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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/18/2003 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES - MARCH 18, 2003 Present: Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Don Witt, Chairman Mr. Todd Ross Ms. Janet Scheid, Secretary Mr. David Holladay Mr. Tim Beard Mr. John Murphy Mr. Chris Lowe Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary Guests: Ms. Melody Williams, Executive Vice - president, Roanoke Regional Homebuilders Association Mr. Steve Strauss, Strauss Construction Co. Absent: Mr. Steve Azar WORK SESSION: Session opened at 3:30 p.m. by Mr. Witt. Approval of Agenda Ms. Hooker moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 4 -0. Approyall of Addition to Consent Agenda Mr. Ross moved to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed 4 -0 Tour of Novoz mes Facilit Planning Commissioners and staff participated in a tour of the Novozymes facility at Valley Gateway. Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Revisions Mr. Holladay reviewed and explained the Comp Plan Update Project Plan chart. He stated the project should be completed by the end of 2003. He discussed various methods which may encourage citizen awareness and participation. He stated the internet will be used as an educational tool for the public. Mr. Holladay suggested having informational updates during each monthly PCPH in order to update the public and the commissioners. He stated they may conduct and televise `countywide' Community Meetings. Ms. Scheid stated they intend to have a "kick -off " meeting with a guest speaker in May or June to attract citizens into the revision process. Mr. Witt asked for a list of controversial topics. Ms. Scheid stated economic development, stormwater management, and urban growth (including inadequate roads, transportation issues, public facilities). Mr. Holladay also added the topic of a public utilities authority. Mr. Witt asked for an explanation of the objective of the meetings. Ms. Scheid explained the purpose is to educate the public on the issues and to inform them that this is a revision and not a total re- write. Ms. Hooker stated she likes the kick -off meeting idea but is unsure it will attract a significant amount of public interest. Mr. Ross suggested developing a 20 minute educational presentation to explain the revision process. He stated it could be replayed on the Public Access channel to educate the public. Mr. Murphy stated it is very important to inform the public it is a revision and not a complete rewrite of the document. He stated it may be necessary to invite various groups to the meetings., Mr. Witt noted Vinton organized a Planning Academy to educate their citizens prior to the development of their Comp Plan. Ms. Melody Williams stated Bedford County also held classes for the public prior to the compilation of the Comp Plan. Ms. Williams noted the public is intimidated by the actual issues and their lack of knowledge about the issues regarding this topic. Ms. Scheid stated she will consult with Mr. Mike Chandler regarding the citizen's, planning academy. Mr. Holladay noted Ms. Scheid provided an overview of the Goals and Objectives at an earlier Planning Commission Worksession. He explained R-1 zoning will be re- evaluated regarding water and sewer, land conservation, and urban containment. Mr. Witt stated it may be necessary to reverse some of the R-1 zonings after research is complete. Mr. Holladay noted topography and green spaces in R-1 areas will also need to be considered during re-evaluation. Mir. Holladay identified the members of each group working on the various issues. Mr. Witt suggested the Planning Commission develop better communication with the Utility Department. Mr. Holladay stated they plan to make the Comp Plan an interactive internet based document. Mr. Witt stated the Blue Ridge Parkway should be included as an issue. Ms. Scheid noted it is a separate project which is already in progress. Mr. Holladay stated it may be possible to integrate it into the Transportation section. Mr. Strauss asked if there would be an increase in the business district versus residential. Mr. Holladay stated the Economic Development section may need to be amended for future rezonings for commercial development. Mr. Strauss asked if cash proffers or impact fees would be included in this study., Mr. Witt stated impact fees may be integrated into the Urban Containment portion of the Comp Plan. Comments Ms. Melody Williams gave an overview of the purpose of RRHBA. She stated she wants her organization to be more involved with the Planning Commission. She stated when RRHBA members speak at meetings they may speak on behalf of the organization or from the perspective of a citizen. She requested Planning Commission agendas be e-mailed to her office, Adoournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission PA