Regular Meeting – April 9, 2014
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, April 9, 2014, 4:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Larry J. Wills, Chairman
Michael L. Shull, Vice-Chairman
Carolyn S. Bragg
David A. Karaffa
Marshall W. Pattie
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, CMC, Executive Secretary
ABSENT: Jeffrey A. Moore
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 238th year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Wills welcomed the citizens present.
Mary Beth Critzer, a senior; and Abbi Campbell, a sophomore, at Stuarts Draft High School, led us with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Abbi enjoys art and hopes to become a doctor. Mary Beth enjoys art and plans on attending Virginia Wesleyan College for Criminal Justice and Psychology.
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Supervisor for the Pastures District, delivered invocation.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER – PROCLAMATION
The Board considered the Small Business Development Center proclamation.
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board adopt the following proclamation:
RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF AUGUSTA COUNTY
IN HONOR OF THE
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
WHEREAS, small businesses and entrepreneurial activity are essential to a community’s economy by creating jobs, providing essential goods and services, and preserving a desired quality of life, and WHEREAS, most new jobs created in the United States are the result of small business growth; and WHEREAS, Augusta County maintains a strong pro-business and entrepreneurial environment; and WHEREAS, Augusta County values small businesses and celebrates the diversity of goods and services they provide and the contributions they make to our community; and WHEREAS, the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC) was established in 1989 at James Madison University; and
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER – PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the SV SBDC has, for 25 years, provided no-fee, confidential consultation, low-cost training, and access to resources to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs; and WHEREAS, the SV SBDC serves our community in collaborative economic development efforts; and WHEREAS, during its 25 years of service the SV SBDC has worked with more than 5,500 entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers to provide nearly 30,000 hours of business assistance and conducted nearly 1,000 events to train 10,000 attendees throughout the region; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that to honor the impact of the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center and its clients, 2014 shall be proclaimed The Year of Small Business in Augusta County, and the slogan We Love Small Business will be advanced throughout the region.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Moore
Motion carried.
Joyce Krech, Director, introduced Betty Hoge, Business Advisor and Analyst, who primarily serves this area and uses the office in the Government Center. She thanked the Board for its support. “We are grateful for your support and hope to serve your constituents to the best of our ability for many years to come.” Chairman Wills thanked Ms. Krech for the work they are doing for small businesses.
VALLEY CHILDREN’S CENTER – PROCLAMATION
The Board considered the Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation.
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board adopt the following proclamation:
By virtue of the authority vested in me, I hereby proclaim the month of April as
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
Whereas, preventing child abuse and neglect is a community problem that depends on involvement among people throughout the community; and Whereas, child maltreatment occurs when people find themselves in stressful situations, without community resources, and don’t know how to cope; and Whereas, the majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable in an engaged and supportive community; and Whereas, all citizens should become involved in supporting families in raising their children in a safe, nurturing environment; and
VALLEY CHILDREN’S CENTER – PROCLAMATION
Whereas, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among families, social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community.
Now therefore, the Board of Supervisors, does hereby recognize April 2014 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Augusta County, Virginia and we call this observance to the attention of all our citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and neglect and strengthening the communities in which we live.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Moore
Motion carried.
Dennis Baugh, Executive Director of the Valley Children’s Center, thanked the Board for its support and mentioned a candlelight vigil tomorrow night at 7:30 at the Augusta County Circuit Court steps. He noted that Valley Children’s Center provide forensic interviews for children who have been sexually assaulted (163 interviews last year; 90 interviews this year).
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC – NONE
SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT
The Board considered a resolution related to borrowing of funds to construct improvements at the Airport.
Gregory Campbell, Executive Director, mentioned that several years ago, the Board approved financing to pursue projects at the Airport—pavement rehab and renovation to the airline passenger terminal. The Airport now wishes to move forward with long-term financing which requires a resolution from the five jurisdictions (Augusta County, Rockingham County, Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro). He noted that the County is not responsible for the financing and the Airport was able to leverage approximately $2.6 million in State funds for the improvements at the Airport. He added that, in spite of a “rough” winter, the Airport has had a good year in passenger traffic and operations.
Mr. Karaffa asked if the Florida “connection” flights were going to occur this year. Mr. Campbell “felt good about those services returning this fall”.
Chairman Wills asked Mr. Campbell about the Master Plan update. Mr. Campbell reported that a Master Plan had not been done since 1999 and that they have built out most of the projects that were contained in that Master Plan. For this year, there will be little construction, but work will begin on developing a very comprehensive “Master Plan”.
He encouraged the Board to give its input about the regional Airport. He felt this would be a lengthy process of approximately 1½ years. In terms of funding, anything that the Airport wants to pursue in the future has to be approved and consistent with the future Master Plan. “It will drive development to the Airport for the next fifteen to twenty years.
It’s not something that we’re taking lightly at all.” Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
FOR THE BENEFIT OF SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport Commission (the “Commission”) was duly established pursuant to the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, and by resolution and agreement of the several political subdivisions of the Commonwealth of Virginia comprising the Commission, namely the Counties of Augusta and Rockingham and the Cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro (collectively, the “Member Localities”), to have and exercise, on behalf of such Member Localities, the power and authority to operate the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (“SVRA”) located in Augusta County, Virginia (the “County”).
WHEREAS, the Commission has determined that it is necessary and desirable to issue and sell to the United States of America, acting through Rural Housing Service, an Agency of United States Department of Agriculture an up to $500,000 taxable airport revenue bond, in one or more series (the “2014 Obligation”), in order to finance and refinance costs to (i) acquire, construct and equip site improvements in connection with taxi lane pavement rehabilitation near aircraft hanger facilities at SVRA, which is located at 77 Aviation Circle, in Weyers Cave, Virginia, (ii) acquire, construct and equip all or any portion of the main terminal facilities of SVRA, and (iii) pay issuance expenses (collectively, the “Project”).
WHEREAS, the Commission desires to obtain the approval of each of the governing bodies of its Member Localities with respect to such incurrence of long-term indebtedness to pay the costs of the Project (all such undertakings by the Commission in connection with the 2014 Obligation being collectively referenced herein as the “Loan”.) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia (the “Board”), as follows:
1. The incurrence of the Loan by the Commission, as described herein, is hereby approved and authorized, to the fullest extent as may be required, if at all.
2. It is to be understood that nothing contained in this Resolution is or shall be deemed to be a debt of the County or a pledge of the faith and credit or the taxing power of the County, and nothing herein or therein shall legally bind or obligate the Board or any future Board of the County to appropriate funds for such purposes. The long-term indebtedness of the Commission represented by the 2014 Obligation (or otherwise in connection with the Project and the Loan) shall not be deemed to constitute a debt or pledge of the faith and credit of the taxing power of the County, and neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the County shall be pledged for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any or interest on the 2014 Obligation or any other obligation of the Commission in connection with the Project or the Loan, or any other costs incident thereto.
3. The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board, and the County Administrator, any one or more of whom may act, and such officers, employees, and agents of the County as any of them may designate, are each authorized and directed to take all such further actions and to execute and deliver any and all instruments, certificates and other documents (if any), in order to carry out the purposes hereof and in furtherance thereof.
4. This Resolution shall be effective immediately.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Moore
Motion carried.
Mr. Campbell thanked Mr. Pattie for his assistance with “capitalizing on the colleges and universities in the region and their travel”. “Dr. Pattie has been wonderful with that in helping us with teams from JMU.”
FIRE AND RESCUE – STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE
The Board considered Committee recommendations relating to proposed Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG):
A) SOG Committee Responsibilities B) Incapacitated Fire-Rescue Apparatus Chairman Wills mentioned that the SOG Committee Responsibilities is an information item only. It is basically the process they go through to develop and approve SOGs.
Incapacitated Fire-Rescue Apparatus pertains to an actual SOG which was necessitated because of an event during a snowstorm this year when it was realized that there was not an actual procedure in place to handle a piece of equipment that becomes incapacitated.
Fire Chief Holloway was available to answer questions.
Mr. Pyles, after thorough review, agreed with the information that was provided.
Fire Chief Holloway added that they have been working on updating and revising SOGs combining as many as possible for approximately a year and a half. The purpose of the first draft was to give the committees responsibilities and direction and allow to stream- line the process.
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board approve the recommendations.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Moore
Motion carried.
RABIES CLINIC REQUESTS
The Board considered requests to hold rabies clinic for the purpose of rabies vaccination for cats and dogs as follows (Pastures District):
A) Deerfield Community Center on Saturday, April 12, 2014 B) Buffalo Gap High School on Saturday, April 26, 2014 Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, reported that this has been occurring annually.
A list of prior approvals had been included in the agenda package.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Pattie, that the Board approve the requests.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Moore
Motion carried.
WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Pattie, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
Budget Work Session, Monday, March 24, 2014 Staff Briefing Meeting, Monday, March 24, 2014 Budget Work Session, Wednesday, March 28, 2014 Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 28, 2014
CLAIMS
Approved claims paid since March 12, 2014.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Moore
Motion carried.
Chairman Wills noted to the public that the Consent Agenda included minutes on the Staff Briefing as well as the Budget Work Session.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Pyles: Schools – Expressed concern of spending $121,000 for a schematic design for two middle schools, one elementary school, and adding on to another middle school. “Wouldn’t somebody know in the beginning that we didn’t have enough money to do all that? That’s just common sense.” Another $108,000 for schematic design for a 740 population elementary school was spent, totaling $229,000. He expressed the need of plans for three elementary schools – Riverheads, Cassell and Verona—not just Riverheads. He mentioned Chairman Wills’ letter that had been distributed to the Board regarding the consideration of a 5¢ tax increase that would include 2 cents for schools and said it is hard to sell the construction of a new Riverheads. “I don’t know that people are going to buy into this. All three elementary schools have the same level of needs.” He hoped that nothing would be done on constructing a new Riverheads until there are also plans for Cassell and Verona elementary schools. “To put Riverheads out there for design and reconstruction ahead of other needs, would not be right.” He questioned if four supervisors had already approved the Riverheads plan and stated, “We need to rein these guys in,” (referring to School Board members). He noted that the County could build an adequate school at Riverheads for $6 million (less than $18 million-plus proposed).
He suggested that a similar design for all three schools be used.
Mr. Pattie:
1. Schools – echoed Mr. Pyles and added that since he took office two years ago, he had spoken out about how the school district is “focused on construction, not instruction” and felt that the focus needed to be on the classroom. “Talking about building an $18 million building, which in reality, you have to add about one-third to the price because of debt service. That is going to be spread over twenty years.
Essentially, that’s going to be taking money out of the classroom for the next twenty years if we do go ahead and build that building.” 2. Chairman Wills’ letter regarding suggested tax increase – Noted that it was not a unanimous decision. He did not agree with the tax increase.
3. Lexington – Internet meeting with Jennifer Whetzel – learned how to enable private companies to come into the County and be successful in distributing internet to the citizens who do not have internet currently. It was the consensus of the Board to authorize Ms. Whetzel to provide recommendations to the Board at the May Staff Briefing (May 27th). Mr. Pyles asked Mr. Pattie to itemize what was needed for Ms. Whetzel.
4. Budget State of Virginia Resolutions – asked if the Board would be supportive.
Mr. Karaffa agreed with the resolution and has already submitted a letter to Richmond. Mr. Pyles said supervisors did not support a resolution request from Augusta Health to support Medicaid expansion and “telling the state government that passing a budget without expansion would be wrong”. Mr. Pattie proposed a resolution that the General Assembly separate the Medicaid issue from the budget.
Chairman Wills suggested that the de-coupling of Medicaid and budget would be too political. “Lawmakers should just be encouraged to do their jobs.” It was the consensus of the Board not to take an official stand on the budget standoff.
Mr. Shull:
1. Spring Clean-up Event – April 12 – 19, 2014 2. Unwanted Medicine Event – April 26, 2014; 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
3. Schools – School Board is looking at the needs of schools. Riverheads had been placed at the top for renovation because of maintenance issues. Architectural plans are needed to ultimately be presented to the Board of Supervisors. “They have to start with a plan somewhere. Let them try to do their job.” Mr. Karaffa:
1. Schools – During budget process, a question arose concerning a boundary line study being conducted. He expressed concern about closing one school, building a new school and not having a study. “I would be interested to see what is the next step if you build Riverheads Elementary.” 2. Budget meetings with communities – “Good positive feedback”.
Chairman Wills:
1. Schools – had spoken with the School Board Chairman, Nick Collins, who has assured him that the School Board members will formulate some overall elementary schoolplanning before voting on a new Riverheads Elementary school.
“We’ve got to see a long-range setup of how they are going to do things.” 2. Letter – distributed to the Board as a “point of information” that he hoped to be placed in the newspapers. He apologized to Mr. Pattie for not stating “majority” but he considered it as a Board action.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following:
1. General Assembly – continuing to track budget. Since the state is late on approving the budget, localities can get an extension. Mr. Pyles noted the importance of getting the tax tickets mailed out. Chairman Wills has spoken with Senator Hanger and Delegate Landes who have stated that, with the exception of the Medicaid issue, they are very close on funding for localities and schools. He mentioned pilot program/salaries concern.
2. Project Grows – Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development, mentioned a donation of a cooler for storage of fresh vegetables for distribution to be placed on site and asked if the Board had any objections. He noted that an electrician has also offered his service at no cost. The Board had no objections.
3. Commonwealth Transportation Board – meeting in Rockingham County, April 29th at 6:00 p.m. Chairman Wills and Mr. Fitzgerald will be attending. Advanced copies of comments were distributed to the Board. Asked for Board’s input.
4. Six-Year Plan (Secondary Road Plan) – Public Hearing on May 14th. Copy of draft plan and a “work list” distributed to Board. Noted that in 2002-03 the VDOT Secondary Roads budget was $4.8 million with the Six-Year Plan totaling over $30 million. The current Budget is less than $540,000 with the Six-Year Plan totaling less than $4.8 million. If the County increased taxes 2¢, the increased revenues matched with VDOT Revenue Sharing Funds would total less than $2.8 million still far less than what we were receiving in 2002-03.
5. Budget Agenda and attachment had been enclosed with Agenda package.
Chairman Wills asked that Mr. Coffield provide information as to reasons why other types of taxes cannot be used without going to the General Assembly. Mr. Coffield added that the boardroom will be open to the public at 6:30 to answer questions before the 7:00 meeting.
6. Stormwater Bill signed – Chairman Wills asked that staff move forward with ordinances to set program in place.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Shull, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, the Board went into closed session pursuant to:
(1) 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 B) Succession Planning (2) the economic development exemption under Virginia Code § 2.2-
3711(A)(5)
[discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of its interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the county]:
A) Economic Development Prospect(s) (3) 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) Ladd On motion of Mr. Karaffa, seconded by Mr. Shull, the Board came out of Closed Session and adjourned subject to the call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Moore
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: Pattie, Karaffa, Wills, Shull, Bragg and Pyles NAY: None
ABSENT: Moore
The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
AUGUSTA COUNTY SERVICE AUTHORITY – APPOINTMENT
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board appoint Carolyn S. Bragg to serve an unexpired 4-year term on the Augusta County Service Authority, effective immediately, to expire December 31, 2015.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Moore
Motion carried.
AUGUSTA COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD – APPOINTMENT
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board appoint Kurt Y. Michael to serve an unexpired 4-year term on the Augusta County Library Board, effective immediately, to expire June 30, 2016.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Moore
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None
Absent: Moore
Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator
H:4-9min.14
