MINUTES OF THE WHITSETT PLANNING BOARD
The monthly meeting of the Whitsett Planning Board was held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at the Whitsett Town Hall. In attendance: Board Chairman Bob Maccia, Board Vice Chairman Joe Wheeler, Evelyn Rutkoski, Homer Moser, and Councilmember Jerry Rice. Absent: Patrick Hickey, Jr., Paul Lewis, Sharon Hunt, and Christy Saunders. Also present were Town Administrator Gary Deal and Councilman Ken Jacobs.
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 March 7, 2007. Motion made
by Board Vice Chairman Joe Wheeler to adopt the minutes from the March 7 meeting as presented; seconded by Evelyn Rutkoski. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Board Chairman Bob Maccia presented the April 2, final draft of the Lighting Ordinance, stating that a work session had been held with Board member Evelyn Rutkoski, Town Administrator Gary Deal, Councilman Ken Jacobs, and himself
to revisit the January 24 lighting ordinance draft for a final time. The draft had been informally given to Council members for reaction and feedback as part of their informational packages prior to the February Council meeting. After brief review, Council members, during the February meeting, suggested that the Planning Board consider simplifying the January 24 draft.
With that as the objective, the work session was called among the four mentioned above. After deliberation, however, it became clearer and clearer that the integrity of the document and the investment of 8-month’s time and effort would be compromised if very much were eliminated or simplified. More so, the end result would not be what the Planning Board had intended as the Town’s outdoor lighting code. With some changes, improved inclusions, and refinements made, Board Chairman Maccia explained that the completed product was about 90% of previous drafts; and he would like this product to be the Planning Board’s recommended ordinance presented to the Town Council April 10.
Board Chairman Maccia summarized by saying that ultimately, this ordinance will not discourage anyone from coming into Town; but, will protect the privacy of current residents, citing that a positive aspect of the ordinance is the requirement of shields on fixtures so that bulbs are not seen or produce glaring.
At this point, Board Chairman Maccia turned over the floor to Board member Evelyn Rutkoski who took those present through the revised final draft, which is attached and part of this official file.
During the review, Council liaison Jerry Rice asked if Duke Energy had been apprised of and in agreement with the proposed ordinance since their cooperation is important. Board member Rutkoski replied that she had forwarded a copy of the the proposed ordinance to Duke Energy for review and comment; and although she had yet heard from Duke Energy, she would follow up on their feedback. In this regard, Ken Jacobs added that if this proposal is adopted by the Town Council, a letter should be sent to Duke Energy notifying them of implementation.
Board Vice Chairman Joe Wheeler interjected that a major plus to site plan review by the Town Administrator/Planning Board at the outset could only be
of benefit to the contractor and in the long run a time saver for all parties—contractor and Town alike—meaning no need for removal or redo of installations that may not be in compliance. Subsequent review by the County and a certified lighting professional as set forth via agreement would further ensure conformance to the Town’s code.
In conclusion, Planning Board Chairman Maccia asked if anyone wanted to make a motion to recommend the document in hand to the Town Council for adoption. Homer Moser made a motion to submit the proposed ordinance to the Council to accept or reject; seconded by Board Vice Chairman Joe Wheeler. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
As a final note, Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia commended Board member Evelyn Rutkoski for her extensive research and coordination on the ordinance; and remarked that the ordinance may serve as a model for other communities. Development of this ordinance was a major accomplishment since no provisions for outdoor lighting had pre-existed for Whitsett.
3.
Any Other
Old Business
Board Chairman Maccia asked for any other old business to come before the Board. Homer Moser raised the issue of too many “junkyards” in Town; and strongly stated that, in his opinion, the Planning Board should, before working
on anything further, require enforcement relative to “junk cars”—which has become a worsening situation in Whitsett. He further emphasized his concern from the aspect of health risks and property devaluation.
Ken Jacobs stated that, as a member of the Enforcement Committee, the committee would take under advisement and investigate any complaint that
is registered in writing.
Homer Moser countered with what good are ordinances if they aren’t or can’t
be enforced? Ken Jacobs reiterated that if a complaint is submitted to the
Town in writing as policy requires, the committee is obligated to evaluate circumstances; and the three members of the committee determine what action
to take and how to go about taking that action.
Ken Jacobs concluded and further clarified that the committee does not police
the Town for violations. A document in hand is required before any action can
be considered or taken.
1.
Any New
Business
Board Chairman Bob Maccia asked for any new business to be discussed; and there was none.
With no further business before the Board, Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia invited a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Homer Moser to adjourn; motion seconded by Evelyn Rutkoski. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
The next meeting of the Whitsett Planning Board is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at the Town Hall.
/s/ /s/
______________________________ _________________________________
Jo Hesson, Town Clerk Bob Maccia, Planning Board Chairman