Regular Meeting – October 14, 2009
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Larry C. Howdyshell, Chairman
Gerald W. Garber, Vice-Chairman
David R. Beyeler
Wendell L. Coleman
Jeremy L. Shifflett
Nancy Taylor Sorrells
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance
John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, CMC, Executive Secretary
ABSENT: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 234th year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Howdyshell welcomed the citizens present and reminded them to remove their hats and turn off their cell phones.
Jennifer Wade, a senior at Riverheads High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jennifer has been accepted for early graduation in January and will attend National College in March to be a paralegal. She is a bowler and works at the bowling alley in Waynesboro.
Wendell L. Coleman, Supervisor for the Wayne District, delivered invocation.
RESOLUTION – UNWANTED MEDICATION COLLECTION DAY
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS we, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, recognize that the preservation of our environment and natural resources is of the utmost importance to the citizens of our community; and WHEREAS the preservation of our water supply, both surface and ground, is imperative to the health and well-being of our citizens; and WHEREAS contamination of our water supply can come from many sources, and as such, innovative solutions are necessary and desired to prevent the contamination of our water supply; and WHEREAS one source of possible contamination has come to the attention of members of this Board, that being the proper disposal of unwanted or expired medications, for which there does not currently appear to be a local, proper procedure in place; and WHEREAS the proper disposal of unwanted or expired medications, in addition to preventing the potential contamination of our water supply, would also minimize the storage and amount of unwanted medications in households, thereby preventing accidental poisonings and potential clandestine distribution and use of unwanted medications; and WHEREAS after research, members of this Board have collaboratively developed a procedure for the proper disposal of unwanted and expired medications; and WHEREAS members of this Board, recognizing that this issue is regional in nature and can benefit not only the citizens of Waynesboro, but also those of the City of Staunton and Augusta County, partnered with officials with Augusta Health, who have graciously agreed to host an Unwanted Medication Collection Day, the first such event which is to occur on November 7, 2009; and WHEREAS the members of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors wish to extend an invitation to the members of the City Council of the City of Staunton, Virginia, and the members of the City Council of the City of Waynesboro, Virginia, to join them in endorsing an Unwanted Medication Collection Day; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, heartily endorse, and urge the citizens of our community to participate in the upcoming Unwanted Medication Collection Day to further the goals of water supply protection, as well as the prevention of accidental poisonings and inappropriate distribution and use of unwanted medications; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, wish to thank the officials and administration of Augusta Health for their commitment to host the Unwanted Medication Collection Day, and wish them success for this event, as well as all subsequent such events.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Howdyshell, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
Chairman Howdyshell presented the resolution to Councilwoman Lorie Smith, from the City of Waynesboro. Councilwoman Smith reported that this effort culminated many months ago when a retired surgeon in Waynesboro brought her information and proposed that Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro do something to have a positive influence on the water supply, as well as helping families and those moving into assisted living facilities with the distribution point for unwanted pharmaceuticals products. A stakeholder group was created who worked with the Operations Director at Martha Jefferson Hospital who had a very successful program (collected 45,000 pills at their event). Waynesboro has modeled their program after Martha Jefferson and has gotten Augusta Health Center involved and they have graciously agreed to host the event on Saturday, November 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ms. Sorrells added that the event was to be a curbside service with no questions asked.
RESOLUTION – VIRGINIA GED AND LIFELONG LEARNING AWARENESS WEEK
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
VIRGINIA GED AND LIFELONG LEARNING AWARENESS WEEK
WHEREAS, a well-educated, highly skilled workforce is essential to the economic growth of the County of Augusta; and WHEREAS, more than 9,943 of adults in the County of Augusta, lack a high school diploma or GED certificate, drastically reducing their chance to earn a living wage and support their families; and WHEREAS, the emerging 21st century economy will be driven by jobs that will require lifelong learning from employees and require a higher skill set; and WHEREAS, the GED certificate is a nationally recognized high school equivalency credential and is accepted by most colleges, universities, and employers as evidence that the holder of the credential possesses knowledge and skills necessary for further career education and training and is the passport into the 21st century workplace; and WHEREAS, the Virginia Workforce Network has encouraged local WIBs to partner with the various training, education, and employment programs in the County of Augusta, and WHEREAS, Governor Kaine has identified the awareness of and access to GED programs as a key strategy to prepare Virginians for high-skill career tracks; and WHEREAS, local Workforce Investment Boards, One-Stop Comprehensive Workforce Centers, the Virginia Department of Education, and the Virginia Workforce Network’s other program partners throughout the Commonwealth have joined efforts to increase GED certification; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, Larry C. Howdyshell, Chairman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, hereby recognize October 19-23, 2009, as GED and Lifelong Learning Week in the County of Augusta; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors and a copy be presented to the Adult Learning Center.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
Chairman Howdyshell presented the resolution to Janita McNemar, Coordinator for Adult Learning Center. Ms. McNemar thanked the Board for adopting the resolution and informed the Board that at the Adult Learning Center and GED Testing Center, they “are doing everything they can to reach the adults in Augusta County, who are without a high school diploma, and help them achieve that goal either by obtaining a GED or by completing one of our Adult Diploma Program”.
PRESENTATION – VIRGINIA RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETY (VRPS) BEST NEW
FACILITY – CRIMORA PARK
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, read the following press release:
On Monday, September 14, 2009, Augusta County Parks and Recreation was awarded “Best New Facility” for Crimora Park at the 42nd Annual Virginia Recreation and Park Society state conference held in Roanoke, September 13-15.
Eighty applicants submitted projects for 6 population categories. Augusta County won in the 50,000-100,000 population category.
Mr. Garber stated that this award went to the community and, especially, Kay Frye, a former supervisor. He recognized Tim Byrd, Neil Baber, Ronnie Ritchie (Parks and Recreation Commission), and Ron Sites (Director of Parks and Recreation). “This is really their award. This all occurred long before I got here. Kay was very instrumental in having this happen.” Gerald Garber presented the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) “Best New Facility – Crimora Park” award to the group present. Mr. Sites offered to take the Board on a tour of the Park any time they wished. Mr. Coleman, as a liaison for the Commission, expressed his appreciation to Mr. Sites and his staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the community for this “very deserving recognition”. He also acknowledged Ms. Frye’s involvement and Mr. Garber’s continued support of the project.
Ronnie Ritchie thanked the Board of Supervisors for its support.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
Rachel Comes reminded the Board of an Agri-tourism event at the Hermitage Hill Farms tomorrow night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
ARTS AND HISTORY ALLIANCE
The Board considered agreements for year five (5) of Arts and History Alliance agreements.
R. R. Smith Center Foundation $20,000 Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library Foundation $20,000 New Dixie Theatre, Inc., D/B/A $10,000 Wayne Theatre Alliance, Inc. $10,000 $60,000 Mr. Coffield advised that this represents the fifth year of funding for the Arts and History Alliance. He explained that each year under the Tourism Budget, $60,000 is allocated to fund these types of activities. The Tourism Account is one that is generated from tourism-related revenues. The funding source comes from two sources: 1) Lodging Taxes (2% to 4%) Note: State law requires that the second 2% be held and spent specifically for tourism; 2) Meals Tax (established in 1990’s) – 90% goes toward capital projects, such as school construction program; 10% goes toward tourism and economic development activities. When the alliance was originally created, a performance contract was submitted for the four agencies; each year that performance contract is reviewed; if in compliance, the entities are allowed subsequent funding. All four entities are in general compliance and many have exceeded the original projections.
Ms. Sorrells announced that, with her being a member of the R.R. Smith, LLC, she would not be voting tonight.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Abstained: Sorrells Motion carried.
Mr. Coffield added that, with this action, this funding and approval goes before the IDA for approval.
FIRE AND RESCUE MASTER PLAN
The Board considered recommendations regarding Riverheads District Fire and Rescue Station. This item was tabled at the September 23, 2009 meeting until October 14, 2009.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that this item be removed from the table.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
Mike Fisher, Chief of the Dooms Volunteer Fire Company, and President of the Augusta Officers’ Association, did not oppose having a Fire and Rescue Station placed in Riverheads; however, he noted that the County and staff have spent many hours and money trying to get the billing services into Augusta County. He expressed concerns of Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad (SARS) being allowed to put an ambulance at Riverheads and causing problems of the billing for services in Augusta County.
John Howard, Volunteer of the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, felt that voting should be held off until the process could be discussed with all agencies involved and to answer the following questions:
1. If there is a contract to be signed with SARS, how long is that contract going to be good for?
2. Is Staunton going to be charging the citizens of Augusta County? If they are, is the County going to be obtaining any of those proceeds?
3. If the City starts getting multiple calls, will that ambulance respond to the City and leave the southern end of Augusta County uncovered?
4. Have any of the volunteer agencies, who provide service to this area, been contacted and asked what they can do for this area or what they can offer or any suggestions to remedy the problem?
5. Once those questions have been asked, and Augusta County implements Revenue Recovery, will the County-owned ambulance be placed in the Riverheads District Station to cover the southern end? Or will Staunton continue to maintain that station? If that happens, will the County obtain any proceeds from Staunton answering calls in the County? (He noted that it had been stated that placing a station in the Greenville area would pick up 500 to 1,000 calls per year. When Revenue Recovery does go into effect, he said it would be approximately $13 a mile and charges for ALS and BLS calls for approximately 15-20 miles from the southern end to Augusta Health Center – $500,000 estimated in revenue that Augusta County will generate.) Frank Bridgeforth, a volunteer with the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, said spending money “on bricks and mortar” during the current recession sends a mixed message to County employees and to taxpayers. He asked the Board to wait a year or two before proceeding with the plan for Riverheads.
Mr. Garber distributed notes of a meeting on September 28th to the Board and made the following statement:
Members of the Board, I think all of you are aware that we have been talking about this for six to eight months with some intensity. Early on, Emergency Services Committee asked the two supervisors in that area to do some research and some legwork in that area. Hopefully, they know the area and they know the people. That would certainly be the intent. At some point, they came back to Emergency Services with pretty much the concept that there is a hole in that area up there for a number of reasons and it is probably an under-served area. Geography is certainly part of that. We asked them to continue on for another period of time and then about six weeks ago we took what they had, started working with staff, and have been looking at many of the options. Let me say that I am well aware that there is absolutely nothing on this earth we can do that we won’t make somebody unhappy because if there are 10 people on this subject, there are 11 different ideas. So I have no illusion that we are going to make everybody happy.
The illusion that I have which I hope is reality is that our number one issue is public safety. As I told people in my own community, when they were looking at a situation that had to be resolved, I have no use for turf; I want to know who can get there; who can get there the quickest; who can deliver good service; and who could do it economically.
Those are my personal only criteria when it comes to public safety. I don’t really care about somebody’s turf. In looking at this, this is the basis on which the committee has looked at that. Who do we believe can get to you in an emergency? Who can give you the best care when they get there? And how can we deliver this economically? Now, are we right? I don’t know. We’ll know in three or four years, but we are offering up what we believe is the best solution to do that.
Mr. Beyeler and Ms. Sorrells had given us their recommendations. We looked at those. Some of those are included on this report. Some of the things we included in this report, they have had to swallow kind of hard, particularly, when it comes to the funding piece of this. But we are recommending that we place a station in the Greenville area.
We had four options. You see them all there. We took what your option was and we looked at anything that was brought up by staff or people that were aware of as far as locations. We looked at ways to look at the building. You’re well aware that Mr. Howdyshell and I are a little bit tight when it comes to buildings, but we also don’t want a building that we’re not proud of so our recommendation there is to put on that site and not to try to retro-fit the existing building. We think that would be throwing good money after bad.
We are recommending that we have a Real Estate Contract/Construction Committee that would involve Mr. Shifflett as the Board liaison; Mr. McGehee, who has done projects for us very well on construction; Mr. Morgan, because we have legal issues; our Building Inspector; and, of course, our Fire Chief, because we need to discuss what is appropriate in buildings.
As far as staffing this agency, they were recommending that, as far as the Rescue side, that we work with SARS. Mr. Howdyshell and I scheduled a time and went down to discuss with SARS what they had in mind and where they saw this going. It is our belief that they can and will do this properly.
As far as the Fire side, over the last six or eight months, numerous times I hear the comment that the Board doesn’t believe in volunteers. If you don’t think we believe in volunteers, we have people that say they can create a volunteer fire company at that location and they can do it well. We believe that. We believe that we need to give them the opportunity to try that. I think that is a pretty strong belief in this day and time that you can start from scratch and create a fire company there. We do believe in the volunteers.
In terms of costs, we have money that was originally set aside to move Company 10. If you’re following this, I believe a month ago, we decided that that we would not move Company 10. We do not think that is wise at this time in terms of what is going on and what we believe will go on. It needs some renovation. We’ve had a committee go down and look at that. Just very initially, you’ll see that preliminary number what we believe it will take to bring that building up to speed. I don’t know if those numbers are right or wrong, but I believe we are all scheduled to go down there on our next work session. In terms of the new facility, the money that would have been used to move Company 10, we are presenting this cost ratio, with 60% of this would come from the account set aside and 40% is to be determined.
Mr. Coleman asked the following:
Having, in my previous life, been the President of the Preston Yancey Volunteer Fire Company, and knowing pretty much county-wide the struggle that has been presented to us by the various volunteer companies in terms of requiring paid staff . . . and we’ve put a lot of paid staff in various companies throughout the County . . . what plans do we, or have we considered if the volunteers are unable to meet their obligation? Has that been discussed or considered?
Ms. Sorrells gave the following response:
It’s been discussed a lot. I think the group that has committed to come forward said that they will commit to absolutely for a year. They are hoping that, between their training and their new recruitment in the community that this will be something that will continue forever. We will evaluate it in a year and we will know at that point. If we go a year and they need help . . . Everything for the first year, or at least six months, is double covered as people are learning the new routes and getting out there. So I thought, let’s make them prove themselves and see, but we will re-evaluate it. We have career people at other areas that I would like to keep in other areas. Middlebrook has three. This will reduce Middlebrook’s call volume but I am adamant, at least now, and, hopefully, forever that we keep those at Middlebrook. Middlebrook does a great job. Middlebrook has no no-responses. They do a great job of filling that hole in that part of the community and I want to keep that. I think we’ll put our faith in this group that they step forward in these tough times and go forward, but re-evaluate it in a year. I don’t think we can predict what’s going to be here in a year. That’s all that we can decide on that.
Mr. Coleman asked the following:
The other follow-up question that is on my mind, and, again, I’m not suggesting that it, necessarily, in itself, be included in the proposal that is being made, but that we, as a Board, are aware in terms of being informed as we consider this and move forward, of other Fire and EMS priorities. You’ve heard me mention that before. There have been on several occasions in my own district a request for us to fund 24/7 out of Preston Yancey. I recognize the need, without question, is there. For me, it’s not a question about whether we need it or don’t need it. It’s part of our Fire and EMS Master Plan and it is certainly something that was made a part of our budget exhibit this past year when . .
. if you go back and look at the documents that were prepared for our review by Mr. Coffield . . . is just to make sure, depending on where we go with this, that we don’t in very short order find ourselves; for example, Mr. Garber has a situation up in his area; I am continually trying to get as good a handle as I can possibly get on the situation at Preston Yancey with it being one of the growth areas in the County. I would that, at some point, we could collectively be made aware of what other priorities are out there looming. I know that the demands are tremendous. Fire and Emergency Services could, literally, take all the money that there is available. Obviously, we have to, somehow, take those resources and spread them out across a lot of priorities in our County. Has that come up in any discussions?
Mr. Garber made the following comment:
Certainly, Mr. Coleman, it has been discussed and, as you know, it is somewhat a moving target because the nature of volunteers at some of the agencies are somewhat better than others. They are all good. We’ve come to a period of time, I think, if you look at the whole country, where people in general got complacent and self-centered. I think a lot of us are starting to realize that we can’t live like that. The money is not there to live like that. I believe we’re coming into a period of time where people will understand it.
Volunteering for any number of things is going to be more important, not less important. I think will people will be forced to understand that this self-reliance is here again. I am hopeful that our volunteers will not be weaker, but will be stronger as part of this whole thing. I’ve always said the only advantage I ever saw to being sick is it reminded me that when I felt good, I should be appreciative. Maybe the only good thing of the economic circumstances around is, maybe, we should re-evaluate all our priorities.
One of the things I did fail to mention, and it is interesting to me the problems that are generated and haven’t occurred yet, is that one of the things that will be an issue is how these boundaries will be set. To say that that will be political is probably saying that there is nothing political going on between now and November 3rd. Mr. Howdyshell and I were quite clear that we understood that that would be political as well as, hopefully, done in some reasonable manner, and we said from the get-go that we would not be setting the boundary lines because we do not know the people and the territory. Mr. Beyeler and Ms. Sorrells have known from day one that they will be involved with that along with staff. It will have to be their recommendation. They have been told that and they understand that. As I said, somewhat earlier, I’m under no illusion that there will not be some unhappy people. I’m just hoping that we do the right thing and we have more happy people than we have unhappy, but the boundaries have not been established. So when you have specific concerns about who does what, I don’t know what that is based on because you can’t start setting boundaries until this Board has made a determination that we are actually going to do this. It is all step, step, step, and that is one of the steps you can’t do first.
Ms. Sorrells added:
In regard to volunteers, I think one of the exciting things about establishing this station at this place is its close proximity to the schools, which is the center of the community of Riverheads, and being able to have training at the schools for both Fire and Rescue is an amazing resource. Currently, there is no rescue unit within the boundaries of Riverheads. There is one of the seven Fire & Rescue units that serves Riverheads actually in the district. Two are not even in the County. To have something that the community can buy into and be excited about and we’re working with the schools; we’re hoping to not only have training at the schools but down the road to have training that is part of the school curriculum so that the next generation of volunteers is there ready to serve their community. That’s a whole new opportunity that we’ll be getting with this station here and I think it’s going to energize the community. The people who came to our earlier community meetings have been reading about this and waiting for this. They are anxious to get started on it; they want this desperately.
Mr. Beyeler made the following comments:
Mr. Coleman, as you are aware, what we’re proposing is what Ms. Sorrells and I and, I think, the Committee, now, has seen as the least costly to serve this need. I don’t think there is any question there is a need. I know a number of Stuarts Draft volunteers out here and I appreciate what they do and all the other volunteers that are in the room tonight. We never want to not thank the volunteers for their time because if we had to pay for all our Fire and Rescue services with paid staff, we could not afford it. We would afford it, but the money has to come out of your pocket and your neighbor’s pocket. It’s all money that somebody has to pay in taxes to do it. We need to do all we can to keep volunteers happy and to make sure that they have equipment and try to keep continuing as volunteers because other than knowing that they are doing a good service for the community and the satisfaction they get, a lot of times they don’t get anything else. To you that are volunteers in the County, thank you. I’m happy with the Committee’s report.
This is not 100% what Ms. Sorrells and I proposed but it’s fairly close to that. There are no guarantees, Mr. Coleman, down the road. As all of us know, we have Fire and Rescue Squads from time to time in the County that we say, ‘what in the world is going on,’ because they were a real viable organization, and then all of a sudden, you have one every now and then that is not providing the service. It’s a very touchy subject and it needs to be done with knit gloves. This Board needs to do what they feel like is best for the communities in which these organizations serve. Now, I went to the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad the other night. I was invited and I went there. I knew when I left that I didn’t make some of them happy. I told them like I saw it, but I said then and I’ll say it again, it’s all about service. If you’re within 2 miles of a Rescue Squad, or if you’re within 20 miles of a Rescue Squad, or 15 or even 10, which one are you going to assign to that? I indicated to them that night that Ms. Sorrells and I would be part of drawing the lines. The lines have to be drawn. I’ll commit this to you it has to be about who can service that area the fastest and the quickest and the best. Politics has no room in this type of discussion in my opinion. I refuse to agree that politics has anything to do with my decisions on this because when somebody is laying there and they are hurting and they need service, I don’t care who serves them. It’s whoever can serve them best.
Mr. Coleman made the following comment:
One of the things that we, as supervisors, are aware of is future growth. In my own district the Fire Department is not always the most up to speed in terms of rezonings and what is being planned. In terms of what has been approved and what is being planned for Stuarts Draft in particular, the same kind of thing is probably true. I took an opportunity this last year to bring anybody at Preston Yancey up to speed about what was in the game plan for Fishersville. I suggested to them, as I am suggesting to Stuarts Draft, as it continues to grow and develop it is going to be even more of a challenge to respond to growth issues. I know that certainly is true in the Wayne District. They are going to be fortunate to be able to take care of the kind of business at home much less, actually, traveling great distances to provide second due to other areas. Communities are not aware of growth until they actually see it on the ground. They see dirt being moved and town homes or single-family dwellings or whatever going up, or new businesses going up, and that sort of thing. Of course that’s where we want growth, which should not be of any surprise to any of you. That’s where we want 80-90% of our growth. This issue of density, if we are all truly sincere in holding on to our open space and our farmland and that sort of thing.
Chairman Howdyshell made the following comment:
Mr. Garber and I have been working on this a lot of hours and with a lot of phone calls.
We’ve tried to cover all the bases. It is one of our responsibilities for the safety of our citizens. We’ve known . . . I’ve sat in the Fire & Rescue Captains’ meetings and you can see there is a void down there. There is a need. There is a large area down there. We have been using our neighbors and our neighbors are in the same boat everyone else is in and they are having difficulty covering those areas. It is going to be left up to us. We looked at this thing . . . We’ve questioned a lot of things. We tried to get hands on to get them answered up front quick. We’ve met with SARS and there were questions that needed to be answered. Gerald kind of touched on it a little bit. SARS has committed to put an ambulance down there, under contract with the County, with 24/7 coverage. That will be whatever the first due area that Mr. Beyeler and Ms. Sorrells come up with. That will be that station’s call area. We asked the question how they will respond if they get overloaded in Staunton. The response was . . . it depends on where the call boxes are located, where they will be plugged in to come and answer calls somewhere else– just like all of our other agencies. There is a protocol—first call, second call, third call, so forth. They answered our questions fairly and we were satisfied with the answers that they gave us.
Ms. Sorrells added:
On the subject of SARS, most of this area is already SARS’ first due area. They are anxious to improve the quality of their service in their more remote areas. It will pick up Fairfield, which has approached us and said they can’t get over to Augusta County to cover and there will be some other adjustments, too. A lot of it is already SARS’ first due area. I think Mr. Coleman touched on a very important point. It’s about growth. Augusta County has incredible fire and rescue service. Our volunteers and career people are something to be proud of; but our County is over 70,000 people and we’re getting stretched farther and farther and farther. In Riverheads, since the new Comp Plan, we have a new Urban Service Area that extends just north of the schools to just north of the Village of Greenville. It’s almost empty now; but there are already 200 houses and town homes on the books ready to go as soon as the economy turns around. Some of them are already being built now. There are 300 acres of empty medium density housing land that is right there. There are 440 business acres that currently has 5 businesses. They are going to be filled. There is going to be a third school there one day. The need is there to have something close. But when you look at the distance from the fire and rescue, you find that the biggest hole in Augusta County is around our schools and around that interchange area. There are seven first due agencies; as I said, only one is within the district; the closest rescue squad is 7.5 miles and four traffic lights away. I want something that is ninety seconds away from my schools—90 seconds. This is going to help everybody because another growth area for Augusta County is Stuarts Draft. Stuarts Draft Fire Department and Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad are going to be stretched . . . If they’re going to be stretched all the way into the Riverheads District, they are not going to be able to deal with the growth issues that are happening in the Stuarts Draft area. We’re going to have to think about increasing our resources all across the County. Again, as we were talking about, we are going to have to be looking at the Master Plan of the whole county. When someone said, ‘why are we rushing this, why don’t we slow it down and think about it some more,’ we’ve studied this hard for most of this year. But I’ll tell you why we’re rushing it; it has nothing to do with what first due is where and what is going on. It has to do with the fact that recently we had a church south of Greenville that burned to the ground. When we looked at the report at the end, and debriefed everybody, the conclusion was that if we had had an agency that was closer, that church might not have burned to the ground. But even more than that, this year, we had a tragic shooting in the parking lot of Riverheads High School. While the gym was filled with parents and kids, it was at least 20 minutes before we had rescue there. That is not saying anything against any of our Fire and Rescue, it is just that we are stretched incredibly thin. It’s about people’s lives; it’s about people’s property. For anybody who says this is political in any way; I say, for shame because it is only about the best quality of Fire and Rescue service that we can give to the people of all of Augusta County and that includes the Riverheads District. Riverheads deserves it; we’ve got a community who wants to step up and make this happen; and I’m hopeful that we are going to move forward tonight.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the Committee’s recommendations.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
* * *
Chairman Howdyshell suggested setting up a Real Estate Contract/Construction Committee with Jeremy Shifflett (Lead), John McGehee, Pat Morgan, Mike Nickell, and Carson Holloway to work on the contract with the owner, design specifications and the costs. This would also include the new fire station along with the renovations of Company 10.
Ms. Sorrells asked, for the volunteers that have expressed an interest, if they can proceed in organizing as a company. Fire Chief Holloway stated that they could meet with his department to file for forming a new company.
Chairman Howdyshell expressed appreciation to the volunteers, and stated, “It is our main responsibility to our citizens of our county of their safety and welfare.” Chairman Howdyshell said that there would be more discussions with the reports of the Committee.
CSPDC – STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
The Board considered endorsement of Strategic Initiatives.
Mr. Coffield, advised that the Board received in their agenda package the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission’s annual Strategic Initiatives to be considered.
He stated that this had been shared with the Economic Development Director.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the Strategic Initiatives as presented.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
ANIMAL SPAY AND NEUTER FUND
The Board considered allocation of funds from the Department of Taxation ($262.07) through the voluntary contributions of tax refunds.
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance, reported that the Department of Taxation annually distributes contributions that are made through refunds on tax returns. The contributions that go to the Spay and Neuter Fund are distributed annually to the locality in which the donor/filer resides. The County has to use this money to provide low-cost spay and neuter surgeries, or it may make the funds available to any private, nonprofit sterilization program for dogs and cats. The Board approved allocation of these funds to Kindred Spirits last year and noted that Kindred Spirits had received the DMV Animal Friendly License Plates funds this year.
Mr. Coffield suggested that in the future that the Board consider both allocations – Department of Taxation and DMV Animal Friendly License Plates – at the same time so that it would not have to come back to the Board twice.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve awarding the $262.07 contribution to Kindred Spirits and to follow Mr. Coffield’s proposal in the future.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
Mr. Beyeler asked for an update on Kindred Spirits. Mr. Coffield stated that an updated report was provided annually.
WEYERS CAVE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Board considered upgrading Virginia EMS license to allow Emergency Medical Service, Advanced Life Support Service to the community.
John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator, advised that a request has been made from the Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Company to support their application with the Department of EMS to go ALS service in their first due area. In order to receive a license from the State for that service, the local governing body has to approve the request. Also, included in the Board agenda package was a letter from Mike fisher, President of the Officers’ Association supporting Weyers Cave’s request.
Mr. Garber stated that this is a “shining example of what we’ve been talking about tonight—volunteers. We’re very blessed in Weyers Cave that a lot of the volunteers are professionals. They work at the various cities and counties around, so these are people that have these qualifications; we’re simply allowing them to use the qualifications that they have. It is great that they have them and it is great that they are volunteering their time.” Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
* * *
FIRE AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT GRANT PROGRAM
The Board considered committee’s recommendations as it relates to equipment grant requests from the following agencies:
Agency Request Recommendation Funding Source Verona Volunteer Fire Co. $ 9,680.00 Not funded #80000-8152 Weyers Cave Vol. Fire Co. $16,525.20 $16,525.20 #80000-8152 Chairman Howdyshell reported that the Grant Committee met yesterday, October 13th, to review two grant requests. The Committee approved the Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Company’s request for a 12 Lead HeartStart Monitor contingent upon whether they received their ALS license approval.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT
The Board considered resolution related to borrowing of funds to construct improvements at the Airport (North Corporate Hangar Site Project).
Greg Campbell, Executive Director of Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, reminded the Board that a year ago, the Board approved a resolution for funds associated with the North Corporate Hangar development project. That project is now complete.
Initially, the Airport moved forward with interim financing and indicated that completion of the project would need to have secured long-term financing. The Supplemental Resolution is for that purpose. The ultimate lender will be through the USDA and their Rural Development Program. The financing available with USDA is more significantly more favorable in regard to the interest rate and term. He added that the project is complete and a portion of it is already leased and producing revenue that is more than sufficient to cover and service the debt associated with it.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION
IN REGARD TO
SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport Commission (the “Commission”), was duly established pursuant to the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, and by resolution and agreement of the several political subdivisions of the Commonwealth of Virginia comprising the Commission, namely the Counties of Augusta and Rockingham and the Cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro (collectively, the “Member Localities”).
WHEREAS, the Commission has determined to issue and sell its aggregate up to $550,000 taxable airport revenue note or bond to United States of America, acting through Rural Housing Service, an Agency of United States Department of Agriculture (“RHS”), in order to obtain favorable long-term financing of the costs to: (i) acquire, construct and equip site improvements in connection with the development of open span aircraft storage hangars and facilities relating thereto at SVRA on an site consisting of approximately 12 Acres, including grading, drainage and building pad preparation improvements and various other preliminary costs in connection therewith, (ii) acquire, construct and equip all or any portion of such hangars and facilities, and (iii) pay issuance costs (collectively, the “Project”).
WHEREAS, each of the Member Localities previously approved the incurrence of indebtedness by the Commission in connection with the Project, including interim financing therefore (each such approval being referenced as the “Prior Approval”).
WHEREAS, the Prior Approval contemplated that Virginia Resources Authority would provide such long-term financing of the Project, and accordingly, the Commission now desires each of the governing bodies of the Member Localities to approve the permanent financing of the Project by RHS in order to obtain a lower cost of funds, subject to the determination of the final terms and provisions therefore ( the “RHS Loan”).
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia (the “Locality”), as follows:
1. The incurrence of the RHS Loan by the Commission, from time to time, is hereby approved and authorized, to the fullest extent as may be required, if at all.
2. It is to be understood that nothing contained in this Resolution shall be deemed to be a debt or a pledge of the faith and credit or the taxing power of the Locality, and nothing herein or therein shall legally bind or obligate the Locality to appropriate funds for such purposes. The indebtedness of the Commission represented by the RHS Loan (or otherwise in connection with the Project) shall not be deemed to constitute a debt or pledge of the faith and credit of the taxing power of the Locality, and neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the Locality shall be pledged for the payment of the principal of or interest on the RHS Loan or any other obligation of the Commission to RHS in connection with the Project or any other costs incident thereto.
3. The Prior Approval, as amended by this Supplemental Resolution, is hereby approved and confirmed. To the extent required, if at all, the County Administrator is authorized and directed to take all such further actions and to execute and deliver any and all instruments, certificates and other documents, as may be necessary or convenient, in order to carry out the purposes hereof and in furtherance, otherwise, of the long-term financing of the Project by the Commission as described herein.
4. This Resolution shall be effective immediately.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICES CONTRACTS
The Board considered committee recommendation for wireless communication services contracts.
Edward Long gave a presentation regarding the wireless communication services. He asked the following: 1) You have one department which is asking for more phones than they have people within their department? 2) What was the main reason for these phones? (He referred to Mr. Coffield’s previous response of problems with the normal channel communications of the Fire and Police.) Mr. Long shared information regarding Consumer Confidence Average Index, noting that in 2007, a decrease began; in 2009, it has continued to drop. He felt that this drop was due to less spending, and less local, state and federal tax revenues.
Mr. Long asked that the Board look at “essentials (police, fire, etc.)” not “non- essentials”.
David Karaffa agreed with Mr. Long and suggested a smaller pool of phones be used and that a less expensive phone be considered other than the BlackBerry.
Ms. Whetzel informed the Board that the County solicited sealed proposals from qualified firms to establish a contract through competitive negotiation for Wireless Communication Services. Proposals were received from Ntelos, Sprint/Nextel, and Verizon Wireless. The committee interviewed each offeror and conducted extensive coverage testing with their equipment in order to determine a successful vendor.
Towers were also mapped out for the respective offerors. A Wireless Communication Device Policy and Telecommunications Request Form was created to establish a better procedure for cell phone use by County employees. A survey was sent to each Department Head to justify the use of cell phones by their employees. As a result and due to budget constraints, there was a 20% reduction in the number of cell phones requested. After receiving the survey, it was determined to have approximately 12 BlackBerrys (out of 183 cell phones) and 23 Data Cards. The selection committee noted that Ntelos would be awarded for the cell phones/BlackBerry contract and Verizon Wireless would be awarded the Data Cards contract. Ntelos will provide phones with a lease (not paying for a new phone) at no additional charge. As far as Parks and Recreation employees, the number of full-time employees may not be the true representation of the employees in the field. They have after-school programs that have part-time employees who will have a phone.
Mr. Coffield response to what was mentioned by the Board and public:
1. Mr. Long’s editorial in July – Bid stated 250; currently, there is only 183 total phones (117 – County); (27 – Regional Jail); (39 –Regional Social Services). He noted that there are a total of 541 employees: 269, County; 129, Social Services; 143, Jail. A statement was made tonight there was a phone for every employee; Mr. Coffield reiterated that there were only 183 phones.
Mr. Long had also stated in an editorial that there would be $63,000 in costs and equipment. As part of the contract, there will be no fee for that equipment. Mr. Long had also stated that there would be $90,000 in annual costs; it will be $46,158 for the cell phones.
2. $58,000 included Data Cards (Cell Phone contract: $46,158) 3. Breakdown for Data Cards: 4, Fire and Rescue; 19, Sheriff = 23 4. Pool of minutes: 300 per phone x number of phones 5. Overage rate: 25¢ a minute. Monthly bills are monitored and circulated with agencies.
6. BlackBerry usage is documented to justify need 7. Parks & Recreation phone usage – 10 after-school locations – phones need to be made available in case of emergencies. Usage at Natural Chimneys – cell phones are less expensive than land lines.
He noted that there are employees who use their personal phones for work-related situations: Pat Coffield (County Administrator); John McGehee (Assistant County Administrator) and many others.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the committee recommendation.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
NON-CONVENTIONAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
The Board considered approval of one non-conventional system in the Mt. Ida Subdivision on Lot 12 (#73A ((2)) 12) as provided in § 11-13 (D) of the County Code (Riverheads District).
Mr. Coffield reported a non-conventional system is needed on a lot in the Mt. Ida Subdivision and hoped that this type of request will be handled administratively in the future so that they will not have to be considered case-by-case basis.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Shifflett moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
• Emergency Services Committee Meeting, Thursday, September 17, 2009 • Staff Briefing Meeting, Monday, September 21, 2009 • Regular Meeting, Wednesday, September 23, 2009
CLAIMS
Approved claims paid since September 9, 2009 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Coleman:
1. Ordinance Review – expressed appreciation to Dave Beyeler, Gerald Garber, and County staff.
2. Ordinance Review – follow-up list (“Choices Report” or priorities list) will be forthcoming.
3. Attended the following meetings:
a. Farm Bureau Annual Meeting b. Library – Phase 2 groundbreaking c. Vector Industries 40th Anniversary Mr. Garber: Fort Defiance High School has lost another student, totaling 3 this year.
Please keep the family in your prayers.
Ms. Sorrells:
Attended the following meetings:
a. Community Foundation Reception b. Coca Cola Recycling Day – Coca Cola has made a commitment to the community to do recycling projects environmentally c. Household Hazardous Waste Day – Statistics distributed indicating record breakers! Great helpers!
Chairman Howdyshell: Reminder of Route 250 Corridor Study tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. at the Government Center.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following:
1. Volunteerism – Encourage High School students to get involved. Rotary volunteered to pick up trash on Route 11 south.
2. Augusta Health Center/City Government/County Government meeting – scheduled for January 6th at 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The Board asked that the Board of Supervisors Organization meeting be changed from 5:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. so that they could attend the regional meeting at 5:00 p.m.
3. Source Water Protection Ordinance meeting scheduled for January 19th beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a viewing.
4. Augusta Garden Club request regarding Pence-Friedel Developers, Inc. It was the consensus of the Board that the Garden Club contact the developer to convey their interests.
5. Partnering Session – October 16th, 8:30 a.m., at the Government Center.
* * *
6. DRIFTWOODS CONTRACT
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve contract with Jane Woods to continue as Legislative Liaison for the year 2010.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
7. Webcam – At last meeting Mr. Pyles suggested that the Board meeting audio be placed on the web for public use. Ms. Sorrells suggested that research be done on costs for video and audio coverage. IT will give a presentation on October 26th at the Board of Supervisors’ Staff Briefing. Mr. Coleman mentioned that no one from his district has expressed an interest of this being placed on the internet.
8. State Stormwater Management – Governor Kaine’s press release distributed to Board.
* * *
9. PRESTON L. YANCEY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY REQUEST
While Augusta County Fire Company was waiting for the delivery of the new Squad truck, Preston Yancey loaned their squad truck for countywide use.
Preston Yancey has asked for a used set of three Air Bags, control unit, and a hydraulic hose.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
10. Verona Park – Mr. Shifflett met with staff and is evaluating the project. Notes were distributed to the Board. Mr. Coleman thanked Mr. Shifflett for working on this project and hoped that the meetings go well with the community.
11. Health Department – Mutual Aid Agreement with schools – using various school sites for mass inoculation. The Health Department are providing new scenarios and have suggested that the Mutual Aid Agreement be updated. After revisions have been made, the agreement will be brought back before the Board for consideration.
* * * 12. VACo CREDENTIALS Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the credentials to reflect the Chairman and Vice-Chairman as designees.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
13. Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission – RideShare Event October 12-16, 2009 – Press Release distributed to Board.
14. Ordinance Revisions:
a. Questions/responses from joint work session distributed to Board b. Made available on the internet and Library 15. Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courtroom – Complements received. Viewing on October 26th.
16. Rockbridge Flood Control – Summary of project distributed to Board. Will place on a future Staff Briefing for Board discussion.
17. County Budget Considerations – possible furloughs – Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King and Friday before Memorial Day – to be discussed at next Board meeting.
18. Route 250 Corridor – Thursday, October 15th, 7:00 p.m. – Supervisors Garber, Coleman and Sorrells will not be present.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Garber, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, 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 economic development exemption under Virginia Code § 2.2-
3711(A)(5)
[discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of its interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the county]:
A) Pending Industrial Prospects Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
On motion of Mr. Beyeler, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, the Board came out of Closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
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: Coleman, Garber, Sorrells, Howdyshell, Shifflett and Beyeler NAY: None
ABSENT: Pyles
The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
SPCA BOARD – APPOINTMENT
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board accepts the resignation of Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., as the Augusta County Liaison to the SPCA Board, and appoint Jeremy L. Shifflett to serve in that capacity.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
AUGUSTA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – REAPPOINTMENT
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board reappoint Gordon K.
Leonard, Jr., to serve another 4-year term on the Augusta County Planning Commission, effective January 1, 2010, to expire December 31, 2013.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator
H:10-14min.09
