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14 JUL 14 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 14, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in regular session on July 14, 2014. Chairman Ott opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation to those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Jim Moore, Joe Cummings, Jr., Rick White, and Alderman Howard answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Ott also answered roll call and declared a quorum. PRESENT (5), ABSENT (4). Others present for the meeting were City Engineer Jay Whisker, interested citizens, petitioners, and press. CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Moore moved, seconded by Commissioner White to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2014 regularly scheduled meeting as presented. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING(S): REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): BUILDING PERMIT(S): SITE PLAN Gwatney Carwash & Express Lube Mr. Aaron Robinson of Bond Engineering stated that the property is on T.P. White where the former Cancun Restaurant was located, explaining that Gwatney Chevrolet is planning to construct a carwash and express lube on the property. He related that all utilities are on site, noting that an additional sidewalk would be added along Gregory Street and on T.P. White Drive, which would tie into the adjacent Gwatney Collision Center. He also noted that there is a planned detention area on the site plan, which is in the right-of-way. He related that the only real issue is the building setback. He explained that the building setback is 15’ on the south side of the property, noting that there will be a canopy for customers who are paying by credit card or making change. He went on to say, he spoke with City Engineer Whisker about the possibility of getting a variance for the 15’ setback to a 7’ building line, which would address the issue of the canopy. He added that there was further discussion regarding an alternate plan, adding that he would let City Engineer Whisker address that issue with the Planning Commission. He then answered Commissioner Moore that the carwash would be located on the southwest side of the property. He went on to point out the location of the express lube building on the property, noting that it would also contain two bathrooms, an office, and a waiting area for patrons. He stated that the other longer building would be a one-lane automated carwash. City Engineer Whisker then answered Commissioner Moore that he did not feel there would be any issues regarding on-flow traffic with the location of the handicapped parking space. He stated that he felt most of the parking spaces in that area would be for the employees. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 14, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. He went on to say, that customers parking on the south side of the building would be parking in front of vacuums. He stated that it would be a pull-through type of situation, where customers are entering, paying, then circling in, and going into the long building for a carwash. He stated otherwise the traffic would come around to the front of the building and circle around to the back and either park there or head straight into the building. He explained that the express lube building has three bays, surmising that there probably would not be any wait time. He then added that mainly the parking spaces in this area are for staff. City Engineer Whisker then noted that the site plan did not included the sidewalks, but in discussions with Mr. Robinson, they have agreed to the sidewalk locations. He added that there would need to be landscaping in the islands and the dumpster would need to be screened according to City ordinance. He then explained that he and Mr. Robinson discussed another solution for the setback situation, explaining that this property is part of the old Little Rock Air Force Base Subdivision that encompassed a huge area that was sold in blocks that has since been divided into pieces and pieces. He pointed out that the grass ditch is actually street right-of-way, explaining that if the City were to abandon the street right-of-way and give back half of the right-of-way to Gwatney Chevrolet they would not need to seek a setback variance. Director of Administration Jim Durham stated that the petitioner is willing to remove the canopy, which encroaches into the setback, in order to forgo having to request a variance. He stated that this would allow them to immediately start construction and then if they see they need the canopy later they would return with a variance request. He went on to say the canopy is not necessary and should not hold up construction. City Attorney Bamburg clarified that once the easement right-of-way is verified, he does not feel the canopy would be an issue. He stated that if the right-of-way issue is not something that can be resolved then they could return for a variance. He added that he did not feel that this would hinder construction from beginning. He then answered that the variance would have to be addressed by the Board of Adjustment. He clarified that if the site plan is approved, it could be approved contingent on the canopy being removed, or the City works out the right-of-way easement issue and abandons the right-of-way, or they proceed with a variance from the Board of Adjustment if the first two options do not resolve the issue. He added that with a variance from the Board of Adjustment, the construction would need to be completed in accordance with directions from the Board of Adjustment. Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commissioner Moore to approve the site plan contingent on the canopy being removed, or the right-of- way issue being resolved so that a variance is not warranted, or that 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 14, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. the petitioner seek a variance from the Board of Adjustment in the event the right-of-way issue is not resolved and they continue with the construction of a canopy. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: ANNOUNCEMENT: ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Ott without objection, adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt 3