cubic feet per month, these changes will result in an increase of $12.77 per month on a property owner’s combined city utility bill.

This is a first reading of the ordinance, so Mr. Epley made no motion.

Public Hearing. Mayor Duncan introduced the public hearing for Application 17-2, which requests an amendment to the Sugar Camp/Pointe Oakwood Master Plan.

Mayor Duncan explained that there is a public hearing on the agenda and established guidelines for the hearing. Mayor Duncan then asked Law Director Rob Jacques to administer an oath to those who wish to testify.

Mr. Jacques proceeded to swear in the visitors that plan to testify, en masse.

Mr. Byington recused himself as he resides near the proposed development. He stepped down from the Council dais and took a seat among the audience.

Mayor Duncan asked Assistant City Manager Jay Weiskircher to present the staff report.

Mr. Weiskircher referenced a PowerPoint presentation and explained that this application has two parts. The first part involves a request to amend the current Sugar Camp/Pointe Oakwood Master Plan. The existing 4.3 acres is currently designated for residential use and the applicant is requesting the parcel be redesignated for office use. The second part of the application involves special use approval to construct a 3 story, 22,000 square foot office building.

Mr. Weiskircher reviewed the application review process. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 18, 2017 and by a vote of 3-0, the application was recommended to Oakwood City Council to approve: 1) the requested use amendment to the Sugar Camp Master Plan; and, 2) the proposed site plan. City Council is holding a public hearing this evening and by a majority vote can approve, deny, or approve with conditions the requested Master Plan amendment and proposed site plan.

Mr. Weiskircher reviewed the detailed history of this parcel including the 2007 original Sugar Camp/Pointe Oakwood Master Plan, 2008 and 2012 Amendments, and the existing Master Plan. Both the 2004 Comprehensive Plan and Subarea Plan identify office uses as preferred land use within the Sugar Camp area. These documents also recommend that new construction be limited to 3 to 4 stories in height, and that architecture and landscaping be compatible with the surrounding existing development.

Mr. Weiskircher stated that the first part of the proposal before City Council is exactly what was specified in the language of the 2017 Settlement Agreement between the City, Hills Properties, Oakwood Investment Group and a group of immediate neighbors. He read the following excerpt:

“Subject to approval through the city of Oakwood’s established process and procedures, OIG will pursue the development of the five-acre tract in the southern part of Pointe Oakwood – an area not involved in either the Trail development or the Pointe Development – to construct an office building no more than three stories high, with access from Sugar Camp Circle”.

Mr. Weiskircher discussed the history of the site, sharing historic photos followed by recent photos depicting current site conditions. He explained that the applicant intends to retain all healthy, mature trees on the site; dead trees will be removed and new vegetation added. He explained that the layout of the site necessitated the addition of a special turn-around area for large safety vehicles. There will only be 30 parking spaces at this site. He explained that there will only be 20 employees at Russell Wealth Management with a maximum of 10 clients on-site on any given day. The proposed new building is approximately half the size of existing Building D and would be the second smallest on the Sugar Camp campus, and presented slides depicting all elevations of the proposed building.

He stated that the planned building materials consist of buff-colored limestone with metal roof components. The Planning Commission has recommended that the east side sign remain as long as it is not backlit as originally proposed. He explained that Siebenthaler’s developed the landscaping plan and Oakwood’s Director of Leisure Services and Horticulture, Carol Collins, was involved in reviewing the plan. Mr. Weiskircher said it was important to the applicant and the city that they be good neighbors, particularly to the residents of Pointe Oakwood and those residing along W. Schantz Avenue. Special attention was given to the screening along W. Schantz Avenue and the east hillside. Landscaping will be significantly enhanced over what is currently in place with year-round color.