RE: The Former VORCAC
(Village of Rivanna Community Advisory Committee)
Former? What Do You Mean?
County Staff, and Planning Director Charles Rapp, suggested to Supervisor Price to limit VORCAC meeting frequency, public participation, and agenda topics.
Ms. Price, wrote an email to VORCAC Chairman, Dennis Odinov (email is here) on April 5, 2022 notifying him that the agenda for the remainder of 2022 would be completely controlled by Staff. In addition, Mr. Rapp contended that as long as there were no new filings for development projects, VORCAC did not need to meet. This is not evident in the VORCAC governing documents. (Village of Rivanna Community Advisory Committee Fact Sheet, Committee Info, Rules of Procedure) Our meeting was canceled. Mr. Odinov was offended and outraged by this action and, after consideration, resigned from VORCAC.
Each of the remaining 6 VORCAC members resigned in turn, feeling restricted and questioning how to fulfill their role on this committee under such circumstances, with several refusing to keep their names on the committee simply to fill the requirement to have an advisory committee. (Letters are here)
How Did Supervisor Price Respond to That?
She has not provided a follow-up, but later announced publicly that the County would not be filling the vacancies on VORCAC.
So Now What?
Actually, it is better for the previous members of VORCAC because we can have the freedom to meet and communicate without the restrictions placed on County committee members by FOIA Rules [Freedom of Information Act].
You will now know us as – Village of Rivanna Citizens Action Group (VORCAG).
We have met and we will continue to bring you capsules of information and actions that affect our citizens. We will continue to include you as we learn what’s happening in our community. (Contact VORCAG)
We Do Have a Call to Action for You!
The current focus of the Staff and Supervisors is the required revision of the County Comprehensive Plan (revision website, Comp Plan links).
Since we no longer have representation by a community advisory committee, it is even more important that you stay informed and participate.
There is currently a survey soliciting your opinions regarding growth management in the county. It is important to include your comments in the space indicated if the pre-designated answers do not communicate your views. This survey will close July 17th so hurry and fill it in (here).
To ask questions or suggest topics, click here.
County contacts for VOR –
Supervisor Donna Price - dprice@albemarle.org
Planning Commissioner Fred Missel - fmissel@albemarle.org
Deputy Director of Community Development – Operations Charles Rapp - rappc@albemarle.org
Brought to you by – The Village of Rivanna Citizens Action Group (VORCAG) is dedicated to keeping you informed about development and growth issues in the Village of Rivanna (Rt 250 East) area.