Sub Committee Appointed for Body Farm and Cadaver Research Study Site
Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting followed by Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission meeting.
The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals met on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.
Committee examining probe used for monitoring, which is placed around decomposing bodies – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman Reneau. Absent from Roll Call was Board Member Batson.
Following Approval of the Minutes, Director of Zoning Compliance Tim Seals brought for administrative review and determination of district allowance the issue of taxidermy in A-1 zoning district. After discussion, the Board Unanimously Approved district zoning of A-1 (home occupation), C-1 and C-2 (commercial business) for placement of taxidermy.
The Board considered a variance request for a garage to be placed in front of a house located on Chucky Pike. The request was made by Annie Daniels, the property owner, and her builder was present for questions. Upon a Motion from Board Member Shrader and 2nd from Board Member Wilson the Board Approved a 25 ft Variance and a Variance to allow for the placement of the garage in front of the house.
Having no further issues before the Board of Zoning Appeals, the meeting Adjourned.
The Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission meeting convened immediately following.
The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Reneau. Absent from Roll Call was Commissioner Batson.
Planner David Williams recommended the Approval of a site plan for a building expansion at the corner of Chestnut Hill Road/Hwy 91, Rupert Drive and Indian Creek Road-requested by Ray Jones. Commissioner Scarlett made the Motion for Approval and was 2nd by Commissioner Tucker-Passed Unanimously.
Scarlett made a Motion for the Chairman of the Planning Commission to appoint a sub committee to bring recommendations and guidelines for a Body Farm and Cadaver Research Study Site to the Full Planning Commission-2nd Tucker. Chairman Reneau and the Commission discussed some areas that might be addressed by the sub committee including-number of cadavers per square foot, fencing, set backs, topographical maps and proximity from wells, as well as other issues.
Jefferson County Director of Environmental Health Tom Carter informed the Commission that testing of soil types which might influence the site would be helpful in determining how a site would handle the proposed usage. Tucker stated that, due to the precedent setting nature of the stipulations that might be put on Body Farms/Cadaver Research Study Sites, he wanted to be cautious of not impeding the benefits and scope of scientific study. The Commission discussed the fact that Jefferson County is setting precedence in this issue and that the restriction and guidelines will be looked at for future sites in other areas of the State or Country. The Scarlett/Tucker Motion Passed Unanimously. Chairman Reneau appointed 1 citizen (Rocky Riley), 1 representative of the current research proposal (Art Bohanan), Environmental Representative (Tom Carter), EMA Representative (Tim Wilder), County Planner (David Williams) County Zoning (Tim Seals) and Chairman of Planning Commission (Terry Reneau) to the sub committee.
Art Bohanan informed the Commission that there will be extensive fencing at the current proposed site and that, due to the nature of the research, there will be adequate space between research cadavers to prevent cross contamination. Cadavers are expected to remain in place for around 12 months, however decomposition will be much more rapid. The study of the impact on the environment will continue beyond the initial decomposition phase.
The Meeting was Adjourned.
