The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, February 26, 2001 at 6 p.m.   Members present were:  Larry Olliff, Tim Lovezzola, Holly Young, Fleta Pepper, Debbie Ryan Watts, Craig Brewer and Judson Trapnell.   Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver, City Planner Tim Inglis and Councilwoman Billie Tyler were also in attendance.  Chairman Holly Young called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved upon a motion made by Larry Olliff.      Motion was seconded by Judson Trapnell and passed without opposition.   

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

 1.      Billboard Height Variance for Trinity Outdoor, Inc.   Morgan Hudgens with Trinity Outdoor Inc. presented the request for a 40’ height variance for a proposed billboard in the Southeast Quadrant of I-95 and U.S. Highway 80.  Trinity Outdoor Inc. would be leasing land from Norfolk Southern Railroad to place the billboard if the variance is approved.  Mr. Hudgens explained at this section of the road, I-95 passes over the railroad; therefore the roadway itself is greater than 30 feet above the ground that the sign is to be built upon.  Also the Georgia Department of Transportation has not exercised vegetation control and removal on state routes nor has it permitted private industry to do so.  This combination of conditions, over which the landowner has no control creates a situation where the sign is not adequately visible to passing motorists at the 30 foot overall height currently allowed by ordinance.  Fred Gretsch, as partner of PV Shopping Center Partnership LLP and as President of Fred Gretsch Ent. LTD expressed his reasons for opposing the requested variance. He owns 100 acres to the north of this site and this approval would deny him use of his property for billboards and limit signage for future development.  Mr. Hudgens with Trinity Outdoor, Inc. stated that Mr. Gretsch would still be able to put up a billboard based on the distance from the longest ramp and spacing the billboards 500’ apart.  As for future development, they would be able to place an on-premise sign next to I-95 if they chose to do so.  Mr. Hudgens stated that the requested height of the proposed billboard would be consistent with the two billboards located directly across I-95 on the Northwest quadrant of I-95 and the railroad.  Commissioner Watts asked if the two billboards directly across I-95 were granted variances.  Mrs. Carver stated the individual approving sign permits at that time must have based his approval on DOT approval and didn’t realize we had a lower height restriction than the DOT.  Attorney Rebecca Benton, who leases billboard space on the northside of I-95, stated the board would be setting a precedent for others to follow.  Following some discussion from the board, a motion to deny the variance was made by Debbie Ryan Watts and seconded by Larry Olliff.  Motion passed with Judson Trapnell opposing. 

 2.      Variance request for a secondary principal use sign at the entrance to the Best Western Motel.  Jason Wisenbaker of ANS Signs, Inc. presented the request to the board for their consideration.  He explained his client is proposing a hi-rise sign visible from I-95 that would be the primary principal use sign.  According to the City of Pooler’s sign ordinance no more than one freestanding principal use sign is permitted for a single business location.  Due to limited visibility, the owner feels a secondary principal use sign is needed to direct customers once they get off I-95 to the motel.  Glen Sawyer of Sawyer Enterprises, Inc. stated the new Best Western has a 100 space meeting room, business center, pool, spa and sauna.  The upscale facility will hopefully be an asset to the City of Pooler as well as companies such as JCB and the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum.    Following some discussion, Fleta Pepper made a motion to approve the variance for a secondary principal use sign at the Best Western Motel on Bourne Avenue.  Motion was seconded by Craig Brewer and passed with Judson Trapnell and Larry Olliff opposing.

   NEW BUSINESS: 

3.  Ashwood Subdivision, Phase II Final Plat Review and Approval.    Terry Coleman of John Kern’s Engineering Firm presented the final plat of Ashwood Subdivision for the board’s review.  Mr. Coleman stated that Sun Trust Bank is in the process of issuing the Letter of Credit for Phase II, Ashwood Subdivision.  Debbie Ryan Watts suggested placing information about the undisturbed buffers in protective covenants so that new property owners are made aware of the restrictions within the buffers. She recommended placing a note on the subdivision plat referencing restrictions in the undisturbed buffers.   The board also asked Mr. Coleman to add some lot line measurements that were left off the plat.  Debbie Ryan Watts made a motion to approve the final plat of Phase II Ashwood Subdivision contingent upon receiving the Letter of Credit, placing a note on the plat about undisturbed buffers and adding the missing lot line measurements to the plat.  Motion was seconded by Judson Trapnell and passed with no opposition.     

4.   Christine Moore’s minor subdivision request at 404 Salter Street.  Don Taylor presented the minor subdivision request on behalf of the property owner.  The only comment from the board was building setback lines were left off of the plat.  Larry Olliff made a motion to approve Christine Moore’s minor subdivision at 404 Salter Street pending the addition of setback lines.  Motion was seconded by Judson Trapnell and passed without oposition. 

Fred Williams appeared before the Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss the City of Pooler’s policy on fencing within easements. He is requesting that the City set some guidelines on how decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.  Mrs. Carver suggested that Councilwoman Billie Tyler meet with her committee and Director of Public Works Tim Inglis to discuss this matter.  

There being no further business to come before the board, a motion of adjournment was made by Judson Trapnell and seconded by Larry Olliff.