CITY OF POOLER
PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 11, 2000

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, September 11, 2000 at 6 p.m.   Members present were:  Larry Olliff, Fleta Pepper, Debbie Ryan Watts, Holly Young, Joe Harmon, Larry McKendree and Judson Trapnell.   City Planner Tim Inglis, Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver, Councilwoman Billie Tyler, Mayor Earl Carter and Councilman Robert Bryan were also in attendance.  Newly appointed 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 Larry McKendree and passed without opposition.   

Chairman Holly Young introduced Tim Lovezzola as our new alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission and administered the Oath of Office. 

Old Business:

  1. Mighty Eighth Air Force Chapel Site Plan Review.  Bill Henson of David Sladek, P.E. presented the site plan to the board for their review and comments.  The project adds a chapel building and additional landscaping and walkways to the site of the existing museum.  Since all of the engineer’s comments have been addressed, a motion was made by Debbie Ryan Watts to approve the Mighty Eighth Air Force Chapel Site Plan.  Motion was seconded by Larry Olliff and passed without opposition.
  1. Dozier Cook’s Landscape Plan/Tree Ordinance compliance on lot 18 Pine Barren Road.  Dozier Cook presented revised landscape plans to the board.  Mr. Cook has designed several islands with preferred trees on this site.  The plan exceeds the City of Pooler’s Tree Ordinance requirements.  With no public comment, a motion was made by Larry McKendree and seconded by Joe Harmon to approve the landscape plan.  Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:

  1. James & Paula Richardson’s request for a minor subdivision.   Mr. Richardson explained to the board members that the minor subdivision was necessary for placement of an additional manufactured home on the property.  The tract is a portion of the Helmey Home Place located north of the Jimmy DeLoach Parkway and Triple B Trail.  Mr. Richardson stated that he needed one more signature on the plat and would have that in a couple of days.  Larry Olliff made a motion to approve the minor subdivision pending the last signature being obtained prior to review by Mayor and Council.  Motion was seconded by Larry McKendree and passed with no opposition. 
  1. William’s Hollow & The Bramblings Revised Landscape Plan/Tree Ordinance Compliance.   Mr. Michael Hussey of Stevenson & Palmer Engineering and Mr. Fred Williams presented a tree-replanting plan for Williams Hollow & The Bramblings Subdivisions.  Mr. Williams stated that his property was clear-cut without his permission and that he has filed a police report.  He further explained the sequence of events that has taken place in the last few weeks.   Prosecution of this violation of the tree ordinance would be forthcoming pending outcome of investigation.  Mr. Hussey stated a tree survey was done after the cutting of the trees and 205 trees are remaining on site.  In addition, 83 1.5”to 2” caliper live Oaks are to be planted along the streets for a total of 288 trees which would exceed the requirement of 15 trees per acre.  City Planner Tim Inglis requested a typical street section because a lot of trees are proposed in the street right-of-ways.  Also, Mr. Inglis would like to see a DBH (diameter at breast height) designation shown on the 2” trees. Mr. Williams asked the board if they would consider lifting the “stop work order” so he may proceed with installing the utilities.  Following some discussion, a motion was made by Debbie Ryan Watts to table this item pending the results of the investigation.  She also stated she would still like to know how many of the trees were cut, the location, the species and the size.   Mr. Williams stated that because of a pending suit being filed against Mrs. Ryan, she should not be discussing his business.  Mr. Williams asked that it be noted in the record that all of the negative comments have come from Mrs. Ryan.  The motion to table this item was seconded by Joe Harmon and passed with Larry McKendree opposing.
  1. Discussion concerning Rogers Street Extension to Benton Blvd.   Attorney Rebecca Benton presented comments that were read verbatim part of the record of the Planning and Zoning Meeting.  Chairman Holly Young stated that Mayor and Council have asked Planning and Zoning to review the possibility of extending Rogers Street to Benton Blvd. and make a recommendation if that is not an option. Many residents who live or own property along Rogers Street were present to strongly oppose the extension of Benton Boulevard to North Rogers Street.   Kirk Thurman and Joe Collins expressed their concern about preserving the historical value of some of the older homes along North Rogers Street.  Theron Chapman presented a petition with signatures from thirty-five residents who oppose the extension of Benton Blvd. to North Rogers Street.  Betty Seay opposes the Rogers Street Extension option because of the negative impact that the increased traffic would have on the residential neighborhood that contains a daycare, a bus stop and narrow streets. Any widening of Rogers would be detrimental to the homes already located close to Rogers Street.  Residents of Rogers Street questioned who requested MPC to do this study.  Attorney Rebecca Benton stated for the record that her attorney is looking into the validity of the MPC Study.   Aubrey Norris stated that Rogers Street is home to a lot of people and he would ask that the residents along Rogers Street be notified of any proposed changes that involve them and their neighborhood. Chairman Holly Young stated of options proposed, option # 3 would impact the residential neighborhoods the least.  This option would extend Benton Blvd. southward to a cul-de-sac and provide Mrs. Benton access to her property from the Pooler Parkway.  Councilman Robert Bryan addressed the citizens of Rogers Street with his assurance that his main objective is to protect the citizens of Pooler and that he has no intention of supporting an extension of Rogers Street to Benton Blvd.  Following more discussion, a motion was made by Larry McKendree to table this item.  Motion died for lack of a second.  Debbie Ryan Watts stated she is opposed to the Rogers Street Extension because of the narrowness of Rogers Street and the potential negative impact upon the residential neighborhood.   Following some discussion, a motion was made by Debbie Ryan Watts to recommend option # 4, a “no build”option, which means no change would be proposed. Under this “no build” option, no crossing would be constructed over Pipemaker’s Canal. Joe Harmon seconded motion.  The motion passed with Debbie Ryan Watts, Joe Harmon and Larry Olliff voting in favor of the motion, Fleta Pepper and Judson Trapnell voting against.  Larry McKendree abstained from voting. 

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