Loading...
01-10-2022 Retreat RETREAT OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HELD AT THE HAYDEN VILLAGE CENTER LOCATED AT 680 OAK STREET, FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA ON MONDAY, THE TENTH DAY OF JANUARY IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-TWO PRESENT: Rudolph Jefferson, Hardy District, Chairman William M. McCarty, Newport District, Vice-Chairman Richard L. Grice, Smithfield District Don G. Rosie, II, Carrsville District Joel C. Acree, Windsor District ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Robert W. Jones, Jr., County Attorney Randy R. Keaton, County Administrator Donald T. Robertson, Assistant County Administrator Don Jennings, Director of Utility Services Tony Wilson, Director of Public Works Jamie Oliver, Transportation Planner Amy Ring, Director of Community Development Chris Morello, Director of Economic Development Carey Mills Storm, Clerk CALL TO ORDER Chairman Jefferson called the retreat to order at 9:00 a.m. and welcomed all present. A tour of the Hayden Village facility was provided by Crystal Bynum. During the tour, Ms. Bynum responded to questions related to how someone might go about leasing an apartment at this facility; if the apartments are currently fully rented; and the amount of rent charged. Assistant County Administrator Robertson briefed the Board regarding two recent tours that he, the Director of Parks and Recreation and the County Administrator had taken of similar senior center facilities in North Carolina, one in Currituck County and one in Elizabeth City. He provided an overview of the spaces and educational and recreational programs offered to seniors at the Currituck County facility which is attached to a YMCA. He noted that the Currituck County and Elizabeth City facilities are different from each other in that the Currituck facility appears to be more like the Hayden Village facility in terms of programing while the facility in Elizabeth City had more in terms of recreational programs. 1 Turning the discussion to what the Board envisions for County seniors, he noted that the senior center at Nike Park does not compare to either one of those facilities and consists of two moderately sized rooms. He suggested that Westside Elementary School could be a great venue for senior educational and recreational programs during weekdays and other types of programs at night and on weekends. Supervisor McCarty expressed his thought that Westside Elementary School could be utilized as a dual or multi-use facility with workforce housing on one side and senior housing/programming on the other. Supervisor Rosie noted that there is not a lot of affordable housing being proposed by the private industry. Mr. Robertson advised that the Board needs to anticipate people coming from outside the County once they know there is an opening. He stated the Board needs to be prepared to decide about who gets that space. Supervisor Grice stated Westside Elementary School is marketable and offers many opportunities. He stated the Board must first decide if it wants to do something with the facility or sell it. He stated the Board needs a plan and does not want to keep it and watch it deteriorate. Supervisor McCarty endorsed the County keeping the building because to replace it or build a new facility would cost a lot more. He asked Mr. Morello if there are any developers that might be interested in renovating Westside Elementary School into a new use. Mr. Morello offered to research and report back to the Board. Supervisor Rosie suggested input be solicited from other localities that have renovated such facilities in the past. Supervisor Grice stated that the Board could, later in the meeting under the brainstorming portion of the agenda, appoint a task force charged with developing ideas. County Attorney Jones advised the Board that Westside Elementary School is owned by the School Board, and it is not until the School Board decides it is no longer using it that it comes back to the County. Following a break, the Board received an update from staff on existing capital projects within their respective departments, as follows: Chris Morello, Director of Economic Development, provided an update on infrastructure improvements at the Shirley T. Holland Commerce Park. Assistant County Administrator Robertson, on behalf of David Smith, the Director of Parks & Recreation, provided an update on the following: 2 • �. Bradby Park - plans need to be developed to allow for the clearing of trees in the spring. Heritage Park Bleachers - are in place and ready for the rodeo. Jones Creek Dock Work— needs to be performed. District Meetings - staff will be holding meetings at each of the districts to obtain a sense of what types of things they would like to see relative to parks and recreation. Nike Park Pavement - ongoing and the equipment at the playground will be upgraded. There are tennis court restoration projects at Nike Park and the Smithfield Library. Pat Humphries, Chief of Emergency Services, addressed public safety capital improvement needs within that Department. Supervisor Acree requested a list of the equipment the County has now, to include the year, model and mileage on vehicles. The Board took a lunch break. Don Jennings, Director of Public Utilities, provided an update on the following: Water/Sewer Utilities Master Planning Stormwater Master Roadway Master Plan/Design Roadway Construction Benns Grant Water Tank Lawnes Point Water Extension to Rushmere Shores Route 10 Water Line Extension Windsor Sewer Project Tony Wilson, Director of Public Works, updated the board on the following projects: Paul D. Camp Community College Smithfield Library Windsor Library Central Permitting Renovation Wrenn's Mill Refuse and Recycling Nike Park Shop Old Clerk's Office Attic Space Asbestos 3 Heritage Park Improvements // Jamie Oliver, Transportation Planner, provided updates on the following: Nike Park Trail Smithfield Sidewalk Turner Drive Center Turn Lane Steve Zollos, Executive Director, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, briefed the Board regarding services offered to seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities by that organization. He turned the discussion over to the financing of the Hayden Village Center facility and offered his assistance if the decision is made to repurpose the Westside Elementary School. Under future work session items, the Board discussed the following: Commission on Aging—Social Events Senior Services and Needs Task Force with Mission Statement and Target Date Two Branches of the Commission on Aging What senior programs currently exist? Report from Special Needs Task Force . Needs and Services Task Force What services for the special needs' population are offered by existing agencies? What are the County's most pressing needs? Narrow Scope of Current Commission on Aging to Activities Workforce Retention Incentives/Quality Clothing Stores, Retail Lumber Sales Town Hall Work Sessions Private-sector Insights on Development Survey Needs of the County Solar—Work with Farmers Job Retention/Regeneration Public Input (Town Hall Meeting) By District with Information Specific to that Community District 2 (February) District 4 (March/April) District 1 (May/June) Zoning Regulations (Examine) too onerous/too lax? Citizens Portal (customized) Similar to "My Chart" at Doctor's Office Staff Survey - Needs/etc. 4 At 4:00 p.m., Chairman Jefferson declared the retreat adjourned. Agieg POMP e,13,40/1165/151111. Rudolph Jefferson, Chairman Carey Mills Storm, Clerk 5