06081998 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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83 Regular Meeting June 8, 1998 Page 5 was told by the neighbors on San Antonio Street that people just speed between the speed bumps and did not alleviate the problem but would be willing to accept anything. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Moore introduced for discussion real property acquisition options in connection with Schulle Canyon and direction to Staff. Ms. Hughson stated she would be abstaining because she is a partial owner of a piece of property in the area. Mr. Taylor stated he was abstaining from discussion because he owns property next to the tract. Mayor Moore stated the Council had been asked to buy the whole piece of property in its entirety or partially. Mayor Moore stated information had been given to the Council the property is not desirable as part of the quality of life for the City, the Master Plan designates it as officially preserved greenspace, and that there are five owners planning to develop within the area. Mayor Moore stated the owners have gone through the proper procedures for acquiring the land and will try to proceed with the development plan. Mr. Gilley stated the Assistant City Attorney had provided the City with a memo stating the City can acquire the property. Mr. Gilley stated the City has not been offered the property to buy. Mr. Gilley stated the staff was seeking direction from Council. Mayor Moore asked if the Council thought they should allow this property to remain greenspace. Mr. Hernandez stated without a dollar amount, topographical maps or without a plat how can the Council alleviate drainage problems or consider how development should occur in a sensitive area of Schulle. Mr. Cox stated the community has spoken that the Master Plan be open space and he is supportive of acquiring this greenspace. Mr. Moseley stated he was interested also as Mr. Cox but wants to hear from the developer before making a decision. Mr. Doiron stated he was interested in acquiring and using some of the property as a future park. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he-was interested in acquiring the land. Mayor Moore stated he could not vote because he lives near the site in question although he coincides with Mr. Cox and Mr. Hernandez. Mayor Moore stated his opinion was the City should preserve the area as greenspace and protect the sensitive area. Mr. Kurt Prunty, the developer, stated they were open for discussion regarding negotiations on the transfer of development rights. Mr. Moseley asked the value of the land. Mr. Prunty stated he could not give him the fully appraised value although he was willing to discuss this with the City. Ms. Melody Weise stated the property sold for the appraisal district price of $143,120. Ms. Weise stated the developers on their Master Plan had proposed 86 townhomes and 84 single-family homes on 21 acres which was denied by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Ms. Weise stated there were no parks in the Sector 3 area. Ms. Weise stated the City needed to refer to the Master Plan and to maintain neighborhood integrity and nature preserve and for the City to take a pro-active approach in applying this. Ms. Weise stated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife is very concerned about this issue and they sent a letter to the EPA in Dallas, and according to the EPA this was one of the most critical situations for the San Marcos area which was overdevelopment. Ms. Weise stated the Council needs to stick to what the Master Plan states and keep this property as a nature preserve area because it is a very delicate and sensitive area. Mr. Hernandez stated there were many arguments as to why it needed to be preserved and in waiving the cost there needed to be a stopping point of development and was sure the 21 acres would be the best solution possible. Mr. Hernandez asked if there was some compromise to allow for some R-1 development. Ms. Weise stated she does not think there is a compromise because it would take all of the greenbelt and this is the Sector 3 greenbelt, and it is time to take a stand and preserve the land for a park. Ms. Weise stated she went before the Parks Board and the Board was interested in this becoming a park. Ms. Weise asked to organize a Parks Task Force, not just the Schulle area but others as well, to bring parks to these areas. Mr. Mihalkanin stated his concern was the discussion in this detail and stated the Council had given staff direction to look into acquiring this property. Mayor Moore stated the Council was not in the position to order, dictate or specify because they did not have the logic of the engineer studies and suggested staff facilitate further discussion and see what the options are. Mr. Gutierrez stated eminent domain was the most likely scenario in acquiring the property or within dedication of the recorded plat depending upon a certain portion of it to leave open space. Mr. Hernandez stated if the City was interested in obtaining a nature park for all citizens to enjoy the Council would be looking at placing no parking signs up and down the canyon and those issues will need to be looked at. Ms. Weise stated she highly recommended talking to Melanie Howard and