Regular Meeting – March 14, 2018
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 14, 2018, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Gerald W. Garber, Chairman
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
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 242nd year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Garber welcomed the citizens present.
The following student from the Riverheads High School led us with the Pledge of Allegiance:
Daniel Lightner plans to move to Wyoming and be a Rodeo Clown.
Ashlyn Clemmer is a junior and plans to be a large animal veterinarian.
Hannah Eavers is a sophomore and plans to be a physical therapist.
Bella Eavers is a sophomore and plans to be an accountant.
Avery Schaefer is a junior and plans to be a rancher.
Wendell Coleman, Supervisor for the Wayne District, delivered the invocation.
RIVERHEADS HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM RESOLUTION
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman that the Board adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team has enjoyed unprecedented success under the leadership of Coach Robert C. Casto; and WHEREAS, in 2000, 2006, 2010, and 2016 the Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team won the Group A State Championship; and WHEREAS, in 2017, the Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team continued its success by winning the Shenandoah District, the Region B and becoming the Virginia High School League Group A Division 1 State Champions; and WHEREAS, during this year’s playoffs schedule, which included four games, the Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team averaged 37.5 points per game and only allowed an average of 7 points by their opponents; and WHEREAS, team members of the Riverheads High School Varsity Football team have been widely recognized in the Shenandoah District, Region 1B, and across the state with nine team members being named All-District, fourteen team members being named All-region, and nine team members being named to the All-State team; and WHEREAS, team member Blake Smith was recognized as both the region 1B and the state defensive player of the year and Coach Robert Casto was recognized as the region 1B and state coach of the year; and WHEREAS, all citizens of Augusta County can be proud of the way the Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team promoted teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, meeting in regular session on March 14, 2018, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors hereby commends the 2017 Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team for all of its accomplishments during the 2017 Riverheads Football Season; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors applaud Principal Max Lowe and Coach Robert Casto and his staff, for instilling the principles of hard work, determination, teamwork and most importantly sportsmanship to the young men who were members of the 2017 Riverheads High School Varsity Football Team; and BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, and be presented to Riverheads High School in recognition for the accomplishments of their team during the 2017 High School Football season.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC — NONE
AUGUSTA COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Consider Circuit Courthouse improvements including cupola painting, statue cleaning, bird deterrent installation and chimney repainting/repair and awarding contract to Midwest Maintenance, Inc. Funding Source: 80000-8198 $161,880.00 Candy Hensley, Assistant to County Administrator, stated that this was previously presented to the Board. The original bid fell through and the contractor withdrew. Staff reviewed the repairs and maintenance that needed to be done and the project was rebid on January 30, 2018. The project includes cupola preparation and painting, statue cleaning and repair, chimney repointing and repair and bird deterrent installation. The request for the bird deterrent was for them to be installed on the statue and in various areas where birds typically gather. It has been decided to not install the deterrents on the statue because it is historic and there are issues with using stainless steel spikes on copper. During the bidding process, environmentalist contacted staff regarding the statue and what is appropriate for a historical statue. Staff evaluated the cupola area and the statue and there were no bird issues detected.
Bids were received from Midwest Maintenance, Inc. at $149,000.00, Vatos Painting & Contracting at $168,000.00 and Contracting Specialists, Inc. at $192,428.23. Bidders were required to include a breakdown of costs for the work items included. The costs are specific to the work and do not include scaffolding, road closures, etc. The cupola and preparation is $39,000.00, chimney repointing and repair is $6,600.00, statue cleaning and repair is $1,500.00 and the bird deterrent installation is $25.00 per foot.
Scaffolding will be put around the perimeter of the courthouse. The contractor will install the scaffolding, but it will not be removed until the roof replacement project is complete.
Dr. Pattie asked if there were others areas of the courthouse that need improvements while the scaffolding is in place.
Ms. Hensley stated that there is painting and some other repairs that will need to be done eventually.
Dr. Pattie stated that it may be beneficial to take care of any other exterior maintenance while the scaffolding was in place.
Ms. Hensley would like to double check the assessment on the exterior before making any decisions.
Ms. Hensley continued by stating that it is recommended to award the contract to Midwest Maintenance, Inc. at $149,000.00 and to include a 12% contingency which takes the cost up to $166,880.00 unless any deductions of work is requested.
The Board discussed the installation of bird deterrents.
Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the Board accept the bid without the bird deterrents and award the contract to Midwest Maintenance, Inc. Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
FISCAL YEAR – 2018-19 ARTS GRANT
Consider submission of Arts Grant to State for the following programs.
STATE COUNTY TOTAL
Staunton/Augusta Art Center $1,500.00 $1,666.67 $3,166.67 ShenanArts 1,500.00 1,666.67 3,166.67 Stonewall Brigade Band 1,500.00 1,666.66 3,166.66 $4,500.00 $5,000.00 $ 9,500.00
FUNDING SOURCE: FINE ARTS GRANT ACCOUNT #81020-5698 $5,000
Jennifer Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator, stated that historically the Board partners with area agencies for a local government challenge grant offered by the Virginia Commission of the Arts. The name has changed to The Creative Communities Partnership Grant, but the criteria remains the same. It encourages local government to support the arts. The Commission will match up to $4,500.00 in grant funding.
Historically the grant had been $5,000.00. Last year it was reduced to $4,500.00 and the Board agreed to continue the $5,000.00 funding at that time. The deadline to submit the application is April 1, 2018 and requires local match from the County. The funding is included in the budget. The three agencies are the Staunton/Augusta Art Center, ShenanArts and Stonewall Brigade Band.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve submitting the art grant application with a County match of $5,000.00.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
WAIVERS– NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Consider minutes of the following meetings:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, February 14, 2018 • Staff Briefing, Monday, February 26, 2018
CLAIMS
Consider claims paid since February 1, 2018.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
Ms. Bragg reminded everyone of the Stuarts Draft Small Area Plan public meeting coming up on Thursday, March 15.
Mr. Coleman has been asked to join an advisory group for the Litter Control Program.
Mr. Shull reminded everyone of the Spring Clean-Up Day coming up.
Mr. Garber would like to set up a secondary budget meeting. After Board discussion, it was agreed to meet on Monday, March 26 after the Staff Briefing to continue the budget process.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Timothy Fitzgerald, County Administrator discussed the following issues:
1) Mr. Fitzgerald gave the Board information on the Natural Chimneys stage. The Red Wing Roots Festival uses the stage each year for the music festival and would like permission to make improvements to the stage. Red Wing Roots would fully fund the improvements which are estimated at approximately $65,000.00. If requested, the naming policy for the County states that at least 50% of the value has to be donated so this will meet the naming criteria. Nothing needs to be done at this time, but any questions can be directed to Andy Wells.
Dr. Pattie has a concern with the stage being named in association with the Red Wing Roots Festival. If the organization would decide at some point to not use Natural Chimneys, the sign would be changed or be taken down.
2) Reminder of the Budget Worksession on Monday, March 19 at 8:30 a.m.
3) The Board received a letter from the Meyers on the Belvidere Farm in the Middle River District. This letter is in regards to the Dooms to Valley transmission line upgrade project. In August 2017 the Board discussed the issue of tower painting in Augusta County. A letter was prepared to send to the SCC and the new Dooms to Valley line was mentioned in the letter. The motion did not pass to send the letter at that time.
Dr. Pattie stated that a concern with the letter was the height of the towers.
Mr. Shull pointed out that the average height was mentioned, but in certain areas the height will vary.
Ms. Bragg stated that there have been public meetings and was disappointed the letter was not sent. The height of the towers, as discussed, was not standard. Ms. Bragg is in favor of sending the letter at this time.
Mr. Coleman recalls from the original letter that it was primarily about painting of the towers. He understands the historical issues and has not had any complaints from citizens regarding the project.
Dr. Pattie directed Staff to determine whether there was misrepresentation.
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that Staff would review the file.
4) A request was received to proclaim March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
Also a request to proclaim a certain day to honor a retiring doctor in the area.
This is not something the Board typically considers. Mr. Fitzgerald will respond to the individual and thank the doctor for his years of service and appreciation of his dedication.
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 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) Mill Place Commerce Park b) Verona Elementary School (3) 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) Proposed Office space, flex space, storage facilities, manufacturing facilities, utility and mixed use development On motion of Mr. Shull, seconded by Mr. Kelley, the Board came out of Closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Kelley, 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, Kelley, 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
Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board re-appoint the following, effective immediately:
Joe Williams Economic Development Authority Expires 3/14/2022 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
VERONA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Mr. Shull to authorize Timothy Fitzgerald to sign the Contract of Sale on Verona Elementary School.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie, and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Ms. Carter, the Board adjourn subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Bragg, Kelley, Shull, Coleman, Pattie and Carter Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator h:03-14min.18
