Regular Meeting – March 22, 2017
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 22, 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
Leslie Tate, Planner
James R. Benkahla, County Attorney
Angie Michael, Executive Assistant
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, March 22, 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 senior class officers from Stuarts Draft High School, led us with the Pledge of Allegiance:
Gabby Patarinski is the senior class Treasurer. She is very involved in theater and plans to study phycology in college.
Payton Ayers is the senior class President. She plans to attend Barnard College in New York and study Political Science.
Micah Boothe is the senior class Historian. He plans to attend Radford University and study Graphic Design.
Wendell Coleman, Supervisor for the Wayne District, delivered invocation.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION WEEK PROCLAMATION
Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator, gave a brief description of what the Proclamation was about. For several years the Board has recognized Local Government Education Week which will occur April 1-7, 2017 this year. He is in the process of arranging a date with the Buffalo Gap High School Government class to speak to them about Local Government. Brock Moore is an intern for the Administration Office from Buffalo Gap High School and will assist Mr. Fitzgerald in this presentation.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
PROCLAMATION
APRIL 1-7, 2017 AS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION WEEK
WHEREAS, since the colonial period, the Commonwealth of Virginia has closely held the institutions of local government; and WHEREAS, local governments throughout the Commonwealth provide valuable services to the citizens of the communities they serve; and WHEREAS, citizen services such as, law enforcement, public health and safety, recreational opportunities, and educating local children, are most often delivered at the local level; and WHEREAS, in recognition of the work performed by local governments, the Virginia General Assembly, on February 29, 2012, designated the first week in April as Local Government Education Week in Virginia; and WHEREAS, April 2, 1908 was the creation of the Council-Manager form of government in the City of Staunton thereby making the first week in April appropriate for this designation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Augusta County Board of Supervisors that April 1-7, 2017 is hereby designated as Local Government Education Week; and BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors and the Augusta County School Board will partner to promote civic education and engagement in an effort to educate citizens about their local government, strengthen the sense of community, and engage the next generation of local government managers.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
Chairman Pyles recognized the following individuals and expressed his appreciation in their outstanding work to enable the County to be a better place to live:
Susan Thacker Library Board 8 years Stanley Sheets Agriculture Industry Board 8 years Christopher Fochini Planning Commission 3 years James Friend Library Board 4 years Eric Shipplett Planning Commission 7 years Heather Ream CMPT 3 years Chairman Pyles stated that the Board depends on people serving the County in various Boards and Commissions.
PAXNFAITH INVESTMENTS, LLC & EAVOX ENDEAVORS, LLC-REZONING
This being the day and time advertised to consider a request to rezone from Single Family Residential and General Business to Multi-Family Residential approximately 0.899 acres owned by Paxnfaith Investments, LLC and Eavox Endeavors, LLC located off Draft Avenue (Rt. 608) in Stuarts Draft approximately 120 ft. to the first parcel boundary line, south of the intersection of Draft Avenue (Rt. 608) and Manor Road in the South River District. The Planning Commission recommends denial of the request.
Leslie Tate, Planner, displayed a map of the property with current zoning compared to the Comprehensive Plan future land use zoning and stated that public water and sewer will serve the property. The applicant has submitted the proposed plan showing five additional units and apartments in the existing house, but with the multi-family residential zoning it would allow up to 18 units if it were to be developed at the maximum use.
Barry Lotts is a surveyor in Stuarts Draft and is representing the owners and developers of the property. In the Comprehensive Plan, the property is designated for business.
When plans were being considered, VDOT realized the traffic count would not work without major work to Draft Avenue. Therefore, the next plan was for a multi-family unit and get the best use out of the property. If this is not passed the property will end up with a single family home on it and that doesn’t match the Comprehensive Plan because it is meant for business.
The Chairman declared the public hearing open.
Jane Fainter’s property borders the back of the adjacent property and presented the Board with a petition of signatures. She has lived there for 60 years and raised her family on that property. Ms. Fainter hopes to pass it down to her children and keep it in the family. A multi-level development will impact the area negatively in regards to privacy for all adjoining properties. Ms. Fainter would like for the area to stay a family community.
There is a tremendous amount of traffic on Draft Avenue. There have been a number of accidents with the elementary school, Hershey, Hollister, Little Debbie, the Rescue Squad, and Fire Department all in the area due to traffic. Ms. Fainter has had several accidents coming out of her driveway because of the high volume of traffic. The proposed driveway is in a blind area. The noise and all of the things that go along with a multi-family or a large business would be detrimental to the whole community. Safety is something to be looked at in the proposal.
John White of 95 Draft Avenue stated that he completed a Preliminary Impact study of what could be lost financially in the community. There have been several foreclosures and short sales in the Stuarts Draft area recently. The negative impact for the houses that are adjacent to this property is his biggest concern. Safety is also is great concern.
Mr. White has had a contractor’s license in Augusta County for several years so he understands why this is happening. There is nothing for the current residents. The investors have everything to gain.
Leonard Fainter, son of Jane Fainter, is concerned about the kids walking to school if this multi-level development is approved. The traffic will increase and cause greater danger of those walking.
Mr. Pyles noted that the petition given by Jane Fainter had 49 signatures on it.
Letters of opposition received are as follows:
1. I wish to state my opposition to the rezoning change and/or special use permit proposed for Draft Avenue 608 just south of the fire rescue squad facility. I believe this includes the house at 83 Draft Ave. and the adjoining lot designated as Owned
PAXNFAITH INVESTMENTS, LLC & EAVOX ENDEAVORS, LLC-
by Paxnfaith Investments LLC and Eavox Endeavors LLC located off Draft Avenue (Rt. 608) in Stuarts draft approximately 120 ft. to the parcel boundary line, south of the intersection of Draft Avenue (Rt. 608) and Manor Rod in the South River District.
I fell that allowing multi-family apartments does not fit the comprehensive plan or future plan as designed by the planning department and would be detrimental to our community and the traffic pattern which includes high-speed emergency vehicles and school traffic.
Please register my opinion to this change in your deliberations. I had to attend your meeting this evening, but find I am unable to do so.
Thank you, Russ Briley 2. I would like to express my opposition to the rezoning of the properties located at 58 Draft Avenue, Stuarts Draft owned by Paxnfaith Investments and Eavox Endeavors. I am a member of the Small Area Plan committee of Stuarts Draft. At our town hall meeting in February the citizens of Stuarts Draft voiced that they want Draft Avenue to remain an attractive thoroughfare that follows the present look of a village with professional businesses, churches, schools, and single family dwellings. As the comprehensive plan for Augusta County shows this area as a business development area, I do not think that rezoning these properties to multi- family residential is appropriate for this part of Draft Avenue.
Sincerely, E. June Cohron, DVM Mr. Lotts pointed out that the entrance to the top crest of the hill is the exact same site distance as from the crest of the hill to Cambridge Drive which has a lot more traffic than what would be generated from the entrance in question. Also, the two story house that is currently on the property is zoned business so it could be used as it. It could create more traffic if used as a business.
There being no speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Ms. Bragg stated that in general she is a supporter of growth and development, but the project needs to enhance the surrounding area and add value to the community. Also, it needs to fit in the surroundings. Ms. Bragg understands the desire of the applicant to produce income from this property. There are concerns with the request. The rezoning to multi-family is not in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and it’s not compatible with the single family homes surrounding the property. The question of spot zoning comes up because there is no other multi-family in that area. It is important to look at what the total build could be and this proposal has the potential to go up to 18 apartments. A Small Area Development Plan for Stuarts Draft is currently being created and this is the type of situations that will be looked at. Entrances to the different corridors will be considered. This is an entrance into the actual village of Old Town Stuarts Draft so there is a great desire to maintain the old time feel.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board deny the request for the rezoning to multi-family.
Mr. Coleman stated that the Wayne District in the Fishersville area was the first area to have a Small Area Plan and he encourages the residents in Stuarts Draft area to be
PAXNFAITH INVESTMENTS, LLC & EAVOX ENDEAVORS, LLC-
actively involved with the Small Area Plan. Stuarts Draft is an urban center like Fishersville. Fishersville is growing and developing and that point cannot be debated.
We want these areas to grow and develop, but we want them to grow and develop responsibly. This is an opportunity for the residents to work with the advisory group to help decide how it will grow.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Pattie, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
Kristen Reed of Nexus read the following statement:
Dear Supervisors:
This Board has intentionally delayed voting on an offer made by Nexus Services Inc., to purchase a certain parcel of land located adjacent to land Nexus currently owns in the Mill Place Commerce Park.
Michael Donovan, the President of Nexus Services Inc. and the signatory on the offer to purchase the property, has due process rights and other constitutional rights that are plainly implicated by the willful refusal of this Board to vote on this matter. The issue is not complicated, your job is quite simple; either this Board rejects or accepts Nexus Service’s offer.
Before going further into those issues, I’d like to read the following into the record. Nexus Services is an important business in this community’ a business that was just honored as a top ten Virginia business employer with respect to employee satisfaction. Nexus Services has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to various charitable causes within Augusta County, and within the state of Virginia. Company leaders have also championed civil and human rights of the most vulnerable people residing in this County.
Nexus Service’s offer to purchase the property at issue only serves to further the company’s mission of improving the lives of Augusta and Virginia residents. On the land Nexus has offered to purchase, the company will build additional office space that will permit Nexus to bring hundreds of living wage paying jobs to Augusta County. These jobs pay more than $12 per hour, they come with benefits, matching 401K and so much more.
Furthermore, while some who misunderstood the work of Nexus find it controversial, Nexus Services saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. That’s a fact.
That said, for more than two months, no reasonable explanation has been given by this Board to justify not voting on Mr. Donovan’s offer. It is now time for this board to consider the offer made by Nexus, and to vote it up or down. This is your task at hand and your responsibility as supervisors…take a stand and vote in the best interests of the people of Augusta County.
Also, so the public record can reflect, and as this Board knows, nearly two months ago, on January 20, 2017, Mr. Donovan conveyed an offer to purchase the property to Augusta County’s Administrator, Timothy Fitzgerald. A few days later, on January 24, 2017, Mr. Donovan met with Mr. Fitzgerald; Amanda Glover; the new county attorney; and Board Chair Tracey Pyles. At that meeting Nexus reasserted their interest in purchasing said property and asked the Board to consider the offer. Board Chair Pyles promised the matter would be taken up the next day, on January 25, 2017, at the next board meeting.
On January 26, 2017, Nexus Services received an email from Amanda Glover indicating that the Board considered the offer, and needed a small amount of additional time to consider the offer. Amanda indicated that the issue would be taken up at the next meeting, on February 8, 2017. On February 9, 2017, Nexus Services received an email communication from Amanda Glover that said the board “does not have a response” to the offer.
Since the day Nexus Services received Ms. Glover’s message that the Board “does not have a response” to the offer, the Board has met 4 times, and each time the Board has refused to approve or disapprove the offer made by Nexus Services.
The failure to approve Nexus Service’s offer is preventing hundreds of Augusta county residents from being gainfully employed in living wage jobs. This is contrary to the interests of the citizens of Augusta County, and it is time for you to take a stand.
If whatever anger, bias, or controversy is so strong as to compel you to act against the interest of the citizens of Augusta County, then you should at least be willing to take a stand, consider the offer, and take a vote. No matter your position on the offer, we should all agree that it is time to put this issue to bed.
Nexus Services Inc. has many decisions to make relevant to the decision of this board on this issue.
Therefore, they must request that the question of their offer come to a final consideration tonight, March 22, 2017. It is only fair and reasonable, and the county has a vested interest in responding to citizen requests, particularly requests to buy property, build business, and create jobs.
Nexus Services reserves all rights and opportunities to protect their rights in this matter.
Sincerely, Jessica Sherman-Stoltz Nexus Caridades Attorney, Inc.
BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-UPDATE
The Board received a presentation by Blue Ridge Community College President regarding college activities.
Dr. John Downey, President of Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC), expressed his appreciation of the Board for its ongoing support and dedication over the years for the funding and the Augusta County representatives provided for the Blue Ridge Community College Board (Dr. Bruce Bowman and Lynn Diveley). He wanted to thank the exceptional amazing County Employees. He deeply appreciates the support given by Mr. Fitzgerald when he has a question or needs support. Blue Ridge Community College transforms the lives of the students in the community they serve. It could not be done without the Board’s support. Packets of information was provided to the Board with an annual report and a fact sheet to be reviewed. Blue Ridge Community College continues to serve a significant number of Augusta County citizens and businesses.
Last year, of the 5,834 students we served in credit programs, 1,539 were from Augusta County. That’s about 26% of the entire student body on the credit side. They currently serve 168 Augusta County resident students this year in non-credit workforce and personal enrichment courses. Randy Siron was a student at BRCC last year. He graduated last May with an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Design Technology. He has worked for Daikin Applied in Verona for 30 years. He like many of the students, worked full time while attending Blue Ridge Community College part time. Working on his degree as he raised a family and also worked. His example paid off and two of his sons followed in his footsteps and also graduated from BRCC. Randy’s full educational journey can be found on Blue Community College’s website. 2017 marks the 50th Anniversary of BRCC. Classes were started for the first time on October 2, 1967 in Weyers Cave and opportunities for people to create a better life for themselves through higher education and training have continued since then. Dr. Downey appreciates the hard work of Amanda Glover, Director of Economic Development, in promoting economic development in the region. Her leadership is making a difference in economic development in Augusta County and she is also involved with the association of economic developers in the State. Dr. Downey serves as the Chairperson of the Regional Economic Development Partnership and that gives the opportunity to interact on a regular basis with Ms. Glover on her regional efforts. The hard work is paying off, not only in tangible ways like the expansion of Hershey, but also in National exposure for the region. The Partnership recently received two exceptional recognitions for Economic Development in our region. The executive director, Carrie Chenery, was named one of the top 50 Economic Development Professionals in the Country and also Colliers International named the Shenandoah Valley as one of the top 10 emerging industrial markets to watch in 2017. This is a result of the partnerships and cooperative nature of our economic developers regionally and in the County. BRCC continues to work hard to address the workforce needs of local employers. The credit and noncredit training programs provide local youth and young adults with tremendous life changing career options. Statistics show that for every job in the future that requires a Master’s Degree or higher, there will be two jobs that require a Bachelor’s Degree, but seven jobs that will require post-secondary training or an Associate’s Degree. Blue Ridge is pleased to be working hard to fill that skills gap. New efforts are being made to reach out to the adult population. According to statistics, almost 67% of local adults ages 25- 65 have less than an Associate’s Degree. That compares to 54% in Virginia and 60% nationally. So BRCC feels they can help that population get certifications, workforce training and then progress towards a career oriented Associate’s Degree or a transfer to a four year college or university. BRCC highly values the partnership with local schools and Dr. Downey appreciates working closely with Dr. Bond. He is especially proud of the Career Pathway Consortium and the career coach movement in partnership with the school division. A World of Work event was held at the Augusta County Expo that helped every seventh grader in the region understand the wide range of careers available to them and that event included participation by local companies and industries. A number of initiatives have been designed to increase awareness of career options for local youth and for many of those kids will grow up and work locally and pay taxes locally in the County and in the Region. The County schools are well positioned to partner with BRCC in those efforts and he is proud of the work of the guidance counselors and career coaches in the valley. BRCC is currently in the first full year of implementation of a new program the state provided funding for noncredit certification and training leading to certification in various fields, such as truck driving, welding and machinery. Those programs and a variety of healthcare professions can be offered on a very short term basis, but make a big difference in terms of improving the income of the graduates of those programs. Many of those programs can then be transferred into credit instruction. Dr. Downey thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak to them and appreciates their support and leadership.
Mr. Pyles thanked Dr. Downey for his presentation and asked how long he had been with BRCC.
Dr. Downey responded by saying he has been with BRCC for 26 years and has been President for 7 years.
Mr. Pyles stated he has seen innovation and always pushing forward in both directions from the vocational type jobs to earning a degree.
Mr. Coleman commented that he looks forward to the future of Blue Ridge Community College. He attended a breakfast with the Workforce Investment Board in terms of manufacturing in the region and what the needs are. Mr. Coleman wants to be an important part of insuring that it is continued at every level of education. The new profile of the graduate was given at the Workforce Breakfast. A high percentage of the jobs are going to require technical training beyond high school and not necessarily a college degree. Mr. Coleman commended Blue Ridge Community College for the educational programs they offer.
Dr. Downey stated that none of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the generosity of the Houff family who donated their farmland.
Ms. Bragg asked whether they would be having the career program for the seventh graders this year.
Dr. Downey responded by saying that they do plan to have it at Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Their goal is to reach out to all seventh graders in the entire region.
Ms. Bragg stated that Blue Ridge Community College is an assets for the citizens from young to old.
HVAC CONTROLS UPGRADE BID
The Board considered bids received for Government Center HVAC controls upgrade and work to components of air handler #8.
Funding Source: Building Sinking Fund 80000-8198 $294,651.00 Candy Hensley, Assistant to County Administrator stated that Augusta County has been in the current building for 27 years. For approximately the past six years she has been working to figure out what the problems are and how to solve and fund them. The most noted problem is there is no longer a computer system that controls the heating and cooling system on the northern end of the building which serves about 81,000 square feet. The pneumatic controls are obsolete and past serviceable life. There is ongoing issues with humidity, efficiency issues from a mechanical and cost perspective, and problems with air handler #8’s terminal reheat boxes and motor The plan is to install a new digital control system, replace 40 control valves, 30 thermostats, various dampers and control panels, replace 12 reheat terminal boxes for air handler #8 that covers the Board Room and surrounding areas and replace the motor starter for air handler #8 with a Variable Frequency Drive to central air flow. Two bids were received for the project. One from Blauch Brothers in Harrisonburg for $256,218.00 and one from Hoffman Building Technologies for $395,000.00. Staff recommends consideration of awarding to the low bid of $256,218.00 to Blauch Brothers and it is also recommended to allocate $294,651.00 from the depreciation building sinking fund account to cover the project.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board approve the funding request and award the job to Blauch Brothers for the HVAC controls upgrade project.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
STUARTS DRAFT SMALL AREA PLAN
The Board considered appointments to the Stuarts Draft Small Area Plan Advisory Committee.
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that similar to the Fishersville Small Area Plan that was done several years ago, the process of the Stuarts Draft Small Area Plan has been started.
Staff has met with Mr. Shull, Mr. Kelley and Ms. Bragg, who all have a part in bringing this together. There was a Town Hall Meeting in February with good turnout. Part of the process is the appointing of citizens to the Advisory Committee which will look into various options for the Small Area Plan.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the appointment of the following citizens to the Stuarts Draft Small Area Plan Advisory Committee:
Patsy Earhart Dave Covington Steve Fitzgerald Liz Briley James Snyder Bill Brooks Dr. June Cohron Ben Yoder Steve Bridge Tinker Kiser Gary Eavers, Sr. Nancy Rader Gary Lee Eavers John Swett, Sr. Mr. Pyles asked if there was an expiring term for members of the committee.
Ms. Bragg stated the meetings will start April 3 and the process is anticipated to last a year. Most likely meeting once a month with 3 public hearings that are planned through the process so the citizens can give feedback.
Mr. Pyles asked Mr. Benkahla if there were issues with not having an expiration date.
Mr. Benkahla stated that it would be the term of the Supervisor.
Mr. Fitzgerald suggested that it would expire at the approval of the Small Area Plan.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Pyles asked if the public wished for any item to be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. There was no request.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
** (END OF CONSENT AGENDA) **
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Dr. Pattie pointed out to the people of Stuarts Draft that if they do not want the property developed the only long term solution is for them to control the property.
Ms. Bragg:
1) The Market Animal Show dinner that took place recently was a success and it is always nice to support them.
2) This past weekend marked the one year anniversary of the Verona Community Center and they held a Gala event.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following issues:
1) Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Coleman attended the Workforce Investment Board Breakfast. The Chief Academic Officer presented the new profile of a graduate and lot of ideas that administration has in providing opportunities to students outside of the normal school day. The Board will have the opportunity in June to hear the presentation as well.
2) Reminder of the Budget Worksession on Monday, March 27 at 8:30 a.m. This will be an all-day event with lots to go over. There have been requests from three Constitutional Officers to speak to the Board. The Sheriff, the Commonwealth Attorney and the Clerk of Court have shared in interest in coming. Mr. Fitzgerald asked the Board if they are willing to have them come and speak.
Mr. Pyles stated that over the years there haven’t been many people come and address the Board during the budget time. He would like to see departments work through the Administrator. The day the decision is to be made is not the time to speak about the budget.
Mr. Coleman commented that from his experience the Budget Worksession meeting has been a day set aside for the Board to look at the proposed budget and discuss options. He is in agreeance with Mr. Pyles on not allowing people to speak the day of the Budget Worksession.
Mr. Shull asked if there was indication given about any changes being made to the budget request.
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that there are no changes in the budget requests. The departments wanted to come and explain what their budget requests were and the additional needs they have going forward.
Ms. Bragg feels that staff should not come to the Budget Worksession because they work here and they work for Mr. Fitzgerald. The difference is the Constitutional Officers do not work for the Board and they are not in the building. If there are questions, the Board doesn’t have the opportunity to ask them to drop everything and come forward.
There’s a difference between staff members in the building that work for the County verses a Constitutional Officer that has a request that is dependent on the County budget. She would like to see them have the opportunity to address the Board if they so desire. The meeting is typically over by early afternoon so there would be time for them to speak.
Dr. Pattie stated that there are three relatively new Constitutional Officers and they have different perspectives and views than what the previous ones did, but this is not the ideal process. If the Constitutional Officers wish to speak to the Board concerning the budget it should be done before the day of the decision being made.
Mr. Kelley also feels the day of the Budget Worksession is not the day to speak to the Board regarding the budget. He suggested having them come to the Staff Briefing in January and let them voice their opinions and plead their cases.
Mr. Pyles pointed out that the Constitutional Officers do not work for the County. The Board has no oversite on them except for the budget. He sent an email to the Legislators asking them to explain how the Constitutional Officers were funded because there is a discrepancy between what the individual localities received as far as funding.
It doesn’t seem to be based on population. He recognizes that they are not funded the way they should be. The census of the Board is to not have them speak on budget day, but try to help them by asking for definitions of how they figure the funding.
Mr. Coleman reinforced that the Board needs to encourage the Constitutional Officers to communicate with the Board. He doesn’t want the actions of the Board to be misconstrued by not letting them come during the budget meeting, but that is not the day to hear them out.
Mr. Coleman also mentioned that he read through the legislative platform again. On every front the State is not stepping up and doing what they should be doing. There is one place in the platform that mandates things, but then they are not funded. This will continue to happen and we as the Board need to try to get the State to step up and fund what should be funded.
Mr. Shull mentioned there was an article in the News Leader about Quin Houff and his Nascar Racing career.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator h:3-22min.17
