AUGUST 9, 2016 WORKSHOP MINUTES -1-
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VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
Virginia Beach, Virginia
August 9, 2016
Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., called to order the CITY COUNCIL'S WORKSHOP in the City Council
Conference Room, Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at 4:00 P.M.
Council Members Present:
M. Benjamin Davenport, Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley,
Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, Shannon DS Kane, John D. Moss,
Amelia N. Ross-Hammond, Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr.,
John E. Uhrin, Rosemary Wilson and James L. Wood
Council Members Absent:
None
August 9, 2016
-2-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
4:00 P.M.
Mayor Sessoms welcomed Barbara Duke-Parks and Recreation. Ms. Duke expressed her appreciation
to City Council for their continued support:
-
Vil Outdoors Plan 2.16
A master plan for the parks and recreation system
August 2, 2016
City Council Briefing
Michael J.Kalvort,CPRE,Director
Chad R.Morris
C
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Barbara.1 Duke ;;ij
Corinna E.Green
The Outdoors Plan is produced every five to six years in an effort to help manage the Park System and is
an implementation tool for the Comprehensive Plan. Today's presentation provided an overview of all
five (5) chapters:
Purpose and Need for Outdoors Plan
• Guidance to develop and manage parklands
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Parks Build • Aligns with Community Priorities
Community • Improving Connectivityand Access
'"°'"'"=" • Enjoyment of Environment and Outdoors
-, • Supporting Healthy lifestyles
� • Stewardship of Land and Resources
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_TI • Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies
(CAPRA)requires master plan
WIN • VB P&R has been CAPRA accredited for 15 Years
01 • The Plan is a component of the Comprehensive Plan
August 9, 2016
-3-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
The City's Parks are powerful community builders. Parks are often named as people want to move, live,
work and play in Virginia Beach:
2016 VB Outdoors Plan - 2040 Horizon
• Overview of our park system
• Park facility asset review
• Creating park spaces in SGAs
• Improvements to existing recreation buildings
• Improvements to existing park properties
• Future parkland acquisition
• Future greenway and blueway systems
• Capital Improvement planning and Plan implementation
The City's Park System is often cited as one of the best in the State. The Oceanfront and Boardwalk are
considered by many to be a large public park and the economic benefits are clear:
The Power of Parks
• Property Value&Tourism
IL • Cleaner Air&Cleaner Water
A '! • Health,Recreation and Community Cohesion
August 9, 2016
-4-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
The City has a very large and diverse Park System outside of the Resort Area. The Outdoors Plan helps
manage this complex system in a sustainable way, adding quality to the life of every citizen. Citizens
frequently visit City Parks, in addition to the 3-Million visitors annually:
Community Context
• Physical
• Over 7,000 acres of parkland
• 188 tennis courts,271 playgrounds,143 ball diamonds,236 outdoor basketball
courts,3 skate parks,78 park buildings
• Renovation and maintenance is under funded;minimal funding for new park
infrastructure
• Social
• Parks are the foundation for equitable,healthy communities
• Over 2.8M visitors annually
• Volunteers and partnerships with businesses
• Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation(VBRF)
• Economic
• Parks enhance property values
• Park system as a tourist activity creates economic value
s
A review of the City's existing facility assets was performed and, through the analysis, it was determined,
with two exceptions, the majority of facilities are in line with current and future needs. The City has a
surplus of tennis courts in neighborhood parks but a deficit in rectangular field spaces. The Plan
includes recommendations to address both of these situations over the next two decades:
Park Facility Asset Review
• Renovation and maintenance is underfunded
• Minimal funding for new park infrastructure
• Excess of existing Tennis Courts
• Deficit in Rectangular Playing Fields
•
4
August 9, 2016
-6-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
The first Park type is the Town Green — A Central Park and gathering space within an urban
development area. Town Greens are typically publicly-owned "rectangular spaces"; often occupying an
entire development block with parking on adjacent streets or within nearby parking garages:
SGA Town Green
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Typical amenities of Town Green Parks can include an outdoor stage, open play areas, tree groves and
picnic shelters:
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Town Green
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August 9, 2016
-7-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
Next is the Urban Plaza — this can be thought of as a smaller, more intimate version of a Town Green
Park. Plazas can be hardscape or include lawn and landscape areas, located on public or private
property:
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SGA Urban Plaza
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Typical amenities can include seat walls, benches,pedestrian lighting and public art. Plazas that include
natural landscape features and green open spaces are valuable to creating a truly walkable community:
,
Urban Plaza
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August 9, 2016
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CITYMANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
The EcoGarden Park combines storm water management areas with Park spaces. This Park can be large
or small and, is not a "one-size-fits-all"design:
SGA EcoGarden Park
Combine storm-water facilities with recreational uses
•
One way to think of this EcoGarden concept is a Green Infrastructure. If Parks and stormwater are
integrated into the same space, less land is necessary overall to accommodate the two uses on separate
sites, increasing the utility value of each piece of public land:
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SGA EcoGarden Park
• Integrated design of parks and stormwater can result in
better aesthetics and value for space within the public
realm
Efficient use of scarce
urban land
" 6 Bring nature into the city
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approach for better
r design
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
The statistics below show the value of the stormwater benefits that are already being provided by our
Park system.
Stormwater Value of Parks
• Over 7,000 acres of parkland reduces
municipal stormwater costs by providing
pervious areas that capture precipitation
and slow runoff ■
• Land under tree canopy absorbs more
runoff,the tree canopy within city parks ■
and natural areas covers 5,123 acres
• 1,700 acres of parkland sits at elevations
111/
below the 100-year floodplain and these
park areas provide flood storage
Chapter 4 begins by addressing the future of the existing Park buildings and Park sites. The
Administration Building and the Kempsville Recreation Center, currently under construction, will
address large areas of need. The City needs to plan for relocating maintenance buildings and yards in
the Witchduck and Resort Areas; however, MOST importantly, we must develop strategies to modernize
several of the Recreation Centers that are now over 20 years old:
Improvements to Existing Recreation Buildings
• New P&R Admin Bldg will N'
result in vacation of City-wide a,..
office site
• Relocation of Lynnhaveny �---
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Landscape Yard ' .,..gj
• Other projects include: `,...• �'
• Landscape Yards at Euclid& ' rr �'
Resort Area
• Modernization of Recreation •� ,
Centers(Great Neck,PA, '�`"
seatack&Bayside)
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
The Outdoors Plan includes many future projects for the Park System. The majority of these projects are
not funded and will need to be programmed with future Capital Budgets. The City continues to work on
developing Princess Anne Commons Athletic Village to become a regional sports destination. Also, the
Owl Creek Tennis Center is a venue with an uncertain future. Property was identified for redevelopment
as an entertainment/shopping venue. The Virginia Aquarium Owl Creek Master Plan was adopted in
2011. Therefore, the conversation needs to begin regarding the long-term feasibility of relocating and
rebuilding this facility:
Improvements to Existing Parks
• Several parks identified for I 111444w
renovation,retrofit or new j! ✓.
improvements "w`
• Princess Anne Commons Athletic -•
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• Owl Creek Tennis Center park
identified for alternative use in •tf`.:
Virginia Aquarium&Owl Creek v ,
Master Plan
* Includes new park development for
Woodbridge Park,North Landing -
Park and Three Oaks Park ,
Below are examples of some of the Park amenities that are in high demand and that will be added to
future Park development or renovation projects:
Park Amenity Needs
• Complete ADA improvements throughout park system
• New multi-purpose athletic fields
• Continue to grow athletic facilities at PA Commons
• More dog parks
• More skate parks
• Renovate and improve water access sites
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August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
Future Park land acquisition is a vital part of the future Park System and will be focused on the three key
areas below:
Future Park Acquisition
• Restore annual funding($400,000-$500,000)
• Three focus areas
SGA '
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Neighborhood . -
Parks
Water Access
The four residential areas identified below have the highest priority Park need. Except for Area 1, all of
these neighborhoods share a border with a SGA:
Neighborhood Need Areas
• Area 1 �•.� ,� �', ,
Indian River Rd/Military Hwy
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« Area 2
Newtown Road/Baker Road } "
« Area 3
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Aragona/Pembroke
• Area 4
Great Neck Road/Wolfsnare
Road
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August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
Greenways and Blueways can be a great way to provide water access. The Comprehensive Plan includes
a new initiative known as the "Green Sea Blueway and Greenway". The Outdoors Plan highlights the
Green Sea area:
Future Greenway & Blueway Systems
• Support Thalia Creek Greenway development
• Plan and develop projects for trail corridors and connectivity for parks
• Foster the Green Sea Blueway and Greenway along the North Landing River
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Working with the Planning Department, this map was developed to illustrate the potential for developing
an eco-tourism focus for the North Landing River Watershed, also known as the Green Sea. The City's
bold Vision is to develop diverse recreational areas and sustainable small scale business opportunities
that will one day create a popular, thriving "Regional Recreation" destination that protects and
showcases the environment and natural character that exists today:
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August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
Chapter 5 of the Plan includes an overview of Park operations and provides recommendations for
Capital Improvement Planning. One of the most important recommendations is to work with
Management Services to restore annual Open Space funding to make the most of acquisition
opportunities as they arise. The Outdoors Plan is an important companion document to the
Comprehensive Plan. There are many projects and initiatives discussed throughout the Plan that tie
directly to the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan:
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Capital Improvement Planning
• Total unmet need through 2040 is estimated at$130M
• Outdoors Plan is principal tool for planning future projects
• Re-structure open space acquisition to address targeted needs
• Restore annual funding for open space acquisition
Plan Implementation
• Develop projects that meet multiple outcomes(stormwater parks,
waterfront parks,greenways)
• Support all efforts of Virginia Beach P&R Foundation
• Foster relationships with volunteers,community and business
organizations
The 2016 Outdoors Plan will come to City Council for a vote on August 16`", as an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan:
• x s xa.. s z,
2016 VB Outdoors Plan - 2040 Horizon
• Overview of our park system
• Park facility asset review
• Creating new park spaces in SGAs
• Improvements to existing recreation buildings
• Improvements to existing park properties
• Future parkland acquisition
• Future greenway and blueway systems
• Capital Improvement planning and Plan implementation
August 9, 2016
-14-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
OUTDOOR PLAN
(Continued)
Questions?
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Mayor Sessoms thanked Ms. Duke for all of her hard work.
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE COMMUNITY
RATING SYSTEM and REGIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
4:21 P.M.
Mayor Sessoms welcomed Whitney McNamara —Planning. Ms. McNamara expressed her appreciation
to City Council for their continued support:
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Virginia Beach
r
max« National Flood Insurance Program
Community Rating System
- Whitney McNamara,CFM
- Department of Planning and Community Development
August 9,2016
Below is an overview of the National Flood Insurance Program:
National Flood Insurance Program
• Standard Homeowner's Insurance doesn't cover flooding
• National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP)created in 1968 to help
provide a means for property owners, renters,and business owners
to financially protect themselves from flooding
• In return for flood insurance, local governments must agree to adopt
and enforce a floodplain ordinance regulating development in areas
prone to flooding
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE COMMUNITY
RATING SYSTEM and REGIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
(Continued)
Below is the City's Flood Insurance Statistics:
Virginia Beach Flood Insurance Statistics
• Virginia Beach joined the NFIP in 1971
• Currently have 23,016 policies (22%of state)
• Over$6 Billion insurance coverage(23%of state)
• Residents collectively pay over$12 million/year in flood insurance
premiums(16%of state)
• Highest number of policies in the Commonwealth and second highest
in FEMA Region III
•Data from FEMA as of 5/31/2016
The Community Rating System (CRS) was created in1990 to provide certain flood insurance policy
holder discounts on premiums in exchange for local government policies and programs that reduce
community flood risk:
Community Rating System (CRS)
• Created in 1990 to provide certain flood insurance policy holders discounts
on their premiums in exchange for local government policies and programs
that reduce community flood risk
• Participation is voluntary on the part of the local government
• There are 18 activities in four broad categories of floodplain management:
• Public Information
• Mapping and Regulations
• Flood Damage Reduction
• Flood Warning and Response
• Communities earn points for undertaking activities in each of these
categories
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE COMMUNITY
RATING SYSTEM and REGIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
(Continued)
Below are some CRS Figures and Examples:
CRS Figures and Examples
CRS Class Credit Points Premium Reductions
• At a 5%premium discount,
the City's flood insurance 1 4,500-5,000 45%
policy holders would see an 2 4,000-4,499 40%
estimated reduction of 3 3,500-3,999 35%
$448,359 4 3,000-3,499 30%
- 10%would see a reduction of 5 2,500-2,999 25%
$793,931 6 2,000-2,499 20%
7 1,500-1,999 15%
- 15%would see a reduction of 8 1,000-1,499 10%
$1,139,512 9 500-9,99 5%
Twenty-two (22) communities in Virginia currently participate in CRS:
CRS in Virginia
Community
• 22 communities currently
participate Gloucester County 7
James City County 7
• Four are a Class 9,twelve
are a Class 8,four are a Hampton 8
Poquoson 8
Class 7,and two(Alexandria
Chesapeake 8
and Fairfax County)are a York County 8
Class 6
Norfolk 9(in process of
• 8 Communities in Hampton upgrading to a7)
Roads currently participate Portsmouth 9
Newport News "in application
process
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE COMMUNITY
RATING SYSTEM and REGIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
(Continued)
Below are some considerations in deciding whether to participate in CRS:
Considerations
• Virginia Beach is already doing many activities that earn points as part
of the CRS(ex. 2 ft.freeboard,conserving open space, GIS mapping,
etc.)
• Would potentially be able to join as a Class 8 community based off
current actions,equating to a 10%discount for residents
• Progression to a Class 7 would take minor investments to modify existing
programs and processes
• Progression beyond a Class 7 would likely take a major commitment and
investment by the City
• Staff time is needed for annual record keeping,the initial application,
and annual recertification package—recommend creation of 1 FTE
Risks
• Potential requirement to mitigate Repetitive Loss and Severe
Repetitive Loss properties
• Currently modest effort underway through FEMA grants
• Future risk from Sea Level Rise and increase in frequency of storms to
increase the number of Repetitive Loss properties
• Requirement to have a Floodplain Management Plan
• Currently the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is an acceptable alternative
• If requirements changed,this would be a major undertaking of both staff time
and funds
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE COMMUNITY
RATING SYSTEM and REGIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
(Continued)
Below is the process to join CRS:
Process to Join
• Adoption of Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (Fall 2016; concurrent)
• Finalize updates to the FEMA Repetitive Loss List(concurrent)
• Finalize all actions needed for compliance with the NFIP(concurrent)
• Review of Hazard Mitigation Plan by FEMA to ensure it meets the
requirement of a Floodplain Management Plan
• Schedule a Community Assistance Visit with FEMA to review program
• Receive Letter of Compliance from FEMA
• At this point Virginia Beach has 6 months to officially apply to join the CRS
• Application typically takes 18-24 months to process due to scheduling of visits
and advertisement in the Federal Register
Progress to Date
• Policy report shared with City Council in Friday Package in July 2015
• Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan being prepared by HRPDC
• Draft plan is currently in Public Comment phase
• Projected for adoption by Virginia Beach later this Fall
• Ongoing work by Planning Department to resolve FEMA Compliance
issues from 2013 Community Assistance Visit
• Planning Department has gathered and prepared all application
documents and materials
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE COMMUNITY
RATING SYSTEM and REGIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
(Continued)
Questions?
Mayor Sessoms thanked Ms. McNamara for this informative presentation.
August 9, 2016
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CITY COUNCIL'S BRIEFINGS
AGRICULTURE LAND VALUE
ADJUSTMENT
4:37P.M.
Mayor Sessoms welcomed David Trimmer —Agriculture. Mr. Trimmer expressed appreciation to City
Council for continued support:
Land Use Values
MR. DAVID TRIMMER, AGRICULTURE DIRECTOR
MR. JERRY BANAGAN, REAL ESTATE ASSESSOR
City Council briefing
August 9,2016
Below is the history of per Acre Land Use Values. As shown, land use values increased from 2009—
2016; however, they will decrease between 2016 and 2017. The recommendation is to "cap"the value at
$1,800 per acre:
History of Per Acre Land Use Values
`Based on Soil Class III per acre value.
Fiscal Year Land Use Values
2017 $1,970
2016 $2,120
2015 •
$1,630
2014 $1,190
2013 $ 850
2012 $ 480
2011 $ 470
2010 $ 350
2009 $ 300
2008 $ 320
2007 $ 360
August 9, 2016
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CITY COUNCIL'S BRIEFINGS
AGRICULTURE LAND VALUE
ADJUSTMENT
(Continued)
Below are the SLEAC values set at Virginia Tech. The City is 4`'' highest for Agriculture Land Use in the
Commonwealth:
CURRENT LAND USE VALUES,ACREAGES AND TAXES
Recommended Values for Virginia Beach by
State Land Evaluation Advisory Council
(SLEAC)
Soil Class I and Class II are based upon 150%and 135%of the Class Ill value
Soil Class Value Per Acre Acreage in Class Tax Per Acre
Class I $2,960 1,406 $29.30
Class II $2,660 4,318 $26.33
Class III $1,970 12,053 $19.50
Proposed Ceiling of $1,800 $17.82
Based upon$1,800 per acre for Class I,II and III.
The tax reduction is @$73,200
Mayor Sessoms thanked Mr. Trimmer for the information and work on this project.
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
AIRBNB AD HOC COMMITTEE
DISCUSSION
4:57P.M.
Mayor Sessoms welcomed Dave Hansen, City Manager. City Manager Hansen thanked City Council for
their continued support.•
Online Home Sharing Economy
Ad Hoc Committee
Council Discussion
9 August 2016
The recommendation to make-up the Ad Hoc Committee is set forth below:
Membership Recommendations
• VB Hotel/Motel Association
• VB Realtors Association
• Chamber of Commerce
• 1 civic league board member from each of the
7 Council Districts
• Chairman designee
• Online rental platform representative
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
AIRBNB AD HOC COMMITTEE
DISCUSSION
(Continued)
In an effort to ensure the City's recommendations have some effect at the State level. Staff support will be
provided to the Ad Hoc Committee:
Staff Support
• City Manager's Office
• City Attorney's Office
• Planning Department
• Commissioner of Revenue's Office
Below is the proposed Agenda for the ft Meeting:
1st Meeting Agenda
• Definition/Explanation of the Online Home
Sharing Economy
• Discussion of local regulations (zoning, tax, etc.)
• General Assembly Workgroup of the Housing
Study Commission
• Draft Legislative Agenda Item
• Set dates/Times/Locations for Public Input
August 9, 2016
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CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFINGS
AIRBNB AD HOC COMMITTEE
DISCUSSION
(Continued)
ONLINE RENTAL PLATFORMS
(AIRBNB AND OTHERS)
Background Information:City Council adopted a Resolution in January 2016 requesting the General Assembly to give localities
authority to regulate online programs such as Airbnb.This Is a growing Issue for Virginia localities,in that property owners list
their homes on the Internet through these online platforms for rental.The City has little authority to regulate these enterprises
which compete with the conventional hotel business,Issues occur such as the freedom of quiet enjoyment by adjoining
property owners,parking,health safety and welfare,and tax collection.
For instance,the City and State are unable to collect the State Sales Tax and Local Transiency Occupancy Tax from these
properties.This means that these properties can be rented out,in a cost savings to the renter,but compete directly against
conventional hotels that must comply with health safety and welfare regulations,and collect taxes due.Every hotel creates a
folio on every guest that shows the number of nights,money spent,etc.that is auditable by the state.No such audit train exists
on the online rental platforms.'
The General Assembly referred this issue during the 2016 Session of General Assembly to the Housing Study Commission.A
special workgroup has been working on this issue,and is expected to produce recommendations by December 1st.
Request:The City of Virginia Beach requests the General Assembly to adopt legislation during the 2017 Session of General
Assembly that requires these online rental platforms operate with the same requirements as the Traditional Lodging Industry
does such as:
Collection of the taxes due and remittance to the state and local governments,
Regulation by localities for issues such as health,safety,and welfare including adequacy of parking,
Some control on where these properties are located.
Furthermore,some penalties for violating the above requirements,and also causing harm to existing to neighborhoods that
have the expectation of quiet enjoyment of their properties should be Included in the legislation.
The goal is to have the recommendations to City Council by the end of September:
Outcomes
• Make recommendations to City Council on:
—Ordinance Amendments
—General Assembly Workgroup input
• Finalize Legislative Agenda Item
• Complete by end of September
Mayor Sessoms thanked City Manager Hansen for all of the Staff work on this project.
August 9, 2016
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., DECLARED the City Council Meeting ADJOURNED at 5:20 P.M.
/n/ec
Amanda Finley-Barnes, MMS'
Chief Deputy City Clerk
. t ... _
th Hodges Fra er, MMC
City Clerk
August 9, 2016