Regular Meeting – November 8, 2017
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, November 8, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Chairman
Terry Lee Kelley, Jr., Vice-Chairman
Marshall W. Pattie
Michael L. Shull
Carolyn S. Bragg
Gerald W. Garber
Wendell L. Coleman
Timmy Fitzgerald, County Administrator
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator
John Wilkinson, Director of Community Development
James Benkahla, County Attorney
Angie Michael, Executive Assistant
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 242nd year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Pyles welcomed the citizens present.
The following students from Beverley Manor Middle School led the Board of Supervisors with the Pledge of Allegiance:
Abby Ralston is interested in band and plays basketball. She will go to Riverheads High School.
Alexis Brown is interested in band and ballet. She will go to Buffalo Gap High School.
Wendell Coleman, Supervisor for the Wayne District, delivered invocation.
NATIONAL PARK RESOLUTION
Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator, stated that this is a resolution in regards to the National Park Service. There is a potential for the daily entry fee to be increased from the current $25 per vehicle fee up to $70 per vehicle during the peak season of June-October.
This is a concern of Augusta County as to how it will impact the park. Our Delegation in Washington, D.C. has shared discontent with the idea of raising the fees.
The Board considered the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS the National Park Service on October 24th announced plans to increase the daily entrance fee at 17 National Parks including Shenandoah National Park from the current $25 per vehicle to $70 during peak season (June-October}, and WHEREAS the fee increase has been estimated to generate approximately $70 million a year across the Park system with 80% of those fees staying within the Park to address the $11.3 billion backlog of deferred maintenance, and WHEREAS while the Augusta County Board of Supervisors understands and appreciates the need to improve infrastructure in the Park and recognizes that 80% of the revenue will go back to Shenandoah National Park for infrastructure improvements, the Board has significant concerns on the amount of the proposed increase on the heels of other recent increases, and WHEREAS Shenandoah National Park attracted over 1.4 million visitors in 2016 with many vehicles accessing the Park's southern entrance in Augusta County, and WHEREAS many local businesses including restaurants, hotels, gift shops, and convenience stores in Augusta County and surrounding communities depend on the annual traffic to Shenandoah National Park, and WHEREAS the Augusta County Board of Supervisors is deeply concerned about the impact of this fee increase on the quality of life in Augusta County, and WHEREAS the Augusta County Board of Supervisors is deeply concerned about the impact of this fee increase on the local economy of Augusta County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors requests that the National Park Service reconsider its proposed daily fee increase for Shenandoah National Park, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors respectfully requests that its congressional delegation, including the Honorable Senators Mark Warner and Timothy Kaine and Representative Bob Goodlatte, work to get the National Park Service to reject the proposed increase and its potential detrimental impact on citizens and visitors in Augusta County.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, that the Board adopt the National Park Resolution.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
VERONA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
This being the day and time advertised to consider the lease of real estate (Verona Elementary School) owned by the County of Augusta.
Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator, stated that this is an opportunity to lease the gym at Verona Elementary School to the Verona Community Association for their upcoming Little League basketball season. James Benkahla, County Attorney, prepared a lease to be considered by the Board of Supervisors.
The Chairman declared the public hearing to be open.
There being no speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the Board accept the lease agreement for Verona Elementary School.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
**END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS**
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC — NONE
2018 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The Board considered the 2018 Holiday Schedule.
Faith Duncan, Human Resources Director, presented the 2018 Holiday Schedule. The one difference is an extra holiday has been added, December 24, 2018. The surrounding localities and the State will have that day as an additional holiday as well.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve the 2018 Holiday Schedule as presented.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Kelley stated that on the 2017 Holiday Schedule December 24 is not included as a holiday due to Christmas Day being on Monday. He would like to propose to give Friday, December 22 as an additional holiday for County Employees.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve adding December 22 as an additional holiday for 2017.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT BID
The Board considered the type of roof material and associated cost to replace the roof of the Augusta County Circuit Courthouse building.
Candy Hensley, Assistant to the County Administrator, stated that two different types of metals were a part of the bid, Kynar 500 or copper. Three bids were received and Don Largent Roofing was the low bid on the copper which was $249,604.00. Skyline Roofing was the low bid on the Kynar 500 which was $175,206.60. There is approximately $74,000 difference between the two costs. Eventually the Kynar 500 will need to be painted with a current cost of approximately $50,000.00. Also included in the bid was the square footage cost to replace decking boards, the soffit and fascia.
Mr. Kelley asked about guttering.
Ms. Hensley stated that guttering will be replaced around the entire perimeter of the courthouse.
Mr. Shull questioned if the guttering was copper.
Ms. Hensley pointed out that it was copper and has a life span of 100 years plus.
Mr. Coleman asked about the difference in the duration of the jobs on the bids that were received.
Ms. Hensley stated that it may be determined by the number of employees working on the job at that time.
Mr. Shull stated that the copper roof makes sense. Money would be saved in the long run.
Mr. Pyles pointed out that not knowing what the future is for the courthouse weighs on the decision. He does not recommend spending the additional money for copper.
Mr. Garber suggests waiting on this decision since there is not a short deadline. If copper is voted yes then everything going forward will need to be copper.
The Board of Supervisors approved holding this agenda item for a future meeting.
2017 REVOLVING LOAN REQUEST
The Board considered the committee’s recommendation of a revolving loan for Riverheads Volunteer Fire Company in the amount of $500,000.00.
Carson Holloway, Augusta County Fire Chief, stated that in February 2016 the Revolving Loan rules changed allowing fire companies to borrow up to $500,000.00 with 60% repayable. Riverheads Fire Company has made a funding request to purchase a new engine and equipment. The total cost of this project is $673,826.76. This includes Riverheads part and any additional funding received from the Fire/Rescue Fund.
$500,000.00 would be 60% repayable over 20 years back to the County. Chief Holloway reviewed the specifications.
Mr. Fitzgerald visited the facility where the engine was being built. This will be a good piece of equipment for Riverheads and Augusta County.
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the Board approve the committee’s recommendation for Riverheads Fire Company.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
FIRE-RESCUE GRANT FUND
The Board considered the committee’s recommendation for funding.
Carson Holloway, Augusta County Fire Chief, stated that there are three requests and they have been reviewed.
Swoope Fire Department made a request of $26,729.31 for matching protective equipment and items that will update their extrication equipment. The Committee recommends funding the request with exceptions. Exceptions include copies of acceptance and denial grant records and invoices for the items purchased be forwarded to Augusta County Fire- Rescue prior to sending the agency the Board approved amount.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board approve the funding request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Mount Solon Fire Department made a request for $50,000.00 for part of 2 Ferno INX Stretchers. The committee recommends funding the 50% and the second one that was turned down in the grant. Exceptions include invoices for the items purchased be forwarded to Augusta County Fire-Rescue prior to sending the agency the Board approved amount.
Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, that the Board approve the funding request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Riverheads Fire Department made a request for $50,000 to be used for hose and miscellaneous tools needed to outfit their new engine. Exceptions include invoices for items purchased be forwarded to Augusta County Fire-Rescue prior to sending the agency the Board approved amount.
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, that the Board approve the funding request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
DMV ANIMAL FRIENDLY LICENSE PLATES
The Board considered allocation of funds from DMV ($1,935.00) to support sterilization programs for dogs and cats. This proposal will carry over to the Department of Taxation contributions of tax refunds.
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that this is money that is received from people that pay extra to get the animal friendly symbol on their license plate. After 1000 of the specific license plates are sold, $15.00 comes back to the localities in which the plates are registered. This money supports the sterilization program for cats and dogs in the County. Since 2012, the County has allocated the money to the Shenandoah Valley Animal Service Center for their continued work. This year the amount is $1,935.00 to support their program.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve the distribution of funds.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE
Jennifer Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator, stated that this is a draft of the Legislative Package. In an attempt to enhance the package, a cover letter and a fact sheet has been added that includes information about Augusta County. If there is anything the Board needs to reference during Legislative Day, it can be added to the list so it is readily available. The three most important interests of the County has been added to the third page. Those include fair taxation for counties, changing the composite index formula to the use value assessments and additional funding for Hearthstone Dam. Ms. Whetzel would like for the Board to review the draft and let her know of any changes or additions that need to be made. Once the Board has reviewed the package, a final draft will be sent to Mr. James and Ms. Woods for their reference.
Mr. Coleman would like to include the Certificate of Public Need. The House Republicans vote every year to do away with it. It was discussed at the Local Government Day recently at Augusta Health. It could be detrimental if hospitals such as Augusta County Health do not have the protection of the Certificate of Public Need.
Ms. Bragg asked about adding a statement regarding support of Constitutional Offices and the LEO benefits for Animal Control.
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that unlike most localities, Augusta County’s Animal Control Officers do not work under the Sheriff’s Department. It has been mentioned to ask the General Assembly to consider allowing Augusta County’s Animal Control Officers to have the LEO’s benefit. Animal Control Officers do the same line of work as other Animal Control organizations across the State that work for a Police Department or Sheriff’s Office to provide them with the ability to have the LEO’s benefit.
Mr. Pyles stated that we need to be cautious about what is asked for. The top priorities are going to be a challenge.
Mr. Shull stated that the 911 dispatchers should be considered under LEO’s as well. They may not be in hazardous conditions, but mentally they go through a great deal.
The decision was made by the Board of Supervisors to not add this to the Legislative Package.
WAIVERS — 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, October 11, 2017 • Staff Briefing, Monday, October 23, 2017
CLAIMS
Consider Claims paid since October 1, 2017 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
Mr. Shull feels sorry for the families involved in the tragedies that have taken place this week. People need to speak up if something is happening in communities. A life can be saved by speaking up.
Mr. Pyles stated that the slogan used is “See Something, Say Something”. The County could put that slogan in the Parks and Recreation Guide and also pass something along to the School Board to share with the school system.
Dr. Pattie, along with Ms. Whetzel and Mr. Coleman, attended the Adoption Celebration.
Learning more about the agency was useful for the Board and for them as well.
Ms. Bragg stated that the new Stuarts Draft Library was going great. There will be Donuts with a Deputy event in Stuarts Draft on Saturday.
Mr. Kelley stated that the bids came in for the Mill Place Walking Trail.
Mr. Coleman reminded everyone of the Veterans Day Parade in Staunton on Saturday.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Mr. Fitzgerald discussed the following issues:
1) VACO Conference is November 12-14.
2) Chili Cook Off for County Employees on Friday, November 10 to benefit United Way.
3) Blue Ridge Prism would like to set up a meeting with Senator Hanger to get a budget amendment for funding to help with the Wavy Leaf Grass.
4) A letter was received on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in regards to contact information. Landowner Environmental Complaint Resolution contact has a local 5) contact by the name of Dave Aman. Mr. Aman is Augusta County’s local contact for citizens’ complaints or inquiries and issues dealing with the construction of the pipeline.
Mr. Pyles would like for this information to be put on the County’s website.
6) Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Shull attended the Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve event with the Governor. This was the first use of the Dupont settlement funds.
7) Shared Services Meeting was held with the Service Authority and School. A topic of discussion in this meeting was the consolidated garage. The Wilson Trucking property will be available and may be a possibility for the consolidated garage.
8) Security upgrades will be done to the boardroom. A security window will be installed.
9) Augusta County owns a piece of property in Augusta Springs that’s approximately 17 acres. It is the old Augusta Springs Landfill and closed in the 60’s. A request has been received to purchase the property behind the landfill. It’s 42 acres and there is a triangle of land that runs beside the County owned property. At the point in which he enters the 42 acres there is about 6 ½ feet. He is concerned that it is not enough space for a road. Years ago logging was being done on this property and permission was given to build a logging road over the landfill property. The gentleman would like to purchase 6 acres of the County land in order to adjoin his property. The County has no use for the property and there are no obligations on the property. A public hearing would need to let the public know the property is up for sale. There are two houses in front of the property and the homeowners may be interested in purchasing additional land. The requester may have interest in purchasing the entire property depending on the price.
Mr. Pyles stated that an appraisal should be done.
Mr. Fitzgerald contacted DEQ to make certain they are not involved anymore. The property will be sold as is Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board approve to advertise for the public hearing.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, the Board adjourn subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator h:11-8min.17
