Regular Meeting – March 25, 2009
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Larry C. Howdyshell, Chairman
Gerald W. Garber, Vice-Chairman
David R. Beyeler
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Wendell L. Coleman
Jeremy L. Shifflett
Nancy Taylor Sorrells
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Dale L. Cobb, Director of Community Development
Becky Earhart, Senior Planner
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance
John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, CMC, Executive Secretary
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 233rd year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Howdyshell welcomed the citizens present and reminded them to remove their hats and turn off their cell phones.
Rachel Kessler, a senior at Riverheads High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Rachel is a member of the FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) which helps to prepare members with career options. She also participates in dancing and is part of the Year Book staff. Rachel hopes to attend James Madison University and become a Pediatric Nurse and work at St. Jude’s one day.
Wendell L. Coleman, Supervisor for the Wayne District, delivered invocation.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR – RECOGNITION
Faith Souder, Personnel Director, made the following comment:
First let me tell you a little about the program. The Employee of the Year is a personnel recognition program established by the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator to recognize one or more employees each year for their commitment and contribution to the organization. All full-time employees, with the exception of department heads, are eligible. Nominations are required from department heads in the form of a letter or memorandum. The employee of the year is then selected by a panel, consisting of the Assistant County Administrator, Personnel Director, and a rotating department head.
At this time I would like to recognize our Employee of the Year for 2008, Christina Schacht. Christina is an Administrative Secretary with the Department of Fire Rescue. She has been with the Department since October of 2003. Christina was nominated by Carson Holloway, Interim Chief of Fire Rescue. In Carson’s memo he stated that during her time with the Department, the Department has experienced many challenges and much growth. Christina has met the many challenges that growth often brings with both a positive attitude and a desire for professionalism. She has consistently shown a work ethic in job performance that sets the high mark for others to follow. Christina is challenged to multitask on a daily basis and shows an impeccable ability to accomplish not only daily duty requirements but to also meet the unexpected needs that are part of our business. Chief Holloway finished by saying “Christina is an invaluable asset to our organization and helps set the standard in regard to meeting our mission, vision and goals we have set for our organization”.
We also want to recognize our honorable mention recipient, Jack Root, Building Maintenance Worker with the Department of Building and Grounds. Jack has saved the County’s taxpayers’ countless of thousands of dollars for his work with the Middle River Regional Jail workforce in performing construction and maintenance projects throughout the County, which saves us a lot of money on hiring contractual vendors. We want to recognize Jack in his hard work and dedication to our County.
RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEES’ PERFECT ATTENDANCE – 2008
Chairman Howdyshell announced that the following employees achieved perfect attendance for 2008. There are approximately 389 employees currently participating in the County’s annual and sick leave program. There were a total of 45 employees who did not miss a day in 2008. For 2007 the total was 57; 2006 — 59; 2005 – 69; and 2004 – 57.
Chairman Howdyshell commended these employees for their outstanding service:
Elizabeth M. Hearn (14) John Cook (2) Rita R. Austin (3) Virginia Jones (2) Patrick J. Coffield Sara B. Shiflett Amanda N. Ramsey Joshua K. Bailey Kenneth W. Brown Timothy W. Hansbrough Shannon L. Ingle Christopher S. Layman Bryan P. Mace Scott A. Martin Sharon Curry (2) Benjamin J. McCrady Michael T. Swortzel (8) Robert I. Misker Rod J. Pierce, Jr. Mark D. Smith Mary D. Binda Tammy S. Coulter Jack E. Holt Marion J. Burch Amanda G. Irvine (3) Dale L. Cobb Thomas W. Bailey, Jr. Paul S. McCormick A. C. Powers David S. Lotts Douglas B. Cole Arthur A. Blackwell Nelson Ailer (2) Janell J. Hammersberg Joel L. Good Brian J. Jenkins Jonathan D. Wells Brad A. Young Jaime Marshall (2) John Howard (2) Nathan Ramsey (6) C. J. Smith, Jr. (4) Donald L. Smith (5) Michael L. Johnson (4) Ken Jacobsen (10) Phil Sibold, Jr. (2) Ms. Souder commended Bunny Hearn, of the Fire and Rescue Training Division, who has 14 consecutive years; Ken Jacobsen, of Parks and Recreation, has 10 consecutive years; and Mike Swortzel, of Building Inspections, has 8 consecutive years of perfect attendance.
Mr. Beyeler recognized that Rita Austin, Secretary for the Board of Supervisors, has 3 consecutive years of perfect attendance.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
Chairman Howdyshell recognized the following individuals and expressed his appreciation in their outstanding work to enable the County to be a better place to live:
Christopher Earhart – IDA – 8 years Susan T. Thompson – Library – 8 years Katie Yancey – Youth Commission – 2 years Betty Hawpe – Library – 13 years Bonnie Kiblinger – Recycling – 17 years Marie Overstreet – Disability Services Board – 6 years Joe Shomo – Planning Commission – 9 years Wesley Wampler – Recycling – 17 years Rebecca Corns – Parks and Recreation – 2 years Jane Harris – Industrial Development Authority – 9 years Clay Hewitt – Agricultural & Forestal – 19 years William Patterson – Agriculture Industry Board – 2 years Richard Reeves – Agriculture Industry Board – 2 years Chairman Howdyshell presented certificates to those individuals who were present.
WHITE HILL CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, TRUSTEES – REZONING
This being the day and time advertised to consider a request to rezone from Rural Residential to General Agriculture approximately 0.08 acres owned by White Hill Church of the Brethren, Trustees, located on the west side of Old White Hill Road (Route 831) approximately 0.5 of a mile north of the intersection with Stuarts Draft Highway (Route 340) (Riverheads District). The Planning Commission recommends approval.
Dale L. Cobb, Director of Community Development, displayed the property. The purpose of the request is to put an addition on the church where the property is currently zoned Rural Residential. In order to meet the 25-foot setback requirement, the additional land needs to be rezoned. Upon completion of the rezoning, a boundary line adjustment will be completed with the two lots, allowing the church expansion and leaving a Rural Residential lot that meets all the ordinance requirements. The property is Community Development Area; Low Density Residential. County water is available and it is served by a private septic system.
Bill Moore, with Balzer Associates, applicant, was available to answer questions.
The Chairman declared the public hearing open.
There being no one present to speak for or against, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Ms. Sorrells stated that this was a housekeeping matter and suggested that these types of requests be approved administratively in the future.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board adopt the following ordinance:
A request to rezone from Rural Residential to General Agriculture approximately 0.08 acres owned by White Hill Church of the Brethren, Trustees, located on the west side of Old White Hill Road (Route 831) approximately 0.5 of a mile north of the intersection with Stuarts Draft Highway (Route 340) in the Riverheads District.
AN ORDINANCE to amend Chapter 25 “Zoning” of the Code of Augusta County, Virginia.
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Board of Supervisors to amend the Augusta County Zoning Maps, WHEREAS, the Augusta County Planning Commission, after a public hearing, has made their recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors has conducted a public hearing, WHEREAS, both the Commission and Board public hearings have been properly advertised and all public notice as required by the Zoning Ordinance and the Code of Virginia properly completed, WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors has considered the application, the Planning Commission recommendation and the comments presented at the public hearing; NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Board of Supervisors that the Augusta County Zoning Maps be amended as follows:
Parcel number 6 (portion) on tax map number 74B(4) containing approximately 0.08 acres is changed from Rural Residential to General Agriculture.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
(END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS)
ROADS
The Board received a follow-up report of February 23, 2009, staff briefing from Timmy Fitzgerald, Acting Residency Administrator for VDOT.
The Board accepted report as information.
Mr. Fitzgerald added that he has received the 2010-2015 Six-Year Plan program budget and emphasized that there is no state money in the plan for the next six years. There is only federal money available; no state money to be allocated. A Secondary Road Public Hearing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th. He noted that there is some “transfer” money that may be used to move forward some existing projects and possibly to add some Rural Rustic type projects.
Mr. Coleman asked if the stimulus package would provide any money. Mr. Fitzgerald stated that the central office was working on projects for the stimulus money. No list of any projects have been received yet. Hopefully, some paving projects will be considered.
Mr. Garber asked how long Route 774 bridge project would be closed. Mr. Fitzgerald said that the project is to be completed by mid-November 2009; therefore, it will be closed until late-October of first of November.
Mr. Shifflett asked how long Route 794 bridge project would be closed. Mr. Fitzgerald said that it was a similar type project – between 8 and 10 months to be completed. He added that there was a great deal of construction costs saved by closing the bridge.
Ms. Sorrells asked if Mr. Fitzgerald had been successful in convincing VDOT to look at Middlebrook Village signage. Mr. Fitzgerald said he was still working on it, but has not been successful.
Chairman Howdyshell appreciated all the work that VDOT has done for the County and said that he needed to have a meeting within the next two weeks to address some concerns. Chairman Howdyshell mentioned the Board’s concern with VDOT’s master plan for the western part of Virginia and asked when they would hear from the Commissioner of their final decision. Mr. Fitzgerald advised that public hearings were being held this month with the expectation that recommendations would go to the Commonwealth Transportation Board in April and a decision from the Commonwealth Transportation Board some time in May. Chairman Howdyshell added that written comments could still be submitted.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
Mary Thomas and Laura Jones, teachers, expressed concern of an increased cost of their health insurance. Because of their salaries being frozen, they were afraid of being unable to pay the increase. Ms. Jones read a letter from a teacher (Amy Bussey, Stuarts Draft High School) who was unable to be present tonight of her concerns of the increased cost.
A letter from Rebecca Thibodeaux (a teacher at Riverheads Elementary School) was distributed to the Board expressing her concerns of the increased cost.
REASSESSMENT
The following spoke against the 2009 reassessment:
Marsha Miller, Page Graves, Edward and Georgia Long, and Mark Poe These speakers felt that the 2009 reassessment was inaccurate and were strongly disappointed with the outcome at the last meeting (March 11th). They felt that the meeting should have been held at another area to accommodate the number of people and that it was unfair to turn away people because there was no room. Ms. Miller spoke for her mother who was on a fixed income and stated that the property stays under water.
Chairman Howdyshell said that she would be contacted regarding her concerns.
BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE – UPDATE
The Board received a presentation by Augusta County representative regarding update on Blue Ridge Community College activities.
Dr. James Perkins presented an information packet to the Board members and introduced Bruce Bowman, who is a member of the Blue Ridge Community College Board and a representative for Augusta County. He mentioned that Ben Carter is also a representative for Augusta County. He advised the Board that this would be his last update because of his retirement and thanked the Board for its support to Blue Ridge Community College. He informed the Board that the College’s budget has been cut 5% in the last two years at a time when the enrollment has been increasing. As a result of the economic downturn, students are turning to the College for retraining and transferring from private/public four-year colleges for economic reasons. In spite of the challenges for the last year, he felt they have done a good job for the citizens in Augusta County and the service area. Dr. Perkins shared with the Board a report for Fall 2008.
He noted that in 2008, there were 721 High School graduates; of those 721 graduates, 162 chose to attend Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) following their June graduation (21% of the High School graduates). Full-time enrollment this year was approximately 2,800. A Bookstore building, Human Resource and Maintenance facility, was constructed. He mentioned that BRCC provides a shuttle service making access available to individuals who, otherwise, would not be able to come to BRCC. On-line and hybrid education is available on the internet. An annual report was included in the information packet, which included testimonials from graduates. A brochure of the Fine Arts Center was included in the packet. Bids will be opened next week for a new Technology Center, which will house Electronics, Mechanical Design Computer and Drafting, and Advanced Manufacturing programs, Physics laboratories and Advanced Mathematics classrooms. The next project (after the Advanced Technology Center) will be a Student Recreation Center, which is a non-general fund project, meaning that it will not be funded by any state or local funds. It will be entirely funded with a student auxiliary enterprise fee.
Dr. Perkins also mentioned the following initiatives with Augusta County Schools:
1. Career Coach at Stuarts Draft High School – An individual employed by the College and by the High School (a joint effort) who focuses attention on those individuals in their junior and senior year that have not made post-secondary education plans, but have the potential to be successful. This individual takes some burden off the counseling staff at the high schools and works more directly with the students making sure that they understand financial aid, career opportunities, and options available.
2. Stuarts Draft High School project – As a result of a $2 million Department of Labor grant, an advanced manufacturing laboratory has been equipped with 25 student participants.
3. Dual enrollment agreements with all area schools – College level courses available to students for credit before graduation.
4. Tech Prep Academy – a selective process, on the recommendation of counselors and application process, seniors who have almost completed their senior year take six credit hours at BRCC, one in a technical field and one in a general education field (for example: Veterinary Technology and English). Tuition is fully paid.
Dr. Perkins added that the Virginia Community College system is actively searching for a new President. Dr. Bowman is on the search committee. The position has been advertised nationally and the deadline for applications is March 27th. The committee will review those applications on April 8-9 and interviews will begin in May. Hopefully, a selection of a new President will be some time in the first two weeks of June. Dr. Perkins plans to be at the College until the first of August. Dr. Perkins hoped to serve the community when the opportunity arises. Dr. Perkins, again, thanked the Board and Mr. Coffield for their support.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Dr. James R. Perkins was installed as President of Blue Ridge Community College in July 1989; and WHEREAS, over his 20-year career at Blue Ridge Community College, Dr. James R. Perkins is considered a true community leader throughout the Central Shenandoah Valley; and WHEREAS, Dr. James R. Perkins provides leadership to the community by serving on many non-profit Boards of Directors including, but not limited to, WVPT, the United Way, and the Woodrow Wilson Library; and WHEREAS, through the leadership of Dr. James R. Perkins, Blue Ridge Community College has grown in enrollment and facilities which include the off-campus centers in Harrisonburg and Fishersville, various capital improvements including the Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center, the Bowman Large Animal Facility, and the Fine Arts Center located at the Weyers Cave campus; and WHEREAS, during his tenure, Dr. James R. Perkins brought Blue Ridge Community College to the forefront of the Virginia Community College system in his emphasis on workforce development, student retention, and graduation rates; and WHEREAS, Dr. James R. Perkins has always communicated with students, faculty, community leaders, and government officials in a kind, soft spoken, and professional manner; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, meeting on March 25, 2009, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes James R.
Perkins for his many accomplishments during his 20 years as President of Blue Ridge Community College.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors wishes James R. Perkins and his wife, Linda, a long and healthy retirement.
BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors and presented to James R. Perkins in recognition of his accomplishments and leadership as President of Blue Ridge Community College.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
Dr. Perkins told the Board that it has been a “joy to be the Blue Ridge Community College President mainly because of the support that I’ve gotten from our faculty and our staff and our students and the many members of our community. It has really made my job really quite easy. I just have to kind of stand back and watch, and that has been a real pleasure.” Mr. Pyles thanked Dr. Perkins for his service. “We have been exchanging conversations for fourteen years, now, and I don’t know anybody who has listened as well or you already had it figured out before anybody said it. We’ve talked about having vocational type activities, so what you’re doing at Stuarts Draft is important. We’ve talked about nursing opportunities. I think you listened and brought things together and made it a great opportunity for all of us. We’ll miss your steady hand at the helm!” Mr. Beyeler reminisced of his welcome reception at Harold Cook’s home. “I was impressed the first time I saw you. I want to tell you that you have never disappointed me.” Ms. Sorrells thanked Dr. Perkins “for giving us the best community college in the State of Virginia. I think it is going to pay off for us as we struggle to get through these hard economic times. We have a source here locally that is affordable for our youngsters leaving school and going to college, for those who want to go back and get their degrees, and for those who want to retrain as the whole workforce shifts. You have created a resource that is going to help get us through these times.” Dr. Bowman stated that the school has gone through a period of mourning when Dr. Perkins announced his retirement. “We look at this as an opportunity. It is an opportunity not to replace Jim Perkins, but it is an opportunity to look forward to the future. As the workforce changes, and as our educational needs changes, I’m continually reminded that this is a community college where so many of the graduates return here to work; they are taxpayers; they are employees. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Dr. Perkins.” He mentioned that the Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce recognized Dr. Perkins as the Citizen of the Year.
Chairman Howdyshell thanked Dr. Perkins for his service and said, “I’ve always thought you ran that community college like a well-oiled machine.”
FISCAL YEAR – 2009-10 ARTS GRANT
The Board considered submission of Arts Grant to state for the following programs:
STATE COUNTY TOTAL
Staunton/Augusta Art Center $1,583.33 $1,583.33 $3,166.66 ShenanArts 1,583.34 1,583.34 3,166.68 Stonewall Brigade Band 1,583.33 1,583.33 3,166.66 Shenandoah Valley Art Center 250.00 250.00 500.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 Hannah Bush, of the Stonewall Brigade Band, thanked the Board for its continued support. She pointed out that the Band allowed so many people to participate – even youth outside of the school system.
Mr. Coffield stated that this process is done annually and the required local funding is included in the proposed budget for 2009-2010.
Ms. Sorrells commented that the band has an amazing history that goes back before the Civil War. She stated that Ms. Bush may have started with this band during the Civil War Centennial Commemoration (in 1962) and now the band is beginning to work on the Sesquicentennial (150th) commemoration. Ms. Sorrells is one of the Co-Chairs of the area's Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee and looks forward to working with the band during the next six years.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
GEORGE WASHINGTON FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN – RESOLUTION
The Board considered George Washington Forest Management Plan resolution for Drinking Water Resource Management.
Mr. Coffield advised that the Board had received a resolution from several groups for consideration of a management plan for George Washington Forest Drinking Water Resource Management. This resolution has been adopted by several jurisdictions as well as Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission.
Kate Wofford, Director of the Shenandoah Valley Network (SVN), reported that they are a non-profit entity that links community groups working on issues of land use, transportation and clean water in six counties in the northern Shenandoah Valley, including Augusta County. Ms. Wofford gave a brief presentation on the George Washington Forest revised management plan and noted that the Forest has been soliciting comments from the public to help guide the new plan. During the planning process, the SVN, with some other partners, have been encouraging the Forest Service to enhance its planning on the watersheds that provide drinking water to local communities in the Shenandoah Valley. The National Forest provides drinking water either through reservoirs on the Forest or through streams to 260,000 people in the Shenandoah Valley (over 9,000 residents in Augusta County). She noted that if the Forest is considering an action, for example, a new campground with restrooms, a timber sale, or a new mountain bike trail, and that proposed action happens to occur within a watershed that provides drinking water directly to a local community, it should have an increased level of monitoring to make sure that that action is not negatively impacting the water that is coming off the Forest to local communities. As the population continues to grow, the demand for drinking water will increase. Ms. Wofford added that during the discussion with Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (and its adoption of the resolution), Richard Fox, Mayor of Craigsville, commented that they recently had a $1.2 million upgrade to their water treatment facility because of a land use in the watershed that impacted the springs that provide water to that community. If better planning had been in place, they would not have had to do the upgrade.
Mr. Pyles stated that clean water is a primary responsibility. Mr. Beyeler said that he would second the motion but hoped that common sense would be used. Chairman Howdyshell expressed concern of putting more restraints on the logging industry and recreation and would not support the resolution.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
GEORGE WASHINGTON FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
RESOLUTION FOR DRINKING WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
WHEREAS, the U.S. Forest Service is in the process of revising its 1993 Land and Resource Management Plan for the George Washington National Forest; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Forest Service’s agency-wide strategic plan seeks to achieve six goals, including “Improve watershed condition;” and WHEREAS, the provision of clean safe drinking water is one of the primary benefits that the George Washington National Forest provides to the communities that surround it; and WHEREAS, approximately 44 percent of the land in the George Washington National Forest lies within watersheds that provide public drinking water to more than 260,000 Virginia residents in 22 adjacent communities, by means of reservoirs and surface water; and WHEREAS, drinking water sources within the George Washington National Forest serve an estimated 20,124 residents in Augusta County and the City of Staunton, 52,635 residents in Rockingham County, the City of Harrisonburg and the towns of Bridgewater and Broadway, 8,452 residents in the Shenandoah County towns of Strasburg and Woodstock, 12,500 residents in Front Royal and 41,840 residents in Frederick County, the City of Winchester and Middletown; and WHEREAS, the watersheds of the five reservoirs in the George Washington National Forest provide drinking water for almost 100,000 people, including the Staunton and Elkhorn Lake Reservoirs, serving the City of Staunton and some Augusta County residents, and the Switzer Lake Reservoir, serving the City of Harrisonburg and some Rockingham County residents; and WHEREAS, the watersheds of surface waters that flow from the George Washington National Forest, such as the North River and the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah River, provide drinking water to an additional 165,000 people in communities including Bridgewater, Broadway, Front Royal, Harrisonburg, Middletown, Strasburg, Winchester and the surrounding counties; and WHEREAS, the greatest threats to water quality within the George Washington National Forest are ground disturbing activities, such as timber harvesting and road construction, which result in erosion and sedimentation; and WHEREAS, under the 1993 George Washington National Forest Management Plan, most of the land in drinking water reservoirs watersheds (72 percent) is managed without ground disturbing activities and the U.S. Forest Service reports that water quality in the reservoir watersheds is substantially better than in surface watersheds in other parts of the George Washington National Forest; and WHEREAS, the 1993 George Washington National Forest Management Plan permits ground disturbing activities on most of the land (64 percent) in surface watersheds that provide drinking water through river intakes; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the undersigned hereby support the following revisions to the George Washington National Forest Management Plan to ensure the quality and quantity of drinking water sources within the forest boundaries:
• The U.S. Forest Service shall formally identify all the drinking watersheds serving reservoir and surface water resources within the George Washington National Forest.
• The U.S. Forest Service shall establish management objectives that encompass the health of the entire drinking watershed, in order to ensure that conditions within the watershed will maintain, protect and enhance drinking water quality.
• The U.S. Forest Service shall gather more information to describe and assess watershed conditions, develop a plan to systematically monitor water resource programs and obtain all data pertinent to water quality and watershed conditions, in cooperation with other agencies, organizations, local communities and volunteers.
• The U.S. Forest Service shall seek to communicate more effectively with the localities that obtain drinking water from sources within the George Washington National Forest in order to ensure that the drinking watersheds are managed effectively, appropriately and for the public good.
• The U.S. Forest Service shall work with local communities, agencies and the larger public to establish policies and develop management plans for the drinking watersheds to permanently maintain, protect and enhance drinking water quality.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors recommends that, the U.S. Forest Service retain all management techniques and options in the approved Forest Management Plan that are necessary to protect the drinking water quality; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors recognizes that trail-based recreational activities in the George Washington National Forest are available and wholly compatible with water quality management.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: Howdyshell Motion carried.
GREENVILLE SEWER FEASIBILITY STUDY
The Board considered scope of work and funding for study.
Funding Sources: Riverheads Infrastructure Account #80000-8015-50 $17,300 (50%) ACSA Account $17,300 (50%) Mr. Coffield advised that this has been discussed for several years. Originally, when the treatment plant was installed at I-81 and Route 11, the long-term vision was to extend sewer to the Greenville community. Currently, there are a number of structures which are on private systems which are in various stages of poor to good condition. Part of the planning structure is to look at all the options such as cost and long-term and short-term scenarios. The Service Authority, in working with Ms. Sorrells, has provided a detailed scope of work with detailed options and alternatives.
Ms. Sorrells added that this has been in cooperation with Cliff Cempe, Riverheads representative on the Service Authority. There has been great discussion on this issue since she has been on the Board. She explained that the lots are very small with inadequate reserve and if the systems fail, an engineered system cannot be installed. In speaking with Ken Fanfoni, Executive Director of the Service Authority, she understands there are more recent options that involve using the existing septic tank as a holding system and doing something within the Village.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
AUDIT
The Board considered Board Committee recommendations relating to Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance, reported that on February 12th, five proposals from qualified firms for financial and compliance auditing services were received. A committee consisting of Tracy Pyles, David Beyeler, and Rick Homes evaluated the proposals and chose three to interview on February 25th. The committee has elected to award the contract to Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates. After the initial decision was made, Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates was given a list of possible contract revisions that the Augusta County Finance Department could do to reduce the cost of the audit.
Also, included in the proposal were the audits for Middle River Regional Jail and the Industrial Development Authority. Robinson, Farmer, Cox provided reductions in the amount of $4,500, with a final audit fee of $52,900.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Pyles, that the Board award the contract to Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates with a three-year term, with two one-year extensions.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
COMPOSITE INDEX
The Board discussed Composite Index and impact of local true values in the formula.
Mr. Coffield advised that the Board, at its last meeting, requested that an overview be done of the Composite Index and its impact on Augusta County. He expressed appreciation to Kent Dickey, with the Department of Education; and Keith Mawyer, with the Department of Taxation; for their input. Information had been included with the agenda package and is available to the public. The 2008-2010 Index uses the 2005 Land Book as its base year. These values represent 50% of the formula. Local Adjusted Gross Income represents 40% of the formula and Local Taxable Retail Sales 10%. The formula has two parallel calculations . . . by Average Daily Membership (weighted 66.67%) and Per Capital (weighted 33.33%). According to Mr. Dickey and Mr. Mawyer, the Composite Index’s “local true value” was derived from the County’s 2005 Land Book, equalized by the County’s sales ratio for the same year. He explained that, after the Commissioner of Revenue presents the January 1st Land Book, the Department of Taxation takes all the properties that were sold during that year (known as true sales) and provide a ratio (sales-to-assessment ratio). In 2005, there were approximately 887 sales, with a ratio of 82.55%. Mr. Coffield pointed out that we do not assess utility services such as Virginia Power, Shenandoah Valley Electric, Verizon, etc. The State of Virginia does those assessments for all the public service corporations statewide. They then allocate those funds to the jurisdictions. With the formula – you add the 2005 land values, equalize it with the sales ratio analysis, and then add the public service corporation providing the “local true value”:
$5,510,176,800 ÷ 82.6% X 100 + $222,715,640 = $6,893,631,863
County Land Book Sales Ratio Equalized Public Service Corp. Local True Value The County’s Composite Index will be updated for 2010-2012 utilizing the 2007 base year. The 2009 reassessment will be the base year for 2012-2014 Composite Index.
According to Mr. Dickey and Mr. Mawyer, the key element for the 2012-2014 Composite Index will be the 2009 sales ratio.
Included in the agenda package were:
1. 2008-2010 Composite Index Calculation (Department of Education) 2. 2005 County Land Book Summary (Commissioner of Revenue) 3. 2005 Sales Ratio (Department of Taxation) 4. 2005 Estimate True Value/Public Service True Value (current Composite Index is .3299) Mr. Pyles gave a PowerPoint presentation and distributed handouts to the Board. He pointed out that Mr. Coffield’s letter indicated that he (Mr. Pyles) suggested that a sales ratio could be as high as 130%. Mr. Pyles agreed with the Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal number of 91.5%. He said that he used the exact numbers that the State had for the formula substituting two things: Took the new taxable land value as provided by the Commissioner of Revenue and divided it by the 91.5%. With the Composite Index, Mr. Pyles calculated that he was going from 33% to 39%, meaning that the County will have to spend 6% more on education than previously. Mr. Pyles highlighted to the Board the true value of the largest counties/cities of the State, which represent 70% of the true value. He mentioned that he made adjustments of what had been publicized as changes for those localities. Significantly, Fairfax County (20% of the true value in the State) is going down 12%; Prince William County – down 32%; Albemarle – down 2.6%.
From those changes, he determined their ratios indicating $50+ billion worth of loss of value in the State. Mr. Pyles stated that this Composite Index is about relationships – “how wealthy we are as compared to any other place. As we get wealthier and those folks get poorer, then we move up the ladder. We need less money because we’re richer by this thing.” He stated that he substituted only two numbers in the formula. “I used everything else from the adjusted growth income, the sales tax, the population for the state, the population for Augusta County, the ADM for the state, and the ADM for Augusta County. With just those two changes, we moved from .3299 to .3893. We gained about 6%, which represents about a 36% ratio gain to us in value as compared to the rest of the State. That was the 30% to 130% I was talking about as far as what we are gaining against the State.” Mr. Pyles indicated that the County could lose more than $5.6 million in state aid for education from 2012 through 2014 as a result of the 2009 reassessments. “When we change our value and become 32% richer, while the rest of the State is stagnating or falling back, we move up on the Composite Index. With that, we move down in what our funding is.” Mr. Pyles mentioned that a couple of residents had voiced their disappointment in his decision to stop his fight, Mr. Pyles told the audience it was time to move on. “When the whistle blows on the game, you have to leave the field at some point.” Mr. Pyles felt that there were problems with the reassessments and that the County would have repercussions because of the Composite Index and suggested that the Board weigh the option of asking the State Tax Commissioner to give the County the authority for a mass reassessment roll back.
Mr. Beyeler asked Mr. Coffield what the best estimate of loss would be because of the reassessment. Mr. Coffield was unable to give an answer until 2011. “Until you have any of the numbers to factor into that, it is impossible for me to do that with any sense of accuracy to provide you.” Mr. Pyles responded that his first numbers ($7.2 million) were done with numbers prior to the latest changes from Ms. Shrewsbury.
Mr. Beyeler asked what happened four years ago. Mr. Coffield stated that the Land Book increased 22% as compared to 20.47% this time. Mr. Beyeler asked how that affected the Composite Index. Mr. Coffield stated that in 2005, the sales ratio was 82.55%, which reflected another 21% increase in the value. Mr. Beyeler asked what happened to the Composite Index after the 2005 reassessment. Mr. Coffield responded that the 2008-10 Composite Index dropped; it did not increase. Mr. Beyeler pointed out that there was a larger reassessment increase then than what was done this year.
Mr. Pyles explained that he looked at all available Composite Indexes that were on the website. In 2004-2006, the County ratio of the value of true property was .007; 2006- 2008 it was .0069; 2008-2010 it was .0067. He agrees there was a drop, but the increase was less than the overall State increase. “This year, it will be different; the others will be going down, but we’re going up.” Mr. Beyeler reminded Mr. Pyles that we are on a four-year cycle, while some of the others were on an annual or bi-annual cycle. Mr. Pyles stated, “relationally, to where we are now, we are going to drop in what we’re going to receive because we’re going up for this year. When this goes in for 2012-2014, we are going up 32% while all the others are flat are going down.” Mr. Coffield added that a year from now, we would know what the sales ratio is. “What the purpose of the sales ratio is to equalize. If our numbers, a year from now, are high, our numbers will be reduced. If Mr. Hickey is correct, it will be raised.” Mr. Pyles agreed with Mr. Hickey’s evaluation. “We went up 30%, but we only had a 10% change in sales to assessed ratio. That doesn’t track 100%. The things that you look at in sales are dwellings and things that turn over and they have a pretty good handle on them. They are the things that didn’t go up very much compared to land. I am accepting what Mr. Hickey is saying it is going to be. But your equalization is only for this County in relationship to sales to assess. By us going up by 30%, we are going to have a big hit from it.” Mr. Coffield stated that if the reassessment was thrown out, the next time a sales ratio was done, it would be 50%. “The purpose of the multiplier, the sales ratio, if you’re high, it will be reduced; if it is low, it will be increased.” Mr. Beyeler stated, “We should not put out numbers until we’re sure the numbers we put out are accurate because it can be misleading. When you put out numbers to the public, they expect them to be accurate.” Mr. Coleman suggested that a representative from the Department of Education and the Department of Taxation should meet and use the methodology to resolve the differences. Ms. Sorrells asked if Mr. Coffield, Chairman Howdyshell, and Mr. Pyles could meet with Mr. Dickey and Mr. Mawyer to resolve the issue.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board defer this item until April 8th, after Mr. Coffield, Chairman Howdyshell, and Mr. Pyles meet with the appropriate people from the State so that a report can be submitted to the Board.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the following consent agenda:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meeting:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 11, 2009.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following:
Mr. Pyles:
Two items mentioned at Monday’s budget work session (March 23rd):
a. Travel Reimbursement misuse –– documentation was given to media.
(Average for Mr. Pyles: $345 yearly; Mr. Howdyshell: $1,776; Mr. Garber: $394; Mr. Shifflett: $363; Ms. Sorrells: $2,774; Mr. Coleman:
$1,273; and Mr. Beyeler: $596) Mr. Beyeler alleged that because Mr. Pyles came to the meetings from his work, he should not put down his mileage from home. Mr. Pyles stated that he has made many trips that he has not been reimbursed.
b. SPCA – His attendance at meetings. Calls were made to SPCA and were asked about authority in changing contract. Noted that minutes had been provided of the last meeting. He reiterated that there was not a January meeting. SPCA resented Mr. Beyeler’s allegation of killing animals within 48 hours. Mr. Pyles stated that the animals could not be euthanized less than 7 days. SPCA tries to reduce the number of euthanization of animals by adoptions. He mentioned that the contract has not been revised for five years and felt that it needed to be adjusted. He suggested that if the Board did not want SPCA to take care of the animals, the County would have to build a pound. He said that the Board could replace Mr. Pyles if it so desired and that he was willing to step down if he was causing problems.
Mr. Coleman:
Travel reimbursement: Because of Wayne District being a fast growing area, he felt that he needed to be out a lot to represent his district. He noted that he has received no complaints from his constituents. He said, “I didn’t get on this Board to make money; I didn’t get on this Board to lose a bunch of money. I think it is perfectly reasonable that I be reimbursed in terms of the mileage that I incur. The mileage that I incur is scrutinized by the County, by the County Administrator, and by our fiscal office in terms of the expenditure being legitimate. I resent the fact that we keep having to have this item brought up.” At Monday’s meeting, Mr. Pyles had requested that the Board eliminate travel reimbursement. “I don’t want to get into where goes and doesn’t go. I know where I go and I know places I go I rarely ever see him. And I’m about conducting the business of Augusta County that I feel like the citizens of Augusta County elected me to do.” Mr. Pyles said that Mr. Coleman had commented on Monday, “If you took care of your people as well as I do, you would be putting it down there.” He said that he planned on putting it down and donating it to charities in the Pastures District.
Ms. Sorrells:
1. Greenville Sports Park – Sound test will occur on Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., at the commercial location that includes Pilot.
2. March 11th meeting – Live cam on media websites – asked if it were possible to have live Board meetings placed on the website in the same manner so that citizens could “attend the meetings virtually”.
Mr. Beyeler:
1. Board of Supervisors reduced salary – It had previously been approved to cut the salary 5%. It was proposed on Monday by Mr. Pyles, that the 5% be put back in the budget and do away with the travel reimbursement. Mr. Beyeler stated that he only gets reimbursed by mileage in attending Board meetings. He said that Mr. Pyles did not abide by County policy when he leaves his employment and goes to the meetings (1.5 miles) while the report reflects his mileage from home.
2. SPCA – On Monday, the Board asked about the proposed increase. Mr. Pyles had stated that it had not been discussed at the February meeting. It was also mentioned at Monday’s meeting that the alternative was to build another pound.
Chairman Howdyshell:
School Health Insurance – John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator, is working on this issue. Mr. McGehee stated that the rates for 2010 have not been set. Insurance rates are dependent on usage for health insurance. Augusta County is in a health consortium with Staunton and Waynesboro (SAW) and gets a consortium rate. Each locality has separate rates depending on their individual usage of the product. The 2010 rate will not be known until August of this year.
Because of the preliminary figures received from the insurance company and consultant, Staunton is looking at a large increase. It has been discussed among the consortium members the possibility of potentially reducing the coverage in some areas which would reduce the rates.
A five-minute recess was taken at 9:25 p.m.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following:
1. Craigsville Town Hall Grand Opening – Saturday, March 21st; plaque presented to Tracy Pyles and the Augusta County Board of Supervisors in recognition of the Board’s dedication.
2. George Washington National Forest Management Plan – Congressional correspondence shared with the Board.
3. Dominion Virginia Power Transmission Line meeting–application for a certificate of public necessity and convenience for a double circuit transmission line connecting Harrisonburg and Valley substations from the State Corporation Commission has been submitted.
4. Augusta County Spring Clean-up – April 18th through April 25th 5. Board of Supervisors FY09-10 Budget notes (modifications) of March 23rd — distributed to Board 6. Board of Supervisors FY09-10 Budget Follow-up questions distributed to Board 7. Census Designated Places – memorandum previously distributed to Board and comments solicited.
* * * 8. Board of Supervisors Salary Notice – Draft notice and ordinance distributed to Board Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board staff to advertise for April 29th Public Hearing.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * 9. Shenandoah Valley Airport – Lease Agreement Apron expansion and new hangers previously approved. Lease Agreement with Dynamics Aviation distributed to Board.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board endorse the Lease Agreement.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Garber, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, the Board went into closed session pursuant to:
(1) the legal counsel exemption under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(7) [consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, and consultation with legal counsel regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, as permitted under subsection (A) (7)]:
A) Contract Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
On motion of Mr. Beyeler, seconded by Mr. Shifflett, the Board came out of Closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman 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:
AYE: Shifflett, Coleman, Garber, Sorrells, Howdyshell, Pyles and Beyeler NAY: None The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
ORDINANCE REVIEW CONTRACT
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board exercise its option to cancel its Ordinance Review Contract with Duncan Associates as per the seven-day provision in paragraph 7 of the contract.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board adjourn subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator H:/minutes3-25min.09
