Town of Holly Springs

Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2001

 

MINUTES

 

The Holly Springs Town Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2001 in the Town Board meeting chambers, located in Town Hall, 128 S. Main St.  Mayor Parrish L. Womble presided, calling the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  A quorum was established as the mayor and four board members were present as the meeting opened, and Commissioner Atwell arrived within one minute.

 

Board Members Present:  Commissioners Tim Sack, John Schifano, Chet VanFossen, and Hank Dickson and Mayor Womble.

 

Board Members Absent: Commissioner Atwell arrived at 7:01 p.m.

 

Staff Members Present: Carl G. Dean, town manager; Chuck Simmons, assistant town manager; Ernest C. Pearson, town attorney; Joni Powell, town clerk (recording the minutes); Linda Harper, deputy town clerk; Gina Bobber, planning and zoning director, Drew Holland, finance director; Jennifer Carr, director of economic development; Len Bradley, director of parks and recreation; and Stephanie Sudano, director of engineering.

 

2 and 3.  The pledge of allegiance was recited, and the meeting opened with an invocation by Mayor Womble.

 

4.  Agenda Adjustment – The Oct. 16, 2001 meeting agenda was adopted with changes, if any, as listed below.

            Motion Made By: Sack

            Motion Seconded By: VanFossen

            Vote: Unanimous.

            Items Added to Agenda:  None

            Consent Agenda Items Removed:  None

            Other Changes: None.

 

5. Special Presentation – Ms. Bobber announced that November 8 is World Planning Day, and she reported that Mayor Womble, on behalf of the Town Board, had declared November 8, 2001 as Town of Holly Springs Planning Day through a mayoral proclamation.

            Mayor Womble read the proclamation to the Board members and the public.

            Action:  No action needed for this item. 

 

6.  Consent Agenda – All items on the Consent Agenda were approved following a motion by Commissioner Dickson, a second by Commissioner Atwell and a unanimous vote.  The following actions were affected:

            6a.  Time Warner Cable – An order establishing an accounting and tolling order in the matter of the review of FCC-1240, FCC-1205, and FCC-1235 fillings for regulated cable service provide by Time Warner Cable was adopted.   A copy of the tolling order is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

            6b.   Budget Amendments, FY 2000-01 – Budget amendments to the prior FY 2000-01 budget year were adopted to properly align accounts in the General Fund, Utility Fund and Project Funds.  Copies of the amendments are incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

6c.  Minutes - Minutes of the Board’s regular meetings held Sept. 18, and Oct. 2, 2001 were approved.

 

7.        Drainage Proposal --  Mrs. Sudano stated that recent significant rainfall events in

the southwestern Wake County have highlighted some of the problems associated with and common in rapidly developing areas such as Holly Springs.  Drainage complaints have reached a stage where they are very common and quite numerous after such events, she said.

Mrs. Sudano said staff recommends that a consultant specializing in urban drainage issues be retained to assist the Town with a goal of the following:  preventing or “heading off” additional future complaints (as much as possible); addressing those existing complaints that are determined to be the Town’s responsibility; providing guidance to citizens on those that are determined not to be the Town’s responsibility; developing policies to insure consistent response to citizens with drainage complaints; and developing updated ordinances and standards for new development to “head off” future complaints and problems.

Mrs. Sudano said that the proposal totals $23,500.

She also pointed out a change in the contract to clarify that the work will be done in coordination with the completion of the Land Use element of the UDO (and not in coordination with completion of the UDO itself).

            Action:  The Board approved a motion to enter into an agreement for professional services with The Rose Group, Inc. of Fayetteville in the amount of $23,500, to prepare an urban drainage study to include:

            Motion By: Sack

            Second By:  Atwell

            Vote: Unanimous

            A copy of the proposal is incorporated I into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

8a.  Public Hearing: Zoning Ordinance Amendment 01-ZOA-05, R-MF (Multi-Family Residential district) – Ms. Bobber explained that staff presented a draft of a Multi-Family Residential Zoning District proposal to the Planning Board at its September 25, 2001 meeting.  Ms. Bobber reported the Planning Board deferred action on the proposed ordinance amendment; therefore, the public hearing should be opened and continued until Nov. 6, 2001.

            With that explanation completed, Mayor Womble opened the public hearing to accept public comments. 

There were no comments, and the public hearing was continued to resume on Nov. 6.

           

8b.  Public Hearing:  Cross Pointe Village Housing Development Project – Mrs. Carr stated that this public hearing is part of the town’s close-out procedure for the grant the town received toward infrastructure improvements to Cross Pointe Village subdivision.  She provided the Board with highlights of the project that offered homebuyers new homes in an affordable price range.

            With that explanation completed, Mayor Womble opened the public hearing to accept public comments. 

There were no comments, and the public hearing was closed.

            No action required nor taken.

 

8c.  Public Hearing:  Zoning Ordinance Amendment, 01-ZOA-04 – Ms. Bobber said over the past year, both the Town Board and the Planning Board have expressed concerns regarding the fact that the Town currently has one "commercial" zoning district that can be applied Town-wide.  Therefore, staff has prepared a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to create a new commercial district that will allow for less intense development than the current C-1 Commercial District.

The proposed district would be C-2 Light Commercial District.  The permitted uses are further restricted than C-1 and the building size is also restricted in order to prevent “big box” users.  No outdoor operations would be allowed in this district as they are with a Special Use Permit in the C-1.

Ms. Bobber stated the proposed district would mirror one of the new districts that will be created in the upcoming UDO, and adoption of this zoning ordinance amendment would begin a transition to more opportunities for commercial development.  All existing regulations for signage master plans and architectural compatibility will still apply to any new development in this district.

Ms. Bobber said it is anticipated that this district will be used for future rezoning requests and that staff is not anticipating initiating any rezonings to modify existing zoning designations.  This district would be appropriate for most intersections within the NVD activity nodes on the Comprehensive Growth Plan as well as in other commercially designated "strip" areas.

Ms. Bobber stated the Planning Board first reviewed this request at its Aug. 28, 2001 meeting and requested additional information from the Economic Development Department prior to acting on the proposal.  At its meeting on Sept. 25, 2001, Ms. Carr supported the proposal and the Planning Board also recommended approval.

            With that explanation completed, Mayor Womble opened the public hearing to accept public comments, and the following comments were offered.

            Glenn Myrto, 408 W. Ballentine Street – Mr. Myrto said he feels an alternative zoning district is needed, but he is not satisfied with the resulting draft.  He said he felt that a gas station should not be allowed in a C-2 zone, even with a special use permit; he said he felt it should be a less-intense zone to be used as a commercial zone neighboring residential areas; he said he felt that some of the square footage limits were too large.

There being no further public comments, the public hearing was closed.

            Commissioner Atwell said he had been expecting a less-intense commercial zoning district in C-2 than was being proposed, pointing out that bed and breakfast inns and museums were not allowed in the district, but a gas station would be with a special use permit. He asked for examples of the square footage limits noted in the proposal.

Ms. Bobber explained that the C-2 zone was being proposed for the Neighborhood Village District nodes and C-1 would be for Community Activity Centers.

Commissioner Atwell said he envisioned a much softer zoning category for C-2.  He suggested that a C-3 zone also be created.

            After must discussion, commissioners agreed that the proposal should be amended to remove gas stations from the C-2 and C-2 SUD uses and to add bed and breakfast inns, museums and art galleries as permitted uses.  Some commissioners also felt that the square footage limits should be decreased.

            Action #1:  The Board made a motion to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment 01-ZOA-04 with the following changes:  to remove gasoline stations from the C-2 and C-2 SUD uses and to add bed and breakfast inns, museums and art galleries as permitted uses.  The motion did not pass

            Motion By:  Sack

            Second By:  VanFossen

            Vote:  Motion failed, 3-2.  Commissioners VanFossen and Sack voted for.  Commissioners Schifano, Atwell and Dickson voted against. 

            Action #2:  The Board approved a motion to approve zoning ordinance amendment 01-ZOA-04 to amend Section 9-4031, Establishment and Purposed of Districts and Section 9-4038 Regulations for Office and Institutional, Commercial and Light Industrial District to create a new C-2, Light Commercial District and C-2 SUD, Light Commercial Special Use District with the following 3 changes:

            Remove gasoline stations as a use in the C-2 or C-2 SUD zones;

            Allow bed and breakfast inns, libraries, museums, and art galleries;

            Limit shopping centers to a maximum of 60,000 square feet.

            Motion By:  Schifano

            Second By:  Atwell

            Vote:  Unanimous

 

8d.  Public Hearing:  Rezoning Petition, 01-REZ-09 – Ms. Bobber said Rezoning Petition 01-REZ-09 is initiated by the Town to assign Holly Springs zoning districts to 11 parcels within the Fair Share Annexation Area, which will become part of the Town, effective Oct. 17, but which are currently outside of the Town’s jurisdiction.  The petition requests that three parcels (approximately 8.84 acres) along Sunset Lake Road be zoned R-20: Residential/ Agricultural District and eight parcels (approximately 75.4 acres) at the intersection of Kildaire Farm Road and Holly Springs Road be zoned C-1: Commercial District. 

            With that explanation completed, Mayor Womble opened the public hearing to accept public comments.

            Pat Johnson, 2601 Sweetgum Drive, Apex – Mrs. Johnson explained that she owns one of the subject tracts and believes that if her property is rezoned to commercial as proposed, the value of her property would result in a dramatically higher tax bill.

            She agreed that a commercial zoning was appropriate for the property, but she asked that the Town set an effective date of after Jan. 1, 2002 so that she would have a year to market the property, which is for sale, and not have to pay the higher tax bill.

            Don Morris, 103 Spring Street – Mr. Morris received a notice and asked if someone could show him what property is being rezoned and what effect it would have on his property.  It was indicated to Mr. Morris that there would be no effect on his property.

There being no further public comments, the public hearing was closed.

            There were further discussion regarding the Residential-20 zoning district verses Residential-10 zoning district.  Ms. Bobber stated that all the three (3) lots conform to Residential-20 zoning districts at this time.  All the other lots identified in the Fair Share annexation area are currently zoned Residential-20 zoning district.  There were further discussion regarding the mobile home park.

Action #1:  The Board approved a motion to approve the rezoning petition 01-REZ-09 to set the zoning of 8.84 acres from Wake County R-30 to Holly Springs R-20; Residential/Agricultural District. 

Motion By:  Sack

Second By:  Schifano

Vote:  Unanimous

 

            Action #2:  The Board approved a motion to approve the rezoning petition 01-REZ-09 to set the zoning of 75.4 acres located at the intersection of Kildaire Farm Road and Holly Springs Road, from Wake County R-30 to Holly Springs C-1: Commercial District, the 75.4 acres, zoning to be effective January 15, 2002.

            Motion By: Sack

            Second By:  Atwell

            Vote: Unanimous

 

8e.  Pubic Hearing:  01-SUP-09, Hanson Aggregate Southeast – Ms. Bobber explained that the applicant is requesting a Special Use Permit 01-SUP-09 and Zoning Permit 01-ZPF-10 for construction of a maintenance/shop building.  Ms. Bobber said the Planning Board reviewed the application on Sept. 25, 2001 and recommends approval with conditions.

Ms. Bobber explained the request would increase the number of approved buildings on the site from three to four.   The amendment also will altar an original special condition, in regard to access and haul routes.   Ms. Bobber added that two of the conditions of the original approved special use permit – dealing with open space and entrance improvements – have not been provided; however, she said, both have been carried over in the recommendation for approval with conditions.

Ms.  Bobber explained that the purpose of the public hearing is to receive sworn testimony and evidence the application does or does not satisfy the general and specific conditions required by Town Code.

Ms. Bobber said the applicant is committed to constructing a park based on the special conditions of the 1989 approval which stated: “A park area consisting of a minimum of 2 acres, for use by the residents of the Town of Holly Springs and which shall include, but not be limited to, picnic area, off street parking, and one or more playing fields shall be constructed.  The applicant would not be responsible for continued maintenance once the park is constructed.”  However, staff is strongly recommending a fee-in-lieu for the park described in the original SUP, with today’s costs as estimated by a registered landscape architect.

In a supplemental exhange of letters between the Town Manager and Hanson Aggregates, it was agreed – subject to the Board’s approval -- that a fee-in-lieu of parks construction or land dedication in the amount of $25,000 would be appropriate, although “today’s costs” would be significantly higher.  According to the memo, the $25,000 would be put toward improvements at the Bass Lake Park.  It was discussed in the memo how a park at the site would not serve the public very well and that the quarry site did not impact the Town’s park system enough to justify the “today’s costs” figure of $138,000.   Ms. Bobber stated that the proposed special use and zoning permit has been reviewed by staff and planning board at their September 25, meeting and their recommending approval with the following conditions: 1.  The front entrances at Rex Road and Cass Holt Road shall be improved by paving the drives and providing decorative gates and signage as shown in the photographs provided.

2. A fee-in-lieu of $25,000 will be required instead of the construction of the park described in the original SUP.

3.  The previously agreed upon road upgrade must be completed, which involves plans to widen 2 feet on either side and strengthen Cass Holt Road (SR 1116) from the proposed entrance on Cass Holt to Buckhorn-Duncan Road (SR1119) to Duncan-Cooke Road (SR1123), a distance of 1.4 miles at a cost of $234,000.

 

4.  All conditions of approval must be completed within 6 months from the date of the Town Board approval.  If the conditions have not been completed within the allotted time the Town may revoke the Special Use Permit.

Mr. Carl Dean explained that the correspondence with Len Bradley, Parks and Recreation Director and with Hanson Aggregates that the original plan was to located a park with a picnic table at that location as the town has developed he seems to think that’s not the direction the Town needs to go.  The payment was agreed the amount of $25,000.00 payment-in-lieu and would the funds toward the Bass Lake project.  That was the Town’s recommendation.  There were further discussion regarding the design of the Bass Lake project. 

            With that explanation completed, Mayor Womble opened the public hearing to accept sworn testimony.  The following witnesses, under oath administered by the town clerk, testified:

            Wayne Phears, representative of Hanson Aggregates – Mr. Phears submitted the application, supporting documentation, site plan, the town’s recommendation and associated letters between the company and the Town of Holly Springs into the sworn record.

            A copy of these materials are incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

            Mr. Phears explained that this application is technicality asking for permission to amend the original special use permit granted in 1989 to allow the placement of a workshop on the quarry site.  He pointed out that road improvements of the original permit were redirected to SR 1127 when the Hwy 55 Bypass construction did not begin when anticipated. 

            Mr. Phears explained the original plans in that area were to be developed differently than what currently exist which currently produces less truck traffic.

            Mr. Phears also explained the future road improvements that are planned in that area. He testified that quarry traffic would not impact traffic or roadways in Holly Springs.

            There being no further witnesses to testify, the public hearing was closed.

The Board set about making their findings of fact on the application and site plan.

  1. That all applicable specific conditions pertaining to the proposed use have been

or will be satisfied. (There are four specific conditions specified in the Town Code for this type of application.) Any Manufacturing, Processing, Warehousing, Transportation Use, or Public Use Utility which involves outdoor storage, services, operations, emits or will emit smoke, odor, dust, fumes, glare, noise or vibration from the building in which it is located, or involves storage of combustible materials, or is among the uses listed as exceptions to permitted uses.

neighboring property and the Holly Springs area and shall deny the permit if an adverse effect would be created.

There was discussion of whether or not the quarry has had any negative impacts.  The Board agreed it has not heard reports of any adverse effects on property owners in the Town of Holly Springs.  The Board also noted that the application states that traffic into and out of the quarry is confined to roadways that direct traffic away from Town.

The Board found that that application satisfies this condition.

of the use from view of streets and neighboring property.

The site plan shows sufficient buffering to screen the outdoor use or portion of the

use from the view of streets and neighboring property, and the Board found the application satisfies this condition.

at all times so as not to harbor mosquitoes, vermin or otherwise be a menace to public health and safety.

The Board found that the application satisfies this condition.

and where applicable, the Wake County Health Department shall have an opportunity to review the application.  The applicant shall provide all needed information to enable the appropriate officials to determine the safety of the operations and any storage measures.

The Board found that the application satisfies this condition.

Action #1:  The Board approved a motion that the application and associated site

plan satisfy the specific conditions that apply, and that the findings are accepted by the Board.

Motion By:  Schifano

Second By:  Sack

Vote:  Unanimous

 

General Conditions Continued:

B.  Access roads or entrance and exit drives are or will be sufficient in size and properly located to ensure automotive and pedestrian safety and convenience, traffic flow and control and access in case of fire or other emergency.

The Board found that the application satisfies this condition.

C.  Off-street parking, loading, refuse, and other service areas are located so as to be safe, convenient, allow for access in case of emergency, and to minimize economic, glare, odor, and other impacts on adjoining properties and properties in the general neighborhood.

The Board found that the application satisfies this condition.

D.      Utilities, schools, fire, police and other necessary public and private facilities

and services will be adequate to handle the proposed use.

The Board found that the application satisfies this condition.

E.  The location and arrangement of the use on the site, screening, buffering, landscaping, and pedestrian ways harmonize with adjoining properties and the general area and minimize adverse impacts.

The Board found that the application satisfies this condition.

F.   The type, size, and intensity of the proposed use, including such

considerations as the hours of operation and numbers of people who are likely to utilize or be attracted to the use, will not have significant adverse impacts on adjoining properties or the neighborhood.

The Board found that the application satisfies this condition.

 

Action #2: The Board approved a motion that the application and associated site plan satisfy the general conditions and that the findings are accepted by the Board.

      Motion By:  Schifano

Second By:  VanFossen

Vote:  Unanimous

            Action #3:  After making the findings of facts the Board approved a motion to approve Special Use Permit Application 01-SUP-09 and Zoning Permit 01-ZPF-10 for Hanson Aggregates, as submitted by Ray Crouse, Applicant Project titled: Hanson Aggregates East, dated 08/29/01 with the following conditions:

1.  The front entrances at Rex Road and Cass Holt Road shall be improved by paving the drives and providing decorative gates and signage as shown in the photographs provided.

2.  A fee-in-lieu of $25,000 will be required instead of the construction of the park described in the original SUP.

3.  The previously agreed upon road upgrade must be completed, which involves plans to widen 2 feet on either side and strengthen Cass Holt Road (SR 1116) from the proposed entrance on Cass Holt to Buckhorn-Duncan Road (SR1119) to Duncan-Cooke Road (SR1123), a distance of 1.4 miles at a cost of $234,000.

 

4.  All conditions of approval must be completed within 6 months from the date of the Town Board approval.  If the conditions have not been completed within the allotted time the Town may revoke the Special Use Permit.

            Motion By:  Schifano

            Second By:  Atwell

            Vote:  unanimous

 

8f.  Appeal Hearing: Oak Hall  Subdivision, Phase 8, Soil & Erosion Control Violation   Mrs. Sudano stated under the provisions of the Town’s Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance, appeals regarding civil penalty enforcement actions are made to the Town Board.  The Town recently levied a one time civil penalty in the amount of $2,500 against the owner of the Oak Hall Subdivision, Phase 8, JLG Corporation, for installation of two 48” storm drainage pipes and associated sedimentation measures for which a plan had not been submitted nor approved by the Town.

Mrs. Sudano explained the person who requested the hearing was not in attendance.  She suggested that the hearing be opened and then continued at the next Town Board meeting to give the owner a chance to be heard.

            The Board continued the public hearing until Nov. 6 and requested that town staff send the owner a notice by certified letter.

 

9.  Public Comment – At this time, an opportunity was provided for members of the audience to address the Board on any variety of topics not listed on the night’s agenda.  The following comments were offered:  None.

 

10.       Other Business   Commissioner Dickson said he felt Town staff should provide

local newspapers and television stations with regular press releases, especially those of a positive nature.  Mr. Dean said staff will be instructed to do this.

 

11.       Manager’s Reports – None

 

            At this time, the Board agreed to recess for a few moments before entering into Closed Session.

 

12.  Closed Session – The Board to entered Closed Session, pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 to hold consultation with counsel and G.S. 143-318.11 to discuss the Wake County vs. Holly Springs matter.

 

General Account, Closed Session – Oct. 16, 2001

            After discussion with the Town Attorney, the Board directed him to proceed with formulating a proposed franchise ordinance amendment with BFI containing additional considerations for the Town in exchange for agreeing to the company’s request to remain in operation through December 2004, rather than December 2002.

            The Town Attorney reported as to the status of the Wake County vs. Holly Springs matter.

-- End General Account

 

13.  Adjournment  – There being no further business for the evening, the Oct. 16, 2001 meeting of the Holly Springs Board of Commissioners was adjourned following a motion by Commissioner Schifano, a second by Commissioner Atwell and a unanimous vote.

 

Respectfully Submitted on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2001,

 

 

 

 

___________________________

Linda Harper, Deputy Town Clerk

Addendum pages as referenced in these minutes follow and are a part of the official record.