CBC 03-14-1995The City Beautiful Commission
The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 14, 1995 in the City
Board Conference Room, 2nd Floor of City Hall. A public hearing was held before the regular
meeting. The meeting was called to order by Lin Blair, Chairman at 10.00 a.m.
Member Present :
Lin Blair
Joyce Raynor
Joe Robbins
Also Present:
Steve Cato
Frank Riggins
Liz Williams
Bob Brown, Plans Review Specialist, Neighborhoods & Planning
Richard Wood Zoning & Subdivision Mgr., Neighborhoods & Planning
Mark Webre, Project & Design Mgr., Parks & Recreation.
Becky Switzer, Executive Secretary, Paris & Recreation
Jim Sick, City Beautiful Kids Administrator, Parks & Recreation
Mr. & Mrs. George Jett, Owners of George Jett's Gas & Service Station
L Roll Call - Five members present.
IL Public Hearing - Item No. 1- CBC 552 - New Matters
George C. Jett, Jr., George Jetfs Gass & Service Station
3101 West Markham Street
Variance Requested - An exemption from the minimum twenty-eight
(28) percent landscaping upgrade toward compliance with the Landscape
Ordinance.
Start' Recommendation - Staff recommends approval of this request considering
Mr. Jett has agreed to provide screening of the storage and dmnpster area ;grid
---tire site is covered with thick concrete and has vehicular traffic visibility and
maneuverabilty limitations.
Liz Williams came in at this time, six members present.
500 West Markham, Room 108 Little Rock, AR 72201 371-4770
Minutes March 14,1995 Meeting
Page 2
Frank Riggins made a motion to approve the variance. Motion seconded by
Joyce Raynor. Liz Williams stated that the commission needs to set a
precedence so that others requesting a variance cannot do the same as the
Jetts just because of a concrete situation.
Jim Goodhart came in at this time. Seven members present at this time.
All commissioners voted in favor of the variance.
Item No. 2 - CBC 549 - New Matters
Rick L Barger, Barrow Church of Christ, 900 Barrow Rd.
Variance Requested - A reduction in the width of a portion of the northern
perimeter planting strip two hundred and nineteen (219) feet in length from six
(6) feet to two (2) feet and transferring the required landscaping to the interior
of the proposed parking area.
Staff Recommendation - Since the applicant is willing to provide additional
landscaping with the interior of the proposed parking areas exceeding
requirements along the heavily wooded northern perimeter, staff recommends
approval of this request.
After much discussion, Liz Williams made the motion to have the applicant take
the driveway down to twenty-four (24) feet, lose one parking space and to put
one tree every twenty (20) feet. Frank Riggins seconded.
During a lengthy discussion, Liz decided to withdraw her motion and Steve
Cato made the motion to table the variance until the next meeting when Mr.
Barger or a representative could be at that meeting to explain their side. Jim
Goodhart seconded the motion. All in favor.
Ill. Approval of Minutes - Bob Brown noted that a change needs to be made in
the wording on page 2, second paragraph, should read "120 days from
issuance of landscape permit".
Liz made the motion to accept the minutes with changes, Joyce Raynor
seconded. All in favor.
IV. Treasurer's Report - Joe Robbins stated that he will be providing a financial
report to each commissioner at all of the upcoming meetings.
At this time a representative for the Barrow Road variance come into the room. He
had been sent to the wrong area of City Hall. At this time Lin Blair reopened the
Public Hearing. Liz Williams stated that her concern is that once the area where the
driveway is going in is developed, and what will happen to the land between the
church property and the newly developed land. Liz recommends that the road be cut
down to 24 feet and have a 6 feet strip sop it can be landscaped.
Minutes March 14, 1995 Meeting
Page 3
Frank Biggins and Liz Williams concerns is what's going to happen to the area
when the property behind it is developed. After the representative presented his
side, and a long discussion, Liz moved that the road be reduced down to 24ft. and
have a 6 foot wide strip so it can be landscaped and that the variance request be
denied. Frank Riggins seconded. All ayes.
V. City Beautiful Kids - New Name - Jim Sick reported that he has started
contacting last years sponsors. The interviews for the City Beautiful Kids
applicants will be held April 22nd and April 29th. Lin Blair asked that
the commissioners let her know at the April meeting what day they can
work.
Tun Sick stated that a survey was taken among the City Beautiful Kids
last year. The biggest complaints were about the yellow t-shirts and the
name of the group. Jim is open for suggestions.
Steve Cato moved not to change the name. Seconded by Joyce Raynor.
Two voted in favor of motion, four opposed
Tun Goodhart suggested to take a couple of names firm a list of names
that Jim Sick provided, and then the commissioners could vote on those
names. Liz Williams seconded. All ayes. The names chosen were
City Beautiful League, City Beautiful Ambassadors and City Beautiful
Corporation. A paper vote was taken and theCity Beautiful League was
chosen.
VIL Lighting Contest - Frank Biggins passed out information regarding
Lighting Contest and asked that the commissioners look over them
and get back with Frank or Joe Robbins with their comments and
suggestions.
Lin Blair asked if the commissioners wanted to continue to be
involved in the Lighting Contest. She asked that they think about it
and to get back to her at the next meeting.
ViII. Projects for 1995 - Lin Blair, Mark Webre and Bill Bunten met and
discussed several things.
The Adopt -A -Park reception is being planned. A date is yet to be
decided.
One of the things that Bill, Mark and Lin talked about was if City Beautiful
know of someone in the city who has gone beyond the call of duty to help
beautify the city, and if so be given an award for their work. A commissioner
could give this award on the spot. Bill suggested calling it the
"Rock Polishers Award".
Minutes March 14, 1995 Meeting
Page 4
Lin passed out an article hurn a Dallas, Texas newspaper on how Dallas is
handling their tree planting efforts.
IX. Parks and Reemation Update - Mark Webre stated that at the meeting with
Lin and Bill it was also discussed to have a meeting inviting citizens to come
and discuss City Beautiful issues and have it broadcast on the city access
channel.
More appropriately, Lin Blair stated that Bill Bunten made the suggestion
that the City Beautiful Commissioners could go to neighborhood association
meetings. One or two of the commissioners could attend and be on the agenda
to explain the City Beautiful Commission and to answer questions. Lin asked the
commissioners to think about this idea and to bring back to the next
meeting any suggestions they may have.
Mark informed the group about the "Spruce Up Little Rock" event that
will be happening. He is still trying to find out more information on
this event and he will pass it on to the commissioners.
The fence and entry gate structure is being started at Riverfront Park.
In addition, there is a $1.2 million dollar grant due within a year that will go
into the Riverfest Amphitheater refinement.
The RFP on the outdoor concert facility is due to March 17.
The Parks Department is working with the Americorp Grant. This grant
is a conservation effort very similar to the Youth Corp that is being done
overseas. A group will work on conservation efforts here in certain areas
of the city.
X. Miscellaneous - Liz Williams stated that she will be moving out of Little
Rock but will be keeping her business in Little Rock. She would like to
know by the next meeting if she has to give up her place on the commission.
Becky will check on.
XIL Adjournment - Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
The City R-36utiU Commission
Dear Commissioner:
Enclosed you will find a copy of the City Beautiful Kid 1994 Summary, Please read over
the summary and if you have any questions contact Jinn Sick at 371-6850. There is also
a list of names that have been suggested that could by used in place of Kids in the
current name of City Beautiful Kids. Jim also asked that you make note of the dates of
April 22nd and April 29th. These are the. dates that the City Beautiful Kids interviews will
be held. If you are going to help with the interviews you would need to let dim know and you
would need to be in the Parks Department Office by 8:45 a.m.
Also included is the minutes from the January meeting. There are no minutes from the
February meeting since it was canceled because of the weather. The next City Beautiful
meeting is scheduled for March 14. An agenda will be sent out before the next meeting.
Sincerely,
63Bts�>\'U�
witz
500 West Markham, Room 108 Little Rock, AR 72201 371-4770
The City Beautiful Commission
The City Beautiful Commission will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Marcie 14,1995
in the City Board Conference Room, 2nd Floor of City Hall at 9:45 A.M. (a public hearing
will begin at this time with the regular meeting being held after that).
L Roll Call
II. Public Hearing see attached )
HI. Approval of Minutes
IV. Treasurer's Report
V. City Beautiful Kids - New Name
VIL Projects for 1995
VIR. Lighting Contest - Report from Task Force
IX. Parks and Recreation Update
X. Miscellaneous
XII. Adjournment
500 West Markham, Room 108 Little Rock, AR 72201 371-4770
March 14, 1995
ITEM NO. 1 - .B. . 5 2 - NEW -MATTERS
Applicant:
Address:
Description:
RDINANCE RE MENTS:
George C. Jett, Jr.
George Jett's Gas and Service Station
3101 West Markham Street
Lots 1 and 2, Block 3, C. S. Stifft's Addition
All vehicular use areas which were in existence prior to the effective dote of this article
may continue in a nonconforming status until such time as a building permit is granted to
enlarge or reconstruct a structure on the property exceeding ten (10) percent of its
existing gross floor area. At such time, ten (10) percent of the existing vehicular use area
shall be brought into compliance with the provisions of this article. This shall continue
on a graduated scale until reaching one hundred (100) percent of the required
landscaping.
2. It is recognized that unique circumstances may exist in conforming with these standards.
However, in no case may the staff waive more than twenty-five (25) percent of these
requirements.
VARIANCE RE STED:
An exemption from the minimum twenty-eight (28) percent landscaping upgrade toward
compliance with the Landscape Ordinance.
FINDINGS:
Recently, Mr. and Mrs. Jett purchased the service station which was formerly known as the
Bushmiaers Service Station. Since that time, Mr. Jett has upgraded the exterior of the existing
structure and cleaned out the storage holding area in the rear of the property. Mr. Jett would
now like to increase the existing structure thirty-seven (37) percent with an additional service
bay. However, the building expansion would require a twenty-eight (28) to thirty-seven (37)
percent landscaping upgrade. Mr. Jett has agreed to screen the storage and dumpster area with a
6 feet high opaque wooden good neighbor fence. The site is covered in solid concrete.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Considering Mr. Jett has agreed to provide screening of the storage and dumpster area and the
site is covered with thick concrete and has vehicular traffic visibility and maneuverability
limitations, staff recommends approval of this request.
44
I" = 20'
W
W
0
19
JO H N S ON STREET
-
Concrete
PRO POS ED
VV0cb
-SCREENING
FENCE _
•
ExIsrIN6
vl
CANOPY
-
Ei<►Sr�NG
+
e
SERVICE STATION
StoraL
-
-
=
Are at
- - Concrete
=
f
PROPOSED
f
ADDITION f
.CorraWte.,
Ditch
- Re5ldantlSl Property
t
u
0
L
CL
t
u
h
V
AW
C. B. C. CASE 55Z
March 14, 1995 -
. 2 - C.B. 4 - - NFW MATTERS
Applicant:
Address:
Description:
QHDINANCE REQUIREMENT
Rick L. Barger
Barrow Road Church of Christ
900 Barrow Road
Long Legal
A perimeter planting strip shall be required along any side of a vehicular use area that
abuts adjoining property. This strip shall be at least six (6) feet wide.
2. One (1) tree and four (4) shrubs or vines for every forty (40) linear feet shall be planted
in the perimeter planting strip.
VARIANCE REQUESTER:
A reduction in the width of a portion of the northern perimeter planting strip two hundred and
nineteen (219) feet in length from six (6) feet to two (2) feet and transferring the required
landscaping to the interior of the proposed parking area.
FINDINGS:
The Barrow Road Church of Christ property is located south of a heavily wooded commercially
zoned property oVed by the Baptist Medical Center. The applicant proposes to increase the
size of the existing church building and install additional parking areas to the west. A steep
natural embankment exists immediately south of the proposed driveway increasing the difficulty
in providing a six (6) foot wide landscape strip along the northern perimeter. In April of 1994
the City Beautiful Commission granted a waiver allowing a portion of the northern perimeter
landscape strip, which is located east of the current proposal, to be reduced to two (2) feet in
width. The applicant now requests permission to continue the two (2) foot wide landscape strip
westward an additional two hundred and nineteen (219) feet.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Since the applicant is willing to provide additional landscaping within the interior of the
proposed parking areas exceeding requirements along the heavily wooded northern perimeter,
staff recommends approval of this request.
CVGQ l M O b'd V$
O
I
H 0
W
O
cc
CL
n.
J
O
W
o_
v1
W
Or
Z
4
LLI
cr-
<
10
O
O
O
e
rr
L-SE
ul
uj