Regular Meeting – January 11, 2017
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, January 11, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Chairman
Terry Lee Kelley, Jr.-Vice Chairman
Gerald W. Garber
Michael L. Shull
Wendell L. Coleman
Carolyn S. Bragg
Marshall W. Pattie
Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator
John Wilkinson, Director of Community Development
James R. Benkahla, County Attorney
Angie Michael, Executive Secretary
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 241th year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Pyles welcomed the citizens present.
The following students from Wilson Middle School led us with the Pledge of Allegiance:
Hannah McMillian is in 8th grade at Wilson Middle School.
Xinru Arritt is in 7th grade at Wilson Middle School.
Carson Painter is in 6th grade at Wilson Middle School.
Terry Kelley, Supervisor for the Beverley Manor District, delivered the invocation.
RIVERHEADS HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM RESOLUTION
Mr. Pyles stated that the County is proud of the Riverheads High School football team on winning the State Championship.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team has enjoyed unprecedented success under the leadership of Coach Robert C. Casto; and WHEREAS, in 2000, 2006, and 2010 the Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team won the Group A State Championship; and WHEREAS, in 2016, the Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team continued its success by becoming the Virginia High School League Group A Division 1 State Champions; and WHEREAS, during this year’s playoffs schedule, which included four games, the Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team averaged 51 points per game and only allowed an average of 12 points by their opponents; and WHEREAS, all citizens of Augusta County can be proud of the way the Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team promoted teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, meeting in regular session on January 11, 2017, that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors hereby commends the 2016 Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team for all of its accomplishments during the 2016 Riverheads Football Season.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors applaud Principal Max Lowe and Coach Robert Casto and his staff, for instilling the principles of hard work, determination, teamwork and most importantly sportsmanship to the young men who were members of the 2016 Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, and be presented to Riverheads High School in recognition for the accomplishments of their team during the 2016 High School Football season.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Shull presented the signed resolution to Mr. Max Lowe, Principal of Riverheads High School.
Mr. Lowe thanked the Board of Supervisors and expressed how proud he was of his school and the football team’s accomplishments.
COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS FOR 2017 APPOINTED BY THE BOARD
Chairman Pyles presented the following recommendations for committee appointments:
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMISSION
Reappointed Carson Holloway and appoint Tracy C. Pyles, Jr, to the Local Emergency Planning Commission 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, Ashlie Kiracofe Howell and appointed Gerald W.
Garber and Michael L. Shull to the Agricultural and Forestal District Committee for a one- year period.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Appointed Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., as Emergency Management Director.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CO-DIRECTOR
Reappointed Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator, as Emergency Management Co-Director.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Reappointed Donna Good, EOC Director, as Emergency Management Coordinator.
ASSISTANT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Reappointed Anthony Ramsey, EOC Dispatcher Supervisor, as Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the committees appointed by the Board be approved.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
COMMITTEES FOR 2017 – APPOINTED BY THE CHAIRMAN
Chairman Pyles announced the following appointments:
Emergency Services Committee: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr. and Terry L. Kelley, Jr. Property Committee: Michael L. Shull and Marshall W. Pattie Parks and Recreation Liaison: Wendell L. Coleman Valley Program for Aging Services, Inc.: David Kiser Library Board Liaison: Marshall W. Pattie Recycling Committee Liaison: Marshall W. Pattie Board & Commission Liaison: Terry L. Kelley, Jr. General Assembly/VACo Liaison: Terry L. Kelley, Jr. Governmental Opportunities Committee with Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro Liaisons: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr. and Carolyn S. Bragg (Alt.) Rockingham/Augusta Liaisons: Marshall W. Pattie and Gerald W. Garber Reassessment Liaison Members: Carolyn S. Bragg and Gerald W. Garber Audit Committee: Wendell L. Coleman and Marshall W. Pattie Ordinance Review Committee: Michael L. Shull and Carolyn S. Bragg Agriculture Industry Board Liaison: Gerald W. Garber Community Action Program – Staunton/ Augusta/Waynesboro (CAP-SAW): Wendell L. Coleman and Tracy C. Pyles, Jr. Shenandoah Valley Partnership: Carolyn S. Bragg School Liaisons: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr. and Terry L. Kelley, Jr. Economic Development Committee: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr. and Terry L. Kelley, Jr. Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Wendell L. Coleman Gerald Garber (Alt.) Mr. Pyles would like approval from the Board to appoint a Liaison for the Department of Social Services Board. This would be a non-voting position. This will not require any changes to the Social Services Bylaws.
Ms. Bragg asked if that was acceptable and could be done.
Timothy Fitzgerald, County Administrator, stated that Jennifer Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator currently represents Augusta County on the Social Services Board. It is a Regional Board which includes Mike Hamp from City of Waynesboro and Steve Rosenberg from City of Staunton. Adding a Liaison is an option and other localities may follow and do the same thing.
Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, to add a Department of Social Services Liaison.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Pyles appointed Gerald Garber to serve as Liaison for Department of Social Services.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
Dean Coffey of 214 William Cousins Road spoke concerning the speed of William Cousins Road. The road is one mile outside of the city limits of Staunton on Parkersburg Turnpike. This is a residential area and a 45mph speed limit is too fast for this area. This is an unmarked, narrow road that is .6 of a mile long. Mr. Coffey has spoken with Lt.
Taylor who is in charge of traffic with the Sheriff’s Department. Lt. Taylor had an unmarked police car monitor the road, but it was not very effective. According to Lt.
Taylor police can’t ticket someone in a 45mph zone unless they are going 51 or 52mph.
He has also tried to contact Aaron Blessing with VDOT with no success. Mr. Coffey would like the Board of Supervisors to look into this and attempt to get the speed limit reduced.
Mr. Pyles stated that he would have Mr. Fitzgerald contact VDOT and have a Speed Study conducted.
Mr. Fitzgerald will contact VDOT and have them do a speed Study and look at accidents, the width of the road, the geometrics and vehicle traffic counts. This will help them come to a proper speed limit.
ACSA FIRE LINE METER EASEMENT
The Board considered a request for an easement from ACSA to install a fire line meter on Augusta County Government Center property.
Timothy Fitzgerald, County Administrator, stated that this was a request from the Service Authority for an easement on a portion of Augusta County property to install a meter vault to check the amount of water flowing through the meter. This will help in determining when there is a water leak. A 10×10 easement is requested for the vault and meter.
Board authorization is needed for the Chairman of the Board to be able to sign the finalized deed of easement. Ken Fanfoni of the Service Authority is available for any question.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Shull that the Board allow the Chairman to sign the Deed of Easement for the Fire Line Meter.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
BIRCHWOOD ROAD DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT
The Board considered funding to finalize the drainage improvement project for Birchwood Road.
John Wilkinson, Director of Community Development, stated that there have been numerous complaints from residents that live on Birchwood Road regarding flooding in yards during storm events. It was determined that one of the outfalls for storm water from Route 250 empties into the yards. These outfalls were built when there were no homes in that area. VDOT looked at it and determined that one of the pipes under Birchwood Road was blocked so VDOT agreed to fix it at their expense. By doing this the velocity of the storm water increased which is causing erosion in the yards. VDOT did have an easement in this area so staff and Mr. Coleman arranged a meeting with the property owner and VDOT on the site to discuss the issue. It was decided that funds would be made available to cut a drainage ditch through the yards at VDOT expense if Augusta County could obtain easements from the property owners. Mr. Coleman agreed to pay for the matting and riprap from the Wayne Infrastructure with Board approval.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve funding from the Wayne Infrastructure account to finalize the drainage improvement project for Birchwood Road.
Funding source: Wayne Infrastructure 4-70-80000-8017-96 $2,381.50 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
WAIVERS– NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Consider minutes of the following meetings:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, December 14, 2016
CLAIMS
Considered claims paid since December 1, 2016 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
Mr. Shull received a call about an Emergency Services call concerning a gas line leak.
Mr. Fitzgerald contacted the Emergency Communications Center and questioned the situation. The Fire Chief from Riverheads questioned why VDOT had issues on closing down roads. An evacuation was required with this issue and schools can be used as emergency shelters if needed. There are certain procedures required for Donna Good, Director of ECC to follow in order to get the schools prepared and be used as an evacuation center. These procedures may need to be looked at further to speed up the process. If it’s an emergency evacuation, we need to be able to move quickly.
Mr. Pyles agrees and would like for these procedures to be looked at in depth.
Mr. Fitzgerald pointed out that a meeting is usually set up with Donna Good to go over emergency plans with the new Chairman and this would be something that could be brought up during that meeting.
Mr. Shull stated that VDOT has no issues with monitoring and shutting down the interstates. They need to be able to accommodate the County roads as well as the Interstates. There was a procedure in place years ago that the County Administrator would be notified of incidents in the County and then he would notify the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman would then notify any Board members. Mr. Shull would like to see this procedure continued.
Mr. Garber:
The Board will be receiving scanners. Scanners are a good idea, but warns that it can be hard to listen to at times. Most people have no idea how much domestic abuse occurs in Augusta County. It is surprising how many calls require multiple units and involve children. He would like to see the Board use the scanners to develop layers of information so that some of the decisions that are made can be understood. At one time nights would go by with no calls, but now there’s not an hour that goes by without a call.
Mr. Pyles informed the Public that each Board of Supervisor will receive a scanner so they are aware of what goes on in the County and can identify needs.
Mr. Coleman would like to see the County be able to recover cost in terms of Fire and Rescue calls on interstates. Major accidents happen on the interstate almost daily. He asked Carson Holloway, Fire Chief, for a printout of all accidents on the interstates. It was mind boggling and we incur that cost. Would like to see a proposal put together and come to a conclusion of whom would be responsible for these costs at some degree.
Mr. Pyles stated that there may be funds available from insurance companies that are billed for these accidents.
Mr. Coleman also mentioned that he is working with the School Board with thoughts and ideas in terms of the education students are receiving to prepare them for the working world. Mr. Shull and himself met with surrounding Counties and members of the School Board and had an open discussion about job training for the future. A goal of the County is to grow the economy and create jobs as opposed to raising taxes. The County has an obligation to make sure we are preparing the type of workers employers are looking for.
Routinely, one of the first questions asked by business prospects within the County is concerning the available workforce.
Mr. Shull wants people to get the best trained employees they can be. We are in a shortage in some industries and we have to prepare our workers so we can be ahead of what the demand is. More businesses may be attracted to this area if we have properly trained workers available.
Ms. Bragg reminded everyone that the disclosures are due January 15th. Ms. Bragg thanked the ones that attended the Dupont settlement meeting on Tuesday evening. This will provide Augusta County an opportunity to do some work on the river banks and could provide some accessibility.
Mr. Kelley is looking into changing the bus stop for Blue Ridge Community College in Verona. CSPDC doesn’t wish to do anything because of bus timing, but Mr. Kelley is going to push harder to get this moved. The Middle River Regional Jail uses this bus stop so it needs to be moved in an area that will work for them. Mr. Kelley has talked to Administration about using the Government Center parking lot.
Jennifer Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator, stated that it is hoped to get the high volume groups off of Route 11 and into the Government Center parking lot, but this would be a permanent stop. It would only be for the high volume times. Other areas in Verona have been looked at, but VDOT right of way has come up as an issue.
Mr. Kelley would also like to see sidewalks built from 612 to Food Lion. There is a lot of foot traffic in this section and it is a safety concern. He has spoken with the property owners on Route 612 and they are willing to give land to help with this project.
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that a VDOT Transportation Alternative Project with an 80/20 split or a Sharing Revenue Project could be considered in the future.
Ms. Bragg informed the Board that she was mentioned in an article in the News Virginian concerning the stop light timing project from Mt Vernon Road to the Calvary Church.
There will be a meeting on Thursday, January 19th at Stuarts Draft Elementary School to discuss these issues.
Mr. Pyles:
1) Attended the School Board meeting.
2) A Board priority meeting has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. before the Staff Briefing.
Mr. Pyles would like for the Board to forward ideas to Staff.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Timothy Fitzgerald, County Administrator discussed the following issues:
1) Board Prioritization meeting will consist of discussion about last year’s accomplishments and what the Board would like to see happen in the current year.
2) Board email addresses will be distributed at the January 23rd Staff Briefing.
Ms. Bragg would like to see a Press Release completed to inform the public.
3) Scanners will be purchased for each Board of Supervisor out of the Board of Supervisors budget.
4) Route 340 Signal Coordination Meeting January 19th. It is important for people to attend this meeting because VDOT needs to hear what the traffic issues are and what they need to consider.
Mr. Pyles asked if this would be something the School Board should be involved with.
Ms. Bragg stated that information is needed on school release times so they will need to work with schools.
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that VDOT’s objective is to move traffic. In reality, very little traffic in Stuarts Draft is going from end to another. They are going to the schools or one of the factories in the area.
5) John Wilkinson, Director of Community Development, and Morgan Shrewsbury attended the DuPont Settlement meeting. Anne Condon from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services gave a presentation with the main focus on the draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment of the South River. DuPont has agreed to fund $42 million towards the restoration project. Their main focus is to restore the river and wildlife habitats, and improve public lands and recreational resources. In 2017 the report will be finalized and in the next few months they will be taking input on projects. Ms. Shrewsbury has started a list of projects related to the MS4. After the plan is finalized they will begin taking requests for projects.
Mr. Fitzgerald mentioned the river restoration project in Churchville that funding never came together for. The Churchville project could potentially qualify for funding, along with the Middle River behind Rolla Mills. There is currently no qualification process set up. Any thoughts or projects should be referred to Ms. Shrewsbury.
Ms. Bragg suggested Riverside Heights for a boat landing. Mill Place because of water runoff and the Goosecreek project for a green space. There will be benefits from this if the County can take advantage of it.
Dr. Pattie stated that there is a reasonable chance in the next couple years the EPA will begin mandating best management practices throughout the County. We need to look at high value projects where we get the most credit so we can be in a good position when mandates occur.
Mr. Coleman asked Mr. Wilkinson if he understood that this settlement takes DuPont off the hook.
Mr. Wilkinson stated they are still working out the legal agreement, but it was not mentioned that this was the final.
6) Jennifer Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator handed out the new Employee directory with pictures.
Ms. Bragg would like for the telephone extensions added to it.
Mr. Shull asked if there was something similar for the Fire Departments and would like to see that as well.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Kelley, seconded by Mr. Shull, the Board went into closed session pursuant to:
(1) 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) Buffalo Gap Property (2) 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) Claim for auto accident On motion of Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mr. Shull, the Board came out of Closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie 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:
Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board appoint Morgan Shrewsbury to serve as Staff Representative on the Recycling Commission, effective immediately.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board appoint James Stewart to serve on the Library Board, effective immediately, to expire June 30, 2020.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
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: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator h:01-11min.17
