24 SEP 9OPENING REMARKS:
The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in a regular session on September 9, 2024. Chairman Moore opened the meeting at approximately 6:30 p.m. expressing appreciation
to those in attendance.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Mike Dietz, Billy Hall, Tanner Ruple, Jim Oakley, Jeff Twitty, Zeke Brown, Greg Bollen, and Chairman Jim Moore were present and answered ROLL CALL. Chairman
Moore declared a quorum. PRESENT (8) with chair, ABSENT (1).
CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Council Member Dietz moved, seconded by Commissioner Bollen to approve the minutes of August 12, 2024 as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC HEARING(S): CONDITIONAL USE 417 W. Main St. Used car lot/auto repair facility in C-2 zone
The public hearing opened at approximately 6:31 p.m.
City Clerk Susan Davitt and City Engineer Adam Whitlow confirmed their offices received no calls regarding this request.
The public hearing closed at approximately 6:32 p.m.
Representative Real Estate Broker Ron Jones stated one of the tenants is present, explaining it will be a used car lot that includes tires, oil changes, and light mechanic work.
Petitioner Amanda Wilson confirmed they are a “buy here, pay here” lot, but also offer financing through Credit Acceptance.
Mr. Jones recalled other tenants not working out, but he is here to get a new one setup. He mentioned not getting the request put in for last month’s meeting, so they have been waiting
to put signage up and get started. When asked if they put a sign up, he replied no, they were waiting on a conditional use, but they did put some vehicles there, which were in violation.
He told how Engineering Tech Mylissa Griggs informed him, then he relayed it to the present petitioner.
Mrs. Wilson related she did not know they could not put things there; she just knew they could not conduct business until she attended this meeting.
Chairman Moore pointed out that there is a sign up on the building.
Mrs. Wilson mentioned paying $80.00 for a sign permit, so she put it up since she was under the impression she could with that permit.
Mr. Jones explained the conditional use permit is needed before putting up signage.
Mrs. Wilson apologized, saying it was a misunderstanding.
Chairman Moore brought up how they moved vehicles in and locked the gate, noting two vehicles in the back and one in front that was transported by a rollback truck. He stated the truck
is sitting in the middle of the lot and has a broken front axle or wheel bearing. He believes messages were sent to Mr. Jones saying those items were not allowed since they had not
met with the Commission yet.
Mr. Jones concurred.
Chairman Moore related that Code Enforcement tagged them giving 10 days to remove, since it looked like they were conducting business.
Commissioner Hall mentioned if it is going to look like it has for the last month, it does not fit in with Main Street, since it looks bad.
Mrs. Wilson agreed, adding they have the wheel bearing ordered and it is supposed to be fixed this week.
Engineer Whitlow confirmed the property was properly posted and advertised, no calls were received in support or opposition, and there should be careful consideration to the number of
cars, non-working cars, relocation of existing storage building, and screening/fencing. He encouraged the Commission to question hours of operation, noise level, and level of mechanic
work. He noted those are things the previous applicants have relayed, as far as the specifics of their operation, in addition to the aesthetics.
Commissioner Ruple recalled Mr. Jones being before the Commission numerous times and now he is here again with someone else and the other party not here. He explained the Commission
does not even know who they are getting in business with since they are not here and it seems like every month he has come it is someone new.
Mr. Jones apologized, saying he has had bad luck. He asked if Commissioner Ruple is referring to the owner or the lessee. He added that Clyde Wilson is Mrs. Wilson’s husband and is out
of town for three or four more weeks, noting she had to move locations by herself.
Mrs. Wilson reiterated she was under the impression they could put things there since they had signed the lease and gotten keys to open the gate, but just could not conduct business,
so she has not. She confirmed they would do small mechanical repairs, noting there is a lift already provided. She listed tire work, brake work, oil changes, and other minor things.
Council Member Dietz stated this is not the right zoning request for a car lot and a repair shop.
Mrs. Wilson confirmed if they need to stick to just a used motor vehicle lot, they will.
Council Member Dietz related it would be a C-3 request, adding that he has an issue with the fence since he does not think it does good for the look of downtown that the City is trying
to revitalize and improve. He shared a problem he has is they started using the property before it was theirs.
Council Member Dietz moved, seconded by Commissioner Hall to deny the requested conditional use at 417 West Main Street. MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Moore pointed out the items have to be removed from the property.
REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): a. FINAL PLAT Triangle Business Park
Representative Tommy Bond with Bond Engineering recalled Preston Robinson starting Triangle Business Park over 20 years ago and it has been evolving ever since. He explained this subdivision
is for mortgage purposes since he does not think Mr. Robinson is going to sell. He noted it has water, sewer, and streets. He hopes Sig Sauer wants another big building, but they tend
to rent.
Engineer Whitlow shared two punch list items including the correct point of beginning on boundary prior to recording the plat and to provide stormwater as-builts.
Mr. Bond noted since submitting the plat, the Fire pumpstation will now be part of Lot 3.
Council Member Dietz moved, seconded by Commissioner Ruple to approve the final plat of Triangle Business Park. MOTION CARRIED.
b. FINAL PLAT Greenhill Estates
Mr. Bond related it has been around four years since they designed this subdivision, but he believes it has turned out fine. He mentioned there may be some utility acceptances left for
approval.
Council Member Dietz moved, seconded by Commissioner Twitty to approve the final plat of Greenhill Estates. MOTION CARRIED.
BUILDING PERMIT(S):
GENERAL:
ANNOUNCEMENT(S):
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Moore without objection, adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Susan L. Davitt