Regular Meeting – January 9, 2008
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, January 9, 2008, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: David R. Beyeler, Chairman
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Vice-Chairman
Wendell L. Coleman
Gerald W. Garber
Larry C. Howdyshell
Jeremy L. Shifflett
Nancy Taylor Sorrells
G. Chris Brown, Interim County Attorney
Dale L.Cobb, Director of Community Development
Joseph W. Davis, Director of Finance
John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, CMC, Executive Secretary
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 232nd year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Beyeler welcomed the citizens present and reminded them to remove their hats and turn off their cell phones.
Cristyn Ann Filla, an eighth grader at Stuarts Draft Middle School, led us with the Pledge of Allegiance. Cristyn enjoys reading and hopes to become a doctor.
Larry C. Howdyshell, Supervisor for the North River District, delivered invocation.
Chairman Beyeler welcomed Mr. Brown serving as an interim attorney for the County.
COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS FOR 2008 APPOINTED BY THE BOARD
On motion of Mr. Pyles, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, the Board made the following appointments:
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMISSION
Reappointed John C. McGehee and Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., to the Local Emergency Planning Commission for a one-year period.
EMPLOYER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (VIRGINIA EMPLOYMENT COMMISSION)
Reappointed Faith Souder to the Employer Advisory Committee for a one-year period.
AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT COMMITTEE
Reappointed Earl Reeves, Roger Hammond, Randy Roller, Joseph Zapotoczny, W.
Jean Shrewsbury and W. Douglas Riley and appointed Larry C. Howdyshell, Gerald W.
Garber, Clinton Martin and Clay Hewitt to the Agricultural and Forestal District Committee for a one-year period.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Appointed Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, David R. Beyeler, as Emergency Management Director.
COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS FOR 2008 APPOINTED BY THE BOARD
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CO-DIRECTOR
Reappointed John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator, as Emergency Management Co-Director.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Reappointed Fire Chief Bruce Crow as Emergency Management Coordinator.
ASSISTANT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Reappointed EOC Director Donna Good as Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Coleman and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
COMMITTEES FOR 2008 – APPOINTED BY THE CHAIRMAN
Mr. Howdyshell moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the following committees appointed by the Chairman be approved:
Emergency Services Committee: Larry C. Howdyshell and Jeremy L. Shifflett Property Committee: Gerald W. Garber and David R. Beyeler Parks and Recreation Liaison: Wendell L. Coleman Valley Program for Aging Services, Inc.: Nancy T. Sorrells Library Board Liaison: Jeremy L. Shifflett Recycling Committee Liaison: Nancy T. Sorrells Board & Commission Liaison: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr. General Assembly/VACo Liaison: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr. Governmental Opportunities Committee with Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro Liaisons: David R. Beyeler and Nancy T. Sorrells Rockingham/Augusta Liaisons: Larry C. Howdyshell and Gerald W. Garber Reassessment Liaisons: Wendell L. Coleman and Tracy C. Pyles, Jr. Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Howdyshell, Shifflett, Coleman and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
THE BIG READ MONTH
Doug Guynn, member of The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge (Foundation), had advised at a previous meeting that the Foundation was in the process of being transformed because of it being a private enterprise acting charitably for the entire community of Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro. The Foundation is engaging the community every week as it works on behalf of those who are generous and those who are in need—one instance is the “Big Read”. Mr. Guynn stated, “Reading transforms lives. We will launch for the first time in the history of Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro a ‘Big Read’ in which everyone in the community will get the chance to have a copy of and read a wonderful book called To Kill a Mockingbird. Through the lessons and discussions of To Kill a Mockingbird, we will remind ourselves about the lessons of life, the lessons of tolerance, and the lessons of justice. Reading transforms lives. We believe that it is part of our transformation and the continuing transformation of our community.” Mr. Guynn introduced Christiana Shields, Leader for the “Big Read”, to talk about the new event.
Ms. Shields announced that the Foundation received a $10,000 matching grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to promote throughout the month of March events around To Kill a Mockingbird throughout Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. The Foundation will be purchasing 1,000 books for distribution.
Events will be occurring throughout the month of March: The Augusta County Bar Association will be doing a mock trial; the Augusta County Historical Society will be having an exhibition at the Smith Center on “Reform on the Farm Extension Work in Augusta County during the 1930s”, in addition to lectures; ShenanArts will be doing a full production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Ms. Shields presented a proclamation before the Board for consideration. She added that there would be a kick-off event February 29, at 11:30 a.m. at the Augusta County Courthouse and invited the Board to attend.
Ms. Shields expressed interest in having an exhibition at the Government Center.
Information was distributed to the Board.
Ms. Sorrells added that this was exciting to have the community involved and noted that she had agreed to read a passage on the opening kick-off. The Augusta County Library is a big supporter of this event.
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, read the following Proclamation:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, an initiative of the national Endowment for the Arts (NEA), The Big Read is designated to bring communities together through literature; and WHEREAS, The Big Read aims to address the critical issue of declining literacy reading in America; and WHEREAS, aided by a strong sense of community and passion for the arts, Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro is one of 117 communities nationwide chosen by the NEA to participate in The Big Read program; and WHEREAS, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is the book upon which activities such as lectures, book discussions, and other special events are based; and WHEREAS, due in large part to the dedication of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, the Augusta County Public Library, the Staunton Public Library, and the Waynesboro Public Library, the citizens of Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro have joined together through literature to make The Big Read a success; NOW, THEREFORE, I, David Beyeler, Chairman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2008 to be The Big Read Month in Augusta County, Virginia.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board adopt the proclamation.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
ADULT BUSINESSES
Sharon Pettyjohn and Kim Wiseman asked for the Board to support the proposed Adult Businesses Ordinance including background criminal checks. They hoped that the Board would be proactive on the Ordinance. Chairman Beyeler noted that this issue has been referred to the Augusta County Planning Commission.
* * *
AUGUSTA COUNTY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Five speakers requested the Board’s support for an increase in teacher salaries in 2008-09. It was noted that the County ranks 71st in pay among Virginia’s 132 school districts. Virginia’s average teacher salary in 2006-07 was $44,727, placing the state 31st in the country. Concerns were expressed of the County losing good teachers because of its pay. Delilah West said that her teaching colleague Chris Loomis must work a second job to pay the basics for his family. Other speakers stated that they had to work a second job to meet their family’s needs. Karen Olivares, of the Virginia Education Association, mentioned that the Governor’s Budget has not included any line item to support salary increases for teachers. She realized that if the state budget does not include money to go directly to teachers’ salaries, it is going to fall upon the locality to provide money. She stated that the Virginia Education Association and Augusta County Education Association will be working with local legislators to encourage them to re-allocate resources at the state level to bring more money to K-12 schools in Virginia.
Ms. Sorrells noted that the 71st out of 132 referred to teachers’ salaries and asked what the ranking was for support and administrative personnel. Ms. Massie said that as a school system, in general, Augusta County was below the state’s average.
The following spoke: Andy Eckert, Delilah West, Mary Thomas, Amanda Massie and Karen Olivares.
Chairman Beyeler stated that this Board supports education and will do the best they can. He noted that last month, it was brought to the Board’s attention that four of the five high schools were ranked in the top 500 in the nation. “That doesn’t just happen at the high school level or the middle school or the elementary. It happens in the whole school system. For those of you who were a part of that, we thank you!”
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Howdyshell:
1. New year—New challenges! – Board needs to take a serious look at challenges – schools, basic services such as emergency services, sheriff’s department, etc. * * *
PERMIT REGULATION FOR POULTRY WASTE MANAGEMENT
2. Augusta County Farm Bureau Notification – The State Water Control Board and the Department of Environmental Quality are considering amending current regulations to require permits of anyone utilizing poultry litter as fertilizer. Comments must be submitted on January 11th.
Ms. Sorrells asked for more information. Mr. Howdyshell explained that it was a plea from the Farm Bureau Association statewide in an effort to help protect farm legislations that are against agriculture. Chairman Beyeler added that it is additional permitting from the State Water Control Board if you use over 10 tons of poultry litter. He opined that if this was approved, in the future there would be control of all animal waste. Ms. Sorrells asked what was the purpose of the permit. Mr. Garber explained that, at the moment if you had 200 acres of pasture land, you could get litter from people and spread it as you see fit. This would require you to have a permit even though you do not have any poultry. The stream of source would dry up because of having to have a permit. He noted that this was well-intentioned, but it was going to make a lot of people that currently receive litter and use it properly decide they do not need the hassle.
Mr. Howdyshell moved, seconded by Mr. Shifflett, that the Board authorize staff to submit comments in opposition of the restrictions.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Pyles:
1. Education concerns – Noted the recent renovations to both Stuarts Draft and Wilson Memorial High Schools and the construction of the new Wilson Middle School. He hoped the school district “will take a breath” on more construction projects. He said one way to increase teacher salaries is to look for cost savings in other areas, and he encouraged the educators present tonight to do so.
2. School traffic fatalities – Suggested School/Board of Supervisors/Law Enforcement/Parents and students dialog to be made aware of problems and ways of correcting the problems.
Ms. Sorrells:
1. Bioretention project at Greenville mini-mall has begun! It may take a year to finish.
2. Bookmobile – Suggested a branch in Middlebrook and will be discussed at a future meeting.
3. Took a Library tour of the new construction – “Very user-friendly – fun and cheery!” Mr. Shifflett: Looks forward to working with the Board. Thank you to speakers on education.
Mr. Garber: New Business – Craig Shop Gazette – Welcomed Editor and Publisher, Kay Frye.
Chm. Beyeler:
1. Speakers on Education – Thank you! Understands salary problems.
Encouraged them to speak to School Board and School Administration.
MOSSY CREEK CAFÉ & CATERING – DANCE HALL PERMIT
The Board considered request for a dance hall permit for the Mossy Creek Café’ & Catering located in Fishersville (Wayne District).
Ms. Austin advised that all requirements have been met for the dance hall permit. She mentioned that when the application was submitted, the ABC license had not been received; therefore, the application indicated that it had no ABC license. However, the license was delivered and the application now reflects that.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the request with revised application.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
RED LEAF LANE WATERLINE EXTENSION
The Board considered allocation of Middle River Infrastructure funds to extend waterline.
Funding Source: Middle River Infrastructure Account #80000-8012-53 $23,543 Mr. Coffield advised that this has been considered and approved by the Service Authority. Tonight’s request includes the proposed 6” water line at a cost of $33,163, of which $9,620 is Service Authority’s responsibility, and $23,543 is Augusta County’s responsibility. This will provide extension of water service to four residences in the Middle River District/Community Development Service Area.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, November 28, 2007 • Regular Meeting, Wednesday, December 12, 2007 • Special Meeting, Tuesday, December 18, 2007
CLAIMS
Approved claims paid since December 12, 2007.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following:
1. Erosion & Sediment Compliance Order report – proceeding and hopes to discuss at next Staff Briefing. Following the Board’s last meeting, Engineering and Surveying communities of Rockingham, Augusta County, Waynesboro, Staunton and Harrisonburg met with legislators.
2. Parks and Recreation Home Page – included many of the Board of Supervisors’ suggestions: Library programs; building addresses; Landfill Public Use Site; yard sale signs; inoperable vehicles; setback requirements; dogs and cats requirements for licensing; and Community Development issues.
3. Streetlights meeting – Currently mercury lights are being used and are being phased out– In the future sodium vapor lights will be used. Mr. Howdyshell added that the Governor has in place an Energy Plan Conservation which is to reduce energy usage. “With the growth that is anticipated, there is not enough to cover all the bases. A combination of several things is going to happen in the next couple of years. Conservation is going to be one of them. This is a step toward that to use less energy. I think we should lead by example.” He felt that this was going to be thoroughly discussed at General Assembly and will be more restrictive in the future.
4. Infrastructure Accounts – Updated report was distributed to the Board.
Chm. Beyeler commended Joe Davis, Director of Finance. “You have been a real asset and we are going to miss you.”
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Pyles seconded by Ms. Sorrells, the Board went into closed session pursuant to:
(1) the personnel exemption under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) [discussion, consideration or interviews of (a) prospective candidates for employment, or (b) assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation of specific employees]:
A) Boards and Commissions Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
On motion of Mr. Garber, seconded by Mr. Coleman, the Board came out of Closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Beyeler, Coleman, Sorrells Garber, Shifflett and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
The Chairman advised that each member is required to certify that to the best of their knowledge during the closed session only the following was discussed:
1. Public business matters lawfully exempted from statutory open meeting requirements, and 2. Only such public business matters identified in the motion to convene the executive session.
The Chairman asked if there is any Board member who cannot so certify.
Hearing none, the Chairman called upon the County Administrator/ Clerk of the Board to call the roll noting members of the Board who approve the certification shall answer AYE and those who cannot shall answer NAY.
Roll Call Vote was as follows:
AYE: Howdyshell, Garber, Shifflett, Coleman, Pyles, Sorrells and Beyeler NAY: None The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
AIRPORT COMMISSION – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board reappoint Gerald W.
Garber to another 3-year term on the Airport Commission, effective January 1, 2008, to expire December 31, 2010.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION – REAPPOINTMENT
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board reappoint Sally M.
Williams to another 4-year term on the Parks and Recreation Commission, effective January 1, 2008, to expire December 31, 2011.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, that the Board reappoint Douglas E.
Layman to another 4-year term on the Parks and Recreation Commission, effective January 1, 2008, to expire December 31, 2011.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
AUGUSTA COUNTY SERVICE AUTHORITY – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board reappoint Robert L. Evers to another 4-year term on the Augusta County Service Authority, effective March 16, 2008, to expire March 15, 2012.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator h:1-9min.08
