A copy of the resolution, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.
Vice Mayor Byington recused himself as he resides near Russell Total Wealth and Wellness. Mayor Duncan accepted his recusal. Vice Mayor Byington then left the dais and was seated in the audience.
Mrs. Jackson explained that this resolution would amend the Sugar Camp/Pointe Oakwood Master Plan to allow for the construction of a pickleball court at the Russell Total Wealth & Wellness building located at 1 Russell Place.
The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on this plan amendment on November 6, 2024. By a vote of 3-0, with one member absent and one recusing himself, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval, with certain conditions. These conditions are as follows:
- The hours of operation would be limited to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
- The Applicant must work with city staff to develop a lighting plan that ensures lighting is no taller than 12’ and timer-controlled; and
- Use would be restricted to Russell Total Wealth & Wellness employees, clients, and prospective clients.
The matter is now before Council on that recommendation, and tonight Council will hold a public hearing on the application.
This resolution is being introduced to approve based on the recommendation of the Planning Commission. However, Council is required to hold a public hearing on this proposal and has not prejudged the matter. At the conclusion of the hearing, Council may vote to approve the application in its entirety, approve it with conditions, or deny it altogether. If Council decides to approve, as recommended by the Planning Commission, Council will adopt this resolution as-is. If Council decides to adopt the recommendation with modifications or additional conditions imposed by Council, there is space provided on the document to write them in tonight. In the event that Council denies the application altogether or otherwise depart from the Planning Commission’s recommendation, Council will withdraw this resolution as written and ask the Law Director to prepare legislation consistent with Council’s decision, to be adopted at our next regular meeting in January.
Thereupon, it was moved by Mrs. Jackson and seconded by Mrs. Turben that the resolution be approved.
Public Hearing. Mayor Duncan introduced the public hearing for Application 24-8. He explained the public hearing process and asked Mr. Jacques to administer an oath to those who wish to testify.
Mr. Jacques proceeded to swear in, en masse, the visitors who plan to testify.
Mayor Duncan then asked Mr. Kroger to present the staff report.
Mr. Kroger shared that the applicant is John Kopilchack on behalf of RCR Holdings, LLC (Russell Total Wealth and Wellness) and the request is to amend the current Sugar Camp/Pointe Oakwood Master Plan for the installation of a sports court (pickleball) at the existing site located at 1 Russell Place. Mr. Kroger reviewed a brief history of the application, including the September 4, 2024 Planning Commission public hearing; the October 7, 2024 City Council public hearing; and the November 6, 2024 Planning Commission public hearing.
The proposed pickleball court will be located on the south side of the property between the existing building and W. Schantz Avenue. The pickleball court will be located approximately 76 feet from the public right-of-way on W. Schantz Avenue and 138 feet from the east property line bordering the homes in Pointe Oakwood. The proposed pickleball court will be roughly 880 square feet, which is standard pickleball court size, however, the overall surface will be 1,800 square feet to allow for baselines and sidelines. A 10’ tall chain-link fence will enclose the court. Mr. Kroger noted that chain-link fences are permitted up to 15 feet in height around public or private tennis courts. The pickleball court will feature lighting to illuminate the court. The lighting will be mounted on four poles within the fenced area surrounding the pickleball court. The proposed pickleball court will be heavily screened with vegetation to obstruct the view from neighboring businesses and residential properties.