HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/20/2005 - Minutes
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION MINUTES –SEPTEMBER 20, 2005
Present:
Ms. Martha Hooker
Mr. Steve Azar
Mr. Rodney McNeil
Mr. Gary Jarrell
Mr. Al Thomason
Mr. Elmer Hodge, County Administrator
Mr. Paul Mahoney, County Attorney
Mr. Arnold Covey
Mr. George Simpson
Ms. Janet Scheid
Mr. David Holladay
Mr. Tim Beard
Mr. John Murphy
Ms. Kate Youngbluth
Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary
Mr. Michael Altizer
Guests:
Ms. Mary Ellen Goodlatte
Mr. Larry Vandermaten
Mr. Dale Wilkinson
Mr. Lewis Petchie
Mr. Cody Lowe, The Roanoke Times
Mr. Mike Lindsey, WVTF
Ms. Grace Terry
Mr. Bob Flynn
Mr. Gene Marrano
Mr. Brent Robertson, Director of Management & Budget
Ms. Cathy Tomlin
WORK SESSION:
Session opened at 4:00p.m. by Ms.Hooker.
Approval of Agenda
Mr.McNeilmoved to approve the amended agenda. Motion passed 5-0.
Discussion of Explore Park Rezoning
Mr. Larry Vandermaten spoke regarding the prospective new development of Explore
Park. He provided a brief history of the parkand said that the process he would like to
go through will be an evolutionary process. He stated there are approximately 1,100
acres which may take $100,000 to develop. He explained the design practice involves
a succession of new ideasand that some information regarding the development will be
trade secrets and not disclosed. Ms. Mary Ellen Goodlatte, Esquire, stated this
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development will be moving the Explore Park in a new way. She stated it will be family
based. She noted she has discussed this development with staff and requested
continued input from them. She stated they want to address concerns proactively. Mr.
Vandermaten stated they are restricted by the VRFA’s lease. He stated they are in the
process of meeting with neighbors regarding concerns. He stated it is a creative
conceptual development. He introducedMr. Lewis Petchie from the Design Factory,
Jacksonville, Floridaand indicatedthey are making an effort to have‘top flight’ people.
Mr. McNeil asked for clarification of the request. Mr. Vandermaten stated they need to
know the maximum threshold of what is allowed. He stated they will incorporate the
original Master Plan into the new plan. He stated they plan to provide a family
destination which will require overnight lodging. Mr. Azar agreed a new approach to
the park is needed but would like more specifics. Mr. Thomason asked about the type
of guests expected. Mr. Vandermaten stated the facility will rely on overnight
vacationers. Mr. Jarrell asked about timeshare residences. Mr. Vandermaten stated
timeshare residences would probably not be developed. He stated a residential
settlement will not be created at this development. Ms. Hooker stated the proposed
development brings with it a unique responsibility. She inquired about the timeframe.
Mr. Holladay stated they plan to conduct aPC/BOS Joint Worksession to discuss this
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development. He stated an Open House for the public is planned for October5. He
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stated prior the PCPH on October4, they may visit the site. He reviewed the filing
deadlines. Ms. Goodlatte stated they want to make themselves available and respect
the timeline. She stated they want to come back with more specifics.
Discussion ofCapital Facilities Planning
Mr. Brent Robertson, Director of Management & Budgetspoke regarding the CIP. He
introduced Ms. Cathy Tomlinalso of Management & Budget.He briefly reviewed the
CIP processand the purpose of the CIP.He stated the BOS had recently adopted the
CIP and Budget. He stated having the PC involved with the process will be a
connecting effort not duplication. He reviewed the Capital Improvement Program, 2006-
2010. He stated the PC could be involved in prioritizing currently Unfunded Projects.
Mr. Covey stated they will need to make sure there is no overlap of duties.Mr. McNeil
expressed concern regarding overlap of duties with those of the CIP committee. Mr.
Covey stated some of the unfunded projects may be able to be consolidated. He stated
the PC could assist in identifying future facility needs. Ms. Scheid noted they could take
a more long range planning stance. Ms. Hooker stated it is important for the PC to be
involved in this process and this would help facilitate that involvement.Mr. Jarrell
suggested visiting sites they are considering. Mr. Robertsonsuggested having
Department Heads come to speak to the commissioners abouttheprojects. Mr. Azar
stated it is important to identify theindividual rolesof the CIP Committee and the PC.
He suggested using this year as part of a learning process. Mr. Thomason stated it is
important to be organized by defining what the PC is expected to do, how that differs
from what the CIP Committeeis responsible for and when the PC’s work would need to
be finished.Mr. Robertsonnoted the processes should be complimentary not joint.
Discussion ofSteep Slope Ordinance
Mr. Holladay spoke regarding the development of a Steep Slope Ordinance. He
reviewed Concepts of Hillside Development from Glendora, California. He provided an
overview of terms and concepts. He discussed the approachesof other localities to
protectsteep slopesinAlbemarle County, Colorado Springs, CO, and Oregon.He
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statedsome localities require engineering certification. He stated he has given
information to staff to review and research. He suggested having a consultant design
slope hazard mapping. Mr. Mahoney stated Real Estate Valuation has a type of soil
analysis map which may be helpful.Mr. Holladay stated he would provide more
ordinance options to the commission in approximately one month. Ms. Hooker stated
the lot is not always as offensive and problematic as the road leading to the lot. Mr.
Azarstated he hoped the ordinance would be straight forward and easily understood.
Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff
Ms. Scheid stated she would notify the commissioners of the BOS/PC Joint
Worksessionas soon as a date is established.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:12p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Approved:
Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
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