City of Olive Branch

The meeting included the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair for the commission. Key business involved consideration of zoning ordinance amendments, specifically restricting smoking and vaping within 500 feet of public parks and implementing stricter regulations for data centers in industrial districts, including conditional use requirements, utility infrastructure planning, and noise standards. Additionally, the commission discussed proposals to reduce the maximum height allowed for free-standing signs in various commercial zoning districts.

The meeting included a consent agenda item regarding a previous meeting correction and the discussion of a zoning map amendment application for the Bristol Oaks project. Key topics included the staff's presentation on the proposed rezoning of property from Agricultural Residential to R3 Planned Residential District, the justification for the change based on shifting neighborhood character and utility infrastructure, and requirements for open space and storm water management. A public hearing was held to address concerns from neighboring residents regarding drainage and storm water infrastructure, with staff providing assurances on regulatory compliance for the proposed project's development plans.

The meeting featured presentations from several community organizations, including the Dotto County Dream Center, Light the Way Ministry regarding their upcoming Independence Day festival, and WinShape Camps. The discussions focused on community development initiatives, including food assistance, educational support, clothing provision for students, and summer camp opportunities. The Board discussed potential partnerships to support these initiatives, including the use of city social media platforms for outreach and promotion.

The board discussed several items, including the declaration of a property as a menace to public health and safety and the scheduling of a public hearing for an agricultural district. They considered and approved the final plat for the Center Hill Farms phase 2 subdivision with specific conditions regarding infrastructure and landscaping. Bids for a preservation treatment project were awarded to Vance Brothers. Additionally, the board approved a deductive change order for an annual surface treatments contract and an additive change order for a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project due to infrastructure adjustments. The meeting concluded with an executive session to address various personnel matters across multiple departments.

The board discussed a request to amend the project text for the Trinity Park planned unit development to allow a medical cannabis dispensary at 8961 Church Road East. The staff report outlined that the proposed location complies with the required 1,000-foot separation from protected uses such as churches and schools. The mayor expressed concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed location to public park facilities and youth athletic fields, and noted that the original planned unit development text emphasizes enhancing surrounding property and minimizing conflicts between land uses.