TOWN OF MAGGIE VALLEY

REGULARLY SCHEDULED PLANNING BOARD MEETING

SEPTEMBER 7, 2005

MINUTES

 

Members Present:       Chairman Patricia Tilley, Billy Case, Jerry Zerbock, Richard                                               Pierce, and Billy Brede (3:50 p.m.)

 

Staff Present:              Manager Tim Barth and Town Clerk Vickie Best

 

Others Present:           John Schreiber, Mike Tooey, Attorney John Kirsten, and Greg                                           Stephenson

 

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

Chairman Tilley called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m. in the Maggie Valley Town Hall Boardroom.

 

APPROVAL OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: JUNE 13, 2005 & JULY 6, 2005

MR. CASE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS PRESENTED.

MR. PIERCE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAN REVIEW: TRINITY COVE: PHASE 1

The following information was provided to the Board.

8 All roads will meet Maggie Valley Road Standards.  After construction, the roads will be given to the Town.

 

The Board asked that this be indicated in the notes of the plat. As-built surveys will be given to the town.

 

8There will be an 8” sewer line with 4” lines running to each home

8The drainage ditches will be rip-wrapped and the silt basin continually cleaned by the developer/Homeowners Association

8The stream buffers will be met

8The subdivision will be buffered from the surrounding areas

8 Due to the lay out of the subdivision, there will be a lot of green space and park area

 

Manager Barth recommended approval.

 

MR. PIERCE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PLAT SUBJECT TO THE ADDITIONS DISCUSSED.

MR. ZERBOCK SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAN REVIEW: BRANNON FOREST LOTS 107-109, 117-133

Mr. Stephenson addressed the Board stating that lots 134 & 135 were sold four years ago and have since been combined. There will be 20 new lots in Phase II of the Brannon Forest Subdivision.  Phase II is in the process of being annexed.  Sewer capacity has been dedicated.  The Erosion Control Plan has been approved. There will be walking trails throughout the area that will be deeded to the Home Owners Association upon completion.

 

The Board reviewed the plat asking that the following notes be indicated on the plat.

8Road names

8Road widths and that the roads will be paved to 18’ with a 45’ R-O-W

8 R1 with 25-10-10 setbacks: setbacks are to be calculated from the road right-of-way or property line, which ever is greater

8 Private Drive named and noted

 

Lot 129 could have two front entrances. Mr. Stephenson will need to go before the Zoning Board of Adjustments to seek a variance for lots 129 & 130 (interior and exterior setbacks).

 

Manager Barth recommended approval of the preliminary plat.

 

MR. PIERCE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY PLAT CONTINGENT ON NOTES INCLUDING: ROAD NAMES, ROAD WIDTHS, PRIVATE DRIVE DESIGNATION, ROADS SHOWN 18 FEET IN WIDTH WITH A 45 FOOT RIGHT OF WAY, ZONED RESIDENTIAL 1 WITH SETBACKS MET FOR DISTRICT AND CREEK BUFFER, LOTS 129 & 130 SUBJECT TO A VARIANCE.

MR. BREDE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

MR. BREDE MADE A MOTION THAT THE TITLE BLOCK BE ADDED TO SHOW BRANNON FOREST PHASE II ON FINAL PLAT.

MR. PIERCE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAN REVIEW: MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB: PHASE II: CONDOMINIUMS

As earlier stated, for safety purposes, the road going through the parking lot will be redesigned to slow traffic.

 

The plans are for thirty-two units of condominiums. The project will consist of a mixture of units. Some units will be apartment style (3 stories) with the first floor below grade.  The remaining units will be more like town houses. Each unit will have a parking garage. All units will be landscaped.

 

The Zoning Board of Adjustments has deemed the project a Planned Unit Development.

The single-family phase of the project will meet the R1 standards, while this phase will meet R3 standards.  A Planned Unit Development allows mixed uses.

 

Overflow parking will be available for all units as well as addition parking at the Club House.

 

Several board members were concerned about there being enough parking, especially, for guests visiting the residents.

 

Mr. Pierce asked if five spaces could be added Adjacent to Condominium Building D, making sixty-two (62) spaces.  

 

Mr. Tooey reported that topography could be a problem.  

 

Mr. Case suggested leaving the area in grass, consequently having the extra space if needed.

 

MR. BREDE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE PRELIMINARY PLAT DATED AUGUST 4, 2005 BUT TO SHOW COUNTY CLUB DRIVE EIGHTEEN (18) FEET IN WIDTH AND ADD ADDITIONAL PARKING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PROPOSED PARKING LOT FOR AS MANY SPACES AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT CUTTING ANY OF INDIGENOUS TREES. 

MR. PIERCE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

The Board recessed from 4:55 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

 

CONSIDERATION OF ZONING LOTS 3 & 4 AT COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES, TRINITY COVE SUBDIVISION, AND THE MARK BENITEZ PROPERTY

The Mark Benitez property will not be discussed because of being zoned through Extra Territorial Jurisdiction. 

 

Lots 3 & 4 at the Country Club are surrounded by Residential 1 zoning, therefore R1 zoning would apply.

 

The Trinity Cove Subdivision meets Residential 3 standards.

 

MR. PIERCE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND PROPOSE R1 ZONING FOR THE COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES PROPERTY AND R3 ZONING FOR TRINITY COVE SUBDIVISION.

MR. BREDE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING AN ORDINANCE REGARDING OVERGROWN LOTS

Overgrown lots are now under the Nuisance Ordinance and require several weeks to remedy the problem.

 

The proposed amendments:

Weeds and Unwanted Vegetation

 

Section 2B-1

             Between Curb and Sidewalk:

             No plantings or other obstruction more than thirty (30) inches high may be made          on the right-of-way between the curb and sidewalk for a distance of 50 feet from          the corners of intersections.

 

Section 2B-2

             Duty of Owner to Control; Authority of the Town to Remove:

 

(a)      Heavy undergrowths and excessive accumulations of plant growth such as

grass and weeds shall not be permitted to exceed ten (10) inches in height,

whether upon occupied property or vacant lots within the Town or within

one (1) mile of the Corporate limits.  Every owner, lessee, occupant or person

in possession of property in the Town or within one (1) mile thereof shall cut

down, within ten (10) inches of the ground, all weeds, grass or other noxious

growth thereon as often as may be necessary and at least twice each year, the

first time not later than June 15th and the second time not later than August 15th of each year.

 

(b)      If such weeds, grass or other noxious growth are not cut in compliance with this section, the Town of Maggie Valley, through its agents and employees, shall proceed to have such weeds, grass or other noxious growth cut out, and the owner, lessee, occupant or person in possession of the property shall be

responsible to the Town for the cost thereof as provided in G.S. ş 160A-193.

 

Section 2B-3

             Investigation By Town; When Deemed Public Nuisance:

(a)     The Town Manager, or his assignee, upon notice from any person of the

existence of the conditions described in ş 2B-3 (b) , shall make or cause

to be made such investigations as may be necessary to determine whether,

in fact, such conditions constitute a public nuisance.

 

(b)     The uncontrolled growth of noxious weeds and grass, causing or threatening

to cause conditions dangerous and prejudicial to the public health or a

fire hazard dangerous to the public safety, upon any premises or upon any

vacant lot is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. 

 

Section 2B-4

             Notice to Owner to Abate; When Notice Cannot be Given:

(a)     Following the investigation provided in ş 2B-3 (a), and upon determination

by the Town Manager, or his assignee, that such conditions constitute a

public nuisance, the Town Manager, or his assignee, shall notify, in writing,

the owner, lessee, occupant or person in possession of the premises in

question of the condition constituting a public nuisance and shall order the

prompt abatement thereof.

 

(b)    In any case in which the Town Manager, or his assignee, is unable to give

written notice to the owner, lessee, occupant or person in possession of the

premises upon which a nuisance exists, whether by reason of inability to

identify the person or to ascertain his address, the Town Manager, or his

assignee, shall give notice by publication in a newspaper of general

circulation which is qualified under G.S. ş 1-597 to publish legal advertisements in the County.  At the same time, the Town Manager, or his assignee, shall post a copy of such notice at a conspicuous place upon the premises in question.

The ten (10) day period provided in ş 2B-5(a) shall commence to run from

the date of publication, and the cost of such publication shall be included in

the cost of removal of the conditions which constitute the nuisance.

 

Section 2B-5

            Abatement by Town; Lien:

(a)     Any person who, under the provisions of ş 2B-4(a) has been ordered to abate

a public nuisance may, within ten (10) days from receipt of such order, request the Town Manager, or his assignee, in writing to remove the conditions constituting the nuisance, the costs of such removal to be paid by the person making the request.  If not paid, such costs shall be a lien upon the land and premises where the nuisance was situated and shall be collected as unpaid taxes as provided in G.S. ş 160A-193.

 

(b)    If any person who, under the provisions of ş 2B-4(a), has been ordered to

abate a nuisance, fails to do so or fails to request the Town Manager, or his

assignee, to do so, within ten (10) days of receipt of such order, the Town Manager, or his assignee, shall proceed to remove the conditions constituting

the nuisance.  The costs of such removal shall be a lien upon the premises

where the nuisance was situated and shall be collected as unpaid taxes as

provided in G. S. ş 160A-193.

 

 

MR. CASE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE DRAFT FOR ARTICLE 2 OF THE NUISANCE ORDINANCE WITH THE AMENDMENT TO REMOVE THE LAST SENTENCE REFERRING TO “TWICE A YEAR” FROM  SECTION 2b-2 PARAGRAPH A.

MR. BREDE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING ORDINANCE REGARDING THE ACCUMULATION OF SOLID WASTE

Section 2A-1

Definition.  The term “solid wastes” as used in this ordinance shall be construed to include all useless, unwanted or discarded nongaseous and non-liquid material resulting from domestic, industrial, commercial or community activities.

 

Section 2A-2

            The existence of an accumulation of solid wastes on any lot or parcel of land within the corporate limits, uncovered or enclosed or under circumstances otherwise resulting in or threatening to cause any of the following conditions is hereby declared to be dangerous and prejudicial to the public health or safety and to constitute a nuisance;

 

(c)      A fire  hazard;

 

(d)      Accumulation of stagnant water;

 

(e)      Inhabitation therein of rats or other vermin of any kind;

 

(d)  Substantial risk of injury to minors or other persons, such as but not limited to

open storage or accumulation of any abandoned refrigerator or other appliance,

glass, building materials or similar items;

 

(e)  The collection of garbage, food waste, animal waste or any other rotten or

       putrescible matter of any kind in an open space;

 

(f)   The accumulation of rubbish, trash, junk or combustible items, causing or

       threatening to cause the accumulation of stagnant water or causing or

       threatening to cause the inhabitance therein of mosquitoes, harmful insects,

        rats, mice, snakes or vermin of any kind;

 

(g)  The obstruction of public streets, highways or alleys;

 

(h)  The accumulation of yard waste, dead trees, fallen trees, sections of tree trunks,

       tree limbs or tree stumps not removed within thirty (30) days after it has

       acquired a situs on the property.  This shall not apply to accumulations of less

       than two (2) cubic yards or to natural accumulations on vacant parcels of land

       when such parcels are larger than two (2) acres and such natural accumulation

       is not within 50 feet of any property line of adjoining developed propert;

 

(i)   Conditions that block, hinder or obstruct in any way the natural flow of

       branches, streams, creeks, surface waters, ditches or drains;

 

(j)   Any activity that causes or allows grass clippings or similar material to blow,

       scatter or be placed upon any public street or sidewalk.  In the event that grass

       cutting or similar activity causes aforesaid material to accumulate upon a

       public street or sidewalk, the person(s) responsible shall remove said material

       immediately after completing grass cutting or similar activities;

          

(k)  Emission or effluence of noxious or offensive particulate matter, dust, sludge,

or other materials or substances which tend to pollute  or contaminate land,

water or air, rendering or tending to render it injurious to human health,

habitation or welfare, to animal or plant life or to property;  provided that

this subsection shall be construed consistent with and supplementary to, and

not in conflict with, applicable State and Federal laws and regulations; and

 

 (l) Any condition detrimental to the public health which violates State or Federal

law, or the rules and regulations of the Haywood County Health Department.

 

 

Section 2A-3

             The Building Inspector, upon notice from any person of the possible existence

of any of the conditions described in Section 2A-2, shall cause to be made by the

appropriate Haywood County Health Department Official, or Building Inspector, such

investigation as may be necessary to determine whether conditions exist which may

constitute a public nuisance as declared in Section 2A-2.

 

Section 2A-4

             If a determination is made that such conditions constituting a public nuisance exist,

the Town Manager, or his assignee, shall notify, in writing, the owner and lessee or occupied of the premises in question of the conditions constituting such public nuisance and shall order the prompt abatement thereof within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of such written notice.

 

Section 2A-5

            If the owner, or lessee or occupier, having been ordered to abate such a public

nuisance, fails, neglects or refuses to abate or remove the condition constituting the

nuisance within fifteen (15) days from receipt of said order, the Town Manager, or his assignee, may cause said condition to be removed or otherwise remedied by having employees of the Town of Maggie Valley to go upon said premises and remove or otherwise abate, such nuisance under the supervision of an appropriate officer or employee.  Any person who has been ordered to abate a public nuisance may within the time allowed by this ordinance request the Town of Maggie Valley in writing to remove such condition, the cost of which shall be paid by the person making such request.

 

Section 2A-6

             The total costs incurred by the Town of Maggie Valley in removing or otherwise remedying a public nuisance shall be charged to the owner of such lot or parcel of land,

and it shall be the duty of the Tax Collector to mail a statement of such charges to the

owner or other person in possession of such premises with instructions that such charges

are due and payable within thirty (30) days from the receipt thereof.  In any case in which

such costs are imposed under the provisions of this ordinance, the Town Manager, or his assignee, shall properly certify to the Tax Collector, in writing, the nature of the work and date performed, the name of the property owner, the address of the property, materials, investigation of ownership and violation, inspection, etc.

 

Section 2A-7  

             Disposal of Removed Items.  In the event charges for the removal or abatement of a public nuisance are not paid within thirty (30) days after the receipt of a statement of charges

as provided for in this ordinance, such charges shall become a lien collected as unpaid taxes,

together with any legal expenses including attorneys fees, as provided in G.S. 160A-193.

 

Section 2A-8

             The procedure set forth in this ordinance shall be in addition to any other remedies

that may now or hereafter exist under law for the abatement of public nuisances and this

ordinance shall not prevent the institution of criminal charges against any person, firm or

corporation violating the provisions of this ordinance.

 

Section 2A-9

             In addition to other available remedies, this ordinance may be enforced by an

appropriate equitable remedy issuing from a court of competent jurisdiction and applied

for the Town of Maggie Valley as provided in G.S. 160A-175(d).

 

Section 2A-10

             Also, in addition to other available remedies, any violation of the provisions of

this ordinance may subject the offender to a civil penalty in an amount up to $50.00 per

day, which may be recovered by the Town of Maggie Valley in a civil action in the

nature of dept if the offender does not pay the penalty within thirty (30) days after he

has been citied by the Town Manager, or his assignee, for violation, as provided in

G.S. ş 160A-175(c).

 

This ordinance amendment is similar in nature to overgrow lots, other than providing 15 days rather than 10 days.  The Town would clean up the area and then charge the property owner.

 

Chairman Tilley asked that business owners enclose all dumpsters as stated in the Zoning  Ordinance. Manager Barth will review the ordinance and begin enforcement.

 

MR. BREDE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT.

MR. CASE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE REGARDING PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY NUISANCES

AN ORDINANCE

REGARDING PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY NUISANCES

 

 

WHEREAS,  the Town may encounter situations where Town staff believes that the public health or public safety is at risk; and

 

WHEREAS,  the North Carolina General Statutes expressly grant the Town authority to deal with public health and public safety nuisances in Chapter 160A-193.

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE TOWN BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF MAGGIE VALLEY, NORTH CAROLINA THAT:

 

Section 1:  The Town of Maggie Valley shall have authority to summarily remove, abate, or remedy everything in the city limits, or within one mile thereof, that is dangerous or prejudicial to the public health or public safety.  Pursuant to this section, the Town of Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen may order the removal of a swimming pool and its appurtenances upon a finding that the swimming pool or its appurtenances is dangerous or prejudicial to public health or safety.  The expense of the action shall be paid by the person in default. If the expense is not paid, it is a lien on the land or premises where the nuisance occurred.  A lien established pursuant to this subsection shall have the same priority and be collected as unpaid ad valorem taxes.

 

Section 2:  The expense of the action is also a lien on any other real property owned by the person in default within the city limits or within one mile of the city limits, except for the person's primary residence.  A lien established pursuant to this subsection is inferior to all prior liens and shall be collected as a money judgment.  This subsection shall not apply if the person in default can show that the nuisance was created solely by the actions of another.

 

The above amendment may be enforced in the ETJ area, but having a definite way of receiving payment for the work would be dependant on the County agreeing to attach the County Tax Bill. 

 

MR. CASE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AFOREMENTIONED AMENDMENT AND TO PRESENT ALL THREE ORDINANCES TO THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN.

MR. BREDE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

The discussion on public safety then led to swimming pools. For the safety of children, Mr. Pierce felt all swimming pools should be fenced.

 

Manager Barth agreed and provided an example from the Town of Spindale where there was an incident with a pool.  Manager Barth will look into what other areas are handling both commercial and residential pools.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

In an effort to save time and money for people appearing before the Board, Mr. Pierce questioned if it would be best to have those people with an attorney do their presentation first. Mr. Tooey with the Country Club always brings Attorney Kirsten.

 

Manager Barth responded that people are placed on the agenda in the order of submittal.

 

The Board discussed going to the Resort to view the area and the 3-D projection of the project. Manager Barth will schedule the meeting.

 

Chairman Tilley also asked that the Maggie Valley Planning Board show their support in the County’s Storm Water Run-Off and Slope and Hillside Development. Input is encouraged by the County.  If the data is collected and assimilated in a useful manner, Maggie Valley would have something to work from.

 

Mr. Case suggested reviewing the goals set at the beginning of 2005, and then prioritize a list from there.

 

ON MOTION BY MR. BREDE, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:10 P.M.

 

 

Chairman Patricia Tilley                                             Town Clerk Vickie Best, CMC