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Home My WebLink About2/4/2025 - Work Session1 MINUTES OF A JOINT WORK SESSION BETWEEN THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL AND VINTON PLANNING COMMISSION HELD AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Laurie J. Mullins, Vice Mayor Michael W. Stovall Keith N. Liles Sabrina M. McCarty PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Keith N. Liles, Chairman David R. Jones, Vice Chairman Robert W. Benninger Jonathan P. McCoy Joshua Mullen STAFF PRESENT: Richard Peters, Town Manager Cody Sexton, Deputy Town Manager Antonia Arias-Magallon, Town Clerk/Administrative Manager Anita McMillan, Planning and Zoning Director Nathan McClung, Assistant Planning and Zoning Director Fayula Gordon, Associate Planner Fabricio Drumond, Police Chief Jill Loope, Special Project Assistant to the Town Manager Mayor Grose called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m. The Town Clerk called the roll with Council Member Liles, Council Member McCarty, Council Member Stovall, Vice Mayor Mullins, and Mayor Grose present. Anita McMillan then called the roll for the Planning Commission with Chairman Liles, Vice Chairman Jones, Commissioner Benninger, Commissioner McCoy, and Commissioner Mullen present. Cody Sexton opened the work session and introduced Thomas Ruff from Timmons Group, who has been working on the Safe Streets for All projects over the past year. The Town partnered with Botetourt County and Roanoke County on this initiative, a federal program focused on identifying and improving roadway safety. The goal is to incorporate the Safe Streets for All plan into the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Sexton noted that Mr. Ruff would present the project findings, after which the Town could hold a public hearing to adopt an ordinance integrating the plan into the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Ruff thanked the Council and Planning Commission for their participation and proceeded to review a PowerPoint presentation, which will be kept on file at the Town Clerk’s office as part of the permanent record. He highlighted that Vinton experiences approximately 5–6 severe crashes per year, with two resulting in fatalities over the past nine years, contributing to the nearly 1,000 traffic-related fatalities across Virginia annually. The project aims to raise awareness and implement solutions to enhance road safety. Mr. Ruff analyzed accident data, revealing that 88% of crashes in Vinton occur on specific roadways. Extensive community engagement efforts, including surveys, were conducted to gather input from residents and staff regarding their safety concerns. He then outlined potential strategies the Town could implement to create safer streets. 2 Members of the Council and Planning Commission discussed local traffic accidents, and recent safety improvements, and expressed their appreciation for Mr. Ruff’s presentation. . The next item on the agenda was the consideration of public comments concerning an Ordinance to amend the Town of Vinton Comprehensive Plan by adopting and incorporating by reference the Town of Vinton Safe Streets and Roads for All – Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, Fall 2024. The Mayor opened the Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m. Hearing no comments, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 6:03 p.m. Chairman Liles made a motion to recommend adoption of the proposed amendment to the Town of Vinton Comprehensive Plan by adopting and incorporating by reference the Town of Vinton Safe Streets and Roads for All – Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, Fall 2024; the motion was seconded by Commissioner McCoy and carried by the following roll call vote, with members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Benninger, McCoy, Mullen, Jones, Liles; Nays (0) – None. Council Member Stovall made a motion to approve the adoption of the proposed amendment to the Town of Vinton Comprehensive Plan by adopting and incorporating by reference the Town of Vinton Safe Streets and Roads for All – Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, Fall 2024; the motion was seconded by Council Member McCarty, carried by the following roll call vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0) – None. Mike Callahan, President of 3TP Ventures and consultant for the Comprehensive Plan, along with Vlad Gavrilovic, President of New Paradigm Planning, presented an update on the plan’s progress. Mr. Callahan reviewed a PowerPoint presentation, which will be available at the Town Clerk’s office as part of the permanent record. Mr. Callahan highlighted the team’s extensive community outreach efforts since April 2024, which included festival booths, community meetings, focus groups, and surveys. Feedback from residents emphasized a vision for the next 25 years that includes a thriving and authentic downtown, an outdoor recreation hub, parks for all ages, housing options for all phases of life, and safe, well-connected streets. Vice Chairman Jones suggested planting more trees, noting that many unhealthy ones in town need removal. Mr. Callahan agreed, emphasizing that increasing tree coverage is vital for sustainability and environmental benefits. He further explained that the Comprehensive Plan aims to balance conservation, development, and infrastructure improvements to create a more connected, livable, and sustainable Vinton. Council and Planning Commission members reflected on the Town’s growth over the years, sharing observations on development and discussing their hopes for the future. Mr. Callahan then presented a map highlighting key areas designated for conservation, enhancement, revitalization, and transformation. The map also identified opportunities to improve pedestrian and greenway connections, including safer walking routes to schools. Mr. Gavrilovic provided a detailed explanation of the mapped areas, stating that conservation 3 areas include open spaces, community facilities, and parks and recreation sites. He explained that enhancement areas focus on residential and industrial zones, aiming to improve infrastructure and aesthetics. Revitalization areas target medium- and high-density residential neighborhoods, with plans to modernize and strengthen these communities. Transformation areas encompass mixed-use districts, such as those blending downtown, residential, and retail spaces, to foster vibrant, walkable environments. The plan aims to guide sustainable growth while preserving the Town’s character and functionality. Council and Planning Commission members provided feedback on the proposed changes and expressed their appreciation for the team’s work on the plan. Looking ahead, the next steps include developing implementation strategies. An advisory committee meeting is scheduled for March 7, followed by a community engagement booth at the Dogwood Festival in April. The final plan review and adoption are expected to take place in the summer. Council and Planning Commission members expressed their gratitude for the ongoing efforts to shape Vinton’s future. Council Member Liles made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Stovall and carried by the following vote, with all members of the Town Council voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, McCarty, Mullins, Stovall, Grose; Nays (0) – None and all members of the Planning Commission voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, Benninger, McCoy, Mullen, Jones; Nays (0) - None. Following no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. APPROVED: _________________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Antonia Arias-Magallon, Town Clerk