Regular Meeting – February 13, 2019
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Gerald W. Garber, Chairman
Carolyn S. Bragg-Vice Chairman
G.L. “Butch” Wells
Michael L. Shull
Wendell L. Coleman
Marshall W. Pattie
Pam L. Carter
Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator
John Wilkinson, Director of Community Development
Leslie Tate, Planner
James R. Benkahla, County Attorney
Angie Michael, Executive Assistant
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 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 students from the Fort Defiance High School FFA led us with the Pledge of Allegiance:
Jacob Jones is a senior at Fort Defiance High School. He participates in FD Pride, FD Tribe, National Honor Society and SCA. Mr. Jones played football, basketball and ran indoor, outdoor track and cross-country. He plans to attend Charleston Southern University where he received a $26,000.00 per year academic/sports scholarship and major in Biology. Mr. Jones hopes to become a Pediatrician or Physical Therapist.
Pam Carter, Supervisor for the Pastures District, delivered the invocation.
CENTRAL SHENANDOAH PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION 50TH ANNIVERSARY
RESOLUTION
Ms. Bragg read the following resolution:
WHEREAS, in 1966, the General Assembly created the Metropolitan Areas Study Commission (the Hahn Commission), which found that a holistic approach to solving local and regional problems needed to be taken, and recommended a new concept, the creation of Planning District Commissions (PDCs); and WHEREAS, the Virginia Area Development Act, passed in 1968, created the PDC framework “to encourage and facilitate local government cooperation and state-local cooperation in addressing on a regional basis problems of greater than local significance;” and WHEREAS, following passage of this Act, the State undertook an aggressive effort to establish PDC boundaries, and by 1969, the final district boundaries were announced; and WHEREAS, on October 1, 1969, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission
CENTRAL SHENANDOAH PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION 50TH ANNIVERSAY
(CSPDC) was established and includes the counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham, the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro, and 11 incorporated towns; and WHEREAS, in 2019, the CSPDC is celebrating 50 years of promoting and supporting regional collaboration; and WHEREAS, the CSPDC serves to foster intergovernmental cooperation by bringing together elected and appointed officials and citizens to discuss common needs and develop solutions to regional issues; and WHEREAS, over the years, the CSPDC has conducted studies and identified solutions in the areas of transportation, economic development, infrastructure, housing, the environment, disaster education and mitigation, and community development, among many others; and WHEREAS, the CSPDC also implements services and provides technical assistance to its member local governments; and WHEREAS, the CSPDC often serves as a liaison between local and state governments, partnering with the State to carry out state initiatives at the local and regional level; and WHEREAS, most recently, the CSPDC has been instrumental in bringing in over $66 million in new investments to the region. For every dollar the CSPDC receives in local dues, it has leveraged $36 in average in state and federal funds; and WHEREAS, the CSPDC is committed to promoting opportunities for regional collaboration and expanding the types of services they provide to their member governments; and WHEREAS, the CSPDC takes great pride in their history and accomplishments, while recognizing the importance of looking ahead to the challenges of the future; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the County of Augusta hereby commends the CSPDC on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary and County of Augusta expresses its appreciation for the vital support provided by the CSPDC to each of its member jurisdictions and the region.
Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Mr. Wells, that the Board approve the resolution.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Wells, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Fitzgerald introduced the new Fire Chief, David Nichols.
Chief Nichols stated that he is appreciative of the opportunity and is excited to be the new Fire Chief for Augusta County. He looks forward to helping the organization move forward in meeting goals to be successful.
Ron Mastin, Interim Fire Chief, thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve Augusta County. He is confident that Chief Nichols will do an extraordinary job.
Mr. Fitzgerald thanked Chief Mastin for his time spent in Augusta County. There will be a reception for Chief Mastin to recognize his service with Augusta County.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC — NONE
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK — PRESENTATION
The Board heard a presentation by Jennifer Flynn, Superintendent of Shenandoah National Park. Ms. Flynn reminded the Board the complexity of the operation of the park and stated that in many ways it is like operating a small town. She presented an overview of what the park consists of and what it takes to operate. Operation costs have averaged twelve million dollars over the last decade. Funds to run the park are supplemented with recreational fees. Eighty percent of the fees remain at the park.
The park employs two hundred eighty people. They also receive help from outside partners. Potomac Appalachian Trail Club has been a big asset.
Renovations are going to be made at Big Meadows Lodge and the Wayside is getting an entire renovation.
Shenandoah National Park Association is the park’s educational partner. Last year it had over a million dollars in book sales at the two visitor centers.
Finally our Shenandoah National Park Trust is the philanthropic partner based in Charlottesville. This year will be granting $450,000 in grants for a variety of different projects.
The Government shutdown was very impactful on the park. It did not have as much of an impact on the public but did impact park officials. There was very little disrespect shown by public during the shutdown. We were very thankful for members of community who cared for the park during staff absence.
BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — UPDATE
The Board heard a presentation by John Downey, President of BRCC, regarding college activities.
Dr. John Downey, President of Blue Ridge Community College, gave the annual update on Blue Ridge Community College and thanked the Board for their ongoing support of the college. Debbie Callison from the Advisory Board was present and she represents Augusta County on the Board. Lynn Dively is also a County representative. Ms. Dively’s term on the Advisory Board will be ending in June 2019. The college transforms student’s lives and in turn transforms the community served. Dr. Downey gave the Board packets of information which includes the Annual Report and a Fast Fact Sheet.
Last fall, of the 4,129 students served in credit programs, 1,093 were residents of Augusta County. Also served this year was another 142 residents in non-credit workforce and personal enrichment courses. There has been a new parking deck constructed. Dr. Downey is excited about the anticipated opening of a new Bioscience building with a state of the art nursing lab. A new Paramedic EMT program will be starting in the fall. Dr. Downey appreciates being able to work with Amanda Glover and her staff in the Economic Development Department. The credit and non-credit training programs provide local youth and young adults with tremendous life changing career options. For every job in the future that will require a Master’s Degree or higher, there will be two jobs that will require a Bachelor’s Degree, but seven jobs that will require some post-secondary training or an Associate’s Degree. Blue Ridge is pleased to work hard to fill that skills gap and partnership with the secondary schools and the technical center to make sure the skills gap is addressed. Non-credit workforce certifications that lead directly to employment are also available. The Commonwealth created a Fast Forward Program that allows students to pay one third of the cost of the training programs while the state pays two thirds. These are in high demand career areas such as welding, truck driving and healthcare certifications.
WAIVERS– NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Consider minutes of the following meetings:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, January 9, 2019 • Staff Briefing, Tuesday, January 22, 2019
CLAIMS
Considered claims paid since January 1, 2019 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Wells, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
Dr. Pattie attended the Job Fair held at Expo. There were approximately 70 employers that participated and 400 visitors. He thanked Staff for their effort in making the event a success.
Ms. Bragg attended the Job Fair and was pleased with the turn out. She also attended the 4-H FFA dinner. Library Volunteer Appreciation is Friday at 10:00 a.m. and there is a reception for the Interim Fire Chief on Thursday from 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Ms. Carter visited Swoope Fire Department and was able to ride along on a call.
Mr. Coleman attended the job fair and felt it was a huge success.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Timothy Fitzgerald, County Administrator discussed the following issues:
1. VACo trip to Richmond was a success. The Board was able to talk with Legislators on concerns.
2. Job fair was a success.
3. Reminder of the February 27 Board meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m.
4. A reception for Ron Mastin will be February 14 from 12-2pm.
5. An updated Government Center Employee Directory was given to the Board.
6. The VDOT project planned for the intersection of 262 and 613 has been put on hold.
There is a new project for consideration with 252 and 262 to add additional lanes.
Construction estimate is approximately $2.5 million.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Ms. Bragg, seconded by Mr. Shull, 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 (2) the legal counsel exemption under Virginia Code § 2.23711(A)(8) Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel.
Lund v. Rowan Cty., N.C.
a) Legal Advice in connection with , 863 F.3d 268 On motion of Mr. Shull, seconded by Ms. Carter, the Board came out of Closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Wells, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter 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:
Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Wells, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, that the Board appoint the following to serve on the listed Boards and Commissions effective immediately:
Lauren Henderson Youth Commission Exp. 2/13/2023 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Wells, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg, the Board adjourn subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Shull, Wells, Coleman, Pattie and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator h:02-13min.19
