Planning Commission Minutes

April 14, 1999

AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON APRIL 14, 1999 IN COURTROOM B, THIRD FLOOR, COUNTY COURTHOUSE, CHRISTIANSBURG, VIRGINIA:

Mr. Wells, Chair, called the meeting to order and Ms. Brennan, Secretary, established the presence of a quorum.

Present: Malvin Wells, Chair

Ed Green, Vice-Chair

Kathryn Brennan, Secretary

Mary Biggs, Board of Supervisors Liaison

Richard Daub, Member

Joe Draper, Member

Don Linkous, Member

Jim Martin, Member

Joe Powers, Staff

J. Scott, Staff

Kimberly Golden, Staff

Ed Davis, Staff

Phyllis Conner, Planning Department Secretary

Absent: Ray Alcorn, Member

Michael Ewing, Member

Harry Neumann, Member

Mr. Wells opened the Public Address Session.

There being no speakers, Mr. Wells closed the Public Address.

None.

1) C.R. Duffner (Agent: Jacqueline Earnist-Watson) request to rezone 0.6267 acres; Tax Parcel No. 90-(4)-2A from A-1 (Agriculture) to GB (General Business). Property is located at 1539 Gantt Drive in the Riner Magisterial District.

2) Proposed Amendment to the Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance

Section 10-88 (a)

(34) Public libraries.

Section 10-137.

1. Public libraries.

Section 10-162.

(14) Public libraries.

Section 10-187.

(15) Public libraries.

None.

David McCrumb, Library Board Member, made a presentation on the proposed Alleghany Branch Library. He showed a video describing the key benefits, location advantages and cost analysis. Ed Davis showed a video describing the location across from the new Shawsville High School on Crozier Road. Mr. McCrumb stated that they have a lot of community support for this new library. He said their next step is the engineering of the land.

Mr. Scott stated that the current zoning ordinance permits libraries only in Planned Unit Developments. Schools and churches are permitted by right in the A-1, R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts. Since this land is zoned agricultural, Mr. Scott recommended a proposed amendment to add "public libraries" to the list of permitted uses for these districts.

Mr. Martin asked if the library could be added to the new Shawsville High School instead of building a new branch library? Mr. McCrumb stated that the proposed new library would serve the communities of Shawsville, Elliston, Lafayette, Fagg, Ironto, Mountain Top, and Den Hill. It will also contain a children's area to serve pre-school children. He said the growing area has over 8,000 residents, many of who must travel some 20 miles to visit a library. The Bookmobile is popular with residents but many want more frequent, broader library service. Also, the library could serve as a public meeting space that is a need in eastern Montgomery County. Mr. Green asked what type of literature would be placed in the library? Mr. McCrumb stated that approximately 60 percent of the materials in the branch library would be designated for adults with the remaining 40 percent for children.

Mr. Green asked how the branch library would be funded? Mr. McCrumb stated that they have $310,000.00 pledged now. The Committee is exploring additional funding options, which may include state, federal and private funding. Once a location for the library is identified, there will be a strong fundraising drive. He said the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors has expressed an interest in additional funding.

Ms. Biggs stated that she had received a call from a constituent that would like to be involved in the Comprehensive Plan revision. Since the person is from Blacksburg, he could speak at community meetings. Ms. Biggs reported on the Board of Supervisors Budget approval.

None.

Ms. Brennan reported on the Home Occupation issue that has been resolved. She stated that each applicant would have to fill out an application but there would be no fee.

None.

Mr. Daub reported that the five- year Water Agreement from RAAP for the Prices Fork area, Bellview Massie sewer extension and the Riner Water Sewage Treatment Plant were items discussed at their meeting.

Ms. Biggs reported that the Blacksburg School recommendation will be made by the School Board next Tuesday night and brought back to the Board of Supervisors.

Mr. Linkous reported on the community meeting that was held in Shawsville concerning the park and recreation area for the east portion of the county. He stated that Bobby Parker, Public Information Director,was the speaker. He and Tom Bain will tabulate the results of the meeting and survey and distribute their reports. Mr. Linkous stated that the community meeting was held in place of their regular monthly meeting.

Ed Davis gave a report on the VAPA 1999 Annual Conference he attended in Charlottesville March 29^th and 30^th. Issues of growth, preservation, environmental and regional planning were several items he addressed to the Commission.

Jeff Scott gave a report on the Federal Flood Conference that he and Kimberly Golden attended in Roanoke last week. He stated that there would be a new change. FEMA will be requesting that property owners obtain flood insurance if they are in the 100 year floodplain or even if they are outside the floodplain. This will generate additional income for losses in previous years of floods.

Kimberly Golden made a presentation on the Blacksburg, Christiansburg transportation study. She presented a map showing areas. She stated that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has hired a consultant and is doing a telephone survey. They will analyze the information this summer and by July will have a list of recommendations to present to each jurisdiction. By the year 2001, each jurisdiction should adopt the recommendation that applies to them.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.