AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HELD ON THE 4th DAY OF APRIL, TWO THOUSAND AND FIVE AT TWO O'CLOCK P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE IN WASHINGTON, VIRGINIA

 

               Present

             Present

                Absent

Charles K Estes, Chairman

Robert P Anderson, V-Chm

Roger A Welch

S. Bryant Lee

Ronald L. Frazier

John McCarthy, Co Adm.

Peter H. Luke, Co Attorney Diane Bruce, Clerk

                   None

 

           

Chairman Estes called the meeting to order.   Prior to conducting the business set forth on the agenda, the Chairman distributed a copy of the 1932 Rappahannock County road map showing state and county roads.  The map also shows many of the churches, schools, post offices, stores and names of crossroads.  (Copy with papers of meeting.)

 

MINUTES:     On motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the minutes of the

March 7, 2005 meeting were unanimously approved as published. The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Estes, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Frazier.   NAY:  None.  

 

AGENDA:     On motion of Mr. Welch, seconded by Mr. Frazier, the revised agenda was unanimously adopted.  The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Estes, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Frazier.   NAY:  None. 

 

DISABILITY FRIENDLY BUSINESS & VIRGINIA BUSINESS LEADERSHIP NETWORK AWARD:    Sunnyside Farms has been recognized as the recipient of the VABLN Disability Friendly Business Recognition Seal.  This seal identifies Sunnyside Farms as a role model for business excellence in meeting the needs of employees and customers with disabilities in terms of accommodation and accessibility in the workplace. (Documents with papers of meeting.)

 

SCHOOLS:  Dr. Robert Chappell, School Superintendent, distributed the April 2005 school newsletter and calendar. (Copies with papers of meeting.) 

            FY06 Budget Package:  The proposed FY06 School Board Budget was distributed to the Board, which in turn scheduled the public hearing for April 25, 2005 at 7:00 o'clock p.m. at the RCHS.

Construction Project: Only one bid was received.  The amount of that bid was $5,102,144.  The architect's estimate of cost was $3,986,000.  The remaining amount of the bond is $3.75 million.  Construction prices have increased dramatically because of construction in China and India and hurricane damage last fall in Florida.   The School Board will give consideration to going forth without the gym.  Mr. McCarthy suggested that the classroom addition at RCES and the new track at RCHS be deleted and that the track be bid out separately.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:        

            Monira Rifaat voiced concern that only one bid was received for the schools construction project.

            Chester Gap VFR Company:  Kevin Williams, Chief, advised the Board that he will resign effective May 1.  He explained that there is considerable discontent in the Chester Gap community and within the Company itself.  Ten members have resigned in the last 10 years.  There is little community support.  The Department has deteriorated considerably.  He asked the Board to investigate and get involved in resolving the problems. 

            Sandra Richardson, Piedmont Avenue, Washington expressed concern about the number of new houses being built in her neighborhood.

OLD BUSINESS:

            Rappahannock-Rapidan Reserve Medical Corps Training:  A meeting will be held at the Washington Fire Hall on Tuesday, April 26.  The RMC establishes local teams of volunteers to strengthen the public health infrastructure and improve emergency preparedness and response. (Letter with papers of meeting.)

 

NEW BUSINESS:

            Reassessment Bid Award:  Bid proposals were sent out to seven firms with a due date of March 14.  The following compliant bids were received. 

                        Blue Ridge @ $14.50 per parcel (total bid price  $91,350.)

                        Pearson Appraisal Service @ $24.00 per parcel 

            On motion of Mr. Frazier, seconded by Mr. Welch, the Board voted unanimously to accept the bid from Blue Ridge in a total amount not to exceed $91,350.  The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Estes, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Frazier.   NAY:  None.  

John Jackson Historical Marker:  VDOT has approved a marker sign at a site near the Darby property at Woodville honoring John Jackson, a musician, now deceased, who was born and grew up in Rappahannock County.  No action was needed.  The Board agreed to the sign and site by general consensus.  (See Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.) 

            Landfill Hours:  Eight hours have been added at the landfill.  The new hours of operation will be Monday – Saturday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.  The Board agreed by general consensus.

            Farmland Protection Program Application:    The inaugural application has been received from the James F. Massie family for purchase of a conservation easement on their historic farm known as Meadow Grove Farm.  This matter will be continued for one month for further review. 

            Request for Building Permit Fee Waiver:  The Catholic Diocese of Arlington, which sponsors Work Camp 2005, has requested a waiver of tipping and permit fees associated with its work to repair or improve 50 to 60 residences in the counties of Madison, Culpeper, Orange and Rappahannock. On motion of Mr. Welch, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the Board voted unanimously to waive the required permit and tipping fees as requested.  The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Estes, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Frazier.   NAY:  None.  

 

APPOINTMENTS: 

Planning Commission:  On motion of Mr. Welch, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the Board voted unanimously to reappoint Charles Strittmatter to the Planning Commission for a term commencing May 1, 2005 and terminating May 1, 2009.  The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Estes, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Frazier.   NAY:  None.  

 

CORRESPONDENCE:      None.

             

INFORMATION:  (See papers of meeting.)

            School Budget Public Hearing:  RCHS Auditorium at 7 PM on April 25.

            ISNP Prescribed Burns:  Planned burns will take place on a prepared schedule.  See letter with papers of meeting.

SNP Skyline Drive Rehab:  The SNP is proposing to rehabilitate the entire length of the Skyline Drive and 49 of its 69 historic overlooks.  Comments must be received by April 8, 2005.  (See letter with papers of meeting.)

 

            Building Office Report:  Total construction from February 22, 2005 to March 21, 2005 was $1,793,700.00.  Year to date totals:  (See papers of meeting for more detail.)                     

Year to date totals:

               2004

               2005

New Home Construction

                 10

                  12

Commercial Buildings

                   3

                    2

           

ACCOUNTS: On motion of Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Welch, the Board voted unanimously of the members present to approve the Accounts Payables dated April 7, 2005.  The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Estes, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Frazier.   NAY:  None.  

There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 3:15 oÕclock p.m. until April 25, 2005 at 7:00 o'clock P.M. at the Rappahannock County High School.

 

 

 

_________________________________________

                                                                                    Charles K. Estes, Chairman