Warner Robins approves rezoning, PTSD coverage for first responders

WARNER ROBINS — The city of Warner Robins council agenda was significantly shorter on Monday, but still covered ground on townhome development near Houston Lake Road and providing benefits to first responders with PTSD. 

Council approved unanimously a rezoning petition from a single family residential district to a planned development district for just over nine acres of land on West Wrasling Way, just west of Houston Lake Road and north of Highway 96.

Planning and Zoning Manager Darin Curtis explained during pre-council the rezoning would approve both the new designation and the parcel’s site plan.

According to Curtis, developers submitted a plan for 20 townhomes.

“That’s been under review by the staff for some time, now. They were able to address all of our concerns, and so at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting last week, it was recommended for approval,” Curtis said.

Councilman Derek Mack brought up concern about a retention pond on the property. Curtis explained the city issued a permit earlier this year to modify the retention pond. He said developers dug deeper to change the pond’s layout and create a buildable path on the property.

Councilman Keith Lauritsen asked Curtis about site access, who explained traffic could access the townhomes on Wrasling Way.

Curtis assured mayor and council that while the city doesn’t have a baseline to compare the property to, the developer must formally submit plans, which are reviewed separately.

“Whatever design elements that come with the formal submittal of plans, we still undergo a separate review. … The face value, the layout, as it is presented, we don’t have anything further to add. Most of our comments, excuse me — all of our comments, have been addressed to this point,” Curtis said.

Mayor LaRhonda Patrick also ensured communication from Engineering. Plan Reviewer Gabe Ramirez told her if problems arise, they won’t approve the plans. Curtis added if the plans are modified, they will go before council for approval.

Councilman Kevin Lashley brought up concerns about maintenance. City Attorney Julia Mize said the property owner is required to maintain the retention pond. In the case of bankruptcy or a dissolved entity, the city may take over maintenance, but only at city discretion.

“It is required that prior to any acceptance of any stormwater facility, that it be brought up to compliance, which a lot of times, is a hefty cost in and of itself. In being good stewards of taxpayers dollars, stormwater will not accept a pond that is not currently up to code compliance, and if it is accepted after the entity owning it has been administratively dissolved, it’s because it otherwise would negatively impact the stormwater infrastructure,” Mize explained.

Council also approved a plan which will provide benefits to first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder. 

According to Human Resources Interim Director Melanie Byer, a new law will go into effect in January requiring a PTSD coverage program which includes insurance. Yearly costs for the city would be over $36,000.

Through GIRMA, a policyholder providing MetLife insurance, first responders who are diagnosed with PTSD as a result of job duties would recieve a $3,000 lump sum lifetime benefit, and a monthly benefit of 60% of the employee’s earnings, up to $5,000.

The next Warner Robins City Council meeting will take place Monday, Dec. 2, at City Hall, located at 700 Watson Boulevard. Pre-council will start at 4:30 p.m., council meeting following immediately after.

A live stream of Monday’s meeting can be found on the city’s Facebook.

A full look at the agenda and supporting documents can be found here.