AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HELD ON THE 7th DAY OF APRIL, TWO THOUSAND AND EIGHT AT TWO O'CLOCK P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE IN WASHINGTON, VIRGINIA

               Present

             Present

                Absent

Robert P Anderson, Chairman Ronald L Frazier, V-Chairman

S. Bryant Lee      

Roger A Welch

Edward D. Wayland

John McCarthy, Co. Adm.

Peter H. Luke, Co. Attorney

Diane Bruce, Clerk

                  None

 

 

Chairman Anderson called the meeting to order. 

 

MINUTES:    On motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Wayland, the draft minutes of the March 3, 2008 meeting were unanimously approved a submitted. The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Anderson, Lee, Welch, Wayland, Frazier.  NAY:  None. 

 

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

 

SCHOOLS:    Dr. Robert Chappell, Superintendent of Schools, distributed the RCPS Newsletter and a "Questions and Answers" fact sheet regarding the proposed FY09 budget. (See handouts filed with papers of meeting.)  He called attention to articles in the newsletter regarding the FY09 budget requests, ways to increase state revenue to RCPS, new tuition rates that are expected to increase revenues and to the many activities in which students are involved.

            The Board members and Dr. Chappell engaged in discussions of a variety of issues including (1) how the proposed reduction of tuition for non-resident students is expected to increase total revenues due to an expected increase in ADM; (2) bidding procedures for health insurance coverage and how insurance benefits compare with other school divisions; (3) comparison of costs per student with Bland County and other counties with lower Composite Index formulas; (4) replacement formula for buses; (5) reduction in staffing and (6) the MGT Efficiency Review.   Mr. Frazier summed up the discussion by noting that the reduction in state revenues overshadows the reduction in the proposed budget. 

 

VDOT REPORT: 

            David Cubbage, Residence Engineer, reported as follows:

(1)  This week is "Work Zone Safety Week." 

(2)  Paving Schedule is underway on Rts 211 (near Sperryville), 729 and 622.

            (3)  Six-Year Plan:  The proposed plan and budget, considered at public hearing in March, contains 9 projects.  The estimated allocations represent a 44% decrease in funding.   On motion of Mr. Welch, seconded by Mr. Frazier, the Board voted unanimously to approve the "Resolution to Adopt the 2008-2009 Thru 2013-2014 Rappahannock County Secondary Six-Year Plan and the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year Budget.  The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Anderson, Lee, Welch, Wayland, Frazier.  NAY:  None.  (See Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.) 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:   

            Walter Rowe asked the Board to support the Virginia Broadband proposal (to be presented later at this meeting.)

            Amy Hitt asked the Board to adopt the proposed school board budget as submitted.

            Tom Junk, Piedmont District, stated that the cost per student is $12,000 per year compared to a cost of $10,000 per student in Bland County.  He asked that the Board look at the food service and fuel categories and other categories that remain the same every year.  He also asked that the Board not support an increase in the School Budget this year. 

            Paul Farmer, Piedmont, asked that the unpaved section of Route 622 not be paved.

            Robert Chappell, Superintendent of Schools, asked Amy Hitt to give him the names of the 20 students whom she claimed are non-residents but pay no tuition.             

            There being no other comments, the public comment session was closed.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

            Stuart Field:  By general consensus, the Board agreed to hold a public hearing to receive input regarding the proposed deed transfer of Stuart Field from the Ruritan Club to the county and the subsequent lease agreement with the Rappahannock Athletic Association for future use of the field.    

            Broadband Service:  Allen Taliaferro and Warren Manual, representing Virginia Broadband, gave a slide show presentation and requested the county to underwrite an Industrial Development Authority (IDA) bond to finance the project.   The VBB is asking for a five-year industrial note that would be set up on a "draw" system as each site is set up and put on the air.  Customer pricing is expected to be $299 for installation costs plus monthly fees of $49.50 to $89.50, depending on speed.  At least six (6) transmission poles will be installed.  The representatives stated that Virginia Broadband service will be three or four times faster than E-Office (another internet service currently being used by some residents) and will use both line-of-site and non line-of-site if necessary.  

            Mr. McCarthy explained that in as much as the county does not have an IDA,  Fauquier County is willing to consider permitting Rappahannock County to use its IDA to issue the bond.  He also explained that if an IDA bond is issued, the county is responsible for the debt if Virginia Broadband fails. 

            By general consensus, the Board authorized Mr. McCarthy to work out the details with Fauquier County and  report  back to the Board as to costs and a time line.

            Courthouse Maintenance, Security and Law Library Fees Ordinances:  Changes in the Virginia Code require updating these county ordinances.  On motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Welch, the Board voted unanimously to authorize advertising amendments for public hearings.  The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Anderson, Lee, Welch, Wayland, Frazier.  NAY:  None.

Solar Energy Equipment Tax Exemption:  On motion of Mr. Frazier, seconded by Mr. Welch, the Board voted unanimously to authorize advertising this proposed exemption for a public hearing.  The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Anderson, Lee, Welch, Wayland, Frazier.  NAY:  None.

Clean Streams Day:  Scheduled on April 12.  (See papers of meeting.)

Landfill Penalty:  Mr. McCarthy reported that the civil penalty imposed by DEQ and discussed at last month's meeting, has been reduced from $12,500 to $4800.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

            Sperryville Fall 5-K Fundraiser:  Melissa Harris explained a proposal to hold a 5-K foot race in Sperryville in October to benefit Rappahannock youth in memory of Lucy Grace who was taken by SIDS in 2007.  Proceeds will benefit the RCSSA, SIDS Foundation and the Rappahannock Park and Recreation Program.  VDOT requires the concurrence of local government.  The Board agreed to the proposal by general consensus. 

            Aileen Property Financing/M.K. Puskar:  The existing deed of trust has requirements relating to the value of improvements to be made on the property in order that Puskar can maintain its 4% interest rate.  To date, Puskar has not met the requirements and is in non-compliance.  (See papers of meeting.)  By general consensus, the Board agreed that interest would continue at 4% if Puskar can properly document a total of $400,000 in improvements to the property, as measured by building permits, by March of  2010.  Failure to comply would result in the increase of the note's interest to 8% at that time. 

            Hazel River--Scenic River Status:     Petitions from some, but not all riparian owners, have been received asking the Board to request the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for an evaluation of the Hughes River for State Scenic River designation.  A request by the Board does not commit the county to take a position on the issue.  On motion of Mr. Wayland, seconded by Mr. Lee, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the County Administrator to submit the request to DCR.  The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:   Anderson, Lee, Welch, Wayland, Frazier.  NAY:  None.  (See copy of letters and petitions with papers of meeting.)

 

APPOINTMENTS:      None.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:   (See papers of meeting.)

Commonwealth Transportation Board:  Letter from John J. "Butch" Davies III regarding the revised transportation revenue forecast-hearing notice.

NWVHSA Certificate of Public Need Information:  Letter requesting financial support from the county.

Harry F. Byrd, Jr:  Letter to Chairman Anderson in response to legislative efforts to increase state revenue for education in Rappahannock County.  Former Senator Byrd had submitted a letter of support to the General Assembly on behalf of Rappahannock County.

 

INFORMATION:    (See papers of meeting.)

            Building Office Report:  Total construction from February 22, 2008 to March 21, 2008 was $1,562,750.00.  Year to date totals:  (See papers of meeting for more detail.)                      

Year to date totals:

               2007

               2008

   New Home Construction

                   9

                   4

   Commercial Buildings

                   1

                   0

           

            Electric Towers:  Article from "The Hook."

            Freight Rail:  Article from Weldon Cooper Center

            Public Hearing, School Board FY09 budget:  Friday, April 25 at 7 pm at RCES cafeteria/gymnasium

                       

ACCOUNTS: On motion of Mr. Welch, seconded by Mr. Lee, the Board voted unanimously  to approve the Accounts Payables dated April 7 , 2008.  The vote was recorded as follows:  AYE:  Wayland,  Welch, Frazier, Lee and Anderson.  NAY:  None. 

 

            There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 4:25 o'clock p.m. until 7:00 o'clock p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2008 at the Rappahannock County Elementary School gymnasium/cafeteria at which time a public hearing will be conducted on the proposed FY09 RCPS budget.

 

 

                                                            _________________________________________

                                                                        Robert P. Anderson, Chairman