HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-12-14December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 1)
000274
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County,
Virginia, was held on December 14, 1994, at 7:00 P.M., Room 7, County Office
Building, McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia.
PRESENT: Mr. David P. Bowerman, Mrs. Charlotte Y. Humphris, Messrs.
Forrest R. Marshall, Jr., Charles S. Martin, Walter F. Perkins and Mrs.
Sally H. Thomas.
ABSENT: None.
OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Robert W. Tucker, Jr., County
Attorney, Larry W. Davis, and County Planner, V. Wayne Cilimberg.
Agenda Item No. 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:01 P.M., by the
Chairman, Mr. Walter F. Perkins.
Agenda Item No. 2. Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda'Item No. 3. Moment of Silence.
Agenda Item No. 4. Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from the
Public. There was no one to speak.
Agenda Item No. 5. Consent Agenda. Motion was offered by Mrs. Thomas,
seconded by Mr. Bowerman, to approve Items 5.la, 5.lb, 5.1c, 5.1d and to
accept the remaining items on the consent agenda as information. Roll was
called, and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshallt Martin
and Perkins.
NAYS: None.
Item 5.la. Appropriation: Metropolitan Planning Organization Grant -
$84,590 (Form #940038). It was noted in the staff's report that the 1994-95
Unified Planning Work Program was prepared by the Thomas Jefferson Planning
District Commission for the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning
OrganizatiOn. The program includes transportation studies and on-going
planning activities, including a Transportation Improvement Program which
lists road and transit improvements for the upcoming three years, and the
twenty-year Charlottesville Area Transportation Study (CATS) updated every
five years. Other activities address traffic congestion reduction, city-
county bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and public-private transit
developments. The work to be performed by the County of Albemarle will be
funded by a $67,672 Federal Grant, a $8459 State Grant, and a $8459 transfer
from the Planning Department's approved budget.
The following resolution of appropriation was adopted by the vote set
out above:
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEAR: 1994-95
NUMBER: 940038
FUND: GRANT
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
GRANT FOR FY 1994-95
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
1120881301110000 SALARIES-REGULAR
1120881301601700 COPY SUPPLIES
1120881302110000 SALARIES-REGULAR
1120881302601700 COPY SUPPLIES
1120881303310000 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
1120881304310000 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
1120881308110000 SALARIES-REGULAR
1120881308601700 COPY SUPPLIES
TOTAL
AMOUNT
$3,950.00
50.00
38~000.00
90.00
20,000.00
20,000.00
2,475.00
25.00
$84~590.00
REVENUE DESCRIPTION
2120824000240500 GRANT REVENUE-STATE
2120833000330001 GRANT REVENUE-FEDERAL
2120851000512004 TRANSFER FROM GENERAL FUND
TOTAL
AMOUNT
$8t459.00
67~672o00
8,459.00
$84,590.00
Item 5.lb. Appropriation: Greenwood Community Center Roof Project -
$2361 (Form #940039). It was noted that the Greenwood Community Center roof
project and the Beaver Creek Park parking improvement projects are both funded
in the FY 1994-95 Capital Improvement Program. Bids were recently received
and opened for installing a new roof on the Greenwood Community Center. The
low bid was $17,361. In the 1994-95 Capital Improvement Program, there is
$15,000 appropriated for the project leaving a balance of $2361. The Beaver
Creek parking improvement project is running well within budget and is
anticipated to have a surplus at its completion. The Director of Parks has
....... · 000275
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night' Meeting)
(Page 2) ~
requested that the $2361 sh°r~ ~_~ran~ferred from the BeaVer Creek project
to the Greenwood Communi~ ~'~'~%~ ~hd S~aff concurs.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution of appro-
priation was adopted:
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEAR: 1994-95
NUMBER: 940039
FUND: CAPITAL
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: TRANSFER OF FUNDING FROM BEAVER CREEK
PARK PROJECT TO GREENWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
1900071000950047 BEAVER CREEK PARK
1900071000950027 GREENWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
TOTAL
AMOUNT
($2,361.00)
2,361.00
$0.00
REVENUE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
TOTAL $0.00
Item 5.1c. Appropriation: Crozet Elementary School - $2000 (Form
#940040)° It was noted that the Crozet Elementary School received a donation
in the amount of $2000.00 from the Crozet PTO. The money is designated for
the installation of acoustical panels to aid in reducing the noise level in
the cafeteria area. At its meeting on November 28, 1994, the School Board
approved the appropriation of the $2000.00 donation.
Mrs. Thomas said the Crozet PTO certainly deserves a word of thanks for
this donation. She knows that it took a lot of effort on their part.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution of appro-
priation was adopted~
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEAR: 1994-95
NUMBER: 940040
FUND: SCHOOL
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: DONATION FROM CROZET PTO FOR
INSTALLATION OF ACOUSTICAL PANELS IN THE CAFETERIA
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
1220361101800200 FURNITURE/FIXTURES-NEW
TOTAL
AMOUNT
$2,000.00
$2,000.00
REVENUE
2200018100181135
DONATION
DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
$2,000.00
TOTAL $2~000.00
Item 5.1d. Appropriation: State Technology Grant - $54,765 (Form
#940041). It was noted that the General Assembly provided funding to all
school divisions in the State through the State Technology Grant to support
the purchase of instructional technology hardware and software items. The
grant for the current fiscal year is aimed specifically at high schools and
requires that these monies be matched based on the division's composite index.
The required $30,536 in matching funds has already been allocated for funding
for instructional technology in the Capital Improvement Program budget. At
its meeting on September 28, 1994, the School Board approved the appropriation
of this grant.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution of appro-
priation was adopted~
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEAR: 1994-95
NUMBER: 940041
FUND: CAPITAL
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: TECHNOLOGY GRANT FOR HIGH SCHOOLS TO BE
MATCHED WITH EXISTING LOCAL APPROPRIATION IN CAPITAL FUND
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
1900064010800700 DATA PROCESSING EQUIP-NEW
1900064010800710 DATA PROCESSING SOFTWARE
TOTAL
AMOUNT
$49~208.00
5,557.00
$54~765.00
REVENUE
2900024000240275
DESCRIPTION
TECHNOLOGY GRANT
TOTAL
AMOUNT
$54,765.00
$54,765.00
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 3)
Item 5.2 Letter ~'~ ~ ~ ....... ~'~'?-'"~-~ ~-~
· da~ DeCember. 2, 1994, from Mr. James S. Givens,
State Secondary Roads Engineer, Department of Transportation, indicating that
roads in Highlands at Mechums River, Section lB, were accepted into the State
Secondary System, effective December 2, 1994, as follows:
"Pursuant to authority delegated by the Commissioner, the follow-
ing additions to the secondary system of state highways, as
requested by your resolution of September 7, 1994, are approved
effective December 2, 1994.
ADDITIONS LENGTH
HIGHLANDS AT MECHUMS RIVER, SECTION lB
Route 1241 (Mechums River Road) - From Route 1240 to
0.20 mile Southwest Route 1240
Route 1242 (Cedarbrook Court) - From Route 1241 to
0.07 mile Northwest Route 1241
0.20 Mi
0.07 Mi"
(Mrs. Thomas noted that every time miles are added to the secondary
system, it also adds to the maintenance expenses for the region.)
Item 5.3. Letter dated December 5, 1994, from Mr. James S. Givens,
State Secondary Roads Engineer, Department of Transportation, indicating that
Springwood Drive in Springwood Subdivision was accepted into the State
Secondary System, effective December 5, 1994, as follows:
"Pursuant to authority delegated by the Commissioner, the follow-
ing addition to the secondary system of state highways, as re-
quested by your resolution of October 6, 1993, is approved effec-
tive December 5, 1994.
ADDITION LENGTH
SPRINGWOOD
Route 1237 (Springwood Drive) - From Route 609 to
0.23 mile Southwest Route 609
0.23 Mi"
Item 5.4. Letter dated December 5, 1994, from Mr. James S. Givens,
State Secondary Roads Engineer, Department of Transportation, indicating that
roads in Langford Subdivision were accepted into the State Secondary System,
effective December 5, 1994, as follows:
"Pursuant to authority delegated by the Commissioner, the follow-
ing additions to the secondary system of state highways, as
requested by your resolution of October 6, 1993, are approved
effective December 5, 1994.
ADDITIONS LENGTH
LANGFORD
Route 1632 (Pippin Lane) - From Route 1630 to 0.09 mile
South Route 1630
0.09 Mi
Route 1633 (Montgomery Lane) - From Route 1630 to 0.21 mile
South Route 1630 0.21 Mi"
Item 5.5. Letter dated December 6, 1994, from Mr. James S. Givens,
State Secondary Roads Engineer, Department of Transportation, indicating that
roads in White Oaks Subdivision were accepted into the State Secondary System,
effective December 6, 1994, as follows:
"Pursuant to authority delegated by the Commissioner, the follow-
ing additions to the secondary system of state highways, as
requested by your resolution of October 5, 1994, are approved
effective December 6, 1994.
ADDITIONS LENGTH
WHITE OAKS
Route 1231 (Davis Drive) - From Route 240 to Route 1232
0.11 Mi
Route 1232 (Caitlin Drive) - From Route 1231 to 0.18 mile
Northwest Route 1231 0.18 Mi"
Item 5.6. Letter dated December 7, 1994, from Mr. J. S. Hodge, Chief
Engineer, Department of Transportation, to Mr. Walter F. Perkins, Chairman~
advising that the Commonwealth Transportation Board intends to discuss the
comments from the citizen information meeting regarding the Route 29 inter-
change design at a workshop on December 14, 1994, and at a meeting of the
Commonwealth Transportation Board scheduled for December 15, 1994, was
received for information.
000 77
Decera~er 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 4)
Item 5.7. Copies °~I'~h~ng 'com~ss~on minutes for November 22 and
November 29, 1994, were receiyed for information.
Item 5.8. Memorandum dated December 5, 1994, from Dr. Carole A.
Hastings, Acting Superintendent, to Mr. Robert W. Tucker, Jr., County Execu-
tive, re: school-based allocations. This was a reply to the Board's ques-
- tions at the November 2, 1994, meeting concerning the carry-forward funds from
the 1993-94 school year for Albemarle High School and Henley Middle School.
The letter was received as information.
Item 5.9. Copy of letter dated December 5, 1994, from Mr. Thaddeus F.
Aubry, Regional Administrator, Commonwealth Department of Youth & Family
Services, expressing'an interest in assessing the detention needs of both
Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville, was received as information.
Item 5.10. Copy of memorandum dated December 5, 1994, from Mr. R. C.
Lockwood, Transportation Planning Engineer, Department of Transportation, re:
Route 29 Corridor Development Study (Phase II), Lynchburg to Charlottesville.
Mr. Lockwood notes that the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
(ISTEA) of 1991 identified twenty-one high priority corridors of national
significance. One of these is the Route 29 Corridor through Virginia from
Greensboro, North Carolina, to the District of Columbia.
The ISTEA legislation provides discretionary funding for feasibility and
design studies along these corridors. In 1992 VDOT applied for and received
funds to conduct a study along the segment between Charlottesville and
Warrenton (Phase I)o That study is currently underway.
In 1994 VDOT applied for funds to study the segment between Lynchburg
and Charlottesville. Virginia has been allocated $750,000 in FY 1995 funds by
the Federal Highway Administration to conduct this study. As with the Phase I
Study, steering and technical committees with representatives from jurisdic-
tions along the corridor, will be established. The Board will be contacted at
a later date for the names of Albemarle's representatives.
Item 5.11. Letter dated December 12, 1994, from Mr. J. S. Hedge, Chief
Engineer, Department of Transportation, to Mr. Walter F. Perkins, Chairman,
advising that the discussion on comments from the citizen information meeting
regarding the Route 29 interchange design has been removed from the Workshop
and Board meeting agendas and has been rescheduled for the Workshop on January
18 and the Board meeting on January 19, 1995. The letter was received for
information.
Agenda Item No. 6. ZMA-93-03. Craig Builders. (Deferred from
August 10, 1994.)
At the request of the applicant, motion was offered by Mr. Martin,
se¢onde4 by Mrs. Humphris, to defer this petition until February 15, 1995.
Roll was called, and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin
and Perkins.
NAYS: None. "
Agenda Item No. 7. SP-94-28. Mount Amos Baptist Church. Public
Hearing on a request to add a fellowship hall of approx 1050 sf to existing
building. Property zoned RA contains 1.12 ac located on E sd of Rt 601 about
1/2 mi S of Free Union. TM29,P46. White Hall Dist. (Advertised in the Daily
Progress on November 28 and December 5, 1994.)
Mr. Cilimberg summarized the staff's report which is on file in the
Clerk's Office and made a permanent part of the records of the Board of
Supervisors. He said the Planning Commission, at its meeting on October 11,
1994, unanimously recommended approval of the petition subject to the follow-
ing three conditions.
1. Church expansion limited to not more than 1200 square feet;
2. Usage of the church to be limited to worship and related
services only. Use of the church for non-congregational
activities shall warrant amendment of this special use
permit;
3. The eastern entrance shall be used only as an entrance onto
the property from Route 601, and a sign prohibiting exits
from the property onto Route 601 shall be posted and main-
tained at the eastern entrance.
Mr. Cilimberg said there was an issue with VDOT concerning the two
entrances with inadequate sight distance. VDOT recommended closing one
entrance, and upgrading the other entrance to commercial standards. Staff
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting) 000~'7~
(Page 5)
felt the issue of inadequate sight dlstanc~was significant enough to warrant
support of VDOT's recommendation of closing the eastern entrance, or at least
changing it, if possible, to provide adequate sight distance. Mr. Cilimberg
said that since the Planning Commission meeting, the sign referred to in
Condition No. 3 has already been erected.
Mrs. Thomas asked for an explanation of the words "shall warrant
amendment" in Condition No. 2. Mr. Cilimberg said it would require a new
special use permit, public hearing, etc.
Mr. Martin asked if the Boy Scouts were to meet at the church if the
permit would need amendment. Mr. Cilimberg said he discussed this with the
Zoning Administrator and she indicated that Boy Scouts is a normal, anticipat-
ed use of a church. It would be more for daily operations such as day care
centers.
The public hearing was opened.
Mr. Kevin Cox said he was asked by the church members to speak on their
behalf. He has looked at the church and worked with the Planning Commission
and staff on this request. He actually sees no reason why they should even
need a special use permit. The western entrance does not need upgrading.
There were only eight cars there when he went to services. The eastern
entrance is dangerous, and the church members don't use it as an exit. Signs
have now been put up so no one will use it as an exit. The church members
would like to keep it open so that hearses can come in through that entrance
and then exit through the western one.
There being no one else to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Mo%ion was offered by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mrs. Humphris, to approve
SP-94-28 with the conditions recommended by the Planning Commission. Roll was
called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin
and Perkins.
None.
(Note: The conditions of approval are set out in full below.)
1. Church expansion limited to not more than 1200 square feet;
Usage of the church to be limited to worship and related
services only. Use of the church for non-congregational
activities shall warrant amendment of this special use
permit;
3e
The eastern entrance shall be used only as an entrance onto
the property from Route 601, and a sign prohibiting exits
from the property onto Route 601 shall be posted and main-
tained at the eastern entrance.
Agenda Item No. 8. SP-94-30. James F & Ester C McDonald. Public
Hearing on a request to amend SP-82-61 to allow construction of 10 tourist
cabins. Located on S sd of US Rt 250 approx 0.75 mi W of 1-64 (existing
Jellystone Campground). Site zoned RA. TM71,P3. Samuel Miller Dist.
(Advertised in the Daily Progress on November 28 and December 5, 1994.)
Mr. Cilimberg summarized the staff's report (on file in the Clerk's
Office and made a part of the permanent records of the Board of Supervisors).
He said the applicant proposes to convert previously approved campsites (sites
which may be utilized by motor homes, travel trailers and tents) to tourist
cabins. A total of six cabins are proposed (currently five cabins have been
constructed and a violation notice has been given by the Zoning Department).
Based on the description provided by the applicant and the observations of the
Zoning Department, three of these existing cabins, while not yet complete,
appear to be dwelling units based on the level of improvements. The applicant
does not propose to use the cabins between November 1 and March 1, as well as
other limits°
He said five dwelling units is the maximum number of dwelling units
allowed since the maximum residential development from a parcel of this size
in the Rural Areas District is six dwellings (five utilizing development
rights and one on a parcel of 21 acres or greater). One issue that arose at
the Planning Commission meeting had to do with the septic system associated
with these dwelling units. He noted the following memorandum from Mr.
William D. Fritz, Senior Planner, dated December 14, 1994:
"The Planning Commission in its review of this request raised the
issue of waste disposal. Staff has contacted the Department of
Health for additional information. Based on the comments of the
Health Department, the provision of adequate drainfield area for
the proposed cabins may be accommodated in two methods. The first
method involves the use of a gravity system. This may prove
difficult due to the lack of area with suitable slope and soils
downhill from the cabins. The more likely scenario is the use of
a pump system which will allow for the use of areas with suitable
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting) 000279
(Page 6)
soils. Under'either scenario, d~nstrat~on of compliance with
Section 10.2.1.1 will be necessarY. Staff has included conditions
of approval which require Health Department approval. (This will
insure that in the event of subdivision, each cabin can be located
on a parcel satisfying all of the requirements of the ordinance
including, but not limited to, adequate drainfield area.)
This memorandum is intended for informational purposes only on the
status and opportunities for sewage disposal on site. No approv-
als from the Health Department have been given. The conditions
recommended by staff will require additional approvals from the
Health Department."
Mr. Cilimberg said the Planning Commission, at its meeting on Novem-
ber 29, 1994, by a vote of 3/2 recommended approval with the following
conditions:
No more than a total of 112 camping sites on property de-
scribed as County Tax Map 71, Parcel 3, Samuel Miller Magis-
terial District, consisting of 47.11 acres zoned RA Rural
Areas. Not more than six of these camp sites may be used
for cabins which are to be located on the south side of
Stockton Creek in existing camp sites. Not more than four
of these cabins may qualify as dwelling units. Any cabins
constructed as dwelling units shall comply with the provi-
sions of Section 10.2.1.1. No cabins shall be utilized
until all appropriate Building Code and Health Department
requirements have been met;
No new camping sites shall be located in the flood plain, as
determined by the Army Corps of Engineers;
Ail such uses shall conform to the requirements of the
Virginia Department of Health Bureau of Tourist Establish-
ment Sanitation and other applicable requirements;
Provisions for outdoor cooking, campfires, cooking pits,
etc., shall be subject to Albemarle County Fire Official
approval;
Conditions one and six of Conditional Use Permit #116 shall
be met to the reasonable satisfaction of the Zoning Adminis-
trator;
No new camping sites or additional storage of parked trail-
ers, campers and recreational vehicles within the 150-foot
setback. New and additional vehicles shall be in compliance
with a 150-foot setback from the edge of the Route 250
right-of-way;
7. The cabins would not be used from November 15 to March 15.
The public hearing was opened° Mr. Richard Carter was present to
represent the McDonalds. He handed to the Board members several pictures of
existing conditions on the property. He said for lack of these cabins being
defined in another way, they are being called dwellings, but there is a
difference between these cabins and a stereo-type dwelling. The cabins have
only one room. They are 12 by 16 feet. There is no heat or air-conditioning.
Their use has been restricted by one of the conditions of the Planning
Commission. Also, Stockton Creek runs across the campground. The McDonalds
have historically closed off all of the campground south of Stockton Creek
during the winter. Mr. Carter said the cabins will be on sites where, at the
present time, there are recreational vehicles 40 feet long, eight and one-half
feet wide with push-outs on each side that are 10 feet long and three feet
wide. They have a washer, a dryer, a jacuzzi, a bathtub, everything that one
would have in a home. The cabins take up less space, so are less of an
intense use.
Mr. Carter said the camping industry as it is now needs to be compared
with the camping industry as it was in the 1960s. People want the "camping
experience", but do not want to "rough it". Also, this campground is a
gathering place for family reunions. People come in from all over the east
coast, and some people don't want to sleep in a tent. The cabin provides a
good alternative. Also, there are people who come to a local hospital to have
surgery and they are discharged the next day, but need to return to the
hospital every few days to be checked. Family members may not be able to
afford to stay in a motel, so these cabins provide a viable opportunity for
them~
Mr. Carter said if this request were on a matrix it would be a neutral
request. The number of sites will remain the same; the special use permit
already allows 112 sites. These cabins are at existing sites which have water
and septic hookups. Health Department requirements can be met. There is no
violation of any setback requirements, and the cabins are not visible from
Route 250. This type of cabin is in common usage in Albemarle County. They
are at Mountfair, at the KOA~ampgrounds. They are in common usage throughout
000 80
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 7)
State parks in Virginia. They 'are'at'Jellystone Park in Luray, at ShenandOah
Acres and Cherrys~one Park on the Chesapeake Bay, so this is not a novel,
first-time use.
Mr. Carter said the McDonalds are in the tourism industry. They cater
to tourists and their business is made or broken by tourists. Just as the
other sites have recognized these as an aid in tourism, he hopes this Board
will recognize the cabins as an aid in tourism. He said these cabins were
built, but not completed. It was big mistake to start building when they
should not have done so, but to the credit of both the McDonalds and County
staff, the attitude has been to find a way to make the situation right. They
have been working on this since last Spring, and have determined that this is
the best way to make the situation right. He asked that the Board approve the
special use permit.
With no one else from the public rising to speak, the public hearing was
closed.
Mrs. Thomas said in the staff report there is a statement that there are
sites with water and septic connections, and she asked if that is right~ Mro
Carter said there are septic hookups at campsites, but they need to be
upgraded to Health Department requirements.
Mrs. Thomas said this request did receive a thorough discussion at the
Planning Commission meeting. She feels it was regrettable that the cabins
existed before being approved. She has visited the site, and finds them
aesthetically preferable to the old campers. She feels the conditions the
Planning Commission recommended, deal with the appropriate issues. Mrs.
Thomas move4 approval of SP-94-30 with the conditions recommended by the
Planning Commission.
The motion was seconde4 by Mr. Marshall. Roll was called and the motion
carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin
and Perkins°
NAYS: None.
(Note: The conditions of approval read as follows.)
1. No more than a total of 112 camping sites on property de-
scribed as County Tax Map 71, Parcel 3, Samuel Miller Magis-
terial District, consisting of 47.11 acres zoned RA Rural
Areas. Not more than six of these camp sites may be used
for cabins which are to be located on the south side of
Stockton Creek in existing camp sites. Not more than four
of these cabins may qualify as dwelling units. Any cabins
constructed as dwelling units shall comply with the provi-
sions of Section 10.2.1.1o No cabins shall be utilized
until all appropriate Building Code and Health Department
requirements have been met;
2. No new camping sites shall be located in the flood plain, as
determined by the Army Corps of Engineers;
3. All such uses shall conform to the requirements of the
Virginia Department of Health, Bureau of Tourist Establish-
ment Sanitation, and other applicable requirements;
4. Provisions for outdoor cooking, campfires, cooking pits,
etc., shall be subject to Albemarle County Fire Official
approval;
5. Conditions one and six of Conditional Use Permit #116 shall
be met to the reasonable satisfaction of the Zoning Adminis-
trator;
6. No new camping sites or additional storage of parked trail-
ers, campers and recreational vehicles within the 150-foot
setback. New and additional vehicles shall be in compliance
with a 150-foot setback from the edge of the Route 250
right-of-way;
7. The cabins would not be used from November 15 to March 15.
Agenda Item No. 9. Public Hearing on an ordinance to amend and reenact
Chapter 2.1, Section 2.1-4, Subsection (g) of the Code of Albemarle~ known as
the "Moorman's River Agricultural/Forestal District" to extend the life of the
district for an additional time period of ten years. The districts consists
of approximately 11,093 acres located on State Routes 601, 614, 658, 660, 662,
665, 671, 674, 675, 676, 677, 678, 680 and 821. (Advertised in the Daily
Progress on November 28 and December 5, 1994.)
Mr. Cilimberg summarized the staff's report (on file in the Clerk's
Office and made a part of the permanent records of the Board of Supervisors)°
He noted on a map the parcels to be added, or withdrawn from the district. He
said there is one parcel on which an application was received which will have
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 8)
to be handled as a separate issue later. The district which contained 11,000+
acres will now fall to under 10,000 acres. He noted two parcels which belong
to brothers and their spouses and on which there is now disagreement as to
whether the parcels (Tax Map 28, Parcels 34 and 34A) should remain in the
district. This Board will have to specifically decide whether to allow the
parcels to be taken out of the district.
Mr. Cilimberg said the Agricultural and Forestal District Advisory
Committee unanimously recommended continuance of the district, as did the
Planning Commission. There have been withdrawals up until today, so a lot of
acreage has been lost.
The public hearing was opened. With no one rising to speak, the public
hearing was closed.
Mrs. Thomas asked Mr. Cilimberg if he knew why so many parcels had been
withdrawn. Mr. Cilimberg said he did not; this is the legal time when someone
can "opt out"° Mrs. Humphris said one letter indicated that a substantial
parcel was being withdrawn in order to put the property in permanent preser-
vation.
Mrs. Thomas then moved for continuation of the Moorman's Agricultural
and Forestal District for ten years as requested. Mr. Davis said Mrs. Scala
had asked the Clerk's Office to request that the Board not act on this request
until next week because all of the changes have not yet been compiled into an
ordinance. It can be ready as a consent item for next week. Staff just needs
clarification from the Board on the Bowen parcels.
Mrs. Thomas said she was ready to go along with the P~anning Commis-
sion's recommendation to continue the district for ten additional years and to
the Withdrawal of' Tax Map 28, Parcels 34 and 34A from the district. She then
withdrew her motion.
Agenda Item No. 10. CPA-94-1. University Real Estate Foundation
(UREF). Public Hearing on a request to amend the Land Use Map to include
within the Hollymead Community 297.0 ac located W of Rt 29 N, N of existing
Hollymead Community boundary, S of the North Fork Rivanna River, and W of Rt
606 for industrial use. TM32,Ps4B,6(part),6A&19(part). Applicant seeks
change to permit development of a University-related business park. Applicant
also owns 228 ac directly S of this area currently zoned PD-IP. Rivanna Dist.
(Advertised in the Daily Progress on November 28 and December 5, 1994.)
Mr. Cilimberg noted that the Board had a work session on this petition
at last week's meeting. The staff report is quite lengthy. The request to
add land on the west of Route 29 below the North Fork Rivanna River and east
of Route 606, to the Hollymead growth area as industrial service has been
under consideration for several years. He said the Planning Commissions at
its meeting on November 8, 1994, recommended approval of CPA-94-1 as presented
by staff and modified by the Planning Commission in the Hollymead profile
text.
The public hearing was opened. Mr. Tim Rose, Chief Operating Officer of
UREF, was first to speak. He introduced other members of his project team,
and said their vision for the property is to create a University-related
business park similar to what might be found at Princeton or Stanford. They
feel the users will be in high-tech fields such as bio-medical, medical,
telecommunications, research-oriented firms, and business firms as well. They
want to create University and industry relationships that could foster
internships, spousal employment, post-graduate employment, research opportuni-
ties, joint projects between the University and industry. In order to help
solidify the University's position as a national and international leader for
the long term, this kind of park would augment its position.
Mr. Dean Cinkala from Stonebridge Associates spoke next. He said they
are asking that the 297 acres in the northern portion of the property be shown
as industrial service in the Hollymead growth area. They feel this is a
logical extension since the property is bounded on the east by a major traffic
corridor, has the airport to the west, and the Piney Mountain and Hollymead
growth areas to the north and south. An amendment to the Comprehensive Plan
will allow UREF to cohesively plan its entire 525 acre property. If this
request is granted, UREF has committed that it will limit development on this
property to three million square feet. It is important to note that the
County and UREF have already agreed that 2.5 million square feet can be
achieved on the currently zoned southern half of the property. The site is
currently served by water, sewer, electricity and gas. Over the last several
months, they have worked with the Planning Commission and Planning staff and
several issues have been identified which they will continue to address during
the rezoning process.
Mr. Leonard Sandridge, Executive Vice President of the University of
Virginia, spoke next. He said they have been over the details of the proposal
with the Planning Commission over the last several months. He said the
University is doing this through UREF which is consistent with the plan the
County, the City and the University entered into a number of years ago for
projects like this° They are subject to the same kinds of procedures and
zoning requirements that any other private enterprise is. The process so far
December 14, 1994 (Regular NightMeeting)
(Page 9)
has been good for the projec~ahd hO'~f~lly'it has met the County's expecta-
tions for the project as well.
Mr. Sandridge said the University is not different from other industries
today. They have to adjust to a changing market and provide for their
students and faculty the kind of environment that will meet their expectations
and make the University a vital enterprise into the next century. Because of
the kinds of opportunities which they feel they must generate for this
community and the University, a park like this is needed so they can attract
industries that will have affilitations with the University. They would not
be in this park if it were a real estate deal only, but rather because of the
programmatic affiliations with the enterprises who will come here. They
anticipate this will not be a fast project, but one that will take fifteen to
twenty years. They feel they can do a better job if they can look at the
entire project and design it in such a way that it will meet everyone's
expectations for the.entire site. He asked the Board's approval of the
request.
Mr. Mark Bryant said he lives adjacent to the property under consider-
ation. He, and a few of his neighbors, have discussed this for a number of
years, and they understand that UREF is again requesting a revision in the
Comprehensive Plan for property now designated as Rural Areas. This request
appears to be essentially the same as that of five years ago which was
intensely debated before UREF withdrew its request. It was the consensus at
that time that UREF should proceed at once with the marketing of the southern
part which was already designated PD-IP in the Comprehensive Plan. UREF
already has a by-right use for up to 7.0 million square feet of construction
which is more than twice the number of square feet UREF said it needs for
optimum development. If after developing this acreage, they find a specific
need to add more acreage, he feels that would be the appropriate time for
requesting that some of the rural area now designated in the Comprehensive
Plan be added to the boundaries of their industrial park.
Mr. Bryant said they do not understand why UREF has not developed the
acreage they have for these purposes. The 240 acres are accessible to the
Route 29 corridor. The land is adjacent to the Airport and meets the require-
ment that it be served by Public water and sewer, a major highway or rail
service, and that the area have a clearly demonstrated suitability for the
intended uses with regard to physical characteristics and relationship to
surrounding development.
Mr. Bryant said the rural area requested for redesignation does not
fulfill these criteria. The concerns presented five years ago are still
relevant. These include the financial burden of increased taxation for County
property owners. A study by the Piedmont Environmental Council, conducted in
1989, estimated an additional tax burden annually of $11.0 million to provide
the services needed. Another study estimmated $75.0 million to $95.0 million
in new capital expenditures would be needed.
As to environmental impacts, the industrial park ordinance allows for 60
to 75 separate products to be manufactured, fabricated, assembled and distrib-
uted. Also, by permit, medical and pharmaceutical lab, metal fabrication and
welding and warehousing would be allowed. With major construction and hard-
surfacing for parking lots, access roads and distribution points, a major
impact on this rural area can be expected, with groundwater contamination,
industrial runoffs, excessive waste gases, chemical pollution and so on. The
only attractive and developable land in the rural area, and the land UREF has
indicated it will tr~-to develop the earliest, is the western ridge. Develop-
ment of this land would require clear cutting of old growth trees which buffer
it and Route 606. Not only would thousands of migratory birds and wildlife
suffer loss of habitat, but clear cutting and subsequent construction of
buildings and parking lots would intensify an already dangerous flooding and
erosion situation on Route 606, a narrow and winding, unimproved, gravel road.
Also predictable destruction of the Rivanna water intake impact area which
runs along the western ridge, and contamination of residential wells in the
area.
As to traffic hazards and congestion, five years ago County Planning
staff estimated 32,000 car trips daily in and out of the industrial park.
This did not include delivery trucks, semi-trailers and other industrial
vehicles. In developing the western ridge of the rural area, there could be
no direct access to or from the 29 North corridor. Traffic will have to enter
from the barely passable, unpaved Route 606. Vehicles entering from the north
would have to negotiate deep ravines and two single-lane bridges across the
Rivanna River and Jacobs Run. It will be virtually impossible to widen 606
due to its steep terrain. Because of these and other serious concerns, he
asked the Board to initiate independent studies before a major revision to the
Comprehensive Plan. A financial impact study to ascertain the total costs to
County taxpayers to provide the necessary support services for this and any
related spin-off development, and any major capital funding for required
services. A traffic study to determine how significantly increased car and
truck traffic will affect existing roadways and necessitate new and expensive
road building. This should be done with VDOT cooperation since traffic flow
on 29 North will certainly be affected. An environmental study to determine
the effect and costs on the Rivanna River, on the groundwater in the area, on
residential wells, reduced soil and air quality due to industrial activities,
or industrial contaminants, waste and runoff, potentially toxic chemical
emissions and so on associated with industrial development.
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 10)
Mr. Tom Jackson from the.Chamber of Commerce said they are an associa-
tion of 1100 organizations whose mission is to represent the private sector,
promote business, and enhance the quality of life in the community. Me said
that 60 percent of their business organizations are small businesses employing
25 or few employees. The Chamber supports CPA-94-1 to amend the Comprehensive
Plan for the following reasons: the Chamber believes a business park that
emphasizes a joint University industry partnership is a vital component in
assuring the University's long-term success in competitive position as one of
the nation's leading universities. Micro-Aire surgical instruments, North
Fork's first tenant is a good model of the type of firm the project hopes to
attract to the community. This firm will hire locally, collaborate with the
University on research and design and exported goods.
Mr. Jackson said changing the land use designation on the north portion
of the North Fork property will allow for the orderly development of the
entire property under an integrated, comprehensive and cohesive master plan.
The northern portion of the NOrth Fork property conforms to the general land
use standards defined in the Comprehensive Plan for industrial development. A
boundary adjustment to the Hollymead growth area to include the northern
portion of the North Fork property would be consistent with the language from
the policy for the submittal of proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan.
This new northern boundary (Rivanna River) is a logical, topographical
boundary as called for in the policy language. Water and sewer service
currently are available to the property. While there is a need to upgrade the
long-term capacity of both regional systems, there are several solutions which
the County and the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority can choose to address
these long-term capacity issues. Moreover, these long-term capacity re-
straints exist whether or not the northern portion of the North Fork property
is repositioned because of the development density of the currently zoned land
in this growth area. An overall build-out density of the North Fork property
of 3.0 million square feet will enable planning and development to respect the
unique characteristics of the land and the environmentally sensitive areas by
preserving extensive areas in open space. The development of the North Fork
property will create an environment and marketing focus which attracts tenants
who will provide a wide range of meaningful employment opportunities.
Therefore, the fiscal impact of the project will be different from much of the
recent development in the area which has been primarily residential and
retail-oriented. The development of the North Fork property will increase the
real estate tax base and attract industries which export goods and services to
and from the area. This will enhance the economic well-being of the community
by creating meaningful employment opportunities. The Chamber supports and
endorses this amendment because of its belief that the repositioning of the
North Fork property will benefit not only the private sector but also the
entire community.
Mr. Cliff Fox said he had distributed a pamphlet to all Board members,
and would ask that each member read it and take it into consideration in the
decision-making processe It contains an index and references the proposed
National Ground Intelligence Center environmental assessment.
With no one else from the public rising to speak, the public hearing was
closed at 7:55 p.m.
Mr. Martin said the Planning Commission has looked at this request at
least two times and this Board held a work session on the request last week.
He Said most of the issues Mr. Bryant mentioned have been looked at, and he is
prepared to move forward. He then offered motion to approve CPA-94-01. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Marshall.
Mrs. Thomas said she does not think the issues raised have been settled,
but since there is no fiscal impact model available yet, that is something
that will have to be given careful scrutiny before the rezoning. Mrs. Thomas
asked for a clarification. She said an area that was once referred to as a
"little sliver of land" is in fact 78 acres that drain into the watershed for
the North Fork intake. The Planning Commission's recommended wording is that
it not be developed in a way that will harm the intake. She asked if it could
be included in the rezoning so it could be looked at more closely. Mr.
Cilimberg said that is correct.
Mr. Martin said he only meant to indicate that the issues had been
discussed and that the proper sequence had been discussed and put into place.
Mrs. Humphris said the Planning Commission did a thorough amount of work
on this request. She feels UREF also provided complete information. If this
passes tonight as a Comprehensive Plan amendment, issues to be dealt with are
those dealing with water supply, sewer, roads (two interchanges to serve this
area), and the fiscal impact model which is essential for the rezoning
process. This will probably have a negative affect on the availability of
affordable housing because it will mean growth in the future. The Board needs
to begin thinking about ways of addressing that problem. Mrs. Humphris said
she needs to understand a question she brought up last week that uses not be
allowed on this property which have an unusual need for water. She asked if
that is something than can be added to the recommendations the Planning
Commission has presented. Mr. Tucker said he believes it could be done by the
Board, but the Board will have an opportunity to review proffers, etc. during
the rezoning request. He believes the Board could add language stating such a
concern.
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting) 000284
(Page 11)
Mrs. Humphris said some of the changes the Planning commission made were
to evidence or make notes of concerns that needed to be given consideration.
She feels that businesses should not be solicited that would require unusual
amounts of water. She would like to see some language inserted.
Mr. Bowerman said he believes the applicant is aware of the BOard's
concern about excessive water usage or sewage capacity. 'He thinks that at the
time of the rezoning, there could be a meeting of the minds. It is obviously
something that the applicant would need to proffer.
Mr. Martin said he has a great deal of concern about affordable housing,
but he feels that affordable housing is one of those issues approached from
two different directions, the price of the house, and a person's ability to
pay for it. What the Board is doing tonight helps with the side of the
equation that helps a person be able to pay for it. Right now~ the average
price of a home is $130,000, while the average wage in this area does not give
enough money to afford the average home. What is being done tonight might
bridge that gap a little.
Mrs. Humphris asked about the discussion of maintenance of detention
facilities that are to be put in place under Best Management Practices. Mr.
Davis said that the way county ordinances are set up now, it is the responsi-
bility of the property owners to maintain any detention basins. The County
requires that maintenance agreements be recorded at the time of development.
The applicants have indicated that they are planning to have a regional
detention system and they, as the developers, will be maintaining it. Mr.
Tucker said staff encourages construction of a regional system.
With no further discussion of this petition, the Chairman called for a
roll call. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin
and Perkins.
None.
(Note: The actual wording of this amendment was combined by the
Planning Commission into one set of words for the Hollymead profile text.
Wording is set out following the public hearing on the next agenda item, CPA-
94-2, Kessler Group South Forest Lakes.)
Agenda Item No. 11. CPA-94-2. Kessler Group South Forest Lakes.
Public Hearing on a request to amend the Land Use Map to include 126 ac
composed of TM46,Ps97A(1)&97B; TM46BS,Pl(portion of) in the Nollymead Communi-
ty. Located E of Powell Creek, N of Rt 643, W of Norfolk & Southern Railroad,
SE of The Greens at Mollymead. If incorporated, subject acreage would be
designated for low density residential use (1-4 du/ac). Rivanna Dist.
(Advertised in the Daily Progress on November 28 and December 5, 1994.)
(Mr. Bowerman said, as he has in the last two occasions when something
for Forest Lakes South came up, he will abstain from hearing this issue. He
anticipates that his company will be equipping any recreational facility that
Forest Lakes will eventually have. He does not feel it would be appropriate
for him to hear this request. Mr. Bowerman left the room at 8:05 p.m.)
Mr. Cilimberg summarized the staff's report which is on file in the
Clerk's Office and made a part of the permanent records of the Board. He said
the additional acreage will be incorporated into the Forest Lakes South
development. Access to this area will be provided through the internal
roadway system for Forest Lakes South. The developer has indicated less than
200 units in this area, so there will be less than the 800 unit maximum estab-
lished with the rezoning. The issues before the Planning Commission primarily
dealt with the relationship of this existing growth area, the access, provi-
sion for any potential road alignments in association with the Meadow Creek
Parkway, and the relationship of this area to the Proffit community which is
an historically active community along Route 649.
Mr. Cilimberg said the Planning Commission, at its meeting on Novem-
ber 8, 1994, unanimously recommended approval of this request as presented by
staff and modified by the Planning Commission in the Nollymead profile text.
The public hearing was opened.
Mr. Frank Kessler was present. He said the Planning Commission has
thoroughly reviewed what is proposed. This will give the applicant the
opportunity to complete a project which he feels has been a win-win situation
for the citizens who live there, and also for Albemarle County to achieve the
goals of its Comprehensive Plan to get development out of the rural areas and
into the growth areas. He reminded everybody that this was Dr. Hurt's land
originally. Growth areas are established by natural boundaries, and this is
only the addition of a piece of that property that was actually outside of the
natural boundary. Eight years ago when he stood before the Board with the
Forest Lakes plan, this property was colored in as part of that development.
Ne offered to answer questions.
Mrs. Thomas said the Board is aware that land in the growth areas is
limited and cannot be expanded forever. She asked if anything can be done to
increase the proposed density for this portion of the property. Mr. Kessler
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 12)
said they are not able to increase the densities because of the topography of
the land. Mr. Martin Said this portiOn Of the property runs back into an old,
established rural neighborhood, and he is not sure this is the place to
intensify densities. Mr. Kessler said they originally requested the maximum
number of dwelling units (800), but they are not able to achieve that. Mr.
Martin asked if a natural area is being left between the existing neighborhood
and the new neighborhoods. Mr. Kessler said they have preserved every tree
they. could and still connected the areas in the northern part.
With no one else from the public rising to speak, the public hearing was
closed.
Mrs. Thomas asked if the County is closing any options for the Meadow
Creek Parkway by approving this request at this time. Mr. Cilimberg said this
request does not specify any particular development pattern. The words
"reservation of adequate and useful right-of-way for the Meadow Creek Parkway
and or associated collector roads in areas of new development" is a part of
the amendment language. Also, there is only one potential alignment (T-4
connector) under review in this particular area. If that would be the chosen
alignment, it would be necessary to preserve that alignment when the property
is requested to be rezoned.
At this time, motion was offered by Mr. Martin to approve CPA-94-2 as
recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Marshall. Roll was called, and the motion carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin and Perkins.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAINING: Mr. Bowerman.
Note: The wording for CPA-94-1 and CPA-94-2 is set out in the following
amendment to the Hollymead profile text in the Comprehensive Plan.
Under the Community of Hollymead in the Comprehensive Plan, make
the following changes:
Change the wording of LOCATION to the following: The eastern
boundary of the Community begins at a point on the North Fork
Rivanna River just north of Route 785 and follows Route 785 south
to Route 649, east along Route 649 to its 90 degree curve, then
southwest to the natural stream boundary of Powell Creek and its
tributaries, then south along Powell Creek to its point closest to
the Southern Railway Line, then east to the Southern Railway and
south along the Southern Railway to Route 643. The northern
boundary follows the North Fork Rivanna River from Route 606 to a
point just north of Route 785. The western boundary of the
Community follows the alignment of Route 606 to the Charlottes-
ville-Albemarle Airport where it goes west and south around the
airport to Route 743, following Route 743 to Route 643 and then
heading east to Route 29 North.
Change the section entitled PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER to the follow-
ing:
North of Route 649
Water treatment is provided at the North Fork Rivanna River water
treatment plant and storage is provided at Piney Mountain. The
treatment plant has a capacity of 2.0 million gallons per day. A
maximum 800,000 gallons per day can be withdrawn from the North
Fork of the Rivanna. This flow is not adequate to meet the needs
of service area under build-out. To increase available water
supply, two options are available. The first is to abandon the
existing North Fork Treatment facility and service the area from
the South Fork Rivanna River system. The second is to utilize
Chris Greene Lake as a reservoir, with supplemental discharges
from the lake being diverted to the North Fork raw water intake,
enabling the treatment plant to operate at increased capacity.
Sewer capacity is currently provided at the Camelot treatment
plant. The capacity of the plant is 365,000 gallons per day.
This treatment is not adequate to meet the needs of the service
area under build-out. The ACSA has guaranteed an upgrade of the
existing sewer system once the capacity of the current treatment
plant has reached 90 percent. Options to providing additional
sewer service to this area include: 1) pumping wastewater south
to Airport Road and ultimately to the Powell Creek interceptor; 2)
upgrading the Camelot Treatment Plant; and 3) constructing a
sanitary sewer along the North Fork of the Rivanna River back to
the Rivanna Interceptor.
South of Route 649
Water service is available south of Route 649 from the South
Rivanna system. Sewer is available through the Powell Creek
Interceptor. These large regional systems must meet the Hollymead
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 13)
service area needs as well as the service needs of the Urban Area,
Rivanna (water only) and Crozet (sewer only).
Make the following changes in the R~CO~4~DATIONS section:
Add as bullet ~1:
Hollymead's purpose is to provide a mixed use community that
allows people to live in close proximity to their work place
and shopping and service areas. A wide variety of housing
types, services and jobs are anticipated. Community-wide
automobile dependence should be reduced by encouraging
transit-oriented development and providing a full range of
pedestrian/bicycle community elements such as walkways and
bike paths that connect residential areas to transit nodes
and to employment/shopping/service areas.
Add as bullet ~2:
Ensure evaluation of future land use proposals under the
fiscal impact model prior to rezoning approvals. Appropri-
ate planning/phasing of the development to match service/-
infrastructure availability and capacity should be estab-
lished.
Add as bullet ~5:
Provide linkages between neighborhoods within the Hollymead
Community (including non-residential areas) through the use
of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, linear parks, roads
and transit alternatives. The emphasis is on linkage be-
tween development areas, not just within each development.
Chanqe bullet ~6 to read:
Preserve the stream valleys and their tributary drainage
ways, plus adjacent areas of steeply sloping terrain, as an
open space network. This network is designed to tie into
future residential development areas in Hollymead. The
stream valley along the North Fork Rivanna forms a northern
boundary of the Community, and should be developed as a
greenway for passive recreation.
Add bullet ~7 to read:
Protect the North Fork Rivanna River water supply intake
area by prohibiting any development or creation of impervi-
ous surfaces within this area which endangers~water quantity
and quality.
Add bullet ~8 to read:
All industrial/office areas should be substantially buffered
from residential areas. This is accomplished through the
planting of new vegetation and preservation of existing
vegetation. For the area now referred to as the North Fork
Research Park, provide a 50-foot buffer around the perime-
ter.
Add bullet ~11 to read:
Develop all industrial office areas in a highly sensitive
manner that clusters development in suitable areas and
protects environmental features through the provision of
open space. For the area now referred to as the North Fork
Research Park, limit development of the area to 525 areas
(297 acres added as a 1994 amendment). Total buildable area
shall not exceed 3.0 million square feet. Development of
the entire industrial area shall be pursuant to an overall
plan of development under the appropriate planned develop-
ment zoning.
Add bullet ~12 to read:
Provide a plan to address historic features located in the
area now referred to as the North Fork Research Park to
retain historic context and continuity.
Add bullet ~21 to read:
Establish a low density residential area east of Powell
Creek and west of the Southern Railway consisting of approx-
imately 126 developable acres.
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 14)
Add bullet ~23 to read:
000;287
Encourage a full range of housing types and costs within the
Hollymead Community. Large employers should work with the
Albemarle County Housing Committee to determine what em-
ployee housing assistance programs can be implemented.
Target opportunities for employees at the lower income level
and employees hired locally.
Under section entitled "Transportation improvements include" add
paraqraphs readinq:
Phasing of road improvements necessitated by new
development which increases traffic on Route 649
(Airport Road), Route 606 (Dickerson Road) and Route
29. This will include the construction of interchang-
es at Route 29 and Route 649 and Route 29 and the
northernmost access point to the area now referred to
as the North Fork Research Park and development east
of Route 29. Necessary improvements should be accom-
plished by fair share contributions from new develop-
ment.
Incorporating into the design of area now referred to
as the North Fork Research Park project a possible
connection to the Meadow Creek Parkway if Alternative
"Wi" is selected as the preferred alignment.
Development of alternative modes of transportation to
serve the Hollymead Community, particularly large
employment generating areas. This may be accomplished
through partnership between developers of large em-
ployment generating areas and the Metropolitan Plan-
ning Organization (MPO).
Reservation of adequate and useable right-of-way for
the location of the Meadow Creek Parkway and/or asso-
ciated collector roads in areas of new development.
Under "Water and sewer improvements include" chanqe paraqraph ~2
to read as follows:
Long range interconnection of the Camelot sewer
system with the Powell Creek or Rivanna inter-
ceptor. While expansion of the Camelot Sewage
Treatment Plant to 300,000 GPD capacity will
meet short-term needs, in the long term this
interconnection will be necessary to meet ulti-
mate development requirements.
Amend Table 55, Development Potential, Community of Hollymead, to
read as follows:
Developable Dwellings
...... Acreage Units
Residential-Low 868 868-3472
Residential-Medium 290 1189-2900
Residential-High 190 1919-6460
RESIDENTIAL SUB-TOTAL 1222 3976-12,832
Neighborhood Service 10
Community Service 75
Regional Service 118
Industrial Service 777
Office Service 88
Public 72
NON-RESIDENTIAL SUB-TOTAL 1140
UNDEVELOPED TOTAL 2362
*Note: The changes in this table reflect only the addi-
tional developable acres added by amendment to the Land
Use Map. The table has not been otherwise updated to
reflect recent development activity.
(Notel Mr. Bowerman returned to the room at 8:15 p.m.)
Agenda Item No. 12. ZTA-94-06. Six Star Associates. Public Hearing on
a request to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 27.2.2 of the Light
Industry District to allow "outdoor recreation such as miniature golf, go-
karts, bumper boats, batting cages, etc." by special use permit. (Advertised
in the Daily Progress on November 28 and December 5, 1994.)
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting).' 0002~8
(Page 15)
Mr. Cilimberg said the proposed text amendment would introduce outdoor.
recreation establishments as a special permit use into the Light Industry, LI,
District. Currently, thezbningordinanCe allows commercial recreation
establishments in the Commercial, C-i, Highway Commercial, HC, and Planned
Unit Development, PUD, Districts.
Prior to the 1980 revisions, the Zoning Ordinance industrial districts
contained a mixture of industrial and commercial uses. During the 1980
redraft, an effort was made to delete commercial uses from both the LI and HI
Districts. The current LI District consists mostly of manufacturing, process-
ing, assembly, and distribution of products, but also includes offices, a
commercial use. In 1993, indoor athletic facilities were added as a use by
special use permit. The previous M-1 District consisted of by-right uses such
as processing, manufacturing and assembly and also included many by-right
commercial uses such as automobile sales and services, commercial greenhouse,
feed and seed stores, and go-kart and trail bike tracks by special use permit.
There is in the Comprehensive Plan only reference to supporting commer-
cial uses for the LI District. This use, commercial recreation establishment,
is not likely to be a supporting use for industrial activity. Staff does
recognize that there may be circumstances where an induStrial area might be
appropriate for certain commercial recreation activities because of noise or
perceived nuisance potential. The Zoning Ordinance does require additional
setback and buffering of industrial uses near residential areas to avoid some
of the nuisance conflicts.
Commercial recreation establishments in the LI District do not further
the industrial purpose of the District, but may be consistent with the
permitted uses of the District in certain cases. Given the uncertainty that a
particular LI parcel will be appropriate for this use, staff recommended that
this use be allowed only by special use permit.
Mr. Cilimberg said the Planning Commission, at its meeting on Novem-
ber 22, 1994, by a vote of 4/1, recommended denial of ZTA-94-06. They did not
want to use the supply of industrial land for this type of use, feeling that
it conflicted with the purpose of industrial land zoning. Even in an indus-
trial setting, it still poses potential conflicts with other uses and may be
of the same character and impact as it would be if located in a commercial
district.
With no questions for Mr. Cilimberg, the public hearing was opened.
Mr. Wendell Wood, the applicant, was present. He said there have been
at least five requests before the Board in the last few years for this type of
use. Most of the property has been in a commercial zone, and has brought out
a lot of opposition because those commercial zones are real close to residen-
tial development. This particular request came about with a specific site in
mind. The property is on the west side of Route 29 North where the radio
towers are about one mile north of the Sheraton Hotel. This is an ideal spot
because it is a major thoroughfare, there are no residential units close, and
it is accessible to the population that will use it.
Mr. Wood said this is not a rush item, and he could bring back informa-
tion to show that about 50 of these facilities are located around the country
in industrial areas adjacent to commercial and close to neighborhoods. He did
not want to get that information until he got some kind of feeling from the
Board members about the request. He can show that it is a use that is
compatible with an industrial zone; an attractive facility, extensively
landscaped. In this particular case, an attractive, compatible piece of
property has been identified. It is bounded by industrial land, by radio
towers on one side and Route 29 on the other side. The Forest Lakes South
entrance is across the street, and they have commercial zoning on the front of
that property that would even buffer the east side of the highway.
Mrs. Thomas asked if a suitable site which is zoned industrial is found,
why not request that it be rezoned commercial if only commercial zoning is
allowed for the use he proposes. Mr. Wood said that is the way this request
actually started, but in talking with Planning Staff, they thought this piece
of property would not be approved for commercial because of Comprehensive Plan
recommendations. If it could be zoned commercial with a special use permit,
that would be fine with Mr. Wood. That is not the mechanism that was proposed
to him.
Mr. Cilimberg said this request is not connected to any specific piece
of land at this time. However, the site they are talking about would have to
be amended into the Comprehensive Plan and then rezoned.
(Note: Mr. Marshall left the meeting at 8:25 p.m.)
Mr. Carroll Good said he lives in Airport Acres and just found out about
this request. He objects to this proposal and would like for the Board to
consider the comments and recommendations of the Planning Commission and vote
"no '~ .
Ms. Lisa Harman said she is concerned because it appears that this
amendment is aimed at facilitating the permitting process for just one
specific amusement park. She thinks approval would set a bad precedent. She
noted that next week there are work sessions scheduled on the Comprehensive
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 16)
Plan Economic Developmeg~.~is~oning process. She thinks a clarified policy
should be in effect bef°r~ii~h~"br6ad~ran~e~ decisions are made that could
impact light industrial areas, she thinks that in 1980 this change was made
because light industry does not favor commercial use or meet the intent of the
Comprehensive Plan in terms of light industrial. Also, she understands that
often times light industry has office uses within the industry itself. She
said when an amusement park was proposed to be near the Daily Progress it was
felt it would affect their concentration on the job. She said every time
there has been such a proposal before the Board, there have been many people
present who are worried about the nuisance factor. Also, she wants to have
recreational facilities that will exercise and develop the mental and physical
bodies of her children. She listed available facilities already in place in
the community. She said people want ball fields, pools, parks, walking and
bike'trails, and she is not sure the proposed facility would be something the
community needs.
(Note: Mr. Marshall returned to the meeting at 8:27 p.m.)
Mr. Jack McDonald said five times in the last 18 months a developer has
tried to inflict an amusement park on one or more County neighborhood. One
request was withdrawn, and the Board denied the other four. There were many
people present and the majority were overwhelmingly opposed to the petitions.
Citizens view these projects as a threat to home and hearth and family. A
number of personal reasons for opposition were listed, such as: children's
safety, road crossing, noise and light problems, deterioration of the general
area, and those are just as valid for this location as for the others. This
location is directly across from the entrance to Forest Lakes and the buffer
of commercial property is 0.15 acre, it is not a major portion of land and it
is only on the north side of the entrance to Forest Lakes South. Mr. McDonald
said when this type of facility is put in the county, it will not bring into
the County people who provide better paying jobs. He read some quotes by
Forrest Marshall from the Daily Progress concerning the last such request°
Mr. McDonald said he believes this is a bad idea and he asked that the Board
vote against the request.
With no one else from the public rising to speak, the public hearing was
closed.
Mrs. Humphris said Mr. Wood had asked if there were any interest on the
part of Board members in this project, and from her point of view, there is
none.
Mr. Martin said in the Planning Commission minutes it is noted that a
member asked for information about the amount of light industrial land already
zoned in the County. Mr. Cilimberg said the total amount of such land which
is undeveloped is 826 acres. A lot of that land is on Route 29 North. The
land that Mr. Wood looked at is not zoned LI at this time.
Mr. Martin said he feels as the Planning Commission members did on this
request. It is hard to separate the issue before the Board from the proposal
for go-karts. If he tries to decide if light industry is a good place for go-
karts, it is hard to do without additional information, so at this point he
cannot support the request.
Mrs. Humphris said she talked to a couple of owners of small companies
in a light industrial district, and they were horrified at the idea of having
anything like that pr6posed near them. Thinking about these particular
industries, it would not be a compatible use for them.
Mr. Bowerman said Mr. Wood had indicated that often in other localities,
the only place they have for these facilities is in a light industrial zone.
He can tell from the staff's report that the County, in the past, has looked
at commercial uses in industrial areas as possibly being in conflict because
of traffic, and generation of people versus an industrial use. He asked if
Mr. Cilimberg had any information on these requests being located in indus-
trial areas in other parts of the country. Mr. Cilimberg said staff spoke to
the applicant about providing some of that information; he does not have any
information at this time. He did check with some other localities in Virgin-
ia, but only about recreation in general, and not particularly about go-karts.
James City County has an allowance for amusement and theme parks in one of
their industrial districts. Normally, these are in commercial type districts
and most are by special use permit. Mr. Tucker said other communities may
have this type of use in an industrial zone, but many communities have a
different type of zoning ordinance. They may have a pyramid type, or inclu-
sive zoning in which any progressive, less intensive use is allowed in the
next use down so the one on the bottom of the pyramid is the heavy industrial
and everything above it are less intensive uses allowed in the heavier uses.
Albemarle County has a more exclusive ordinance in that each type of use is
identified, and they are not necessarily allowed in the next more intensive
use.
Mr. Bowerman said from a land use point of view, there is a potential
for conflict. Ne thinks that the County properly excluded commercial uses.
from industrially zoned land. At this time, he is not willing to pursue a
change in philosophy which would accommodate commercial uses in industrial
zones.
000290
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 17)
Mrs. Thomas said when the Board rgviewed the UREF petition last week she
was concerned about the n~i'!~of ~'~~idings intheir plan. She
pictures industrial as being valUable industrial land in the community so this
request does not strike her as a direction in which the County should be
moving.
At this time, Mr. Martin offered motion to deny ZTA-94-06. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Bowerman. Roll was called, and the motion carried by the
following recorded vote
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin
and Perkins.
NAYS: None.
(Note: The Board recessed at 8:42 p.m. and reconvened at 8:54 p.m.)
Agenda Item No. 13. Presentation from the Sustainability Council.
Present was Mr. Frank Kessler to give a report on activities of the
Sustainability Council. He said that a year ago he was asked to serve on the
Council. He said it is a very diverse group. At the first meeting that he
attended, someone said they were interested in stopping the developers and
making them pay when they ruin things in the County. He replied to that
person that he agreed, and he is a developer° He asked them why they should
stop by just looking at development. Mr. Kessler said he remembers that when
a study of the Reservoir was done, it showed that more than one-half of the
damage was a result of agriculture, and less than one-half was the result of
development.
Mr. Kessler said this is a hard-working group, and they have gained a
lot of mutual respect for their different positions. He said it is a shame
that the understanding the members are gaining cannot be shared by everyone in
the County. He said there are two main points on which they all agree. All
must think long-term, and all must think of future generations. All agree
that the environmental group needs to respect the business group and the
business group needs to respect the environmental group, and all can and must
work together in order to achieve a sustainable community which is the entire
Thomas Jefferson Planning District; it is not just Albemarle County.
Mr. Kessler asked the meaning of "sustainability". He compared this to
the development of a very large tract of land where the developer would first
do an environmental analysis of the property to find out what restrictions the
environment had put on the property. Then he would ask how he could maximize
the economic viability of the property, and how he could maximize the use of
the property. If the property is to be disturbed, there should be maximum use
of the property. Some of the areas to be looked at include soils, slopes,
wetlands, streams, vegetation, historic preservation, water sources, etc.
This has to be looked at for the entire district. He said there are limiting
things in all of the districts.
Mr. Kessler then presented a slide show of the Council's activities from
the time that it was formed. He ended by saying that there will be three
regional town hall type meetings, in February, In April and in June. The
draft work from these meetings will be presented to the Council in the off
months of March, May and July. He said it has been very rewarding, and when
he hears comments fr0~ ~b0th sides of the aisle" about the environment,
business, and other such things, environment and business can and must work
together, but it will take a lot of planning. That is what the Council is
doing today. They are taking a scientific approach by bringing in scientific
people who will assist them with a lot of the details. When everyone respects
the environment, be believes the business community will be able to accomplish
its goals, but there will be trade-offs. Mr. Kessler said a healthy environ-
ment, plus a healthy economy, in generations to come will create healthy
living for everybody.
Agenda Item No. 14. Discussion: GE Fanuc Project.
(Note: Mr. Bowerman said at the last meeting on the discussion of this
item he removed himself from the discussion° Since that time, his potential
conflict of interest has been removed. Basically, what that means is that he
and his partner have decided to forego any potential business opportunities
that may result as a product of what this Board does regarding the question of
GE Fanuc. They felt this issue was of enough significance that he should be a
part of the process.)
Mr. Tucker said he would report on the GE Fanuc request which was
deferred from the December 7, 1994, meeting of the Board. Me said GE Fanuc is
considering an expansion of its existing facilities on Route 606 in northern
Albemarle County. Capital investment over the next three years is projected
at $53.8 million and could create a total of 250 jobs in Phases I and II. GE
Fanuc has estimated that 85 percent of the new hires would come from the
community. Phase I will create approximately 150 new jobs at an average wage
rate of $14.00 per hour generating an additional local payroll of $3.5
million. GE Fanuc estimates that Phase I will generate an increase of $1.0
million in local taxes. Phase II is estimated to create the potential of 100
additional jobs while adding four new major business initiatives generating
00029: !.
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 18) ~ .~ ........ .~...~. .........
$100.0 million in sales The expansions planned will generate $400,000 in
needed training facilities and $550,000 in non-facilities related expenses.
The State has indicated an ability to fund approximately $125,000 in direct
training funds.
The Governor's Opportunity Fund has been identified as a potential
source for additional assistance. The fund is estimated as an incentive to
attract or keep jobs in Virginia. It requires a dollar-for-dollar match from
the locality and is available for projects that exceed $5.0 million in capital
investment and the creation of a minimum of 50 jobs in Virginia.
Mr. Tucker said additional assistance for transportation improvements
may be provided for the GE Fanuc project through the State's Industrial Access
Fund. This fund can provide up to $300,000 per fiscal year unmatched by the
locality. At the present time, staff is working with the University Real
Estate Foundation to identify the costs associated with access to the Micro-
Aire. project. It is anticipated that that project will require $200,000 in
the current fiscal year from this program leaving $100,000 available prior to
July l, 1995, and $300,000 afterwards that could be applied to the GE Fanuc
project if their requested improvements qualify.
Mr. Tucker said GE Fanuc has asked the Board of Supervisors to support
this expansion in the County to the extent possible as there are vacant GE
facilities in several other states. The nature of GE Fanuc's request is to
help draw down available grant funds from the Governor's Opportunity Fund.
While the County's Comprehensive Plan relating to Economic Development
leaves industrial expansion to the private sector, the County has, in the
past, facilitated low interest loans through approving Industrial Revenue
Bonds. A loan from the County to its Industrial Development Authority to GE
Fanuc will meet the match requirements for the Governor's Opportunity Fund and
may be considered as the primary purpose for such action. State requirements
that localities participate in some fashion in order to access state funds has
been identified as the reason GE Fanuc approached the County.
In response to concerns about available labor, staff recognizes the
difficulty in presenting irrefutable evidence. Mr. Don Martin of the Virginia
Employment Commission has advised that there are presently 1000 unemployed
workers in Charlottesville/Albemarle County and over 3300 when adjoining
counties are considered which would create a pool of unemployed workers from
which to draw.
In terms of potential fiscal impact, GE Fanuc officials predict that in
both phases of the project, spanning a 24- to 36-month period, approximately
10 percent to 20 percent of the needed labor might come from outside the
region. This would amount to 25 to 50 of the total employees hired. It is GE
Fanuc's goal to keep this number as low as possible due to the high cost of
relocating employees from outside the area.
Mr. Tucker said staff makes the following recommendations:
1)
Adopt a resolution requesting Industrial Access Funds in the
amount of $267,000 from the Commonwealth Transportation Board (Mr.
Tucker read the resolution to the Board);
2)
3)
4)
Authorize a loan to the Industrial Development Authority in the
amount of'$150,000 to be repaid within 18 months at an interest
rate of three and one-half percent. (Mr. Tucker said GE Fanuc has
indicated that they can borrow money from Japan at this percentage
rate.) Such loan is then to be provided to GE Fanuc under identi-
cal terms in order to draw down like moneys from the Governor's
Opportunity Fund (Mr. Tucker also read to the Board a resolution
concerning this item);
At the end of 18 months, the interest rate mentioned in #2 above
should be adjusted to zero percent provided greater than 60
percent of the new hires at GE Fanuc from now to the date of the
repayment are Albemarle/Charlottesville residents at the time of
employment; (Mr. Tucker said the 60 percent was based on the
current employees at GE. In his presentation last week, Mr.
Borwhat indicated that 85+ percent of their employees are recruit-
ed from the community. The definition of community is an area
which includes surrounding counties, and those that are within
easy commuting distance. The zero percent is an incentive to
encourage them to meet the goal of 60 percent new hires from the
Albemarle/Charlottesville area. Also, because the State indicated
that for the Governor's Opportunity Fund dollars from the State
are usually matched dollar-for-dollar by the locality. What is
being proposed here is a little different. While Albemarle will
be requesting a grant from the State, it will be providing a loan.
By doing it this way, the State felt it should be a no interest
loan.)
GE Fanuc, as a condition of receiving loaned funds, agrees as
follows: a) training facilities shall be available to other
employers in the county for group training, as available; b)
training provided as part of this project will not duplicate that
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 19)
5)
000292
provided by C~2~EC;"Pied~h~'"~i~inia COmmUnity College (PVCC), or
the University of Virginia (UVA);
The Board agrees to instruct staff to fast track any related plans
from GE Fanuc.
Mr. Tucker said staff recognizes the potential precedent setting nature
of this proposal should the Board choose to proceed with these recommenda-
tions. In order to provide some guidelines for future requests, the following
recommendations are suggested:
l)
Requests will only be entertained for projects which qualify for
the Governor's Opportunity Fund (see list of eligible projects on
file in the Clerk's Office);
2)
Preferential interest rate treatment shall be given for hiring 60
percent or greater of new hires from Albemarle/Charlottesville;
and
3)
No loan may exceed $150,000 and no more than $300,000 shall be
outstanding in such loans at any time.
Mr. Perkins asked how the Board members wanted to proceed with this
request. Mr. Martin suggested discussing it first.
Mrs. Thomas asked about the number of jobs and the wage listed in the
staff's resolution. She said information has been received over the last few
weeks indicating that 150 jobs will be added over an unspecified time period.
She wondered where the figure of 48 months came from. Also, GE only promised
that the wage would average $14.00 an hour, not that the rate exceeds $14.00.
an hour. Mr. Tucker said the Board can make those amendments if they so wish.
He said 24 to 48 months is what he and Mr. Borwhat estimated for the 250
employees.
Mr. Don Borwhat said over the next 18 to 24 months they expect to add
150 jobs, and then in Phase 2, which is from 24 to 36 months~ another 100 jobs
would be added. The $14.00 average rate on the first 150 jobs is the blend of
the rate of the manufacturing (125 employees) and engineering (25 employees)
jobs. The entry level rate into the facility is $11.00 an hour. Mr. Borwhat
said they like to promote from within because it is very expensive to bring in
someone (with a family) from outside of the area.
Mr. Martin asked Mr. Tucker about training. He said the University of
Virginia (UVA) does not seem to be necessary in the resolution. Mr. Tucker
said that is something Mrs. Thomas suggested. The intent was that whatever is
offered at UVA not be duplicated at this training facility. Much of the
training that GE will give will be so specialized that anyone of these three
may not be able to offer it. Mrs. Thomas said she does not feel strongly
about UVA, but does feel strongly about CA-TEC, and does not want to see any
of the courses offered there duplicated elsewhere.
Mr. Borwhat said it would make sense to use CA-TEC if they provided the
services that are needed by GE. Mrs. Thomas said CA-TEC has apprenticeship
programs with Kloeckner-Pentaplast and others, and she felt it was important
enough that it be included specifically, and that it not be just a vague
understanding. Mr. M~rtin said UVA might offer certain training, but GE's
employee might not have access to that training. Mr. Tucker said UVA will be
removed from the resolution.
Mrs. Thomas said it needs'to be said that these are the kind of job
training programs the Board values and it hopes there are many in the communi-
ty. The jobs are not just job training, but are good jobs with a good benefit
package attached. Expanding local businesses is always the best way to get
local employment, so she thinks it is everybody's idea of the direction that
economic development should take. GE obviously could import people, but it is
staying here and training and hiring local people and that is something that
is valued in the County. She finds the whole game that is being played, not
just by GE but by industry all over the country extorting local government, to
be distasteful, and even GE Fanuc's own president said recently that the
segment that will be most stressed in the next ten years will be local
government. It seems ironic to have private industry asking local government
for money when it will be the most stressed. She is also annoyed that the
State will only give the money if the County comes up with the money. Not so
much for Albemarle County's sake because Albemarle can basically afford it,
but if that is their economic development policy throughout the state, the
counties that most need this program will be hard-pressed to come up with the
matching funds. She hopes that the regional economic development group might
consider this kind of state policy.
Mr. Martin said these are not the only funds the State has for economic
development.
Mrs. Thomas said she heard from people this week who are not happy with
the kind of corporate citizen that GE is in dealing with local small busi-
nesses as vendors. It is something GE might want to pursue. Mr. Borwhat
disagreed with that. He said they have Partners in Training where they invite
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meetinq)
(Page 20) :~ ·
all local businesses to their'facility for training. With the Albemarle-Char-
lottesville Personnel AsSociation, through GE-Fanuc, they sponsored a day in
town where they provide training to all the small businesses at the Omni for
one-half a day. They also had some of the small businesses come to GE and
they provided training on such things as sexual harassment.
Mrs. Thomas said it is not the training aspect, but is the vendor
relationship. Also, a lot of people mentioned the "hurry up" aspect of this
request, and she did not have an answer to give them. She said she had some
changes to the resolution recommended by staff. She agrees with most of the
language, however, change the paragraph numbered (1) to read:
(1) Principal shall be repaid to Albemarle County within 18 months at
an interest rate of 3.5 percent, the rate lowered to zero percent
upon convincing evidence that in 48 months, 80 percent of the
hires at GE Fanuc during the hiring period are Thomas Jefferson
Planning District region residents of longer than one year°
Mrs. Thomas said her main change is the 80 percent figure. She said as
the Board looks at regional economic development, and recognizing that this is
a regional job market, that shows good-will on the Board's part to the
neighboring jurisdictions and enlarges the area to include all of the area
from which employees are drawn. Mrs. Thomas said she wants to make sure the
80 percent is not achieved by the shifting of employees, but by people
actually being hired to meet that goal. Mr. Borwhat asked what is meant by
"shifting". Mrs. Thomas said present employees are residents of at least a
year, and she would not want them shifted into the new jobs in such a way that
people who are not residents are taking other jobs so the new hires are
actually 80 percent from the region.
Mr. Martin said the resolution mentions new hires at GE and not the new
150. He believes that basically covers the concerns of Mrs. Thomas°
Mrs. Thomas said if that is what everyone understands, it is okay. Mr.
Tucker said that was the intent of staff. Mr. Borwhat said there is no way to
shift employees because 85 to 90 percent of the jobs are entry level posi-
tions.
Mr. Marshall disagreed. He personally thanked Mr. Borwhat for all the
work that had been done to get the plant locally. He is satisfied with the 60
percent figure for Charlottesville-Albemarle. He does not want to put any
undue stress on this company, or send any messages that this Board is not
willing to work with the company. He is happy with the resolution drafted by
staff.
Mrs. Humphris said it makes sense to use the 80 percent because Mr.
Borwhat said they intend to hire 85 percent locally. If the Board says 80
percent, it will show that this Board has a commitment to the region°
Mr. Martin said he does not believe it will matter whether it is 80
percent regional or 60 percent Charlottesville/Albemarle. Mr. Borwhat said
from a pure business point of view, it makes sense to hire locally and that is
what they want to do. Over the years they have hired locally. The dilemma
this time is that there is not much skilled labor available anymore. Now,
they have to do a lot of training, but they want to do that locally.
Mrs. Humphris said this would be a test case for the Board and if the
Board is going to use taxpayer's dollars'for a private interest there has to
be a guaranteed return to the public for the money they invest. How will it
be possible to show convincing evidence about the residency requirement of one
year prior to employment? Mr. Borwhat said he does not know how they would do
that. They have never been asked to do anything like this before.
Mrs. Humphris said if the Board is going to tell the taxpayers that
their money should be used for this purpose, they have a right to account-
ability. Mr. Borwhat said that is why they are willing to put at risk whether
it is an interest or no-interest loan. They will do their best in reporting,
but they don't want to be encumbered by reporting. He does not know what the
mechanism would be except to ask new hires, but that might also be a problem,
and he will have to get advice from his counsel.
Mr. Marshall said he does not disagree with what is being said, but he
does not want to "kill the goose that laid the golden egg." He does not want
GE moving out of Charlottesville because this Board does not want to be
cooperative.
Mr. Martin said the 80 versus 60 is actually the same number. They
stated from the beginning that 85 percent represented the region.
Mr. Marshall said Mr. Borwhat has certain responsibilities when hiring
new employees. Can be legally agree to such an agreement as this one? Mr.
Davis said there is no specific, legal prohibition about hiring people from a
certain area or region. As long as the pool is sufficient in the area to meet
federal requirements under EEOC regulations, he does not think there is any
specific prohibition that would prohibit him from hiring people here so long
as he meets the other federal requirements for equal employment hiring that
are applicable to GE.
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting) 00'029.4
(Page 21)
Mr. Martin said hetw6~id like tom, Ye that the Board adopt the draft
resolution with the changeS'in the sec6~/Section that the rate will exceed
$11.00 per hour; under the last'section, change 60 percent to 80 percent, but
we are talking about the Thomas Jefferson Planning District region as opposed
to Charlottesville/Albemarle; and in No. 3 it does not duplicate services
provided by CA-TEC or PVCC.
Mr. Bowerman asked if "region" means those counties and the City which
make up the TJPDC . Mrs. Thomas said that is correct. She asked if Orange
and Madison should be included. Mr. Borwhat said it does not make any
difference.
Mrs. Thomas said she worded it so that the rate goes down to zero
percent interest upon convincing evidence, etc. Otherwise it is unclear as to
who is to provide the evidence.
Mr. Martin amended the motion to say "if at the end of the project, with
convincing evidence." Mrs. Thomas asked if it is the end of the project, or
48 months. She suggested using the 48 months, because at the end of 18 months
they will just be getting started. Mr. Tucker said both phases will not be
finished in 18 months.
Mrs. Humphris said she envisions this as a pilot program. She does not
agree with staff that this is a precedent. She thinks the Board should look
at it as something to try given certain conditions and parameters to see if it
will work. In the doing, there will need to be a reporting burden placed on
GE because the Board can't wait for 48 months to see if it worked or not. The
Board will need to know on an on-going basis if this is working. The Board
has already been promised that if this works, there will be similar requests
from other businesses or industries, or things of this ilk.
Mr. Tucker asked Mr. Borwhat if they could report a ratio of hiring on a
semi-annual basis. Mr. Borwhat said it would be easier for them to do on an
annual basis.
Mr. Marshall asked what they will do if someone takes a job and quits
after six months. He repeats what he said previously, he does not want to
kill the goose that laid the golden egg. The Board needs to tell these people
that they are appreciative of these jobs. The Board needs to send them a good
message so they will work with the County. This company is so cash rich that
$5000 or $6000 is nothing. They can disregard the hiring practices and pay
the interest. He asked that the Board put them in a good mood so they have a
good feeling about Albemarle County so they do what the Board wants them to
do.
Mr. Martin said he agrees about the message, but which sends a better
message, a 4/2 vote, or a 6/0 vote? If the Board can work with Mr. Borwhat
and be in agreement on issues such as a reporting time, and be in agreement
for a 6/0 vote, he believes that is a stronger message. He is not talking
about something GE can't do. He is just suggesting that all work together.
He heard Mr. Borwhat say he can report once a year, so why not include that?
Mr. Borwhat said it is more tracking and a bigger burden for GE, and the cost
of doing that will be expensive, but GE is willing to work with the committee,
and they are willing to do something for the community. They are willing to
work a little harder than they normally would like to do in order to make
something worthwhile for another business.
Mrs. Humphris said she believes the Board's highest priority has to be
accountability to the people whose money is being spent. In order to be
accountable under the economic development policy presently in place, the
Board has to be able to say that it is providing for our own and not for
people from Massachusetts. In order to do that, there has to be a restric-
tion, or the Board cannot justify spending Albemarle taxpayer's dollars to
provide jobs for people from just anywhere. Anytime government starts to
serve any kind of a private interest instead of the public interest, then
government ceases to be able to function at all.
Mr. Martin disagreed with that statement, but in order to make Mrs.
Humphris feel better, Mr. Martin suggested leaving the motion as he had stated
with the inclusion of "with evidence" and under Section (2), put something in
that says a yearly update is required.
Mr. Perkins asked when GE expects the hiring for phase I to be complet-
ed. Mr. Borwhat said it will depend on a lot of things, but they hope
expansion will be completed in April or May, 1995. During that period they
will be hiring people, and based on their business projections, it will take
between 18 and 24 months.
Mr. Perkins asked about stating that the interest rates would be based
upon the hiring at the end of Phase I or the end of 24 months, to report at
that time. Mr. Borwhat said that would be okay.
Mrs. Humphris said she believes the Board needs an annual accounting,
and does not believe a longer period is appropriate given the nature of the
situation. Mr. Borwhat said to be fair, maybe the first reporting should be
made when the loan is paid back in 18 months. Mr. Marshall said that is a
good compromise. Mr. Borwhat said in 18 months they will have a tracking
system in place, and will be in the middle of the hiring. Mr. Tucker asked if
December 14, 1994 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 22)
it would be an annual report thereafteri: Mr, Borwhat said the report would be
easiest made in January. He:asked how~lOng "annual thereafter" would be.
Mrs. Humphris said it would be for 48'month period. Mr. Borwhat asked if they
hired the 250 people in three years if that would be the end of the reporting.
Mrs. Humphris said "yes". Mr. Borwhat said they intend to hire 250 people,
but with some of their opportunities, it could be 450 people, but it could
also be only 200 people. If a report is made in 18 months, then annually
thereafter until they reach 200 people, not to exceed four years. Mrs.
Humphris said that is her understanding; 250 jobs or 48 months, whichever
comes first.
Mr. Martin then amended the motion to include those provisions.
Mr. Bowerman said the Board is recognizing the good faith of GE, and all
the Board is trying to do is come up with some indicators to see whether or
not what is put down on paper happens. He has every expectation that what is
put down on paper will be accomplished.
Mrs. Thomas said she does also. She believes it is only because the
Board feels it will get other requests that it is doing this.
Mr. Marshall said the Board may, but he remembers from Mr. Kessler's
presentation earlier today a statement that "the benefits must outweigh the
cost". He believes this request does. If you bear that in mind, he believes
the Board is a good guardian of the taxpayer's money.
At this point, Mr. Bowerman seconded the motion.
Mr. Perkins asked if everybody understood the motion. Mr. Martin
restated: accept the draft resolution with the changes to include in the
second section, $11.00 instead of $14.00; under the "and, be it" section, to
put 80 percent in the TJPDC region, and evidence to be presented at the time
of the loan at 18 months and every year thereafter until the 48 months have
expired, or 250 employees have been hired. Then, strike UVA under 3b, and
simply say "CA-TiC or PVCC".
Mr. Borwhat said they will probably have to do some type of reporting
for the state, and maybe there is some way to use the same report.
Roll was called at this time, and the motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin
and Perkins.
None.
(Note: The adopted resolution is set out in full below.)
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Albemarle Board of County Supervisors is
cognizant of the desire of GE Fanuc to expand its manufacturing
and training facilities in Albemarle County; and
WHEREAS, GE Fanuc has indicated an opportunity to add 250
jobs over the next 24 to 48 months at a wage rate that will exceed
$11.00 per hour; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's Opportunity Fund requires local
participation in order to access state funds from this source,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Albemarle Board of
County Supervisors hereby requests $150,000 in grant funds from
the Governor's Opportunity Fund to be used for training facilities
related to the proposed expansion at GE Fanuc,
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the local participation
for accessing the Opportunity Funds shall be in the form of a
$150,000 loan to the Albemarle County Industrial Development
Authority who in turn will be asked to loan the funds to GE Fanuc
under the following conditions:
(1)
(2)
Principal shall be repaid to Albemarle County within
18 months at an interest rate of 3.5 percent.
If, at the end of 48 months, with compelling evidence
that greater than 80 percent of new hires at GE Fanuc
during this hiring period are Thomas Jefferson Plan-
ning District residents, the interest rate for the
term of the loan shall be adjusted to zero percent°
Annual reports on hiring ratios shall be provided to
the Albemarle Board of County Supervisors, at the time
the principal is repaid and in January of each year
thereafter for 30 months or until 250 new employees
are hired, whichever occurs first.
December 14, 1994 (Regular Nigh~ Meeting)
(Page 23)
(3)
A. T~a~ihg~fa~£i:~'~'~:'Shall be available to Other
County employers for group training, as avail-
able.
Training provided as part of this project does
not duplicate that provided by Charlottesville-
Albemarle Technical Education Center or Piedmont
Virginia Community College.
(4)
Loan funds may only be used for job training related
expenses.
AND LASTLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board instructs County
staff to facilitate site plan reviews to the extent possible for
the training related facilities.
Mr. Tucker said the Board needs to take action also on the resolution
regarding Industrial Access Funds.
Mr. Martin moved that the Board accept and adopt the following resolu-
tion asking the Commonwealth Transportation Board for $267,000. The motion
was seconded by Mrs. Thomas. Roll was called, and the motion carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin
and Perkins.
NAYS: None.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, GE Fanuc owns property in the County of Albemarle
and is in the process of entering into contracts to expand its
facilities on that property for the purpose of expanding its
product lines; and
WHEREAS, this new facility is expected to involve a new
private capital investment in land, building and manufacturing
equipment exceeding $50.0 million; and
WHEREAS, GE Fanuc is expected to employ an additional 250
persons at this facility; and
WHEREAS, manufacturing operations are expected to begin in
this new facility to be phased between 1994 and 1997; and
WHEREAS, the existing public road network does not provide
for adequate access to this facility and it is deemed necessary
that improvements be made to Route 763; and
WHEREAS, the County of Albemarle hereby warrants that the
necessary right-of-way for this improvement and utility reloca-
tions or adjustments, if necessary, will be sought from non-County
funds if the project is to proceed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Albemarle Board of
County Supervisors hereby requests that the Commonwealth Transpor-
tation Board provide Industrial Access Road Funding in the amount
of $267,000 to provide an adequate road to this expanded manufac-
turing facility with said funds to come from the State's 1995-1996
allocation.
Mr. Perkins asked if the Board needed a motion concerning the industrial
revenue bonds. Mr. Tucker said "not at this time".
Mrs. Humphris said for purposes of clarification, the resolution says
TJPDC residents, and it was said they should have been residents for one year.
Mr. Martin said that was part of his motion. (Mr. Marshall left the room at
9:59 p.m.)
Mr. Bowerman said the intent is that the hire should be someone who is
already living here. If there is a good candidate in the market who has only
been a resident for eight months, he does not necessarily want to exclude that
person. He thinks the Board has to depend on GE's statements that they will
do their 80 percent hires from this region. (Mr. Marshall returned at 10:00
p.m.) He would hate to see it tied down to whether it is eight months or
eleven months. Mrs. Thomas said she thought tieing this to having lived here
for one year was simple. Mr. Bowerman said he understands Mrs. Thomas'
concern. Mr. Borwhat said it is not their intent to go out of Virginia to
find workers. They can show this through their hiring record for the past
five years. Of the last 200 factory associates hired, only nine people have
been from outside of the state, and five of those people were technicians.
They hire locally, and they screen the applications so that residency is
December 14, 1994 (RegUlar. Night'Meeting) i
(Page 24) ~i~ ?~
They hire locally, and they screen the applications so that residency is
clearly established, the money, make a commitment,
and then not live up to it. Mr, Borwhat expressed his appreciation to the
Board for its support of the requests.
000297
Agenda Item No. 15. Approval of Minutes: July 6, 1994. Mrs. Humphris
said she had read the minutes of July 6, 1994, and given some typographical
corrections to the Clerk. She then offered motion to approve the minutes as
read.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Thomas. Roll was called, and the motion
carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin
and Perkins.
NAYS: None.
Agenda Item No. 16. Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from the
BOARD.
Mr. Tucker said staff suggests the Board eliminate the third meeting in
December each year. This came about from the applicant for a zoning petition,
which is now to be deferred anyway. It was the consensus for staff to schedu-
le so the third meeting in December is canceled when the date is very close to
the Christmas Holidays.
Motion was offered by Mr. Bowerman, seconded by Mr. Marshall, to
reappoint Chief John Miller to a new three-year term on the James River
Alcohol Safety Action Program. Roll was called, and the motion carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin
and Perkins.
None.
Mrs. Thomas said VDoT is having a hearing tomorrow at the Airport on the
State's Long-Range Transportation Plan. It is required by the Federal
Government and it is very sketchy at this point, so there is not much to
respond to, but there are 23 factors to be considered. The State has to come
up with a transportation plan.
Mrs. Thomas said the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), at its
last meeting, had a discussion about the Meadow Creek Parkway, but since funds
are not immediately evident, it was in danger of being dropped off of the
MPO's long-range plan which goes to the Federal government. It means that the
County would never be able to receive any money for it, so they had to show it
as "local funding" even though they don't know what that means. There was no
other alternative. The state would not allow them to shown any possible state
funding for the project, and there has been no resolution about its being a
primary road so it could be shown for federal funding. Mrs. Thomas said they
worked on keeping it in the long-range plan, but it was in danger last week of
being dropped. Mrs. Thomas said it is still "iffy" if the federal government
won't let it be shown with local funding~
Mr. Marshall said he is going away for a few days.
Mr. Bowerman said the Planning Commission took action last night not to
hear the request from The Highlands next Tuesday, so this Board cannot hear it
nextWednesday. He thinks that item should be removed from next week's
agenda. Mr. Tucker said it will come up on the agenda next week, and the
Board will need to take action to defer the request to an appropriate date.
Mr. Tucker said it has been indicated to Mr. Craig that Mrs. Humphris
will be away the third Wednesday in January, that is not a date for hearing
that item. Mr. Perkins said he believes the applicant wants the application
heard the second Wednesday in January or the second Wednesday in February.
Agenda Item No. 17. Adjourn to December 16, 1994, 9:00 A.M.~ Rooms 5/6
for a Joint Meeting with City Council.
Motion was offered by Mrs. Thomas, seconded by Mrs. Humphris, to adjourn
until December 16, 1994, at 9:00 A.M. for a meeting with City Council and the
Jail Board.
.... ~ : 000298
December 14, 1994 (Regular ~£ght Meet£ng)
(Page 25)
Roi1 was called, and~6~¥~6~ed by the fOllOwing recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr~ B°werman, Mrs~ MUmphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin
and Perkins.
NAYS: None.
Chairman