Staff Briefing Meeting – January 22, 2014
Staff Briefing Meeting, Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 6:00; and Regular Meeting, Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 7:00 p.m., Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Larry J. Wills, Chairman
Michael L. Shull, Vice Chairman
David R. Beyeler
David A. Karaffa
Jeffrey A. Moore
Marshall W. Pattie
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development
Becky Earhart, Senior Planner
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, CMC, Executive Secretary
VIRGINIA: At an adjourned meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at 6:00 p.m., and a regular meeting, Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 238th year of the Commonwealth….
Becky Earhart, Senior Planner, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Pastures District, delivered invocation.
Chairman Wills explained that the Staff Briefing and Regular Meeting will be combined tonight due to inclement weather. He asked that staff be brief and available to answer any questions the Board may have. A Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. as advertised.
Mr. Pyles asked for clarification. Chairman Wills said that this will be the official meeting and action will be taken when needed.
VDOT ROADS
1. The Board discussed the VDOT status report of November 25, 2013, staff briefing meeting.
The Board accepted monthly report as information.
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development, shared with the Board that Mr. Komara had asked that he mention two railroad grade crossing improvements to be considered by the Board for submittal:
1. Route 2002 (Houff Road) in Weyers Cave; and 2. Route 940 (Dick Huff Lane) at the Government Center He noted that 90% of this program is paid by Federal funding, but it requires a 10% match from Augusta County. He asked the Board to let him know if they knew of any other situations that would need this type of improvement.
Mr. Moore moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve staff to move forward for submittal requests.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
2. The Board discussed Road Abandonment Resolution.
Mr. Fitzgerald reported that this resolution was for the purpose of advertising and posting a notice to abandon a section of road on Route 617. Property was displayed in blue. He noted that this property served no public necessity and is no longer necessary as a part of the Secondary System of State Highways.
Chairman Wills asked if a turnaround would be created or leave it “as is”. Mr. Fitzgerald was not told of a turnaround being built. He assumed there would be no change, just an abandonment of the right-of-way section. Chairman Wills recommended that this move forward.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, it appears to this Board that Secondary Route 617 from 0.66 miles East of Route 865 to 1.01 miles East of Route 865 a distance of 0.35 miles, serves no public necessity and is no longer necessary as a part of the Secondary System of State Highways.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Clerk of the Board is directed to post and public notice of the Board’s intent to abandon the aforesaid section of Route 617, pursuant to 33.1-151 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Board discussed the Economic Development monthly report of November 25, 2013, staff briefing meeting.
Amanda Glover, Economic Development Director, noted that the monthly report covered the months of November and December. In regards to the Mill Place update, she reported that they have a fixed price contract with Plecker Construction for $32,322.50 for the Centerview Drive Improvements (culvert). She added that some unsuitable material will need to be removed and replaced with on-site shale in an amount not to exceed $2,000. In regards to Mill Place Stormwater, Balzer and Associates are performing preliminary survey work. For the water tank, the preliminary engineering report is being reviewed by the Augusta County Service Authority staff and County staff at a meeting on January 23rd. The Board accepted monthly report as information.
FIRE AND RESCUE
The Board discussed the Fire and Rescue status report of November 25, 2013, staff briefing meeting.
Carson Holloway, Fire Chief, high-lighted the following:
1. Craigsville transfer is still in progress. Organizational Meeting for Volunteers is set for March.
2. Truck 106 is still in Ohio under repairs.
3. An order for an ambulance is in the process of being submitted. Projection of delivery time is April or May. This will replace the first unit Augusta County had received.
4. Preston L. Yancey – exhaust system has been coordinated with Verona as a cost-savings effort. It is a little behind schedule.
5. Burn Building repairs – Will be following up with the Fire Board. Met with the Sub-Committee on the grant (applied for $96,400; received approval for $69,812 to get final approval from the Fire Board).
6. A team is being put together to review Fire and Rescue infrastructure and the long-term needs for the Five-Year Strategic Plan.
7. Fire and Rescue is fully staffed at this time.
8. Training opportunities: Met with the Vo-Tech program, beginning with 9 students; 8 successfully passed the Practical Test (physical); still waiting for results on the written portion.
9. Fire Academy – Firefighter I and EMT is in progress.
10. Several grants still out – AFG Grant submitted and another Rescue Squad Assistance Fund will be opening soon. Staff is evaluating needs. Request will come before the Board in April. To date, the Grant Team has brought in $2.2 million in grants in the last three years.
The Board accepted monthly report as information.
WILDLIFE NATIVE HABITAT
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, distributed CDs regarding Black Bear habitat and reported that a presentation will occur at the next Staff Briefing (February 24th).
ROUTE 608 (TINKLING SPRINGS ROAD) IMPROVEMENTS
The Board discussed options for financing/construction of road improvements.
Mr. Fitzgerald advised that a memorandum had been enclosed in the Board’s agenda package. He displayed the property and noted that it is the Westgate property in Fishersville that has recently been sold at foreclosure and Franklin Federal Bank now holds the title. The property has been subject to several rezonings; the latest being a rezoning to a Multi-Family piece in the very back of the property. Along with that rezoning, there were some proffer requirements that a road be built. There was also a TIF agreement in the amount of $2.3 million on the project for the completion of improvements to Route 608. At this point, it has been difficult for developers of the property to complete the improvements. The road improvements are essential to the success of this development and for future Economic Development of this interchange.
Because of the foreclosure, the TIF agreement is no longer valid. However, there are proffers on the property that require the developer to complete the road improvements.
If the County decides to wait until the bank sells the property and then require the road improvements to be completed, Mr. Fitzgerald felt that any developer would request that a new TIF be agreed upon. Mr. Fitzgerald felt these improvements important because of the Exit 91 project and recommended that the project be completed as a Locally Administered project and utilize VDOT funding as well as Revenue Sharing funding.
Currently VDOT will be improving the intersection of Expo Road and Route 285 with their Exit 91 project and they will also improve the intersection of Route 635 and Route 608 with a safety project later this summer. With these two improvements being completed by VDOT, the remaining improvements to Route 608 will be needed. The last estimate for the improvement was approximately $3 million. This estimate included the improvements that VDOT is going to complete. Currently, money has been invested into this project and $150,000 has been paid for the design of the road and another $100,794 for right-of-way for the project. If the County waits until the property is sold, a TIF will be needed, which will place 100% of the cost of the improvements on the County. Mr. Fitzgerald recommended that the County build this section of road as a Local Administered VDOT project and, also, solicit for a PPTA proposal to complete the improvements. He felt that the cost would be reduced as they can utilize VDOT funds on the project as well.
Mr. Fitzgerald added that the section targeted for improvements would be between the Exit 91 interchange and Augusta Farms Road (which is currently being built by VDOT with “safety dollars”).
Mr. Pyles asked if the purpose of the original TIF was for the developer to build the road and then be reimbursed by taxes generated. He asked if this proposal basically required the County to fund the cost. Mr. Fitzgerald said that was the purpose.
Mr. Coffield confirmed that Mr. Fitzgerald’s proposal would allow the County to use some existing VDOT “uncompleted project” funding and supplemented with Revenue Sharing matching funding.
Mr. Pyles understood that, under the TIF, those taxes coming in would not have been part of the County’s growth number. “I think we need to set up so that we will pay this off before we start sharing the money on Commercial and Industrial.” Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance, said that was known as an “Internal TIF” that was also done for the Route 636 project. “There would be a resolution identifying those parcels.
Mr. Fitzgerald said, after getting a solicited PPTA, the proposals will provide the exact cost and then a funding scenario can be created. He emphasized that soliciting a PPTA does not mean that the Board has to approve it.
Mr. Karaffa felt that this made sense to capitalize on this financing scenario “especially, since it is right next to our interchange project currently underway”.
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board authorize staff to move forward to solicit bids.
Chairman Wills clarified that this motion does not commit the Board. It just moves a step forward.
Mr. Moore asked about the private portion of the PPTA. He understood that the private portion “has to have some skin in the game”. Mr. Fitzgerald said the “skin in the game” is what the Bank and previous developer has committed to the project in the form of right-of-way and utility relocations. He said that these contributions could meet the private investment portion of the PPTA.
Mr. Coffield added that the right-of-way for 95% of the project has been donated, which counts as “skin in the game”. The developer had also excavated the site for the proposed road improvements so that will not need to be done in the future.
Mr. Fitzgerald added that if VDOT did not agree with the County, the County could advertise it as a regular project or a design build project versus a PPTA.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Moore asked Mr. Fitzgerald what the time frame was in receiving a report. Mr. Fitzgerald said that they have 2008 plans which will need to be updated. He felt it would take about 60 days to have a plan together to move forward.
DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS
The Board discussed control of firearms in certain areas.
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney, reported that he had been asked by the Board to look into what statutes were available that allowed the Board to prohibit the discharge of firearms in certain heavily populated areas. He had enclosed those statutes in the agenda package along with information of the transportation of guns and hunting within certain populated areas. He had also included ordinances passed by Louisa, Floyd and New Kent counties. Mr. Morgan advised that, if the Board feels this is a desirable ordinance, that it be referred to the Ordinance Committee for further review.
Mr. Beyeler felt that this could “get sticky”. He felt that people should not discharge firearms in highly populated areas.
Mr. Karaffa expressed concerns that “this will have unintended consequences” and asked what this covered exactly. Bee-bee guns? Pellet rifles? Paint-ball gun? He felt that this should be left alone and not go before the Ordinance Committee.
Mr. Pattie asked for the definition of a subdivision. Chairman Wills said that would be defined in the ordinance.
Mr. Pyles explained that the purpose of the Ordinance Committee is to try to put something together that answers the questions. He did not oppose it going before the Ordinance Committee and then determine what should be done.
Mr. Pattie said he was skeptical but did not oppose it going before the Ordinance Committee.
Mr. Shull asked how many complaints had been made. Mr. Beyeler said there has only been one complaint. Mr. Shull felt that if it was an ongoing problem, it should be reviewed.
Mr. Pyles asked what the laws were currently. Mr. Morgan said that we have no local ordinances. State Code prohibits firing at a home.
After further discussion, it was determined that the consensus of the Board was to not refer this matter to the Ordinance Committee at this time.
FORT DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL – PARKS AND RECREATION MATCHING GRANT
The Board discussed revisions to approved project.
Mr. Coffield reported that the information included in the agenda package was self- explanatory and added that if the original application had included what just occurred, the request would probably had been approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Because the original request was substantially changed, the Parks and Recreation and Mr. Coffield felt that it should be brought back to the Board.
Mr. Pattie moved, seconded by Mr. Moore, that the Board approve the revised grant as submitted by staff.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
NET ASSETS POLICY
The Board discussed add/deletes in authorized Infrastructure, Parks and Recreation Matching Grant and Capital Improvement Fund projects.
Ms. Whetzel reported that included in the agenda package was a list of fund balance adjustments where the Board can uncommit the projects because they are either completed or they are no longer active. She was available to answer questions the Board may have.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board approve the adjustments as submitted.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT
The Board received a presentation by Staff on FY13-14 Budget.
Ms. Whetzel said that, included in the agenda package, was the Quarterly Financial Report showing the budget-to-actual for each fund as well as different revenue categories and expenditures by department. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation had been distributed to the Board with hand-written comments. She noted that:
“Overall revenues are on track with budget projections and we have collected about 58% of our revenues to date. We have spent about 43% of our expenditures, which is very similar to prior years. Personal Property book is up about 4.3%; Sales are up about 4%, which was a budgeted item; Lodging is up about 12.5%; Permits are up about 18%; Meals Tax is flat. Delinquent taxes are up about $269,000 over the prior year. A large part of that is due to third-party collections that the Treasurer’s Office has contracted and Mr. Morgan’s office has sent out letters dealing with real estate. I do include in the print- out an update on the Route 636 and the Greenville Sewer projects. Those are two debt issues that we have outstanding that we are still making draws on. Finally, in this report, I usually include a whole list of future budgetary concerns, whether it is capital, school funding, that type of thing. One of the items that has been on the list in the past is the SAFER reserve. I just wanted to mention where we are within the budget. During budget time, and when we applied for the SAFER grant, we had three Mount Solon positions that were in the Operating Fund. We decided to take those positions and put them in the SAFER reserve and hire people under the SAFER Grant at the time. There is $150,000 in the budget that we transferred to the reserve automatically. Then we, also, had about $396,000 additional revenue recovery money from the three ambulances that we had added—Weyers Cave, Riverheads and Preston L. Yancey. As of December 31st, we still have the $150,000, which would be transferred, but we have collected $252,000, or about 64% of our budget based on those county ambulances. We’re a little bit ahead of the budget projections. Our reserve balance, at the end of FY13, was about $220,000. We have budgeted it to be about $765,000. This number should be higher if these collections continue for the ambulances. The $765,000, back when we approved the SAFER positions in October and discussed it then, is about 13 to 14 positions for a whole year. If we need to fund all 21 positions, we need about $1.1 million for a whole year. I just wanted to let you know that this scenario is on track with the budget and I know it is one of the major concerns coming your way.
Chairman Wills asked Ms. Whetzel, looking at the actual projections coming in on a yearly basis from revenue recovery, if she was looking at $500,000 range? Ms. Whetzel said that if this continued, yes. She said her projections, through today, are showing about 60% of revenue recovery receipts collected from all agencies. They have disbursed approximately 44% of that today and there will be a disbursement in the near future for the last quarter. The contingency budget is on track where they have paid SARS and WFAC about 50% of their part of the contingency payment. “Everything seems to be working out fine with this and we will see adjustments in a revised budget for the current year.” Mr. Karaffa asked if there has been any discussion in extending the SAFER grant. Ms. Whetzel said that question has been asked of the Fire and Rescue. When the grant period comes open, again, they will apply. This usually occurs in the summertime.
Mr. Coffield reminded the Board that the FY14-15 starts in July 1st. The Grant allows for vacancy money to roll forward. The reserve might cover most, if not all, of FY14-15 with the real budget crunch beginning in FY15-16.” Chairman Wills added that the problem with the SAFER Grant is that it cannot be applied for until late summer, which means that the budget needs to be prepared based on not receiving that grant. Mr. Coffield felt that they had the flexibility to “know what the grant status is and have a better idea.” Ms. Whetzel said that this scenario could continue for the FY15 budget as well where the $150,000 can be moved from the Mount Solon positions and the revenue recovery. “That would buy us some more months in FY16. That is a Board’s decision.” The Board accepted presentation as information.
BUDGET SCHEDULE/SURVEY
The Board discussed Budget Schedule and implementation of Survey.
Ms. Whetzel reported that a draft of a budget survey for FY2015 was included in the Board’s agenda package. Some questions had been tweaked from last year, but is similar to the prior survey. Over the last three years, responses have gone up as far as completion. If the Board chooses to move forward, the survey would be placed on Survey Monkey next week and advertised. Mr. Pattie has offered his students to do the survey.
Mr. Pattie said that he teaches a Management Consulting class and felt that the students were capable to do the survey. He felt that this would relieve the Finance Director from this type of work and allow her more time for the budget. He added that this process would probably be longer and would not receive results until some time in May. He stated that the goal would be to get a more represented population opinion.
Because of the budgeting process, the Board felt that the students would not be able to get the information in time for this year’s budget and suggested that they do the survey next fall for FY15-16.
Mr. Pyles mentioned a typo on the survey. Mr. Pattie asked that the location of Heating and Cooling stations be added to the survey.
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board authorize staff to move forward with the survey through Survey Money.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Karaffa suggested that surveys be conducted during the Augusta County Fair.
SUBDIVISION NAME CHANGE REQUEST
The Board discussed request for subdivision name change.
Mr. Fitzgerald advised that Bruce Tyler, Attorney for SHC Developers, Inc., has requested that the Board approve changing the name of the C. Layman Subdivision to Walnut Ridge Subdivision, located on Route 701, west of Riverheads High School.
Property was displayed. County ordinance requires Board approval. Staff has reviewed this request to ensure that there were no other subdivisions named Walnut Ridge in the County or the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro; although, he noted that there is a private street named Walnut Ridge Road. Mr. Fitzgerald mentioned that the developer is to build a water tank to serve the development and will dedicate the improvements to the Service Authority upon their completion. He added that only the subdivision would be renamed, not the roads.
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the subdivision name change.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
PLANNING COMMISSION – ANNUAL REPORT and BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS –
ANNUAL REPORT
Chairman Wills noted that both annual reports were in the agenda package and asked if the Board had any questions.
The Board accepted reports as information.
A five-minute break was taken at 6:55 p.m.
W & W DEVELOPERS, INC. AND GENERAL TEAMSTERS, CHAUFFEURS,
WAREHOUSEMEN, ET AL. – REZONING
This being the day and time advertised to consider a request to rezone from General Industrial with proffers to General Business with proffers 21.8 acres owned by W & W Developers, Inc. and General Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen, et al., located on the west side of Indian Mound Road (Route 792) on the north and south sides of Cedar Park Lane in Verona (Beverley Manor District). The Planning Commission recommends approval with proffers.
Ms. Earhart displayed property outlined in blue. The property owners submitted the following proffers:
1. All access to the property shall be off Cedar Park Lane. There shall be no individual lot access off Indian Mound Road.
2. Within 180 days of rezoning approval, Cedar Park Lane will be ready for acceptance into the public road system, even if the actual resolution for acceptance has not been approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board yet.
3. The following uses will be prohibited on the property:
a. Travel plazas and truck stops b. Sawmills and wood processing businesses c. Feed, grain, and fertilizer sales, storage and handling facilities d. Freight and truck terminals e. Distribution Centers f. Bulk Storage of fuels or regulated substances This is in the Comprehensive Plan in an Urban Service Area and slated for Business Development. Public water and public sewer are available.
Mr. Karaffa asked what the vote was from the Planning Commission. Ms. Earhart said it was unanimous.
Chairman Wills clarified that the existing proffers were no longer in effect and the whole tract was requested for rezoning. He asked about the proffer for outside storage. Ms. Earhart said that outside storage would be allowed by a Special Use Permit. Any requests would have to go before the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The Chairman declared the public hearing open.
Steve Wisely, Applicant, said he has been developing this property over the last 10 years and intends to continue developing it in the same manner. Several years ago, he sold the lot that fronts on Indian Mound Road; now, there is a subsequent owner – the Teamsters who have asked that he represent them in this matter of rezoning. Mr. Wisely said he is satisfied with the way the Teamsters have been maintaining the property and hopes to keep them there. The Teamsters hoped to get the property zoned General Business to allow them to remain.
There being no speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Shull that the Board adopt the following ordinance:
A REQUEST TO REZONE FROM GENERAL INDUSTRIAL TO GENERAL
BUSINESS WITH PROFFERS APPROXIMATELY 21.8 ACRES OWNED BY W &
W DEVELOPERS, INC., AND GENERAL TEAMSTERS, CHAUFFEURS,
WAREHOUSEMEN, ETAL., LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF INDIAN MOUND
ROAD (RT. 792) ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF CEDAR PARK LANE
IN VERONA IN THE BEVERLEY MANOR DISTRICT.
W & W DEVELOPERS, INC. AND GENERAL TEAMSTERS, CHAUFFEURS,
AN ORDINANCE to amend Chapter 25 “Zoning” of the Code of Augusta County, Virginia.
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Board of Supervisors to amend the Augusta County Zoning Maps, WHEREAS, the Augusta County Planning Commission, after a public hearing, has made their recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors has conducted a public hearing, WHEREAS, both the Commission and Board public hearings have been properly advertised and all public notice as required by the Zoning Ordinance and the Code of Virginia properly completed, WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors has considered the application, the Planning Commission recommendation and the comments presented at the public hearing; NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Board of Supervisors that the Augusta County Zoning Maps be amended as follows:
Parcel numbers 1-6, and A on tax map number 46F(1), containing a total of approximately 21.8 acres is changed from General Industrial to General Business with the following proffers:
1. All access to the property shall be off Cedar Park Lane. There shall be no individual lot access off Indian Mound Road.
2. Within 180 days of rezoning approval, Cedar Park Lane will be ready for acceptance into the public road system, even if the actual resolution for acceptance has not been approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board yet.
3. The following uses will be prohibited on the property:
A. Travel plazas and truck stops B. Sawmills and wood processing businesses C. Feed, grain, and fertilizer sales, storage and handling facilities D. Freight and truck terminals E. Distribution Centers F. Bulk Storage of fuels or regulated substances Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC – NONE
WAIVERS/ VARIANCES – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Considered minutes of the following meetings:
• Organization Meeting, Wednesday, January 2, 2014 • Regular Meeting, Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Pyles: Statement regarding Augusta County School Board’s budget suggestions from last week’s meeting. He did not feel they did a good job of planning or allocating their money. He noted that, during that meeting, the School Board spoke of shortfalls in retirement, technology, teachers’ salaries, and other needs, but noted that they had $22 million for building projects. He did not feel that the money should be separated. He said that even though there were some supervisors who felt that the County should be more “hands off” in dealing with the School Board budget planning, he did not agree. “We have taxing authority. They do not. It is the responsibility we have. It’s a trust that we have. It is placed in our hands. It allows us to look at all the needs in the County at one time. All the burden is put on our citizens at one time. What is the best path to go when you take everything into consideration?” He noted that the School Board wanted to go ahead with a plan to enlarge Wilson Middle School and another project for Riverheads Elementary.
The County will have to pay, at a projected $2.6 million, more than $1 million more to add space to Wilson Middle than if the space had been added when it was built. He did not feel Riverheads Middle School needed more space built. “The County didn’t need a 750-student building at Riverheads Elementary. Instead Cassell Elementary was overcrowded and needs attention sooner. Riverheads’ technology problems stemmed from the fact that the school still used giant computers.” Mr. Pyles felt that if the Board of Supervisors “just rolled over and told the School Board that the money is theirs, they were not being responsible”. “They don’t listen.
They don’t think. They don’t plan.” Mr. Pattie:
1. Chairman of VACo Committee 2. nTelos – more internet access to western side – 8 mile range.
Mr. Shull:
1. Attended Ruritan meeting January 8th – “Good meeting!” 2. Reassessment contact – received a complaint that citizen could not contact Reassessment office. Ms. Whetzel said she would check into it and get back with Mr. Shull.
3. School Board – Riverheads Elementary School is 42 years old. Expressed that citizens of the Riverheads District felt that, as taxpayers, they want the money spent wisely. “The School Board has proposed rebuilding Riverheads Elementary. Let’s let the School Board do their part. They are an elected board of this County, too. We are not to direct them in every decision that they make.
We have to look forward to the money issues. We’re representing our people and we’re listening to them, also.” Mr. Moore: School Board – In reference to Mr. Pyles’ comments, he agreed that planning is necessary. He sat on the School Board when Wilson Middle School was designed and built and noted that the school was built with expansion in mind. “I don’t think it is fair to present the School Board as not planning forward. At the time, that was all the construction dollars that were available. That is what the school was built with.” He agreed with Mr. Shull in reminding citizens that the School Board is an elected body and should have the discretion in capital decisions.
Mr. Karaffa: Agreed that Riverheads Elementary School is in bad condition and questioned if a middle school could be built for the Riverheads complex if the elementary school was renovated.
Mr. Pyles: Crabtree Study – “enormously over-valued”. Mr. Pyles felt that this study magnified the need for school space unnecessarily.
Mr. Shull: Felt that it would be more cost-effective to build a new elementary school at Riverheads in part because renovation would require trailers during two years or renovation. With a rebuild, existing space could be used while a new building is constructed.
Chairman Wills: Suggested that Supervisors speak with their district counterparts on the School Board. “One proposal with some support is that a new Riverheads Elementary could open up space in existing buildings for a middle school.” “In regards to the utilization of the plans from Stuarts Draft and Clymore, I would not disagree with you, but I would also point out that our School Board (and I was on the Board when we worked on those) was criticized for the architect that we used and claimed that we were building castles rather than building schools when we built those, and the School Board eventually switched architects for future projects because of the criticism from the Board of Supervisors. I would not disagree that probably that there ought to be at least be an option to look at those plans and see if they could be utilized. We own the plans but they are going to have to be updated.” Mr. Pattie: Hoped that Supervisors’ input will be part of the School Board’s Strategic Plan that he had been asking for in the past two years.
Mr. Shull: Asked Ms. Earhart if she could get information regarding, from the time the study was done on the middle school until completion was completed, how many building permits went out and how many Multi-Family dwellings were put in that area.
Chairman Wills said that after the size was set, the school was delayed several years during that process.
Mr. Shull added that the architectural study was a study proposed to the School Board as a “figure price”; “there’s nothing set in concrete with the price they proposed because they are not the ones actually doing the construction. They give it as a guideline figure so that you can propose your budget for construction. When it is actually put out to bid, most of the time, it will come back cheaper than what is proposed in the architectural study.” Chairman Wills:
1. Legislative Agenda – asked that he Board “keep up with what is going on in Richmond”. “There’s a lot of issues out there on the table that are very much a concern.
a. The Farm Bill is back.
b. Getting opposition from environmentalists, but looks like moving forward in getting a delay on Stormwater that has been submitted both on the House and Senate sides.
c. Budget amendment (Delegate Landes) – $50,000 out of VDOT’s Staunton District toward the Crozet Tunnel.
2. February 12th – Board of Supervisors’ “goals meeting” at 4:00 p.m. (a meal is to be catered).
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
1. Government Center usage – Car and Truck Show at the Government Center – Outdoor Musical Festival Permit Application has been provided. Will be brought before the Board for consideration. Chairman Wills expressed concern with Saturday usage and port-a-potties. Asked that Property Committee consider rental fees.
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board refer this issue to the Property Committee to develop usage policy for the Government Center.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * 2. Security Audit – staff continues to review and improve upon.
3. Animal Shelter – conceptual design for new addition with interior layout has been created and is being circulated.
4. VDOT Route 610 (Howardsville Turnpike) Road Improvement Project – information for hearing distributed to Board – “Well attended!” 5. Board of Equalization January 16th meeting summary notes distributed to Board.
6. Legislative Day – February 6th – cars will be reserved for the Board
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Shull, seconded by Mr. Moore, the Board went into closed session pursuant to:
(1) the personnel exemption under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) [discussion, consideration or interviews of (a) prospective candidates for employment, or (b) assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation of specific employees]:
A) Boards and Commissions (2) the real property exemption under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(3) [discussion of the acquisition for a public purpose, or disposition, of real property]:
A) Ladd School (3) 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) Economic Development Pending Prospect(s) (4) the legal counsel exemption under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(7) [consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, and consultation with legal counsel regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, as permitted under subsection (A) (7)]:
A) Gateway On motion of Mr. Karaffa, seconded by Mr. Moore, the Board came out of closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
The Chairman advised that each member is required to certify that to the best of their knowledge during the closed session only the following was discussed:
1. Public business matters lawfully exempted from statutory open meeting requirements, and 2. Only such public business matters identified in the motion to convene the executive session.
The Chairman asked if there is any Board member who cannot so certify.
Hearing none, the Chairman called upon the County Administrator/ Clerk of the Board to call the roll noting members of the Board who approve the certification shall answer AYE and those who cannot shall answer NAY.
Roll Call Vote was as follows:
AYE: Pattie, Karaffa, Wills, Moore, Shull, Beyeler and Pyles NAY: None The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board reappoint H. Joseph Williams, Jr. to serve another 4-year term on the Economic Development Authority, effective March 26, 2014, to expire March 25, 2018.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
* * *
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board reappoint Alphonso P.
Boxley, III to serve another 4-year term on the Economic Development Authority, effective March 26, 2014, to expire March 25, 2018.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
* * *
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Moore, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator H1-22sbmin and 1-22min.14
