Posted Jul 8, 2008 at 8:05 AM
We need individuals with the technical skill and knowledge to match that of the developers. If all we have are generalists involved in the planning commission it would seem that it would be more difficult to argue technical points with developers and prevent things like the supposed Wal-Mart project in Blacksburg from occurring.
Posted Jul 8, 2008 at 11:29 AM
It seems that the appointments to the commission in the past have really had nothing to do with who is best qualified for the position, but rather who is best friends or well-liked by others in the "click." Hopefully, those days are over and certification would be best for future development.
Very few people have the scope of training necessary to perform these functions well. It is upon the shoulders of local government to make sure that the people in all of these areas get the training they need. With Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, you appoint then you see that they have the needed training. Sure the training cost money. But, if it prevents one Court case it will recoup any loses. Additionally, it serves to make sure that ALL people are treated equally and fairly. In a small Town it is hard to come up with names for appointments that are not known to you in some way. I really do not care who they know or are kin to so long as they have the training and perform the jobs ethically.
Posted Jul 8, 2008 at 12:29 PM
...like what Blacksburg taxpayers are paying for now? And the previous one, over Toms Creek sewer agreements???
Posted Jul 8, 2008 at 3:36 PM
Randy Wingfield is the Zoning Administrator and is certified by the State and has been for over a year. Lance Terpenny is also a Zoning Administrator and has been certifed. I also understand that several of our Planning Commissioners have also had proper training and I assume have also reached some level of qualification but an not sure. Personally, I am glad that our current Planning Commission is as diverse in their backgrounds as they are. We do derive a varied thought process from these people. I also think there is a similiar make up of diversity on the county level. Blacksburg, who knows.
Mr. Barber, there may be a mix up in communication. There is no State certification for Zoning Administrator. Perhaps they have been certified through some other agency or their certifications are related to something the State does regulate like building codes? I am not sure, but I am awaiting a response from Mr. Wingfield as to the levels of training and organizations. Thanks for you input. I agree that diversity on the Planning Commision is a very good thing. I do feel that it is in the Town's best interest to be sure they have the best possible training in order to perform their duties. I also feel like the Town Council should have the benefit of the Planning Commissioner training as well if they have not already received if they were among those members of the Council that moved up from the Planning Commission. But, the whole Planning Commission blog is coming in a couple of days. BZA is next on my agenda.
Posted Jul 8, 2008 at 4:40 PM
I had hoped to hear back from other sources for verification but there has been nothing so far. Since most of you know I do not like to ask questions I do not know the answer to, if you'll take a few moments to visit the VAZO site, you will find a list of all members. There are a total of 3 individuals who have completed the certification process. 2 of those are from Montgomery County (Steven Sandy and Dari Jenkins) 1 of those is from the Town of Christiansburg (Randy Wingfield). For additional information, Blacksburg shows 2 (Gred Dudash and Lisa Browning). I will let you know if I hear of any other information.
This is so kewl. I can send myself comments and if I don't like what I say I can delete me. KEWL!!!
Posted Jul 8, 2008 at 9:24 PM
What I should have said is that Mr. Wingfield has completed the courses necessary to be Certified Zoning Administrator which is one the positions he holds for the town. My point was simply WHATEVER is required, he has completed the necessary steps to become one. Lance also had the courses necessary be certified at one time and if not currently certified, my information is that he will complete the courses necessary. It never hurts to have more than one.
Nope it never hurts to have more than one, that's for sure. Mr. Wingfield might want a vacation now and then:) I am glad to hear that Mr. Terpenny will be completing the course as well.
Posted Jul 8, 2008 at 10:16 PM
You said before you want more citizen involved and now you question the volunteers qualifications. Do you know anything about the background or experience of the people of the planning group. You have talked about a lot of things you have done in jobs and thats supposed to count. Or I am missing somthing.
Yepper...the point is the training should be provided to any of these people. The individual backgrounds and experiences are invaluable. Having people with different backgrounds and life experiences serve on such groups is the best way I can think of to be sure that the best interest of all citizens are addressed. But, when you are talking about things that have the potential of leading to Court cases, you cannot have enough training. And, if that training is the same training that the majority of other jurisdictions have, that is all to the better. I went into the position of a child abuse investigator with a degree in nutrition, work experience as an EMT and paramedic, work experience in the mental health field and as a licensed counselor, and I had been trained and worked as a Guardian ad Litem. Those qualified me for the position but not to do the job. It got me hired, but I went through weeks of classroom training, weeks of on the job training with direct supervision, and then had regularly scheduled sessions of review and training on new laws as they arose. I applaud any citizen that gets involved. With these particular individuals, I feel it is important for the Town to show support by seeing that they are provided with the training needed. I do not think this should be paid for out of the individual's pocket. No, I strongly believe that the training for those willing to offer their time and support to the community, should be given the training to empower them to be the best that they can be. It is along the same lines of seeing that volunteer firefighters, EMT's, First Responders, etc. are all required to keep themselves certified and to obtain continuing education units.