JCC Notebook: Supes Preview and Bike Registration Program

By Desiree Parker Saturday, August 06, 2011

News in the county this week includes upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings that will address (among other issues) the firearms ordinance and the county’s membership with over 100 organizations, and a new grant to help with a bike registration program.

The Board of Supervisors will be discussing some weighty issues at its work session Thursday, including changing the discharge of firearms ordinance and reviewing the county’s membership to various organizations.

Last summer, York County repealed its local firearms ordinance at the urging of the Sheriff and many citizens (read that story here). Since then, the James City County Board has decided to examine their own firearms ordinance after one county resident repeatedly complained about the unfairness of the county’s firearm rules.

At their work session, the board will also review county memberships in various committees after Chairman Mary Jones recently argued the county should withdraw its membership from ICLEI: Local Governments for Sustainability. (Read a previous story on the issue here).

The county currently has membership in about 124 various organizations, at an annual cost of $82,000.

The board will also discuss the county’s Christmas marketing campaign.

At their regular meeting in the evening, the board will hold several public hearings to discuss amending the tax code regarding exemptions for the elderly and disabled; an amendment to the ordinance on fee waivers; an amendment to the Parks and Recreation ordinance to allow alcoholic beverages in certain areas and instances; and an alternative to the acquisition and sale of real property.

The board will hold its work session Tuesday at 4 p.m. in building F of the county government complex on Mounts Bay Road; it will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the same building. Read the agenda for the meetings on the county website.

Bike Registration

The James City County Police Department has picked up a grant for a bike registration program for County residents.

Bike registration is free and helps deter theft and increase the likelihood of found or recovered bikes being returned to the rightful owners.

Bike owners are encouraged to participate by completing a registration form that includes the serial number and a description of the bike. Once completed, owners can contact the Police Department to set up an appointment to have a sticker put on the bike that identifies it as being registered with the Police Department.

Bike Registration Forms are available at the Law Enforcement Center at 4600 Opportunity Way; Bike Beat, 4640 Monticello Ave.; Bikes Unlimited, 141 Monticello Ave. or online.