Regular Meeting – September 23, 2020
ne Regular Meeting, Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Gerald Garber, Chairman
Pam L. Carter, Vice-Chair
Butch Wells
Michael L. Shull
Scott Seaton
Jeffrey Slaven
Steven Morelli
Timothy K. 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 23, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 245" year of the Commonwealth…
i d Chairman Garber welcomed the citizens present.
a ed Mr. Morelli led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ce ed Mr. Shull, Supervisor for the Riverheads District, delivered the invocation.
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STUARTS DRAFT RESCUE SQUAD 50™ ANNIVERSARY RESOLUTION
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Beginning with a community meeting held on October 23, 1969 to discuss the formation of the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad; and WHEREAS, on January 15, 1970 twenty three volunteer members started the American Red Cross Advanced First Aid class in order to begin to provide rescue services to the Stuarts Draft community; and WHEREAS, on May 15, 1970 the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad was certified and approved by the Virginia Department of Health to provide rescue services; and WHEREAS, on May 21, 1970 the first emergency call was received and answered; and WHEREAS, on August 30, 1970 ground was broken for a combination community center and rescue squad building located at the intersection of Manor road and Draft Avenue; and WHEREAS, the fleet of equipment available to the community has increased from one 1966 ambulance to now ten pieces of apparatus; and Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven Seaton and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
a a 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: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven Seaton and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
ed Anew Borde) Le Chairman County Administfator H9-21sbmin.2020 iO WHEREAS, over the past 50 years the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad has provided service to the citizens of the Stuarts Draft community and to Augusta County, and WHEREAS, the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad has grown to 64 dedicated members running approximately 2000 calls per year; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, meeting in regular session on September 23, 2020, that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors hereby commends and congratulates the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad for 50 years of service and commitment to the citizens of Augusta County; and 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 the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad in recognition of their 50 years of operation.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton, and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
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VACo ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Joe Lerch and Carrie Walker presented Caleb Kramer with the VACo Achievement Award for the Litter Control Program. The Achievement Award Program was established in 2003. Augusta County has received many awards over the years. Typically, there are 90-100 entries per year. There were 76 entries for this year, mostly due to the COVID-19 concerns. Of the 76 entries, there were 21 winners from 14 counties. This award is based on programs that are developed at the local level that are innovative. There are three judges with many years of experience in County Government. The criteria that the judges follow is: does the program offer an innovative solution to a problem, does the program promote inner governmental cooperation, does the program provide a model for other local governments and does the program make improvements to other known areas. The Litter Control Program touches on all four of the criteria.
Caleb Kramer, Assistant Commonwealth Attorney, accepted the award and gave a presentation to the Board regarding the Litter Control Program and how the program works.
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BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE UPDATE
Dr. John Downey, President of Blue Ridge Community College, presented the Board with the annual update for the college. He stated that Blue Ridge Community College transforms the lives of the students they serve and supports the economic development of the county and the region. A significant number of Augusta County citizens and business are continuously served through credit programs, non-credit workforce training and personal enrichment courses. During the pandemic, BRCC has operated mostly online. This will continue through January. The transition to online has been smooth.
Finances are being monitored closely. The college is currently involved in a major life safety construction project on campus. Dr. Downey thanked the Board for their continued support.
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BROADBAND COMMITTEE UPDATE
David Henderson, Pastures Representative for the Broadband Committee, gave an update from the Broadband Committee. COVID-19 has brought focus on the business and personal internet communication needs. In reality, this is a problem that has existed for a long time. Education and Economic are two main issues related to internet connectivity. The schools are facing the problem of inadequate internet service due to having the option for online education. 35-40% of Augusta County students lack adequate internet service. This is not the fault of the schools, the students, or their families. Some portion of 35-40% of the students is due to the service not even being available. Mr. Henderson discussed the economic effects of inadequate internet for schools, work and homes. The economic implications of broadband expansion are huge in Augusta County. The Broadband Committee will continue to work to explore cooperative options with adjacent jurisdictions and with other potential state, federal and private funding sources. A continuing commitment to expand and explore and a willingness to help fund some solutions is needed from the Board of Supervisors.
JR Lawhorne, Riverheads Representative and Chair of the Broadband Committee, summarized what the committee has accomplished to date. Augusta County has 967 square miles with a population of 75,000. 43% of parcels in the county are two or more acres with very low density. Rolling hills make wireless challenging. Mr. Lawhorne showed maps of various locations within the county to show density challenges. The 2021 VATI Grant proposal has been submitted. If this grant is awarded service could be improved in Deerfield, Morris Mill area, Fort Defiance and Middiebrook. The direction of the committee remains the same, to aim for public/private partnerships with providers to extend coverage to areas in need.
Ms. Carter stated that the committee has done a lot of work on broadband in the County.
Mr. Morelli agrees with Ms. Carter's statement.
Mr. Shull would like to for Shenandoah Valley Electric to offer something similar to BARC.
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2021 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The Board considered the 2021 Holiday Schedule.
Holidays Observed New Year's Day January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 18 George Washington Day February 15 Memorial Day May 31 Independence Day (Observed) July 5 Labor Day September 6 Veterans Day November 11 Thanksgiving November 25 Day after Thanksgiving November 26 Christmas (Observed) December 24 New Year's Day (Observed) December 31 Total Days (11) Eleven Mr. Fitzgerald stated that there are ten holidays listed for 2021. Surrounding localities also do ten holidays.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Wells, that the Board approve the Holiday Schedule as presented.
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Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton, and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
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CAMA REAL ESTATE SOFTWARE UPGRADE
The Board considered CARES funding request to purchase the Computer Aided Mass Appraisal Software (CAMA) in the amount of $239,000.00.
Funding Source: © CARES Fund $239,000.00 Ms. Whetzel stated that the Commissioner of the Revenue has submitted a request to purchase the Computer Aided Mass Appraisal (CAMA) software using CARES Act funds.
This software will allow employees to access remotely, which will allow for telework. This software will also be accessible for public use to access real estate records from any internet connected device. The request includes the purchase of the software for $239,000.00, a maintenance agreement for $34,000.00 and a cloud hosting fee of $12,000.00, of which will be paid on an annual basis. The total request is $285,000.00.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the funding request for the CAMA Software.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton, and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
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VPSA REFUNDING
The Board consider authorization to execute Certificate of Refunding for 2004A bonds.
Ms. Whetzel stated that a Certificate of Refunding of Local School Bonds. The County borrows money through the Virginia Public School Authority is before the Board. In 2004, funds were borrowed for Wilson Elementary School and VPSA would like to refund the loan. This refunding or “refinancing” will save the County approximately $77,000.00. A Certificate of Refunding is due by October 7, 2020 that would be signed by the County Administrator and the School Superintendent.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Wells, that the Board approve the authorization for the County Administrator to execute the Certificate of Refunding for 2004A bonds.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton, and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
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AUGUSTA COUNTY COURTHOUSE EXPANSION
The Board considered the following:
1) Amend the contract as indicated.
2) Allow the County Administrator to sign the contract.
3) Additional funding of $445,843.00.
Funding Source: Courthouse Capital 4-70-80000-8148 Candy Hensley, Assistant to the County Administrator, recapped the process for the courthouse that has taken place to date. In April, 2020 the Board of Supervisors voted to cease work with Mosely Architects due to the uncertain budget effects regarding COVID- 19. Additional opportunities arose during the summer related to an expansion of the 1901 Circuit Courthouse versus constructing a new courts facility at the current District Courts Building site. An expansion of the current courthouse provides many benefits. In June, 2020, the Board authorized staff to research and acquire purchase options for properties adjacent to the 190‘historic Circuit Court Building. Cottonwood Commercial was contacted and a contract was established on July 1, 2020. The County has secured nine purchase options on properties surrounding the Courthouse. In order to move forward, an amendment is needed to the current contract with Moseley Architects to allow architectural and engineering work to be completed in order to develop plans and prepare an application to meet City of Staunton’s historical requirements. The following amendments are required:
e Remove the current schedule from the contract and replace it with a mutually agreeable schedule to be followed.
e Replace the current historical sub-consulting firm with Sadler and Whitehead.
e Revise the General Condition Construction Contract documents as prepared by the County.
e Add services rendered for consideration of the Union Bank site.
The total cost, after credits and additional services to the current Mosely Architect contract is $445,843.00.
Tracy Pyles, 3665 Churchville Avenue, Churchville, VA, stated that he was disappointed when he was not given the opportunity to speak during the press conference regarding the courthouse. He is concerned with the amount of money being spent on the new proposed courthouse expansion. Mr. Pyles believes Lineage Architects should be used for the project. The Board of Supervisors has an obligation to table this project and re- evaluate it.
Mr. Shull stated that he is the only Board member that was on the Board in 2011 when this began. There has been multiple studies done on the courthouse previously and most all have been discussed in Closed Session. When the Board goes into Closed Session, the public is not told they have to leave and the meeting is over. The meeting is not over until it is adjourned. No one on the Board is arrogant or ignorant. The referendum was turned down in 2016 and the courthouse has been a work in progress since then. Mr. Shull has been against moving forward with moving across the street and tearing down the old building. He was against spending $10 million to renovate Beverley Manor Elementary School. He congratulated Mr. Pyles for suggesting the plan that is being presented after the referendum failed.
Ms. Hensley clarified the process of the amendment to the contract.
Mr. Fitzgerald explained the contract process that has been taken. This is a services contract. The State Code of Virginia does not allow to bid out for pricing. It allows for a request for proposal and then proposals are submitted, an interview process with the architects is completed and then after an architect is selected, pricing is presented. After the referendum failed, the County proceeded with an RFP process and Lineage a Architects did not submit a proposal for the courthouse project. The top three candidates were interviewed and Mosely was selected.
Ms. Carter stated that she finds it very troubling when numbers are thrown around and assumptions are made when they do not have all of the facts. The Board has been given an enormous amount of information on the courthouse and questions have been asked.
Nothing has been taken lightly.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the Courthouse expansion with the additional cost of $445,843.00 and authorize the County Administrator to sign the contract.
Dr. Seaton stated that he did not vote for the acquisition of the property next to the current General District courthouse. He did not want the courthouse to be built on a riverbed.
State laws restrict what can be done when building a new courthouse. Something needs to be done now.
Mr, Wells stated that he is in a good position to realize the opportunity this project presents going forward. The Board needs to move forward.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton, and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
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WAIVERS
The Board considered a waiver request from the requirement to use a shared entrance or existing street for new lots.
John Wilkinson, Director of Community Development, stated that CJ Properties of Augusta, LLC, is requesting a waiver from Streets and Street Connections, from the requirement to use a shared entrance or existing street in order to create a new lot to establish a new business. Due to a shallow depth of the property and there is an intermittent stream that splits the property, a shared entrance with the existing business on the remaining portion of the property would not be feasible. VDOT has given approval for the new entrance.
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Wells, that the Board approve the waiver as presented.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton, and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
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CONSENT AGENDA
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Consider minutes of the following meeting:
e Regular Meeting, Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
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MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC — NONE
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MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
Mr. Slaven stated that he does not have a depth of experience from being on the Board, but if you surround yourself with good people then you have what you need. He trusts the staff of the County.
Mr. Morelli thanked Carolyn Bragg and all of the Board members for information that has been shared regarding the courthouse.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Dr. Seaton, that the Board re-appoint Matt Lawler to serve a term on the Central Shenandoah Emergency Medical Services Council effective October 1, 2020 and to expire September 30, 2023.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Dr. Seaton, that the Board appoint David Nichols to serve a term on the Central Shenandoah Emergency Medical Services Council effective immediately and to expire September 30, 2023.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
ee Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Wells, that the Board re-appoint Jo-el Lorainne Nelson to serve a term on the Recycling Committee. Effective October 1, 2020 and to expire September 30, 2024.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Mr. Fitzgerald discussed the following:
1) Attended the Crozet Tunnel dedication and is looking forward to it opening.
2) Thanked Staff for support with the courthouse project.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Dr. Seaton that the Board adjourn subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven Seaton and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
Beeb Wi fbr bor G Chairman County Administrator h:9-23min.2020 Regular Meeting, Wednesday, October 14, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Gerald Garber, Chairman
Pam L. Carter, Vice-Chair
Butch Wells
Michael L. Shull
Scott Seaton
Jeffrey Slaven
Steven Morelli
Timothy K. 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, October 14, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 245" year of the Commonwealth…
a a Chairman Garber welcomed the citizens present.
ke eR eR eR ee Mr. Morelli, Supervisors for the South River District, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Carter, Supervisor for the Pastures District, delivered the invocation.
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LEGISLATIVE CONTRACT
Consider the annual renewal of the contract with Eldon James & Associates, Inc. for the amount of $28,895.00.
Jennifer Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator, stated that the County procured legislative services and contracted with Eldon James & Associates, Inc. in October 2017.
The County's legislative agenda has been reinforced each year with the General Assembly. The annual contract is up for renewal at a cost of $28,895.00. Given the economic situation, there will be no increase in the contract amount.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the renewal of the annual contract.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Carter, Wells, Shull, Slaven, Seaton, and Morelli Nays: None Motion carried.
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