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Minutes for the Stormwater Management Board Meeting on June 16, 2021
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Date:
June 16, 2021
Location:
Municipal Center
First Floor Conference Room
300 South Church
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Time:
8:30 a.m.
Opening:
In Attendance marked in bold
Members:
Susan Merideth
Jeremy Bevill
L.J. Bryant - 8:37 a.m.
Charles Coleman
Jerry Farris
Woody Freeman
Jeannie Gillis, Co-Chair
Chris Kidd
Matt Taylor
Rick Wyatt, Chairman
Officials & Staff:
Harold Copenhaver - Mayor
Derrel Smith - Director of Planning & Zoning
Craig Light - Chief City Engineer
Roger Gibson - Stormwater Manager
Marvin Day, Craighead County Judge
Eugene Neff - Road Superintendent
Melissa Dooley - ASU
Tracey Cooper - Secretary
Also in attendance:
Slade Mitchell - CWL
Chance Smith - CWL
Kevan Imboden - CWL
John Easley - Associated Engineering
Stan Staton
George Hamman - Civilogic
LaGanzie Kale - KLEK - 8:37 a.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Wyatt called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
*Minutes for the May 19, 2021, Stormwater Management Board Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Bryant and seconded by Freeman. The minutes were unanimously approved.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Wyatt stated that Bryant will be a little late. He stated that he did not want to begin the variance presentation until he arrived. He ask for an update from Light regarding previous discussed items. Light stated the City has not heard anything on the Vac truck grant application. The City is still working on the property buyouts through the HFM Grant.
Discussion regarding VR 01-21 began with the introduction of the representatives for the project. Representing CWL were Slade Mitchell, Kevan Imboden, Chance Smith, Project Manager and John Easley who is working with the Contractor. Meredith abstained from voting because she is an employee of CWL. The solar panel project will cost approximately $15 million dollars with the land purchase. In order for the project to move forward, there is a need for a variance from this Board. Inboden explained the hardship associated with this project. It will cost approximately $500,000 to enclose the ditch. There is no measureable benefit to enclosing the ditch to their customer or the citizens of Jonesboro. All of the ditches in the industrial park are open. There will be relatively no impact on the floodplain area. The runoff will be very similar before and after the completion of the project. Inboden stated the City approved the plans with the issue of enclosing the ditches. CWL wants a variance to move forward with the project without enclosing the ditches. If a project is cost prohibited it may not be built. Inboden stated that he is involved in recruiting industry to the City and companies look at things that increase the cost of bring their business in. Mark Young with the Chamber of Commerce stated that it is a competitive process to bring industry into the City and cost does play a major role.
Wyatt suggested separating residential and industrial requirements. Light stated that this Board has the authority to make changes to the ordinance. Meredith questioned are there any ordinances that differentiate on industrial verses residential. Light stated there are already exceptions in the stormwater ordinance.
Bryant made a motion to approve VR 01-21. Seconded by Freeman. All voted aye.
Hamman stated his is representing Stan Staten regarding VR 02-21. He stated the request is very similar to the one presented by CWL but not on the same scale. Mr. Staten is planning to build mini storage. His client is requesting to no enclose the ditches. This is a sizable channel and a 72” diameter pipe is required and there is approximately 400’ total to enclose. Hamman stated extending the pipe would add to the maintenance requirements of the City. Light stated the thought at the time of the passage of the ordinance was wanting the City to look more like an urban environment as opposed to a rural one. Enclosing ditches is ascetically pleasing. Bryant stated that things should be consistent. Bryant made a motion to approve VR 02-21. Seconded by Freeman. All voted aye.
Freeman questioned if it is sometimes good to have an open ditch. Light stated that there is not a lot of room to maintain open ditches and if they cannot be maintained it is better to have enclosed ditches.
Light stated that the attached detention buffer ordinance requires a buffer from the detention pond to the property line. This buffer gives the City crews room to maintain the detention area. Light stated that the buffer needs to be large enough to run a piece of equipment to mow and do maintenance. The attached ordinance would require a ten (10) foot buffer. Light stated five (5) foot would not be enough for the equipment access and a 15-foot buffer would be better. After some research, we found that some cities require as much as a 25 foot buffer for maintenance. Light stated the in some instances they have seen where the pond is cut to the fence. Gillis questioned if the buffer only applied to residential property. Light stated it did not matter if it is residential or commercial, it does not need to be pushed upon the neighbor. Gillis ask about small lots. Light stated underground detention may be the option for small lots. Freeman ask if 8’ would be enough for maintenance. Bevill ask that since Light mentioned 5’, could we start with that language. Smith stated 5’ would not allow enough footage for maintenance. Freeman ask if the compromise could be 8’. Wyatt ask if 7 1/2’ is enough. Gillis ask if this ordinance could be tabled until the next meeting to allow the members to do some research. Wyatt reminded everyone that 5’ is too small for adequate maintenance. The ordinance was table until the July meeting. Light stated it would be nice to have something in writing. Wyatt stated the detention buffer ordinance is tabled and will be discussed at the next meeting.
Light ask if the Board would like a draft ordinance for open ditch exception brought to the next meeting. Wyatt stated yes. Meredith ask if there is an exception for highways. ArDOT does not have a vac truck and prefers to maintain open ditches. They have to request help if pipes have to be cleaned. A draft ordinance for exceptions to open ditches will be brought to the July meeting.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Kale stated he is excited about his appointment to the Board.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Wyatt adjourned the meeting at 9:30 a.m.