Staff Briefing Meeting – May 24, 2010

Staff Briefing Meeting, Monday, May 24, 2010, 1:30 p.m. Government Center, Verona, VA.

PRESENT: Gerald W. Garber, Chairman
Jeremy L. Shifflett, Vice-Chairman
David R. Beyeler
Wendell L. Coleman
Larry C. Howdyshell
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

VIRGINIA: At an adjourned meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors held on Monday, May 24, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., at the Government Center, Verona, Virginia, and in the 234th year of the Commonwealth….

ROADS

1. The Board discussed the VDOT status report of April 26, 2010, staff briefing meeting.

The Board accepted report as information.

2. The Board discussed the VDOT Revenue Sharing FY2010-2011.

The Board authorized placing on the May 26, 2010 regular agenda for consideration.

INDOOR PLUMBING PROGRAM

The Board discussed retaining Waynesboro Development and Housing Authority as the County’s Indoor Plumbing/Rehabilitation Loan Program Administrator.

The Board authorized placing on the May 26, 2010, consent agenda for consideration.

AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR – PRESENTATION

The Board received a presentation to receive the Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) purchased by the Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad (SARS) for use by the Augusta County Sheriff’s Department.

The Board accepted presentation as information

STAGGERED TERMS

The Board discussed issues relating to redistricting and staggered terms.

Mr. Pyles: Staggered . . . timely public input.

Mr. Shifflett: Worth looking at.

Mr. Howdyshell: Worth looking at “slowly”.

Chm. Garber: Worth looking at. Prefers Option 2 with candidates knowing what seats (2 or 4 years) they are running for.

Ms. Sorrells: Worth looking at – concerned with single issue candidates.

Mr. Beyeler: 4-year term better stability.

Mr. Coleman: Business stability; community issues vs. election issues; cost of elections; learning curve for newly elected officials; institutional memory; legal/administrative history; undecided as to preference.

It was the consensus of the Board to hold this item for 30 days (June 21st Staff Briefing).

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD

Board discussed the following:

Mr. Coleman:

1. Wilson Athletic Boosters – Asked that the Board consider allocations from the Wayne Infrastructure Account to offset Booster Club fundraising shortfall to complete the project.

The Board authorized placing on the May 26, 2010, regular agenda for consideration.

2. Recreation Matching Grants Guidelines – indicated that Parks and Recreation Commission is reviewing.

Mr. Howdyshell: Memorial Day – Natural Chimneys 100% booked for Memorial Day weekend.

Chm. Garber: Airport attendance up.

Ms. Sorrells: Greenville Sewer status (scope of work possibly Wednesday).

Mr. Pyles: Deerfield Community Center septic system under review by Health Department.

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF

Staff discussed the following:

1. Mill Creek Dam – the riser structure for the principal spillway (the pipe through the dam) is in need of replacement. This item was not considered in any of the earlier cost estimates for rehabilitation. Cost: Federal (65%) $1,828,986.04; Local (35%) $984,838.63. Working with State and Waynesboro to assist with local match.

2. Fire and Rescue – Assistance to Firefighters Grant – requesting funding for mobiles and portables for career and volunteers totaling $736,659. A requirement of the grant states that the jurisdiction is responsible for 20% of the cost of the grant if approved.

3. SPCA Increase – $110 to $125.50 as of July 1st. The County Code allows for us to recover increase from animal owners.

CLOSED SESSION

On motion of Mr. Shifflett, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, 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 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) Industrial Prospect On motion of Mr. Howdyshell, seconded by Mr. Shifflett, the Board came out of closed Session.

Vote was as follows: Yeas: Howdyshell, Sorrells, Garber, Beyeler, Shifflett, Pyles and Coleman 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: Coleman, Garber, Sorrells, Howdyshell, Shifflett, Pyles and Beyeler NAY: None The Chairman authorized the County Administrator/Clerk of the Board to record this certification in the minutes.

On motion of Mr. Shifflett, seconded by Mr. Howdyshell, the Board went into closed session pursuant to:

(1) 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) SPCA

On motion of Mr. Pyles, seconded by Ms. Sorrells, the Board came out of closed Session.