HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/2012 - MinutesCommissioners Present-
Ms, Martha Hooker
Mr. nary Jarrell
Mr. Gene Marrano
Mr, David Radford
commissioners s nit:
Mr. Jason Peters
Staff Present:
Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary
Mr, Tarek Moneir
Ms, Megan Gronise
Ms. Tara Paftlisall
Mr. Chris Patriar
Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary
Guests:
Mr. Jake Gilmer, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
Call to Order:
Mr. Radford calledthe meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Ms. Hooker made a motion to approve the agenda, which, passed 4-01,
PartnersWg fora Livable Rogiloke Valley
Ms. Cronise introduced Mr, Jake Gilmer, Senior Planner, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany
Regional Commission, She reviewed the 2010 grant, noting her rote is to offer technical
support which includes assi'stingi with planning and pubilic participatiom,
Mr, Gilmer provided a PowerPoint presentation which included an overview of the
Livable Roanoke Valley project, He stated the locations participating in the study
include Craig County, Botetourt County, Franklin County, Roanoke County, Roanoke
City, Salem City, and Town of Vinton, He stated after the public input is received, the
compilation of information will be displayed at the Roanoke, Transportation Museum. He
discussed the roles of the primary organizations which are invollved in the study,
including AE , Council of Community Services, Logan Simpson Design, Inc.,
Mindmixer, and T, J, Wiliard & Associates, loin, He stated the study us designed to be
interactive,
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 16, 2012
Mr. Gilmer discussed the projects goals, including inviting and engaging the community,
and identifying issues and prioritizing goals. He discussed creating scenarios and
strategies. He discussed developing a livable plan comprised of local groups,
corporations, and non-profit organizations. Mr. Marrano asked how this study is
different than similar studies previously conducted. Mr. Gilmer discussed this issue.
Mr. Gilmer discussed the role of the partnership stakeholders involved in the study. He
discussed bringing the private sector and the surrounding localities together for this
study. Mr. Marrano inquired about the connection of the localities. Mr. Gilmer
discussed this issue. Mr. Radford inquired about uses of the final results of the survey.
Mr. Gilmore discussed this issue, noting the goal is to engage the localities in areas of
interest with simple clear strategies. He stated they will focus primarily on issues
regarding income, health, and education. He reviewed the workshop locations, the
format, public involvement, and the timeline.
Ms. Hooker suggested involving the area school systems. Mr. Gilmer discussed the
roles of the various advisory groups involved, including the steering committee, the
stakeholder committee, the technical committee, and focus area subcommittees. He
stated participation can be performed through the website by allowing people to give
input on various issues. He discussed the collaboration of information received from
the stakeholders, which was disseminated into Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
and Threats (SWOT). He stated results reflect the economic status and key trends
which affect the quality of life.
Mr. Gilmer discussed transportation issues, including greenways, related trends, and
transportation impacts. He discussed landuse issues including coordination of
infrastructure opportunities. Mr. Radford stated sprawl is not currently an issue. Mr.
Gilmer discussed housing trends, landuse trends, energy and environmental trends,
economic development and workforce trends, and health and education trends. He
reviewed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for each topic.
Ms. Hooker discussed the importance of involving high school students to discuss the
corporate perspective of the study. Mr. Gilmer discussed this issue, noting the United
Way has a Youth Advisory Program, Mr. Thompson inquired about declining legislative
influence being categorized as an opportunity instead of a threat. Mr. Gilmer discussed
this issue, stating he will need to review this finding with their consultant. Mr. Moneir
stated it could be viewed as an opportunity to improve the legislative base in the area.
Mr. Radford inquired about community colleges being included as stakeholders. Mr.
Gilmer stated they have included representation for community colleges.
Mr. Gilmer discussed future scenario workshops which will provide additional
information and perspectives. He stated SWOT and trend information will be distilled
during the workshops in order for the area to be prepared for future development and
growth. He discussed the changing social and economic conditions, and
demographics. Ms. Hooker suggested having people who have provided input speak
to the Commission during a work session. Mr. Marrano stated the study is a painting of
the ideals in the area.
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMON WNUTES OCTOBER 16, 2012
Mr, Gdmer reviewed the vision statement including the Virginla Tech survey performed
by the Virginia Tech School of Research, noting the results are academically
defendable. He stated the top three areas of importance found in the study were jobs,
water, and education., He stated these results are consistent with the results of other
communfties, Mr. Marrano noted that as econornic times lrnprove sprawl will become
an issue, The Commissioners then parftipated in a survey prior[fizing issues, they
deemed most impart antto the area.
Mr. Gilmer discussed the next steps of the process, Mr. Marranoinquired about
implementation of the findings into the Comprehensive Plan. MIT. Gilmer stated the
livable principals could be included in the Comprehensive Plan if there is a inns ensus
to incorporate the principals, into "the plan., Mr. M'arrano stated he wouJdl like to see
organizations and localifieswork towards come on goals, such as transportation, NIS,,
Crevise noted stakehoUers from variousareas of interest are currently working together
on the project, Mr. Jarrell inquired about the meeting schedule. Mr, Gilmer stated the
info rrnation regarding the study is located on the website m utt L,), )1e w1ok e.oUc
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!filth erCornments
Mr. Marrano inquired about devellopment on I uck Mountain Road, Staff discussed this
issue.
Mr, Thompson stated the Jesus. the, Redeemer Community Meeting is being hold on
October 22, 20 at 6;30 p.m. i!n the Cornerstone Church,
Mr, Thompson stated there were no petitions submitted for the December 3, 2012
Planning Commission Public Hearing.
The consensus of the Commission was to hold the January, 2013 P tinning
Commission Public Hearing on Monday, January 7, 2011
With no further business or comments, Mr. Radford adjourned the meeting at 7,52 p,m
Respectfully Submitted
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Approved;
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Dal& Radfa d
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Chairman, Roano ke unty P'lann ng Commission
OCTOBER 16,20
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