Regular Meeting – May 8, 2013
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, May 8, 2013, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Jeffrey A. Moore, Chairman
Larry J. Wills, Vice-Chairman
David R. Beyeler
Marshall W. Pattie
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Michael L. Shull
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, CMC, Executive Secretary
ABSENT: David A. Karaffa
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 237th year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Moore welcomed the citizens present.
Kirsten Kite, an eighth grader at Beverley Manor Middle School, led us with the Pledge of Allegiance. Kirsten participates in Concert Band and Marching Band at Riverheads High School; she did Jazz Band in the seventh grade and does volunteer work at her church.
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Supervisor for the Pastures District, delivered invocation.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK – INTRODUCTION
Dennis Burnett, Economic Development Director, reminded the Board that Supervisor Wills and Jessica Staples serve as liaisons to Shenandoah National Park. He noted that Shenandoah National Park is a long-time asset for Augusta County and proudly introduced the newly appointed Superintendent of Shenandoah National Park, Jim Northup.
Mr. Northup acknowledged Karen Beck-Herzog who was also present to the Board and noted that she serves as the Park’s Management Assistant and handles external affairs and public affairs work. He noted that approximately 12,000 acres of Shenandoah National Park is within Augusta County. He views Augusta County as an important neighbor and hopes that Augusta County is proud of being a neighbor “to the most beautiful national park in the country”. He emphasized his commitment of maintaining and improving the working relationships with the surrounding counties as gateway communities. “I believe National Parks are very special places and deserving of our protection and preservation as a nation. They are important for environmental, recreational, economic and social reasons.” He believes that National Parks add significantly to the quality of life and bring enormous economic benefits to surrounding counties in gateway communities. A study was recently released that indicates that the presence of Shenandoah National Park results in over $74 million worth of visitors spending on an annual basis in the surrounding communities and supports over 1,000 jobs. “Every dollar spent on operating a unit of the National Park system, there is between $4 and $10 returned to the local community in terms of the economic benefits.” He noted that sequestration has resulted in an immediate across-the-board 5% budget cut which has resulted in a decline in services they are able to offer to the public. Campgrounds and Visitors Centers opened later than normal. They are unable to offer any Spring Ranger Programs. Having made those decisions, they will be offering full public programs and facilities during the summer months. They have a new concessions contract with Delaware North Corporation which calls for a major reinvestment in the buildings at Big Meadows and Sky Land benefiting dining services.
He expressed concern for “chronic wasting disease”, which is a disease that impacts the whitetail deer population. He noted that this disease is 22 miles from the Front Royal entrance and expressed concern of this disease moving into the park. A series of public meetings have begun to consider the best procedure in dealing with this disease.
Mr. Northup also mentioned a long-standing issue that remains unresolved being the parking lot at White Oak Canyon (Madison County). He ended by expressing thanks to the Board for its support.
Mr. Beyeler asked which campgrounds were currently opened. Mr. Northup said Big Meadows and Lewis Mountain are open. Mr. Beyeler also asked about the treatment for the chronic wasting disease. Mr. Northup said that final decision had not been made. There were two choices to be considered: 1) To do nothing; just to allow the disease to take its toll on the whitetail deer population and hope that some animals will survive; or 2) To reduce the density of the population.
Mr. Shull asked how other states are handling the disease. Mr. Northup said it is being handled differently but understands the most effective treatment is to reduce the density.
Mr. Wills asked that Mr. Northup expound on other Parks that he has served. Mr. Northup said he started his career in Shenandoah National Park in 1979, working as an Interpretative Naturalist and later as a Back Country Ranger. He has worked at Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer banks of North Carolina and then to the Buffalo National River (North Central Arkansas) in the Ozark Mountains; and then a brief assignment at Fire Island National Seashore in the suburban recreation area off the coast of Long Island, New York. He then moved to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming as a Supervisory Park Ranger and as the Park’s Fire Management Officer, dealing with wild land fire and aviation issues. Later, he served as the Chief Ranger at Big Ben National Park (Mexican Border in Texas) and as the Deputy Chief Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona; and then Chief Ranger at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina. For the last eight years, he served as Superintendent at Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore on the upper peninsula of Michigan on Lake Superior. “I’m absolutely delighted to have an opportunity to come back and help take care of Shenandoah National Park! It’s a magnificent part of the country and I’m honored to be here.”
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH – PROCLAMATION
Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board adopt the following proclamation:
Mental Health Month Proclamation May, 2013 “Stand Up For Mental Health” WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being; and WHEREAS, all Americans experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives – one in four will have a diagnosable mental illness; and WHEREAS, mental health and recovery from mental illness depends on public awareness and understanding, on advocacy and support ; and WHEREAS, if all in the community stand up for mental health, those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives; and WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, healthcare provider, organization and citizen shares the burden of mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention and recovery efforts.
THEREFORE I, Jeffrey A. Moore, Augusta County Supervisors Board Chair, do hereby proclaim May 2013 as Mental Health Month in Augusta County and call upon our citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and mental illness, to stand up for mental health, to work to assure good mental health practices in our community, to assure that the community has readily available support for recovery from mental illness, and to improve the understanding and acceptance of those with mental illness.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
Chairman Moore invited Douglas F. Cochran, President of Mental Health America of Augusta, to comment on Mental Health and receive the proclamation. Mr. Cochran expressed appreciation of the Board of Supervisors’ adoption of the Proclamation and recognition of Mental Health Month. He strongly encouraged people to overcome the stigma of mental illness and to seek treatment when needed before the situation deteriorates to the point they may need hospitalization. Under the theme “Stand Up for Mental Health,” he noted that the first event is an art show at Smith Art Center on Saturday, May 11th, at 3:00 p.m.
AUGUSTA COUNTY CODE AMENDMENT
This being the day and time advertised to consider an ordinance to amend Section 19- 62 of the Augusta County Code regarding Processing Fee for Regional Jail.
Patrick J. Morgan, Augusta County Attorney, advised that this ordinance is a housekeeping measure changing the wording “county” to “regional” jail, with a processing fee of $25 on any individual admitted to the regional jail following conviction in any Court for Augusta County.
The Chairman declared the public hearing open.
There being no speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board adopt the following Ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND
SECTION 19-62
OF THE AUGUSTA COUNTY CODE
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors established a processing fee to defray the costs of processing arrested persons into local jails; WHEREAS, the ordinance as originally enacted established the fee for persons admitted into the County jail; and WHEREAS, the County now participates in a regional jail and no longer maintains its own jail; and WHEREAS, the fee may be charged for those admitted into the regional jail.
NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia hereby amends Section 19-62, of the Augusta County Code to read as follows:
§ 19-62. Processing fee for county regional jail.
A. There is hereby authorized a processing fee in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) on any individual admitted to the county regional jail following conviction in any Court for Augusta County.
B. The fee shall be ordered as a part of court costs collected by the Clerk, deposited into the account of the Treasurer of the county and shall be used by the Sheriff's Office to defray the costs of processing arrested persons into local jails.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC – NONE
WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
• Budget Hearing Meeting, Monday, April 17, 2013 • Staff Briefing Meeting, Monday, April 22, 2013 • Regular Meeting, Wednesday, April 24, 2013
CLAIMS
Approved claims paid since April 10, 2013.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Pyles:
1. Budget – Commended staff on preparation for budget. “Proud of staff. They just, seamlessly, get the work done. Proud of the people that work for us.” 2. Water Issues in Pastures District – Doug Wolfe, County Engineer, “did a great job of representing the County”.
3. Met with Churchville citizens who requested a Special Use Permit to allow chickens in residential areas. It was the consensus of the Board to authorize the County Attorney to do some research and forward to the Ordinance Review Committee for review. Mr. Wills suggested that it be an Administrative Permit instead of a Special Use Permit.
Mr. Wills:
1. Reassessment Team met with New Hope Ruritan Club and suggested the Team to meet with the other Ruritan Clubs. “The more people who are informed, the better”.
Mr. Beyeler:
1. Ordinance Review Committee recommendations will be discussed at the May 20th Staff Briefing.
2. Creeks up in South River – “Good rain! Million Dollar Rain!” 3. Sweet Dreams Event at Stuarts Draft Park – electricity at the pavilion will be discussed at next Staff Briefing.
Mr. Shull:
1. 4-H/FFA Animal Show – “Another successful year!” Thank you to individuals and businesses that helped.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following issues:
1. Budget – Summary notes of April 24th distributed to Board.
2. Environmental Management Systems – 2012 Annual Environmental Report available electronically to Board.
3. Shenandoah Water Supply Summit – May 29th – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the JMU Festival Conference Center 4. Commonwealth Transportation Board – FY2014-2019 Six-Year Improvement Program public hearings – June 4th, 6:00 p.m., at Northside High School, Roanoke, Virginia. Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development, noted that the MPO will be attending the public hearing to represent the interest of the region.
* * *
5. LOCALLY ADMINISTERING HIGHWAY PROJECTS – RESOLUTION
Mr. Coffield explained this resolution was to cover Mill Place and any future projects in Augusta County.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Wills that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Augusta County has found that locally administering highway projects provides a benefit in the timely completion and funding of highway projects in Augusta County, and WHEREAS, Augusta County has started to locally administer highway projects, and WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Transportation requires that Augusta County appoint a local administered project manager for all projects that are requested to be locally administered, and WHEREAS, the qualifications and expertise of the local project manager is verified by the Virginia Department of Transportation to ensure the capability of the local project manager.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Timothy K. Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development, has met the requirements of the Virginia Department of Transportation to administer local projects, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Timothy K. Fitzgerald shall be appointed the locally administered project manager for all locally administered projects in Augusta County.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
* * *
6. 4-H/FFA Animal Show Event – received an e-mail from Dr. Bruce Bowman expressing the appreciation of the Board’s support and noted the sale total went over $396,600 ($20,000 higher than last year). He also noted that, in the 7 to 1 economic theory, the 2-day event took in $2.5 million for Augusta County businesses. Mr. Coffield mentioned that he attended the event and saw many banners displayed but the Augusta County flag was not displayed. An Augusta County flag has been given for display in future years.
7. Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Retirement Plan – information distributed to Board. Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance, mentioned that a resolution to “opt out” of the Long-term disability component with VRS is required by September.
Rockingham County and Harrisonburg or seeking competitive bids as an alternative to the State’s vendor. Under regional procurement, Augusta County will be working with them and Schools/ACSA to submit a joint recommendation to the Board in August.
Mr. Wills suggested that, along with Health Care, this needed to be added to the list to be discussed with the County of Augusta/Service Authority/School Board Committee (Support Services Committee):
1. Procurement 2. Human Resource (Health Care/VRS Hybrid Plan and Long-term Disability) The Board asked that Mr. Coffield schedule a meeting.
8. School Board Move – Pupil Services has already moved; Instruction plans on moving May 22nd; Parks and Recreation plans on moving June 1st; School Board would like early entry of the Parks and Recreation Activity Rooms on May 22nd.
9. Animal Shelter Expansion – attended BZA meeting and request was approved.
Augusta County, Waynesboro and Staunton Staffs will be developing plans for new addition (additional 1,800 square feet). A neighbor has requested that a fence be considered along the southern boundary to reduce sound. Mr. Wills suggested that three jurisdictions may wish to submit a funding/assistance grant request to the local Home Builders Association.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Wills, seconded by Mr. Shull, 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 (2) the real property exemption under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(3) [discussion of the acquisition for a public purpose, or disposition, of real property]:
A) School Property B) Mill Place Commerce Park On motion of Mr. Beyeler, seconded by Mr. Wills, the Board came out of closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
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: Pattie, Wills, Moore, Shull, Beyeler and Pyles NAY: None
ABSENT: Karaffa
The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Pattie, that the Board reappoint Bruce M. Bowman to serve another four-year term on the Blue Ridge Community College Board, effective July 1, 2013, to expire June 30, 2017.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
AUGUSTA COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD – APPOINTMENT
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Wills, that the Board appoint Lynn R. Mitchell to serve a four-year term on the Augusta County Library Board, effective July 1, 2013, to expire June 30, 2017.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
CAP-SAW BOARD – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Pattie, that the Board reappoint Justine Carter- Moats to serve another two-year term on the CAP-SAW Board, effective July 1, 2013, to expire June 30, 2015.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
CENTRAL SHENANDOAH PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION – APPOINTMENT
Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board reappoint David R. Beyeler to serve on the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission for another three-year term, effective July 1, 2013, to expire June 30, 2016.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, and Pyles Nays: None Abstain: Beyeler
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
COMMUNITY POLICY AND MANAGEMENT TEAM – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board reappoint Jennifer M.
Whetzel to serve another four-year term on the Community Policy and Management Team, effective July 1, 2013, to expire June 30, 2017.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
AUGUSTA COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board reappoint Joseph W. Davis to serve another four-year term on the Augusta County Social Services Advisory Board, effective July 1, 2013, to expire June 30, 2017.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Wills, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Karaffa
Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator
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