2004-09-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Frances Racette, 821 Belmont Avenue, said she served on the Committee that helped develop the ordinance, and feels it is a positive step. Mr. Agnes Murdock, a Fluvanna County resident, representing the Rivanna Conservation Society, urged Council to give full support for the stream protection ordinance. He said that Charlottesville's water is the water supply for Fluvanna County. He urged Council to prevent threats to the water supply from becoming more severe. Ms. Phyllis White, a resident of Scottsville and a member of the Board of the Rivanna Conservation Society, said that the Society has organized canoe trips and river clean-ups. She said the stream buffer is critical for maintaining the health of the river. She noted that the water quality down river consistently tests poorly. Ms. Garnett Mellen, 1107 Calhoun Street, supported the ordinance. She read a letter from the Rivanna Trails Foundation and the Locust Grove Neighborhood Association, both in support of the ordinance. She said the ordinance should be taken further to address other streams. Mr. David Hirschman, 1107 Calhoun Street, said the stream protection ordinance is very relevant for urban areas such as Charlottesville. He said it will reduce the need in the future for expensive drainage repairs. Mr. Ridge Schuyler, 112 Robinson Woods, Director of the Piedmont Program for Natural Conservancy, an organization committed to protecting the Rivanna River, applauded the initiative. He said sedimentation is the biggest issue, and the ordinance will be a valuable addition to water quality. Ms. Amy Arnold, 843 Locust Avenue, a member of the Committee that helped draft the ordinance, said she supports statements made by other speakers, and urged Council to support the ordinance. She said it will benefit all aspects of the community. She supported including smaller streams next. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Caravati said he has concerns about education and enforcement of the ordinance, and asked what criteria Neighborhood Development Services will use and if there is sufficient manpower. Ms. Scala said that there will be staff sessions to discuss ways to implement the ordinance. She said the intent is to keep buffer areas vegetated. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services, said there are three pieces: plan review; inspection; and long-term monitoring. He said he probably does not currently have enough staff and is working on a method to address the first two pieces. He said that the long-term monitoring is usually issue driven and he does not know if it will be overly burdensome. Mr. Caravati noted that we are already at the State maximum for penalties and suggested that we go to the State to allow us to strengthen the penalties. He expressed concern about releasing bonding on multi-phase projects too early, and suggested that the entire bond be kept in place until all phases are complete. He asked if the existing committee will remain in place and whether it will monitor the ordinance. Ms. Scala said the intention is to continue the committee, but it has not been decided whether it will monitor the ordinance. She said the committee will continue to work on overall goals of stream and water protection. Mr. Caravati expressed concern about the appeal dates and feels that 30 days is too little.