HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/19/2013 - MinutesMs., Martha Hooker
Mr. Gary Jarrefl[
Mr, Gene Marra no
Mr, Jason Peters
Mr. Jim Woltz
Staff Present:
Mr. Philip Thompscn, Secretary
Ms. Ruth Ellen Kuhn el, Assistant County Attorney
Mr, David Holladay
Mr. John Murphy
Ms. Megan Cron1se
Ms. Tammi Wood
Ms, Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary
Guests".
Mr, Jake Gilmer, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
Mr. Gary Robertson, Western Virgirilla Water Authority
Mr. Bob Benni nger, 'Western Virginia WaterAuthorlity
Call to Order:
Mr. Peters called the meeting to order at 6.01 p.m.
Approval of.Agenda
Mr. Marrano made a motion[ to approve the agenda, which passed 5-0.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Jarrell made a motion toapprove the rninuties of January 7,2013 and January 15,
20 13, which passed 6-0.
Consent _Agenda
Ms, Cronise provided a PowerPoint presentation which included a bdef history of the
petition, the revised traffic study, and the revised conceptual p[an. She reviewed the
surrounding zon�nq and future land use designation. She noted the concept plan has
noit been proffered sriue - they do not currently have a tenant for the property,, She
discussed the grading plan and location of the existing structure at 5259 Crossbow
Circle which is owned by Old Heritage Corporation. She reviewed the topography and
sight distance of the property, Mr, Miarrano inquired about the future land use of - the
property. Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. Mr. Woltz inquired about impact the
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2013
rezoning would have on other nearby homes. Mr. Thompson and Ms. Cronise
discussed this issue. Mr. Peters inquired about signage. Ms. Cronise discussed
signage options. Mr. Thompson and Ms. Cronise discussed proposed retaining walls
and signage height. Mr. Woltz inquired about landscaping. Ms. Cronise discussed
landscaping, noting many issues would be addressed during site plan review process.
Mr. Marrano inquired about visibility when coming down Crossbow Circle. Ms. Cronise
discussed grading plans for the property. Mr. Marrano inquired about sight distance.
Mr. Holladay and Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. Ms. Hooker inquired about
buffering. Ms. Cronise discussed buffering options. Mr. Woltz inquired about Roanoke
City involvement. Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. Mr. Peters expressed concern
some plantings may shade the road creating icy areas. Mr. Woltz inquired about types
of plantings. Ms. Cronise and the Commissioners discussed landscaping issues. Mr.
Marrano inquired about stormwater management. Ms. Cronise discussed options for
stormwater management. Mr. Marrano inquired about the entrance to the property and
improving sight distance for Quail Valley. Ms. Cronise discussed issues regarding the
ingress and egress of the property.
Ms. Hooker made a motion to approve the consent agenda, which passed 5 -0.
Partnership for a Livable Roanoke Valley
Ms. Cronise introduced Mr. Jake Gilmer, Roanoke Valley- Alleghany Regional
Commission (RVARC). Mr. Gilmer discussed the purpose of the Partnership for a
Livable Roanoke Valley. He provided a PowerPoint Presentation regarding the Virginia
Tech Survey Results, Goals of the Partnership, and 2013 Plan. He stated the 50
participating organizations include housing, energy and environment, transportation,
land use, economic development, and education. He reviewed the partnership timeline,
including public engagement, planning process, stakeholder engagement, and
strategies. He reviewed the survey sample participants which consisted of a cross -
section of 1030 participants from the Roanoke Metropolitan Service (MSA) area which
includes Botetourt, Roanoke City, Salem, Craig County, Franklin County, and Roanoke
County. He provided an overview of the survey, noting the top priorities in the MSA are
economic development, clean water and air, preventative health care, and education.
Mr. Gilmer discussed the broad area priorities within Roanoke County, including
economic development, clean water and air, educational options and academic
performance, and fire and police services. He stated respondents which identified
housing areas as priority included housing for multi - generational families, housing for
the elderly, affordable housing, and energy efficient housing. He stated respondents
which- identified transportation as a top priority included managing traffic in the area,
promoting alternative transportation options, improving sidewalks, walking paths and
trails, providing transportation choices, and providing passenger rail service. He
reviewed the top priorities regarding land usage issues, including preserving public
access to land for recreational and sporting uses, having less restriction on land
development, using large areas of land to attract industrial development, encouraging
development in green areas or rural land, encouraging development in existing
communities, and preservation of green areas and rural land. He stated top priorities
regarding energy issues included programs to assist low income citizens with energy
costs, promotion and encouragement of energy efficiency and conservation, reducing
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2013
the regulation of traditional energy sources, generation of energy using local sources,
and exploration of alternative and renewable sources of energy. He stated
environmental issues included preserving scenic vistas and views of the mountains,
beautification of public spaces, and willingness to pay more for clean water and air. He
stated economic priorities included promoting local tourism and outdoor recreation,
making areas attractive as a retirement destination, increasing manufacturing jobs,
providing training to citizens, preservation of existing jobs and a stable population in the
area, and bringing jobs and population growth to the area. Mr. Gilmer stated priorities
regarding health issues included increasing programs aimed at improving local
residents' health, preventative care, availability of high quality medical care in the area,
and programs assisting with health care cost. He stated educational priorities included
providing college scholarship programs, improving graduation rates, improving safety in
the schools, improving the performance of schools in the area, and improving pre-
school options in the community. He stated the survey results indicated people like the
mountains and scenery, size of the area, and the community. He stated they indicated
jobs and economy, transportation, and education are the greatest challenges for the
area.
Mr. Gilmer reviewed the stakeholder input, stating the top driving trends facing the area
include state and federal funding, health care costs, housing, and government
effectiveness. He reviewed the Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats (SWOT)
of the Roanoke Valley. He discussed regional readiness and social and economic
conditions. He reviewed high priority vision areas, including education, economy,
quality of life, community, and recreation. He reviewed workshop results, broad area
survey results, and individual area survey results.
Mr. Gilmer reviewed the Working Vision, Goals and 2013 Plan, including the mission
and vision statements. He reviewed the working goal areas, including economic
opportunity, workforce development, and health- vibrant communities. He reviewed the
planning process which will include collaboration workshops and integrated strategies
with academia, businesses, government agencies, and non - profit organizations. He
reviewed the development of indicators and implementation framework. He stated
public outreach will include key informant interviews, local government work sessions,
public input meetings, and website outreach at ideas. livableroanoke.org
Mr. Marrano inquired about progress since previous meeting. Mr. Gilmer discussed this
issue. Mr. Woltz inquired about profiles of survey participants and presentation of
questions to the participants. Mr. Gilmer discussed this issue. Mr. Woltz inquired about
involvement of the airport authority and rail - services. Mr. Gilmer discussed the
upcoming collaboration workshops. Mr. Jarrell inquired about schedule of upcoming
meetings. Mr. Gilmer discussed the schedule and location of meetings. He stated
additional information can be acquired at www.livableroanoke.org
Route 221 Area Plan Amendment (Waterline)
Mr. Holladay provided a brief history and overview of the waterline extension project,
noting it is not in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. He introduced Mr. Gary
Robertson and Mr. Bob Benninger, Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA). Mr.
Holladay stated that the water authority applied for a grant in August 2010 but was
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2013
denied. He reviewed a letter of support from the county for the extension. Ms. Hooker
inquired reason for denial of grant. Mr. Robertson stated other communities were more
stressed for water at that time.
Mr. Robertson provided a PowerPoint presentation, including a brief history of the
waterline request, noting the Martin Creek system is fragile. He stated the projected
line would being at Cotton Hill and covered the subdivisions of Carriage Hills and Forest
Edge. He stated originally 10 groundwater wells were servicing the area, however, 3 of
the wells have been determined by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to be under
the influence of surface water, requiring a filtration system if they are to remain in use.
Mr. Woltz inquired about ultra - violet treatment of water. Mr. Robertson discussed the
type of disinfection system mandated by the VDH.
Mr. Robertson discussed the history of the shortage of water which slowed construction
in this area. He stated potential connection points for the waterline include Country
Homes, Holly Ridge, Falcon Ridge Estates, Highfields Farm, Old Mill Plantation, Kings
Forest, and Autumn Park. Mr. Woltz inquired if wells were still allowed on private
parcels. Mr. Robertson stated they would be allowed if the property is at least 1'/
acres. Mr. Woltz discussed the possibility of accessing high volumes of water on the
ridge near the Martin Creek system. Mr. Robertson discussed this issue.
Mr. Robertson discussed the benefits and cost of installing the waterline, including
providing a reliable and adequate source of potable water, providing a potential
connection of additional subdivisions, providing for the installation of fire hydrants along
Route 221. He stated the project cost would be $2.8 million and would be included in
the project CIP funding for FY -2013 to FY -2017. Mr. Woltz inquired if citizens would be
required to connect to the system. Mr. Robertson discussed this issue. Mr. Jarrell
inquired about fees. Mr. Robertson discussed this process. He discussed the area's
steep slopes, proximity to Back Creek, rock outcroppings, location of existing gas line,
and proposed location of waterline. Ms. Cronise inquired about service of waterline on
Route 220. Mr. Robertson stated that line serves primarily serves Franklin County. Mr.
Marrano suggested placing a sidewalk or path along proposed waterline. Mr.
Robertson noted most of the line would be in a ditch line. He discussed requirements if
waterline was to be placed beside the gas line. Mr. Woltz inquired about the depth of
the waterline. Mr. Robertson discussed this issue. Mr. Thompson stated the waterline
would improve water availability to existing subdivisions. Mr. Marrano inquired about
Roanoke County School property at the Poage Farm property. Mr. Thompson
discussed this issue. Mr. Jarrell inquired if surface water was from bad casing. Mr.
Robertson stated it could be- but - generally -it is due to a geologic formation. Mr. Jarrell
inquired about other failed wells. Mr. Robertson and Mr. Benninger discussed this
issue. Mr. Thompson discussed the timeline for the proposed amendment.
Zoning Ordinance Amendments (Permitted Uses)
Mr. Thompson provided a brief review of permitted uses. He stated each Planning
Commissioner will receive for review a map for their district with all parcels and zoning
designations. He discussed use statistics within various zoning designations. He
discussed various uses which currently are permitted by -right and others which require
a special use permit such as churches. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2013
discussed this issue. Mr. Thompson noted some restrictions may need reconsideration.
He stated various uses have evolved in some districts and not in others such as golf
courses and marinas. He stated the Explore Park District will need to be reviewed. Mr.
Holladay discussed restrictions placed on convenience stores, noting pharmacies are
allowed to be open 24 hours by- right. Mr. Woltz discussed regulations regarding
personal airports. Mr. Holladay discussed this issue. Mr. Thompson stated some uses
which require police and fire department approval or are regulated by another
government agency may not need to go through the special use permit process. He
discussed design standards, noting the importance of keeping up with technological
changes.
Mr. Thompson stated berms need to be reviewed and clarified. Ms. Cronise stated
topography should be addressed regarding berms. Mr. Thompson discussed site
development regulations including lot requirements and building and lot coverage. Mr.
Woltz discussed development in various zoning designations. Mr. Thompson stated
some lots could require easements to access to prevent development only on frontage
area. He stated certain size limits and standards could be developed. Mr. Marrano
inquired about citizen input. Mr. Thompson stated staff has conversations with citizens
on daily basis regarding uses, especially with the current economic situation. Mr.
Peters discussed using state findings for daycare use instead of requiring a special use
permit.
Other Comments
Mr. Thompson and Commissioners discussed laptop use and groupwise accessibility.
Ms. Cronise stated that the Hunting Hills Homeowners' Association will be conducting a
meeting to discuss the Old Heritage Corporation petition on Monday, February 25,
2013, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room.
Mr. Woltz and Mr. Jarrell stated due to previous commitments, they will not be able to
attend the March 5, 2013 Planning Commission Public Hearing.
With no further business or comments, Mr. Peters adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
r
Susan McCoy
Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
7_Z�'d
ip Tho pson .
reta ,Roanoke County Planning Commission
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Approved:
Jason Oeters
Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission
FEBRUARY 19, 2013
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