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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/19/2005 - Minutes ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES –APRIL 19, 2005 Present: Ms. Martha Hooker, Chairman Mr. Steve Azar Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Janet Scheid, Secretary Mr. David Holladay Mr. John Murphy Mr. Tim Beard Ms. Tammi Wood Ms. Kate Youngbluth Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary WORK SESSION: Session opened at 4:00 p.m. by Ms. Hooker. Approval of Agenda Mr.McNeil moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 5-0. Discussion of Traffic Impact Studies –Anthony Ford, Traffic Engineer Mr. Anthony Ford explained that the inclusion of traffic study information with the initial applicationwill serve to put the petitioners on notice regarding the possibility a traffic analyses may be required.Ms. Hooker inquired about specific criteria for studies. Mr. Ford explained various types of situations requiring studies. Mr. McNeil suggested the addition of a disclaimerthat more information may be required. Ms. Scheid explained the county would like to have the option to request a traffic study without being dependent upon VDOT. Mr. Ford explained that languagewas included in the Comprehensive Plan regarding this issue. He also stated he checked with other localities for criteria used in thoseareas. Mr. Thomason suggested educating residents in McVitty Road area about upcoming road changes to circumventcomplaints. Mr. Ford discussed future changes regarding McVitty Road. Ms. Scheid noted a Community Meeting will be held Thursday nightin order to discuss changes with citizens. Ms. Hooker inquired about length of time petition would be delayed in order to conduct a traffic study. Mr. Ford stated normally a study will take approximately 30-45 days to complete,afterwhich the localitywould need at least two weeks to review the findings. Ms. Scheid stated a study would most likely delay the petition two to three months. Mr. Ford and Ms. Scheid discussed VDOT’s involvement in the process. Mr. Azar then made a motion to recommend approval of the Notice to Applicants for Rezoning, Subdivision Waiver, Public Street Waiver,or Special Use Permit Petitionto includePotential of Need for Traffic Analyses and/or Traffic Impact Study: AYES:Thomason, Hooker, Azar, McNeil, Jarrell NAYS:None ABSENT:None 1 Update on Regional Jail –John Chambliss, Assistant Roanoke County Administrator Mr. John Chambliss provided a history of the jail including current capacity. He reviewed feasibility studies performed by Hayes Seay Mattern & Mattern regarding the current jail site. He noted building requirements have changed over the years prohibiting vertical expansion of that facility. He provided various building scenarios and projected inmate coverageof the facilities.He discussed the drawbacks of building at the current location, expressing concern regarding stormwater management, security issues, and expense. He then discussed the Higginbothamlocation site plan. He stated the facility will be built outside of the floodplain. He discussed utilities, topography, and access. He also stated an on-site cemetery will be left intact. Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding security issues if citizens are allowed to visit the cemeteryatits current location. Mr. Chambliss presented the proposed floor plan of the jail including cell space utilization. He stated the jail population will consist mainly of post-sentenced inmates. He stated this type of facility will provide less of a security risk. He noted a medical facility will be enclosed within the jail. He stated local jails will continue to house pre-trial prisoners. He stated approximately 1400-1500 inmates will be imprisoned at this facility.He discussed property size requirements in comparison to available land. He explained the planning procedure and necessary documentation. He reviewed the prospective schedule. He stated this location will require a Special Use Permit and a 2232 Review from the county. Ms. Hooker inquired about potential development in the area surrounding the jail. Mr. Chambliss discussed possible developmentand surrounding zoning.He stated the jail should generate minimal trafficsince the population will be post-sentenced prisoners. He also stated video conferencing visitation will be available from outside locations. He explained although Roanoke City will not be part of the initial request, they may apply to qualify for a waiver in order to become a partner for subsequent beds. Mr. Jarrell inquired about stated funding available for future expansion. Mr. Chambliss discussed this issue. Ms. Hooker expressed concern regarding the distance between jail and schools. She also inquired about which school system would be responsible for educating prisoners. She expressed concern regarding the impact on SOL scoresfor that area.Mr. Chambliss explained since the facility will be an adult prison, only special populations up to the age of 22 years of age would legally require education from that site. He stated minors would be housed at other facilities. Schedule of Upcoming Board of Supervisors Worksessions Ms. Scheid discussed findings of research regarding private kennels. She stated the th Board of Supervisorswill discuss kennel enforcementat their April 26worksession. Sheencouraged the commissioners to attend the Board of SupervisorsWorksession. She also stated the Board of Supervisors/Planning Commission Joint Worksession is th scheduled for May 10at 5:00 p.m. in order to discuss Community Plan th Implementation.The commissioners decided to cancel the May 18PC Worksession since they will be attending the joint worksession. 2 Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Ms. Scheid introduced Ms. Kate Youngbluth, Planner II. She stated Ms. Youngbluth will ultimately be a long range planner. Ms. Scheid asked Mr. Jarrell if he and Mr. Flora have decided whether to havea Community Meeting for the upcoming Fralin & Waldron petition. Mr. Jarrell stated he is currently waiting for Mr. Flora to providehis available datesfor a meeting. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:40p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 3