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PC_03-05-03_Meeting_MinutesMEETING MINUTES • OF THE FREDERICK COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION • Held in the Board Room of the Frederick County Administration Building at 107 North Kent Street in Winchester, Virginia on March 5, 2003. PRESENT: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr., Chairman /Stonewall District; John H. Light, Stonewall District; Greg L. Unger, Back Creek District; Cordell Watt, Back Creek District; Pat Gochenour, Red Bud District; Marie F. Straub, Red Bud District; Charles E. Triplett, Gainesboro District, Richard C. Ours, Opequon District; Lynda Tyler, Board of Supervisors Liaison; Vincent DiBenedetto, Winchester City Liaison. and Jay Cook, Legal Counsel. ABSENT: Roger L. Thomas, Vice Chairman /Opequou District; William C. Rosenberry, Shawnee District; Gene E. Fisher, CitizenatLarge; RobertA. Morris, Shawnee District; and George.l. Kriz, Gainesboro District. STAFF PRESENT: Eric R. Lawrence, Planning Director; Abbe S. Kennedy, Senior Planner; Christopher M. Mohn, Deputy Planning Director; and Renee' S. Arlotta, Clerk. CALL TO ORDER Chairman DeHaven called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 0 COMMITTEE REPORTS Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) - 02/25103 Mtg. Conlin issioner Gochenour reported that the HRAB reviewed the Scmpeles rezon ing proposal, comments were made, and provided for the applicant. Frederick County Planning Commission Minutes of March 5, 2003 Page .`1029: Winchester Citv Planning Commission - 02/03 Mtg. Mr. Vincent DiBenedetto reported that the City Planning Commission had no items of outstanding significance at their February meeting; however, the Commission did have a retreat on February 22, 2003, in which they discussed and worked on a number of items. He said the Commission established a set of bylaws and a set of policies that will be used in conjunction with the bylaws. Mr. Di Benedetto said that since staff is concentratinu_ on some economic development issues at this time, the Commission will not be working on the Comprehensive Plan this year, however, it will be a priority in 2004. He said that the Commission is interested in adding an environmental chapter in the Comprehensive Plan. He added that the Commission reviewed sonteofthe State Laws regarding the role ofthe Planning) Commission in correcting and condenutin .-blighted properties and began discussion on proced tires. He further added that the Commission will be taking another look at corridor overlays for routes leading into the Historic Overlay District and looking into what other jurisdictions are doing. PUBLIC HEARING Consideration of Priorities for the 2003 Primary and Interstate Road Improvement Plan. The Primary and Interstate Road Improvement Plan establishes priorities for improvements to the Interstate and Arterial Road Network within Frederick County. These priorities are presented to the Commonwealth Transportation Board for funding considerations. • Action - Recommended Approval of Amended Plan Abbe S. Kennedy, Senior Planner, stated that this year's Primary Road Plan has been separated into two categories to reflect associated fundins sources: the first category is the primary roads and the second category is the interstateroads. She noted, therefore, that this year's plan and future plans will be entitled, "The Frederick County Primaryand Interstate Road Improvement Plan." Planner Kennedyexplained thateach Springthe draft update is reviewed by the Transportation Committee, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors through the publichearin .- process. She noted that the projects presented are in order of priority and will continue to appear on future plans until funding is complete. Planner Kennedy continued, stating that this year, the Route 37 Eastern Bypass, Alternative C. was removed from the Primary Road Improvement Plan as requested by the Board of Supervisors. Planner Kennedy said the first priority on the Primary Road Plan is Route 277 (East of Stephens City), which is divided into two phases; the second priority is Route 11 (North and South of Winchester); the third priority includes spot improvements for Route 50/17, Sulfur Springs Road and Route 50, and White Oak Road and Route 277; and, the fourth priority is to establish a new park and ride facility along Berryville Pike (Route 7). Planner Kennedy next presented the Draft Interstate Improvement Funding Request, which included 1 -81 Improvements to four areas: A) Widen Abrams Creek Bridge and Extension of Northbound Acceleration and Southbound Deceleration Lanes, Exit') 13; B) Extend the Southbound Acceleration Lane, Exit 310; C) Widen 1 -81 from Fairfax Pike north to Route 37, Exit 317; and D) Widen remainder of 1 -81 in • Frederick Countv Planning Commission Minutes of March 5. 2003 Page 1030. 3- Frederick County. Planner Kennedy stated that no written comments have been received by the Planning Department regarding the Draft 2003 Plan. She stated that the Transportation Committee, at their February 4, 2003 meeting, recommended denial of the draft plan by majority vote and believed the construction of the Route 37 Eastern Bypass Project should be the hi-hest priority for Primary Road Improvements in the County. Planner Kennedy added that the Transportation Committee also unanimously supported the concept of a rail component as part of the 1 -81 Improvement Plan. She said the Board of Supervisors signed a resolution to the General Assembly endorsing rail study in the I -81 Corridor at their meeting on February 12, 2003. Mr. Jerry Copp, VDOT's Resident Engineer, came forward to address questions from the Commission. Commissioner Straub inquired about howthe Coin mission's des ignations in the Primary and Interstate Road Improvement Plan would be affected by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO); she questioned the rational of Frederick County even having a Transportation Committee at this point. Mr. Copp replied that the MPOisj List beginning its work. He said the Planning Commission will recommend the Primary and Interstate Road Improvement Plan to the Board of Supervisors, the Board W i l l make a presentation to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and then, Frederick County will be in corn pet ition with the renia i rider of the el even count ics i it the Staunton District for fund i n Mr. Copp explained that after that process is worked through, the MPO will begin with the plan that's been approved and they will have the opportunity to change and modify what they believe is appropriate. It was Mr. Copp's opinion that the Transportation Committee will continue to have a role, although it is entirely a Board of Supervisors' decision, because all of Frederick County will, more than likely, not be included in the MPO area. Commissioner Light commented that the interchanges on Route 50 West, in the area of the Winchester Medical Center, are notable to function at a Level ofService C with any new development and yet, the Winchester Medical Center installed an interchange area that's limited access. Coin inissioner Light believed Frederick County should send a message to V DOT stating the need for the public to use the Medical Center's interchange with a collectorroad to the west; he questioned whetherthis request should be included in the Road Improvement Plan. Mr. Copp replied that Frederick County has previously made their viewpoint known on this issue. Mr. Copp believed it would take considerable demonstration of need to get that limited access right -of- Way break; however. he didn't think there was any reason why Frederick County shouldn't raise their concerns again, at this point in time. Commissioner Straub inquired about the status of Route 37 East. Mr. Copp replied that it was still included in VDOT's current Six -Year Plan with limited funding. Mr. Copp recalled there were numerous studies completed that had demonstrated the need for a Route 37 or other corridor in that location; Mr. Copp believed that all ofthat information needed to be worked through before it is arbitrarily taken offthe plan. Chairman DeHaven called for public comments, however. no one came forward to speak. • Frederick County Planning Commission Minutes of March 5. 2003 Page 1031 4- Commissioner Light made a motion to add Route 37 East back into the Road Improvement Plan based on the recommendation from the Transportation Committee. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Unger. BE IT RESOLVED, That by a majority vote, the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby recommend to the Board of Supervisors that the Route 37 Eastern Bypass Project be included in the 2003 Primary and Interstate Road Improvement Plan for Frederick County as recommended by the Transportation Committee. The majority vote was as follows: YES (TO APPROVE THE MOTION TO AMEND) Triplett, Ours, Light, Unger, Watt, DeHaven NO: Gochenour. Straub (Please Note: Commissioners Rosenberry, Fisher, Kriz, Morris, and Thomas were absent from the meeting.) Commissioner Light questioned the appropriate time for dialogue on the subject of the Winchester Medical Centers limited access road to the west. Commission members recognized its future need and agreed that it should be discussed initially by the Transportation Committee. Commissioner Light nest made a motion to recommend approval of the 2003 Primary and Interstate Road Improvement Plan for Frederick County, as amended. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Ours. BE IT RESOLVED, That by a majority vote, the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby recommend the adoption of the2003 Primary and Interstate Road Improvement Plan for Frederick County, as amended, to the Board of Supervisors. The majority vote was as follows: YES (TO APPROVE THE MOTION TO ADOPT) Triplett, Ours, Light, Unger, Watt, DeHaven NO: Gochenour. Straub (Please Note: Commissioners Rosenberry, Fisher, Kriz, Morris, and Thomas were absent from the meeting.) • Frederick County Planning Commission Minutes of March 5. 2003 Page 1032 5- 2003 -2004 Capital Improvements Plan ( CIP). The CIP is a prioritized list of capital projects requested by various county agencies, to be reviewed for potential allocation in the ensuing five -year period. The plan is created as an information document to assist in the development of the county's annual budget. The CIP is an advisory document; projects are not necessarily funded because of their inclusion in the CIP. Action - Recommended Approval Deputy Planning Director, Christopher M. Morn, presented the proposed 2003 -2004 Capital IntprovementsPlan (CIP)tothePlanningCommission. Deputy Director Mohn began by explain in' tile C. I.P. process. He said the committee process resulted in a county -wide prioritization which identified the County's top five priorities as: 1) the.lames Wood Middle School renovations; 2) the relocation of Airport Road; 3) the Public Safety Center; 4) airfield lighting upgrade forthe Regional Airport; and 5) the extension ofthe parking lot and sidewalk at the Bowman Library. He noted that overall, the 2003 -2004 CIP consists of 30 project requests, all of which are carried over from the previous year's program with the exception of three new projects: I ) the development of an access road, parking, and trails at Sherando Park; 2) the development of lake, trails, and parking, with irrigated multi- purpose fields at Sherando Park; and, 3) land acquisition on Bufflick Road to support the airport's noise attenuation program. Deputy Director Mohn advised that the final public hearing of the CIP will be scheduled on the Board of Supervisors' April 9, 2003 agenda. Commissioner Watt inquired ifanythinghas been initiated for park land in western Frederick County; he commented aboutthe need fora park facility in this part ofthe County, but it never seems to move higher on the list of priorities. Deputy Director Mohn said he understood itwas a high priority fertile Parks R Recreation Department, but was not aware of any progress made on the project. Commissioner Straub asked ifthe money designated under the Local Expenditure Requests for 2002 and 2003 had already been spent; and secondly, was the 2003 figure inclusive ofthe 2002. Deputy Director Mohn replied that the amounts shown were estimated costs. He pointed out that this is an advisory document; therefore, from a budgetary perspective, the money is not spent. He said the 2003 figures are not inclusive ofthe 2002 figures. Commissioner Gochenourquestioned the feasibility ofthe School Board's request fora new Gainesboro Elementary School when the County cannot meet the expense of its current needs and is considering a tax increase. Deputy Director Mohn replied that the projects in the plan may be viewed as a strategic plan by the various agencies in review ingtheir facilities needs over the next five years and beyond. He said that in the School Board's case, in particular, replacing the existing older facility in Gainesboro is a project the School Board Would seek to accomplish at some point. lie noted that of the six projects the School Board has on the CIP, the Gainesboro Elementary School is rated sixth. Chairman Del -laven called for public comments, however, no one came forward to speak. No other issues were raised and the Commission believed the document was appropriate as submitted. • Frederick County Planning Commission Minutes of March 5, 2003 Page 11033 6- • Upon motion made by Commissioner Light and seconded by Commissioner Ours, BE IT RESOLVED,'I'hatthe Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby unanimously recommend the adoption by the Board of Supervisors of Frederick County's 2003 -2004 Capital Improvements Plan. ADJOURNMENT No further business remained to be discussed and the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. by a unanimous vote. • • Frederick COUnty Planning Commission Minutes of March 5, 2003 Page 1034