Regular Meeting – August 24, 2016

Regular Meeting, Wednesday, August 24, 2016, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.

PRESENT: Carolyn S. Bragg, Chairman
Gerald W. Garber
Marshall W. Pattie
Terry Lee Kelley, Jr.
Wendell L. Coleman
Michael L. Shull
Becky Earhart, Senior Planner
John Wilkinson, Director of Community Development
Timmy Fitzgerald, County Administrator
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator
James R. Benkahla, Interim County Attorney
Angie Michael, Executive Secretary

ABSENT: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Vice-Chairman

VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 241th year of the Commonwealth….

Chairman Bragg welcomed the citizens present.

The following student led us with the Pledge of Allegiance:

Abby Flint is a senior at Buffalo Gap High School. She is the Vice President of her class and is the co-captain of the volleyball team. Ms. Flint plans to attend James Madison University and pursue a path in the medical field.

Terry Kelley, Supervisor for the Beverley Manor District, delivered invocation.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK-PROCLAMATION

Crystal Graham thanked the Board on behalf of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for considering this proclamation. She is a survivor of a suicide loss. Her identical twin died by suicide when she was 15 years old and a student at Fort Defiance High School. Ms. Graham is joined by Donna Bailey and Virginia Graham who are also survivors of suicide loss. Twenty-four years later, Ms. Graham has joined the efforts to fight suicide and be the voice in the community and State wide for reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. She serves on the State Chapter Board for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, has advocated on behalf of suicide prevention and mental illness in Washington D.C. and has taken and brought suicide intervention training to the region. Ms. Graham also leads a Suicide Prevention Round Table aimed at bringing professionals to the table for collaboration purposes. She invited everyone to join them for the Greater Augusta Out of the Darkness walk on October 8, 2016 at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton. With six weeks to go, there have been 200 people register to walk and have raised nearly $10,000 of the $50,000 goal. Last year was the first walk with over 800 people attending and raised approximately $40,000. Suicide prevention starts with everyday heroes. By issuing this proclamation, we bring an issue that is not talked about often out of the darkness.

Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Mr. Shull that the Board adopt the following proclamation read by Mr. Kelley:

In Recognition of the 2016 National Suicide Prevention Week This Proclamation recognizes suicide as a national and statewide public health problem, and suicide prevention as a national and statewide responsibility, and designates September 5th through 11th as "National Suicide Prevention Week" in Augusta County, Virginia. This week overlaps World Suicide Prevention Day, September 1Qh, recognized internationally and supported by the World Health Organization.

WHEREAS, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 to 34; WHEREAS, in the United States, one person completes suicide every 12.3 minutes, resulting in nearly 43,000 suicides each year (Centers for Disease Control); WHEREAS, suicide is the only leading cause of death in the United States that has increased every year for the past decade; WHEREAS, it is estimated that there are over 1.1 million suicide attempts each year; WHEREAS, in 2014, Virginia experienced 1,122 deaths by suicide; WHEREAS, in Virginia, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death overall; WHEREAS, over 90% of the people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental health condition, although often that condition is not recognized or treated; WHEREAS, suicide results in an estimated $44.6 billion in combined medical and work loss costs nationally (Centers for Disease Control); WHEREAS, suicide results in an estimated $1.12 billion in combined lifetime medical and work loss costs in Virginia (Centers for Disease Control); WHEREAS, the stigma associated with mental health conditions and suicidality works against suicide prevention by discouraging persons at risk for suicide from seeking life-saving help and further traumatizers survivors of suicide loss and people with lived experience of suicide; WHEREAS, organizations such as The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention envision a world without suicide, and are dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide through research, education, advocacy and resources for those who have lost or struggle, and urge that we:

1. Recognize suicide as a preventable national and state public health problem and declare suicide prevention to be a priority.

2. Acknowledge that no single suicide prevention program or effort will be appropriate for all populations or communities. · 3. Encourage initiatives based on the goals contained in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

4. Promote awareness that there is no single cause for suicide, and that suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition.

5. Develop and implement strategies to increase access to quality mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, I, Carolyn Bragg, Chairman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, do hereby designate September 5th through 11th, 2016 as National Suicide Prevention Week in Augusta County.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pattie Nays: None

Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC -NONE
MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE 175TH ANNIVERSARY PRESENTATION

Mr. Fitzgerald introduced Crista Cabe and David Mowen from Mary Baldwin College.

Crista Cabe, Senior Vice President for University Relations, along with David Mowen, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, thanked the Board of Supervisors for their support over the years. She commended the Staff for their support as well. August 31, 2016 is the day when they formally become Mary Baldwin University.

There will be a formal procession and Chairman Bragg will be a part of that. A proclamation presented by the Governor stating it will be Mary Baldwin University Day across the Commonwealth on the 31st and also various other resolutions. They will also kick off their Quartoseptcentennial which is their 175th anniversary year. Ms. Cabe met with the Richmond Times Dispatch Editorial Board and the Editorial page Editor stated that it was impressive, even for Virginia, where there is a number of distinguished institutions. Mary Baldwin is the University in Augusta County and Staunton. Because part of their DNA from the beginning has been service to community and integration to community, they have committed themselves to performing 175 service projects. Ms. Cabe foresees that being surpassed and they have gotten started with a trip to Haiti with Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students who just recently returned. In April there will be an all Alumni Homecoming and will conclude the Quarterseptcentennial year with the 175th Commencement and will be awarding their very first Doctorate Degrees in the fields of Physical and Occupational Therapy. The question often asked is how they made the decision to switch from a College to a University and what is the difference between the two? Ms. Cabe researched for 15-18 months and she looked at what people really think the difference is. People associate College with small institutions that have a unified undergraduate liberal arts program, a bachelor’s degree, but not graduate degrees.

Small and personal with a faculty focused on students rather than research.

Undergraduate students get a chance to do research and there is a lot of welcoming spirit for students. Universities are thought of as large and impersonal with 20,000 to 30,000 students and being forward looking and progressive. Mary Baldwin College does not fall in any one of those categories. They are small and personal, we have a liberal arts core, but lots of career oriented programs. They are in a category of a small university that not many people think about. Mary Baldwin is a small university with big rewards. The name had to be looked at. Some suggested the College be called The Baldwin University or University of Augusta County, but they found in research that not only does the Baldwin matter, but the Mary matters as well. Mary Julia Baldwin was in the very first class of the Augusta Female Seminary when it started in 1842. She took over the Seminary in 1863 in the height of the Civil War and kept in growing. Afterwards, she made it into one of the most progressive and popular schools of its type in the south. They need to continue to pay tribute to her legacy by retaining her full name. A University signifies there is multiple colleges and schools. It also signifies a high level of gender neutrality. They are a coeducational university with more students in our coeducational programs than in our College for Women, but because they have such a long history as a college for women that is what people think of when they think of Mary Baldwin College. They found the switch to University helps people understand the entirety of what is offered. They have looked for opportunities, we see possibility and we try to figure out what students need and where the jobs will be for our graduates and what society needs from us. Mary Baldwin has followed a path through diversification since 1977. They started the first adult degree program in the State of Virginia. Since then they have continued to add multiple programs for diverse student populations such as the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership, and the program for exceptionally gifted for very talented young women. Their historic core is Mary Baldwin College for Women, they have Baldwin Online and Adult Programs offering fully online degrees as well as hybrid classes through 14 different regional centers throughout Virginia. Their College of Education was started several years ago and the Graduate Education Program was started in 1992. Graduate Shakespeare and Performance Program in partnership with the American Shakespeare Center was founded in 2001 and since then has acquired international acclaim. The most familiar is the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences and the Graduate and Undergraduate programs there. Ms. Cabe showed the percentage of student credit hours from 1984 to 2015. The numbers haven’t changed much. Overall it’s a steady market for Mary Baldwin. In order to remain economically vibrant they have had to ad programs. The first added was the Baldwin Online and Adult, The Graduate Teacher Education, The Shakespeare and Performance and the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences which in a short time the numbers started increasing. Those are programs with a strong demand nationally and locally. They are very proud of the Murphy Deming School in the Fishersville area. It is serving as an anchor to attract other development and a strong sense of location in the center part of Augusta County. The Mary Baldwin University brand has been rolled out. For years the colors have been yellow and white. Sometime in the 80’s they started using green as a part of their colors and it became their official school color. They wanted to reclaim the yellow because of what it represents. People associate the bright color with optimism, creativity acquired knowledge, inquisitiveness and possibility for the future. The seal has been updated as well. Ms. Cabe showed a picture of the updated seal. Next week, they will be announcing an MBA that will be available this fall for students. Also a new online Graduate Health Sciences degree at the Masters level. Ms. Cabe thanked everyone for allowing her to speak and offered to answer any questions.

Dr. Pattie asked how many students Mary Baldwin had.

Ms. Cabe stated that last year the final total was 1,666 and this year they are expecting over 1700.

Dr. Pattie asked if the MBA Program would be full time or part time.

Ms. Cabe stated that it will be full time and fully online for anyone that wants to do it part time.

Ms. Bragg stated that on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, they are very excited for them and congratulated them.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Mary Baldwin was founded in 1842 by Rufus Bailey as Augusta Female Seminary with the support of the First Presbyterian Church of Staunton, Virginia; and WHEREAS, in 1895, the trustees renamed the school Mary Baldwin Seminary and in 1923, Mary Baldwin became a four-year college and changed its name to Mary Baldwin College; and WHEREAS, Throughout its history Mary Baldwin College has inspired students from vibrantly diverse backgrounds and continues to serve one of the most diverse student populations in the nation; and WHEREAS, Mary Baldwin College has been a leader in providing new and unique programs such as the establishment of the first Adult Degree Program in Virginia in 1977, the establishment of the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted in 1985, the launch of the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1995, the launch of the graduate Shakespeare and Performance program in partnership with the American Shakespeare Center in 2001, the introduction of the Heifetz International Music Institute in 2012, and the establishment of the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences in a state-of-the-art facility on a new branch campus in Augusta County; and WHEREAS, Mary Baldwin College will become Mary Baldwin University on August 31, 2016; and WHEREAS, The name University reflects Mary Baldwin’s true identity. Classified as a master’s level university since 2000, Mary Baldwin is a distinctive small university offering multiple degree options at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels, operating on two campuses, 11 regional centers, and online; and WHEREAS, The name Mary Baldwin University honors pioneering educator Mary Julia Baldwin, whose entrepreneurial legacy of courage, leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to students continues to shape the university's character; and WHEREAS, Mary Baldwin University will also launch a year-long celebration of the 175th anniversary of the University; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors does hereby congratulate Mary Baldwin University on their many accomplishments over the past 175 years and on the establishment of their name change to Mary Baldwin University which better reflects the true depth and identity of the institution; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors and a copy be presented to Dr. Pamela Fox, President of Mary Baldwin University.

Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve the resolution in support of Mary Baldwin College.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pattie Nays: None

Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
CAPSAW

Mr. Fitzgerald reminded the Board that at the Staff Briefing on Monday he reviewed the revisions of the CAPSAW Memorandum Agreement. The revisions made a few changes.

One change eliminated the reference to the Office on Youth as the supervision of the group.

It also clarified the City of Waynesboro would be the Fiscal agent for the group. It included the language that CAPSAW can receive funding from other sources other than Federal, State and local funds. Confirmed that Board Members could originate from the local business sector and clarified Board terms. Mr. Coleman and Mr. Pyles have been involved in working on this. The City of Waynesboro have approved the agreement and it is on the City of Staunton’s agenda for their upcoming council meeting. It is required to have Board approval for Mr. Fitzgerald to sign the agreement moving forward.

Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board approve the updated CAPSAW Memorandum of Agreement revisions.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pattie Nays: None

Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
RESCUE SQUAD ASSISTANCE GRANT

Carson Holloway, Fire Chief of Augusta County, thanked the Board for the opportunity to bring the grant before them for approval. Mr. Fitzgerald briefed the Board earlier in the month that this would be coming up. We have applied for this type of grant in the past.

This is a 50/50 grant through the state. They do offer an 80/20, but traditionally it has been difficult departments such as ours to get the 80/20. Our 50% match would come from our Capital Account. The grant is based on demonstrated need. Mr. Holloway stated that the request is being made so the EMS Supervisor vehicle can be replaced. The current vehicle is a 2005 Explorer. We are looking to upgrade to a larger vehicle such as an Expedition.

Needed equipment is being added regularly and space is becoming very limited. The EMS Supervisor position was started two years ago. Over 500 calls has been answered this year by the EMS Supervisor. The grant request is $50,000.

Mr. Garber asked if the vehicle being purchased had the biggest engine that is offered.

Mr. Holloway didn’t have the answer, but will check into it.

Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve submitting the application for the Rescue Squad Assistance Grant.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pattie Nays: None

Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
GOOSE CREEK WATERSHED

Mr. Fitzgerald stated that the letter of support was given to each Board member. On Monday the Board heard all of the good things that are happening in the Goose Creek Watershed. Crescent Development was present and talked about some of the future plans they had in cleaning up the waterway. This project provides Augusta County with some great benefit in regards to MS4. It’s a good partnership. The grant does not require anything from the County. It’s a letter of support to acquire Chesapeake Bay funds in order to start the process.

Mr. Coleman asked that Bobby Whitescarver get a chance to speak on behalf on the Goose Creek Watershed project.

Mr. Whitescarver clarified that they started with Goose Creek, a subwater shed of Christians Creek, and DEQ made them write the grant for Goose Creek, Christians Creek, and South River Watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is preparing the grant. The support of the Board of Supervisors is appreciated.

Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board approve the letter of support for the Goose Creek Watershed Grant Application.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pattie Nays: None

Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
SOURCEWATER PROTECTION: BERRY FARM/MIDDLEBROOK

Becky Earhart, Senior Planner, stated that the Service Authority has completed the ground water study at the Berry Farm. She showed a map of the existing sources of water and the two new sources. The study identifies the 2 new water sources on the Berry Farm. The study that was done also established the recharge area. Consistent with the County Policy, as we get the studies from Service Authority, we do the rezoning necessary to place the source water protection overlay on them. The request would be to add area 1 to the two new well sites and the area 2 to those parcels in the county that are in the recharge area.

The line is roughly Route 262. There are parcels in the City of Staunton and Community Development would send out a letter to the residents in the City to indicate that they are located in the Recharge Area. The Middlebrook well Recharge Area was also shown.

Also on the agenda was the well sites themselves. Ms. Earhart showed a map of the parcels the Service Authority would like to acquire. There is a 7 acre site and a 5.7 acre site for the two future wells. Mr. Fanfoni with the Service Authority is available for questions the Board may have regarding the wells.

Mr. Fanfoni stated that the Service Authority has been drilling wells north of Staunton between Verona and Weyers Cave for the past 15 years. Keep in mind that Berry Farm is Verona’s only water supply. Water from Berry Farm can go all the way to Weyers Cave.

It’s a critical area for them. They tested both wells and they both tested at 500 gallons per minute which is good. There is another well on the site, but the problem is when it is pumped it pulls the water down from the spring so they are both pulling from the same place. It’s not a supplement, it steals water from the spring. The key thing they are looking for is that each one pumped at 500 gallons per minute and it did not interfere with the spring or each other. So they basically have 3 independent water sources which is important. Everything has been tested and they received all water quality data. It passed for drinking water supply wells. There is an existing softener at the Berry Farm treatment building and these wells will probably run these into the softener as well. There is approximately $2 million budgeted for developing the wells and expanding the water treatment plant. It’s in the five year plan for the Service Authority. Wells are critical for future growth.

Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board approve proceeding with advertisement for the Sourcewater Protection Overlay zoning for Berry Farm and Middlebrook.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pattie Nays: None

Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.

Dr. Pattie asked if the transfer of property was something that had to be decided on right away. This does have value. We have formed a good relationship with the Service Authority. We have talked about trying to protect the area further, such as putting in a better parking lot on the Project Grows area to ensure the wells are protected. Project Grows has talked about putting in a barn to store equipment. A trade was brought up that would have the Service Authority take the lead in constructing the parking area and the barn and we would donate the land to them in exchange. So it would be free land but you would get the additional protection for the wells. The sole purpose of Berry Farm is to protect it and keep it isolated.

Mr. Garber asked if this decision needed to be made tonight.

Mr. Fitzgerald did not think so.

Mr. Garber would like to see it put on hold and allow the Service Authority look at options.

Mr. Shull stated that there has been conversation about the future growth of the area and installing the waterline for the Verona area in trade for this land, we wouldn’t charge anything right now, but it would be deducted from the cost of the waterline installation. He also asked if there would be a need to upgrade the lines with additional water going through them to service Verona.

Mr. Fanfoni stated that it is a future possibility.

Chairman Bragg suggested bringing this agenda item back next month to allow for everyone to discuss the options.

WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:

MINUTES

Consider minutes of the following meetings:

• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, July 27, 2016 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, and Bragg Nays: None

Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD

Mr. Garber mentioned an email that he received from the Forestry Service concerning a meeting taking place next week. He wondered if everyone received it. Chairman Bragg, Dr. Pattie and Mr. Garber received the email.

Chairman Bragg stated that there is a Forestry Service meeting on Monday, August 29 at 1:00pm in Crimora and the Governor will be making an announcement.

Mr. Kelley pointed out that the EMS Supervisor position is a very valuable tool and a much needed position. He has had to call them numerous times.

Chairman Bragg reminded everyone of the Mary Baldwin Celebration taking place on August 31 and Saturday August 27 will be the first Courthouse Tour. She attended the plant manager lunch for the Stuarts Draft facilities and it was well attended. A lot of good information was given out.

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF

Staff discussed the following issues:

1) Mr. Fitzgerald shared that about 8 months ago his mother was unable to breathe and had fluid on her lungs. The rescue squad was called and they knew it was more critical than they could handle. The rescue squad called the EMS Supervisor and he essentially saved his mother’s life on the way to Augusta Health. It’s nice to know there is a Paramedic standing by and ready to help when needed.

2) VPAS-Valley Program for Aging Services/Federal & State funding reduced in Augusta County 20% due to population shift. There have been a few changes in Augusta County. Staunton and Waynesboro Senior Center days have been reduced from five to four days a week. The Meals on Wheels clients will be provided four hot meals and one frozen meal. The funding that the County provides will be used for Meal on Wheels and the Senior Centers.

3) Animal Shelter Report handed out to the Board. Year-to-date the shelter has taken in 1602 animals, 804 dogs, 790 cats and 8 others. Others being anything from parakeets, pigeons and rabbits. The Director works very hard with a lot of outside groups, such as adoptions agency and businesses for grants. The shelter is at a 97% save rate on dogs, 96% on cats and 100% on others. Augusta County alone has taken 1116 animals to the shelter, which makes up about 70% of the shelters population. The renovations are in their final stages. When completed, we will schedule a Board visit.

4) Courthouse frequently asked questions were handed out to the Board. These will be handed out at the Courthouse tours and will be put on the web page.

CLOSED SESSION

On motion of Mr. Kelley, seconded by Mr. Shull, 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 On motion of Dr. Pattie, seconded by Mr. Kelley, the Board came out of Closed Session.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Garber, Wendell, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None

Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.

Dr. Pattie moved that the Board appoint the following to serve on the listed Boards and Commissions, seconded by Mr. Shull.

Hannah Hensley Youth Commission Effective immediately and to expire on June 30, 2019.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, and Bragg Nays: None

Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.

The Chairman advised that each member is required to certify that to the best of their knowledge during the closed session only the following was discussed:

1. Public business matters lawfully exempted from statutory open meeting requirements, and 2. Only such public business matters identified in the motion to convene the executive session.

The Chairman asked if there is any Board member who cannot so certify.

Hearing none, the Chairman called upon the County Administrator/ Clerk of the Board to call the roll noting members of the Board who approve the certification shall answer AYE and those who cannot shall answer NAY.

Roll Call Vote was as follows:

AYE: Bragg, Garber, Kelley, Coleman, Shull, Pattie NAY: None

ABSENT: Pyles

The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, the Board adjourn subject to call of the Chairman.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, and Bragg Nays: None

Absent: Pyles
Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator
h:8-24min.16