Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 28, 1991 TAG: 9103010623
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: FINCASTLE LENGTH: Medium
Supervisors have said they want to stop dumping the clippings at the landfill in an effort to prolong the landfill's life span. They have discussed using a giant-sized compost operation to recycle clippings. But County Administrator John Williamson said it is not as simple as dumping the clippings in a field somewhere and turning them into compost. State permits are needed, and regulations must be followed, he said.
Chairwoman Wendy Wingo suggested leaving the clippings on the yard so they can work down through the grass and enrich the soil. Other board members, however, said they were not sure meticulous lawn keepers would agree to leaving the clippings.
The supervisors agreed that an educational program should preceed any change in the way grass clippings are handled.
On a related matter, the supervisors set March 18 for a public hearing on a state-mandated solid waste management plan.
In other business, the supervisors:
Adopted a resolution aimed at bringing cable television regulations closer to home. A resolution directed to Congress would place cable regulation in the hands of the State Corporation Commission rather than the Federal Communication Commission.
This resolution was prompted by complaints from some Botetourt citizens that the Tele-Media Co. has not extended service as it said it would and is not responsive to citizen complaints.
The supervisors also authorized that a letter be written to Tele-Media objecting to a recent increase in rates. Board members were miffed because two Tele-Media representatives said nothing about the increase when they attended the board's January meeting to answer complaints.
Tele-Media provides Botetourt with cable television under a franchise that does not expire until 1995. Board members also asked the commonwealth's attorney to report on whether the franchise can be canceled before then.
Asked Williamson and his staff to prepare a map of election district changes caused by population shifts that were reported in the 1990 Census.
Adopted changes in the county's six-year highway plan for improvements to secondary roads. Highway officials, however, said improvements are much at the mercy of the general economy and the state's widespread cuts in spending.
Appointed Norma Williams of Buchanan to represent Botetourt on the board of directors of the Mental Health Services of the Roanoke Valley. She succeeds John Petty, whose term expired Dec. 31.
Approved rezoning so that Roanoke can build a Crisis Intervention Center on the same property with the city's nursing home on Coyner Springs Road.
Approved a rezoning to allow Clayton Mobile Home Sales to enlarge its sales and service facility on U.S. 11 at Cloverdale. Members of the Cloverdale Civic League had opposed the expansion but told the supervisors they would not pursue their opposition as long as the company abided by its promise to keep the property free of junk vehicles.
by CNB