HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/16/2013 - MinutesCommissioners Present:
Ms. Martha Hooker
Mr. Gary Jarrell
Mr. Gene Marrano (arrived after approval of agenda)
Mr. Jason Peters
Mr. Jim Woltz
Staff Present:
Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary
Ms. Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, Senior Assistant County Attorney
Mr. Richard Caywood, Assistant County Administrator
Mr. Doug Blount, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mr. David Holladay
Ms. Megan Cronise
Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary
Guests:
Ilk. Vic. , iwes
Call to Order
Mr. Peters called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Jarrell made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0.
Green Ridge Water Tower Lease
Mr. Caywood provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the proposed location of
the water tank. He discussed low water pressure for fire hydrants and surrounding
development, including Green Ridge Recreation Center. He stated the new tank will
improve pressure for the area near the airport which now require booster pumps. He
discussed the importance of elevation, topography, and visibility regarding tank
placement. He stated the airport has a large area of influence which governs the tank
height to ensure air traffic safety. He discussed other sites which were studied, noting
the Green Ridge site is the most viable. He discussed the height and visibility of the
tower, noting tree coverage will diminish visibility of the tank.
Mr. Caywood stated approximately twenty citizens attended the informational meeting
which was held on December 3, 2013, at Green Ridge Recreation Center. He reviewed
key features of the draft lease, including terms of lease, costs, and concept plan. He
discussed water tank options including cylindrical and spherical designs. IHe discussed
the timeline which includes finalizing the lease, design choice, and presentation of the
final decision to the Board of Supervisors.
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2013
Mr. Marrano inquired about design and related costs. Mr. Caywood discussed funding
of the water tank. He reviewed exterior finish options, construction, and maintenance of
the tank. M�r. Woltz discussed visibility of the tank and potential revenue regarding
placement of antennas on the tank. Mr. Marrano inquired about previous site options
for the water tank. Mr. Thompson discussed this issue. Mr. Jarrell inquired about tank
placement in this location. Mr. Caywood noted the current site provides optimal
elevation and topography for the tank. Mr. Peters noted the current site is owned by the
County. Mr. Caywood stated the water tank is a by-right use for the Green Ridge
property.
Explore Park Update
Mr. Doug Blount provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the future of Explore
Park. He discussed developing outdoor programming and outdoor recreation: for
citizens, including outdoor adventure park and ecotourism. He stated the park will
provide financial and employment benefits to the region. He stated the park will provide
river access and trails for citizen use. He reviewed a park map which includes both
Roanoke County and Bedford County.
Mr. Blount provided a brief history of the park and Virginia Recreational Facilities
Authority (VRFA). He discussed developing infrastructure, programs, public-private
partnerships, and expanding the volunteer base. He stated historical buildings will not
reopen at this time. He reviewed opportunities including special events, family
programs, summer camp, and tent and recreational vehicle camping.
He discussed hiring consultants to develop the master plan for the park., He discussed
the importance of receiving input from citizens and stakeholders. He stated business
opportunities will include private development and local businesses. He reviewed
planning issues including development of maintenance plan, development and
implementation of business and marketing plan, development of capital plan, and
review of zoning regulations., Mr. Thompson reviewed the Explore Park Zoning District
regulations and proffered conditions including access restrictions.
Mr. Marrano inquired about boat ramp access. Mr. Blount discussed this issue, noting
access is planned for kayaks and canoes. He discussed improving the health of
Roanoke River which includes removal of trash near the river.
Mr. Blount reviewed the timeline which includes following-up on economic development
leads, developing brochures, opening trails, and developing maps of the park. Mr.
Blount and the Commissioners discussed sources of revenue, programming, artifacts
and maintenance of buildings. They also discussed signage including informational
kiosks. They discussed hiring an engineer to study existing water system issues within
the park.
Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners reviewed the table of changes made to the
Zoning Ordinance. He reviewed changes which the Board of Supervisors made to the
Planning Commission recommendations.
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2013
Citizens' Comments
There were none.
Other Comments
Ms. Hooker discussed increasing funding for the Host Community Fund for residences
near the Smith Gap Landfill. She discussed constructing a community center for the
area. Ms. Kuhnel, Mr. Thompson, and the Commissioners discussed procedural issues
regarding this request.
Mr. Thompson stated a planning commission business meeting is scheduled for
January 7, 2013.
Ms. Cronise stated an informational meeting is scheduled for January 30, 2013,
regarding the Plantation Road Bicycle, Pedestrian and Streetscape Improvement
Project.
Mir. Thompson invited the Commissioners to the County luncheon on December 18,
2013.
With no further business or comments, Mr. Peters adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted'.
Susan McCoy
Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
Philip Th pson
Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
2MEM
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Jason Peters
Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission
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