Regular Meeting – August 26, 2009
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, August 26, 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
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
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
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, August 26, 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.
Whitley Coffman and Tiffany Flesher, of the Riverheads High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Whitley has cheered for Riverheads for four years and plans on attending Blue Ridge Community College to study Mortuary Science and be a mortician. Tiffany is currently in volleyball and plans on playing basketball in the winter and softball and track in the spring. She hopes to attend Emery-Henry and receive a degree in Social Work and work in Social Services.
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Supervisor for the Pastures District, delivered invocation.
WALK FOR RECOVERY – PROCLAMATION
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board adopt the following proclamation:
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH
WHEREAS, treatment and recovery improve the community’s welfare and provide a renewed outlook on life for those who struggle with substance use disorders and their family and friends; and WHEREAS, 23.2 million people aged 12 or older in the United States needed treatment for a substance use disorder in 2007, and 5.4 million adults also suffered from a concurrent mental illness; and WHEREAS, studies have indicated that 8.9 percent of people who made an effort to get treatment, but did not receive it, were concerned that receiving treatment might cause neighbors or community members to have negative opinions of them. However, most say they would not have a negative opinion of a relative or friend in recovery from an addiction; and WHEREAS, resources exist online and in our community to increase people’s awareness about how substance use disorders affect children, families, and our society; and WHEREAS, such education is essential to overcoming misconceptions and achieving long-term recovery; and WHEREAS, to help achieve this goal, the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, Augusta Health, Virginia Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, Valley Community Services Board, Mental Health of America of Augusta, a United Way Partner Shenandoah Valley Teen Challenge invite all residents of Augusta County to participate in the 20th anniversary of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, Larry C.. Howdyshell, Augusta County Chair of the Board of Supervisors, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of Augusta County, Virginia, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2009 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Augusta County and call upon the people of Augusta County to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies supporting this year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal.”.
I further call upon the people of Augusta County, Virginia to observe this month by participating in the Walk for Recovery For people involved in Drug and Alcohol treatment or supporting recovery at 9:30 AM on the morning of September 19, 2009, in Fishersville, Virginia at Augusta Health (Formerly Called Augusta Medical Center).
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
UPPER VALLEY REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY
This being the day and time advertised to consider a proposed Annexation Agreement between the Town of Grottoes and the County of Augusta and thereafter will consider for passage a resolution approving the Agreement.
The Chairman declared the public hearing open.
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney, advised that this is part of a multi-jurisdictional proposal to eventually dissolve the Upper Valley Regional Park Authority and transfer ownership of the Grand Caverns to the Town of Grottoes and the Natural Chimneys to Augusta County. As part of the agreement, the Town of Grottoes has asked that it be allowed to annex Grand Caverns into the Town limits so that it can patrol and protect the area. The annexation will only involve the Town; it is not going to transfer the property into Rockingham County; the Grand Caverns will still be located in Augusta County. The public hearing tonight is whether or not the Board agrees to the annexation. If the Board agrees, the Commission on Local Government will need to approve the agreement. Part of the agreement is that if this meets with Board approval, the Town would not annex any other part of Augusta County for a period of ten years.
The Board is being asked to consider if the area should be annexed; and, additionally, to authorize the Chairman to enter into the agreements that support those goals.
There being no one present to speak for or against, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Garber hoped that this would benefit everybody involved—all the jurisdictions and citizens who wish to use the facility.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board endorse the Annexation Agreement between the Town of Grottoes and the County of Augusta; authorize Chairman to execute any and all documents needed; and adopt the following resolution:
A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED
AGREEMENT TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF
GRAND CAVERNS AND NATURAL CHIMNEYS PARK
BETWEEN THE CITY OF HARRISONBURG, THE CITY OF STAUNTON,
TOWN OF GROTTOES, COUNTY OF AUGUSTA,
COUNTY OF ROCKINGHAM AND
UPPER VALLEY REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY
Recitals:
WHEREAS, the parties have entered into an Agreement to Transfer Ownership of Grand Caverns and Natural Chimneys Park (Agreement) by which they intend to transfer the assets of the Upper Valley Regional Park Authority (Authority) as follows: to the County of Augusta, Natural Chimneys Park and to the Town of Grottoes, Grand Caverns.
WHEREAS, each party to the Agreement will take the appropriate actions required to approve the Agreement and the implementation of the terms and conditions set out therein.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors finds it in the best interest of Augusta County to approve and adopt the Agreement which is attached hereto and further authorizes its Chairman to execute the Agreement on its behalf with such minor modifications as deemed advisable by the County Attorney in consultation with the Town’s attorneys.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED and authorized that all appropriate officers and employees take such other actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to implement this resolution and the terms of the Agreement.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
(END OF PUBLIC HEARING)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
Michael Shull opposed approval of Library renovations because of the economy. He suggested that those things that definitely needed to be fixed to be corrected. He added that the studies were unnecessary. He said that he was not against libraries, “it’s what is on the inside of the library is what you get out of it, not the looks on the outside”.
Mr. Shull mentioned that he was not opposed to the Fire Department proposed for Greenville, but stated that it was not the right time to consider. He suggested that all parties involved should meet and discuss the issues. He suggested that Middlebrook, Stuarts Draft, Raphine and Fairfield be included in discussions.
ANIMAL CONTROL – ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
The Board considered possible code revisions relating to sale of multi-year licenses, license fees and shelter costs.
Mr. Morgan reported this draft ordinance was requested by the Augusta County Treasurer. This ordinance adds several things to the current ordinance on licensing. It allows for a three-year license tax, which the State Code now allows, but will run concurrent with the dog’s rabies shots being valid. One-year tags will not be eliminated; but there will be an additional option for a three-year tag for dog owners. The Treasurer has proposed a discount if a dog owner buys a three-year tag. Also, it would increase the license fees for fertile dogs from $5 to $10; for neutered dogs from $3 to $6; and kennel fees from $25 to $50. He noted that the Board requested at the Staff Briefing on Monday to include a provision that will allow for recovery of the cost for certified mail when it comes time to remind dog owners that they have not paid their licensing fees. A revised draft ordinance was attached to tonight’s agenda.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board authorize staff to advertise for public hearing.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM – RESOLUTION
The Board considered resolution establishing the rate of tax relief of qualifying vehicles for purposes of the Personal Property Tax Relief Act.
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, advised that this program, when originally approved by the State of Virginia, assisted citizens by paying up to 70% of Personal Property Taxes as stipulated by the participating jurisdictions. In 2005, the State put a cap of $950 million statewide. With the values increasing and State funding stationary, in 2006, it decreased to 60%; in 2007, 60%; 2008, it decreased to 49%. Because of the economy and depreciation of vehicles (because of the high cost of fuel last summer) and combined with new vehicles not being purchased, it has increased to 56%.
Tonight’s action would assist the Commissioner of Revenue and Treasurer in sending out the tax bills for Personal Property.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 1998, Va. Code §§ 58.1- 3523 et seq. (“PPTRA”), has been substantially modified by the enactment of Chapter 1 of the Acts of Assembly, 2004 Special Session I (Senate Bill 5005), and the provisions of Item 503 of Chapter 951 of the 2005 Acts of Assembly (the 2005 revisions to the 2004-06 Appropriations Act).
WHEREAS, by its enactment of an ordinance on December 14, 2005 (“Ordinance”), the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia (the “Board of Supervisors”) has previously implemented such modifications of the PPTRA.
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors now desires to set the rate of tax relief for tax year 2009 for purposes of the Ordinance.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA:
1. For purposes of § 3(c) of the Ordinance, the rate of tax relief with respect to qualifying vehicles with assessed values of more than $1,000, and applied to the first $20,000 in value of each such qualifying vehicle, shall be fifty-six percent (56%).
2. All other provisions of the Ordinance shall be implemented by the Commissioner of the Revenue or the County Treasurer, as applicable, including, without limitation, those set forth in § 3(b) of the Ordinance, pertaining to the elimination of personal property taxation of each qualifying vehicle with an assessed value of $1,000 or less, and in § 4, pertaining to liability of taxpayers whose taxes with respect to a qualifying vehicle for tax year 2005 or any prior tax year remain unpaid.
3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
LIBRARY RENOVATION – PHASE II
The Board considered acceptance of construction bid and costs associated with project.
Funding Sources: Building Sinking Account #80000-8198 $ 133,002.00 Library Phase II #80000-8051 $ 454,740.12 Agriculture Development Account #80000-8167 $1,053,094.00 $1,640,836.12 John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator, reported that, on August 12th, Augusta County accepted bids for Phase II of the Library renovation. The low bidder was Nielson Builders of Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a bid or $1,267,099. Ten bids were received, with one over $1.5 million. The engineers and architects estimate for the project was $2,060,742. Additional costs (testing, architects’ fees, book relocation, computer wiring, and asbestos monitoring, contingency, and furniture and fixtures) makes it a grand total cost of $1,640,836. The agenda listed potential funding sources for the project.
Mr. Pyles asked for the time line for acceptance of the bid. Mr. McGehee reported that they had 60 days from bid opening (October 12th). Decision would be needed by the September 23rd meeting to allow ten days, after approval, for a letter of intent to award and five days later for endorsement of contracts.
Joe Zapotoczny, Chairman of the Library Board, acknowledged Library Board members present. He commended the Board for appointing an “extremely competent professional group of people serving on the Library Board”. Over the past several years, the Library Board has worked on many projects: Bookmobile; library branches in Middlebrook and Craigsville; hired a new Librarian. He noted that the main thing that the Library Board is charged with is providing quality library services for all of Augusta County. He appreciated the Board’s support in the construction of the Children’s Wing. He reiterated that the Fishersville Library was the hub of all library services in Augusta County. “The others could not operate without what is happening in Fishersville.” He emphasized that the Library is an old building that has been taken good care of; but, because of the age, renovations are needed. He stated that the entire Library Board is committed to this project and appreciated the good working relationship with the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Zapotoczny added that, when Mr. Shifflett became the Library Liaison, he was considered to be mild and meek; now, he is considered the “bulldog”. He noted that Mr. Shifflett had questioned the Library spending and had worked with the architects in this project. Mr. Zapotoczny appreciates what Mr. Shifflett has done for the Library and the guidance that he has given to them.
Mr. Shifflett made the following statement:
Since the library first opened its doors in 1983, the usage of the library services has increased dramatically. In 1984, a year after the library opened, the number of library patrons was 50,796. The number in 2008, 357,596 and yes that number was 357,596 patrons who utilized the many services offered by the library in 2008.
From July 2008 to May of this year, library patrons checked out 500,000 books, movies, and CDs as they are realizing it is cheaper than buying or renting them. Folks are using the library’s free internet access, as not every household is yet to have a computer, but demands of today require one. The library also provides activities free of charge that area families can participate in to spend time outside of their home, together, in a fun-friendly welcoming atmosphere. These activities offered, relays our commitment to providing activities to area families. With the library’s central location, it serves 3 of the fastest growing, most urbanized districts in the County along with sizable portions of the remaining districts.
If you do not utilize the many services and programs offered by the Library in Fishersville, you may ask what’s wrong with it, it appears to be in good shape with “appear” being the key word. Ask library staff to show you the many structural cracks throughout the building, the most noticeable crack in the wall of the science fiction room. It is a crack about a ¼ inch wide going from floor to ceiling and from inside to outside of the wall.. You can feel where there has been movement of the floor directly in front of the settlement crack underneath the carpet. There are numerous structure cracks throughout the building.
You can also ask staff to show you the torn and ragged carpet which was installed in 1983, which currently covers asbestos floor tile, which prevents a cheap replacement of the carpet because once the carpet is removed then asbestos remediation is required.
There is mold accumulation in areas of the basement of the main portion of the library. This is and should be a major concern for the health of library employees as well as those citizens who patronize the library.
Staff will tell you that the plumbing system is reaching its capacity with the increased patronage, which can be proved as it requires spending money for monthly sewer line flushing and maintenance.
Staff can also tell you the heating system is the original system installed in the 1930’s. It is well beyond its lifetime working expectancy. Not only is it costly to operate, but it is environmentally inefficient. The air conditioning system was originally installed in 1983 and it, too, is reaching its lifetime working expectancy. With the addition of the children’s wing requiring an independent more modern HVAC system with new air handling standards (one of which is to pump fresh air into the building), is causing the older heating and air conditioning systems to work against the new system installed in the children’s wing. This is needlessly increasing the yearly operating costs of both of those systems. The items mentioned are not all that needs to be addressed; these were only the main items out of a 2-page list. If we just fix what needs fixing, as seen on this list, we will basically be doing a renovation only piecemeal. If these problems were associated with a residential property, the property would more than likely be considered a “fixer-upper” or as now the politically correct term is “investor’s special”.
As for moving the main entrance to the front of the building being dubbed only for “cosmetically pleasing purposes”, the reason for this move was that it provided the most economical and cost effective measure in providing the following: easier, safer handicap and citizen access into the library, a centralized staff work station allowing for greater supervision, communication with and efficiency in serving our citizens; as compared to a larger number of staff being scattered throughout the different areas of the library, leaving areas unsupervised. It also provided the much needed area for book shelving so that stacks of books and other items are no longer stored haphazardly in hallways and offices.
As for operational costs updating to more efficient mechanical systems, will eliminate a portion of the current maintenance costs coupled with the consolidation of staff work areas; I believe this to save money. It should be noted that several of the part-time employees that were affected in the current budget have returned as volunteers to the library. I would like to take this opportunity to commend those individuals as they deserve the utmost respect for taking this initiative. No one asked them and they certainly didn’t have to.
The library master plan was completed telling us that at some point in the near future a renovation would be needed to accommodate the increasing usage of library services along with updating its ageing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems along with repairing the many items needing repairs. The recent Fishersville Small Area Plan called for the continued improvement of the facility.
According to the American Library Association, there are multiple studies that indicate that libraries provide an economic return of $5 dollars for every $1 dollar that is invested into a localities library.
I believe the current economy is providing an opportunity to improve something that can be utilized by all citizens. That opportunity has come in the way of saving very large amounts of taxpayer money on construction projects. The truth of the matter is that we never seem to see a savings of this magnitude during good economic times. As with good economic times, revenues are strong but so is the cost of building materials and construction labor, which erodes the large savings we are currently seeing on various projects. I believe that most of that savings comes from contractors who are now no longer looking to bank huge profits off of projects as they are now more concerned with meeting payroll and keeping their employees working.
We have seen savings on each project that has been put out to bid in the past year with the largest savings seen with a Dam Restoration project in South River (that project alone was $850 thousand dollars give or take under budget). One could make an argument that the savings off of that project comes close to paying for this one when added to what’s already been allocated to Phase 2. We are seeing a savings again, with this project with the bid coming back $800,000 under the estimated cost of $2.4 million for an entire renovation.
The million dollar question for tonight (no pun intended) is where is the money going to come from? Just as it was proposed on Monday, I say the money should come from the PDR fund where money had been squirreled away over a period of years on a proposal that never came to fruition and probably never will. I feel the PDR fund monies should be put on small scale projects such as this, that has the ability to benefit and serve our citizens.
I will also add that after tonight if we go forward the Library renovation, the Library will be working with the Friends of the Augusta County Library on various fundraising activities to offset the cost of this renovation even more.
I said a month ago that I was not willing to commit to this renovation unless there would be a substantial amount of savings to our taxpayers, and I consider over $800,000 being very substantial savings on a project of this scale. We now have the opportunity to save the taxpayers $800,000 on a project that will come sooner or later, whether we like it or not, by doing it now.
I do feel that if we wait to do this renovation, the current savings will have eroded away and we could end up paying $2.4 million plus for the same renovation.
Mr. Shifflett moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board accept the construction bid from Nielson Construction in the amount of $1,267,099 as well as the associated costs as reflected in the Staff Report of August 18th totaling $1,640,836.12 The funding sources are Building Sinking Fund of $133,002; Library Account of $454,740.12; and Agriculture Development Account of $1,053,094; totaling $1,640,836.12.
Mr. Pyles gave a presentation reflecting:
I want to try and put a little bit of perspective on this. I think Mr. Shull hit the nail on the head. This isn’t the right time. We said so, as much, at our budget time. This is the first page from our budget that we put out that the Administrator wrote. This one page doesn’t have it all, but elimination of new vehicles, freezing of vacant positions, positions layoffs. There is a list of folks that we had funded in the past that we can’t fund now.
There is a deputy sheriff—two deputy sheriffs, court security officer, DARE officer, chief deputy, dispatcher, assistant fire chief, four half-time library aides, less people to do the job. We told the citizens of Augusta County we were in a jam. We didn’t have enough money to do all that we had done in the past, so we’re going to have to make some cuts.
We told the people that work for us that there is no money—no money for raises for any of our workers here. Then we ask them to do more as a fill-in for positions that other people have voided. So we told one constituency of ours, the people that work for us, that there is no money. We told the people who we work for there is no money. Times are tough. I think both groups are a little bit befuddled at the continuance spending of this Board, whether it be for moving some dirt at Mill Place, or hiring people when we have a hiring freeze. There is always something more that we continue to do while we ignore the basic things that we have been doing—law enforcement, taking care of these other issues.
Mr. Beyeler asked why this information was not presented to the Board before tonight.
Mr. Pyles responded that Mr. Beyeler would not allow him to present information at a previous Staff Briefing and asked the Chairman if he could continue.
Here is our Library contribution for the main library. We reduced that by $56,000 (5%).
We reduced the hours from 64 to 60. On the next page, is Churchville, we reduced Churchville $15,000 (13%); took down Fishersville 5%; took down Churchville 13%; and we cut an entire day out of Churchville’s operation. We took a little more in the shorts than did the bank place out west. We already lost the bookmobile out west; then we cut a day out of that. I didn’t say anything about it because times are tough. I understand that.
The next page is what we took out of the budget as far as for Library Phase II. We said we didn’t have enough money for Library Phase II in this budget so we cut it. We said we had no money for Library automation so we cut it. The other thing, we spent no money for our books. When Mr. Beyeler asked the County Administrator where this money was going to come from, the County Administrator said it came from PDR money. That’s not right. The money always comes from the taxpayer and there is no PDR money. There is only t-a-x money. It is just tax money. It’s put in there for reserves. We are eating into every reserve that we have. What’s going to happen is, in this budget letter, it says we’re having to make tough choices. The choices are going to be even tougher if we spend the money now before all the cards are played. We’re going to have another card play, another lay down around Labor Day–$1.5 billion cut from the State that’s going to hit us.
Ms. Whetzel said there is a possibility that we could be hit with $600,000 in one area not counting the School budgets. That’s going to be hit hard. We need to hold back.
When I said we don’t have any money, we’re in debt starting this year $68 million. If we have money just laying around, let’s put it towards what we owe. The largest thing that we pay for in our budget, outside of schools, is our debt service. Over $8 million a year in debt service. It dwarfs any other budget item that we have; $3.2 million of it is in interest alone. If we could get debt service down, then we could take care of these other things.
We don’t have enough money this year in our operating budget to cover our debt. We have to borrow from our reserves this year for $1,321,000 from our reserves to make the budget this year. And we’re going to be in the hole $1 million next year; and $765,000 the year after that; and $470,000 the year after that. We don’t have any money. All we’re doing is robbing Peter to pay Paul. Times are tough and they are going to get tougher. If we do this now, what are we going to tell our workers next year when we ask them to take a pay cut? What are we going to tell the taxpayer when we say, “Oh, we’re backed in a corner; we’re going to have to raise your taxes”? We will be spending ourselves into a corner. The least we can do is wait to hear what the State is going to be—how hard we are going to get hit there.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board table this item until September 23, 2009.
Mr. Pyles stated that this would still be in time to bid the contract out at the savings, but able to realize how the State is going to hit Augusta County before this money is spent.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Garber and Pyles Nays: Sorrells, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Motion failed.
* * * Mr. Beyler called for the question.
Chairman Howdyshell stated that the Board was to vote on Mr. Shifflett’s motion.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: Howdyshell, Garber and Pyles Motion carried.
PARKS AND RECREATION MATCHING GRANT – BUFFALO GAP HIGH SCHOOL
SPORTSMAN CLUB
The Board considered (A) recommendation of Parks and Recreation Commission to award a grant in an amount not to exceed $36,464 in Recreation Matching Grant funds and $31,536 in Infrastructure funds for a concession stand and handicapped restroom; and (B) approval of Grant Agreement.
Funding Source: Pastures Recreation Account #80000-8024-23 $36,464 Pastures Infrastructure Account #80000-8014-59 $31,536 Mr. Coffield advised that the Board received a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission to award a grant for the Buffalo Gap High School Sportsman Club at the Staff Briefing on Monday. At the Staff Briefing, there was discussion regarding the remaining funding necessary for the completion of the project. Mr. Pyles recommended that the shortfall of $31,536 be allocated from his Infrastructure Account.
At the Board’s direction, $36,464 will come from the Pastures Recreation Account and $31,536 will come from the Pastures Infrastructure Account.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board approve the request and funded as noted.
Mr. Beyeler supported the request, but noted that what is spent on this project, multiplied by seven, “we’re talking close to half a million dollars. You don’t spend half a million dollars in hard times if you really believe in what you’re saying. You talking about double standards, here it is.” Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
NATURAL CHIMNEYS
The Board considered transfer of North River Infrastructure funds to establish capital sinking funds for Natural Chimneys.
Funding Source: North River Recreation Matching Grants Account #80000-8023-30 $100,000 Mr. Coffield advised that Natural Chimneys was discussed at the Staff Briefing on Monday. He noted that the facility is located in the North River District. As part of the analysis, the period of time that the facility is to be opened and the reduced season was discussed. Also, needed capital improvements were discussed. One of the recommendations was that $100,000 from the infrastructure account for North River be allocated to establish the capital account. At that meeting, there was a request to switch it from the infrastructure account to the Recreation Matching Grants account, which has sufficient funds.
Chairman Howdyshell emphasized that Natural Chimneys is something recognized throughout the State of Virginia and throughout the Eastern Seaboard. “We are going to capture $2.3 million worth of assets here. What we’re looking for is this money to do a face-lift and make it more presentable. We’re more fortunate with this park than we are with a lot of parks we have in the County. This one does have a revenue source.” Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the request.
Ms. Sorrells commented that, “This is more than just a park as we think about parks in Augusta County. It has a campground associated with it. It has the Chimneys, itself, and some events associated with it. Thinking about traveling around the country, every national park or state park that I have ever been in has a concession there that actually leases it out. We might be able to think about, rather than something that we’re talking about breaking even, if we can every year; we might be able to turn this into a real money-maker project.” She suggested that that possibility be explored.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
FIRE AND RESCUE MASTER PLAN
The Board considered presentation of staff report regarding:
A) Company 10 relocation B) Riverheads District Fire and Rescue Station Mr. Garber stated that this had been discussed at the Staff Briefing on Monday and that a number of people raised questions. He asked that Mr. Coleman and Mr. Pyles submit their questions in writing. He felt that the Board was not ready to make a decision tonight.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board table this item and authorize Emergency Services Committee to meet and answer questions that have been submitted and provide recommendations at the next Staff Briefing (September 21st).
Mr. Coleman reiterated that he was asked and willingly agreed to serve as a “recorder”.
There were discussions at the Staff Briefing on Monday and continued the discussions while viewing property in Greenville. Concerns and questions were mentioned that is causing this motion. He distributed information that was discussed.
Ms. Sorrells asked if a committee was being created. Mr. Garber suggested that Emergency Services meet with appropriate parties and submit results to the Board.
Chairman Howdyshell stated that if needed to be reviewed and if any clarification is needed, it be referred to Mr. Garber.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Garber, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: Sorrells and Beyeler Motion carried.
Sharon Tutt, a volunteer member of Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad for 31 years and a life member, has been an officer for 30 years and been actively involved in the local Central Shenandoah EMS Council, of which she had been secretary for 25 years and retired that position last year. She stated that she is not against in having a station in the Greenville area but expressed concerns on how it would be staffed and how the proposal would be handled. She pointed out that the majority of this proposed service area is in Stuarts Draft first due area. She noted that in 2008, 1900 calls were handled. She added that Augusta County is in the process of beginning Revenue Recovery for all licensed EMS transport agencies and that it was not her agency’s choice but felt that it would help the county bring in extra revenue to additionally fund the EMS budget. When the original proposal was made for the Riverheads station, it was supposed to be an all-career-staffed station; then it went to a combination of volunteer and career-staffed station. She understands, now, that SARS would like to put an ambulance in that station and staff it 24-7. She understands that when SARS handles a call, it is handled through their own Revenue Recovery program and nothing comes back to the County. She felt that if SARS is allowed to staff this building and charged for its services in the area, they will be taking away income from the County’s Revenue Recovery program. Ms. Tutt did not feel that this should be done.
“This will add to the taxpayer’s burden of additional funding for emergency services from the County.” Ms. Tutt also expressed concerns that Stuarts Draft Rescue had not been invited to part of the process since it involves a large portion of their first due area. She felt that all parties should be “kept in the loop” to “look at the overall needs and make the decisions that will guide us to the future. We cannot continue to do business as normal, nor can afford to have different rules and guidelines for different agencies.” Mr. Beyeler expressed his appreciation of Ms. Tutt’s dedication to the Stuarts Draft Rescue.
Frank Bridgeforth, a life member of the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, reiterated that Ms. Tutt has been a great support. He noted that on one of Mr. Pyles’ slides, the $100,000 was denied because of unavailable funding. He stated that his agency was not in disagreement but jus wanted the right process to transpire suitable for all parties involved.
“For forty years, we have maintained a special relationship with the Greenville community.
Calls day and night—and we have done very well. There is more than running rescue squads in a community.” He reiterated the concerns that the process needs to include all parties.
AUGUSTA COUNTY SCHOOLS
The Board considered request of School Board to allocate FY08-09 fund balance to schools capital account #80000-8134. Also, considered earmarking $10,000 for each of the County’s five high schools for capital projects ($50,000 total).
Mr. Coffield advised that he presented to the Board the School Board’s request to allocate FY08-09 fund balance at Monday’s Staff Briefing. In past years, the request has been to transfer it from the General Funds to the School Capital Account (#80000- 8134). With the request for the transfer, the School Board has also asked that $50,000 ($10,000 for each high school) be earmarked for capital projects associated to those schools. The total amount is $1,018,996.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Shifflett moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, August 12, 2009
RESOLUTION – TIGER GRANT APPLICATION
Adopted the following resolution for TIGER grant application:
RESOLUTION
TIGER GRANT APPICATION
WHEREAS, The Virginia Department of Transportation is making application to participate in the American and Reinvestment Act of 2009, (ARRA) through a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant.
WHEREAS, 10.32 lane miles of I-81 Southbound between mile post 212.50 and mile post 217.66 would be rehabilitated by the use of an innovative recycling technology that is more environmentally friendly and cost effective; and WHEREAS, this portion of I-81 has been a continual maintenance issue and costly for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Verona Residency office; and WHEREAS, the proposed improvement will have a significantly longer service life than a traditional repair method; and BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors hereby support application for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant as part of the American and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
* * *
INFRASTRUCTURE/PARKS AND RECREATION MATCHING GRANTS ACCOUNT
STATUS – FY09-10
Considered additions/deletions to infrastructure accounts.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Beyeler: Information Requests – Asked that if any Board member asks for particular information from staff that would require a large amount of time, that it be approved by the Board prior to producing.
Mr. Beyeler moved, no second was made, that the Board instruct staff that, unless the Chairman is requesting it, or the majority of Board members are requesting it, that staff not have to answer any Board member within a 24-hour; 48-hour; or 96-hour period.
Chairman Howdyshell asked for clarification of time limits. Mr. Beyeler stated four working days. Mr. Shifflett asked how this would affect a simple question. He asked if there would be a limit of the information needed or of the time requirement needed to provide information. Mr. Beyeler felt that staff should be responsible to individual Board members, but “five or six members of the staff should not be tied up for six or eight hours on one Board member’s request”. Mr. Shifflett suggested that if it required over two hours time that it should be considered. Mr. Coleman asked that this be discussed at the next Board meeting. He referred to what was decided on the County Attorney being asked to providing tasks. It was the Board’s understanding that if there was going to be something requested of the County Attorney to tie up his time, that it would have to go before the Board for approval.
Mr. Pyles stated that this motion was directed at him and explained to the public that staff was supposed to give a presentation on the pros and cons on relocating Company 10 versus Greenville and a decision was to be made tonight. He felt that there was not enough information to make the decision. He said that the Board was told that Staunton calls Augusta County were about the same as Augusta County for Staunton. He said that was untrue. Augusta County does 346 calls for Staunton; Staunton does 158 for Augusta County. He noted that the Company 10 is costing $700,000 a year of which 20% is going to Staunton. He felt that to be unfair. He noted that a Fire Training Center was built, in which the Board thought they had a partner with Staunton, but the project was done alone ($709,000) and has to be operated yearly for $280,000 with no help from Staunton.
Mr. Beyeler felt that the timeframe for this request was inappropriate.
Chairman Howdyshell agreed with Mr. Coleman and asked if Mr. Beyeler would rescind his motion. He asked that the Board consider a policy to direct staff as to how to handle these types of requests.
Mr. Beyeler withdrew the motion and asked the Board members to give suggestions as to the guidelines.
Ms. Sorrells:
1. Extension Office – Drinking Water Clinic – Kick-off meeting times – brochure distributed to Board – meeting September 22, at Government Center, 2:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. – $46 kits available; if unable to afford cost, scholarships available.
2. Fire Station – clarified misinformation – Involved all companies – Stuarts Draft Rescue and Volunteer Departments; Middlebrook Volunteer Fire Department; Fairfield; Raphine; SARS and Company 10 were all brought together for a meeting to share ideas to begin process. No proposals have been made; only options and costs have been discussed. Mr. Beyeler and Ms. Sorrells began discussion about this at the beginning of the year—the establishment of a fire and rescue station in the vicinity of the Riverheads schools and the Interstate; 250 potential houses are going to be built around those two schools and a potential third school; a lot of undeveloped commercial area that will be developed in addition to those houses. “It is currently the biggest hole in Augusta County for fire and rescue and it is not going to go away. It’s a real need and will only increase.” Mr. Garber: Congratulated Mr. Shifflett on his “fine speech. You have gone from a very quiet young lad to a fine speaker”. At this time, he felt that because of the economy, he could not agree with Mr. Shifflett.
Mr. Coleman:
1. RECYCLING COMMITTEE – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board reappoint Debbie Botkin to serve a four-year on the Recycling Committee, effective September 25, 2009, to expire September 24, 2013.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * 2. Library Renovation – “Respectfully disagreed” – In being good stewards of money, the Board had made a decision to renovate three high schools at the cost of $8.5 million each; later two other high schools were renovated at the cost of $21 million each. He stated that the Board needed to look at the projects that “absolutely need to be done”. He was proud that the County borrowed little money, except for jails and schools. “We’re not borrowing any money to do this project.” Mr. Pyles:
1. LIBRARY BOARD – APPOINTMENT
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board appoint Catherine A.
Sellers, to serve a four-year on the Library Board, effective immediately, to expire June 30, 2013.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * 2. Homestead VACo annual meeting in November – will not be attending.
3. Buffalo Gap Sportsman Club Parks & Recreation Matching Grant – Responded to Mr. Beyeler’s comment – Always true to his principals. “We had our budgets cut for infrastructure and for recreation. There is money budgeted to do these things. The Buffalo Gap concession stand – $41,000 is coming from the federal government; $9,000 is coming from the Sportsman Club; the rest is coming from us. It’s a single largest fundraiser. It funds everything that they have at Buffalo Gap, but it came out of the budget that we agreed to earlier this year. I vote for everything like that. It’s when we’re going out with something we, specifically, didn’t put money aside for in the budget that draws the line for me. I’m true to myself. I watch the dollars and I will get the work done. I’ll get the details. If I have to wait five days for a Freedom of Information, I’ll do it, but I’m going to know what I’m doing before I raise my hand. I owe it to our taxpayers.” * * * Chm. Howdyshell:
1. Greenville Fire Station – asked that a meeting be scheduled for Ms. Sorrells and Mr. Beyeler to be involved.
2. Library renovation – Voted against because he did not feel it was the right time.
“As Board Chairman, I will work to help it make happen. That was the Board’s decision.”
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following:
1. Swine Flu – Question asked at Monday’s Staff Briefing regarding schools as it relates to doctor notes. Read the following response:
We do not require a Doctor’s note from students until they miss 10 days – This has been our policy for all absences not just H1N1. We will need to individually assess why students are absent and will make adjustments to require Doctor’s notes as the situation dictates. As for staff, we require Doctor’s notes for long-term illnesses or if they are a habitual attendance problem, that we are moving toward dismissal or on a plan of improvement.
2. Diesel fuel spill at Government Center – commended Environmental Specialist, Candy Hensley; Verona Fire Department; Company 10 and staff for handling properly.
3. Prescription Bus – September 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at Government Center. – Staff will be on bus to enroll people in free medication programs.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator H:8-26min.09
