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CPPC 12-12-94 Meeting AgendaCOUNTY of FREDERICK Department of Planning and Development 703 1665-5651 Fax 703 / 678-0682 MEMORANDUM TO: Comprehensive Plans and Programs Committee FROM: Kris C. Tierney, Deputy Planning Director RE: Meeting Date and Agenda DATE: December 7, 1994 There will be a meeting of the Comprehensive Plans and Programs Committee on December 12, 1994 at 7:30 pm in the Conference Room of the Old County Court House. Please let me know if you are unable to attend. AGENDA 1) Discussion with Frederick County School representatives concerning priorities for the requested school projects and update on facilities planning. Attached is information provided by Tom Sullivan relevant to this discussion. 2) Discussion of request from Linwood Ritter for extension of sewer service to serve his trailer park on Route 636 south of Route 277. This item was referred to the Committee from the Planning Commission. Staff feels that it will be difficult to permit an extension of sewer down Route 636 to accommodate existing residences without permitting the trailer park to tie in to the same line. This is due to the fact that an extension of either the sewer and water service area or the urban development area is required in order to allow an extension. Establishing a new boundary for either of these areas has to be based on sound planning principles. Drawing a line that excludes the trailer park, but accommodates the single family residences might be seen as arbitrary or 9 North Loudoun Strict P.O. Box 601 Winchester, VA 22601 Winchester, VA 22604 discriminatory. The Committee needs to decide what sort of recommendation you want to make to the Planning Commission. In a related mater, it has been determined that the Fulton tract will be permitted to tie into the public sewer. The Committee will also need to decide how to officially accommodate this. The easiest solution might be to make the interpretation that under the circumstances (existing industrial zoning, immediately adjacent to the sewer and water service area) that no extension of the sewer and water service area is required. Attached is information pertaining to this request. KCT\bah Enclosures Preclerick County Public Schools 1415 Amherst Street Post Office Box 3508 Winchester, Virginia 22601-2708 Telephone: (703) 662-3888 — FAX (703) 722-2788 Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent To: Kris Tierney County of Frederick Department of Planning and Development From: Tom Sullivan Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Subject: Frederick County Public Schools --1995 CIP Date: December 5, 1994 Attached is information concerning the 1995 CIP for the Frederick County Public Schools which you may wish to share with members of the Comprehensive Plan Subcommittee prior to our meeting on December 12th. The information which has been provided to you was originally presented to the buildings and grounds committee of the school board for review in preparing a draft copy of the 1995 CIP for adoption by the school board. As you know, the plan was approved by the Frederick County School Board at the September 19, 1994 meeting. In two instances, September 30th enrollment figures have been provided. The original report to the buildings and grounds committee made use of opening day figures, which are generally lower than those used at the end of the first month of school. If you should have any questions or concerns regarding the information provided, please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience. FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN 1995-96 * Eastern Frederick County New Elementary School As was evident from our opening day enrollment of 9,083 students (an increase of 283 over 1993), Frederick County schools continue to grow. (September 30, 1994, membership was 9,272 students —an increase of 232 students over September 30th of 1993.) Steady residential growth in the Stephens City and Route 7/Senseny Road areas has had a significant impact on school enrollment. The vast majority of the enrollment increases occurring at the elementary level took place at the schools serving this area. Bass Hoover Elementary School's enrollment was up 38 students; Middletown Elementary School's enrollment was up 17 students; and Senseny Road Elementary School's enrollment was up 37 students. Of particular interest, when examining the opening day enrollment figures, is the number of kindergarten students, which totaled 750 for the system. This represents the largest kindergarten class in school division history. Bass Hoover Elementary School's kindergarten enrollment increased from 91 in 1993-94 to 115 this year. Senseny Road Elementary School's kindergarten grew from 102 students to 114 students. Armel Elementary School had an enrollment increase of 22 students in kindergarten. As of opening day, we were operating at 87.2% of our total capacity at the elementary level. If this trend continues, it will be difficult for us to provide space for these students with our present capacity. We can only speculate at the possible impact on Frederick County of development that is occurring to the east. However, with continued growth in Northern Virginia and the completion of additional road projects (Route 7, Dulles Toll Road extension, widening of Route 66, widening of Route 81, and the extension of Route 37), we can reasonably expect more families to migrate to Frederick County. In addition, the expansion of our industrial base and retail shopping areas has resulted in additional pressure on the school division to provide facilities for families who have moved to Frederick County to live and work. of the three elementary schools that have been opened in the last six years (Indian Hollow, Middletown, and Armel), only one of the schools, Armel, was built as a growth school. Indian Hollow Elementary was built as a replacement school for the Gore and Gainesboro Elementary Schools. Middletown Elementary School replaced an older school. The opening of Armel Elementary School reduced serious overcrowding at Bass Hoover and Senseny Road Elementary Schools. (1) In order to open an elementary school in the fall of 1996, it will be necessary to begin actual construction of the project in the spring of 1995. The development of plans and specifications will need to begin within the next several months to meet this time table. Our ownership of a site in the Route 7 corridor and the basic design for the building will be of great help in having the school completed by the fall of 1996. One of the major goals of the school board has been the desire to eliminate the use of modular classrooms at Stonewall and Senseny Road Elementary Schools. If a new elementary school is proposed, and the goal of eliminating modulars is to be realized, it will need to be emphasized during the planning process that nearly half of the capacity of the new school will be used up in removing students from modulars. In addition, student use of the six basement classrooms at Stonewall Elementary needs to be eliminated due to their poor, substandard condition. Removing students from the basement classroom at Stonewall Elementary School and transferring these students to a new Route 7 school will futher reduce the capacity of the new Route 7 school to handle enrollment increases as a result of growth. The modulars located at Stonewall and Senseny Road, and the basement classrooms at Stonewall, total 19 classrooms which accommodate an average of 20 students each, for a total of 380 students. The capacity of the new Route 7 school is 585 students. The cost of the project is estimated at approximately $7.2 million dollars. This figure represents the complete project from site preparation, installation of utilities, construction, furniture, and equipment. * Senseny Road Elementary School Air Conditioning/Renovations. With the completion of the air conditioning of Frederick County Middle School, only four of our schools (Senseny Road, Stonewall, Robinson, and Gainesboro) are without this feature as part of their mechanical systems. The air conditioning of Senseny Road Elementary School has been on the CIP for a number of years but has never received the funding necessary to begin the project. It would appear, unlike the air conditioning of Stonewall and Robinson, this project would not require extensive renovations to the remainder of the building. If the work recently concluded at Frederick County Middle School is any indication, it is possible this project could be accomplished during the summer months. The first step in considering the project is an A/E analysis to determine problems that may be encountered and the best approach to take. In the opinion of the A/E firm of Mills, Oliver and Webb, Inc., we should not face any unusual conditions in the air conditioning of Senseny Road Elementary School. Another aspect of renovating Senseny Road Elementary School is the addition of a gymnasium. Presently the school has a combination cafeteria/gymnasium, which results in a limited physical education (2) program. As is true with all of our older schools, this is not an equitable situation when compared with our newer elementary schools. The addition of a gymnasium to the school would also provide a tremendous benefit to the community in the Senseny Road area as a location for recreational programs and other public activities. During the past several years, we have estimated that the air conditioning of Senseny Road Elementary School would cost $500,000.00. As mentioned earlier, a cost estimate by an A/E firm would be needed prior to the actual borrowing of funds for this project once the scope of the project has been determined. * Robinson Elementary School Air Conditioning/Renovations The air conditioning/ renovation of Robinson Elementary School presents problems similar to other renovations that have been mentioned earlier. Robinson opened for students in the late 1950's, and, due to the construction used at that time, is not a good candidate for air conditioning without the undertaking of other renovations. It is believed the window panels contain asbestos, and this must be removed prior to any construction which disturbs the window units. It would not be very efficient to install air conditioning while leaving the large windows which absorb heat from the sun. In addition, Robinson is another of our older schools which does not contain the amenities we have included in all of our newer facilities. Should these be included in the Robinson renovation project? Again, as in the other renovation projects, an A/E analysis prior to any final decision is essential in determining the scope of the project and the time it may take to complete. * Stonewall Elementary School Air Conditioning/ Renovations The air conditioning/renovation of Stonewall Elementary School is a project we have considered for a number of years. An essential part of any consideration of substantial improvements to Stonewall is a determination of the extent of the renovations and the best approach in undertaking the work. Stonewall's enrollment currently stands at 417 students and makes use of seven modular units. Six classrooms are located in a basement area (2 first grade classrooms, 2 fourth grade classrooms, an art room, and a computer room). These are inaccessible to the handicapped and have very low ceilings. The basement rooms probably represent the poorest classroom environments we have in the school division. Several possibilities exist in the consideration of air conditioning/ renovation of Stonewall: (1) air conditioning could be considered as a stand-alone project, (2) air conditioning along with the addition of additional classrooms to eliminate the use of the basement rooms and modular units, and (3) air conditioning and classroom additions along with the construction of other amenities our elementary, middle, and high schools contain (computer, music, (3) art, special education rooms, and gymnasium). Another option would be the demolition of the structure and the construction of a new Stonewall Elementary School. As with the consideration of the renovation of Senseny Road Elementary School, a first step in this process should be an A/E analysis of various options, prior to any final decision by the school board of the best approach to take, which would include cost estimates of the various options. Please note: An A/E study is being performed by Mills, Oliver and Webb, Inc., of Blacksburg, Virginia, and will be presented to the school board as part of a public hearing, to be held on December 13, 1994, at Stonewall Elementary School, to receive public imput concerning future plans for the school. * New Building --Maintenance Department A continuing problem for the Frederick County Buildings and Grounds Department is a lack of work and storage space. Several years ago, discussions were held with other county officials concerning the construction of a new county transportation department and moving the buildings and grounds department to the Route 522 site. However, this concept has been put on hold and is no longer an option which is being given serious consideration. As we have added facilities and equipment, and striven to meet numerous state and federal regulations in a host of areas, the need to have additional storage and work space, along with an area to train custodial/maintenance employees, has increased. Currently, Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School serves as a central storage area for county schools. This presents numerous difficulties for the maintenance staff in meeting the needs of the schools because of its location, and the time and expense associated with having to travel to provide supplies to other schools. * Frederick County High School III The land for this project was purchased in 1993 and is located adjacent to Route 7 East, approximately one mile from the Winchester City limit. Using data obtained from September 30th enrollment, and assuming that in -migration and out -migration balance and the special education enrollment remains constant, we could expect the following high school student population for the next several years: School Year 1994-95 (current year) 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 2000-01 (4) Expected Student Population 2,565 2,791 2,972 3,101 2,991 2,967 It is evident we will have more high school students in the next several years as larger classes move through the system. It is obvious from reviewing enrollment data that the greatest loss in the school population during the course of a school year occurs at the high school level. However, we must keep in mind that we must be in a positon to provide space for the maximum number of students who will attend school in a given year. This year, we added six modular classrooms to James Wood High School to accommodate increased enrollment and provide additional classroom space. What is very difficult to predict is the impact of continued development in Frederick County and how this will translate into high school enrollment. As part of the process which led to the construction of Sherando High School, the school board held public meetings to receive input from citizens concerning the concepts of building a larger high school (1500 students) and expanding James Wood High School to accommodate 300 additional students for a total capacity of 1500 students, or planning for the eventual construction of two high schools with a capacity of 1250 students each, with one to be built immediately (Sherando) and one to be built later. The public overwhelmingly supported the two smaller high schools' concept. Several options exist when considering the need for additional space at the high school level. Those options are: (1) Continue to monitor growth and delay a decision concerning an expansion of existing facilities or building a third high school until some future date. This would involve handling fluctuations in enrollment by the addition of modular units --modular classrooms cost approximately $30,000.00 per unit --and/or adjustments to the attendance zones. (2) Construct additions to James Wood and Sherando High Schools for approximately 300 students, at a projected cost of $3 to $5 million per school. An addition for a lesser number of students could be considered, which would result in a lower cost. (3) Construct a new high school in eastern Frederick County at cost of approximately $25 million dollars. In the event that Option (1) is chosen, the third high school would remain on the CIP for 1995-96 but be delayed for another year. * New School Transportation Garage This project was listed in the 1994 CIP as number 25. At this point there does not appear to be any advantage to moving the transportation department from its present location. However, we do need to keep in mind that the present transportation department is landlocked, and, as a result, has limited growth potential. Eventually, the number of buses will outgrow the capacity of the transportation department to provide parking when not in service. However, we need to consider the addition of one or more service bays to provide for additional service capability for our bus fleet and other county vehicles. (5) * Robert E. Aylor and Bass Hoover Elementary Schools Chiller Replacement This project was included as part of the 1994 CIP as number 20. Following discussions with Larry Rickard, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, this project can be delayed. The initial EPA regulations concerning CFC and HCFC were unclear as to the requirements which would be imposed on the school division. Continued review of regulations indicates we do not have as great a problem with these units as first thought. We are able to continue to use the equipment and still meet EPA regulations. However, these units will need to be replaced in the future as a result of age-related problems. (6) FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN 1995-96 Listed below are projects which have been included for the 1995-96 Capital Improvements Plan for the Frederick County Public Schools. 1. Eastern Frederick County New Elementary School 2. Senseny Road Elementary School Air Conditioning/Renovations 3. Robinson Elementary School Air Conditioning/Renovations 4. Stonewall Elementary School Air Conditioning/Renovations 5. Buildings and Grounds Department Addition/Renovations 6. Frederick County High School III 7. New School Transportation Garage 8. Robert E. Aylor Middle School and Bass Hoover Elementary School Chiller Replacement FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN 1994 LISTED BELOW IS THE STATUS OF PROJECTS THAT WERE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE 1994-95 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN FOR THE FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THE NUMBER THAT IS IN PARENTHESES INDICATES THE RANKING OF THE PROJECT IN THE 1994-95 FREDERICK COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN. 1. (4) Senseny Road Elementary School Roof Replacement -- Complete. 2. (6) Frederick County Middle School Window Replacement and Air Conditioning --Complete. 3. (*) James Wood Middle School Partial Air Conditioning -- Complete. *Project funded in prior year and was completed during summer of 1994. 4. (7) James Wood Middle School Partial Roof Replacement -- Complete. 5. (20) Robert E. Aylor and Bass Hoover Elementary School Chiller Replacement --Project Delayed. 6. (8) Senseny Road Elementary School Air Conditioning --Project Delayed. 7. (9) Stonewall Elementary School Air Conditioning --Project Delayed. 8. (10) Robinson Elementary School Air Conditioning --Project Delayed. 9. (21) Eastern Frederick County New Elementary School --Project Delayed. 10. (22) Frederick County High School III --Project Delayed. 11. (25) Transportation Garage --Project Delayed. Q4-\ r\ A � Location Map for PIN: 86—A-208 Pioneer Trailer Park