Holly Springs Town Council Minutes

 

Regular Meeting

Oct. 4, 2005

 

The Holly Springs Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 4, 2005, in the Council Chambers of Holly Springs Town Hall, 128 S. Main Street.  Mayor Dick Sears presided, calling the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.  A quorum was established as the mayor and four council members were present as the meeting opened. 

 

Council Members Present:  Councilmen Parrish Womble, Chet VanFossen, Peter Atwell, and Hank Dickson, and Mayor Sears.  Councilman Ernie Pearson arrived at 7:35 p.m.

 

Council Members Absent:  none, after Councilman Pearson arrived.

 

Staff Members Present: Chuck Simmons, assistant town manager; John Schifano, town attorney; Joni Powell, town clerk (recording the minutes); Gina Bobber, director of planning and zoning; Scott Hammerbacher, planner; Kendra Stephenson, senior engineer; Stephanie Sudano, director of engineering; Elizabeth Goodson, development review engineer; Drew Holland, finance director; Jenny Mizelle, director of economic development; and Len Bradley, director of parks and recreation.

 

2 and 3.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the meeting opened with an invocation by Councilman Womble.

 

4.  Agenda Adjustment:  The October 4, 2005 meeting agenda was adopted with changes, if any, as listed below.                                   

            Motion By: Dickson

            Second By:  VanFossen

Vote: Unanimous

            Items Added to the Agenda:  None.

            Consent Agenda Items Removed:  None.

            Other Changes:  None.

 

5.  Public Hearing:  04-SEU-13, Sonshine Gymnastics -  Mr. Hammerbacher reported that the Town had received special exception use petition 05-SEU-13 for Sonshine Gymnastics to allow a gymnastic studio located at 137 Thomas Mill Road.

            Mr. Hammerbacher said that the applicant is proposing to locate a 12,500 -square-foot gymnastic studio on a 4.7-acre site within the Holland Industrial Park.  He said the plan indicates an area for a proposed outdoor pool, which is to be located on the southwest corner of the property adjacent to the main facility.  

            Mr. Hammerbacher said that the plan is proposing 60 parking spaces, located along the front and side of the building.  He said the front and 25% of the side facades of the building are proposed to be constructed primarily with terra cotta colored split face block and accented with a stone colored Structo-Roc finish along the upper portions of the elevations.  He said the remaining surfaces of the side facades would be finished with Structo-Roc finish while the rear façade would utilize standing seam metal.

            Mr. Hammerbacher said that staff and the planning board recommend approval with conditions.

With that explanation completed, Mayor Sears opened the public hearing to accept sworn testimony and qualified evidence.  Speakers spoke under oath administered by the Town Clerk.  The following testimony was recorded:  None.

            Action #1:  The Council approved a motion to make and accept the following findings of fact to be recorded in the minutes by the Town Clerk for Special Exception Use Petition #05-SEU-13 for Sonshine Gymnastics to allow a gymnastic studio located at 137 Thomas Mill Road, as submitted by Arcadia Engineers, revised September 12, 2005.

a.      The proposed use will not be injurious to the public health, safety, comfort, community moral standards, convenience or general welfare;

b.      The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the adjacent area;

c.      The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district, land uses authorized therein, and the Town of Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan;

d.      The proposed use shall conform to all development standards of the applicable district (unless a waiver of such development standards is requested as part of the special exception use petition and approved as set forth above, in which case the proposed use shall conform to the terms and conditions of such waiver).

e.      Access drives or driveways are or will be sufficient in size and properly located to: ensure automotive and pedestrian safety and convenience, traffic flow as set forth in Section 7.09 – Pedestrian Circulation and Vehicular Area Design; and, control and access in case of fire or other emergency;

f.        Off-street parking areas, off-street loading areas, trash enclosures, trash pick-up and removal, 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;

g.      The lot, building or structure proposed for the use has adequate restroom facilities, cooking facilities, safety equipment (smoke alarms, floatation devices, etc.), or any other service or equipment necessary to provide for the needs of those persons whom may work at, visit or own property nearby to the proposed use;

h.      Utilities, schools, fire, police and other necessary public and private facilities and services will be adequate to handle the needs of the proposed use;

i.         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; and,

j.         The type, size, and intensity of the proposed use (including but not limited to 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.

Motion by:  VanFossen

Second By:  Dickson

Vote:  Unanimous

A copy of the Sonshine Gymnastics petition 05-SEU-13 and other materials entered into the record by the applicant addressing the findings of facts are incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

            Action #2:  Having made findings of fact that the project meets the requirements to be granted a Special Exception Use, the Council approved a motion to approve Special Exception Use #05-SEU-13 for Sonshine Gymnastics as submitted by Arcadia Engineers, revised September 12, 2005, with the following three conditions:

            1.  A UDO Permit for Sign Installation shall be obtained from the Department of Planning & Zoning prior to the installation of any signage, temporary or permanent.

            2.  A UDO Permit for the future pool will be required prior to its installation. Additional improvements such as landscaping and fencing may be required at that time.

            3.  The following items are to be addressed with first construction drawing submittal:

                  a.  After further evaluation and field verification of the cross-section on Thomas Mill Road, it was determined that a 27’ btb on 60’ ROW would be sufficient to tie to existing curb and gutter along this road.  Revise plan to reflect this cross-section dimension on the plan graphically as well as on the detail of the roadway.

                  b.  In follow-up to first review checklist comment III.D.2 and second review comment 4, we recommend curb and gutter for any parking lot area in front of the building.  The east side of the driveway will also need curb and gutter provided.

Motion by:  VanFossen

Second By:  Atwell

Vote:  Unanimous

 

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

      6a.  Minutes  - The Council approved minutes of the Council’s regular meetings held on Sept. 6, and Sept. 20, 2005 with corrections noted prior to the meeting by the town attorney.

      6b.  Administrative Rule, AD-13 – The Council adopted Administrative Rule AD-13, a communications protocol.  A copy of Administrative Rule AD-13 is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

      6c.  Budget Amendment, $210,000 – The Council adopted an amendment to the Avent Ferry pump station project budget in the amount of $210,000 to transfer funds to the from Wastewater Reserves.  A copy of the budget amendment is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

      6d.  Budget Amendment, $53,580 – The Council adopted an amendment to the FY 2005-06 budget in the amount of $53,580 to accept insurance proceeds for replacement of the town’s Tiger Vac equipment.  A copy of the budget amendment is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

      6e.  Budget Amendment, $1,680 – The Council adopted an amendment to the FY 2005-06 budget in the amount of $1,680 to accept insurance proceeds to cover damage to a fire truck.  A copy of the budget amendment is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

      6f.  Main Street Enhancement Project - The Council approved to enter a service agreement with Mauldin Watkins for surveying of the Main Street enhancement project.  A copy of the Mauldin Watkins proposal is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

      6g.  307 S. Main Street Parking, 05-UP-33 permit – The Council authorized the issuance of UDO permit 05-UP-33 for a temporary parking lot at 307 S. Main St. 

 

7a.  Main Street Square, Element A, 05-MAS-05 -  Mr. Hammerbacher explained to the Town Council that this request is to consider approval of 05-MAS-05 for Main Street Square, Element A. He said the plan is proposing 15 detached residential lots on approximately three acres of the Main Street Square Planned Unit Development (PUD.)

            Mr. Hammerbacher said the lot sizes would range from 4,542 square feet to 11,632 square feet, with an average lot size of approximately 7,100 square feet.  He said that Element A of the proposed PUD plan is the area designated as Neighborhood Edge, which consists primarily of single-family detached homes and open space.  He said the Neighborhood Edge district also permits accessory dwelling units on the site, provided that the heated floor area for the accessory dwelling unit does not exceed 50% of the heated floor area of the primary building.

            Mr. Hammerbacher said this portion of the Main Street Square development is intended to provide a transition from the existing Somerset Farm and Fairhill subdivisions immediately adjacent to this project.  He said the single-family homes for this area are intended to reduce the potential impact on the Bass Lake buffer, which also is located to the north of the proposed development.

            Mr. Hammerbacher said that staff recommends approval with conditions and the planning board recommends similar approval with the exception of the condition regarding resubmission of preliminary plans, which denotes the location of the proposed greenway easement.  The Planning Board’s recommendation is different because the new plans have been submitted, Mr. Hammerbacher explained.

            Action:  The Council approved a motion to approve preliminary plan #05-MAS-05 for Main Street Square, Element A, as submitted by Bass, Nixon & Kennedy, Inc., project number 05343, dated July 25, 2005, with the following 6 (six) conditions:    

1.      All previous PUD conditions associated with the Main Street Square PUD shall also apply to this Preliminary Plan.

2.      Prior to Final Plat, the following must be completed:

a.      Payment of fees-in-lieu of land dedication in the amount of $819/unit.

3.      A UDO permit for sign installation in addition to all other applicable permits will need to be secured prior to any sign installation (temporary or permanent).

4.      The following items need to be addressed prior to 1st construction drawing submittal for this plan:

a.      Provide calculations to verify capacity of existing ponds and structural integrity of the dams.

5.      The following items are to be addressed prior to construction drawing approval for this plan:

a.       Provide documentation of turning radius including graphical documentation showing that the road geometry will be able to provide functional movement.

b.       The median shown at the northern corner of this phase as well as the square cul-de-sac appear to be confusing and difficult to maneuver.  Verify that a vehicle classified with WB-40 will be able to access these areas.  Additional information was provided however this will need to be evaluated further at construction drawing submittal.

c.       Per developer agreement meeting with developer and the Town, ROW dedication, construction easements and design of roadway will be required for street stub to Somerset Farms. 

d.       Provide a note on the plan that reflects the pedestrian connection option mentioned above in PUD comment 1.j.ii.

e.       Verify that on-street parking shown on the plan reflects location of all on-street parking for this area.  If not, construction drawings will need to reflect any additional on-street parking.

    1. Some of the cross-sections still appear to be narrow for on-street parking and two-way traffic.  Once on-street parking location is confirmed as mentioned in comment e above, the cross-sections may need to be evaluated further.

            Motion By:  VanFossen

            Second By:  Atwell

            Vote:  Unanimous

 

7b.  Main Street Square, Element B, 05-DP-07  -  Mr. Hammerbacher said that this request is for the Council to consider approval for development plan for Element B of the Main Street Square Planned Unit Development (PUD).  He said the plan is proposing 33 townhome units and three live and work units.  He said the primary housing type permitted in this district according to the PUD master plan is attached townhomes of no more than six consecutive units with detached rear garages accessed by a service alley.

            Mr. Hammerbacher said that the remainder of Element B is designated as Neighborhood Center and consists of three live and work units.  He said the proposed building type in this district is a flexible-use building that includes both residential and work space.  These units are attached and have the flexibility to function as an integrated unit or as two separate units, which may include a portion of the building devoted to residential and the remainder as “work” space.  He said the live and work units also would have detached rear garages accessed by a service alley similar to the townhomes. 

            Mr. Hammerbacher explained that this portion of the Main Street Square development is intended to provide a transition from the less dense Neighborhood Edge district to a denser Neighborhood Center district.  He said Element B is distinguished by a denser fabric of residential and mixed-use buildings with a range of housing and retail uses.  He said that this area would help to spatially define the pedestrian realm and walk-able character of this space.

        Mr. Hammerbacher reviewed the revised architectural elevations of proposed Element B area with the Council members.

            Mr. Hammerbacher said that staff recommends approval with conditions and the planning board recommends approval with an additional condition regarding the building materials for the three live and work units and the resubmission of elevations for all facades in addition to providing an increased level of detail for building materials and architectural materials.

Councilman VanFossen expressed concern over the design of the side elevations, and Councilman Dickson and Atwell agreed.

Councilmen said it was hard to tell from the drawings how the buildings would be offset and how they would appear from the street because the character of the buildings does not come through from the drawings.

Tony Sease, engineer on the project, said he understands the Council’s impressions because the two-dimensional drawings do not adequately illustrate the depth of the proposed designs.  He said he has photographs of similar projects that he could share.

He addressed the side elevations and agreed that architectural elements could be added to make them more appealing.

Councilman Atwell noted that one of the conditions recommended contained a phrase that is a moot point in stating, “Prior to Town Council action…”  He suggested that Condition No. 1 be removed and that Condition No. 5 be reworded to remove the opening phrase.  The conditions listed in the motion below reflect these changes.

            Action:  The Council approved a motion to development plan #05-DP-07 for Main Street Square, Element B as submitted by Bass, Nixon & Kennedy, Inc., project number 05343, dated July 25, 2005, with the following 6 (six) conditions (as amended from the original list following Council comments):

  1. The three live/work units shall be constructed of brick on all facades facing a street.
  2. A UDO permit for sign installation in addition to all other applicable permits will need to be secured prior to any sign installation (temporary or permanent).
  3. Prior to Final Plat, the following must be completed:
    1. Payment of fee-in-lieu at the rate of $819 per lot or residential unit.
  4. Revised elevations shall be submitted to and approved by the Department of Planning & Zoning to ensure conformance with architectural regulations set forth within the Main Street Square PUD prior to the applicant securing building permits.
  5. All conditions associated with the Main Street Square PUD shall also apply to this approval.
  6. The following items are to be submitted on the 1st submittal of construction drawings:
    1. A public sewer easement is needed along the sewer lines in the private alley.

            Motion By:  Atwell

            Second By:  VanFossen

            Vote:  Unanimous

 

7c.  Sunset Lake Road/Optimist Farm Road Design Services Agreement    Ms. Stephenson explained that the engineering department seeks approval to enter a professional services agreement with Kimley-Horne and Associates, Inc., for the design of phase 2 road improvements of the Harris Teeter site, which includes improvements along Sunset Lake Road down to the Optimist Farm Road intersection.

            Ms. Stephenson said that staff has met with the developer of the Harris Teeter site, and they have expressed interest in completing Phase 2 of the development.

            She said the improvements will be full widening along the frontage and realignment of Optimist Farm Road to tie in as the fourth leg at the Arlen Park development; and a proposed traffic signal would be installed.

            Ms. Stephenson said that being this would be phase one of the design process, the work would include an update of the previous transportation impact analysis for the Sunset Lake Road and Optimist Farm Road intersection; meeting with NCDOT and discussing driveways for Phase 2 of the Harris Teeter site development; providing cost opinions; designing the realignment of Optimist Farm Road; and surveys of the area.

            Ms. Stephenson said the second phase would be bringing the final design before the Town Council for approval and completion of the project.

            Action:  The Council approved a motion to enter a professional services contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., in the amount of $59,950, which includes contingency, for the design of phase two of Harris Teeter site for improvements along Sunset Lake Road ending at the Optimist Farm Road intersection.

            Motion By:  Womble

            Second By:  Dickson

            Vote:  Unanimous

      A copy of the Kimley-Horne and Associates, Inc. proposal is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

7d.  Buckhorn Developer Agreement    Ms. Sudano said over the past year, staff has been meeting with the developers of Buckhorn Ridge subdivision (formerly Country Lake Estates) and have worked out preliminary terms for a developer agreement.

                Ms. Sudano said the agreement terms include requirements for public utility services and parks and recreation items, including fee credits for infrastructure improvements.

            She said about a year ago, the developer of Buckhorn Ridge subdivision approached the Town about developing property formerly known as the Country Lake Estates Mobile Home Park as a town subdivision (Buckhorn Ridge) with public utilities.  She said at that time, they were comparing county versus town development requirements and utility availability.  The developer then proceeded with plans to develop under the County regulations, securing County approval of construction drawings for phase 1.  She said the developer recently approached the Town about the possibility of public utility infrastructure for Buckhorn Ridge developing as a Holly Springs subdivision. 

            Ms. Sudano explained that at a previous Council meeting the Town secured ownership of the Harnett County waterline that serves this area.  She said after many staff meetings the following terms were established:

·         Development project plans for phase 1 (previously approved by Wake County as a Wake County subdivision) will be presented to the Town of Holly Springs Town Council for approval as a Town subdivision by vested rights.  The developer will be asking that the infrastructure required to develop the property be approved substantially consistent with the plan already approved by Wake County, which would in some instances deviate from Town standards - (for example) streets would not have curb and gutter and greenways would be provided in lieu of sidewalks.  Per the Planning Director, at time of annexation is when the developer’s requesting for Zoning Vested Rights would be made.  Approval of this request would “lock in” the developer’s plan as approved by Wake County (with the exception of some infrastructure construction standards that have been discussed with the developer – such as wider roads, thicker roadway cross section, widening along adjacent thoroughfare, flood studies, and other infrastructure design per Town requirements).

·         Development plans for future phases of the development would be approved with standards (and exceptions) consistent with the first phase.

·         Dedication of approximately 13 acres (6 acres in pond, with dam to meet Town requirements) would meet the requirements for land dedication.

·         A regional pump station and force main would be installed by the developer to serve Buckhorn Ridge and all upstream tributary areas.  Costs of oversizing the station and force main would be eligible for fee credits against the sewer capacity replacement fees due for the project.  The developer’s engineer has estimated the eligible fee credit oversizing costs to be $791,000, however this information not confirmed by staff – this work is taking place now.  The developer agreement would be written to insure that actual documented costs are used to calculate the difference (or eligible credit amount), and to insure that credits issued would not exceed the amount of sewer capacity replacement fees due for the project.

·         Waterline will be extended along all development roadway frontages, with oversizing costs eligible for water capacity fee credits.  

·         Developer will work with Harnett County to insure that whatever water system improvements were necessary to meet Town flow requirements are implemented.

·         Developer will receive waivers of water acreage fee credits for 190 units on the basis of water already existing to serve that number of homes (previously paid for by the developer of the Country Lake Estates mobile home park).

·         Developer will receive waivers of sewer acreage fee credits for 281 units on the basis of the sewer treatment plant already existing to serve that number of homes (previously paid for by the developer of the Country Lake Estates mobile home park).

            Action:  The Council approved a motion to approve the terms of the Buckhorn developer agreement, with the condition the final agreement is to come back to the Council for approval when it is finalized.

            Motion By:  VanFossen

            Second By:  Atwell

            Vote:  Unanimous

           

8.  Public Comment: At this time, an opportunity was provided for members of the audience who had registered to speak to address the Council on any variety of topics not listed on the night’s agenda.

Mayor Sears asked Ms. Bobber to explain notices residents had received regarding zip code changes.

Ms. Bobber explained the zip code modification project, which was launched to change zip codes in the Holly Springs service area.  She explained that the postal service had issued a letter to residents stating that their properties have been annexed and that they have a new zip code.  The letter was grossly incorrect and has caused quite a bit of confusion with residents, she said.

Carla McElroy, 206 Fair Haven St., Apex – Ms. McElroy asked what the town’s policy was regarding annexation.  Mayor Sears explained that it was the town’s unwritten policy that it will generally annex only with the voluntary petition of the property owner.  Only extraordinary circumstances – such as installation of major utility lines or other town-financed infrastructure – would prompt involuntary annexation.

 

9.  Other Business:  None.

           

10.  Manager’s Report:   Mr. Simmons reported on water use restrictions.  Holly Springs is not under any mandatory water restrictions at this time since the town can get the majority of its water from Harnett County, he explained.

            Mr. Holland reported that the town can accept water bill credit card payments online.

            Councilman VanFossen reported that there was a gas leak on Holly Springs Road. He said he was concerned because he had not heard any details about it.  He pointed out, too, that Holly Springs Road is the town’s evacuation route, and that Holly Springs Road was closed for a time.  He said this is all the more reason that I-540 needs to be extended.  

 

11. Closed Session:  The Council approved a motion to enter into Closed Session,

pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) to discuss with the Town Attorney under the attorney-client privilege specifics in the matters of ongoing litigation and pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5) to discuss terms of a contract.

Motion By:  VanFossen

Second By:  Womble

Vote: Unanimous

 

General Account of Closed Session – October 4, 2005

In Closed Session, the Council Members discussed a zoning enforcement matter involving General Concrete.  The Town Attorney updated the Council on negotiations with the property owner, who has promised to get the site in compliance with the conditions of its Special Use Permit approval by Nov. 15, 2005.  Council directed that the town attorney add a condition that a warranty on the required landscaping be provided and that any plants that die will have to be replaced within a specific period of time.

The Town Attorney then asked for Council direction on a matter involving the potential condemnation of land for construction of a street.

The Council received a briefing on economic development activities.

-- End General Account

 

Action:  The Council approved a motion to return to Open Session.

            Motion By:  VanFossen

            Second By:  Atwell

            Vote:  Unanimous.

 

            Upon return to Open Session, the Council briefly discussed the topic of the proposed South Wake Landfill. Mayor Sears updated the members on discussions that were held during the Monday, Oct. 3, 2005 meeting of the Wake County Commissioners.

            He reported that Wake Commissioner Phil Jeffreys had made a motion that the Wake Board of Commissioners go ahead and take a vote on whether or not to move forward with the South Wake Landfill.  Commissioner Betty Lou Ward seconded the motion; however, the motion did not carry.

            Mayor Sears reported that most of the Wake officials did not feel they had enough information at this point to make such a decision.

 

12.  Adjournment:  There being no further business for the evening, the Oct. 4, 2005, meeting of the Holly Springs Town Council was adjourned following a motion by Councilman Atwell, a second by Councilman Dickson and a unanimous vote.

 

Respectfully Submitted on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2005.

                       

 

 

 

 _________________________________

Joni Powell, CMC, Town Clerk

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