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Home My WebLink About6/1/2010 - RegularBradley E. Grose, Mayor Robert R. Altice, Councilmember Carolyn D. Fidler, Vice Mayor Matthew S. Hare, Councilmember William "Wes" Nance, Councilmember Vinton Town Cound'. Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 1, 2010 IiTol I i I MAHMLAIM -me Vinton Municipal Building 311 South Pollard Street Vinton, VA 24179 (540) 983-0607 B. INVOCATION C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U. S. FLAG D. CONSENT AGENDA E. AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, PRESENTATIONS 1. Special Recognition of Vinton Dogwood Festival Committee F. CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND PETITIONS G. OLD BUSINESS 1. Adoption of Proposed Budget for FY 2010-2011 — Ordinance No. 901 H. TOWN ATTORNEY I. TOWN MANAGER J. MAYOR K. COUNCIL L. ADJOURNMENT NEXT TOWN COUNCIL MEETING: Regularly Scheduled Meeting of June 15, 2010 NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMPLY WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. Reasonable efforts will be made to provide assistance or special arrangements to qualified individuals with disabilities in order to participate in or attend Town Council meetings. Please call (540) 983-0607 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date so that proper arrangements may be made. WORK SESSION 2. Recorder Playback Grant — Police Department F-2 • M NOT 4. Commercial Truck Policy in Residential Areas 2 PROPOSED BUDGET ORDINANCE NO. 901 AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, JUKE 1 2010, AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA. WHEREAS, the Town Charter requires that a budget be adopted by July I" for the new fiscal year; and, WHEREAS, the Council has reviewed the proposed budget and is of the opinion that the Town government can operate for the twelve month period beginning July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, with the revenues and expenditures contained in the attached budget; and, WHEREAS, any funds appropriated in this budget to any Town department may be used as participating funds in any Federal Aid Programs for like purposes, with the prior approval of the Town Council. NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Council of the Town of Vinton, Virginia, that the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2011 be set forth herein. Fund Revenue and Expenses General Fund Utility Fund Capital Improvement Fund $7,282,081 3,142,102 89,250 $10,513,433 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this ordinance provides for the daily operation of the department of law and the department of finance, and in an emergency. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that this Ordinance takes effect July 1, 2010. This Ordinance adopted on motion made by Councilperson, and seconded by Councilperson. &%VAIRS Iff."M11 0 Bradley E. Grose, Mayor ATTEST: Darleen R. Bailey, Town Clerk Rmvwnmmm Total All Funds General Fund $ 7`282.081 Utility Fund 3,142.102 Capital Improvements Fund 09,250 Total Revenues $ 10.513,433 Town Council $ 101,847 Town Manager's Office 173.234 Human Resources 78'022 Finance Department 236.734 Police Department 1.805.145 Communications Services 400.487 Emergency Services 1.250 Police Grants 148.005 Fire &EMS 750'725 Anima) Control 92,588 Town Garage 01.678 Street Maintenance 1.000.674 Snow and Ice Removal 30.048 Traffic Signs and Street Lighting 132.412 Street and Road Cleaning 07.187 Refuse Collection 478'817 Recycling 62.606 Municipal Building &Grounds 161'342 Special Programs 128,166 War Memorial 288.160 SwimmingPoo|/parkm 71.419 Senior Citizens Program 82.538 Planning Department 240.440 Economic Development 25.510 Public Transportation ` 89,000 Vinton Business Center 9.850 Debt Service - General Fund 456.770 Transfers 37.750 Total General Fund $ 7.282.881 Utility Fund: Utilities Administration $ 590.171 Water Distribution System 077.890 Wastewater Collection System 861,828 Debt Service - Utility Fund 661.413 Transfers ' Utility Fund 51.500 Total Utility Fund $ 3,142,1102 Capital Improvement Fund: General Fund Transfer $ 37.750 Utility Fund Transfer 51.500 Total Capital Improvement Fund $ 89.250 Combined Total Expenditures $ 110.513'433 Budget Adoption -Ordinance Detail Document FY11 TOWN OF VINTON 311 South Pollard Street VINTON, VIRGINIA 24179 PHONE (540) 983-0607 FAX (540) 983-0626 To: Town Council A From: Christopher S. Lawrence, Town Managei*0�� Date: May 28, 2010 Subject: Budget Revision to proposed FY2010/201 I Operating Budget Christopher S. Lawrence Town Manager The proposed budget was submitted to Town Council on April 30 to begin the formal budget review process. Since that time.. Council and staff have met on May 4, 18, and 25 1h to review and discuss the budget. The attached revisions reflect changes to a number of line items with the goal of providing a balanced budget that is not reliant on the Unreserved Fund Balance to produce a budget that is balanced. Updated overview sheets of the budget are also included. The budget has been balanced without the use of any reserve. This was accomplished through significant cuts across the board. Although no major service cuts are planned, we will be operating on very thin margins. Staff will be monitoring the budget monthly and provide regular updates to Council throughout The upcoming year. Revenues Department Swimming Pool War Memorial Police Department Communications Flower Fund Expenditures - GF Town Council UMEBL= Human Resources Finance Police Department Police Grants Emergency Services tj Fire & EMS Department Special Programs War Memorial Senior Center Account Number 200.1613.005 200,1613.007 200,1613.006 200.2404-011 200,2404-012 200,2404-015 200.1899.001 Account Description Pool Concessions Swimming Class Fees War Memorial Income Other Police Grants Other Police Grants Wireless E-911 Grant Misc. Income Codification Training and Travel Telephone/Internet Part-time salaries Replacement of Equipment Special Events Awards Part-time salaries Maintenance Service Contracts Salaries - Overtime Part-time salaries Wireless E-911 Community Grants Emergency Services Salaries - Overtime Part-time salaries Printing and Binding Meeting Expenses Part-time salaries Maintenance & Repair - Bldg Replacement of Equipment Special Projects Planning and Zoning 200.8101.554 Training and Travel -Appoint. Officials 1200.8101 . 589 . Meeting Expenses Notes removed all concessions $ (900.00) included lesson fees $ 4,750,00 meet 10% revenue increase goal $ 10,000-00 All State Insurance Grant $ 1,000-00 $ 1,000.00 $ 211,000.00 Flower Fund principle for Downtown Flowers $ 9,000.00 Total Revenue Adjustments $ 45,850.00 $ (2,000.00) $ (5,750,00) $ (2,600.00) $ (2,333.00) $ (1,000-00) employee gift cards reduction $ (400.00) $ (1,000.00) $ (1,000-00) $ (15,000.00) $ (15,000.00) $ 21,000.00 $ 1,000.00 Training, telephone, overtime, uniforms, $ (3,075.00) increase to fund full overtime expenses $ 10,000.00 $ (1,000.00) reduction in calendars expenses $ (1,000.00) $ (950.00) $ (3,000,00) $ (5,300.00) $ (175.00) $ (3,652.00) �! # I S. MEN FITI W, Economic Development 200.8150.342 Facade/Change of Use Grant 200.8150.585 Miscellaneous 1200.8150.589 IMeeting Expenses Life Insurance Adjustments across General Fund Departments Water and Sewer Fund I I Life Insurance Adjustment in Water and Sewer Fund $ 10,000,00 $ (250.00) $ 500.00 $ (20,949.00) Total Expenditures Adjustments $ (41,184.00) Expenditures $ (5,429.00) Reduced Revenue $ (5,429.00) BUDGET EXPLANATION & JUSTIFICATION - REVENUES FY 09-10 Explanation of Line Item and Request FY 04-05 FY 05-06 FY 06-07 1 FY 07-08 1 FY08.09 I FY09-10 FY 10-11 FY 10-11 FY 10-11 GENERAL FUND Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Adopted Requested Manager Rec Adopted TOTALS SOURCES General Property Taxes Other Local Faxes Permits & Fees Fines & Forfeitures Use of Money Charges for Services Miscellaneous Revenues Recovered Costs Non -Categorical Aid Categorical Aid Use of Fund Balance Total Sources USES General Administration Public Safety Public Works Special Programs Community Development Non -departmental Transfers Total Uses NetlncreaselDecrease $ 395,157 $ 391,460 S 421,205 $ 2,108,948 2,261,518 2,349,639 9,006 10,029 10,851 76,294 93,022 103,816 313,494 505,834 549.540 346,123 305.715 173,139 3,748,638 1.198,154 2.921,243 652,768 124,023 141,301 396,971 429,590 467,795 2.118,306 2,006,170 2,205,800 $ 10,165,706 $ 7,325,514 $ 9,344,329 $ 473,135 $ 435.372 $ 499,215 $ 531,332 $ 531,332 $ 531,332 2,482,275 2,475,828 2,389,223 2,793,000 2,793,000 2,793,000 14,036 1 1, 321 14,100 11,500 11,500 11,500 102,720 116,463 118,000 1 16, 500 116.500 1 16, 500 331,348 235,539 252,000 177,000 177.000 177,000 251,380 300,654 336,250 308,150 308,150 322,000 820,317 550,537 576,500 578,500 578,500 587,500 86,801 17,160 76,400 27,000 27,000 27,000 445366 424,388 454,749 � 405.096 405,096 405,096 2,599�487 2,381,472 2,445,720 2,288,153 2,288,153 2,311,153 7,606,865 S 6,948,735 $ 7,662,1571 $ 7,236,231 $ 7,236,231 $ 7,282,081 $ 648,932 540.406 S 543,465 S 639,615 S 602,116 $ 625,083 S 607,963 $ 607,963 S 590.437 2,476,040 2,971.298 5,541,972 3,810,800 3,343,275 3,331,799 3,269.620 3,269,621 3.258.201 1,484,280 1,590,136 1,872,032 2,441,145 2.283,939 2,159,248 2,011,057 2,011,057 2,003,840 477,097 525.202 3,080,069 1,078,297 579,760 654,765 586,239 586,239 570,283 498,839 254,466 269,257 275.604 348.275 385,659 354,366 354,366 364,800 140,312 302,393 356,516 419.172: 453,674 j 411,319 456,770 456,770 456,770 230,060 402,800 227.413 293.274 128,331 94,283 37,750 37,750 37,750 5,955,560 $ 6,586,702 11,890,726 8,957,907 7,744,370 7,662,157 7,323,765 7,323,766 7,282,081 S 4,210,145 $ 738,811 $ (2,546,396) $ (1,351,041) $ (795,635j $ 0 $ (87,534) $ (87,535) $ 0 General Fund ,rotais partment'pTotals�i!'ii�'s'`'sFis-?' 1?''€'=rr'u>i BUDGET EXPLANATION & JUSTIFICATION - EXPENDITiJF2ES FY 05-06 Dept. # Account Description Explanation of line Item and request FY 04.05 FY 05.06 FY 06.07 FY 07-08 FY 08-09 FY 09-10 FY 10-11 FY 10-11 FY 10-11 Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Adopted Requested Manager Rec Adopted TOTALS $ 6,955,660 S 6,586,702 $ 11.890,726 ( $ 8,957,907 ($ 7,744,370 $ 7,662,168 $ 7,323,766 $ 7,323,766 $7,282,081 1100 Town Council $ 290,413 $ 154,793 $ 114,900 $ 192,126 $ 117,880 $ 124,745 $ 112,197 $ 112,197 $ 101,847 1200 Town Manager's Office 179,878 119,860 145,2401 135,415 162,753 174,709 177,133 177,133 173,234 1203 Human Resources Office - 80.401 72,861 ( 68,627 76,407 86,436 - 79,183 79,183 78,622 1214 Finance Department 178,642 185,351 210.465 243,447 245,076 239,193 239,450 239,450 236,734 [Total General Administration 648,932 ( 540,406 543,465 639,615 1 602,116 625,083 607,963 607,963 590,437 3101 Police Department 1,802,970 1,920,067 2,165,094 1,838,971 I 1,889,861 1,842,728 1,842,382 1,842,382 1,805,146 3102 Communication Services - - 11.027 392,801 442,477 496,333 460,487 460,487 460,487 3103 Emergency Services - - I 1,998 79 4,325 4.325 4,325 1,250 3105 Police Grants (11,478) 161,346 187,902 342.895 117,150 116,165 126,005 126,005 148,005 3201 Fire Department 398,683 - - - - - 3203 Rescue Squad 206,956 110 15 253 - - - - - 3205 [Fire &EMS - 798,378 3,070,130 1,137,929 794,932 775,628 743,591 743,591 750,725 3501 lAnimal Control 78,909 91.398 107,805 95.953 98,776 96,620 92,831 92.831 92,588 Total Public Safety 2,476,040 2,971,298 5,541,972 3,810,800 3,343,275 3,331,799 3,269,620 3,269,621 3,258.201 1221 Town Garage 78,098 54,892 65,476 65,417 61,096 64,195 61,702 61.702 61,676 4101 Street Maintenance 796,328 j 796,328 982,964 1,511,396 1,338,106 1,158,435 1,014,882 1,014,882 1,009,674 4105 Snow and Ice Removat 26,369 i 24,517 15,314 11,672 10,050 30,048 30,048 30,048 30,048 4108 Traffic Signs/Street Lights $8,452 I 71,363 79,319 93,301 119,569 134,205 132,670 132,670 132.412 4202 Street Cleaning 13,083 i 49,129 60,538 50,186 71,503 64,767 67,440 67,440 67,167 4203 iReluseCollection 397,070 412,571 470,371 473,197 466,563 473,817 480,132 480,132 478.917 4206 Recycling 47,674 65,504 80,560 73,477 67,749 62,964 62,842 62,842 62,605 4304 Buildings & Grounds 67,205 115,832 117,491 162,500 154,301 170,817 161,341 161,341 161,341 Total Public Works 1,484,280 1,590,136 1,872,032 2,441,145 2,288,939 2,159,248 2,011,057 2,011,057 2,003,840 7101 Special Programs 72,619 64,182 68,479I 110,344 127,860 141,994 131,301 131,301 128A66 7103 War Memorial 269,442 342,001 2,882,176 826,181 305,049 316.723 291,744 291,744 288,160 7105 Swimming Pool and Parks 59,061 52,103 59,286 68,506 64,236 80,747 71,474 71,474 71,419 7107 Senior Citizens Program 75,975 66,917 70,129 73,267 82,615 115,301 91,720 91,720 82,538 Total Special Programs 477,097 525,202 3,080,069 1,078,297 579,760 654,765 586.239 686,239 570,283 8101 Planning and Zoning 459,255 218.802 217,268 223,030 236,033 278,324 239,756 239,756 240.440 8150 Economic Development I 30,000 21,285 15,760 15,760 25,510 8160 Public Transportation 39,584 35,664 51,990 52,574 75,513 82.200 89,000 89,000 89,000 8170 Vinton Business Center - - 6,730 3,850 9.850 9.850 9,850 Total Community Develop, 498,839 254,466 269,257 276,604 348,275 385,659 354,366 354,366 364,800 8800 Debt Service 140,312 302,393 356,516 419,172 453,674 411.319 456,770 456,770 456,770 Total Non-delpartmental 140,312 302,393 356,516 419,172 453,674 411,319 456,770 456,770 456,770 9950 Transfers 230,060 402,800 227,413 293,274 128,331 94,284 37.750 37,750 37,750 TOTAL GENERAL FUND $ 5,955,560 I $ 6,586,702 S 11,890,726 S 8,957,907 $ 7,744,370 $ 7,662,158 $ 7,323,766 $ 7,323,766 $7,282,081 Department Totals Utility Fund Totals BUDGET EXPLANATION & JUSTIFICATION - REVENUES FY 10-11 Explanation of Line Item and Request FY 04.05 FY 05-06 FY 06-07 FY 07-08 FY 08-09 FY 09-10 FY 10-11 FY 10-11 FY 10-11 Account Description Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Adopted Requested Manager Rec Adopted TOTALS UTILITIES FUND SOURCES: Operating Revenues $ 1,920.581 $ 2,018,654 $ 2,368,106 S 2,494,898 $ 2,514,338 $ 2,881 ,793 $ 3,124,031 $ 3,124,031 S 3.118.602 Use of Money 42,669 35,000 72,238 115,006 43,592 50.000 7,500 7,500 7,500 Use of Property 140 200 200 172 120 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 Use of Fund Balance - 1.000 321,658 753 303,703 118,441 1,000 1,000 1.000 Bond Proceeds - - - - - - - - Recovered Costs 5,400 8,000 10.480 10,520 11,347 11,000 14,000 14,000 14,000 Total Sources $ 1,968,790 $ 2,062,854 $ 2,772,682 $ 2,621,349 $ 2,873,101 S 3,062,234 $ 3,147,531 S 3,147,531 $ 3,142,102 USES: Administration $ 446,339 $ 494,172 $ 589.368 $ 592,159 S 651,830 5 597.447 S 592,634 S 592,634 S 590,171 Water System Operations 557,074 691,126 907,460 1.027,449 940,760 1,003,569 979,633 979,633 977,690 Wastewater Operations 680,821 663,695 760,690 716,202 745,095 800,890 862,350 862.350 861,327 Debt Service 98,900 94,285 172,533 222,031 213,791 660,329 661,413 661.413 661,413 Depreciation 437,454 437,454 605,796 590,221 633,509 - - - Transfers - 7,500 61,900 113,486 126,018 - 51,500 51,500 51,500 Total Uses $ 2,220,588 $ 2,388,232 $ 3,097,747 $ 3,261,548 $ 3,311,003 $ 3,062,234 $ 3,147,531 S 3,147,531 $ 3,142,102 Net Increase/Decrease (251,797) (325,378) (325,065) (640,199) (437,902) (0) 0 0 0 Enterprise Fund Totals TO: FROM: CC: DATE: SUBJECT: TOWN OF VINTON 311 S. POLLARD STREET VINTON, VIRGINIA 24179 PHONE (540) 983-0605 FAX (540) 983-0621 Chris Lawrence, Town Manager Karla Turman Enforcement Officer/Associate Planner Karla Turman, Associate Planner/Code Enforcement Officer Antia McMillan, Planning and Zoning Director May 26, 2010 Proposed Zoning Ordinance Changes for Fence Regulations ISSUE/PURPOSE: To update the zoning ordinance regarding the proposed amendments, which are attached. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In recent years, the town has seen a relatively high number of fences erected which do not meet the Current fence regulations. In 2009, staff was asked to review our regulations, as well as those of nearby localities, to determine if amendments to the regulations might be appropriate. Staff and Planning Commission members have discussed these regulations for several months, Attached is a document that outlines the proposed amendments. A lot of the amendments are based on the City ofRoanoke's regulations. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. They voted 4-0 in favor of recommending the proposed amendments to Town Council. Please see attached draft minutes from that public hearing. If you have questions about the proposed amendments, please feel free to call me at 983-0605. ORDINANCE NO. AT A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2010, AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA. AN ORDINANCE to amend the Vinton Zoning Ordinance No. 634 dated December 19, 1995, Appendix 13 of the Vinton Town Code, Article V, Supplentetitary Regulatimis, Division. 3, Section 5-5, Exceptions to yard requirements and Section 5-11, Visibilin, at intersections. TFIERE"FORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council ofthe Town ol'Vinton, Virginia that the lirticle K Suj)j*mentarj, Regulations, Division. 3, Section 5-5, Excel-Wons to yard requirements C117d Section 5-11, Visibility at intersections, be amended and added as follows: AMENDMENT TO APPENDIX B OF THE TOWN OF VINTON ZONING ORDINANCE AR'naxv. SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS DIVISION 3 See. 5-5. Exceptions to yard requirements (a) Fences, walls, arbors, and trellises, .4m)licobilitly. 1'ences, walls, arbors, and trellises shall be Subject to the supplemental regulations of this section. For the purpose of this section, "walls" shall include decorative walls and walls intended as a buffer or screen. The supplemental regulations of this section shall not apply to retaining walls, The supplemental regulations of this section shall apply to freestanding trellises and arbors as well as trellises attached to fences. (b) Fence and wall standards. (1) No fence or wall shall be permitted within a sight distance triangle, as defined in Section 5-11 of this appendix. (2) No fence or wall located in an area as set forth in subsections (A) and (13) below shall be permitted: A. On a lot with only one (I ) lot frontage: Within the first five (5) feet of the front property line , or B. On a lot with more than one (1) lot frontage: Within the first five (5) fleet of the property line on the principal lot frontage, nor within 5 f'eet of the property line on the street side lot frontage. (3) The maximum height for fences and walls shall be based on the following schedule: Zoning Location on Lot Maximum District Height of Fence or Wall R-I-D, R-1, Onalot \vithonly one (]) lot frontage: Within the first five (5) feet of' None R-2, R-' ), the front property line ; or allowed RB On a lot with more than one (1) lot frontage: Within the first Five (5) feet of the property line on both lot frontages. On a lot with only one (1) lot frontage: Between five (5) feet of the 4 feet front property line and front corner of the house-, or On a lot with more than one (1) lot frontage: Between five (5) feet of the front property line and front corner of the house on the principal lot frontage, or between five (5) feet and fifteen (15) feet of the property line on the street side lot frontage. On a lot with only one (I ) lot frontage: After the front corner of the 6.5 feet 110LISC ; or On a lot with more than one (1) lot frontage: After the front corner of the house facing the principal lot frontage, or beyond 15 feet of the property line on the street side lot frontage. Any required side or rear yard 6.5 feet (c) Arbor and trellis standards. (1) No arbor or trellis shall be permitted within a sight distance triangle,. as defined in Section 5-11 of this appendix. (2) On a lot with only one (1) lot frontage, an arbor or trellis shall not be permitted between the building line and the lot frontage, except that in the case of any lot with no principal building, all arbor or trellis shall not be located within the required minimum front yard ofthe applicable zoning district. (3) On a lot with more than one (1) lot frontage: an arbor or trellis shall not be permitted between the building line and the property line oil the principal lot frontage, nor between the building line and the property line on the street side lot frontage, except that in the case of any lot with no principal building, an arbor or trellis shall not be located within the required minimum front yard of the applicable zoning district. (d) Yard acmysories. Poles, posts, similar customary yard accessories and ornaments, and permitted signs 11or which no specific yard requirement is specified elsewhere in this appendix, may be located within required yards. No accessory may be placed within a sight distance triangle,, as defined in Section 5-11 of this appendix. (e) A zoning permit is required for all fences, walls, arbors and trellises. See. 5-11. Visibility at intersections. (b) Visibilit), lriangle. On a comer lot in any district other than a CB central business district, nothing that would materially obstruct the vision of operators of motor vehicles shall be erected., placed, planted or allowed to grow 4-4. he=heights @ 1� ihFoe Wot and eiglit 4'--1-4 -414w io 'I-,- t-fado-&—kIN -4jaoefil intef-8001mg swe within the fallowing described area: A triangular shaped area on the ground bounded on two sides by the street lines abutting the lot, and bounded on the third side by a line joining points on said street lines 20 feet from the point of their intersection. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN OF VINTON PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010, AT 6:30 P.M, AT THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET. MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Jones, Chairman Dawn Michelsen, Vice Chairperson Bob Patterson C.W. Pace, Jr. STAFF PRESENT: Anita McMillan, Planning and Zoning Director Karla Turman, Associate Planner/Code Enforcement Officer Julie S. Tucei, Planning and Zoning Coordinator OTHERS PRESENT: Lee Bosworth, 814 Bedford Road, Vinton 1. Call to Order H. Approval of Minutes: Public Hearing, January 27, 2010 Work Session, March 18, 2010 111. Public Hearing: The proposed amendments to the Town of Vinton Zoning Ordinance, Article V, Supplementary Regulations, Division 3, Section 5-5, Exceptions to yard requirements and Section 5-11, Visibility at intersections. The proposed amendments are related to placement and height of fences, walls, arbors, and trellises within residential districts. IV, Other Business V. Adjournment The meeting of the Vinton Planning Commission was called to order at 6:30 p.m. All four members were present. The first item on the agenda was the approval of minutes from a public hearing held on January 27, 2010, and minutes from a work session held on March 18, 2010. There were no corrections or additions to the minutes; therefore, a motion to approve both sets as submitted was made by Mr. Patterson. The motion was seconded by Ms. Michelsen. A roll call vote was taken, and all members voted in favor of the motion. The second item on the agenda was the proposed amendments to the Town of Vinton Zoning Ordinance, Article V, Supplementary Regulations, Division 3, Section 5-5, Exceptions to yard requirements and Section 5-11, Visibility at intersections. The proposed amendments are related to placement and height of fences, walls, arbors, and trellises within residential districts. Chairman Jones mentioned that notice of this meeting had been advertised in the paper. Ms. Turman stated that recently there have been several fences that have been erected that do not meet the zoning ordinance requirements. She said that, in 2009, the Planning Commission had been asked to look into the regulations due to the increase in variance requests and new fences not meeting the ordinance. Ms. Turman went over some of the changes that are proposed, a copy of which will be made a part of the permanent record of this meeting. She mentioned that there were also changes made concerning arbors and trellises. She stated that they would check with the building commissioner to make sure whether or not arbors or trellises are exempt from building, code. Under the proposed regulations, a zoning permit would be required for all fences, arbors, or PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING APRIL 27,2010 PAGE 2 trellises, and nothing will be allowed within the sight visibility triangle. Ms. Turman asked if they had any questions. No one did. Chairman Jones asked the gentleman in attendance if he wished to speak about the proposed amendments. Mr. Bosworth, of 814 Bedford Road, said he purchased the property recently. He stated that he loves the area. He said he would like to be able to beautify his property. He mentioned that his property comes to a point (triangle). He stated that there is a chain link fence in the back and he would like to put up a picket fence in the front to beautify the lot. He said the line of sight for drivers would not be affected by where he'd Like - to put the fence. He stated that the new regulations would make it nearly impossible to put up a fencein the front. He said there should be consideration in the regulations for oddly shaped properties, such as, his,. where the owners would not have to obtain variances. The fence he is proposing would be four feet tall or less. He stated that he would also like to put a fence up so people would not walk across his property right in front of his porch. Chairman Jones asked if there were any questions for Mr. Bosworth. There were none. Chairman Jones stated that this was an amendment that they had been working on for months. Ms. McMillan mentioned that, with these amendments, they try to consider the town as a whole rather than lot by lot. She said that Mr. Bosworth would be able to apply for a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals (13ZA) and, perhaps because his lot is oddly shaped he may have a hardship. However, staff cannot guarantee a variance being granted. With there being no further business, Chairman Jones declared the public hearing closed and asked for a motion. Ms. Michelsen commented that it is always difficult as a citizen of Vinton to balance what is good for the entire Town, as well as for those with oddly shaped lots. She said that they have really studied this issue, tried to be as fair and open as possible, and that they try to keep the streets safe. She said, from her position, she would like to see him be able to do what he would like to do with his property, but she said she must also weigh what is good for the Town as a whole. Mr. Bosworth stated that be wants to put his fence 25 feet back from the point. ' He said his issue is with the 5 feet setback that is required on the sides of his property. Ms. Michelsen asked if that would qualify him to request a variance from the BZA. Ms. McMillan said he could, but would need to prove a specific hardship, as defined by code. Mr. Bosworth said he had already considered the line of sight for drivers in his plans. Chairman Jones said the Planning Commission takes into consideration what is good for the entire Town. He mentioned that they would make a recommendation to Town Council who will consider that in making their final decision. He asked for a motion. Ms. Michelsen made a motion to recommend to Council the zoning requirements for fences, trellises, and arbors as discussed. MT. Patterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken, and all members voted in favor of the motion. Ms. McMillan stated that Town Council will be considering the issue on May 18th, and encouraged Mr. Bosworth to attend and discuss it with Town Council. In other business, Mr. Bosworth also spoke about his lot not having curbing and stated that he would like to have curbs to help protect his home fi-orn cars that could crash into it. He stated that he had talked with a couple of Town employees and was told that someone would have to call him back. He stated that he had never received a call back. Ms. McMillan -recommended that he write up something to submit to the Highway Safety Committee. Ms. McMillan said that the Public Works Director and members of the Police Department are on that committee. Mr. Bosworth also stated that he was told by VDOT that he might be able to request a guardrail. However, Mr. Bosworth said he did not think a guardrail would look very good. PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING APRIL 27,2010 PAGE 3 Chairman Jones asked if there was anything else to discuss. Ms. McMillan mentioned that Arbor Day was held recently at Vinton Public Works. She also said that 348 trees had been planted on Town property along Tinker Avenue in Midway around the same time with grant money. Ms. McMillan said she would keep them posted on the progress of the Corridors Plan and also the Downtown Revitalization project. There was no ftuther business; therefore, Chairman Jones adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Anita McMillan Planning Commission Secretary