Rowlett reconsiders staff recommendations

Recommendations from city staff members on whether or not the city should approve certain developments could be making a comeback in Rowlett.

The city council, planning and zoning commissions, and board of adjustments discussed the value of staff recommendations at their first joint meeting Tuesday night at the Community Centre.

City staff members stopped providing written recommendations at the advice of a former attorney in 2007 after the council and planning and zoning commission denied a request for a tattoo shop. Members of each group at the meeting said they were in favor of restoring staff recommendations on some levels.

"[City staff members] have more time and more education to look at these issues (and see) the whole picture," council member Patrick Jackson said.

Planning and zoning commission chairman Kevin Moore agreed.

"The staff goes and spends weeks with the developers, going back and forth," Moore said. "We get our packet on Friday and we make a decision on Tuesday."

Director of Development Services Keri Samford said staff recommendations are helpful because staff members have an intricate knowledge of the Rowlett Development Code, which they review before sending any case to a board or commission.

She also said all recommendations will be based only on ordinances and codes, without considering personal opinions. The process will also lead to early feedback for developers, so they can reconsider plans early in the project if they do not meet city standards.

"Staff recommendations based on established codes and regulations paired with the political discretion of decision-making bodies will ensure that the City of Rowlett is attracting quality development that meets or exceeds city council established standards," states a city staff report presented at the meeting.

Not everyone at thought that bringing staff recommendations back is a good idea. City council member Steve Maggiotto said applicants could feel that the city had already made a decision on a project before it went through the proper decision-making bodies.

"When you're going against a denial, you kind of feel you've already lost," Maggiotto said.

Board of Adjustments chairman Larry Beckham said he would feel comfortable putting positive recommendations on paper, but he suggested listening to denials from staff verbally.

"A piece of paper coming before me saying staff recommended denial does not put a positive spin on things," Beckham said.

The council, commission, and board also discussed:

*Changes to the development code to clarify jurisdiction and resolve ambiguity;

*Standards for lighting to promote dark skies and reduce light pollution; and,

*Items to be placed on a future agenda.

Current Rating: 0 of 0 votes!

Rate File: Select Rating: * ** *** ****