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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/03/1995 City Council00867, MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON May 3, 1995 The Joint Work Session of the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:05 p.m. on the 3rd day of May, 1995 at City Hall with the following Council and Planning and Zoning roll call: William Manning, Mayor Absent Mike Lynch, Mayor Pro Tem Present Kay Hardin, Councilman Present Rob Burchard, Councilman Present John Dillard, Councilman Present G. David Heiman, Councilman Present Steven Swerdloff, Chairman Present Barbara Crocker, Member Present Steve Wolfard, Member Absent Steve Tolen, Member Present Cindy DePrater, Member Present Lyle Hilyard, Member Present Jan Cottle, Member Present and with five members of council present, and six members of Planning and Zoning present a quorum was established for each body. Also present were staff members, Johnny Smith, Tom Cravens and Sam Chavez, John Friebele, Hunter and Associates, Traffic Engineer was present along with representatives from Centex, Richard Ferrara Architects, Kimley-Horn. The following items were addressed: 1. JOINT WORK SESSION FOR REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED MASTER THOROUGHFARE PLAN Mr. John Friebele gave a history of the thoroughfare plan, stating his firm, Hunter and Associates had been asked by the city to review and recommend revisions to the thoroughfare plan adopted in 1989. He cited three basic reasons to revise the thoroughfare plan: 1) Changes which have occurred through various development over the years; 2) Adjacent cities (Carrollton and Plano) have revised their thoroughfare plan and made significant changes (which affect The Colony); and 3) the existing plan does not address the needs of the city. The first report was presented around March 1993 and the first plan was presented in June 1994, about the same time as the Dal-Mac zoning case was brought into the city. Dal-Mac enhanced the plan and use it when planning their development. The June 1994 plan has been done according to all traffic studies. 00 q670 The following changes were proposed in March 1995: 1. Memorial Drive - realigned to 'q" into S. Colony Blvd. 2. Delete one 4 lane collector. 3. Memorial Drive reduced from 6 lanes to 4 lanes from Blair Oaks to FM 423 (based on a more recent traffic study). At this time, discussion was opened regarding the thoroughfare plan. Specifically, the standards used in the Hunter and Associates 1994 study were discussed. Mr. Chavez noted these are "textbook" standards and the city can adopt higher standards. Questions were raised about the level of service (LOS). The goal is to achieve a LOS C. Mr. Friebele said based on what we currently have we will be at a LOS C when the city is built out. Mr. Friebele said Version 3 of the plan was considered by the P&Z in March 1995 but was denied. P&Z chose to stay with Version 2, the plan approved by them in June 1994. Mr. Friebele said in his opinion, the impact on the traffic flow by either version is the same. Discussion then centered around Traffic Impact Analyses (TIA). Mr. Friebele said the TIA's done did not include detailed intersection standards. Both Mr. Friebele and Richard Ferrara recommended the city adopt standards regarding TIA's which will required detailed intersection studies, advising that the major, negative impact on traffic flow is caused at intersections. If the intersections are designed properly, the negative impact is reduced. Mr. Friebele said the city should adopt a policy that states that a thoroughfare plan will be designed to allow a LOS based on land use. He agreed that when the thoroughfare plan is adopted the city will be adopting those standards included in that plan, but noted the city can then adopt higher standards at a later date. Member Hilyard stated that when the thoroughfare plan is adopted, the city will, by reference, be adopting the standards included in that plan. Member Tolen expressed concern that according to his calculations, Memorial Drive at S. Colony will reach 39,925 cars which will put it at a LOS E. Roy Wilshire with Kimley- Horn explained that those numbers are only reached at full build out, which in reality never happens. He stated arguing over 925 cars is grasping at straws. Mr. Wilshire also advised those numbers include "background" traffic and that the numbers will probably be much less. Mr. Friebele advised that from this point on anymore changes to the plan will necessitate a full, end to end traffic study. Mr. Ferrara asked, on behalf of Dal-Mac and any other developer, if an intersection study would be helpful. Mr. Friebele said if the intersection will cause a negative impact, yes, but if there is no negative impact then the study would not be worthwhile. Discussion then followed regarding the proposed 8 lanes on FM 423 from SH 121 to Cougar Alley. Mr. Friebele recommended 8 lanes at 423 and 121. There was discussion about the two outer lanes being used as turn lanes and the positive effect that would have on the other 6 lanes. It was agreed that at the time of development all intersections should be studied carefully. Mr. Smith agreed, and stated that when we adopt this thoroughfare plan we will be adopting a basic level plan, but the city needs to go further. Member Hilyard noted that with what we have today, it seems we are planning to build a road that will be a LOS D in some sections. Mr. Smith and Mr. Friebele disagreed, 3 stating that we are planning for LOS C, knowing there may be a few sections at a few times that may go to a LOS D. Mr. Ferrara asked if the city adopted intersection standards as discussed earlier, in the near future, would Mr. Friebele still recommend Version 3 of this thoroughfare plan and Mr. Friebele said he would. Member Crocker asked if Version 3 is better or worse than Version 2. Mr. Friebele stated there is no change in impact. Member Crocker asked if intersections can be improved during development and Mr. Friebele said they can. Mr. Friebele said if the intersections are designed properly it is very likely the impact will be decreased and that a LOS C will be achieved. Mr. Friebele said Version 3 has less streets and the study shows it will allow acceptable service. Brief discussion regarding the Dal-Mac property. Mr. Friebele explained that the zoning on that property does not allow for total build out until all the roads are built. Centex representatives Steve Bilheimer and Roger Sefzik questioned the need for the east/west roadway through their property along SH 121 and asked why there is no corresponding roadway on the south side of SH 121. Mr. Friebele advised that Headquarters Drive does run along the south of SH 121. Lengthy discussion regarding the traffic along the frontage road to SH 121 and the reasoning for the east/west roadway. Mr. Friebele recommended the city adopt Version 3 of the thoroughfare plan and then work toward adopting higher standards. Mr. Chavez agreed and added that additional right-of-way at certain intersections can be identified and addressed through the subdivision ordinance. Marcie Diamond with Richard Ferrara Architects, said the city can implement their standards at the time of platting. At this time, Mr. Wilshire addressed a change requested by Shula Netzer, owner of property south of SH 121. She is requesting a slight re-alignment of Headquarters Drive. Mr. Friebele said the change is acceptable and does meet the intent of the thoroughfare plan. Centex then questioned the width of Standridge Rd., stating they had acquire right of way for two lanes and the plan shows it to be four lanes. Mayor Pro-tern Lynch said he believed the intent was always four lanes, with two being in Lewisville and two being in The Colony. Mr. Bilheimer said that was not the understanding of his company. There followed a brief discussion regarding the extension of N. Colony Blvd. Mr. Smith advised there is an agreement with Stonebriar to extend the roadway, but they can do it when they want to and since this is in the city of Frisco, we cannot force them to do it. Discussion regarding connecting N. Colony and S. Colony to relieve some of the burden, with several methods for achieving this mentioned. Mr. Smith said the City Managers and Mayors of the area titles have met about this issue and the next step is for the City Managers, Planners and other staff members to meet to discuss meshing thoroughfare plans. Mr. Ferrara and Mr. Friebele both stated that when it is economically viable, the extension of these roads will happen. Mayor Pro-tem Lynch listed the changes on Version 3: Headquarters Drive re- alignment, Memorial Drive to Paige: 423 to Blair Oaks remains as a 6 lane, and 423 from 121 to Cougar Alley is 8 lanes. It was noted that 423 is a State road and the State will have to make the improvements, but the city has to put the changes in place. 4 00567',; Mr. Sefzik said he thought Memorial Drive was now recommended to be a 4 lane. Mr. Friebele said he does agree with that and the revision shows a 4 lane road with 100' of fight of way in case 6 lanes are ever needed. Mr. Friebele went on to say he believes the city will be well served to build Memorial Drive as a 4 lane divided roadway with 100' of right of way from FM 423 to Blair Oaks. Mark Goode representing Centex said the intersection standards discussed earlier are a must, noting they will give added capacity. He suggested coupling the standards with Version 3 of the thoroughfare plan. Discussion followed regarding Memorial Drive and whether it will be 4 lanes or 6 lanes. Mayor Pro-tem Lynch asked who would pay for the additional lanes and referenced the amendment made to zoning change for Centex in which it was stated that the developer will pay for the additional 2 lanes. Mr. Goode said the problem with traffic does not occur in mid-block, it occurs at the intersections and the intersection standards will address the problems where they exist. He said if we keep the 4 lane configuration and adopt intersection standards the city will have insurance against problems. Further discussion about who will pay for the future lanes, if and when they are needed. Mr. Friebele said he thinks the city can only require a developer to build what their development is responsible for. Mayor Pro-tern Lynch asked if the city will get "zipped". Councilman Heiman said it seems more prudent to address the intersection standards. Mayor Pro-tem Lynch said if Centex will agree to design (the road) so as to maintain a LOS C, then he has no problem. Councilman Heiman said if we continue to make it so unattractive then the property will not get developed and the city will lose. Member Hilyard noted that the city can collect impact fees for road expansion. Mr. Ferrara said the city can also put back a portion of the taxes received from the new development for the purpose of road expansion. Mr. Ferrara asked if there would be a problem if the city adopted the intersection design criteria along with the revised thoroughfare plan. Mr. Chavez said that would not be a problem and Mr. Goode said that is a good idea. Mayor Pro-tem Lynch clarified; we can approve Version 3 of the thoroughfare plan tonight, agree to adopt intersection standards in the near future and understand that we can modify the thoroughfare plan to meet standards through the subdivision ordinance. Mr. Chavez agreed and said each plat will be reviewed against the subdMsion ordinance and if it is not in compliance, it will be denied. He said if a plat comes in for approval before the new standards are in place, it will be postponed or the developer will have to agree that the plat will be subject to future standards. 10:10 Recess 10:25 Reconvene 5 00 67 Chairman Swerdloff called the Special Session back to order. 2. CONSIDERATION OF ANY APPROPRIATE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AS A RESULT OF THE JOINT WORK SESSION Motion to approve Version 3 of the Master Thoroughfare Plan with the understanding that staff will initiate development of intersection criteria and engineering design standards for future development - Crocker; second - DePrater, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 3. CONSIDERATION OF ANY APPROPRIATE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE CITY COUNCIL AS A RESULT OF THE JOINT WORK SESSION Mr. Chavez advised that the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended adopting Version 3 of the Master Thoroughfare Plan. Councilman Dillard clarified that Version 3 is the March 1995 revision and asked Mr. Chavez to re-state the changes. Changes were stated as follows: 1. Re-alignment of Memorial Drive to intersect with S. Colony 2. Eliminate a collector street perpendicular to SH 121 3. Memorial Drive will be a 4 lane divided roadway with 10ft right of way from FM 423 to Paige Rd. 4. FM 423 will be 8 lanes divided from SH 121 to Cougar Alley 5. Re-alignment of Headquarters Drive Councilman Dillard asked if Headquarters Drive was included in Member Crocker's motion. Member Crocker said she did not state it, but that her intent was to include Headquarters Drive along with all the other changes named above. Motion to accept Planning and Zoning's recommendation to adopt the March 1995 revision of the Master Thoroughfare Plan, including the changes as stated above, with the understanding that intersection standards and design criteria will be adopted in the near future - Burchard; second - Dillard, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 6 005670 With no further business to address, Mayor Pro-tem Lynch adjourned the meeting at 10:35 p.m. APPROVED: rem Steven Swerdloff, Chairman, Planning and Zoning Patti A. Hicks,TRMC, CMC/AAE, City Secretary 7