HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-03-11 adjMarch 11, 1992 (Afternoon - Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 1)
M.B. 40, Pg. 217
An adjourned meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County,
Virginia, was held on March 11, 1992, at 5:00 P.M., Meeting Room 7, COunty
Office Building, McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia.
PRESENT: Mr. Edward H. Bain, Jr., Mr. David P. Bowerman, Mrs. Charlotte Y.
Humphris, Messrs. Forrest~R. Marshall, Jr., Charles S. Martin and Walter F.
Perkins.
ABSENT: None.
OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Robert W. Tucker, Jr.
Agenda Item. No. 1,.~'The meeting was called to order at 5:00 P.M. by the
Chairman, Mr. Bowerman.
Agenda~Item No 2. Work Session: Economic and Fiscal Policies Related to
Industrial Development~
Mr. Tucker presented the~following Executive Summary dated March 11,
1992:
"Issue: At your March 4, 1992 meeting you requested staff provide a
revised study outline to better reflect the intended objectives to be
achieved by this committee and how these objectives would be integra-
ted to-support-the Comprehensive Plan'S policy and process. As
neither staff nor the committee have the expertise necessary to
develop~the fiscal impact methodology;~.the use of consultant services
will be necessary.
Background: To summarize the following study outline, the committee
would~move~through a sequence of steps that would result in a fiscal
impact model and-recommendations on growth that would become a part of
the next Comprehensive Plan review process which is scheduled to start
in January, 1993, with a target adoption~by~July, 1994. In the nine
months before the Comprehensive Plan review would start, the following
outline is recommended to guide the work of the committee:
March/April, 1992
I. Committee selection and formulation of tasking:
Develop the issues and charge for the committee.
Advertise~and select committee.
April/May, 1992-
II. Inform the committee of both development policies and fiscal
impact issues:
Review current policies, and practices.~
Familiarize the committee withother policies and,methodologies
in use in other localities.
- Define the preliminary issues~
Identify consultant service requirements.
June/July, 1992
III.~Develop an'economic baseline:
Staff, with assistance from outside resources as necessary,
will.develop an economic baseline or profile of.the County to
serve as a foundation.for further alternatives and analysis.
July/August, 1992
IV. Public participation in defining issues and concerns for.both
development and fiscal impact:
Participation at public meetings.
Presentations ~to the committee by groups or individuals as
appropriate.
July/October~ 1992
V. Develop fiscal impact methodology:
- As assisted by a consultant and staff, develop a methodology to
be used in committee analysis of development policy alterna-
tives, and
March 11, 1992 (Afternoon - Adjourned Meeting)
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M.B. 40, Pg. 218
- Develop a methodology that is inclusive of, and interactive
with, all supporting growth management tools to include the
Comprehensive Plan, Community Facilities Plan, Open Space Plan,
Utilities Master Plan and other plans as appropriate.
- Develop a methodology to be adopted for continued use by County
staff°
October/November, 1992
VI. Analysis of growth alternatives:
- Using the methodology, examine alternative land use and
economic forecasts for fiscal impact.
December, 1992
VII. Develop recommendations and complete the study:
- Report to the Board of Supervisors.
January,.1992
Staff commence five-year Comprehensive Plan review process."
Mr. Bowerman.asked if the $5000 to $10,000 mentioned at the March 4
meeting is the total cost for a consultant. Mr. Tucker said that amount is
the initial cost needed fOr FY 1991-92. The cost to develop and finalize ~he
fiscal impact model is $25,000 per year for three years. During the three-
year period the committee~will collect data and utilize the model. Mr.
Bowerman asked if.~the software for the model is available for use by the
County. Mr. Tucker said staff has been communicating with the consulting firm
that de~eloPed software .for Loudoun County. The software can be used but
would need to be changed to fit the needs of this community.
Mrs. Humphris said she has been trying to comprehend what the Board
intends to do today which was unclear after reviewing the executive summary.
She thinks amission for the Board should be'defined before discussions of
hiring consultants and fprming a committee. Mrs. Humphris then~presented the
following statement:
"The Chairman has made a proposal which, if implemented, would essen-
tially amend the current~Conrprehensive Plan's goal with respect to
economic development. In essence, it-is a proposal that County
government become actively involved in the promotion of ind~ustrial
development sites located in,the County.
As a preliminary.step to consideration ofthis proposal, I, suggest
thatthe Board. of Supervisors formally affirmthefoltowing princi-
ples:
ANY CHANGE IN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY SHOULD BE
'EFFECTIVE IN SOLVING THE IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS THE POLICY
CHANGE IS INTENDED TO ADDRESS. .
ANY CHANGE IN COUNTY ECONOMIC POLICY SHOULD BE CONSISTENT
WITH OTHER EXISTING GOALS-OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
ANY CHANGE_IN COUNTY ECONOMICPOLICY SHOULDNOT INCREASE THE
.EXISTING BURDEN ON LOCAL TAXPAYERSWITHOUT PROVIDING BENE-
FITS TO THOSE TAXPAYERS WHICH ARE IDENTIFIABLE, PREDICTABLE
AND SIGNIFICANT.
ANY CHANGE IN COUNTY.ECONOMIC, POLICY SHOULD BE PRECEDED BY
FORMAL PUBLIC HEARINGS.
If the foregoing principles are accepted as aguide in, considering the
proposal, th~fi~I-suggestthat the following steps shouldbe taken
prior to acting on the proposal in order to ensure that any change is
consistent with these principles:
IDENTIFY THE PROBLEMS WHICH THE PROPOSED POLICYCHANGE IS
INTENDED TO ADPRESS.
Is the, problem.insufficient population growth?
Is the problem insufficient residential construction?
M.B. 40, Pg. 219
March 11, 1992 (Afternoon - Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 3)
Is the problem unemployment among County residents?
Is the problem underemployment among County residents?
Is the problem unemployment among residents of the region?
Is the problem underemployment among residents of the
region?
Is the problem some combination of these?
Are there other problems which the proposed change in policy
is intended to solve?
2. DETERMINE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED IN STEP
ONE.
For example,, if the problems which the policy change is intended
to address are unemployment and underemployment among County
residents, the problems can best be solved if we first have
answers to the. following questions:
a. How many County residentsare unemployed or underemploYed?
How do we define .underemployed?"
b. What skills do these residents have to offer an employer?
c. Are these residents permanent or temporary?
Are they.graduates of local schools with families who are
residents7
Are they students or spouses of students?
And I am sure there are many other questions which should be investi-
gated in order to understand the characteristics of the problem we are
trying to address.
3. IDENTIFY THE IMPACTS THE PROPOSED POLICY CHANGE WILL HAVE ON OTRER
COMPREHENSIVE. PLAN GOALS AND ON THE COUNTY BUDGET.
Will .the proposed change be morelikely to, increase or
decrease~the pressure onrural areas for development?
What effect might~it have on the cost of housing in the
County? . ·
What effect might ithave on the need for additional
infrastructure such as schools, roads, utilities,
recreational facilities, etc.?
IDENTIFY THECHARACTERISTICS OF THE BUSINESS OR.INDUSTRY WHICH
WILL BEST SOLVE THE IDENTIFIEP PROBLEMS AND WHICH WILL HAVE THE
LEAST. NEGATIVE IMPACT ON COMPREHENSIVE PI.AN GOALS AND THE COUNTY
BUDGET.
IDENTIFY LEGALLY DEFENSIBLE AND-PRACTICALLY ENFORCEABLE ZONING
METHODS WHICH WILL HELP ENSURE THAT THE iDENTIFIED CHARACTERIS-
TICS ARE REALIZED.
I would suggest that~the-foregoing five steps be addressed as follows:
1. Step one should~be addressed by this Board.
Step two should be addressed by people With expertise in the area
of the problems identified in SteP one.
For example, if the problem is one concerning employment, then~we
need a Committee made up of representatives of the ~irginia
Employment Commission, the University Center for Public Service,
the County staff, local businesses, etc., those with expertise in
analyzing unemployment andunderemployment~
Step three should be addressed by.~the Planning staff and the
proposed Fiscal Impact Analysis Committee with, of course, a
consultant, expert in such analyses, working with this committee.
Step four should be~addressed by the Planning staff and know-
ledgeable members of our business community.
M.B. 40, Pg. 220
March 11, 1992 (Afternoon - Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 4)
5. Step five should be addressed by the County Attorney's office.
6. Ail steps should be overseen by this Board of Supervisors."
Mrs. Humphris said the five steps she identified would allow the Board to
be more actively involved in the process than what is envisioned in the
executive summary.
Mr. Bain said he thought the committee!s primary emphasis was to develop
a fiscal impact methodology and bring that information back to the Board. It
is the Board's decision whether to incorporate that information into the
Comprehensive Plan. Hedoes not feel the committee should be making the kinds
of decisions proposed by Mrs. Humphris.
Mrs. Humphris said she thinks the Board needs ~to first understand why it
is doing this and in what direction it is heading. She also thinks it is
important for the Board to affirm the four.principles set out in her proposal.
Mr. Martin said he almost agrees with the four principles, but it seems
to him that this proposal~is a request for information that the committee
should be charged with gathering. Mrs. Humphris said she is proposing that
the~Board agree to the four principles. The committee would respond to the
other issues and make a recommendation for or against a change in the County's
Economic Policy. Mr~ Bain~again said he thinks the committee's role is to
provide information to the Board, not make recommendations.
Mr, Bowerman said it was. obvious, from the reaction of the community and
the State Department of Economic Development, when the issue of the Fortune
500 company came before the Board, there was a lack of information about the
affect of growth ona~community. It~was also obvious that many. people in the
community and the State felt the County's economic policy was negative. His
proposal to the Board was to form a~committee to look at the cost of economic
development as it relates to industrial, commercial, retail and residential
growth. In the last 12 years that he has been associated with the Planning
Commission and Board, other than G.E.~-Fanuc, there were only two manufacturing
organizations that he can remember being interested in locating in the County;
they were Liebig International, Inc., and'WWW Electronics, Inc. Most-requests
to the Board have been for retail or commercial office uses..
Mr. Bain asked Mr. Bowerman if. it was part of his proposal that the
committee look at the Comprehensive Plan or if the Plan was to be a separate
issue. Mr~ Bowerman said the elements of the Comprehensive Plan must be
consistent~with whatever is developed,by,the committee. It is apparent~to him
that the current economic development statement in the Plan is supportive of
the~other elements of the Plan which is to accommodate growth and. development
and of business.
Mr. Martin said.he would have opposed the Fortune 500 company if it
wanted~to build another shopping center. It is his opinion that this area
needs'jobs that pay "real" money. He thinks that the County's current Econom-
icDevelopment Policy has a goal, but it does not have an objective or stra-
tegy. Ail other elements of the Comprehensive Plan have objectives and
strategies, He thinks the Board can have a policy that is supportive of
certain types of businesses while discouraging other types. He does not think
there is a balance of different types of businesses in the community. He
wants the committeeto find Out what type of industry is good for the commu~
nity, what type.of industry is. not so good, what the criteria is for a good
industry. The. Board needs to know some of that information. He thinks the
charge, of this committee~is to determine how to measure the impa=t of economic
development. He also thinks if any change is made, to the Comprehensive Plan,
it should include strategies that enable the Board to decide what industry it
might want ~to act favorably towards.
. Mr. Bowerman said the Board needs to receive and agree on information
regarding fiscal impact. When that information is~knoWn, the Board can then
look at the-current method of handling growth in the community and decide
whetherthat is the. way it shouldcontinue orwhether it should be modified.
He does not think the-Board has the resources to answer any of the questions
posed by Mrs. Humphris~without an impact statement about the various costs of
growth on the community.
March 11, 1992 (Afternoon - Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 5)
M.B. 40, Pg. 221
Mr. Bain said he does not envision the committee as a group to establish
policy. He thinks the committee should provide an analysis to the Board and
using that analysis the Board develop a policy. He asked what limits or
direction is being put on the committee because it could be overburdened and
take forever to get the information back to the Board.
Mr. Marshall said he comes into contact with more people from the commu-
nity each day than any other Board member. This Board needs some sort of
policy because the community is moving towards some difficult times. He deals
with people on a daily basis who are concerned about unemployment, underem-
ployment, health care, food, clothing and shelter, etc. Jobs are needed from
all spectrums. Centel is going to be sold; when that happens there will be
more people'out of work, There is a good ~hance that Sperry Marine could be
sold and relocated to another community. In the last three years thousands of
jobs have been lost. The County needs to diversify its economic base so that
all of the people"who want to. live here can continue to~do so~
Mrs. Humphris said her proposal addresses~those issues. The proposal
asks if this Board is moving towards a policythat any kind of growth,- for the
sake Of growth, is what the Board wants or if the Board wants the kind of
growth that is good for Albemarle County; the kind of growth that will help
the unemployed andunderemployed. Good growth is the kind of growth that
provides jobs for County residents, not growth where an industry brings its
own employees in. TheBoard needs to. provide some directions. The Board
needs to decide how it is going to do the job it wants to do without adding
more burdens to-County residents. Mr. Marshall said he wants residents to be
able to maintain the quality of life in the County that he has had in his
lifetime. Mrs. Humphris said that is exactly what her proposal does.
Mr, Martin said he agrees with the four principles in Mrs. Humphris'
proposal, but he thinks the entire proposal istoo much. The,proposal is
information the committee needs to research. A lot of the information is
something that will be learned as part of the process. He does not want to
limit the committee in what~ information it can find.
Mrs. Humphris said she would like to know what each Board memberthinks.
She asked if .Board members agree that if the current policy is changed, the
reason for that change is because something better has been found. Board
members agreed. Mrs. Humphris then asked if the Board could agree that any
change inpolicy would be kept consistent with maintaining the other goals of
the,Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Martin said theoretically he could agree with
that statement but there~may be a goal, in the Plan that~would be in conflict
and~exclude a good goal foreconomic development'~ Mrs'. Humphris ,aSked if
Board members could all agree that it does not want to do something to
increase the tax burden on the citizens. Mr. Martin said his problem with
that statement is that the change may be a burden on a few taxpayers, but
could benefit a large majority. Mrs. Humphris said since most .of the local
tax comes from the property tax, the people who stand to get hurt the most are
the.ones who have problems paying theproperty tax. Those are the people she
is referring. Mr. Martin used as an example a retired person who moved to
this community. That person may not benefit from the, Board's proactive stance
towards a particular industry but may suffer some burden. He does not think
every aspect-of the Plan will benefit every0ne~ He agrees-with the gist of
the statement, but will not bind himself by saying that everything the Board
does must benefit everyone,
Mr. Bowerman said he ~doeS not have a problem, with the four principles
recommended by Mrs..Humphris. He thinks that they are all interrelated and
must~be reviewedwithin the context of eachother. He thinks if the Board
Went against any one of them, it would not be acting in its own best interest.
Mr. Bowerman said he thinks the Board has to decide whether thiscommunity is
willing to accept the added costs of~growth which is the~Board, s function to
determine after the fiscal impact analysis is done.
~Mr. Marshall said he is concerned that the. Board not go backwards.
People are assuming the Board will be moving forward and that there will be a
lot of growth. He is concerned that the County may actually be losing citir
zens if something, is not done
M.B. 40, Pg. 222
March 11, 1992 (Afternoon - Adjourned Meeting)
(Page 6)
Mr. Perkins said it seems to him the Board is trying to "bite off too
much". This is a course that will take two to three years to complete. He
thinks the Board should move forward with some of recommendations outlined by
staff which is not a policy change. Mr. Perkins said he has seen the results
of some fiscal impact analyses and he believes that whoever does them can
manipulate the answers to reflect their views. He cannot commit, at this
time, to hiring a $25,000 consultant for the next three years to do this. He
does not think a consultant can provide the Board with any more information
than it already has. Mr. Bain said he disagrees with Mr. Perkins; he thinks
the Board has a lot to learn even though numbers can be manipulated. Mr.
Perkins said if a company relocates to the County and hires 500 local people
that would not have a major fiscal impact on the community, but if that
company~moves to the County and brings 1000 employees with it, then there
would be an impact. Mr. Bain said that is the type of information that is
included in the model. He does agree this may be too much to request to start
off with, but he is willing to proceed with the fiscal impact analysis and set
some specific charges for the committee. He is not willing to ask the commit-
tee to make recommendations for policy changes.
Mr. Tucker suggested deleting a development policy fromthe work program
of the committee and~ charge the committee with only fiscal impact issues. He
suggested that the-Board and Planning Commission may wish to form a committee
to look at developing the policy.- The final decision on a policy would, be
made by this Board. Mr. Bowerman said the sequencing of events.is important.
The fiscalimpact has to be done before looking at policies. It is also this
Board's responsibility to review potential committee, members and appointfive
members they feel will do the best job.
Mr. Tucker recommended that the committee consist of five citizen mem-
bers, two Board members and two Planning Commission members. He also recom-
mended that the Development Policy aspect of the proposal be considered after
the completion of the fiscal impact analysis. Mr. Tucker said this process
should take from six to nine months. He added that staff would provide the
Board with progress reports on the committee.
Mr. Martin then offered notion to for~,,lnte a committee of two Board of.
Supervisors',.members,, two.planning. Commission members and five citizenmembers
front he. County, to deal. with the issue of fiscal impact. Mr. Bain seconded
the-notion~
.Mr. Bowerman requested~ that staff bring to the Board. specific responsi-
bilities of the committee.
Roll was then called and the motion carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: None.
Mr.. Bowerman~said'another aspect,~of, his proposal~is.~better communication
~ith the~ Statel ~epartment Of~-EcOnomic~Development in terms of...the resources~
that a=e in: the.commUnity ·
Mr. Perkins said he thinks the Board should follow~ up on some of the
recommendations in the executive summary presented to the Board at the March 4
meeting. He thinks the Board should use the resources this community has to
offer, perhaps the University of Virginia has someone who would come forward
and help with the consulting. He also thinks theBoard should approach
Virginia Power because they do economic analYSeS and provide brochures to
other communities. Mr. Perkinsthen offered motion to request Virginia Power
to, provide informational brochures,
Mr. Marshall saidVirginia Power had helped him in his business to
develop a feasibility study and he found the information to be invaluable.
~,.. Mr. Bowerman, said:he has no problem with that suggestion as long as the
committee recognizes.~that Virginia Power is aspecial interest. Mr. Bain said
he thinks that is a part of the technical gathering mechanism for information
for the~committee., Mrs. Humphris said there are so many different sources of
information available~ Virginia Power is just one source of information.
March 11, 1992 (Afternoon
(Page 7)
Adjourned Meeting)
M.B. 40, Pg. 223
Mr. Marshall said Virginia Power wants the Board to ask them to provide
this information. Mrs. Humphris said she assumes the committee will ask every
available source for information. Mr. Perkins said he spoke to a person at
Virginia Power and they want to be asked by this Board, not a committee. Mr.
Bain suggested that the Board first form the committee and then find out what
sources of information are available and then'have a motion to cover all the
sources.
Mr. Bowerman asked if the Board wanted the committee to elect a chairman
or have a chairman appointed from outside the group. Mr. Tucker said the
makeup of the committee was designed so that it would have an odd number and
with the idea that the committee would nominate its own chairman. Mr. Mar-
shall said he thinks the committee would-be better served by selecting a
Chairman from its own ranks. Mr. Bain did not feel strongly either way. Mrs.
Humphris said it might be a good idea to have a chairman who is nonvoting and
is interested in the process .....
Mr.~'Tucker said the staff will~ modify the charge to the committee, and
procedure'-and then advertise for committee members. Mr. Bowerman suggested
the-text, of the, advertisement for committee~ members be reviewed by the Board,
on ~March 18. Boardmembers concurred.
Mr. Perkins reminded the Chairman that there was a motion on the floor to
request information from Virginia pOwer. Mr. Marshall seconded, the motion.
Mrsi-Humphris asked what kind of information is contained in the brochure.
Mr. Tucker said he,would get. a copyof one of the brochures for the Board to
review. Mr. Perkins then agreed to table his motion until theBoard, reviews
the brochure.
Agenda Item~No. 3.
before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Chairman
Adjourn. There being no further business to come
March 11, 1992 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 1)
M.B. 40, Pg. 224
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemmrle County,
Virginia, was .held on March 11, 1992, at 7:00 P.M., Meeting Room 7, County
Office Building, McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia.
PRESENT: Mr. Edward H. Bain, Jr., Mr. David P. Bowermmn, Mrs. Char-
lotte Y. Rumphris, Messrs. Charles S. Martin, Forrest R. Marshall, Jr., and
Walter F. Perkins.
ABSENT: None.
OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Robert W. Tucker, Jr., and County
Attorney, George R. St. John.
Agenda Item No. 1.
Chairmmn, Mr. Bowerman.
Agenda Item No. 2.
Agenda Item No. 3.
· ~.Agenda Item No. 4.
Public.'
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by the
Pledge Of Allegiance.
Moment of Silence.
Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from the
Mr. Kevin Cox said in December, 1991, the Board adopted a new fee sched-
ule for a variety of permits issued~through'the Department of Zoning. ~The
current fee. for a~specialuse permit for day care centers (six or more chil-
dren) is $165; as of April 1, 1992, the fee will increase to $780. He thinks
there is a need for more day care centers and. if this increase goes~ into
effect,~ people will either not comply with the regulations or they will not
open up new day care centers. The owners do who pay the fee will pass the
additional charges on to the parents. He asked the Board.to reconsider the
fee and,the impact~this new_fee will~have~omday care centers. Mr. Cox also
expressed concern, about thefee forHomeOccupation-Class B. The cost for
p~ocessing a Class B permit is $30; the current fee is $25 and as of April 1,
the fee will be $350. It is his understanding that this new fee was based on
an average cost of the permits approved administratively and the permits that
Went through the public hearing process. He thinks that the permits approved
administratively are subsidizing permits that generate complaints. He believes
that a 100 percent fee increase is too much to ask~ ..~. ·
Mr. Bowermmn suggested~ the Board take another look at the cost~ of permits
for day carecenters and~Rome Occupation-Class B.
Mr.~Michael. Williams~ HealfihTeacher for Bur!ey Middle~School,~.reqUested
the'Board removecigarettevending machlnesfrOm places inthe County where
childrenunder the age of 18 have access to the machines~..He also.asked that
the Board encourageretailers to request identification_ from people, who
purchase cigarettes.: Inastudy~.he COnducted~ of~cigarette accessibility,to
minors, he'had students go to approx~mmtely 16 different tocations,~and~at all
but three locations, the~students~were 'eitherlsold~cigarettes~or were.able to
purchase them from a vending maahine. He provided, the ~Board with pictures of
the students who took .part in]thestudy andthe names,.of~.the locations that~
the students wentlto. He feels that it is part of his job to help students
resist cigarette smoking. He presented the Board with petitions from the all
the middle schools and'~high schoOls in the Countyin support, of~his proposals.
Mr. Bowerman ~m~ed staff to inve~tiga~9~ whether the Board. has any author-
ity over where cigarette vending machines are placed or how they are regulat-
ed ....
~. Agenda. ItemNo. 5. Consent Agenda. Motion was offered byMr. Bain,
seconded by_Mrs. Humphris, to accept Item 5~1 on the consent .agenda.as infor-
mation. Roll was-called and. the motion carried by thefoltowing recordedl
vote: , · , : ~,. ~
AYES: Mrs; Hurhphris, Messrs~ Marshall, Martin~ Perkins, Bain and BoWerman,
NAYS: None ............. . ·
March 11, 1992 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 2)
M2B. 40, Pg. 225
Item No. 5.1. Letter dated February 24, 1992, from Mr. Ray D. Pethtel,
Commissioner, Virginia Department of Transportation, re: Addition of Wingate
Farm to the State Secondary System of Highways, was received as follows:
"As requested in your resolution dated November 6, 1991, the following
addition to the Secondary System of Albmmmrle County is hereby approved,
effective February 14, 1992:
ADDITION LENGTH
Wingate Farm
Route 1063 (Hunt Country Lane)
· 0;64 mile nOrtheast'Route 676
From Route 676 to
0.64"
Agenda. Item No. 6.. Public Hearing on proposed 1992-93 County Budget
(Advertised in the Daily Progress on February,25 and March 3, 1992).
The County Executive presented his proposed budget for FY 1993, The
presentation included an,overview and highlight of the recommended budget;
The total proposedbudgetis $89.6 million, an.:incr~a~e of $3.~7.million (4.35
percent) over FY 1991-92. The~budget provides a 1.24 percent increase for
baseline General Government operations, but does not provide for any expanded
or newTp~0g~m~. The budget provides an increase of $890,300'~2,8 percent) in
local funds to the School Division for a total recommended School budget of
$58.3 million~ This reflects an overall increase of $1.85 million (3.3
percent) over FY,'1991-92, In addition, the'budget provides an increase of
$720,000.:forlnew.~debtCservice on.?School capital projects; a four'percent
ave[age inc[~ase in agency funding and undesignated reserve funds in the
amount of $774,930.
Mr. Tucker said-the proposed budget anticipates the CoUnty' receiving
$41.25 million in property taxes, an increase of $2.34 million (six percent)
over FY~1991~92....Local revenues provide 66.5 percent for the FY 1992-93
operating~budget~ .... The proposed, budget maintains the. real estate tax.rate at
$.72 cents, and personal:~property taxrate at.,$4130/$100 of assessed value.
State revenues for~General Government arc.level} but~have increased for the
School Division by3.5 percent .......
Mr.,Tucker Said the proposed General Government budget is considered a
"baseline"budget meaning that~it provides for the. maintenance 'of ex~sting
services and programs with few additional initiatives. However, additional
unanticipated revenue identified in January, t992,~ in the amount'of $774,900,
providss the Board~ with the flexibility to.cOnsider some new initiatives or to
providean adjustment to the property tax rate. Both General Government and
the School Division have Stayed within the revenue allocations requestedby
the BOard.._ General~Government~has attempted to maintain department operations
Within a two percent ~range ........
Mr,.Tucker theh .summarized the following growth needs and required
services identified in the. budget: 1) the County's share in funding the Joint
Security Complex has increaSed by. 27.3 percent based upon prioryear"s usage;
2) .calls,for service, due primarily to the first full year of dispatching for
the rescue squads, has increased.the County's Share of the Rmorgency Opera-
tions'Center by 15.5 percent, over FY~1992; 3)no aeross~the-board salary
increase is provided, however a~one percent~increasein the merit bonus pool
isproposed¢ although the' School Division is recommending that thisbe
moved; 4) a full year's-funding;of the reclassification plan~and a. health
insurance-r, ate increase is-provided;-5) funding an increasednumber, of chil-
dren in foster care,in FY 1993 from 30 to 53 is recommended; 6). fully .funding
the County's,shareof Rivanna Park, at-a 25 percent increase over F~f 1992 which
is,.due to the cost sharing formula between~the City. and~County audi:now re-
flects funding based upon. park usage over a two year period; and 7) Jeffer-
son-Madison Regional Library is. funded at a baseline level of 2.8 percent over
FY 1992. The,.Northside Branch Library is, proposed~to be,funded atl00 percent
for the first six months,.of'FY 1993 by the County and the second.half of the
fiscal year,~being'fundedat 72 percent, which reflects. County~citizen, usage .as
of January,,1992.
March 11, 1992 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 3)
M.B. 40, Pg. 226
Mr. Tucker summarized a list of initiatives and programs the staff feels
are important but funds were not available within existing allocations. The
programs are prioritized in the categories of urgent needs, necessary needs,
desirable needs and deferrable proposals for initiatives. In addition the
School Division has a list of prioritized initiatives. Mr. Tucker said the
staff has been receptive and cognizant, of the state of the economy. Although
inflation is approximately three percent, General Government has maintained
its current programs and operations with only a 1,24 percent increase over FY
1992. He thinks this budget provides quality service to the citizens within
existing allocations and tax rates.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
Ms. Pat Spicer Napoleon, a life-long resident, taxpayer and teacher in
the County, said she is concerned about fellow employees who must make ends
meet, raise hhildren and pay for life's needs on a salary~that is notlkeeping
up with demands. This County ,is an~area of immenseWealth and, opportunity~~
yet the-financial resources are not being ~tapped and thus employees are,,
lagging behind in,salaries and compensation. These may~be difficult,, times but
Albemarle Countyl,must maintain the high standards for which it has been
recognized. Additionally, she feels the~Board is. allowing developers'to set
the pace for growth in the County?: She feels the Comprehensive Plan is being
ignored and'the, Board is inviting development. While the pockets ofdevelop~
ers.=are~being "lined,with gold," the school ~ystem and environment are suffer-
ing as budgets~are strained,~and growth becomes unmanageable. She is concerned
about the future of the children and whether they will be afforded an educa-
tion. Sheasked that the Board~consider the needs of special children.
Educational research supports the need for class .sizes of 18 to 20 children to
facilitate~optimum learning. Shewould like to see these guidelines adhered
to
· ~.Mr..~Michael~ZUmak, aresident of Earlysville, said~he thinks the Board
should cOnsider cutting costs, instead of maintaining a baseline budget. He
thinks' the~ Board, should consider, a tax decrease~ and a~decrease in the ~cost of
operating County government.
'Ms. ElizabethBaker, representing, theLeague of Women Voters,~presented a
statement (on file)~which outlined several general areas the League-feels~-are
insufficiently~funded in the.proposed_.budget. The areas are implementation
and enforcement of ordinances,..safety, capital replacements for items such as
v~hicles~and.computerS, and school needs. In addition,~the League feels that
theBoard, should fund the Eiscal Impact Study, curbrside recycling, AHIP's
fullrtime emergency repair position, teen mothers,.in school, rediSt~icting~and
new voting machines,
Mr. Bryan Dublirer, a County resident, spoke concerning the quality of
education~his~children~are~receiving in the County Sch0oLsystem~ Heurged
the~Board toaddress the<needs of,the schools~,~ Hethinks.thatteachers need
to be~better-~compensated, for their ~ork. He urged~the Board to~look-at~-lower
teacherJstudent ratios so that the children can.be served adequately. He
knows that the citizens are willing to make education a top priority. He
removedone of his children, from Albemarle High School because he did not feel
her needs were being met~and he-did, not want her~tofall through the~/cracks.
Mr, Mark Crockett, ~residentlofthe Albmmmrle Education Association, said
there is a..need for greater funding to the schools, iMf. Crockett Said~$2 of
every $3go.to the school system, yetseriOus.problems remain. The average
teachersalaryin ~Virginia is about $2500 belowthe ~national average; three
years ago,~the salary was about $300 below the average. In the. State of
Maryland, the average teacher salary is nearly $6500 greater than the average
teacher salary inVirginia, 'yet Virginia is the. eleventh wealthiest state in
this~country. ,.He,presented a statement on,hOw, th$s<compensation-prOblem was
addressed by,the Blue Ribbon, Commission On Education.: .~High 9uality~education
is expected and hei~thinks people~will pay for ~that education. He thinks the
Board needs to retain.the curren~ tax rate, ff,:the Board does. not consider
increasing it, and'consider helping the school sytem even~morel
There being no further comments,,the public hearing was. closed~ There
were no comments from Board members.
March 11, 1992 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 4)
M.B. 40, Pg. 227
Agenda Item No. 7. Public Hearing: To amend the Comprehensive Plan to
add an Open Space and Critical Resource Plan to guide efforts to plan for and
protect open space in the County in a comprehensive and integrated fashion
(Advertised in the Daily Progress on February 25 and March 3, 1992).
Mr. Bowerman said the Planning Commission recently approved the Open
Space and Critical Resource Plan and staff is recommmnding that the Board hold
a work session on the Plan prior to having the public hearing. It is recom-
mended that the Plan be deferred to April 1, 1992, for a work session and
reschedule the public hearing to a later date. Mr. Bowerman asked if any one
from the public was present to speak on this item; there was no one.
Mr. Bain offerer motion, seconded by Mrs. Humphris to defer the Open
Space and Critical Resource Plan to April 1, 1992, for a work session. Roll
was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:' MrsfRumphris; Messrs,'Marshall, Martin, Perkins~Bain and Bowermmn.
NAYS.: .None. .
Agenda Item No~ 8. Letter~ dated FebrUary 26, 1992,~fromMr. J~ Granger
Macfarlane,. Chairman, Governor's AdvisoryCommission. on the Dillon Rule and
LocaL Government, announcing a.~meeting and hearing schedule.
~Mr. Tucker said staff'would like some~additional time to work on a draft
statement for presentation at one of the meetings scheduled.on_the Dillon
Rule. Meetings are scheduled for May 14 and May 19, 1992. He suggested that
this item:~be_deferred to~Aprill,~1992.
Mr.~ Perkins offered motion, seconded byMrs..:.Humphris, to defer this item
to April 1, 1992, for additional staff work, Roll was called and the'motion
carried~.bythe following recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowemman.
NAYS: None.
~Agenda Item~No.~9. Sale of McIntire:School Property to McIntire Land
Trust (deferred from March 4, 1992).
(Mr. Bowerman said due to a conflictof interest,~he ,will.excusehimself
from the discussion of thig~item. Mr. Bain, acted as Chairman,,)
Mr. St. John said two amendments to a Deed of Trust for the McIntire
School property arc,being reviewed, by: County staff~ The amendments must also
be approved by'the Resolution TrustCorporation (RTC). Mr St.,Jokn~said at
the March 4 meeting, the Boardasked him whether the RTC, acting through
Investors Federal Savings & Loan Company, could lawfully repudiate or disaf-
firm, the. letter of creditthe County holds from the,'former Investors Savings &
Loan. He has not been able to find any case in which this question was
~itig~ed..~. He has been told by several people who have been involved in a
similar situation that they believe the RTC can lawfully do this, but he is
not convinced~ At,.a different time.'and under.~ different circumstances he .would
liket0~pursue~the issue and litigate the question.
Mr., St. John ..said he consulted sOme experts~ in banking ._law and. they
estimate that it will cost about $1000 research time for them, to give the
County an opinion on the County's chances of successfully challenging the RTC.
Unless. he is directed, to do. otherwise, he will proceed with reviewing the
papers for the second deed of trust .on the property in ,place of~ the letter of
credit,~ He will .need authority.from, the Board .if he is to request ~the~ firm. to
researchi:the question of litigating ~.the repudiation issue. , Mr. St.. ,.John said
if the County should litigate the issue and win, _it, is his understanding that
the County .would, then still not, be assured of getting the entire:amount~of the
letter of credit. The letter of credit would then-be included~ with other
obligations of InveStors and possibly,~paid on a pro-rata basis. He~ is not a
financial~expert but~he thinks the'Board should accept the~ second deed~ of'
trust on i the,. teat. property as opposed to litigating -the letter Of credit,,.
Mr. Tucker suggested the Board defer this item until April 1, 1992, to
allow,~the Counhy Attorney time.to complete the:.paperWork~ ~'~ .
M.B. 40, Pg. 228
March 11, 1992 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 5)
Mrs. Humphris offered motion, seconded by Mr. Martin, to defer further
discussion of the sale of the McIntire School property to McIntire Land Trust
to April 1, 1992. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: None.
(Mr. Bowerman returned to the meeting.)
Agenda Item No. 10. Update: Scottsville Boundary Line Adjustment.
, M~. Tucker said the committee, appointed by the Board and Scottsville
Town Council to review alternatives for a potential boundary line adjustment,
has developed two.potential.options along~,wit~ supporting date~for, theBoard's
review. Mr,.Tucker summmriZed the3t~o options. (4~,and~5),and the:potential
revenue loss to theCounty from each option; a loss.of $50,614 under-option 4
and a~loss-of $61,398 under option 5. The Board has also received a letter
from the Scottsville Town Council outlining their reasons for choosing option
5, as well as asummary'of their projected budget under option 5. The Commit-
tee:also forwarded to the Board a memorandum outlining the differences between
annexation, and a boundary line adjustment. The Committee members think that a
boundary line adjustment, is the better choice.
Mr. Tucker said the Committee does not recommend either option to the
Board but supportssome type of boundary line adjustment, If further.discus-
sion is warranted, he tkinks a public hearing in the Scottsville area should
be held.
Mr. Marshall saidthe majority of Committee members agreed'on-optiOn 5,
He personally thinks that is the,best option for the TOwnof Scottsville. He
would like Board members~ to tour, the area so they could get abetter idea of
whatis involved. He does not think.a good decision can be made-until:the
Board takes a toUr. ~
-~ .Mr,. Bain said he SuppOrts. theconcept of a boundmry linc'adjustment.- He
is undecidedon which'optiOn to proceed. ~He agrees,that before the Board
continue discussions that it should take a tour of the land.
Mr. Tucker then provided the .Board with a handout of an estimation of the
number of dwelling units and the population,,already .in the Town and in the
proposed boundary areas,
Mr. Marshall said it is important that Board members understand that
these ~additional~peopte are needed for the~ToWn.'s viability. The Town is so
small, that theresa re not,enough people who ar~ willing to run for, Town~Coun-
cill~ People~ are neededto keepthe Town functioning properly. Mrs. Perkins
said he is concerned~ about whether these 238 potentialresidents want~to be
~art~of.~the Town~ Mr. Marshall~said that is the reason to hold a public
hearing. He has had no one, approach him opposed to the boundary line adjustr
ment,~The~ people in this,area feel that theyshOuldlhavecontr6l or,their o~n
destiny. This is~a rural community that wants to-stay, rural
The Chairmmn asked Mayor Thacker if he had any comments to add to the
discUSsion Mayor~,Thacker~isaid he wants to resurrect the Town of Scottsville
and make it a viable,~community., The Town, is the original Countyseat-and, one
of the most~historic towns in,the Commonwealth of Virginia, The people want
to make this a viable community, a place where the rest of the County will be
proud' of.~'He, rheum.issued an invitation to theBoard ~to tour theareas includ-
ed in options4 and 5
Mrs~.Humphris..,asked when the Board would, address some~of the issues~that
were previously raiSed~ i.e,., readjustment of.the, magisterial districts, and
land use that falls withina changed boundary. Mr. Tucker said stall_Can
start providing all the necessary information tO the Board immediately.
There was no further,discussion./
March 11, 1992 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 6)
M.B. 40, Pg. 229
Agenda Item No. 11. Scottsville Tour Board has been invited to tour
the area under consideration for boundary adjustment by the Town of
Scottsville.
Mr. Tucker said the staff has received a letter, and been issued an
invitation from Mayor Raymon Thacker, inviting the Board to a short tour of
Scottsville to visualize the area being requested in the proposed boundary
line adjustment. He thinks the tour would be helpful before holding a public
hearing in Scottsville. He suggested that April 1, 1992 would be an appropri-
ate date. Board members concurred.
Agenda'~Item'No. 12. Moving of CSX Transportation Agency at Charlottes-
vitle,~Virginia, and the Stations Under its Jurisdiction to the Richmond,
Virginia, Transportation Service Center (deferred from March 4, 1992).
Mr. Tucker said according, to,Mr~. William Elmore,~Direator of the Division
of RailrOad Regulation, this agency move will affect two to three employees
who are currently working in Charlottesville by transferring them to Richmond.
This particular agency~ office is involved, with scheduling cars for freight
service and~coordination with the.users of railroad freight. Most of this
business is currently conducted~by telephoneand the move to, Richmond will
provide an:~!800" number.for state-wide users.. This .move is.a result of
centralization of~railroad~operations end, should not affectraiLservice~to
the Charlottesville~Albemarle area.
Agenda Item No. 13. Statement for I992~Spring Preallocation' Hearings for
the,Interstate, Primary and Urban Systems.
Mrs. Humphris suggested several typographical Corrections. On page 3,
the last paragraph,~'Mrs, Humphris recommended thatthe second sentence state:
"But, we are concernedbecause comparing the five-year overlap of the FY90-91
final allocation to the FY 91-92 final projected allocation shows that the
County~lost more funding for its primaryroadprojects ..... !', She. thinks the
Board needs to be technically accurate.
Mr.~Bowerman indicated that he, Mrs..Humphris~and, Mr. Tucker would be
attending~the hearing. Mr. Bain said he.may attend the"hearing.
Mr. Bain suggested that whoever presents the statement should have
informati~ on the vehicle counts on major routes and the nature of the
traffic ....
Mrs. Humphris said the County's shortfall in funds, compared to the rest
of the Culpep~r.District,'.had nothing to do..with VDoT's~ errors incalculations
on. ROute 29 North or'the bid~On the Route~250 East project. She thinks.it is
possible that. the County is being punished. She also thinks theBoard needs
to know howVDoT makes~ its deciSions. Mr. Tucker said when all of~ the funds
in a .budget is not expended, the funds revert back. to a general fundand is.
reallocated where theneedlis shown. A lot of factors are used to determine
where the funds are reallocated, i.e., need, traffic count, completed studies,
plansf~etc.~
Mr. Martin said he thinks the Board should acknowledge the fact that the
County didget !!short changed" and leave it at that. Mr. Bain said he is
concerned that VDoT does not believe the CountyknowS what is going on and
that this has to be pointed out. Mr, Perkins said he thinks 'vq]oT needs to be
accountable to the public, not only with those funds, but with local funds.
Mrs. Humphris said she thinks it is important that VDoT is made aware~of this
since, thisCounty is not,the only,one that has experienced this kind of "deal"
from ~DoT
There.wa~ no further discussion.
Agenda Item No. 14. Other Matters Not Listedon the Agenda from the
Mr. Tucker requested~the Board to authorize.thelChairman to sign a deed
of ~conveyance and a plat for property along Berkmar Drive behind Rio'Hill
March 11, 1992 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 7)
M.B. 40, Pg. 230
Shopping Center. There is approximately a three foot wide sliver of land that
is needed for final construction of Berkmar Drive Extended.
Mr. Perkins offered motion, seconded by Mrs. Humphris, to authorize the
Chairmmn to sign a deed of conveyance and plat for property along Berkmar
Drive. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: None.
CERTIFICATE OF PLAT
The attached plat (on file), and courses and distances descrip-
.. tion made by Roudahush, Gale & Assoc. Inc., certified Land. Surveyor,
Charlottesville, Virginia, dated August 28, 1990, and last revised
-~ Januaryl0, 1992~of the~landa~of Rio Mill Shopping~Center~ situatedin
.~ Charlottesville Magisterial District, of the County_of Albemarle,
Virginia, showing also Tax Map 45, Parcel 94, being a portion of the
laud'acquired by the CoUnty of_ Albemarle'~by deed.~dated October 5, 1990
from WilliamW. Stevenson, Trustee for the. 659 .Land Trust; William W.
Stevenson and Carol W. Stevenson, husband and wife; William W. Steven-
son; Alton F. Martin, Jr., Executor Under the will of Alton F. Martin,
Sro; and Encore Investors Limited Partnership, of rehord in the
Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court of Albemarle CoUnty, Virginia, in
Deed Book 1124, Page 245. The attached plat also showing Tax Map 45,
Parcel 95A, being a portiontol the landacquired by the County School
Board of Albemarle, by deed recorded in Deed Book 1128, page 650, with
a plat attached and recorded in Deed Book.~lt28, page654, is~,hereby
confirmed and submitted of record in the aforesaid Clerk's Office~.
TheBoard requested~the Clerk~to.advertisefor applications ~for~an
appointee from the~business ~ommunitY to serve On the Architectural Review
Board. ~TheBoard~suggeSted interviewslbe..held on May 6, 1992 .... ~
Mr.~Martin suggested that in,~the future, consideration be given to. sched-
uling budget work sessions later in the afternoon,-or in the evening, The
Board does~the,majority of its work and discussions on,the budget.during the
work sessions. Itishard for members of the general publictO~attend a work
session~at 1:00 P.M..
Mr.~Martin saidit is, hisunderstanding ~thatsomePeopte from the~.County
and City are spearheading a war memorial to be'located in the City of Charottes-
ville. He wanted tomake the Board aware of this because eventually the group
will ask the~Boardfor financial support.
Mr. Bowerman asked for a report on who maintains the Hillsdale detention
basin.
Mr. Bowerman,requested staffdraft a~response to a letter'received from
the~Montvue Homeowners Association and include information that the ~Boardhas
never said that Alternative 10 is necessary nor has. the Board, endorsed an
alignment. Mr. Bowerman suggested that the letter be forwarded to the entire
Board for review prior to his signature.
Mr. Marshall announced that,:he had set up a .~meeting .withDr~ Carole
Hastings, Director Of Hummn Resources, and representatives from Blue
Cross/Blue Shield, to review the County's h~alth care insurance and see if the
- County is getting what it is paying for.
Mr. Bowerman announced that Mr. Larry, Fromme, from the Department of
Economic Development, will be in Charlottesville on March 18, 1992. Mr.
Fromme askedto~meet with ~imself, Mr.~ Tucker, the City Manager~and Mayor of
the Cityof Charlottesville. A toUrof properties zoned industrial will, not
take place until late April.
March 11, 1992 (Regular Night Meeting)
(Page 8)
M.B. 40, Pg. 231
Agenda Item No. 15. Adjourn.
At 9:00 P.M., motion was offered by Mr. Bain, seconded by Mrs. Humphris,
to adjourn to March 13, 1992, at 12:30 P.M. for a luncheon meeting with City
Council in Room 5/6.
Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Humphris, Messrs. Marshall, Martin, Perkins, Bain and Bowerman.
NAYS: None.
Chairman