MEsqve/owngleoa PLANNING COMMISSION  The Planning Commission held a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. Planning Commission members present: Jason Horne, Chair; Lonne R. Bailey, Vice Chair; Frances Coles, Secretary; C.G. Stanley, Town Council Representative; Cynthia Gunnoe; and Brock Malcolm  in the Town Municipal Building Council Hall.  Planning Commission members absent: Curtis Marshall  Town Staff present: Mary Zirkle, Director of Planning and Community Development and Cathy  Johnson, Clerk oft the Commission Town Staff absent: None CALLTOORDER:  The Chairman called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. DETERMINATIONOPA QUORUM:  There was a quorum to conduct business with six members present. REMARKSI BY CHAIRMAN & MEMBERS:  None.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Upon a motion by Ms. Coles and seconded by Ms. Bailey, with six members voting aye the April 4,  2024, minutes were approved as presented. STAFF & COMMITTEE REPORTS:  None.  NEW BUSINESS:  Ms. Zirkle gave an overview of the Pawn brokering and precious metals use consideration and discussion based on Town Code. Ms. Zirkle explained that her opinion is that the use is different from retail sales, but the Commission could consider the use as retail sales. Ms. Zirkle mentioned that Liberty Pawn was the last known pawn broker in Town, but staff is still trying to determine how the use was permitted. The business was in operation on North Bridge Street before closing in 2019. Ms. Zirkle stated that the current Zoning Ordinance Amendment does not have pawn brokering as a use. She stated that the Planning Commission or the applicant can ask for an ordinance amendment. When  5/2/24 Planning Commission Minutes Page 1of3    considering an amendment, the Commissioners need to define the use and in what zoning districts the use will be allowed. Ms. Zirkle advised that per Town Code only two pawn shops are permitted in the The Commissioners asked staff was the Chief of Police consulted. Mr. Stanley stated that the ordinance does not reference firearm sales. The Commissioners tried to determine how to incorporate the Town Code and federal regulations in its decision to permit pawn brokering as a use in the Town. While discussing the matter, the Chairman acknowiedged the requester is in the audience and permitted him to Mr. Jason Wilson, owner of Riverside Pawn, stated that mainly the business would offer retail to sales, buy or provide a service to purchase merchandise on a 30-day loans bases. He stated that he does sell firearms and has obtained Federal ATF licenses at his other stores. He provides background checks and the age limit is 18 years in state and 21 out of state. He concluded that ATF does random annual inspections. When asked about the concern of receiving stolen merchandise, Mr. Wilson stated that he Mr. Wilson is contract purchaser to buy the property at 800 and 810 Blue Ridge Avenue. He is proposing to purchase the two buildings and the additional vacant lot. His plans are to build a similar building on the backside of the lot (between the two buildings) and move the pawn shop there and then lease out the other spaces. Mr. Wilson stated that he does receive ATVs and wanted to place a POD for storage behind the building. He added that it depends on the location because he wants to build another warehouse on the vacant lot. Mr. Horne noted to Mr. Wilson that the merchandise must be in a fully Ms. Zirkle stated that the Planning Commission can determine what zoning districts the Pawnbrokering" use can be permitted and asked for its recommendation to proceed. The Planning Commission determined that the use should be case-by-case with a conditional use permit. The Commission agreed to allow pawn shops as a conditional use in B-2 zoning and not allow them in B-1. The Commissioners agreed to have Mr. Wilson initiate the ordinance amendment to add a new use, definition, standards, and amend provisions for permit application for the pawn shop. Ms. Zirkle advised Mr. Wilson that he needs to submit two applications for two public hearing, one for the ordinance amendment for the new use and another for the conditional use permit for the new use. Mr. Wilson and his realtor Stephanie Miller Moir with Century 21 All-Service wanted to expedite the public hearings. Staff confirmed that the next Planning Commission meeting is June 6 and the applications must be submitted by the advertisement deadline to the newspaper for the public hearings to be considered on the  Town at any one time, noting Bedford County limits up to five pawn shops.  speak.  uses the latest software that goes to local police and sheriff departments.  enclosed building as no outdoor storage is permitted.  agenda. Town Council meeting dates were relayed.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  Ms. Zirkle gave an update on the Comprehensive Plan process. She stated that the committee interviewed three applicants and selected one of the three during the interview. She stated that once the contract is finalized, the Town will announce the awarded recipient. Town Council had assigned the Planning Commission as the steering committee during this process. Ms. Zirkle stated that as part of the Comprehensive Plan process, it is important to get the public input. She wanted the Commissioners to consider outreach methods other than mailing and the website to reach the public. She reminded the Commissioners that the consultant maybe visits on the June 6 meeting and will have 18 months to  complete the process.  5/2/24 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2of3    ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm. The next regular scheduled meeting  will be on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Johnson, Clerk oft the Commission Approved on June 6, 2024.  hances B Coles Frances B. Coles, Secretary  5/2/241 Planning Commission Minutes Page 3of3