Planning Commission

City of Petersburg Planning Commission May 13, 2020 Minutes The City of Petersburg Planning Commission held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 virtually and at 101 E Washington Street, Petersburg, VA 23803, was called to order by the Chair, Mrs. Tammy Alexander at 6:00 p.m. A roll call of members was completed by Mrs. Debbie Porter. Members Present: Ms. Tammy Alexander, Chair Dr. Conrad Gilliam Mr. Marie Vargo Mr. Thomas S. Hairston Dr. Patricia Miller Mr. Ronald Moore Mr. Michael Edwards Dr. James Norman Members Absent: Mr. William Irvin A quorum was established by the Chair. Others Present: Mrs. Debbie Porter, Mr. Reginald Tabor, Ms. Sandra Robinson, Mrs. Michelle Peters, Mr. Marcus Squires Agenda: Dr. Gilliam moved approval of the Agenda. Mr. Hairston seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Minutes: Mr. Hairston moved approval of the Minutes from the March 4, 2020 meeting. Mr. Edwards seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Page 1 of 3 Public Information Period: Mr. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street spoke and asked whether the Planning Commission was involved with developing and Master Plan. He also stated that he has been involved with a survey of neighborhood blight and requested assistance from the Commission with completing the survey. Mr. Squires was informed that indeed the Planning Commission is responsible for the development and maintenance of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and that there would be an update to the Plan, as required by the Code of Virginia. Mr. Squires also suggested college and university student engagement with the process. Mr. Squires was informed that all resources will be tapped to complete the update. Public Hearings: #OA-20-01: To add to the Cultural Affairs, Arts, Tourism and Economic Development sections of the 2014 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Ron Moore recommended amendments in bold and italic: 1. Adding the title of “Tourism-Hospitality” to page 60 of the plan, “Within the limits of the City of Petersburg there are currently twenty (20) businesses that offer hospitality accommodations, including hotels, motels, Inns, and Bed and Breakfast establishments, “and other hospitality establishments”. None of the existing hospitality offerings have facilities to accommodate larger events (banquets, reunions, weddings, business meetings and conferences) and the demand for “larger” accommodations is being met outside the City.” 2. Adding under the Economic Issues section of the plan, page 98, an additional bullet with the language “There is a lack of hospitality options to accommodate “larger group” events (banquets, reunions, weddings, business meetings and conferences). Also, demand for accommodations to meet the needs of visitors and tourists is not met by current offerings.” 3. Adding an Objective 10 to the Policy Goal II section on page 99: “Objective 10: Identify and support efforts to provide diversified hotel options to accommodate “larger” events, business travelers and tourists.” Mr. Hairston moved approval of the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, with the amendments recommended by Mr. Moore. Ms. Vargo seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Page 2 of 3 New Business: 1. Elections for Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. Ms. Alexander called for nominations for the Office of Chair. Dr. Gilliam nominated Ms. Alexander. Mr. Hairston asked whether he could nominate himself. Ms. Peters was recognized by the Chair and she recommended postponing the elections because this was the first meeting for most of the members. Dr. Norman moved to table the elections until the next meeting. Mr. Hairston seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously. 2. Proposal to develop City-owned properties in Ward 5 Mr. Tabor was recognized by the Chair and shared that the item was forwarded by the City Council, that they requested a recommendation by the Planning Commission as outlined in the distributed documentation. He stated that the item was provided as initial information, and that a request for action would be submitted for the next Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Edwards moved to Table the item until the next meeting. Mr. Hairston seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Old Business: 1. Comprehensive Plan Update Process Mr. Tabor was recognized by the Chair and shared that the Comprehensive Plan is to be updated every five (5) years per the Code of Virginia, and the City’s plan is scheduled to be updated. He also stated that a proposed schedule and action steps will be submitted for consideration during the next Planning Commission meeting. Announcements: There were no announcements Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by the Chair at 7:19 p.m. Page 3 of 3