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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/15/1995 - Special ·~ August 15, 1995 581 ~ Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24018 August 15, 1995 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center, this being an adjourned meeting and a joint meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss the visioning process. I IN RE: CALL TO ORDER 1. Board of SuÞervisors Chairman Minnix called the meeting to order at 7: 01 p.m. The Board of Supervisors roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: . Chairman H. Odell "Fuzzy" Minnix, Vice Chairman Edward G. KOhinke, Supervisors Lee B. Eddy, Bob L. Johnson, Harry C. Nickens MEMBERS ABSENT: None 2. Planninq Commission Commission Chairman Kyle Robinson called the Planning Commission to order and the roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Martha Hooker, A. Kyle RObinson, William Todd Ross, Al G. Thomason, Sr., and Donald R. Witt I IN RE: JOINT SESSION WITH PLANNING COMMISSION .______n._._ ~ II"'" 582 August 15, 1995 þ ~ Introduction of the citizen steerinq Committee Members (Dr. James Sears, Chairman, citizen steerinq Committee) Dr. Sears reported that approximately 300 citizens were involved in attending over 60 meetings to develop the vision for Roanoke County in 2010. Focus Groups were also established to develop a vision for specific issues. Dr. Sears introduced the members of the Vision Process Steering Committee who were present at the meeting. h Overview of the Roanoke Countv Communi tv Vision Process Dr. Sears explained that the Community Vision Process was a citizen-based strategic planning process which evaluates the past I and present, and then envisions the future it wants, and plans how to achieve it. The Vision Process helps a community better understand the values of its citizens, identify the trends affecting the community, and helps the community develop tools and strategies to achieve its vision. IN RE: PRESENTATION OF THE FOCUS GROUP REPORTS ~ Government Relations Al Thomason made the presentation and offered the following vision statement: In 2010, Roanoke County is one of a group of regional independent counties and cities, that choose to practice - I as an aggressive and proactive policy broad based, regional collaboration and cooperation in: 1) meeting the current day-to-day needs of the citizens of Roanoke county, -------. --- --....-- -- _..._._------~---_._-_._- l ~ August 15, 1995 583 ~ and 2) preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the future. In these cooperative efforts, Roanoke County government leads the way, thereby ensuring the prosperity and happiness of the citizens of Roanoke county. ~ Resource Preservation Bob Egbert made the presentation and offered the following vision statement: In 2010, Roanoke County has incorporated principles of sustainabili ty into County ordinances. These principles will maximize energy efficiency and minimize waste and pollution. To assist with this effort, the County has adopted and enacted local interpretations of the recommendations of the "Blueprint for sustainable Development of Virginia", while bolstering industry through a variety of incentives to adhere to these standards. I In 2010, Roanoke County continues to support the educational efforts of Explore Park and includes environmental education in the public school curriculum. In 2010, Roanoke County has enacted ordinances and programs to preserve the integrity of the surrounding mountains and open space. These include mountainside, ridgeline and natural resource protection. In 2010, Roanoke County has identified the areas diverse flora and faunal resources by means of a comprehensive survey and makes use of this information in designating si tes to be protected as preserves, parks, greenways and other natural corridors connecting critical habitats. In 2010, Roanoke County has established tax incentives to encourage landowners to dedicate their mountain land to scenic and conservation easements. This has been supplemented by purchases of land by a Natural and Scenic Resources Foundation - a local land trust. In 2010, Roanoke County has participated in a regional effort to identify, and protect, visual viewsheds along the Blue Ridge parkway and the Appalachian Trail. , I In 2010, Roanoke County has established sound growth management policies that preserve the region's scenic assets and natural resources while allowing residential development ~ II"'" 584 August 15, 1995 þ that includes open spaces, parks, cluster development and rural villages. In 2010, Roanoke County continues to recognize the economic and scenic value of its farm lands and has actively participated in promoting the economic viability of the rural lifestyle. In 2010, Roanoke county citizens exhibit a strong public and private sector commitment to the preservation of Roanoke County's distinctive cultural heritage its historic buildings and landscapes, archaeological sites and folk traditions. Recognizing that the architectural and archaeological records of this valley lend character and identity to our area, historic preservation has become an important tool for economic development. Through efforts to identify heritage resources, through cultural heritage education in the public schools and through cooperative efforts with other groups the County has, over the last lS years, set the standard for a sound preservation ethic. In 2010, Roanoke County has implemented the "Recommendations I for Planning" produced as a result of the architectural' survey of 1991-1992. The County has also initiated a similar archaeological suryey. In 2010, Roanoke county community libraries have established local archives which house video and audio tape oral histories, copies of family trees, diaries, and pertinent newspaper articles and books that document each community's unique history. In 2010, Roanoke County has mountain festivals, jamborees, fiddler conventions, story telling festivals, and pow-wows that are used to preserve interest in, and knowledge of, local folk traditions. h Housing Rick Whitney made the presentation and offered the following vision statement: In 2010, Roanoke County has developed incentives and a sliding scale of fees to encourage affordable housing. Housing costs have been addressed by controlling utility connection fees, erosion control requirements and waste I disposal options. In 2010, Roanoke county has a diverse housing stock meeting l ~ August 15,1995 585 ~ the demands of current and future residents. Dwellings are available in a range of prices, styles and designs to accommodate students, single persons, the elderly and families. Alternatives to single family ownership are being met by an adequate supply of apartments, duplexes, attached housing, senior services and nursing homes for rent. In 2010, Roanoke county has managed a healthy economic growth while protecting and maintaining its natural resources. Through careful planning and orderly development, our natural resources have been protected to ensure the quality of life for future generations. open spaces and greenways have been provided through the use of cluster development and innovative site design concepts. In 2010, Roanoke County has taken a leadership role in valleywide cooperative efforts to hold the c::ost of public services to a relatively low level. Services have been extended, in a planned and orderly manner, to meet housing demands. I ~ TransÞortation Alan Gleiner made the presentation and offered the following vision statement: In 2010, Roanoke County roads are well maintained. New roads are initiated and planned in cooperation with VDOT and with a high level of citizen participation. Transportation planning is carried out in conjunction with the county comprehensive Plan. New roads are designed to accommodate large vehicles and incorporate new technology wherever possible. The design and construction of new roads is accomplished in an environmentally sensitive manner, protecting natural resources and minimizing various forms of pollution. In 2010, Roanoke county, Roanoke City and Salem city have encouraged the growth of public transit throughout the Roanoke Valley. An active and successful public relations campaign has resulted in increased ridership. Public transit is now a vital link in thè Valley's mUlti-modal transportation network. I In 2010, Roanoke County has incorporated the efficient movement of freight into the overall transportation system design. The new Inland Port has given southwest Virginia's ~ II"'" 586 August 15, 1995 þ industries a promising global connection. In 2010, Roanoke county has incorporated the use of bicycle trails, pedestrian walkways and greenways into the transportation network. In 2010, Roanoke county has embarked on a multi-purpose light rail proj ect. This proj ect serves as a valuable transportation and recreational facility for residents and visitors alike. ~ Growth Manaqement and Planninq John Stokes made" the presentation and offered the following vision statement: In 2010, Roanoke County growth management provides for greenways and open space as an integral part of communities and individual lifestyles. In 2010, strategies management. Roanoke County to provide for has addressed sustainability the impacts of within growth I In 2010, Roanoke County communities have small commercial nodes and business opportunities that serve local areas. This strategy has encouraged and enabled citizens to use alternative forms of transportation such as pedestrian corridors, bicycle paths and public transit. In 2010, Roanoke County allows flexibility, within a consistent framework of sustainable development, to encourage community redevelopment, commercial development, infill development and industrial revitalization while preserving neighborhood stability and property values. This planning process is successful due to extensive community and private sector involvement. In 2010, Roanoke County transportation planning is an integral part of growth management strategies. Following through with a trend begun in 1995, Roanoke county citizens have continued to be pro-active participants in the transportation planning process. In 2010, Roanoke County growth management strategies and sustainability are guided and measured by a system of I benchmarks established with citizen input. This results in a highly involved citizenry who are knowledgeable in planning principals, proactively participate in the planning -~- _._..-.-.- l ~ August 15, 1995 587 ~ process, and believe they can influence the process. ~ Aqriculture and Forestrv Winton Shelor made the presentation and offered the following vision statement: In 2010, Roanoke county has taken action to identify and establish distinct rural areas worthy of preservation that will balance the rights of property owners while protecting the productive value of rural lands. In 2010, Roanoke County has implemented pOlicies to tax rural land on its specific value for agriculture and/or forestry production. In 2010, Roanoke County has taken action to reinforce the "right to farm" and there exists a high level of mutual respect between farmers, non-farm owners and rural visitors of individual property rights, responsibilities and privacy. I In 2010, Roanoke county has established markets for small scale farm and forestry products that support and sustain a viable rural land-based economy and robust farmers' markets in the Valley. In 2010, Roanoke county continue~ to value, protect and preserve the scenic vistas, water resources and other important natural and cultural resources of the rural areas. There continues to be strong recognition that these resources are critical components of the quality of life of the region. In 2010, Roanoke county has established and has been operating a level of public services, particularly fire and rescue, to the rural areas that is appropriate and consistent with the needs of an aging rural population. In 2010, Roanoke county has established mechanisms so that rural residents are directly represented, consulted, advised and involved in their local government. ~ Economic DeveloÐment and Tourism I Frank Caldwell made the presentation and offered the following vision statement: In 2010, Roanoke county has played a major role in ~._._-_. --~.------_.- --.. --------- ------~-~----- -- ~ II"'" 588 August 15, 1995 developing the Roanoke Valley into a center of industrial and commercial technology by adequately funding the Industrial Development Authority, enabling them to acquire property and providing the infrastructure to encourage economic growth. þ In 2010, Roanoke County and the surrounding areas have become a natural playground for visitors and residents. The local governments have provided the necessary infrastructure to permit full usage and enjoyment of our scenic resources _ both private and public such as a regional greenway system, pedestrian friendly roads, campgrounds and recreational vehicle parking areas. strong incentives have been put into place to encourage developers to include dedica ted lands and connected greenways in all new development projects. In 2010, Roanoke county has taken the lead to preserve our most valuable natural asset, the scenic environment and natural ridge lines of the mountains surrounding the Roanoke Valley. Rupert Cutler made the presentation and offered the I ~ Recreation and Culture following vision statement: In 2010, Roanoke county - through unique initiatives and as a result of reciprocal arrangements and partnership efforts with neighboring local governments and private entities- is nationally known as a preeminent East Coast recreational and cultural center and is the major recreational and cultural center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Awareness of the county's unique and high quality recreational and cultural programs is reflected in large audiences, a high level of individual participation and volunteer activity, broad-based financial support, a healthy citizenry and increased tourism. ~ Technoloqy and Communications Tom Wilson made the presentation and offered the following vision statement: In 2010, Roanoke County provides its citizens opportunities to interface with each other, the capability to access local I and global community services through the latest communications technologies and encourages - through both public and private means the use of the latest l ~ August 15, 1995 589 ~ technolog1es to enhance the quality of life in the Roanoke Valley. In 2010, Roanoke County encourages technological improvements I innovations in manufacturing, power transmission, communications, commerce and transportation to preserve and enhance the natural resources of the Roanoke Valley. Roanoke County facilitates a managed technological environment that balances education, productivity, social skills, health and the ecosystem. " In 2010, Roanoke affords its citizens opportunities through technical schools, extension programs, and a four- year school of higher learning - to obtain the technological skills required to work and function in a rapidly changing world. 10. PUblic Education Evelyn Ball made the presentation and offered the I fOllowing mission statement: In 2010, Roanoke County provides access to world class educational services to all citizens. The educational focus is to prepare learners for the work place and to develop in them characteristics of responsible, productive members of society for whom learning is. IN RE: QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION The members of the Board of Supervisors thanked the staff and the citizens who were involved in the process. Supervisor Eddy asked when strategies would be developed to meet the vision by 2010. Dr. Sears responded that some of the focus groups discussed strategies and one presented specific strategies, but the strategies will be determined as part of the Comprehensive Plan. I Supervisor Eddy advised that citizens on Bent Mountain are in the process of developing their own vision and asked if it --~~---- ~ II"'" 590 August 15, 1995 could be included in the County's vision process. Dr. Sears advised that if specific communities wanted to develop their own vision, they will be included as an appendix in the final report. IN RE: ADJOURNMENT Supervisor Johnson moved to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. The motion carried by a unanimous recorded vote. Planning commission Chairman Kyle Robinson declared the Planning Commission meeting adjourned at the same time. Submitted by: Approved by: YY2~fl,~ Mary H. Allen, CMC Clerk to the Board l þ I I