ZONING COMMISSION
6-27-2017 Meeting Minutes
The Harrison Township Zoning Commission held a special hearing on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 6:00pm at the Harrison Township Building 2746 Weigand Road, Lockbourne, Ohio. The hearing was to hear, review and vote on an application for a zoning change from Farm/Residential to Planned Business for The Jones Fuel Company for Parcels D1200030031210 &D1200020031600. The Planned Business will be for the purpose of Sand and Gravel Mining.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Kelly Spriggs at 6:00pm. Members present were: Kelly Spriggs, Ronde Cook-Brushart, Trevor Younkin, Matt Rayburn, Lisa Darnell, Debi Hulse, and Dale Hoover. Also present were: Dave Jones, Barbara Younkin and Larry Valentine.
Kelly announced that the meeting was being recorded. Debi Hulse, Secretary, read the Ground Rules. Kelly explained what the Commission does and how the hearing would proceed. Kelly asked Dave Jones for an Overview of Operations.
Dave Jones is applying for mineral extradition permits for this land which is West of US23 and South of SR762. The same operation is currently progressing at the Crites Farm on US 23. He stated that they will take 3-4” of top soil. After the topsoil is removed, the property can be farmed. This land is for a future project and will not be used for topsoil for about 10 years. They have an ODOT permit on SR762 for an entrance. Chris Pence will be farming this property for at least the next 6 years. After the operation is completed, it will be sold for farming or the Appalachian Alliance. He has 2 other sites which will last about 10 years. This is for future use.
The site must be at least 150’ off the river and 50’ from the property’s borders. They will take no trees off the site. The entrance will be 32’ wide and have asphalt grindings on the surface. There will be a maximum of 70 – 80 trucks a day. At its busiest, there will be a truck every 10 minutes coming or going. They will be more than 400’ from any structure. There are trees between the house and this site. It will not affect the Wetlands. The majority of truck traffic will go West on SR762 and North on SR 104. There will be no dust issues.
Dale Hoover asked: How deep will you go? Jones replied, “3 – 4” of topsoil will be cut. If they do sand and gravel, they will go 40’ and the result will be a lake.
ODNR wants the land donated for the Wildlife Preserve. That is a possibility.
Kelly Spriggs asked: When will the mining start. How long will you be mining top soil? Jones: About 10 years time frame. They will use 10 – 15 acres a year for top soil. There will be no facility on site. No equipment will be parked in the flood plain overnight. If there is a leak from any equipment, the dirt will be removed and disposed of properly.
Trevor Younkin asked about the Flood Plain. Dave Jones showed the site and the Flood Plain on the map. He has a no compete clause with National Limestone. He has no plan to mine sand and gravel.
Trevor and Kelly mentioned ODOT’s future plans for the intersection of US23 and SR762. Dave Jones has not heard of any plans for the intersection, but he will talk with ODOT.
Dave Jones stated that he is the 4th generation in this business. He is lining sites for the future. He stated that his son will take over some day.
Ronde Cook-Brushart asked about equipment and hours of operation. Jones stated that the hours are Monday – Friday, 7 – 5 and Saturdays. He tries to keep regular hours.
Residents were asked if they would like to speak. Barbara Younkin owns 5 acres on the corner. She asked if the board had gotten anything from Terry Frazier, Pickaway Planning. No, the Commission has not. She asked if the land had been purchased. Dave Jones replied that he had purchased the land. She was concerned about the traffic pattern with traffic back-ups. Dave Jones reply was: There should be 6 – 7 trucks an hour. They will be 500plus feet from her property. The only trees that will be coming out will be to make the entrance. Jones Fuel will adapt to what ODOT does and says.
Larry Valentine asked: Was the application sent to the Regional Planning and Zoning which is Terry Frazier’s office? He is concerned about traffic back-ups on SR 762. He is worried about traffic especially during peak traffic times.
Kelly asked: Have you had a Traffic Impact Study? Jones replied that ODOT told him that it was no necessary to have a study done.
Kelly Spriggs asked Barbara Younkin about the traffic backups. There is a sign that reads “Do not block Driveway”. During business hours or auction days, how hard is it to get in and out? Barbara answered; There have been some complaints that people block the entrance. On sale days, they try to get extra signs.
Kelly asked Dave Jones if he had purchased the property from Pence and Noble. He has purchased the property. She asked about signage. Jones said at some point they will need a sign. He said, “My son will deal with applying for a sign when needed.”
Ronde asked about lighting. Jones said there would be none.
Kelly asked about fencing. Jones stated that they may want a gate to keep people out.
Dave Jones invited the Commission to go to the Crites Farm to see his operation. He wants to be a good neighbor. He will cooperate with anyone who has questions.
Kelly Spriggs made a motion which was 2nd by Trevor Younkin. The motion: To delay a vote until the Commission hears from the Pickaway County Planning and Zoning. This hearing will be continued to Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 6:00pm. Voting on this motion was unanimous for approving the motion.
The next regular Commission meeting will be Monday, July 10, 2017 at 6:00[pm.
Ronde Cook-Brushart moved to adjourn the meeting. Matt Rayburn 2nd. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
Debi Hulse
Harrison Township Zoning Commission
Secretary