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Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Page 1 March 2, 2007 Harlem City Hall
The Planning & Zoning Commission met for a meeting at City Hall on Friday, March 2, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. with Chairman Bobby Culpepper presiding.
Present: COMMISSION: Chairman Bobby Culpepper, Commissioner Dale Arnold, Commissioner B.J. Cunningham, and Commissioner Tim Farr; STAFF: City Manager Jean R. Dove, City Clerk Debra E. Moore, City Attorney Barry Fleming and P&Z Department Head Dee Tapley; ABSENT: Commissioner Franklin Jennings; VISITORS: Sid Beckum, Bo Slaughter, Jonathon Starrett, and Ken Sweatman.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Culpepper at 5:00 p.m.
The Invocation was given by Commissioner Cunningham.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Culpepper.
Introduction of B.J. Cunningham: Chairman Culpepper introduced Commissioner B. J. Cunningham to those present. Commissioner Cunningham was nominated and appointed to the position by Council at their Regular meeting in February.
Approval of February 5, 2007 Minutes: Chairman Culpepper called for a motion to approve the Minutes of the February 5, 2007 Commission meeting as written; that motion was made by Chairman Farr; 2nd by Commissioner Cunningham. Motion carried; all in favor.
Hardy Station Change Request: Chairman Culpepper recognized Bo Slaughter and Sid Beckum, Engineer and Developer respectively; the purpose of the meeting is to try to bring closure to the Hardy Station question. Mr. Slaughter presented to the Commission an updated plan that he had done in color; this was done for better clarity on what they were trying to do. Mr. Slaughter included the items that would address issues that were brought up at prior meetings.
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Page 2 March 2, 2007
Chairman Culpepper questioned about how the road will join the highway at Harlem-Grovetown Road. Mr. Slaughter responded that curb and gutter will come out to the “er” of the radius and a little asphalt taper will tie into the road. The storm water will go down the ditch through a pipe and when the water hits the elevated slope, it will flow into their traps.
Chairman Culpepper questioned on the utilities as to whether they would be underground or not. Mr. Slaughter responded that yes they would be. He also stated that he thought the City was in contact or getting in contact with Georgia Power about getting the utilities at the entrance underground as well. He understands that they have been in contact with the neighbors about easements. Commissioner Farr stated that he understood with a PUD that the utilities are required to be underground. Mr. Slaughter responded that the only place not underground was the entrance. There were some further discussions on easements, placement of lines, etc. concerning all the utilities.
There was a question from Commissioner Cunningham about the deceleration lane on Highway 221; the response was that this item had no bearing on the question before the Commission at this time.
Chairman Culpepper asked City Attorney Fleming if he had any advice at this time. City Attorney Fleming responded that the Commission should ask the two citizens present what had changed since the previous meetings and what their thoughts were. Mr. Starrett responded that for him nothing had changed. He still has concerns with the traffic; with the increase in lots from 22 lots to 68 lots would increase the traffic going by his home onto Harlem-Grovetown Road. Nothing has changed with this. Chairman Culpepper asked Ms. Tapley to address this issue. She responded with information on Shady Grove Subdivision and Campbell’s Crossing. They are similar in size to Hardy Station; Campbell’s Crossing has 80+ homes and Shady Grove has around 110 homes. Both empty out onto a main road with only one way in and out. Mr. Starrett responded that neither of these subdivisions have homes at the entrance. His concern is the number of cars that will be going right by his house at all times of the day.
City Attorney Fleming asked for Mr. Sweatman’s thoughts. He responded that maybe nothing has changed. He has landscaping and drainage issues. He also has the same issue as Mr. Starrett and the traffic. Depending on the outcome of the request, he is willing to work with the driveway access at the back of his property. He still has some concerns with the storm water. He wanted something to be done with his front driveway (do away with). He hoped that they would’ve been crossing his driveway so he could do away with the driveway. Due to them not doing the deceleration lane, they have no need to do this. Chairman Culpepper readdressed the issue of the back driveway. He asked Mr. Slaughter if they were willing to do the driveway; yes, if that is what is wanted. Mr. Sweatman asked if that is what he wanted. Mr. Beckum responded that he was willing to work with Mr. Sweatman. Mr. Sweatman made a comment on the residents not being Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Page 3 March 2, 2007
able to see the plans each time they have been changed. Chairman Culpepper stated that he was sure that after the meeting, he would be allowed to see it and have a discussion with Mr. Slaughter. City Attorney Fleming questioned if anyone had been in contact with him since the last meeting; Mr. Sweatman stated that one of the Commission members (Franklin Jennings) had. City Attorney Fleming directed his questioning on this to Mr. Beckum and Mr. Slaughter. Mr. Slaughter stated that he had spoke with Mr. Sweatman after the last meeting, but not since. Mr. Sweatman stated that whenever a change is made to the plans he would have liked to have been able to see them. City Attorney Fleming addressed the issue of what he felt was proper procedures for the developer/engineer in getting in touch with the residents in the area. This issue was brought up at the last meeting. City Attorney Fleming questioned Mr. Slaughter, for the record, if they will do the driveway in the back for Mr. Sweatman; Mr. Slaughter stated that yes they would if that is what Mr. Sweatman wanted. Mr. Sweatman went on to make further comments concerning the gutters and other items he feels he has not been able to get exact answers to. City Attorney Fleming stated he had no further questions.
Chairman Culpepper gave a summary of what was before the Commission. He stated that they had before them a set of amended plans that they could approve, disapprove or table and then allow Mr. Slaughter, Mr. Beckum and Mr. Sweatman to work out the best option they have. Chairman Culpepper asked if there were any other comments from the Commission. Commissioner Cunningham commented that he did not see that Mr. Sweatman is still not satisfied with the design. Mr. Sweatman stated that the question of why make the change had never been answered; he thought it was because it was cheaper. Mr. Beckum asked Mr. Sweatman what was his main concern; he responded the traffic and additional homes (22 to 68). City Attorney Fleming addressed the change with Mr. Beckum. He stated that it was an economic issue; because of the lift station. The cost of the lift station was higher than what they expected. There were issues with having to do mitigation of the wetlands if they came from the Knox Road side.
Note: Commissioner Arnold arrived for the meeting at this time. Chairman Culpepper brought Commissioner Arnold up to date on what had transpired.
Mr. Sweatman summarized what he was looking for; the maximum things done to keep water off his property. He stated he does not want anyone to come to him for an easement (utilities) as he will not give it. This brought up some further discussion on the utility easement.
Chairman Culpepper asked if they were ready to make a decision. Commissioner Cunningham asked for clarification as to what they would actually be voting on. Chairman Culpepper responded they would be voting on the extension of the road from the original cul de sac down to the lift station. Commissioner Arnold felt that there were other changes that were being made and not just this one. Chairman Culpepper asked for clarification from Mr. Slaughter. Mr. Slaughter responded that it included taking out the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Page 4 March 2, 2007
access from Highway 221 so that there would not be access from Highway 221 to Harlem-Grovetown Road. This would help with keeping all sections as separate areas; town homes would be separated from the single family homes. Commissioner Arnold asked if the changes would keep the area within the bounds of a PUD; yes they would. City Manager Dove spoke on the issue of the lift station being moved and the changes required by EPD (wetlands, drainage, etc.) Commissioner Arnold had further questions on the PUD requirements on changes and other items. City Manager Dove responded.
Commissioner Cunningham felt that Mr. Sweatman’s issues had been addressed; he was not sure that Mr. Starrett’s concern with the traffic had been. Mr. Starrett wanted to know why they did not have all the smaller lots have their access from Knox Road. Mr. Slaughter addressed this issue. Chairman Culpepper made the comment that this would only do the same thing to Knox Road; only they would not have gutters, etc. The question about easements and utilities came up again; they would still come from the Harlem-Grovetown side.
Chairman Culpepper called for a motion to approve, disapprove or table the requested change. Commissioner Farr made the motion to recommend the disapproval of the extension of the road; 2nd by Commissioner Arnold. Motion carried with Commissioners Arnold, Farr and Cunningham voting in favor; Chairman Culpepper did not vote.
Chairman Culpepper urged Mr. Slaughter and Mr. Beckum to follow the recommendations of City Attorney Fleming and try to work something out with the residents.
Being there was no further business; Chairman Culpepper closed the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra E. Moore City Clerk
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