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12 OCT 08 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:40 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in regular session on October 8, 2012. Chairman Keaton opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation to those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Jon Johnson, Scott Scholl, Jim Moore, Avis Twitty, Joe Cummings, Jr., Joe Ott, and Alderman Bill Howard answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Keaton also answered roll call and declared a quorum. PRESENT (8), ABSENT (1). Others present for the meeting were City Attorney Robert Bamburg, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Tommy Bond, Brian Goforth, interested citizens, petitioners, and press. CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Johnson moved, seconded by Commissioner Cummings to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of 10 September 2012 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING(S): REZONING 1701 General Samuels Chairman Keaton opened the public hearing at approximately 7:02 p.m. Mr. Brian Goforth, representing Arkansas Federal Credit Union, stated that they are seeking to rezone the property previously owned by the Landmark Baptist Church where the Church is presently located. He related that the Credit Union is planning to use the building for support staff. With no one to speak in opposition, Chairman Keaton closed the public hearing at approximately 7:03 p.m. City Engineer Whisker related that Landmark Baptist Church recently sold the north five acres of their property at the corner of General Samuels and Marshall Road to the Arkansas Federal Credit Union. He stated that the property is currently zoned M-2. He stated that the Credit Union is seeking to rezone the property for quiet commercial. Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve the rezoning of approximately five acres at 1701 General Samuels from M-2 to C-1. MOTION CARRIED. REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): BUILDING PERMIT(S): SITE PLAN Landmark Baptist Church, Marshall Road Mr. Tommy Bond, representing Landmark Baptist Church, noted the plan for the Church to build another facility to replace the one that was sold to the Arkansas Federal Credit Union. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:40 P.M. City Engineer Whisker related that Landmark had originally built their church in 2004, adding that there were discussions with Mr. Bond and City Attorney Bamburg as to how Landmark was able to build a church on M-2 zoned property. He stated that churches are allowed on all zonings but was not able to find where churches are listed under the M-2 zoning. He stated that Landmark will have to rezone their property. He reviewed the history of the property, noting a sidewalk on the north side of the parking lot, explaining that Landmark Baptist Church was originally going to submit sketch and preliminary plats but that would mean that they would have to construct sidewalk across all frontage on General Samuels and Marshall Road. He went on to say that he was not able to find where the Church ever submitted a sketch plat or the other paperwork that would support what was agreed to when the Church was constructed. He noted that one item in the minutes was that there needed to be a drainage plan regarding retention for the property. He stated that the water flows through this site, runs to the Oakwood apartment complex and eventually crosses Gregory Street. He related that the major concern would be to ensure that no one downstream is flooded by this development. He then commented that the property was built up with fill from the Air Base, Mr. Bond concurred. Mr. Bond noted that the Church collected material for as much as five years, adding that there are still piles of material on site. City Engineer Whisker stated that they will have to do some reshaping of this lot. He stated that the site plan currently before the Planning Commission will need to have some retainage and sidewalks. He related that he feels these issues as well as the rezoning are issues that can be worked out. He noted that on the master plan it shows the sidewalk against the right-of-way, which would make putting in retention more expensive and more difficult to construct in that manner. He added that he feels the design will probably change. Mr. Bond stated that the retention pond would not be large because of the small size of the site and the run-off course will not be changed significantly. He added that these are issues that can be worked out. City Engineer Whisker stated that these issues will need to be worked out before work begins on site. He then asked Mr. Bond if the Church wants to begin the dirt work. Mr. Bond stated that he believes the Church wants to move on this project because the Credit Union wants access to the present building. City Engineer Whisker surmised that the Church has a deadline to vacate the present building, so they are trying to move forward with the new building. He reiterated that the details are not significant and should be able to be worked out; noting that if the master plan for development changes it may change the location of the Church on the property. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:40 P.M. Discussion ensued regarding the changes that would be necessary to establish retention and sidewalks with consideration to setbacks for the building and parking. City Engineer Whisker stated that there would need to be sidewalk constructed along Marshall Road across the entire width of the property, which should be included on the site plan. He noted that if the Credit Union changes or renovates the current site they will be required to finish the sidewalk construction along General Samuels. Chairman Keaton proposed tabling the site plan until the issue of rezoning has been addressed. Mr. Bond asked if the details are worked out satisfactorily could the Church go ahead and begin the dirt work. City Engineer Whisker stated that he would not have any objections to that as long as the details are worked out, adding that the Church would need to be cognizant that further plans would depend on how the Planning Commission votes on the rezoning. City Attorney Bamburg stated that the time frame for the advertisement and the revisions for the site plan could run simultaneously regarding next month’s meeting. He added that the rezoning could then be forwarded to the City Council by the second meeting in November. It was the consensus that the details are not significant enough to hold up the dirt work. Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Commissioner Cummings to table the site plan until the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting in November. MOTION CARRIED. b. SITE PLAN Jacksonville Shooting Range Mr. Bond noted that the direction of the site plan changed slightly, explaining that the direction of the range was tilted slightly to the northeast and there was concern that the shooters would have to face the morning sun, so the direction was shifted due north. He related that the site consists of approximately 160 acres, with 15 trap ranges and three of those would be combination skeet and trap. He noted the location of the administration/office building, featuring a rendition of the completed construction. He pointed out that the project has been awarded a 1.5 million dollar grant from the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, with a combination of City and County contributions. He related that the total project would cost approximately 2.2 million dollars. He stated that 80 acres of the 160 acre total is in the City limits and there is discussion to annex the other acreage. He added that the facility would feature parking for about 800 vehicles with 22 RV slots. He related that the shoots that are currently held in Lonoke raise the motel and restaurant business by 36% and 41% respectively; pointing out that this would mean a significant economic impact to the City of Jacksonville. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:40 P.M. He then related that the agreement the City has with the Game and Fish Foundation reserves this facility seven weekends annually. He pointed out that this facility would host regional and State shoots sponsored by the Game and Fish Commission to serve the shooting programs developed for youth. He noted the increased participation, saying that some of the programs are limited because of a lack of space to hold these shoots. He concluded saying that the programs have been a great success for the Foundation. City Engineer Whisker pointed out that the current zoning of the property is R-0. Discussion ensued regarding a conditional use as a City park. Mr. Bond stated that it would be City owned and operated. City Attorney Bamburg clarified that there is a conditional use provision for park facilities that would apply to this facility, which would be part of the process along with annexation issues. He then noted that there would also be ordinances that would need to be adopted in order to regulate the shooting activity. Mr. Bond noted that the bids will be opened on the 15th. City Engineer Whisker stated that since the plan has a building, a site plan is the best way to continue with this project. Mr. Bond then pointed out that the first 600’ off Graham Road is for parking, followed by the building with the firing range. He surmised that the shooting would be approximately 700’ north of Graham Road. He added that there is an additional almost 2,000’ dedicated to the fall out or safety zone for the ranges. He stated that there is a recovery plan, saying that they have delineated the wetlands area to avoid any damage to the wetlands. He then explained that there is a plan to recover the lead shoot, noting that a shooting range in Missouri does this on a 5-year cycle. He commented that the Missouri range recovered approximately $160,000 worth of lead shot. In response to a question from Chairman Keaton, Mr. Bond stated that the four-lane road would be extended to the facility, adding that there has been favorable commitment regarding this from the County. City Engineer Whisker pointed out that the east side of this property is the Lonoke County line, saying that the next step would be to talk to the Lonoke County Judge and extend the four-lane all the way to Hwy. 89 providing access from both directions. Mayor Fletcher invited the Planning Commission to the ground-breaking on October 15th, adding that the Governor will be present. He stated CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:40 P.M. that having the involvement of the Game and Fish Commission is going to bring further credibility to the facility. He stated that this is going to be a huge asset for the City of Jacksonville. He mentioned the archery range, noting that the State tournament in May was held in Hot Springs and attracted 2,000 youths. He pointed out the economic impact for Jacksonville, adding that this is a growing sport. He stated that in a very short time the youth program has grown to 7,000 students. He stated that this will be the largest facility in the State and is being heralded as the flag ship. He stated that the facility will be open to the public as well as being used by the Game and Fish Foundation. He then noted that the facility will have lights for night shooting. Mr. Bond noted that this facility would be twice as big as the one at Remington Arms and Blue Rock. He then confirmed for Alderman Howard that the target opening date is March of 2013. He stated that in order to meet that deadline they have to begin to move dirt within the next two weeks. He explained that the State tournament generally held at that time will be held at this facility. He added that there is water on the site and a grinder pump for sewer would be constructed. He stated that the area between the building and Loop Road would be gravel. City Engineer Whisker concurred with Chairman Keaton that approval of the site plan would be contingent upon the City ensuring that the facility meets all planning and building codes. Commissioner Twitty moved, seconded by Commissioner Moore to approve the site plan, contingent upon adherence to all City planning and building codes as well as the recommendation for ordinance adoption of regulations regarding the operation of a shooting range and annexation of any property being used in this project. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: Recommended adoption of the Land Use Map and the Master Street Plan City Engineer Whisker stated that he had no further input during the comment period since the previous meeting; noting the largest change being the frontage roads on I-440 and Hwy. 67. He then noted other roads that would link South Road down to the Wooten/Valentine Roads. He also noted a link from Cloverdale over to Southeastern. He then pointed out the northeast corner, north of the Air Base, Coffelt Road is proposed to attach across to the Oak Ridge Ranch Subdivision then attaching up to Republican Road and then across from Maddox Road east along the way to Peters Road. He pointed out the west side, noting that Oneida is proposed to extend and attach to General Samuels. He pointed out an area off Arnold Drive that attaches and heads east into Sherwood to continue Arnold Drive from the Air Base, hopefully extending onto Hatcher Road. He the pointed out that the other change would be Loop Road connecting down into Southeastern, explaining CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:40 P.M. that Loop Road would make an “S” curve into Southeastern with a stop light at Loop and Military and then continue south into an “S” curve into Southeastern. He stated that this would make it the main road instead of having two main roads only one block apart. He noted that when Dollar General was constructed in the area, there was dedicated road right-of-way to help facilitate this concept. He stated that the road next to Dollar General would be constructed in the near future. He explained that the Master Street Plans are used as tools by cities to ensure roadways are constructed as new developments occur that are beneficial for good growth and traffic patterns of a city. In response to a request from Chairman Keaton, City Engineer Whisker stated that he would provide 11” X 17” copies to the Commissioners. In response to a question from Commissioner Moore, City Engineer Whisker stated that the Master Street Plan is used more for the development of new roads versus the widening or extension of existing streets. He pointed out that when a roadway is labeled it dictates the number of lanes that road will feature, adding that those labels are included in the Master Street Plan. He noted that arterial streets demand more lanes and wider lanes, while a local street is a 27 foot back to curb, back to curb street. He then noted that Graham Road is designated as either a major collector or minor arterial street, so it would require four-lanes with sidewalk on both sides. He explained that the Plan is updated approximately every five years, noting that with the recent annexations this was an appropriate time to update. Commissioner Moore moved, seconded by Commissioner Scholl to recommend adoption of the revised Land Use Map and Master Street Plan to the City Council as presented. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCEMENT: ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Keaton without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt