Loading...
15 JUL 13 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 13, 2015 7:22 P.M. – 7:59 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in regular session on July 13, 2015. Vice Chairman Moore opened the meeting at approximately 7:22 p.m. expressing appreciation to those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Jim Peacock Jr., Scott Scholl, Avis Twitty, Joe Cummings, Jr., Rick White, and Alderman Howard answered ROLL CALL. Vice Chairman Moore also answered roll call and declared a quorum. PRESENT (7), ABSENT (2). Others present for the meeting were City Engineer Jay Whisker, Mayor Fletcher, Aaron Robinson, interested citizens, petitioners, and press. CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commissioner Cummings to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2015 regularly scheduled meeting as presented. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING(S): CONDITIONAL USE 1409 Madden Road C-1 in R-2 zone requested by First Baptist Church on behalf of Options Pregnancy Center Chairman Moore opened the public hearing at approximately 7:22 p.m. Mr. Andy Cameron, Chairman of the Board on Options Pregnancy Center headquartered in Cabot, Arkansas, related that they also have facilities in Beebe and Lonoke. He stated that they have been trying to establish a location in Jacksonville. He then explained that they are a crisis pregnancy center, seeing between 2,000 and 2,500 clients annually, dealing with pregnancy, sexual abuse, parenting classes and abstinence education. He related that he has felt very strongly that they needed to have a presence in Jacksonville. He explained that an opportunity has come to them through the First Baptist Church in Cabot regarding the property on Madden Road, which they would lease from First Baptist Church. He then answered that the size of the building will actually allow them to do more educational opportunities regarding larger groups. He added that they do not have that luxury at their other locations, saying that he believes it will become their education and training hub. Alderman Howard expressed his support for their work. Mr. Cameron noted that he believes they are the first center of their kind to start formal parent training for unwed fathers. He stated that he is very proud of the Center and the new grounds that are being made. With no one to speak in opposition, Vice Chairman Moore closed the public hearing at approximately 7:27 p.m. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 13, 2015 7:22 P.M. – 7:59 P.M. City Engineer Whisker noted that as a conditional use it would not change the zoning of the property. He stated that if the Center is to cease operations, another entity could not assume that commercial use. Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Commissioner White to approve the Conditional Use of property located at 1409 Madden Road for a C-1 in an R-2 zone. MOTION CARRIED. REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): BUILDING PERMIT(S): a. SITE PLAN New Commandment Church 808 Stone Street Aaron Robinson of Bond Consulting Engineers explained plans to remodel the existing Church and add to the side of the building. He noted that the Church utilizes some of the surrounding properties that are not open on Sunday for overflow parking. Vice Chairman Moore concurred with Mr. Robinson that parking spaces numbered 17 through 37 are being proposed to be behind the rear of the building. He stated that after viewing the property he is not sure there is enough space to put in those parking spaces unless part of the vacant property to the rear belongs to the Church. Mr. Robinson stated that the vacant land belongs to the Dupree family, but added that the Church does use it for parking. He stated if that property were ever sold, then it would be necessary for the Church to obtain an easement or purchase part of that property in order to keep using it for parking. He then answered Vice Chairman Moore that there are no plans to pave those parking spaces. Vice Chairman Moore confirmed that the parking spaced number 28 and 29 are shown to be in front of the new addition along with twelve other parking spaces directly in front of the existing building. City Engineer Whisker noted that the site plan shows a 20’ rear yard lotline from the new building, noting that the City requires a 25’ rear setback. He related that the existing building is on a separate lot, saying that the property would need to be replatted to one lot. He related that in order for the Church to construct the addition on a metes and bounds, they would need permission from the Planning Commission. He pointed out that normally they would be required to preliminary and final plat the property before they can get a certificate of occupancy for the new structure. He stated that the new building would require an asphalt parking lot with landscaping and a sidewalk across the front of the property along Stone Street unless those requirements are waived by the Planning Commission, which typically has not been done in the past. He then added that there would need to be a variance to the amount of parking spaces available, 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 13, 2015 7:22 P.M. – 7:59 P.M. pointing out that spaces 17 through 27 would be difficult to access. He then pointed out that parking spaces 17 through 27 as proposed would prohibit a fire truck from being able to access the back of the Church. He related that it would be beneficial to require less parking spaces but have it asphalted so a fire truck can gain access to the rear of the building, which would require a parking variance from the Planning Commission. He stated it is his understanding that the Church has an agreement with the tire business across the Street regarding overflow parking. In response to a question from City Attorney Bamburg, Reverend Miller replied he could get written permission from Vaughn Tire regarding the use of their property for parking on Sunday. He then answered that the space provides approximately 15 additional parking spaces for the Church. City Attorney Bamburg stated that a written agreement could be counted in favor of the Church, which would lower the amount of parking variance requested. Discussion ensued regarding the Church also needing to obtain written permission from Mr. Dupree for any parking that allowed on his property. Vice Chairman Moore reiterated that he did not feel there would be enough room to establish the proposed rear parking as depicted on the site plan without encroaching on the Dupree property. He then noted that if the Church is using the parking spaces in front of Price’s Cleaners, they would have to get written permission for those spaces as well. City Attorney Bamburg concurred; pointing out that all these spaces would reduce the number required in a variance. Reverend Miller stated that the Church has never used the Dupree property regarding parking, saying that they have always used the parking at Vaughn Tire with Mr. Vaughn’s permission. He added that with those spaces the parking has always been sufficient, noting that they do plan to pave the parking lot. City Attorney Bamburg stated that if the Church were to get permission from Price’s Cleaners it might eliminate the need to request a variance. City Engineer Whisker clarified that the request is to approve the site plan so they can begin construction on the addition, cautioning that all the stipulations he voiced earlier would need to apply regarding any approval. He stated that a parking variance might not be required given letters of agreement with adjoining property owners for the amount of spaces needed that is not located on the property. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 13, 2015 7:22 P.M. – 7:59 P.M. City Attorney Bamburg clarified for Reverend Miller that the Planning Commission could grant him a time frame to produce the letters of agreement or request a variance if permission is not granted. City Engineer Whisker stated that he usually ties any stipulations to the release of a certificate of occupancy, adding that aside from that, the Planning Commission could authorize any period of time they feel appropriate. Reverend Miller stated that it is very important to them to be able to construct the sanctuary, saying that the current building is not accessible for people with disabilities in wheelchairs. He stated that his parishioners have been faithful and working hard to achieve this to make sure their Church is people friendly. Commissioner White stated that his concern is the parking spaces, saying that the site plan proposal does not seem to work for the parking. He added that he would like to see the parking plan reworked. Mr. Robinson stated that there would not be any way to rework the parking without purchasing additional property. He added that the only option is to obtain the letters of agreement for extra parking spaces. He stated they would like to get approval contingent on obtaining the letters of agreement, which would be forwarded to City Engineer Whisker. He noted that if they are not able to obtain the letters of agreement then they would have to come back regarding a variance. Vice Chairman Moore suggested that the rear parking spaces be turned horizontal instead of vertical; he stated that while it would yield fewer parking spaces it would allow access for the Fire Department or any emergency vehicle to gain access. Mr. Robinson stated that the current proposal is only off by four parking spaces. City Attorney Bamburg stated that if parking spaces numbered 17 through 27 were removed, they would lose 10 spaces, which would increase the variance request to 14. Mr. Robinson stated that if the Church obtains written permission from Mr. Vaughn to use his fifteen parking spaces, it would put the Church one parking space ahead. Alderman Howard questioned what would happen to the agreement if Vaughn Tire were to change ownership. City Attorney Bamburg stated that lease agreements can be drawn up to be long-term, even continuing past the present owner. He stated that 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 13, 2015 7:22 P.M. – 7:59 P.M. from the Church’s standpoint they would want to get the agreement as long-term as possible because without it, they do not satisfy the Code requirements. In response to a question from Commissioner White, Mr. Robinson stated that if slanted parking is designed they could gain about 2.5’. Commissioner White noted that it would also provide for a much easier ingress and egress. Mr. Robinson noted that there still would not be enough room between the building and the parking spaces for emergency vehicles. In response to a question from Commissioner Twitty, City Engineer Whisker stated that it is obvious that the rear-parking proposal is not going to work. He stated that they would have to remove the parking and find other spaces, obtain a variance, or purchase additional property. He added that he feels the Church has enough spaces it can gain from the surrounding businesses. Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commission Cummings to approve the site plan, stipulating that the Church obtain letters of agreement to satisfy the parking code requirement, preliminary and final plat the property before obtaining a certificate of occupancy, asphalt the on-site parking area, provide landscaping, and a sidewalk along Stone Street. MOTION CARRIED. b. SITE PLAN The Goal Post 7607 John Harden Drive Ms. Wendy Founds, manager of The Goal Post stated that they have put two portable buildings on the property. She related that one would be a snack shack, adding that currently the other building is being used for storage. She explained that they have constructed a patio area with benches and picnic tables, adding that they are trying to construct an outside event area. She related that there is also a stage that has been constructed and they hope to have some bands play. She added that they are also requesting an extension from having to lay asphalt and construct a sidewalk at this time, saying that the owner has related that he would like to have a few years before having to construct those improvements. She assured the Commission that he does want to make those improvements to enhance the property, but is requesting a delay from having to do that now. Vice Chairman Moore questioned the total value of the improvements that have been made. Ms. Founds stated that up to date they have spent $14,862.00, estimating that the completed construction and improvements would cost an additional $4,000.00. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 13, 2015 7:22 P.M. – 7:59 P.M. City Engineer Whisker stated that the reason they are before the Planning Commission is because of the number of accessory buildings. He surmised that they are constructing something along the lines of an outdoor patio festival area. He added he feels that it would be good for the area and location but they currently have approximately 4 accessory buildings and covered benches located on the property. He related with all the various elements being constructed, he felt it would be best to have the Planning Commission review the plans as to whether they would be required to preliminary and final plat, as well as to construct a sidewalk, and asphalt the parking lot. He noted that regarding the northern annexed area, this the second or third time a request of this nature has come up. He recalled Mr. Friedman request through the Planning Commission over a year ago, requesting not to plat the property or construct sidewalks regarding a portable building business. He stated that each request has been for various reasons, but added that Code requires platting the property, constructing sidewalks, and asphalting the parking. He related that they are developing an outdoor patio area to increase their business in the summertime. Discussion ensued and it was related by City Engineer Whisker that the owner also owns property to the south of this property. In response to a question from Vice Chairman Moore, Ms. Founds related that none of the outdoor buildings would be joined to the main building or each other. She stated that the first outdoor building is 10’ from the primary structure, adding that the Fire Marshall has viewed the structures. She then explained they have hired an electrical contractor to install lights and cameras. She stated that everything is being done according to Code and any plan revisions would be brought to City Engineer Whisker for review. Commissioner White clarified with Ms. Founds that they are requesting a two-year delay to install sidewalks and asphalt the parking lot. Commissioner Twitty moved, seconded by Commission White to approve the site plan and granting a two-year delay to construct sidewalks and asphalt the parking lot. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: ANNOUNCEMENT: ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chairman Moore without objection, adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt 6