Commission Board Meeting on Wed, February 13, 2008 - 6:35 PM


Meeting Information

-Convene
-The Pledge of Allegiance

CONSENT AGENDA
 (1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders; and
  (b) Consider approval or resolution to approval of applications for First Stop, LLC located at  
  1423 E 900 Road, for a Cereal Malt Beverage License (Clerk Office)

REGULAR AGENDA     
 (2) Consider a request for a variance from the Subdivision Regulations to permit the expansion or replacement of an onsite sewage management system in Service Area 1 of Lawrence's Urban Growth Area. Tabled from the January 30, 2008 meeting. (J  Rexwinkle is the Planner)

(3) Other Business
(a) Consider approval of Accounts Payable (if necessary)
(b) Appointments
(c) Miscellaneous
(d) Public Comment 

(4)  Adjourn

Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 with two members present. Jones was absent.

CONSENT AGENDA 02-13-08
McElhaney moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:

 ► Commission Order Nos. 08-015 and 08-016 (on file with the office of the Clerk); and
 ►  Resolution 08-08 for a Cereal Malt Beverage License for First Stop, LLC, located at 1423 E 900 Road.
 
The motion was seconded by Johnson and carried 2-0.

PLANNING 02-13-08
The Board considered a request for variance to permit the expansion of a septic system in Service Area 1 of the Lawrence Urban Growth Area, tabled from the January 30, 2008 meeting. The subject property is located at 1115 N 1700 Road. The owner wishes to sell the property as a church, which would require the expansion of the on-site septic system. Planning Staff recommends denial of the requested variance. J  Rexwinkle, Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Department, was present for the discussion. 

As requested at the January 30, 2008 meeting, Rexwinkle estimated the cost of installing a sanitary sewer system as follows:  The City utilities Department estimates the construction of a sanitary sewer to serve the properties in this drainage basin to cost a minimum of $800,000. If this cost is shared by all properties located in the 62 acres within Service Area 1, and at a density of 3 to 6 units per acre, the cost per dwelling unit would range from $3,200 to $6,500 and up. If the existing 12 properties (9 in Services Area 1 and four in Service Area 2) were to share the costs and pay to extend the sanitary sewer, the costs would be approximately $66,000 per parcel. This d s not account for other necessary infrastructure costs. Other concerns he mentioned included an increase in traffic and a site plan requirement. The church has indicated they propose to expand to up to 250 members. The Health Department indicated that the proposed septic system would not accommodate a more intense use than what is currently proposed.

Richard Ziesenis, Director of Environmental Health, stated the 2,500 sq. ft. septic system proposed should have a capacity of 8,000 -10,000 gallons per month. If they were to put in a 3,600 sq. ft. system, which would still fit on the property, they could get up to 12,000 gallons per month. Anything beyond that would require a lagoon. Johnson asked if there is a way to calculate use per number of members now. Ziesenis stated based on information given now, he estimates 3,000-4,000 gallons used per month.

Revered Everett Ledbetter, Blessed Hill Baptist Church, stated he wishes he had been given the opportunity to communicate with neighbors before this came forth. He stated he hopes in time the neighborhood will see the church as an asset to the community. Ledbetter said there is no plan to tear down the existing building. The church plans to use it for educational space and to build a new sanctuary. 

Johnson asked if Ledbetter understands the numbers with respect to the cost of a sewer and the issue of waiving the right to connect to the sewer if the option develops. Ledbetter replied he feels the amount is doable.
 
Johnson opened the item for public comment. 

Penny Tuckel, resident, stated she is opposed to the variance and d s not understand the estimated cost to the church for sewer hookup.

Craig Wright, property owner to the West, stated he is opposed to the variance. He stated concerns about the placement of the septic system and traffic on Peterson Road.

Stephen Durrell, owner of 4204 Springhill Drive, stated his biggest concern is whether a septic system can handle the number of parishioners expected. He asked that a condition be placed on the variance that prohibits a lagoon system.  

Reverent Ledbetter added under no circumstances would the church consider putting in a lagoon.

Johnson moved to closed the public comment; McElhaney seconded and the motion carried 2-0.

McCullough summarized the standing of Service Area 1 as an area adjacent to the City that has the potential for great demands on development. Benefit districts are either provided or constructed and then infrastructure is built on the cost of the development community. Any parcel in this area should have the consideration for roads, storm water, for site planning and becoming part of the Lawrence urban fabric.  McCullough then reviewed the conditions and limitations to be added to the request for variance as discussed by the Board of Commissioners.
 
Johnson moved to direct Staff to revise the request for variance with conditions and limitations and place on the Regular Agenda for the Monday, February 28, 2008 meeting. Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried 2-0.
 
MISCELLANEOUS 02-13-08
Johnson stated he feels the Board should begin the process of communicating with Planning Staff to review zoning in the County and come up with some kind of industrial zoning classification to accommodate very, very light industrial or warehousing on some restricted basis in the unincorporated area of the County.
 
McElhaney moved to adjourn the meeting; Johnson seconded and the motion carried. 

 

____________________________    ____________________________
Bob Johnson, Chairman                        Jere McElhaney, Vice Chair

ATTEST:

_____________________________  
Jamie Shew, County Clerk      

Location

County Courthouse
1100 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA