The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, June 8, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Members present were Wilson Roberts, Larry Olliff, Scotty Fletcher, Don Taylor, Nannette Ringham, Charles Archer and James Reardon. Councilwoman Rebecca Benton 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. Medical Hardship Variance Request for temporary placement of a travel trailer at 418 Sangrena Drive. Verna Warner presented the variance request to the board for their review and recommendation. She explained that the variance, if approved, would allow her brother to stay in a travel trailer on her property to help care for their mother, who requires 24-hour-a-day care. Further, the length of time for this temporary arrangement is unknown. There was discussion by the Planning and Zoning Board concerning the removal of the existing fence, proposed location of travel trailer, future plans of an addition to the residence, current health condition of her mother and how the variance standards apply with a medical hardship. Ms. Warner stated that her mother is 91 years old and her health is fairly good, but she is completely dependent upon them to feed, bathe and dress her. Sometime in the future, she does plan to build a double garage with a bonus room on the second floor.
Public Comments: Jack King of 1121 Big Bend Road expressed the following concerns: if the travel trailer will be moved in and out, will water and sewer hook-up be required and if it would remain on site once the medical hardship no longer exists. In response, Ms. Warner stated that the travel trailer will not be moved in and out and will be connected to water, sewer and electricity. With no other comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Olliff to recommend approval of the medical hardship variance for temporary placement of a travel trailer at 418 Sangrena Drive with the request meeting #1 and #2 of the variance standards and subject to the travel trailer being removed when no longer needed or brother is not available to live there. Commissioner Archer asked if the motion could be amended to include that when the addition is built that the travel trailer will be removed. Ms. Warner stated that when the addition is built, her brother will live in the house and not the travel trailer. At that time, she was hoping that the travel trailer could remain at her home with utilities disconnected. Since, Ms. Warner is requesting to leave the travel trailer parked at her home; Commissioner Olliff withdrew his motion as stated. Following some discussion, a motion was then made by Commissioner Taylor to recommend approval of the medical hardship variance for temporary placement of a travel trailer at 418 Sangrena Drive subject to disconnection of water, sewer and power and not allowing anyone to use the travel trailer as a residence when it is no longer needed for the mother’s health or when the brother moves into the house. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Fletcher and passed with Commissioner Archer opposing.

2. Godley Station Animal Hospital located at 127 Canal Street is requesting approval to place a 6’ aluminum fence that looks like wrought iron between the building and the Pooler Parkway. David Howes, owner of Godley Station Animal Hospital, presented the site plan showing a proposed 6’ aluminum fence that looks like wrought iron to the board for their review and recommendation. The purpose of the fence is for the security of the animals. He stated that a lot of dogs are walked on a daily basis around the facility on a leash. Further, the fence would provide a safe area for his patients and provide an attractive addition to the property. Mr. Howes reiterated the function of the fence is not to have dogs run unattended or be left outside overnight. Because the retention ditch located between the building and the Pooler Parkway is approximately five (5) feet below the base of the building, the fence will be hard to see from the Pooler Parkway. Commissioner Archer questioned if any trees would have to be removed. In response, Mr. Howes stated that they do not plan to cut any of the trees. Councilwoman Benton asked and Mr. Howes confirmed that powdered coating aluminum fencing is proposed. With no other comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Olliff to recommend approval of the request to place a 6’ aluminum fence at Godley Station Animal Hospital located at 127 Canal Street. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ringham and passed without opposition.

There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Archer made a motion to adjourn at approximately 6:30 p.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Reardon and passed without opposition.