Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/20/2004 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES —JULY 20, 2004 Present: Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Steve Azar Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Paul Mahoney, County Attorney Mr. Arnold Covey Ms. Janet Scheid Mr. Tim Beard Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary Guests: Mr. Brent Robertson, Budget Director Ms. Cathy Weaver, Budget Department Ms. Helen Sublette Ms. Pam Berberich Mr. Charles Hofer Mr. Joe Miller Ms. Virginia Burns Ms. Annie Krochalis Ms. Frances Robbins Mr. Tim Thornton, The Roanoke Times Absent: Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Gary Jarrell WORK SESSION: Session opened at 4:01 p.m. by Mr. Thomason. Approval of Agenda Mr. McNeil moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 3-0. Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Ms. Scheid introduced Mr. Brent Robertson and Ms. Cathy Weaver from Budget Department and Mr. Don Witt. Mr. Don Witt stated he represents the CIP Citizens Committee. Mr. Robertson provided a brief history of the CIP. Mr. Witt explained the link between the Comp Plan and the CIP. Mr. Robertson provided an explanation of the CIP basics. Mr. Witt stated the Citizens Committee saw there was not enough long range planning. Ms. Scheid requested that Mr. Robertson explain how the CIP process has changed over the last couple of years. Brent stated BOS has final decision on ranking of budget items, they developed a dedicated funding stream for schools and that the county and county schools share available funds. He stated new mechanisms are being developed to generate funds such as Fire & Rescue transport fees and that the County works with Economic Development to offer incentives to new businesses. Ms. Scheid requested an explanation of the CIP chart. Mr. Robertson stated they appropriate the first year only, with all others being projections. Mr. Witt stated compromise is very important during the process. He explained a large volume of research is performed in order to insure county needs are met. He explained needs are established and phases of improvements are discussed. Ms. Scheid asked how the CIP ties into the Comp Plan. Mr. Witt explained the Planning Commission's involvement and input into the plan. Mr. Mahoney provided a history of the PC's involvement. He explained the General Obligation Bond Referendum. He stated the CIP has direct linkage to zoning. Mr. McNeil stated he has been enlightened on how the CIP and Comp Plan go together. He suggested projecting farther down the road. He stated growth areas should be determined in advance with water and sewer issues being addressed in advance. Mr. Witt stated the CIP is a small component and the PC should look at all issues. Mr. McNeil stated developers should not be allowed to build if the infra -structure is not in place. Mr. Robertson stated if the Comp Plan is working, it would drive the CIP. Mr. Witt agreed. Mr. Mahoney stated the CIP deals with current needs and projected needs of the county. Mr. McNeil stated the county should have controlled growth. Mr. Mahoney suggested the PC and Roanoke County School Board work in conjunction with each other. He stated population will drive most growth issues. Mr. Azar suggested returning to the basics by determining methods of funding for needs in advance of development. Mr. Thomason stated schools will be the driving force for additional development. Mr. Robertson stated the quality of life makes the valley a great place to live. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Ms. Scheid requested the PC review and make suggestions on the Comp Plan Draft Revisions. Ms. Scheid reviewed the current Comp Plan schedule with PC and staff. Mr. Thomason expressed concern regarding the turnout at the Community Meetings. Mr. Azar noted citizens generally attend meetings on issues which will directly affect them. Mr. McNeil agreed. Ms. Scheid and Mr. Beard explained various efforts made by staff to invite and encourage citizens to attend meetings. Mr. McNeil requested a list of items needed in order to complete the Comp Plan Revision process. Ms. Scheid noted the PC and BOS will have a joint worksession with Mr. Mike Chandler, Ms. Scheid provided information regarding mileage reimbursement for PC members. She also provided copies of Ms. Peckman's comments from the last PCPH. Mr. Thomason requested suggestions to increase participation at meetings. Mr. Joe Miller, RRHBA, stated he represents many other constituents. He stated he reports information from meetings to many other people. He stated his organization also has a vested interest in other localities. Ms. Helen Sublette stated citizens of Hidden Valley community say their input does not matter. She stated that she plans to be more involved. Ms. Virginia Burns stated she has had other priorities and interests in the past. She plans to be more involved and thanked the PC for the invitation. Ms. Annie Krochalis stated the citizens present also represent other citizens not in attendance. Ms. Pam Berberich stated she is encouraged by the process. She encouraged citizens to stay involved in county issues. Mr. Charles Hofer stated he shares Ms. Berberich's thoughts regarding involvement. He also commended staff for inviting Mr. Chandler to assist with the Comp Plan. Ms. Frances Robbins commended staff for being available to answer questions. She expressed concern regarding rezoning of family land. 2 A_diournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission