08-13-1986 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Applegate inquired if the County were to become incorporated into a city if it would become immune to annexation. Mr. Micas stated under the current ccnstltuticnal legal structure of Virginia cities are not subject to annexation, however, all forms of local government are ultimately subject to control by the General Assembly. Mr. Daniel stated the concept of becoming a city has not been publicly advertised, the time element involved in the process of becoming a city would he much more extensive than that which was involved in the county charter process and stated he felt it would be more appropriate, at this time, for the Cov_~ty to proceed on its present course of pursuing a county charter. He stated once this action is accomplished the County could pursue the objective of becoming a city, at some time in the future, and study the ramifications (i.e., funding, urbanized ooK~itments, etc.) of such action, with citizen participation and involvement. He stated he supports the Board continuing to study city status and seeking to obtain such a status after adopting the county charter. Mrs. Girone expressed concern that the public needs more information regarding the intent of the charter and more time to react to it. She stated organizations such as the Business Council, civic associations and the P.T.A.s have stated they have not had time to meet to study Or discuss the proposed Charter. She stated she has attended several meetings on the matter and feels the Charter Committee has provided the Board with an excellent foundation with which to work, however, many new ideas continue to evolve from various meetinqs and the public hearings which have been held. She stated the concept of becoming a city has been a key issue at meetings, as there has been concern expressed by residents of both the southern and northern areas of the County regarding annexation. She stated a city status would provide ~ermanent irf~unity from annexation and provide more funding for roads. She stated she felt a city charter has merit and requested that staff provide a comprehensive, comparative study of the existing form of goverrument, a county charter and a city charter. She stated she felt more time should be allowed to study all the ramifications and possibilities of the issues and concerns. Mr. Daniel stated he did not feel the process had been rushed and it was generally agreed a recommendation on the charter would be provided to the public for their vote on the November referendum. Mr. Apple~ate stated the recomendation of the Board needs to be communicated to the legislative delegation and their support solicited as they will be the patrons of the bill. Mr. Mayas expressed concern that there appears to be citizen opposition referenced to by the Board and questioned why they have not appeared during the public 'hearings to voice their concerns, He stated two years ago the County determined it needed a county charter in order to conduct its b~siness in a more effective manner, a citizens committee was selected to draft a proposed charter which would serve to organize the governmental structure and he felt that committee had done a wonderful job in accomplishing its task. Be stated this committee conducted meeting8 at which to listen to concerned individuals, however, this did not dissuade the committee from drafting the document before the Board for consideration and he stated he supports the Charter Committee's document. He stated the question of a city charter is not an issue at this time. Mr. Dodd stated a charter is a dot,ant that will provide the Count~ with the strength to take care of its problems and provide flexibility and freedom that is not allowed under the present form of government. He stated he did not foresee noticeable changes or problems created by adopting a charter. 86-594