Regular Meeting – March 26, 2008
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at 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
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Dale L. Cobb, Director of Community Development
Jennifer M. Whetzel, 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, March 26, 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.
Allison Corder, a senior at Riverheads High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Allison plans to go to Blue Ridge Community College and John Tyler Community College and become a mortician.
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Supervisor for the Pastures District, delivered invocation.
VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE WEEK – RESOLUTION
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, agriculture is the leading industry in Augusta County, generating approximately $143,914,000 in revenues annually; and WHEREAS, seventy percent of the taxable land in the county is used for agricultural production with Augusta County’s 1,691 farms encompassing 306,048 acres; and WHEREAS, ranked with other counties in Virginia, Augusta County is the first in the state for production of beef cattle and sheep; second in the state for the production of silage, barley, alfalfa, and total cows; and third in the state for dairy cows; and WHEREAS, agricultural products from Augusta County have achieved an international reputation through the exporting of products including beef and poultry; and WHEREAS, agriculture in Augusta County provides the citizens of the county with fresh, delicious and healthy products at farmers markets, pick-your-own farms, and other retail outlets; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors desires to increase income of the farmers in the county, generate businesses that will add to the local and regional economies, and promote the health of its citizens; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors recognizes March 16-22, 2008, as Virginia Agriculture Week in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEES’ PERFECT ATTENDANCE – 2007
The following employees achieved perfect attendance for 2007. There are approximately 420 employees currently participating in the County’s annual and sick leave program.
There were a total of 57 employees who did not miss a day in 2007. For 2006 the total was 59; 2005 – 69; 2004 – 57; 2003 – 76; 2002 – 74; 2001- 67; 2000 – 68; and 1999 – 64.
Chairman Beyeler commended these employees for their outstanding service:
Elizabeth M. Hearn (13) John Cook Rita R. Austin (2) Virginia Jones Hillary Brooks Jonathan Sholes Heather Parr Ron Sites Tony W. Shifflett (9) Linda T. Beathe (8) Brandi Davis Granville W. Wiseman (2) Dwayne “Rusty” Sprouse (2) John Wilkinson (2) Sharon Curry Jerome M. Orlando (5) Michael T. Swortzel (7) Alice Henrichs Jeremy Sharp Suzanne Goings Eddie Carter (2) Adam Nulty Jackie Nash Becky Lovegrove Amanda Holloway (2) Angela Jones Lisa Hovland Derek T. Almarode (6) Tom McComas (2) Dolores E. McClanahan Anthony Ramsey Wes Breeden Nelson Ailer Donna Good Michael Roane (2) Donald “Carson” Holloway (3) Jonathan Knight Troy Campbell Adam D. Morris (3) Jaime Marshall Leslie Snyder (2) Steven Henderson Glen D. Hanger (3) John Howard Travis Moyers (2) Nathan Ramsey (5) C. J. Smith (3) Doug Wolfe Dennis Wayne Hupman Brian Jenkins John Larner Jeff Hurst Aaron M. LeVeck (4) Travis Halterman Phil Sibold, Jr. Donald L. Smith (4) Michael L. Johnson (3) Ken Jacobsen (9)
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
Chairman Beyeler recognized the following individuals and expressed his appreciation in their outstanding work to enable the County to be a better place to live:
Joe Davis – Valley Community Services Board Charles Dillow – Industrial Development Authority Mona Huffer – Library Board Ron Sites – Valley Program for Aging Services Justine Tilghman – Planning Commission Vice-Chairman Pyles presented certificates to those individuals who were present.
Mr. Dillow stated that he had been a resident of Augusta County for 47 years and served 12 years on the IDA and appreciated having that time to serve Augusta County.
MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE DECALS – ORDINANCE
This being the day and time advertised to consider an ordinance to amend the Code of Augusta County, Virginia, to repeal the vehicle and motorcycle license tax and decal and to change the tangible personal property tax rate.
W. Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue, and Richard T. Homes, Treasurer, were present to answer questions. Ms. Shrewsbury stated that previously the Board had asked staff to review different ways that the County might eliminate the decal from the tax roll. The committee looked at three options:
1. Vehicle Registration Fee 2. Changing Personal Property rate to offset the loss of revenue from decals 3. Push revenue into the general reassessment on to real estate.
Staff evaluated all three of those options and previously came before a work session and described the pros and cons of those options. The Board asked that Ms. Shrewsbury go through the options that had previously been discussed. She high- lighted the following:
1. Vehicle Decals:
a. 2007-08 Budgeted Revenue = $1,890,000 b. Eliminate decal and maintain revenue source 2. Three proposed Options:
a. Change the Decal to a Motor Vehicle Registration Fee b. Increase the Personal Property Tax Rate on Vehicles and Motorcycles to offset the $25 decal fee c. Use a portion of the general reassessment dollars to offset the $25 fee 3. Under the Registration Fee:
a. Would continue the current system whereby the Treasurer must collect a separate tax within the Treasurer collection software for Vehicle Registration and Personal Property b. Adds the responsibility for determining when a registration fee is required in the Commissioner’s office c. Adds another level of audit/assessment requirements into local government without producing any additional revenue d. People do not want or appreciate additional government red tape 4. Current Decal Operation:
a. Treasurer receives Personal Property book from Commissioner by September 1st b. Book contains vehicles owned by residents on January 1 of that year c. Treasurer uses Personal Property records to add a zero record to cash drawer d. When taxpayer decides to purchase decals they indicate which vehicles they still own and wish to purchase a decal to operate (currently receives approximately 5,000 changes a month of vehicles in Augusta County of people selling vehicles and/or purchasing new vehicles) e. No accounts receivable fee is set up in the County treasury system until the taxpayer comes in to purchase the decal 5. Change to a Vehicle Registration Fee:
a. Vehicle Registration Fees will have to be assessed during the Personal Property Book process b. Assessment for Personal Property is as of January 1 and does not delete vehicles sold after the beginning of the year or add in vehicles purchased after January 1 c. Commissioner’s responsibility is to assess whatever is owned on January d. County attorney has verified that vehicles that are not currently licensed cannot be assessed a vehicle registration fee e. This will create an additional layer of audit/assessment to determine whether a vehicle is currently licensed f. Mistakes will be made that will require staff to interact with the taxpayer to verify that while the vehicle was owned on January 1, it is not being driven, so an exoneration will be necessary 6. Increase Personal Property Rate to offset $25 Decal Fee:
a. Does not add any additional layers of government requirements b. Rate increase can be applied to just the cars, trucks, and motorcycles without changing all other classes of Personal Property c. While the change will not be revenue neutral for each individual car, the change for a family with multiple vehicles can be negligible 7. Personal Property Tax Rate:
a. Current Personal Property Tax Rate = $1.90 b. $1,890,000 Decal Revenue c. Increase required to offset decal = 35¢ d. New Personal Tax Rate = $2.25 e. Waynesboro Effective Tax Rate = $2.50 f. Staunton Effective Tax Rate = $2.00 g. Augusta Effective Tax Rate = $1.46 h. Proposed Effective Tax Rate = $1.73 8. Reserve part of General Reassessment dollars to offset decal:
a. County will complete General Reassessment in 2008 to be effective 2009 b. Revenue of $1,890,000 could be reserved to offset the elimination of decals.
9. Samples of different types of Taxpayers were displayed indicating newer vehicles showing an increase in the tax; older vehicles showing a decrease. She pointed out that, while it is not revenue neutral per vehicle, if you have a blend (which most family do), the blends can show a negligible increase and in a lot of cases decrease. The overall goal is to take the $1,890,000 and distribute it into the Personal Property Tax Rate.
Mr. Homes added that during the selling of the decals the past few weeks, it has been asked when the decals would be eliminated. He felt this to be a wise decision on the Board to pursue and is the most practical solution to eliminate the decal.
Chairman Beyeler has asked Ms. Shrewsbury to research how many vehicles had been sold in the last year. Ms. Shrewsbury reported that she and Mr. Homes had researched the last two years to determine how many decals were sold before the end of the year—between October 1st and December 31st and learned that it was 60% of the sales; between January 1 and the due date of April 1, it is the other 40%.
The Chairman declared the public hearing open.
David Gordon supported eliminating the decals but felt that the sales tax should be increased instead of increasing Personal Property taxes. “By increasing the sales tax, all residents would help pay for the County’s needs instead of just those who own vehicles.” Ronnie Dameron supported eliminating the decals but expressed concern about having to pay a double tax this year because he already purchased a sticker that does not expire before the ordinance takes effect. He suggested it being prorated the first year.
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, explained that it was being considered as a fiscal year instead of a calendar year. If you look at it from July to June 30th, it would be in the different budget years. Mr. Dameron also questioned how County residents will be able to access the landfill without their decal. Chairman Beyeler said that the Board has not made a final decision on that issue. He noted that if it becomes a problem, landfill stickers would be available.
J. Donald Hanger, former supervisor, commended the Board for finally eliminating the decals. He said that he had sat on the Board for 12 years trying to get rid of the stickers.
There being no other speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board adopt the ordinance.
Mr. Pyles stated that the County cannot increase the sales tax; that is only allowed by the State. Many did not want it on real estate. He pointed out that the $1.8 million annually is $1.8 million worth of tax deductions that were not formally available. This can be itemized on your taxes. As far as the landfill, he reported that 90% of the trash is from Augusta County residents. He mentioned that it is “divvied up” by a formula and would not be affected very much. He felt that this was a reasonable and fair solution that would eliminate costs such as mailings and additional staff.
Chairman Beyeler clarified that it was 90% of vehicles are Augusta County residents that go into the landfill.
Mr. Coleman stated that this has been thoroughly reviewed before making tonight’s decision. He added that his district was willing to pay more to eliminate the decal. He strongly opposed placing a sticker on the vehicle for landfill access.
Mr. Howdyshell stated that whatever the Board did, there were always plusses and minuses and that the plusses for this issue outweighed the minuses. “When we can streamline government and we can save money, I think that is the way we need to go.” He suggested amending the motion.
Mr. Howdyshell moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells that the Board adopt the following ordinance and change the tangible Personal Property rate to $2.25:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF AUGUSTA COUNTY,
VIRGINIA, TO REPEAL THE VEHICLE AND MOTORCYCLE LICENSE
TAX AND DECAL AND TO CHANGE THE TANGIBLE PERSONAL
PROPERTY TAX RATE
WHEREAS, the Decal fee is frustrating for citizens; and WHEREAS, the effort to administer, sell and apply the decals is time-consuming and problematic; and WHEREAS, the cost of local government to administer the decal program is in excess of $30,000 annually; and WHEREAS, the long lines prior to the March 31st decal deadline are onerous for citizens and staff; and WHEREAS, the citizens have clearly indicated their desire to eliminate the decal system; and WHEREAS, the County is dependent upon the revenue generated from the decals ($1.9 million annually); and WHEREAS, the system to enact a “registration fee” would require the institution of a formal audit system; and WHEREAS, the State Code limits vehicle registration fees to currently state licensed vehicles excluding any and all vehicles exempted by the State (antique, farm, active military and collectibles); and WHEREAS, the revenue from decals can be more effectively generated from the Tangible Personal Property (TPP) tax; and WHEREAS, the decal fee is not recognized as a Federal/State itemized deduction and, by combining the decal fee into the TPP tax rate, it can become eligible for Federal/State tax deductions; and WHEREAS, the elimination of the Decal will not hinder collection of delinquent personal property taxes because the State DMV provides Augusta County with periodic computerized printouts of all County licensed vehicles and delinquent accounts can be settled by using debt set-off with State income taxes as well as traditional collections methods available to the Treasurer under the Code of Virginia.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia, that Sections 14-51 – 14-60 of the Code of the County of Augusta County, Virginia, be and are hereby repealed effective March 31, 2009; and NOW, FURTHERMORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia, that the tangible personal property tax rate in Augusta County shall be changed from $1.90 per hundred to $2.25 per hundred upon the effective date of this Ordinance.
This Ordinance unless otherwise specified herein shall become effective upon enactment.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried as amended.
Ms. Sorrells stated that “you got your money’s worth from the Commissioner of Revenue and Treasurer to eliminate the sticker. It is far more complicated than that. They did their homework and presented us with a lot of different options and researched the Tax Code and tried to come up with something that was going to be fair to the citizens and was not going to hurt us revenue-wise, just trying to be as revenue-neutral as possible.” She agreed that this was a positive thing for the County.
Mr. Shifflett stated that there was a lack of public input on this issue.
Mr. Dameron stated that he was unaware of the elimination of decals until it was advertised.
Mr. Howdyshell clarified that the Personal Property tax was only going to be raised on vehicles and motorcycles for the next fiscal year.
(END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC – NONE
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following:
CENTRAL SHENANDOAH PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION NOMINATION
Mr. Howdyshell moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board nominate Tracy C. Pyles, Jr. to serve another two-year term on the Executive Committee of Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, effective July 1, 2008, to expire June 30, 2010.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Pyles: “Year of the Bison” – Resolution of achievement.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board authorize staff to draft a resolution of achievement for the Bison.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
COMMUNITY POLICY AND MANAGEMENT TEAM
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board appoint Jennifer Whetzel to serve as a liaison member on the Community Policy and Management Team.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
Ms. Sorrells: Valley Program for Aging Services – Meals on Wheels – Very eye-opening experience! Statistics on an annual basis: 2,200 hot meals; 15,000 frozen meals; 300 cases of supplements; 360 box meals (do not have freezer space). In addition to the meals, VPAS serve County residents with personal care such as bathing, dressing, etc., and home help such as house-cleaning, dishes, laundry, etc. Great program!
Chairman Beyeler:
1. Property viewed in the South River District on Monday. Mr. Morgan commented that one of the questions asked was whether or not, under the current ordinance, the conditions could be considered harmful to health or safety of residents. The property has been inspected by members of the Health Department who did not find a health hazard. When the property was viewed, branches were down on the ground. Since then it has been looked at by the Fire and Rescue professionals who feel that it may create problems for them if they are called upon to put out a fire in that vicinity. Mr. Morgan suggested that a notice be sent out requesting it to be cleaned up or action will be taken. Chairman Beyeler agreed that a letter should be drafted. Mr. Shifflett felt that, before getting into a legal battle, a letter should be sent out.
Mr. Shifflett moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the County Attorney draft a notice requesting that the property owner clean up the property on Flint Mountain Drive in the South River District.
Mr. Coleman felt that it was inexcusable for property to be trashed up in this manner in a subdivision.
Mr. Pyles felt that it was okay to ask people to clean up their property, but if it is stated because of Fire and Rescue not having access to the property if needed, rationale is not about limbs in the yard; it is about bags of items on the front porch.
He expressed concerns of consistently applying the power of the government. He could not support the motion.
Ms. Sorrells echoed Mr. Pyles. She agreed that it was not a good situation. She stated there were more similar instances that staff was unable to keep up with. She worried about being subjective in how it is enforced and suggested that it be considered in the ordinances. She noted that many of the properties are zoned General Agriculture. She felt that this was going to be hard to enforce and very subjective. She would not be able to support the motion.
Mr. Garber suggest that a letter be drafted and reviewed by the Board before mailing. It was the consensus of the Board to consider letter at the April 9th meeting.
Mr. Coleman asked for clarification on how this incident got to this point. He realized that the County currently has an ordinance and staff is charged with applying the ordinance. He stated that he does not ever remember conducting a viewing of property on these type of problems. Chairman Beyeler stated that he has received numerous complaints from the neighborhood. He also had a problem concerning property rights and was reluctant in getting involved and had hoped that it would improve over time. He said that staff has viewed the property and ordered that grass be cut. She would clean up at the time of the request, but within a period of time, the problem would reoccur. He pointed out that removal of garbage, grass, etc., was in the ordinance. The Health Department has visited the property twice and determined that it was not a health hazard and stated that the County needed to clean it up. The County’s position is that they do not clean the property up unless it is declared a health hazard.
Mr. Howdyshell asked if Chairman Beyeler has spoken with the property owner personally. Chairman Beyeler said that he had spoken to the property owner and was not welcomed. Chairman Beyeler felt that the adjacent property has been depreciated because of this issue.
Mr. Pyles pointed out that there were worse problems out in Augusta Springs. He did not feel that the issue should be considered just because of the particular neighborhood. “How is it going to look when the government goes in and pulls these items off their yard and they’re screaming about it? We’re going to look pretty bad! This doesn’t warrant our time. Neighbors need to get along with neighbors.” Chairman Beyeler said this was not the case.
Mr. Morgan agreed that a letter should be drafted and reviewed before the Board before mailing.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board authorize staff to draft a letter for review by April 9th.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
2. Augusta County Seal – Displayed a small framed seal that he would like to present to Chris Brown, who served as interim County Attorney.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve presenting the County seal to Mr. Brown.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE – UPDATE
The Board received a presentation by Augusta County representative regarding update on Blue Ridge Community College activities.
Dr. Perkins presented an information packet to the Board members and introduced Ben Carter and Bruce Bowman, who are members of the Blue Ridge Community College Board and representatives for Augusta County. Dr. Perkins shared with the Board a report for Fall 2007. He noted that in 2007, there were 707 High School graduates; of those 707 graduates, 155 chose to attend Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) following their June graduation (22% of the High School graduates). In the Fall of 2007, BRCC served 1,093 Augusta County residents in credit courses (7.16%). He mentioned that BRCC provided a shuttle service making access available to individuals who, otherwise, would not be able to come to BRCC. On-line and hybrid education is available on the internet. An annual report was included in the information packet, which included testimonials from graduates. A brochure of the Fine Arts Center was included in the packet. Dr. Perkins also did a short PowerPoint presentation on the “New Initiatives at Blue Ridge Community College”.
Chairman Beyeler mentioned that Dr. Bob Baldygo with BRCC was also present.
Mr. Pyles commended BRCC for providing vocational education such as nursing and asked if this could be incorporated in a long-term veterans care facility in Fishersville that the County is considering. Dr. Perkins said that would be a great opportunity for the well-qualified students. If this facility would have clinical opportunity for the students, it would give them more flexibility to increase the size of the program. Mr. Pyles asked if Dr. Perkins would submit a letter stating that if there were clinical opportunities available, the College would be interested in participation.
Mr. Coleman said, “The proof is in the pudding! It’s a quality program throughout the state.” Chairman Beyeler commended the two-year program and guaranteed admission transfer. “It allows some kids to stay home and also reduces costs, but are guaranteed to transfer if they make the grades.”
COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY
The Board considered memorandum of understanding and resolution to partner with Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro to create regional agency. Also, to consider submittal of letter of support to Governor.
Mr. Coffield advised that the Board received a briefing at the Staff Briefing on Monday.
The following was a revision suggested at the Staff Briefing:
Augusta County
COMMUNITY ACTION
FY07-08 FY08-09
Expenditures Expenditures 92030-5659 Augusta Free Clinic $ 2,675 $ 2,675 92030-5661 Blue Ridge Legal $ 3,832 $ 3,832 92030-5665 VPAS (partial) $ 32,670 $ 16,320 92030-5669 New Directions $ 16,370 $ 16,370
92030-5704 CASA $ 2,600 $ 2,600
92030-5715 Verona Food Pantry $ 20,300 $ 20,300 33030-6015 OOY (09 increase) -0- $ 12,600 51010-5601 Dental (partial) $ 56,771 $ 15,401 Schools Headstart $ 40,277 $ 47,602 $175,495 $137,700 FY07-08 Revenue FY08-09 Revenue County /Schools $175,495 100% $ 30,600 17% Fed/State -0- 153,000 83% $175,495 100% $183,600 100% Revenues $183,600 Expenditures 137,700 Adm. & Discretionary $ 45,900 (25%) Other considerations:
1) 15-member Board (5/5/5) 2) Augusta County Representatives:
• 2 Government reps • 2 Business reps (initially) 3) 60-day versus 90-day withdrawal Chairman Beyeler also mentioned that it was discussed on Monday that a letter needed to be submitted to the Governor asking him to make the adjustments so that the program would be available to the County.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board adopt the following resolution and authorize a letter to be submitted to Governor Kaine requesting the local proportional share funding to establish the Regional Community Action Agency:
AUGUSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DESIGNATION OF
THE COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF
STAUNTON, AUGUSTA, AND WAYNESBORO
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Section 2.2-5400, et. seq., of the Code of Virginia, known as the Community Action Act, establishes the power and duties of a Community Action Agency; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 2.2-5407(C), of the Code of Virginia, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia may designate a new Community Action Agency to serve the area encompassed by the City of Staunton, County of Augusta and the City of Waynesboro, (hereinafter, the “Localities”); and WHEREAS, the Shenandoah Valley Social Services Board of Directors, on January 22, 2008 directed Department Directors Carol Blair and Elizabeth Middleton to complete a Community Action Agency Application to be made available to the Shenandoah Valley Social Services Board of Directors for review, approval and submittal prior to submittal to the Virginia Department of Social Services in order to receive funding for FY 09; and WHEREAS, the above-mentioned Department Directors have offered CAP-SAW as the name of this entity which will be administered by a CAP–SAW Coordinator; until such a Coordinator is employed by the Board for the purposes addressed herein, the Director of the Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth shall serve as CAP–SAW Coordinator; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors for the County of Augusta has considered this matter and finds that the establishment and operation of a Community Action Agency will benefit the citizens of Augusta County, and desire to have the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia designate the CAP- SAW as the Community Action Agency to serve the area encompassed by the Localities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that subject to the aforementioned designation by the Governor, and/or other designation as may be required by law, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors agrees to the establishment of CAP-SAW in accordance with the Community Action Memorandum of Agreement, with said Agreement attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors agrees to partner with the City of Staunton and the City of Waynesboro in pooling their Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds that will be allocated towards this initiative and to contribute their share of matching funds necessary to draw down CSBG funding; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the County of Augusta recommends the designation of a Community Action Agency, by resolution, to be forwarded to the Virginia Department of Social Services in order to develop the Agency and funding plan to be forwarded to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for recommendation to the Governor for designation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Augusta hereby authorizes the County Administrator to endorse the attached Community Action Memorandum of Agreement, or a document substantially similar thereto.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman Beyeler asked if Mr. Coleman and Mr. Shifflett would serve on this committee. They both agreed to serve. Chairman Beyeler suggested that the third person on the committee come from Social Services. He also reminded the Board that three appointments were needed on the Business level and suggested that those appointments be made at the April 9th meeting.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD PLAN
The Board considered NACo prescription drug card plan and authorized County Administrator to sign agreement with NACo.
John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator, advised that this plan was discussed at the Staff Briefing on Monday. He stated that this program provides up to 20% cost off of the retail value of prescription drugs. This card is free to the citizen, the County, and can be used at over 57,000 pharmacies nationwide. Mr. Pyles had asked about persons who do not have cards through their health insurance plan. Mr. McGehee spoke with the pharmacist at the Rite-Aid in Verona and learned that 5% did not have cards. The pharmacist noted that some drugs are not covered through the Medicare Part D (some of the cold-type prescriptions) and could be covered through this plan. He also noted that some people were interested in the discount for pet drugs.
Mr. Garber felt that this would be of great help to those who needed it the most.
Mr. McGehee mentioned that the contract would also need to be endorsed. Patrick J.
Morgan, County Attorney, is in the process of working with the NACo people in Washington on the agreement.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the prescription drug card plan and authorize the County Administrator to sign the contract.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. McGehee noted that after the contract is received in NACo in Washington, it will take about ten weeks before the cards are distributed to the County. During that period of time, a plan will be needed to determine the process of distribution.
FISCAL YEAR – 2008-09 ARTS GRANT
The Board considered submission of Arts Grant to state for the following programs:
STATE COUNTY TOTAL
Staunton/Augusta Art Center $1,583.33 $1,583.33 $3,166.66 ShenanArts 1,583.34 1,583.34 3,166.68 Stonewall Brigade Band 1,583.33 1,583.33 3,166.66 Shenandoah Valley Art Center 250.00 250.00 500.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 Rita Austin, Executive Secretary, stated that this had been discussed at the Staff Briefing on Monday and is included in the proposed budget for 2008-2009.
Representatives were present to answer questions.
Mr. Howdyshell clarified that this comes out of the Tourism account.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Shifflett, 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. Howdyshell moved, seconded by Mr. Shifflett, that the Board approve the following consent agenda:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meeting:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 12, 2008.
BEAGLE GAP, PRELIMINARY PLAT
Approved Beagle Gap, Preliminary Plat, located adjacent to Beagle Gap Forest Subdivision, Section 3 (Wayne District).
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following:
1. Economic Development Strategic Plan – Dale L. Cobb, Director of Community Development, distributed the Professional Services Agreement do the Board.
Mr. Cobb advised that the consultants have asked for a list of industries. Top 10 industries to be prioritized and interviewed. Other groups to be interviewed: Chamber of Commerce, Shenandoah Valley Partnership, commercial and industrial developers, commercial realtors, etc. A list been provided for consideration. Mr. Cobb suggested that a committee be created to consider who to be interviewed. The site selection group will be in Augusta County April 7th through April 11th. They are making a presentations to the Board of Supervisors on April 9th and IDA on April 11th and would like to meet with individual Board members on April 8th or 9th. Mr. Coleman volunteered to be on that committee because of his experience on the Shenandoah Valley Partnership. Chairman Beyeler suggested that he and Mr. Garber serve on this committee because the majority of the industry is in Weyers Cave and Stuarts Draft. Mr. Cobb suggested calling the individual Board members to schedule meetings with the consultants on April 9th.
2. General Assembly Update given by Mr. McGehee. Ms. Woods had an 82- page document listing bills that had been passed or carried over relating to local government available to the Board. A 5.4% Reduction to Aid to Localities (by service area) document was distributed to Board.
3. 15th Annual Augusta County Spring Clean-up – April 12 – 19, 2008 4. Household Hazardous Waste Day – Waynesboro Shops – April 19th – 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
5. Landfill Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – April 11th @ 10:00 a.m.
6. Parks and Recreation Annual Report distributed to Board 7. “Buckle Up and Save Your Life” flyer from Augusta County Sheriff’s Office distributed to Board.
8. School Board budget will be delivered to Board either Thursday or Friday.
Presentation will be given April 9th.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board adjourn 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:/minutes3-26min.08
