Liz Barber

This updated strategic plan for Stafford County outlines actionable steps for the next five years, building upon a vision for 2040. It aims to foster a flourishing community for residents, businesses, and visitors, focusing on smart growth, high-quality education, workforce development, and a safe, desirable living environment. The plan's key strategic priorities include Transportation, Recreation, Public Safety, Education, Vibrant Business Community, Organizational Excellence, and Healthy Growth, supported by fiscally efficient local governance.

The meeting included a review and approval of New Business item COA22154563, which concerned the proposal to add a sign composed of 3mm white aluminum composite panel with laminated vinyl overlay at 104 West Cambridge Street, with the sign to be attached using tapcons into the mortar only. During Unfinished Business, members discussed and voted on adding a bylaw to permit remote participants to vote remotely, provided that at least two members are physically present to constitute a quorum.

The meeting included roll call confirming a quorum was present, although a newly appointed member was absent. Organization items for the Architectural Review Board (ARB), including the election of officers and review of By-Laws, Rules of Procedure, the 2021 Calendar, and the 2021 Work Plan, were tabled until the next meeting. Under new business, the Board unanimously approved Certificate of Appropriateness COA21153795 for Hartwood Presbyterian Church.

The meeting included an organizational segment focusing on the 2017 work plan, where the board decided to prioritize public presentations and approval of submittals. The main discussion involved the Aquia Church Lighting issue, stemming from a lighting survey conducted by the Chairman. Key points included debating whether to recommend removal of a modern pole light to maintain historic integrity as a National Historic Landmark and whether the ARB has the authority to enforce changes since the lighting plans were permitted without prior ARB review. A motion was passed to form a subcommittee consisting of two members to draft a formal letter to the authority having jurisdiction, indicating that the existing parking lot lighting design is deficient and detailing the procedural failure in obtaining prior ARB review. Staff updates covered the Barnes House COA, Ferry Farm progress including Phase I construction, receipt of the signed baseline report for the Counting House property, and the scheduling of the Falmouth Overlay public hearing.

Key discussions included the success of the St. Patty's Day Tournament hosted by Stafford Soccer, which resulted in significant local hotel bookings. The Commission recommended forwarding an Adult Soccer League Agreement for the Stafford Area Soccer Association to the Board of Supervisors for approval. Unfinished business focused on defining the term "Recreational," specifically debating whether the definition should explicitly include "practice opportunity" for the Stafford Baseball League agreement, and clarifying the distinction between recreational fees and subsidization of travel teams. Commission members also requested that future agendas include discussions regarding work on the Duff House and the potential relocation of Sports staff to the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center. Staff reports covered revenue comparisons and an article regarding Carson King.