Council requires sidewalks or dollars for PUD

Following a public hearing with numerous comments at the Dec. 13 Navasota City Council meeting, council approved developer James Hassell’s request to rezone 63.55 acres from A/O, Agriculture/Open Space District to Pecan Lakes Estates Phase IV PUD, planned unit development. In addition, in an about-face from their March 2020 vote regarding Phase III sidewalks, the motion approved requires sidewalks on both sides of the street instead of one - or pay the fee-in-lieu-of.

During the lengthy public hearing, Planning and Zoning Commissioner Todd Wisner quoted portions of the City’s Subdivision Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan related to walkability goals. He referred to the “tens of thousands of dollars to be lost to the Sidewalk Fund” from council’s 2020 decision and asked if they would “again squander substantial contributions to the Sidewalk Fund.”

Wisner expressed his desire to see developers “produce some of that money ... to get the money to do the kinds of projects we want to do.”

Hassell responded saying sidewalks on one side of the street have been accepted since Phase I and that sidewalks on one side only keep the costs down for the builder and homebuyer, resulting in quick sales.

He said, “I have struggled and fought to get the builders I’ve got to this town to develop and we’ve created around 600 rooftops. I think that has really benefited the town.”

According to Hassell, Pecan Lakes residents walk on his wider than normal streets because of slow traffic and the sidewalks are often blocked by parked cars.

He added that another contribution benefiting area development is his financial investment and work with TxDOT to link the CR 424 entrance into Phase IV to SH 105 West which includes a turn lane which will run east to Fairway Drive.

Development Services Director Lupe Diosdado clarified the difference between a subdivision where sidewalks or the fee-in-lieu of are required and PUDs which are larger pieces of land and created to allow for negotiation between the City and the developer.

According to Diosdado, the current in-lieu-of fee is $24 per running foot, which he estimates would cost Hassell about $219,600, or $1,200 per lot for the intended 180 new homes.

Responding to questions about the Sidewalk Fund, Diosdado estimated it has “close to $100,000-plus for past and current projects.”

While no sidewalks have been built to-date, Diosdado said priorities identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will be used to decide where to build first.

Other council action:

•Approved Consent Agenda which included the minutes and expenditures for November 2021.

•Approved Resolution No. 705-21, accepting the water, gas, street and underground storm drainage improvements in Phase III, Section III in Pecan Lakes Subdivision. According to Development Services Director Lupe Diosdado, the sewer infrastructure will be presented for acceptance at a later date. Per developer, Jim Hassell, construction of the lift station was delayed by Covid and now materials.

•Approved first reading of Ordinance 986-21, amending Chapter 3 Building Regulations related to signs on public property to allow and regulate signs on public property owned or controlled by a governmental entity.

•After a public hearing with no comments against, approved the first reading of Ordinance 987-21, an application submitted by Serafin Estupinan requesting the City abandon a 20-foot public alleyway in Block H, Park Place Addition, bounded by Lewal, Park and Knox streets.

•Tabled further discussion and action on a lease agreement with the Kiwanis Club of Navasota for the use of the former golf course pro shop at August Horst Park.

•Tabled further discussion and action on the purchase of a software upgrade from Tyler Technologies for accounting, billing and payroll.

Reports from City staff or City officials:

•Introduction of new library clerk, Leslie Mora.

•Water/Wastewater Operator employee Brian Colbert was recognized for five years of service.

•Received an update on the Capital Improvement Project from Bleyl Engineering contractor John Henry.

•New fire department equipment presented.

•Received an update on Home for the Holidays activities.

•Received an update on the Texas Birthday Bash launch party from Assistant City Manager Shawn Myatt as well as brief report on increased sponsorships and ticket sales compared to this time last year.

•Received an update from Strand Associates on the water modeling project and the Hollister Street gas regulator station project.

•Mayor Bert Miller presented Navasota Police Chief Shawn Myatt with a Proclamation declaring December 2021 as the Tree of Angels Month.

•Council member Grant Holt gave an overview of the Dec. 9 Planning and Zoning meeting.

View city council meetings in their entirety at www.navasotatx.gov/ city-council/pages/meeting-videos.