Regular Meeting – January 14, 2015
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, January 14, 2015, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Michael L. Shull, Chairman
David A. Karaffa, Vice-Chairman
Carolyn S. Bragg
Jeffrey A. Moore
Marshall W. Pattie
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Larry J. Wills
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, CMC, Executive Secretary
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 239th year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Shull welcomed the citizens present.
Chairman Michael Shull led us with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Larry J. Wills, Supervisor for the Middle River District, delivered invocation.
Chairman Shull welcomed the citizens present.
CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION
Ruth Talmage, Chairman of the Board of Elections, presented a certificate of election to Supervisor Carolyn S. Bragg and thanked her for her service.
COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS FOR 2015 APPOINTED BY THE BOARD
Chairman Shull presented the following recommendations for committee appointments:
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMISSION
Reappointed Carson Holloway and Michael L. Shull, to the Local Emergency Planning Commission for a one-year period.
EMPLOYER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (VIRGINIA EMPLOYMENT COMMISSION)
Reappointed Faith Souder to the Employer Advisory Committee for a one-year period.
AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT COMMITTEE
Reappointed Earl Reeves, Randy Roller, Joseph Zapotoczny, W. Jean Shrewsbury, W.
Douglas Riley, Steve Hewitt, Jeff Slaven and appointed Larry Wills and Michael Shull to the Agricultural and Forestal District Committee for a one-year period.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Appointed Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Michael L. Shull, as Emergency Management Director.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CO-DIRECTOR
Reappointed Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, as Emergency Management Co- Director.
COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS FOR 2015 APPOINTED BY THE BOARD
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Reappointed Donna Good, EOC Director, as Emergency Management Coordinator.
ASSISTANT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Reappointed Chris Hoover, EOC Dispatcher Supervisor, as Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the committees appointed by the Board be approved:
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg, Karaffa and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
COMMITTEES FOR 2015 – APPOINTED BY THE CHAIRMAN
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, that the following committees appointed by the Chairman be approved:
Emergency Services Committee: Michael L. Shull and David A. Karaffa Property Committee: Larry J. Wills and David A. Karaffa Parks and Recreation Liaison: Jeffrey A. Moore Valley Program for Aging Services, Inc.: Lisa Blythe Library Board Liaison: Marshall W. Pattie Recycling Committee Liaison: Carolyn S. Bragg Board & Commission Liaison: David A. Karaffa General Assembly/VACo Liaison: David A. Karaffa Governance Opportunities Committee with Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro Liaisons: Michael L. Shull and Larry J. Wills (Alt.) Rockingham/Augusta Liaisons: Marshall W. Pattie and Larry J. Wills Reassessment Liaison Members: Larry J. Wills and David A. Karaffa Audit Committee: Larry J. Wills and Marshall W. Pattie Ordinance Review Committee: Jeffrey A. Moore and David A. Karaffa Agriculture Industry Board Liaison: Larry J. Wills Community Action Program – Staunton/ Augusta/Waynesboro (CAP-SAW): Carolyn S. Bragg and Tracy C. Pyles, Jr. Shenandoah Valley Partnership: Larry J. Wills School Liaisons: Michael L. Shull and David A. Karaffa Economic Development Committee: Michael L. Shull and David A. Karaffa Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg, Karaffa and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC – NONE
VOTING PRECINCT RELOCATION
The Board considered Electoral Board request to relocate Stuarts Draft Rescue precinct from Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad to Ridgeview Christian School (ordinance required).
Tom Long, Electoral Board member, along with Ruth Talmage and Faye Horn, were present tonight to discuss the voting precinct relocation to the Ridgeview Christian School gymnasium. He noted that a memorandum had been given to the Board explaining the reasons for relocating. The current facility and parking had become inadequate due to the increasing number of registered voters. There is also a critical need for a larger voting room and a shorter walking distance for voters. All of these shortcomings encouraged the Electoral Board to seek a more suitable facility. The Electoral Board considered several locations within the precinct including Stump Elementary and Ridgeview Christian School. After discussions with school administrators and looking at parking and other logistics, the Board determined Stump Elementary was not an optimal location. The Electoral Board strongly supported Ridgeview Christian School as being the most suitable location because of its ample paved parking and a short walking distance to the voting room, which would be inside the gymnasium. Minimal cost would be involved with this transition; the bulk of which would be incurred from mailing notices to voters within the precinct alerting them to the facility change. A few additional signs would be needed to provide adequate directions into the facility in addition to designating handicap parking spaces and signs alerting voters to those areas. The equipment and the number of officers of election will remain unchanged. An additional cost of $280 would be needed for these changes; $2,015 is already allocated in the budget. Jennifer Whetzel, Finance Director, noted that this could be handled in the revised budget.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board authorize staff to advertise for public hearing.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg, Karaffa and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
PARKS AND RECREATION – MATCHING GRANT – WOODROW WILSON
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The Board considered (A) recommendation of Parks and Recreation Commission to award a grant in an amount not to exceed $17,382.50 to Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in regard to new playground equipment to be added at the school; and (B) approval of grant agreement (Wayne District).
Funding Source:
Wayne Recreation Account #80000-8027-42 $ 8,691.25 Beverley Manor Recreation Account #80000-8021-52 8,691.25 $17,382.50 Ronnie Ritchie, Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman, advised that the Parks and Recreation Commission has recommended approval a Recreation Matching Grant request from Wilson Elementary PTA. The Commission has reviewed the application of the well-detailed proposed project. The project is for additional playground structures and equipment. Mr. Ritchie introduced Dawn Young, Principal at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School; Shawn Baska, Assistant Principal; Shelby Apple and Rebecca Godette, Playground Committee of PTA.
Mr. Moore moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board approve the request, subject to submittal of invoices.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg, Karaffa and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MILL PLACE WATER TANK
The Board considered authorization of $10,500 to graphically identify Mill Place Commerce Park on new water tank ($10,500 is at-grade cost; elevated cost would be $14,500).
Funding source:
Economic Development CIP Account #80000-8145 $14,500 (not to exceed) Amanda Glover, Director of Economic Development, reported that a conceptual design of the Mill Place Water Tank had been reviewed at the December meeting. At the December meeting, the Board had given staff guidance, but, at that time, they did not have a firm quote from the contractor.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Moore, that the Board approve the request not to exceed $14,500.
Mr. Karaffa questioned why the Board would approve $14,500. Ms. Glover said that, in the past, there has always been an option “not to exceed”. She did not want to have to come back to the Board for a miniscule amount such as $4,500. Mr. Pyles felt that $4,500 was too much leeway. Mr. Coffield explained there were two options. “If one doesn’t work, then you need to bump to the other one, and you have that one window of opportunity to make that decision.” Mr. Karaffa noted that, in the past, the contingency was 10% and felt that the $4,500 was extreme.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Moore, amended the motion that the Board approve the request not to exceed an amount of $10,500.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg, Karaffa and Pyles Nays: None Amended motion carried.
Mr. Moore asked what the timeframe was for painting the water tank. He expressed concern of the temperature. Ms. Glover said she would have to check with the Service Authority to determine the expected timeframe. She said the completion date is October.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Board considered update to County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Ms. Glover reported that this had also been discussed at the December meeting. What had been included in the agenda package was the track changes versions and the outcome of the revisions. She noted that numerous staff was involved in this process.
She noted that they kept the vision and goals that were included as part of the 2009 Plan and then, basically, modified the action items to reflect current practices.
Mr. Wills commended staff for their diligent work. “I think it’s a very good update. I think it brings us up-to-date with the way we actually do business.” Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Moore, that the Board approve the updated Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg, Karaffa and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
Joint BOS/SB Meeting, Wednesday, December 3, 2014 Regular Meeting, Wednesday, December 10, 2014
CLAIMS
Approved claims paid since December 10, 2014.
Mr. Coffield expressed appreciation for the collaboration of Ms. Buehner and Ms. Austin of the December 3rd joint meeting. In looking at the minutes, the Board of Supervisors discussed the boundary line study, the debt availability, the timeline and when it would be recommended for the School Board to come back before the Board for bond approval. The School Board will be having their “goal setting” session in the near future and will be looking at the boundary line study and various design options regarding Riverheads, Cassell and Wilson Middle School. They have extended an invitation to the Board of Supervisors to contact School Board staff to come in to look at our building and conceptual designs for schools. It may be possible that Dr. Bond will provide an update at the January 26th Staff Briefing.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg, Karaffa and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Coffield
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Ms. Bragg: Business vehicle per residence alternative – asked that the Ordinance Committee review. Mr. Wills suggested that, at the same time, that on-street parking for a business vehicle also be reviewed.
Mr. Moore: Preston L. Yancey –requested that the kitchen naming request in honor of Harry L. Dull be discussed at the next Staff Briefing (January 26, 2015).
Mr. Pyles:
1. Backyard chickens – suggested that the Board visit three places in the Churchville area on January 26th (Staff Briefing).
2. “Public service is our number 1 thing.” – Expressed concern of the “Public Service” of the Commissioner of Revenue and the Treasurer and asked that the County Attorney provide information of lawsuits that have been generated since 2007. He did not think they were applying the same laws to everyone. Also asked the County Attorney to research statutes as to how to replace the Commissioner of Revenue, Treasurer and Sheriff with County Departments.
Chairman Shull: 2015 Priorities and Issues – asked that the Board provide their input by next Wednesday (January 21st) for discussion at the January 26th Staff Briefing.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following:
1. Government Center HVAC – Committee consisting of Candy Hensley (Administration); Tony Clements (Maintenance); Ron Houser (School Board); Bo Beasley (ACSA); and G.W. Wiseman (Building Inspections) provided information on HVAC system (information distributed to Board):
a. Worklist – everything needed to be fixed – $1.5 million b. Inventory/Depreciation Account updated c. $325,000 will bid d. Miscellaneous work items e. CIP Depreciation Account will fund 2. Taxable Fringe – commended Finance Department on their research a. IRS changing implementation regulations b. Local Policy – shared with Sheriff and Fire and Rescue for review as principal agencies affected (85%/90% exposure) 3. Natural Chimneys – Ms. Glover reported that a rack card for Natural Chimneys had been distributed to the Board.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Karaffa, seconded by Ms. Bragg, 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) Courthouse (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) Pending Economic Development prospect(s) On motion of Ms. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, the Board came out of Closed Session and adjourned subject to the call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg 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, Bragg, Shull 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. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board reappoint Michael A. Godfrey to serve a 4-year term on the Economic Development Authority, effective March 26, 2015, to expire March 25, 2019.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board reappoint Leah R. Thomas to serve a 4-year term on the Economic Development Authority, effective March 26, 2015, to expire March 25, 2019.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION – APPOINTMENT
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board appoint Leon D. Bartley to serve a term on the Parks and Recreation Commission, effective January 1, 2015, to expire June 30, 2016.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY BOARD – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board appoint William Bashaw, III to serve a term on the Parks and Recreation Commission, effective January 1, 2015, to expire June 30, 2016.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg, Karaffa and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator h:1-14min.15
