Regular Meeting – March 9, 2011
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Jeremy L. Shifflett, Chairman
Wendell L. Coleman, Vice Chairman
Gerald W. Garber
David R. Beyeler
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Nancy Taylor Sorrells
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development
Jennifer M. Whetzel, Director of Finance
John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, CMC, Executive Secretary
ABSENT: Larry C. Howdyshell
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 235th year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Shifflett welcomed the citizens present and Boy Scouts Troop #388 from Churchville.
Shea Guthrie, a senior at Fort Defiance High School, led us with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Shea plans on attending Blue Ridge Community College and major in Nursing.
Gerald W. Garber, Supervisor for the Middle River District, delivered invocation.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
Marney Gibbs, of the Staunton Virginia Guided Tours, expressed excitement of Agritourism, and offered assistance if needed. She added that she has done over 2,000 tours in four years and received good reviews.
AGRITOURISM
The Board received a presentation by Planning District Commission staff on regional initiatives/grant proposal.
Bonnie Riedesel, Executive Director of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, gave a presentation about coordinating an agritourism program for the Region, consisting of five cities and five counties. The proposal has been named “Fields of Gold” to reflect the Region’s fertile farmland and abundance of agricultural products as well as the program’s potential economic impact and expanded travel experiences. Ms. Riedesel stated that $40,000 funding was available through this state grant program, with no match required. She felt that if you did not show a strong local commitment, the application would have less chance of consideration. Ms. Riedesel asked that the Board of Supervisors sponsor a regional application for a planning grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. She said the Commission would write and administer the grant application, but a locality needs to sponsor it. Ms. Riedesel added that she is asking the localities to help contribute towards this planning grant in an amount of $20,000 on a tiered approach which would be based on population. She said they were working with the County’s Industrial Development Authority (IDA) along with the County’s Tourism effort to try to raise the County’s local funds to go along with the grant application. She would like to submit the application in April.
Mr. Pyles asked what the tiered amount would be for Augusta County. Ms. Riedesel said it would be $2,500.
Ms. Sorrells mentioned that GART/Tourism would be supportive.
Dennis Burnett, Economic Development Director, said that this original presentation came through the IDA. He felt that any County match would come from GART or IDA to make the contribution for Augusta County.
Joe Williams, Chairman for IDA, felt that IDA would participate in this program.
Mr. Garber asked if the Agriculture Industry Board would be interested, but realized that the time-frame was too short.
Mr. Pyles noted that the State mandates that 50% of our Lodging funds must be used for Tourism. Additionally, we have earmarked 10% of the Meals Tax for Tourism. He felt that the Agriculture Industry Board would be interested.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board sponsor the grant application and commit up to $2,500 if the $40,000 is granted. Local contribution of $2,500 could be allocated in equal shares from the IDA and Tourism (#81020-5603) account.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
John Higgs, from Barren Ridge, strongly supported Agritourism. He stated that he grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and that his father was an apple grower. He added that they lost the business to Washington State because of the economy. “The climate and soils in the Shenandoah Valley are perfect for apples and perfect for grapes—for wine-making grapes.
We can be a major wine-growing region in the U.S.”
FISCAL YEAR 2011-12 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 Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, stated that this process is done annually and the required local funding is included in the proposed budget for 2011-2012 conditioned upon state funding.
Beth Hodge, Executive Director of the StauntonAugusta Art Center, expressed appreciation to the Board for its support to the four agencies and noted that there were many dedicated volunteers for the Art Center. She noted that in the R. R. Smith Center, the Staunton Augusta Art Center is highly visible and easily accessible to city and county residents and visitors. She added that “Art in the Park” at Gypsy Hill (45th year) is now a two-day art festival over the Memorial Day weekend and serves as a destination point for tourists. A wide variety of art instruction, offered at various times throughout the year, offers residents of all ages an opportunity to develop their artistic skills and talents and provides paid teaching opportunities for artists.
Ms. Sorrells stated that these four agencies were “woven into the fabric of our community” and noted that the Stonewall Brigade Band is the longest continuous municipal band in the country that gives free concerts throughout the summer. “These organizations are the ones that picking up the slack for getting arts and culture out to our school kids and picking up where we don’t have the means within our public schools to do it.” Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
Mike Conner, of the ShenanArts, Inc., expressed pride in former students receiving scholarships from universities and fine arts programs and one appearing on the “American Idol” stage. He stated that, since the move from Verona to the old Lee High School, the group has increased from 30 students to 75 and “doing wonderful things!” Mr. Conner thanked the Board for their support.
DEERFIELD RURITAN CLUB REQUEST – RABIES CLINIC
The Board considered request to hold a rabies clinic for the purpose of vaccination of dogs, cats and horses from rabies at the Deerfield Community Center.
John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator, advised that the Deerfield Ruritan Club has requested to hold a rabies clinic at the Deerfield Community Center on March 25th.
They have enlisted a veterinarian from McDowell. This program has been done in prior years; according to the Code of Virginia, the Board has to approve these rabies clinics.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
• Staff Briefing Meeting, Tuesday, February 22, 2011 • Regular Meeting, Wednesday, February 23, 2011
CLAIMS
Approved claims paid since February 9, 2011.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Pyles: Attended the Board of Zoning meeting this past week regarding B&S request for a modification to their Special Use Permit with approval for “night hours” additional. Law enforcement was requested. Mr. Pyles asked if Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development, would work with the contractor, VDOT, and Sheriff’s Department to ensure that law enforcement is available to monitor truck speeds on secondary County roads and to assist in redirecting staff from Interstate when backups occur due to the road repairs. He also suggested that radar “speed box” be installed to assist on maintaining traffic speeds.
Mr. Coleman:
1. Ray Houser – asked if a resolution could be drafted to be considered at the next meeting.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board authorize staff to draft a resolution to be adopted at the next meeting.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
* * *
Ms. Sorrells:
1. VDOT – I-81 public meeting, Tuesday, March 15th, 4-7:00 p.m., at Riverheads High School 2. Riverheads Fire Station – “Going live!” March 12th, at 6:00 a.m.
3. Big Read Kick-off – Thank you to Mr. Garber.
Mr. Beyeler:
1. Trash/debris complaint – Spring Clean-up April 9th – 16th; asked if special effort be emphasized that “trash belongs in the Landfill, not on roads”.
2. Ordinance Committee – Rural Conservation District ordinance draft to be considered at next Staff Briefing.
Mr. Garber: Draft Horse Day, Memorial Day weekend, at his farm.
Mr. Coleman:
1. SARS and Waynesboro First Aid Crew – currently operating a rescue squad out of Preston Yancey that is “going extremely well”.
2. Trash/debris clean-up – Suggested that this be addressed at the staff briefing and to receive an update as to the Court system providing assistance.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following:
1. Preston Yancey report distributed to Board.
* * * 2. Grottoes Rescue Squad personnel – Augusta County currently provides $7,500 a month to provide coverage for Grottoes. Another option would be to eliminate the $7,500 monthly stipend and provide an additional career position.
Mr. Garber felt that this would be “saving money and be doing a better job”.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board authorize one additional person for the Grottoes Rescue Squad (totaling 3 from Rockingham County, and 3 from Augusta County).
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
* * *
3. Schools:
a. Interest-free loan on $7.5 million – “Very positive.”
b. Retirees – $2,500 – Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (EERP) –
Human Resources Director will be providing information at next Staff
Briefing.
4. Magisterial Districts Map – placed in Board mail slots. Also provided to School Board.
5. General Assembly Update – conferees have met; will not know changes until Veto Session.
6. Governance – Minutes distributed to Board highlighting the following:
a. J&D Courts b. ECC Study – has received $1,216,200 grant; in the process of selecting a radio system consultant.
c. Regional Tourism d. Regional Firing Range – Phase II complete – Dedication on March 24th, at 11:30 a.m.
e. Flood Control Dams – 65% federal/25% state funding will probably not occur this year because of National and State budget issues.
f. Fire-Rescue Mutual Aid (Waynesboro) g. Landfill Gas Update h. SPCA – proposal being considered i. Joint Purchasing – discuss regional purchasing opportunities 7. Public Meetings:
a. I-81 – March 15th, 4-7:00 p.m., at Riverheads High School b. Landfill Permit – Public Comment Period (DEQ) – March 6th – April 5th.
c. Virginia Power – Dooms-Bremo Transmission Line Rebuild –– March 29th, 5-7:30 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mr. Pyles, 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 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) Animal Control On motion of Mr. Pyles, seconded by Mr. Coleman, the Board came out of closed Session.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Garber, Beyeler, Sorrells, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
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: Coleman, Garber, Shifflett, Sorrells, Pyles and Beyeler NAY: None
ABSENT: Howdyshell
The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
CENTRAL SHENANDOAH PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION – APPOINTMENT
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board accept the resignation of Richard Lee Fox and appoint Joey Colvin to serve an unexpired 3-year term on the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, effective immediately, to expire June 30, 2012.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board reappoint Lynn M. Dively to serve another 4-year term on the Blue Ridge Community College Board, effective July 1, 2011, to expire June 30, 2015. (Note: On October 13, 2010, the Board appointed Ms. Dively to serve an unexpired 4-year term to expire June 30, 2011.) Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD –
APPOINTMENT
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board appoint Hansford J. Johnson to serve a 4-year term on the Shenandoah Valley Social Services Advisory Board, effective immediately, to expire June 30, 2014.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board reappoint John Patrick Bowers to serve another 4-year term on the Industrial Development Authority, effective March 26, 2011, to expire March 25, 2015.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
SPCA NEGOTIATIONS
The Board received a briefing by staff on status of current contract and status of negotiations between Staunton, Augusta County, Waynesboro and SPCA.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the County’s counter-offer be $158,000 for FY2011-12.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None
Absent: Howdyshell
Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator
h:3-9min.11
