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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_02-02_94_Meeting_MinutesMEETING MINUTES OF THE FREDERICK COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Held in the Board Room of the Old Frederick County Court House in Winchester, Virginia on February 2, 1994. PRESENT: Planning Commissioners present were: James W. Golladay, Jr., Chairman; John R. Marker, Vice Chairman /Back Creek District; Marjorie H. Copenhaver, Back Creek District; Todd D. Shenk, Gainesboro District; S. Blaine Wilson, Shawnee District; Roger L. Thomas, Opequon District; Manuel C. DeHaven, Stonewall District; John H. Light, Stonewall District; Robert A. Morris, Shawnee District and Robert M. Sager, Board Liaison. ABSENT: Ronald W. Carper, Gainesboro District; George L. Romine, Citizen at Large Planning Staff present were: W. Wayne Miller, Zoning Administrator; and Kris C. Tierney, Deputy Planning Director. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Golladay called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. INTRODUCTION OF ROBERT M. SAGER, NEWLY APPOINTED BOARD LIAISON Chairman Golladay introduced Mr. Robert M. Sager, the newly appointed Board of Supervisors Liaison to the Planning Commission. MINUTES Upon motion made by Mr. Wilson and seconded by Mr. Thomas, the minutes of December 1, 1993 were unanimously approved as presented. Upon motion made by Mr. Marker and seconded by Mr. Thomas, the minutes of December 15, 1993 were unanimously approved as presented. 3761 z COMMITTEE REPORTS Development Review & Regulations Subcommittee (DR &RS) - 1/24/94 Mtg. Mr. Miller reported that the DRRS discussed the proposed 1994 subcommittee work program which will focus on corridor appearance issues, landscaping requirements, conditional use permits, amendment requests and design review. He reported that the DRRS informally discussed requirements pertaining to major and minor collector roads with Chuck Maddox of G. W. Clifford & Associates and that this item will be brought back to the DRRS in February. Mr. Miller said that the DRRS will forward recommendations for RP density requirements and conditional use permit fees to the Planning Commission in March. Sanitation Authority (SA) - 1/19194 Mtg. Mrs. Copenhaver reported that the Diehl Water Treatment Plant was placed in operation on January 12 and is operating smoothly. She said that the plant is producing between 1.7 to 2.0 million gallons per day. Mrs. Copenhaver reported that the SA is looking into the design for the 522 South sewer project. Mrs. Copenhaver added that the SA's regularly scheduled meeting night has been changed from the third Wednesday of each month to the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Transportation Committee - 2/1/94 Mtg Mr. Miller reported that the Transportation Committee reviewed the Frederick County Primary Road Improvement Plan and the proposed National Highway System Plan as recommended by VDOT. He said that both plans will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for review. Mr. Miller also reported that the Transportation Committee also endorsed the overall concept for the Civil War Battlefield Tour Network/Kernstown Battlefield Enhancement Proposal and the proposal to relocate a portion of Warrior Drive along the boundary of the Sherando Park property. 3762 3 1994 Subcommittee and Liaison Positions Mr. Tierney presented a list of subcommittees and liaison appointments that were in effect during 1993. He said that the staff has not been contacted regarding any changes and has no recommended changes. The Commission decided to keep the same assignments for 1994. PUBLIC HEARINGS Conditional Use Permit #013 -93 of HCMF Corporation for VanGilders Care Center to expand their existing convalescent - nursing home facility from 48 beds to 78 beds. This property, zoned RP (Residential Performance), is identified as PIN 54 -A -32 and is located at the end of Pennsylvania Avenue in the Stonewall District. Action - Approved Mr. Miller said that VanGilders Care Center has been operating as a legal nonconforming use and cannot expand more than 50% under this status. Mr. Miller said that a 50% expansion would allow the addition of 3,973 square feet, but the HCMF Corporation wishes to add 8,974 square feet to the facility and, therefore, a conditional use permit is required. Mr. Miller said that written comments have been received from the City of Winchester's Planning Director regarding transportation issues, the Winchester Public Works Director regarding water supply, and the City Fire Chief, regarding access for emergency vehicles. The Planning Commissioners were concerned about alternate access to the site in the event of an emergency and asked about the extension of Pennsylvania Avenue beyond the nursing home to Lee Street. Staff noted that the road beyond this point is unpaved and there is no legal access or right -of -way to Lee Street from this point. Mr. Rick Frizzell, Director of Development for the HCMF Corporation and the applicant for this CUP, said that this facility is inspected and licensed by the State of Virginia and access is taken under consideration in this process. The Commissioners also asked the applicant about the adequacy of their water supply. Mr. Frizzell said that the main facility is served by a 1 1/2" water line from the City of Winchester and a secondary water supply is supplied to their two smaller buildings by a 2 1/2" meter from Frederick County. Mr. Frizzell felt that they had adequate water capacity for 3763 N the existing facility, the proposed addition, and for sprinkling. It was also noted that there is an existing fire hydrant on the site, which is served by the Sanitation Authority. Mr. Frizzell read a prepared statement to the Commission which stated that: 1) The proposed addition would provide the community with 11 new full -time positions; 2) the addition will cost roughly $1,000,000; 3) the addition will provide the residents with a larger recreation area and fresh decor; and 4) it will provide better services with a new kitchen, laundry, and business office. Mr. Frizzell said that the state has a one, two, and three -year license program. He said that their facility in Roanoke was one of the first facilities in the state to receive a three -year license. Mr. Frizzell said that they are recognized in the state as providing quality health care. Mr. Frizzell also presented letters of support from Dr. Gary W. Wake from Amherst Family Practice, from Sheriff Robert T. Williamson of the Frederick County Sheriffs Office, and from Caroline Hastreiter, Program Services Director for Blue Ridge Hospice, Inc. Upon motion made by Mr. DeHaven and seconded by Mr. Wilson, the Commission unanimously voted to make the letters a part of the official record (letters attached at end of minutes). Ms. Ellen Ford, the Administrator at VanGilders Care Center, came forward to introduce three community citizens that were present to speak in behalf of VanGilders Care Center. She introduced Karen Shipp from Frederick County Social Services, Jean Hinsen, Trust Officer at the Bank of Clarke County, and John Poux, Executive Director of the Tri- County O.I.C. Ms. Karen Shipp, the adult protective services worker for Frederick County's Department of Social Services, said that she has been a social worker for a number of years working with the disabled and the elderly. Ms. Shipp said that at present, over 75% of her department's adult home placements are out of the Frederick County area because of a shortage of adult care beds and the unwillingness of many adult homes to accept individuals who need financial assistance. She said that these people have been forced to leave the Frederick County area and enter facilities far from family and home. Ms. Shipp said that she was pleased that VanGilders wanted to expand their facility. She said that they have consistently provided excellent care to their residents and have been willing to accept those who must depend on the state to supplement the cost of their care. Ms. Shipp said that as an advocate for the disabled and the elderly, she sees the need for additional adult home beds in this area and hoped that the Commission would favorably consider HCMF's request to enlarge their facility. Ms. Jean Hinsen, Trust Officer from the Bank of Clarke County, said that as trust officer, she is frequently called upon to find facilities for people, many of whom do not qualify for a skilled care facility, but who must be placed in an adult care situation. Ms. Hinsen said that she has found that VanGilders provides excellent care for these individuals and is the only facility that will accept people who are dependent on resources provided by the state. She said it is also comforting to know that when state resources are exhausted, VanGilders does not require these placements to move elsewhere. Ms. Hinsen said that the employees are very 3764 5 cooperative and people that have been placed at VanGilders have enjoyed a good residency. Ms. Hinsen encouraged the Commission to grant the permit because the facility was much needed in this area. Mr. John Poux, the Executive Director of Tri -County O.I.C., spoke in support of the VanGilders Care Center and said that it was one of the really fine adult care centers in this area. Mr. Poux said that the Tri- County O.I.C. trains nursing assistants and has placed many of them at VanGilders. He said that he knows the facility well and has a great deal of admiration for them. Mrs. Copenhaver also spoke in support of VanGilders based on her personal experience of having a relative stay there and also in her previous capacity as a loan officer. She felt that very good care was given to the residents and that this type of facility was needed in Frederick County. The Commissioners were in agreement that good adult care facilities, such as VanGilders, were needed in Frederick County and they supported the expansion proposed. The Commissioners felt, however, that to be safe in the case of an emergency, it was important for this facility to have a loop waterfeed and two ways into the facility. They encouraged the applicant to strive to acquire access to Lee Street. Upon motion made by Mr. Light and seconded by Mr. Wilson, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby unanimously approve Conditional Use Permit #013 -93 of HCMF Corporation for an addition (24 bed addition to the existing main building and a 6 bed addition to two existing cottages) to the VanGilders Care Center with the following conditions: 1) A determination of water requirements must be made and any required upgrade or modifications must be addressed during the site plan process. 2) The owner must maintain the street serving this facility from the Winchester /Frederick County line into the facility. 3) A site plan for this facility must be submitted and approved prior to any construction on this facility. 4) The applicant must comply with all requirements of the state and county codes pertaining to nursing /convalescent homes at all times. 3765 0 LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO MANUAL C. DEHAVEN FROM KENNETH Y. STILE Mr. Miller read a letter of appreciation that was submitted by Kenneth Y. Stiles, a former Board of Supervisors Chairman, to Manuel C. DeHaven, retiring Stonewall District Representative. Upon motion made by Mr. Wilson and seconded by Mr. Marker, the Commission unanimously voted to make the letter a part of the official record. (letter attached at end of minutes). DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSAL TO REVISE THE APPROVED MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND SITE PLAN FOR LAKE CENTRE Mr. Charles W. Maddox, Jr. of G. W. Clifford & Associates gave a presentation concerning the revision of the master development plan (MDP) and site plan for the Lake Centre project located at the corner of Macedonia Church Road (Route 642) and Chinkipin Drive. Mr. Maddox said that this property has a current approved MDP for a townhouse development, however, the subdivision plats have never been administratively approved or recorded. He said that the original developer has now sold the tract approved for townhouses to another individual who wishes to put apartment buildings on the site. The Commissioners were not supportive of the proposed large increase in density, to almost the maximum allowed by the ordinance, with the requested change to apartments. They did not want this area to become unsightly, especially in light of the county's recent attempts to improve corridor appearance. The Commission felt that the revised plan would have to have extensive landscaping improvements to make the high - density area aesthetically appealing. VIDEOTAPE FROM VDOT REGARDING PUBLIC MEETING PROCEDURES The staff showed a videotape from VDOT concerning public meeting procedures for the Commission's information. 3766 7 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robert W. Watkins, Secretary Ja s W. Golladay, Jr., Ch� 3767 � - ROBERT T. WILLIAMSON Sheriff January 28, 1994 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: COUNTY SHERI 5 NORTH KENT STREET WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA 22601 703/662 -6162 FAX 703/722.4001 oF MAJOR J. ALVIN JOHNSON Chief Deputy It has come to my attention that VanGilder's Care Center-is currently being considered for approval of a conditional use permit. 1 would like to go on record showing my,support of VanGilder's Care Center. I have been Sheriff of Frederick County for the - past two years and served as a deputy sheriff for most of the 16 years preceding that. During my tenure with Frederick County, VanGilder's Care Center has enjoyed an excellent reputation with no extraordinary history of complaints or service calls. On a personal note, I am the guardian for one of the residents currently housed at VanGilder's. Both personally and professionally, I have always found VanGilder's reputation to be admirable; therefore, I do not hesitate to support them in their current endeavor. Respectfully submitted, Robert T. Williamson Sheriff lac 3768 BLUE RIDGE HOSPICE, INc. 333 WEST CORK STREET WINCHESTER, VA 22601 (703) 665 -5210 Board of Doecto,s Nate L. Adams, III Christine E. Andreae Scutt Ball R. William Bayliss, III John H. Borg Bonnie Bmckschmidt Susan Burke David A. Costello An, 11. Dunlap Sharon E. Gromling Adel B. Guirguis, M.D. VV.. Jackson Helm, M.D. Ronald R. Potter Lynne C. Sayles I_a,vrencc K. Van Hoose Helen H. Zcbarth January 27, 1994 Ms. Ellen Ford, Manager Van Gilder's Care Center 1011 Pennsylvania Avenue Winchester, VA 22602 Dear Ellen, \ It is our understanding that the owners of your facility are planning to add an additional thirty beds to provide care for a larger adult population. The Blue Ridge Hospice staff is very pleased to hear this because of the need we see for this type of care among our terminal patients. Many of the adult homes in our service area are reluctant to admit terminally ill patients because of the perceived extra and more intensive care required. You and your staff have been quite willing to take on this care, understanding that hospice resources will be available to you 24 hours a day to assist in this terminal care. The philosophy of care at Van Gilders is much the same as the philosophy of hospice care -- to provide comfort through symptom control while making the quality of life as good as possible. We have been pleased that you would recognize the choices patients make in the determination of their care. We are delighted that, with the addition of thirty more beds, more people will have access to the compassionate care at Van Gilders. Most sincerely, Caroline Hastreiter Program Services Director 3769 Amherst Family Practice, P.C. Gary W. Wake MD H. Nelson Gustin MD William J. Bender MD Don G. Karolyi MD Samuel N. Whitacre MD (retired 1991) January 31, 1994 To whom it may concern: I have been associated with VanGilder's Care Center for over 25 years as an attending physician and also as Medical Director. The care at this facility is of high quality and the cost for the care is reasonable. Our community would benefit from additional bed capacity at this home for adults. This home provides an obvious service for the patients in the home, but additionally assures the relatives of these patients that their loved ones are receiving the care they need. Fortunately for us with aged parents or relatives in need of constant supervision and care, an institution such as VanGilders is available. The reality of today's economics shows us that two paychecks per household are needed. This leaves the care of our elderly to others. We have VanGilders to fill this need. I hope this wonderful facility can be expanded. Sincerely, Gary W. Wake, M.D. GW W /mdm 522 Amherst Street Winchester, VA 22601 (703) 667 -8724 FAX (703) 662 -5638 5011 Main Street Stephens City, VA 226,55 (703) 869 -5050 FAX (703) 869 -0264 OKI]