Meeting Minutes

February 18, 2007

George Parker, President and Tony Picardi, Vice-President presided over the meeting held at the Craddockville Church. Twenty-seven people attended. Laura Kern took the minutes.

George's message was that we have only begun our fight. Many things remain to be done and much that has been done may be undone if we don't have the stamina to continue. We are in the middle of the Comprehensive Plan review. A District 8-9 meeting was held Feb 8th and more than seventy people attended. Most people expressed concerns about conservation, protection, and good growth policies. Several plants from Chincoteague argued the pro-development position ineffectively. Most people strongly favored and supported responsible growth.

Things you should know:

WEBSITE:
Our website is back in business. To see the new mission statement and home page, visit www.saveournecks.com. If you have something you would like posted on our website, email Charlie Ross.

Since June, SONs has:
-Been instrumental in getting the minimum lot size changed to five acres or a
density of 1 in five.
-Been effective in shutting down subdivision applications since not one large
subdivision has been applied for since the ordinance change.

Meanwhile your Executive committee has:
-attended more than 65 public meetings.
-given over 200 three minute speeches.
-proven that our political capital is significant.
Looking ahead:
-We need to be committed to attending meetings, speaking publicly, and writing
  letters regarding the Comprehensive Plan.
-We need to have the Chesapeake Bay Act extended to the Seaside. At this
  point, the sea side has not been a focus for the Comprehensive Plan.
-Look for possible candidates for upcoming Board of Supervisor elections for
  districts 8 and 9. Our agenda is political. Mid June is the deadline for
  candidates to file.
-Prepare to get the "interim" out of Interim Ordinance. There is still work to be
  done. Zoning needs to be about what the land can support and not all land is
  created equally.

Volunteers:
We are a volunteer organization. We must have your help-even if for just a few hours a week. Don't sit on your hands and let others do the work for you. HELP!

We always need folks who are willing to donate some of their time to help out with:
-Processing and sorting information.
-Executing good ideas.
-Writing letters.
-Attending and Speaking at meetings.
-Focusing on specialized content.

Anyone passionate about a specific area?
To volunteer in any way, email:
Tony Picardi or by phone at 442-4481.

LAWSUIT:
The deadline for a response from the County is February 28th. The suit deals with straight procedural matters and details. Our lawyers do not anticipate that the County can respond in any other way than affirming what we have charged regarding improper terms and appointment procedures. For any questions, contact George directly.
Funds:
-We now have a volunteer for Treasurer. Thank you, Teri !!!

-SONs budget needs replenishment.
-Accomack County is now charging for every Freedom of Information Act
request.
-Legal bills will be a significant source of expenses
-Advertising will be significant again this year as we drive people to the new
Web site.
-SONs has not asked for money since last year.
-Anonymous donor has issued a challenge. Call for details.

Donations can be sent to
P.O. Box 543
Belle Haven, VA. 23306
Or
Call Teri 442-3110

Please get your checkbooks out. We ARE being effective through your help and support and your money is being spent in a good cause from which we all benefit.

Please remember the Board of Supervisor's meeting on Wednesday, February 21 at 7:00 at Metompkin Elementary School in Parksley. This meeting includes a Public Hearing on the Wachapreague Fire Department's request for a 20 acre rezoning. Some very interesting issues are at stake including more in the way of legal and procedural matters.

Don't forget to send your annual contributions - we need your help. More importantly- help us with your time.

Questions or Corrections about the minutes?
Call Laura Kern 442-6444
Questions about Policies and Procedures?
Call Wes Edwards 442-3110
Want to Volunteer?
Call Tony Picardi 442-4481