Loading...
17 FEB 13 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2017 7:05 P.M. – 7:57 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in regular session on February 13, 2017. Chairman Moore opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation to those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Patrick Thomas, Barbara Mashburn, Joe Cummings, Jr., Rick White, and Robert Price answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Jim Moore also answered roll call and declared a quorum. PRESENT (6), ABSENT (3). Others present for the meeting were City Engineer Jay Whisker, Tommy Bond, interested citizens, petitioners, and press. CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Correction and/or approval of the January 9, 2017 minutes were deferred to the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting. PUBLIC HEARING(S): REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): BUILDING PERMIT(S): a. SITE PLAN at 6410 T.P. White Drive for Bill’s Fence Company Mr. Chris Brown, General and Operations Manager of Bill’s Fence Company, recalled that he was before the Commission in November requesting a multi-phase project. He related that the first phase, a permanent cover over the exposed slab outside the powder coating shop, has been completed. He stated that this has brought about great improvements regarding the processes, noting that work can now continue during inclement weather. He explained that there is a fabrication shop located directly across the gravel drive, explaining that a lot of their work is done outside the shop due to the buildings limitations. He requested that they be allowed to install a similar cover outside the fabrication shop, adding that this would allow them to continue task in inclement weather. He added that it would also provide a safety barrier between these processes and other employees or customers on the yard. City Engineer Whisker noted the location of two new structures that were approved at the November meeting as part of the original multi- phase project. He then directed the Planning Commission to a proposed covering of 30’ X 50’ and a smaller proposed covering of 20’ X 20’ as part of the new request. He stated that this request is be able to continue operations in inclement weather. Discussion ensued that any approval would carry the same stipulations that were originally issued as part of the certification of occupancy regarding the complete multiphase project. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2017 7:05 P.M. – 7:57 P.M. Commissioner Thomas moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to approve the addition of two covered slab areas as requested. MOTION CARRIED. b. SITE PLAN JNP High School Mr. Tommy Bond of Bond Engineering introduced Mr. Eldon Bock as the lead architect of WER (Witsell, Evans, & Rasco) regarding the project. He then informed the Commission that the project is still a work in progress and decisions are being made as the project progresses. He stated that he believes all the issues regarding water and sewer have been worked out, as well as the storm drainage. He added that he feels the biggest issue that the Planning Commission would be interested in would be the closing of Sharp Street. Chairman Moore noted that discussion regarding the closing of Sharp Street is the last item on the agenda. Mr. Bond related that there are approximately 700 parking spaces in the large parking lot located in the lower right portion of the property and there is additional parking in front of the main building for visitors. He pointed out another parking area adjacent to the football field, which serves the cafeteria and the delivery of food and supplies. He explained that the bus drive would be off Main Street circling behind the towers and apartments, then into Hospital Drive, delivering the students to the main building. He and Mr. Bock continued to demonstrate the layout of the buildings, the associated drives and parking lots. Mr. Bock noted that the main core building is a three-story building with an alternative for a second-story if it is approved by the School District. He then noted that the fine-arts section is also being proposed as a hardened structure, offering shelter from storms, that is capable of containing the entire student population. He stated that there is a 900-seat auditorium and south of that would be the gymnasium or arena component. He stated that the success of this site depends on the closing of Sharp Drive. He added that they would like to take advantage of Sharp Drive to provide a round-a-bout on campus for drop offs to a theater function or basketball game. He pointed out that to the west of the gymnasium there is the field house with concessions, restrooms and a press box. He noted that there would also be a small concessions and restroom/locker room facility on the opposite west side of the field for the visiting teams. He stated that the parking will accommodate 700 cars, which is adequate for an urban campus of this size. He then noted that the track and field components would be incorporated into the football field. He pointed out that north of the parking there is a small out building that is being proposed to be used as another career education building for auto body, adding that ROTC is also in that area. He noted a green area to be used for multi-purpose practice facility in the future that will feature artificial turf. He stated that it would be suitable for band, soccer, baseball, and ROTC. He stated that there are adequate 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2017 7:05 P.M. – 7:57 P.M. provisions for 22 buses off site, adding that they are very pleased with the separation of cars and buses which is critical for the safety and success of any campus. Chairman Moore questioned if there could be any changes to the presented site plan, Mr. Bock responded that that they are starting with 1,400 students and rounding up to 1,700, adding that they do foresee an area that would be suitable for an addition that would be capable to provide with a future forecasted population of the School. He stated that it would also help complete the courtyard area, offering a nice sense of enclosure somewhat like a college campus. He added that it would also lend itself to a good tailgate area for football games as well as a good outside lunch break area for the students. He then noted that there is significant topography on the site west of the courtyard, which is being considered as an amphitheater function that also ties into the dining area. He surmised that it would also be a great space for pep-rallies. He then answered Commissioner Price that they have not conducted a traffic study regarding the site. Mr. Bond offered that the City would generally be the driving force regarding a traffic study. City Engineer Whisker noted that generally the developer would be responsible for the traffic study if it were deemed necessary, adding that there has been a school there forever with a population as great as a thousand if not more. He stated that Main Street two lanes each way and that is optimal. Commissioner Price stated that this question has come up in other meetings, noting that there are other things going on in the City that would impact traffic. He related that the engineer, Mr. Ernie Peters, involved will be contacting the School District regarding traffic studies. Mr. Bock stated that he knows Mr. Peters very well, adding that he has not contacted them yet. City Engineer Whisker stated that if the Commission is interested in traffic counts he could offer that Main Street carries 10,000 vehicles daily at James Street. Commissioner Price stated that one of the considerations in his other meetings has been to bring Main Street down to one-lane each direction for overriding reasons that is being planned outside this Commission. He stated that for that reason traffic became an issue with the new school being constructed. He stated that as a result Mr. Peters has stated that he would investigate the situation. He stated that there 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2017 7:05 P.M. – 7:57 P.M. are some assumptions being made about the fact that we are considering closing Sharp Street, assumptions are being made about traffic concerns. He stated that he would like to see further analysis done of any problems before it becomes an issue. He stated that if they bring Main Street down, again, outside this Commission’s activity, to one lane; that could cause an impact. He stated that it would not be able to be done until there is a better sense of traffic flow around the High School. Chairman Moore questioned when in the future would Main Street be brought down to one lane because construction for the School is slated to being in July. He continued saying that it takes 30 days to advertise for the street closure. City Attorney Bamburg concurred, noting that a request to set the public hearing is on the City Council agenda for Thursday night for a public hearing in March. Chairman Moore stated that he feels 30 days would be enough time to obtain an evaluation regarding the statistics of traffic on Main Street. City Engineer Whisker stated that School Drive is going to take the School traffic to the parking lot. He related that however, someone getting to School Drive is the issue of the City, not so much Main Street. He stated that once you get to James Street everyone would take south James Street down and turn onto School Drive, if not they would take Hospital Drive. He reiterated that he feels most people would go down South James to get to the School. Mr. Bond related that the Highway Department is planning to turn School Drive, the last street in the Keaton Addition, from two lanes into one lane north. In response to a question from Commissioner Price, Mr. Bond stated that the Highway Department is turning T.P. White Drive and John Harden into one-way streets, saying that T.P. White Drive would go north, and John Harden would go south. He stated that it is part of the plan of fixing Hwy. 67. Commissioner Price stated that there are no definitive plans, saying that it was one of the options as they are looking ahead to City improvements. Chairman Moore stated that the concern would be getting Sharp Street and the closure advertisement out. He offered that City Engineer Whisker could possibly come up with some traffic statistics. He stated that he does not feel that the traffic would be that much different, noting that the traffic will actually be routed a different way. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2017 7:05 P.M. – 7:57 P.M. City Engineer Whisker noted that Sharp Street does not have a lot of traffic. In response to a question from Commissioner White, Mr. Bock reviewed the bus routes, saying that bus traffic would come off Main Street and be on the east side of the campus, noting that the lane has been widened to accommodate two buses side by side and still have a passing lane. He related that from this lane there would be a few different ways for the students to enter the building. Then the bus will exit onto Hospital Drive. He confirmed that the buses would not be parked on Main Street waiting to enter the School, explaining that the bus lane is approximately 500 to 600 feet and has room to stack the buses. Mr. Bond added that it is a one-way, right turn, so there should never be buses waiting to get in. In response to a question from Commissioner Thomas, Mr. Bock answered that there are multiple flagpole opportunities on the property, saying that they would be located at the front of the building along Main Street. He then noted that spirit poles could be included to the round-a-bout area. He then answered that the parking lot along Main Street would primarily be used by visitors to the School or possible for a parent to pick up a sick student. He then noted that normal parent pick up and drop off is the loop off Sharp Street. He then noted that it is double lane entry and single lane exit so essentially it is a three lane road. He then answered that there are approximately 20 parking spots to the front of the main entrance. Commissioner Thomas moved, seconded by Commissioner Mashburn to approve the site plan for the Jacksonville/North Pulaski High School as presented contingent upon Sharp Street being closed. MOTION CARRIED. c. SITE PLAN New Harris Road Elementary School Mr. Bond noted a parent drop-off road at the front of the School, adding that it starts approximately 700 feet from the intersection of Harris Road and General Samuels. He stated that the drop-off is a one-way street that is entered in from the east end going west exiting onto Harris Road. He then related that the teacher parking is north toward the Tolleson School. He explained that this area is between the existing Tolleson School and General Samuels. He stated that Tolleson School will remain in operation during the construction of the new School and then Tolleson Elementary will be demolished. He then noted a large parking area at the new School for the facility and parents, pointing out the bus drop-off and the circular bus drive. He then answered Commissioner Price that the parents would pick up students at the south side of the School. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2017 7:05 P.M. – 7:57 P.M. Mr. Bock explained that the bus lane is a double-stack until the bus arrives at the drop-off spot then it will neck down to one lane. He stated that there would be more teachers assisting with the drop-off and pickup, saying that if there is a vehicle blocking that process they would be asked to pull forward to facilitate the process. He stated that there will be room for that and to still circulate around to help keep the flow moving. He related that the delivery for food goods is facilitated off Harris Road. He stated that once drop-off and pickup is completed those roads are gated to prevent anyone from coming onto the site. He added that the gate would have a Knox box for Fire Department access, pointing out that there would be one on General Samuels Road and then another gate system that would allow for deliveries to the kitchen. He stated that this would force visitors or parents picking up sick students to the front door. He stated that there are six buses that would serve the School and there is enough capacity to get off Harris Road to facilitate pickup and delivery. He stated that beyond the basic site discussion, the bus deliver is at the north side of the building, which is also where the ADA entry and parking is located. He stated that they are very proud that they have ADA accessibility to all the playground areas, despite the challenges offered by the site. He stated that just beyond the front door, there is a vestibule and administration area that also has a nurse to the left and to the right is a gymnasium area that is intended to have a hardened storm component as a cost option. He stated that there are two wings of classrooms that are separate in elevation by six feet. He explained that the site and building cascades downward. He stated that they are separated by what is being defined as a “main street” which is an activity path that includes ADA ramps and stairs that is adjacent to components such as the media center, dining, computer lab, art and music. He then noted a play area in this area that could be for severely disabled children but also a nice area for reading books outside of the library. He added that there is room enough to even have a garden; they intend to keep as many trees as possible while still allowing for nice view corridors from General Samuels and Harris Road. He then answered Alderman Mashburn that regarding awnings, it is the intention that the children not shortcut between the wings for security purposes. Mr. Bond noted that the Fire Marshall has been satisfied at this site and the High School site. City Engineer Whisker noted that there will also be a sidewalk along the inlet road that will be attached in front of the east end all the way over to Harris Road. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2017 7:05 P.M. – 7:57 P.M. Mr. Bock then answered Commissioner Thomas that the purpose of the locked gates is to keep parent drop-off and pickup separate from anything else, offering them a dedicated place to load and unload their children. The gates will be shut after delivery and opened again only for pickup, also answering that the shut gates would be visible from the street and there would be opportunity to turn around. He added that there would probably be a two-week learning curve before operations would be smooth. Commissioner Thomas moved, seconded by Commissioner White to approve the site plan for the New Harris Road Elementary School as presented. MOTION CARRIED. d. SITE PLAN Murrell Taylor Multipurpose Building Mr. Bock stated that this would be a simple but much needed facility that would provide P.E. space plus additional classrooms and other support spaces. He noted that the site is challenging, noting that the proposed location is near the play area at the rear of the building. He related that the building would be a 60’ X 150’ structure that will have a high school sized basketball court, adding that there would be an uncovered passage to the building. Mr. Bond noted that the building would have small restrooms, a small classroom, and a platform. Mr. Bock pointed out that the building has decent access to parking and access for emergency vehicles. Commissioner White moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to approve the site plan for a multipurpose building at Murrell Taylor Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: Closing a portion of Sharp Street It was the consensus of the Planning Commission to recommend that the th City Council host a public hearing on March 16 after proper advertisement to consider closing a portion of Sharp Street to facilitate the construction of a new high school. ANNOUNCEMENT: ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Moore without objection, adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt 7