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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-11-22 Planning Commission Minutes MINUTES Town of Pulaski Planning Commission July 11, 2022 Commissioners Present: Kevin Meyer, Chairman; Chris Conner; Luke Seigfried; David Hall; AJ Schrantz Commissioners Absent: Terry Hale; Janet Jonas, Vice-Chair Town Staff: Caroline Smith, Planner/Zoning Administrator; Darlene Burcham, Town Manager; Trey Peace, Economic Development and Planning Manager; Spencer Rygas, Town Attorney 1. Call to Order Chairman Meyer called the Planning Commission to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call of Commission A quorum was determined with five commissioners present. 3. Review and Approval of Minutes Mr. Meyer asked if there were any comments on the June 13th minutes. Mr. Conner motioned to approve the minutes with the correction to him being absent and Mr. Hale seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote. 4. Public Hearing a. Case 2022-04ZA – Crematories in B-2 Zoning Amendment Mr. Meyer explained the public hearing process to those in attendance. He then asked Ms. Smith for the staff report for the zoning amendment, and crematories in the B-2 district. Page 2 of 10 / July 11, 2022 Ms. Smith explained that the zoning amendment was a Planning Commission initiated zoning amendment at the request of an individual from the public. She stated that the amendment would change the wording from funeral home or undertaking establishment to funeral home and/or crematories. Mr. Meyer opened up the floor for a public hearing. With no further questions, Mr. Meyer closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. Mr. Conner motioned to recommend approval to Town Council of the zoning amendment and Mr. Seigfried seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Chairman Meyer – Mr. Hale – Absent Ms. Jonas – Absent Mr. Hall – Aye Mr. Seigfried - Aye Mr. Conner – Aye Mr. Schrantz - Aye b. Case 2022-06ZA – Townhome Setbacks Zoning Amendment Ms. Smith explained that the zoning amendment was a Planning Commission initiated zoning amendment at the request of an individual from the public. She stated that the proposed zoning amendment will amend section 4.4.2-1 in the R-3, multi-family residential, to adjust the minimum setback requirements from twenty-five feet from the side to five feet from the side and to adjust the minimum rear setback requirement from thirty-five feet from the rear to twenty-five (25) feet from the rear. Mr. Meyer asked Ms. Smith if the zoning amendment would override the minimum distance from streets. Ms. Smith stated that she assumed it wouldn’t override the previous zoning amendment. Mr. Meyer responded that he wanted the clarification of the zoning language to be checked before Town Council’s public hearing. Mr. Meyer opened up the floor for a public hearing. With no further questions, Mr. Meyer closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. Mr. Conner motioned to recommend approval to Town Council of the zoning amendment pending research and clarification on the setback requirements from roads and Mr. Schrantz seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Page 3 of 10 / July 11, 2022 Chairman Meyer – Mr. Hale – Absent Ms. Jonas – Absent Mr. Hall – Aye Mr. Seigfried - Aye Mr. Conner – Aye Mr. Schrantz - Aye c. Case 2022-05SE –Mainspring Special Exception Ms. Smith presented the staff report stating that MSRC II is applying for a Special Exception as a health or hospital center located at 2460 Lee Highway. She said the applicant indicated that the use will be an overnight residential substance use disorder treatment center and will operate 24/7, accepting admissions Monday through Friday, 9 am to 7 pm. She continued that clients will be ages 18 or older, with approximately 80% eligible for Medicaid. She stated that 10 letters of public concern were received and 3 people had come into the office to discuss the application. All letters opposed the special exception with the main points of concern being general safety, close proximity to schools, property values, and possible traffic concerns. Mr. Wiegard, the lawyer representing MSRC II, introduced himself and his clients, Yitzy Allen, the CEO of Mainspring Recovery Centers and Lisa Dehorty, the COO. He explained that the property is a former New River Medical building and was once a medical office. He elaborated that what is being proposed is an in-patient substance use treatment center permitted by special exception in the R-1 district and is located adjacent to LewisGale Hospital. He stated that since it is an inpatient facility, you would not have constant traffic flow as an outpatient facility would. He continued that it is a new business and will bring 50 jobs to the area and that Pulaski was chosen to fill a void in the service area. Additionally, there is a goal to work jointly with the hospital. He referenced the nursing program at Radford University and the licensed counseling program at Virginia Tech to bring in talent for employees. He stated that although the property is located R-1, the hospital is also zoned R-1 and that this location is ideal for Mainspring. Mr. Meyer stated that he has a background in healthcare and works for the department of health and asked Mr. Wiegard what the legal definition of inpatient was. Mr. Wiegard stated that Mr. Dehorty could speak to that and said that the point he was trying to make was people are not going to be coming and going for appointments or are only open during certain times of the day. Page 4 of 10 / July 11, 2022 Ms. Dehorty introduced herself and has worked in residential treatment facilities since 1994, has a master’s in psychology, and has an MBA. She stated they would be considered level 3.5, meaning it is 24/7 care with full professional support. She said the schedules are very strict, the clients have a full schedule, and not all facilities provide that. She continued that at all of the places she has worked, she has never seen problems of people escaping or wondering, that people who are there want to be there. Mr. Meyer asked what keeps someone from leaving. Ms. Dehorty said they are a voluntary program and screening clients, with addiction can be hard. She stated that it is the staff’s job to ensure they do not leave, however if they do, the client’s emergency contact is notified, and they will drive them home if they refuse to stay. If they refuse, Mainspring will contact the authorities, but it is very rare. Ms. Dehorty presented her research on substance use disorder treatment facilities. She stated that compared to Maryland, Virginia has significantly fewer facilities population-wise. She added that Southwest Virginia is pointed as a lesser-served area within the state. She continued on by explaining the exit plan for the clients. The most important factor is where the person will be and their employment status. Mr. Halon addressed the concerns of not operating in Virginia. He explained that he had struggled with addiction 10 years ago and had to attend residential treatment himself. He said that every day was magic for him and he left after 45 days and was transformed. He continued that throughout his research, he found that Virginia was an underserved market and spent three years building connections with the ARTS program and licensure departments. He stated that it was not a money maker for them and that they have spent time on finding Pulaski and this location. He continued that they specifically chose a population that could not afford more expensive facilities. He explained that not all of the jobs brought in would be skilled. There would be a variety of jobs. Mr. Meyer asked if any commissioners had any questions. Mr. Seigfried asked what would be stopping Mainspring from pulling clients from farther away. Mr. Halon stated that nothing would be stopping them but it would increase their costs. He addressed the concern of bringing in additional people who struggle with substance abuse and dumping them in Pulaski by stating that he can’t promise it won’t happen but there won’t be people coming from farther north than Dumfries. But he can’t say for certain it won’t happen. Page 5 of 10 / July 11, 2022 Mr. Hall asked about what type of exit plan the people who are leaving the program will have. Mr. Halon stated that when someone enters the program from day one discharge planning begins. He explained that part of the treatment is giving them the tools they need to continue after the program including after care. He clarified that they are not opening silver living houses within the Town of Pulaski. Mr. Meyer stated that starting discharge plans from day 1 is generally a requirement. Mr. Halon explained that the licensure is a long and difficult process. Mr. Connor asked Mr. Halon to speak about what forms of treatment they would offer. Ms. Dehorty answered that patients would step down to three days a week treatment and sometimes clients need longer-term residential with connected networks. Mr. Connor clarified by asking if MSRC would administer methadone. Ms. Dehorty stated that they would not be licensed to prescribe methadone. However, if someone comes with a prescription for it they will work with them. Mr. Schrantz asked what type of transportation would be provided. Mr. Halon answered that the center will have drivers on staff but is not certain what specific forms will be provided. Mr. Meyer asked how MSRC relationship with LewisGale hospital would work. Mr. Halon explained that they would like to have a formal agreement with them but does not believe it is necessary. Mr. Meyer asked Mr. Halon if he was familiar with the Life Center of Galax. Mr. Halon stated that he was aware and know of them. He said that anecdotally, they are full. Page 6 of 10 / July 11, 2022 Mr. Meyer said that from his understanding the owners purchased a property in Wytheville to expand and mentioned that Saint Alban’s was purchased as well for a similar facility. Mr. Halon stated that from a Medicaid standpoint they will be okay with their census. Mr. Meyer stated concerns regarding clinical staffing and the number of beds that are coming to the area. Mr. Halon stated that a medical director can cover two facilities and they will commute. He said there will be a nurse practitioner at each facility. He stated he may need to push staffing from the Dumfries location and pay the employees well and to commute. Mr. Meyer asked if he planned to pay more than LewisGale. Mr. Halon responded that they do not anticipate stealing anyone’s staff. With no further questions from the commissioners, Mr. Meyer opened the public hearing. Ms. Glen stated that she lived across the street from the hospital and said that she is used to living next to hospitals and used to work in a hospital. She explained that she is concerned about staffing, traffic, safety and security. She continued that security cameras do not always work and does not believe that paying for someone to commute would solve the issue. Ms. Scott expressed concern about staffing at the nearby hospitals. She explained that the intersection across the street is already dangerous and this center would make it worse. She stated that security does not always work and is worried about people who may walk over to her neighborhood. Mr. Wallace introduced himself as having a master’s in counseling and experience working in the field of addiction treatment. He asked why it isn’t feasible to go in with other local addiction treatment centers instead of going in with a company who will be in Dumfries, VA. He said in his experience that he had a lot of court-ordered people who did not want to be there but a 30-day program is not a successful program. He stated that his biggest concern is that MSRC will be an absentee-owned business. He went on to say that he wants the company and its owners to be invested in the Town and community. Ms. Macedo stated that she lives in the community across the street and is an active registered nurse and is familiar with substance use treatment. Page 7 of 10 / July 11, 2022 She asked if the patients would be taking drug-assisted therapy treatment. She said that she does not want to experiment with the property values of their homes. She stated her concerns about not having a void and was pleased that MSRC stated that they planned to obtain accreditation. She then mentioned that she saw on the owner’s LinkedIn that he became interested after Virginia allowed financial incentives for Medicaid patients and makes her question the motives. She questioned what is going to make MSRC successful. She said that in every facility she has worked at there have been escapes. She continued on that the Town has been perceived as a haven for drug addicts and ended that she does not believe that placing a facility within the Town is the way to go. Mr. Seigfried stated that he had seen the same study regarding the housing values as Ms. Macedo mentioned. Ms. Lawton said that when she moved to Pulaski she heard about the drug problems but believes that the Town can find solutions and solve the problems. She said that she doesn’t know if she is for or against the center and sees the challenges but thinks it may be God’s plan to help others. Mr. Cox recalled when people did not want Volvo to come to the County but now it has benefited the area. He stated that there are people that will not get well until they have a place to go and said that the methadone clinic will not help people get better but it is an opportunity to good for people. He said that the issues people have are already issues. Mr. Meyer asked if there were any more speakers. With no more speakers, Mr. Meyer closed the public hearing. Mr. Conner asked if there was a requirement for MSRC to take court ordered patients. Ms. Dehorty stated that she does not know of any legislation that requires them to take court ordered patients. Mr. Conner asked if there are any medications similar to methadone that can be prescribed. Ms. Dehorty answered there are drugs that can be used for withdrawal management. Mr. Conner asked what the nursing to patient ratio is. Ms. Dehorty did not know if Virginia has a required ratio. Page 8 of 10 / July 11, 2022 Mr. Conner asked about visitation policies. Ms. Dehorty stated that visitations will only be on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm. Mr. Seigfried asked how many parking spaces there are at the building. Mr. Dehorty answered that there are more than enough parking spaces available. He clarified that this type of facility is not very transit. Mr. Wiegard stated that there are at least 75 spots. Mr. Seigfried thanked everyone for attending the planning commission meeting. Mr. Schrantz shared a personal story and that he is a volunteer firefighter and has experienced assisting people with drug overdoses firsthand. Ms. Dehorty stated that security has never been a problem and that people who are seeking treatment are wanting to get better. Mr. Seigfried motioned to recommend approval to Town Council of the special exception and Mr. Schrantz seconded the motion. The motion failed on the following roll call vote: Chairman Meyer – Nay Mr. Hale – Absent Ms. Jonas – Absent Mr. Hall – Nay Mr. Seigfried - Aye Mr. Conner – Nay Mr. Schrantz - Aye 5. Old Business a. Comprehensive Plan- Future Land Use Presentation Aphi from the regional planning commission was present to set up a date and time for a work session. After discussion between the commissioners 4:00 pm before the next planning commission meeting was settled on. 6. New Business Page 9 of 10 / July 11, 2022 7. Staff Report 8. Other Business Mr. Barbettini from Taking it to the Streets was present to discuss his interest in opening up a warming station within the Town of Pulaski. Mr. Barbettini requested the consideration of adding language into the zoning ordinance to allow the inclusion of a warming station. Mr. Meyer asked for clarification on a warming station. Mr. Barbettini answered that they will only be opened when it is 40 degrees or below and have housed people for five nights. He mentioned that there is a curfew and they will provide breakfast and a snack to take for the road and then come back from 6 pm to 8 pm. Mr. Meyer asked if the Town could regulate what Mr. Barbettini was asking due to his affiliation as a church. Mr. Rygas stated that what he is describing is not in the ordinance which is why it is not allowed. Mr. Sean, a local pastor spoke about his relationship and work with Taking it to the Streets and stated that they do not have the capacity to house people at night. He spoke highly of Mr. Barbettini ministry and said it would be a blessing to the community. Mr. Kilborne, a local pastor new to the area, stated that his church has had a partnership for a long time and said that it is clear that a difference is being made. Ms. Hall, a secretary at a local church, said it is a blessing for her when she is able to send people to Mr. Barbettini’s warming station. 9. Adjournment With there being no further business to discuss, Mr. Meyer adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Page 10 of 10 / July 11, 2022 ATTEST: Kevin Meyer, Chair __________________ Caroline Smith, Planner/Zoning Administrator/Secretary