PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES  January 23, 2024  The Planning Commission oft the City of Athens, Alabama met ini regular session in the City Council Chambers on January 23, 2024 at 5:45 PM, after a short work session. The meeting was called to order by Commission Chair Gina Garth. Commission members present at the meeting included Rick Johnson, Rod Herron, Venard Hendrix, Brad Mallette, James Hand, Dana Henry, and Mayor Ronnie Marks. Also present were City staff members Erin Tidwell, City Planner, Paige Parker, Planner, and Andrea Colburn, Administrative Coordinator. Ms. Garth opened the meeting by introducing the members ofthe Commission and City staff. Ms. Garth then stated that the minutes oft the December 19, 2023 Planning Commission meeting had  been submitted for approval.  Rod Herron offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:  "BEI IT RESOLVED BY THE: PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, that the minutes for the December 19, 2023 meeting be  approved."  Rick Johnson seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous oft the voting members present. Ms. Garth announced that the request for Final Plat Approval of Emma at Arabella Village, Phase 1had been withdrawn from the agenda. There being no old business to discuss, the meeting  proceeded. Public Hearings:  PH.1. Request ofHenderson Development Group, LLC for Preliminary Plat Approval ofl King Estates West Subdivision, ai major subdivision of+- 30.64 acres into 16 lots, located directly south of Pepper Road and approximately 1,650' east ofLine Road (Parcel #: 4.100613.0.00.01001, zoned R-1-1 (Low Density Single Family Residential District).  Ms. Garth opened the public hearing.  Ms. Tidwell described the applicant's request, and stated that thel Engineering Department had concerns regarding the length of the cul-de-sac and the need for a turnaround. City Engineer Michael Griffin explained his concerns to the Commission. He expressed additional concerns about the grade, or elevation change, around the entry to the subdivision. Nick Hamlin, with Henderson Development Group, LLC, came forward and explained that as the developer, he'st trying tol keep thei integrity of the land in place as much as possible. Joe Higginbotham, with Morell Engineering (711 E. Hobbs Street), spoke, first addressing the street length. The street length requirement int the subdivision regulations is 1,000: feet; the street  1    length proposed with this development: is 1,300 feet. Mr. Higginbotham explained that Cedar Ridge Subdivision has as street length of 1,500 feet, and Clyde Mabry Drive has as street length of Mr. Higginbotham also stated that at the entrance, the road profile was designed to follow the terrain of the! land. As proposed, the intersection would be flatter than the entrance to! Forest Hills Subdivision and thei intersections of Christine and Clinton Streets and Athens-Limestone Way and Athens-Limestone Drive. Mr. Higginbotham explained that the flatter they make the roadway at the intersection, the steeper the roadway will be going up the hill, and the steeper some resident driveways will be. Mr. Higginbotham believes the design being proposed is the best design for Mr. Mallette and Mr. Higginbotham discussed the slope of the driveways within the development.  2,500 feet.  this property.  With no further questions or comments, Ms. Garth closed the public hearing.  Mayor Marks asked ifthe Commission could open up the item for discussion amongst members. Mr. Johnson believes the Commission should discuss the merits oft the request. Mr. Mallette suggested tabling the request until the City could review topographical and Resolution. Mayor Ronnie Marks offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission for the City of Athens, Alabama, at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, that the Commission does hereby grant the applicant's request for preliminary plat approval of King Estates  geological information from the developer.  West Subdivision.  Chief. James Hand seconded the motion. Discussion amongst Commission members pertaining to Mayor Marks asked ife either oft the roadways mentioned by Mr. Higginbotham has a cul-de-sac length longer than permitted by the subdivision regulations. Mr. Griffin answered that Clyde Mabry Drive predates the current subdivision regulations, and the other subdivision mentioned Mr. Griffin suggested that the City be given the freedom to address the issue oft the intersection grade at a later time, once further research has been conducted as to the geology oft the hillside. However, Mr. Griffin believes the subdivision regulations are clear on the cul-de-sac length. Mr. Higginbotham stated that they dol have the test results oft the geological survey. Mr. Higginbotham also added that Cedar Ridge subdivision has a street length of 1,500 feet from the  the request took place at this time.  has a traffic circle.  cul-de-sac to the street.  2    Mr. Mallette and Mr. Griffin discussed Mr. Griffin's previous suggestion ofat turnaround along Mayor Marks asked Mr. Hamlin ifN Mr. Griffin's suggestion would be acceptable. Mr. Hamlin answered that he doesn'tsee aj problem with it, as long as it's a suitable calming measure. Mr. Rich and Mr. Hamlin discussed the appearance and location ofaj possible turnaround. Ms. Garth then suggested the item bet tabled while the developer and the Engineering Department  the roadway.  come to a mutual solution.  Mayor Marks withdrew his previous motion.  Resolution. Danal Henry offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:  BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission for the City of Athens, Alabama, at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, that the Commission does hereby table the applicant's request for Preliminary Plat approval of King Estates West Subdivision, pending a mutual resolution between the developer and the  City concerning issues discussed within the meeting.  Rod Herron seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously of the voting members PH.2. Request of Marty Gaston and Todd Burchell for Minor Plat Approval of2nd Street and Grace Avenue Subdivision, a minor subdivision of +/-0.35 acres into 21 lots, located at 601 Grace Avenue (Parcel#: 44100.082.005-0.00, zoned HN (Historic Neighborhood District). Ms. Garth opened the public hearing. Ms. Tidwell described the applicant's request, and stated  present.  that Staff sees no issues with this request.  With no further questions or comments, Ms. Garth closed the public hearing. Resolution. Dana Henry offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:  BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission for the City of Athens, Alabama, at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, that the Commission does hereby grant the applicant's request for minor plat approval of 2nd Street and  Grace. Avenue Subdivision.  Mayor Ronnie Marks seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously oft the voting PH.3. Request of White, Carter, and Root for approval ofa Certificate to Subdivide for White-Carter & Root +/- 0.35 acres into 1 lot, located at 900 Sanderfer Road West (Parcel #:  members present.  3    41006183-0X0S.A zoned R-1-1 (Low Density Single Family Residential! District). Ms. Garth opened thej public hearing, and asked that the corresponding requests for approval ofa Certificate to Subdivide and approval ofa Certificate to Consolidate for White, Carter, and Root 7.D. Request of White, Carter, and Root for approval ofa Certificate to Consolidate for White-Carter & Root +/- 0.35 acres into 1 lot, located at 898 Sanderfer Road West (Parcel #: 441006183.0007800 zoned R-1-1 (Low Density Single Family Residential District). Ms. Tidwell described the applicant'sr requests as related to items PH.3 and 7.D, and stated that Ms. Jennifer White (512 Sanders Street) came forward. Ms. White stated that her family is  be heard together.  Staff sees no issues with either oft these certificates. carrying out her parents' wishes with these requests.  With no further questions or comments, Ms. Garth closed the public hearing.  Resolution. Mayor Ronnie Marks offered the: following resolution and moved its adoption: BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission for the City of Athens, Alabama, at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, that the Commission does hereby grant the applicant's request for a Certificate to Subdivide for BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission for the City of Athens, Alabama, at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, that the Commission does hereby grant a Certificate to Consolidate for White-Carter & Root.  White-Carter & Root.  Rod Herron seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously oft the voting members  present. Consent Calendar:  7.A. Request of SMB Land, LLC: for Final Plat Approval of Swan Woods, a major subdivision of +/- 67 acres into 951 lots, located directly south of Forrest Street and approximately 3,000' east of U.S. Highway 31 South (Parcel #: 441002-103-00050A zoned R-1-3 (High Density Ms. Tidwell described the applicant'sr request. She explained that Staff sees no issues with this request, but would ask that approval be contingent upon receipt oft the appropriate bonds and right-of-way improvements being completed before signature of the final plat. Ms. Garth and Mr. Griffin discussed upkeep of the landscape islet, the retaining wall, and the rip rap, responsibility of which would be the Homeowner's Association.  Single Family Residential District).  4    7.C. Request ofLinton Road, LLC for Final Plat Approval of Henderson Estates, Phase 2A,a major subdivision of+/-23.99: acres, including 461 lots, located directly north of Nick Davis Road approximately 1,4001 feet east ofl Linton Road (Parcel# 1001-1-000D.500). zoned Ms. Tidwell described the applicant'si request, and stated that Staff sees no issues with this  C-PUD (Conventional Planned Unit Development).  request.  Mr.. Johnson asked ift this request would meet current C-PUD: requirements. Ms. Tidwell answered 7.E. Request of Dawan Gilbert for approval ofa Certificate to Consolidate: Pinnacle Research & Development Company, LLC+-0.27 acres into 11 lot, located at 1801 West 14th Street (Parcel #: 4100HIB1-02010, zoned R-1-3 (High Density Single Family Residential District) Ms. Tidwell described the applicant's request, and stated that Staff sees no issues with the request. Resolution. Rod Herron offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:  that it would not.  BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission for the City of Athens, Alabama, at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, does hereby grant the request for final plat approval of Swan Woods, contingent upon receipt of the appropriate bonds and right-of-way improvements being made prior to signatures BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission for the City of Athens, Alabama, at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, does hereby grant the request for final plat approval ofE Henderson Estates, Phase 2A. BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission for the City of Athens, Alabama, at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, does hereby grant a Certificate to Consolidate for Pinnacle Research & Development Company, LLC.  ofthe final plat.  Venard Hendrix seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously oft the voting members present.  Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Commission, Chairwoman Garth duly  and properly adjourned the meeting at 6:371 p.m.  Attest:  Secretary  5