Janelle Chapman

The meeting included the approval of minutes from the March 5th meeting. A significant portion of the discussion centered on item 2A: a public hearing and recommendation for a conditional use permit (CUP) for a short-term rental at 300 Guadalupe Street. The applicant detailed renovations to the historic property and plans for its operation, while public commentary addressed concerns regarding parking and the necessity of special conditions for the CUP. Following discussion on zoning code consistency and parking requirements, the CUP was approved with stated conditions. Item 2B involved a request to rezone property at 333 Guadalupe Street from R2 (Medium Density Residential) back to R3 (Multifamily Residential) to proceed with a development plan for long-term residential detached rental residences, which included renovating an existing home and constructing new one and two-bedroom units, with connectivity to the River Trail being a key aspect of the plan.

The City Council Workshop focused on the city's proposed priorities for the 89th Texas legislative session. Key priorities discussed included protecting home rule authority, maintaining predictable revenue streams against property tax exemptions, defining the proper use of hotel tax funds, and advocating for park system support through grants, including for River Trail expansion. Other significant discussion points involved groundwater issues and the need for state involvement or protection against negative impacts, as well as addressing health risks and local authority regarding rock and mining operations. Furthermore, the council reviewed proposed amendments to a tree preservation ordinance, focusing primarily on new commercial and residential subdivisions while addressing concerns about unintended consequences, such as developers clearing land before ordinances apply. Public comment was also received regarding the importance of tree preservation.

The session focused extensively on preparedness and response measures related to the COVID-19 coronavirus, following the mayor's emergency declaration. Key discussions included briefing the council on the current pandemic status, evidenced by rapidly changing CDC guidelines, and planning for future council meetings, potentially using teleconferencing. The discussion also covered logistics concerning upcoming elections. An update was provided by a representative from HEB regarding supply chain management, store operational changes (including modified hours, suspension of self-service options like the hot table and olive bar, and prepackaging items), employee support such as extended paid medical leave, and measures to calm public concern over supply shortages. The HEB representative also detailed efforts to increase supply delivery capacity, install sneeze guards at checkouts, and maintain community support through partnerships with Meals on Wheels.

The session began with an announcement regarding the implementation of new agenda software, requesting public patience during the transition. The Council moved into an executive session to discuss matters including potential action regarding the City Attorney, based on discussions held in that session. Upon returning to the regular session, the Council authorized the Mayor to execute a Personnel Action Form for the City Attorney.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, commencing with citizen participation for unscheduled business. The consent agenda included the approval of the April 21st meeting minutes. Key discussions centered on public hearings and action items regarding a property at 335 Medina Highway. This involved a request to amend the future land use category from low density residential to mixed use and a zoning change request from R3 multi-family residential to S34 South Side 34 district. Staff reported that the proposed zoning was inconsistent with the current land use designation but consistent with the proposed mixed-use designation. Public testimony was heard concerning potential impacts, including traffic and noise, from the proposed zoning change, especially regarding a nearby single-family residential neighborhood and an existing R3 area intended as a buffer. The commission ultimately approved the future land use plan amendment. Subsequently, the commission held a second public hearing and approved the zoning change from R3 to S34. The final item involved the preliminary plat for Bandera Self Storage, with the only outstanding issue being the requirement for a private easement for a sewer line extending approximately 400 feet to an adjacent property line.