Neighborhood Commission Agendas & Minutes

MINUTES Hampton Neighborhood Commission Meeting Community Development Conference Room, City Hall October 8, 2012 Time 6:00-7:30pm Present Ann Bane, School Rep. Nancy Belew, District 3 Alice Callahan, District 6 Robin Carpenter, District 7 Karen Duncan, District 1 Tammy Flynn, City Rep. James Gray, City Rep. Judy Hart, District 10 Anthony Reyes, City Rep. Anthony White, Youth Rep. Tommy Southall, Chair Angelique Shenk, Acting Executive Director Rashida Costley-Clarke, Recording Secretary Absent Tina Banks-Gray, District 4 Sadie Boone, District 5 Antonio Davis, At-large Rep. Joseph Johnson, At-large Ryan Jones, Youth Rep. Henry Mills, Institutional Rep. Deborah Roundtree-Jones, Institutional Rep. Valerie Twine, District 2 Catherine Winston, District 8 Guests I. Opening Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm A. Roll Call and Verification of Quorum Quorum verified. B. Pledge of Allegiance 1  C. Approval of Minutes of the September 10, 2012 Neighborhood Commission Meeting The Chair asked for consideration of the minutes for the September 10, 2012 Neighborhood Commission meeting. Robin Carpenter made a motion to approve the minutes. Judy Hart seconded the motion. The Chair called for a vote. Chair voiced, “All in favor please say aye.” Response, “aye.” Chair voiced, “Opposed?” Response – none. Minutes approved. D. Chair Announcements • In observance of Tammy Flynn’s last meeting Tommy Southall presented a plaque to Tammy Flynn in appreciation of her service and dedication to the Neighborhood Commission. • Tommy reminded Commissioners about the upcoming Neighborhood Tour on November 3, 2012 from 9-12pm. • Tommy also recognized the Neighborhood Commission nominees in attendance; Peggy Todd, At-Large- Realtor; Steven Edwards, Faith-Based; and Jason Samuels, District 8. E. Youth Report No report F. Items from the public Diane and Tim Davis, Old Dominion Ice Vending, LLC (owners). Briefly described their business to the Commission. They were also in attendance, to answer specific questions regarding the ice house presentation. II. Actions (New Business) Item A. Staff Briefing on Ice Houses • Steve Shapiro presented the information on Ice Houses. Highlights of the presentation included; ƒ Background information regarding the request by owners of Old Dominion Ice Company, LLC to have the ordinance reviewed to allow ice houses in commercial districts. ƒ Currently the ice houses are not allowed in the Commercial-2 zones, they are only allowed in manufacturing districts. 2  ƒ Old Dominion Ice Company has a request to locate in Buckroe Shopping Center. ƒ A previous request by the Old Dominion Ice Company was denied by the Zoning Administrator. This decision was appealed but upheld by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). ƒ The company is now requesting that the city review the current zoning ordinance and consider an amendment that would allow them to locate in commercial zones throughout Hampton. • The Neighborhood Commission has been asked get feedback from neighborhoods on the pros and cons of allowing Ice Houses in commercial zones. • This item will come back for analysis in December. • Tim and Diane Davis, owners of Old Dominion Ice Vending, LLC were in attendance, and they addressed specific questions from Commissioners regarding the ice houses. Questions and comments from Commissioners; o What type of foundation/mountings do the ice houses have? ƒ They are built just like any other structure to withstand storms, etc. Buildings must meet the building code. o Would the city be able to partner with an ice house in case of emergencies to provide ice? ƒ Yes, several southern cities have already solidified a partnership. 9 The City of Spartanburg owns several ice houses which they use in emergency situations. 9 Newport News and Smithfield are both considering partnerships. o How is the ice made and what happens if the ice melts and water needs to drain? ƒ Mr. Davis explained how the ice is made. ƒ The house has its own water line and is tied to a storm water drain or some have a French drain in case ice melts. o What kind of noises are associated with the ice houses? ƒ The ice houses do make noise when producing ice. However, ice houses are positioned in oversize parking lots and close to the street providing a buffer for the neighborhood. ƒ Newport News does require a buffer distance between neighborhoods and the machine. o Mr. Davis is willing to attend neighborhood meetings with Commissioners to assist in presenting this information. He can be contacted at davis@odicecompany.net Item B. Analysis of Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding Parking on Lawns • Steve Shapiro and Angelique Shenk reminded Commissioners of the process and asked for each Commissioner to report back regarding the feedback they received. • Comments from Commissioners included; o District 1 feedback: 3  • Environmental concerns about green area, flooding and grass being paved. • Concerns about crime and vandalism prompts some owners to park on lawn. • Some homes do not have enough lot width to park beside homes. • No place to park for out of town visitors. • Vandalism of cars; mirrors broken off, gas tank punched, cars were keyed, etc. • If allowed, there should be a grandfather clause on all homes built prior to 1986 or allow people to use gravel, pavers or an eco trak o District 10 feedback: • Concerns about inoperative vehicles on lawns • Citizens felt there were other more important issues the City should be dealing with. o District 6 feedback: • Concerns about vandalism • Some lots are too small to add driveways o District 3 feedback: • Many homes in Riverdale would not be able to get approved for a paved surface because of the flood zone the homes are in. • How long will people be given to come into compliance with the new ordinance? • How will this be monitored? • Concerns during weather events (snow and increase rainfall) o District 9 • Comfortable with it being a misdemeanor offense • Cars parked on grass leave chemicals in the soil that may potentially get into the water. • Aesthetics of the City when parking on lawns • Concerns about enforcement. Many felt that the police would better enforce the ordinance since they work 24 hours a day—as compared to Codes Enforcement. • This ordinance would create a hardship in the Wythe Phenix neighborhood. • What is considered a violation? Ex. pulling my car up on the grass to wash and wax it. • Can permits be used for special events like family gatherings, meetings, etc.? • Does this ordinance refer to 2 wheels or 4 wheels? o District 7 • Did not receive feedback from neighborhood watch groups. The consensus of the Commission is that this is not a critical issue for neighborhoods at this time. Angelique will draft A letter for the Chair’s signature communicating the neighborhood feedback. Item C. 4 Work Plan Next Steps • Jonathan McBride reviewed the priority strategies as the Commission grouped them during a previous meeting, and the current committee structure. • The Commission was presented with the option to stay with their current committee structure or go to a topic based structure which would create new committees, one for each of the focus areas and other special committees that remain vital to the on-going work of the Commission. • The Commission came to the consensus that they should move to the topic based structure. They expressed concern having too many committees stretches Commissioners too thin. This structure will also help keep committees focused. o This structure means that there will be one committee for each of the three focus areas plus standing and ad-hoc committees; 9 Executive 9 Nominating/ Plans and Policy Review 9 Youth 9 Civic Communications 9 Neighborhood-School partnerships 9 Community Appearance, Pride and Image • Resources- composition will include 2 members from each committee. Will meet quarterly. IV. Dialogue A. Matters by Commissioners • Ann Bane informed the Commission that the Community Priorities Workshops, hosted by Hampton City Schools is scheduled for November 29, 2012. Commissioners will receive additional information. • Alice Callahan informed the Commission that the Buckroe Improvement League won 3rd Place at the Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference for Project of the Year Award. B. Committee Status Reports None Director’s report None Next Meeting Date: November 5, 2012 @ 6:00pm. Location: Community Development Conference Room, City Hall. 5