Call to Order

The monthly meeting of the Town of Rockwell Planning Board was held on February 6, 2006 with Chairman Bill Earnhardt presiding.

Visitors

Mayor Beau Taylor, Alderman Chuck Wingerson, Tim McSwain (Kleen-Rite Carwash), Jimmy Sisk (Carwash Designer)

Members Present

Tim Draper, Debbie Miller, Mike Cauble, Larry Bruce, David Allison, Katie Linker, Jean Puckett, Shirley Rogers, Mitzi Hall, and Bill Earnhardt

Minutes of Regular Board Meeting – January 9, 2006

A motion by David Allison, seconded by Tim Draper, carried unanimously to accept the minutes as presented.

Old Business

A. Annexation Update

Marlene Dunn informed the Board that Tim Linker was in the process of researching the cost that will be involved in each area proposed to be annexed. The Board of Aldermen will require these figures before proceeding with the annexation of the recommended areas.

B. Recommendations on Possible Changes to Subdivision Ordinance

Tim Draper informed the Board that he had spoken with several contractors since the last meeting concerning the installation of curb and guttering in new subdivisions. They all seem to be in favor of installing the curb and guttering. He stated that the valley style curbing was more contractor friendly. After a brief discussion on the matter a motion by Larry Bruce, seconded by David Allison, carried unanimously to request the Board of Aldermen set a Public Hearing to make a text change to the Subdivision Ordinance to include the installation of curb and guttering in the ETJ area.

C. Discussion on Rezoning of Hwy. 52 up to Nazareth Home Rd. to either B1 (Neighborhood Business) or B3 (General Business)

Tim Linker explained that B1 will be a little more restrictive on what businesses will be allowed in the area. This should also help with the traffic flow. Tim also explained that the Board could recommend a text change on the districts in which an auto supply store is allowed to operate. At the present it is not allowed in B1. Debbie Miller asked how the Public Hearings were advertised. She stated that we needed to proceed as advertised. After some more discussion a motion by Tim Draper, seconded by Larry Bruce, carried unanimously to proceed with the Public Hearings as advertised and then request the Board of Aldermen set a Public Hearing at the March meeting to rezone the property on both sides of the street up to Nazareth Home Rd. to B1 (Neighborhood Business) as the Landuse Plan suggests.

D. Reminder of Public Hearings to be held on February 13, 2006

Bill Earnhardt reminded the Board that the following Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on February 13, 2006. He asked that everyone plan to attend if possible.

1: Requested rezoning of property located at 1040 Rockwell Road , better described as Tax Map: 376A - Parcels: 011 and 018 from R1 (Residential-Single Family) to RA (Residential/Agriculture) at the request of John & Betty Webb (owners).

2: Requested rezoning of properties located on Hwy. 52 adjacent to Brookhill Cemetery , better described as Tax Map 357 – Parcel 109 and Hwy. 52 adjacent to 8640 Hwy. 52, better described as Tax Map 357 – Parcel 044 from RA (Residential/Agriculture) to B3 (General Business) at the request of Ray Medley & Medley Rentals (owners).

New Business

A. New Member Representing ETJ Area

Bill Earnhardt informed Elizabeth Boltz had been approved by the County Commissioners to represent the ETJ area. Ms. Boltz resides on Forest Street .

B. Variance Request from Kleen-Rite Car Wash – located at 965 W. Main Street to add an additional booth

Tim McSwain, representative from Kleen-Rite Car Wash, presented their request to gain a variance of approximately seven (7) feet so as to be able to add a new automatic booth to their business. This addition will not interfere with the existing buffering. He presented a letter from Quality Mart stating that they do not have a problem with the reduced setback. Larry Bruce questioned if this would not limit the access to the rear of the car wash. Mr. McSwain stated that the extra booth should assist with the traffic flow so that cars will not be backed up waiting on the current automatic booth. Tim Linker suggested that the traffic lanes be marked properly to also assist with the traffic flow. A motion by Larry Bruce, seconded by David Allison, carried unanimously to request a Public Hearing be set at the March meeting for the variance request.

C. Information on the new Sonic Drive-In to be located at 940 W. Main Street

Tim Linker presented preliminary plans for the new Sonic Drive-In Restaurant. He informed the Board that this was for information purposes only. The original plan called for a separate exit and it is most likely DOT will not approve this. The existing layout does not include connecting parking lots with the Food Lion shopping center. Hopefully the finished preliminary plans will be ready to submit for approval at the March meeting.

D. Preliminary Plat Review – Hidden Oaks Subdivision – Ray Medley

Tim Linker presented the preliminary map for Hidden Oaks Subdivision located off of Sides Rd. at Palmer Rd. The subdivision consists of 30 lots. The updated plan includes curb and guttering and the entrance has been approved through DOT. All requirements have been met. Katie Linker questioned possible annexation of the property before the homes are built. After a brief discussion on the possibility of annexation, it was decided that the issue would be tabled until Tim Linker could speak with the property owners involved. A motion by Mike Cauble, seconded by Larry Bruce, carried unanimously to accept the plans as submitted. They will be presented to the Board of Aldermen at the February 13, 2006 meeting.

E. Information on Proposed Subdivision to be located adjacent to Rowell Apts.

Tim Linker presented the rough draft of the subdivision to be located on the property adjoining Rowell Apts. The current plans consist of 98 lots that adhere to the R2 zoning requirements. The entrance needs to be approved through DOT. Buffering will need to be installed. He expressed his concerns over the set up which contains 6 cul-de-sacs. The developers were planning to meet with the City of Salisbury and Rowan County Schools to work out plans on the water/sewer utilities that will serve both locations. The Board will be updated as the project progresses.

Other Business

Bill Earnhardt read a letter that was delivered to him from Dr. Stephen Furr asking the Board to accept his resignation due other obligations he needs to address. He also read a letter from Dr. Ann R. Furr stating that she would be willing to serve on Planning Board if asked to do so. She has previously served on the Rowan County Planning Board. A motion by Larry Bruce, seconded by Shirley Rogers, carried unanimously to accept Dr. Furr’s resignation. The matter of filling his vacated slot was tabled to see if anyone else wished to serve on the Board. Dr. Ann Furr’s letter will be submitted with any other request received to join the Planning Board.

Adjournment

A motion by Larry Bruce, seconded by Katie Linker, carried unanimously to adjourn.

Submitted by:

Marlene E. Dunn
Deputy Clerk