Regular Meeting – March 27, 2013

Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.

PRESENT: Jeffrey A. Moore, Chairman
Larry J. Wills, Vice-Chairman
David R. Beyeler
David A. Karaffa
Marshall W. Pattie
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Michael L. Shull
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development
Becky Earhart, Senior Planner,
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
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 27, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 237th year of the Commonwealth….

Chairman Moore welcomed the citizens present.

The following seniors at Riverheads High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance:

Timothy Phillips; Jon Ott; Jonathan Grubb; Ellie Adams; Hollie Michael; Raegan Puffenbarger; James Snow; and Michael Riley Timothy Phillips, participates in wrestling and tennis and hopes to attend Blue Ridge Community College and hopes to work in the Wildlife Department. Jon Ott is in the New Hope Fire Department, plays football and wrestling, and hopes to join the Navy after graduation. Jonathan Grubb plays football and track. He plans to attend Ferrum College studying Environmental Science. Ellie Adams plays softball and plans to attend West Virginia University and major in Psychology. Hollie Michael plays volleyball and basketball and plans on attending Lynchburg College majoring in Nursing. Raegan Puffenbarger cheered four years of high school; after graduation, she hopes to go to Blue Ridge School of Esthetics to be certified as an Esthetician. James Snow participates in wrestling and soccer and plans on attending ODU and majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Michael Riley attends Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School for Visual Arts; runs cross-country and track; and plans to attend college and major in Arts Communications, which is advertisement, mixed with business.

Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Pastures District, delivered invocation.

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION

Chairman Moore recognized the following individuals and expressed his appreciation in their outstanding work to enable the County to be a better place to live:

Berkley C. Gray, Jr. EDA 4 years Gerald Garber ACSA 2 years Susan T. Thompson Library 12 years Karen Cochran VCSB 8.5 years S. Edward Craun EDA 3.5 years Jody Marion P&R 8 years Vice-Chairman Wills presented certificates to those individuals who were present.

MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING (MADD) – PROCLAMATION

Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, reported that Mothers Against Drunk Driving has made a national movement and requested that a proclamation be adopted.

Supervisor Wills read the proclamation.

Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board adopt the following proclamation:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS the County of Augusta recognizes the importance of parents talking with their teens about alcohol; and WHEREAS, high school students who use alcohol or other substances are five times more likely to drop out of school or believe good grades are not important; and WHEREAS, teen alcohol use kills about 5,000 people each year, more than all other illegal drugs combined; and WHEREAS, the majority of kids say their parents are their primary influence when it comes to decisions about drinking alcohol; and WHEREAS, PowerTalk 21® day is established on April 21, 2013, to encourage parents and caregivers to embrace their important role in influencing America’s youth and their decisions about drinking alcohol; and WHEREAS, to equip parents to talk with their teens about alcohol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) will offer free community parent workshops to give parents the tools in a parent handbook to effectively talk to their teens about alcohol; and WHEREAS, these local parent workshops, also replicated across the country, will offer parents a research- based parent handbook to help them talk with their teens about alcohol and encourage adults to consider creating a safer community by becoming involved in reducing underage drinking; and WHEREAS, I urge all citizens to join in the local and national efforts to raise awareness of the importance of parents and teens talking together about alcohol in order to reduce the risks and dangers posed to teens and communities; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeffrey A. Moore, Chairman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, do hereby declare Sunday, April 21st to be:

PowerTalk 21® Day in the County of Augusta, State of Virginia.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.

RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEES’ PERFECT ATTENDANCE 2012

Chairman Moore announced that the following employees achieved perfect attendance for 2012. There are approximately 385 employees currently participating in the County’s annual and sick leave program. There were a total of 38 employees who did not miss a day in 2012. For 2011, the total was 44; 2010 — 49; 2009 — 54; 2008 — 45; and 2007 — 57. Chairman Moore commended these employees for their outstanding service:

Elizabeth M. Hearn (18) John W. Cook (6) Rita R. Austin (7) Derek T. Almarode (3) Timothy K. Fitzgerald (2) Donna J. Good Linda T. Beathe (4) Jaime B. Marshall Keith A. Beatty Barry W. Bennett Andrew W. Bunch Larry “Mac” Clemmer Paul T. Fox Gregory A. Norman Michael “Greg” Schacht (4) Jack Holt Michael Johnson Joyce Johnson RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEES’ PERFECT ATTENDANCE 2012 (con t’d) Matthew R. Carter Bruce A. Hull (2) Aaron M. Leveck (3) Donald L. Smith (2) Douglas O. Cole Robert E. Hammersberg Robert E. Hildebrand Dylan A. Hudnall Nelson A. Ailer (2) Trevor G. Ross Connor Tobin John M. Wieger Kenneth W. Brown (3) Bradley A. Young (5) Dennis O. Burnett Deborah S. Shifflett Paul “Nathan” Ramsey (10) Anthony W. Puckett (3) Phil Sibold, Jr. (6) Michael T. Swortzel (3) Robert I. Misker (3) Chairman Moore noted recognition of Elizabeth “Bunny” Hearn, of Fire and Rescue, of having 18 years of not missing a day of work.

KIM H. AND JUDY C. STONE; WALLACE OR LORI BACK; AND WALTER HALE OR

LINDA HALLATT WADE – REZONING

This being the day and time advertised to consider a request to rezone from General Business to Single Family Residential with proffers approximately 1.9 acres owned by Kim H. and Judy C. Stone; Wallace or Lori Back; and Walter Hale or Linda Hallatt Wade and located on the south side of Fishersville Road (Route 641), just east of the Fishersville United Methodist Church (Wayne District). The Planning Commission recommends approval with proffer.

Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development, displayed property outlined in blue. The request is for three parcels; a portion of which is already zoned Single Family Residential, with the portion fronting Route 250 zoned General Business. There are houses already built on two of the lots which face Fishersville Road. The applicant would like to be able to build a house on his property adjacent to the Fishersville United Methodist Church, but due to the drainage on his lot, he does not feel that he can build the house using the existing split zoning. Pictures were shown indicating that because of the significant difference and grade and drainage issues, from Route 250, a commercial entrance off Route 250 will not be allowed by VDOT.

Kim Stone, applicant, was available to answer questions.

The Chairman declared the public hearing open.

There being no speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.

Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board adopt the following ordinance, with proffer:

A REQUEST TO REZONE FROM GENERAL BUSINESS TO SINGLE FAMILY

RESIDENTIAL WITH PROFFERS APPROXIMATELY 1.9 ACRES OWNED BY KIM H.

AND JUDY C. STONE; WALLACE OR LORI BACK; AND WALTER HALE OR LINDA

HALLATT WADE AND LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF FISHERSVILLE ROAD

(RT. 641), JUST EAST OF THE FISHERSVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN

THE WAYNE 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,

KIM H. AND JUDY C. STONE; WALLACE OR LORI BACK; AND WALTER HALE OR

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 numbers 3 and 4 (portions), on tax map number 67A(2), and parcel number 13 (portion), on tax map number 67A(8), containing a total of approximately 1.9 acres is changed from General Business to Single Family Residential, with the following proffer:

1. There shall be no ingress or egress from Jefferson Highway (Rt. 250).

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.

Chairman Moore informed the public that the Board has spent most of today in budget discussions. Items have been taken out of the budget and some items have been added back to the budget. They met with the School Board who presented their budget.

The Board has authorized Staff to advertise a 5¢ tax increase on real estate with 50% reserved for Schools. There was also a straw poll to allow the School Board to utilize CIP funds if unfunded capital were needed. He emphasized that the 5¢ is the maximum possible increase.

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC

Dr. Ed Long thanked the Board of Supervisors, Pat Coffield, and Jennifer Whetzel for “a heck of an experience, on my part, on Monday half the day and all of today. I’m exhausted and I suspect you are, too. I’ve learned a lot; been confused a lot; and have decided I have a lot more to learn.” He expressed concerns about the school system.

He noted that he had attended the School Board budget meeting. His impression was the least important to them were the teachers and the bus drivers. He felt that if they were important, they would have been a part of the balanced portion of the School Budget, as opposed to being a part of a $2.5 million request to the Board of Supervisors for additional funding. He noted that the Governor signed the Transportation Bill, which includes an additional amount of money for registering vehicles, additional fee on electric vehicles, increased fuel tax and has given Regional Transportation Boards funding authority for highways. He also mentioned the Obamacare issue. “It is a train wreck. The train wreck is on the burden of the taxpayers,” and encouraged the Board to “be very careful on how you go about deciding how much money we spend”. He noted that the School Board spent $116,554,162 in one year (construction, debt, operation funds, special programs, etc.). He added that there are approximately 10,700 students in the school system, which amounts to $10,800 being spent. He disagreed with upgrading computers at a cost of $1,000 per computer ($500,000 per year for 7 years to fund procurement of 3,500 computers). He also disagreed with the increase of internet connections from $421,000 to $631,000 per year ($210,000 a year) in order to have bandwidth to meet SOL exam requirements. He suggested that IT Department should be able to accomplish this without increasing the expense.

The following (bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and teachers) spoke against reducing their health insurance benefits:

Rodney Paxton, Daniel Dull, Cindy Campbell, Nicki Henrickson, Clarence Adams, Clyde Thomas, Wilda Barns Ms. Henrickson, head of Support Our Schools, spoke of the challenges County teachers face, noting that her kindergarten class includes children from broken homes and children not literate in English. She added that technology is vital to helping students who struggle in the classroom. Ms. Campbell noted that if health insurance coverage is cut, the County will lose at least one-third of their bus drivers. Mr. Adams noted that bus drivers play a vital role in education. “Students can’t learn if they don’t have a way to get to school or get home from school.” Mr. Thomas asked if the insurance was cut, would their salary be increased. Ms. Barns, Cafeteria Manager for twenty years, expressed concern of not having “competent people” working in the cafeteria, noting that classes were mandatory yearly.

Chairman Moore reminded the public of the Budget Public Hearing to be held on Wednesday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m.

DODGE STREET – TRAFFIC CONTROL

The Board considered request of Dodge Street Residents in South River District to erect “Watch for Children” signage. Estimated cost $150 per sign.

Funding Source: South River Infrastructure Account #80000-8016-72 $300 Mr. Coffield advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing.

Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Shull that the Board approve the request.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.

ROUTE 636 FINANCING

The Board considered resolution for financing Route 636 through Virginia Resources Authority.

Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance, reported that this had been discussed at the Staff Briefing on Monday. She reiterated that the resolution to be adopted tonight regards the financing for the local match on Revenue Sharing for the Route 636 project. A revised resolution was distributed to the Board noting the changes that the Non-Arbitrage Certificate and Tax Compliance form is not a part of the resolution. That document will be forthcoming and will need to be executed by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The bonds will be sold on May 8th. The packet included a summary, a time-line and a resolution related to financing $5,055,614. A draft copy of the lease, the prime lease, and the leasehold security was available to the Board for review. The Fishersville Library will be held as collateral for this loan. It is a lease lease-back loan because a referendum was not done for this project. Interest will be due and payable in April and October; principal in October. The last bond sale was at 2.75% for VRA; Ms. Whetzel has included debt service at 3% in the County budget for FY14 for this bond issue. The resolution notes that the maximum rate would be 4%. If the bond sale comes in lower, the County would get the benefit of the lower rate. The resolution also notes that if the bonds are sold at a discount, then there is a maximum amount that would cover the project costs. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman are able to sign on behalf of the Board. Bond Counsel is Troutman Sanders; bond proceeds will be held by SNAP, and VRA charges, 125 basis points for origination and administrative fees.

Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Wills, that the Board adopt the resolution.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.

WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:

MINUTES

Considered minutes of the following meetings:

• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 13, 2013 • Special Meeting, Friday, March 15, 2013

DRAFT STORMWATER ORDINANCE

Considered draft Stormwater Ordinance for submittal to DCR.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.

(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD

The Board discussed the following issues:

Mr. Wills:

New Hope Fire and Rescue Department – part-time funding Mr. Wills reported that this was discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing and reiterated that this funding would allow 24/7 coverage for Monday through Friday and include two people daylight and one at night, with the New Hope people providing a driver at night and cover it on the weekends. He further explained that the infrastructure money will cover one FF/EMS for 6 months for 60 hours per week at the part-time rate. The hours will be from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Funding Source: Middle River Infrastructure Account #80000-8012-80 Mr. Wills moved, seconded by Mr. Pattie, that the Board authorize the allocation of funds not to exceed an amount of $15,588 from the Middle River Infrastructure Account to offset the cost of part-time labor.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Beyeler and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.

* * * Mr. Beyeler: Thanked the citizens for attending tonight’s meeting. He said that he was not in agreement with reducing the benefits for the bus drivers or cafeteria workers. “I will assure you that I will vote to give the School Board enough money to keep from making these cuts.” He explained that the advertisement of a 5¢ increase did not mean that it would be that much of an increase; it could be less, not higher.

Mr. Karaffa: Noted that the Board allowed the School Board to draw down on their Capital “Rainy Day” reserve accounts to cover some of their deficits. He also noted that it was not a unanimous vote to advertise for a 5¢ tax increase.

Chairman Moore: Thanked the citizens for attending tonight’s meeting and reminded them of the April 17th public hearing for public input.

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF

Staff discussed the following issues:

1. Budget process – Appreciation to staff – Jennifer and Melissa, Finance Department and others for allowing him to “put the best information forward to the Board of Supervisors”. He also commended the Board for its diligent and hard work as well as for their collective patience and understanding.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Shull, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Moore, Beyeler, Wills and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.

Chairman County Administrator H3-27min.13