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Planning Commission

Minutes, 19 December 2001

AT A MEETING OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 19, 2001 IN THE BOARDROOM (#327), COURTHOUSE, CHRISTIANSBURG, VIRGINIA:

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Linkous, Vice-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
James Martin, Member
Malvin Wells, Member
Michael Ewing, Member
Steve Howard, Member
Ray Alcorn, Member
John Muffo, Board of Supervisors Liaison
Joe Powers, Planning Director
Steve Sandy, Zoning Administrator
Meghan Dorsett, Planner
Kelly Boyers, Planner
Marty McMahon, County Attorney
Bobby Parker, Public Information Director
Mike Morris, Parks & Recreation Director
Brea Hopkins, Senior Program Assistant

PUBLIC ADDRESS:

Mr. Wallace G. Scott, 110 Franklin Park stated he was a member of the Round Meadow Golf Club. He is concerned regarding the amount the county is paying for the Club and its assets. The land alone is worth approximately $3million. The county is not going to pay that much and if it is where will the money come from? He stated he was a stockholder in the company and wanted to be paid what the club is worth.

PUBLIC HEARING:

2232 Review County Purchase of Golf Course, Pool, Tennis Courts, Club House and other Associated Facilities

Mr. McMahon stated the county is still negotiating with Round Meadow Country Club to obtain its assets, which include; 119 acres, pool, golf course, clubhouse and tennis courts. The purchase price will be for the total of the current liabilities plus the par value of stock. The amount will be paid to the Corporation and they will allocate the payments to individual stockholders. The club should be self-sufficient when figured by the county and all proceeds will go into the facility.

Mr. Morris stated the facility would be a public facility and is desperately needed in the county. There would be an enterprise fund established and should be entirely self-sufficient.

Mr. McMahon stated the land-use and comprehensive plan were the two items the commission would need to approve. The Board of Supervisors would be looking at the financial aspect.

Mr. Morris stated the countys current pool facility was over capacity, creating the need for another pool. The County is in desperate need of recreation facilities and public golf is very popular. It is estimated that at the present 10,000 annual rounds of golf are being played at Round Meadow. Once the course is open to public it is estimated that usage will increase to 17, 500 annual rounds.

Mr. Parker presented a video of the property and facilities.

Mr. Neumann opened the public hearing.

Mr. Wallace Scott spoke again stating if the club was a public course, it should be open to residents outside the county due to the recent merger of Roanoke and Blue Hills Country Club. He noted a concern of availability if tee times were reserved.

Mr. Joe Draper, 2341 Lucky Lane stated there was not a demonstrated need for another golf course in the area. The Rivercourse and Auburn Hills were only at 50% capacity and Draper Meadow is at 80% capacity. If the facility is worth $3million the County should not be allowed to acquire for less than $1million. He was concerned there was not a public hearing scheduled by the Board of Supervisors to receive public input.

Mr. Larry Martin, 2850 Roanoke Street stated he was concerned there had not been enough information given to the public regarding the transaction. He stated every taxpayer should not have to pay for a recreation facility they are not using.

There being no further comments the public hearing was closed.

Mr. Alcorn confirmed the facility was in a Rural/Agriculture designation in the Comprehensive Plan, which allowed low intensity development. The park being opened to the public would provide a larger intensity of traffic, parking and environmental concerns. Mr. Morris confirmed there had not been any studies as to the increased traffic, water and sewer capabilities, and increased storm detention.

On motion by Ray Alcorn, seconded by Charlie Elgin and carried by a vote of 10-0 the 2232 Review County Purchase of golf Course, Pool, Tennis Courts, Club House and other Associated Facilities was tabled until additional information regarding traffic impact, water and sewer capabilities, environmental concerns and parking could be obtained.

The Commission members noted it was a great use, location and a definite need for the county, but more information would be needed before the 2232 Review could be approved.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

Mr. Powers stated the Linkous SUP and Hall SUP requests would need to be added to old business. The White Subdivision under new business would not be discussed; however the nominating committee would need to give their report. He also noted the Consent Agenda had been revised.

On motion by Malvin Wells, seconded by Ray Alcorn and unanimously carried, the agenda was approved as amended.

REPORT OF SECRETARY:

Mr. Elgin reported there would be a Certified Planning course offered on March 4-5th in Richmond and May 16-17th in Charlottesville.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Mr. Powers stated the Geneva Thornhill, Comprehensive Plan amendment had been removed from the agenda.

On motion by Malvin Wells, seconded by Ray Alcorn and unanimously carried, the Consent Agenda was approved for the following:

Minutes of November 14, 2001 and scheduling of the following:

1. Gary L. & Maxine L. Morris request a Special Use Permit, with possible conditions, in Agricultural (A-1) on a 1.957 acre tract to allow a private garage in excess of 850 square feet and sixteen (16) feet in height. The property is located at 3750 Surface Road and is identified as Tax Parcel No. 119A-8-7 (Account ID #034884) in the Riner Magisterial District. The property lies in an area designated as Rural Expansion Area in the Comprehensive Plan.

2. Maddy Realty LLC (Agent: W.H. Maddy Jr.) requests to rezone 21.62 acres from Agriculture (A-1) to Rural Residential (R-R) with possible proffered conditions, to allow the subdivision of property into 13 lots. The property is located on Fairview Church Road and is identified as Tax Parcel Nos. 127-A-23 (Acct ID #00729) in the Riner Magisterial District. The property currently lies in an area designated as Agriculture/Rural in the Comprehensive Plan.

3. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (Agent: Robert B. Manetta, Esquire) requests to rezone approximately 120 acres from Residential (R-2) to Planned Unit Development- Commercial (PUD-COM) with possible proffered conditions, to continued use as a hospital and future health related development. The property is located at 2900 Lamb Circle and is identified as Tax Parcel No. 104-A-26 (Acct ID #009207) in the Riner Magisterial District. The property currently lies in an area designated as Planned Commercial in the Comprehensive Plan.

4. Sarah M. Wall, Life Estate (Agent: Mac Wall) request a Special Use Permit, with possible conditions, in Agricultural (A-1) on a 19.72 acre tract to allow a creamery. The property is located at the South-east intersection of Prices Fork Road and Merrimac Road and is identified as Tax Parcel No. 52-A-137,138 (Account ID #020273) in the Prices Fork Magisterial District. The property lies in an area designated as Agriculture in the Comprehensive Plan.

OLD BUSINESS:

North Fork-Catawba Corridor Project (TEA-21)

Mr. Powers stated a resolution of support was needed for the North Fork-Catawba project.

On a motion by Ray Alcorn, seconded by Kitty Brennan and unanimously carried on a 10-0 vote the Planning Commission approved the following resolution of support for the North Fork-Catawba Corridor Project (TEA-21).

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS TO PURCHASE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS IN THE NORTH FORK-CATAWBA VALLEY

WHEREAS, The Virginia Transportation Enhancement Program provides funding to assist in undertaking unique and creative actions to integrate transportation into our communities and environment while making it more aesthetically pleasing and providing a quality of life benefit; and

WHEREAS, The Catawba Road (State Route 785) in Montgomery County from Lusters Gate to and beyond the Roanoke County line has been recognized as

  • Agricultural and Forest District
  • Virginia Scenic Byway
  • US Bicycle Route 76
  • North Fork Valley Rural Historic District; and

WHEREAS, the proposed project will preserve the Catawba Valley Road and the surrounding landscapes by maintaining the rural character that was characteristic of roads in southwestern Virginia via the purchase of development rights from willing seller on properties whose protection will have the greatest impact at the least cost; and

WHEREAS, Montgomery County has met all the federally-mandated citizen participation requirements by holding a hearing on December 17, 2001 and it was announced via advertisement in two local papers at least seven days in advance; and

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission of Montgomery County, Virginia does hereby support an application requesting $800,000 in Transportation Enhancement funds from Virginia Department of Transportation. The project has a total estimated cost of $1,000,000, of which 20% or $200,000 will be provided by the donation of land and interest in land to the project. If funding is granted, the project may last up to four years after the agreement is signed due to project phasing.

C.B. Linkous Special Use Permit Request

Mr. Powers stated the Linkous property had been researched; however, there was not any clear evidence as to when the business started. The SUP, if granted, would allow the use currently and solve the issue.

Ms. Dorsett presented a draft site plan and revised staff analysis to the Commission. She had confirmed with the applicant that the conditions would address the concerns and be acceptable. A privacy fence along the Sheppard property line would be installed and the natural barrier along the Sexton and Keaton properties would remain. A 6-8 foot barrier would be constructed for storage of inoperable vehicles and parts. The sand truck would be removed when the building was constructed along with the two school buses used for storage.

Mr. Alcorn confirmed with the applicant and Mr. Powers the existing sheds belonged to Ms. Linkous.

On a motion by Ray Alcorn, seconded by Steve Howard and unanimously carried on a 10-0 vote, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the CB Linkous (Agent: Greg Linkous) Special Use Permit request in Agriculture (A-1) on a 4.3 acre tract, with the following conditions, for a contractor's equipment storage yard. The property is located at 333 Merrimac Road in the Prices Fork Magisterial District and is identified as on Tax Parcel No. 67-A-222A (Account ID #036257). The property lies in an area designated Urban Expansion Area in the Comprehensive Plan.

      1. The owner will construct an 8 privacy fence adjacent to the proposed equipment building and surrounding an area large enough to accommodate the storage of all inoperable vehicles awaiting repair, equipment parts, and smaller, non-vehicular, paving equipment.
      2. The property will contain no more than thirty (30) vehicles or pieces of heavy equipment related to the contracting and paving business at any one time. All vehicles and equipment will be maintained in good working condition. Equipment, which can be licensed and tagged (gravel trucks, etc), or heavy equipment (back hoes, scrapers, rollers) in good working order can be stored outside of a fenced contractors yard, at least three hundred and fifty (350) feet from the right of way of Merrimac Road and no closer than ten (10) feet from the side and rear property lines. All other equipment, materials, supplies, and inoperable vehicles must be stored within the fenced area. In addition, the owner may construct a pole barn adjacent to one side of the fenced area or to the side of the equipment shed to facilitate the storage of materials, which may be effected by the weather.
      3. No for-hire repair work will occur on site.
      4. There will be no storage of fuel on site.
      5. Any lighting installed on site will be dusk to dawn, "full cut-off" type fixtures to avoid glare onto adjacent properties.
      6. In addition to the fenced storage yard, the owner will plant evergreens along the rear edge of the graded portion of the property and intermittently along the northern edge of the property, extending from the end of the Sheppard Property to the rear property line in order to augment existing screening. Finally, the owner will construct a 175 long, 6 privacy fence, extending from the two evergreens adjacent to the paved parking area to 10 feet beyond the rear corner of the last trailer in Sheppards Mobile Home Park. Given the close proximity of the manufactured homes to the property line (varying between 2 and 4.5), the fence will limit the view of the forward portion of the contractors yard and will limit access to the Linkous property from the Sheppard property. Screening on the southern portion of the property is sufficient and does not appear to need additional work.
      7. The building size shall be limited to no more than 2,800 square feet and the height shall not exceed 20 feet. In addition, if needed, the owner may construct either an open-sided attached storage shed or pole barn adjacent to either the fence or to the equipment repair structure, not to exceed a total of 1000 square feet in order to replace the existing bus storage facilities.
      8. 8. Given the residential character of the area, onsite work shall be limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 8 p.m., unless otherwise required for emergency uses such as snow removal.
      9. 9. The two buses and the sand storage unit must be removed from the property within sixty (60) days of the final inspection for the equipment repair building. All other inoperable vehicles and equipment must be stored within the fenced area adjacent to the equipment repair building.
      10. 10. All work specified in this document must be completed within sixty (60) days after the final inspection for the equipment repair building. Failure to comply with all conditions of this Special Use Permit after due notice from Zoning Administrator shall result in revocation of permit from Board of Supervisors.

Calvin G. Hall Special Use Permit Request

Mr. Sandy stated a violation notice had been sent to Calvin Glenn Hall and the applicant had contacted the office. Mr. Hall had explained he was planning on putting all the inoperable vehicles and other items in the building after it was constructed. Mr. Sandy stated he could bring conditions to the next meeting , which would include a time limit on the removal of the items after the building was completed.

It was the consensus of the Commission that this would be acceptable.

NEW BUSINESS:

Planning & Inspections Proposed Budget FY 02-03

Mr. Sandy reviewed the current proposed budget for the planning and inspections department. Addendums were being requested for:

  • Code Compliance Technician (new position)
  • Funding for training and certification
  • WebGIS maintenance fees
  • Four-wheel drive vehicle (new vehicle)

He also presented a revised proposal for adjustment to the fees being charged.

On a motion by Ray Alcorn, seconded by Don Linkous and unanimously carried on a 10-0 vote the Planning Commission supported the revised fee schedule and proposed budget with the condition additional staff members will be provided if the fee schedule is revised.

The Commission members expressed their appreciation of the staff and their efforts.

Mr. Muffo stated the comments and recommendations of the Planning Commission are very helpful and appreciated by the Board of Supervisors.

Elections of Officers Nominating Committee:

Mr. Wells gave the report of the Nominating Committee. The report was accepted and nominations closed.

On motion by Ray Alcorn, seconded by Steve Howard and unanimously carried, the following officers were elected by acclamation for 2002

  • Harry Neumann, Chair
  • Don Linkous, Vice-Chair
  • Charlie Elgin, Secretary

LIAISON REPORT:

Economic Development Committee:

Mr. Alcorn reported the committee toured the Smart Road and there was a new website for information regarding the project. Tours are available to the public.

Board of Supervisors:

Mr. Muffo stated the Virginia Vaughn request was denied. The withdrawal was not accepted so the application could not be resubmitted for one year. Blacksburg and Montgomery County were working on an agreement for back-up water system so the 40 year loan could be approved for the PSA.

Blacksburg Planning Commission:

Mr. Neumann reported the Blacksburg Planning Commission made revisions to their Bike Plan and held two public hearings regarding a Special Use Permit and amendment to permitted use. The Long-Range Committee did not meet.

Christiansburg Planning Commission:

Mr. Elgin reported the Christiansburg Planning Commission discussed greenspace revisions and prohibiting manufactured homes built before 1973. At the meeting on the 17th the Commission discussed a CUP amendment and tabled the greenspace revisions

Public Service Authority:

Mr. Daub reported the PSA discussed the financial statement.

Parks & Recreation:

Mr. Linkous stated the committee discussed the Round Meadow Golf Course and plans to develop a 10-year plan of action.

Coal Mining Heritage Park:

Ms. Brennan was unable to attend. Ms. Dorsett reported the work program and the annual report were discussed.

Mr. Powers clarified the site visit would be held on Wednesday January 2, 2002.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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