Organizational Meeting – January 6, 2016
Organizational Meeting, Wednesday, January 6, 2016, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Carolyn S. Bragg, Chairman
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Vice-Chairman
Michael L. Shull
Terry Lee Kelley, Jr.
Wendell L. Coleman
Marshall W. Pattie
Gerald W. Garber
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, CMC, Executive Secretary
VIRGINIA: At an organizational meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 240th year of the Commonwealth….
Certificates of Election were presented to the Board and oaths were taken by Carol Brydge, Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk.
Chairman Shull welcomed those present for the meeting.
Chairman Shull led us with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Supervisor for the Pastures District, delivered invocation.
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN – 2016
Chairman Shull called for nominations for Chairman for 2016.
Mr. Pyles nominated Carolyn S. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Coleman, Chairman for 2016.
Mr. Garber called for a vote for Carolyn S. Bragg, Chairman for 2016.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Shull, Pattie, Kelley and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman Bragg presented the gavel to Mr. Shull with the following comment:
As a token of appreciation, we would like to present to you the gavel that has served you well over the last year. We thank you for your service and your dedication and your hard work. I hope that when you look at this, it reminds you of the events and the accomplishments that have been made in 2015. Thank you so much for everything that you have done.
Chairman Bragg’s comments:
I would like to thank my fellow Board members for selecting me to serve as Chairman during this coming year. I am honored and truly humbled. It has been a pleasure to have served for the last few years with the returning Board members and I look forward to and am excited about working with the new gentlemen that have joined us this evening. The members of this Board have proved to be dedicated. They are knowledgeable and I believe they have a true desire to serve and to make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Augusta County. This year will be a year of change for all of us. We have a new County Administrator. We have a new Sheriff; a new Commonwealth Attorney; and a kind of new County Clerk of Court. I have had the privilege of meeting them and to working with them over the last year or so and I do believe they are also focused on the interest of Augusta County. It will be a pleasure to work with them, also. There is a lot of work ahead of us this coming year. We have new schools that are under construction. We have work to do to protect our water resources as the Atlantic Coast Pipeline moves forward. We have a focus on responsible economic development and we have decisions to be made concerning the future of our judicial facilities. It’s going to be a busy year; it’s going to be an active year; but I think it’s going to be a very good year. Again, I thank you for your support and I am looking forward to working with each of you and to serving the people of Augusta County.
Mr. Shull made the following comments:
I would like to also thank my fellow Board members and some of the ones who are not here tonight. It has been an enjoyable year serving the County, as well as the past four years, now. I’m looking forward to the next four years of serving. I think we have served the people to the best of our ability. I would like to say to Ms. Bragg Mr. Wills told me when he was Chairman that he was going to take care of the courthouse; that I would not have to deal with that during my term as Chairman; but it looks like that I am going to hand the football off to you, now, and, maybe, the third time will be the charm. It has been an honor and I am looking forward to this coming year and the new Board members. I feel like that we have done the people a justice in the way that we have served and that we will continue to serve. We serve one of the greatest counties in Virginia. I think we are very efficient in the way that we do. When you get out and meet with some of the other county officials around the State, we are an envy to a lot of counties in the way that they are managed and things. I think we’ve been well-managed with Mr. Coffield and I feel like that we will be well-managed with Mr. Fitzgerald. We will continue to serve the folks here. I will extend my hand out if there is anything you need as Chairman.
VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR 2016
Mr. Coleman nominated Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., seconded by Mr. Garber, for Vice-Chairman for 2016.
Chairman Bragg asked if there were any additional nominations.
Mr. Kelley nominated Marshall W. Pattie, no second, for Vice-Chairman for 2016.
Chairman Bragg closed nominations.
Vote for Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.:
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, and Pyles Nays: Kelley and Pattie Motion carried.
* * * Vote for Marshall W. Pattie:
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley and Pattie Nays: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, and Pyles Motion failed.
BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2016
Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator, distributed a memorandum from Finance to the Board and noted the Budget Briefing date on the schedule was March 28th; advertisement date is April 13th. He added that the meetings schedule reflected that the meetings were to occur on the second and fourth Wednesday. July 13th meeting is shown on the schedule, with the understanding that it can be determined at a later date to be cancelled. He also mentioned that the Organizational Meeting is scheduled for January 4, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. and asked if the Board wished to change the time.
Mr. Pyles felt that the schedule was a template and could be changed if needed.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board adopt the schedule and resolution:
SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE
AUGUSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FOR THE YEAR 2016
LOCATION: GOVERNMENT CENTER, VERONA, VA
DATES – 2016 Regular Meetings Staff Briefings Wednesday Monday 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
JANUARY 6th 7:00 p.m.
(ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING)
JANUARY 13th 27th 25th FEBRUARY 10th 24th 22nd MARCH 9th 23rd 21st APRIL 13th 27th 25th MAY 11th 25th 23rd JUNE 8th 22nd 20th JULY 13th 27th 25th AUGUST 10th 24th 22nd SEPTEMBER 14th 28th 26th OCTOBER 12th 26th 24th NOVEMBER 9th 22nd (Tues.) 21st DECEMBER 14th Special Meetings:
Budget Hearing April 20, 2016 Budget Adoption April 27, 2016 (or May 4th) Organizational Meeting January 4, 2017 7:00 p.m.
• March 28th –Budget Briefing • May 16th & 17th – Mock General Assembly • May 30th – Memorial Day • November 6th through 8th – Annual VACo Conference • November 11th – Veterans Day July 13th (previously cancelled – 7/9/08; 7/8/09; 7/14/10; 7/9/14; 7/8/15) * * *
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, § 15.2-1416 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, requires that the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia, at its organizational meeting, prescribe by resolution the days on which it will hold future meetings during the ensuing months.
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors now desires to establish its schedule for regular meetings during calendar year 2016.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY,
VIRGINIA:
1. The Board of Supervisors shall hold regular meetings during calendar year 2016, in the Board Meeting Room at the Augusta County Government Center, on the dates and at the times set forth on the schedule attached to this Resolution.
2. In the event the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, or the Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, if the Chairman is unable to act, finds and declares that weather or other conditions are such that it is hazardous for members of the Board of Supervisors to attend a regular meeting, such regular meeting shall be continued to the next business day. Such finding and declaration shall be communicated to the members of the Board of Supervisors and the press as promptly as possible. All hearings and other matters previously advertised shall be conducted at the continued meeting and no further advertisement is required.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Kelley and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
TIE BREAKER
The Board considered, in accordance with Section 15.2-1421, appointment of a tie breaker, which is at the discretion of the governing body.
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney, advised that the State Code allows the Board to appoint a tie breaker. He noted that if a tie breaker is selected, it would eventually have to go to an election of the people, which would have costs involved.
Mr. Coleman clarified that if no tie breaker is appointed, motions would fail in the event of a tie vote. Mr. Morgan confirmed that to be correct.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board not appoint a tie breaker for 2016.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Kelley and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
RULES OF PROCEDURE
The Board considered adoption of Rules of Procedure.
Mr. Morgan noted that these rules have been used for many years by the Board and noted a suggested addition regarding electronical meetings. This revision would allow a member to attend the meeting electronically without having to have the Board vote each time this occurred.
Chairman Bragg added that there had been several occasions in 2015 when a member could not be present and could attend electronically. A vote was required for that member to participate in the meeting.
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board adopt the Rules of Procedure, as presented.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Kelley and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC – NONE
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following:
Mr. Shull:
1. Thanked the Board and staff for its support and was looking forward to the upcoming year.
* * * 2. Vehicle Upgrade/Replacement Request Fire Chief Holloway has provided information of an ambulance to be purchased from the City of Lexington.
Mr. Fitzgerald added the Lexington Fire Company had provided an opportunity to bid on a Rescue Squad unit that they have available. The bids are due on Friday, January 8th. Fire Chief Holloway provided the information early today.
Fire-Rescue will be staffing New Hope Volunteer Fire Department 24/7 effective February 16, 2016 as the primary EMS response agency for that area. While New Hope has agreed to maintain at least one ambulance as a reserve for the County, the County would no longer have a reserve unit available to cover other stations. The City of Lexington has a 2003 International Ambulance with 56,571 miles on it for sale. It appears to be in good condition. Pictures were provided to the Board to review. Fire Chief Holloway recommended that he be allowed to bid $22,500, with an additional 10% contingency for any modifications necessary to put the apparatus in service. His plan would be to use this unit in New Hope and then keep the spare unit so that it could be used for replacement of other Rescue Squads as needed throughout the County. Mr. Fitzgerald noted that the funds are available in the Depreciation Account (currently $40,517 is available). Utilizing the Depreciation Account for the purchase, will remove the current reserve ambulance from the Depreciation Account. If the reserve is replaced in the future, another funding source will be needed such as the Rescue Squad Assistance Grant.
Dr. Pattie reminded the Board that the last time a unit was purchased (Weyers Cave), a problem occurred within the first year of purchase. He expressed concern of this occurring again. Mr. Garber thought there had been a problem with the engine.
Mr. Pyles mentioned that there had been something created in how the agencies could dispense of equipment. Mr. Fitzgerald confirmed that an agreement with each agency was in place that if departments decide to sell a piece of equipment, the County is given the first right of refusal or the equipment. New Hope has not determined whether they will sell their ambulance; however, Fire and Rescue staff feels that the Lexington unit is a better unit for the long term.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the Board authorize Fire Chief Holloway to submit a bid.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Kelley and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * Dr. Pattie: Excited for the upcoming year.
Mr. Coleman:
1. Reminded the Board to speak directly in the microphone for the public (and the Board) to be able to hear the conversation clearly.
2. Enjoyed the individual meetings (transition).
3. “We have a lot of challenging opportunities and look forward to working with the Board in the years to come.” Mr. Kelley: “It’s a privilege and an honor to serve with the Board.” Congratulations to Chairman Bragg and Vice-Chairman Pyles.
Mr. Pyles:
1. Thanked Mr. Shull for his leadership “in keeping the course” and moving forward with the courthouse.
2. Looking forward to with working Chairman Bragg. He felt the purpose of serving as Vice-Chairman is to provide history “for information, not direction”.
3. Looking forward to the new year.
Chairman Bragg: Thanked the Board for its support and looks forward to the new year.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Kelley and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator h:1-6min.16
