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05 JUL 11.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in Regular Session on July 11, 2005. Vice Chairman Keaton led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag and Commissioner Keaton delivered the invocation. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Susan Dollar, Bart Gray Jr., Mike Traylor, John Herbold, and Tom Evans answered ROLL CALL. Vice Chairman Keaton also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. PRESENT (6), ABSENT (3). Commissioner Knight, McCleary, and Chairman Stroud were absent. Others present for the meeting were City Engineer Whisker, Tommy Bond, Larry Dupree, and press. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Commissioner Traylor moved, seconded by Commissioner Herbold that the minutes of the 13 June 2005 Regular Planning Commission meeting be approved as presented. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING(S): REQUEST TO APPROVE PLATS: a. REPLAT Lots 4 & 5 Crestview Addition Petitioner: Arkansas Carwash Systems Mr. Charles Thomas related that the request is to replat both lots into one lot. City Engineer Whisker stated that the developer has provided for the drainage to be taken to the front of the area, which is the southern end near Main Street. He added that the existing buildings would be removed for the Commission construction of the carwash. Vice Chairman Keaton noted that the petitioner has been granted a front yard setback variance from the Board of Adjustment the previous month and the neighboring business of Double R Florist did not have any objections. Commissioner Dollar moved, seconded by Commissioner Gray to approve the replat of Lots 4 & 5 Crestview Addition. MOTION CARRIED. DEVIATION IN AGENDA: Metroplan Presentation of the Metro 2030 Plan for the Long Range Transportation Plan 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. Mr. Richard Magee of Metroplan stated that the plan is a 5-year process, adding that it is required under federal law to update the Long Range Transportation plan for the metropolitan area every 5-years. He related that Metroplan is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Central Arkansas, adding that they are federally mandated under transportation legislation for the United States. He stated that Metroplan performs direct spending of transportation dollars collected by the Federal Government used to maintain freeways, arterials, the transit system, pedestrian, and bikeways. He related that the plan has been through an extensive public involvement process that began two years ago. He reviewed the various public forums that were offered to increase public input. He stated that the Metro 2030 Plan is partly a continuation of the 2025 Plan and some of the strategies that were initiated in the Metro 2020 Plan. He stated an additional strategy was to look at not only the present planning period to 2030, but to consider what may happen in the period to 2050. He stated that this is significant because that would be the target year that the Metropolitan area would reach a population of approximately 1 million people. He added that it was also requested that the Plan address optimizing the existing regional arterial network (street system) through signal coordination, intersection improvement, and minor widening before considering expansion. He noted that part of the key strategy would be to build a freeway system up to six lanes throughout the entire Metropolitan area including Hwy 67 through Jacksonville and I-40 toward Cabot in combination with maximizing the arterial system. He then addressed the existing transit bus system, saying that the short-term plan is to double the size and service of the system, and long-term to add fixed guideway service such as commuter rail. He noted that rail-grade separations were originally adopted in 1925, and was requested by every community. He noted that Jacksonville was the recipient of the first rail- grade separation and there are eleven additional rail-grade separations to be completed. He stated that pedestrian and bicycle issues are scheduled to be incorporated into the long- range plan in terms of network and implementing access management standards for the first time. He stated that public comment was sought regarding how the areas should grow, and 75% of those polled wanted to move toward a different kind of land use than was currently being developed in the Metropolitan Area. He related that the change involved a transportation focus that was more mixed instead of being auto- 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. dominated, which he stated was also being driven by the population forecast for the Metropolitan Area. He noted that 60% of the growth in the area will be in the range of 55 years and older, adding that how transportation is used will change over the years. He stated that input from the public indicated a move toward an increased density level along the corridors such as Hwy 67/167, I-40 and I-30 but also retain some of the distinctiveness of the communities along those corridors. He added that building those density levels would allow a greater transportation mode than currently in place. He presented the plan that would maximize that direction of growth development, including recommendations to maximize the existing Regional Arterial Network System capacity and the expansion of the local transit service. He reviewed the committed rail-grade separations within the Metropolitan Area, noting that Jacksonville has a second rail-grade separation on the list. He noted that there is approximately 2.2 billion dollars worth of projects to maximize the Regional Arterial Network System. He stated that the total vision plan without time or financial constraints would total 5.7 billion dollars. He noted that over the 25-year period 25 million plus has been committed for the pedestrian/bike plan. He addressed issues regarding transit, relating that bus transit operates much like light rail, explaining that it can operate on a separate system and in mixed traffic. He stated that bus transit is a flexible system that is very cost efficient to deploy. He stated that the total vision plan expense for transit is approximately 4.2 billion dollars for the transit components, totaling 9.9 billion dollars for the Metropolitan Area. He then introduced the financial constraints of the plan, explaining that most of the funding comes from local government to build and maintain the current street, road and transit systems. He stated that 35% of monies are received from the Federal government, 10% comes from the State and 55% from local government totaling 3.2 billion dollars. He stated that preserving and maintaining the existing transportation system could easily consume over 3 billion dollars. He added that the plan will direct over 2 billion dollars to the O&M issues with $300,000 toward committed networks, 42 million toward rail-grade separations and 20 million toward the Regional Arterial Network and additional roadway capacities of another 200 million bringing the total to 2.7 billion dollars in roadway needs that the plan can actually build and maintain within this plan period. He related that adding the pedestrian and bicycle plan would bring the total cost to approximately 2.8 billion dollars. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. He stated that maintaining the current transit system over the plan period would cost approximately 393 million dollars, adding that public input directed moving the Lionel systems to the suburban areas and increasing the current bus system and its operation. He stated that the plan projects to double the current system in terms of geographic coverage and the type of system that is put into place. He stated that this would offer more buses on the routes with more frequent times and increased extension service for Saturday and Sunday, adding that it would cost approximately 758 million dollars over the plan period. He stated that in order to implement the bus financially constraint plan, a 1.5% sales tax is recommended for public vote. He stated that in looking at additional roadway capacity the committee has bumped up the priority of the Hwy 67 widening, which would cost approximately 32 million dollars of the 215 million allocated for improvements. He stated that 50 million is allocated for the reconstruction of the I-430/I-630 interchange. He stated that additional area arterial freeway interchange improvements would be 52 million, explaining that there are five interchanges being identified for priority. He then added that additional capacity improvements on the regional arterial network would be the remaining 80 million dollars. He stated that if the 1.5% sales tax does not pass that portion of the transit plan would be deleted from the plan. He stated that the plan offers the question of supporting some kind of tax either a gas tax or sales tax issue. He stated that if the public is willing to pass a 5-cent gas tax, an additional 25% of the vision plan would be funded. He then related that a combination of a 5-cent gas tax and a quarter cent sales tax would fund approximately 50% of the additional roadways on the vision plan. He reviewed the additional improvements to the transit plan with the additional combination tax. He stated that the plan is still in the comment stage, adding that the draft executive summary based on public comment will be presented to the Board in July and the Board will then vote on approving the final plan in August. He then noted that the Board was asked to consider projects that would be impacted by the LRAFB expansion, adding that the committee did come up with a recommended priority list. RESUME AGENDA: b. REPLAT Tract A & B, of Block 7 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. Mr. Frank Riggins of Crafton, Tull & Associates stated that the proposal is to replat the existing lot 1 of the unnamed tract into two lots being Tract A & B located at the corner of Main Street and James Street. He stated that the plat includes a dedication of right-of-way as required by the Public Works Department. City Engineer Whisker related that the property in question is the Hastings Shopping Center regarding the Long John Silver’s out parcel. He stated that the developer is proposing to construct a new building and has dedicated right-of-way from the centerline back for the realignment of James Street regarding improvements to the intersection. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Dollar, City Engineer Whisker related that the configuration regarding traffic flow would remain the same. He then answered that the property shares an easement agreement with the adjacent properties. Mr. Riggins reiterated that 30’ of right-of-way is being dedicated on the plat, adding that City Engineer Whisker has agreed that use of the dedicated right-of-way for temporary parking would be acceptable until such time as the property would be required for right-of-way by the City. City Engineer Whisker concurred that would be acceptable until improvements were made to the intersection. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Evans, Mr. Riggins stated that once the City is using the right-of-way, parking would be short one parking space as per the requirements. He then answered that the proposed bank would feature a drive- thru. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Evans to approve the replat as presented. MOTION CARRIED. c. PRELIMINARY PLAT Forest Oaks PH III Mr. David Jones of Marlar Engineering presented the plat offering that all plans have been submitted to City Engineer Whisker and requirements have been met. City Engineer Whisker related that the plat would need to go before the Water and Sewer Commissions, adding that there are no foreseeable concerns. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Herbold, City Engineer Whisker acknowledged that a concrete block ditch behind lots 1-10 was recently constructed. Mr. Jones added that the proposal is to extend the ditch down Forest Oak Drive back to the existing 12’ ditch on the back of lots 24-28 to the south. He continued that it would be tied into that ditch with a water diversion device at the intersection to ensure adequate flow. City Engineer Whisker explained the proposed path for the drainage flow between lots 27 and 28 turns directly east and then goes to the existing block ditch that runs through Fair Oaks. He then answered that retention needs would be greater for the development area to the east, which is the larger area that extends from Bushwood. He added that phase II has some retention. Commissioner Dollar moved, seconded by Commissioner Traylor to approve the Preliminary Plat of Forest Oaks Subdivision PH III subject to letters of approval from the Water and Sewer Commissions. Commissioner Gray noted that the bill of assurance is not complete, referring instead to another document, he noted that the bill of assurance needs to draw attention to the other references in a previous bill of assurance as part of this bill of assurance. Mr. Jones stated that the information being referenced would be included in writing in the present bill of assurance for PH III. Commissioner Dollar moved, seconded by Commissioner Traylor to amend the motion to include recommended corrections to the bill of assurance. MOTION CARRIED. d. FINAL PLAT Base Meadows Addition PH 1A Vice Chairman Keaton stated that the Final Plat for the Base Meadows Addition PH 1A has been removed from the agenda. e. SKETCH PLAT Oak Ridge Annex Mr. Tommy Bond related that the property is a parcel of land purchased by Mr. Smith in order to obtain access and annexation of the Oak Ridge Ranch Subdivision. City Engineer Whisker related that the property subsequently known as the Oak Ridge Ranch Subdivision began as 5-acre tracts, which were later reduced to 1-acre tracts and developed as Oak 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MAY 9, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 7:59 P.M. Ridge Ranch. He stated that the remaining parcel is a 5-acre tract across from property belonging to the LRAFB, and surrounded by 5-acre and 1-acre tracts. He stated that the present design reduces the lots to 6 or 7 tenths of an acre, adding that he does not feel that a lot of that size is conducive to the surrounding area, adding that 1-acre lots would be more conducive. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Dollar, Mr. Bond stated that while the lots are not as large as Oak Ridge Ranch the lots are still large in comparison to standard lots. He added that this is not a part of Oak Ridge but an adjacent parcel. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Gray, Mr. Bond then answered that the AICUZ area is north of the proposed property and would not impact the development. He then answered that the development would have its own bill of assurance, and that access would be gained from the main access road. He stated that the issue is if the development will have six or five lots. He stated that the present design features six lots 100’ wide and 300’ deep, adding that the tract is 331’ east and west with 30’ of road right-of-way, making all the lots 100’ X 300’. He stated that the developer wants to construct more than straight lots up and down the street. In response to a question posed by Vice Chairman Keaton, Mr. Bond related that a culdesac 150’ off the street could be designed, adding that it would reduce the lot yield slightly. Discussion ensued regarding the proximity of houses in Oak Ridge and on Maddox Road. It was noted that the property was not part of the recorded tract subdivision and does not have an existing bill of assurance. Commissioner Herbold objected to increasing the density of an area that was not originally designed for an increased density, adding that he is also familiar with sewer concerns regarding the area. Mr. Bond stated that the original pump station was designed to serve more than the Oak Ridge Estates Subdivision, pointing out that it was designed to also handle the trailer park, all land adjacent and to the north. Mr. Bond then agreed with Commissioner Herbold that the area feeds into the Toneyville area. Commissioner Herbold pointed out that the problems with Toneyville have yet to be solved. 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. Mr. Bond stated that he is not able to speak to those issues, adding that he is saying that the pump station force main and the collection system was designed to serve this area. Commissioner Herbold reiterated his point that the area would then feed into the Toneyville station which is currently experiencing problems. Mr. Bond stated that the developer has proposed in a letter to the Sewer Commission that there are 10 or 12 lots in the Oak Ridge Subdivision that are in the flood plain, which are being proposed to be taken out of any development in exchange for accepting these lots. Commissioner Herbold acknowledged that would address the sewer issue, but does not solve the issue of smaller lots surrounded by 5-acre tracts. Commissioner Dollar agreed with Commissioner Herbold. Commissioner Gray stated that he felt it would be more acceptable if the property were subdivided more in conjunction with the Oak Ridge Ranch Subdivision. Commissioner Herbold offered that for a transition the lots could be between the size of the five-acre lots and the one-acre lots of Oak Ridge Subdivision. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Herbold to deny the sketch plat of Oak Ridge Annex, recommending that the number of lots be reduced to be comparable to oak Ridge Ranch Subdivision. MOTION CARRIED. f. SKETCH PLAT Crooked Creek PH III Mr. Bond related that the property was previously proposed as a rezoning for multi-family housing when the subdivision was first considered for development. He stated that the property is a small tract of land between Tolleson Elementary School and General Samuels Road, adding that because of the size of the property the proposed design is basically the only way to develop the property. He stated that the developer is proposing to build a new lane on General Samuels, adding that sewer and water is available. It was noted that even with another lane each lot would have direct access to General Samuels. 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. City Engineer Whisker stated that the additional lane would extend from Burns Side Drive to Harris, which would basically be a right hand turn lane for Crooked Creek PH II to turn right and then a right hand turn lane onto Harris, which would turn north. In response to a question posed by Vice Chairman Keaton, Mr. Bond stated that the developer is proposing to widen the street to 36’, adding that City Engineer Whisker has stated that he would like the City to supplement that by widening it to a four-lane, providing a stack lane for the schools. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Dollar, City Engineer Whisker stated that a lot of traffic would be generated and the street proposal is not the end solution but is a good start. He suggested shared driveways for the development. Commissioner Dollar moved, seconded by Commissioner Herbold to approve the sketch plat of Crooked Creek PH III In response to a comment from Commissioner Traylor, Mr. Bond suggested that the houses could be set such that cars are not backing out onto the street and the driveways could have a way to turnaround before entering the street. He stated that he felt it would be possible to have a shared driveway with a configuration for a turnaround. It was noted that the adjacent property belongs to Tolleson Elementary School. City Engineer Whisker pointed out the gas line on lot 177, saying that the City would prefer it to be an easement instead of a separate lot. He then answered that these lots would share the same situation as with the houses in the Maple Wood Subdivision on Harris Road having a 100’ right-of-way for the street. In response to a comment from Commissioner Herbold regarding drainage, Mr. Bond stated that the development would probably have a retention basin at the rear of lot 174. He stated that at the sketch plat stage the issue had not yet been addressed, he then noted that there is a retention basin on lots 25 & 26 across the street. Commissioner Dollar moved, seconded by Commissioner Herbold to approve the sketch plat of Crooked Creek Subdivision PH III with the concept of a travel lane, shared driveways configured so that cars will not have to back out into traffic, that lot 177 be defined as an easement, and sidewalk placement. 9 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. Commissioner Evans pointed out the configuration for a turnaround in the driveways is not a guarantee that cars will not back out onto the street. At this time, MOTION CARRIED with Commissioner Traylor voting NAY. g. SKETCH PLAT Jaxon Heights PH V Mr. Bond related that the area is a continued part of Mr. Jones’ development north of Quince Hill and east of North First Street. He noted that a preliminary plat of the property was submitted and approved in 1976. He related that only one street was built, adding that the plat encompasses 37 lots and is the extension of the existing street that is stubbed out. He stated that the plat does confront the issue of sewer for the area. City Engineer Whisker acknowledged the sewer issue, explaining that a letter has been furnished from the Wastewater Utility stating that $300,000 has been spent which helped with the I&I in the area. He noted that as a sketch plat, it will still have to go before the Sewer Commission before returning as a preliminary, adding that the preliminary stage would be the time to express sewer concerns. Commissioner Herbold noted that Mr. Jones has largely funded the waste system that is in place. Mr. Bond stated that it is the original plan from 1976, adding that the streets, sewer, and water were all approved at that time. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Dollar to accept the sketch plat as presented. MOTION CARRIED. h. SKETCH PLAT Metropolitan Development Mr. Bond stated that the completion of the West Interceptor Line has allowed the property to be able to be considered for development. He noted that the plat shows 450 lots. He added that 40% of the lots will be over the ridge to the southwest, which will have to be served from a new sewer system and the other 60% would be served from a line to the rear of Penn Pointe Subdivision. He stated that the developer is proposing to serve the subdivision water through the Jacksonville 460 hydraulic gradient as opposed to the higher gradient that serves base meadows and other area developments. He noted that the plans have been submitted to the Water Department for their approval. 10 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. He explained the location of the ridge that runs through the center of the subdivision. He then noted that West Main is proposed for improvements in the Metroplan study, adding that there is ample room for right-of-way. Discussion ensued regarding other road improvements in the area and City Engineer Whisker pointed out that the Commission approved the realignment of West Main in a prior meeting. He stated that it is anticipated that the beginning phase would be the property adjacent to Penn Pointe Subdivision. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Traylor, Mr. Bond stated that the lot size would be approximately 70’ with a possibility of larger lots in the future, depending on the market. In response to a question posed by City Engineer Whisker regarding park considerations, Mr. Bond noted that there would have to be an area for retention, adding that once the plan is completed he feels the area will be annexed into the City regarding future park considerations. Mr. Bond then answered that the area is larger than the Stonewall Subdivision, adding that the area is 160 acres less the area for the road right-of- way and an area that is located in the flood plain. He stated that City Engineer Whisker has mentioned that he would like to see Oneida Street extended and connected to Jefferson Street off Harris Road. He explained that the Jefferson Street is 200’ from the west side of this property, offering a different avenue to Jefferson Street. He mentioned the contours of the property being the reason for the development scheme as presented. Mr. Bond then answered that Stonewall has lots that are 75 or 80’ in comparison. Commissioner Traylor noted that the Stonewall Subdivision features sidewalks and common areas that he feels would be good for this development. Commissioner Dollar agreed, saying that the houses in Stonewall are not overly expensive but it remains a desirable neighborhood, which she feels can be attributed to the common areas, walking trails and sidewalks. 11 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. Mr. Bond stated that he feels this subdivision would develop very similar to the last phase of Crooked Creek with probably comparably cost home in today’s market to Stonewall. He referenced the beauty of the property, adding that it has been a desirable property for development for a long time. Commissioner Gray supported the development, and suggested the inclusion of greenways and common areas regarding the quality of life and community aspect for the neighborhood. He stated that he feels these design features would make the subdivision extremely attractive in the market. He explained his desire to see some community type features built into the sketch plat. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Dollar to deny the sketch plat in favor of returning with consideration for green areas and community type features. Discussion ensued and it was the consensus of the Commission to see the sketch plat return with aforementioned considerations. Mr. Bond explained the developers concern regarding the value of lots and the difficulty of making the cost structure of those improvements fit into the costs structure of the lots. The Commission reiterated its desire to see a new sketch plan with aforementioned features and the belief that those improvements would be desirable to the buying market. At this time, MOTION CARRIED. BUILDING PERMIT(S): a. 1912 McArthur Drive, Petitioner: Kareer Kids Child Development Center Mr. Joe Douglass stated that proposal to construct a three- vehicle garage, making the building deep enough to include storage for riding lawn mowers and other equipment used in the maintenance of the grounds. He noted that the proposed building line is a good distance from the street. City Engineer Whisker related that the Board of Adjustment has granted a size and side yard setback variance for the garage. Commissioner Dollar moved, seconded by Commissioner Herbold to approve the building permit as requested. MOTION CARRIED. 12 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:43 P.M. b. 2600 Cory Drive, Petitioner: Wrights Cabinets, Inc. Mr. Jim Walker stated that there are proposing to build two additions to an existing building. He stated that the first addition would be a 12’ X 40’ addition to the side of the building on Cory Drive and the second would be a 30’ X 65’ addition on the west side of the building both would be constructed of metal and steel matching the existing building. Vice Chairman Keaton related that the item of business was approved a side yard setback from the Board of Adjustment. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Traylor to approve the building permit as requested. MOTION CARRIED. c. 106 Marshall Road, Petitioner: Citgo Convenience Store Mr. Rick Kent expressed the owner’s desire to extend the building to the west side, noting that the building sits at an angle to the street, adding that the addition would not be visible from the street. City Engineer Whisker related that the owner was granted a side yard setback from the Board of Adjustment, noting that the extension of the building would be 10’ from the property line. He added that the landscaping Ordinance may apply regarding the cost of construction. Commissioner Traylor moved, seconded by Commissioner Dollar to approve the building permit as requested. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chairman Keaton without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt 13