Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

AT THE WORK SESSION OF THE HAMPTON PLANNING COMMISSION HELD IN THE LAWSON CONFERENCE ROOM, 8TH FLOOR, CITY HALL, HAMPTON, VIRGINIA, ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, AT 3:00 P.M. Commissioners Thomas Southall, Carlton Campbell, Andre McCloud, Chairman Gregory Williams and Vice-Chairman Gaynette LaRue were present. Commissioner Mary Bunting arrived at 3:08 p.m. and Commissioner Snead arrived at 3:20 p.m. Chairman Williams opened the floor for questions and comments regarding the agenda items. In response to a question from Commissioner Campbell, Mr. O’Neill stated no comments had been received regarding public notification on the public housing item. In response to a question from Commissioner McCloud, Mr. O’Neill stated the Wythe School property is owned by the School Board. The School Board approached the City Manager about engagement of the public on the reuse of this property. City staff has and will be helping with the community process on this project. The report will go back to the School Board who has control on the final decision on what will be done with the site. In response to a question from Commissioner McCloud, regarding what situation would result in a “Planning Commission Action” only, Mr. O’Neill stated there are only a few occasions where the Planning Commission vote is not forwarded to City Council. Two of them are in regard to pump station sites and cell tower sites that have been pre-approved. Assistant City Attorney Bonnie Brown stated Mr. O’Neill was correct that there are only two situations when the Planning Commission takes action without forwarding it to Council. The first is public facilities – like pump stations – governed by Virginia Code § 15.2-2232 where the Commission is only confirming they are in conformance with the comprehensive plan, and the second is “pre- approved” cell tower sites, which is a process with the school board. In response to a question from Commissioner McCloud, Mr. O’Neill stated that the Zoning Administrator’s determination can be challenged to the Board of Zoning Appeals. He also stated some appeals of Planning Commission actions had been made to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. O’Neill explained that Keith Cannady is the Planning and Zoning Administration Manager and Steve Shapiro is the Zoning Administrator and the Building Official; Steve works with Keith and the other Zoning officials on zoning issues. Worksession 21030905P Page 1 City Attorney Cynthia Hudson stated there was a course correction so there are no use variances granted as in years past. In response to a question from Chairman Williams, Mr. O’Neill stated the Department has been working with the Housing Authority on the property vacated by the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in order to work with the community to see about reuse of the property; there are currently some ownership issues. Commissioner Bunting stated the City owns 50 acres of the property and there is a reverter clause on the other 25 acres that reverts the property to a defunct corporation. This issue goes back to 1947 and specific title will be determined by the courts. The Housing Authority has a redevelopment arm that will look at developing the property. There was discussion on the legal responsibilities and it was noted that the City does have an interest in the property. A reminder was given about the upcoming election of officers for the 2013 -2014 year. The meeting adjourned at 3:29 p.m. Worksession 21030905P Page 2 AT A PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE HAMPTON PLANNING COMMISSION HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 8TH FLOOR, CITY HALL, HAMPTON, VIRGINIA, ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013 AT 3:30 P.M. ITEM I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Gregory Williams called the Planning Commission meeting to order. ITEM II. ROLL CALL A call of the roll noted Chairman Gregory Williams, Vice-Chair Gaynette LaRue, and Commissioners Tommy Southall, Andre McCloud, Carlton Campbell, Chris Snead and Mary Bunting were present. ITEM III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mr. Terry O’Neill, Secretary to the Commission, opened the floor for nominations of Chairman to the Hampton Planning Commission for the year starting September 2013 to September 2104. A. Election of Chairman A motion was made by Chairman Gregory Williams to nominate Vice- Chairman Gaynette LaRue as Chairman to the Hampton Planning Commission. A roll call vote on the motion for Vice-Chairman Gaynette LaRue as Chairman to the Planning Commission resulted as follows: AYES: Southall, Campbell, McCloud, LaRue, Bunting, Snead, Williams NAYS: None ABST: None ABSENT: None B. Election of Vice-Chairman A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory Williams to nominate Commissioner Thomas Southall as Vice-Chairman to the Hampton Planning Commission. A roll call vote on the motion for Commissioner Thomas Southall as Vice- Chairman to the Planning Commission resulted as follows: AYES: Southall, Campbell, McCloud, Williams, Bunting, Snead, LaRue NAYS: None ABST: None ABSENT: None Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 1 ITEM IV. MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Andre McCloud seconded by Vice- Chairman Thomas Southall, to approve the minutes of the August 1, 2013 work session and Planning Commission meeting. A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: Southall, Campbell, McCloud, Snead, Bunting, LaRue NAYS: None ABST: Williams ABSENT: None ITEM V. STAFF REPORTS A. Youth Planner Report Senior Youth Planner Chyna Matheny stated this is a new year for the Hampton Youth Commission (HYC) and the first meeting will be September 9, 2013. The Youth Commission will be working on the City Council Candidate’s forum which will give an opportunity to young people to hear the new candidate’s platforms and ask questions regarding youth-related concerns. The Youth Component Update Process will be completed this year. Started in 2012, focus groups were conducted and a survey distributed. The Youth Commission is working on having the document presented to stakeholders for further input. The Youth Friendly Guidebook, aka the YES Guide, is another document that will be presented to potential stakeholders in order to get more feedback. A youth perspective will be given on Master Plan Updates for Armistead Pointe and the Downtown Master Plan. The first HYC meeting is September 9, 2013; 6-7 p.m. at the Teen Center. An invitation to attend was extended to the Planning Commissioners. The meeting will be a training session and will focus on “Places to Go” and “Things to Do.” During their retreat, the Youth Commission spoke with Debbie Russell of Youth Education and Families, concerning what they would like to see more of at the Teen Center and what could be done to attract more youth. The first HYC meeting is being held at the Teen Center so the HYC can see what the Center has to offer and what the youth would like to see at the Teen Center. Some of the topics brought up by the HYC were: dance, spoken word, swim classes, photography class, and an internet café where the youth could get snacks and do homework. The two committees chosen because they are goals of the youth component were Places to Go and Things to Do and Caring Relationships With the Community. With Places to Go and Things to Do, the HYC is currently working on the Teen Center Partnership. In previous years HYC work was done on the Youth Friendly Business Project where businesses in the Coliseum Central area were ranked on their youth Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 2 friendliness. The HYC will start work on expanding this project into other areas of the City. The Caring Relationships Within the Community will find the HYC working with Unity Commission’s Michelle Woods-Jones on a Youth Summit to be held September 28. The HYC will continue to work with their outreach to stakeholders so they can gain more partnerships. The Youth Planners will attend a Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference on September 20 and discuss their rolls with youth civic engagement and see other young people in their roles of civic engagement. Ms. Matheny introduced Michael York, Junior Youth Planner, and Nicole Greene, Vice-Chair, and Duasiane Benjamin of the Hampton Youth Commission. In response to a question from Commissioner McCloud, Ms. Matheny stated the HYC will be part of the Youth Coalition for Prevention of Youth Violence, but it is still in the discussion stage. In response to Commissioner McCloud’s question, Mr. Terry O’Neill stated former Youth Planner James Payne has been working with Tommy Southall, Steve Shapiro, and Michele Wood-Jones on the “Prevention for Youth Violence.” James started working with them as a Youth Planner and will continue participating and serve in that capacity. James will interact with Chyna and Mike and keep the staff informed. In response to a question from Commissioner Campbell, Planner Tolu Ibikunle stated the Youth Commission has not yet explored fund raising as one of their objectives to help subsidize finances at the Teen Center. If it is addressed, this question will be in the Youth Planner reports by Michael or Chyna. Public Hearing Procedures Terry O’Neill, Secretary to the Commission, read key points of the Hampton Planning Commission Public Hearing/Comment Rules in order for the affairs of the Commission to be conducted in a courteous and orderly manner. ITEM VI. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS A. Use Permit Application No. 1089-2013: by The Home School Music Guild, LLC to operate a private music school at 18 Research Drive [LRSN 6000986]. The property is zoned Limited Manufacturing (M-1), which permits a school subject to securing an approved use permit. The Hampton Community Plan (2006, as amended), recommends business/industrial uses for this area. City Planner Alison Alexander presented the application. The applicant intends to operate a private music school at 18 Research Drive, Suite 800, in a structure owned by Kleemeier & Hinshelwood Properties, LLC. The proposal will generate negligible Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 3 traffic impacts, and the existing parking lot will provide sufficient parking for the school use. The property is zoned M-1, Limited Manufacturing, and is in the 70db Noise Contour, which permits a school subject to securing a use permit. Eight conditions have been attached to the application, which include hours of operation, traffic, capacity, and a revocation clause. The proposed use is consistent with the Hampton Community Plan (2006, as amended), which recommends policies that will encourage and maintain an environment that promotes the continued growth of small businesses and support opportunities for the development and expansion of educational, cultural, medical, research, and military activities that are consistent with the City’s vision and goals. Staff recommends approval with eight conditions. In response to a question from Commissioner Campbell, Ms. Alexander stated no objections have been received regarding this request. In response to a question from Commissioner McCloud, the applicant, Watson David, Jr., 1412 Hastings Drive, stated he will offer voice, piano, or an instrument a client requests to learn. Students (children or adult) learn how to play instruments on a building block process and can learn to write and compose music. Everyone will be taught by his/her learning style. Building code allows for a total of 15 students. In response to questions from Commissioner Williams, Mr. David stated he can play several instruments, but the difference in the process is the mechanics. In response to a question from Chairman LaRue, Mr. David stated he is not aware of other similar programs in the area for homeschoolers and his ultimate goal is to provide a Peninsula based symphony to the area. Commissioner McCloud stated he is a board member of the Performing Arts Academy in District 9. There were no public speakers. After discussion, the Commission approved the following resolution: WHEREAS: the Hampton Planning Commission has before it this day a proposal by The Home School Guild, LLC to permit a private music school in an existing building at 18 Research Drive [LRSN 6000986]; WHEREAS: the Hampton Community Plan (2006 as amended) recommends business/industrial use for this property, encourages an environment that nurtures small and startup businesses, and supports opportunities for the development and expansion of educational, cultural, medical, research, and military activities that are consistent with the City’s vision and goals; Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 4  WHEREAS: the site is currently zoned Limited Manufacturing (M-1) District and is in the 70db Noise Contour which permit a private school with an approved Use Permit; WHEREAS: in accordance with the Memorandum and Understanding between the City of Hampton and Langley Air Force Base (LAFB), LAFB was notified of the use permit application and did not object to its approval; WHEREAS: eight conditions are attached to address hours of operation, traffic, sound, and a revocation clause; and WHEREAS: no one from the public spoke for or against this proposal. NOW, THEREFORE, on a motion by Commissioner Carlton Campbell and seconded by Commissioner Chris Snead, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hampton Planning Commission recommends to City Council approval of Use Permit Application No. 1089-2013, subject to eight (8) conditions. A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: Southall, Campbell, McCloud, Williams, Snead, Bunting, LaRue NAYS: None ABST: None ABSENT: None B. Conditional Privilege Application No. 139-2013: by Potomac Family Dining Group Operating Company, LLC for live entertainment inside a restaurant at 2159 Coliseum Drive [LRSN 7001358]. The property is zoned Limited Commercial (C-2) and is in the Special Public Interest – Coliseum Central (SPI-CC) overlay district, which permits with an approved use permit, live entertainment in association with a restaurant. The Hampton Community Plan (2006, as amended), recommends mixed-use in this area. The Coliseum Master Plan supports this area being a draw for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Michael Hayes, Senior City Planner stated the applicant is requesting to have live entertainment in conjunction with a restaurant currently operating as Applebee’s Restaurant. The proposal is to host karaoke nights in the restaurant in the Coliseum Crossing Shopping Center. While adding live entertainment to the restaurant, the applicant proposes limiting the entertainment to karaoke. The venture would take limited space near the bar area and not include the construction of a new stage. Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 5  The property is zoned Limited Commercial District (C-2), which permits live entertainment with an approved conditional privilege. The property also falls within the Special Public Interest – Coliseum Central District (SPI-CC), but none of the additional stipulations of the overlay district affect this application. The Hampton Community Plan (2006) as amended) recommends mixed-use in this area. Adopted policy also promotes expanding entertainment opportunities within the city and creating an environment where visitors are attracted and residents choose to stay for their dining and entertainment needs. As outlined in the Coliseum Central Master Plan (2004, as amended), Coliseum Central is the main retail, dining, and entertainment district in the City of Hampton. Staff’s recommended conditions include maintaining the live entertainment indoors, in the specified area, for karaoke only; hours of operation; no third party promoters; term of permit; and adhering to a noise limit at the property line so as to avoid negative impacts on neighboring property. No community meeting was held. Staff recommends approval of Conditional Privilege Application No. 139-2013 with 12 conditions. In response to a question from Commissioner McCloud, City Attorney Bonnie Brown stated this will be the last Conditional Privilege as Conditional Privileges have been deleted from the ordinance and from now on will be heard as Use Permits. In response to a question from Commissioner Campbell, Mr. Hayes stated the condition No. 6 referring to staffing, came about having had to deal with situations that occurred downtown in the past. The applicant must provide and maintain control of patrons once they leave the restaurant. Dennis Benson, Regional Vice-President of Operations for Potomac Dining Group, 8448 Pullman Lane, Chesterfield, Virginia stated there will be third-party paid security on karaoke night at this location. After discussion, the Commission approved the following resolution: WHEREAS: the Hampton Planning Commission has before it this day a proposal by Potomac Family Dining Group Operating Company, LLC to permit live entertainment in the form of karaoke in conjunction with a restaurant at 2159 Coliseum Drive [LRSN 7001358]; WHEREAS: the Hampton Community Plan (2006 as amended) and the Coliseum Central Master Plan support land uses creating a destination retail, dining, and entertainment center in this area; Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 6  WHEREAS: the site is currently zoned Limited Commercial (C-2) District and is in the Special Public Interest-Coliseum Central (SPI-CC) District which permits live entertainment with an approved conditional privilege; WHEREAS: twelve conditions are attached to address type of live entertainment, hours of operation, traffic, sound, capacity, safety, revocation, and term of permit review; and WHEREAS: no one from the public spoke for or against this proposal. NOW, THEREFORE, on a motion by Commissioner Carlton Campbell and seconded by Commissioner Andre McCloud, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hampton Planning Commission recommends to City Council approval of Conditional Privilege Application No. 139-2013, subject to twelve (12) conditions. A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: Southall, Campbell, McCloud, Williams, Snead, Bunting, LaRue NAYS: None ABST: None ABSENT: None C. Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 020-2013: Hampton Community Plan (2006 as amended) - Proposal by the City of Hampton to consider amendments to the adopted Hampton Community Plan (2006 as amended) to add policies to the Housing and Neighborhoods section of the plan and strategies to the Community Plan Strategies Table pertaining to the provision of publically assisted housing in the city. The proposed amendments would provide guidance to ensure that Hampton will meet but not exceed its regional fair share distribution of publically assisted housing. The proposed amendments would address both the number and distribution of publicly assisted housing units in the city. This item is being advertised concurrently for the September 5th Planning Commission and September 11th City Council agendas. Terry O’Neill stated this application was concurrently advertized with the City Council Meeting of September 11, 2013. Keith Cannady, Manager of the Planning and Zoning Division, stated CPA 020-2013 is a proposed amendment to the Hampton Community Plan (amended 2006) that deals specifically with the Housing and Neighborhood section of the Plan and more specifically with the provision of publicly assisted housing in the City of Hampton. It recommends two new policies and 7 new strategies that deal with the concept of regional fair share of publicly assisted housing and the number of units Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 7 actually provided. It also makes recommendations to deal with concentrations of publicly assisted housing or concentrations of poverty in the City of Hampton. This recently emerged as a priority of Hampton City Council at their retreat discussions. It reinforces a number of adopted policies currently in the Plan and is part of a comprehensive approach recommended in the Community Plan for addressing healthy neighborhoods and quality housing in the City of Hampton. The policies deal with two specific ideas: 1. Meet and maintain a regional fair share of publicly assisted housing in the City of Hampton – a plan has been proposed to develop a method to calculate and maintain that number. 2. Promote mixed income communities – promote ways to create mixed income communities and disperse public housing throughout the City primarily to benefit the resident but overall to benefit the program. The policies were developed by the Planning staff with help from the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority staff (HRHA). The two policies will be added with the seven implementation strategies. The implementation will be carried out primarily by the HRHA in coordination with the City. With continued exploration of best practices and how things are being performed, a reduction will be achieved over time. This is not a unique situation to the City of Hampton. Part of the approach is to see how this is handled by other communities. Staff recommends approval of Community Plan Amendment No. 020-2013. In response to questions from Commissioner McCloud, Mr. Cannady stated the HRHA renews vouchers and, as opportunities present themselves when vouchers are lost for any reason, discretion will be used and the Authority will decide whether the voucher should be renewed. It is not something that would happen overnight with the adoption of the policy; the number would be gradually reduced over time to meet the new cap that would be developed. Mr. Cannady stated the policy details have not been developed but would be sensitive to the population that is actually served. A policy may be developed that could exempt the special needs population that benefit from Section 8 vouchers. A lot of details are not available but there will be opportunity to address special needs. In response to a question from Commissioner McCloud, Commissioner Bunting stated most communities have a waiting list as does Hampton. The issue comes to the length of time one sits on a waiting list. Hampton has not had the length of time that people in other communities have had to wait which makes it more likely that people will come to our community. There needs to be a barometer as to what is a fair share so Hampton does not end up having more than its fair share. The concentration of poverty impacts the residents being helped along with the surrounding neighborhoods. Hampton wants healthy neighborhoods for those who need public assistance and for them to have a healthy place to live. Research has shown that if you get out of alignment there are negative affects for the recipients Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 8 and the adjacent residents. The Housing Authority will manage the waiting list in accordance with the policies and there may be times when more certificates will need to be issued. Homeless veterans are an example of those who have special vouchers. There is a want and need to assist them in the community. There is a need for a meaningful wait list and to not continually ask for more money and more vouchers. This is a management approach and the emphasis is gradual so there are no unintended consequences on individuals who really do have needs. For example, if a voucher is terminated because of criminal or fraudulent behavior, a voucher may not be reissued. Review of requests will be more aggressive. The Housing Authority needs more definitive language on the appropriate level of investment in the community. In response to a question from Commissioner Campbell, Ron Jackson, Executive Director of the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority, stated the Housing Authority is sensitive to Hampton wanting to achieve a balance of the different types of housing in the city. The Housing Authority became aware and concerned when they looked at the proportion of publicly assisted to unassisted housing. It was realized there was not a coordinated effort regarding the housing HRHA helps supply. HRHA wants to be in alignment with what the City wants to do. If it is to work to achieve high end housing or middle income housing, HRHA wants to make sure the publicly assisted housing is in proportion. The numbers will include public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and tax credit units that are available. In response to a question from Commissioner Campbell, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Cannady stated the number of units will remain the same even with the demise of Lincoln Park. Mr. Cannady stated one type of publicly assisted unit may go down but another type may go up so the flexibility will be there. Commissioner Williams stated he would not like to see vacant spots if there is a waiting list. Commissioner Bunting stated this is one part of a multi-faceted approach to housing. At the Council strategic worksession to be held on September 25 there will be a joint meeting with the Housing Authority to talk about approaches to housing in general as they have all types of housing. To be a healthy community, a diversified housing mix is needed. Issues such as vacant houses need to be addressed so quality housing does not become substandard over time due to property owner neglect. The City needs to make sure that people making investments are made aware of and take advantage of programs that are provided such as curb appeal grants and a housing investment programs run through HRHA. People need to be made aware these programs are available and can be accessed. This is just one approach to help ensure healthy neighborhoods and healthy housing. At the heart of this is the goal that housing policies are met. One thing that drives this amendment is the concentrations of poverty that have developed over time. The City does not further goals for those individuals who need the assistance or for the neighborhoods that get a concentrated level of publicly assisted housing in Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 9 their neighborhood. This is an effort to strengthen the community overall, both at an individual level and a neighborhood level. In response to a question from Commissioner McCloud, Mr. Jackson stated the Section 8 contract is between the property owner and the tenant. The contract is a voluntary arrangement and lasts only as long as the relationship is intact. In response to a question from Commissioner LaRue, Mr. Jackson stated an appeal to Section 8 housing is that at least 70% of the rent is guaranteed by the Federal Government. The Housing Authority also inspects the units. This helps the landlords with their tenants and is a three-way partnership. In response to a question from Mr. Williams, Mr. Jackson stated as part of the contract with the landlord the Housing Authority is required to annually inspect the property. The tenant can also request an inspection. Commissioner Bunting stated Mr. Williams might be referring to the Rental Inspection Program coming before City Council on the September 11 agenda. This will allow inspectors to inspect the interiors of rental housing that is not publicly assisted. The City wants to make sure that properties do not deteriorate and become substandard over time and bring down individual property values and that of its neighbors. Many cities in the area, Williamsburg and some of the larger urban localities on the Southside, have rental inspection programs. Rental inspection programs have been talked about over the years and have support of the neighborhoods. This is another tool that goes along with things the City is trying to do to strengthen the housing and neighborhood component of our community. This is not something that needs to come before the Planning Commission for action; it will go directly before City Council and is on the docket for the September 11 meeting. There were no public speakers. Chairman LaRue stated she would like to commend the Housing Authority and City staff for addressing this issue as it has potential for a far reaching impact and betterment of the city. It is a desire that all citizens of the city would have safe and decent homes to live in and these are bold steps taken to ensure the existing homes in the city meet those requirements. In response to a question from Chairman LaRue, Commissioner Bunting stated some components of things to be done in the future will come before the Planning Commission, but things such as the Rental Inspection program ordinance change do not require Planning Commission participation. The Planning Commission will be kept apprised of all the initiatives because part of what is done at the Planning Commission level is to ensure the highest and best use of property and that properties are maintained and have an overall healthy mix. The comprehensive plan amendment may seem like an addition to what there is already but longstanding community plans spoke to having a fair share of housing of all types so all mixes of individuals can be attracted to our community. What was lacking and Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 10 what the program seeks to do is provide a specific measure so it is known what the fair share is; in essence, it adds a calculation and specific strategies as to how it will be done. This process builds on a concept that was already embedded in the Plan and has been embraced by the community for a long time. Chairman LaRue stated that being in a business where one of the key words Is diversification, and it is a big thing in the financial services industry today; our neighborhoods and communities need to have diversification to be healthy and vibrant, just as our investment portfolios. After discussion, the Commission approved the following resolution: WHEREAS: the Hampton Planning Commission had before it this day Community Plan Amendment No. 020-2013 by the City of Hampton to amend the Hampton Community Plan (2006 as amended); WHEREAS: the proposed amendment is to the Housing and Neighborhoods section of the Hampton Community Plan (2006 as amended); WHEREAS: the amendment would reinforce and provide further detail to the general policies in the Community Plan that address the issue of “regional fair share” of various housing types, the impacts of concentrated poverty, and concentrations of low-income housing; WHEREAS: this amendment would provide policy guidance to ensure that Hampton will meet but not exceed its regional fair share distribution of publicly assisted housing; WHEREAS: the proposed amendment would address both the number and distribution of publicly assisted housing units within the city; WHEREAS: two new policies to the Housing and Neighborhoods section and seven new implementation strategies to the Community Plan Strategies table are proposed to be included in the Plan; WHEREAS: the first policy provides guidance to incrementally reduce the number of publicly assisted housing units in the city to meet and maintain a regional fair share distribution of publicly assisted housing units in the city; WHEREAS: the second policy provides guidance to promote the dispersion of publicly assisted housing units within the city; and WHEREAS: no members of the public spoke for or against this proposed amendment. NOW, THEREFORE, on a motion by Commissioner Tommy Southall and seconded by Commissioner Chris Snead, Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 11  BE IT RESOLVED that the Hampton Planning Commission does recommend to City Council approval of Community Plan Amendment No. 020-2013. A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: Southall, Campbell, McCloud, Williams, Snead, Bunting, LaRue NAYS: None ABST: None ABSENT: None ITEM VI. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S REPORT Terry O’Neill stated that over the last two months the Commissioners may have heard about Council’s “Safe and Clean Initiative.” The Commission will be given a full briefing at a later date. The Community Development Department is one of the primary City departments involved in the initiative, and in cooperation with the Police Division, it is one of the two lead agencies conducting site visits to neighborhoods. Staff, along with the Police Division, is walking up and down every block in neighborhoods mostly to observe what is going on, but meeting and talking with people to see what their sense is, what they are feeling, and what they think the City should focus on. Starting in south Wythe and Phoebus, other neighborhoods will be visited at a later date. Information gathered from these walk-a rounds will be brought back to a “Safe and Clean” task force made up of multiple departments and established by the City Manager. The information gathered will be discussed to find how to best respond to what has been found. Follow-up neighborhood meetings have been started and there has been discussion on what was found. There will be follow-up walk-a-rounds in the neighborhoods by the task force where they will meet with individuals, community organizations, or the neighborhood watch. This process will continue and Mr. O’Neill stated he wanted the Commissioners to be aware of the initiative and what is going on. Information will be brought back to the Commission for another briefing. In response to a question from Commissioner Campbell, Mr. O’Neill stated the September 25 tour will be part of the collaboration between the City Council, the Manager’s staff, the Housing Authority staff, and the Housing Authority Board to begin to have broad conversations about housing issues in the community. This will be the first collaborative worksession they will have with the Housing Authority staff and board. A tour is being scheduled to take Council and the Board to certain neighborhoods in the city. Mr. O’Neill stated there is a diverse range of neighborhoods, with some doing well to ones that may need some attention. Strategies will be discussed to determine what tools are available; if not available, it will be determined where they can be obtained so the wide range of neighborhood issues can be addressed. Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 12  In response to a question from Commissioner Campbell, Mr. O’Neill stated the Commissioners would be informed of any upcoming meetings. Commissioner Bunting stated the meetings would be open to the public because both bodies are meeting. If two or more of the Commissioners plan to attend these meetings, proper notification will need to be made to the public. Chairman LaRue stated this is an ambitious sounding program and it will give the citizens of Hampton an opportunity to actually meet people working in the City with real names and have a sense of confidence about who is in charge. ITEM VII. ITEMS BY THE PUBLIC There were no items by the public. ITEM VIII. MATTERS BY THE COMMISSION Commissioner Williams expressed his appreciation for being allowed to be chairman over the past year and congratulated the new chairman, Gaynette LaRue. Chairman LaRue thanked Commissioner Williams for his great job and leadership over the past year. ITEM IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:39 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________________ Terry O’Neill Secretary to the Commission APPROVED BY: ________________________________________ Gaynette LaRue Chairman Planning Commission Minutes 20130905 Page 13