Regular Meeting – May 14, 2014
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Larry J. Wills, Chairman
Michael L. Shull, Vice-Chairman
Carolyn S. Bragg
David A. Karaffa
Jeffrey A. Moore
Marshall W. Pattie
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development
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, May 14, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 238th year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Wills welcomed the citizens present.
Cherokee Thorne and Trinity Obaugh, seventh graders at Beverley Manor Middle School, led us with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Trinity participates with the SCA, SCCLA, and ShenanArts.
Cherokee participates with the SCA and enjoys playing guitars and “hanging out with her older brother and have fun”.
David A. Karaffa, Supervisor for the Beverley Manor District, delivered invocation.
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH – PROCLAMATION
The Board considered the Mental Health Month proclamation.
Doug Cochran, Member-at-Large, of Mental Health America of Augusta, said that they were celebrating 60 years of existing service to Augusta County and thanked the Board for its support. He noted that one-fourth of all Americans “will be hit by a diagnosable mental illness some time in their life”.
Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Moore, that the Board adopt the following proclamation:
Mental Health Month Proclamation May, 2014 “Speak Up, Speak Out For Mental Health” WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being; and WHEREAS, all Americans experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives – one in four will have a diagnosable mental illness; and WHEREAS, mental health and recovery from mental illness depends on public awareness and understanding, on advocacy and support; and WHEREAS, if all in the community speak up and speak out for mental health, those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives; and WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, healthcare provider, organization and citizen shares the burden of mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention and recovery efforts.
THEREFORE I, Larry J. Wills, Augusta County Supervisors Board Chair, do hereby proclaim May 2014 as Mental Health Month in Augusta County and call upon our citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and mental illness, to stand up for mental health, to work to assure good mental health practices in our community, to assure that the community has readily available support for recovery from mental illness, and to improve the understanding and acceptance of those with mental illness.
Vice-Chairman Shull presented the proclamation to Mr. Cochran.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
VDOT SIX-YEAR PLAN
This being the day and time advertised to consider a request to consider and receive input in regards to the proposed Secondary Road Construction Improvement Program for the State Secondary System of Highways in accordance with Section 33.1-70.01, Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended; the program covers the six-year period from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2020. The Board will also receive input on the Secondary Road Construction Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2014-15. The Budget covers the period from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.
The Chairman declared the public hearing open.
Donald Komara, Residency Administrator, reviewed with the public the purpose for conducting the public hearing:
“My name is Don Komara. I am the Residency Administrator in Harrisonburg. With me are my assistant, Jeremy Mason, and Michael Fulcher, who are very integral in putting this plan together for us. It is a pleasure to be here tonight with the Board and the public to present our Six-Year Plan and budget for Fiscal Year 2014 through 2020. A “cheat sheet” was placed on top of the Six-Year Plan for the public. Year after year, it takes several years to fund the projects, so I don’t want to take up everybody’s time going through each one of those projects.
What I would like to highlight are three projects that were added this past year. Those are:
1. Route 608 –from Expo Road over to Augusta Farms Road (BM and SR).
2. Route 830 (Stonewall Lane) (Middle River) – Rural Rustic Road 3. Route 1916 (Parkins Lane) (Beverley Manor) – Rural Rustic Road The last page on the plan is a synopsis of the projects that have been completed and waiting for fiscal closure. Those are some of the accomplishments we had last year.
Additionally, there are a couple of projects that did not make this plan that is in another plan because of its funding source. On 608, we’re building left-turn lanes at Augusta Farms and another one at the Landfill road (Christians Creek). That’s about $3 million and we’re real happy about that. We have a lot of bridge projects going on across the County – a bunch on 250; one on 801 and 703.
Today, what we’re talking about is your secondary system. That is routes with numbers 600 and above. Jeremy, Michael and I will listen to those on the primary, too, in Augusta County.
There are two other projects that are under construction that we just started; that’s 870 and 759 that are rural rustic projects for this summer. Some are under construction and moving forward. Our main function, tonight, is to listen to what you all have to say.
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, in reference to the Six-year Plan handout, explained that the handout indicates the actual projects in the Six-year Plan. There are also two projects on the “Out Year’s List”. The “Citizen’s List – Old” represents what the citizens presented to the Board last year. “Citizen’s List – New” are projects that either Board members or staff hav received calls about.
Robert King, of Horsehead Road (Route 661), stated that this road had some improvements in 1984 and asked why it had not been completed. He asked that the Board consider completing the project with the rural rustic road program. He said that the road has potholes in the wintertime causing school buses to stop at the end of the road to pick up the children.
James Elmore and Frank Nolen discussed their concerns of Dam Town Road (Route 616). They noted that it was heavily traveled and several accidents have occurred.
They noted that the road is curvy with steep drop-offs and “no room for error”. Mr. Nolen suggested that some money should be recovered from the $400 million that the former Governor spent on a thoroughfare public/private toll road in Suffolk. He added that he would keep “pushing for more secondary road funding”. Mr. Nolen reiterated that this was a safety issue that needed to be addressed.
Charles Kehoe asked about the Route 262 bridge (Springhill Road). Mr. Komara said that VDOT is putting in an interchange for Route 613 and Route 262 so that a bridge would be built over Route 262. Mr. Moore added that, at the last MPO meeting, this was one of the priorities emphasized with the CTB (Commonwealth Transportation Board) member.
There being no other speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Chairman Wills stated, in reference to Route 616, that this has been ongoing for 20 years.
In conversing with Mr. Komara, a different type of design is being considered. Just widening the shoulders out and getting a true travel lane, we can probably reduce the cost of the road and not have to do as much extensive work which had previously been planned because of the water issues. VDOT is also looking into receiving some “safety funding” because of the number of accidents that have occurred. Mr. Komara added that 11-foot lanes and three to five-foot shoulders were being considered. They will continue asking for safety funding.
Chairman Wills introduced Delegate Landes and Delegate Bell and asked if they had any comments.
Delegate Steve Landes, in reference to Route 616, offered to pursue further because of the safety issues. “If we can help with the State VDOT folks, please feel free to let us know. Sometimes, they do listen to us. Even though we do not determine . . . it is your responsibility with where the secondary road funds go, if we can help make sure the CTB or the State is making sure that we get our fair shake of the secondary road funds, we are more than willing to look at that and try to help with that. Senator Hanger is exactly right about the horror story with what happened on Route 460 in Suffolk and we are looking into that because that. The State may be on the hook for $500 million under that contract. We feel your pain. We hope to have a budget before June 30th.” Mr. Coffield added that whether it is 262 or Exit 91, “we stay within budget. When you go back to Richmond, you tell them every nickel you give Augusta County, it is on time and on budget”. Delegate Landes also noted that the Rural Rustic Program has been utilized by Augusta County more than any other locality in the State.
Delegate Bell added that they are very sensitive to the needs. “There is never enough money for road work. Prioritizing those projects is a very difficult job. We stand ready to help to the extent that we can mostly because of the good job you do and the way you manage things.” Chairman Wills thanked the speakers tonight. “We do hear your concerns, whether it be Rural Rustic or a major secondary road, like Route 616. We are concerned. As money becomes available, each of us in our districts try to utilize it. I use traffic count as far as prioritizing roads. Route 616 has been a major concern of mine for years.” Mr. Moore added that Mr. Whitworth, CTB member, has attended several meetings. He also noted that several at-large members have been replaced with new members with a different dynamic outlook. Mr. Whitworth is very supportive of the ongoing projects and is willing to voice support in Richmond.
Mr. Coffield said that the VDOT Six-Year Plan would be placed on the agenda for Board’s Staff Briefing on May 27th.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC – NONE
BUCKINGHAM BRANCH RAILROAD COMPANY
The Board considered resolution supporting state funding request by BBRC.
Gale Wilson, of Buckingham Branch Railroad Company (BBRC), thanked the Board for its consideration of the resolution. He added that they have been operating this railroad for 11 years. This railroad is referred as the Richmond and Alleghany Division. It is 200 miles long with the interchange starting at Richmond to Clifton Forge, Virginia. BBRC has leased this property from CSX for 11 years. It is BBRC’s responsibility to maintain the railroad and use it for industrial development access and relieve truck traffic. The resolution indicates an estimated cost of $6,637,000 which will not be expended this year.
He explained that they operate on a six-year program and prioritize the work. They do not have the 30% in-kind match at this time. “Our goal is to prioritize our projects and refurbish and do the work on the areas that are needed worst at that time.” He also mentioned that they have a commitment to keep this track on a higher standard because of Amtrak’s operation that runs through Augusta County.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Moore that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION ENDORSING
RAIL PRESERVATION APPLICATION OF
BUCKINGHAM BRANCH RAILROAD COMPANY
WHEREAS, Buckingham Branch Railroad Company desires to file an application with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for funding assistance for the projects; and WHEREAS, Buckingham Branch Railroad Company has identified projects that are estimated to cost $6,637,000; and WHEREAS, the General Assembly, through enactment of the Rail Preservation Program, provides for funding for certain improvements and procurement of railways in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and WHEREAS, Buckingham Branch Railroad Company is an important element of the County of Augusta transportation system; and WHEREAS, Buckingham Branch Railroad Company is instrumental in the economic development of the area, and provides relief to the highway system by transporting freight, and provides an alternate means of transportation of commodities; and WHEREAS, the County of Augusta supports the projects and the retention of the rail service; and WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has established procedures for all allocation and distribution of the funds provided.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Augusta Board of Supervisors does hereby request the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to give priority consideration to the projects proposed by the Buckingham Branch Railroad Company.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes and sent to Buckingham Branch Railroad Company.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Mr. Wilson received the resolution from Vice-Chairman Shull.
* * * Mr. Moore expressed his displeasure of CSX charging Augusta County a $6,850 fee for an “air” easement on Route 636. He asked that this money be refunded. Mr. Wilson understood Mr. Moore’s concern but explained that he is not a representative of CSX and added that he also pays a fee to lease the property from CSX. He noted that CSX charges fees for right-of-ways and that BBRC does not have any control over these fees. He stated that, in some instances, if there is an easement for an overpass or underpass and it eliminates at-grade or under-grade crossing that they are maintaining, they will consider waiving the fee. But where there is no elimination of that grade crossing, they typically do not waive the fee. He said he would convey those concerns to Public Relations but he strongly recommended the Board to convey its concern directly to CSX.
CONVEYANCE OF REAL ESTATE – COUNTY OF AUGUSTA – LADD ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL PROPERTY
The Board considered authorization to advertise conveyance of real estate owned by the County of Augusta, located at 1930 Rosser Avenue, Waynesboro, VA, containing approximately 12.924 acres.
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney, reported that, since the School Board has transferred the Ladd Elementary School to the Board of Supervisors, the Board has considered either leasing or selling the property. Under the provisions of Virginia State Code 15.2-1800, before the Board can do either, they must hold a public hearing. Tonight’s request is asking for authorization to advertise for a public hearing to be held on May 28th.
CONVEYANCE OF REAL ESTATE – COUNTY OF AUGUSTA – LADD ELEMENTARY
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg 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
Approved minutes of the following meetings:
Budget Public Hearing, Wednesday, April 16, 2014 Staff Briefing Meeting, Monday, April 21, 2014 Regular Meeting, Wednesday, April 23, 2014
CLAIMS
Approved claims paid since April 9, 2014.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Pyles: Schools – gave a PowerPoint presentation referring to capacity and options as to a less expensive means in constructing three new schools. Expressed concern as to the need of a boundary line study and strategic plan to determine on “how best to use buildings”. He noted that the Department of Education utilizes the ratios of 24:1 for K-3rd grade and 25:1 for 4th grade – high school when calculating capacity. Historically, Augusta County Schools have utilized a 20:1 ratio when calculating capacity. The Department of Education provides additional funds to the division, based on class size reduction and maintaining a ratio of 20:1 in K-3rd grade. He mentioned that $50 million was spent on three buildings at Wilson-High School, Middle School and Elementary School. He questioned the additional useable capacity gained from this. One thousand seats were added, but only fifty seats were picked up. He noted that an additional 10 spaces was gained by closing Ladd Elementary. Wilson Middle School has capacity of 520. He also expressed concern of not having enough children in the elementary and middle schools to pass on to the high schools. School Board shows program capacity of 11,810 at a cost of $236,200,000. Loss comes from poor alignment of buildings. He noted total lost: 1873 seats at a cost of $37,460,000. He compared capacity of Stuarts Draft Middle School (SDMS) and Wilson Middle School (WMS) – SDMS capacity of 960 and WMS capacity of 520. “That is such a waste of space and an outrage to our taxpayers that we built this school that won’t allow more elementary schools and won’t feed the high school. We make mistakes and we do it at taxpayers’ expense. We overbuild size without looking at how these things have to fit together.” During a School Board meeting, there had been discussion about development and the great need for development at Riverheads. Mr. Fitzgerald had provided a report of active developments.
It was noted that Riverheads had a potential of 452 houses which equals 150 students. The report indicated that per census, there is 73,912 population, 31,575 housing units and 10,639 students. He felt that it “made no sense to add in rural areas”. A graph was shown indicating an anemic picture of the Augusta County construction business. Fewer new homes mean fewer students “migrating”. Another graph was shown indicating the Augusta County births and deaths noting a drop in births which will impact enrollments.
Mr. Pyles also spoke on “Louisa replacement schools taking shape”.
Because of an earthquake, a replacement school had to be constructed at a cost of $13.5 million. He noted that another school was being built with the same plans. He felt that this would be a great savings if the same plan be used for constructing three schools in Augusta County.
Mr. Pyles referred to what was mentioned tonight of a $500 million error.
“How do people make a $500 million error? It is because people who are in charge of looking after the money didn’t look after it. Somebody wasn’t keeping their nose to the grindstone. We have not been involved with this construction, this plan at all! They went forward with those studies to look at new middle schools and a 750 elementary school without coming to us to say anything. Then they went on with the next stage of and I don’t think anybody knew about that—that they spent another $108,000 for that study; $229,000 for consultant studies in a budget where they said last year they were going to die because they didn’t have enough money for staplers, but they found $229,000 for consultant studies. They want this school. I don’t know the developers. I don’t know who is driving this, but it doesn’t make sense for the rest of the community. It doesn’t make sense to the taxpayers.
For all these years when they keep not being honest or thorough in what they proposed. At the end, we get $50 million spent for 50 students of capacity in our fastest growing area. We have one chance to get a plan from them in how they’re going to use these buildings. What’s coming up next; when it is intended to be; and that’s when we say no to this new building until we have a plan. We must do that. When they were looking at the 750 school at Riverheads, they did not look at what they could do with the existing building. I asked them go out to the Churchville Library, that’s a renovated pod. I asked them to go to the North River Elementary and go into the area that used to be a pod and tell me what is wrong with those buildings. I asked them to go to Craigsville and look what they did with a 1933 building. We need to see if people can’t look at those three buildings and with, maybe, a public/private partnership. Is there a building similar to Louisa’s that we can have for all three sites and we can have the savings there? I believe if we can take care of all three of these schools and we have a way to better use what we’ve got, we are in pretty good shape for quite a while. If it is $37 million, I think we can make that work. The reason we can make that work is that with interest rates being what they are, we can go to a bank and borrow $37 million and have small payments in the first few years and then larger payments later on when we’re getting $2 or $3 million a year that we can apply to it, which is only like five years out.
They said they could do and in the end, when you make the higher payments later on, it is not going to cost you anymore in interest payments, but we get it all settled. The kids at Cassell are no less important than the kids at Riverheads. The kids at Verona are no less than the kids at Riverheads. You can’t put an $18.6 million school down there and tell these other kids wait; wait; wait. Let’s have something can work for all three of the schools. Let’s get that figured out now. If they there is a building to close, let’s have it put out there and let the people have questions answered in advance. When I read these Board minutes, they have no clue of how they need to build out this County School System. They don’t have the understanding in how the pieces fit together. It’s up to this Board to get them to get learning on this. I hope this Board will not approve going forward with Riverheads until we have a plan in place addressing the other schools.” Mr. Pattie:
1. Strategic Plan – Been asking for the last three years and not one that deals just in capital, but also deals with the other issues with the schools, too.
2. In reference to the recent Supreme Court decision regarding prayer (mentioned earlier in the meeting by Mr. Karaffa) – asked to be added on the rotation list for prayer.
3. Mount Solon Fire – asked for a report of last night’s incident. It was mentioned that boundary lines had been changed. Chairman Wills explained that a program for boundaries on Fire & Rescue was being considered. Once it is on the computer, it will circle every station. Chairman Wills asked for specifics and promised to get a report to Mr. Pattie.
Mr. Shull:
1. Animal Market Show – thanked kids and businesses who were involved in the Animal Market Show. “It was a long night but a successful year!” 2. Attended VDOT meeting in Harrisonburg. Learned that there is not much available funding because of prioritizing.
3. Schools – “School Board still working on everything. $18 million is architectural price projections. Working on getting costs trimmed down. Program capacity addresses what is there now. If Special Needs is needed, space will be utilized.
That problem will not be addressed until needed. If you look at rebuilding pod schools, you are basically trying to tie all the buildings together and building a roof system over the whole thing. Building Inspector indicated it is going to be complicated. They need to look at the plans and try to utilize what is there and come up with a plan of action. I think it will be addressed in days to come. Nothing has been set forth, yet.” Mr. Karaffa:
1. Blue Ridge Community College – Attended graduation with Robin Sullenberger as guest speaker. “Nice event!” 2. Property Committee Meeting – Discussed County Courthouse in Staunton.
Upgrades and expansion that are needed – $9.5 million for an estimated 20 years of service. Staunton is unable to assist in costs. A rough estimate had been given of $11 million for a new courthouse in Verona that would last for 50 to 75 years. If moved to Verona, a referendum would be required to be placed on the ballot. He asked that staff provide a more concrete estimate of what a new courthouse would cost if it were brought to the Government Center. Chairman Wills suggested that this be placed on the May 27th Staff Briefing agenda for discussion.
Mr. Moore: Agreed with Mr. Pyles’ comments. He did not feel that student population was going to change tremendously. In regards to the cost of Wilson Middle School, it was higher because the infrastructure was built as a 750 student capacity. The intention was that there be additional classrooms added on to bring it up to a 750 school. He agreed that there needed to be a flow with the students from the different school levels. He agreed with Mr. Shull that the electrical problems needed to be addressed in the pod schools. A solution needs to be made for the renovations of the pod schools. He supported Mr. Pyles’ suggestion as to using the same plan for three schools.
Chairman Wills:
1. Schools – capacity for Stuarts Draft Middle School – 900+. Classrooms were added in the first phase of construction because at that time Wilson Middle School had not been built. They were over capacity and that was a fast growing area.
Need to be conscious of the current bid market. Prices are going up.
2. Congratulations to Mr. Karaffa on the addition to his family – another little girl.
3. Condolence to Mr. Coffield on the loss of his mother.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following:
1. Courthouse information distributed to Board.
2. Future Staff Briefings:
a. Community Development Building Inspection Fees b. Animal Control Fees Information distributed to Board reflecting revenue by department. Asked for Board guidance regarding user-fee driven vs. general taxpayer appropriate ratio.
3. Summer Schedule – possibility of first meeting in July has been canceled in previous years. It was the consensus of the Board to consider at a later date when it was determined as to the number of “action items” on agenda needed to be considered.
4. State Budget – direct impact on Schools, Constitutional Officers, Social Services, Jail – “Planning on being here July 1st.” 5. Procurement Policy – Virginia State Code revised –Code revised to increase “value” of construction requiring sealed bids (with full design from $50,000 to $100,000. County Attorney and staff are reviewing and will be bringing back a staff recommendation.
6. Virginia Regional Transit (previously known as CATS) – a tax exempt request has been received. It was the consensus of the Board to discuss at May 27th Staff Briefing.
7. Property Committee notes from their recent meeting distributed to Board.
8. Dominion Power – pursuing a natural gas pipeline project, to be known as the Southeast Reliability Project, which would be located in West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina and will cross about 50 miles in Augusta County (Pastures, Riverheads and South River). Information distributed to the Board.
9. 2015 Legislative Priorities – Legislative Liaison Jane Woods and Vice Chairman Shull will be “drafting” the Board’s 2015 Legislative Priority List. Staff and Board have been asked to provide input. Will be discussed at May 27th Staff Briefing.
VACo has asked for first draft by June 5th.
10. Fort Defiance High School – On March 26, 2014, Board approved a contribution toward Wigwam project. Project was bid and bids came in higher than budgeted.
Supplemental funding is needed ($20,500) as the County’s share..
Mr. Shull asked why the price went $90,000 over the price. Chairman Wills advised that the first estimate was incorrect. The first estimate involved a contractor to look at the project and when the specs were put together, the waterline and other issues had not been included. The re-working of the existingWigwam area was left out. Chairman Wills said it was well-needed. He would have liked to see more done but was happy to see this progress for the football season.
Mr. Karaffa asked if Mr. Pattie’s efforts with the other two bidders in finding ways to cut costs. Chairman Wills said that you could not negotiate except with the first bidder.
Mr. Pattie moved, seconded by Mr. Moore, that the Board approve the supplemental funding in an amount not to exceed $20,500.
Funding Sources:
North River Infrastructure Account #80000-8013-45 $10,250 Middle River Infrastructure Account #80000-8012-85 10,250 $20,500 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * 11. Greenville Sewer – Timmy Fitzgerald, Community Development Director, said that the Greenville Sewer project is near completion. The original vision was to be finished with the trunk line by mid-January of this year. That did not happen.
Realistically, it will probably be December before everyone is hooked up into the system. The issue is that a prior Board had stated that no customer on that line would have to pay for sewer service until the project was completed. There have been some people connected for several months without making payments for services. Because of the delay, Mr. Fitzgerald felt it prudent for the Board to consider setting a date (such as July 1st) for people to begin receiving a bill. There has been some concern as to some people being connected for a while and not having to pay for service while others that will be connected in the future will begin immediately paying for that same service. At this time the sewer is being run through the system and operating the pump station and sending it to the treatment system. “There is a cost of doing business today that we are not getting any payments for”. He asked for the Board’s consideration to set a date to start collecting fees instead of waiting until everyone is connected. He reiterated that Staffs recommendation is to begin July 1st. Mr. Moore asked if this was a Service Authority issue. Mr. Fitzgerald and Pat Morgan said that the County owned it and set the fees.
Mr. Karaffa felt that the Board made that decision as a “good faith agreement” and felt that should be honored. Chairman Wills suggested that staff review the minutes. Mr. Karaffa asked if these promises were made at the town hall meetings. Mr. Fitzgerald said it was stated at those meetings.
Mr. Pyles reminded the Board that this was supposed to begin January 1st. “These people have gained an enormous benefit that at the cost of the taxpayer- – the State taxpayer, the local taxpayer and the rate payers of the Service Authority. The Service Authority underwrote the project to a tune of a half million dollars that they didn’t sign on for that they didn’t agree to. The citizens got a tremendous deal on the hookups. They didn’t have to pay the full fee. The anticipation was that it was to start January 1st. That the construction guy didn’t get it under the road like he was supposed to get things done. There’s nothing immoral—it was to start January 1st at the latest. I think we should start collecting money and I would like to see the Board minutes on it. We can’t help what anybody says when they’re trying to get votes. We just have to operate as fairly as we can. I think starting July 1st is a gift to them already. I think that would be plenty.” Chairman Wills asked that staff review the Board minutes and place on the Staff Briefing for May 27th.
12. From Pavement to Pasture: Exploring Innovative Strategies for TMDL Implementation in the South River Watershed – A letter was provided to the Board concerning a request from the City of Waynesboro who is putting in for a Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund grant for approximately $230,000 in which they intend to use on three different projects. Two of the projects are city-focused.
One was for new urban stormwater features within the City and the other was to look at their Capital Improvement Plan and more green infrastructure-type things within the City. The third portion of the grant request will be beneficial to Augusta County and the County’s MS4 program. A letter of support was attached to the handout for the Board to review. Waynesboro is looking at a Nutrient Offsets Feasibility Study in which they would review availability of nutrient offsets on agricultural properties upstream of Waynesboro and determine the economic viability of generating nutrient offsets in non-regulated areas managed by the agricultural source sector. They plan on doing some research and get public input to look at the potential possibilities of doing BMPs in the upper watershed of the South River in order to mitigate some projects that they may have to do in the City, or we may have to do in the County, for MS4 compliance. Mr. Fitzgerald felt that the study would be beneficial to the County and the City of Waynesboro. He added that even if the City of Waynesboro did a BMP to offset some of their costs, Augusta County would then in turn get the credit on the Chesapeake Bay TMDL reductions. Because of that BMP being in place, those numbers would be reduced. Deadline for submittal of letter is May 15th.
Mr. Fitzgerald added that the County has 1,030 acres within the County’s MS4 area that drains to the South River basin. Also, the nutrient offset program study will serve as a valuable tool for MS4 communities in the Valley region, all of which are facing similar challenges with respect to comparatively new and untested financing strategies and pollutant reduction goals. This is an opportunity to work with the City of Waynesboro to achieve mutual benefits associated with the study of the Upper South River Watershed. This project will allow localities throughout the region to determine whether nutrient trading between the agricultural and urban sectors is a viable option to meet local and Chesapeake Bay TMDL goals.
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Moore, that the Board authorize submittal of letter of support.
Mr. Pattie confirmed that this motion was basically for a study. He was concerned about Waynesboro doing this but other property owners not wanting to participate. Mr. Fitzgerald confirmed that this is a feasibility study. They are planning on interviewing 25 different agricultural landowners.
Mr. Pyles felt it unfortunate that the Board had little time to consider this request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore and Bragg Nays: None Abstained: Pyles Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion of Mr. Shull, 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 B) County Appointees/Staff (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) Ladd Elementary School B) Middle River Regional Jail (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) Reassessment B) Delinquent Taxes C) Greenville Sewer (4) the economic development exemption under Virginia Code § 2.2-
3711(A)(5)
[discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of its interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the county]:
A) Pending Economic Development prospect(s) On motion of Mr. Karaffa, seconded by Mr. Pattie, the Board came out of Closed Session and adjourned subject to the call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg 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: Pattie, Karaffa, Wills, Shull, Moore, Bragg and Pyles NAY: None The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – APPOINTMENT
Mr. Moore moved, seconded by Mr. Karaffa, that the Board accept the resignation of Frederick C. McNeil and appoint Leah R. Thomas to serve an unexpired 4-year term on the Economic Development Authority, effective immediately, to expire March 25, 2015.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
AUGUSTA COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD – APPOINTMENT
Ms. Bragg moved, seconded by Mr. Moore, that the Board accept the resignation of Henry Thomas Goforth, III and appoint Kelly Jo Okken to serve an unexpired 4-year term on the Augusta County Library Board, effective immediately, to expire June 30, 2016.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Karaffa moved, seconded by Mr. Pattie, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Pattie, Karaffa, Shull, Wills, Moore, Bragg and Pyles Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator H:5-14min.14
