Regular Meeting – October 9, 2013
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Jeffrey A. Moore, Chairman
Larry J. Wills, Vice-Chairman
David R. Beyeler
David A. Karaffa
Marshall W. Pattie
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Michael L. Shull
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance
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, October 9, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 238th year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Moore welcomed the citizens present.
The following seniors at Riverheads High School, led us with the Pledge of Allegiance:
Jacob Ritter, John Weeks, David King, Sam Goodson, Nathan Eye, Dakota Boyers, Kyle Bishop, Allie Booth and Ryan Henry.
Ryan participates in baseball and hopes to attend college and continue playing baseball. John plays football and baseball and hopes to become a diesel mechanic.
Allie plays music and hopes to attend college. Dakota plays football and hopes to attend Virginia Tech for a two-year Ag program. Sam is the kicker for the football team.
He also plays soccer and hopes to attend college and possibly study some type of engineering and continue playing football. Nathan plays football and hopes to attend college and become an RN. Jacob enjoys playing music and hopes to go to college for MasCom and get a job in advertising and broadcasting. Kyle plays baseball, basketball and golf and hopes to attend Virginia Tech into an Engineering program. David plays football and basketball and would like to attend a college for a Business degree.
Larry J. Wills, Supervisor for the Middle River District, delivered invocation.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC – NONE
ROUTE 636 – BIKEWAY/PEDESTRIAN EXTENSION
The Board received public input on proposed Route 636 bikeway/pedestrian extension (80/20 State/Local funding).
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development, advised that two applications for VDOT MAP-21 Transportation Alternatives Program funding are due November 1, 2013 (known as the old Enhancement projects). Route 636 (Life Core Drive) will connect together the two planned 8-foot shared use paths from the Route 636 PPTA project and the Exit 91 project. This program provides 80% funding for eligible projects and requires 20% local match. Preliminary Total Project Cost estimate: $678,000 (80% – $542,400; 20% – $135,600). He noted that, when meeting with VDOT on these types of projects, VDOT shared with staff that they liked projects that were in the $200- 250,000 range. Even though this project is outside that range, staff felt that it met the criteria and would like to submit a grant for funding to possibly allow for preliminary engineering this year and submit subsequent applications to actually build the bikeway in future years if money is not available this year. He added that one of the requirements for the application process was to allow for public input. This item will be
ROUTE 636 – BIKEWAY/PEDESTRIAN EXTENSION
brought back before the Board on October 23rd with a refined estimate of the project and a resolution for the Board’s consideration.
Chairman Moore clarified from Jennifer Whetzel, Director of Finance, that the $135,000 local match will be available from the Wayne Infrastructure Account.
SCHOLASTIC WAY EXTENSION
The Board received public input on proposed Scholastic Way Extension (80/20 State/Local funding).
Mr. Fitzgerald reported that the second project, Scholastic Way Extension, is in the Augusta Farms area where they would like to install a sidewalk along one side of the streets in Augusta Farms Subdivision and tie into the Scholastic Way Sidewalk project that is currently under construction. A map was displayed; the area in green represented the proposed sidewalk along several roads within the subdivision.
Preliminary Total Project Cost Estimate: $1,304,000 (80% – $1,043,200; 20% – $260,800). He noted that the cost was higher because sidewalk, curb, gutter, and drainage work is needed. This item will also be brought back before the Board on October 23rd with a refined estimate of the project and a resolution for the Board’s consideration.
Mr. Karaffa noted that the 20% match could be appropriated from the Beverley Manor Infrastructure Account and felt that this is well traveled and would be a good extension.
Mr. Beyeler agreed that the Scholastic Way project was well needed, but felt that if sidewalks were installed in all subdivisions, “there was not enough money in Augusta County to do so”. He stated that he would oppose this project. Chairman Moore explained that no action was being taken tonight. A resolution would be brought forward October 23rd for further discussion.
Mr. Wills asked if this project came under the “Safe Routes for Schools” funding. Mr. Fitzgerald said it did not. Guidelines for Safe Routes for Schools funding have been changed. He noted that Safe Routes for Schools is included in MAP-21 funding, but this project is not, specifically, Safe Routes for Schools funding. It would be “enhancement” funding.
Mr. Karaffa added that this made it a safer route and was a good way of tying the community together with the school in similar neighborhoods near schools.
Mr. Shull asked if there were any sidewalks in Mr. Argenbright’s Subdivision, across from Route 340. Mr. Fitzgerald said there were sidewalks in that subdivision and that a crosswalk will be installed across Route 340 which will tie into the Scholastic Way Sidewalk project. Mr. Shull asked if sidewalks were going to be considered in any future projects. Mr. Fitzgerald emphasized that the new VDOT standards requires that when a new subdivision is developed, there will be sidewalks installed on one side of the road. In some cases, it will require sidewalks on both sides of the road, depending on how much traffic and how many lots. Mr. Karaffa added that Vista Ridge will have sidewalks. Mr. Fitzgerald added that the C. Layman subdivision also has sidewalks.
Chairman Moore reiterated that this will be discussed at the October 23rd meeting.
Mr. Pyles reminded the Board that at an earlier meeting, Mr. Beyeler had expressed concern in using infrastructure funds for these types of projects. Mr. Pyles felt it important as a way in “bringing equity throughout the County, different people, different districts and different needs.” He noted that Mr. Karaffa’s subdivision is a much more congested area. “If that is what the district needs and he can leverage his dollars with an 80/20 match, then that’s a good thing if that is what they’re supporting. How far we go with these projects are limited by how much money an Infrastructure Account has.
That’s the limiting factor. I actually believe that Infrastructure Accounts allow for closer containment of dollars than not. ” He noted that this can be voted down at the next meeting. “Careless use of money doesn’t have to go forward just because a district supervisor wants it. This is the case where people can weigh in and vote one way or the other.” He added that during the Budget process, the Board may need to consider whether or not there ought to be infrastructure accounts and how reasonable it is to come forward with a certain amount of money needed to get a project completed.
Mr. Beyeler added that he had been through the area and noted that the speed limit is 25 m.p.h. and that basketball goals were out on the street (noting that the streets were safe or the goals would not be out on the street).
Mr. Karaffa said that a petition is being circulated about traffic on Ox Road and noted that there is a traffic problem; options have been explored but nothing has been resolved. He felt that the sidewalk option was a good plan and would like to move forward with applying for a grant.
Bill Tueting asked if property owners would be afforded the opportunity of contributing to the project.
WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
• Staff Briefing Meeting, Monday, September 23, 2013 • Regular Meeting, Wednesday, September 25, 2013
CLAIMS
Approved claims paid since September 11, 2013.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Pyles: “We had a dog show out in Churchville and we had new staff employee shows up there and takes first place! I just think that is wrong for the community!” Mr. Pattie: Conflict of Interest – Asked staff to provide rules for conflict of interest and checks and balances to prevent improper spending.
Mr. Wills:
1. YOUTH COMMISSION
Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board appoint Michelle B. Nadeem to serve a 3-year term on the Youth Commission, effective immediately, to expire June 20, 2016.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
* * *
2. SHENANDOAH VALLEY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD AND
GART/TOURISM – APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board appoint Amanda Glover to serve an unlimited term (as Board Liaison) on the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board and GART/Tourism, effective immediately.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
* * *
3. CELEBRATE SHENANDOAH GROUP – APPOINTMENT
Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board appoint Jennifer M. Whetzel to serve an unlimited term (as Board Liaison) on the Celebrate Shenandoah Group, effective immediately.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * 4. MILL PLACE WATER TANK – It has been brought to the attention of the Economic Development Committee that within Mill Place, once Shamrock opens at full capacity, water supply, in terms of fire flow, is limited. Mr. Wills asked that Mr. Coffield give a history on the water tank.
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, reported that on June 22, 2011, the Board endorsed moving forward with the public/private partnership to build a new water tank and extend water lines to address current and future fire flow along the Barren Ridge Corridor. He noted that this “endorsement includes securing VRA Bonds to finance the public component of the project with payment from future “anticipated” taxes generated from the service area. GAP financing (between when principal and interest payments are due and increased tax revenues) would be covered from Economic Development and/or Industrial Development Authority (IDA) fund balance. To assist in reducing the public component cost of project, the Board approved allocating $850,000 from Beverley Manor Infrastructure Account for this project.” A report from the Service Authority indicated that the project would include not only the water tank at Mill Place but also include under the Interstate to not exceed $5.1 million.
Mr. Karaffa agreed with Mr. Wills that “we need to move forward with the water tower project. If we want to continue to build on Mill Place, we are going to need the fire flow”.
Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board authorize staff to proceed with design and to develop cost estimates with the first phase of the project similar to Barren Ridge Corridor.
Chairman Moore asked for clarification. Mr. Wills explained that Mr. Coffield is to work with the Service Authority or a private engineer to obtain this information.
Mr. Karaffa felt that the Service Authority should be a partner to this project because of the customer service.
Mr. Wills understood that the Service Authority expressed interest to participate with a portion of their connection fees and the new revenue that they would be receiving.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * Mr. Beyeler:
1. Ordinance Committee Meeting – Requirements for water and sewer connections are being discussed by the Ordinance Committee. New regulations should be coming before the Board in the next 30 days. He hoped that this will be effective January 1, 2014.
2. Springhill Road project – Special Use Permit requirements – informed by staff and County Attorney that this project needed to be moved forward. He hoped that the County Code in records to site plans and special use permits would be changed in the near future.
Mr. Shull:
1. Congratulated the Riverheads’ students on their football win last week.
2. Attended School Board meeting – Statistics as of September 30th were given out reflecting School occupancy/Program Capacity. Empty seats was explained as being “a little skewed because when you go through a building, you look at every room, whether it is a conference room, a projector room, etc.; 22 seats are put in those rooms. The numbers are not exactly accurate.” Mr. Shull felt that “some of these schools don’t have as many empty seats as we think they do”.
Mr. Pyles advised that his report reflected what was given by the School Board. “If the School Board has wrong numbers, they need to share it.” He said that he had also gone on the Virginia Department of Education website on how to determine seats.
Chairman Moore understood that empty seats are based on the program capacity minus the enrollment.
Mr. Karaffa: Ordinance Committee meeting – “Good discussion on water and access and how and when the Board of Supervisors can dictate what somebody can or cannot do with their personal property based on zoning and utilities available.” He noted that there were some strong differences of opinions expressed.
Mr. Pyles: Education – The Virginian article on Mooresville, N.C. digital classrooms.
Visited online; read news articles; got Strategic Plan and gave copy to Mr. Coffield. The Board asked that a copy be made for everyone. He noted that this was what Mr. Pattie had been asking for from the School Board.
Mr. Karaffa did not feel that digital classrooms were the right way to go.
He described an incident that occurred a few years ago where students used the equipment for other things than school work. Mr. Shull felt that it was hard to plan on the number of students coming out of a newly developed subdivision. Mr. Pattie felt that you could not predict the exact future growth.
Chairman Moore:
Shamrock Construction: More fill material is being produced than originally expected. Shockey Construction has asked for a suitable location to place the fill; however, the location provided requires compaction testing and a drainage pipe to be designed and installed. Mr. Fitzgerald explained this is a road that runs between the pad site which has been completed (Centerview Drive) that goes to the back of the property. There is some design work needed in order to determine the size of the appropriate drainage structure. The contractor is willing to haul the materials free and is asking for the County to pay for the pipe and for the compaction that is required. Chairman Moore added that the pipe is going to be more of an expense than he had thought depending on the size required.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board authorize engineering/design services related to the culvert design associated with the Shamrock/Lot 13 road project in an amount not to exceed $2,500.
Mr. Coffield noted that a TIF account has been established for this type of work. Mr. Fitzgerald noted that the information will be presented at the next Board meeting.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following:
1. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) – briefing at Social Services meeting – information distributed to Board.
2. Sheriff’s Program – October 31st, VMI 3. Safely disposal of unused and expired medicines – October 26th, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Government Center.
4. Holiday Schedule distributed to Board; will be placed on next agenda.
5. Legislative Dinner – October 21st at 5:45 p.m. (Smith West room) 6. Parks and Recreation assistance for Community Centers checks to be disbursed. The Board was asked if anyone wanted to hand-deliver the checks.
7. Life Core Drive – Mr. Fitzgerald advised that letters have been mailed out this week to property owners on the Old Goose Creek Road and Life Core Drive informing them of their new address effective November 1st; signs will be placed.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator H:10-9min.13
