98 MAR 09.doc
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 9, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 8:05 P.M.
OPENING REMARKS:
Chairman Gray opened the meeting and expressed appreciation for
those in attendance.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners: Rudy Reid, Dana Nixon, Bob Walker, Mark Perry, and
John Hardwick answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Gray answered ROLL
CALL and declared a quorum. PRESENT SIX (6), ABSENT (2). (One
opening on the Planning Commission)
Others present for the meeting were City Attorney Robert Bamburg,
Deputy City Clerk Susan Davitt, City Engineer Duane Reel, Marci
Wilson, Glen Keaton representing Bond Engineering, Mickey Anders
of the Chamber of Commerce, Richard MaGee and Jeff Runder from
Metroplan, petitioners, interested citizens, and a member of the
press.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Walker moved, seconded by Commissioner Hardwick to
approve the minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of
January 12, 1998 and the Special Planning Commission Meeting of
January 29, 1998. MOTION CARRIED.
JACKSONVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT:
Chairman Gary related that the report was presented at the
regularly scheduled January meeting of the Planning Commission but
did not contain an addendum regarding the de-annexation of
wetlands known as the Holland Bottoms area. He asked that the
Commissioners review their reports and be prepared to amend or
accept at the regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting of
April.
REQUEST TO APPROVE BUILDING PERMITS: Pulaski County Special
School District Bus Maintenance Facility
City Engineer Reel related that the bus maintenance facility will
be located north of General Samuels Road and will allow the school
district to contain all their buses in one 5.01 acre compound. He
related that the Water and Fire departments have approved review
of the plans and sewer is available to the area. He introduced
Jerry Holder of the Pulaski County Special School District.
In response to a question posed by Chairman Gray, City Engineer
Reel related that the plans meet with all setback requirements. He
then related that the structural dimensions are 200 by 50 feet,
which will provide adequate space for cleaning and maintenance of
the buses. He stated that it will provide a central location,
solving the problem of having the buses parked in several
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different locations around the County as well as yards of the
drivers.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 9, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 8:05 P.M.
Commissioner Nixon moved, seconded by Commissioner Reid to Approve
the building permit as requested to Pulaski County Special School
District for a Bus Maintenance Facility. MOTION CARRIED.
REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT: SKETCH & PRELIMINARY PLAT FAIR OAKS
SUBDIVISION PHASE II
In response to a question posed by Chairman Gray, City Engineer
Reel related that the plat showed a fifty (50) foot radius
pointing out that a minimum of sixty (60) feet is required to
accommodate fire fighting equipment. He then related that the
petitioner is requesting a waiver from the thirty-five (35) foot
setback in the culdesac area of thirty (30) feet. He stated that
either the culdesac radius needed to be changed to sixty (60) feet
or a waiver needed to be granted from the Fire Department stating
that the fifty (50) foot radius could be used adequately.
It was determined that the plan has not yet been reviewed by the
Fire Department.
There was a question regarding the width of the street and
bringing the street closer to the property line. It was noted
that the utilities need only be extended to the proposed lots when
the preliminary plat is approved. He said that the street, water
and sewer plans would be submitted for approval at that time.
Discussion ensued as to the proximity of curb cuts with regard to
Main Street. It was disclosed that the code book stated that
"whenever practical there shall be a minimum of six hundred (600)
feet between intersections with a major thoroughfare".
Chairman Gray related that as a preliminary plat, issues regarding
the street being placed at the edge of the boundary with the
possibility of setback requirement adjustments, there will be need
of addressing either with compliance through the Planning
Commission or a Board of Adjustment variance. He pointed out that
the six hundred (600) feet may be a hardship for the landowner and
the Commission may want to analyze the impact it might have in the
area. He stated that the culdesac radius would need to be
adjusted or Fire Department approved as is with their needs and
standards.
City Engineer Reel related that a fifty (50) foot radius with a
ten (10) foot easement on each lot for utility installation has
been acceptable in the past.
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Chairman Gray pointed out that the plat did not indicate a ten
(10) foot easement.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 9, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 8:05 P.M.
City Engineer Reel related that along with the added easements the
street could be moved thirty-four (34) feet to the east creating a
distance of 450 feet from each intersection.
Chairman Gray related general approval as a sketch plat with the
charge to redesign previously mentioned concerns.
It was the general consensus of the Planning Commission to approve
the Sketch Plat of Fair Oaks Subdivision Phase II with the
redesigning of the Preliminary Plat.
GENERAL: DISCUSSION: Change(s) with regard to the Land Use Map,
City Council Recommendation for Public Hearing(s), and Change(s)
in Planning Boundary near Interstate 40
Chairman Gray related that the City Council has requested
consideration for specific changes in the Land Use Map and that
Mr. Jeff Runder from Metroplan is in attendance regarding Air
Installation Compatibility Use Zone (AICUZ) and its impact in the
community. He related the five (5) mile planning jurisdiction was
studied and consideration for zoning with regard to the Land Use
Map have been given. He related that such changes would require a
public hearing for considerations to the Land Use Map. He related
that Sherwood is aware of where the planning boundary meets and
the need for the Air Base to maintain certain standards. He
pointed out that Sherwood's boundary is located at the end of the
flight line study area. He related that in meetings with Sherwood
officials it was not decided to adjust the planning area, however,
they will be looking for friendly legislation which will help them
develop likewise ordinances making sure that the air base
community is not hampered. He said that the City of Cabot and
their Planning Body are in the process of annexing an area that
would be indirect to the flight line and are comfortable with the
need of maintaining a good Land Use plan as it relates to the Air
Base. He related that Richard MaGee from Metroplan in conjunction
with the meetings, has been helping Jacksonville reline and redraw
Jacksonville planning jurisdiction and where it abuts Cabot and
Sherwood which is the general direction of the flight line, adding
that currently neither overlaps into zones one, two or three but
are located on the ends of those zones. He stated that most of
the land being considered by Jacksonville will be affected to the
north as it approaches the County line and Faulkner County and
shared boundaries around Hwy 5. He related the need of a map
which would outline the legal and required five mile jurisdiction
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with clear division of specific areas.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 9, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 8:05 P.M.
He related that the City Council has requested that Planning
Commission specifically look at the land use and how it is used in
manufacturing area. He related that manufactured areas are being
"leap frogged" in development and the Council has asked the
Planning Commission to look at areas to determine if they need to
remain strictly manufactured areas or if changes are recommended
in the Land Use Map. He suggested that a public hearing be set
for the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of
April 13, 1998, to look at the Land Use Map of the City of
Jacksonville.
Chairman Gray informed the Planning Commission that the Municipal
League is hosting a seminar 25 March 1998, offering guidance
regarding the Land Use Map.
Richard MaGee from Metroplan spoke to the Commission regarding
mixed use within the manufacturing areas and what is outlined in
Jacksonville's zoning ordinance.
Richard MaGee stated that the real question or caveat is
residential use being proposed within a manufacturing zone. He
pointed out that under the current zoning ordinance there is no
conditional use provision that would allow for residential use
within a manufacturing zone; only in commercial areas. He
suggested that if the only issue is to allow residential uses in a
manufacturing area that the Commission look at the land use issue
not from a "parcel specific bases" but in terms of a broader
issue. Questioning "do you want to look at changes in the land use
plan", stating that the tool of zoning is to implement the land
use plan. He further stated that the question would be if there
are any reasons or issues that were not considered at the time the
Land Use Plan was adopted that may call for reconsideration making
a city change the goal of that area, such as manufacturing to some
other land use component. He stated that in doing so you have to
step back and look at the Land Use Plan and its intent for
manufacturing areas. He suggested looking at the description of a
manufacturing zone and the reason it is isolated from residential
areas, pointing out that it is to protect the health and safety of
people. He said that Jacksonville has a real distinct description
in its zoning ordinance that would make it hard to allow a mixed
use with the way its written currently, adding however, that does
not mean it can't be changed. He pointed out that it would be
problematic to allow a mixed use in a manufacturing zone with the
way its currently written. He reiterated a question for the
Commission to ask itself
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"are there any reasons why we should reconsider the Land Use
Plan", adding that they should look beyond and consider what a
change
would do to the entire Land Use Plan and not only to that area but
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 9, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 8:05 P.M.
the entire manufacturing district. He related the need to
look at the long term implications of those changes not only for
the parcel you are looking at in terms of rezoning but the long
term implications for the manufacturing area. Questioning, "Would
it have negative impacts on a manufacturing area?". Asking the
Commission to remember that if mixed use is allowed in this
particular manufactured area the Commission could receive requests
meeting the same criteria for other manufactured areas in the
City. He pointed out that zoning is changing a lot especially in
the last ten years with the progress of technology in terms of
industrial processes and environmental issues, adding that there
is not as much of a push to segregate issues as there once was.
He stated,
however, that there are still some heavy industrial uses that
would never be workable for a residential area and vice versa. He
related that the broader implications will not be just for the
area in question but for across the City and how you would apply
that. He stated that from the planning perspective you could
rewrite your zoning ordinances and the Land Use Plan to allow that
to occur, looking at the long term implications.
Chairman Gray pointed out that North Little Rock is experiencing
eastern growth as they expand their areas which has raised the
question for Jacksonville Planning Commission to address issues of
planning jurisdiction to the south. He related that it would be
beneficial to know exactly where those boundaries are. He stated
that the proposed public hearing includes the Land Use Plan with
particular consideration to manufacturing areas, the overall
northern boundary and the southern boundary which perhaps falls in
the five mile obligation of the AICUZ study. He related that the
Advertisement needs to define areas outside the community as well
as in and notify those people properly.
City Engineer Reel stated that the City of North Little Rock has
proposed a change in planning jurisdictions along Interstate 40 in
the area of the Galloway interchange. He related that he is in
the process of contacting personnel who can determine location of
the bypass as it approaches the "Bean Field". He stated that
development proposed along I-40 is going to be utilizing North
Little Rock utilities exclusively and is the reasoning for the
request of change in our planning jurisdiction.
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Discussion ensued as to the scope of issues to be addressed during
the public hearing at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the
Planning Commission. It was noted that the City of Cabot has
annexed within five hundred feet up to Hwy 321, which has created
overlapping jurisdictions.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 9, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 8:05 P.M.
City Engineer Reel suggested talks with Cabot planners to
stabilize that area while taking into consideration the growth
factor.
Chairman Gray related that he had hoped that part of the map would
be prepared for presentation to better describe that area prior to
advertising for the public hearing.
Chairman Gray related that Cabot has proposed annexing Hwy 321
intersection adding that Cabot's utilities are already in place.
He stated that Sherwood and Cabot are of like minds and do not
want any development that would be harmful to Central Arkansas'
economy or the Little Rock Air Force Base, adding that it will be
an area addressed at the next legislative session.
Questions of time regarding issues with North Little Rock were
discussed. City Engineer Reel related that he is in discussions
with North Little Rock concerning a area south of the bayou which
North Little Rock has offered to make a part of their planning
jurisdiction if Jacksonville is willing to relinquish the area.
Chairman Gray related that the planning bodies were not readily
willing to relinquish jurisdiction unless it made a difference
regarding the Air Force Base. Discussion ensued as to legislation
that would allow for compatibility in those planning areas.
Chairman Gray related that the Planning Commission is charged by
the City Council to consider one specific area of the land use map
to implement a zoning for a five mile radius into the county
(AICUZ zone). He asked if the Commission, as far as general
direction for the public hearing, consider the corporate limits
and to the edge of our planning jurisdiction in the northern part
of the county, reserving a future date for the southern planning
area south of the City limits as a more focused area.
Commissioner Walker questioned the area charged by Council for
consideration referring to the Motion made during the Council
meeting.
Chairman Gray clarified by saying that as the Planning Body
reviews the Land Use Plan it needs to be done with a five to ten
year growth plan. He related that the City Council is the body to
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act on the Land Use Plan depending on the Planning Commission for
providing responsible direction.
It was noted that areas for review in the public hearing would be
the corporate limits and that area north published along with a
map drawn by Metroplan.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 9, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 8:05 P.M.
Discussion ensued as to advertising time and completion of the map
for good public notice.
Commissioner Nixon moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry to set
the public hearing April 13, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. during the
regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting to address with
the corporate limits regarding the entire Land Use Map, zoning and
the planning boundary to the north.
In response to a question posed by Commissioner Hardwick, Chairman
Gray related that Mickey Anders from the Chamber of Commerce
represents development especially as it applies to manufacturing,
adding the importance of other manufacture's being present to
include input and address issues regarding a strict manufacturing
zone.
Commissioner Nixon encouraged participation in the planning
seminar to be held 25 March 1998.
Chairman Gray concurred and announced that topics of interest for
the seminar include assistance in the fundamental principals of
planning, zoning, land use, subdivisipon regulations and other
issues involved in comprehensive planning.
At this time the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Gray related that he has received input from several
residents adjoining the manufacturing area and feels sure that the
public hearing will provide information regarding development to
that area and into the county which will be of interest to those
residents. He pointed out that the Planning Commission as a body
is charged with the responsibility of developing a plan regarding
community growth in the near future and presenting it to the City
Council, adding that the Planning Commission will hear from the
public as a whole with input advising the Commission in their
thoughts on land use matters.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
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Chairman Gray adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:05 p.m.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 9, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 8:05 P.M.
Respectfully,
Lula M. (Leonard) Hawkins
Planning Commission Secretary
CITY CLERK-TREASURER
Susan L. Davitt
Deputy City Clerk
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