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03 MAR 10.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 10, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:45 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: Chairman Brannen opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation for those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Chad Young, Glen Keaton, Mark Stroud, Mark Perry and William Montgomery answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Brannen also answered ROLL CALL. PRESENT six (6), ABSENT (3) Others present for the meeting were City Engineer Whisker, Mr. Tommy Bond, Mr. Duane Reel, Mr. Jerry Smith, members of the press, interested citizens, and petitioners. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Commissioner Perry moved, seconded by Commissioner Young that the minutes of the 10 February 2003 Regular Planning Commission meeting be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING(S): CONDITIONAL USE at 501 South Spring Street Chairman Brannen stated that the conditional use is for a religious facility in an R-2 zone at 501 South Spring Street. Chairman Brannen opened the public hearing at approximately 7:03 p.m. Mr. Ricky Allen, Founder and Pastor of the Immanuel Family Worship Center at 501 South Spring Street, stated that the property consists of 2.6 acres and that the request is to accommodate the construction of a 3,000 square foot sanctuary. He stated that the Church plans to continue developing the property into a family worship center/family life center for non-profit religious purposes only. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Stroud, Mr. Allen stated that the property would only be used for worship, adding that at the present time there are no plans for a daycare. He related that the Church would convene Sunday Mornings 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Wednesday evenings 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. With no one to speak in opposition, Chairman Brannen closed the public hearing at approximately 7:08 p.m. City Engineer Whisker related that the property is located between Chestnut to Walnut and Spring Street to Oak Street. He stated that with the exception of 2.5 lots the Church owns the entire block. He clarified that the property is located one block south of the Elementary School, mentioning that Front Street has been closed. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Stroud, Mr. Allen stated that the Church is more Protestant than Evangelistic. He stated that by incorporation the Church is non-denominational, adding that they are interdenominational and interracial. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 10, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:45 P.M. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Montgomery, Mr. Allen stated that at this phase there are only plans for a sanctuary. He added that future plans would be for a family life center with a gymnasium. Commissioner Stroud asked Mr. Allen to explain what is meant by “family life”, asking if the later expansion into family life would be outreaches into a school activities center. Mr. Allen stated that it would be more of a recreational activities center for the parishioners, adding that there are no plans for a daycare or school. Commissioner Stroud moved, seconded by Commissioner Young to approve the conditional use of a religious facility at 501 South Spring Street for the Immanuel Family Worship Center. MOTION CARRIED. REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): a. SKETCH PLAT Smith Development Representative Tommy Bond stated that the Sketch Plat would provide a general idea of the direction of the proposed development. He pointed out that the subdivision would have 184 lots, adding that the development would be comparable to the Fair Oaks Subdivision. He stated that there have been some recommendations regarding change directed from City Engineer Whisker. He stated that there would be no lots facing General Samuels, and explained the intent to align the streets regarding lots 1-11 to be consistent with the layout of lots 12-27. He then answered that there would be no individual access onto General Samuels. In response to a question posed by Chairman Brannen regarding open recreational areas, Mr. Bond stated that there could possibly be an open area regarding a retention basin. He added that years ago the Parks and Recreation Department decided that they did not want individual subdivision parks, mentioning issues of maintenance. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Perry, Mr. Bond stated that only a small portion is located in the flood plain, He further explained that the ditch in the Fair Oaks Subdivision enters the property near Bushwood in the rear corner and runs parallel to lots 166 through 173. He further clarified that it is his understanding that the flood plain ends in the Fair Oaks Subdivision, adding that he does not believe any of the lots proposed in the Smith Development are located in the flood plain. Chairman Brannen requested that if later any lots are determined to be affected by the flood plan, that the flood plain designation status be presented on subsequent plat submittals. Mr. Bond agreed to have that issue resolved for the Preliminary Plat presentation. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 10, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:45 P.M. Mr. Bond went on to say that the Sketch is being presented for input from the Planning Commission regarding geometry. City Engineer Whisker stated that regarding geometry suggestions he would note discussion regarding the widening of Harris Road and sidewalks on the outside of the subdivision. He stated that he had also asked if the developer would consider making the lot near the Bushwood area larger to be more in conformity with the adjacent property. He pointed out that there are eleven lots compared to six adjacent lots in the Bushwood area. In response to a question posed by Chairman Brannen regarding the establishment of flood elevations, City Engineer Whisker related that the elevations would be established on the Preliminary Plat. He then stated that he had reviewed with Mr. Bond that any entrances from General Samuels should line up with the second entrance into the Crooked Creek Subdivision. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Montgomery, Mr. Bond stated that the Smith Development is planned to have two entrances from General Samuels and one from Harris Road. In response to a question posed by Chairman Brannen, City Engineer Whisker stated that the waterline has just been widened in the area and that the sewer would have to be furnished through pump stations. Mr. Bond stated that the sewer would temporarily work through pump stations until the City established the new pump line that is being proposed to go west. He stated that the proposed new pump line would eliminate the pump station on Main Street, the one at Spring Valley Subdivision, at Tara Mount, and Pennpointe Subdivision. City Engineer Whisker stated that Mr. Bond is referring to the West Interceptor line proposed as a Capital Project Improvement by the Sewer Department. Mr. Bond related that the Sewer Commission is funding a portion of the upsizing of a sewer line through the Fair Oaks Subdivision that would serve this property. City Engineer Whisker related that construction is proposed to begin in two or three years. City Attorney Bamburg clarified that construction start dates would depend on billing collections. City Engineer Whisker stated that the sewer improvement tax has a sunset clause projected to end in 2008. Mr. Bond stated that activities would be coordinated with the Sewer Department regarding their approval. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 10, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:45 P.M. Commissioner Stroud related that lot 85 through 94 is 82’ in width, and that everything else in the Subdivision is 84’ wide. City Engineer Whisker stated that the plan currently exceeds R-0, which is 70’ by 120’, adding that because of the proximity to Bushwood there has been expressions regarding larger lot sizes closer to the Bushwood Subdivision. Commissioner Young questioned if garden homes were planned for lots 12 through 27, noting the smaller size of 108’ regarding lots adjacent to General Samuels. Mr. Bond stated that he was not aware of any significant reason. Mr. Jerry Smith stated that the size was incorrect, stating that there would be an adjustment on the plat. Mr. Bond noted that there would be some changes regarding the topography, adding that the geometry would remain approximately the same. He noted that there is a gas line easement along the lots that would require them to be larger. City Engineer Whisker commented that the plan was viable, pointing out the three entrances into 180 lots with entrances to line up with Crooked Creek. He stated that there is retention for different areas. He stated that Parks and Recreation would need to be consulted regarding a recreational area. Chairman Brannen noted that given the large size of the subdivision he would like to see some kind of recreation area. City Engineer Whisker stated that typically the Parks and Recreation Department consider nearby Schools as area recreation. It was noted that Tolleson Elementary and Pulaski High School are in close proximity to the Subdivision. He stated that he would feel that the most important aspect would be sidewalks to connect to those areas. Commissioner Keaton moved, seconded by Commissioner Montgomery to approve the Sketch Plat of the Smith Development Subdivision at General Samuels and Harris Road stipulating the alignment of entrances with Crooked Creek Subdivision. MOTION CARRIED. b. PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAT Heard Addition on North First Street Mr. Virgil Heard represented, saying that the property is family property that is being divided among family members. He stated that he is proposing to build a home on Lot 1, and that there are no current plans regarding the other lots. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 10, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:45 P.M. City Engineer Whisker stated that when Mr. Heard had requested a building permit he was directed to plat the property through the Planning Commission. He mentioned future interest from other family members to build later. He stated that the family would own the six lots. He related that the property is along North First Street and backs up to the Little Rock Air Force Base. He stated that regarding the plat he would require that iron pins be set and notice regarding a dedicated waterway easement in the area between lots 1 and 2. He stated that Mr. Heard has requested a sidewalk waiver because the property is only being subdivided to build one home currently, pointing out that the property is not being subdivided for profit. He stated that his understanding is that the Planning Commission would be the body to recommend to the City Council a sidewalk waiver. In response to a question posed by Chairman Brannen, City Engineer Whisker related that the property is a 200’ wide strip located on the west side of North First Street. Commissioner Stroud commented that if sidewalks were waived for the construction of one home, they would need to be added if additional homes were planned. He noted that the east side of North First is not conducive for sidewalk development because of the slope on the shoulder of the road. City Attorney Bamburg clarified that the current Ordinance requires sidewalks, adding that waivers or variances could be directed, as the Planning Commission deems appropriate in recommendation form to the City Council. He stated that the City Council has the authority to accept, amend or deny any recommendations from the Planning Commission. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Keaton, Mr. Heard stated that the Little Rock Air Force Base owns the property south of the Lawnmower Shop. He stated that his family owns the property between that and where the proposed property is located. It was noted that the horse stables adjacent to North First is owned by the Little Rock Air Force Base. Discussion regarding exact property location ensued and it was noted that the property it located directly across from where the previous old Toneyville Mercantile building was. It was noted that the property extends from the wooded area adjacent to the Mattingly property continuing north to the open lot with a white house. It was noted that there are two adjacent tracts belonging to the family, and that there would be no residential development along North First to Maddox Road regarding the horse stables. Commissioner Young moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry to Approve the Preliminary Plat of the Heard Addition as presented with a waiver of sidewalks recommendation to the City Council. MOTION CARRIED. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 10, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:45 P.M. City Engineer Whisker requested that iron pins be set and located on the final plat and a granted easement extending from Little Rock Air Force Base to North First Street between lots 1 and 2. Commissioner Perry moved, seconded by Commissioner Young to approve the Final Plat of the Heard Addition stipulating that iron pins be set and located on the Final Plat, a recorded drainage easement extending NE from the Little Rock Air Force Base to North First Street and a recommended waiver regarding sidewalks. MOTION CARRIED. c. PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAT Wayne Rogers Subdivision Mr. Bond distributed an amended final plat, he explained that Mr. Rogers has built two duplexes that face Herrington Road and is proposing to construct a third duplex at the intersection of Herrington and Republican Roads. He stated that it is a County Subdivision within the Jacksonville planning jurisdiction. City Engineer Whisker related that Mr. Rogers has complied with all County regulations and the North Little Rock Health Inspector. He stated that since the subdivision is located at two major County roads he would normally request sidewalks, adding that County planners did not seem to be very interested. He explained the location of the property, adding that the City has no foreseen plans to annex the area. He related that his only request would be to comply with any County request regarding a second sewer line from lot 5 through the field lines. Mr. Bond related that the duplexes are not for sale, pointing out that Mr. Rogers is constructing them for rental property. City Engineer Whisker stated that the petitioner is requesting Preliminary Plat approval of all five lots and final plat approval regarding lot 3 to begin construction. It was clarified that Mr. Rogers has already constructed duplexes on lots 1 and 2. City Engineer Whisker concurred, saying that it was an original agreement Mr. Rogers had with Pulaski County and the City that if he developed the property further he would come before the Jacksonville Planning Commission to do so. Commissioner Keaton moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry to Approve the Preliminary Plat of the Wayne Rogers Subdivision with a recommendation to waive the requirement of sidewalks. MOTION CARRIED. Commissioner Montgomery moved, seconded by Commissioner Keaton to approve the Final Plat of Wayne Rogers Subdivision Lot 3 with a recommendation to waive the requirement of sidewalks. MOTION CARRIED. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 10, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:45 P.M. GENERAL: DISCUSSION regarding Landscape Ordinance formation. City Engineer Whisker related that given the wide range of views expressed at the joint Planning Commission and City Council meeting he has supplied a survey to all members of each body to help with the direction of the landscape ordinance currently being considered. Commissioner Perry moved, seconded by Commissioner Young to table discussion until the survey is completed and complied. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCEMENT: ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Brannen without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:45 p.m. Respectfully, ____________________________ Susan L. Davitt Planning Commission Secretary 7