Tazewell County planning commission approves high school stadium E&S plan, ratifies VDOT revenue-sharing inclusion

The Tazewell County Planning Commission on Oct. 12 approved an erosion-and-sediment (E&S) control plan for a replacement stadium at Tazewell High School, ratified a VDOT revenue-sharing application for a deceleration lane at Cuz’s, and discussed fire-suppression and insurance provisions for a draft solar ordinance.

Elliott Brewster of Thompson & Litton presented the stadium E&S plan, saying the project would remove the existing grass field, track and visitor bleachers to install approximately 87,078 square feet of artificial turf, a six-lane track, underground electric utilities, about 1,800 linear feet of storm sewer (8–24 inch pipe), eight PVC drain basins, six VDOT-standard MH-2 concrete structures and an underground StormTech detention system. The plan estimates disturbance of roughly 4.47 acres and a construction timeline of about six months. Kenneth Dunford Jr., director of county engineering, reviewed the plan and recommended approval contingent on receipt of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Storm Water Management Permit; he also recommended waiving permit and bond fees because the project is for the county school system.

Vice-Chair Robert “Bob” Moss moved to approve the E&S plan contingent on the DEQ permit and to waive permit and bond fees; Member Hayden Lyons seconded. The commission approved the motion 5–0 (Members Maggie Asbury and Darrel Addison were absent).

The commission also ratified prior polling to include a proposed deceleration lane at Cuz’s and associated guard rails in the county Comprehensive Plan so Tazewell County could apply for a VDOT revenue-sharing grant. Director Dunford told the commission he had polled members in advance because the commission did not meet before the VDOT deadline. Member Jason Herndon moved to ratify inclusion of the Cuz’s Deceleration Lane and guard rails; Member Lyons seconded. The motion passed 5–0.

Because the Board of Supervisors moved its meeting to Nov. 9, the commission agreed to shift its November meeting to Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. (motion by Member Moss, second by Member Anthony Ramella), approved 5–0.

On the draft solar ordinance, County Attorney Chase Collins said county staff, Energix counsel/administration and others had exchanged drafts and that a baseline solar ordinance had been accepted with minimal revisions. Chairperson Ann Robinson relayed a citizen concern about who would be responsible for fire suppression and for documenting chemicals used in solar panels. Collins said he would consult Fire Chief Barry Brooks for recommendations and that insurance and bonding language should be written into the ordinance with a timeline and supporting documentation. The commission expects to review a site-agreement ordinance at a future meeting and intends to schedule a joint public meeting in December if needed; Collins warned the Comprehensive Plan might require amendment if an ordinance is not adopted by year end.

Member Moss reported Soil & Water Conservation received a $6,500 grant for tire removal but that Lusk Disposal billed $15,893, creating a shortfall he planned to raise with the Board of Supervisors. Other members had no concerns. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:33 p.m.; Executive Secretary Kimberly Hilbert signed the minutes.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of agenda and Sept. 14, 2023 meeting minutes: approved 5–0 (Asbury and Addison absent). - E&S plan for Tazewell High School stadium (contingent on DEQ permit; permit and bond fees waived): approved 5–0. Mover: Vice-Chair Robert “Bob” Moss; Second: Hayden Lyons. - Ratification to include Cuz’s deceleration lane and guard rails in the Comprehensive Plan for a VDOT revenue-sharing application: approved 5–0. Mover: Jason Herndon; Second: Hayden Lyons. - Move November meeting date to Nov. 14, 2023: approved 5–0. Mover: Robert “Bob” Moss; Second: Anthony Ramella.

Next steps: The commission will seek the DEQ stormwater permit required to make the stadium E&S approval effective, and County Attorney Chase Collins will consult the fire chief about specific fire-suppression and insurance language to include in the draft solar ordinance before further review.