Regular Meeting – March 8, 2017
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 8, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Chairman
Terry Lee Kelley, Jr.-Vice Chairman
Gerald W. Garber
Michael L. Shull
Wendell L. Coleman
Carolyn S. Bragg
Marshall W. Pattie
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 8, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 241th year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Pyles welcomed the citizens present.
The following student from Riverheads High School led the Pledge of Allegiance:
Grant Shultz is a senior and plans to move to Ohio and attend the University of Northwestern Ohio and study diesel mechanics.
Robert George is a senior and graduated in December. He currently is working in town and wants to do Ag Sales.
Taylor Wright is a freshman and wants to attend Virginia Tech and study Animal Science.
Kesla Donald is a freshman and hopes to attend Virginia Tech and get her Master’s Degree in Ag teaching.
Ryan Sensabaugh is a senior. He plans to go to Blue Ridge Community College for two years and then transfer to Virginia Tech and major in Ag Business.
Luke Jennings is a senior and plans to go to Blue Ridge Community College and be a Diesel Mechanic.
Terry Kelley, Supervisor for the Beverley Manor District, delivered invocation.
AUGUSTA COUNTY DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATION RESOLUTION
Amanda Glover, Director of Economic Development, indicated this designation will basically keep Augusta County in communication with the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
It will also allow Augusta County to support the tourism partners with their applications for grants as a Destination Marketing Organization, which we cannot currently do right now.
This is straight forward and routine with no cost involved.
AUGUSTA COUNTY DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATION
Carolyn Bragg moved, seconded by Terry Kelley, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Augusta County Tourism Office wishes to be recognized as a designated primary Virginia Destination Marketing Organization (OMO) by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC); and WHEREAS, an organization that is designated by a locality as its primary OMO shall be recognized by the VTC as an official OMO for said locality; and WHEREAS, working with local and regional DMOs throughout Virginia is a key component of VTC's strategy to market the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS, VTC recognizes DMOs solely to coordinate tourism marketing activities between the state and its localities; and WHEREAS, VTC maintains a Register of Official Destination Marketing Organizations in Virginia which shall be a compilation of all primary and affiliated DMOs throughout the Commonwealth; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, meeting in regular session on March 8, 2017, that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors hereby requests official designation as a OMO.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors applauds the Virginia Tourism Corporation for its mission to promote Virginia as a destination.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, and be presented to Virginia Tourism Corporation in support of Augusta County's recognition as a Destination Marketing Organization.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg, Pattie, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN/BUILDING
COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITIES GRANT RESOLUTION
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that Career and Technical Education is something the Board has been actively involved in and concerned with. This resolution would go toward a grant to bring groups together to develop a plan for Career and Technical Education in the County. This provides a good opportunity for the County to get for funding to get the plan organized. The grant is offered through the State.
Wendell Coleman moved, seconded by Michael Shull, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, in order to best develop a skilled workforce pipeline to serve and support existing and future industries in the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metro Area and beyond; and WHEREAS, there is a need for a strategic plan for Career and Technical Education to develop a skilled workforce pipeline in the Metro Area; and WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Building Collaborative Communities Program offers Regional Planning Grants; and WHEREAS, the primary objective of the program is to promote the development of regional economic networks and identify strategies to improve the local/regional economy and quality of life by building the area's capacity to adapt to economic change; and WHEREAS, workforce development proposals that support business retention, develop the region's workforce with in-demand skills sets to meet current and future business needs and develop new networks and partnerships for economic competitiveness will be given higher priority; and WHEREAS, the strategic plan will include identifying and mapping existing career and technical education assets in the region; and WHEREAS, the strategic plan will also include analyzing gaps and/or deficiencies in the educational pathways, communication networks, and curriculums, technologies, and facilities that provide career and technical education; and WHEREAS, the strategic plan will develop a 10-year plan of recommended improvements
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN/BUILDING
and/or additions to the overall career and technical educational delivery system; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, meeting in regular session on March 8, 2017, that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors hereby approves support for a strategic plan for Career and Technical Education in the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesb oro Metro Area. Such support includes funding one-third of the required $10,000 match -$3,334.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors approves collaborating with Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro on a Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Building Collaborative Communities Program grant in order to complete the strategic plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, and be presented to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development in support of Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro 's application for a Building Collaborative Communities grant.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg, Pattie, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
Francis Chester of 2490 Little Calf Pasture Hwy, Swoope, has an issue with the ordinance concerning the number of dogs that can be housed at a residence and the restrictions that go along with it. The statute states that if you have more than four dogs, a kennel license is required. Mr. Chester has a sheep farm and he owns six dogs that are used as guardians for the sheep. The dogs are a vital asset to his sheep operation. They are considered working dogs and he would like to see the ordinance modified.
Diane Chester stated that they are not interested in having a kennel and breeding dogs.
Their main purpose for having the number of dogs they have is for protecting their sheep farm and warding off any predators.
Ms. Bragg asked if the dogs are out at night or if they are put inside.
Ms. Chester stated that she has started locking up the sheep at night and when the sheep are not out the dogs are in. Fortunately in their area they have the option to do this, but some people do not have that capability.
Dr. Pattie stated that there are people in his district with more than four dogs. Working dogs do not count as pets. He recommends contacting the Ag Industry Board and rely on their expertise as to how to handle this and then bring it to the Ordinance Committee to be evaluated.
Mr. Pyles requested for John Wilkinson, Director of Community Development, to gather information and prepare documents to be brought to the Ordinance Committee.
FISCAL YEAR – 2017-2018 ARTS GRANT
The Board considered submission of Arts Grant to State for the following programs:
STATE COUNTY TOTAL
Staunton/Augusta Art Center $1,666.67 $1,666.67 $3,333.34 ShenanArts 1,666.67 1,666.67 3,333.34 Stonewall Brigade Band 1,666.66 1,666.66 3,333.32 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00
FUNDING SOURCE: FINE ARTS GRANT ACCOUNT #81020-5698 $5,000
Jennifer Whetzel, Deputy County Administrator, advised that authorization is needed from the Board to submit a grant with the Virginia Commission of the Arts. It’s a $5,000 grant shared between the Staunton-Augusta Art Center, ShenanArts and the Stonewall Brigade Band. The grant requires a County match and it is budgeted for annually. Mike Conner with ShenArts, and Beth Hodge with the Staunton Augusta Arts Center are available to answer questions about the grant.
Mr. Conner is the Board Chair at ShenArts and appreciates the opportunity to speak.
Mr. Conner gave some up-to-date statistics. In the seven years they have been in their new location, over 45,000 tickets have been sold. Of the 45,000 tickets sold, 18,000 have come from Augusta County residents. There are tickets purchases that come from all over the United States and beyond. 35 states have been covered and as far west as Hawaii. A family from Texas has relatives in the area and their trips to visit are based on what the ShenArts Center is doing. The children’s program is excellent and provides a great opportunity for children to work in the performing arts.
Anytime he has an opportunity to speak with a Board of Supervisors member or a School Board member, he lets them know that what happens on a stage with the Fine Arts is as important as what happens on a Friday night on the football field. Lots of people have moved here and talk about it being a unique area. To hear people from outside this area speak about how lucky we are to have the Arts that’s available is something to be proud of.
Ms. Hodge is the Executive Director of the Staunton Augusta Arts Center. She was glad to see the students present at the meeting. In her opinion, the current exhibition which features 350 art pieces from Augusta County, City of Staunton, City of Waynesboro and independent schools, the two very best pieces are by Riverheads students. The exhibition will be available for viewing through March 26. Ms. Hodge gave an update of what is happening at the Art Center. There are exhibits changed out every six weeks. The current exhibit opened with 500 students with their families coming through to view the art. In addition to the exhibits, they are also doing a lot of education. This is National Youth Art Month, so every Saturday they offer classes which are nearly sold out. The Art Center is preparing for Art in the Park, which takes place on Memorial Day weekend. Ms. Hodge pointed out to the Board that when they attend events, people notice. Our Citizens want to know that the Board supports things like this. There is approximately 1000 people a month that go through the Art Center. One thing that is often failed to be addressed is we tell you what we do, but not why we do it. The Arts are important because they entertain, they inspire, and they provoke us to think and to consider. The Arts sometimes make you mad and sometimes they soothe us. Personally everyone gets a great deal out of the visual arts. Augusta County and Staunton are popular for re-locators because it’s a beautiful area and it’s a pleasant place to live. At the Smith’s Center, where the Art Center is located, there are people that drop in wanting to know what the art scene is in the area. If we are getting re-locators and tourist we are getting their money. This is a critical key to the art world because prices for everything are increasing, but the dues for members are not going up. The Art Center is free and people can come at any time. Art in the Park is also free and thousands of people attend this event each year.
Art in the Park and the Galleries are places that people can come and feel included.
Art levels everything and brings the community together. Ms. Hodge thanked the Board for their support and continuing the Art Grant.
Dr. Pattie stated that five years ago there was a Supervisor that demanded anyone asking for money be present at the meeting. He wanted Mr. Conner and Ms. Hodge to be aware that they were more than welcome to attend, but it was not mandatory. Their presence is not required to have support from the Board of Supervisors.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Dr. Pattie, that the Board approve the submittal of the Art Grant request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg, Pattie, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Pyles 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, February 08, 2017 • Staff Briefing, Tuesday, February 21, 2017
CLAIMS
Approved claims paid since February 01, 2017.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg, Pattie, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Shull mentioned that he was informed by Carson Holloway they have the capability to have text messages sent to their phones when there are emergency calls. Text messages could be sent out by District on the more serious calls. This is something he is interested in and wanted the other Board members to be aware that this was available.
Mr. Pyles said to let Mr. Fitzgerald know who was interested and he would take care of getting it done.
Mr. Shull also pointed out that with passing the chicken ordinance recently, he wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the bird flu outbreak in Tennessee. This outbreak involved 30 poultry operations in a six mile radius.
Mr. Coleman commented on the situation with Wilson Trucking Corporation. He received a letter from the Human Resource Manager stating that Central Freight Lines out of Texas had purchased Wilson Trucking. They will not be keeping the Fishersville operation open. 87 employees will be effected and the expected closing date is April 30, 2017. Wilson Trucking employees 1500 people across the Country, with 316 workers in Virginia. This is bad news for our area, but it is the plan to continue regular operations in Virginia and the eastern part of the United States. Wilson Trucking is a big operation. After receiving permission, the State Dislocated Workers Unit within the Virginia Employment Commission will meet with each effected employee and discuss potential employment opportunities and discuss workforce development options such as training. Augusta County Economic Development, at the request from the State, will do what is possible in terms of support. It’s in a great location and is a great structure that we want to help find someone to occupy.
Mr. Pyles pointed out that there are two announcements expected this month for new jobs in the County.
Amanda Glover, Director of Economic Development mentioned that the Rapid Response Team will be meeting with Wilson Trucking on Monday. Wilson will be encouraged to have a job fair on site and if they are not interested there will be a job fair off site for anyone interested and there are a number of industries currently looking for truck drivers. We are seeing good things happening despite a bad situation.
Ms. Bragg reminded everyone of the FFA & Market Animal Show Dinner and she recognized the Boy Scout Troup 84 that was present at the meeting. The troop is working on achieving their Citizenship Badge.
Mr. Kelley thanked Staff for helping Mr. Jarvis. He was pleased with the way his property was taken care of.
Mr. Pyles discussed the master plan for Mill Place Commerce Place that the Timmons Group continues to work on. He asked for the Board of Supervisors thoughts on reviewing the Mill Place zoning further.
Ms. Bragg stated that part of the Board’s job is to look at all options available no matter what the issue is and to take the time to explore different scenarios and what would be best for the citizens. Ms. Bragg suggests the re-evaluation of Mill Place Commerce Park to decide if business or industry was the best option before moving forward and making decisions.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Shull to having the zoning re-evaluated by the Timmons Group.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg, Pattie, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Timothy K. Fitzgerald, County Administrator, discussed the following:
1) Jennifer Whetzel gave an update on the reassessment process. They are ready to advertise the RFP for the reassessment. She will get back to the committee towards the end of the month to schedule interviews.
2) Reminder of the FFA & Market Animal Show Dinner and Auction.
3) The pipeline will require lots of material and lots of equipment. There will need to be a 50 acre lay down yard in the Deerfield area and also one in Churchville eventually. A special use permit will be required for these 50 acre lay down yard.
The workforce that will go along with this project has brought up issues that staff has concerns with. Their preference is to stay in RV’s while the work is being done, but this is not allowed in Augusta County. They have been encouraged to speak to the local campgrounds which are filling up for the summer.
John Wilkinson suggested going by Eastside Speedway and viewing the 12 acre lay down yard for the replacement of the power towers. This will give an idea of how much 12 acres is and will help to put 50 acres into perspective.
Mr. Pyles would like to find a picture of what a 50 acre lay down yard looks like.
4) The picture shown on the screen is of the Weyers Cave Airport runway with the United States Presidential Fleet airplane.
Mr. Garber pointed out that the pilot of this plane is from Augusta County.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Kelley, 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-Economic Development Authority and Planning Commission (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) Ladd School (3) 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) Mill Place Commerce Place On motion of Dr. Pattie, seconded by Mr. Coleman, the Board came out of Closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg, Pattie, and Pyles 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: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg, Pattie, and Pyles NAY: None The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
Dr. Pattie moved, seconded by Ms. Bragg that the Board re-appoint Richard Halterman to the Economic Development Authority, effectively immediately, to expire March 1, 2021.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pyles, Kelley, Coleman, Bragg, Garber, Shull, and Pattie Nays: None Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Shull moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Shull, Garber, Coleman, Kelley, Bragg, Pattie, and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator h:3-8min.17
