Adjourned Meeting
November 18, 2003

5:30 P.M.

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Meeting Convened.  An Adjourned Meeting of the York County Board of Supervisors was called to order at 5:32 p.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2003, in the East Room, York Hall, by Chairman James S. Burgett.

Attendance.  The following members of the Board of Supervisors were present: Walter C. Zaremba, Sheila S. Noll, Donald E. Wiggins, James S. Burgett, and Thomas G. Shepperd.

Also in attendance were James O. McReynolds, County Administrator; J. Mark Carter, Assistant County Administrator; and James E. Barnett, County Attorney.

WORK SESSION

HURRICANE DEBRIS REMOVAL  (Not on Agenda)

Mr. McReynolds provided the Board with a brief update on the status of debris removal.  He indicated that November 23 would be the last day to put debris by the roadside for pick up and that postcards have been mailed to all households announcing that date.   December 1 will be the date to return to the regular, bulky item pick-up schedule.  If citizens contact Waste Management, they can arrange to have debris and large items picked up for a fee of $10 per load.   He stated that significant progress had been made, but he recognized that many homes were still in need of debris pick-up.  

Chairman Burgett questioned the removal of tree stumps and asked if they were included in the bulky pick-up. 

Mr. McReynolds indicated the stumps would be picked up if they were by the roadside before the 23rd of November; otherwise, a fee would be charged.  He reviewed the size limits on the trees which are 10 feet in length, and 24 inches in diameter. 

Mr. Zaremba questioned the 23rd time frame.

Mr. McReynolds noted that many of the properties had been fairly cleared of the debris, and he explained that currently it was not economically feasible for the contractor to keep all their forces in the field for the relatively small amount of debris that was being picked up.  He also explained that the contractor’s forces would return after the 23rd.

Mr. Zaremba discussed the amount of debris left on the roadside for weeks with no pickup.   He asked about the contractor’s capability to pick up by the 23rd and how the County could monitor when debris was placed at the roadside. 

Mr. McReynolds explained how the properties would be identified on a map and the need for a cut-off date at some point.  He stated the County was working with VDOT since a number of streets  where debris had remained for weeks were VDOT’s responsibility.  

Mrs. Noll agreed with Mr. Zaremba that many large piles of debris in neighborhoods had been there for a long time.

Mr. McReynolds reassured the Board that debris on every street the County was responsible for would be picked up.

Mr. Zaremba described citizens’ complaints concerning experiences with tree companies and the difficulties they have had in getting their debris ready for roadside pickup.  He asked if the deadline could be extended a couple of weeks.

Chairman Burgett shared his concerns over the deadline and asked how these citizens could be identified.

Mr. McReynolds explained that the contractors wanted to be out of the area already, and to continue to keep them here would be extremely difficult.  He pointed out that the County would lose the FEMA reimbursement once the contractor is gone. 

Chairman Burgett suggested that the County could look at some other alternative for those citizens with special circumstances. 

Mrs. Noll asked if a compromise could be made once they identify the people who need extra help. 

Mr. Wiggins questioned the clean up of the private roads.

Mr. McReynolds stated that FEMA had given approval for certain roads that are inaccessible to the public right-of-way.   

Mr. Wiggins asked about the additional debris matter, such the ducts that were under houses and sheetrock.

Mr. McReynolds explained that some of that had been picked up, but that FEMA would not reimburse if it is considered construction debris.  He stated they would have to go back to the normal, bulky load pick up at $10 per load.  He discussed the special needs of some of the citizens and the need to come back to the Board for direction.  He mentioned that many citizens were just getting their insurance money, and he suggested extending the no-fee building permits for another 90 days.

By consensus, the Board agreed to extend the no-fee permits for an additional 90 days.

Chairman Burgett directed staff to pursue these issues and come back to the Board at a later date with recommendations.

YORKTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT AND GUIDELINES

Mr. McReynolds informed the Board that this item had previously been tabled for further input from citizens and property owners within the Yorktown village.  He stated that several property owners submitted requests, and he asked Mr. Carter to review those requests.

Mr. Carter referred to a previous Board memo that condensed some of the comments received from citizens.  Those seven points are summarized and discussed as follows:

• Zoning for Yorktown Village.  Create a special zoning for Yorktown Village, in addition to the special zoning currently in existence - the YVA District.  The YVA District would remain in place, but staff suggests that the Board amend the ordinance to go back to a system where single-family, detached residential construction would be permitted as a matter of right. All other provisions of the ordinance would remain the same. 

Mrs. Noll asked what would govern the size of the single-family dwelling.

Mr. Carter stated it would be governed by the set backs, height requirements, and the other bulk requirements that are part the YVA district.  The single-family dwelling would also be governed by the Historic District Review and the Architectural Review Board. 

• Establishment of a Review Board.  Creation of a 3-member review board to make recommendations to the zoning department.  Mr. Carter stated the proposed ordinance before the Board suggested minor things that could be administratively approved.  He indicated the number of members to the Review Board is solely controlled by the Board of Supervisors.  He then listed the requirements of the proposed members.

Mr. Zaremba suggested that the members of the Review Board should be residents from the historic district overlay.

Chairman Burgett noted he was in agreement with Mr. Zaremba’s suggestion.

Mrs. Noll recommended that a professional, perhaps an architect, from the district be included on the Review Board. She stated she felt the suggested Planning Commissioner would not have to be from the village.

Mr. Shepperd asked if the Review Board could be increased at a later date.

Discussion continued on a Planning Commissioner being appointed to the Review Board and the number of members needed.

Chairman Burgett suggested the Board try it with the 3-members as suggested by the village residents.

Mrs. Noll stated that the Board of Supervisors would appoint the members, and applications would need to be taken.

Mr. Carter spoke of the training session he attended on design guidelines and review boards.  He mentioned one of the common statements from all the people that serve on review boards is that an architect is very helpful to the discussions.   He noted there are two architects who reside in Yorktown. 

• It was recommended that the current colors and current roof materials and colors be allowed. 
   
• The residents addressed window air conditioners, stating they should be allowed and governed by the design guidelines.    
  
   

• It was recommended that commercial, civic, and institutional buildings should be reviewed for setbacks, building heights, and impacts on surrounding properties.
   

• Suggestions were made that tax incentives or real estate assessments be frozen. 

Mr. Carter pointed out that there is no State authority for assessments to be frozen, but that buildings listed on the National Registrar of Historic Landmarks or buildings within a nationally recognized district are eligible for some tax incentives.  There may be opportunities for some tax breaks if the qualifications are met under the existing programs by the state or federal government.

·     The final recommendation was to modify the language to take out the specific reference to the Planning Commission and to make it a 3-member board. 

Mr. McReynolds suggested the language should state that members of the HYDC should be three residents or property owners of the Yorktown Historic District. 

By consensus the Board indicated its agreement with the suggestions discussed.

Meeting Adjourned.  At 6:03 p.m. Chairman Burgett declared that the meeting be adjourned sine die.