HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 11 2009 Regular Meeting270
A Budget Worksession of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors was held on
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:00 P.M., in the Board of Supervisors' Meeting Room, County
Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia.
PRESENT
Chairman Richard C. Shickle; Vice - Chairman Bill M. Ewing; Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.;
Gary W. Dove; Gene E. Fisher; Philip A. Lemieux; and Gary A. Lofton.
OTHERS PRESENT
John R. Riley, Jr., County Administrator; Kris C. Tierney, Assistant County
Administrator; Jay E. Tibbs, Deputy County Administrator; Cheryl B. Shiffler, Finance Director;
Sharon Kibler, Assistant to the Finance Director; C. William Orndoff, Jr., Treasurer; and Ellen E.
Murphy, Commissioner of the Revenue.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Shickle called the worksession to order. IIe then turned the meeting over to
Administrator Riley.
Administrator Riley stated the purpose of this worksession was to get "square" with the
Commissioner of the Revenue regarding tax rates and revenue.
Commissioner Murphy referred the Board to her spreadsheet and advised that a real
estate tax rate of $0.51 per $100 would gain a revenue increase of approximately 0.61 %, which
would not require an advertisement for a tax increase. She noted anything above $0.51 would
put the Board over the 1% increase threshold and would require an additional public hearing
advertisement. With regard to the personal property tax rate, Commissioner Murphy advised
that it would have to be increased by $0.66 per $100 in order to maintain revenue neutrality. She
noted this amount was lower than what was discussed at the last budget worksession.
Administrator Riley informed the Board that a $0.51 real estate tax rate would gain about
$240,000 in additional revenue. He went on to say if the Board chose to go with the $0.51 real
estate rate and a revenue neutral personal property tax rate then a public hearing on the tax rates
would be scheduled for March 25, 2009.
Vice - Chairman Ewing stated he would like to see the personal property tax rate adjusted
down to compensate for any salary reduction implemented for county employees.
Supervisor DeHaven stated that a salary reduction would not fix the personal property tax
rate because the proposed revenue neutral rate only fixes a revenue hole that exists today.
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Finance Director Shiffler stated that even with a revenue neutral personal property tax
rate there was still a hole to fill.
Chairman Shickle asked for a recommendation regarding the tax rates to advertise. He
said he would then poll the Board for a consensus.
Vice- Chairman Ewing recommended advertisement of a personal property tax rate of
$4.86 and a real estate tax rate of $0.51.
Supervisors Lofton, DeHaven, Dove, Fisher, Lemieux, and Chairman Shickle supported
the recommendation.
Administrator Riley and Finance Director Shiffler reviewed the proposed budget
adoption calendar with the Board:
- March 25, 2009 — "fax Rate Public Hearing
- April 8, 2009 — Adopt Tax Rate
- April 8, 2009 — Budget Public Hearing
- April 22, 2009 — Adopt Budget.
The Board decided there was no need for a budget worksession on March 18, 2009 unless
something changed.
Upon a motion by Vice - Chairman Ewing, seconded by Supervisor Dove, the Board
adjourned the worksession and recessed until 7:15 P.M. (6:20 P.M.)
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Shickle called the regular meeting to order.
INVOCATION
Supervisor Fisher delivered the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice - Chairman Ewing led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA - APPROVED
Administrator Riley advised there were no changes to the agenda.
Upon a motion by Supervisor DeHaven, seconded by Supervisor Fisher, the Board
approved the agenda.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye
Gary W. Dove Aye
Bill M. Ewing Aye
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Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Philip A. Lemieux
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
Aye
CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVED
Administrator Riley offered the following item for the Board's consideration under the
consent agenda:
- Proclamation Declaring April 12 -18, 2009 as National Telecommunicator's Week —
Tab B.
Upon a motion by Vice - Chairman Ewing, seconded by Supervisor Dove, the Board
approved the consent agenda by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle
Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.
Aye
Gary W. Dove
Aye
Bill M. Ewing
Aye
Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Philip A. Lemieux
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
Aye
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were no citizen comments.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMENTS
There were no Board of Supervisors' comments.
MINUTES - APPROVED
Upon a motion by Supervisor Dove, seconded by Supervisor Lofton, the Board approved
the minutes from the February 25, 2009 Budget Worksession/Regular Meeting.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle
Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.
Aye
Gary W. Dove
Aye
Bill M. Ewing
Aye
Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Philip A. Lemieux
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
Aye
COUNTY OFFICIALS
PROCLAMATION ( #002 -09) DECLARING APRIL 12 -18, 2009 AS NATIONAL
TELECOMMUNICATOR'S WEEK — APPROVED UNDER CONSENT AGENDA
WHEREAS, emergencies can occur at anytime that require police, fire or emergency
medical services; and
WHEREAS, when an emergency occurs, the prompt response of police officers,
firefighters and paramedics is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property; and
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WHEREAS, the safety of our police officers and firefighters is dependent upon the
quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who telephone the Frederick County
Department of Public Safety Communications Center; and
WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers are the first and most critical contact our citizens
have with emergency services; and
WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers are the single vital link for our police officers
and firefighters by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and ensuring
their safety; and
WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers of Frederick County, Virginia have contributed
substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of patients; and
WHEREAS, each dispatcher has exhibited compassion, understanding and
professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year.
NOW THEREOFRE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of Frederick
County, Virginia does hereby proclaim the week of April 12 -18 2009 to be National
Telecommunicator's Week in Frederick County, in honor of the men and women whose
diligence and professionalism keep our county and citizens safe.
This item was approved under the consent agenda.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
APPOINTMENT OF TERESA LAZAZZARA STROHMEYER AS FREDERICK
COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SHENANDOAH AREA AGENCY ON
AGING - APPROVED
Upon a motion by Supervisor Fisher, seconded by Supervisor DeHaven, the Board
appointed Teresa Lazazzara Strohmeyer as Frederick County representative to the Shenandoah
Area Agency on Aging. This is a four year appointment.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle
Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.
Aye
Gary W. Dove
Aye
Bill M. Ewing
Aye
Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Philip A. Lemieux
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
Aye
APPOINTMENT OF LYNETTE EMBREE AS FREDERICK COUNTY
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE LORD FAIRFAX COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD - APPROVED
Upon a motion by Supervisor Fisher, seconded by Supervisor Dove, the Board appointed
Lynnette Embree as Frederick County representative to the Lord Fairfax Community College
Board to fill the unexpired term of June Wilmot, said term to expire June 30, 2011.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye
Gary W. Dove Aye
Bill M. Ewing Aye
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Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Philip A. Lemieux
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
Abstain
COMMITTEE REPORTS
RURA AREAS SUBCOMMITTEE — (RESOLUTION #052 -09) - SENT
FORWARD FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Planning Director Eric Lawrence appeared before the Board regarding this item. He
presented the following report:
In response to the increasing development pressures in the County's rural areas, which have
intensified over the past decade, in July 2008 the Board of Supervisors created the Rural Areas
Subcommittee, and charged the Subcommittee with:
• Identifying growth and development trends and related issues in the rural areas of the
County;
• Gathering ideas to address those issues; and
• Forwarding a recommendation for resolution to the Board of Supervisors.
The Subcommittee reviewed State - enabling opportunities to manage rural areas growth;
identified those opportunities that were not yet being fully utilized in Frederick County; held
various community meetings to gather the citizens' thoughts on the rural areas; and drafted a list
of "Preliminary Thoughts" for what the County could do to address the Subcommittee's charge.
Following a presentation of the "Preliminary Thoughts" at a public meeting and digestion of the
public comments, the Subcommittee finalized their recommendations.
The Subcommittee did offer further consideration regarding the citizen comments received
during the "Preliminary Thoughts" public meeting. Particular attention was given to: enabling
lot sizes as small as one acre; expanding opportunities to enable community health systems
beyond the Rural Community Centers; and maintaining the existing 50% reserve drainfield area
requirement. After discussion, the Subcommittee reaffirmed their support for the minimum two
acre lot size as deemed necessary to accommodate an appropriately sized health system. This
decision also confirmed that the 100% reserve drainfield requirement was appropriate, as it
would protect property owners' future needs for relocated drainfields in the event of a primary
drainfield failure. In terms of interest in expanding opportunities to utilize community health
systems throughout the rural areas, the Subcommittee firmly believed that such a move would
enable development to occur in the areas that previously had limited development opportunity
because of environmental constraints such as steep slopes, floodplains, wetlands, and generally
poor soil conditions that are not conducive to private on -site health systems. Utilizing
community health systems to introduce development in locations that are developmentally
challenged based on existing standards would be contrary to the Subcommittee's charge.
On February 19, 2009, the Rural Areas Subcommittee forwarded their findings — the Rural Areas
Report and Recommendation — and recommended that the Board consider (1) Adoption of the
report as a component of the Comprehensive Policy Plan, and (2) Implementation of the
recommendations identified in the study. Attached is the report's Executive Summary, as well as
the complete Rural Areas Report and Recommendation
If the Board desires to proceed with the Rural Areas Subcommittee's recommendations, it
would be appropriate to direct the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing on the
Rural Areas Report and Recommendation and return same to the Board with a
recommendation.
Upon a motion by Supervisor Dove, seconded by Supervisor Lofton, the Board approved
the resolution sending this item forward for public hearing.
WHEREAS, the Rural Areas Subcommittee was directed to study and offer a
recommendation regarding growth in the County's Rural Areas; and
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275
WHEREAS, the Rural Areas Subcommittee has completed its study and on February 19,
2009 forwarded to the Board of Supervisors a report on the Subcommittee's effort, the report
being titled the Rural Areas Report and Recommendation and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors discussed the Report on March 11, 2009 and
found the Report worthy of considering for incorporation as a component of the Comprehensive
Policy Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors finds that it is in the public
necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good planning practice, to direct the Frederick
County Planning Commission hold a public hearing regarding the Rural Areas Report and
Recommendation
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT REQUESTED by the Frederick County Board of
Supervisors that the Frederick County Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing to
consider adopting the Rural Areas Report and Recommendations as a component of the
Comprehensive Policy Plan, and forward a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
Passed this 11 `h day of March, 2009 by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle
Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.
Aye
Gary W. Dove
Aye
Bill M. Ewing
Aye
Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Philip A. Lemieux
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
Aye
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENTS TO THE FREDERICK COUNTY CODE
CHAPTER 61, CABLE TELEVISION. THE AMENDMENTS ARE DESIGNED
TO SIMPLIFY THE LANGUAGE WITHIN THE CHAPTER AND TO BETTER
CONFORM TO CURRENT STATE AND FEDERAL LAW GOVERNING
CABLE FRANCHISES. - APPROVED
Assistant County Administrator Kris Tierney appeared before the Board regarding this
item. He advised this was a proposed amendment to Frederick County Code, Chapter 61 Cable
Television. The changes were necessary to bring the existing ordinance into compliance with
State and Federal regulation changes which have occurred in recent years. He went on to say the
proposed amendments were being made in an effort to:
- Update portions of the ordinance that are out of date;
- Allow flexibility by removing language pertaining to aspects of the relationship
between the County and a franchisee that are more efficiently addressed through
franchise negotiations; and
- Clarify and simplify the ordinance by deleting unnecessary language.
He concluded by saying the proposed amendments have been reviewed by the County Attorney
and following the public hearing, staff would be seeking approval of these amendments.
Chairman Shickle convened the public hearing.
There were no citizen comments.
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Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession/Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
Chairman Shickle closed the public hearing.
Upon a motion by Supervisor DeHaven, seconded by Vice - Chairman Ewing, the Board
approved the ordinance amending Chapter 61, Cable Television of the Code of the County of
Frederick Virginia.
The Board of Supervisors of Frederick County, Virginia hereby ordains that Chapter 61
(Cable Television) of the Code of Frederick County, Virginia be, and the same hereby
is, amended by enacting an amended Chapter 61, in its entirety in place of the current
Chapter 61 of the Code of Frederick County, Virginia, to read as follows and to take
effect immediately (deletions are shown in stFikethF and additions are shown in
bold underline
CHAPTER 61: Cable Television
§ 61 -1. Title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Cable Television
Franchise Chapter."
§ 61.2. Terminology
A. Terms of the act not otherwise defined herein, whether capitalized or not,
shall have the, meanings ascribed to them in Title VI of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 521 et seq.
(hereinafter the "Communications Act').
B. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense
include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number,
and words in the singular number include the plural number.
C. The word "shall' is always mandatory and not merely directory.
D. For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and
their derivations shall have the meanings given herein:
BOARD — The Board of Supervisors of Frederick County, Virginia.
CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM (or GATE or CABLE SYSTEM,
sometimes hereinafter referred to as "system ") — The same
meaning as ascribed to the term "cable system" in the Cable
Ast Section 15 2- 2108.19 of the Code of Virginia
COUNTY — The unincorporated portions of the County of Frederick,
Virginia.
FCC — The Federal Communications Commission or its successor.
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,;t are shall be U; IeSSOF POFtiOR of it se FYiGe area t h h •+
FRANCHISE AREA Unless otherwise provided in a franch
a greement ,the entire geographic area of the County.
FRANCHISEE - The grantee of rights under a franchise granted pursuant
to this chapter.
GROSS REVENUES -All seMp °nsatH sUnless otherwise provided by
applicable law, all compensation and other consideration in any form
fesei�redderived directly or indirectly by a franchisee from or in
connection with the operation of that franchisee's cable system eXG
such taxes aFe FequiFed to be GhaFged separately in addition to etheF
61 8A and 61 OG hereof, OF any GeSt FeirnbWsemeRt OF aid Of GonStFU
DFePAR €NT The ViFqiRia Depa rtment of TFansnnrtatinn to provide
cable service
HOME - Any single - family dwelling unit, whether a house, apartment,
trailer, rented room or otherwise.
LOCA GOVERNMENT OCCUPIED BUILDINGS —These ""
owned On whole 9F on paFt by the COURty of FrederiGk, ViFgiRia, or eGGupied
ler_,ated the County.
r rn�_ A 4MIJr ICATIONS SERVICE Any service Prn„i,+ b"
the fmnnWsee's cable sy6t
PERSON - Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company, trust, governmental entity or organization of any kind.
PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY — the surface. the air space above the
surface and the area below the surface of any public street, avenue .
highway, boulevard concourse driveway, bridge tunnel lane alley
or similar property within the County in which the County now or
hereafter holds any property interest which consistent with the
purpose for which it was created obtained or dedicated may be
used for the purpose of installing operatina and maintainina a cable
system No reference herein or in any franchise agreement to a
"public right-of-way" shall be deemed to be a representation or
guarantee by the County that its interest or other riaht to control the
use of such property is sufficient to permit use of the property for
he purpose of installing operating - and maintaining a cable system.
A franchisee shall be deemed to aain only those rights to use the
property as are properly in the County, in County's sole
determination and as the County may have the right and power to
RGG- R SUBSCRIBER SERVICE The simultaReous deliver„ b
franGho # th tel / a n y nth su i t a b l e type of a iJin
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Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession /Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
RESIDENTIAL SUBSCRIBER - A purchaser in good standing of any
service that the franchisee delivers to any home, provided that that service
is not utilized in connection with a business, trade or profession.
SENIOR CITIZEN - Any residential subscriber who is 65 years of age or
older.
SERVICE AREA — Any area in the County in which a franchisee is
actually providing service not aI being sewed by ane
or that
has - a density of at least 25 homes per linear mile and is contiguous to
an area in which the franchisee has installed its cable Ip ant For the
purposes of this chapter, all homes within 150 feet from any roadway o
ethef gblic right -of -way suitable for cable trunk installation shall be
counted in density determinations and shall be considered as being within
the "service area" as defined herein. The County and a franchisee may.
however, agree in a franchise agreement to such other and different
numbers of homes per linear mile and distances from public right -of-
way suitable for cable trunk installation.
SUBSCRIBER 9F W91I Any person or entity lawfully receiving any
service provided by or carried on the franchisee's cable television system.
VDOT - The Virainia Department of Transportation.
§ 61 -3. Franchise granted; renewal.
A.
arrangements, The County shall have the
authority, c,,hieGt de eemnlianee With the relevant nroainienc efpursuant to
§ 15.2 - 967 2108.20 of the Code of Virginia, to grant
shall thereafter he a franchisee hereuF; der a neneXGIU ive franchi e
or more nonexclusive franchises, which shall authorize &u h each
respective franchisee to construct, erect, operate and maintain, in, upon,
alI aI above, over and undeF the Weets, alleys, publiG ways and
p ublie plaees new laird GI OF dedicated aR d all extensions thereof and
additions thereto, on aRY part -of the e public rights- of-wav in
the franchisee's franchise area, poles, wires, cable, underground
conduits, manholes and other television conductors and fixtures
necessary for the maintenance and operation in such
franchise area of a cable television system and to thereafter provide
cable service within any- part -ef-the
GeuRbdranchuse area, subject to such applisantfranchisee's agreement
and obligation to provide cable service within the franchisee's service area
and to otherwise comply with all provisions of this chapter and any
agreement relating to the grant of the franchise.
Minute Book Number 34
Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession/Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
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SUBSCRIBER 9F W91I Any person or entity lawfully receiving any
service provided by or carried on the franchisee's cable television system.
VDOT - The Virainia Department of Transportation.
§ 61 -3. Franchise granted; renewal.
A.
arrangements, The County shall have the
authority, c,,hieGt de eemnlianee With the relevant nroainienc efpursuant to
§ 15.2 - 967 2108.20 of the Code of Virginia, to grant
shall thereafter he a franchisee hereuF; der a neneXGIU ive franchi e
or more nonexclusive franchises, which shall authorize &u h each
respective franchisee to construct, erect, operate and maintain, in, upon,
alI aI above, over and undeF the Weets, alleys, publiG ways and
p ublie plaees new laird GI OF dedicated aR d all extensions thereof and
additions thereto, on aRY part -of the e public rights- of-wav in
the franchisee's franchise area, poles, wires, cable, underground
conduits, manholes and other television conductors and fixtures
necessary for the maintenance and operation in such
franchise area of a cable television system and to thereafter provide
cable service within any- part -ef-the
GeuRbdranchuse area, subject to such applisantfranchisee's agreement
and obligation to provide cable service within the franchisee's service area
and to otherwise comply with all provisions of this chapter and any
agreement relating to the grant of the franchise.
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279
B. No franchisee shall, as to rates, charges, service, facilities, rules,
regulations or in any other respect, make or grant any preference or
advantage to any person, nor subject any person to any prejudice or
disadvantage, provided that nothing in any franchise granted hereunder
shall be deemed to prohibit the establishment of a graduated scale of
charges to senior citizen subscribers and for multiple installations at the
same house or building. No franchisee or its officers, stockholders or
employees shall engage in the business of sales, service, repair or
installation of television and radio receiving equipment.
C. Any franchise granted hereunder as an initial authorization and any
renewal thereof shall be governed by the provisions of the
Communications Act and applicable state law, and any amendments or
superseding legislation, and shall be for a term not to exceed fifteen (15)
years.
§ 61-4. Rates.
The county specifically retains all rights to regulate rates charged by any
franchisee for cable service, subject to the provisions of relevant federal and state,
legislation and the rules and regulations of applicable administrative agencies with
aettterity.
§ 61 -5. Operation.
Every franchisee shall operate its cable system as required by the FCC's rules
and regulations and shall ensure compliance with all applicable provisions of F�
Rule - 7 C.F.R. § 76.605 (Technical Standards) and any amendments thereto throughout
the entire service area. Every franchisee shall submit to the county copies of all proof -
of- performance tests required pursuant to .R. § 76.601 within thirty (30)
days after completion of the same and any other performance tests that may be
required by subsequent amendment of the FCC's rules and regulations.
§ 61 -6. Indemnification of county; insurance requirements.
A. Every franchisee, as a condition to its continued entitlement to hold a
franchise hereunder, shall save the county harmless from all loss
sustained by the county on account of any suit, judgment, execution, claim
or demand whatsoever resulting from negligence on the part of the
franchisee in the construction, operation or maintenance of its cable
television system in the county.
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agreement. All policies shall be written by a company acceptable to the
county, and the county shall be named as an additional insured
thereunder. A certificate of these policies shall be furnished to the county
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as a condition to the grant of any franchise hereunder. The county
reserves the right to require an increase in the
leverages of coverage required by a franchise - agreemen t by
an amount not to exceed the amount of any increase in the gress natiertal
pFedur.t fixed consumer price index for each year after the adoption
of this chapter.
G. Every f� ,Fa;ohisee shall obtain werkmen's sempeRsatien instxG -as
• .. t ..
• 1 •..1 1 1. • - 1' -• 1 • •- .
• • 1 - 1111 1- 11 IFIR L T OX4 • •_• • . 1
E. The County may require insurance policies described in this section
IQ run to e benefit of both the County . its officers, employees . and
gents, and other governmental units located and/or operating withi
the County.
§ 61 -7. Maintenance; service complaint procedures.
A. Throughout the term of its franchise, every franchisee shall maintain all
parts of its cable system in good, working condition.
B. Unless otherwise provided in
a franchisee's franchise "°F�eragreement every franchisee shall
comply with the customer service obligations established by €fG Rule 47
C.F.R. § 76.309(c) or any subsequently adopted ameRdmeRtS
theret ) successor customer service standards provided, however, that
no franchisee shall adopt standards less stringent than those imposed by
ACC- Rule C.F.R. § 76.309(c) in effect on the date of this chapter
without the express consent of the county. The county shall appoint a
complaint officer to be directly responsible for assuring that all complaints
have been satisfactorily resolved. Subject to notification and request by
affected subscribers and to reasonable verification by a franchisee of a
cable service outage, every franchisee shall rebate a pro rata portion of
the fee charged to any subscriber for each calendar month in which such
subscriber has experienced more than twenty -four (24) hours of cable
service outage, with the rebate being based on the total hours of outage
compared to the total number of hours available in the month to which
such rebate applies. Every franchisee shall keep a record in its offices of
every complaint received and a memorandum of the same indicating the
manner or disposition thereof. Complaint records shall be kept for two (2)
calendar years. The franchisee shall make information pertaining to its
complaint records available to the county, the complaint officer or any
other designees of the Board of Supervisors for review and inspection
during normal business hours.
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§ 61 -8. Materials to be filed with county.
A. In addition to other filings that may be set forth herein, every franchisee
shall file with the County Administrator, upon request, true and accurate
maps or plats ofall existing and proposed installations, and the county
hereby reserves the right at all times to reject any proposed installation
whose manner or place of construction it deems contrary to public interest
and may order and direct the franchisee to move the location or alter the
construction of -any existing installation wherever the Board or tke
Highway DepaFt ne. deems it is in the public interest to require
such removal or alteration, having due regard for the equities of the
parties concerned and the purpose of a franchise granted hereunder,
provided that the county shall reimburse a franchisee for removing or
altering its facilities to the same extent the county reimburses telephone or
electric utilities in similar circumstances.
B. Every franchisee shall file with the County Administrator a statement
setting forth the names and addresses of all its directors and officers and
the position that each holds. In the event of a change constituting a
transfer of control of a franchisee or any change of directors, the
franchisee shall promptly file information setting forth such change with
the County Administrator.
C. In addition, every franchisee shall file with the County Administrator copies
of rules, regulations, terms and conditions adopted by the franchisee for
the conduct of its business and . _
such other information as the county shall
request with respect to properties and expenses related the
franchisee's service within the county The ^^„^+„ shall have the Fi +
of its own r.h^r.n"r g reasonabl aoseptablto a franchisee, that .... uv v��� � vi wvaii �9, � i
fr;;oclhi? has correctly Fepo gr e66 revenues, and If Suvhr, --audit
d th a f h" rti of i t s gFOGG FeYeRue6 h b
Unders by— five — percent— (6 %)--er rreF the — franohisee sh-a4
audit shall be limited to the f h" ,+ + d f
reasonably relevant to VeFifiGation that the franGhisee has GE)FreGtly
D. An applicant for an initial or a renewal franchise hereunder shall include in
its application all information requested by the county, subject to the
provisions of governing law or regulations, as the county deems
reasonably appropriate to allow it to evaluate such applicant's legal,
financial and technical qualifications.
E. If an initial applicant proposes to serve an area then actually being served
by an existing franchisee, the application shall be submitted with proof of
service of a copy of its application upon such franchisee.
F. The county shall provide all existing franchisees on whom service is
required under Subsection E above with an opportunity to be heard and to
make presentations pertaining to such application.
G. In evaluating an application, the county shall be governed by and comply
with all relevant federal and state statutes.
§ 61 -9. Construction and installation of system.
A. The county shall have the right to inspect all construction or installation
work performed by a franchisee within the service area and to make
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Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession/Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
W OO O R
such inspections as the county deems necessary to ensure
compliance with the terms of this chapter, other pertinent provisions
of law and any franchise granted hereunder. No poles, underground
conduits or other wire - holding structures shall be erected by a
franchisee without prior approval of the county or its duly authorized
personnel or abutting property owners where the county does not
own the area in which such are to be erected. To the extent possible,
the franchisee shall negotiate agreements with the appropriate parties
to permit it to utilize the existing poles and underground conduits
throughout the county. Any poles, underground conduits or other
fixtures that a franchisee is authorized by the county to install must be
placed in a manner to not interfere with or obstruct the usual travel on
the public streets or to interfere with any existing utility services. All
construction activities of a franchisee shall be conducted in a manner
that will cause minimum interference with the rights and reasonable
convenience of the property owners directly affected thereby. Every
franchisee shall maintain all structures, cable and related GATV
equipment that are located in, over, under and upon the streets in a
safe, suitable, substantial condition and in good order and repair at all
times.
B. All construction and installation by a franchisee shall be effectuated in a
manner that is consistent with the FCC's rules, relevant local
building codes, zoning and other regulatory requirements, the
National Electrical Safety Code and other standards of general
applicability to cable systems. No franchisee shall commence any
construction without obtaining all local zoning and other approvals,
permits and other licenses of general applicability to other entities
performing such construction and paying all costs and fees
normally imposed or charged therefor.
C. Every franchisee shall complete construction of its cable system to
provide service to persons located within its service area within three
(3) years from the date such persons came into the franchisee's
service area. Every franchisee shall extend energized trunk cable
throughout its service area at the rate of at least thirty -three and one -
third percent (33 %) per year.
D. Extensions.
(1) No franchisee shall be required to extend energized trunk
cable in and /or through any portion of the county beyond and
outside the limits of its defined service area provided, however, that
a franchisee may elect to provide cable service outside its defined
service area and — provided, farther, than -aRy initi fr anc hi see
nrnngs inn to sepve loss densely populated areas as an inducement
In the event that the owner of any home or
other structure not within a franchisee's service area agrees, in
writing, to pay the excess cost of extending cable service to that
location, then a franchisee so requested by such owner shall
provide cable service to such home or other structure, provided that
such owner's payment obligation shall only apply to the costs
incurred in extending cable more than eneWQ hundred #+#y
OWJ feet from any trunk lino a franchisee Fn a„ nfFor try vt d
ru ble sennre to any area of the Gee �nty not mooting the dens�t
VV. •�VV aV u �� V u V V��L� IIVI meeting TL Q4TTJTC�
sUsh proposed service-e*tensien, requireprespestive subSGrib re
1_1Gh area to pay an aid Of GGR6tFUGtiGR fee on a PFO Fata
basis under the following : feeder line.
Minute Book Number 34
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283
(2) For the purposes of calculating the average density of an
extension, the distance in linear miles shall be from the point of
beginning of the trunk line extension to the end of the tFunk -line
extension. The homes per linear mile calculation shall be the
average number of homes per linear mile along the entire length of
thek extension.
(3) Nonpayment by any owner of a home or other structure of costs
associated with the immediately foregoing extension of service,
once such owner has agreed to such payment, shall be a Class 4
misdemeanor and punishable as such.
F- In case of any disturbance of pavement, sidewalk, driveway or other
surfacing, a franchisee shall, at its own cost and expense and in a manner
approved by the County Inspeetef, replace and restore all paving,
sidewalk, driveway or surface of any street or alley disturbed in as good
condition as before said work was commenced.
6F. In the event that at any time during the period of a franchise the county or
Highway VM shall lawfully elect to alter or change the grade
of any street, alley or other public way, the affected franchisee, upon
reasonable notice by the county or the Highway Depa#mentVDQT shall
remove, relay and relocate its poles, wires, cables, underground conduits,
manholes and other telephone fixtures, provided that the county shall
reimburse a franchisee for removal or relocation of its facilities to the same
extent that the county reimburses telephone or electric utilities under
similar circumstances.
HO. No franchisee shall place any poles or other fixtures where the same will
interfere with any gas, electric or telephone fixture, water hydrant, main or
sewer, and all such poles or other fixtures placed in any street shall be
placed at the outer edge of the sidewalk and inside the curbline, and those
placed in alleys shall be placed close to the line of the lot abutting on said
alley, and then in such a manner as not to interfere with the usual travel
on said streets, alleys and public ways.
A franchisee shall, on the request of any person holding a building moving
permit issued by the county, temporarily raise or lower its wires to permit
the moving of buildings. The expense of such temporary removal, raising
or lowering of wires shall be paid by the person requesting the same, and
the franchisee shall have the authority to require such payment in
advance. The franchisee shall be given not less than seven (7) days'
advance notice to arrange for such temporary wire changes.
A Every franchisee shall have the authority to trim trees upon and
overhanging streets, alleys, sidewalks and public places of the county so
as to prevent the branches of such trees from coming in contact with the
wires and cables of the franchisee, provided that all trimming shall be
done under the supervision and direction of the county or the u' r^s*hwa
SepaFtrnent and at the expense of the franchisee. The county or
H i g hw ay D specifically reserves the right to prohibit the
trimming of trees where it deems that such trimming would damage or
destroy the tree.
Minute Book Number 34
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..
(2) For the purposes of calculating the average density of an
extension, the distance in linear miles shall be from the point of
beginning of the trunk line extension to the end of the tFunk -line
extension. The homes per linear mile calculation shall be the
average number of homes per linear mile along the entire length of
thek extension.
(3) Nonpayment by any owner of a home or other structure of costs
associated with the immediately foregoing extension of service,
once such owner has agreed to such payment, shall be a Class 4
misdemeanor and punishable as such.
F- In case of any disturbance of pavement, sidewalk, driveway or other
surfacing, a franchisee shall, at its own cost and expense and in a manner
approved by the County Inspeetef, replace and restore all paving,
sidewalk, driveway or surface of any street or alley disturbed in as good
condition as before said work was commenced.
6F. In the event that at any time during the period of a franchise the county or
Highway VM shall lawfully elect to alter or change the grade
of any street, alley or other public way, the affected franchisee, upon
reasonable notice by the county or the Highway Depa#mentVDQT shall
remove, relay and relocate its poles, wires, cables, underground conduits,
manholes and other telephone fixtures, provided that the county shall
reimburse a franchisee for removal or relocation of its facilities to the same
extent that the county reimburses telephone or electric utilities under
similar circumstances.
HO. No franchisee shall place any poles or other fixtures where the same will
interfere with any gas, electric or telephone fixture, water hydrant, main or
sewer, and all such poles or other fixtures placed in any street shall be
placed at the outer edge of the sidewalk and inside the curbline, and those
placed in alleys shall be placed close to the line of the lot abutting on said
alley, and then in such a manner as not to interfere with the usual travel
on said streets, alleys and public ways.
A franchisee shall, on the request of any person holding a building moving
permit issued by the county, temporarily raise or lower its wires to permit
the moving of buildings. The expense of such temporary removal, raising
or lowering of wires shall be paid by the person requesting the same, and
the franchisee shall have the authority to require such payment in
advance. The franchisee shall be given not less than seven (7) days'
advance notice to arrange for such temporary wire changes.
A Every franchisee shall have the authority to trim trees upon and
overhanging streets, alleys, sidewalks and public places of the county so
as to prevent the branches of such trees from coming in contact with the
wires and cables of the franchisee, provided that all trimming shall be
done under the supervision and direction of the county or the u' r^s*hwa
SepaFtrnent and at the expense of the franchisee. The county or
H i g hw ay D specifically reserves the right to prohibit the
trimming of trees where it deems that such trimming would damage or
destroy the tree.
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Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession/Regular Meeting or 03 /11/09
284
No franchisee shall install aboveground facilities in any portion of its
service area where all public utility lines are underground, and every
franchisee shall be obligated to use its best efforts to relocate its existing
facilities underground in any portion of its service area within ninety (90)
days after all public utility lines in that portion of its service area have been
placed underground.
§ 61 -10. H Departme it VDOT rules and regulations.
This chapter shall not be construed to mean that the county, by granting any
franchise hereunder, is giving any entity the right to use any right -of -way controlled by
the High Depa +nien+VDOT or by any person other than the county. Every
franchisee hereunder shall be required to meet any and all Highway De.,a.+ment
regulations and requirements set forth for the use of such rights-of-way controlled by the
Highway VDOT and shall be required to separately obtain from private
parties and others necessary consents, not otherwise preempted by governing federal
statute or regulation, to use any other rights -of -way not controlled by or vested in the
county prior to the installation of any cable on, under or over the property so affected.
§ 61 -11. Transfer of plant or system.
iVs Exceot as otherwise provided by applicable law. including. withou
limitation § 15.2 - 2108.19 of the Code of Virginia. no franchisee shall sell or transfer
its plant or system to another person, nor transfer any rights under a franchise to
another person, without Board approval upon such reasonable terms and conditions as
it may impose. No such sale or transfer shall thereafter be effective until the vendee,
assignee or lessee has filed in the office of the County Administrator an instrument, duly
executed, reciting the fact of such sale, assignment or lease, accepting and agreeing to
be bound by the provisions of this chapter and a franchise granted pursuant hereto and
agreeing to perform all the conditions that may be imposed by the Board pursuant to its
consent.
§ 61 -12. Rights of county.
A. The right is hereby reserved by the county to adopt, in addition to the
provisions herein contained and in existing applicable ordinances, such
additional regulations as it shall find necessary in the exercise of its police
power.
B. The county shall have the right to supervise all construction or installation
work performed by a franchisee subject to the provisions of this chapter
and to make such inspections as it shall find necessary to ensure
compliance with governing ordinances.
C. The county reserves the right to
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may be distributed over the franchisee's system.
D. All rights, rights -of -way and easements hereinabove designated shall
remain the property of the county or the Highway DepaFtme4#yQpT Until
such time as poles or other equipment is actually installed by a franchisee,
and in the event of future removal of said poles or other equipment, said
Minute Book Number 34
Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession /Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
i�
rights shall remain' vested or immediately revert to the county or the
Highway VDOT and, in the event of removal, a franchisee's
rights therein shall be automatically canceled.
§ 61 -13. Bend -. jb Fund.
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§ 61 -1514. Franchise fee.
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Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession/Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
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§ 61 -1514. Franchise fee.
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Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession/Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
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Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession /Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
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Minute Book Number 34
Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession /Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
287
u nderpayment, which notice shall include a copy of the audit repo.
If recomputation results in additional revenue to be paid by a
franchisee to County, such amount shall be subject to an interes
charae of the Prime rate plus one percent (1 %). If the audit
d etermines that there has been an overpayment by a franchisee. the
franchisee may credit overpayment against its next qu Prly
payment: and. County shall waive the interest charge on any pas
due amounts that were a result of such overpavment by the
franc hi
§ 6146 and reports.
The county shall have access at all reasonable hours to all of a franchisee's
plans, contracts and engineering, accounting, financial, statistical, customer and service
records relating to the cable system and its operation by the franchisee and to all other
records required to be kept hereunder.
§ 6147- Costs.
The county may require that each applicant for an initial franchise compensate
the county for its direct, out -of- pocket costs incurred in the award of a franchise
hereunder, including the county's expenses incurred for special counsel or consultants
retained to assist it in such award. A bill for such costs as are then determinable may be
presented to the franchisee by the county upon the franchisee's filing of its acceptance
of an initial franchise hereunder, and if so presented shall be paid at that time, and such
additional costs as are determined as payable by the county shall thereafter be paid
within fourteen (14) days of presentment to the franchisee.
§ 614617. Approval by Board required.
No franchise shall be deemed as granted pursuant to this chapter unless such
grant shall be approved by the Board and, within fourteen (14) days after such approval,
the applicant therefor acknowledges, in a writing provided by the county, its acceptance
of the provisions of this chapter and any additional conditions imposed in consideration
of such grant and provides payment of all sums due hereunder and submits all
documentation required herein.
Enacted this 11 day of March, 2009.
Supervisor Fisher cited the definition of service area and asked if private roads would
keep the cable company from providing service, since they are not public rights -of -way.
Minute Book Number 34
Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession /Regular Meeting of 03 /11/09
ON 1111111
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§ 6146 and reports.
The county shall have access at all reasonable hours to all of a franchisee's
plans, contracts and engineering, accounting, financial, statistical, customer and service
records relating to the cable system and its operation by the franchisee and to all other
records required to be kept hereunder.
§ 6147- Costs.
The county may require that each applicant for an initial franchise compensate
the county for its direct, out -of- pocket costs incurred in the award of a franchise
hereunder, including the county's expenses incurred for special counsel or consultants
retained to assist it in such award. A bill for such costs as are then determinable may be
presented to the franchisee by the county upon the franchisee's filing of its acceptance
of an initial franchise hereunder, and if so presented shall be paid at that time, and such
additional costs as are determined as payable by the county shall thereafter be paid
within fourteen (14) days of presentment to the franchisee.
§ 614617. Approval by Board required.
No franchise shall be deemed as granted pursuant to this chapter unless such
grant shall be approved by the Board and, within fourteen (14) days after such approval,
the applicant therefor acknowledges, in a writing provided by the county, its acceptance
of the provisions of this chapter and any additional conditions imposed in consideration
of such grant and provides payment of all sums due hereunder and submits all
documentation required herein.
Enacted this 11 day of March, 2009.
Supervisor Fisher cited the definition of service area and asked if private roads would
keep the cable company from providing service, since they are not public rights -of -way.
Minute Book Number 34
Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession /Regular Meeting of 03 /11/09
ii
Assistant Administrator Tierney responded no, as long as the density requirements were
met.
There being no further discussion, the ordinance amendments were approved by the
following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle
Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.
Aye
Gary W. Dove
Aye
Bill M. Ewing
Aye
Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Philip A. Lemieux
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
Aye
PUBLIC HEARING - CABLE TELEV ISION FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH
COMCAST OF ALIFORNIA/ MARYLAND IPENNSYLVANIAIVIRGINIAIWEST
VIRGINIA LLC. THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT WOULD GRANT TO
COMCAST A NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO PROVIDE CABLE
TELEVISION SERVICE WITHIN FREDERICK COUNTY FOR A PERIOD OF
10 YEARS. COMCAST HAS A CURRENT CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE
AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY_ WHICH IS DUE TO EXPIRE ON APRIL
19.2009. — APPROVED AS AMENDED
Assistant Administrator Tierney appeared before the Board regarding this item. He
advised in the 15 years that have elapsed since the enactment of the previous cable television
franchise agreement there have been significant changes in both state and federal laws which
govern a locality's ability to regulate cable franchise provisions. These changes have
significantly reduced the locality's ability to place demands on a cable provider as part of a cable
franchise agreement. In light of this rapidly changing environment, the term of the new
proposed franchise agreement would be 10 years instead of 15 years. Other changes include:
- Comcast will continue to provide two PEG channels (School channel and County
Government channel) in addition to the Public Safety Training Channel on their basic
subscriber tier.
- Comcast will provide a third PEG channel at the County's request, provided threshold
programming volumes established by the agreement have been met.
- Comcast will transmit PEG programming originating within the City of Winchester to
County subscribers for as long as both localities are served by the same signal source.
- Should Comcast eliminate its analog programming resulting in the need for County
Administration or the School System to upgrade equipment in order to produce their
access channel broadcasts, Comcast, will cover the cost of the required equipment.
- Within 60 days of the effective date of the agreement Comcast will give the County a
capital grant in the amount of $200,000.00 for PEG equipment upgrades or expansion
of our fiber network.
- From the effective date of the agreement, Comcast will make an annual financial
contribution to the County based on the following formula:
o From year 1 through year 5 a payment equivalent to $0.40 per subscriber per
month;
Minute Book Number 34
Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession/Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
6
o From year 5 through year 7 the amount will be $0.45 per subscriber per
month.
o From year 7 through the end of the agreement the amount rises to $0.50 per
subscriber per month.
Comcast may retain this annual payment until such time as they have recouped their
initial $200,000.00 contribution described in item #5 above plus interest.
- Comcast will provide service to areas of the County which meet an average threshold
density of 30 homes per square mile. In addition, Comcast will serve areas of lesser
density provided an average of 15 subscribers per mile are willing to commit in
writing to cable service for a minimum of one year.
- Comcast will maintain a call center available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week for
service issues, and 5 days a week during normal business hours for billing issues.
- Comcast will provide free cable service to all public facilities, schools, libraries, and
fire and rescue stations that fall within their service area.
He went on to say he believed this agreement was fair and reasonable and protected the County
and the service to residents. He concluded by saying the agreement had been reviewed by the
County Attorney and requested Board approval following the public hearing.
Chairman Shickle stated he had a problem with this agreement because it was a financing
proposal. He also questioned the 11.25% interest rate. He went on to say the County should
have identified its needs up front if they were planning on taking the $200,000 monetary
contribution.
Chairman Shickle opened the public hearing.
There were no citizen comments.
Chairman Shickle closed the public hearing.
Supervisor Lofton asked if the rate /fee structure applied to Comcast customers who sign
up for Internet and phone service.
Assistant Administrator Tierney responded the fee only applied to cable television
customers.
Supervisor DeHaven suggested sending Assistant Administrator Tierney back to the table
to renegotiate the financing issues.
Robert Jacobs, Vice - President of Franchising and Government Affairs with Comcast,
appeared before the Board. He responded that the company was okay with paying the per
subscriber fee. He went on to say the FCC did not like companies to provide up front
contributions, but that was something the County wanted; therefore, the company agreed to
provide the contribution and then pay themselves back from the user fees.
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Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession /Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
290
Chairman Shickle asked if the code section pertaining to the financing dealt with the
interest rate or merely outlined the financing mechanism.
Mr. Jacobs responded the Code did not address the interest rate. He went on to say the
FCC allowed the company to charge that amount.
Chairman Shickle asked the County Attorney, if the company was agreeable to paying
the user fee and not providing the up front contribution and the agreement were changed
accordingly, would another public hearing be required.
County Attorney Roderick Williams responded the Board could make the changes and
approve the agreement without an additional hearing because the revised agreement would be
less restrictive.
Supervisor DeHaven asked if the proposed rate structure was where the parties started
negotiating or was it a product of the financing due to the upfront contribution.
Assistant Administrator Tierney advised this was not where negotiations began. He went
on to say we had looked at upgrading our video equipment for the Board Room; but the cost was
greater than what Comcast was willing to pay; therefore, we opted for the upfront money and the
fee structure.
Matt Ames, Miller & Van Eaton, legal counsel for the County, advised this was a
common financing mechanism. He went on to say the interest rate was something the company
insisted upon. He noted the rate structure was similar to that used by other localities.
Upon a motion by Supervisor Dove, seconded by Supervisor DeHaven, the Board
approved the franchise agreement with changes, which included using the fee structure and no
money paid up front.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle
Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.
Aye
Gary W. Dove
Aye
Bill M. Ewing
Aye
Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Philip A. Lemieux
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
Aye
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING #14 -08 OF SOVEREIGN VILLAGE TO
REVISE PROFFERS ASSOCIATED WITH REZONING #15 -99 SECTION
TITLED RECREATION CENTER AND APPLICABLE TO 3.03 ACRE PARCEL.
THE PROFFER REVISIONS PROPOSE MODIFICATIONS TO THE
Minute Book Number 34
Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession /Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
1291
SOVEREIGN VILLAGE RECREATION CENTER. THE PROPERTY IS
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWESTERN CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF
ROSSMANN AND FARMINGTON BOULEVARDS AND IS IDENTIFIED BY
PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 65H- 13A -26A IN THE RED BUD
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT. - APPROVED
Planning Director Eric Lawrence appeared before the Board regarding this item. He
advised this was a proffer revision applicable to the recreation requirements for Sovereign
Village. With the opening of Greenwood Mill Elementary School and the community facilities
associated with that school, it was determined a recreation center was not needed in Sovereign
Village. The residents, developer, and County have worked together to get a larger swimming
pool. If this proposal is approved there would be no community building, but the residents
would get a larger pool. The Planning Commission recommended approval of this proposal.
Ty Lawson, Attorney, appeared before the Board on behalf of the applicant and advised
he was present to answer any questions.
Chairman Shickle convened the public hearing.
There were no citizen comments.
Chairman Shickle closed the public hearing.
Supervisor Lemieux thanked the homeowners' association board for their diligence in
working on this. He expressed his frustration with all of the postponements that occurred as
everyone worked through this process.
Upon a motion by Supervisor Lemieux, seconded by Supervisor Dove, the Board
approved Rezoning #14 -08 of Sovereign Village.
WHEREAS, Rezoning #14 -08 Proffer Revision of Sovereign Village, to revise the
proffers associated with Rezoning #15 -99, section titled Recreation Center, and applicable to
3.03 acre parcel. The proffer revisions, dated December 11, 2008 with revision date of
December 12, 2008, propose modifications to the Sovereign Village Recreation Center. The
property is located at the southwestern comer of the intersection of Rossman and Farmington
Boulevards in the Red Bud Magisterial District, and is identified by Property Identification
Number 65H -13A -26A.
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on this rezoning on January
7, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on this rezoning on March
11, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors finds the approval of this
rezoning to be in the best interest of the public health, safety, welfare, and in conformance with
the Comprehensive Policy Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Frederick County Board of
Supervisors that Chapter 165 of the Frederick County Code, Zoning, is amended to revise the
proffers concerning Rezoning #15 -99, section titled Recreation Center, and applicable to 3.03
acre parcel. The proffer revisions propose modifications to the Sovereign Village Recreation
Minute Book Number 34
Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession /Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
292
Center, as described by the application and attached conditions voluntarily proffered in writing
by the applicant and the property owner.
This ordinance shall be in effect on the date of adoption.
The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle
Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.
Aye
Gary W. Dove
Aye
Bill M. Ewing
Aye
Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Philip A. Lemieux
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
Aye
OTHER PLANNING ITEMS
DISCUSSION — ORDINANCE AMENDMENT — VETERINARY CLINICS IN
THE B1 (NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS) ZONING DISTRICT. — (RESOLUTION
#053 -09) - SENT FORWARD FOR PUBLIC HEARING, AS AMENDED
Senior Planner Candice Perkins appeared before the Board regarding this item. She
advised the County had received a request to add Veterinary Clinics as a permitted use in the B -I
(Neighborhood Business) Zoning District. Currently, the Frederick County Zoning Ordinance
allows veterinary offices as a permitted use in the B2 (Business General) and the B3 (Industrial
Transition) Zoning Districts, and as a conditional use in the RA (Rural Areas) and RP
(Residential Performance) Zoning Districts. She went on to say the proposed ordinance revision
would add "Veterinary Services for Animal Specialties" (SIC 0742) to the B1 Zoning District
uses. This ordinance revision is intended to only allow animal and pet hospitals, Veterinarians
for pets, and Veterinary services. It would exclude any type of livestock services and requires
that all animals and activities be kept within the enclosed primary structure. She concluded by
saying the Development Review and Regulations Committee and the Planning Commission
recommended approval and staff is seeking Board input and authorization to send this item
forward for public hearing.
Supervisor DeHaven asked if staff was confident SIC 0742 excluded horses, goats, etc.
Senior Planner Perkins advised staff could revise the language to exclude horses.
Upon a motion by Vice - Chairman Ewing, seconded by Supervisor Fisher, the Board
approved the resolution sending this item forward for public hearing.
WHEREAS, the Frederick County Planning Department has been directed to prepare
modifications to Chapter 165, Zoning — for provisions to add Veterinary Services for Animal
Specialties, excluding horses, with all activities and animals kept within a fully enclosed primary
structure (SIC 0742), as a permitted use in the B1 (Neighborhood Business) District.
WHEREAS, The Development Review and Regulations Subcommittee (DRRS)
recommended approval of this amendment on January 22, 2009; and
Minute Book Number 34
Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession/Regular Meeting of 03/11/09
293
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission discussed the draft ordinance on February 18,
2009; and recommended that a public hearing be held;
WHEREAS, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors finds that in the public
necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practice, directs the Frederick County
Planning Commission hold a public hearing regarding amendments to Chapter 165, Zoning — for
provisions to add veterinary clinics as a permitted use in the B1 (Neighborhood Business)
District.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT REQUESTED by the Frederick County Board of
Supervisors that the Frederick County Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing to
consider revisions to Chapter 165, Zoning — for provisions to add Veterinary Services for
Animal Specialties, excluding horses, with all activities and animals kept within a fully
enclosed primary structure (SIC 0742) as a permitted use in the BI (Neighborhood
Business) District.
Passed this I Ith day of March, 2009 by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle
Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.
Aye
Gary W. Dove
Aye
Bill M. Ewing
Aye
Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Philip A. Lemieux
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
Aye
BOARD LIAISON REPORTS
There were no Board liaison reports.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were no citizen comments.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMENTS
There were no Board of Supervisors' comments.
ADJOURN
UPON A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR EWING, SECONDED BY SUPERVISOR
DOVE, THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THIS BOARD,
THIS MEETING IS HEREBY ADJOURNED. (8:25 P.M.)
Richard C. Shickle
Chairman, Board of Supervisors
J Riley, Jr. of
rk, Board Supervisors
Minutes Prepared By: r
Jay El Ti#bs
Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors
Minute Book Number 34
Board of Supervisors Budget Worksession/Regular Meeting of 03/11/09