07192005 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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115. Regular Meeting July 19, 2005 Page 9 DISTRICT, ALONG THE 500 THROUGH 1200 BLOCKS OF HOPKINS STREET; INCLUDING PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES. Mayor Narvaiz opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak. 1) Rodney Vanouderkerke stated he is the Chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission. He stated the Historic Preservation Commission encourages the Council to adopt this Ordinance to establish Hopkins Street into the local Historic District. He stated this request was initiated by a petition from property owners and residents of Hopkins Street. He encouraged the Council to let the Commission do what they were appointed to do. He stated the Commission received negative comments regarding the traffic in this area, which is out of the Commission's control. 2) Sharon Wilkey stated she is a resident of Hopkins Street. She stated she owns an historic home and supports the proposed Ordinance. 3) George VonderLippe stated he supports Hopkins Historic District. He stated this area is one of the oldest areas in San Marcos. He stated he felt the proposed Ordinance would help protect owners' investments. He stated the traffic problems will be addressed when Hopkins Street is transferred from a State street to a City street. He encouraged the Council to support this Ordinance. 4) Polly Wright stated she was born on Hopkins Street and still resides on Hopkins Street. She stated the surrounding streets are included in the Historic District and Hopkins Street needs to be included. 5) Don Rains stated he is opposed to the proposed Ordinance. He stated Hopkins is a main artery of the City. He encouraged the Council to allow him to opt out of the Historic District. Mayor Narvaiz asked if anyone else wished to speak. No one did, so Mayor Narvaiz closed the public hearing. Mr. Bose moved for approval of the Ordinance on first reading, and Mr. Guerrero seconded the motion. Mr. Thomaides and Mr. Mihalkanin both stated they were abstaining due to the Ethics Review Commission's recommendation and they left the Chambers. Mr. Diaz inquired whether a property can opt out of the Historic District. Mr. Mark Taylor stated adoption of the historic district is a zoning overlay, which can be changed by the same process it took to adopt the overlay. He stated the Council can modify the boundaries of the proposed historic district, which will need to be sent back to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendations. Mayor Narvaiz inquired as to the process Mr. Rains would need to follow to be deleted from the overlay. Mr. Mark Taylor stated he would need to go before the Historic Preservation Commission and then the Planning and Zoning Commission. He stated if the request is denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Council could still consider the request, and overturn the Planning and Zoning Commission decision. Mr. Taylor stated he currently does not support the proposed Ordinance. Mr. Guerrero inquired as to the impact the proposed Ordinance will have on the low income families. Mr. Vanouderkerke stated residents are not required to do anything different to their homes, but if they change the architectural style of the part of the house facing the street, they need to come before the Historic Preservation Commission. On roll