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10-21-2008 Special Meeting SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HELD THE TWENTY-FIRST DAY OF OCTOBER IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND EIGHT PRESENT: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Stan D. Clark, Chairman James B. Brown, Jr., Vice-Chairman Phillip A. Bradshaw Al Casteen Thomas J. Wright, III PRESENT: PLANNING COMMISSION Lars S. Gordon, Vice-Chairman Lee Winslett, Jr. R. L. Walker Don G. Rosie Nancy Guill Rex W. Alphin James P. O?Briant, III, Chairman Leah Dempsey Barbara Easter Also Attending: A. Paul Burton, Interim County Attorney W. Douglas Caskey, County Administrator Patrick J. Small, Assistant County Administrator Carey Mills Storm, Clerk Chairman Clark called the special meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Smithfield Station Conference Room for the purpose of conducting a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. // Supervisor Casteen delivered the invocation. // Chairman Clark addressed the sound financial condition of the County. Supervisor Bradshaw elaborated that the State is experiencing budget reductions, which, in turn, will eventually impact the County. He concurred that the County is in good financial standing, noting that funds have been set aside in the past in anticipation of leaner years ahead. He noted with respect to unfunded mandates, the County is faced with having to pick up the cost of various programs that have been mandated by the State. He further noted that the County does not have the same taxing authority as cities or towns, which puts it at a disadvantage. 1 Chairman Clark advised that the State has reduced its funding for Constitutional Offices, making it difficult on the County, as it now has to supplement certain positions within those State offices because it has become accustomed to a certain level of service. Supervisor Bradshaw remarked that the Virginia Association of Counties is actively involved legislatively and does recognize the financial burden being placed on local governments by the State. He recognized the Planning Commission members, noting that these individuals are a valuable asset to the County. // Beverly H. Walkup, Director of Planning and Zoning, distributed a handout pertaining to affordable housing. She noted that the final report of the Isle of Wight County Taskforce on Workforce Housing was accepted by the Board at its September 20, 2007 meeting with the condition that the Workforce Housing Program be voluntary as recommended by the Planning Commission. She noted that the report was a culmination of research conducted by the consulting firm of Innovative Housing Institute and members of the Isle of Wight County Task Force. She noted that the following objectives were met in the final report: The definition of workforce housing; the need for workforce housing; workforce housing prices; and, strategies to ensure workforce housing. She noted that the Task Force had met over a seven (7) month period and studied the housing needs of the County?s workforce, which included Isle of Wight County government employees; Town of Smithfield government employees; Smithfield foods employees; and, International Paper. She noted that the findings showed that the average cost of new housing in the northern end of the County ranged from $339,000 to $1,250,000 and that the median price was $539,000; that the average cost of new housing in Smithfield ranged from $292,000 to $740,000 and that the median price was $438,000; and, that the median price of new housing in the southern end of the County was $315,000. She noted that workforce housing is defined in the County as 32% of gross monthly income, minus extraordinary expenses, which are multiplied by an interest rate factor current at the time, plus a down payment and minimum closing costs to the buyer, which equals the price of the house. She remarked that everyone needs a place to live, regardless of age, job, race, disability, income or status in life. She recommended that a variety of housing types and innovative designs be developed in planned development communities to assist in achieving workforce housing goals and that the developers of residential and mixed-use projects be encouraged to include workforce housing proffers in their development proposals. She commented that increases in residential density are the economic engine that drives workforce housing, equating to zero land costs for workforce units and that creative development of clustered housing and use of smaller lot 2 sizes for homes are examples of planning tools that can lower housing costs and make efficient use of land resources. The Board concurred that it would discuss whether or not it endorses the concept of workforce housing in the County, as well as a Housing Officer position, at its upcoming Board retreat. // Ms. Walkup distributed a handout containing the proposed criteria for the house envelope concept associated with Chesapeake Bay exception cases. She advised that the concept has been forwarded to the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department for its review and that she would advise the Board accordingly when CBLAD?s comments are received by staff. Chairman Clark requested that Ms. Walkup advise the Board relative to CBLAD?s standards, which are different for the County. // Ms. Walkup distributed copies of information pertaining to the mandatory requirements of State Mandated Urban Development Areas (UDA), which were adopted by the General Assembly in 2007 and which must be approved by July 2011. // Jamie Oliver, Planning and Zoning, addressed the status of the Route 58 Master Plan. She advised that staff has developed a draft Land Use Plan similar to that adopted in the Comprehensive Plan, which includes 40-year projections for economic growth; home development in Carrsville; and, certain design guidelines. She advised that the draft Plan is currently being reviewed by staff and that she anticipates conducting a public hearing on the proposed Plan by the end of the year. Supervisor Bradshaw commented that the Board desires to have the authority to deny borrow pit applications based on the County?s inability to tax them. Interim County Attorney Burton advised that the Board has no authority under the law to levy a tax on borrow pits; however, the Board could enter into a contract with an applicant to allow the County to collect this extra fee as a part of considering the borrow pit application. Supervisor Casteen requested that all environmentally sensitive areas be listed on the Development Service District (DSD) maps. Following a brief discussion, Supervisor Bradshaw suggested that the information be shown on an overlay map to be included in the Comprehensive Plan. 3 // Chairman Clark expressed the Board?s appreciation to the members of the Planning Commission for their dedication, noting that the Board looks forward to working with them in the future. // At 9:10 p.m., Supervisor Bradshaw moved that the Board adjourn its meeting. 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