the time that weren't being well utilized. She added that the
County lot is too far from square and the Study didn't give a specific number. Brewer noted that the
plan was to build multi -function garage at 9" and Main, but funding is not ready at this time. Pitts
asked if the height for the Hitch and Hall building has been approved. Brewer responded yes. Pitts
asked if the height shown in the illustration is what was approved. Brewer responded yes. Pitts asked
why part of the garage is slated for storage instead of parking spaces. Brewer responded that the area
used for storage was not going to be utilized for parking, so another utilization was determined to
prevent unused dead space.
Jonrowe stated that she was reviewing the Carl Walker report which noted a parking structure as a
future suggestion. She then asked if staff looked at mid-term recommendations and check off what's
been done and what could still be done. Brewer responded that some recommendations would require
partnerships, ex: valet parking, that are not currently in the City scope. She added that staff has
presented parking options to Council previously and kept them up to date on progress. Jonrowe stated
that she felt there were still some other options that could be considered before building a garage.
Fought stated that he is not interested in another location or in making the lot smaller. He added that
he would consider the trade-off for retail on first floor and he is happy with the current plan.
Triggs said that in urban settings parking lots can be associated with crime and sked if that has been
addressed. Brewer responded that staff will take that into account to make people feel safe. She added
that there will be open space between floors so you can see in and good lighting.
Nicholson stated that expanding parking options is the top goal and suggested that staff look at short to
mid-term goals. She noted the construction timeframe and that she doesn't want to wait. Nicholson
said that the location being considered is all that's available. She said that the 9" Street will make sense
down the road. Nicholson added that height is bigger issue related to design and she doesn't want to
go higher for the sake of retail but could consider exhibitor windows. She stated that the reason of
committee was to have the committee attend events and be the eyes and ears. Nicholson stated that she
didn't want people to feel like construction is happening all of the sudden.
Gonzalez stated that the location makes sense and he likes the space for retail as long as the City doesn't
become a landlord. He added that he would like to make the garage welcoming.
Jonrowe stated that she lives near this location and people's perception is that there is not a huge parking
issue most of the time. She continued that the parking issue is mostly during events and the City needs
to exhaust other less expensive options to prevent funding fatigue. Jonrowe stated that the height is an
issue and she wants to respect the context of the space. She added that the garage should be of
appropriate mass and scale and retail is fine if possible. Jonrowe asked that the City preserve as many
trees as possible and she thanked the committee.
Pitts stated that he did not feel considering location was not part of committee's work. He added that
the size of the garage is fine to discuss as long as the number of needed spots is accomplished. Pitts
noted that the top goals should be to add more parking. He added that retail should not be done if it
will take away parking and the committee should help Council with the design of the exterior of the
structure.
Fought stated that the location is not up for discussion, the size is not up for discussion, the design
should fit downtown, and he would be willing to lose a few parking spots for retail.
Triggs stated that the number one goal should be a net increase in parking spaces.
Mayor Ross stated that one of the top goals should be to make it, so the garage doesn't look like a
parking garage.
Brewer stated that it has been a pleasure to work with committee
Recess into executive session at 4:40 p.m.
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.
D. 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
- Clearway
- PEC Franchise
- Proposed Settlement in City of Georgetown v. Lera Brock Hughes Trust No. 2, George J. Shia, Co -
Trustee and Forrest N. Troutman, Co -Trustee, et a]
Sec. 551.086: Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters
- Purchase Power Update
Sec. 551.087: Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations
- Project Matrix
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
Approved by the Georgetown City Council on _Li-
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