Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 9, 2016 WORKSHOP MINUTES -1- II ' % 0 Sal alt," Wm s °p OUN N0:°``' 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 t�,' 1 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 x Parks Build • Aligns with Community Priorities Community • Improving Connectivityand Access '"°'"'"=" • Enjoyment of Environment and Outdoors -, • Supporting Healthy lifestyles � • Stewardship of Land and Resources . :;,,T) _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 Rzi „,,, 'JY k/, 4”, 1 t -. r%, ir4 Typical amenities of Town Green Parks can include an outdoor stage, open play areas, tree groves and picnic shelters: t Town Green � z i -7-:: 7,:_______.''--,:--. -: '''. .46.. 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: ,. ,ls,: SGA Urban Plaza It, ', i i4- r ' 1f-� I 'T ": � i I..,.' i 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 Ci•. }moi if% il i! -.4. r SS lisp Mt: - \ Ai � „ y August 9, 2016 -8- 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: x sr^s •.• k. s-k".�;-rrt r�.$ s n 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 TM.a . .. .,, o~ y" ",..�,q, ;• • Early collaborative approach for better r design August 9, 2016 -9- 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 �--- POO 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 -10- 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 -• } Village ,',: • 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 v .. , 0f 1:4;,,;•,'„: August 9, 2016 -11- 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 ' y .a. _ .3, m 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 [dt 1 « Area 2 Newtown Road/Baker Road } " « Area 3 .{ Aragona/Pembroke • Area 4 Great Neck Road/Wolfsnare Road tr a fI . August 9, 2016 -12- 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 cetut: ,, . ° e '-/('-N'' , ila 4- ' .1 -R.. -N W A V ..__ , 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: A The Green Sea \\7.-::,..,-1--,, a 1 , Concept , rte" it - , `'* w Y August 9, 2016 -13- 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: ,F ; ;.ram«: tir 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? „w7.-''',--.1---:',"--..., It _0 --„,„ tug jaw ' �gf as / e €mow--Aih':v-• Mayor Sessoms thanked Ms. Duke for all of her hard work. August 9, 2016 -15- 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: STO )A ca,o/ 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 -16- 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 -17- 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 -18- 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 -19- 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 -20- 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 -21- 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 -22- 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 -23- 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 -24- 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 -25- 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 -26- 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