JCC Notebook: Supes to Discuss Firearms Ordinance, School Construction Financing, and More

By Desiree Parker Saturday, September 24, 2011

In the county this week, the Board of Supervisors will discuss a proposed firearms ordinance amendment and school construction financing, the fair is coming to town, and a bike race will be coming through Freedom Park. Firearms Ordinance Proposed Amendment

The James City County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on an amendment to the county firearms ordinance Tuesday evening.

The Board will consider three proposed changes to the county’s firearm ordinance. The first suggestion by staff is to clarify the definition of a subdivision so it specifies property that is divided into two or more lots after August 31, 1964; that has a recorded plat; and that has lots created for residential or commercial purposes. This definition aims to clarify which lands fall under the ordinance, which restricts shooting on or within a certain distance of a subdivision.

The second change will allow firearms discharge with a Department of Game and Inland Fisheries wildlife management plan, and the last change brings code regarding pneumatic guns into compliance with state law.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in Building F of the county government complex on Mounts Bay Road. View the agenda online.

Proposed School Construction Financing

Supervisors will also open a public hearing on financing plans for the Jamestown High School Multi-use Project and the Warhill Community gym on Tuesday.

The Board told staff it wanted to avoid borrowing for the project; staff managed to get a $1 million Qualified School Construction Bond from the state that will not only be interest-free, but will end up costing a little under $1 million to pay back thanks to an interest-earning escrow account.

Staff  recommends approval of the state bond for these reasons and because it is an amount much less that the total construction amount.

The rest of the $2.28 million needed for the projects has been scraped together by the county and the schools through some excess money from state sales taxes and savings in the school operating budget.

Budget adjustments in the county’s school capital budget will be the topic of a future public hearing.

County Fair

It’s fair time!

The fair is located at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park on Route 5 and will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Check out the county’s website to see the schedule of events.