HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-22 Planning Commission Minutes MINUTES
Town of Pulaski Planning Commission January 10, 2022
Commissioners Present: Kevin Meyer, Chair; Janet Jonas, Vice-Chair; Chris Conner; Luke Seigfried (Zoom); David Hall
Commissioners Absent: Tracy Belcher; Terry Hale
Town Staff: Brady Deal, Planner/Economic Developer/Zoning Administrator
1. Call to Order Chairman Meyer called the Planning Commission to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. Roll Call of Commission
A quorum was determined with five commissioners present. 3. Review and Approval of Minutes
Mr. Conner motioned to review and approve the minutes. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote: Chairman Meyer – Mr. Hale – Aye
Ms. Jonas – Aye Mr. Hall - Absent
Ms. Belcher – Absent Mr. Seigfried - Aye Mr. Conner – Aye 4. Public Hearing
a. Case 2022-01RZ – A rezoning request from Marathon Realty Corp. for
1201 East Main Street from I-1 to B-2. Chairman Meyer asked Mr. Deal to provide the staff report for the request.
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Mr. Deal stated the Town received a request from Marathon Realty Corp. for a rezoning for property located at 1201 East Main Street from I-1 Light Industrial to B-2 General Business District. He stated this was necessary because Marathon Realty Corp. wishes
to raze the current property and construct a new retail/sales operation.
Mr. Deal asked if any of the commissioners had questions. Chairman Meyer reminded the commissioners that they were to make a
recommendation to Town Council. He asked if the representatives from Marathon
Realty Corp had any additional comments. The President of Marathon Realty, Stephen Spangler, said that this is necessary for the next step of the project and asked the commissioners if they had any questions.
None of the commissioners had any questions at this time. Chairman Meyer asked if there were any submitted comments from the public.
Mr. Deal stated no and that no one had signed up to speak that evening.
With no further questions, Chairman Meyer asked for a motion. Ms. Jones motioned to recommend to Town Council approval of the rezoning and Mr. Connor seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
Chairman Meyer – Mr. Hale – Aye Ms. Jonas – Aye Mr. Hall - Ms. Belcher – Mr. Seigfried - Aye Mr. Conner – Aye
Mr. Deal stated that it will go before Town Council on Tuesday January,18 at 6:30pm. 5. Old Business
a. Comprehensive Plan Update
i. Review Economic Development Focus Group Meeting ii. Economic Development Element Aphi passed out the economic goals and objectives.
Mr. Deal stated that there was a good turnout at the Economic Development Focus Group meeting and believed that significant progress was made in identifying key issues and opportunities.
Ahpi stated that there were 19 attendees, which she also felt was a phenomenal turn
out.
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Aphi discussed the information gathered during the focus group. Some key issues and opportunities highlighted were attracting retires, new residents, providing incentives for updating houses, addressing the image of the clinic, and water quality.
Mr. Deal spoke about funding that assists with locating grocery stores in areas of need, Virginia Food Access Investment Fund. Aphi said that new technology deployment as well as business support was mentioned.
She also stated that individuals mentioned new jobs and new contractors. In addition,
Aphi stated some big general take always were a need for increased walkability and a vibrant downtown area. Mr. Deal asked Aphi to send a document that has the summary report from the focus
group.
Aphi agreed and will send a summary report. Aphi reviewed the policy and goals sheet for the Economic Development element of the
Comprehensive Plan
Aphi asked for any comments. Ms. Jonas stated that there is nothing specific regarding the participation in Main Street
program and she feels that a Main Street program is essential in the future prosperity of
the downtown. Aphi agreed that there should be language including a Main Street program and will add it and then bring it back for the review of the Planning Commission.
Ms. Jonas stated that she is on the board of Pulaski on Main and says support from the town is important. She says that tourism as well as partnership with the county should be included.
Aphi agreed.
Mr. Deal stated that they will be advertising for a Park and Recreation position and that the Town is focused on enhancing their outdoor recreation amenities.
Ms. Jonas stated that multiple people have spoken to her about the appearance of the
train station and asked Mr. Deal if staff could be notified to try and keep the area looking more presentable. Mr. Deal asked Aphi to change wording from business to commerce in the policy
statement.
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Aphi asked if the Planning Commissioners could look over the paper again and provide more comments at the next meeting.
Aphi reviewed the economic background and demographic data of the town and stated
excitingly that the population has increased for the first time in a decade. Ms. Jonas made additional comments and suggestions on the employer section. She stated that grocery stores should be higher and the YMCA does not have as many
employees.
Mr. Deal stated that Xaloy should be put on the list. Aphi said that Comp. Plan process should be wrapped up by June. She thanked the
commissioners for their input and then mentioned that there would be an Infrastructure
Focus Group meeting on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the Train Station. Chairman Meyer asked if there were any further questions.
There were no questions at this time.
6. New Business a. Commissioners’ terms expiring in 2022
Mr. Deal stated that there five of the seven commissioners’ seats were expiring in 2022. He stated that anyone can voice interest in being a commissioner and the current commissioners can voice extended interests.
Mr. Deal stated that the Chairman’s term would expire in February following four
individuals whose spots will be up November 6, 2022. Those individuals are Janet Jonas, Terry Hale, Chris Conner, and Luke Seigfried. Mr. Seigfried’s position is up because he was completing Missy Thomas’ term.
b. Nominations
i. Chairperson Mr. Deal stated that it is time for nominations starting with Chairman.
Mr. Conner nominated Chairman Meyer. Ms. Jonas seconded.
The nomination passed on the following vote:
Chairman Meyer – Mr. Hale –
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Ms. Jonas – Aye Mr. Hall - Aye Ms. Belcher – Mr. Seigfried - Aye Mr. Conner – Aye
ii. Vice-Chairperson Mr. Hale nominated Ms. Jonas for Vice Chairperson.
Mr. Seigfried seconds.
The nomination passed on the following vote: Chairman Meyer – Mr. Hale –
Ms. Jonas – Aye Mr. Hall - Aye
Ms. Belcher – Mr. Seigfried - Aye Mr. Conner – Aye iii. Secretary
Mr. Deal recommended Caroline Smith to assume position of Secretary. The Planning Commissioners unanimously voice voted in support.
7. Staff Report
Mr. Brady stated that there will be an additional retail business operating on the same property reviewed earlier in the zoning request. He mentioned his excitement for that project and the positive impact it will have on the community.
8. Adjournment With there being no further business to discuss, Chairman Meyer adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
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Janet Jonas, Vice-Chair
ATTEST:
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Brady Deal, Zoning Administrator