Regular Meeting – September 27, 2017
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, September 27, 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, September 27, 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 Riverheads High School led us with the Pledge of Allegiance:
Taylor Swisher is a senior at Riverheads High School. After graduating, she plans to attend James Madison University and enter into the Nursing Program. Ms. Swisher is currently an EMT.
Kelsea Byers is a senior at Riverheads High School. After graduating, she plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College for two years and then transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University. Ms. Byers intends to pursue a career in nursing. She also informed the Board about a program called MAD 4 Disaster Relief. The program was initiated by Riverheads High School, and has invited all Augusta County Schools to participate. Participating schools collect items on a list and deliver them to Riverheads High School to be organized and delivered.
Wendell Coleman, Supervisor for the Wayne District, delivered invocation.
SOURCE WATER PROTECTION OVERLAY AREA 2-AUGUSTA SPRINGS
This being the day and time advertised to consider a request to add the Source Water Protection Overlay District Area 2 designation to properties in the recharge areas for the Augusta Springs well and spring containing approximately 10,868 acres. The Planning Commission recommends approval.
John Wilkinson, Community Development Director, stated that in 2011 the Board created the Source Water Protection Overlay District with the purpose of protecting the public water sources. Area 1 was established within 1000 feet of public wells and Area 2 is designated as a recharge area. The Augusta Springs well and spring contain 10,868 acres. This includes 5,784 acres in the George Washington National Forest and approximately 3,056 acres in the Little North Mountain Wildlife Management area. The remaining 2,000 acres are around the Augusta Springs area. This has been a process over the years, but each recharge area was studied by the Service Authority in order to delineate the Area 2 so the public and private wells in that area will benefit from these protections. This is the last of the public wells.
The Chairman declared the public hearing to be open.
There being no speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the Board accept the Source Water Protection Overlay Area 2 for Augusta Springs as presented.
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
Randall Wolf of Stuarts Draft, stated that he would like to speak on two different issues.
The first being the Transportation Alternatives Program. Mr. Wolf encourages the use of a shared use path verses a sidewalk. This would allow cyclists to utilize the addition as well as pedestrians.
Mr. Wolfe serves on the Board of Shenandoah Valley Bike Coalition. They are providing a Letter of Support regarding the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration.
It currently mentions a greenway along the South River potentially being a part of the project. This would be a great addition to Stuarts Draft. Mr. Wolf invited everyone to attend the Harrisonburg/Rockingham Bike Summit on November 3, 2017. He is interested in organizing a similar event for Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County in the future.
Jay Price of Crimora, stated that he would like the Board to fund the Crime Mapping Program for police officers to use. It was proposed in the past and was not funded and he would like to know why.
Mr. Pyles stated that the pros and cons of the program can be looked into.
Mr. Price also asked how the Board will handle the non-conforming zoning of the pipeline.
In an agricultural district there is no industry type things. The pipeline is an industrial application.
Mr. Wilkinson stated the there is a section of the ordinance that applies to all districts.
One of the sections are uses permitted in all districts with one being pipeline transmission lines for public utilities. This permits the pipeline by right. Also this is a Federal program that the County has no authorization over.
Mr. Price disagreed with the statement. He stated that Pittsylvania County had a public hearing regarding their necessary rezoning for the pipeline.
STABLE CRAFT BREWING PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT
AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
The Board considered the Performance Agreement and the Contribution Agreement for Stable Craft Brewing.
Amanda Glover, Director of Economic Development, stated that there is a Performance Agreement between Stable Craft Brewing, Augusta County and the Economic Development Authority of Augusta County, as well as a Contribution Agreement between Augusta County and the Economic Development Authority. The documents are to ensure that Stable Craft receives and also performs under the terms of their recent announcement. On August 24, 2017 the announcement was made that they would be expanding with a $500,000 investment in capital expenditures and creating 13 new jobs, as well as additional Virginia Ag purchases. Stable Craft Brewing qualified for an AFID Grant through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). The County agreed to match this grant of $15,000. The documents spell out how the grant funds will be conveyed and the performance requirements. If the company does not perform as expected, there are repayment options explained in the documents as well.
The Contribution Agreement spells out how the funds will flow from the County to the Economic Development Authority which was designed to help provide the grants to businesses when they qualify.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board approve the execution of the Performance Agreement and the Contribution Agreement for Stable Craft Brewing.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM
The Board considered the application for Route 612 sidewalk.
Timothy Fitzgerald, County Administrator, stated that with this project a sidewalk would be constructed from Route 11 to the VDOT Park and Ride on Route 612. It will also expand the sidewalk currently on Route 11 south to the City limits. There is a small piece that is in the City limits. The County would propose to the City to build the sidewalk and the City would fulfil their portion of the funding. The project requires the County to match 20% of the funding. The estimate for the project is approximately $1 million. There is a resolution for consideration to commit to the minimum of 20% funding if the project is selected. The deadline for the application is November 1, 2017. In regards to the comments previously made by Mr. Wolf, the County will look into the costs of a shared use path verses a sidewalk. A shared use path on 612 is something that could possibly be done. There is existing sidewalk on Route 11 so this would make it more difficult.
Mr. Coleman stated that the shared use path in Fishersville has been a success and would be a great addition for all users.
Mr. Kelley stated that the Verona Business Association is interested in giving funds to help with the cost with this project.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board accept the resolution for the 20% funding for the Verona Sidewalk Project.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION
The Board considered applications.
Mr. Wilkinson stated that the County Staff have been working with several agencies for pending applications for funding available for water quality and fish and animal habitat restoration on the South River. The agencies are requesting a Letter of Support in conjunction with the pending applications.
Mr. Fitzgerald also asked the Board to consider the timeframe these projects are on. We have gotten several calls about projects that are happening in Augusta County that are being worked on independently. Each agency working on the projects would like to have a Letter of Support from the Board. If the County sees a benefit on these projects, would the Board be obliged to give the Chairman authorization to sign another Letter of Support.
Mr. Pyles suggested for the Staff to distribute the requests as they are made and if the Board agrees, a Letter of Support will then be approved.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the Board approve the Letter of Support and anything coming forward that is reviewed.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
SPOTTSWOOD RAPHINE RURITAN CLUB BUILDING RENOVATIONS
The Board considered funding for renovations.
Funding Source: Riverheads Infrastructure 80000-8015-80 $15,000.00 Mr. Fitzgerald stated that there has been a funding request for renovations to the Spottswood Raphine Ruritan Club building. This is a location of a polling precinct and there are some improvements needed. The total amount of the renovations was $26,000.
Mr. Shull wishes to donate $15,000 from the Riverheads Infrastructure for the improvements.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve the funding request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, and Pyles Nays: None Abstain: Shull Motion carried.
WAIVERS — NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Consider minutes of the following meetings:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, August 9, 2017 • Regular Meeting, Wednesday, August 23, 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. Coleman stated that he and Mr. Fitzgerald attended a joint MPO meeting in Crozet.
There has been an eight foot fence installed along I64 in Ivy to prevent vehicle accidents due to wildlife along this area. Since the fence has gone up, there have been no accidents.
This is good news for all involved. The presentation regarding I81/I64 Inter-Regional Public Transportation proposal was heard. This is a public bus service connecting Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro and Charlottesville. Both MPO’s gave the Planning District Commission the greenlight to proceed onto the next step. The next step would include a presentation made by all of the stakeholders in terms of the proposal and how they plan to finance it. Currently there are 14 agencies involved, including University of Virginia, Martha Jefferson Hospital and the localities in that area. The projection in terms of financing for a local match is based on 10 of the 14 jurisdictions signing on. The MPO supports moving this project along. A considerable amount of money has been invested in getting the proposal where it is currently and the next step is the interest on the part of the 14 stakeholders involved. It was eye opening at the number of people that live in this area and travel to the University of Virginia and Martha Jefferson Hospital to work. It would be significant if the two would agree to be a bigger part of the initial pilot as opposed to the proposal of taking the local cost and dividing it. Initially, $7,000.00 per locality was proposed for FY19, $14,400.00 for FY20, $13,000.00 for FY21 and $6,700.00 for FY22. It is evident that this will be coming up in the near future.
Another presentation that was mentioned at the MPO meeting was on self-driving vehicles.
According to the report given the self-driving vehicles will be in the showroom for purchase in 2020. This will change our world, not just transportation. It was also stated that the Commonwealth of Virginia was on the fast track.
Ms. Bragg stated that the Boards and Commissions Dinner was a success and the Stuarts Draft Library is in its final completion stages. There will be a Sneak-A-Peek on October 17 and the Grand Opening will be October 28.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board re-appoint the following:
Martin Siebken Recycling Committee Expires 9/27/2021 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board re-appoint the following:
Carson Holloway Central Shenandoah Emergency Medical Expires 9/30/2020 Services Council Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, that the Board appoint the following:
Matt Lawler Central Shenandoah Emergency Medical Expires 9/30/2020 Services Council Aaron Laveck Valley Community Services Board Expires 9/30/2020 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Kelley, Garber, Coleman, Bragg, Pattie, Shull, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Pyles stated that the Buffalo Gap football team will be playing at James Madison University Saturday, September 30 at 2:00p.m.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Mr. Fitzgerald discussed the following issues:
1) Farm Bureau Dinner is Monday, October 2 at the Weyers Cave Community Center.
2) Augusta County Economic Development received an Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council in regards to the new website.
3) Jennifer Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator, stated that the County has received a proposal for the 2018 Broadband Grant. With the Board’s approval, she will put out a Press Release and open up a 30 day comment period. The application deadline is October 31, 2017. A more in depth presentation will be given at a later Board meeting prior to the deadline.
The Board gave approval to move forward with Press Release and comment period.
Mr. Pyles commended Jennifer Hoover of the Augusta County Service Authority on her work with the Source Water Protection Overlay projects.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Kelley, seconded by Mr. Shull, the Board went into closed session pursuant to:
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 (2) 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) Verona Elementary b) Ladd Elementary On motion of Mr. Kelley, seconded by Mr. Shull, the Board came out of Closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Garber, Wendell, Shull, Pattie and Pyles 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:
AYE: Bragg, Garber, Kelley, Coleman, Shull, Pattie and Pyles NAY: None The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
LADD ELEMENTARY
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board authorize the County Administrator to handle the Letter of Intent for the Ladd Elementary School property.
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:9-27min.17
