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Minutes for the City Council meeting on February 18, 2002
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PUBLIC HEARING 6:00 P.M. - A public hearing was conducted for the purpose of vacating Lutterloh Street, a part of Hope Ave. and an alley located in Elder’s Addition as requested by Jonesboro Real Estate Holdings Company. No opposition was voiced.
APPEAL HEARING 6:15 P.M. - An appeal hearing was conducted regarding a recommendation by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission to deny approval for a conditional use permit for emergency helicopter operations by Medic One. Attorney Glenn Lovett representing the Latourette Family spoke in opposition to the zoning change. Attorney Lovett stated the classification was for an air strip which is not permitted in C-3 zoning. He explained the zoning change would not be beneficial to the health and welfare of the public due to noise, air pollution and other safety risks. Mr. Don Latourette explained they were developing eighty acres in the area and the zoning change would adversely affect property values. President of Medic One, Ryan Kibler addressed the City Council speaking for the zoning change. He stated no one opposed the request when the process started, and everyone signed the required conditional-use petition. He explained there would be no financial gain for Medic One, but could mean life or death for some patients. Mr. Kibler stated the Federal Aviation Administration declared the air space safe for a helipad. A lengthy discussion defining the terms “safety service” verses “air stripe” and their respective regulations was heard. City Planner, Glenn Batten was of the opinion that the emergency helicopter operation was not a safety service and instructed Medic One to follow the process for conditional use. City Attorney, Phillip Crego questioned if this was not in fact a safety service and if the City Council needed to even hear the request. Mr. Kibler stated he had just followed the instructions of City Planner, Glenn Batten. The owner of Air Eva...
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