Planning Commission

18 July 2001

Planning Commission Minutes for 18 July 2001

Exceptional Waters: Bottom Creek

VDOT Transportation Study: Merrimac Rd, Rt. 8 (Riner Rd), and Parkway Dr. Extension

AT A MEETING OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION ON JULY 18, 2001 IN THE BOARDROOM (#327), COURTHOUSE, CHRISTIANSBURG, VIRGINIA:

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Neumann, Chair, called the meeting to order and Mr. Elgin established the presence of a quorum.

Present:Harry Neumann, Chair

Don Linkous, Vice-Chair

Charlie Elgin, Secretary

Kathryn Brennan, Member

Richard Daub, Member

Michael Ewing, Member

James Martin, Member

Malvin Wells, Member

Steve Howard, Member

John Muffo, Board of Supervisors Liaison

Joe Powers, Planning Director

Steve Sandy, Zoning Administrator

Kelly Boyers, Planner

Absent:Ray Alcorn, Member

PUBLIC ADDRESS:

Mr. Powers showed the location of Bottom Creek on a map and introduced Mr. Bill Tanger, Chairman of Friends of the Rivers of Virginia.

Mr. Tanger provided a general knowledge of the process for accepting nominations for Tier III waters. The tier program is part of the clean water act. Tier I is everyday common water used for pollution dilution, sewage treatment, etc. Tier II is higher quality water used for fishing, recreation, etc. Tier III is a small percent of water in the state with the best water in the state and country. The general purpose of the exceptional waters program is to preserve quality to create a benchmark in the future. Bottom Creek was one of the six accepted nominations out of thirty (30) received. The following reasons Bottom Creek should be designated an Exceptional Water are:

1. To protect the home of 19 species of fish. One-tenth (1/10) of all species in the state of Virginia.

2. Scenic beauty.

3. To protect the home of five (5) rare species.

4. The creek provides the quality of water for endangered species downstream.

5. Virginia's second highest waterfall is on Bottom Creek.

6. Excellent recreation area.

7. Headwaters for Roanoke River; which has more endemic fish than any other river entering the Atlantic Ocean.

8. Virtually unmarred, prestine quality and in excellent condition.

The following are impacts of the designation:

1. No discharge from septics or sewer plant to stream.

2. More tourism.

3. Better water quality, including downstream waters.

4. Benchmark for research.

5. Recreation.

Tier III waters must meet a certain quality of water, have exceptional environment, and be a good recreational area. Bottom Creek meets all three criteria.

Ms. Brennan questioned who the designating body would be. Mr. Tanger responded the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) would nominate if acceptable and then it would be accepted as Exceptional Water.

Mr. Wells confirmed the designation was for the section of the creek extending from Roanoke County to Goose Creek.

Mr. Ben Kuennecke, Jewel Drive resident was concerned in regards to the impacts. He stated he and other neighbors frequently had to drive across the creek for access to their property. Mr. Tanger was unable to answer the specific impacts that would be imposed; however, he will contact DEQ and report back.

Mr. Kuennecke questioned why only one section would be designated. He was concerned if only a section was designated it would not be effective in protecting the waters. He noted the tributaries could bring in pollution as well. Mr. Tanger explained that this section currently has support of the neighbors. Possibly in the future others will be added, but the bigger the area the more complications involved in getting it approved. Nominations are a political decision.

Mr. Powers questioned the impact on residential development in the designation area. Mr. Tanger stated private septics could still be placed on property; however, a treatment plant could not be developed.

Mr. Sandy asked Mr. Tanger to find out if cattle and sewer lines going across the creek would be impacted.

Mr. Wells and Mr. Neumann noted their concern regarding the vagueness of the DEQ letter in regards to impact. Mr. Tanger stated he would try to get specific information, all nominations accepted in the past had been in national forests so he was unaware of the type of impacts. Several nominations were denied in the past because of underground tanks, lumber treatment facility, etc.

Mr. Elgin questioned the possibility of a dam at South Fork and its effects on Bottom Creek. Mr. Tanger stated there was enough drop in flow at Goose Creek the water should not be greatly effected. It is doubtful a dam will be allowed in that area because of the inability to meet regulations and the endangered Roanoke Log Perch in the Roanoke River.

Mr. stated the Roanoke County Planning Commission supported the designation because their Comprehensive Plan called for Rural Preservation in this area.

It was the consensus of the Commission to make a decision in August after more information regarding impacts on the area was released. A letter will be sent before July 31, 2001 to DEQ stating the designation will be discussed further at the August meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING:

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

On motion by Kitty Brennan, seconded by Malvin Wells and unanimously carried (Alcorn absent), the agenda was approved.

REPORT OF SECRETARY:

None.

CONSENT AGENDA:

On motion by Malvin Wells, seconded by Don Linkous and unanimously carried (Alcorn absent), the Consent Agenda was approved for the following:

Minutes of June 13, 2001, Minutes of June 20, 2001 and scheduling of August 8, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. public hearing for:

1. Noah C. Hale requests a Special Use Permit, with possible conditions, in Agricultural (A-1) on a 22.205 acre tract to allow an automotive repair shop. The property is located at 3655 North Fork Road and is identified as Tax Parcel No. 58-A-2A4 (Account ID #023650) in the Mt. Tabor Magisterial District. The property lies in an area designated as Rural in the Comprehensive Plan.

2. Yvonne L. Price, c/o Tena Price (Agent: Sharon C. Karr) request to rezone approximately 2.0 acres from Agriculture (A-1) to Residential (R-3), with possible proffered conditions, and a Special Use Permit to allow placement of a manufactured home. Property is located at 1239 Oilwell Road and is identified as Tax Parcel No. 66-A-112 (Account ID #015265) in the Prices Fork Magisterial District. The property lies in an area designated as Urban Expansion in the Comprehensive Plan.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mr. Powers presented a current copy of the VDoT Transportation Study. He stated the staff would like the Commission to recommend to VDoT the following changes:

Interim Year (2010)- Add Merrimac Road improvements (for entire length)

Future Year (2020)- Move the following to the Short Term 2010 Projects

Parkway Dr Extension (at least to South Franklin Street)

Route 8 improvements (from Riner to Christiansburg)

Mr. Powers noted that the actual work was restricted by the funds available, but by including the roads in the 2010 plan they would have priority and could be worked into the comprehensive plan.

On motion by Charlie Elgin, seconded by Steve Howard and unanimously carried (Alcorn absent), the following changes to the Transportation Plan were recommended:

Interim Year (2010)- Add the following

1. Merrimac Road- Improve roadway and add bicycle facilities along 3+ miles of roadway between North Franklin Street and Southgate Drive Extension.

2. Parkway Drive Extension- Extend west to South Franklin Street.

3. Route 8- Widen 5.0 miles to four lanes between the Town of Riner and Christiansburg, upgrade to the Town of Riner current standards and add bicycle facilities along this length.

NEW BUSINESS:

LIAISON REPORT:

Board of Supervisors:

Mr. Muffo reported the townhouse rezoning next to Laurel Creek Nursery had been tabled until an entrance permit was issued; however, the Board would have liked information from the school, but it was never received. Mr. Powers, Mr. Sandy and Mr. Muffo discussed the possibility of sending notices to the schools when a major development is proposed, due to some schools being overcrowded.

Public Service Authority:

Mr. Daub reported that at the meeting on July 2, 2001 three (3) items were discussed. The finance statement was accepted. There were comments and discussion regarding the Prices Fork water and it was decided to pursue an agreement with the Radford Arsenal and Alliance Technologies. It was also approved that the domestic waste of private haulers would be accepted by Peppers Ferry Regional Treatment Plant at the usual rate.

Blacksburg Planning Commission:

Mr. Neumann reported the following:

On June 28, 2001 the Long Range Planning Committee reviewed the Comprehensive Plan and made minor revisions before recommending the Planning Commission schedule a public hearing.

On July 3, 2001 the Planning Commission heard three cases. Hunters Crossing rezoning to Multi Family Residential was approved by a split vote; however, Town Council tabled the request until the new comprehensive plan is adopted. A SUP was approved on Walsh Street. The new plan for the Maple Ridge Subdivision was approved as R-2. Mr. Powers noted the that a rezoning request would be submitted to the County within the next month. The Blacksburg Planning Commission had requested a joint public hearing on September 4^th to hear the request with the County Planning Commission. Members felt that this would be a good idea.

On July 12, 2001 the Long Range Planning Committee met regarding cluster development and how to administer it in the Town. It was determined the item would need to be researched and discussed in further detail in the future.

Christiansburg Planning Commission:

Mr. Elgin reported that on July 2, 2001 the Christiansburg Planning Commission heard a request to rezone a section of Merrimac Road to business in order to allow a Auto Repair Shop underneath an existing business. The public hearing was rescheduled until a full board could be present. Due to the inability to attend the rescheduled hearing the outcome of the request is unknown.

Economic Development Commission:

No report

School Board:

No report. Ms. Brennan withdrew as liaison to the School Board. Mr. Neumann asked for volunteers to fill the vacancy; however, there were no offers. It was discussed whether there needed to be a liaison since most school board business did not affect the Planning Commission.

Coal Mining Heritage Park Advisory Committee:

Ms. Brennan reported there was a picnic meeting and they had discussed the construction of the new link trail.

Parks & Recreation:

No report

Planning Director's Report:

Mr. Powers stated the Board of Supervisors was looking at sending revisions to the private road section of the ordinance amendments back to the Planning Commission. The telecommunication contract has been finalized and the company has begun work. The comprehensive plan contract is being finalized; however, staff is waiting on the budget figures from the previous fiscal year.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.