York Board Seeks Public Input On Budget

By Amber Lester Kennedy Tuesday, January 18, 2011

York County citizens will have a chance to tell the Board of Supervisors what needs to be added and cut from the budget at their meeting tonight.

The board will host a public forum on the Fiscal Year 2012 budget during which citizens can share their opinions. The forum will begin at 7 p.m. in the board room of York Hall in Yorktown.

The York County budget is in the early developmental stages, but will likely be affected by two big business announcements: Western Refining’s closure of its York County oil refinery and the impending move of the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment to the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown this summer.

At the same meeting, the board will have public hearings about two zoning ordinance amendments. One ordinance would address “soil stockpiles,” while the other is a revised draft of a proposed noise ordinance that takes auto alarms into account.

Currently, a section of the zoning ordinance allows filling and grading operations provided no structures or improvements will be installed and no clearing undertaken. In his memo to the board, County Administrator James McReynolds said the provision has led to “soil stockpiles” popping up around the county, generating citizen concerns about noise, dust, truck traffic and appearance. Since January of last year, the board has discussed options for addressing the issue; the proposed ordinance recommended by McReynolds would accomplish the board’s goal to establish a time limit for “temporary” soil storage, along with parameters for what soil piles could be exempt from the regulations.

Under the revised ordinance, there would be three categories of activity and regulation. First, any fill/soil deposit for storage purposes that is less than one foot high would be totally exempt to regulation. Second, any fill/soil deposit for storage purposes that is deeper than one foot would be exempt from an Administrative or Special Use Permit approval process as long as it does not cover more than 2,500 square feet or exceed 8 feet in height. The deposits would, however, be subject to several conditions, outlined here. Third, any soil storage deposits covering more than 2,500 square feet, regardless of height, or covering a lesser area but in a pile taller than 8 feet, would be considered a “soil stockpile” and would require either an Administrative or Special Use permit.

The revised noise ordinance incorporates changes recommended at a Dec. 1, 2010 board work session. The new ordinance clarifies that the noise produced by car alarms or a noise signifying a car is being locked or unlocked will not fall under the prohibition. In addition, the distances by which audibility can be measured have been extended to 100 feet, and the penalty for a noise violation now won’t exceed $250 for the first offense or $500 for a subsequent offense occurring within a year. Currently, the ordinance will allow a fine of up to $500 in either instance, plus the possibility of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days upon a subsequent violation. Finally, an exception for the noise of lawn mowers and other household tools is now between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The board’s meeting will begin at 6 p.m., with the first public forum scheduled for 7 p.m. For more information, click here.