The primary focus of the meeting was the approval of Resolution Number 2025 D013 R, which grants conditional use for a storage facility in the Stevens Plantation area. Tisha Manning, the zoning manager, outlined the project, which will be situated on 2.2 acres and feature a three-story, climate-controlled structure with exterior storage units. Manning provided a detailed presentation, emphasizing the facility’s location at the end of a cul-de-sac and its proximity to residential neighborhoods. She noted that the design ensures the building’s roll-up doors will not be visible from the street, addressing aesthetic concerns.

Residents voiced several concerns during the public comment period, particularly regarding drainage and privacy. Joey Rodriguez, president of the local homeowners association, highlighted past drainage issues linked to developments in the area. He expressed apprehension about the new facility exacerbating these problems, especially given the elevation of the proposed site. Rodriguez also raised issues about potential littering and privacy, questioning the placement of security cameras that might intrude on residential backyards.

In response, Don Huey, the applicant, reassured the commission and residents that the design incorporates several measures to mitigate these concerns. Huey explained the drainage plan, which includes an inverted crown design for impervious surfaces to channel runoff to designated inlets, ultimately connecting to a master pond to manage water flow effectively. He also addressed privacy concerns by confirming that no windows would face residential properties and that a stand of trees would be preserved as a natural buffer between the facility and neighboring homes. The applicant committed to ensuring that security cameras would focus inward, away from residential areas.

The commission also discussed the layout of the facility, particularly the absence of windows or roll-up doors on the west side, which would face residential properties. One walkthrough door will be located at the southern corner, primarily for access purposes, maintaining the building’s cohesive architectural appearance while complying with standards. Additional measures include constructing an enclosure for the dumpster to contain waste and minimize its visual impact.

Another agenda item was Ordinance Number 2025-01, addressing a contraction of annexation. An associate planner explained that a previous error had resulted in the inclusion of two parcels within city boundaries without the property owners’ consent. The staff recommended amending the city’s boundaries to exclude these properties, effectively returning them to unincorporated Oola County. The issue was characterized as rare, with a planning firm member noting its infrequency over the firm’s long history with the city. The city attorney confirmed outreach to the affected property owners, clarifying that one opposed the annexation, while the other had not been contacted but was believed to share the same stance.

The commission unanimously passed a motion to approve the staff’s recommendation for the contraction of annexation, thereby rectifying the error. The decision underscored the importance of respecting property owners’ wishes and ensuring that city boundaries reflect consent.