Regular Meeting – October 26, 2011
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, October 26, 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
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator
John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator
Rita R. Austin, Executive Secretary, CMC
VIRGINIA: At a regular meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Wednesday, October 26, 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.
The following students of Stuarts Draft High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance:
Caleb Liptrap, a senior, is Vice President of the Stuarts Draft FFA and plans on attending Blue Ridge Community College and then transfer to Virginia Tech.
Nicole Steege, a senior, is Reporter of the Stuarts Draft FFA and plans to major in Physics and Theater and go medical school and become an Emergency Medicine Doctor.
Cole Ramsey, a senior, is President of the Stuarts Draft FFA and plans to major in Agriculture at Virginia Tech.
Alex Steege, a sophomore, is Treasurer of the Stuarts Draft FFA and hopes to be an RN.
Kate Ramsey, a sophomore, is Sentinel of the Stuarts Draft FFA; plays softball and hopes to go into the medical field.
Larry C. Howdyshell, North River District, delivered invocation.
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC
Tina Shifflett, of Jefferson Highway, reported a traffic hazard at the intersection of Desper Hollow Road because of a No U-turn sign that has been installed. She also requested that a curbcut be made and a turnlane constructed so she could access her driveway.
Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator, mentioned that the Board has a joint meeting with legislators and VDOT Residency Engineer known as the VDOT Road Public Hearing where the question of the curbcut and turnlane could be considered. He asked that a sign-up sheet be filled out so that it can be placed in the Six-Year Plan file so that she can be notified when that hearing occurs. He explained that the Board, collectively, with legislators, meet to prioritize projects with the amount of money available. He emphasized that the project would have to be placed on the Six-year Plan, with allocated funding, before proceeding.
Mr. Beyeler, because of it being a safety issue with the U-turn sign, suggested that it be reviewed immediately. Chairman Shifflett stated that he would contact VDOT to discuss the problem and then update Ms. Shifflett.
Susan Randall, on behalf of the Staunton-Augusta Farmers’ Market, expressed their appreciation of the Board of Supervisors’ support. She noted that their decision to move their Wednesday market to Staunton was based on a business decision. They had experienced this year a decrease in sales and lack of vendor and customer participation.
THE WHITE HILL VOTING PRECINCT
The Board considered addition to Legislative Priorities relating to divided precinct. This item was tabled at the October 12th Board of Supervisors regular meeting to October 26, 2011.
Timmy Fitzgerald, Director of Community Development, advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing. The Board had received a letter from the Board of Elections requesting this item be placed on the Legislative Priorities for consideration of making the White Hill Voting Precinct in one district, rather than two. Options to be considered were distributed to the Board on Monday.
Mr. Howdyshell moved, seconded by Mr. Coleman, that the Board remove this item from the table.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve adding this to the County’s Legislative Priorities.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
CHURCHVILLE FIRE AND RESCUE
The Board considered donation in the amount of $125,000 to assist with land purchase.
This was tabled at the October 12th Board of Supervisors regular meeting to October 26, 2011.
Mr. Pyles moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board remove this item from the table.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
* * * Mr. Coffield reported that this had been tabled at the Board’s October 12th meeting so that the Board would be able to view the property before making a decision.
Lt. Craig Williams answered questions that had been raised between the last meeting and the viewing of the property.
1. Expansion/purchase Vote – Unanimous vote by the Department. Minutes were available for the Board.
2. Flood plain research – “No other effective place.” Blackwell Engineering ensured that it was not going to be a problem.
3. Location – Best place to continue answering fire and ambulance calls. “It proves that our station is centrally located within our call volume geographical area.” 4. Contingency Agreement – Special Use Permit will be required to allow for setback; will need to rezone entire property to General Business with a Public Use Overlay.
Mr. Beyeler had hoped that another location could be made that was not in the flood plain, but realized that this was the best location.
Mr. Pyles stated that the facility has been in the same location for 50 years with no flooding problems. He added that Churchville Fire and Rescue has $3 million in equipment and building, which is an “investment that this community has already made on behalf of their fellow citizens”. He noted that the Department responds to 800 to 900 calls a year.
The Supervisors commended Lt. Williams for his thorough presentation.
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.
PROJECT GROWS
The Board considered regional proposal for the use of Berry Farm for community garden.
Mr. Coffield advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing.
Mr. Beyeler suggested that the agreement be structured with an initial 5-year term with two five-year options (15 years total).
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board authorize the County Attorney to draft appropriate lease agreement.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
FARMERS’ MARKET
The Board considered agreement regarding North Augusta Farmers’ Market.
John C. McGehee, Assistant County Administrator, reported that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing. Cindy Kiser, representative for the North Augusta Farmers’ Market, L.L.C., had requested to use the Government Center for a Wednesday afternoon market starting in 2012. He noted that the documents mirror the prior Staunton-Augusta Farmers’ Market documents which had been approved and reviewed by the County Attorney. He had spoken with the Commissioner of Revenue and learned that it would be no problem in getting an umbrella business license.
Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the agreement.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
MT. SOLON RECYCLING CENTER
The Board considered proposal to expand center by building retaining wall and backfilling fill area.
Funding Sources:
Solid Waste Centers Account #80000-8030 $ 7,500 North River Infrastructure Account #80000-8013-34 7,500 $15,000 Mr. Coffield advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing.
Mr. Howdyshell added that this would help move the traffic on the congested days and better serve the public by separating trash from recycling traffic. Also, noted that, with proposed improvements, the recycling area will be expanded.
Mr. Howdyshell moved, seconded by Mr. Beyeler, that the Board approve the request.
Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman Nays: None Motion carried.
GREENVILLE BULK WATER PROJECT
The Board considered supplemental funding for Bulk Water facility.
Funding source: Riverheads Infrastructure Account #80000-8015-54 $1,870.42 Mr. Coffield advised that this had been discussed at Monday’s Staff Briefing. A request had been made to proceed with SCADA (electronic monitoring system).
Ms. Sorrells added that this is a good service where there is no access to public water or the ability to have wells. “If we get a winter like we had two years ago, with all the snow, it will be used a lot for some of the rural private subdivisions like Stony Creek where VDOT does not provide snow removal.” Ms. Sorrells 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.
WAIVERS/VARIANCES – NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Coleman moved, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, that the Board approve the consent agenda as follows:
MINUTES
Approved the following minutes:
• Regular Meeting, Wednesday, October 12, 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. Howdyshell: “Beautiful days – Hope everybody is prepared for the winter.” Ms. Sorrells: Ag Festival – “A great success at Hermitage Hill!” “A great showcase of the variety of things that we call Agriculture in this County.” Chairman Shifflett: Ag Festival – Over 650 attendants – “First Annual Agri-Tourism Festival. I believe there will be a second one. Nice event for families.”
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF
Staff discussed the following issues:
1. NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program – update distributed to Board.
Ms. Sorrells asked that a press release be prepared and placed on the web.
2. Social Services – Caseloads/program demands impact statistics (2007-2011) distributed to Board.
3. Shelter – data distributed to Board. A total of 117 animals have been adopted or transferred to other agencies for adoption/rescue. Noted specifics: Cat’s Cradle:
42; Augusta Regional SPCA: 17; Charlottesville SPCA: 2; Augusta Dog: 20; Other Rescues: 11; Direct Adoptions: 25.
4. Fire-Rescue Mutual Aid Agreements with Volunteer agencies status report was updated and distributed to Board.
5. Fire and Rescue Equipment Expenditures – Staff conducted a mechanical review of major equipment, i.e., engine(s), aerial and Squad Truck. VDOT’s Heavy Equipment Maintenance Supervisor assistance was solicited. From this review, the aerial . . . a 16-year-old piece of equipment was identified as needing major mechanical repairs. Staff consulted with Board’s Emergency Services Committee and is proceeding with repairs.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Board, Mr. Beyeler moved, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, 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:10-26min.11
