Minutes 11-14-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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25 Michael Harvey said if the deadline is missed, or the change denied, the County will be suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program, which means local residents will not be able to purchase flood insurance. A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price to open the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS PUBLIC COMMENT: Bruce Lucas spoke about his land, and is need of help so that water will not stand on his land. He said he is in a flood plain. Commissioner McKee asked if this is a private road. Bruce Lucas said yes, it was established in 1954. Chair Dorosin asked if staff could provide some follow up to Mr. Lucas about his situation. Michael Harvey said he has spoken with Mr. Lucas, and a meeting can be set up to discuss further. June McWhorter said trees absorb a large amount of water, and cutting them down has significant impact. She said the onus should be on the County to notify new landowners not to cut trees within the buffer of streams/flood plains, and not leave it up to the realtors. Bud Shelton said his farm has some river frontage. He said the changes in the maps could impact him, and if he is required to buy flood insurance his property value may decrease. He said the information sent out by the County was very wordy, and beyond his understanding. He wants to make sure he is doing the right thing for his family and his property. Michael Harvey suggested that Mr. Shelton come by his office to discuss this further. He said the County cannot compel anyone to buy this insurance, but it is strongly suggestion. Jack Pless said he lives in a flood plain, and did not receive any letters from the Planning staff. He said he learned of the issue from a temporary road sign, which was very difficult to read. He encouraged staff to revise the signage about this topic. Franklin Garland said he did receive the notification, and assumes the included maps are the ones that will be adopted. He said flood plains have been increased in District 1 with the newly proposed maps. Michael Harvey said the County has to go by the new maps. Joyce Briggs said she received notification about her land being put in a flood zone, which it never has been before. Her family has lived on her property for three generations, and she is concerned that this will affect their property values. Commissioner Rich asked if there is a process to contact new landowners about tree cutting. Michael Harvey said no, and there is some responsibility on the part of the purchaser to inquire about any opportunities and constraints that may apply to their property. Commissioner Burroughs asked if a seller must disclose if a property is in a FEMA flood plain. Michael Harvey said yes. Commissioner Burroughs asked if the tax office takes a flood plain designation into consideration during a valuation. Michael Harvey said he would have to research this question. Commissioner Jacobs said an additional issue of notification arises when one purchases land next to an EDD. He said these types of issues should be discussed at some future point. Chair Dorosin said this is a worthy suggestion to pursue, and he said to consider this as a petition to add to an agenda at a later date. Lyndon Whitfield said his concern is whether the flood plain designation would devalue properties, and asked if a review is done of the maps.