CITY OF POOLER
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 5, 2006
The regular meeting of the Pooler City Council was held on September 5, 2006. Mayor Mike Lamb called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Councilmen Bruce Allen, Mike Royal, Wayne Seay, Billy Stanley, Stevie Wall and Councilwoman Rebecca Benton. City Manager Dennis Baxter, Assistant City Manager Robbie Byrd and City Attorney Steve Scheer were also present.
The invocation was given by Councilman Allen and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Seay.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed upon a motion by Councilman Allen, seconded by Councilman Royal, with no opposition.
Report from the Standing Committes:
FINANCE
Councilman Stanley presented bills for payment and made a motion to pay, subject to funds. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition. Councilman Stanley stated that the millage rate for 2006 has been proposed at 4.5 mills and that public hearings will be scheduled for September 18th at 5:30 p.m., September 26th at 6:00 p.m. and October 2nd at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Councilman Allen reported on the police department activities since the last meeting, noting that 1307 calls were responded to. Chief Jay Hillis reported on the fire department activities.
STREETS/DRAINAGE/PARKS & TREES
Councilman Seay reported that the street, drainage and parks and trees departments have performed routine maintenance.
WATER/SEWER
Councilman Wall reported that the water and sewer departments have performed routine maintenance and that all parameters are being met at the wastewater treatment plant.
RECREATION
Councilman Royal reported that football and cheerleading practice continues.
BUILDING/ZONING
Councilwoman Benton reported that 15 new single family residential, 12 attached unit and five (5) commercial permits have been issued since the last meeting, totaling 325 single family and 156 attached unit permits for the year, with 8385 inspections performed. Councilwoman Benton made a motion to re-appoint Wilson Roberts to serve another term on the Planning & Zoning Board. Motion was seconded by Councilman Wall and passed without opposition.
There was no OLD BUSINESS to discuss.
Under NEW BUSINESS the following was discussed:
1. Approval of master plan revision for Forest Lakes @ Godley Station
Mr. Baxter presented this request to allow for installation of a security gate on Grand View Drive, south of Forest Lakes round-about and a cul-de-sac on the future extension of Grand View Drive to eliminate any future connection to this portion of the development. Terry Coleman of Kern-Coleman & Company was present on behalf of the developer. Councilwoman Benton questioned if this request was based on a unanimous decision of the homeowners. Mr. Coleman replied that the homeowner’s association has approved the gate. Councilman Wall made a motion, seconded by Councilman Allen, to approve the master plan revision. Motion passed without opposition.
2. Approval of site plan for office/warehouse on Lot 27, Westside Business Park
Mr. Baxter presented the site plan for a 9800 sq. ft. office/warehouse building proposed on Lot 27 of Westside Business Park, stating that all the engineer’s comments have been addressed. Councilman Wall made a motion to approve this site plan, contingent upon Planning & Zoning’s request that every third tree proposed along the side property line be replaced with an approved tree and that the front tree easement be landscaped and identified. Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without opposition.
3. Acceptance of maintenance bond/approval of final plat for Harmony, Phase I
Mr. Baxter presented this request from the developer of Harmony, Phase I, stating that all of the infrastructure is complete and a bond has been posted in the amount of $1,137,334.00. Councilman Wall made a motion to accept the maintenance bond and approve the final plat for Harmony, Phase I, contingent upon the city attorney approving the bond. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.
4. Acceptance of maintenance bond/approval of final plat for Daniels Tract,
Phases I & II
Mr. Baxter presented this request from the developer of the Daniels Tract on W. Highway 80 adjacent to Houston Street (residential area), stating that Planning & Zoning has recommended approval, but that staff has received complaints from an adjacent residential property owner in regards to the light nearest the homes shining in at night. Mr. Baxter requested the light be changed to a directional type and positioned to light the roadway area only. Councilman Wall made a motion to accept the maintenance bond and approve the final plat for the Daniels Tract, Phases I & II, contingent upon the city attorney approving the bond and the aforementioned light being adjusted. Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without opposition. Mayor Lamb addressed the issue of the possibility of a traffic problem at the entrance of this development, requesting that the owner of the adjacent commercial property be contacted to see if this development could tie into the road with the traffic light at Highway 80.
5. Approval of revised plat for Hamilton Grove, Phase 3
Mr. Baxter presented the revised plat to reflect the new FEMA Flood Hazard lines for Hamilton Grove at Savannah Quarters, Phase 3, stating that Planning & Zoning and staff have recommended approval. Councilman Wall made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Benton, to approve this revised plat, contingent upon the homeowners being notified that they are no longer in the flood zone. Motion passed without opposition.
6. Approval of revised plat for Hamilton Grove, Phase 4
Mr. Baxter presented the revised plat to reflect the new FEMA Flood Hazard lines for Hamilton Grove at Savannah Quarters, Phase 4, stating that Planning & Zoning and staff have recommended approval. Councilman Wall made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Benton, to approve this revised plat, contingent upon the homeowners being notified that they are no longer in the flood zone. Motion passed without opposition.
7. Approval of revised plat for Hamilton Grove, Phase 6
Mr. Baxter presented the revised plat to reflect the new FEMA Flood Hazard lines for Hamilton Grove at Savannah Quarters, Phase 6, stating that Planning & Zoning and staff have recommended approval. Councilman Wall made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Benton, to approve this revised plat, contingent upon the homeowners being notified that they are no longer in the flood zone. Motion passed without opposition.
8. Approval of alcoholic beverage license for David Townsend at The Country Vintner
of Georgia
Mr. Baxter presented the application for alcoholic beverage license for David Townsend to operate a wine and liquor wholesale business, known as The Country Vintner, at 74 Columbia Drive in Westside Business Park. Mr. Baxter stated that Police Chief C. E. Chan has recommended approval. After discussion, Councilman Wall made a motion to approve this license. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed with Councilman Allen opposing.
9. Approval of City Right of Way Agreement for Sidewalk and Wheelchair Ramp
Installation on W. Highway 80 & Pooler Parkway
Mr. Baxter presented this agreement to allow for the Department of Transportation to assist the City of Pooler in constructing sidewalks and a wheelchair ramp beginning at Sangrena Drive and ending at Pooler Parkway and then from Pooler Parkway to Godley Station (total length 1.44 miles). After discussion, Councilman Wall made a motion to approve this agreement. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.
10. Approval of Revision to List of Roadways for the Speed Ordinance for
Department of Transportation
Mr. Baxter presented this revision to the list of roadways for the speed ordinance, stating that recommendations have been submitted by the police department in regards to reducing the speed limit in the school zone on S. Rogers Street from 35mph to 25 mph, to coincide with the speed limit reduction to the school zone on Pine Barren Road. After discussion, Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the revision to the list. Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without opposition.
11. Resolution regarding City of Savannah providing water service to 91.66 acre tract
on Dean Forest Road
Mr. Baxter presented this request from the prospective buyer of a 91.66 acre tract of land, adjacent to the proposed “mega” site, stating that during the discussions of this site developing, Council agreed to allow the City of Savannah to provide water. Mr. Baxter stated that after meeting with the city’s engineer, it may be possible for the City of Pooler to provide water to this site at a more economical rate, and asked that this item be tabled. Councilman Wall made a motion, seconded by Councilman Allen, to table this item. Motion passed without opposition.
There being no further business to discuss, Councilman Wall made a motion to adjourn at approximately 6:33 p.m. Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without
4. Approval of site plan for a YRT2 Communications building at The Farm at Morgan Lakes
Mr. Baxter presented the site plan for a building to house equipment for cable, security systems, internet and phone services for the residents of The Farm at Morgan Lakes. Councilman Allen made a motion to approve this site plan, contingent upon a fence enclosure being provided with heavy landscaping to shield the pre-fab building. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.
5. Approval of revised plat to correct lot numbers for The Retreat @ Forest Lakes, Phases 2 and 3
Mr. Baxter presented the revised plat for Phases 2 and 3 of The Retreat @ Forest Lakes to correct lot numbers. Councilman Wall made a motion, seconded by Councilman Allen, to approve this revised plat. Motion passed without opposition.
6. Approval of site plan for Advance Auto Parts on W. Highway 80
Mr. Baxter presented the site plan for the proposed Advance Auto Parts to build a 10,000 square foot building, stating that all the engineer’s comments have been addressed. Dinks Dupree of Southeastern Capital, LLC was present to answer any questions. Councilman Allen asked if there was adequate room on the site for trucks to enter and exit, which Mr. Dupree replied that the site will allow for trucks to back in and exit going forward to Highway 80. Councilman Wall questioned whether the petitioner was in agreement with Planning & Zoning’s recommendations in regards to the dumpster enclosure being constructed of masonry and additional landscaping being placed along the eastern property line adjacent to Demas Road, which Mr. Dupree replied that this was agreed to. After discussion, Councilman Wall made a motion to approve this site plan, contingent upon Planning & Zoning’s recommendations and the driveway permit being issued by the Department of Transportation. Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without opposition.
There being no further business to discuss, Councilman Allen made a motion to adjourn at approximately 7:10 p.m. Motion was seconded by Councilman Wall and passed without opposition.
Public Hearing
A public hearing was held prior to the regular City Council meeting on April 17, 2006. Mayor Mike Lamb called the hearing to order at 5:45 p.m. Present were Councilmen Bruce Allen, Mike Royal, Wayne Seay, Billy Stanley, Stevie Wall and Councilwoman Rebecca Benton. City Manager Dennis Baxter, Assistant City Manager Robbie Byrd and City Attorney Steve Scheer were also present.
The purpose of this hearing was to discuss:
1) A requested zoning map amendment of Lots 12, 13, 14 and 15 in Westside Business Park from C-2 to I-1, Lots 11, 16 and 17 in Westside Business Park from C-2 to I-1 (with conditions), and the northern two-thirds of Lot 1 in Westside Business Park from C-2 to I-1 - 2195 Developers, LLC has petitioned the City to re-zone Lots 12, 13, 14 and 15 from C-2 (heavy commercial) to I-1 (light industrial), Lots 11, 16 and 17 from C-2 to I-1 (with conditions) and the northern two-thirds of Lot 1 from C-2 to I-1 to accommodate the proposed Komatsu Dealership. All of these lots are in Westside Business Park. Attorney Phillip McCorkle presented this request, providing an explanation of how the demand for light industrial zoned lots is greater than the developer had expected. Councilman Wall stated that there is a problem with the amount of industrial lots, expressing concern over tying these lots into commercial lots. Further, that the developer originally planned a small amount of industrial lots and has since asked for recombinations of some of the lots, which was not favorable, reiterating the fact that the developer does not need to tie anymore commercial and industrial lots together on the south side of this development. Councilman Wall questioned why the sign at the intersection of Columbia Drive and Westside Boulevard has not been placed to identify the industrial area. John Kern of Kern-Coleman & Company addressed Council, stating that the developer wants to give each business access, both in front and in back and that a commercial-type shopping center with offices and warehouses has been proposed and that the light at Coleman Boulevard will give the best access for the industrial lots. Councilwoman Benton questioned if the developer was willing to cul-de-sac Westside Boulevard of Columbia Drive to accommodate for 18-wheelers to turn around to keep the commercial traffic separate from industrial traffic. Mr. Kern replied that access is important for traffic flow and that the developer also wants to keep truck traffic off the roads in the commercial area.
2) A requested zoning map amendment of 18 acres from a future development to a single-family attached zoning within the Savannah Quarters PUD - Lanyard Development has petitioned the City for approval of amendment #12 to the Savannah Quarters PUD to re-zone 18 acres from a future development to a single-family attached zoning.
There being no further discussion, this hearing was adjourned at approximately 6:05 p.m.