Regular Meeting – November 24, 2009
Regular Meeting, Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Gerald W. Garber, Vice-Chairman
David R. Beyeler
Wendell L. Coleman
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Jeremy L. Shifflett
Nancy Taylor Sorrells
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, CMC, Executive Secretary
ABSENT: Larry C. Howdyshell, Chairman
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 234th year of the Commonwealth….
Vice-Chairman Garber welcomed the citizens present and reminded them to remove their hats and turn off their cell phones.
Cole Herndon, a Seventh Grader of Beverley Manor Middle School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Cole is on the Catalyst Team, is a Boy Scout in Troup 13, 1st Class Scout moving towards being an Eagle Scout. He is interested in Science, Engineering, Technology and Electronics. He is also interested in Reading and Literature.
Wendell L. Coleman, Supervisor for the Wayne District, delivered invocation.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
Greg Edwards, of Middle Ridge Subdivision, expressed concern regarding heavy commercial vehicles being parked on edge of residential streets. He noted that others were present with the same issues. Mr. Edwards mentioned that the parked semis in his neighborhood obstructed emergency vehicles in getting to a fire in the summer. He presented the Board with documents and pictures supporting the problem.
Vice-Chairman Garber asked if Mr. Edwards was under the impression that there were deed covenants to prohibit the vehicles being parked on the streets. Mr. Edwards was unsure. Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, advised that he was a former resident of the neighborhood and he was unaware of any deed restrictions. Prior boards had discussed whether or not to provide language in the Code for nuisances of this nature.
Vice-Chairman Garber noted that changes to the ordinances were being made as part of the Comp Plan Ordinance Review.
Mr. Beyeler asked what type of trucks were being parked. Mr. Edwards said it was two semi-tractors. He noted that they take up the entire lot frontage and sometimes pass it into the next-door-neighbor’s lot. He noted that they are not only parked; they maintain them and wash them at home.
STUARTS DRAFT SIDEWALKS – RESOLUTION
The Board considered submittal of grant request to VDOT for Transportation Enhancement funding and adopt resolution.
Beverley Manor Infrastructure Account #80000-8011-19 $26,078 South River Infrastructure Account #80000-8016-39 $26,077 Riverheads Infrastructure Account #80000-8015-55 $10,000 Wayne Infrastructure Account #80000-8017-54 $ 6,000 $68,155 Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, advised that this item had been discussed at the Staff Briefing on Monday. He noted that the majority of construction has been funded and, hopefully, if this is approved, this will complete the funding necessary for construction.
Mr. Shifflett moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE
SCHOLASTIC WAY SIDEWALK PROJECT
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION
WHEREAS, in accordance with Commonwealth Transportation Board construction allocation procedures, it is necessary that a request by resolution be received from the local government or state agency in order that the Virginia Department of Transportation program an enhancement project in Augusta County, Virginia; NOW BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Augusta County requests the Commonwealth Transportation Board to establish a project for the construction of Phase 4 to include 1450 linear feet of sidewalk along Round Hill Drive; Phase 5 to include 820 linear feet of sidewalk along Augusta Farms Road, including a pedestrian crossing at Augusta Farms Road and Route 340, crosswalks and appropriate lighting ; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Augusta County hereby agrees to pay twenty (20) percent of the total cost for planning and design, right of way, and construction of Scholastic Way Sidewalk Project and that if Augusta County subsequently elects to cancel the Project, Augusta County hereby agrees to reimburse the Virginia Department of Transportation for the total amount of the costs expended by the Department through the date the Department is notified of such cancellation.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
DMV ANIMAL FRIENDLY LICENSE PLATES
The Board considered allocation of funds from DMV ($1,845) to support sterilization programs for dogs and cats. This proposal will carry over to the Department of Taxation contributions of tax refunds.
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance, reported that the County allocation from the sale of Animal Friendly License plates is $1,845. The County has to certify that this money will be used to support sterilization of dogs and cats. SPCA and Kindred Spirits had submitted request for the allocation. She asked that the Board direct who they wish the allocation to go to and also informed the Board that this approval will dictate where the voluntary contribution funding will be given from the tax contributions.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board will allocate funds from DMV and the future tax contributions to Kindred Spirits.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
CROZET TUNNEL
The Board considered endorsement of Nelson County VDOT grant submittal for proposed tunnel project.
Mr. Coffield advised that a presentation was given at the Staff Briefing on Monday.
Nelson County is applying for VDOT grant funding to restore the old Crozet Tunnel and to make it part of a tourism destination for pedestrians as well as cyclists. There is no funding requested from Augusta County; Nelson County has agreed to do the 20% local match.
Ms. Sorrells, being involved with the Central Shenandoah Planning District, felt that this is an exciting opportunity.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR NELSON COUNTY’S 2009 APPLICATION FOR VDOT
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT GRANT FUNDS FOR
THE BLUE RIDGE TUNNEL PROJECT
WHEREAS, Nelson County is in the process of completing the final design for the Blue Ridge Tunnel Project using Transportation Enhancement Program grant funds; and WHEREAS, upon its completion in 1856, the historic Blue Ridge Tunnel engineered by Claudius Crozet and built using pick axes and black powder, was considered the longest in the world at 4,273 linear feet and is presently considered an engineering marvel; and WHEREAS, the completion of the Blue Ridge Tunnel Project will provide a unique regional attraction with historic, educational, and economic benefits as well as a safe and level trail for hikers, joggers, and bicyclers; and WHEREAS, the Blue Ridge Tunnel extends into Augusta County and is in close proximity to the City of Waynesboro; and WHEREAS, Nelson County is submitting an application to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Enhancement grant program in December 2009, to obtain funding to complete the restoration of the Blue Ridge Tunnel and construct associated trails; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Augusta County Board of Supervisors that said Board supports Nelson County’s December 2009 application to the Virginia Department of Transportation for Transportation Enhancement Program grant funds, for Nelson County’s Blue Ridge Tunnel Project.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
Mr. Pyles said that he would not vote against the request, but expressed concern for VDOT allowing funding towards a project such as this instead of taking care of roads.
Vice-Chairman Garber mentioned to the public that it seemed that tonight’s issues were being discussed quickly, but explained that these issues had been previously discussed at the Staff Briefing on Monday.
FIRE AND RESCUE GRANT
The Board considered submission of funding request for up to seven positions through the Department of Homeland Security.
Mr. Coffield advised that this had also been discussed at the Staff Briefing on Monday.
It was brought to the Board’s attention that the federal government has some funding for Fire and Rescue as part of the stimulus program. It is a two-year funding grant with 4 positions. The federal government realizes that some jurisdictions have eliminated or frozen positions as well as have some unmet needs in the community. He added that the master plan reflects the need for 13 positions over the next three years. He noted that there are 3 current frozen positions.
Mr. Coleman understood that these monies would be 100% for two years; as part of the application, Augusta County agrees, if awarded, to fund it for a third year and subsequent years. Mr. Coffield confirmed that was correct.
Mr. Beyeler felt that these were good grant programs but was concerned about the funding after the program was completed. He asked what the deadline was to submit application. Ms. Whetzel said the deadline was December 18th.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board table the request until December 9th.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
• Joint Meeting, Monday, October 26, 2009 • Regular meeting, Thursday, November 12, 2009
STREETLIGHT REQUEST
Considered request for the installation and/or upgrading of streetlights previously recommended by Streetlight Committee at the following location:
1. Route 250, Windsor Drive (Wayne District) Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Beyeler: Attended an event at the Beverley Manor Middle School – “Very moving event!” Encouraged Board to attend.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF – NONE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator
H:11-24min.09
