AGENDA DATE: 8/18/2021
TITLE:
Title
Proposed 2022 Legislative Priorities
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Consider the Proposed 2022 Legislative Priorities
ITEM TYPE: Consent Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Kamptner
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Each year the Board considers and approves a set of its legislative priorities to pursue in the upcoming General Assembly session. The Board held its first work session on its 2022 Legislative Priorities on July 7, 2021. Staff will return to the Board for its second work session on September 1, 2021.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: The discussion during the July 7 work session is summarized below:
* Civil penalties in lieu of criminal penalties and zoning civil penalties: At last year's Board meeting with the local General Assembly delegation, a member of the local delegation suggested that these two priorities be combined. A sample draft bill combining these priorities is provided as Attachment A. The Board did not reach consensus on Supervisor Palmer's suggestion that the right to attorney's fees be included. Staff does not recommend including attorney's fees in this proposed bill. The Board also did not reach consensus on whether a civil summons should be allowed to issue more frequently than once every 10 days for an ongoing violation. This limitation is found in the current State law enabling civil penalties for zoning violations. A middle ground may be to allow localities to issue summons more frequently than once every 10 days for violations that create risks to public health or safety, two concepts that would require further refinement.
* Farm buildings or structures: Although farm buildings are generally exempt from the minimum require...
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