Regular Meeting – November 22, 2011
Regular Meeting, Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.
PRESENT: Jeremy L. Shifflett, Chairman
Wendell L. Coleman, Vice-Chairman
David R. Beyeler
Gerald W. Garber
Larry C. Howdyshell
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.
Nancy Taylor Sorrells
Patrick J. Morgan, County Attorney
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development
Becky Earhart, Senior Planner
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, Executive Secretary, CMC
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 236th year of the Commonwealth….
Chairman Shifflett welcomed the citizens present.
Madison Marshall, an eighth grader, of Beverley Manor Middle School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Madison is an SCA representative, participates in two bands and plays the alto saxophone and the electric bass guitar and will be attending Riverheads High School.
Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., Pastures District, delivered invocation.
OVERLOOK LAND COMPANY, L.C. – AMEND AND RESTATE PROFFERS
This being the day and time advertised to consider a request to amend and restate proffers on approximately 87 acres owned by Overlook Land Company, L.C., located on the west side of White Hill Road (Route 654) approximately 0.2 of a mile north of the intersection with Stuarts Draft Highway (Route 340) in Stuarts Draft (Riverheads District). The Planning commission recommends denial.
Becky Earhart, Senior Planner, displayed property outlined in pink. She noted that this does not include lots that have already been developed as part of Phase I, nor property that is zoned Multi-Family. The applicant has submitted one new proffer and is restating the remainder of the proffers. Currently, at least 15% of the homes built in the development zoned Single Family Residential must have a minimum square footage of at least 1200 square feet but not more than 1400 square feet of living space. In addition, at least 15% of the homes in this phase must have a minimum square footage of at least 1400 square feet but less than 1600 square feet of living space and at least 15% of the homes shall have a minimum square footage of at least 1600 square feet of living space.
The remainder is undesignated. The request is to amend that proffer and make it only applicable to Phase 1 (shown in yellow on the map). All future phases, the square footage requirement for dwelling would be at least 1200 square feet. The applicant has restated the remainder of the proffers. None of those proffers change.
All new streets will be constructed with curb, guttering and sidewalks on at least one side of the street, with the exception of the northern entrance where no new lot will front as shown on the Overlook Conceptual Plat as prepared by Countryside Development Company, LC, dated December 17, 2009.
1. Access will be provided to the multi-family zoned portion of this property.
2. No more than 151 single family dwellings will be constructed on the 87 acre tract.
3. Access to this property will be limited to no more than two subdivision street connections. There will be no direct lot access to White Hill Road (Route 654).
OVERLOOK LAND COMPANY, L.C. – AMEND AND RESTATE PROFFERS
4. A minimum of 25 acres of open space/common area will be developed; within the common area, the Developer shall construct a play area and picnic shelter.
5. If street lights are installed in this subdivision, they will be installed, operated and maintained at the sole expense of the property owner’s association and neither the County nor the Developer shall have any obligation for any costs related to such lights.
Ms. Earhart added that this is in an Urban Service Area, slated for Residential development and has both public water and sewer.
Frank Root, applicant, advised that when this project was started, it was a desire to have a subdivision with a variety of home sizes ranging from 1200 to 1600 square feet and possibly larger. Staff had noted that this proffer could not be administered unless each lot was designated as to the size of the home. His customers had shown a desire for homes approximately 1590 square feet. Lots for that particular size are becoming unavailable. The customer is also requesting a particular lot that is not available for the size of home they wish to have. He asked that the Board approve the removal of the requirement that states the size for each lot. Amending that proffer will allow for more flexibility in creating a mixture of housing based on the housing market at the time of construction.
The Chairman declared the public hearing open.
Don Snead strongly opposed the request and asked the following questions:
1. If it was 151 or 165 houses to be built. Ms. Earhart said the 165 was the total subdivision and some of the lots have already been developed; 14 have already been created, leaving 151. He also expressed concern of allowing more houses on the 87 acres and asked if the 25 acres for the picnic area was a part of the 87 acres or separate acreage. If it is only 62 acres left for the housing, he felt that this was going to cause traffic problems and weather problems (snow).
2. Location of the two entrances. One is now on White Hill Road; the other entrance is going to be near the Eavers/Smith property with a 50-foot right-of- way. Expressed concern of congested traffic.
3. Pond – will a fence be placed for safety purposes.
Byran Ayers, on White Hill Road, expressed that there have been 9 people killed on White Hill Road; 7 of the 9 have been within a mile of the Route 340 entrance. He felt that the two proposed turning lanes are at a bad location because of the heavy traffic. He also expressed concern on his property value with this type of development.
Gary Eavers expressed the following concerns:
1. Holding pond – safety issues. Asked that if any other ponds are to be built, that they be made to drain out.
2. Property values – should not change proposal because it could compromise property value because of the different types of housing.
Petey Eavers expressed similar concerns with the holding pond and was against more houses on smaller lots.
Mr. Root’s rebuttal:
1. Not asking for an increase in houses
OVERLOOK LAND COMPANY, L.C. – AMEND AND RESTATE PROFFERS
2. Not changing house/lot sizes 3. Not changing minimum square footage 4. Not changing entrances 5. Only changing designation of house size for certain lots 6. Type of pond is not designed yet; will build the type of pond that is needed There being no other speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Ms. Sorrells noted that the zoning is in place for this type of development. “We wanted something a little different and better for Augusta County.” She added that the amended proffers are not going to change the outcome. Basically, the purpose was to get back to a traditional neighborhood design. They also wanted the flexibility in a tougher economic climate.
Mr. Beyeler added that these apartments had been zoned Multi- Family on May 8, 1974.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board adopt the following ordinance with proffers:
ORDINANCE
A request to amend and restate proffers on approximately 87 acres owned by Overlook Land Company, L.C., located on the west side of White Hill Road (Route 654) approximately 0.2 of a mile north of the intersection with Stuarts Draft Highway (Route 340) in Stuarts Draft in the Riverheads District.
AN ORDINANCE to amend Chapter 25 “Zoning” of the Code of Augusta County, Virginia.
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Board of Supervisors to amend the Augusta County Zoning Maps, WHEREAS, the Augusta County Planning Commission, after a public hearing, has made their recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors has conducted a public hearing, WHEREAS, both the Commission and Board public hearings have been properly advertised and all public notice as required by the Zoning Ordinance and the Code of Virginia properly completed, WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors has considered the application, the Planning Commission recommendation and the comments presented at the public hearing; NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Board of Supervisors that the Augusta County Zoning Maps be amended as follows:
The proffers on parcel number 45L on tax map number 75 and parcel numbers A, 120-126, 130, and 145-152 on tax map number 83A (9) containing a total of approximately 87 acres are amended and restated as follows:
1) In Phase 2 and all future Phases of Overlook Subdivision, all homes shall have a minimum square footage of at least 1200 square feet. The square footage limit shall be exclusive of porches, garages and unfinished basements.
2) All new streets will be constructed with curb, guttering and sidewalks on at least one side of the street, with the exception of the northern entrance where no new lot will front as shown on the Overlook Conceptual Plat as prepared by Countryside Development Company, LC dated December 17, 2009.
3) Access will be provided to the multi-family zoned portion of this property.
4) No more than 151 single family dwellings will be constructed on the 87 acre tract.
OVERLOOK LAND COMPANY, L.C. – AMEND AND RESTATE PROFFERS
5) Access to this property will be limited to no more than two (2) subdivision street connections.
There will be no direct lot access to White Hill Road (Route 654).
6) A minimum of 25 acres of open space/common area will be developed; within the common area, the Developer shall construct a play area and picnic shelter.
7) If street lights are installed in this subdivision, they will be installed, operated and maintained at the sole expense of the property owner’s association and neither the County nor the Developer shall have any obligation for any costs related to such lights.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF AUGUSTA COUNTY – AMENDMENT
This being the day and time advertised to consider a request to amend the Comprehensive Plan of Augusta County by enlarging the Greenville Urban Service Area (Riverheads District). The Planning commission recommends approval of amendment.
Ms. Earhart displayed the property and explained that there is a project underway to extend public sewer to the Village of Greenville. The Comprehensive Plan amendment is necessary so that the extension of services will be in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. The proposal before the Board is to enlarge the Urban Service Area (designated in red). There are still portions of the land, in term of the Comp Plan, that will not be served by public sewer. It would enlarge the Urban Service Area by approximately 331 acres. For every piece of property that is in the Urban Service Area, there is a proposed land use and designation. Currently, much of the land is slated for Low Density Residential. The downtown area of the Village is proposed to be Business. The proposed future land uses would include Medium Density Residential, which would be three to four units an acre.
Because of the existence of the public sewer, a Neighborhood Mixed Use would allow a residential component as well as a commercial component. It is recommended that the Comprehensive Plan be amended to include a Village Mixed Use Category, which would allow the downtown corridor of communities to have a mixture of Residential and Business usages.
The Chairman declared the public hearing open.
David Proffitt questioned the location of the sewer line which would be placed on his property. He also expressed tax concerns.
Ms. Sorrells reported that there would be meetings to discuss the location of the sewage pipes in January. She said, as far as reassessment, this is based on sales of houses and depends on the economic climate. Ms. Sorrells offered to come by Mr. Proffitt’s house to discuss.
There being no other speakers, the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
Ms. Sorrells added that the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to map the vision of growth within the next 20 years. If an area has one utility, either water or sewer, it becomes a Community Development Area. When the second utility is added, it has to be an Urban Service Area. She noted that by adding a new landuse category, Village Mixed Use, it will allow both Commercial and Residential uses with downtown, which will be beneficial to Greenville’s economic development and quality of life.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
1. The Board discussed Rural Rustic Roads resolutions.
The Board authorized placing on November 22, 2011, consent agenda for consideration.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC – NONE
RURAL RUSTIC ROADS
The Board considered resolutions for 2012 projects:
– Route 800, Springfield Lane, Riverheads District – Route 761, Bull Mountain Road, North River District – Route 699, Ridge Road, North River District Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, informed the public that many of the items on the agenda tonight had been discussed with the Board at the Staff Briefing on Monday.
Mr. Coffield briefed the Board that the State requires such resolutions to be adopted by the Board prior to being able to improve a road to Rural Rustic standards. He noted that these areas are not high growth areas; and, thereby, is permitted to have a lower construction standard than regular secondary roads.
Mr. Howdyshell said that “this was a great opportunity to have a better quality of life in these rural areas”.
Mr. Howdyshell moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board adopt the following resolutions:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Section 33.1-70.1 of the Code of Virginia, permits the hard surfacing of certain unpaved roads deemed to qualify for designation as a Rural Rustic Road; and WHEREAS, any such road must be located in a low-density development area and have no more than 1,500 vehicles per day; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia (“Board”) desires to consider whether Springfield Lane Route 800, From: Route 11 To: 0.37 mile east of Route 11 should be designated a Rural Rustic Road; and WHEREAS, the Board is unaware of pending development that will significantly affect the existing traffic on this road; and WHEREAS, the public has been made aware that this road may be paved with minimal improvements; and WHEREAS, the Board believes that this road should be so designated due to its qualifying characteristics; and WHEREAS, this road is in the Board’s six-year plan for improvements to the secondary system of state highways.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board hereby designates this road a Rural Rustic Road, and requests that the Local Manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation concur in this designation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board requests that this road be hard surfaced and, to the fullest extent prudent, be improved within the existing right-of-way and ditch-lines to preserve as much as possible the adjacent trees, vegetation, side slopes, and rural rustic character along the road in their current state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Local Manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
* * *
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Section 33.1-70.1 of the Code of Virginia, permits the hard surfacing of certain unpaved roads deemed to qualify for designation as a Rural Rustic Road; and WHEREAS, any such road must be located in a low-density development area and have no more than 1,500 vehicles per day; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia (“Board”) desires to consider whether Bull Mountain Road Route 761, From: Route 730 To: Route 759 should be designated a Rural Rustic Road; and WHEREAS, the Board is unaware of pending development that will significantly affect the existing traffic on this road; and WHEREAS, the public has been made aware that this road may be paved with minimal improvements; and WHEREAS, the Board believes that this road should be so designated due to its qualifying characteristics; and WHEREAS, this road is in the Board’s six-year plan for improvements to the secondary system of state highways.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board hereby designates this road a Rural Rustic Road, and requests that the Local Manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation concur in this designation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board requests that this road be hard surfaced and, to the fullest extent prudent, be improved within the existing right-of-way and ditch-lines to preserve as much as possible the adjacent trees, vegetation, side slopes, and rural rustic character along the road in their current state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Local Manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
* * *
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Section 33.1-70.1 of the Code of Virginia, permits the hard surfacing of certain unpaved roads deemed to qualify for designation as a Rural Rustic Road; and WHEREAS, any such road must be located in a low-density development area and have no more than 1,500 vehicles per day; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia (“Board”) desires to consider whether Ridge Road Route 699, From: Route 753 To: Route 613 should be designated a Rural Rustic Road; and WHEREAS, the Board is unaware of pending development that will significantly affect the existing traffic on this road; and WHEREAS, the public has been made aware that this road may be paved with minimal improvements; and WHEREAS, the Board believes that this road should be so designated due to its qualifying characteristics; and WHEREAS, this road is in the Board’s six-year plan for improvements to the secondary system of state highways.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board hereby designates this road a Rural Rustic Road, and requests that the Local Manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation concur in this designation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board requests that this road be hard surfaced and, to the fullest extent prudent, be improved within the existing right-of-way and ditch-lines to preserve as much as possible the adjacent trees, vegetation, side slopes, and rural rustic character along the road in their current state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Local Manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
SCHOLASTIC WAY
The Board considered resolution endorsing the Scholastic Way Sidewalk Project Design.
Mr. Coffield reported that this project had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE
SCHOLASTIC WAY SIDEWALK PROJECT DESIGN
WHEREAS, Augusta County desires to develop a functional, safe and cost-effective design that will allow pedestrian travel from State Route 340 westerly along Augusta Farms Road to Round Hill Drive; and WHEREAS, a Design Public Hearing was held October 3, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the presence of Board of Supervisor members, staff, McCormick Taylor consultants and interested members of the public; and WHEREAS, all public comments have been received and reviewed; and NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors hereby supports the improvements to Augusta Farms Road as presented at the Design Public Hearing for Scholastic Way.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
RIVERHEADS HIGH SCHOOL RECREATION GRANT
The Board considered funding request for improvements to Riverheads High School’s Girls’ softball field.
Funding Source: Riverheads Recreation Account #80000-8025-36 $10,000 Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development, reported that this project had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing. The proposed project is to make improvements to the Riverheads High School’s Girls’ softball field; including some infield and outfield work; improvements to the fence, bullpen areas and hitting areas.
Ms. Sorrells stated that “this was a civics lesson in progress” and explained that two students, who were present at a meeting when another Parks and Recreation grant had been approved for the Riverheads District, asked if anything could be done for girls athletics. Ms. Sorrells suggested that they go the Athletic Director to discuss projects, which resulted to tonight’s request.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve the request.
Mr. Pyles did not approve of finding a way of “dumping infrastructure money”. “We can’t feel good for everybody. We have so many requests that come in here at budget time, whether it be for the Food Banks, or whatever else. I would feel a lot better about this if I didn’t know the background to it. If every time we make a grant, somebody else says, ‘what about me?’, we’re in big trouble. ” Ms. Sorrells advised that, 1) it is not infrastructure money; 2) sufficient money has been left in the Recreation account; and 3) that “the needs are there”.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: Pyles Motion carried.
LANDFILL TIPPING FEES
The Board considered allocation of Infrastructure funds to offset landfill costs associated with recent fire.
Funding Source: Pastures Infrastructure Account #80000-8014-77 $10,000 Mr. Coffield advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing and noted that because of the urgency of getting the farm cleaned up, the farmer had to call a contractor.
Mr. Pyles explained that he was basically paying the fee to the Augusta County Landfill to allow for the disposal of litter and turkeys which was the residue from a fire.
Normally, the farmer can take his materials there at no cost, but because of the urgency and health conditions, it had to be done quicker than what the farmer could do. “We shouldn’t profit on somebody’s misfortune.” Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
RIVERHEADS FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Board considered contribution to Riverheads Volunteer agency for the Riverheads’ Attack Truck.
Funding source: Riverheads Infrastructure Account #80000-8015-69 $2,000.00 Beverley Manor Infrastructure Account #80000-8011-52 $69,557.05 Mr. Coffield reported that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing. The Riverheads Infrastructure Account has $2,000 available.
Ms. Sorrells added that the total cost of restoration is $71,557.05. She had indicated at Monday’s meeting that she was looking for a partner. Chairman Shifflett had indicated that since Company 25 runs deep into his district, he would contribute the remainder needed. She noted that, from some discussion, that this was a handout. She argued, “We don’t give handouts to any of our agencies. We offer hand-in-partnership.
Handouts implies that someone is getting something for nothing for personal benefit.
Any of these companies that get money from us . . . We recently gave some money to Dooms for a vehicle. We gave Churchville $125,000 because of the expansion that they are planning. When we do that, that is not a handout. That is a hand-in- partnership because they are doing this not for any benefit except for the benefit of the citizens. They are putting long hours in training and putting their lives on the line and doing this to help this assistance to Augusta County. I don’t think that’s a handout.” She added that the truck was donated by Dominion Power. “Once we have an attack truck, we will be able to save the wear and tear of county vehicles that are in the station now and extend the life of those.” Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the request.
Mr. Pyles asked what the total figure was. Ms. Sorrels stated that it was $71,557.05.
Mr. Pyles said that it was “outrageous to take $69,000 out of Beverley Manor Infrastructure Account at the last moment and put it to another place. Every argument that Ms. Sorrells has made can be made for every company out there. Stuarts Draft gets their own and funds their own. The reason for people like myself have to put $125,000 into a fire station is because there was a million put by the county into a different one. This is just not right to just dump money at this last moment. It is just bad government. If the people can’t see that—if cynicism doesn’t go after this kind of spending, god help us because we don’t care anymore.” Mr. Beyeler stated that this is a County vehicle.
Mr. Howdyshell felt that this money is not spent wisely. “There are going to be other things that they are going to need. We talk about this being a partnership. We are still waiting for the Riverheads for their mutual aid agreement.” He could not support the request.
Ms. Sorrells said that the agreement was first signed and then lost by the County.
Mr. Beyeler added that this fire department was set up as an Augusta County fire department run by volunteers.
Chairman Shifflett added that he has been supportive of the fire agencies in the past year. He had worked with Mr. Coleman with Preston Yancey and Dooms.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Sorrells, Beyeler, Shifflett and Coleman Nays: Howdyshell, Garber and Pyles Motion carried.
MOUNTAIN VIEW DRIVE
The Board considered allocation of infrastructure funds for improvements to a private road for acceptance into the secondary road system (Rural Addition) (Beverley Manor District).
Funding Source: Beverley Manor Infrastructure Account #80000-8011-50 $15,000 Mr. Fitzgerald reported that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing. He noted that Mountain View Drive is behind Armstrong’s Restaurant and is not in the secondary road system. There were concerns about conditions of the road and the opportunity to look at it as far as rebuilding it and bringing it into the state system through the Rural Addition program. The Board viewed the property on Monday. The estimated cost of $15,000 is to rebuild, grade and provide drainage.
Chairman Shifflett reported that this concern started in September. He had viewed the property and talked with neighbors and recommended approval of this request.
Mr. Beyeler asked Mr. Fitzgerald if VDOT would possibly share the cost. Mr. Fitzgerald felt that a lot of the issues were because of the drainage coming from the existing state road. He felt that the County could possibly partner with VDOT to improve the drainage.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the request and to contact VDOT for assistance in the drainage issue and sharing the cost.
Mr. Coleman felt that this request was not consistent with the current County policy before putting it into the secondary system. He referred to a recent project in his district where private property owners had to provide a certain amount of money to bring the road up to state standards for acceptance into the State Secondary Road system. “For us to actually go out and do it, I am uncomfortable that we are going to set a precedent that the majority of us are not going to be around to fret with, but it is going to be something that the new board is going to have to deal with.” Ms. Sorrells stated that there was a question as to this being a private or public road.
She stated that the surrounding property was clearly county land and felt that there was an issue that was happening on a county road that is a VDOT issue. She added that David Karaffa had viewed the property with the board and supported the project. She felt that this was not a “dump” of Beverley Manor’s infrastructure money.
Mr. Pyles felt that legal review should be done before making a decision.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Garber, that the Board table this item.
Mr. Beyeler pointed out that some of these older subdivisions had streets that were not accepted. “If a subdivision came and they asked for a private road and we approved it, we would not upgrade it because that is what they asked for.” He felt that in this instance, where a subdivision was platted without the stipulation for a private road, this problem should be corrected.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Garber, Beyeler, Pyles and Coleman Nays: Shifflett and Sorrells Motion carried.
RIVERSIDE HEIGHTS – DRAINAGE
The Board considered drainage improvements in Riverside Heights Subdivision (Beverley Manor District).
Funding Source: Beverley manor Infrastructure Account #80000-8011-51 $6,000 Mr. Fitzgerald advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing. He added that this property was behind ASR. Citizens had a concern that the drainage ditch stayed wet constantly. Research showed that there was a county drainage easement with a spring that is causing the problem. It has been proposed to install a French drain system in the ditch to allow the water to exit the ditch.
Chairman Shifflett said that a citizen had approached him with this problem, but did not know that it was a county ditch. They had spoken with VDOT trying to get it taken care of it; VDOT had informed them that it was not a state-owned ditch. In viewing the property, he realized that the property is swampy because of the problem, and recommended approval.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
FLOOD CONTROL DAMS
The Board considered applications of Canada Run and Hearthstone to NRCS for Federal Assistance for planning efforts.
Mr. Coffield reported that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing.
Mr. Howdyshell moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the submittal of applications to NRCS for Federal Assistance.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
The Board considered procurement of Architectural and Engineering services.
Mr. Fitzgerald advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing. In order to ensure there is no break in the on-call services for projects approved by the Board of Supervisors, staff has proceeded through the State’s procurement process since mid to late summer to evaluate and recommend firms for the Board’s approval. The current contracts for General Engineering Services expire December 31, 2011. Staff has conducted interviews of the firms with the strongest proposals. Four categories were considered: 1) Small Projects, which included surveying, etc.; 2) Transportation and Related Studies and Services, which included Traffic Impact Analysis, Road Corridor Studies, etc.; 3) Economic Development Services, which included Geotechnical Work; Grading Plans; Environmental Permitting, Assessments; Site Plan Development, etc.; and 4) Architectural Services, which included Building Additions; Schematic Design, etc. Four firms were interviewed for Categories 1, 2, and 3. Five firms were interviewed for Category 4. After review and analysis, the recommendation of the selection committee is to offer contracts to the following three firms in each category.
Category 1 1. EGS & Associates 2. Racey Engineering 3. A Morton Thomas Category 2 1. McCormick Taylor 2. Timmons Group 3. Anderson & Associates Category 3 1. Timmons Group 2. Balzer and Associates 3. Resource International Category 4 1. Frazier and Associates 2. Lineage 3. Spectrum Design Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, that the Board accept the recommendations.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY RESOLUTION
The Board considered resolution supporting efforts to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses.
Dennis Burnett, Economic Development Director, advised that this was discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing. Ms. Sorrells read the resolution. She noted that there were almost 5,000 small businesses in Augusta County. “If every small business in the county employed one person, collectively, that would be the largest employment in the county.” Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
DESIGNATING NOVEMBER 26, 2011, AS ‘SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY’ AND SUPPORTING
EFFORTS TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE VALUE OF LOCALLY OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES
WHEREAS, small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all businesses having employees in the United States; and WHEREAS, small businesses employ one-half of the employees in the private sector in the United States; and WHEREAS, small businesses pay 44 percent of the total payroll of the employees in the private sector in the United States; and WHEREAS, small businesses generated 65 percent of net new jobs during the last 17 years; and WHEREAS, for every $100 spent with locally owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through local taxes, payroll, and other expenditures; and WHEREAS, small businesses play a vital role in the economic success of Augusta County; and WHEREAS, Augusta County is most fortunate to have 4844 licensed small businesses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors– (1) designates November 26, 2011, as `Small Business Saturday'; and (2) supports efforts– (A) to encourage consumers to shop locally; and (B) to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses and the impact of locally owned small businesses on the economy of not only Augusta County but also the entire United States.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
CHURCHVILLE DRAINAGE
The Board considered scope of work to conduct Churchville Drainage study.
Funding Source: Pastures Infrastructure Account #80000-8014-78 $15,960 Mr. Coffield advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
SAW CONSORTIUM – RESOLUTION
The Board considered resolution requesting General Assembly approval for Consortium to operate a self-funded health plan.
Mr. Coffield advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing.
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro Health Consortium (SAW) has successfully provided joint procurement of health insurance and health care services for Augusta County, the Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro; and the School Divisions of each locality (SAW Members) since 1997; and WHEREAS, the SAW Consortium provides health insurance and health care services for over 6,300 employees, retirees and dependents of the SAW Members; and WHEREAS, changes in the local and national marketplace for health insurance and health care services have created additional costs and barriers to providing these services to employees, retirees and dependents of SAW; and WHEREAS, current laws or regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia prevent the SAW from accessing or fully utilizing the full range of products and services available in the open market to procure health insurance and health care services; and WHEREAS, the SAW Consortium seeks to operate as a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 as implemented by the United States Department of Labor; and WHEREAS, operation of a self-funded health plan will permit SAW to lower the cost of plan administration, manage claims experience and surplus reserves for claims to lower plan costs and more flexibly manage pharmacy and prescription costs to lower plan overhead; and WHEREAS, these actions will permit SAW to preserve a high quality of health insurance and services to the over 6,300 people covered under the SAW plan and more effectively use precious tax-payer and plan member dollars for this important purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, the SAW Members individually and jointly request that the General Assembly through affirmative and reasonable legislative action grant access to SAW to operate a self-funded health plan exempt from state taxation and not otherwise subject to the provisions of Title 38.2, including regulation as a multiple employer welfare arrangement.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
FARM LEASES 2012
The Board considered draft “Notice of Solicitation of Offers” to lease Berry Farm and/or Mill Place.
Mr. Fitzgerald advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing. He mentioned that they would like to put these out to bid after the first of the year. An updated version of the leases were placed at the Board members’ seats. He noted that there are two different leases that will be advertised at the same time (February 2012).
He met with Mr. Howdyshell, Mr. Beyeler, Mr. Burnett and Mr. Sites after Staff Briefing and made the revisions shown in red. Major changes were:
1. Term is now from January 1 to December 31. They felt that an annual lease was more appropriate.
2. Mill Place lease language added – Specifically, Economic Development, Sale of Premises and Adjustment to Property to be Leased.
Mr. Garber stated that because of the struggles that the Property Committee has had in the past year and the tie-in to economic development, he supported the recommendations.
Mr. Garber moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board accept the leases, but that the RFP needs to refer to the contact as Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved the following minutes:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD
The Board discussed the following issues:
Mr. Garber: Photographs of jets were displayed representing approximately $75 million worth of aircraft representing three countries. “The people that fly in these plans come to do business here in the Valley.” Ms. Sorrells:
1. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REAPPOINTMENT
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board reappoint Sally M.
Williams to another four-year term, effective January 1, 2012, to expire December 31, 2015.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * 2. GREENVILLE SEWER: Next step is to assure that DEQ and VRA are satisfied to pay loan over the next 20 years. In September, when approved, Mr. Beyeler indicated that he would contribute $78,000 if needed.
Ms. Sorrells moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the allocation of $78,000 from the South River Infrastructure Account for sewer funding if needed.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
* * *
PARKS AND RECREATION REAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board reappoint Douglas E.
Layman to another four year term, effective January 1, 2012, to expire December 31, 2015.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF – NONE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, the Board adjourned subject to call of the Chairman.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
Chairman County Administrator H:11-22min.11
