The
Virginia DCR has a lot of great information on the internet. I have put links to their site on the webpage
"empowering citizens" so that any citizen with computer access can go to the source for information. One of the neatest things on the site is a
Model Ordinance for Stormwater Management.This model ordinance is a simple, easy to use device that provides an outline for any jurisdiction to add to their Code for the management of stormwater runoff. It is very informative for the average citizen as a way to see what the law allows a jurisdiction to do in terms of protecting property and the environment.
I have heard so many issues about flooding and erosion problems brought before counil, I thought it might help is citizens had a better understanding of what some of the guidelines and issues are.
Other documents on that main
DCR Stormwater Management Program site, will provide you with lots of information about what is legal and what isn't, what the penalties are, what tests and inspections are to be done, etc. All, in all, a really neat source of information. (And you thought I only read the Town Codes:)
It was pure accident that I ran across this site just before a Public Hearing is scheduled with the Town Council to amend Chapter 10 of the Town Code: Erosion and Sediment Control. You can see the current version at the
citizen's website.Since the Town Council has established a new mandate for public meetings (note the new information on the agenda form) that allow a person to speak up only one time during each of the times designated for public input, if you have any concerns about the issue of stormwater (especially flooding and erosion issues), do your homework now. Do a bit of reading ahead and make your question count. If you have friends with similar problems, get together before hand and come up with a list of questions, make sure that you have one person present for each and every question that you want presented. Me? I'm working with a couple of people with English degrees to see how to grammatically present one question that presents as many as 20 subquestions in it....just kidding.....maybe:) I do so love a challenge.
To see the new criteria whereby citizens are allowed to speak to council go to the citizen's webpage for the 2008 Town Council and Planning Commission Notices and Agenda. It is found on the next to last page (bookmarked as 11/18/08 TC Agenda) just below the heading. I will concede the point that there are plenty of times when one comment is more than adequate to get the point across. I hope the Council will allow some latitude where there are highly controversial issues such as changes in zoning, conditional use permits, or ordinance changes. Otherwise, you could have a situation where I make one statement about something like an ordinance change, someone else makes a statement, and I may have additional relevant information to present. Town Council members do not need to be tied down with a lot of comments that are off topic but sometimes more needs to be said on the topic. And, we definitely do not need verbal warfare (that does take a minimum of 2 people by the way) when egos and personalities get in the way.
Please try to remember that the Town Council is bound by law/code, not by opinion. The outcome that they reach may not be what you would like. Sometimes the law/code and what people want are not the same. That's the time to change the law/code not to blame and fault the Town Council. (There is also information on that empowering citizens page for how to use petitions to change codes.)
Happy reading!