HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.02.2003 (2)• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
June 2, 2003
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Kincaid, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Getty.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Welper that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Three.
Motion carried.
The council reviewed the request of Jack Nooren to rezone property generally located at the
northwest corner of West Ridgeway and Ansborough Avenues to allow for construction of a
video store and small retail uses. Noel Anderson, City Planner, reported that a notice was mailed
to people living within 250 feet of the request, with some supporting the request but the church
opposes the request. Walnut Ridge Baptist Church owns 20.3 percent of the property within 250
feet of the property, and if they file a petition of opposition it would take approval of six of the
seven council members to pass. The Traffic Engineer reported that this development would not
have an adverse affect on traffic in the area. The developer will use the existing curb cut on
Ansborough Avenue but they are requesting to add a curb cut on Ridgeway Avenue.
Al Manning, 1020 Southhill Drive, stated that his daughter attends band practice twice a week at
Walnut Ridge Baptist Academy, and he also lives not too far from this property. Mr. Manning
stated he is not concerned with the commercial aspect, but to the type of videos this business
would carry so close to the school and church. Mr. Manning stated he did not know traditional
video stores could rent these types of videos and desires it creates. Mr. Manning stated there
could be some traffic concerns on the corner, but he understands it cannot be avoided and it is
good to have development on the fringe of the city.
Don Temeyer, Community Planning & Development Director, reported the city has an adult
entertainment ordinance which prohibits adult videos from locating by schools and businesses.
The ordinance regulates businesses which have sales of 25 percent or more in adult entertainment
or have 25 percent of more square feet dedicated to adult entertainment.
Arnold Becker requested each council member visit one of the Family Video Stores in the area
and go to the back room to see what they see. Mr. Becker suggested they take their wife or a
daughter over 18 years of age.
Mr. Manning stated that the trouble with percentages is that they are ambiguous, and if we deem
its bad, then 1 percent is too much. Mr. Temeyer responded that the city is not in the rating
business.
Councilperson Hurley asked if Family Video would be willing to keep the adult videos
completely out of the store. Mr. Noreen responded he cannot answer that question as in all their
stores they have that room, but 2 to 3 percent of their business comes from the rental of adult
videos.
Councilperson Getty stated he visited the Family Video Store on Franklin Street. The manager
showed him the cameras they have for the adult area. If someone is not 18 years of age, they are
asked to leave.
George Warren stated Family Video puts up a nice building with the red brick exterior and
pitched roof design to blend into the neighborhood. Mr. Warren reported the land currently
brings in about $1,900 per year in taxes, but the store will pay $20,000 per year in taxes. Mr.
Warren stated he feels this is a good move for the city, and it will enhance the appearance of the
neighborhood.
Mr. Nooren reported that construction will begin in late summer or early fall. Mr. Nooren stated
that Family Video Stores make a sincere effort to blend into the neighborhoods, and they locate
in convenient locations for clients to stop on their way home. Mr. Nooren reported that there
was a meeting held on April 30, 2003 and 15 neighbors were invited to attend. Eleven came to
the meeting and all eleven endorsed the plan.
With no further business before the committee, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Hurley that
the meeting be adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk