AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HELD ON THE 1st DAY OF FEBRUARY, TWO THOUSAND AND TEN AT TWO O'CLOCK P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE IN WASHINGTON, VIRGINIA

Present	Present	Absent
Roger A Welch, Chairman S. Bryant Lee, V-Chairman Ronald L. Frazier I. Christopher Parrish Michael J. Biniek	John McCarthy, Co. Adm. Peter H. Luke, Co. Attorney Diane Bruce, Clerk	None

Chairman Welch called the meeting to order. All members were present.

MINUTES: On motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Biniek, the minutes of the January 4, 2010 meeting were unanimously approved. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Welch, Lee, Frazier, Parrish, Biniek. NAY: None. ABSENT: None.

AGENDA: On motion of Mr. Frazier, seconded by Mr. Lee, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the Final Agenda. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Welch, Lee, Frazier, Parrish, Biniek. NAY: None. ABSENT: None.

DIANE BRUCE, CLERK, RETIREMENT RESOLUTION:

On motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Parrish, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution of recognition upon the retirement of Diane Bruce, Clerk to the Board. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Welch, Lee, Frazier, Parrish, Biniek. NAY: None. ABSENT: None. (See Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.)

SCHOOLS: Dr. Robert Chappell, Superintendent of Schools, made the following report:

(1) Quiz Bowl team will host the Bull Run District champions on February 6.

(2) Challenge Index: RCHS ranked first of the seven high schools listed in the local area; 44th of 72 in Northern Virginia and 89th of 171 in the DC Metro area.

FIRE LEVY BILLS: The bills as set forth in Exhibit B, attached hereto and made a part of these minutes, were presented for review and were added to the Accounts Payables to be considered for payment at the end of this meeting. Supporting documents as to each department are filed with the papers of the meeting.

Mr. Burke explained that fund raising and county funding are not sufficient to cover fire and rescue department bills. An analysis from FY05 through FY09, filed with the papers of the meeting, show that spending exceeded revenues by $120,994.88.

In response to an inquiry by Mr. Lee, both Mr. Burke and Ms. Spieker reported that the departments seem to be holding their own and gaining as to recruitment.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Bob Lander, on behalf of the Scrabble School Preservation Foundation, announced the opening of the Rappahannock African-American Heritage Center at the Scrabble School/Senior Center site will be held on February 6. The snow day is May 6.

John Kiser, Stonewall District, suggested again that the county should retain John Anderson to analyze county and school budgets for possible savings.

Don Loock, on behalf of Piedmont Environmental Council, alerted the Board to HB582 which would exempt certain commercial activities from local zoning regulations, SB442 which would allow the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules to suspend a rule or regulation with the concurrence of the Governor whether or not the rule or regulation has become effective and HB 777 which requires a locality that has adopted land use value assessment and taxation on three classifications to adopt land use value assessment and taxation on all four classifications of land. Delegate Gilbert will introduce an amendment. Mr. McCarthy explained that this proposal is a mandate with fiscal consequences.

OLD BUSINESS:

Arts, Cultural, Tourism Zones, Tax Increment Financing: The Board discussed the general concept of tax incentives for rehabilitation in redevelopment, conservation and rehabilitation districts. Creating these zones, which are limited to commercial zones and multi-family housing units, would allow the locality the ability to create districts where property owners would receive tax incentives to invest money in areas not otherwise desirable. Currently, the General Assembly is considering three bills that would change statutory time periods. By general consensus, the Board agreed to defer further consideration until all legislation currently being considered by the General Assembly is in place.

Governor's Budget Reduction Proposals for FY11:

Constitutional Offices: The net effect of proposed reductions to Constitutional Offices, in the amount of approximately $150,000, is to reduce four to six positions.

Hughes and Jordan Rivers Scenic Designations: Passed the House. Madison County took no position.

HB504, Speed Limits: Allows Rappahannock County to be on the list of jurisdictions that can reduce speed limits on gravel roads to 35 mph. If not posted, the speed limit is 55 mph.

HB777, Land Use Taxation: Requires a locality that has adopted land use value assessment and taxation on three classifications to adopt land use value assessment and taxation on all four classifications of land.

Use Value and Conservation Set Aside Program Conflicts: The Board discussed these conflicts and the fiscal consequences of the proposed mandates. There are numerous opponents to the proposed legislation. No action was taken at this time.

Twice Annual Tax Collections: Mr. Parrish explained that while campaigning, many residents complained that the December 5 due date for the annual property tax bills comes at a bad time of year. He suggested that billing for taxes twice a year might alleviate the problem for some taxpayers.

On motion of Mr. Parrish, seconded by Mr. Frazier, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the Commissioner of Revenue to include a non-binding survey of public opinions when the Personal Property Declarations are mailed. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Welch, Lee, Frazier, Parrish, Biniek. NAY: None. ABSENT: None.

Tourism: The Tourism Partners have submitted an Advisory Memo setting forth recommendations regarding a county Visitor's Center. (filed with papers of meeting). Based on their recommendations, Mr. McCarthy suggested that a Tourism Advisory Group (TAG) be appointed to replace the Tourism Partners and to advise the Board on future efforts. He emphasized that the county cannot fund any new salary or office costs although improvements to the Avondale house could be made from the building and grounds budget if "work force" (trustees/prisoners) are used. The Tourism Partners have offered assurances that funding for staffing and operations will be raised from the private sector.

Mr. McCarthy explained that the only direct income from tourism is from meals and lodging taxes and whatever sales taxes are generated.

By general consensus, the Board authorized Mr. McCarthy to advertise for volunteers to serve on a Tourism Advisory Group and to carry this matter over until the March meeting for appointments to that group.

NEW BUSINESS:

Writ of Election--Vacancy in Circuit Court Clerk's Office: Mr. Luke explained that the Board must approve a resolution to issue a Writ of Election to conduct a special election at the November 2010 general election to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Diane Bruce, Circuit Court Clerk.

On motion of Mr. Parrish, seconded by Mr. Biniek, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Luke to file the Writ of Election. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Welch, Lee, Frazier, Parrish, Biniek. NAY: None. ABSENT: None.

Polling Place, Stonewall-Hawthorne District: Mr. Parrish advised the Board that the polling place is currently located in the Mt. Salem Church on Route 522; however, the church is building a new facility in Culpeper County. He added that during his campaign, many people in his district complained that the current location is inconvenient. Mr. Parrish suggested that the county begin the steps needed to move the polling place from the Mt. Salem Church to the Castleton Fire Hall.

On motion of Mr. Parrish, seconded by Mr. Frazier, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Luke to start the process of changing the polling place as described hereinabove. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Welch, Lee, Frazier, Parrish, Biniek. NAY: None. ABSENT: None.

Board Budgetary Policy Issues: At the request of Mr. Frazier, the Board discussed numerous policy issues that could be considered and/or implemented prior to and during the upcoming and future budget deliberations.

Mr. Frazier believes that the school budget growth should not exceed the rate of inflation; that there should be a reduction in force at the schools because school personnel continues to increase as enrollment declines; that school transportation and cafeteria costs should be reviewed; that the school budget and fire levy fund are considered "entitlement funds" by the recipients; that a CIP and contingency plan should be approved and that the county should take over the maintenance of all county facilities. He emphasized, however, that he does not ask to cut classroom costs.

Mr. McCarthy commented on the fiscal impact of a regional jail, if approved, and added that he will request LME (Local Maintenance Effort) figures from the state. He explained that Planning Commission should be the lead on a CIP but the Planning Commission has not heretofore considered any fiscal issues.

By general consensus, the Board asked Mr. McCarthy to bring LME figures to the March meeting.

Civil War Trails Site Development, Contract Award: Samuel James Construction bid for $15,560 was the low bid for Civil War Trails site development at Newby's Crossroads and the old Washington Mill. A private donor will contribute the $8460 cost of developing the Newby's Crossroads site. The local share of the total cost will be $7100. The private donation will be deposited in the county general fund.

On motion of Mr. Parrish, seconded by Mr. Lee, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Samuel James bid and contract for $15,560 for site development of the two Civil War Trails sites conditioned upon receipt of the private donation of $8460. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Welch, Lee, Frazier, Parrish, Biniek. NAY: None. ABSENT: None.

APPOINTMENTS:

BZA Appointment to Planning Commission: On motion of Mr. Parrish, seconded by Mr. Biniek, the Board voted unanimously to ratify the appointment of BZA member William Anderson to the Planning Commission. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Welch, Lee, Frazier, Parrish, Biniek. NAY: None. ABSENT: None.

CORRESPONDENCE: (letter with papers of meeting)

Invitation to Local Leaders Appreciation Luncheon with Congressman Eric Cantor on February 17, 2010.

INFORMATION:

Building Office Report: Total construction from December 22, 2009 to January 21, 2010 was $673,631.74. Year to date totals: (See papers of meeting for more detail.)

Year to date totals:	2009	2010
New Home Construction	1	1
Commercial Buildings	0	0

Building Office 2010 Annual Report (with inclusion of 2007 figures):

	2007	2008	2009	2007	2008	2009
New Homes	44	34	21	$14,558,371	$13,982,000	4,797,910
Addition/Remodel/Renovation	62	56	42	$ 6,380,287	$ 5,531,677	2,683,600
Storage Building/Garage	39	41	23	$ 1,570,876	$ 688,998	550,000
Commercial Bldg/Remodel	9	3	4	$ 550,500	$ 653,000	185,000
Misc. Per.List Bel.				$ 1,514,710	$ 547,216	674,298
Town of Washington Sewer			1			2,450,000
Miscellaneous						714,000
Total All Fees				24,575,744	21,614,988	12,054,808

ACCOUNTS:

On motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Parrish, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Accounts Payables dated February 1 , 2010. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Welch, Lee, Frazier, Parrish, Biniek. NAY: None. ABSENT: None.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:20 o'clock p.m.

_________________________________________

Roger A. Welch, Chairman