The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, September 8, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Members present were, Wilson Roberts, Larry Olliff, Robert Byard, Charles Archer, Nannette Ringham, James Reardon, Scotty Fletcher and Mary Louis Lanier. Councilwoman Rebecca Benton, Councilman Bruce Allen, Mayor Mike Lamb, Zoning Assistant Kimberly Classen and Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver were also in attendance. Chairman 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.

1. Chatham County Board of Education has petitioned the City of Pooler for a 2’ fence height variance to install a 6’ chain link fence around the perimeter of West Chatham Elementary School located on Pine Barren Road:  Michael Coon, Senior Director of Operations on behalf of Chatham County Board of Education presented the fence height variance to the board for their review and recommendation. The purpose of this request is to install a 6’ chain link fence around the perimeter of West Chatham Elementary School to increase the security of the students and staff members. According to Article IV, Section 22-113, a chain link fence is restricted to the rear and side yards with a maximum height not to exceed 4 (four) feet. Mr. Coon stated that it is the intent of the Chatham County Board of Education to install security fences around the perimeter of all public schools located within Chatham County. The following concerns were expressed by the Board: the perimeter fence in general, vandalism, access to the soccer field and walking track after school hours, the cost, height and type of the fence, emergency entrance and exit gates, set back lines on Pine Barren Road,  the amount of proposed “jogs” illustrated on the fence drawing (eliminate as many as possible to create a “cleaner” installation look), the number of unexpected visitors/parents observed  in the rear of the schools, the connectivity of the fences between the two (2) schools, and locks on the gates. Petitioner’s Comments: In response, Mr. Coon stated that due to the current results generated by a security consultant, the fencing projects stem from recommendations presented to the Chatham County Board of Education by the consulting firm, and only a portion of the school perimeter is actually going to be confined. Further, the cost of the fence for both West Chatham Elementary and Middle School is projected to be approximately $20,000.00 per school.  He also stated that if the fence needs to be placed in a different area due to the setback restrictions, this will have to be brought before the school board for final approval. With no further comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Archer to recommend approval for a 2’ fence height variance to install a 6’ chain link fence around the perimeter of West Chatham Elementary School, contingent upon the fence being of a dark green vinyl coated material, and the agreement for emergency vehicles to access the side fenced in areas in case of a fire, and the variance request meeting #1 and #3 of the Variance Standards. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ringham, with Commissioner Lanier opposing.

2. Chatham County Board of Education has petitioned the City of Pooler for a 2’ fence height variance to install a 6’ chain link fence around the perimeter of West Chatham Middle School:  Michael Coon, Senior Director of Operations on behalf of Chatham County Board of Education presented the fence height variance to the board for their review and recommendation. The purpose of this request is to install a 6’ chain link fence around the perimeter of West Chatham Elementary School to increase the security of the students and staff members. According to Article IV, Section 22-113, a chain link fence is restricted to the rear and side yards with a maximum height not to exceed 4 (four) feet. This item was included in the discussion of item #1. The following concerns regarding the middle school were also expressed by the Board: vandalism, access to the soccer field and walking track after school hours, the cost, height and type of the fence, emergency entrance and exit gates, the number of unexpected visitors/parents observed in the rear of the schools, the connectivity of the fences between the two (2) schools, and locks on the gates. Petitioner’s Comments: In response, Mr. Coon stated that due to the current results generated by a security consultant, the fencing projects follow from the recommendations presented to the Chatham County Board of Education by the consulting firm. Further, only a portion of the school perimeter is actually going to be confined, not necessarily the soccer field or the walking track at this point.  With no further comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Archer to recommend approval for a 2’ fence height variance to install a 6’ chain link fence around the perimeter of West Chatham Middle School, contingent upon the soccer field and the walking track not being enclosed, emergency vehicle access, and the fence being of a green vinyl coated material. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Fletcher, with Commissioner Lanier opposing. iwHiHiHWith 

3. Chatham County Board of Education has petitioned the City of Pooler for a 2’ fence height variance to install a 6’ chain link fence around the perimeter of Pooler Elementary School:. Michael Coon, Senior Director of Operations on behalf of Chatham County Board of Education presented the fence height variance to the board for their review and recommendation.  The purpose of this request is to install a 6’ chain link fence around a portion of the perimeter of Pooler Elementary School to increase the security of the students and staff members. According to Article IV, Section 22-113, a chain link fence is restricted to the rear and side yards with a maximum height not to exceed 4 (four) feet. Public Comments: Joseph Hambor, property owner of 307 Gleason Avenue expressed his concerns to the board regarding the Chatham County Board of Education fencing in his 60’ R/W in the rear of his property that is platted from his 1964 plat, and the ability to continue to access the rear of his property. Nolan Salter, property owner of 427 Cliff Drive expressed his concerns regarding the northwest corner not being fenced in, the maintenance of the grass surrounding the perimeter of the fence as well as the one (1) foot set back in between the adjacent property owners fence lines and the proposed perimeter fence around the school, and the type of fence material. Cathy Bartlett, resident in the Savannah Quarters area expressed her affirmative view concerning school fences by stating that she is in favor of fencing for the safety for our children, how important this issue really is, and what a huge concern this is to the community. She also stated that Pooler as a whole needs to take proper precautions before it is too late and reminded the board that many Pooler residents are choosing the private school spectrum not only for education purposes, but because of the lack of safety and security of our children. Ann Miller, property owner of 431 Cliff Drive expressed her concerns to the board regarding the color of the proposed fence, the proposed chemical for plant control in the one foot separation area, and access to the wooded area for emergency vehicles. Petitioner’s Comments: Mr. Coon responded by stating that he sent a letter to each of the adjacent property owners along Cliff Drive before the project was ever put into place to inform the homeowners of what was going on. He further stated that many of the homeowners oppose the fence in its entirety, some are mutual and others are asking for several different amount of space to be provided. Further, that the grass will be controlled with vegetation and he will ask the school board to make every effort possible to assure the grass is maintained. With no further comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Fletcher to approve the 2’ fence height variance to install a 6’ chain link fence around the perimeter of Pooler Elementary School, contingent upon the fence color being as described in the City of Pooler’s proposed fence ordinance. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ringham, with Commissioners Archer, Fletcher, and Ringham in favor and Commissioner Lanier, Olliff, and Reardon in opposition.  To break the tie, Chairman Roberts voted against the motion.  Motion passed. Commissioner Reardon then made a motion to recommend approval for the 2’ fence height variance to install a 6’ chain link fence around the perimeter of Pooler Elementary School, contingent upon the fence being placed on the school board property line and galvanized material being used for the fence. Motion died due to lack of second. Commissioner Archer then made a motion to recommend approval for the 2’ fence height variance to install a 6’ chain link fence around the perimeter of Pooler Elementary School with the fact of the request meeting numbers 1 and 3 of our Variance Standards, contingent upon the entire perimeter being fenced in to also include the northwest quadrant. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Archer with Commissioners Archer, Fletcher, and Ringham in favor and Commissioners Lanier, Reardon, and Olliff in opposition. To break the tie, Chairman Roberts voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed.

4. Review of proposed amendments to Article IV – Fence Ordinance: The proposed changes were made to the fence ordinance to address the Board’s comments during the previous meeting. With no further comments, Commissioner Reardon made a motion to approve the proposed amendments to the Fence Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Olliff and passed without opposition.

5. Minor Subdivision Plan Review of Parcel 1, ADK Investments Tract into two (2) lots, Parcel 1-A and Parcel 1-B located East of the intersection of Pine Barren Road and U.S. Highway 80: Commissioner Lanier and Reardon stepped down to excuse themselves from any discussion concerning this item. Michael Fell with Kern-Coleman Engineering presented the minor subdivision plat to the board for their review and recommendation. Mr. Fell stated that the intent is to subdivide this one parcel into two parcels, with Parcel   l-A  being approximately 2.35 acres and the remaining portion being approximately 4.1 acres. He further stated that Parcel 1-A and Parcel 1-B will share a 45’ x 100’ access easement that extends to Highway 80, but is still waiting for final approval for the proposed curb-cut from the D.O.T. (Department of Transportation.)  Further, the total frontage of the property is approximately 500’. During the Planning & Zoning meeting there was some discussion concerning traffic and the possibility of a deceleration  lane. With no further questions, Commissioner Archer made a motion to recommend approval of the minor subdivision plat of Parcel 1, ADK Investments Track into two (2) lots, Parcel l-A and Parcel 1-B located east of the intersection of Pine Barren Road and Highway 80. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Olliff and passed without opposition.  Commissioner Lanier and Commissioner Reardon returned to their seat on the board.

6. Preliminary Construction Plan Review / Tree Ordinance Compliance for Towne Center @ Godley Station ~ Phase I, located on the west side of Benton Boulevard, behind Cheddar’s Restaurant: Joey White with Thomas & Hutton Engineering Company presented the preliminary construction plan to the board for their review and recommendation. Mr. White stated that this is Phase I and will consist of installing the water, sewer, storm, and roadway systems to serve a 24 acre tract of land. He further stated that the storm water detention pond will serve the entire site and the average water depth is approximately 5’.  Further, the property on the left side is bordered by wetlands and to the right side is bordered by The Merritt @ Godley Station Apartments which is in the City of Savannah. Further, 2.8 acres of disturbed land is projected for the entrance road which will serve the lots 2, 3, 4 and to Lot #1 where the future family entertainment center is proposed. He further stated that as each parcel is developed, individual lots will be responsible for the tree count requirement. Motion was made by Commissioner Fletcher to recommend approval for the preliminary construction plan for Towne Center @ Godley Station ~ Phase I, located on the west side of Benton Boulevard, behind Cheddar’s Restaurant, subject to all of the engineering comments being addressed. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Archer and passed without opposition. The developer has been notified that they must comply with the tree ordinance during the time of development.

There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Reardon made a motion to adjourn at approximately 8:15 p.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Archer and passed without opposition.