AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY BOARD
OF SUPERVISORS HELD ON THE 7th DAY OF AUGUST, TWO THOUSAND AND SIX AT TWO O'CLOCK
P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE IN WASHINGTON, VIRGINIA
Present Absent
Robert P. Anderson, Chairman None
Ronald L. Frazier, Vice-Chairman
S. Bryant Lee Peter H. Luke, Como Attorney
Roger A. Welch John McCarthy, County Adm
Thomas G. Taylor Diane Bruce, Clerk
Chairman Anderson called the meeting to order. All members were present.
MINUTES: On motion of Mr. Welch, seconded by Mr. Lee, the minutes of the June 26, 2006 and July 5, 2006 meetings were approved as printed. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Taylor. NAY: None.
AGENDA: At the request of Mr. Welch, and upon the motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Frazier, the Board voted unanimously to add "Discussion of Equalization Board issues" to the final agenda and to adopt the amended Final Agenda. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Taylor, Lee, Welch and Anderson. NAY: None.
HJR 5022--Charles K. Estes: Delegate Todd Gilbert presented HJR No. 5022, Celebrating the Life of Charles K. Estes, to Betty Estes, the widow of Mr. Estes. Mr. Estes was a long-time member of and former chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Mrs. Estes accepted the resolution on behalf of the Estes family with gracious remarks. (See Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.)
SCHOOLS: Dr. Robert Chappell, Superintendent of Schools, made the following report:
1) Unofficial SOL results: Preliminary results indicate that math scores for grades 6 and 7 may prohibit RCES from being fully accredited. Preliminary results indicate RCHS will be fully accredited. (Documents filed with papers of meeting.)
2) Track Project: The project is nearly complete except that a number of trees must be removed prior to installing the surface. At the time of entering the contract with Precision Sports Services, the School Board was unaware that tree removal was a necessity.
3) Gym: Completion has been set back from September until October.
4) School calendar: August 28 is opening day of the new school year. Teachers return August 21.
5) Administration Division of Duties: The Board was given the "duty lists" of the various school administration officials. (See papers of meeting.)
VDOT REPORT: David Cubbage, Residency Administrator, reported as follows:
Rt. 603: Storm and bridge damage have been repaired.
Rt. 681: Pipe replacement needed due to storm damage. Start date not yet set.
Rt. 647: Deck replacement completed 6 hours ahead of schedule.
Rt. 621: Mr. Anderson advised that road signs are obscured by limbs and ditching is needed on Long Mountain near the Floyd Grigsby property.
Regular Maintenance: Everything is progressing on schedule.
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT REPORT: Michael Santucci, area forester for Rappahannock, Green and Madison Counties, filed a "Summary of Forest Management Activities" and briefly discussed the summary and Department of Forestry goals. The Summary addresses forestland cover, timberland facts, economic information, forest management and protection activities and other notable forest management and protection activities. (See document filed with papers of meeting.) Mr. Santucci informed the Board that a decline in the forestland cover in the county is negligible but that timberland is trending downward. He noted that "debris" burning is the cause of most fires in Rappahannock County. Mr. Santucci added that the Department of Forestry can accept donated easements similar to conservation easements and that it has a program similar to the PDR (purchase development rights) program. He added that 75% of land conversions is due to development.
RESOLUTION--JOURNEY THROUGH HALLOWED GROUND: The proposed resolution, which is crafted from similar resolutions adopted by Culpeper and Fauquier Counties, is supportive to the county's neighbors and is relevant because of the tourism connection. On motion of Mr. Welch, seconded by Mr. Lee, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the "Rappahannock County Journey Through Hallowed Ground" resolution. (See Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.) The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Taylor. NAY: None.
RAPPAHANNOCK-RAPIDAN COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD: Executive Director Brian Duncan submitted two resolutions for consideration.
1) Performance Contract: Mr. Duncan described the mission of the CSB using a slide presentation. (Copy of presentation with papers of meeting.) On motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Welch, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a "Resolution to Receive the RRCSB's FY2007 Performance Contract with the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services and the Area Plan for Aging Service." (See Exhibit C attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.) The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Taylor. NAY: None.
2) Borrowing Resolution: Renovation plans in the amount of $3.2 million have been made for the Boxwood Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Program facility. Funding will be sought from the Rural Development Authority. On motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Welch, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution "Authorizing the Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board to Borrow $3.2 Million from the Rural Development Authority." (See Exhibit D attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.) The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Taylor. NAY: None.
EQUALIZATION BOARD: Mr. Welch advised the Board that he has received complaints from residents whose assessments have been increased by the Equalization Board after the setting of the tax rate for FY07. He also voiced concern that many residents, especially retired persons, may have trouble paying their real estate taxes, particularly due to the very high reassessment numbers.
Mr. Luke explained that the Equalization Board is appointed by the Circuit Court and does not answer to the Board of Supervisors. A property owner's remedy is to file an appeal of an Equalization Board decision to the Circuit Court.
FIRE LEVY BILLS: Richie Burke presented the bills and offered to answer questions. On motion of Mr. Welch, seconded by Mr. Frazier, the Board voted unanimously to pay the following fire levy bills: (See papers of meeting.) The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Taylor. NAY: None.
Washington Co. 1 $19,347.25
Sperryville Co. 2 $32,273.89
Amissville Co. 3 $24,148.26
Flint Hill Co. 4 $11,788.57
Castleton Co.5 $ 6,785.80
Sperryville Co. 7 $17,469.69
Chester Gap Co. 9 $18,760.88
In response to a question from Mr. Lee, Mr. Burke advised the Board that the "big ticket" item of the future will be emergency communications.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Phil Irwin: In response to his question, Mr. Irwin was informed that Richie Burke is the new EMS Coordinator, having served for many years as Deputy Coordinator under now-retired Colonel Knuepfer.
Monira Rifaat complained that she received a tax document that was not professionally prepared and contained no explanation to the consumer.
Carolyn Thornton asked why there were no cellular towers in Sperryville.
Ruth Kiger, Sperryville, stated that 72% of the Community Services Board budget is for personnel. She inquired how that compared to other CSB organizations throughout the state. Mr. Anderson explained that the work of all CSBs is predominantly for personal services.
Tom Taylor submitted a written resignation from the Board of Supervisors effective November 8, 2006. (letter filed with papers of meeting) Mr. Taylor was appointed by the Board to fill the vacancy created by the death of Mr. Estes. He informed the Board that he would not seek the position at the November general election due to lack of time to devote to Board responsibilities.
Mr. Luke advised the Board that interested candidates would have to file petitions no later than August 25 in order to be placed on the ballot for the November 8 election. The winner will take the oath and be seated immediately.
OLD BUSINESS:
VDOT ISSUES:
(1) Sperryville Bridge Replacement, Route 522: David Cubbage, Residency Administrator, discussed the conceptual approach for replacement of the existing structure over the Thornton River and asked the Board for input as to design. He explained that the proposal would utilize concrete for the superstructure with pedestrian facilities and architectural features that may include form liners and fixtures to resemble the current truss. He also advised the Board that the bridge can be built without having to reroute traffic. Construction won't begin for 3-5 years. Prior to construction there will be two public hearings. (See papers of meeting for drawings and details of conceptual design.) By general consensus, the Board agreed to the preliminary conceptual approach as explained by Mr. Cubbage.
(2) Route 729 Resolution: The proposed resolution completes the file for the previous project. On motion of Mr. Welch, seconded by Mr. Lee, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution abandoning an old portion of Rt 729 at the Hickman River Bridge and to add the new portion of Rt 729 at the same location. (See Exhibit E attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.) The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Taylor. NAY: None.
(3) Routes 614 and 626: VDOT proposes to upgrade Rt 614 (Keyser Run Road) to priority 2 and Route 626 (Piedmont Avenue) to priority 5 in the Secondary Six Year Plan under the Rural Rustic Program. On motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Frazier, the Board voted unanimously to approve the two resolutions (attached hereto as Exhibits F and G, and made a part of these minutes). The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Taylor. NAY: None.
RCHS Track Project: Mr. McCarthy reported that other than the problem with tree removal as discussed and reported earlier in these minutes, the project is one of high quality. The irrigation system is working and the well produces 55 gpm of water.
Emergency Communications: Mr. McCarthy reported that numerous used radios have become available because a large northern Virginia county buys new radios on a schedule; therefore Rappahannock County will be able to acquire their used radios. Further, with the 800 mgz system, there is 80% coverage with existing towers. Problem areas are in some of the hollows and the southern end of the county. He will contact Culpeper County about placing a transmitter on a tower near their landfill. If permitted, the county would then have approximately 95% coverage. No progress has been made as to the Red Oak Mountain location.
NEW BUSINESS:
DUI Restitution Ordinance: Mr. Luke explained that new legislation permits a locality to adopt an ordinance that would allow the court to collect a $250 fee for persons convicted of offenses where fire and rescue or sheriff's offices had to respond. The funds can be used by the county for any purpose. By general consensus, the county authorized advertising for a public hearing to consider the ordinance at the September 6, 2006 meeting.
Shenandoah National Park--Panorama: Originally SNP had considered turning the 1958 building at Panorama into a museum-type facility; however, those plans have been abandoned due to costs and the proposal now is to demolish the building. The facility is of some importance to Rappahannock and Page Counties due to tourism. No action was taken.
APPOINTMENTS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
INFORMATION: (See
papers of meeting.)
Building Office Report: Total construction from June 21, 2006 to July 22, 2006 was $1,922,802.00. Year to date totals: (See papers of meeting for more detail.)
|
Year to date totals: |
2005 |
2006 |
|
New Home Construction |
33 |
35 |
|
Commercial Buildings |
10 |
4 |
Sperryville Wastewater Plant STP Permit Renewal Notice: The Sperryville permit is being considered for renewal. The public comment period is from July 26 through August 25, 2006. (See letter with papers of meeting.)
VDoH Teen Pregnancy Mailing: See VdoH announcement of goals with papers of meeting.
Meadow Grove Easement: The Piedmont Environmental Council Baseline Documentation Report describing in detail the building and property descriptions and summary of easement provisions is filed with the papers of the meeting.
Comcast Acquisition of Adelphia Cable: See letter from Comcast announcing that effective July 31, 2006, it assumed control of the cable and television system in Rappahannock County.
September Meeting Date: Because Monday, September 4, 2006 is the Labor Day holiday, the next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2006.
ACCOUNTS: On motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Welch, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Accounts Payables dated August 7, 2006. The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Taylor, Lee, Welch and Anderson. NAY: None.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 4:45 o'clock p.m. and reconvened at 7:00 o'clock p.m. to consider several public hearings. All members were present.
1) PWSF06-06-02, Eastham Slope: The applicant, Cingular/Velocitel, has applied to construct a 16 foot extension onto an existing "Stealth" monopole antenna located near the intersection of Route 729 and US Route 211. The property (Tax Map 22, Parcel 28D) is zoned "A" Agricultural, and "C" Conservation and is located in Jackson District. The use is allowed under ¤170-108, Additional Standards ¤170-108.11. The proposed extension qualifies as a Category 3 PWS facility. Staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval.
Chairman Anderson opened the public hearing.
Carolyn Thornton asked why there are no towers in Sperryville.
Peggy Ralph urged the Board to consider the safety aspect of cellular service for county residents by approving the application.
There being no further comment, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
On motion of Mr. Frazier, seconded by Mr. Lee, the Board voted unanimously to approve the application for the PWSF#06-06-02 Eastham Slope Extension conditioned as follows:
(1) elimination of "platform" and match existing type of antenna and hanger (T-arms);
(2) alter architectural features of shed/equipment building by the addition of "A" roof and T-111-type concrete panels on exterior walls; and
(3) extension of monopole shall match color and texture of existing pole.
The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Taylor. NAY: None.
2) PWSF06-06-03, Nicholson Slope: The applicant, Cingular/Velocitel, has applied to construct a 17.5 foot extension onto an existing "Stealth" monopole antenna located just off Route 211 west of Route 640. The property (Tax Map 32, Parcel 7B) is zoned "A" Agricultural, and "C" Conservation and is located in Jackson District. The use is allowed under ¤170-108, Additional Standards ¤170-108.11. The proposed extension qualifies as a Category 3 PWS facility. Staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval.
Chairman Anderson opened the public hearing.
Ruth Kiger inquired as to the location of the pole.
There being no further public comment, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Obn motion of Mr. Frazier, seconded by Mr. Taylor, the Board voted unanimously to approve the application for the PWSF#06-06-03 Nicholson Slope Extension conditioned as follows:
(1) elimination of "platform" and match existing type of antenna and hanger (T-arms);
(2) alter architectural features of shed/equipment building by the addition of "A" roof and T-111-type concrete panels on exterior walls; and
(3) extension of monopole shall match color and texture of existing pole.
The vote was recorded as follows: AYE: Frazier, Lee, Anderson, Welch, Taylor. NAY: None.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 o'clock p.m.
_________________________________________
Robert P. Anderson, Chairman