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16 OCT 10 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:27 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in regular session on October 10, 2016. Chairman Moore opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation to those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Patrick Thomas, Jim Peacock, Jr., Barbra Mashburn, Joe Cummings, Jr., Rick White, Robert Price, and Virgil Healey answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Jim Moore also answered roll call and declared a quorum. PRESENT (8), ABSENT (1). Others present for the meeting were City Engineer Jay Whisker, Code Enforcement Officer Charlie Jenkins, Geneva Healey, interested citizens, petitioners, and press. CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Healey moved, seconded by Commissioner Mashburn to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2016 regularly scheduled meeting as presented. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING(S): REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): FINAL PLAT Jamestown PH 2 Abe White of Bond Engineering presented the final plat for Jamestown PH 2, noting that all the utilities have been installed and that the asphalt would be in Wednesday. He stated that all improvements would be completed before the next City Council meeting. City Engineer Jay Whisker noted that the preliminary plat was brought before the Planning Commission almost 2 years ago, explaining that the developer has been working on the various phases to the west of this phase regarding the Jaxon Terrace Subdivision. He noted that this phase has 16 lots and is proposed to have slightly larger homes. He stated that the developer is aware that any improvements not completed by the next City Council meeting would have to be bonded. He mentioned that the developer has one small item that will have to be dealt with through the Water Department, adding that he does not expect that item to be a problem. Commissioner Peacock moved, seconded by Commissioner Thomas to accept the Final Plat of Jamestown Subdivision PH 2, stipulating that all improvements will be completed before being presented to the City Council or those improvements be bonded. MOTION CARRIED. BUILDING PERMIT(S): a. 1920 Redmond Road Arkansas Welding Academy Gary Clements of Clements and Associates presented the site plan, explaining that the Arkansas Welding Academy is a school that has moved into a former industrial building. He related that they train students how to high pressure weld for pipe lines. He stated that they are proposing to construct an administrative building in front of the existing buildings that will have a classroom and break room to 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:27 P.M. serve the students. He then added that the rest of the building would be offices for the administration. He related that the addition would be 5,577 square feet, noting that the site is slightly over 5 acres and most of that is undeveloped. City Engineer Jay Whisker related that the property is on North Redmond Road south of Paradise Park. He noted that the wooded area is to the north of the lot close to Paradise Park, he offered a PowerPoint demonstration of the proposed building, noting a parking area to the front of the buildings. He pointed out that there is new concrete and a fence that was welded by them to the front. He reviewed the location of the proposed classroom, explaining that the administrative offices would be to the north side of the new addition. He stated that the break room to the south would lead back into the welding area for the applied part of the course. Discussion ensued regarding the theater like seating that was being proposed for the classroom. City Engineer Jay Whisker then answered that the distance between the additional building and the closest existing building would be 26’, adding that the Fire Marshal has reviewed the plans and does not have a problem with the proposal. He then added that Water and Wastewater have also reviewed the plans, adding that the building is not big enough to require a sprinkler system. In response to a question from Alderman Barbra Mashburn, Mr. Clements answered that the owner currently has 32 students. City Engineer Jay Whisker stated that the only request by the City is that there be enough parking for the staff as well as the students, recommending a paved and landscaped parking lot to the south end of the area. He then answered Chairman Moore that there is no need for any type of variances, saying that it is a metes and bounds building permit for one single property in an industrial area. He noted that on occasion, the City will request that the property be platted in order to ensure the City has adequate road right-of-way, noting that in this circumstance the City already has 80’ of road right-of-way on Redmond Road. Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commissioner Price to approve the building permit regarding the site plan for 1920 Redmond Road for Arkansas Welding Academy, stipulating recommendations regarding parking and landscaping as recommended by City Engineer Whisker be installed. Discussion ensued regarding a sidewalk in front of the building. City Engineer Jay Whisker stated that it would need to have a sidewalk. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:27 P.M. Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commission Price to approve the building permit regarding the site plan for 1920 Redmond Road for Arkansas Welding Academy, stipulating recommendation regarding parking, landscaping, and a sidewalk as recommended by City Engineer Whisker be installed. MOTION CARRIED. b. John Harden Drive Dash Boat/RV Storage Mr. Sam Allison introduced himself as one of the principals of Dash Boat/RV Storage, explaining that they are proposing to develop lot C regarding a tract of land on John Harden Drive into a boat and RV storage facility. In response to a question from Alderman Barbra Mashburn, Mr. Allison answered that the surrounding area is vacant land, adding that further down there is a home on lot D but it is not inhabited. Chairman Moore noted that lot D fronts Coffelt Road. Mr. Allison then noted that lot A has an abandoned business. City Engineer Jay Whisker related that the landowner owns three larger tracts of land, explaining that this is 20 acres with another 20 acres just to the west of this, and then noted another two 20 acre parcels that makes one 40 acre piece to the south of this property. He stated that this is three pieces making one big square tract. He explained that normally when commercial land is developed, the owner will try to remain flexible so that they can sell all parts, selling little parcels or large parcels as demand dictates. He stated that sometimes instead of getting a surveyor to preliminary and final plat the lots for sale, they bring ideas and keep it fluid in order to sell them off, which is what has happened in this particular instance. He explained that the owner made a lease agreement with Mr. Allison to rent the 5.3 acres aka lot C but still keep it as part of the entire tract. He stated that as far as the boat and RV storage proposal, the City would like him to preliminary and final plat lot C before Mr. Allison begins his business venture but the City does not have a problem letting him build and start the process to get to the preliminary and final plat stage. He related that Mr. Allison is proposing to have two covered parking structures to the east, explaining that the City is requiring him to have hard scape, concrete or asphalt leading to those structures. He then noted the overflow parking to the west, saying that he could have rock in order to get to that area and it would remain open storage. He surmised that Mr. Allison would do SB2 to make it hard scape to park the RV’s on. Mr. Allison concurred. City Engineer Jay Whisker added that Mr. Allison has agreed to construct a sidewalk along the front and the City has requested that 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:27 P.M. he either have an office on site with a bathroom, water and sewer or have an office in the City to handle payments for the operation. He noted the landscaping being offered across the front. In response to a question from Alderman Mashburn regarding security for the location, Mr. Allison answered that there would be 24-hour video surveillance with a controlled access gate only accessible by code. He added that barbed wire has been added to the fence. Commissioner Price noted that some RVs are longer than 40’, noting that the longest spaces are only 40’. Mr. Allison stated that he could not offer covered space longer than 40’ but added that he would work with chopping up the smaller spaces and parking the RV sideways for covered parking. He added that he has some open parking that is west of the covered parking that has some extra room for that. He noted that on the website they offer custom parking spaces at custom prices. He stated that 77% of all the RVs sold in America are 30’ or under 40’, saying that between that and boats, the vast majority of their clientele is not going to be over 40’. He went on to explain that the structures are not enclosed, explaining that they are steel structures with awnings to protect from the sun, rain, and ice. Chairman Moore questioned if there was a definitive answer regarding the fire hydrant. City Engineer Jay Whisker stated that he did not receive anything back from the Fire Chief. He added that he talked to the Water and Sewer Departments, adding that any approval would need to be contingent upon the decision by the Fire Department regarding a fire hydrant. Chairman Moore stated that he has a message from the Jacksonville Wastewater Utility; pointing out that on the site plan there is a proposed location for a mobile office trailer, explaining that the Planning Commission cannot allow for a mobile office trailer. City Engineer Jay Whisker stated that the site plan has been revised and the mobile office trailer is not an option on the new plan. Mr. Allison concurred, saying that the proposal for a mobile office trailer has been removed from the site plan. Chairman Moore concurred with City Engineer Jay Whisker that an office either on site or in Jacksonville would be a requirement. He then read a statement from the Jacksonville Wastewater Utility saying, “Before commencement of construction, the owner needs to provide JWWU with written permits from the Health Department and ADEQ. The owner would also need to provide plans to the Sewer Commission for approval.” He offered the written statement as a matter of record. He then asked City Engineer Whisker to address the issue of an address. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:27 P.M. City Engineer Jay Whisker answered that if the site plan were approved, he would proceed with giving the property a proper address to move things forward. He explained that there are already two structures on one property with two separate addresses, which makes it difficult for them when addressing the property especially if it already has two separate addresses. He continued saying that if more structures were added then there is more addresses for one property, which makes it difficult. He stated that when they address property it is when a piece of property is separated or platted. It was agreed that if there is an office on site it would require approval from the Jacksonville Wastewater Utility. In response to a question from Commissioner Price, Mr. Allison stated that currently they would not be offering any kind of sewage dump station. He then answered that there would be onsite lighting but not electrical power for each parking station at this time. Chairman Moore stated that since there is a lease involved, the Planning Commission would need a letter from the owner authorizing Mr. Allison to act on his behalf. City Engineer Jay Whisker stated that he has an email from the owner of the property granting Mr. Allison permission to speak on behalf of this property. City Attorney Bamburg stated that the email would need to be a part of the permanent record. Mr. Allison stated that he would be willing to provide a copy of the lease agreement as well. In response to a comment from Commissioner White, City Engineer Jay Whisker stated that he believes Mr. Allison is eager to get started so once everything is approved they can get an address and move forward. Mr. Allison concurred, saying that he wanted to know what he needed to do in order for the City to give them an address. He offered that they had to have the address for Entergy to come and see where the light poles would be installed, adding that he could not get an official quote from insurance without an address. He related that they are still in the process of accepting construction bids. He then answered Commissioner White that this is the first of this type of business venture for him. City Attorney Bamburg noted that the preliminary and final plat would come back before the Planning Commission at a later time. Chairman Moore noted that a certificate of occupancy would not be issued until all contingencies have been met. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:27 P.M. City Engineer Jay Whisker clarified that the possibility is that they may need restroom facilities and if this is the case, they will have to have water and sewer approval. If they choose to have an office offsite then water and sewer would not be needed on the property. He then answered that the water ties in on John Harden Drive, explaining that there is a 16” main waterline that runs from Jacksonville to Cabot. He stated that the last location where there is sewer on that side of the road is Puritan Drive, which is a half to one mile south from this property. He stated that the other avenue would be if they were to pump it across and get the Coffelt connection and have them agree to have it put into their pump station, which is not likely or in this particular instance, he would probably go for a septic tank. He then answered that using septic is possible. Chairman Moore reminded him that if he chooses to have a septic tank it would need to be approved by the Jacksonville Wastewater Utility. Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commissioner Healey to approve the site plan for John Harden Drive Dash Boat/RV Storage facility, recognizing that if there is an office on site there is need to have Water and Sewer approval and contingent upon fire hydrant approval by the Fire Department. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: ANNOUNCEMENT: ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Moore without objection, adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:27 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt 6