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04 DEC 13.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2004 7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: Chairman Art Brannen opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation for those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Susan Dollar, Chad Young, Kevin McCleary, Mike Traylor, and Mark Stroud answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Brannen also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. PRESENT six (6), ABSENT three (3). Others present for the meeting were City Engineer Whisker, Mr. Tommy Bond, Deputy Clerk Tawnya Johnson, and the press. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Commissioner Stroud moved, seconded by Commissioner Traylor that the minutes of the 8 November 2004 Regular Planning Commission meeting be approved as presented. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING(S): REQUEST TO APPROVE PLATS: a. PRELIMINARY & FINAL PLAT Madison Subdivision Mr. Tommy Bond related that the location of the property is the vacant land between Fred’s Discount Store and Jacksonville Flooring. He related that the owner Mr. Gwatney is selling the property to petitioners Mr. Rich Long and Mr. Rodney Watson. He related that the buyers are platting two lots from the property and are proposing to develop a Dollar General Store on one of the lots. City Engineer Whisker noted the unusual shape of the second lot of the property subdivision, explaining that the sewer is provided from James Street and the water is provided from Dupree Drive. He noted that easements for both utilities would need to be granted to provide service for each lot. Mr. Bond related that there is an easement not shown at the south line of tract 1, which would be included on the final plat. City Engineer Whisker requested that a 30’ access easement should also be shown, as well as sidewalks on both James Street and Dupree Drive. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Stroud, Mr. Bond stated that the proposed building would be in line with existing construction. He then answered that the second lot would be able to provide a 50’ X 100’ building. He then related that the Dollar General Store would front James Street. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2004 7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M. City Engineer Whisker pointed out that if a store were located on Dupree Drive, parking would be to the rear of the store. Commissioner Stroud moved, seconded by Commissioner Young to approve the Preliminary and Final Plats of the Madison Subdivision with proper easements for sewer and water and sidewalks on both James Street and Dupree Drive. MOTION CARRIED. b. PRELIMINARY & FINAL PLAT Lot 1, Looper Commercial Addition Mr. Jim Butler related that he is the representative for petitioner Mrs. Looper. He related that Mrs. Looper currently has a business located in the old ordinance plant area in Jacksonville, adding that Mrs. Looper wants to expand the business. City Engineer Whisker related that the building is located on Main Street next door to Peaches Gentleman Club. He stated that he is requesting the minimum 40’ right-of-way for the south side of Main Street and a sidewalk as required. In response to a question posed by Chairman Brannen, City Engineer Whisker related that currently the entrance is the full width of the parking lot. Mr. Butler related that the street and the asphalt parking lot is continuous. He then related the difficulty in cutting the asphalt to place sidewalks. He added that he had mentioned to City Engineer Whisker the possibility of stripping the asphalt as a sidewalk. Commissioner Stroud mentioned in lieu of a sidewalk placing a planter that would cut the expanse of the asphalt parking lot and guide traffic through the parking area. Mr. Butler noted that there is some landscaping to the east side of the property. Commissioner Dollar pointed out that without a sidewalk it would limit pedestrian traffic. In response to a question posed by Commissioner McCleary, City Engineer Whisker related that this request is the first of its nature involving a large asphalt area already platted, aside from the one just approved for the Madison Subdivision. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2004 7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M. Mr. Butler offered that the petitioner would be willing to place a planter in the parking lot to break up the appearance of continued asphalt with shrubs that would not impede sight but would provide greenery. City Engineer Whisker acknowledged that there is no established sidewalk from City Hall to Redmond Road. He added that even the sidewalk requirement he felt there would be enough room for front parking for the business. In response to a question posed by Chairman Brannen, Mr. Butler stated that the business would be a real estate office, adding that currently Mrs. Looper has a drapery shop to the rear of her business. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Young, City Engineer Whisker related that the plans would encompass more than 50% value of the property. He added that Mrs. Looper has expressed reluctance regarding sidewalks and landscaping requirements. Commissioner Traylor questioned the feasibility of requiring sidewalks when no other sidewalk exist between Municipal and Redmond Road. City Engineer Whisker answered that ideally the sidewalk would be established in pieces as redevelopment occurs with the City helping to establish smaller sections. Commissioner Young questioned starting the precedence of asphalt sidewalks since Pathfinders already has an asphalt sidewalk in the area. City Engineer Whisker related that Pathfinders sidewalk is set back further with a large drainage ditch in the front of their area. Commissioner Dollar supported the idea of requesting sidewalks even if it begins in pieces, as the starting point. Commissioner Young moved, seconded by Commissioner Dollar to approve the Preliminary and Final Plat with a 40’ minimum right- of-way and sidewalk. MOTION CARRIED. BUILDING PERMIT(S): Site Plan for Lot 1, Looper Commercial Addition 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2004 7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M. City Engineer Whisker stated that he did not feel a minimum 4’ grassy area behind the sidewalk would be a problem to fit into the space available. Commissioner Young supported the recommendation, noting that the requirements should be enforced. Commissioner Stroud moved, seconded by Commissioner Dollar to approve the site plan with City Engineer Whisker approving the final landscaping plan according to established landscaping regulations. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: Chairman Brannen announced that tonight’s meeting would end his 12-year tenure with the Planning Commission, expressing his pleasure for serving and his gratitude to the Planning Commission for their cooperation. Commissioner Stroud expressed appreciation on behalf of the Planning Commission, saying that Chairman Brannen’s years of wisdom has served the Planning Commission immensely. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Brannen without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt 4