HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/9/2003 - Special
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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