MINUTES

VILLAGE OF ST. HELENA

PLANNING BOARD MEETING OF October 4, 2012

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Jimmy English.

There was no meeting held in September due to not having a quorum and reading of the minutes for August was dispensed.

There were quite a few people in attendance inquiring about the recent newspaper article concerning the possibility of a jail being built in the industrial section of St. Helena.  Mr. English informed those gathered that we did not have any more information than what had appeared in the newspaper and since no application for permits had been received, no action by the Planning Board was required.  Questions and comments were deferred until such time an application is received and the applicants were present to address the issues.  Mr. Corbett informed all those in attendance that government buildings in an Industrial Zone was a conditional use and the Planning Board would only be addressing specific conditions of said use.  Government businesses are exempt from paying taxes and St. Helena would not be receiving any tax revenues should the building of a jail proceed.  There is also the issue of sewer service which will need to be addressed in depth.  The Planning Board also expressed dismay over the fact that it was not previously informed of the possibility of a jail being built in St. Helena and that it felt it was being rushed to make decisions without being given ample opportunity to access and discuss the situation.

Mr. Corbett informed the Planning Board that removing Article 24 of the UDO might be a violation of the grant provisions.  Gerald Velie made a motion recommending that Article 24 be reinstated.  Melvin James seconded the motion and the motion was unanimously accepted.  Mr. Corbett also pointed out a mistake in the UDO which inadvertently referred to Brunswick County instead of St. Helena.  On motion by Teresa Coleman, seconded by Gerald Velie, it was unanimously decided to recommend a text change to correct the over site.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.