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03-23-2007 Work SessionWORK SESSION OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HELD THE TWENTY-THIRD DAY OF MARCH IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND SEVEN PRESENT: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Thomas R. Ivy, Chairman Phillip A. Bradsllaw James B. Brown, Jr. Thomas J. Wright, III ABSENT: Stan D. Clark, Vice-Chainnan PRESENT: PLANNING COMMISSION James P. O'Briant, III, Chairman Lars S. Gordon, Vice-Chairman Peter B. Munsell Leah Dempsey Lee Winslett, Jr. R. L. Walker Don G. Rosie Wesley Ray Holland Nancy Guill Rex W. Alphin Also Attending: A. Paul Burton, Interim County Attorney W. Douglas Caskey, County Administrator E. Wayne Rountree, P.E., Assistant County Administrator Carey Mills Storm, Clerk Chairman ivy called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of conducting a joint work session with tlie members of the Planning Commission. Following a welcome to those present, he stated that the purpose of the meeting is to open the lines of communication between the two (2) bodies, as well as share the Board's goals and objectives in anticipation of the arrival of several large projects in the County. Supervisor Bradshaw reviewed proposed changes to the Camptown Development Service District. He provided a briefing on the history of the revenue sharing agreement entered into between the County and the City of Franklin in which revenue is reevaluated every ten (10) years. He advised that the County currently pays $1.2 inillion annually to the City of Franklin with no return in services. He stated sewer was installed in this area in the 1970s and the treatment plant, which is located in the City of Franklin, was the result of a regional effort which began between the City of Franklin, Isle of Wight County and Southampton County. He advised that Southampton County backed out of the agreement, leaving the County with one-half ownership and the City of Franklin with two-thirds ownership of the plant. He stated there were disagreements between the City of Franklin and the County regarding fees and disposal rates and, as a result, the County paid $15,000 for the installation of an independent meter by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District. He noted the plant has limited capacity and the County owns 333,000 gallons per day of treatment capacity and currently uses 150,000 gallons per day. He stated ATC Panels has inquired about additional water and sewer capacity. He noted International Paper, which has its own wells, is allowed to withdraw 140 million gallons per day and is currently withdrawing 21 million gallons per day. He advised that the City of Franklin is experiencing problems with its sewer transmission lines along the Blackwater River. He stated that the Holland community in Suffolk is requesting sewer and has been upgrading its system for years. He recal led ten ( l 0) years ago, a committee had met and agreed, by a handshake, to meet the industrial needs at that time. He stated the City of Franklin is reevaluating whether or not to take over the treatment plant and meet the needs of Franklin, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Holland. He noted that the County currently pays residential rates, has capacity of 200,000 gallons per day and is currently utilizing 130,000 gallons per day. He stated that the County now owns the lines in the County and has spent $2-3 million to replace them. He noted that the pump stations have been upgraded, as well. He stated the County is beginning to again address sewer on a regional effort. He advised the Planning Commission members that they will be receiving an application from International Paper regarding a$2-3 million dollar project on the Butler farm for expansion purposes. Supervisor Brown noted in the event of a terrorist threat or other emergency, planes would be rerouted from the Norfolk Airport to the Franklin Airport. Supervisor Bradsl~aw noted that he was unaware of that. He noted that a business in North Carolina has indicated a desire to relocate and has bought the property with the intention of~ expanding in a couple of years. He noted that there are also two (2) other businesses in this area. He noted that the truck company in that area has been extremely insightful and used crushed up conerete, greatly improving the appearance of that area, which is now being reviewed by the Revitalization Committee. He stated commercial development is intended for that area over the next fifteen (15) years, not the homes present today. He advised that he has forwarded a map which he had already reviewed with the Board for the Planning Commission's consideration. He advised that property owners are talking about developing a nature trail to join the properties, which may be developed under the Purchase Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) Program. He noted that the County is the other property owner and the others are private owners. He stated the addition of ten (10) homes is 2 considered high growth in the southern area of the County and residents in that area are not in favor of major development. Commissioner Guill inquired about the proposed changes in the map mentioned by Supervisor Bradshaw. Supervisor Bradshaw advised that the map he has submitted has significant changes to the village. He added any new capacity will require that all the pump stations be improved. Supervisor Brown inquired when the existing pump stations were built. Supervisor Bradshaw replied that that the County did not do a lot of utility expansion with the pump stations. He added that the hotel in the area has been controversial in the past as it had not paid its bills and is now condemned. He advised that the owners are interested in bringing it back to a motel standard. Rex Alphin inquired how much of a detriment is flooding to that area. Supervisor Bradshaw replied that flooding is not a major issue for people moving into that area. He stated that regional efforts are underway with the Governor and a study of the Chowan River Basin is being conducted. He advised that the Corps of En~ineers is currently conducting a reconnaissance study and a feasibility study will follow. He advised that International Paper is also installing a flood levy. // Chairman ivy addressed the Board's goals and objectives over the next five (5) years, as outlined in the following recently adopted Strategic Plan, which includes the following four (4) major points: Managing Growth and Change; Economic Well-Being and Quality of Life; Effective Governance and Community Partnerships; and Funding in the Future. Chairman ivy advised that the County's Values Statement reads as follows: "To sustain Isle of Wight County's stature as a COMMUNITY OF CHOICE for people, families and businesses alike while preserving and protecting our rural heritage, our bountiful mix of natural resources and our natural beauty for present and future generations." Chairman ivy advised that the County's Mission Statement reads as follows: "As a COMMLINITY OF CHOICE, Isle of Wight County is committed to providing an exeellent quality of life for all citizens through the provision of fiscally responsible services and programs." Chairman lvy advised that the County's Slogan/Brand reads as follows: "A communify of CHOICE committed to excellence." Chairman ivy noted that the Board's future efforts will be based on the County's Mission Statement with the end result being a Community of Choice. He noted it is the Board's mission to preserve the County in its current rural state that abuts larger areas. He stated the Board does not want the County to take on the appearance of the Cities of Suffolk or Chesapeake. Chairman ivy advised that staff will be charged with determining a scope and orientation of a potential countywide recycling program through discussions with the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA). Sttpervisor Wright advised that the County is considering the purchase of a wood chipper to assist with waste reduction being performed in- house versus being sent out. Chairman Ivy stated it is the Board's expectation that Heritage Park not be utilized only as a fairground, but rather a park for which year-round recreational programs and services can be held. He stated Fort Huger is also being opened up to the public and the Board is anticipating expansion of the County's athletic programs. He advised that while no bids had been received in response to the RFP for the renovation work at the Museum, the Board remains committed to reopening the Museum to the public as soon as possible. Chairman ivy advised that the Board wants to improve its communications with the School Board and staff is communicating its needs throughout the year and not just at budget time to assist in making the budget process easier. Chairman ivy noted there is little communication between fire and rescue organizations and the better the level of communication, the better we are as a community. He stated these people provide their service for free and sometimes "kid gloves" must be used when dealing with them. Chairman ivy advised that the Board desires to improve its relationships with the Towns of Smithfield and Windsor. He stated that it is only through many tireless efforts of the Board that these relationships have improved over the last year. He stated the better we all work together, the better off we will all be and he encouraged the Planning Commission members to continue communicating effectively so that all groups are functioning together. Ms. Walkup noted that copies of all applic~~tions within a one (1) mile radius of the Towns of Smithfield and Windsor are sent to the Towns; however, staff does not receive that information back in turn from the Towns. She noted it would be particularly helpful to receive large residential rezoning applications from the Towns. 4 Chairman ivy requested County Administrator Caskey to pass Ms. Walkup's comments along to the Smithfield and Windsor Town Managers at the next lunch meeting that he holds on a regular basis with the Town Managers. Commissioner Winslow commented that an open dialogue would be helpful in reflecting items in the Capital Iinprovements Plan (CIP). Chairman ivy suggested sharing the County's CIP with the Towns through the IntergovernnZental Relations Committees. Chairman ivy reported that a quarterly newsletter is being mailed to all residents of the County, which is in addition to the County employee newsletter. Chairman Ivy advised that Donald Robertson, the County's Public Information Officer and liaison to the legislative delegation, is charged with keeping the Board apprised on legislative matters during sessions of the General Assembly. He noted Mr. Robertson is also hosting a segme»t entitled "The County Beat" which is to be aired on Channel 13. Chairman ivy reported that a new County website is being developed, which includes a section about the Board. He stated the Board does not want the public to lose confidence in it because of what is being printed inaccurately in the local newspapers. Chairman ivy reported that staff, in conjunetion with tl~e School Board, will be discussing the merits of having an agreed to funding forn~ula for public education. He advised that a rate study is also to be commissioned for County water and sewer services with the goal of making the programs financially self-sufficient. He further advised that a contingency plan for managing solid waste in the County is to be developed in anticipation of the dissolution of the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) in 2018. Chairman lvy advised that the Board has hired the firm of Urban Design Associates to advise what is the best use and design for the Benns Grant property. He noted a transportation computer model simulation will be provided showing what effect the traffic will have on developments in the future. He advised that the firm of Davenport and Company has also been hired to perform a cost analysis, as well as household cost projections. He further advised that a Community Development Authority (CDA) is being considered to finance the public improvements as part of the Benns Grant project. He requested staff to provide the Planning Commission members with CDA brochures far their review. He advised that the Board must approve an ordinance to hear petitions that allow for the creation of an Autharity 5 and an analysis would be performed on the market to show what the types of homes are that people are looking for. Interiin County Attorney Burton recommended that the Planning Commission members be kept up-to-date regularly so that when the plan is sent to them it will not be something they are looking at for the first time. Ms. Walkup briefed the Board on the current status of the Benns Grant project. She advised that the Benns Church intersection is proposed to be moved 1,000 feet, which allows for a new alignment and includes intersection improvements, some of which are contained in the Six- Year Plan. She stated it realigns the Route 258 corridor and traffic remains a discussion with this project. She stated it makes no sense to move the intersection if it only relocates it and does not improve it. She advised that Main Street no longer connects the office park. She advised that a Certificate of Public Need far a CT scan and portable MRI has been issued for Riverside Hospital, which is a shared resource for the region. She stated there is also a hearing far the Certificate of Public Need for an ambulatory operating room. She advised that because these Certificates of Public Need will expire in November of 2008, these projects must be completed„ although there may be a possibility that the applications could be extended. She stated the consultants will bring the applicants to the table for dialogue and 100 acres will be deeded to the County as an office park. She noted that a CDA allows the County to dictate more of the design, but traffic remains the largest issue. She advised that the project was submitted to staff in February, 2006, which in turn, was submitted to VDOT. She reiterated the major concern is traffic and staff began meeting with VDOT in an effort to alleviate the problem. She advised that the developer submitted another proposal that lacked a traffic and fiscal impact analysis in January 2007, and in December, 2006 staff received a proposal for CBA with an amended concept plan, which provides for thirty (30) acres of ballpark. She noted that the idea was introduced to the County Attorney and a consultant will perform the design, which includes the evaluation of the residEntial and commercial markets, as well as de~ermining what the land use should be, which will be approximately a four (4) month process. lnterim County Attorney commented that Armada Hoffler will attempt to push this development along with as little study as possible. Chairman ivy commented that he has received calls from representatives of Armada Hoffler inquiring why the Planning Commission is not moving forward on this project. He stated it is important to take the necessary time to do the project right. 6 Chairman ivy thanked everyone for attending the joint meeting. He encouraged all to keep the lines of communication open advising that we need to communicate better than we have in the past. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. 1 4ZV~'? Carey ills Storm, Clerk ! ' ~ ~ 'r - Thomas R. Ivy hairman