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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/9/2003 - Special November 9, 2003 1013 Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 November 9, 2003 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at The Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Virginia, this being an adjourned meeting from October 28, 2003 for the purpose of a strategic planning retreat. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman McNamara called the meeting to order at 2:07 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Joseph McNamara, Vice-Chairman Richard C. Flora, Supervisors Michael W. Altizer, Joseph B. “Butch” Church, H. Odell “Fuzzy” Minnix, Supervisor-Elect Michael A. Wray MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; John M. Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Dan O’Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Diane S. Childers, Clerk to the Board IN RE: OPENING REMARKS Chairman McNamara welcomed Supervisor-Elect Mike Wray to the meeting and presented him with a Roanoke County lapel pin. He stated that the format for the meeting was for the Board members to discuss and prioritize the top issues facing Roanoke County in 2004. November 9, 2003 1014 IN RE: DISCUSSION OF PRIORITY ISSUES FOR 2004 Supervisor McNamara stated that encouraging the New River Valley to participate in the Regional Economic Development Strategy, adopted in 2002 by localities throughout this region, was a key area to be addressed. It was noted that the New River Valley has key factors in their favor such as a university (Virginia Tech) and an adequate water supply from the New River, which was identified in the long-range water study conducted by Black & Veatch as a potential future water source for the region. The Roanoke Valley, however, has the population mass that is lacking in the New River Valley and necessary to attract and retain cultural attractions. Mr. Hodge advised that the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission and the New River Partnership are scheduled to meet in the near future. He also advised that Virginia Tech is interested in building a fine arts center, and would like for Roanoke City and Roanoke County to participate in the funding. Supervisor Church stated that development of a long-range vision with regard to zoning decisions was also an area of concern. He stated that the County needs to focus on managed, not restricted, growth. Supervisor Altizer advised that with regard to managed growth planning, the Board needs to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the schools regarding capacity and which schools are at or approaching critical levels. He stated that this would indicate a starting point for managing growth. He stated that decisions would need to be made regarding whether or not to include builders in the planning process. November 9, 2003 1015 Supervisor Minnix advised that managing growth is a difficult process because it is not possible to predict where the next development will occur. Supervisor Flora stated that most growth will occur where there is water and sewer because developers will locate in these areas, regardless of the existing road conditions, and the subsequent development will then force the road issue to become a concern. He advised that he feels Roanoke County is allowing too many houses per acre (4-7) and indicated that in areas where no water and sewer currently exists, he feels larger lot sizes should be required. He stated that the Board should set parameters so that future developments do not have such an impact on the County’s infrastructure. Supervisor Altizer recommended determining the amount of land that is available for future development and using this as the basis for planned future development. Supervisor Minnix emphasized that each development and its associated impact on the infrastructure must be examined on an individual basis; otherwise, the County will be severely limiting growth. Mr. Hodge advised that the County must closely monitor the ratio of residential to non-residential growth. He stated that it is necessary to set aside quality acreage for economic development purposes. He further advised that a developer in Richmond has contacted the County regarding the development of 98 acres in the Back November 9, 2003 1016 Creek area (Lucille Garst property). He noted that the Comprehensive Plan is currently being updated and will be presented to the Board in January. It was the consensus of the Board to schedule a joint meeting with the Planning Commission in January regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Mahoney advised that Loudon County utilizes cash proffers from developers to support infrastructure improvements. Supervisor McNamara questioned whether the minimum lot size for all R-1 zoning could be changed? Mr. Mahoney advised that it could, but stated that the Board would need to look closely at discrete planning areas within the County. Supervisor Flora stated that the lot size could be tailored based on the presence or absence of public utilities. Mr. Mahoney stated that historically, it has been Roanoke County’s policy to buy out private wells and integrate them into the public water system. He indicated that in the near future, an appeal will be coming to the Board regarding development along Route 221. He stated that the Comprehensive Plan gives strong grounds for denial of the appeal. Mr. Hodge advised that the developer from Richmond is proposing a private water system on the Lucille Garst property. This is also an issue that the Board will need to examine and determine if they want to allow another private water system. Mr. Mahoney stated that if cash proffers from developers are accepted, they must be used toward infrastructure improvements. He noted that the cost of the November 9, 2003 1017 improvements may, however, cost the County more than the value of the proffers received. Supervisor Altizer stated that proffers will only mortgage the future because they will not generate enough funds to pay for the necessary improvements. He suggested that the issue of road improvements needs to be addressed with regard to future developments. Supervisor Minnix indicated that the County does not have a great deal of control over this issue. Mr. Hodge questioned if the Board would like to pursue restricting density requirements in the Comprehensive Plan by not allowing marginal lots. Supervisor Flora stated that the County should limit building on slopes (i.e., slopes greater than 30%). Supervisor McNamara stated that he would like to direct staff to look at ways to allow fewer homes when revising the Comprehensive Plan. Supervisor Church advised that Roanoke County is in a different situation than Loudon and Fairfax Counties with regard to demand for homes. He stated that the job markets in these areas are such that there is a great demand for properties. Mr. Hodge reported that one area that will need to be addressed with regard to roads is the impact of I-81 on existing businesses and homes, as well as issues related to sound barriers. Supervisor McNamara stated that the Board needs to examine ways to improve communications and the working relationship with schools. He noted that there November 9, 2003 1018 is already a cooperative relationship, and stated that the Boards should begin considering ways to incorporate the school and public libraries into shared access facilities. In addition, he indicated that the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department could be utilized to maintain school athletic fields in exchange for public use of the fields. Supervisor Flora advised that he anticipates that the School Board may be in agreement with the shared access of library facilities. He noted that issues such as the content of material to be included in the school vs. public libraries would need to be addressed since some items in the public libraries are not suitable for inclusion in school libraries. In addition, it was noted that security concerns will need to be addressed regarding public access to the school facilities when classes are in session. Mr. Mahoney noted that the schools are currently under pressure from Title 9 requirements to provide equal use of school facilities for female athletics. He recommended using this as a springboard for cooperation with the School Board. Mr. Hodge advised that Roanoke City is currently conducting a regional study of the library system. He stated that Roanoke County staff could form a committee to study the issue of shared access between the school and public libraries. Supervisor Altizer stated that he would like to receive a cost analysis of the benefits of sharing access to these systems. In particular, he would like to know if this will provide cost savings to the County. November 9, 2003 1019 Supervisor Minnix noted that an additional area to be considered will be the need for a new elementary school in 3-5 years. In particular, financing needs will have to be addressed. He indicated that Cave Spring Elementary, Penn Forest, Back Creek, and Green Valley schools are all nearing or exceeding capacity. Supervisor Altizer stated that with regard to the need for a new school, the Board should begin by examining where land is available, the cost to purchase the land, etc. He stated that this reiterates the need to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the School Board and school administration. Supervisor Flora noted that 50% of Roanoke County schools are currently at or exceeding capacity. The schools have gained approximately 400 students in the last several years. He advised that the need for additional space is based not only on the increasing student population, but also the programming requirements. IN RE: BREAK The Board adjourned for a break from 3:15 p.m. until 3:25 p.m. IN RE: CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION There was a consensus to prioritize the top issues of concern and focus discussions on those topics. 1. Economic development: Mr. Hodge noted that the County had made two significant economic development announcements this year. Mr. Mahoney stated that the criticism centered on economic development seems to focus on two issues: the impact of manufacturing companies on the surrounding environment, and the County’s November 9, 2003 1020 use of incentives for retail. Supervisor Minnix noted that a balance of high tech and blue collar jobs needs to be maintained. Supervisor Flora stated that manufacturing industries have a tendency to attract other related businesses, as was the case with Marvin Windows and the subsequent announcement for Cardinal Glass. He stated that both manufacturing and retail businesses are important. Mr. Hodge recommended that a work session to discuss economic development issues be scheduled for either January or February 2004. 2. Growth management: The Board developed the following list of priority issues to be addressed: (1) examination of zoning districts with the objective of reducing density; (2) limit slope development and address related drainage issues; (3) examine the “cluster” ordinance to allow increased density at lower slopes; and for higher slopes, (i.e., greater than 30%), set this land aside and allow no homes to be built in these areas; (4) develop guidelines for ridgeline development; (5) review results of the stormwater management program; (6) evaluate community water systems and establish a policy relating to these. Staff is to provide the Board with information regarding the number of individual wells that are allowed on each lot. It was the consensus of the Board that staff will examine how other localities have addressed concerns similar to those outlined above, and bring a proposed plan back to the Board for review. 3. Shared Use of School Facilities: It was the consensus of the Board to approach this issue in the following manner: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of November 9, 2003 1021 establishing a joint use committee; (2) schedule a joint meeting between Mr. Hodge, Dr. Weber, and the Chair of the Board of Supervisors and School Board to discuss shared use of libraries and the possibility of utilizing the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department to maintain school athletic fields. 4. Long-Range Strategic Planning: Supervisor Church stated that the Board needs to plan for growth in the County. Supervisor-Elect Wray advised that he would like to see greater communication between citizens and the government. Supervisor Altizer noted that the biggest struggle is getting the citizens to participate in the process. Supervisor Altizer indicated that continued increases in regional cooperation with Roanoke City, the Town of Vinton, and Botetourt County should be a primary focus. He stated that as we continue to show progress in cooperation between these areas, this may attract the New River Valley in future cooperative ventures. Supervisor Flora questioned if there was a possibility of forming a regional library authority. Mr. Hodge advised that Roanoke City would like to proceed with this, but that one of the requirements would be to build a new downtown library branch. Supervisor Flora questioned if there was a possibility of forming an additional joint fire station. Mr. Hodge stated that this possibility should be examined. He noted that Roanoke City has to build a new fire station to service the airport area, and it might be possible to look at joint efforts in this location. November 9, 2003 1022 Mr. Hodge questioned how Roanoke County could approach the New River Valley, Virginia Tech, and Christiansburg regarding regional participation. Supervisor Minnix stated that the initial efforts should focus on Roanoke City, the Town of Vinton, and Botetourt County. Supervisor McNamara advised meeting with Beth Doughty, President of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, regarding the Regional Economic Development Strategy. He indicated that he would also like for the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission to be involved in this dialogue. There was discussion regarding participation in the Virginia Municipal League (VML), and it was the consensus of the Board to pursue membership in VML. IN RE: ADJOURNMENT Chairman McNamara adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: ________________________ ________________________ Diane S. Childers Joseph P. McNamara Clerk to the Board Chairman