The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on a proposed
guideline document concerning Commission procedures related to the renewal of
oyster planting ground leases, as shown below. By November 23, 2020, the
proposed draft guideline document may be viewed on the VMRC web calendar at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm
(see web link to proposed guidelines below).
In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a special
public hearing by electronic communication means on the proposed guideline
document will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at 9:30 AM. In consideration
of Governor Northam�s Executive Orders and public safety, the public may only
participate in this meeting via video/audio conference. All persons interested
in commenting are highly encouraged to submit written comments prior to the
meeting. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission may meet by electronic
communication means without a quorum of the public body or any member of the
governing board physically assembled at one location as the Governor has
declared a state of emergency in accordance with � 44-146.17.
Public
comments on the guideline document should be provided to Ben Stagg, Director,
Shellfish Aquaculture Leasing and Mapping, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort
Monroe, Virginia 23651, or ben.stagg@mrc.virginia.gov, with the subject heading
"Commission Comments" by 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
Further
instructions for electronic meeting participation, public call-in information,
and the meeting web link will also be provided at
https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm in advance of the electronic meeting.
Guideline Document Concerning Oyster
Planting Grounds Lease Renewal Approval, Lease Renewal Denial, and Commission
Hearings for Lease Renewal Denials
The Commission proposes
adopt a guideline document concerning Oyster Planting Ground Lease renewals as
defined within the Code of Virginia � 28.2-613. The proposed guideline document
is to provide specific criteria the Commission shall consider when reviewing
lease renewals and provide for the framework for handling any lease renewal
denial decisions when appealed to the full Commission.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE ELLEN BOLEN, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (757-247-2269) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
