Planning/Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes [1 Jun 23]
The Town of Pittsville’s Planning/Zoning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Jen Keener at 6:00 pm. In attendance were members Kevin Bailey, and Cheryl Tyndall. Heather Frazier and Dwayne Mattox could not attend. Also in attendance was Joe Mangini, Town Manager/Zoning Administrator.
MINUTES
Kevin Bailey made motion to approve the minutes of March 2, 2023 with Cheryl Tyndall seconded. Motion was approved.
TOWN MANAGER’S COMMENTS
Joe Mangini reported that the FY 24 Municipal Operating Budget was introduced at the May 22, 2023 town meeting. There is planned a small increase in the property tax rate from $.28 per $ 100.00 of assessed value to $.2875 per $100.00 of assessed value. West Field Estates is not happening, the subdivision was not recorded and the impact fees refunded. The six (6) EDU’s were returned to the Town and an updated WWTP Sewer Allocation Policy was put in place with a residential dwelling capacity number of eighteen (18) EDU’s available.
The Town Manager discussed with the members the issue with the former Page Pulley property located at Railroad Avenue & Perdue Street. Mitchell Parks is the new owner and his business
Kevin Bailey recommended that in the future the Town be the final signature of the mylar plat map and not the County. The Town Manager will check with legal Counsel regarding this.
The Town Manager discussed the issue regarding Mitchell Parks, present owner of the old Pulley property. Mr Parks has an “automotive services, towing & storage” business and has cleaned up the property considerably. He wants to replace the old building with a new one and continue further improvements. However, due to the new zoning code, his business operation is non-conforming. There was discussion regarding the matter and how if anything should be done to assist. Chair Keener proposed possibly the use be included as a special exception but no rezoning. The members were supportive but requiring the applicant to make the request.
Mr Parks also was interested in purchasing the adjoining property which is zoned residential and include that with his business. It was agreed that the property would need to be considered for possible rezoning, but only after the first order of business was accomplished.
OLD BUSINESS
Dale Withers appeared along with his site surveyor/consultant, Brock Parker before the members to present his preliminary subdivision plat plan. The plan calls for 80 total residential sites with just the original 30 having water/sewer allocation in reserve. The remaining 50 could not be served with allocation until the new WWTP is up and running which will be at least 5-7 years. However, Mr Withers is requesting preliminary approval for the 80 lots subdivision since he has a contract from a reputable developer to build out the subdivision over the course of 10 plus years. All of the engineering/infrastructure plans would need to be provided with the Town’s Adequate Public Facilities Advisory Committee needing to review and approve before final can be considered. After some discussion and occasional recess to allow for the Town Manager to check the new zoning code and subdivision regulations, it was determined that the Planning/Zoning Commission could consider an approval of the preliminary subdivision plat but no final until the infrastructure plans were approved and impact fees for the 30 lots paid. Motion to approve by Member Tyndall, and seconded by Chair Keener. Motion approved by 2-1 vote with Vice Chair Bailey voting in the negative.
CLARIFICATION: The new zoning code requires a quorum to be at least 3 members present and affirmative vote of the majority of members present to carry any motion.
NEW BUSINESS
Chair Keener explained the origins and reasoning behind the State’s new marijuana sale/use law and how it will affect the local governments zoning powers. The Town Commissioners at their last meeting approved a resolution establishing a moratorium on the sale/use of recreational marijuana of six months enabling the Town Commissioners and Planning/Zoning Commission to adopt regulations required by the State law.
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned with tentative next meeting scheduled for July 6, 2023.
Respectfully Submitted,
JOSEPH A MANGINI, Jr.
Town Manager/Zoning Administrator