HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-06-25 Minutes•
NINUTSS OF A MEETING OF THE
FAYEITEVILLE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
A meeting of the Fayetteville Planning Commission was held on 4124, June 25,
1990 in the Board of Directors Room on the second floor of the City
Administration Building, 113 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry Allred, Fred Hanna, J.E. Springborn, Jett Cato,
Gerald Elingaman, Jack Cleghorn, and Charles Nickle
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
MINUTES
J. David Ozment and Joe Tarvin
John Merrell, Becky Bryant, Don Bunn, Elaine Cattaneo,
members of the press and others
The minutes of the regular meeting of June 11, 1990 were approved as distributed.
• PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING PETITION R90-10
DON RUBLE - NW CORNER OF SHADY AVE & PEAR ST
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The second item on the agenda was a public hearing for rezoning petition R90-10
submitted by David Horne, Attorney, on behalf of Don Ruble for property located
on the northwest corner of Shady Avenue and Pear Street. (Lots 1, 2, 3, 9 and
part of lot 8, Block 1 of the revised plat of Block 5 of Parkers Plat of Valley
View Addition.) The request was to rezone from R-1, Low Density Residential
to C-2, Thoroughfare Commercial.
John Merrell, Planning Management Director, stated that the rezoning request is
essentially to allow Mr. Ruble's moving business, Don's Moving, to continue
operating at its present location. This business provides a needed service
in Fayetteville. This area is an isolated area of remaining residential land
uses in between two industrial areas, the I-1 zoning of the land to the north
and the area zoned predominately I-1 along West Poplar Street. The staff is
recommending that the Planning Commission approve this rezoning subject to
several conditions as listed in the staff report. However, the first one listed
in the staff report, the staff is going to withdraw. It was a recommendation
that the rezoning only apply to lots 1, 2, 9 and possibly a strip of land along
the eastern side of lots 8 & 3. The staff is recommending that the area that
is rezoned will only be used for Mr. Ruble's Moving & Storage business and not
for any other type of business that is allowed in a C-2 zoning district. The
main reason for that is that this property does abut several properties that are
zoned for residential use which could be negatively impacted by some other type
business. If Mr. Ruble decides to sell this property at some point in the
future, he can request a removal of this provision. The third item is that
they are recommending that a Bill of Assurance be signed stating that any
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Planning Commission
June 25, 1990
Page 2
proposed new building must conform to the requirements of the zoning ordinance
and the building code including the provision of the durable and dustless surface
for off-street parking, loading, etc. Finally, the staff is recommending that
there be no free-standing ground signs, no wall signs or projecting signs
situated on the property that will exceed 10 feet in height. The Bill of
Assurance that Mr. Horne has submitted appears to satisfy these concerns.
David Horne, representing Don Ruble, stated that Mr. Ruble's moving business is
primarily local, but approval of this would allow him to expand. He added that
there is an existing residence at the site with a portable office. The rezoning
encompasses some land owned in the Lazenby Estate, which Mr. Ruble has an option
to purchase contingent upon this request being approved. He noted that they
don't have any quarrel with any of the restrictions required by the Bill of
Assurance. He added that they are working on a different site plan. They are
proposing to turn the building in an east/west manner to conform with the 50
setback on Shady Avenue and to put the building farther away from the residence.
It would remain the same size and dimensions. Another part of the Bill of
Assurance would be to attempt to grass those areas that are not part of the
parking requirements and leave the hedges intact. Mr. Ruble has stated that
he would accommodate the City in any reasonable fashion.
• In answer to a question from Commissioner Nickle, Mr. Horne stated that the
building would cover part of lots 2, 3, 8 and 9.
•
Chairman Hanna asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak in favor or
in opposition to this petition. There being no response, the public hearing
was closed.
Commissioner Springborn asked whether the scope of this development is such that
if they approve the rezoning, it would come back through the Subdivision
Committee for approval. Mr. Merrell stated that it wouldn't have to come
through the large scale development process. If the rezoning is approved, Mr.
Ruble could get a building permit whenever he is ready.
Chairman Hanna asked what the reasoning was in requesting C-2 rather than I-1.
Mr. Merrell stated that the staff's interpretation was that this type of
operation seemed to fit in either of those zones. But a moving business seems
to fit a little better in C-2.
Chairman Hanna stated that this particular piece of property is in a block of
residential property that is surrounded by I-1 on the west side of the railroad
tracks. The last moving business near there was in an I-1 zone. He noted that
it seems that in the best interest of the City to rezone it I-1 rather than C-
2 in the event that his business didn't continue as a moving business.
Mr. Merrell advised that the staff is comfortable with C-2 provided that there
would be a Bill of Assurance filed. However, if it is the consensus of the
Planning Commission that they favor I-1 over a C-2, the staff will take another
look at it. He stated that they can't recommend an I-1 rezoning at this meeting
by virtue of the fact that it has been advertised as a C-2 rezoning petition.
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Planning Commission
June 25, 1990
Page 3
Mr. Merrell stated that, if the consensus of the Planning Commission is to
recommend this rezoning, the staff will take a hard look at it when they do the
new zoning mapping. At that time, they might be agreeable to recommending a
change to I-1. Mr. Horne stated that they would have no objection to that.
NOTION
Commissioner Cato moved to recommend approval of the rezoning subject to the
staff's recommendations, seconded by Springborn. The motion passed 7-0-0 with
Ozment and Tarvin absent.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING PETITION #R90-15
MARK MARTIN - 2143 GREEN ACRES RD
The third item on the agenda was a public hearing for rezoning petition #R90-15
submitted by Mark Martin and represented by Jim McCord, Attorney, for property
located at 2143 Green Acres Road (Lot 1 of Green Acres Subdivision) containing
1.68 acres. The request is to rezone from R-1, Low Density Residential, to R-
0, Residential -Office.
John Merrell, Planning Management Director, stated that they are requesting this
change in order to be allowed to construct a new law office. The area along
Green Acres Road from North College Avenue to Colt Square has been developed in
mostly offices and professional land uses. The staff feels that this area has
been a good transition zone between the strip commercial along North College and
the residential areas to the west of Green Acres Road. The staff hasn't
received any complaints from the residential areas regarding any problems with
the offices that have been developed there. The staff is recommending approval
of this rezoning petition subject to a Bill of Assurance that provides a tree
preservation plan and certifies the owner's guarantee that a minimum of 60% of
the existing on-site trees with a diameter or caliber of 8" or more be retained
and that they be protected during the construction and paving process. The
staff further recommends that they have the latitude to negotiate with Mr. Martin
and his contractors and agents in case a situation comes up where the 60% would
negatively impact the construction process.
Curtis Hogue, attorney, stated that Mr. McCord could not be present and asked
him to represent Mr. Martin. He added that a Bill of Assurance in accordance
with the staff recommendation has been prepared and executed.
Chairman Hanna asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak in favor of
or in opposition to this request
Rosemary Austin of 2141 Green Acres Road stated that she is against this rezoning
for several reasons like why they want to rezone that particular lot, when there
are other areas nearby already zoned for office and commercial. She added that
she has known some people who wanted to buy this property and continue using it
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Planning Commission
June 25, 1990
Page 4
as residential property. She asked the Planning Commission to consider denying
the rezoning.
Chairman Hanna advised Mrs. Austin that, according to the ordinance, the
developers will have to screen between their property and her R-1 property.
Mr. Merrell agreed. Chairman Hanna commented that all the land along Green Acres
Road was recommended to eventually be rezoned to R-0 20 years ago in the General
Plan, and he expects that even Mrs. Austin's property will be rezoned R-0
someday.
There being no one else wanting to speak, the public hearing was closed.
MOTION
Commissioner Allred moved to recommend approval of the rezoning petition from
R-1 to R-0 subject to the staff's comments and the Bill of Assurance, seconded
by Cato. The motion passed 7-0-0.
PRELIMINARY PLAT OF JASON P. KENNEDY ESTATES
BILL KENNEDY - N OF TOWNSHIP, E OF OLD WIRE RD
The fourth item on the agenda was the preliminary plat of Jason P. Kennedy
Estates submitted by Harry Gray of Northwest Engineers on behalf of Bill Kennedy
for property located on the north side of Township Road, east of Old Wire Road.
The property is zoned R-1, Low Density Residential, containing 1.9 acres with
7 proposed lots.
Don Bunn, City Engineer, stated that there doesn't appear to be any problems as
far as utility access to this location. He noted that there was a question
about access to Township from these lots. The staff found notes in the Planning
Office which indicate that access to Township Road in some locations is
prohibited. However, there were no general guidelines found. With further
research, it appeared that the restrictions to the access of Township were in
relation to specific subdivisions. Usually in a large subdivision access to
lots, which have frontage on two streets, is restricted to the minor street
involved. Because of the configuration of the property, there isn't another
street that can be accessed in this particular development. When Township was
built several years ago, the subject property belonged to the church. At that
time, the Planning Commission granted three lots splits to the church along with
three accesses to Township. Those lot splits were never taken by the church.
Since that time, this is the second tract they have sold off to be developed as
a subdivision. He noted that he believes the intent of the Planning Commission
was to allow access for whatever splits that the church would take. At any rate,
the staff's recommendation is that the subdivision be approved with the approval
of access to Township. He advised that there are two lots in the subdivision
(lots 4 & 5) which will be deeded to the Parks Department to be a part of Gulley
Park in lieu of parks fees. As far as the access to Township, each driveway
will be configured to avoid cars backing out onto Township Road. The staff's
recommendation is to approve the preliminary plat subject to the Plat Review
comments, the driveway restrictions, the dedication of the land for the park,
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Planning Commission
June 25, 1990
Page 5
and approval of the plans and specifications for water and sewer extensions.
He noted that there is already a sidewalk existing along Township at this site.
Chairman Hanna advised that the Subdivision Committee did not meet on this
development.
Harry Gray, representative for the owner, stated that, if Gulley Park is
developed as accepted by the City, he doesn't see an alternative other than what
is proposed for development of this strip of land on Township.
In answer to a question from Commissioner Allred, Mr. Gray stated that lot 5 is
one of the lots that will be dedicated as part of the park in lieu of greenspace
fees.
MOTION
Commissioner Nickle moved to approve this preliminary plat subject to the staff's
recommendations, seconded by Springborn. The motion passed 7-0-0.
CONDITIONAL USE FOR AIR STRIP
DR. FLOYD HARRIS - S OF MT COMFORT RD, E OF RUPPLE RD
The fifth item on the agenda was a conditional use for an air strip submitted
by Dr. Floyd Harris for property located south of Mt. Comfort Road and east of
Rupple Road and zoned R-1, Low Density Residential.
John Merrell, Planning Management Director, stated that Dr. Harris' former
proposal for Mt. Comfort Air Park was before the Planning Commission on March
12th, April 9th, and April 23rd. After the April 23rd meeting, the Planning
Commission voted to deny the conditional use for that property. The staff's
decision to require a conditional use permit was then appealed to the Board of
Adjustment. The Board denied that appeal. At this point, Dr. Harris is
requesting a conditional use for his personal use of the air strip. Included
in the agenda packet is a letter from Dr. Harris dated June 8, 1990, stating that
the air strip is restricted only to pilots that have the owner's permission to
land. He advised that the property was annexed in the late 60's. As the staff
understands it, Dr. Harris' first logged landing on this air strip was in the
late 70's with activity at various times in the 1980's and this year. The staff
has determined that Dr. Harris' landing strip was not installed or used in
accordance with the zoning ordinance. Dr. Harris and his attorney, Mr. Adams,
met to discuss this with the staff on June 11th.
Mr. Merrell noted that the City has no records of any complaints being received
regarding the air strip before the air park proposal was submitted. The staff
is recommending that the conditional use permit be approved based on some
restrictions in an attempt to ensure that Dr. Harris can continue his operations
with a minimal amount of distraction to the neighbors. Due to the controversy
in the area, the staff recommends that the Planning Commission attach a time
limitation to the approval of the conditional use permit. The staff recommends
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Planning Commission
June 25, 1990
Page 6
that approval be based on no physical improvements (such as insulation of the
hangar or the installation of lighting) or expansions being made to the airstrip.
The staff also recommends that the issue of commercial flight operations be
considered. It is the staff's understanding that Dr. Harris does occasionally
fly his airplane with banners behind it. It is questionable as to whether or
not that could really be called a commercial operation. The final comment is
that the staff wants to make it quite clear that their recommendation should not
be viewed as an avenue leading back to the air park proposal. The approval
should be based on no access, either improved or unimproved, being provided for
any aircraft to taxi to the air strip from any other location on the Harris
property or any adjacent land.
In answer to a question from Commissioner Klingaman, Mr. Merrell stated that most
of the property is within the City Limits. Only the extreme western edge of it
is outside the City. The portion that is outside the City would not be affected
by whatever action is taken today.
Chairman Hanna requested that all comments made by members of the audience be
addressed to the Planning Commission and not to each other. He noted that those
people wanting to speak to this item have signed the list and he will call each
name. He added that they will first hear from the attorney or the
representative for each side. He asked that all others wanting to speak limit
their comments to new and pertinent information with a time limit of three
minutes. He advised that the Planning Commission is here to decide on a
conditional use request to allow Dr. Harris to continue using this air strip as
his private landing strip. He commented that the Planning Commission is not here
to address the issues that were brought before when the last conditional use
request was brought before the Planning Commission. This time they are not
considering any expanded or enlarged use of the air strip.
E.J. Ball, Attorney at Law, stated that Dr. Harris' practice is not limited to
the Fayetteville area; he also serves northwest Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas.
He uses his airplane to commute daily as one would use their automobile from
their home to their place of work. In order for him to fly his plane, he has
to comply with federal regulations because the FAA controls and regulates the
air space. Each plane has a log which is maintained and kept according to those
rules. This log goes with the plane when it is sold or disposed of. According
to his log book, the first landing on this air strip was in 1977. This airport
landing strip is a private strip with limited control by the Federal Government.
Mr. Ball presented three documents to the Planning Commission for examination.
The first document was an aerial photo of the area with the landing strip. Mr.
Ball advised that this photo was taken several years ago because the landing
strip is bare. Since that time, it has been sown in bermuda grass which
prevents erosion and damage to aircraft. He noted that Dr. Harris wasn't aware
that the property was within the City Limits when he constructed his buildings.
He advised that he would like to have the opportunity for a rebuttal after other
individuals have spoken.
Another document presented was a smaller map showing the air strip in
relationship to the vicinity. The last document presented was a larger map
Planning Commission
June 25, 1990
Page 7
pertaining to controlled approaches, landings and takeoffs for Drake Field.
He noted that most of the time they are landing from the north going south.
Mr. Ball advised that the staff report listed several conditions that the staff
wanted the Commission to consider, if this were approved. One concern is the
nature of Dr. Harris' flight operation. This area is sparely populated and the
landing pattern from either direction for this landing strip doesn't cover any
subdivisions. Therefore, Dr. Harris doesn't fly over any dwellings of any kind
when landing or taking off. As far as the orientation of the airstrip and its
relationship to Drake Field, Dr. Harris has to check in with Drake Field each
time he takes or lands at his air strip. After landing, he contacts the airport
again. This is not because these are any regulations in the City of
Fayetteville or from the State of Arkansas, but because of the regulations of
the Federal Aviation Authority. Regarding the issue of possible commercial
flight operations, Dr. Harris intends to use the air strip for his personal use
to travel to and from his work. His plane isn't large enough to engage in a
lot of commercial activity. He doesn't sell any gas or operate any mechanical
maintenance. Dr. Harris doesn't contemplate doing any improvements immediately.
If he puts up lights, it would only be for safety purposes. He stated that they
would be opposed to a trial period because the records show he has been landing
there since 1977. There is also the issue of whether friends and acquaintances
of Dr. Harris' should be allowed to land and take off at this air strip on some
limited basis. The City doesn't regulate who could visit him in an automobile,
so why should they limit the people who could come to see him in an airplane.
The nature of the air strip (the length) itself limits the horsepower of the
plane engines flying in. As far as the noise issue, Dr. Harris' plane has
doesn't create enough noise to bother the neighbors. He stated that he feels
a conditional use should be granted to Dr. Harris for his use of this air strip.
Mr. Ball reserved the right to rebut any comments made by the opposition.
Erwin Davis, attorney representing the Mt. Comfort neighborhood, advised that
the statement was made that Dr. Harris has been landing his plane there since
1977. He stated that there are about 60 witnesses in this room who would
testify that they never saw a plane land or take off at this location until a
year and one half ago. He noted that Mr. Ball presented an aerial photo to the
Commission earlier which was supposed to be what the air strip looked like
several years ago, but it was not taken several years ago. It was made within
the last one and one half years. As the best proof of that, they have the
original of a photograph that is on record with the United States Government at
the Soil Conservancy in the Federal Court House. This photograph shows that
on December 12, 1986, there was not one semblance of any air strip of any kind
at this location. The truth is that it was within the last year and one half
that the neighborhood noticed any aircraft activity. All the bulldozing,
cutting trees and earmarking of an airstrip occurred in the year 1989 or later.
When the neighbors did notice aircraft activity, they immediately thought that
Dr. Harris had federal approval to be landing there. Therefore, the first
complaints were being registered within several months after the neighbors first
noticed activity. Dr. Harris took a chance in spending money on his air strip
in an R-1 zoning district without requesting approval from the City first. He
started using that strip for his own private purposes in total violation of City
Planning Commission
June 25, 1990
Page 8
ordinances. He stated that this property owner needs to realize that, in any
Fayetteville neighborhood, the neighbors would largely object to an air strip
which would cobble up future growth, cause skyrocketing insurance rates, make
noise, and create safety problems. These neighbors don't want the air strip in
their neighborhood nor do they feel that Dr. Harris should be rewarded for his
bare aggressiveness. They are concerned that, if temporary approval is given,
it will ripen into permanency.
Mr. Davis advised that he has the Minutes of the August 26, 1985 Board of
Directors meeting pertaining to a rezoning request by Dr. Harris and J.B. Hayes.
The plat submitted with that petition doesn't designate an air strip of any kind
on the property. The Younkin air strip was grandfathered in, but Dr. Harris's
air strip was not grandfathered in, since it was not in use in 1970 and before.
He advised that Dr. Harris did not own this property until 1974. He requested
that the Commission deny this conditional use once and for all.
E.J. Ball advised that he doesn't want the people in attendance who are
supporting Dr. Harris to speak.
Debbie Steinburg of 3281 Mt. Comfort Road stated that it was surprising to the
neighborhood to find that, when the establishment and the activity over this land
was deemed illegal, it was not enforced. They are apprehensive about the
potential of Dr. Harris obtaining a conditional use and being allowed to
supervise who comes in and out on this land. She noted that they are also
concerned that Dr. Harris might give an instructor permission to teach flying
to students over their homes. They believe that any approval of this should
be strenuously limited. A denial of this conditional use would not ground Dr.
Harris, because there is an airport five miles away.
Wilson Kimbrough of 3110 Mt. Comfort Road stated that planes from this air strip
do fly over houses. The neighborhood's objections are essentially the same as
they were before. They are concerned that this request is a preparation for
an expansion of the conditional use, until it achieves what was originally
requested by Dr. Harris. Having lived in this area since 1956, he noted that
he was unaware of any planes in or out of this pasture earlier than 1989. He
then begin to call FAA offices and discuss the matter with their neighbors.
He advised that he has spoken with a number of citizens over the City of
Fayetteville and got a sense of widespread sympathy and support for those who
are opposed to this airport.
Aileen Kimbrough advised that she has not noticed the landing or taking off of
planes before the past two years. She noted her concern that, if Dr. Harris
is granted this approval for his use and a few friends, there will be several
more planes in their neighborhood. She noted that this is not compatible with
their community.
Frank Beatty of 3350 Mt. Comfort Road stated that they have lived directly across
the east end of Dr. Harris' property for thirty years and didn't notice any
planes flying in there before 1988. He added that this air strip is dangerous
because it lies at right angles to the prevailing winds.
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Planning Commission
June 25, 1990
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Bennie Harris of 3173 Mt. Comfort Road stated that he was aware of the landing
strip when he built his home there, but he assumed that it was proper and legal.
Now that he has a voice, he is strictly against the landing strip. He stated
that not many of the people supporting the air strip seem to live in the area
or seem to be affected by this. He noted that there have been planes taking
off and landing from this air strip with banners that advertise businesses or
products and he considers that to be commercial flight. He added that he is
strictly against the landing strip.
Tom Lavender, who lives on North Sang Avenue, stated that his wife's uncle owns
the 40 acres of land just south of Dr. Harris' farm. There was a roadway opened
from Mt. Comfort Road for ingress/egress to this property and other farms. Dr.
Harris has fenced in a part of this roadway and claims it although he doesn't
own it. He added that he was here when Drake Field was built. It was
supposedly unuseable for anything other than Piper Cubs but look what it has
grown into. If this air strip is allowed to continue, it will grow also. He
was opposed to it.
John Dockery of 3225 Mt. Comfort Road stated that his property joins Dr. Harris'
property. The air strip extends right up to his property, and the planes barely
get off the ground before they cross his property. This will, therefore,
prevent any development on his property and will affect him financially. He
added that they are very much opposed to it.
Karen Springston of 3008 Mt. Comfort Road stated that she is concerned about the
safety aspect and how this will affect the people in the neighborhood
financially, specifically their insurance rates.
E. J. Ball presented two other exhibits for the Commission's review. The first
was a list of the property owners adjacent to the subject property. He noted
that most of the speakers in opposition do not appear on this list. He
presented a survey of the plat in rebuttal to the comments made by Mr. Lavender
regarding a litigation involving Dr. Harris concerning the ownership of some
property. He stated that, with respect to this, Dr. Harris did in fact put up
a fence between him and Mr. Steinburg's property and did cut the trees in the
area in 1985. He advised that Dr. Harris has flown in and out of his air
strip six times in the last week to serve his patients. Dr. Harris certainly
has a right to make reasonable use of this property in connection with his
neighbors. He noted that it is clear that the reasonable use of the property
would be for him to use his private airplane in order to carry on his practice.
He requested that the Commission give this considerable thought before making
their decision.
Erwin Davis stated that, regarding the list of owners Mr. Ball presented for
their review, everyone who spoke gave their names and addresses and are who they
profess to be. He indicated that Mrs. Goforth isn't present to oppose this
because of her age. As far as planes flying over houses, each time a plane took
off to the west at the noise demonstration, it was no more than 200' over Mrs.
Goforth's house. He commented that this suit over property brought up by Mr.
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Planning Commission
June'25, 1990
Page 10
Ball has nothing to do with this hearing. This neighborhood is legitimately
concerned about these low flying airplanes. The most reasonable use for that
land is for a subdivision or one property.
The Public Hearing was closed and discussion took place among the Commission.
Chairman Hanna stated that he did make it a point to ask Mrs. Goforth, who is
an old friend of his family, about this issue. She stated that she was not going
to sign anything opposing this airstrip, because Dr. Harris had been a very good
neighbor.
John Merrell stated that he wanted to make the Commission aware that a new
preliminary subdivision plat has received in the last few days for the property
(the same property which was once proposed for the twenty-seven lot air park with
taxi -way access to the air strip). This plat went to the Plat Review Committee
last week and will be going to the Planning Commission in July. It shows a
proposed street coming off of Mt. Comfort Road and looping around with four cul-
de-sac streets going back up toward Mt. Comfort Road. This preliminary plat
proposes 89 new single-family residential lots.
Mr. Merrell reiterated that the staff's recommendation is that a conditional use
permit be approved for this with about ten conditions that should be considered.
He noted that the Commission should be careful in granting any sort of approval
for a conditional use permit for this property. The staff is concerned that the
approval for a conditional use permit for Dr. Harris to continue his own use of
the air strip could be construed as a passive approval of another subdivision
plat with taxi -way access to the runway. It would be the staff's
recommendation that, if the Commission approves this conditional use, they
include some sort of language making it clear that it is the understanding of
the Commission that it would only be for the use of Dr. Harris. If the
Commission approves a conditional use for Dr. Harris and "a few friends" to
continue to use this air strip, there is no way that the staff can enforce any
of the conditions. He added that he doesn't have a definite recommendation on
the issue of commercial use. He advised that the Younkin Air Strip was
grandfathered in, and it doesn't seem to have hindered development of
subdivisions adjacent to that property.
In answer to a question from Chairman Hanna, Mr. Merrell stated that the staff
would feel more comfortable if there was a proviso attached to approval
prohibited enlargement or expansion of the air strip without getting approval
from the Planning Commission. The final issue would be whether or not the
Commission felt it desirable to grant the permit for a limited amount of time
so that it could be reviewed later on.
In answer to a question from Commissioner Klingaman, Mr. Merrell stated that he
was unaware of the proposed 89 lot preliminary plat, when he prepared the staff
report. However, that would not have altered his recommendation on approval of
the air strip.
Mr. Davis objected to the City not informing them of the filing of this
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Planning Commission
June 25, 1990
Page 11
subdivision plat so that it could have been incorporated into their hearing.
Chairman Hanna stated that the proposed preliminary plat indicates that Dr.
Harris is giving up on the air park idea and plans to sell the property for
development that doesn't relate to the air strip. If the conditional use is
approved, it will be approved only for Dr. Harris' use with the proviso that it
can't be expanded or extended. Mr. Davis stated that only the most naive would
believe that those two are not connected. The proposed plat should be made
known to those people so that they can look at the two together. Chairman Hanna
advised that the proposed subdivision plat will have to be approved by the
Planning Commission, so they will have a chance to review it at that time.
Commissioner Springborn stated that he is impressed with the fact that Dr. Harris
has maintained compliance with all of the federal regulations but didn't take
the trouble to come to the City to find out where the City Limits were when he
built the structures there. He is further impressed that, in 1985, he had
plans to do something other than what is now being considered and must have
included an alternate site for his private use of aircraft. Nevertheless, he
is operating an airstrip for business purposes of a medical nature.
MOTION
Commissioner Springborn moved to grant the conditional use subject to a statement
or Bill of Assurance from Dr. Harris that the air strip will be used as is and
that his use of the air strip will be strictly personal. (He explained that
"strictly personal", in his view, incorporates occasional use by friends, but
does not include the use of the strip for anything that might be construed to
be of a commercial nature.) The motion was seconded by Commissioner Allred.
Commissioner Klingaman advised that he was prepared to vote for the motion to
allow a conditional use for this air strip prior to hearing about the proposed
89 -lot preliminary plat. He noted that the possible addition of a major
subdivision on the property next to the air strip casts a different light on
this.
In answer to a question from Commissioner Cleghorn, Mr. Merrell stated that there
is nothing in the zoning ordinance that states that most conditional uses
automatically come back before this Commission for some sort of review with the
exception of Home Occupations in the R-1 zone. Other than that, unless the
Commission puts a time limit on a conditional use, it does not automatically come
back to the Commission.
AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION
Commissioner Springborn amended his motion to state that this conditional use
would be approved for a period of one year at which time it would be reviewed
again by the Planning Commission, seconded by Allred. The motion passed 6-1-
0 with Cleghorn, Allred, Springborn, Hanna, Cato and Nickle voting "yes",
Klingaman voting "no" and Ozment & Tarvin absent.
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Planning Commission
June 25, 1990
Page 12
OTHER BUSINESS
ABSENTEEISM
Chairman Hanna advised that the bylaws for the Planning Commission state that
a member that is absent from three consecutive meetings, unless it is an
emergency situation, can be automatically dropped from the Planning Commission.
He noted that David Ozment had written a letter explaining his recent absences.
The staff is a little concerned about the absenteeism from the meetings recently,
and he urged everyone to attend the meetings if at all possible.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairman Hanna advised that there hasn't been enough of the Subdivision Committee
members available to hold meetings several times recently. He noted that they
need another member for that Committee. Commissioner Charles Nickle volunteered
to serve on that Committee.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.