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10 AUG 09.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 9, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:25 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in regular session on August 9, 2010. Chairman Gray opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation to those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Art Brannen, Glen Keaton, Chad Young, Susan Dollar, John Herbold, Joe Ott, and Alderman Howard answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Gray declared a quorum. PRESENT (9), ABSENT (0). Commissioner McCleary arrived at approximately 7:19 p.m. Others present for the meeting were City Engineer Jay Whisker, Aaron Robinson, interested citizens, petitioners, and press. CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Herbold moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of 12 July 2010 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING(S): REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): a. REPLAT Lots 10Z & 11Z to 10ZR Pennpointe Subdivision PH II Mr. Aaron Robinson of Bond Engineering explained that the request is a replat of two lots to one lot in the Pennpointe Subdivision, adding that the owner plans to construct an addition to the existing home. He then noted that the bill of assurance grantor, Mr. Dickie Penn; has approved the request. City Engineer Whisker related that the utility companies do not have any problems with the request. Commissioner Young moved, seconded by Commissioner Dollar to approve the replat of Lots 10Z & 11Z to 10ZR Pennpointe Subdivision PH II. MOTION CARRIED. b. FINAL PLAT Graham Woods PH I Mr. Robinson related issues regarding the utilities, noting that the letters of warranty and as builts were received today. He stated that all items for the Water Department check list will deliver that to Mr. Simpson of the Water Department tomorrow. He then stated that all the requirements for Water and Wastewater should be satisfied. He went on to say that the only other issue is along lots 17 and 18, explaining that there is a concrete crossing across the ditch that is used by the City for maintenance of the ditch. He noted that during submission of the preliminary plat, City Engineer Whisker had requested a 15’ easement, explaining that in discussions it was noted that a fence could not be constructed to rear of those lots. He then added that the only revision to the final plat is to make the northern CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 9, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:25 P.M. boundary line more at an angle to keep the 15-foot easement so City tractors can gain access to the ditch area for maintenance. City Engineer Whisker noted that the property backs up to Duva Branch Creek, the Creek that runs behind Stonewall Subdivision. He noted that the City maintains that ditch area adjacent to the proposed Subdivision. He noted that a property owner would be responsible for the upkeep of an easement but the City would be running tractors across the area. He related that such an option does not seem fair to the property owner, suggesting that instead of an easement the City would have ownership of that property. He went on to explain that this would allow the property owner to fence their property and the City will still have access to the area it maintains. He then explained that in this specific vicinity there is a low-water crossing of concrete that the tractors can drive across and also backup, but they also need room to turn, which is what the 15’ represents. He stated that he is requesting that lots 17 & 18 be reduced by 15’ on the northern side of the lot to accommodate maintenance access for the City. He noted that lots 17 & 18 would still meet R-1 lot zoning requirements of 60’ X 100’, adding that the lots are currently 130’ deep. Discussion ensued and it was clarified that the lots would be 115’ deep at the least and maybe 120’deep if the City can fit a tractor in that 10’ area. Other discussion ensued regarding the constant maintenance issue involved with making this property an easement, which would prevent the property owner from being able to fence the rear of their property. In response to a question from Commissioner Young, City Engineer Whisker explained mowing issues involved with the area behind lots 17 & 18 and further noted that the City would require a bond for sidewalk improvements. He then answered that the flood plain area is the area north and west of lots 15 through 18. He stated that the street named Westwood Drive is being treated as a hammerhead T street and the next phase of the development will connect the Street from the southwest, making a large U shaped street. He stated that ultimately Westwood Drive is the north line that would connect three streets onto Graham Road. Developer Wally Nixon noted the area of concern regarding lot 18, saying that he would work to redraw the lines, suggesting that it could be done at an angle to provide turning access. He stated that he does not see the property needing to be deeded to the City, suggesting that it would be considered property that was not included in the legal description of the Subdivision. City Engineer Whisker clarified that the City does not have deeds on the property, adding that the area is a major waterway for the City and the City mows the side banks to help keep the water from dragging CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 9, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:25 P.M. through the City. He explained that the ditch carries all the water from the Little Rock Air Force Base through Wal-Mart, goes underneath and comes down through this area before crossing at Loop Road. He then answered that the 180’ represents the 130’ depth of the lot and 50’ for the street length. Commissioner Young questioned if this development would be similar to that of Graham Settlement in terms of amenities and home size. Mr. Nixon concurred, saying that the requirements for roofing and other amenities would be the same as Graham Settlement. He then answered that Graham Settlement is now totally built out. Commissioner Brannen moved, seconded by Commissioner Dollar to approve the Final Plat of Graham Woods PH I, contingent upon approval by City Engineer Whisker regarding rear lotline adjustment, bond for sidewalk, and letters of acceptance from Water and Wastewater Departments. MOTION CARRIED. BUILDING PERMIT(S): GENERAL: ANNOUNCEMENT: City Engineer Whisker announced that the Arkansas Highway Department is hosting a public meeting regarding the corridor study of Hwy. 67/167. He stated that it would be held at the Community Center and he would forward by email the time and date. He encouraged attendance. City Engineer Whisker updated the Planning Commission regarding the recent public hearing held by the City Council regarding the question of annexations to the City of Jacksonville. He stated that he felt there was a good exchange of information, adding that there will be specific issues for the Planning Commission regarding zoning. He stated that there are considerations for the development of a zoning map that would be attached to the annexation petition. He then answered that that north annexation consists of approximately 3.8 square miles and the southern annexation consists of .3 square miles. He stated that the southern annexation would go from the liquor stores to the Cemetery. He then noted that a larger southern annexation was being proposed by area residents that would encompass Wooten Road down to Valentine and out to Southeastern to the Church also known as the Dick Jeter area. In response to a question from Commissioner Brannen, City Engineer Whisker noted that the City currently regulates the AICUZ zone authorized by State law. He stated that all development within the AICUZ zone inside or outside the City limits would have to seek approval from the Jacksonville Planning Commission. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 9, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:25 P.M. Chairman Gray noted that the issue of annexation would be before the City Council again on August 19th and would be considered for the General Election Ballot in November. He explained that the Planning Commission would become involved as the Election nears regarding planned zoning for the area. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Gray without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt