Regular Meeting – June 13, 2018
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, June 13, 2018, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Carolyn S. Bragg-Vice Chairman
Terry L. Kelley, Jr.
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
James R. Benkahla, County Attorney
Angie Michael, Executive Assistant
ABSENT: Gerald W. Garber, Chairman
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 242nd year of the Commonwealth….
Vice Chairman Bragg welcomed the citizens present.
Vice Chairman Bragg led the Board of Supervisors in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pam Carter, Supervisor for the Pastures District, delivered the invocation.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC — NONE
AEROMEDICAL OPERATIONS
The Board considered possible changes to the County’s aeromedical operations Standard Operating Guidelines.
Timothy Fitzgerald, County Administrator, stated this topic has generated a lot of discussion. There is disagreement among the volunteer agencies on the topic. This is a good time to re-evaluate the best direction to take. Aeromedical operations needs to be discussed further before any decisions are made. Also, there is an AVL Program, which is a GPS program, that goes on the ambulances that can be tied into the CAD system and the units can be tracked. This gives the ability to dispatch units as close to the call as possible.
Dr. Brand thanked everyone for the interest in the Aeromedical operations. It’s important the entire team is on board with it. In time, with more data, it may be decided in the future that early activation is the way to go. At this point, there isn’t
AEROMEDICAL OPERATIONS (CON’TD)
enough information to help everyone feel comfortable.
Ms. Bragg stated there has been conversation regarding the helicopters on standby and whether it was being consistent or not. Even though the County is not progressing with the automatic take off, can the consistency of the standby procedure be evaluated?
Dr. Brand stated the variability that happens with the standbys depends on the weather and day or night. All of the aeromedical providers in this area are committed to getting to the accident scene as quickly as possible.
Mr. Kelley is aware that it is the decision of the Commander which is the first one on the scene. They always have the opportunity to say launch, but in doing the prepping, sometimes it’s not thought about immediately. Would it be possible to have the dispatcher ask the question?
Dr. Brand believes this is something that takes place. He is fond of saying the 911 dispatcher is the expert until someone arrives. The operations will be reviewed and changes will be made to improve the process.
Dr. Pattie stated there are disadvantages to being so decentralized with committee structures. It is surprising that agencies are against the policy. He would like to know what the concerns are and why the agencies are against it.
Dr. Brand stated there is a legitimate concern about over utilization of aeromedical resources. It’s expensive and there are only a couple helicopters available.
There’s practical concerns with over utilization and then there’s financial concerns as well.
Another concern is additional call volume that could be generated.
Mr. Shull asked if once personnel is on the scene, can the helicopter be put on stand-by at that point. The estimated time it takes for the rescue to get to the scene and how much time it takes to evaluate and package the person are two things that need to be evaluated. There are 31,000 homes and apartments in Augusta County. We do not have 31,000 landing zones so they have to be loaded into an ambulance and transported to a loading zone.
Dr. Brand stated that this was an operational concern that definitely needs to be reviewed. It makes no sense to have a helicopter in place and not have an ambulance available. Timing is important and it works in places like Waynesboro and Staunton, but the question is with Deerfield and some of the further out areas.
Mr. Kelley stated the two chief’s in the western part of the County are for this operation because the ambulance and the helicopter are continuously chasing each other. It’s ok to wait a minute for the helicopter to land.
Dr. Brand pointed out that ideally a landing zone is chosen between the scene and the hospital so the helicopter will arrive before the ambulance. This is the most efficient way for it to be done.
Ms. Carter asked for the actual cost to fly the helicopter.
Dr. Brand will compile the actual cost information. A letter of request may be helpful in allowing him to obtain some of the information needed.
Ms. Carter is interested in knowing what percentage of the charges are reimbursed by insurance and at what rate. If the charges are not reimbursable, what is the criteria for
AEROMEDICAL OPERATIONS (CON’TD)
working with people.
Dr. Brand stated there is no charge unless there is a medical necessity form filled out.
Dr. Brand also stated that vehicle locators are being reviewed. These locators will allow ECC to know where vehicles are at all times. This is a technology solution that is used in many places that can save lives. There is technology that can link the CAD system and possibly the mapping software.
Dr. Pattie stated this was first brought up six or seven years ago. It was polluted due to trying to combine the three localities emergency centers. It’s important the agencies use the same GPS system on their vehicles so they can be rerouted if need be. At that time it was a $1 million budget and got bypassed. Over the years the price has most likely decreased and it makes sense to be able to deliver the service. The complexity would come with how to deal with the percent of calls and first due on the western side of the County. Technology is a better way to go.
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that the GPS system would require an update to the CAD system, a transponder on the unit along with an air card. It was pointed out that due to broadband connection in some areas of the County this will not be useful. There will be issues with a system like this because people don’t like for everyone to see where they are going.
Also something to think about is would this impact revenue recovery for the individual agencies. It will show calls in their first due that they actually didn’t run. With direction of the Board, staff will move forward and collect information to be brought back to the Board at a later time.
The Board agrees.
Mr. Shull would like to have information available for citizens on the insurance policy for air care. Other counties have policies set up to help take care of revenue recovery.
Mr. Fitzgerald reminded the Board that the County’s accepts what the insurance company pays. The patient is not billed for the remaining amount.
GOOSE CREEK WALKING TRAIL
The Board considered funding for a parking lot at Goose Creek Walking Trail.
Funding Source: Wayne Infrastructure 80000-8017-101 $9,800.00 John Wilkinson, Director of Community Development, stated this is a project that he and Mr. Coleman have been involved with for some time. The walking trail is complete and parking is the next phase needed for the project.
Mr. Coleman stated that Murphy Deming and Mary Baldwin University are prepared to move forward. The land is not of use to them and they are willing to donate it to the County for the parking lot. More and more people are using the trail and parking is needed. A 10% contingency is typically added, but is not added into the total requested.
Mr. Coleman would like to take $10,780.00 from his infrastructure account to get started with the plans and get the project moving forward.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the funding for the parking lot at Goose Creek Walking Trail.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None
Absent: Garber
Motion carried.
BUDGET FY2019
The Board considered the position authorized in FY19 budget.
Ms. Carter appreciates the additional time to evaluate the best options for the additional position.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve an additional County Attorney position.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, and Carter Nays: None Abstain: Pattie
Absent: Garber
Motion carried.
WAIVERS– NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Vice Chairman Bragg asked if the public wished for any item to be removed from the Consent Agenda. No request was made.
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, April 25, 2018 • Regular Meeting, Wednesday, May 9, 2018 • Staff Briefing, Monday, May 21, 2018
CLAIMS
Consider claims paid since May 1, 2018.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None
Absent: Garber
Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
Mr. Shull would like for the Ordinance Committee to review the family member exception on land.
Mr. Coleman attended the breakfast meeting on Christians Creek and South River.
The MPO approved 3 resolutions for Smart Scale projects. The property maintenance ordinance needs to be re-evaluated. The General Assembly removed the ordinance that allows the County to require grass to be cut on agriculture zoned lots. He would like for the Ordinance Committee to look into this and find out why it was removed.
Ms. Carter has received calls from the Fire Chief in Craigsville. He is not receiving notification of fire calls in the area. She would also like information on how the State budget will impact the County.
Jennifer Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator, stated that there is not a lot of fluctuation in the County budget. Any significant changes will be brought back to the Board. Detailed information will come from the Comp Board soon.
Mr. Kelley reminded everyone of the fire departments carnivals coming up in the area.
Dr. Pattie attended the VDOT meeting on interstate 81. He would like to have a package put together to present to VDOT for improvements in the County.
Ms. Bragg attended the Employee Carnival held at the Government Center. The Community Grant Ceremony was held and highlighted several outstanding programs that are happening. The Old Dominion Realty grand opening will be taking place. She attended the Local Government Advisory meeting on the Chesapeake Bay. Ms. Bragg showed several pictures taken during Sweet Dreams. She reminded everyone of the Red Wing Roots Festival coming up in July.
Mr. Shull is concerned with the number of downed trees in the road during heavy rain and storms. Fire and Rescue is responding to these calls and VDOT should be held responsible for this.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Timothy Fitzgerald, County Administrator discussed the following issues:
1) Received a request from the City of Waynesboro for Crozet Tunnel project.
This project has received funds through VDOT’s enhancement program. There is an opportunity to build a trail leading from western portion of Crozet Tunnel to the City of Waynesboro with the BUILD grant funding. This funding is 100 % funded through the Federal Government with no local match requirements. The city of Waynesboro needs the Board’s approval for Augusta County to be a co-applicant for the grant.
Luke Juday, Planner for City of Waynesboro, stated this would be a great amenity for Waynesboro and others in the County. The purpose of the BUILD grant is to fund large projects and due to initiatives, rural areas are the main focus. Geographically this area is in Augusta County.
Mr. Coleman stated that most of the trail runs through Augusta County and the Wayne District. VDOT has a grant to do renovations to the tunnel itself.
Mr. Shull asked who would oversee the project.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the Board approve a resolution of support and serve as co-applicant for the project.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Coleman, and Carter Nays: Shull and Pattie
Absent: Garber
Motion carried.
Dr. Pattie understands the reasoning behind this grant, but $3 million dollars is not being good stewards of federal money.
2) James Benkahla, County Attorney, stated that he received a memo from Jean Shrewsbury for a tax refund request. The taxpayer has received bills from both Augusta County and the City of Staunton and has paid both bills. The Commissioner of the Revenue can only go back three years to exonerate the assessment and this goes back five years. With Board’s approval, he will move forward with filing the petition for the $274.18 for 2013.
3) Its normal practice to cancel the first meeting Board of Supervisors meeting in July.
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve canceling the July 11, 2018 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None
Absent: Garber
Motion carried.
4) The Red Wing Roots Festival is coming up in July and the new stage will be ready for the event.
5) Mr. Fitzgerald will not be in the office Monday and Tuesday for vacation and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday he will be in Virginia Beach for the VLGMA Summer Conference.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Ms. Carter, 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 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 Elementary School On motion of Mr. Shull, seconded by Dr. Pattie, the Board came out of Closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None
Absent: Garber
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, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg, Shull and Carter NAY: None
ABSENT: Garber
The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Mr. Kelley moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board re-appoint the following to serve on the listed Boards and Commissions effective July 1, 2018:
Marshall Pattie Central Shenandoah Planning Dist. Comm. Exp. 6/30/2021 Tim Fitzgerald Valley ASAP Exp. 6/30/2021 Miranda Ball Valley Community Services Board Exp. 6/30/2021 Ginny Newman Community Policy Management Team Exp. 6/30/2022 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None
Absent: Garber
Motion carried.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board appoint the following to serve on the listed Boards and Commissions effective July 1, 2018:
Timothy Simmons Augusta County Service Authority Exp. 6/30/2022 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None
Absent: Garber
Motion carried.
Ms. Carter moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board re-appoint the following to serve on the listed Boards and Commissions effective July 1, 2018:
Leon Bartley Parks & Recreation Commission Exp. 6/30/2022 Carl Cline Recycling Exp. 6/30/2022 Thomas Jennings Planning Commission Exp. 6/30/2022 Terry Kelley Central Shenandoah Planning Dist. Comm. Exp. 6/30/2021 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None
Absent: Garber
Motion carried.
Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board appoint the following to serve on the listed Boards and Commissions effective immediately:
John Bowers Broadband Committee Exp. 6/30/2020 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None
Absent: Garber
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, the Board adjourn subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None
Absent: Garber
Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator
h:06-13min.18
