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Minutes for the Stormwater Management Board meeting on December 15, 2010.
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Date: December 15, 2010
Location: Huntington Building
Conference Room
900 West Monroe
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Opening: Chairman Zolper called the meeting to order to order at 8:37 a.m.
In Attendance marked in bold
Members:
Dewaine Beisner, Vice-Chairman
Charles Coleman
Derek Daniels
Michael Daniels
Darrel Dover
Jerry Farris
Garry Meadows
Barry Phillips
Rick Tubbs
Rick Wyatt
Dennis Zolper, Chairman
Officials & Staff:
Harold Perrin - Mayor
Otis Spriggs - Director of Planning & Zoning
Craig Light - Chief City Engineer
Travis Fischer - Stormwater Engineer
Joe McKeel - Stormwater Inspector
Tracey Cooper - Secretary
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes for the November 17, 2010, Stormwater Management Board Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Wyatt and seconded by Beisner. The minutes were unanimously approved.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
Wyatt will meet with Charles Frierson and Donn Mixon in January.
Fischer discussed the draft DFIRM ordinance. Zolper questioned if the ordinance would be more stringent than required. Fischer stated all of the definitions are FEMA definitions except for the last one, which includes two definitions. The Board will choose which definition to include in the ordinance. Zolper asked which was the simplest. Fischer said they are the same, just different wording. Dover questioned that if both are left in the ordinance would there be a conflict. Fischer stated no. Dover made a motion to recommend to City Council and to include the additional definitions. Farris seconded. All voted aye.
An ordinance to require utilities to be elevated one (1) foot above the BFE was discussed. Dover stated that the duct work in a block building may be impacted. Dover questioned, if passed, would the ordinance be in conflict with any other ordinance. Wyatt stated it would only apply to houses in flood prone areas. Zolper questioned if it included improvements to existing structures. Beisner stated that the whole structure does not have to be brought up to code unless there is a substantial improvement. Wyatt suggested talking to the Homebuilders Association before recommending to the City Council. Beisner stated that anyone can appeal to the Board. Zolper agreed to send to the Homebuilders Association president for review. Dover made a motion to recommend to the Public Works Committee that Section 9 be amended and that the City Council hold to three readings. Farris seconded. All voted aye.
Fischer discussed the attached ordinance referencing substantial improvement requirements. Fischer stated that the ordinance provided to the Board covers two items: (1) compliance with Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) and substantial improvements to structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) and (2) additional requirements for owners requesting multiple permits on the same property within a specified time period. He explained that multiple permits can be issued for a structure. Each permit does not meet the requirements for a substantial improvement to the structure but cumulatively the permits issued indicate a substantial improvement to the structure. Because the permits were issued separately, it not required to bring the structure into compliance. Fischer asked the Board to consider placing a time period so that substantial improvements, modifications, and additions to an existing structure will be counted cumulatively for that period. Fischer stated that the time period would apply to structures over 2,000 S.F. and single family structures were exempt. Fischer suggested a five year time period. Dover stated that was too long. Zolper agreed. Wyatt stated that the City would be better protected with a five year time period. Fischer stated that another option would be to raise the square footage. The Engineering Department does not look at anything less than 2,000 S.F. Zolper stated that the recommendation should not be too stringent. He suggested a three year time period.
Fischer stated that a structure in a Flood Hazard Zone must be brought up to code if improvements are made that total over 50% of the value of the structure. There was discussion regarding how the value of the structure is determined. Fischer stated the appraised value is used. If the ordinance is passed, the value is determined when the project is started and the cumulative period begins. Dover stated that it must be very clear about the 50% value and how it is determined. Zolper stated that according to the definition of substantial improvement, improvements are based on market value of the structure before any improvements are made. Zolper suggested setting a time period and using the current value of the property before any improvements. Dover made a motion to table any action regarding the ordinance until the next meeting to allow review by the City Attorney. Wyatt seconded. All voted aye.
V. NEW BUSINESS
Fischer stated that they have not heard back from the Corps but will call later this week.
Beisner questioned the status of the manhole cover contest. Zolper stated the project will begin in 2011.
Fischer stated that he has submitted his resignation effective December 31st.
Farris questioned the status of the “blue” water. Fischer stated there is no update but state law says the color of water cannot be changed.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, January 19th, at 8:30 a.m.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Wyatt addressed the inconsistency enforcing rules on City projects verses private subdivisions. McKeel stated that once the City is made aware of any violation, it is addressed.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Zolper adjourned the meeting at 9:45 a.m.