Perry Mayor and Council revisited an issue involving plans for an RV park, Monday evening at their second work session of September 2020. At their September 1 council meeting, the body of officials was presented with a request for rezoning of a parcel of land in the area of Perry Parkway and Interstate 75, which was under contract to be sold. It was brought to the attention of council that the purchaser planned to develop a seniors only RV park on the property. It was ultimately suggested by Community Development Director Bryan Wood that the developer be contacted and asked to come before council to provide additional information on the project.
Monday, Mike Gray of Walker Hulbert Gray and Moore, and James Moxley, the purchaser of the property, addressed council regarding the issue. Gray, on behalf of his client, informed council that Moxley and his wife planned to build a seniors only RV park on the property, which could possibly extend to an additional tract of land in that area in the future. Gray made the point that the application asked for a more restrictive zoning as C-1, rather than the currently zoned M-1. Gray also noted that Moxley has put due diligence behind the purchase by retaining Bryant Engineering to assist with things, such as site plans for the project. Gray assured council that if the application was approved, he believed the city would be proud of what would go in the area, and that his client is committed to building a quality facility.
Councilwoman Joy Peterson noted that in the provided description of the project the park is designated for travelers, and asked if the park would be a place where people could make modifications, such as porches, to their RVs while staying there. Moxley later clarified that there could be no modifications by guests on the property, such as porches. During his time at the microphone, Moxley stated that there would be rules and regulations at the park as well as a partition to hide the view of the road from the campers and vice versa. Moxley also shared other details planned for the park, such as the camper had to be 10 years old or newer, the park was to be for individuals age 55 or older, and added that there would be someone to supervise the park 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Moxley also clarified that the park was for travelers, as well as that he lived in the area, and the Moxleys would be there everyday to ensure the supervision of the park.
Mayor Randall Walker brought forth the question of maximum time of stay on the property, and if there had been any thought given to the subject. Moxley said that the idea was for people to stay no more than two or three months, but later noted that if clients maintained their property or area as well as abided by regulations, giving the example of observing the 10-year or older rule to the campers, then guests were welcome to stay.
Approval of this ordinance rezoning this property is slated as an item on the agenda for council’s September 15 regular meeting.
Also to come before council was a conversation concerning disc golf rental fees. Director of Leisure Services Sedrick Swan proposed a $300 per day rental rate for those organizations slated as “for profit,” as well as a suggestion of $200 per day for a charitable and not for profit organization. Swan also shared a recommendation for a $250 tournament deposit, which would be returned to the organizer of the event if there was no damage to city property, etc. Swan explained that in recent months, the interest in disc golf tournaments has increased, and at the current time, the city does not currently have a rental rate or formal policy in place, and this recommendation would be added to the current field rental contract.
Swan further explained that the pavilion would remain to be a separate rental property with a separate fee, and the renters of the disc golf course must have liability insurance. According to Swan, the rental would operate during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Council gave concurrence for Swan to move forward with the recommendation and for Gilmour to come before council with a resolution to amend the fee schedule for the matter.
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