MINUTES OF THE WHITSETT PLANNING BOARD
February 7, 2007
The monthly meeting of the Whitsett Planning Board was held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at the Whitsett Town Hall. In attendance: Board Chairman Bob Maccia, Board Vice Chairman Joe Wheeler, Evelyn Rutkoski, Patrick Hickey, Jr., Homer Moser, Christy Saunders, and Councilmember Jerry Rice. Absent: Paul Lewis and Sharon Hunt. Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia called the meeting to order, and seated Board Alternate Homer Moser to vote.
1.
Adoption of
Minutes
Minutes from the Planning Board meeting on January 3, 2007. Motion made by Patrick Hickey to adopt the minutes from the January 3 meeting as presented; motion seconded by Homer Moser. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Evelyn Rutkoski reported that she had asked the Town Council to provide the effective date(s) for insertion in the newly-adopted sign ordinance--specifically, Section 7-1.9 Sign Certificates--and November 14, 2006, being the date the Sign Ordinance was adopted by the Town Council, will be added. Town Administrator Gary Deal provided input to the ordinance’s enforcement, and intends to send letters to the three Whitsett businesses (namely, Whitsett Mini Mart, American Mulch Supply, and Brightwood Self Storage) with nonconforming signs, pinpointing exact violations. Although no action on the part of the businesses is necessary at this time, should the signs be replaced in the future whether due to needed repair or by choice, the new signs will require a Town permit and must meet current Town requirements.
Board Chairman Bob Maccia asked for a motion to accept the “Sign Certificates” section to the ordinance. Motion made by Board Vice Chairman Joe Wheeler; seconded by Evelyn Rutkoski. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Also, Board Chairman Maccia was asked by Town Administrator Deal to solicit
Board agreement, on asking the gas station/mini-mart to restrict the number
of advertising signs posted at the business for aesthetic reasons. The Board unanimously agreed.
Board Chairman Maccia presented one final change relative to signs, and that
was to the Sign Definitions in Article II. Town Administrator Deal and Board Chairman Maccia discussed and agreed to recommend adding to the Animated Signs definition, the verbiage “including electronic messages” (such as those
used at Brightwood Self Storage). This addition would make the definition in
Article II, page 2-14 read: “Animated Sign: Any sign which flashes, revolves, rotates or swings by mechanical means or which uses a change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene, including electronic messages.” This would clearly make electronic messages not permissible. Motion made by Patrick Hickey to accept; seconded by Joe Wheeler. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Board Chairman Bob Maccia informed the Planning Board of two FYI items recently brought to his attention. First, the Town Administrator Gary Deal received from the NC Department of Transportation a letter concerning illegal banners that were being placed within some communities on or adjacent to roads on the State Maintenance System. Typically, banners identified the community with an emblem or message of a sponsoring business included.
These banners violate the General Statutes of North Carolina; and all villages, towns, and cities displaying illegal [advertising] banners are asked to remove them within 30 days of the notification. Board Chairman Maccia reviewed the Town’s current sign ordinance, and the Town is covered and in compliance with the State Statutes.
Second, Board Chairman Maccia made the Planning Board aware of the Whitsett Fire Department wanting to hook up to the Town Hall’s septic system because the Fire Department’s system is at capacity. A particular hardship is realized since two firemen now reside at the firehouse full time. With 24/7 use of facilities, i.e., laundry, kitchen, bathroom, showers, the Fire Department’s land has become saturated, which is weak soil to begin with. The County health inspector came out to evaluate the situation, and determined that even if another tank were installed on the firehouse parcel, it would not work because the land is so bad. The County suggested that the Fire Department pursue sharing the Town Hall’s septic system since it is a commercial system with a 10,000-gallon capacity that, in the County’s opinion, would feasibly handle service to the firehouse.
In addition, Board Chairman Bob Maccia went on to mention that the Burlington Fire Department is currently negotiating with the Whitsett Fire Department to have the Whitsett Fire Department assume jurisdictional responsibility for the Lake Mackintosh community because Whitsett can respond to the area in half the time Burlington could. Burlington is working up a list of requirements and what they would like to see done, which may include additional firefighters; meaning an added burden on an already inadequate septic system.
The Fire Department intends to present the Town Council with a formal letter requesting permission to hook up to the Town Hall’s septic system. The Fire Department will propose to take full responsibility for the connection. If the tank gets filled up, the Fire Department would be responsible for pumping out the tank in addition to any repairs or needed upkeep. All conditions, concerns, and liabilities will, of course, have to be considered by both parties, i.e., the Town Council and the Fire Department, should they enter into agreement.
Board Chairman Bob Maccia turned over discussion of Draft #4, 1/24/07 lighting ordinance to Board member Evelyn Rutkoski who had the lead on developing the proposed document. Rutkoski recapped that Maccia and she had met with engineer Chris Morrison from Cooper Lighting a few months ago for assistance in developing a Whitsett lighting ordinance. Mr. Morrison also gave a presentation at the September Planning Board meeting to educate the Board on lighting definitions and terms and to present options and examples of good and bad lighting. Mr. Morrison continues to serve as the Board’s consultant in this area of his expertise.
Board member Patrick Hickey suggested that should the Planning Board ever need a second opinion on issues, Atlas Lighting in Burlington would be a good choice. This need could also be considered relative to site plan review once the ordinance has been adopted.
Board member Rutkoski proceeded to take the Planning Board through the fine-tuned ordinance page-by-page, revision-by-revision. (A copy of the current proposed ordinance is attached for the record.) Rutkoski explained that Davidson County requirements and Oakridge requirements had served as the basis for Whitsett’s ordinance. As the ordinance evolved, the Board had some conflicts on several technical issues; and Chris Morrison recommended which ones the Board should consider including. In addition, the Guilford County Planning Department reviewed and offered input to one of the early versions of the proposed document.
As the Board perused the draft #4 document, there were still some questions, clarifications, and discussion.
Major concern centered on the issue of site plan review. The ordinance requires site plan review and approval by the Town Administrator/Planning Board. In addition, the Town had planned to pursue establishing an agreement with Guilford County Planning Department who, in conjunction with a certified lighting professional would review lighting construction plans to ensure that they meet the specifications in the Town’s ordinance. Board member Patrick Hickey noted that this could only benefit the Town by providing another level of certification and enforcement of the ordinance. To date, this agreement with the County has not been initiated; but the Board firmly stands by its necessity.
Also, with regard to enforcement, a certificate of approval, similar to the one
just adopted for signs, should be included in the lighting ordinance. Board member Rutkoski said she would essentially clone the “sign certificates” section and apply it accordingly to lighting.
With all the minor revisions and additions from this meeting having been captured for insertion in a future redraft of this ordinance, Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia stated his intent relative to this document. At this juncture, and before
the Planning Board puts any more work into a final lighting ordinance for recommendation to the Town Council, he would like to submit this January 24 version to the Town Council and the Town Administrator at the February 13 meeting for their review and feedback. This document has been completed in good faith; and now the Planning Board would like to know what more the Council wants included, excluded, or changed. Board member Rutkoski also added that the Town Council provided the documents from Davidson County and Oakridge; now the Planning Board needs to know if we are “in the ballpark” of what they [the Town Council and Town Administrator] are looking for.
In conclusion, Planning Board Chairman Maccia passed along to those present that Chris Morrison commended the Planning Board for their efforts in producing a comprehensive and exceptional product.
No old business.
Homer Moser expressed his concern over properties within Whitsett that are becoming junkyards with numerous vehicles being worked on or just “sitting”
at residences. Of major concern is that the Town’s current enforcement ordinance reads that only adjoining property owners may submit a complaint to the Town because junk cars and equipment are a direct eyesore. Homer Moser’s opinion is that if a situation such as cars with residual oil and other lubricants being dumped into the ground, then that poses a health risk of contamination more far-reaching than the eye can see. Certainly with the already apparent problem of contaminated wells in Whitsett; this issue could go hand in hand in that thinking.
The Planning Board would like to see Councilmember liaison Jerry Rice bring this matter before the Town Council for reaction and direction.
With no further business before the Board, Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia invited a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Evelyn Rutkoski to adjourn; motion seconded by Homer Moser. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
The next meeting of the Whitsett Planning Board is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 7, 2006, at the Town Hall.
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______________________________ _________________________________
Jo Hesson, Town Clerk Bob Maccia, Planning Board Chairman