Minutes for May 26, 2009

Council Member Porter called the meeting to order with the following Council Members present: Anne Peppers and David Keener. Also present were City Attorney Joe Reitman, City Manager Doug White and City Clerk Susan Roper.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Keener to appoint Council Member Porter as temporary Vice Mayor to preside at this meeting as Vice Mayor Price was stuck in traffic and unable to attend. All were in favor.

City Attorney Joe Reitman explained to the board that General Mills was requesting a variance from a 125’ buffer to a 62.5’ buffer on the north and west sides for General Mills. Attorney Reitman explained that the Planning & Zoning Commission had met previous to this meeting and recommended approval with the following conditions:

1. The Rail Road Spur to be considered ROW during the 20 years owned by the Walton County Development Authority as required by the grant for construction of the rail spur.

2. The West Buffer to be planted with 2 rows of6’ high evergreen trees, 8’ on center (staggered planting) subject to approval by the Tree Board.

3. The North Buffer existing tree line maintained in a natural condition in 62.5’ buffer.

4. Internal parking islands and vegetation consistent with ordinances and other city regulations.

5. Impervious not to exceed 29.8% on building footprint, and parking sq ft not to exceed as proposed.

6. Perpetual maintenance and care of plantings.

Vice Mayor Porter opened a public hearing allowing both sides for and against 10 minutes to speak. Vice Mayor Porter called on the applicant for their comments.

Harold Buckley, Alston & Bird representing Rockefeller Group presented the variance request. He stated that they were requesting a 62.5’ buffer on the north side of the property as opposed to a 125’ buffer as required by the ordinance. He also asked for 62.5’ buffer on the west side agreeing to maintain the natural vegetation already in place and confirming that the building would 599’ away from the property line.

There being no others present to speak for or against Vice Mayor Porter closed the public hearing.

Council Member Keener made a motion, seconded by Council Member Peppers to approve the variance from a 125’ buffer to a 62.5’ buffer on the north and west sides for General Mills as requested with the following conditions:

1. The Rail Road Spur to be considered ROW during the 20 years owned by the Walton County Development Authority as required by the grant for construction of the rail spur.

2. The West Buffer to be planted with 2 rows of 6’ high evergreen trees, 8’ on center (staggered planting) subject to approval by the Tree Board.

3. The North Buffer existing tree line maintained in a natural condition in 62.5’ buffer.

4. Internal parking islands and vegetation consistent with ordinances and other city regulations.

5. Impervious not to exceed 29.8% on building footprint, and parking sq ft not to exceed as proposed.

6. Perpetual maintenance and care of plantings.

All were in favor.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Keener to adjourn (7:10 PM).