HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-17-21 PC Minutes
* M I N U T E S *
JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
May 17, 2021
A Joint Public Hearing of the Planning Commission and City Council was held on May 17, 2021
and called to order at 3:13 p.m. with the following members present:
Commission Members present: Chairman Sina Nejad
Commissioner Shawn Javed
Commissioner Taher Quraishi
Commissioner Eddie Senigaur
Alternate Commissioner Erika Harris
Commission Members absent: Commissioner Johnny Beatty
Commissioner Bill Little
Commissioner Lynda Kay Makin
Commissioner Tom Noyola
Commissioner Roy Steinhagen
Alternate Commissioner Marty Craig
Alternate Commissioner Lauren Williams Mason
Councilmembers present: Mayor Becky Ames
Mayor Pro-Tem Randy Feldschau
Councilmember A.J. Turner *
Councilmember Taylor Neild *
Councilmember Mike Getz
Councilmember Audwin Samuel
Councilmember Chris Durio *
*arrived after the Joint Public Hearing began
Also present: Chris Boone, Director of Planning
and Community Development
Adina Josey, Senior Planner
Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney
Catherine Allen, Recording Secretary
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Planning Commission
May 17, 2021
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Senigaur moved to approve the minutes of the Joint Public Hearings held on April
7, 2021 and April 19, 2021. Commissioner Quraishi seconded the motion. The motion to
approve the minutes carried 5:0.
REGULAR MEETING
1) PZ2021-86: Request to abandon a portion of an alley.
Applicant: Grant Keller of Vaquero Ventures
Location: Between 3154/3132 Shannon and 3165/3185 Highland Avenues
Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Grant Keller of Vaquero Ventures is requesting
abandonment of the alley located within Block 1, South End Addition, without the retention of
an easement. Mr. Keller would like to build a coffee shop at this location. Plans have been
submitted to relocate the existing sewer line allowing the alley to be abandoned. Although
Water Utilities is in favor of the abandonment, they would prefer to see the sewer line remain in
place with the retention of an easement as long as no facilities are placed within the easement. In
addition, the contractor should include expansion joints at the easement lines to facilitate any
necessary future repairs.
Slides of the subject property and site plan were shown.
Mr. Boone mentioned that this request is related to the first item on the Joint Public Hearing
agenda, PZ2021-75.
Staff recommended approval with the following conditions:
1. Expansion joints shall be placed along the edge of the easement.
2. If approved, applicant shall obtain an appraisal and Title Commitment for the
property to be abandoned at their expense. Appraisal and Title Commitment must be
submitted to the Planning office along with proof that payment has been arranged
prior to the item being placed on City Council’s agenda.
Chairman Nejad asked if the City would sell the property to the applicant. Mr. Boone
confirmed this and stated that the process for an abandonment would be for the applicant to have
the property appraised and pay the City the appraised amount.
Chairman Nejad asked about the Water Utilities department’s comments. Mr. Boone stated that
Water Utilities had some concern with moving the sewer line and would like it to be kept in
place but retain an easement if nothing is planned to be built over it. He added that the plan
does not propose to build any structures over it.
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The applicant was present. Gage Keller, representing Vaquero Ventures, 2900 Wingate Street,
Fort Worth, TX, addressed the Commission. He stated that they plan to build a 2,100 square foot
Starbucks coffee shop at MLK Parkway and Shannon Avenue. The abandonment is the first step
in the process. He added that they had met with Water Utilities and plan to keep the water line in
place as recommended.
Chairman Nejad stated that he would like to add approval by Water Utilities as a condition. The
applicant stated that they will work together with the Water Utilities department.
Commissioner Quraishi asked about the material of the alleyway. The applicant stated that it is
currently grass, but will be concrete.
Commissioner Quraishi moved to approve the request to abandon a portion of an alley, as
requested in file PZ2021-86, with the following conditions:
1. Expansion joints shall be placed along the edge of the easement.
2. If approved, applicant shall obtain an appraisal and Title Commitment for the
property to be abandoned at their expense. Appraisal and Title Commitment must be
submitted to the Planning office along with proof that payment has been arranged
prior to the item being placed on City Council’s agenda.
Commissioner Senigaur seconded the motion. The motion to approve carried 5:0.
JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Ames called the Joint Public Hearings of May 17, 2021 to order at 3:23 p.m. and
explained the purpose of the Joint Public Hearing process. Mayor Ames then turned the meeting
over to Chairman Nejad to conduct the Joint Public Hearings.
2) PZ2021-75: Request for a Specific Use Permit and a Rezone from RS (Residential Single-
Family Dwelling) and NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to GC-MD-2 (General Commercial –
Multiple-Family – 2) District to allow for a coffee shop.
Applicant: Grant Keller of Vaquero Ventures
Location: 3154 Shannon Avenue
Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Grant Keller of Vaquero Ventures is requesting a rezoning
and Specific Use Permit to allow a coffee shop at 3154 Shannon Avenue. The proposed coffee
shop would be located just south of the existing Sonic, just south of Washington on Martin
Luther King Parkway. The greatest obstacle for this request will be an existing sewer line,
located in the alleyway across the middle of the property. A request has been submitted to
abandon the alleyway and reroute the sewer line. City Engineering and Water Utilities are in
discussion with the applicant regarding this sewer line.
Although the majority of the property is currently zoned RS (Residential Single-Family
Dwelling), it is located adjacent to GC-MD (General Commercial – Multiple-Family Dwelling)
zoning, commercial uses, and partially fronts on Martin Luther King Parkway, a major arterial.
GC-MD-2 (General Commercial – Multiple-Family Dwelling – 2) zoning provides a buffer
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between the remaining residential zoning to the south and the commercial properties to the north
as a Specific Use is required and will need approval by City Council.
Landscaping will be required per City of Beaumont Ordinance. Specifically, an eight (8) foot
tall wood or masonry fence with a ten (10) foot wide landscaped buffer would be required along
the south property line. A six (6) foot wide landscaped strip containing shrubs would need to be
installed along Martin Luther King Parkway, part of Shannon Avenue and to either side of the
driveway on Highland Avenue to buffer parking areas from adjacent streets and two (2)
landscaped islands would be required in the proposed parking areas. In addition, a five (5) foot
sidewalk will need to be installed for the width of the property along all three (3) streets.
Slides of the subject property, site plan and surrounding area were shown.
Thirty-two (32) notices were mailed to property owners within two hundred (200) feet of the
subject property. No responses were received in favor, other than from the applicant and subject
property owner, and none were received in opposition.
Staff recommended approval of the request with the following conditions:
1. Approval is subject to an agreement between the applicant, City Engineering and Water
Utilities regarding the alleyway/sewer line.
2. Landscaping to be installed as per City Ordinance.
3. Sidewalks be installed and maintained along all three (3) street frontages.
The applicant, Gage Keller, representing Vaquero Ventures, 2900 Wingate Street, Fort Worth,
TX, had addressed the Commission during the previous item and did not add any additional
information for this item.
The public hearing was opened and closed without comment.
Commissioner Quraishi moved to approve the request for a Specific Use Permit and a Rezone
from RS (Residential Single-Family Dwelling) and NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to GC-MD-
2 (General Commercial – Multiple-Family – 2) District to allow for a coffee shop, as requested
in file PZ2021-75 with the following conditions:
1. Approval is subject to an agreement between the applicant, City Engineering and Water
Utilities regarding the alleyway/sewer line.
2. Landscaping to be installed as per City Ordinance.
3. Sidewalks be installed and maintained along all three (3) street frontages.
Alternate Commissioner Harris seconded the motion. The motion to approve carried 5:0.
3) PZ2021-128: Request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a mortuary in an RCR (Residential
Conservation Revitalization) District.
Applicant: Comeaux Community Mortuary & Crematory, L.L.C.
Location: 3510 Sarah Street
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Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Comeaux Community Mortuary & Crematory, L.L.C., is
requesting permission to allow a mortuary at 3510 Sarah Street. The project includes a 13,612
square foot structure and one hundred ten (110) parking spaces.
This property is located less than a quarter (0.25) of a mile from at least three (3) churches and
would be easily accessible for services.
The applicant states there will be ample landscaping and screening for the property, yet none is
shown on the site plan. Per ordinance, an eight foot wood or masonry fence, and a ten (10) foot
wide landscaped border with trees will be required along the north and west property lines. In
addition, a six (6) foot wide landscaped buffer containing shrubs will be required along both
Sarah and Fatima Streets for the entire length of the parking area. Plans show eight (8)
landscaped islands and eleven (11) will be required.
Mr. Boone clarified that this request is for a funeral services only, not a crematory as had been
listed in the agenda and news notice.
Slides of the subject property, site plan and surrounding area were shown.
Twenty-four (24) notices were mailed to property owners within two hundred (200) feet of the
subject property. No responses were received in favor, other than from the applicant, and two
(2) were received in opposition. Mr. Boone summarized the letters in opposition. One
respondent opposed commercial use in residential area and the other did not provide comments.
Staff recommended approval of the request with the following conditions:
1. Final plans will need to meet all requirements of the city FOG backflow program (Water
Utilities).
2. Landscaping to meet City of Beaumont Ordinance requirements.
The applicant, Andre Comeaux, representing Comeaux Community Mortuary and Cremation,
3510 Sarah Street, addressed the Commission. He confirmed that it was never their intent to
have a crematorium at this location, but only to offer cremation services which are done offsite.
He stated that he has met with Troy Marsaw, who owns the nearby former YMCA, and also with
the pastors of the churches in the area. He stated that Mr. Marsaw and the churches support the
project. He stated that the mortuary should not add any additional noise.
Chairman Nejad asked the applicant if he had any comments in response to the letters in
opposition. He stated that he did not think his facility would have any negative effects and the
impact would be similar to the churches already present and the new medical facility in the
former YMCA.
The public hearing on this item was opened.
Chris James, 4120 Nissi Street, addressed the Commission. He stated that the facility will back
up to his backyard and that he is against the request. He added that this is a residential area
where they are trying to raise families and that Sarah Street is already a busy street with high
speeds. He stated that he is concerned that the funeral home will add additional traffic.
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The public hearing on this item was closed.
The applicant was given an opportunity for rebuttal. Mr. Comeaux stated that he did not think
that the traffic will increase more than it is already going to due to the new medical facility.
Commissioner Quraishi suggested an eight (8) to ten (10) foot fence to minimize noise.
Discussion between staff and the Commission clarified that a fence and landscape buffer were
already requirements of the request if approved.
Commissioner Senigaur moved to approve the request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a
mortuary in an RCR (Residential Conservation Revitalization) District, as requested in file
PZ2021-128 with the following conditions:
1. Final plans will need to meet all requirements of the city FOG backflow program (Water
Utilities).
2. Landscaping to meet City of Beaumont Ordinance requirements.
Commissioner Quraishi seconded the motion. The motion to approve carried 5:0.
4) PZ2021-129: Request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a gaming site in a GC-MD (General
Commercial – Multiple-Family Dwelling) District.
Applicant: Stephanie Weitzel
Location: 8440 Phelan Boulevard
Mr. Boone stated that staff had received a message from Stephanie Weitzel, the applicant listed
on the application, stating that she did not authorize application for this item. Therefore, this
item will be held until the next month to resolve discrepancies.
5) PZ2021-133: Request for an Amended Specific Use Permit to allow a training facility for
Entergy in an RCR (Residential Conservation Revitalization) District.
Applicant: Entergy Texas, Inc.
Location: 4950 Plant Road
Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Michelle Hawkins, of Entergy Texas, Inc., has submitted
an application requesting addition and expansion of a training facility at the Entergy Helbig
Substation at 4950 Plant Road. A Specific Use Permit (SUP) for a temporary training facility
was approved in 1981 and extended to allow for extra class rooms and parking in 1994. An SUP
was approved in 2019 for expansion of the substation. Plans at this point are to construct a new
state-of-the-art permanent training facility. This location will serve the entire Entergy service
area including Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. The property may also serve as a
storm staging area if needed.
The applicant states that the existing tree canopy will be preserved along the north and west sides
of the property. Although it is stated that formal landscaping will be completed in accordance
with City Ordinances, none is shown on the submitted site plan. As the parking will be more
than doubled, all parking will be required to be brought into compliance with the City
Landscaping Ordinance. Thirteen (13) landscaped islands will be required with existing and
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proposed parking areas and a six (6) foot wide landscaped buffer containing shrubs will be
required along the property line between parking areas and Plant Road. In addition, a five (5)
foot wide sidewalk will be required along Plant Road for the width of the property.
Slides of the subject property, site plan and surrounding area were shown.
Twenty-four (24) notices were mailed to property owners within two hundred (200) feet of the
subject property. No responses were received in favor or opposition.
Staff recommended approval with the following conditions:
1. Landscaping be provided per City of Beaumont Ordinance requirements.
2. A sidewalk be provided along Plant Road.
The applicant was present. Gene Crager, representing CDFL Architects and Engineers for
Entergy Texas, 3221 Old Canton Rd, Jackson, MS, addressed the Commission. He stated that
this site has been used for a number of years as a training facility. He added that prior to this
year there have been temporary buildings there, which have now been removed to make way for
a new permanent facility. Mr. Crager stated that there are already two (2) driveways in place for
the training center and substation. Finally, he added that the new design includes the new
permanent facility and is not an expansion, other than the parking and landscaping features to
meet with City requirements.
The public hearing was opened and closed without comment.
Commissioner Quraishi moved to approve the request for an Amended Specific Use Permit to
allow a training facility for Entergy in an RCR (Residential Conservation Revitalization)
District, as requested in file PZ2021-133 with the following conditions:
1. Landscaping be provided per City of Beaumont Ordinance requirements.
2. A sidewalk be provided along Plant Road.
Commissioner Senigaur seconded the motion. The motion to approve carried 5:0.
6) PZ2021-134: Request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a boat and RV storage facility in a
GC-MD (General Commercial – Multiple-Family Dwelling) District.
Applicant: Will Henderson, Jake Henderson & Elaine Henderson - Partners
Location: 8200 Phelan Boulevard
Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Will, Jake and Elaine Henderson - partners, are requesting
permission to allow a boat and RV storage facility at 8200 Phelan Boulevard. The property will
also be used as an indoor baseball training facility as well, but only the storage facility,
consisting of fifty-five (55) storage units, required a Specific Use Permit.
This property is adjacent to a residential neighborhood to the north. In order to minimize the
impact of a commercial use next door, directional lighting will be required. Adequate
landscaping has been proposed along those property lines shared with residential properties and
along the front of parking areas. In addition, a five (5) foot wide sidewalk will be required and is
shown on the proposed plan.
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Planning Commission
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Slides of the subject property, site plan and surrounding area were shown.
Fifteen (15) notices were mailed to property owners within two hundred (200) feet of the subject
property. No responses were received in favor or opposition.
Staff recommended approval with the following conditions:
1. All exterior lighting will be directional and shielded away from neighboring properties.
2. Landscaping shall be provided as required by Ordinance.
3. A sidewalk shall be provided along Phelan for the width of the property.
The applicant was present. William Henderson, 8200 Phelan Boulevard, addressed the
Commission. Chairman Nejad inquired about the combination of baseball and storage. Mr.
Henderson replied that he has a baseball background and that is the property’s current use. He
added that they had originally planned to only have a high end baseball training facility, but
decided that Beaumont was also in need of a boat and RV storage facility. He stated that the
storage would include fifty (50) foot deep and fifteen (15) foot wide enclosed units, as well as
thirty-five (35) foot deep units and that they would meet the required setbacks near residential
property. He then went over the details of the site plan and indicated the proposed locations for
both the baseball training and field and the storage. Mr. Henderson added that they did attend a
predevelopment meeting with the City where they went over the details and expect it to work out
nicely. He thanked the City staff for the opportunity to have the predevelopment meeting to go
through the requirements.
Commissioner Quraishi inquired about parking for the facility. Mr. Henderson stated that they
went over parking during the predevelopment meeting and that the parking they will provide
should actually be more than what is required.
The public hearing on this item was opened.
Judy Melling, 8205 White Road, addressed the Commission. She stated that her property is
directly adjacent to the subject property and that she and her husband are in favor of the request.
She also turned in her property owner notice to the staff.
Mr. Henderson added that he has also spoken with Mike and Karen Fuljenz, adjacent owners,
and that they are in favor. He added that the other adjacent neighbor is his mother and a partner
in the project so she is also in favor.
Alan Cramer, 8210 White Road, stated that his son participates in Mr. Henderson’s baseball
program and that they do a top notch job at that and he has no doubt they will do the same with
this project. He added that his residential property backs up to the other side of the subject
property.
The public hearing on this item was closed.
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Commissioner Senigaur moved to approve the request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a boat
and RV storage facility in a GC-MD (General Commercial – Multiple-Family Dwelling) District,
as requested in file PZ2021-134 with the following conditions:
1. All exterior lighting will be directional and shielded away from neighboring properties.
2. Landscaping shall be provided as required by Ordinance.
3. A sidewalk shall be provided along Phelan for the width of the property.
Commissioner Quraishi seconded the motion. The motion to approve carried 5:0.
7) PZ2021-135: Request for the conveyance and dedication of private streets and infrastructure
to the City of Beaumont.
Applicant: President of the Wood Hollow Townhomes Home Owner’s Association
Location: Wood Hollow Townhomes, Sections 1 & 2
Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Alan Cramer, President of the Wood Hollow Town Homes
Homeowners Association, has requested that the City of Beaumont accept maintenance of the
private street known as Wood Hollow Town Homes Private Drive, and its infrastructure. The
City recently adopted a process for the conversion of private streets and other infrastructure to
public ownership and maintenance. Also included in the staff report is an analysis of the
condition of the existing private infrastructure, conducted by the Public Works Department.
An analysis of the request was considered with the following responses:
Public Works/Engineering – reject the request because it is a parking lot.
Water Utilities – a review of the plat and construction plans shows the water lines are located
within a utility easement dedicated to the City of Beaumont. Therefore, the City currently
maintains the existing water lines. The sewer lines are not marked on the plats or construction
plans. It is recommended to reject the request until the sewer lines are located and reviewed.
Fire Department – Fire Marshal Condina reviewed the site and stated the property is more of a
driveway and not a street. . . It is recommended to reject the request because it is a parking lot.
Solid Waste – Solid Waste will not be able to offer residential garbage/heavy trash pick-up to
these units as there is no place for garbage cans.
Slides of the private streets were shown.
Mr. Boone reviewed the City policy for converting private streets to public ownership and
maintenance and added that the decision involves looking at the infrastructure and determining if
such a conversion makes sense for the City as a whole.
Fifty-five (55) notices were mailed to property owners within two hundred (200) feet of the
subject property. Twenty-nine (29) responses were received in favor, which were all from
property owners of the street requesting the conversion.
Based on the City review of the proposal, staff recommended denial of the request.
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Mayor Ames asked if 15 Street is public and if there it is a through street. Mr. Boone reviewed
the locations of the private and public streets.
The applicant was present. Alan Cramer, 8210 White Road, addressed the Commission. He
stated that he is the president of the Wood Hollow Townhomes Home Owner’s Association. He
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provided additional literature to the Commission. He stated that 16 Street forms a figure eight
which allows access for fire trucks. He added that the streets are twenty-five (25) feet wide and
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allow plenty of room. He stated that 16 Street dead ends into a City street which is
deteriorating. He described the pictures in the paperwork he distributed.
Commissioner Senigaur asked how many square feet the units are and Mr. Cramer replied that
they are all about 1,300 square feet and each has two (2) assigned parking spaces. He added that
the property drains well and flooding is not a problem. He gave an example of Highland Estates
on Park Lane, which is another private street that was made public, and stated that it only had
seven (7) residents and narrower streets. He added that Wood Hollow already has City water
and sewer and that they currently have a dumpster for all of their trash. He stated that they
would prefer City trash pickup and do not see a reason that this would not be possible. Finally,
he stated that through trash pickup, the City would make an additional $1100 a month, compared
to the $140 a month the City began receiving from the trash pickup of Highland Estates.
The public hearing on this item was opened.
Jose Abel Loza, Wood Hollow Townhomes Section 2 Unit 31, addressed the Commission. He
stated that the Wood Hollow residents need City trash pickup and that he did not think it would
be a problem. He added that Mr. Cramer has done a great job as president of the HOA in
keeping the area clean and the roads maintained. He stated that he has lived there for three (3)
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years and that the street is not just a parking lot. Mr. Loza stated on GPS, it does show as 16
Street. Finally, he stated that it is well maintained, has trimmed trees and he does not see why
granting the request would be problem.
The public hearing on this item was closed.
Chairman Nejad inquired about the previously approved public street mentioned. Mr. Boone
stated that the Planning Commission and City Council have approved other private to public
street conversions, but that they are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. He stated that they review
what the infrastructure looks like and if it makes sense to become a public street. He stated there
are also more private developments with private drives and if this request is approved, they may
start to get requests for driveways of apartment complexes to become public streets. He
reiterated staff’s recommendation of denial, based on the comments from City departments.
Discussion followed concerning the City department reviews and recommendations.
Commissioner Senigaur asked how wide the streets were and Mr. Boone replied that he did not
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have the particulars in front of him but that 16 Street is fairly wide and estimates that it is as
wide as normal City street, but that the perpendicular streets are narrower.
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Commissioner Quraishi moved to deny the request for the conveyance and dedication of private
streets and infrastructure to the City of Beaumont, as requested in file PZ2021-135.
Commissioner Javed seconded the motion. The motion to deny carried 5:0.
Chairman Nejad recognized a visitor in the audience, Brady Babcock, an architectural student at
Texas A&M, who is currently learning from the staff at Sigma Engineering. He encouraged Mr.
Babcock in his studies and future career and expressed the hope that he will come back to
Beaumont to work and volunteer.
Mayor Ames also recognized and welcomed the new City Councilmembers A.J. Turner and
Chris Durio.
8) PZ2021-136: Request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a bar/poker room in a GC-MD
(General Commercial – Multiple-Family Dwelling) District.
Applicant: Larry Bibbs
Location: 7211 Eastex Freeway
Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Larry Bibbs is requesting permission to allow a bar/poker
room at 7211 Eastex Freeway. A poker room could be approved by right in the current zoning,
but a bar requires a Specific Use Permit. Admission to the poker room will be by membership
only. Time slots will be purchased by members for the desired play time. Plans are to open with
a beer and wine license then progress to a full bar. Food will not be prepared onsite. The
existing shopping center has adequate parking to accommodate the requested use.
The requested location is in the existing Market Basket shopping center located at the
intersection of Eastex Freeway and Highway 105. The proposed use would be compatible with
surrounding uses such as a liquor store and a smoke shop.
Slides of the subject property, site plan and surrounding area were shown.
Eighteen (18) notices were mailed to property owners within two hundred (200) feet of the
subject property. No responses were received in favor and four (4) responses were received in
opposition. Two (2) of those four (4) were from the same property owner. Mr. Boone
summarized the letters in opposition, which objected to this type of business in the
neighborhood.
Mr. Boone added that there are already two (2) poker rooms in Beaumont, but because this one
also requests a bar, it requires a Specific Use Permit.
Staff recommended approval of the request.
Chairman Nejad asked if the other poker rooms in Beaumont have liquor licenses. Mr. Boone
stated that he did not think so. Alternate Commissioner Harris asked if security is a requirement
of the business. Mr. Boone replied that it is not an automatic requirement, but could be added as
a condition of the Specific Use Permit, if the Commission desires.
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The applicant was present. Larry Bibbs, representing House of Cards Poker Club, 8235 Webb
Lane, addressed the Commission. Chairman Nejad asked the applicant if this was an existing
business and to explain how it works. Mr. Bibbs stated that this is his first effort at this type of
business. He stated that there are over fifty (50) poker rooms in the Houston area and other cities
around the state of Texas. He explained that there are set rules and regulations to a poker room
that keep it from operating like a casino. For example, the house does not take money off of the
table. The business will be run based on memberships, will have a door fee and each seat at the
table is basically rented by the hour. He added that the other poker rooms in Beaumont do not
have liquor licenses. Finally, he stated that his business intends to have security and hopes to
provide a comfortable environment for playing poker.
Alternate Commissioner Harris inquired about the hours of operation. Mr. Bibbs replied that he
is still deciding, but probably will open anywhere from 10 a.m. to noon and close when the last
game concludes. He stated that there are many twenty-four (24) hour poker rooms in Houston,
but that he does not plan to be open twenty-four (24) hours.
Alternate Commissioner Harris asked about how the money exchange works and if the games are
played virtually. Mr. Bibbs stated that chips are purchased for use in the games, and that it is not
virtual poker, but people actually physically playing poker. Chairman Nejad confirmed that the
house does not take a cut of the money and the applicant agreed. Commissioner Senigaur asked
how much the membership fee would be and Mr. Bibbs replied that it would be pay as you come
with a $10 entry fee. Chairman Nejad asked what keeps this from evolving into other types of
gambling and Mr. Bibbs replied that he will not allow any other forms of gambling besides
poker.
Councilmember Turner asked Mr. Bibbs to explain the advantages of having a liquor license, in
terms of control and liability. Mr. Bibbs replied that it would be a controlled setting, with an
enclosed patio in the back. He added that drinks would not be permitted to be brought in or
consumed outside.
The public hearing was opened and closed without further comment.
Alternate Commissioner Harris moved to approve the request for a Specific Use Permit to allow
a bar/poker room in a GC-MD (General Commercial – Multiple-Family Dwelling) District, as
requested in file PZ2021-136. Commissioner Senigaur seconded the motion. The motion to
approve carried 5:0.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
THERE BEING NO OTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 4:23 P.M.
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