NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL of WILLIAMSBURG

SUMMARY OF MEETING on Saturday, 04 March 2017

Jim Joseph called the meeting to order at 8 a.m., at the Quarterpath Recreation Center, when he asked all those present to introduce themselves. Those in attendance were:

John / Alewynse / Jim / Joseph / Lois / Montague
Bill / Bowie / Anne / Klijanowicz / Rick / Overy
Leslie / Bowie / Jim / Klijanowicz / Richard / Phillips
Don / Brady / Gabe / Koz, MD / Dave / Scherer
Barbara / Chowning / Bill / Lancellotti / Juanita / Sirois
John W. / Chowning / Carmen del Pilar / Lancellotti / Deb / Snyder
Marvin / Collins / Douglas C. / Lawrence / Jacob / Stalnaker
Eletha / Davis / Sherry / Macdonald / Gladys / Victor
Paul / Freiling / Sharon C. / Marchelya / Lloyd N. / Wallace
Chris / Gareis / Jeremy / Martin / Harry L. / White
Fran / Going / Ted / Maslin / Wihelmina Z. / White
George T. / Jones / Lonnie / Mattes / Jim / Winter


REPORTS:
The April 1 meeting will be about the Master Gardeners with Gary Streb and Kate Robbins. On May 6, there will be an on-site tour of the Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center (hospital) with President David Masterson. The June 3 meeting is to be announced.

WJCC School Committee: Leslie Bowie again asked for donations of box tops.

Neighborhood Relations Committee: Jeremy Martin related that the situation has been relatively quiet. A Burns Lane sheet has spelled out when to call in a complaint and when not to do so. There have not been any repeat offenses.

William & Mary Students: Jacob Stalnaker reported that there has been an outreach to off campus students. A website called “Who’s your landlord?” is being prepared which will also rate the responsiveness of landlords to complaints. The students are now on Spring break.

10 MINUTE NEWS BRIEF:
Jim Joseph explained that the Airbnb is proposed to be under the control of the city but the Bill has yet to pass. Conditions are that the home must be registered and be in an appropriately zoned area. If this prevails than Williamsburg will only allow short term rentals in areas which are zoned to allow them; Bed and breakfast and typical hotels and motels.

The Group Home bill died in Richmond for this session.

A potential problem has arisen on Virginia Avenue where two lots have been purchased for building student houses. Parking exception has been denied for anything beyond 3 spaces. This is indicative of the potential for an absentee landlord to buy property for investment purposes because the four-person rule gives them a critical mass for a good return on their investment. In some cases, the assessment of a residential house may be higher than houses around it because of the revenue it can collect.

The four-person rule should be revisited for its value and impact.

MAYOR PAUL FREILING’S REPORT ON CITY ACTIVITY:
The Mayor mentioned that there is a work session scheduled for Monday March 6. The volunteer Fire Department will be going door to door March 27 to April 8 soliciting donations to fund the purchase of medical supplies. Applications have been made for the rezoning of the Days Inn as well as the parking lot behind the Arts Museum for the proposed expansion of said museum. Extensive paving of various neighborhoods will soon begin. The Library budget is up for review. On March 24, the City Manager will release the budget. The search for a new Police Chief continues, and on March 17 there will be a joint meeting with the School Board at James Blair.

INDIVIDUAL NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES:
Ted Maslin raised the issue of underground wiring. Chris Gareis of Burns Lane spoke about their continuing efforts to work with landlords and the College.

There has been some petty thievery and the Neighborhood Watch has been revitalized.

It was suggested that former Mayor Clyde Haulman be contacted for his thoughts on HOAs (Home Owner Associations).

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Community Leadership Service program is available for anyone who is interested and a flyer will go out to the NCW network.

The Williamsburg Parks & Recreation is sponsoring a Fit & Fun Fair on Tuesday, March 7 from 9 to 11 am at the Quarterpath facility with demos of their various classes.

It was reiterated that the William and Mary rowers are available for odd jobs.

PROGRAM:
Doug Lawrence, the Director of Station Safety and Licensing for the Surry Nuclear Power Station, gave a fascinating and informative presentation on what comprises the Surry Campus and the extraordinary steps that are taken to insure the safe performance of the facility. He advocates for all sources of energy, be they “clean coal”, gas, hydro-electric, solar, or wind in addition to nuclear has a role in the need for energy. He maintains that the best for the environment is nuclear since it can produce far more energy in less space. Doug explained that sources must be managed to keep costs controlled, but that safety must be the first consideration. Space, clouds and seismic activity mitigate the supply available to all, whereas nuclear is better able to produce large amounts of energy. The campus in Surry is made up of 840 acres with 900 employees which pays $12.95 million in taxes! It serves 15 states. After his presentation, he answered questions relating to past catastrophes and how they differ from the emphasis on safety and back-up as well as continuous training in safety stratagems pursued at Surry.

ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

Carmen del Pilar Lancellotti
Secretary