A regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, November 10, 2003 at 6 p.m.   Members present were:  Dennis Jones, Wilson Roberts, Larry Olliff, Charles Archer, Debbie Ryan Watts and Don Taylor.  Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver, City Planner Robbie Byrd, Councilman Jack Brewton and Councilwoman Billie Tyler were also in attendance.  Chairman Debbie Ryan Watts called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed upon a motion made by Charles Archer, seconded by Dennis Jones and passed with no opposition. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

1.      Sketch plan review of a Hamilton Inn and Suites at the corner of Parsons Avenue and Gray Street.  Don Taylor excused himself from any discussion on this item.  John Farmer of EMC Engineering Services, Inc. presented the new sketch plan to the board for their review and comments.  Mr. Farmer stated that the project has been scaled down and the number of rooms has been reduced from 41 to 37 units.  The building has been moved twenty feet from the adjacent residential property line and the number of employees has been reduced by one.   A six-foot privacy fence has also been added along the residentially zoned property.  Commissioner Wilson Roberts questioned the encroachment of the canopy into the front setback.  Commissioner Dennis Jones stated the plan does not meet the parking requirements since there are no additional parking spaces to accommodate trucks, buses, campers, etc.  The board was also concerned about the narrow driveway.  Georgia Mae Wilson, adjacent property owner still opposes the project.  She feels the building is too large for the lot and she has drainage concerns.  Mark Wilson is concerned about the detention area causing more drainage problems. Glen Wilson is concerned about potential truck traffic and damage to the streets.  Pam Lossing of Metro Properties stated the property is zoned for this use and feels the project would be an asset to the community.    Following some discussion, the board determined a variance is needed for a canopy encroachment as well as a variance on required parking for trucks, buses and campers.   Regarding the proposed sketch plan, a motion was made by Wilson Roberts to forward the board’s concerns to Mayor and Council.  Motion was seconded by Dennis Jones and passed without opposition. 

NEW BUSINESS:

 2.   Aaron Walker, Jr’s request to subdivide 2.26 acres on Sheftall Road into two lots.

Sherri Richard presented this request to the board on behalf of the property owner.  A manufactured home is located on lot 4B and a single-family residence on Lot 4A.  With no public comment, Dennis Jones made a motion to approve the request to subdivide 2.26 acres on Sheftall road into two lots contingent upon Chatham County Health Department approval.  Motion was seconded by Don Taylor and passed without opposition.

3.      Preliminary construction plan review of a commercial subdivision for Glen Sawyer.

Paul Simonton of P.C.Simonton & Associates presented the construction plans to the board for their review and recommendation.  Most of the engineer’s comments have been addressed and Mr. Simonton has met with the city’s public works department to discuss some of their concerns.  Mr. Simonton stated that he has agreed to loop the water system at the request of the Fire Chief.  Chairman Debbie Ryan Watts asked about the access easement through the adjacent Burger King property.  Mr. Simonton stated this is a legal issue to be resolved by the individual property owner’s attorneys.  Following some discussion, Larry Olliff made a motion to recommend approval of the preliminary construction plans contingent upon all of the engineer’s comments being addressed and the issue of the access easement being resolved.  Motion was seconded by Wilson Roberts and passed without opposition.

4.      Concept plan to rework the intersection of Quacco Road with Pine Barren Road and to provide a separate entrance to the Design Center.   Michael Hussey of Fred Williams Homebuilders presented the concept plan to the board for their review and recommendation.  Mr. Hussey stated this is a major improvement and the new design would enable visitors coming out of the Design Center to exit directly onto Pine Barren Road.  The board is concerned about traffic from all of the subdivisions on Ouacco Road getting on/off Pine Barren Road.  The board is strongly recommending a left turn lane from Quacco to Pine Barren Road.  Councilwoman Billie Tyler and Commissioner Dennis Jones recommends that Mr. Fred Williams and the city sit down, revisit and discuss in more detail the design for this intersection.  The Board recommends the concept plan be forwarded to Mayor and Council along with their concerns regarding the intersection to the west.

5.      Final Plat review of Phase I, Godley Station Professional Park.   Steve Wohlfeil of HGB&D presented the plat to the board for their review and recommendation.  This is an office complex located at the intersection of Godley Station Boulevard North and Towne Center Boulevard.  Mr. Wohlfeil explained the subdivision contains 4 lots, each having an area of .275 acres with access provided through a common area that includes 2.15 acres of greenspace.  The parcels shown will be sold like condominium sites.   With no public comment, Charles Archer made a motion to approve the final plat of Phase I, Godley Station Professional Park.  Motion was seconded by Dennis Jones and passed without opposition.

6.      Replacement plat for Williams Hollow Subdivision (New subdivision name and new  street name).   Michael Hussey of Fred Williams Homebuilders presented the plat to the board and explained Mr. Williams is building a project in Thunderbolt and would like to name the development “Williams Hollow”.  He further stated Mr. Williams presently owns all of the lots in this subdivision.  The name proposed is “Southernland Subdivision” with “Southernland Drive”.  With no public comment, Wilson Roberts made a motion to approve the new name of the subdivision and the new street name.  Motion was seconded by Larry Olliff and passed without opposition.

There being no further business to come before the board, a motion of adjournment was made by Charles Archer and seconded by Don Taylor.