reviewed by the Planning Commission on April 1, 2026, resulting in a unanimous recommendation for approval subject to conditions.
The proposed pickleball court would be located approximately 180 feet from the public right-of-way along W. Schantz Avenue, approximately 350 feet from adjacent residential properties in Pointe Oakwood, and approximately 240 feet west of the public right-of-way along Sugar Camp Circle. The court is proposed to be approximately 1,800 square feet in size. The parking lot expansion would add 43 spaces, resulting in a total of 70 parking spaces on the site, to accommodate current and future demands.
Mrs. Valentin further noted that both the pickleball court and the expanded parking area would be heavily screened with vegetation to help minimize visual impacts and reduce potential noise for neighboring businesses and residential properties.
Mrs. Valentin then invited Mr. Kuzma to present information regarding drainage.
Mr. Kuzma stated that the Applicant’s drainage plan is consistent with requirements of the Stormwater Management Code and was approved on February 9, 2026. He presented supporting maps and indicated that the proposed improvements would not alter existing drainage patterns or increase stormwater runoff.
Mrs. Valentin closed her report by stating that the Planning Commission recommended approval subject to the following conditions:
- Hours of operation shall be limited to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sound-dampening paddles and balls shall be utilized.
- Use of the court shall be restricted to Russell Total Wealth and Wellness employees, existing clients, and prospective clients. The court shall remain locked at all times with controlled access by the owner.
- The Applicant shall obtain all required permits prior to construction.
Mrs. Turben inquired about the use of sound-dampening paddles. Mrs. Valentin responded that such paddles would be required.
Mr. Dorf asked about enforcement after hours. Mrs. Valentin stated that zoning violations would be issued for noncompliance.
Mrs. Jackson asked whether the plan includes lighting for the court, given the revised operating hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mrs. Valentin confirmed that lighting remains included in the plans.
Mayor Duncan asked whether there would be any changes to water flow. Mr. Kuzma responded that there would be no changes and that existing conditions would remain.
Mrs. Turben noted that the original plan had been denied due to noise concerns and asked whether a sound study had been conducted. Mrs. Valentin stated that no study had been completed. Mrs. Turben noted that it would have been beneficial.
Mayor Duncan then opened the public hearing and invited the Applicant to speak.
Jerad Barnett, the Applicant, addressed Council and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present. He stated that since the initial application to construct the building, the business has doubled in size and that there is a demonstrated need for expansion. He explained that the wellness component of the business has been well received by clients and that the Applicant has been responsive to residents’ feedback, incorporating several changes as a result. These modifications include relocating the proposed pickleball court to a more interior location on the campus, increasing the landscape buffer, and incorporating sound-dampening paddles designed to reduce noise levels by up to 50 percent. He further clarified that the facility would not be open to the general public. He added that, with continued business growth, there are long-term plans to explore expansion or the acquisition of an additional building. At present, the primary objectives are the construction of the pickleball court and the expansion of the existing parking lot.
Mrs. Turben clarified whether the proposed noise-reducing paddles would reduce sound levels by 50 percent. Mr. Barnett confirmed that they would.
Mr. Dorf inquired how the proposed pickleball court aligns with the wellness component of the business.
Samantha McCoy, Vice President of Russell Total Wealth, stepped forward to address the question, explaining that the company has made significant investments in employee wellness