A larger than normal crowd filled city hall Monday afternoon for a public hearing scheduled for 5 p.m.

There was much murmuring and spoken opposition to both the plan and process from much of the audience. Angry comments were heard that the city had not discussed the issue in open session. And that the whole thing was a “done deal” since an ordinance approving the rezoning had already been prepared.

Mayor Annette Heseman opened the hearing on time, indicating the city was ready for public input. She indicated only comments concerning the rezoning of the property would be heard.

No one moved to the microphone.

After a short wait, she asked the board for a motion to close the hearing.

A collective gasp came from the crowd. Slowly, former alderman Ed Adams rose to speak. He asked when the issue had been discussed in a public meeting. “Or was it?” he asked. It was noted the issue was discussed at the May meeting of the aldermen.

Adams then noted the issue seemed to be “all cut and dried” with the two ordinances already written.

Adams also noted traffic concerns relating to the entrance of the business, especially with large trucks pulling in and out of the parking lot.

“Were the proper applications filed and fees paid,” he then asked. He was told that everything had been done that was required.

“Put me down as opposed,” Adams stated as he walked back to his seat.

Steve Grgurich, another former alderman, then came forward. He asked who owns the property and how could Dollar General request rezoning on property they did not currently own. He got no response from the board. He also noted his opposition before leaving the microphone.

The public hearing was closed at 5:09 p.m. and the board immediately went into a public hearing in order to take care of business.  In this case, passing two ordinances.

First on the list was approving a lot split at 906 W. Fitzgerald to create a separate 1.87 acres tract.

The second was to authorize a change in zoning at 800 W. Fitzgerald from single-family residential to commercial.

Both ordinances passed unanimously by roll call vote.

It should be noted that having ordinances pre-written before a public hearing is not unusual. Minor changes can be made on the spot, if aldermen hear from the public that such changes might be warranted. The ordinances can also be rejected completely.

It is also routine that a parcel be rezoned before purchase. The sale might be contingent upon the rezoning. This very same scenario played out a few months ago without objection.

The board did indeed discuss the issue in an open meeting May 11. This was reported in an article in the May 17 issue of The Republican.

The public hearing had only one purpose: should the property be rezoned.

The traffic concerns noted by Adams were addressed in the recommendation forwarded to the board by the Planning and Zoning Commission. These issues will be considered as plans are solidified, inspections are held and studies conducted.