SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Proponents of a freestanding ice vending machine need only make a few alterations to their proposed site plan for the use, but the ultimate decision hinges on the City Council’s Oct. 4 consideration of a prerequisite request.

Building Official Bruce Renkert said during Monday’s informal Planning Commission work session that although businessman Van Knight had submitted plans addressing all of the commission’s prior concerns about the site, the revisions actually relocated the proposed ice machine to such a degree that it no longer meets the 20-foot setback requirements.

“I’m not sure it’s a valid site,” Renkert said.

The site being considered is adjacent to Papa John’s Convenience Store on Spanish Fort Boulevaard.

After about 35 minutes of discussion, however, all parties appeared to agree on an alternative placement of the machine that will satisfy all requirements without sacrificing the convenience store’s required 16 parking spaces.

“We’re not opposed to the ice machine being there. We’re just trying to avoid creating a traffic problem,” said Commissioner J.R. Smith.

Although the site plan request is on the agenda for the commission’s Oct. 11 meeting, the body will only be able to consider it if the City Council votes Oct. 4 to approve an amendment to the city’s Table of Permitted Uses allowing the freestanding ice vending machines be allowed “as an accessory use only, in conjunction with a convenience store or other retail establishment.” If approved as a permitted use, future ice machine requests will require commission approval and will only be allowed in B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5 and M-1 zoning districts.

In other business the commission discussed:

The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11, following a 6 p.m. work session at the Gathering Place in the Prodisee Center.

An informal work session is slated for 6 p.m. in the conference room of City Hall on Oct. 25.