(Posted October 7, 2015)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
West Jefferson village council agreed with the Planning and Zoning Commission that a lot at West Main Street and Putnam Avenue is too small for a modular home.
In a continuation of a public hearing on Oct. 5, two witnesses told council the lot was too small. Speaking out were former village council member Sheila Nelson and area resident Leon Creamer, who said he has a rental property across the street.
The Planning and Zoning Commission denied the property owner’s requests for a variance for two setbacks so a modular home could be constructed on the site.
Council upheld the commission’s decision in a 5-2 vote following the public hearing. Council members Doug Eakins, Steve Johnston, Jim King, Ray Martin and Randy Otis agreed that the lot was too small. Ron Garver and newly seated council member Jen Warner voted in favor of overturning the commission’s decision.
In other action, council members unanimously approved noncompliance fees as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The fee for a first violation is $100; the fee for a subsequent violation is $200. The ordinance also carries an administrative fee of $50 for the first occurrence and $75 for a subsequent violation.
Another unanimous vote created a private tow-away zone behind 12 W. Main St. at the request of business owner Charlotte Adams. In her request to the Planning and Zoning Commission, she stated that patrons of the bar next door park behind her business which, she said, interferes with trash collection.
Additionally, council gave Police Chief Terry Ward permission to purchase 11 rifles for $12,169 from Vance’s Law Enforcement.
The next village council meeting is at 7 p.m. Oct. 19.
