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Richmond County, Virginia
Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes
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February 12, 2010

At a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors for Richmond County, Virginia, held on the 12th day of February 2010 thereof in the Public Meeting Room of the County Office Building.

Present:

Randall W. Packett, Jr., Chairman
Randy L. Phelps, Vice-Chairman
Courtney M. Sisson, Member
F. Lee Sanders, Member
Richard E. Thomas, Member

Also Present:

William E. Duncanson, County Administrator
Jennifer L. Clark, Finance Officer
Edith Anne Sanders, Treasurer
Vickie W. Lewis, Commissioner of the Revenue
Wayne L. Emery, Commonwealth’s Attorney
Douglas A. Bryant, Sheriff
Kim Lindberg, Animal Control Officer
Michael A. Sisson, Code Compliance Officer
Robin C. Markham, Director of Planning & Zoning
D. Barry Sanders, Code Administrator
First Sergeant Jim Ashworth, Virginia State Police
Randy Long, Principal, NNTC
Lee Francis, Northern Neck News
Kelly Liddington, Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension
Ted Cole, Davenport & Company
David Boyd, Davenport & Company
Dan Siegal, Sands Anderson Marks & Miller
Paul Lee, Robinson, Farmer, Cox, Associates
Dr. Marilyn Barr, Superintendent, Richmond County Schools
Edith L. Williams, Clerk, Richmond County Schools
Bill Brann, Assistant Superintendent, Richmond County Schools
Steve Teese, Chairman, Richmond County School Board
Vivian Wood, Member, Richmond County School Board
John Brown, Member, Richmond County School Board
Brenda Pemberton, Member, Richmond County School Board
Gordon Tolson, Member, Richmond County School Board
Bruce Callis
A. D. Davis 

CALL TO ORDER; INVOCATION

           Chairman Packett called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m., welcomed everyone and then led the invocation.                                          

PROCLAMATION DECLARING FEBRUARY 7-13 AS SKILLS USA WEEK AT THE NORTHERN NECK TECHNICAL CENTER

            “On a motion made by Randy L. Phelps, the Board voted: Randall W. Packett, Jr. – aye; Randy L. Phelps – aye; Courtney M. Sisson – aye; F. Lee Sanders – aye; Richard E. Thomas – aye: to adopt the following proclamation declaring February 7-13, 2010 as Skills USA Week at the Northern Neck Technical Center:

SkillsUSA Week Proclamation
At The Northern Neck Technical Center

WHEREAS, February 7-13, 2010, has been designated by the national SkillsUSA Association as SkillsUSA Week; and

WHEREAS, the Northern Neck Technical Center serves six school divisions, featuring thirteen technical programs and provides first rate educational opportunities to three hundred and twenty-nine students enrolled and eligible for membership in SkillsUSA; and

WHEREAS, profound economic and technological changes in our society are rapidly reflected in the structure and nature of work, thereby placing new and additional responsibilities on our educational system; and

WHEREAS, career and technical education at the Northern Neck Technical Center provides students with a school-to-career connection and is the backbone of a strong, well-educated workforce for the region, which fosters productivity in local business and industry and contributes to our leadership in the national and international marketplace; and

WHEREAS, career and technical education and participation in SkillsUSA give high school students experience in practical, meaningful applications of basic academic skills of reading, math, writing and science thus improving the quality of their education, motivating them to succeed and providing leadership opportunities in their field, and

WHEREAS, career and technical education offers individuals lifelong opportunities to learn new skills, which provide them with career choices; and

WHEREAS, ever increasing cooperation between career and technical educators, local business and industry leaders, stimulates growth and vitality in our economy through workforce preparation and training; and

WHEREAS, SkillsUSA is a national organization, with local ties to students of the Northern Neck Technical Center, which prepares youth for technical, skilled and service occupations and helps them become world class workers and responsible Americans,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Randall W. Packett, Jr., Chairman of the Richmond County Board of Supervisors, do hereby proclaim and recognize the week of February 7-13, 2010 as SkillsUSA Week at the Northern Neck Technical Center.

I also urge citizens to acquaint themselves with the purposes and activities of SKillsUSA and to give help and encouragement to the members who are working hard to achieve the goals that will make them outstanding skilled workers in our communities.

                                                                        Randall W. Packett, Chairman
                                                                        Richmond County Board of Supervisors

            Chairman Packett  presented the proclamation to Randy Long, Principal, Northern Neck Technical Center. Mr. Long thanked the Board of Supervisors for their support and spoke about the SkillsUSA program.

SHERIFF AND FIRST SERGEANT JIM ASHWORTH, VIRGINIA STATE POLICE

            Sheriff Bryant introduced First Sergeant Ashworth, Virginia State Police, Division I, Area II. First Sergeant Ashworth told the Board that his office is located in Richmond County and he has two patrol sergeants and a secretary. Area II covers the Northern Neck and Essex County. The state troopers are out on patrol until 1:00 a.m. and then on-call after 1:00 a.m. First Sergeant Ashworth told the Board that he and his staff have a good working relationship with Sheriff Bryant and his department.

            Sheriff Bryant reported his office had dispatched 816 calls for service since December 10th. The total calls for 2010 is 816. The total snowstorm calls for the period of January 13 through February 10 was 46. There were no major problems with the exception of the roof collapse on the Gannon Building. Some drifting and white out conditions were experienced on Route 360 at Island Farm near the Downing Bridge.

           
The jail population for Richmond County this past week was 29.

            The total delinquent fines and cost collected for the month of January 2010 is $867.76 and the total collected since April 2007 is $91,670.51.

            The Sheriff’s Office is working with the Virginia State Police extraditing a prisoner back to Virginia from San Francisco, California.

            On January 15, 2010, there was a home invasion in the Town of Warsaw at the home of Lawrence Altaffer. Mr. Altaffer was not hurt at the time of the robbery; however, he did suffer an apparent heart attack later that day and subsequently passed away. The Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Town Police and the surrounding jurisdictions in an effort to clear the case.

TREASURER

            Mrs. Edith Anne Sanders, Treasurer, presented the monthly Trial Balance Report for the month of January 2010.

COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE

            Mrs. Vickie W. Lewis, Commissioner of the Revenue, told the Board that her staff is working on the preparation of the 2009 real estate book.  Staff from Tri-County Appraisals has been working on the new construction entries and assisting with other items. Mrs. Lewis said she still has no definite date of when the real estate book will be finalized and turned over to the Treasurer’s Office.

            Mr. Phelps expressed concern with the progress of finishing the real estate book and preparing the tax bills and asked if the County Administrator could work on a plan of staffing to assist the Commissioners Office.  The County Administrator said he would have a plan prepared and report to the Board members on action taken to provide adequate assistance to the Commissioner.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

            Ms. Kim Lindberg, Animal Control Officer, reported there were 39 dog calls, 14 taken to shelter (with 3 owner surrenders), 3 cat calls, 1 wildlife call, 2 livestock calls and 3 miscellaneous calls. The total calls for the month of January 2010 was 48.

            Ms. Lindberg reported there were 3 animal cruelty cases pending. Mr. Wayne L. Emery, Commonwealth’s Attorney, said Ms. Lindberg had done a great job with enforcement and discovery of animal cruelty cases.

CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER

            Mr. Michael A. Sisson, Code Compliance Officer, reported that 4 land disturbance permits had been issued in January 2010.

            The Richmond County Hunting Committee met on February 3, 2010 and had approximately 25-30 representatives from hunt clubs. Robin Payne, Hunters for Hungry, Rich Goszka, Game & Inland Fisheries and Joe McCauley, Rappahannock River Wildlife Refuse were the guest speakers at the meeting.

            The Richmond County Wetlands Board met on January 28, 2010 and issued one permit

CODE ADMINISTRATOR

            Mr. Barry Sanders, Code Administrator, presented the monthly building permit report for the month of January 2010. There were 19 new projects begun and the total fees collected were $3,158.21 and a construction cost of $1,136,821.42.

            Mr. Sanders said he expects to receive construction plans for the new Rite-Aid building next week.

            There was a roof collapse at the old A&P building due to the snow. Mrs. Sisson asked about the safety of the building and surrounding area. Mr. Sanders said the building has been secured to keep anyone from entering.

UPDATE ON SILOS AT TOTUSKEY BRIDGE

            Mr. Barry Sanders, Code Administrator, told the Board that the county had nothing in place to legally tear down an eyesore such as the silo at Totuskey Bridge. Mr. Sanders said localities such as towns have property maintenance personnel to enforce such issues as the silo.

            Mr. Sanders said he could contact the owner and ask that the property be secured. Mr. Duncanson asked if Mr. Sanders could schedule someone from the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development to attend the March 11, 2010 meeting to discuss this issue.

            Mr. Wayne L. Emery, Commonwealth’s Attorney, said the code requires a grand jury to declare the property a nuisance and feels like there would be a good chance of having the property declared a nuisance.

            Mr. Richard Thomas questioned who would be responsible for the cost of the demolition of such a property.

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & ZONING

            Mrs. Robin C. Markham, Director of Planning & Zoning, reported that 13 zoning permits had been issued and 2 subdivisions approved for January 2010.

            The Richmond County Planning Commission discussed wind turbines at their February 8, 2010 meeting.

CHIEF OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

           Mr. Greg Baker, Chief, Department of Emergency Services, reported 93 – 911 calls, 2 calls for mutual aide to bordering counties, 1 call for mutual aide in Richmond County and 1 fly-out for January 2010.

            There was a dump truck accident in Farnham with minor injuries but with 80-100 gallons of diesel fuel on the ground along with several gallons of motor oil and hydraulic fluid. The owner of the truck excavated the site with the assistance of a contracted HAZ-MAT clean-up crew. It took six hours to remove the truck from the woods and several more hours to clean up the area.

            Troy Jackson, Training Officer, Richmond County EMS, attended a national EMS educator class and is the only person with the certification in this area which will now give Richmond County the possibility of holding classes required by most departments in our region and generate additional revenue for the county.

            Mitch Paulette, Richmond County EMS, was a certified ASE mechanic before he started a career path in EMS and has taken a maintenance role in the EMS Division by doing oil changes in-house and some other minor things that would typically put a unit out-of-service for a day or so when left at a repair shop.

             The radio system is moving along with installs on County and Town vehicles and the main antennas have been ordered and should be installed on the tower as soon as weather permits.

            Mr. Baker said he would like to publicly thank the Richmond County Volunteer Fire Department for responding on calls with EMS personnel during the latest inclement weather. They helped providers break through the snow and ice piled up at the end of driveways and assisted carrying stretchers because they were unable to roll them in the ice/snow.

            Mr. Baker told the Board that the new billing company started January 1, 2010 and it will take approximately 90 days for the changeover.

FY 2008-2009 FINAL AUDIT REPORT – PAUL LEE, ROBINSON, FARMER, COX, ASSOCIATES

            Mr. Paul Lee, Robinson, Farmer, Cox, Associates, presented the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 final audit report. Mr. Lee stated that it was a good report and there were no deficiencies since the County has put in place the “pre-audit” requirements that were instituted a couple of years ago and there was no management comment letter.

            Mr. Lee also discussed the fund balance and noted that it had dropped the past two years. Mr. Lee recommended a fund balance of up to twenty percent of the total budget.  This would enable the County to fund operations when the local tax revenue stream had not fully commenced.  He also mentioned how the County had been able to use prior fund balance dollars to address special projects and needs. The County was at 100% in tax collections for last year however sales tax was down.

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

            There were no representatives from VDOT at the meeting due to latest snowstorm. Chairman Packett commented that VDOT had done a “great job” clearing the roads from the snow and ice.

            Mr. Duncanson told the Board of Supervisors that he had spoke with staff from VDOT and a speed study would be conducted for a section of Canal Road along the Schoolhouse Meadows area.

            Mr. Thomas requested that VDOT check on the potential for installing guardrails along certain sections of Mulberry Road.

NORTHERN NECK REGIONAL JAIL REPORT

            Mr. Duncanson presented the monthly jail population report for the month of January 2010.

            Mr. Duncanson told the Board that the Northern Neck Regional Jail had contracted with a consulting firm regarding some financial issues that could have a positive impact on their future budget. Mr. Duncanson also said the Northern Neck Regional Jail was in good financial condition.

CONSIDER REAPPOINTMENT OF WAYNE EMERY TO TRI-RIVER ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS

            “On a motion made by F. Lee Sanders, the Board voted: Randall W. Packett, Jr. – aye; Randy L. Phelps – aye; Courtney M. Sisson – aye; F. Lee Sanders – aye; Richard E. Thomas – aye: to reappoint Wayne L. Emery to the Tri-River Alcohol Safety Action Program Board of Directors for a three-year term. (Term beginning January 1, 2010 and ending December 31, 2012).”

            Mrs. Sisson asked Mr. Emery to give the Board some information on the program.
Mr. Emery gave a history of the program.

DISCUSS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION NEEDS

            Mr. Duncanson told the Board that Mr. Sam Johnson had approached him regarding the potential for a Richmond County Household Hazardous Waste Collection event. The last time this was done in Richmond County was in 2005 when the County dovetailed on an agricultural hazardous waste collection. Northumberland and Lancaster Counties team up to do this sort of collection two times a year and Westmoreland County had a collection this past November. Mr. Duncanson stated that he receives numerous calls from citizens requesting information about how they can safely dispose of many hazardous substances ranging from paints to some truly toxic substances and does not have a satisfactory answer for these calls. Mr. Duncanson said he usually has to take time to find a solution on the spot and then get back to the callers and quite often cannot find a solution to many requests. This is a recurring need for a response in a more positive manner to citizens that are trying to do the “right thing” by properly disposing of their acquired hazardous materials in a safe manner.

            Some details would have to be considered such as funding the event but the Northern Neck Soil and Water Conservation District is willing to serve as well as assist with the day’s collections. Mrs. Sisson stated she was in favor of such an event.

            By consensus, the Board asked Mr. Duncanson to coordinate with Sam Johnson to hold such an event.

MONTHLY APPROPRIATIONS

            “On a motion made by F. Lee Sanders, the Board voted: Randall W. Packett, Jr. – aye; Randy L. Phelps – aye; Courtney M. Sisson – aye; F. Lee Sanders – aye; Richard E. Thomas – aye: to approve the following appropriations for the month of March 2010: Richmond County Public Schools - $1,103,000.00 and Richmond County Department of Social Services - $85,000.00.”

CONSIDER FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011 BUDGET WORK SCHEDULE

            Mr. Duncanson told the Board that he is working on a recommended FY 2010-2011 Budget. There are many bills being considered by the General Assembly that will impact this budget. Mr. Duncanson presented a draft version of the budget work schedule and plans on having agency presentations at the March 11, 2010 meeting.

RICHMOND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
FY 2010-11 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE


 - December 11, 2009 - Budget request letters sent to all agencies

 - January 11, 2010 - Budget requests received  

 - County Administrator prepares requested budget for distribution in March

 - March 11, 2010 – Draft budget distributed at regular Board meeting (or earlier if ready) – no action required.  1:30 to 5:30 PM – Agency/Organizations Budget request presentations.  Afternoon of regular Board Meeting.

 - March 18, 2010 – 6:00 P.M. – Initial Budget work session

 - March 25, 2010 – 6:00 P.M. Final Budget work session.  County Administrator to provide recommended budget.  Authorize County Administrator to advertise:

1.   Public Hearing (30 day notice required) for real estate tax increase - to Northern News on March 26, 2010 and run in Northern Neck News on March 31, 2010.  Public Hearing 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 6, 2010.

2.   Public Hearing (one week notice required) for adoption of budget and adoption of tax rates for FY 2010-11 – to Northern Neck News on April 30, 2010 and run in Northern Neck News on May 5, 2010.  Public Hearing 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 13, 2010 (regular Board meeting)

 - Budget adoption – 7:00 P.M. Thursday May 20, 2010

            Mr. Duncanson asked for guidance regarding which agencies/departments should be scheduled to present. Mr. Lee Sanders recommended looking at the requests on a case-by-case basis but definitely schedule agencies/departments with an increase.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 14, 2010 MEETING

            “On a motion made by Randy L. Phelps, the Board voted: Randall W. Packett, Jr. – aye; Randy L. Phelps – aye; Courtney M. Sisson – aye; F. Lee Sanders – aye; Richard E. Thomas – aye: to approve the Minutes of the January 14, 2010 meeting with one correction: At the reconvened meeting on Thursday, January 14, 2010, Courtney M. Sisson was not present on the bus trip to visit Northumberland High/Intermediate School complex.”

OTHER BUSINESS

            Mr. Duncanson gave an overview of Richmond County’s debt service.

            Mr. Phelps presented a proposal to foster business, jobs and development at the commerce park and asked the Board to consider transferring ownership of the commerce park to the Industrial Development Authority. He also offered a proposal to award grants to owners of vacant storefronts. Mr. Phelps asked the Board to review the proposals and place it on the Board’s agenda for next month’s meeting.

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS – JOINT PRESENTATION WITH RICHMOND COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD – TED COLE AND DAVID BOYD, DAVENPORT & COMPANY

            Ted Cole and David Boyd, Davenport and Company and Dan Siegel, Sands Anderson Marks & Miller, presented a financial analysis on the potential new school project.

            Mr. A. D. Davis questioned economically if this was the time to build a new school.

CLOSED SESSION – DISPOSITION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY

            “On a motion made by Randy L. Phelps, the Board voted: Randall W. Packett, Jr. – aye; Randy L. Phelps – aye; Courtney M. Sisson – aye; F. Lee Sanders – aye; Richard E. Thomas – aye: that the Board convene in closed session to discuss the following: disposition of public property where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body.”

            “On a motion made by F. Lee Sanders, the Board voted: Randall W. Packett, Jr. – aye; Randy L. Phelps – aye; Courtney M. Sisson – aye; F. Lee Sanders – aye; Richard E. Thomas – aye: to return to open session.”

CERTIFICATION MOTION AFTER RECONVENING IN PUBLIC SESSION:

            “On a motion made by Courtney M. Sisson, the Board voted: Randall W. Packett, Jr. – aye; Randy L. Phelps – aye; Courtney M. Sisson – aye; F. Lee Sanders – aye; Richard E. Thomas – aye: move that the Board certify that, in the closed session just concluded, nothing was discussed except the matter (1) specifically identified in the motion to convene in closed session and (2) lawfully permitted to be so discussed under the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act cited in that motion.”

            The Board did not take any action concerning the closed session issue.

PUBLIC COMMENT

            Chairman Packett opened the public comment period and there being none, the meeting was recessed until 7:00 p.m. for a Public Hearing regarding rezoning of Settlers Landing Subdivision.

RECONVENE

Chairman Packett reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2010 in the Richmond County Public meeting Room, 101 Court Circle, Warsaw, Virginia 22572 for a scheduled Public Hearing regarding rezoning of Settlers Landing Subdivision

Randall W. Packett, Jr., Chairman
Randy L. Phelps, Vice Chair
F. Lee Sanders, Member
Courtney M. Sisson, Member
Richard E. Thomas, Member

Also Present:

William E. Duncanson, County Administrator
Robin Markham, Director Planning and Zoning
Lee Francis, Northern News
Kelly Sanders  

PUBLIC HEARING  

In accordance with Section 15.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended and pursuant to Section 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended, the Richmond County Board of Supervisors hereby gives notice that a Public Hearing will be held starting at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 11, 2010 in the General District Courtroom, County Office Building Warsaw, Virginia.  The purpose of the Public Hearing is:  

  1. Rezoning the subdivision of Settlers Landing to Residential Limited, R-1, in accordance with Zoning Ordinance Section 3-5-1A(2).  The properties in question are zoned Agricultural, General (A-1) and are further identified as Tax Map Parcel 24H, inclusive.

  1. Rezoning Tax Map Parcel 24-100D, Charles E. Kelly, Jr., owner, to Residential Limited, R‑1, in accordance with Zoning Ordinance Section 3-5-1A(2).  The property in question is zoned Agricultural, General (A-1) and is located at 534 Richmond Hill Rd., Warsaw VA  22572.

Chairman Packet read the Public Hearing Notice and said he would dispense with the Public Hearing procedures since no one was present to comment of the proposed action.  Chairman Packett asked Mrs. Markham to review the proposed rezoning.

      Mrs. Markham said the request was generated by the Richmond County Planning Commission to zone the development as it really exists, that is a residential subdivision.  She said no opposition to the proposed rezoning had been received and the Planning Commission, following their required Public Hearing had recommended approval as proposed.

With no public comment, Chairman Packett asked if the Board members were ready to consider the proposed rezoning.

“On a motion by Lee Sanders, the Board voted:  Randall L. Packett, Jr. – aye; Randy L. Phelps – aye; Courtney M. Sisson – aye; F. Lee Sanders – aye; Richard E. Thomas – aye: to rezone the parcels within Settlers Landing Subdivision (Tax Map Insert 24H) and Tax Map 24 parcel 100D from the existing Agricultural general, District A-1 to Residential Limited, District R-1.”

ADJOURNMENT

            With no further business, Chairman Packett adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m.

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Randall W. Packett, Jr., Chairman 
                                                                                    

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