MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 12, 2005
The Aberdeen Board of Commissioners met Monday, September 12, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. for their regular Board meeting. Members present were Mayor Elizabeth Mofield and Commissioners Pat Ann McMurray, Donna Shannon and Terry Marquez. Commissioners’ Arthur Parker and Robbie Farrell were unable to attend due to sickness and family matters. Others in attendance were Town Manager Bill Zell, Planning Director Giles Hopkins, Deputy Planner Heather Brown, Finance Officer Beth Wentland, Town Clerk Nancy Matthews, and Matthew Moriarity, Reporter for the Pilot. Planning Board members present were Maurice Holland and Elease Goodwin. There were approximately thirty citizens in attendance.
1. Call to Order
Mayor Mofield called the meeting to order. She stated there were several Public Hearings to be held.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Application for Conditional Use Permit CU#05-07 submitted by Royal/Longstreet, LLC for multi-family dwelling condos to be located on the east side of Saunders Boulevard directly across from Bronwyn Street.
(1) Application for Site Plan Review SP#05-10 submitted by Royal/Longstreet, LLC for multi-family dwelling condos to be located on the east side of Saunders Boulevard directly across from Bronwyn Street.
Mayor Mofield opened the Public Hearing on Application for Conditional Use Permit CU#05-07 for public comments and Board discussion.
Mr. Donald Longstreet, 2978 Camp Easter Rd., spoke briefly to present and review with the Board and the public the site plans for the proposed eleven condo dwellings.
Mr. Chris Dlugokenski, 230 Bronwyn St., briefly spoke stating he feels this development will increase the surrounding property values and he welcomes Mr. Longstreet’s development.
Mr. Scott Matthews, Engineer with Neal Smith Engineering, stated erosion control plans have been designed so there will not be any water run off. He also stated that as many trees as possible will be preserved and grading will be kept at a minimum.
With no further public comments or Board discussion, Mayor Mofield declared the Public Hearing on Application for Conditional Use Permit CU#05-07 closed.
b. Application for Conditional Use Permit CU#05-08 submitted by Clift Commercial, LLC for a Residential Planned Development to be located on the east side of Saunders Boulevard and known as Lighthorse Trace.
(1) Application for Site Plan Review SP#05-13 submitted by Clift Commercial, LLC for a Residential Planned Development to be located on the east side of Saunders Boulevard and known as Lighthorse Trace.
Mr. Jarrett Deerwester, with Clift Commercial and Gary Stover of Stover Homes, both briefly spoke concerning the construction of these homes.
Mr. David Burke, 203 Cove Court, had concerns about the traffic and the visibility problem that currently exists on Saunders Boulevard. He stated this is already a congested area and more vehicles will only intensify the problem.
Mayor Mofield informed the citizens in this area that the developers would have to work with DOT concerning the ingress and egress in this property. She stated they would have to abide by DOT’s requirements.
Mr. Robert DeSandy, 150 Lighthorse Trace, stated he lives in this development and desires to see it completed. He stated he does not see a problem with increased traffic into this development. He also stated he does not understand why others find it a problem with the traffic.
Mr. Burke also had concerns about removing the trees parallel with the railroad tracks. He asked that these not be removed so it will cut down on the train noise.
Mr. Mark McFarland, 311 South St., stated he attended a public hearing fifteen months ago when another developer was to finish this development. He stated he still has concerns on the water surface run off from this property onto the Elks Club golf course. He is adamantly opposing this proposed development as it is destroying the golf course. He stated he had raised concerns before concerning this water run off and still nothing has been done. He also felt the twenty-five foot setback does not meet the Town’s code. He asked that the Board look into this and to look at the existing foundations presently on these lots.
Mr. Deerwester stated the State requirements are stringent and they will have to follow their requirements.
With no further public comments or Board discussion, Mayor Mofield closed the Public Hearing on Application for Conditional Use Permit CU#05-08 for public comments and Board discussion.
c. Application for Conditional Use Permit CU#05-09 submitted by Davidson and Jones Residential, LLC for a Residential Planned Development to be located in the Phase V of Glen Laurel Subdivision
Mayor Mofield then opened Public Hearing on Application for Conditional Use Permit CU#05-09 for public comments and Board discussion.
Mr. Steve Cunningham of Davidson and Jones who briefly spoke stated he has extensive background in residential development. He stated there would be sixty units constructed to include a clubhouse and a pool. He stated this will be a positive development for the Glen Laurel Subdivision.
Mr. Dale Streicker, asked how much were the homes selling for and if the developer plans to save as many trees as possible.
With no further public comments or Board discussion, Mayor Mofield declared the Public Hearing on Application for Conditional Use Permit CU#05-09 closed.
d. Housing Development Grant Application to the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Assistance for the development of new homes for low to moderate income homebuyers by Moore County Habitat for Humanity on the land located on Keyser Street between Hatley Avenue and Blyther Street.
Mayor Mofield then opened the Public Hearing on the Housing Development Grant Application to the NC Dept. of Commerce for the development of new homes for low to moderate income homebuyers by Moore County Habitat for Humanity on the land located on Keyser Street between Hatley Avenue and Blyther Street for public comments and Board discussion.
Manager Zell stated this is the second of two required Public Hearings in order to submit application for the grant. He stated the Town will be having a meeting on September 20th to make sure everything is complete and correct before submitting the application.
With no public comments or Board discussion, Mayor Mofield closed the Public Hearing on the Housing Development Grant Application.
3. Setting of the Agenda
Manager Zell stated under 8-Old Business, Item a, to add the consideration of approval of Application for Site Plan Review SP#04-08 and amend it in accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement between Albemarle Oil Company and the Town of Aberdeen.
A motion was then made by Commissioner McMurray, seconded by Commissioner Marquez, to approve the Setting of the Agenda as amended. Motion unanimously carried.
4. Approval of the Consent Agenda
All items listed below are considered routine or have been discussed at length in previous meetings and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request by a member of the Board of Commissioners.
a. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of August 8, 2005; Regular Work Session of September 1, 2005; Special Called Meeting of September 6, 2005; Closed Session of September 6, 2005.
b. General Provisions Amendment GP#05-02 regarding Planning Board term limitation.
c. Resolution and Municipal Agreements for the inspection of bridges on the municipal street system.
A motion was made by Commissioner McMurray, seconded by Commissioner Shannon, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented/amended. Motion unanimously carried.
5. Financial Report
Finance Officer Beth Wentland briefly gave a financial report for the month of August. She stated the total revenues earned in the General Fund for the month of August came in at $18,416.68. The total expenses still exceeded the revenues for the month with a deficit of $36,129.03. She stated the August revenues consisted of property taxes, garbage fees, annual hold harmless revenue, building permit fees, antenna rents, the motor vehicle taxes and zoning fees.
Ms. Wentland stated the Water/Sewer Fund revenues were coming in higher than the expenses for the month of August due to the bi-monthly utility billing, giving a month net gain of $189,886.00 with a year-to-date net gain of $110,542.19.
6. Informal Discussion and Public Comment
a. Resolution for the 100th Birthday Celebration of Mary Lilly McGregor Bratcher.
Mayor Mofield read the Resolution in honor of Ms. Bratcher’s upcoming 100th birthday. She stated this Resolution will be sent to Ms. Bratcher in order for her to receive by her birthday of October 1, 2005.
7. New Business
a. Consideration of approval of Application for Conditional Use Permit CU#05-05 submitted by Mary Elaine Smith for a home occupation to be located within her residence at 124 Joseph Road.
A motion was made by Commissioner Shannon, seconded by Commissioner McMurray, to approve Application for Conditional Use permit CU#05-05 as submitted by Mary Elaine Smith for a home occupation to be located within her residence at 124 Joseph Road with the following findings:
A. That the establishment, maintenance or operation of the conditional use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare;
B. That the conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted or substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood;
C. That the establishment of the conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the district;
D. That the exterior architectural appeal and functional plan of any proposed structure will not be so at variance with either the exterior architectural appeal and functional plan of the structures already constructed or in the course of construction in the immediate neighborhood or the character of the applicable district as to cause a substantial depreciation in the property values within the neighborhood;
E. That adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are being provided;
F. That adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress and egress so designed as to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets; and
G. That the conditional use shall, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located except as such regulations may in each instance be modified by the Board of Commissioners pursuant to the recommendation of the Planning Board.
Should any of the above conditions or any of the conditions hereto be invalid, this permit shall become null and void and of no effect. Motion unanimously carried.
b. Consideration of approval of Application for Rezoning RZ#05-06 submitted by Bill Seymour to rezone property located to the west and north of Aberdeen Commons from HC Highway Commercial District and R-20 Residential District to GC General Commercial District.
A motion was made by Commissioner McMurray, seconded by Commissioner Marquez, to table this item for further discussion at the next Work Session. Motion unanimously carried.
c. Consideration of approval of Application for Site Plan Review SP#05-12 submitted by John Wright for an office building to be located on the west side of Shepherd Trail in the C-I Commercial and Industrial Light District.
A motion was made by Commissioner McMurray, seconded by Commissioner Shannon, to approve Application for Site Plan Review SP#05-12 submitted by John Wright for an office building to be located on the west side of Shepherd Trail in the C-I Commercial and Industrial Light District. Motion unanimously carried.
d. Consideration of adoption of a Resolution to Reduce Speed Limit on Certain Streets.
A motion was made by Commissioner McMurray, seconded by Commissioner Marquez, to adopt the Resolution to Reduce Speed Limit on Certain Streets in the Town of Aberdeen. Motion unanimously carried.
e. Consideration of a Resolution adopting Moore County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
A motion was made by Commissioner McMurray, seconded by Commissioner Shannon, to adopt the Moore County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Motion unanimously carried.
8. Old Business
a. Consideration of approval of Application for Site Plan Review SP#04-08.
A motion was made by Commissioner McMurray, seconded by Commissioner Marquez, to approve Application for Site Plan Review SP#04-08 submitted by Albemarle Oil Company and amend it in accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement. Motion unanimously carried.
9. Other Business
Mayor Mofield informed the Board of upcoming events of the Seniors Pot Lunch at the Parks & Recreation Department on September 20th, the Annual Malcolm Blue Farm activities, the Sardine Festival, CAP Program to begin on Tuesday, September 13th and runs through October 18th.
Mayor Mofield then commented on a request in support of the Athletic Program to help defray the expenses and help with school budgets. She asked that all citizens support this important program.
A Drop-In Session will be held by the Planning Department at the Lake Park building on Tuesday September 27th from 5p.m. to 7p.m.
There will also be a Public Hearing pertaining to the park facilities on Monday, September 26th from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Park Building.
10. Adjourn
With no further items of business or discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner McMurray, seconded by Commissioner Marquez, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
__________________________ ________________________
Nancy M. Matthews, Town Clerk Elizabeth B. Mofield, Mayor