Regular Meeting – August 8, 2018
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, August 8, 2018, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Gerald W. Garber, Chairman
Carolyn S. Bragg-Vice Chairman
Terry L. Kelley, Jr.
Marshall W. Pattie
Michael L. Shull
Wendell L. Coleman
Pam L. Carter
Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator
Jennifer Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator
John Wilkinson, Director of Community Development
James R. Benkahla, County Attorney
Angie Michael, Executive Assistant
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 243rd year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Garber welcomed the citizens present.
The following student led the Board of Supervisors in the Pledge of Allegiance:
Kelly Galway is a senior at Buffalo Gap High School. She is the President of the Family, Career Community Leaders of America. She plans to attend Virginia Tech and study Interior Design.
Terry Kelley, Supervisor for the Beverley Manor District, delivered the invocation.
VDOT 6-YEAR PLAN
This being the day and time advertised to consider and receive input in regards to the proposed Secondary Road Construction Improvement Program for the State Secondary System of Highways in accordance with Section 33.1-70.01, Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended; the program covers the six-year period from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2024. The Board will also receive input on the Secondary Road Construction Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-19. The Budget covers the period from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.
Donald Komara, Residency Administrator, reviewed with the public the purpose for conducting the public hearing:
“Good evening. I’m Don Komara, Residency Engineer with VDOT for Augusta County.
Also present tonight is my assistant, Josh Dunlap, my Maintenance Manager, Kay Vance and my Contract Administrator, Will Clark. This is predominantly for unpaved roads. Augusta County has approximately 200 miles of unpaved roads. There are 25- 30 miles covered on the 6 Year Plan. This is an aggressive plan and we are proud of it.
People ask what makes a road eligible. The road has to have a state route number of 600 or above, have at least 50 vehicles per day, willing participants and the Board is willing to endorse it. We take other factors into consideration such as the number of houses, close proximity of the houses to the road, traffic counts and a degree of difficulty. When we do a hard surface road, we layer gravel and tar. This suppresses the dust and gives a hard flexible pavement. There is a couple of ways to do these roads. There is a rural rustic program, which allows the road to be built on thirty feet of right-of-way with easements from the property owner. Easements are important because everybody likes to mow their yard and in front of their houses. When you build a road and it’s wide enough for two cars to pass and all there are is thirty feet of right- of-way, the back slopes go straight up and down. We roll that back so it can be mowed, it doesn’t erode as much and provides a better surface. Fifteen feet is taken off from center line and we move fences back. Some roads require more right-of-way.
All of this is where the degree of difficulty is determined. A big part of all gravel roads is drainage. They have to be drained. Water stands in places, traffic runs over it and makes it soft. This is what creates potholes. The first road on the plan is 610 which is under construction now. 616, Dam Town Road, work will start this fall. Improvements on 256, 901 in Mill Place, and a round-a-bout at Woodrow Wilson are under design.
608 and Jericho Road are completed. Under construction or to be under construction in the future is Sinking Springs, Lea Port, Willow Spout, Mount Hermon Road, the first half of Nash Road, Wampler Road, Barren Ridge Road, Craig Shop Road, Broadhead School Road , Mill Lane, Green Hill Road, Pine Bluff, the first half of Fountain Cave Road, Horseshoe Circle, Wilda Road, the second half of Nash Road, Boy Scout Road, Barnhart Road, Drainage Divide, Old Parkersburg Turnpike, the second half of Fountain Cave, Stone Branch, Pilson, Slade Hill, Swisher Road, Reeves Road, Springleigh Road, and Wayne Avenue. The last page of the plan is countywide items which are not given a large amount of money. This is mainly for miscellaneous items such as seeding and traffic procedure studies.
The Chairman declared the public hearing to be open.
Hannon Graves, 105A Lew Dewitt Blvd Waynesboro, VA, spoke in favor of paving Barren Ridge Road.
Gary Gourley, 39 Lakeshore Lane Fishersville thanked VDOT for the improvements made on Jericho Road.
Chris Jensen, 41 Lakeshore Lane Fishersville thanked VDOT for the improvements made on Jericho Road. There is a sharp curve on the road and a curve sign with a speed limit would be helpful.
Carrie Darracott, 1161 Barren Ridge Road Fishersville, is delighted that Barren Ridge Road is on the schedule to be paved.
Bill Kauffman, 1586 Barren Ridge Road Fishersville, is willing to work with VDOT to get Barren Ridge Road paved.
Joanne Gober, 1403 Barren Ridge Road Waynesboro, VDOT does well at maintaining Barren Ridge Road and she is in support of getting it paved.
Joseph (Chad) Shomo, 581 Haytie lane Swoope, thanked the Board for their service.
He served on the School Board for 8 years. Mr. Shomo would like Haytie Lane to be put on the 6 Year Plan. He owns a home at the end of the Haytie Lane that will become a wedding venue in the future and would like to have something done to the road before next summer.
Eckehardt Rupp, 1089 Barren Ridge Road Fishersville, spoke in favor of paving Barren Ridge Road.
Carlene Conner-Kueck, 1177 Barren Ridge Road Fishersville, stated that the sooner the better for paving Barren Ridge Road.
Teresa Childress, 1190 Barren Ridge Road Fishersville, stated there is a concern with speed on Barren Ridge Road Daniel Chapman, 209 Madison Cave Lane, Grottoes, stated dust and potholes are an issue on Fountain Cave Road. The road has been on the list several times and repeatedly gets taken off.
David Herring, 50 Indian Camp Lane, would like to see Sangers Lane put back on the list.
There being no other speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Shull states that prices have gone up over the years and money gets less and less.
The price is higher with the more work that is required. Money doesn’t go far and we don’t have the money to go around like we would like. Mr. Shull appreciates those that voice concerns. If you don’t ask, then the Board does not know. Keep in mind that the process takes a while so be patient.
Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator, stated that the Plan and Budget will be on the August 22, 2018 Regular meeting agenda.
The Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
David Chapman is concerned about signs on Cave Hill Lane that is inappropriate for children. He would like something to be done about them.
Don Knollman would like to have Cave Road paved.
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM-RESOLUTION
The Board considered a resolution establishing the rate of tax relief of qualifying vehicles for purposes of the Property Tax Relief Act.
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that this is an annual resolution for the tax relief program. Each year the money gets less and less. Last year the amount was 40% and it is down to 39% for 2018.
Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg that the Board approve the resolution.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Shull, Coleman, Kelley , Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
EDWARD BYRNE JAG GRANT
The Board considered submittal of the grant application.
Brian Jenkins, Augusta County Sheriff’s Department, stated that the Sheriff’s Department plans to utilize the 2018 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant to acquire new equipment that will improve the ability to properly intervene in tactical situations. The listed grant allocation is $10,570.00. These grant funds will be utilized to acquire one Bouncing Image Explorer throwable sensor platform at a cost of $4,975.00. This device will be deployed by the SWAT team in tactical operations. The grant will also allow the purchase of one HIK Vision Thermal monocular at a cost of $3,795.00. This device is a thermal sensor that will aid SWAT officers in observation, hot spot tracking, distance measurement, and detecting hidden or concealed suspects. Finally, the grant will enable the purchase of additional pistol magazines for SWAT Operators for training and tactical use at a cost of $1,800.00.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie that the Board approve submittal of the application.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Shull, Coleman, Kelley , Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
LYNDHURST SEWER STUDY
The Board considered a request for funding from the Augusta County Service Authority.
Funding Source: South River Infrastructure 8000-8016-88 $7,805.00 Beverley Manor Infrastructure 8000-8011-90 $7,805.00 Mr. Fitzgerald stated a request was received from the Augusta County Service Authority to fund a portion of the East Stuarts Draft Sewer Feasibility Study. The study will be along Route 340, generally east of Mt. Vernon Road, to the Waynesboro City Limits. The Augusta County Service Authority wishes to investigate the feasibility of constructing a sewer collection system to serve areas of East Stuarts Draft. The Study will be phased, with Phase 1 identifying the most efficient alternatives to convey wastewater to the Stuarts Draft WWTP, and Phase 2 addresses costs and potential revenue for alternatives selected in Phase 1. The Service Authority agrees to pay 50% of the total cost which is $31,220.00 and the remainder of funding to come from Board of Supervisor Infrastructure account.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley that the Board approve the funding request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Shull, Coleman, Kelley , Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried
WAIVERS — NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Garber 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:
CLAIMS
Consider Claims paid since July 1, 2018.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Shull, Coleman, Kelley , Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
Mr. Kelley is thankful that Jericho Road and Barren Ridge Road are being paved.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board appoint the following to serve on the listed Boards and Commissions effective immediately:
Kirk Barley Parks & Recreation Commission Exp. 8/8/2022 Evan McHaffa Broadband Committee Exp. 8/8/2022 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Shull, Coleman, Kelley , Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried Ms. Bragg reminded everyone of the VACo meeting on August 16 in Fredericksburg.
There is an I81 meeting the August 23 and a Business Readiness meeting for potential land owners and developers on August 29 at the Government Center.
Ms. Carter was contacted by Craigsville Fire Department. There was a sizable leak from the water system.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the board approve funding from the Pastures infrastructure of $1,263.35 to Craigsville Fire Department.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Shull, Coleman, Kelley , Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the board approve funding from the Pastures infrastructure of $2,000.00 to assist with cost of Buffalo Gap High School marching band uniforms.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Shull, Coleman, Kelley , Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried Mr. Coleman is excited about NIBCO.
Mr. Shull was pleased with the fair turnout. He thanked the Board member and Staff for all of their help. He attended solar meeting at Wilson Fire Department. As the discussions grow, the public will become more informed and the Board needs to listen to both sides.
Mr. Garber stated that people are less concerned about solar but more concerned about property rights.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Timothy Fitzgerald, County Administrator discussed the following issue:
1) The Augusta County Fair was a great success.
2) Carrie Chenery is resigning from the Shenandoah Valley Partnership.
3) Spent the day in courthouse pre-bid meetings with architects.
4) There will be a Site Development Workshop on August 29 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.
at the Government Center.
5) August 29 is Amanda Glover’s due date. There is a plan in place with Megan Williamson filling in while Amanda is out. Courtland Robertson will play a bigger role as well, along with Rebekah Castle.
6) Augusta Home Builders will be holding an Affordable Housing Summit on September 20 at 3:00 p.m.
7) Craigsville Volunteer Fire Department voted to give up their EMS License for first responder. They do not have enough providers to be able to appropriately respond. It’s a concern for the County and there will be a need for further discussion.
Mr. Shull recommended getting the Craigsville Town Mayor involved and their council.
Ms. Carter spoke with Chief Martin on the matter. It was not an easy decision to give it up.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Ms. Carter, the Board adjourn subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Shull, Coleman, Kelley , Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried Chairman County Administrator h:08-8min.18
