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94 DEC 12.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 12, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 8:40 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Rudy Reid, Connie Foster, Jim Dornblaser, Tad Green, Lester Piggee, and Jack Patton answered ROLL CALL. Commissioner Art Brannen and Commissioner Belden were absent. Chairman Kenny Elliott answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. PRESENT seven (7), ABSENT (2). Others present for the meeting were Deputy City Clerk Susan Davitt, City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, City Engineer Duane Reel, and petitioners. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Commissioner Reid moved, seconded by Commissioner Green that the minutes of the November 14, 1994 Regular Planning Commission Meeting be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. REQUEST TO SET UP PUBLIC HEARINGS: No requests were submitted. REQUEST TO APPROVE BUILDING PERMITS: No requests were submitted. REQUEST TO APPROVE PLATS: Sketch & Preliminary Plat/Stonewall Phase VII Chairman Elliott related that the petitioner Mr. Jim Green has requested that the plat name be changed to Green Acres Subdivision. City Engineer Reel related that he would be giving consideration to the flood plain encroachments. He related that the geometrics fit the Planning Commission requirements and that the development has two proposed entrances one from Berkshire Drive and one from Loop Road. He related that the City Engineer's office is requesting that a fence be constructed with regard to the lots that back up to Loop Road. He related that after looking at the contour map he doesn't believe the basic drainage pattern will be altered that much, however, the runoff will get to the ditch quicker due to the asphalt and paving as a consequence of the construction. He related that with regard to the culdesac construction and the ditch location there is a certain area reserved that is actual flood way that cannot be built on. It was related in discussion that the items not checked on the sketch plat have been addressed on the preliminary plat. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 12, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Mr. Green related that the name change was due to the fact that he was undecided as to the development scheme being that of Stonewall Subdivision or that of the neighboring subdivision of the Ferrell Addition. He related that he is moving ahead with plans at this time because of a need to excavate dirt for another project. He stated that for that reason he is going to assume that it will be named Green Acres and be in conformity with that of the Ferrell Addition and not considered a part of Stonewall. He then related that assuming that it is developed as a part of the Ferrell Addition the homes would average in size of 1,000 to 1,200 square feet. City Engineer Reel related with regard to culdesac length one culdesac in the development has a side street which cuts down on the total length of the culdesac. He related that with regard to the number of lots of the proposed development the City will require that the street extending from the last culdesac be constructed further east making a connection onto Loop Road. He related that his primary concern in looking over the development plans is the construction of homes with regard to ditch location. Mr. Andy Timmer, a resident of the Stonewall Subdivision and member of the Stonewall Board of Directors Association, related that he and other homeowners have concerns over further development of the Stonewall Subdivision. He stated that it is his understanding from the old Bill of Assurance that Mr. Green must obtain agreement from a certain percentage of Stonewall Subdivision homeowners to develop any additions. He stated that in speaking for a large number of the homeowners, it is his understanding that they do not want further additions to the Subdivision in this area. He related that one concern is over the amount of traffic that will be funneled through to Berkshire Drive which will add to the already existing problem there. He then related that the area of Berkshire Drive is traveled by school children going to Pinewood Elementary School. He suggested possibly adding a road going out lots 528 and 529 or lots 532, 533 exiting directly onto Loop Road, which he feels would allow a better flow of traffic with a side walk in the area that would allow a little easier crossing. He informed the Planning Commission that as a resident of Amhurst Drive he has experienced 12 inches of standing water in his yard as a result of poor runoff within the Subdivision. He related that a future concern would be the quicker runoff to the ditch if construction is allowed. He stated that the ditch would fill up, then back up making this a major flooding concern for the residents in that area. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 12, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 8:40 P.M. Chairman Elliott related that drainage will be one of the extensive concerns of the City. City Engineer Reel related that the ditch that drains the first two phases of Stonewall was widened and the flow characteristic were increased in order to prevent flooding in that area. He stated that it is a matter of maintaining the ditch section that is inhibited by the box culvert under the Union Pacific Railroad. He related that according to computations it is close to reaching the maximum drainage point that it can handle. He stated that with regard to the drainage problems experienced by Mr. Timmer, most of the flooding is caused by water coming off Stonewall Drive down Amhurst and that he also has experienced some problems in his back yard with sub-surface drainage. He related that work has been performed to eliminate much of the drainage problems. He related that the residents with concerns for drainage would be the ones with lots that back up to the ditch of phase I and II of Stonewall Subdivision. Discussion ensued as to the number of lots in the development that is located in the flood plain and the issue of flooding with regard to that development. City Engineer Reel related that there will be an impact with regard to the runoff in the area, which will involve maintenance on the main ditch located on the other side of the railroad crossing on Loop Road and proceeding east to the County line. He stated that the normal maintenance procedure is 2 1/2 to 3 years for cleaning out and maintaining the flow line of the ditch, adding that maintenance would have to be stepped up to every year with any new development. He stated that as long as the ditch is cleaned and maintained it would take an extended rain fall to cause problems. He related that with future development the main concern is to keep the vegetation down in the sod ditches and will eventually have to be paved in order to handle the water flow. Commissioner Dornblaser asked if Mr. Green would be willing to entertain some of the traffic solutions offered by Mr. Timmer. Mr. Green said he felt that traffic would be hindered by exiting onto Loop Road rather than Berkshire. He stated that he could not see a difference in the safety factor. He related that traffic may divert 1/2 mile toward the east end of the development which would eliminate some of the traffic problems around the high school. He stated that the main thoroughfare exiting onto Loop Road would have a sidewalk. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 12, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 8:40 P.M. Mr. Timmer voiced concerns regarding the traffic through Stonewall to Stonewall Square and North First, adding that the traffic needs to be funneled to Loop which will expand in the future and can accommodate the traffic flow. He reminded the Commission of the increased commitment from the City that it will take to maintain the ditches if the development is permitted. He related that he felt adding more houses will only compound the existing drainage problems experienced by Stonewall residents. Discussion ensued with regard to the drainage flow and direction of runoff with construction of asphalt in the development. Commissioner Dornblaser asked if Mr. Green would consider re-directing the proposed street onto Loop Road instead of Berkshire. Mr. Green stated that he is not convinced that entering onto Loop is better alternative than Berkshire. Commissioner Piggee questioned if the item could be tabled for further study and bring back a report. He stated that it needs further consideration and time. Commissioner Piggee moved, seconded by Commissioner Dornblaser to table until the next scheduled meeting in January. Chairman Elliott related that Mr. Green will need input from the Planning Commission so that he will know how to proceed with his development plans. Two other residents from Stonewall were recognized and requested that a feasibility study be conducted to identify the degree of flooding problems in this area. at this time the MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Rezoning of 2.77 acres of the Pennpointe Subdivision from R-0 to R-5 Chairman Elliott opened the public hearing at approximately 7:20 p.m. City Engineer Reel related that the development will be condominium type construction with a security fence and gate providing controlled access. Chairman Elliott invited the public to speak, as there were none he closed the public hearing at approximately 7:22 p.m. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 12, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 8:40 P.M. Commissioner Dornblaser moved, seconded by Commissioner Piggee to Approve the rezoning and recommend the same to the City Council. MOTION CARRIED. NON-AGENDA ITEM: Chairman Elliott introduced the item of business for a proposed development located on Hwy 161 and Valentine Road. He related that it will involve a rezoning and an annexation. Commissioner Piggee moved, seconded by Commissioner Green to add the proposed rezoning and annexation to the agenda as an item of business to be dealt with before the Planning Commission on December 12, 1994. MOTION CARRIED. City Engineer Reel related five acres is located inside the city limits and will need to be rezoned to R-1A, while 25 acres will need to be annexed into the city limits as R-1A zoning. Petitioner Emma Knight related that time is the major consideration for her client. She related that the request is to annex the 25 acres that is adjacent to the 5 acres and bring it into the City with a zoning of R-1A and start the rezoning of the 5 acres of R-0 to R-1A. She related that the funding source is a national company based in Florida who works in 90 day increments. She requested that the public hearing be set for the next scheduled Planning Commission meeting in January. City Engineer Reel related when the final plat is submitted the plans for water and sewer will also be submitted to the water and sewer departments. Chairman Elliott related that the property can be developed with county approval adding that it is in the interest of the City to have control over it after annexation. Mrs. Knight related that while she explained both ways of development to her client, she strongly recommended annexation into the City of Jacksonville. Commissioner Green moved, seconded by Commissioner Dornblaser to recommend the annexation of 25 acres generally located Hwy 161 and Valentine to the City Council and to set a public hearing with regard to rezoning of 5 acres of property generally located hwy 161 and Valentine from R-0 to R-1A. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 12, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 8:40 P.M. It was concluded that at the time of request for annexation it would be requested that the zoning be that of R-1A. Discussion ensued as to the maximum length of a culdesac and the various reasons variances are requested. It was noted that 500 ft. is the maximum limit. GENERAL: Economic Development Briefing Five (5) year Plan for the City of Jacksonville Mr. Phil Sullivan related that with regard to the five year plan for the City of Jacksonville, the Planning Commission will be central to its progress. He then related the planning process with regard to citizen participation. He stated that with regard to the Little Rock Air Force Base, the Planning Commission would need to look at protecting the flight plan of the planes and promoting growth of new industrial parks. He suggested that annexations should be considered with regard to their development and location. He stated the need for development of single family dwelling from $40,000.00 to $60,000.00 dollars. He related that many of the manufacturing executives do not live in the City of Jacksonville adding the need of this type of subdivision that would accommodate executives. He stated that the plan would be implemented in stages, adding that annexation will be one of the first things looked at. He related the community plan portion of the five (5) year plan as it would concern the Planning Commission. It was related during conversation that a land use committee might be helpful with regard to community plans. Discussion ensued as to the type of subdivisions needed in the community of Jacksonville as opposed to the building of what is hoped will be needed and role of the Planning Commission. Chairman Elliott related that the next meeting of the Mainstreet Revitalization Committee will be February 7, 1995 and is set for a briefing from Phil Sullivan at that time. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Piggee moved, seconded by Commissioner Green that the meeting adjourn at approximately 8:40 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, Lula M. Leonard Planning Commission Secretary CITY CLERK-TREASURER