JCC Notebook: Supes to Discuss Rescinding Ordinance Approval, Budget Changes and More

By Desiree Parker Saturday, October 22, 2011

In the county this week, the Board of Supervisors is set to discuss rescinding recent zoning ordinance changes and also discuss some changes to the budget; also, the police are participating with National Drug take-Back Day, development management announces some  procedural changes, and the community gym will be refinishing the gym floor soon.

Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Board of Supervisors will discuss rescinding a recent vote approving zoning ordinance changes and they’ll also discuss nearly $7 million the county saved due to various building-related changes at their Tuesday meeting.

The Board recently approved several amendments to the Commercial Districts zoning ordinances to help make the process easier to navigate for businesses. However, there were some discrepancies in the various versions reviewed by the board, the Planning Commission and the Policy Committee. Supervisor Jim Kennedy said Planning Commission Chairman Jack Fraley identified some discrepancies and Kennedy requested that the board discuss rescinding the amendments.

One discrepancy in question relates to where fast-food restaurants will be permitted in commercial districts. “In particular, I would like the Planning Commission and staff to consider whether fast food restaurants should be permitted, specially permitted or not a permitted use in each district,” Kennedy wrote in an email to staff.

The board will consider rescinding the recent approval Tuesday and consider whether to send the ordinances back to the planning commission to review the ordinances again and iron out the issues.

Also on the agenda is a discussion about some shifting funds within the budget.

The county saved about $4.5 million due to construction bids that were lower than expected for WJCCs two newest schools; also, the county also deferred construction of the Warhill community gym, which will reduce expected expenditures by another $3.2 million.

The unused funds mean the county will not need to issue bonds for several projects, including the Jamestown High School multi-use space and various HVAC improvements. About $730,000 will be put towards several public improvements.

The high dollar amount of the budget change means the county needs to hold a public hearing on the issue.

View all the upcoming meeting agenda items online. The board will meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Building F of the county government complex on Mounts Bay Road.

Some Changes in Development Management Application Procedures

Beginning Monday, October 24, property owners applying for certain types of applications through Development Management will need to ensure that all real estate taxes owed to the County for property listed on the application are paid in full. Applications subject to this requirement include the following:

In Planning, Special use permits and rezoning; regarding Zoning Enforcement, Board of Zoning Appeals variances; regarding Engineering and Resource Protection, Land disturbing permits; and regarding Building Safety and Permits, Building permits.

When these applications are submitted to the respective offices, administrative staff will request certification from the County Treasurer’s office that all real estate taxes have been paid. The certification can be completed by staff while the applicant waits. If it is found that real estate taxes have not been paid, the application will not be accepted.

For more information or questions, please contact the Department of Development Management at 253-6671 or devman@james-city.va.us.

County Police Participate in Drug Take Back Day

The James City County Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day next Saturday.

Disposing of unused and unwanted medications helps eliminate the opportunity for prescription drug abuse. The service is free and anonymous, no questions will be asked.

Prescription and over the counter solid dosage medications (i.e., tablets and capsules) will be accepted. Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted, nor will illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamines.

According to the Department of Justice, medicines that are left in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both of which are potential safety and health hazards.

For any questions, please contact James City County Police Sgt. Humphries at 603-6022 or visit the website. The event will take place next Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the James City/Williamsburg Community Center, 5301 Longhill Rd. and at Fire Station 2, 8429 Pocahontas Trail.

Community Center Gym and Indoor Track to Close Temporarily

The gym floor at the James City/Williamsburg Community Center is scheduled for refinishing on Monday. To complete the work, the gym and the indoor walking track will be closed October 24-31.

There may be some odor associated with the work, and the gym will be sealed off to minimize the odor. The fitness area and all other areas of the Center will remain open during this time.

If citizens have comments or concerns, contact Michelle Riordan at 259-4184 or mriordan@james-city.va.us.