The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, March 11, 2002 at 6 p.m.   Members present were:  Glenda Champion, Larry Olliff,  Judson Trapnell, Tim Lovezzola, Craig Brewer and Debbie Ryan Watts.  Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver, City Planner Tim Inglis, Councilwoman Billie Tyler and Councilman Jack Brewton were also in attendance.  Co-Chairman Larry Olliff called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. 

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

PUBLIC HEARING: 

1. Edward Bowen’s conditional use request to place a “Family Entertainment Center” at the northwest corner of Coleman Blvd. and East Highway 80.  Edward Bowen presented this request to the board for their review and recommendation.  Mr. Bowen is proposing to build a “Rider Court Fun Park” that would include activities such as:  go-kart rides, miniature golf, batting cages, arcade games, laser tag, a rock climbing wall, virtual reality and a food court.  The entrance and exit to the park will be off Coleman Blvd.  A separate access will be designated for emergency services.  Mr. Bowen stated that 239 parking spaces are planned with a separate area for bus parking.  If additional bus parking is needed, Mr. Bowen has an agreement with Coca Cola to utilize some of

their parking area.  Commissioner Debbie Ryan Watts requested a copy of that agreement for the file.  The park will be fenced with a privacy fence separating the “Fun Park” from Foy Laniers. They hope to complete Phase I of the “Rider Court Fun Park” by September of this year.   Attorney Rebecca Benton stated that the “Fun Park” would be a very positive addition to the community.  Ken Reddick and granddaughter had a few questions for Mr. Bowen regarding noise, security and cost of admission.  With no other public comments, Debbie Ryan Watts made a motion to approve Mr. Edward Bowen’s conditional use request to place a “Family Entertainment Center” at the northwest corner of Coleman Blvd and East Highway 80 contingent upon the city receiving a copy of the parking agreement with Coca Cola. Motion was seconded by Judson Trapnell and passed with no opposition. 

2. William Wade Roberts, Jr.’s request to rezone lot 5, Sharon Court from I-1, Light Industrial Zoning to a C-2, a Heavy Commercial Zoning.  Wade Roberts, Jr. and Michael Bunton presented this request to the board for their review and recommendation.  Mr. Roberts explained the zoning change is needed so they can place a skating rink in an existing 10,000 sq. ft. building located on Sharon Court.  They plan to target children, ages 4 to 14 years old.  Sixty to eighty parking spaces are proposed and the maximum number of people at any one time would be approximately 400.  The lot is 1.37 acres with vacant land to the rear where additional parking would be available.  Councilman Jack Brewton expressed his concerns regarding the need for a traffic study, adequate lighting for the parking areas and having two separate parking areas on the same lot.  Attorney Rebecca Benton questioned the need for sidewalks, paved parking and the traffic problem of turning left when exiting Sharon Court onto Highway 80.  Following discussion on traffic issues, it was concluded that a traffic study was needed for the intersection of Highway 80 and Sharon Court.  Therefore, a motion was made by Debbie Ryan Watts to table this item and request the petitioner to provide a traffic study of this intersection for the boards review.  Motion was seconded by Tim Lovezzola and passed without opposition.

NEW BUSINESS: 

3. JCB Dealership Site Plan Review.  Craig Brewer excused himself from any discussion on this item due to a conflict of interest. Carey Johnson from JCB and Tom Cetti from Thomas & Hutton Engineering Company presented the site plan to the board for their review and recommendation.  Tom Cetti stated that all of the engineer’s comments have been addressed and revised plans have been re-submitted to Bill Nicholson. Commissioner Debbie Ryan Watts questioned why trees from the preferred list of trees had been removed from the site.  The landscape plan for the JCB Dealership was approved back in August of this year and a LDA Permit was issued.  The original plan showed 4 large Oak Trees from 28” to 32” dbh that were to be saved on this site.  This is a violation of the tree ordinance with a possibility of charges and penalties.  City Planner Tim Inglis stated that the new LDA permit would not be issued until this board has approved the new landscape plan.  Tim Lovezzola made a motion to approve the JCB Dealership site plan contingent upon all of the comments being addressed and the new landscape plan being approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Motion was seconded by Judson Trapnell and passed without opposition.

4. Discussion of sign ordinance regarding flashing lights/running boards with illuminated messages.  City Planner Tim Inglis stated that the city does not permit a message board with intermittent lights, but will allow a time and temperature display. The ordinance is not clear on message boards.  Following some discussion on this topic, a motion was made by Debbie Ryan Watts to table this item for two weeks to give the board an opportunity to ride through the city and really look at signs in place.  Motion was seconded by Judson Trapnell and passed without opposition.  

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