From requesting state funds to update water meters in Grapevine to amending allowed uses within the neighborhood commercial and professional office zoning districts, see the latest on three actions taken during the July 21 council meeting.
Texas Water Development Board grant application
Grapevine City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing an application for a Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant through the Texas Water Development Board.
The grant requests nearly $2.37 million that will help cover costs for the city’s water meter replacement program. If approved by the board, the grant would cover the cost in full.
The project also includes the installation of wirelessly enabled water pressure sensors, which would be placed in water mains in wooded areas and creek crossings, according to city documents. The sensors would help monitor water mains in areas that are difficult for visual detection.
Since creating the program in November 2020, 11,475 water meters have been replaced, per city documents. The meters send hourly usage reports, which assist city staff in identifying leaks and billing disputes.
Zoning district updates
Council also approved updates to two zoning districts to help clarify permitted uses.
Updates included rolling uses identified in the limited business district into the neighborhood commercial zoning district, which is intended to clarify allowed uses within the latter, said Erica Marohnic, director of planning services. The updates will allow for businesses in completely enclosed structures, such as coffee shops, bookstores, specialty fitness studios less than 2,000 square feet or florists, to be permitted within the neighborhood commercial zoning district.
No properties in Grapevine are zoned for limited business district, Marohnic said.
Additionally, updates were made to the professional office that eliminated most conditional uses, except for assisted living facilities. As part of the approval, council members directed staff to work with a church located within a professional office district to be brought into zoning compliance at no charge to the institution.
City monument sign
Council members approved a request to withdraw funding for a proposed monument sign that would have been located at the corner of West Northwest Highway and the frontage road for SH 114.
City Manager Bruno Rumbelow said discussion of monument signs in the city dates back to 2013. Staff had sought approval for a professional services contract with Parkhill Architecture, Engineering & Design Solutions worth $87,000, which would be funded through the quality of life fund.
The city still has around $4 million in the quality of life fund, Rumbelow said. He further recommended that council members hold a workshop to discuss how to use remaining quality of life funds.
While the monument sign discussion dates back to 2013, the city has pursued multiple roadway beautification projects through the Texas Department of Transportation.
