The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Members present were Wilson Roberts, Larry Olliff, Robert Byard, Charles Archer, Mary Louise Lanier, Nannette Ringham and James Reardon. Councilwoman Rebecca Benton, Councilman Bruce Allen, Councilman Mike Royal, Planning & Zoning Assistant Kimberly Classen and Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver were also in attendance. Chairman Wilson Roberts called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Charles Archer gave the invocation and Wilson Roberts led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed upon a motion made by James Reardon. Motion was seconded by Larry Olliff and passed without opposition.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:

 

1. Conditional use request for a mini-storage proposed on Lot 1B, of the R-8 Tract within the Godley Station PUD : Commissioner Reardon stepped down to excuse himself from any discussion of this item and the next two items. Terry Coleman with Kern-Coleman & Company presented the conditional use request to the board for their review and recommendation. Mr. Coleman stated that this parcel of land was rezoned approximately two (2) years ago and tracts 1 thru 5 could not be developed for a period of two (2) years.  He further stated that this period had expired and the developer is requesting for approval to move forward with the mini-storage project.  Mr. Coleman stated that the interior buildings will be climate controlled and on-site living quarters will be provided along with an office.  He further stated that a wrought iron fence with brick columns will be used as an enclosure around the facility and the site will include a fountain inside the lagoon, which will serve as the detention pond facing the Pooler Parkway.  Mr. Coleman stated that there will be enhanced landscaping with sod in the area facing the Pooler Parkway and there will also be adequate landscaping surrounding the premises. There was some discussion concerning the following issues: only one entrance to the facility, the distance between the entrance gate key pad and Durham Park Drive, the dumpster pad location, the exterior material of the buildings, and the width of the aisles leading back to the rear parking stalls.  In response to only one entrance being proposed for the development, Mr. Coleman stated that the majority of mini-storage facilities are primarily for residential use.  He also stated that the distance between Durham Park Drive and the entrance gate area will be increased if needed, a dumpster pad location will be on-site, the exterior material of the buildings will be of split face block or stucco, and he will look at all possibilities in determining an adequate aisle width leading back to the rear parking stalls before the final site plan is presented. Public Comments: J.E. Wallace, III, VP for Operations for Monster Self Storage Center, appeared before the board to express his concerns. Mr. Wallace stated that the proposed mini-storage will be detrimental to the use of adjacent properties, due to the fact; Monster Self Storage is an adjacent property owner.  He further stated that the lighting and noise will become an issue to the surrounding property owners because of the design for the proposed development.  He also stated that Monster Self Storage utilizes a “Fortress” style design to fence out areas of direct noise and keep lighting enclosed in one specific area.   Board Comments: There was discussion concerning the 50’ building setback/buffer line from the Pooler Parkway.  According to the North Godley Development Standards, a 50’ buffer is required, but the specific type of buffer is unclear, therefore, further clarification is needed to determine if this area should remain undisturbed. With no other comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Archer to recommend approval of the conditional use request for a mini-storage proposed on Lot 1B, of the R-8 Tract within the Godley Station PUD, contingent upon moving the entrance gate to allow a distance of at least 50’ from the entrance gate to the existing road, the first and last aisles being widened to at least 35’, removing the proposed fountain and detention pond out of the 50’ Pooler Parkway setback/buffer area, and the dumpster pad location being added to the site plan away from the Pooler Parkway. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ringham and passed without opposition.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

2. Major Subdivision Plat of the R-8 Tract into four (4) tracts:   Terry Coleman with Kern-Coleman & Company presented the major subdivision plat of the R-8 Tract into four (4) tracts to the board for their review and recommendation. Mr. Coleman stated that in November of 2006 the construction began on now what is known as the R-8 Spine Road on this property.  As a part of construction, a 36-foot wide roadway within a 100-foot public right-of-way was installed along with the extension of water mains, sewer mains, power, telephone, and cable utilities. Mr. Coleman further stated that Tract 4 will consist of the proposed mini-storage facility, Tract 1 is under contract for a physician’s office, and Tract 2 and 3 have no plans at this time.  Commissioner Archer questioned why only one benchmark is noted on the plat.  In response, Mr. Coleman stated that this was overlooked and it will be corrected.  There was some discussion concerning the 50’ building setback/buffer line noted on the plat. Chairman Roberts asked Mrs. Carver to verify whether the North Godley Development Standards stipulated a buffer or an undisturbed buffer along the Pooler Parkway.  To give Mrs. Carver ample time, a motion was made by Commissioner Ringham to move this item to the end of the agenda.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Archer and passed without opposition.  Discussion was continued later in the meeting, wherein Mrs. Carver stated that a 50’ building setback/buffer is required on both sides of the Pooler Parkway.  With no further comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Archer to recommend approval of the R-8 Tract into four (4) tracts, contingent upon a second benchmark being added to the plat.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier and passed without opposition. 

 

3. Posting of Maintenance Bond/Final Plat Review of Durham Park Townhomes, Phase 1B: Terry Coleman with Kern-Coleman & Company presented the final plat for Durham Park Townhomes, Phase 1B to the board for their review and recommendation.  Commissioner Olliff questioned if a final inspection had been completed, due to the fact that Bill Nicholson, City Engineer, faxed a letter dated February 11, 2008 stating no final inspection had been held.  Mrs. Carver stated that she will contact Mr. Nicholson and have this corrected.  With no further comments, Commissioner Olliff made a motion to recommend the posting of a maintenance bond and approval of the final plat for Durham Park Townhomes, Phase 1B, contingent upon a letter being received from Bill Nicholson documenting all improvements are complete. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ringham and passed without opposition. Commissioner Reardon returned to his seat on the board.

 

4. Posting of Performance Bond/Final Plat Review of Westbrook Subdivision, Phase 8:  Hal Kraft with HGB&D presented the final plat for Westbrook, Phase 8 to the board for their review and recommendation.  Mr. Kraft stated that this project is located off of Blue Moon Crossing and will consist of 56 single-family residential lots, and the majority of the lots arrange in size from 80’ to 100’ in width.  He further stated that all of the lots with the exception of seven (7) will be located on the lagoon or the golf course.  Councilwoman Benton question if Blue Moon Crossing and Spanton Crescent will eventually connect.  Mr. Kraft stated that the two roads will connect when all phases are completed.  With no further comments, Commissioner Reardon made a motion to recommend the posting of a performance bond and the approval of the final plat for Westbrook Subdivision, Phase 8.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Olliff and passed without opposition. 

There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Lanier made a motion to adjourn at approximately 7:09 p.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ringham and passed without opposition