Planning Commission

FAIRMONT PLANNING COMMISSION The regular meeting of the Fairmont Planning Commission was held on February 19, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Building located at 500 Quincy Street. Both President Oliver and Vice President Nichols were absent for this meeting. The Commission asks for a nomination from the remaining members to conduct the meeting. Commissioner Greene nominates Ron Straight to preside over the February meeting. Commissioner Weber seconds the motion. Vote was 7‐0 in favor. Motion Carried. Commissioner Straight calls the meeting to order. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Members Present: Members Absent: Commissioner Parker President Oliver Commissioner Straight Commissioner Nichols Commissioner Weber Commissioner Pitman Commissioner Greene Commissioner Majic Commissioner Miller City Staff Present: City Planner – Kathy Wyrosdick Recording Secretary – Mark Miller Commissioner Parker motions that President Oliver and Vice President Nichols be excised from the meeting. Commissioner Greene seconds the motion. Vote was 7‐0 in favor. Motion Carried. NEW BUSINESS 1) Election of Officers 1 Commissioner Straight asks for a nomination for Planning Commission President. Commissioner Weber motions that the Planning Commission table the election of officers until everyone is in attendance. Commissioner Pitman seconds the motion to table the elections. The Election will be held at the next meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR February 19, 2014 None PUBLIC HEARINGS TO SET FOR March 19, 2014 None CITIZENS PETITION (For items not listed on the agenda). 1) Kate Greene – What’s going on at Main Street Fairmont Kate Greene from Main Street Fairmont is present at this evenings meeting. She brings the Commission up to speed on some of the programs and initiatives that MSF has been working on and invites the PC to participate in some of the upcoming events. 2) Carl Nuzum – Leonard’s Service Station Zoning Ryan Nuzum is in attendance to discuss his potential purchase of the old Leonard’s Service Station at the corner of Locust Avenue and Country Club Road. It has been determined that the area is zoned Neighborhood Residential which makes the existing garage a Nonconforming Use. The Nuzums have plans to renovate the existing structure and to lease the garage and the adjoin lot. The smaller lot would be used as used car lot. The Planning Commission will consider the rezoning of this property from Neighborhood Residential to Main Corridor Commercial. The Main Corridor Commercial designation would fit better with the surrounding commercial properties such as the motel and Anthony Chevrolet. The Director of Planning and Development feels that this may have been an oversight when the zoning map was created and suggested that the Planning Commission sponsor the rezoning on behalf of the City. The item will be on the March agenda and set for a public hearing at the April meeting. 3) Tracy Evans – church property on Cherry Lane Tracy Evans is present to speak about a potential zoning issue along Cherry Lane. This section of Morgantown Avenue is zoned Industrial. While the area is predominantly residential, the zoning designation prohibits the construction of new residential home. Evans would like this area rezoned to accommodate a client interested in the property. The Director of Planning and Development explains that the Planning Office would not support the request as it would create 2 an area considered “spot zoning.” Kathy suggest that a better alternative might be to wait until the zoning revision have been adopted. In the new Industrial section residential uses would be permitted in the area. NEW BUSINESS None OTHER BUSINESS 1) Commissioner’s Comments – no comments 2) Staff Update a) Rezoning of Leonard’s Service Station Property ‐ This matter was addressed during Citizen Comments b) Zoning Update – Clearzoning ‐ Kathy discusses the option of Clearzoning for the City of Fairmont. She explains the process and the benefits of this format to the Commission and asks that they consider moving forward in this manner. The idea will be discussed again at the March meeting. c) Planning Commission involvement in Site Plan review – This item will be carried over to the March meeting. d) Home Rule – Kathy updates the Commission on our Home Rule Application e) The Beltline Study‐ Appalachian Transition Fellow – Kathy talks about the fellow program and discusses the work that this person will be doing for the City in the coming months. f) Bad Buildings update – The Commission is brought up to date on the award from the Brownfields Assistance Center and future plans for the program. g) What is our role in business development and the WV State Journal “Map to Prosperity” project – This item will be discusses at a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Straight asks for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Greene made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Majic seconds the motion. 3