Planning Commission

Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page I \�'2. I. Call to Order: The Planning Commission of the City of Athens, Alabama was called to order by Gina Garth, Chairman, at 5:45 p.m. on December 19, 2017. II. Roll Call. Members p;resent: Members absent: Gina Garth, Chairman Jerold Blaxton Rick Johnson, Vice Chairman Chief Bryan Thornton Rod Huffman Venard Hendrix Robert Malone Councilman Harold Wales Mayor Ronnie Marks Also present: James Rich, City of Athens Director of Public Works. Erin Tidwell, Planning Commission Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES : III. Resolution: The Chairman called for a motion to accept the proposed minutes from the October 17, 2017 meeting as presented. Mr. Malone offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: "BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the minutes of the November 21, 2017 meeting. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous of the voting members present. OLD B USINESS NEW BUSINESS Subdivisions IV. Public Hearing Request of Mike Underwood for Approval of a Replat of "Lot 2 of Trigreen Equipment Subdivision", consisting of the division of a single lot sized +/- 4.05 acres into three lots sized 2.03 acres, 0.98 acres and 1 .04 acres located to the north side of Trigreen Drive in a B-2 General Business District. Mr. Rich explained that the subdivision would create three lots from an existing single lot to the north side of Trigreen drive. Staff saw no issues with this application and the Subdivision met all City requirements. Steve Peck, of 22194 Etowah Trail, Athens, Alabama was present to represent Mr. Mike  Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page i l63 Underwood. He had no further comments to make in regard to the subdivision. No one else from the public spoke for or against the item, therefore the public hearing was closed. V. Resolution Mr. Huffman offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption: "BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to grant the request of Mike Underwood for Approval of a Replat of "Lot 2 of Trigreen Equipment Subdivision", consisting of the division of a single lot sized +/- 4.05 acres into three lots sized 2.03 acres, 0.98 acres and 1.04 acres located to the north side of Trigreen Drive in a B-2 General Business District. Mayor Marks seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. VI. Public Hearing Request of Archie and Pearlene Gilbert for "Gilbert Subdivision", a subdivision of +I- 1.00 Acre from an existing parcel of land located at 108 Hickory Street East in an R-1-3 High Density Single Family Residential District. Mr. Rich stated that Mr. Gilbert wished to subdivide his property to create a new parcel which he believed would allow his son to build a home on the lot, but imagery depicts a residence already on the property. Mr. Rich stated that there were questions about whether the new lot would meet City Requirements or if a consolidation was needed. Mrs. Garth inquired as to whether the applicant or other representative for the request was present. No one came forward. Mr. Wales questioned whether or not the new lot would have street access, to which no clear answer could be provided. Mr. Johnson stated that since there appears to be no request to consolidate with the existing property, a decision should be postponed until Staff could speak with the applicant. Mayor Marks inquired about which questions would need to be answered at the next meeting if postponed. Mr. Johnson answered that further information should be provided to determine if there is a house currently situated on the lot as it exists today, and whether there should be a consolidation following the subdivision. No one spoke for or against the request and the public hearing was closed. VII. Resolution Due to the questions which arose and lack of a representative to provide further information, Mr. Johnson offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption: "BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to postpone a decision for the request of Archie and Pearlene Gilbert for "Gilbert Subdivision", a subdivision of +/- 1.00 Acre from an existing parcel of land located at 108 Hickory Street East in an R-1-3 High Density Single Family Residential District until the January meeting. Mr. Wales seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous of the voting members present.  Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page l \54 VIII. Resoluti o n Consider the request of Bill Turner for approval of Turner Properties Certificate to Consolidate, combining Tract 1 and Tract 2 to create a single tract of land with an area equal to +/- 2-47 acres located at 389 and 385 West Sanderfer Road in an M-1 Light Industrial District. Mr. Rich stated that this consolidation will create a single legal lot so that Mr. Turner can place storage units on the back of the property. The City sees no issues with the request. Mr. Huffman offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption: "BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to grant the request of Bill Turner for approval of Turner Properties Certificate to Consolidate, combining Tract 1 and Tract 2 to create a single tract of land with an area equal to +/- 2-47 acres located at 389 and 385 West Sanderfer Road in an M -1 Light Industrial District. Mr. Malone seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Site Plan IX. Resolution: Request of Mike Grisham for Sign Site Plan Approval of a modified billboard, to be constructed on US HWY 72 East between the Taco Bell and Russell Stover businesses. The applicant is asking for a conversion of both sides to digital displays and a change in the design of the sign. The property is zoned B-2 General Business District. Mr. Rich stated that this site plan had been before the Commission previously in January, but at the time it included a request to change the height. He stated that at the time, the Planning Commission approved all the items within the request except for the height variance, but the resolution was worded so that approval was contingent on the Zoning Board granting a variance on the height. Since the Zoning Board did not grant the variance, Mr. Grisham is bringing a modified application back for re-approval of the items the Planning Commission originally agreed upon. These are the conversion of both sides to digital and change in the design of the sign to have a "v" shaped billboard. Mr. Wales questioned whether it would have to go back to the Zoning Board to which Mr. Rich explained that it would not since there is no request to change the height. Mr. Johnson questioned whether or not the sign would have to conform completely with the Zoning Ordinance if any alterations were made. Mr. Grisham commented that it would need to stay the current height of 45 feet. Mr. Rich stated that since billboards are no longer allowed within the City Limits, there are no requirements for this type of sign in the Zoning Ordinance. Maintenance is allowed as long as the sign is not taken all the way down. Mr. Huffman made the statement that anything approved in January was not done so unanimously. Mr. Huffman stated that he believes that an electronic billboard at this location would pose a distraction to drivers coming towards the red light located in front of the board and pose a safety hazard. If he were to have to choose a side on which to install the LED panel, it would be the east side of the sign since it would pose less of a distraction to drivers in his opinion. Mr. Huffman believes, however, that the power lines will be a visibility impediment to the sign from the east side  Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page I\W5 With no further comments, Mayor Marks made the following resolution and moved for its adoption: "BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to grant the request of Mike Grisham for Sign Site Plan Approval of a modified billboard, to be constructed on US HWY 72 East between the Taco Bell and Russell Stover businesses, for a conversion of both sides to digital displays and a change in the design of the sign. The property is zoned B-2 General Business District." The resolution passed with a vote of 5-2 with Mr. Huffman and Mr. Hendrix opposed. Rezonings, Annexations, Deannexations X. Public Hearing: Request of Nathan and Stephanie Metzger for Approval of a rezoning of +/- 20 acres from an R-1-1 Single Family Residential District to an EST Estate District, located at 23154 Nick Davis Road. Mr. Rich stated that the property meets all requirements for an Estate District. He pointed out that although the property does not directly touch an Estate District, the property is bordered by the County to the east which is between the Metzger's property and an Estate District. The applicants wish to place a hobby farm on their property which is why they requested the rezoning. They were made aware of all setbacks related to hobby farms and have shown that they can comply with the setbacks. Mr. Wales asked if the adjoining residents were made aware of the rezoning request. Mr. Rich stated that they were made aware through the placement of signs on the Metzger's property as well as the public notice which was posted in the paper. Gina asked whether the Metzger's or their representative was present. Nathan Metzger, 23154 Nick Davis Road, was present. He stated that he had nothing else to add to Mr. Rich's statements. No one else spoke for or against the request, therefore the public hearing was closed. XI. Resol ution: With no further comments, Mayor Marks made the following resolution and moved for its adoption: "BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to recommend approval to the City Council the request of Nathan and Stephanie Metzger for Approval of a rezoning of +/- 20 acres from an R-1-1 Single Family Residential District to an EST Estate District, located at 23154 Nick Davis Road. Mr. Wales seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous of the members present. Master Development Plan XII. Resolution Request of Hamlin Homes for Approval of a limited Amendment of the Master Development Plan of the Meres Subdivision. Mr. Rich explained that the property is already zoned C-PUD, the Master  Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page I �W Development Plan is just to determine what can be built on the property. The Master Development Plan for the Meres had been on the October Agenda, but due to residents of the Meres having issues with some of the proposed uses, the applicant wished to withdraw the plan until the concerns could be addressed. Mr. Rich stated that Mr. Hamlin addressed his residents' concerns and as presented, the Master Development Plan meets all City Ordinances and requirements and Staff sees no issue with the Commission adopting the limited amendments. Mrs. Garth asked if anyone present was representing the applicant and Mr. Barry Dunivant of Dunivant Engineering, 112 Cloverleaf Drive Athens, came forward. He stated he had no more comments to add. With no further comments, Mayor Marks made the following resolution and moved for its adoption: "BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to grant the request of Hamlin Homes for Approval of a limited Amendment of the Master Development Plan of the Meres Subdivision." Mr. Wales seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous of the members present XIII. Resolution Request of Canebrake Club LLC for Approval of a Master Development Plan for the Links at Canebrake located to the south of Canebrake Subdivision and east of Lindsay Lane South in a C-PUD Conventional Planned Unit Development District. Mr. Rich stated that the current zoning of the property is C-PUD, Conventional Planned Unit Development. Since there is not a request to change the current zoning of the property from C-PUD, then a public hearing is not required according to the Zoning Ordinance. The existing Master Plan for Canebrake is adopted through Revision Eight. The most recent adopted Master Plan for Canebrake shows a total of about 650 lots. At the time of the adoption, Staff asked to see how a second entrance would be provided to service all the lots once the subdivision was fully built out. Staff looked at this as a major amendment to the existing Master Development Plan. Planning Commission will examine findings and give a recommendation to the City Council on whether or not to adopt the final plan. The City Council has the final power on adopting the plan. According to the Zoning Ordinance, the Master Development Plan must show permitted uses. The uses within this plan show single family detached houses. This is about 2 lots per acre with a total of 290 lots. A traffic study provided with the Master Development Plan states that the proposed development will need a new entrance located to the south of the property on Lindsay Lane. It should include two lanes and two turn lanes. One turn lane should be located off of Lindsay Lane and one exiting the proposed development. Mr. Rich asked Erin Tidwell to read the first two paragraphs of the Athens Subdivision Regulations, Article s.B.I. It reads as follows: 1) Sb·eet Layout. The street layout of a subdivision shall provide for the continuation and connection of streets between adjacent properties whenever such continuation and connection is necessary for the convenient movement and circulation of traffic, effective police and fire protection, access by public service vehicles, and efficient provision of utilities; and in accordance with the policies of the Comprehensive Plan of future adopted guidelines which shall address access management or  Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page l 'liS1 traffic management policies. Existing streets that abut a subdivision shall be continued, and the continuation shall be at least as wide as the existing streets unless a reduction in width is approved by the Planning Commission. The subdivision street layout shall also provide stub-outs for the future continuation into unsubdivided lands adjoining a sufficient number of streets to meet the purposes stated above. Mr. Rich stated that the traffic study showed there would be no significant impact on the existing Canebrake Subdivision. Mr. Rich went on to explain that the Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Ordinance, and International Fire Code, which were all adopted by the City Council, call for connectivity between Subdivisions. Mr. Wales stated that connecting a subdivision containing $1 million dollar homes with a subdivision composed of $2oo,ooo homes does not seem like it's in the best interest of the existing development. He went on to say that he has heard from a lot of residents of Canebrake and they are not in favor of the connection. Mr. Wales does not have an issue with the new subdivision itself going in, he has a problem with connecting the streets. If an F-s tornado were to come through the City, Mr. Wales believes there will be worse issues to deal with other than Canebrake only having one entrance and exit. Mr. Wales called on his fellow Commission members to think on this when making a decision. He asked that the existing six connections be lowered to two connections. Mr. Huffman called on the Chair, Mrs. Garth, with a question of clarification. He asked whether or not there were only four stubs. Mr. Rich stated that there are four existing stubs in Canebrake. The new Master Development Plan calls for connections at all four stubs and proposes two new stubs to the south of the property adjoining vacant land for a total of six new connections. The new Zoning Ordinance calls for stub streets every 1500 feet. Mr. Huffman stated that it has been City policy for years to enable access to first responders. Just for clarification, Mayor Marks asked whether or not there were any zoning issues with the new Master Development Plan. Mr. Rich responded that there are no zoning issues. The zoning signs placed on the property were just to let the residents of Canebrake know that there was activity on the property. Mr. Wales shared that one of his biggest concerns is that if the streets are opened between the subdivisions, property assessors will take $2oo,ooo houses into account when determining the value of the current residents' homes. He believes that the connection between subdivisions will ultimately lower the assessed value of the Canebrake homes. Mr. Wales made the statement, "This will not be part of Canebrake, so why can't this be a standalone community?" Mr. Rich stated that according to the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, and Fire Codes, connectivity is required. He stated it will be up to the Planning Commission to determine if they wish to follow the ordinances the City has adopted.  Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page l \e5 Mrs. Garth stated that two contiguous subdivisions anywhere else in the city would be required to be connected. She followed her statement by asking whether the applicant was present. Mr. Carl Hunt, 15774 Line Road, stated that he is one of the individuals that comprise Canebrake, LLC. which made the request. He went on to say that they are wishing to sell the property to D.R. Horton to develop. Ron Roberts of D.R. Horton came forward to speak. He stated that D.R. Horton is the largest homebuilder in Alabama. The proposed houses will be priced between $200,000 and $400,000 and will be between 1900 and 2000 square feet. They will be styled similarly to the houses in Canebrake in terms of architecture. He stated that Morell Engineering has been working with the City to meet the City's requirements for Master Development plans. He explained that the name "The Links at Canebrake" was chosen since Canebrake is a geographic reference point for most people. He gave Hampton Cove in Huntsville as a similar subdivision that is used as a reference point. He let it be known that the project will have its own amenities apart from Canebrake and will be marketed as a separate community with an independent Home Owners Association. Mr. Roberts said that there will be no promises to the residents for use of Canebrake's facilities if properties are adjoined. Mrs. Garth questioned Mr. Roberts about whether Section 2.5.2. C.2.d of the Zoning Ordinance has been taken into account which states, "Scenic assets and natural features, such as trees, streams, and topographic features, shall be protected and preserved to the extent possible." Mr. Roberts stated that they have avoided development of all blue line streams and have protected other natural features in accordance with this section. Mrs. Garth stated that the Commission was also concerned with amount of impervious surfaces. She said the plan shows that the maximum amount of impervious surface is 8o%. Mr. Roberts stated that that seemed like a high amount, but he was willing to work with the City and lower the percentage. Mayor Marks questioned whether there is a way to gate the access points between the two developments with a key entry to allow access to first responders and public services. Mr. Rich responded that state law prohibits gates on public roadways. Mr. Huffman said that the issue of gates on public roadways had been raised previously, but were passed because gates interfered with first responders and the postal service. Mr. Rich followed these remarks by explaining the State Law indicates that if gated, roads must be maintained by an HOA or developer. He added that the City Attorney could provide clarification if needed. Chief Thornton added that access roads must be constucted of asphalt, concrete or some other material that will withstand 75,000 pounds. Mr. Malone questioned how far back the connectivity issue goes. Mr. Rich explained it goes back to at least 2006 when the City required Canebrake to show future connectivity on Revision Eight of the Canebrake Master Development  Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page I '�q Plan. He added that the last Zoning Ordinance required connectivity as well. Mr. Hendrix made the statement that to his knowledge, Canebrake has always been built to only have one entrance. In his opinion, since the builders did not connect to Indian Trace in the first stages, then connectivity was not desired. This current condition of Canebrake is what the residents of Canebrake bought into. Mr. Hendrix questioned when the City passed ordinances that forced subdivision connectivity? He believes the residents of Canebrake are under the impression that Canebrake will not connect to any other subdivision. The developers had the option to connect in the beginning, but chose not to. Mr. Hendrix stated he has been on the Commission for 28 or so years. Connectivity was not what was voted on originally and is not what is wanted now. Mr. Rich responded that any Master Development Plan must comply with the adopted ordinances at the time the plan is developed. Gina Garth stated that due to public interest, she was opening a public comment session. Wayne Wolfe, 232143 Founders Circle, spoke. He stated he was a practicing attorney from Huntsville. Mr. Wolfe let it be known that he chose to locate his residence in Athens as opposed to Huntsville or Madison solely because of Canebrake. In Mr. Wolfe's opinion, Madison is a mess now partly due to D.R. Horton building homes with lower values next to existing homes with higher appraised values. He added that he believes the Zoning Ordinance suggests connectivity but does not demand it. Chuck Browning, 23120 Piney Creek Drive, spoke against the development. He said he believes the stub streets within Canebrake were placed there to further develop Canebrake, not a separate development. He stated that the Zoning Ordinance uses the word "shall" and not "will" when discussing connectivity. He stated that residents of Canebrake pay upwards of $ noo a year for HOA fees. They are paying for a gated community with no connections to any other development. Mr. Browning believes that the common area at the Links at Canebrake will be close enough to Canebrake's golf course to be distracting. In his opinion it is not right to have houses along Baltusrol Lane worth $400,000 or $soo,ooo next to houses wmth $ 2oo,ooo. He would like to also see a 30 foot buffer zone between the developments. He also believes the name "Links at Canebrake" is a fraudulent name since the location of the development has nothing to do with the dictionary definition of "links". Kenny Winter, 23362 Founders Circle, spoke against the connection to Canebrake. He stated that he has been a partner in the Canebrake LLC for the last ten years buying, building, and selling homes. He looked up statistics online, and said that only three homes over $300,000 and 2 over $250,000 have sold in Athens in 2017. Mr. Winters was concerned that the comparisons between housing products would be around $ 88 a square foot versus $ 130 a square foot. He stated that the only issue residents of Canebrake have with the new development is its connection to Canebrake. If it were apples to apples, residents would not have an issue with the development. The stub streets were placed for future Canebrake development, not a new development. Mr. Winters also believes that appraisers would take the less expensive housing into consideration when appraising existing houses, causing the houses currently in Canebrake to lose appraisal value. Mr. Winters also stated that some people may believe he  Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page 1 �0 does not want competition in Athens, since he is a homebuilder in Athens. He stated he is glad there are other builders in the City, but he stated this development being connected to Canebrake is not good for the residents. Mr. Winters said he knows the Fire Chief is worried about access for first responders to Canebrake in case of emergencies. He believes a street named Woodland Drive located to the back of Piney Creek would be a more acceptable road to make a second entrance to Canebrake. Bradley Waits, 23749 Piney Creek Drive, spoke. Mr. Waits believes that both sides will need to make concessions but there has to be a win/win solution for everyone. He said he welcomes the development, but is concerned with it affecting his housing price. He wishes to revisit the Mayor's comments about creating a gated entrance for emergency personnel only and then possibly adding a sign such as can be seen on the interstate which says "Emergency Vehicles Only." Louise Prystaloski, 23349 Hazeltine Drive, stated she was concerned about the placement of an elementary school within the new development. She stated that other schools in the City are located off of a main road, not in residential areas. She believes the turn lane would not support the traffic with school buses and additional school traffic on top of the residential traffic. Dan Bryson, 23455 Founders Circle, stated that he and his wife never would have moved to Athens if he knew there was a possibility of a new development connecting to Canebrake. He stated that he and his wife are on Medicare and depend on the gated community for safety. He believes that as soon as this Master Development Plan is approved, property values will go down and the new development will also allow for possible danger. He is concerned about the safety of kids within the neighborhood. He stated that he was a volunteer firefighter in the past. He understands the concern for first responders, but believes there are other options. He also wished to challenge the City about Canebrake having public roads. He stated that it is not a public road until declared. Mrs. Garth, wishing to summarize the points made, stated that as she understands so far, residents are concerned about the connection of the subdivision in general, about the proposed new development affecting property values, and about the safety of residents if the new development is connected to Canebrake. George Carter, 22777 Winged Foot Lane, stated that his home appraised recently for $725,000. He did not wish to state that to brag, but to show a comparison to what is being proposed. He knows that these types of communities are needed in order to compete with Madison. He is only opposed to the connection, not to the development itself. He also has an issue with the new development including the name Canebrake within its title. Using the name Canebrake in the new developments title is only valuable to the developers and not the future residents. He believes Muirfield and Wingfoot will have traffic issues as well if connected due to people using the new connections to access the club. Jeremiah Harris, 23895 Shinecock Drive, stated that he moved from Watercress subdivision because of its connection to West Gate Subdivision. He stated that roads that allow communities to connect to each other allow for high speed areas. His biggest concern is the safety of children in Canebrake that play and ride their bikes in the road.  Athens Planning Commission 2 0 17 December 19 Page I I�\ Doyle Wootten, 22746 Winged Foot Lane, began by saying he came to Athens as part of the BRAC at Redstone Arsenal. He and his wife looked for housing for two months before deciding on Canebrake in Athens. He relocated from Fort Rucker where connected subdivisions were mayhem. He compared it to Forrest Lake Subdivision near Gate 7 at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville where it takes an hour to navigate through traffic to access the Arsenal. He stated that one of the things that brought them to Canebrake was the quiet community with thought out covenants. He believes if they start adjoining to lower-income areas, it will impact the rest of Canebrake. Harold Myers, 23762 Piney Creek Drive, believes this could probably be fixed if the cul-de-sac shown on the plan could provide a second entrance and plan to add a second entrance to Canebrake if the development expands in the future. James Otten, 22905 Winged Foot Lane, believes at this point it is very clear how the people of Canebrake feel. He just wanted to bring up that there are currently 5 subdivisions on Lindsay Lane, with 11 feet of easement on one side of Lindsay Lane and 4 on the other. There are 3.5 accidents per year on the road according to statistics found online. He believes there is ample room to add a turn lane to help prevent accidents and plan for future growth. Greg Jinks, 14410 Muirfield Drive, stated that he has lived for ten years on Winged Foot before moving to Muirfield where he now resides. He said that residential traffic is tremendous already and he worries for the children who play in the streets if more traffic is added. Brenda Selby, 23622 Piney Creek, was the last resident to make a comment. She is not objectionable to growth in Athens and is happy that a new development wishes to locate in Athens. She is happy to live in a quiet development with woods in the backyard that meets the checklist she and her husband had for their dream home. She does not wish to see their neighborhood connect to a development with incomparable homes. Mrs. Garth commented that she loves the community input. She loves to see development and growth taking place within the city and hearing why residents chose to live in Athens. Mr. Roberts, with DR Horton, spoke to thank those who came out to comment and wanted to let everyone know D .R. Horton is willing to work with the City to address the issues that were raised. Mr. Hendrix asked Mr. Roberts if he would be willing to table the item until issues can be worked out. Mr. Roberts stated that he would rather move forward with the project while still addressing concerns. Mr. Johnson commented that he would prefer to approve what is drawn before recommending to the City Council. Mr. Johnson pointed out that within the C-PUD zone, lot sizes shall be determined by the development plan. He does not believe this should override the Zoning Ordinance though. In his opinion, the Links at Canebrake's Master Development Plan shows setbacks that do not align with the Zoning Ordinance. He would like to get a legal opinion on that though. Also, he does not see buffering being required between different uses. He believes further clarification of the Zoning Ordinance is needed.  Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page I \ �� Mr. Rich made the point that the Planning Commission can, if it so chooses, make recommendations to the City Council with conditions. Mr. Johnson responded that based on questions that need to be answered as well as the feedback received from the residents of Canebrake and the developer, he is not prepared to make a recommendation at this time. With no further comments, Mr. Johnson made the following resolution and moved for its adoption: "BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to postpone until January the Request of Canebrake Club LLC for Approval of a Master Development Plan for the Links at Canebrake located to the south of Canebrake Subdivision and east of Lindsay Lane South in a C-PUD Conventional Planned Unit Development District." Mr. Hendrix seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous of the members present After the Vote, Mayor Marks asked whether there is any specific recommendations for them to resolve before returning in January. Mr. Johnson stated that zoning, setbacks, and buffering are what needs to be addressed before a recommendation can be made to the City Council. Mr. Huffman pointed out that recommendations to the City Council are simply recommendations. He prepared a list of five items that should be investigated while listening to the comments that were made: 1. Check on whether the setbacks can differ from what is in the Zoning Ordinance. 2. Re-do Phase 4 to allow for a second entrance to the new development. 3· Consider imposing buffer limits where the two developments meet. 4. The City needs to consider improvements to Lindsay lane to support increased traffic stemming from this development, including the possible addition of a school. s. Consider relocation of future school area. Mr. Wales stated that he agrees with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Huffman and that he does not want to approve anything that will disrupt the community. Chief Thornton concluded the discussion with the following remark: "My job is concerned with the health and safety of the subdivisions. If this does become a standalone subdivision, then we need to pursue a second entrance to Canebrake. The International Fire Code states that a second entrance is needed after 30 houses are built and Canebrake currently has one entrance with about 470 houses. My job is to think of and prepare for what has not yet happened." Annual Business XIV. Resolution Mayor Marks made the following resolution and moved for its adoption: "BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to approve the 2018 Planning Commission Calendar as presented.  Athens Planning Commission 2017 December 19 Page I tq� Mr. Malone seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous of the members present. XV. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Ch i pe n =(��