February 26, 2002 City/County Work Session
29
A Joint Worksession ofthe Frederick County Board of Supervisors and Winchester City
Council was held on February 26, 2002, at 5:30 P,M., in the Board of Supervisors' Meeting Room,
County Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia.
The worksession was called to order by Chairman Shickle and President Gaynor. Supervisor
Reyes was not present due to illness and Supervisor Douglas arrived later. All other Board members
were in attendance. All City Council Members were present with the exception of Mike Butler.
Staff members present were County Administrator Riley, City Manager Daley; Deputy
Administrator Tierney; County Planner Wyatt; City Planner Youmans; and Deputy Clerk Carol T.
Bayliss.
Supervisor Robert M. Sager requested to make a statement referencing an article that had
appeared in the local paper concerning his views on the Sales Tax Bill, involving both Frederick
County and the City of Winchester that is currently before the General Assembly. He did not say
he was opposed to the tax increase, he said that he needed more information before he would feel
comfortable in voting on the issue.
President Gaynor expressed his concerns on what has happened with this Bill and how
concerned he is with the effect it will have on the school system. He further expressed his
disappointment in how Delegate Beverly Sherwood voted on this issue. He is hopeful that this Sales
Tax Bill will once again be presented to the General Assembly when it meets next year.
Councilman Schroth also expressed his disappointment in the outcome ofthis Bill, stating
that he felt it was a historic opportunity for both localities; however, it appears we will have to wait
another year.
Rodney?, resident ofStonewaJl District, stated that he was in Richmond for the hearing, and
based on what he heard, he agreed with the outcome of the vote.
Chairman Shickle advised the hour was 5:50 P.M.; therefore he felt it was time to get to the
agenda for tonight's worksession. Chairman Shickle turned the meeting over to Tim Youmans
Planning Director for the City of Winchester.
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF 1-81 - CD ROADWAYS
Director Youmans, by way of a group ofJarge maps, explained what the various options were
for the widening ofI-81 and how these options would affect Frederick County and the City of
Winchester. He advised of those areas where the lanes would be widened and where the bridge
Minute Book Number 27
Board of Supervisors and City Council of City of Winchester Joint Meeting of 02/26/02
overpasses would be built by VDOT. He explained that Collector-Distributor (C-D) Roadways are
much safer as they separate the mainline traffic from the very high volume of regional traffic.
President Gaynor asked ifVDOT has a plan and will the County and City also need a plan.
Chairman Shickle advised that he would like for the City and County to take a plan to VDOT
before the plan becomes iron clad.
Discussion followed as to what each locality would like to see in their respective localities.
City Manager Daley asked Director Youmans, if what he is showing basically is what the
City and County have agreed to.
Director Youmans replied, sort of.
Director Wyatt advised that it could take between twenty and thirty years for 1-81 to be
completed if the project is conducted by VDOT. He further advised that a proposal has been
presented by Star Solutions wherein they propose to design, build and finance the widening ofI -81,
providing a 2-year pavement warranty and operate an electronic truck tolling system under a
public/private partnership. These improvements would run the entire length ofI -81, from Milepost
7 in the south to the West Virginia Line. Director Wyatt further advised that he felt the City,
County, Stephens City and Middletown need to be more aggressive in their approach with this plan,
and in doing so, VDOT will know where these localities are coming from, as we definitely do not
want to be left behind.
Supervisor Smith asked ifInterstate 81 is widened, would it be necessary to build Route 37?
Director Wyatt advised Supervisor Smith, based on the study done on this project, he would
say yes, it was necessary.
Chairman Shickle stated that he feels there is too much in "limbo" at this point, and he would
like to see the localities push for a stance, as the industrial people are moving ahead as they feel they
cannot wait for 15 years.
Administrator Riley advised that Star Solutions has a very good plan and it could come
rapidly, given the state's economic situation at this time.
Chairman Shickle questioned as to whether Star Solutions would be receptive to input from
the City and County.
Councilman Rezba suggested that we have VDOT tell Star Solutions they need to talk with
us and get our input.
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Board of Supervisors and City Council of City of Winchester Joint Meeting of 02/26/02
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Supervisor Sager stated that he felt we needed to move as quickly as possible.
Manager Daley advised that his feelings are staff needs to meet with Star Solutions and
advise them of what the localities would like to see happen. He further advised that he is not sure
there is much more that staff can do, over and above what they have presented tonight, in the area
of more extensive drawings or maps.
Chairman Shickle advised if those present could agree with that he would be pleased, as he
just wants to move ahead on this project.
Manager Daley suggested that another drawing be done showing 37 west to 37 east to be
presented at the next worksession, and at that time it could be decided if an additional committee is
needed to address this project further.
EDC
President Gaynor advised that there had been some concerns expressed as to whether EDC
had been living up to City and County expectations. He further advised that it is felt discussion is
needed to determine what is needed from EDC by both localities, and how much funding will be
forthcoming from the localities.
Councilman Bauserman and liaison from the City on EDC, advised those present of his views
on various matters that have been discussed concerning EDC, as well as the negative and positive
ofEDC to both localities.
Jim Deskins, Executive Director of Economic Re-Development, for the City, advised those
present of what he had been doing in the City in the area of site redevelopment. He advised that he
felt it was necessary for the two localities to decide what they wanted, and that he was not trying to
dictate; however, he felt it is important for them to look outside ofthe box.
Chairman Shickle asked for clarification of certain figures and what they matched up with.
Administrator Riley stated that he did take issue with the fact that the City's budget
contribution had been reduced to $72,000 when their original amount had been $111,617.
Director Deskins advised that he felt perhaps there should be a regional effort, and advised
of some ofthese sources and where assistance could come from.
Acting EDC Director Patrick Barker presented EDC' s mission statement, and asked the two
localities to give him some feed back on what is being presented.
Councilman Bauserman stated that he felt there was a great deal to look at.
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Supervisor Smith asked that a decision be put on the fast track as EDC has been dealing with
this issue for a year.
Administrator Riley stated there are joint policies on a number ofissues, he feels a long term
solution is there.
President Gaynor advised that the hour is late, and given the fact that the issue ofI-81 ran
longer than anticipated, he felt the EDC issue should be put on hold until the next joint meeting of
these two bodies.
ADJOURNED.
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Richard C. Shickle
Chairman, Board of Supervisors
Minutes Prepared By:
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Carol T. Bayliss
Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors
Minute Book Numher 27
Board of Supervisors and City Council of City of Winchester Joint Meeting of 02/26/02