Campbell County Planning Commission, April 28, 2025 Campbell County Planning Commission Minutes April 28, 2025 The regular meeting of the Campbell County Planning Commission was held on Monday, April 28, 2025, in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room, Walter J. Haberer Building, Rustburg, Virginia. The following members were present: Dean B. Monroe John Thilking Michael S. Condrey Trish R. Hedges David Gough Robert J. Otero Charlie Watts, Board of Supervisors Representative Members Absent: Megan Witt Staff Members present: Paul E. Harvey, Assistant County Administrator Austin R. Mitchell, Director of Community Development Crystal J. Machhi, Staff Secretary /I Chairman Monroe called the meeting to order with the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m. I Chairman Monroe asked for corrections or comments on the minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting. With none, Chairman Monroe made the motion to approve the minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting. // PUBLIC) HEARINGS FOR CONSIDERATION None / SUBDIVSION MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION / Proposed is a 7-lot subdivision on Stage Road and Spencer Road in the Concord Election District. The parcel is zoned Agricultural and is owned by Pearson Properties LLC. The vote was: Aye: Monroe, Condrey, Hedges, Otero, Gough, Thilking Nay: None Absent: Witt Campbell County Planning Commission, April 28, 2025 / MATTERS FROM THE ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR / County Attorney's presentation on the roles and responsibilities ofthe. Planning Commission. / Mr. Tripp Isenhour, County Attorney, discussed that the Planning Commission is created by code to serve as expert advisers on land use. Commissioners are expected to understand both local conditions and the Board of Supervisor's vision for future development. They review the comprehensive plan, zoning amendments, official maps, and subdivision plans allowing them to provide informed feedback and shape proposals before they reach the Board of Supervisors. Their role includes identifying challenges, interpreting community needs, and ensuring proposed developments align with long-term goals. Essentially, the Planning Commission acts as the "boots on the ground," distilling raw information into practical, community-aligned recommendations. The basic role is to improve the public health, safety, convenience, and welfare of the citizens and to plan for the future development. He gave examples of the role of the Board of Supervisors. He continued with reviewing the comprehensive plan and how they shape it by assessing current conditions, anticipating future needs, and advising the Board of Supervisors. They also review development proposals to ensure they align with the plan and reflect community priorities. Zoning map amendments and special use permits balance property owners' rights to develop land with neighbors' expectations for a stable, harmonious community. The provision of light, air, convenience of access, safety from fire and flood should be considered for zoning changes and considerations to facilitate the harmonious community and adequate police and fire protection. Their recommendations whether plats should be approved or not is considered by the Board of Supervisors. The General Assembly has shortened timelines for reviewing subdivision plats. He concluded with examples of other unique situations. /1 Commissioner Condrey had concerns that the public hearing gets away from land use and asked if they are supposed to consider it. He stated traffic and public safety are for the Board of Supervisors to consider. Mr. Isenhour responded that they are supposed to hear it but not make the decision based on it. Anything outside of1 land use is not part ofthe consideration. / Chairman Monroe had the same conçerns and asked what are they supposed to consider and stated they have recommended to turn down subdivisions because oftraffic. He stated the comprehensive plan is done very well with the staff. He doesn'tj just want to hear and consider, he wants to act. Mr. Isenhour stated they are there to hear the voice oft the community and traffic is a consideration. He wants to make sure the Planning Commission is staying within what the law allows for them to consider. / Commissioner Thilking stated they have to hear the people but it is a balancing act and asked if the citizens are supposed to come back and repeat everything at the board meeting. He believes they need to be mindful about litigation opportunities. Mr. Isenhour responded that their purpose is to shape a really good product for the Board of Supervisors to make a decision. The process is designed for citizens to come back to address concerns ifthey believe they have not been met. / Commissioner Condrey suggested they make a statement at the beginning of the meeting that the Planning Commission is primarily responsible for land use matters. Citizens cannot be expected to know and expectations should be set. / Mr. Paul Harvey, Assistant County Administrator, stated the rules are put there to protect them. / New. Staff Assignments in Community Development / Mr. Frank Rogers, County Administrator, congratulated Mr. Austin Mitchell on his new job opportunity. He announced Brian Stokes as the new Community Development Director while also keeping his role as Public Works Director, Karissa Shrader as the new Zoning Administrator, and Campbell County Planning Commission, April 28, 2025 Kate Reusch has accepted the Planner position and will start in May. Robert Jackson in the Public Works Department will also be taking on additional responsibility. / MATTERS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT None / MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION / Next scheduled meeting is May 27, 2025. /I Chairman Monroe adjourned the meeting at 7:52p.m. Dean B. Monroe, Chairman