Metompkin Elementary School, Parksley, Virginia
Agenda materials and audio recording of this meeting may be found through this link:
Board of Supervisors Materials
ATTENDANCE
Present: Philip Steve Mallette (Chair), Wanda Thornton, Ron Wolff, Sandra Mears, Laura Gordy, S. McCaleb, J. Gray, D. Hart Absent: G. Chessor
County Attendees: Jim McGowan, Director of Planning, Steve Miner, County Administrator, Mark Taylor, County Attorney
Audience: About 40 members.
Chairman Steve Mallette called the regular session to order at 5:05 PM.
Opening Remarks:
Mr. Mallette kept remarks brief. Mr. Chessor is absent due to family issue.
Adoption of Agenda
Agenda modified for discussion of 911 operations. Approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Linda Smith from New Church: She asked for better acoustics in meeting. She discussed the closing of convenience center one day of week. This is not the best situation for farmers or those who go to convenience centers that are closed on that particular day.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
They have not been sent out yet.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Any modifications were approved.
REPORT OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Debt Restructuring Plan: Mike Mason discussed Debt Restructuring Plan. This plan was provided by Davenport & Company, LLC.
Further discussion was given by Courtney Rogers of Davenport. He considered debt relief from the current funding. There will two bond issues instead of three. Lending is becoming tighter and additional collateral is needed. The admin building may be used for collateral. Savings and funding are a bit better currently than expected from January numbers. A Plan of Finance was discussed. In regard to securing bonds, Virginia bank familiar with county’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) have best potential. Some banks considered were Carter, SunTrust, and Shore Banks. Rates ranged from 3.75% to slightly above 5%. Some banks allow for refinancing if rates go lower. One bank was set to prime and the future needs to be considered how prime will change. It was recommended that Carter and SunTrust be used for the two bonds. EDA needs to consider approval of Bond Documents. The two bonds are called General Obligation Bond and Lease Revenue Bond.
Question from Ms. Thornton wanted more details on the funding for these bonds and what they will cover. Ms. Thornton wants to consider paying down the debt to minimize interest payments. Mr. McCaleb wanted info on the cash outlay for the first few years. Mr. Mallette mentioned that in a few years landfills will closed, and the convenience centers need to be developed for the future. Ms. Thornton discussed the Solid Waste Committee (SWC) and wanting the minutes from SWC. Mr. Wolff discussed the past plans to build convenience centers throughout county. He believes it is important to build a convenience center in southern part of county in light of southern landfill closing in 2012. Ms. Thornton believes transfer stations should be built instead of convenience centers. Mr. Wolff indicated that convenience centers have advantage of sorting and compacting trash which helps in transport and landfilling. Mr. Hart mentioned that the southern part of county needs some sort of trash handling. Mr. Chessor arrives for meeting. Ms. Thornton is concerned of costs of convenience centers and wants numbers for operations and attendants.
Mr. Mallette asked for motions. Mr. Wolff makes motion for approval of the two bonds. Motion was approved 8 to 1.
County Public Schools: Mr. Bull is not able to attend at this time.
Parks and Recreation: Mr. William Allen discussed the department and had Mr. Washington discuss football recreation. Mr. Washington mentioned the positive aspects of sports for the citizens of county. He stated that Accomack and Northampton counties dropped football from middle school. A survey was done and there was a major interest in football. Mr. Washington talked about the confidence and sportsmanship that boys and girls obtain from playing sports. Mr. McCaleb asked what other sports are sponsored. Ms. Boggs answered that gymnastics courses and softball are also available. She also described other activities of parks and recreation that help educate young people. Mr. McCaleb asked what the total budget is for parks and recreation, and what is the number of young people serviced. Ms. Boggs indicated that many people use the recreation facilities.
Director of Planning: Jim McGowan submitted plans, and there were no questions.
911 Center: Mr.Flauntroy discussed upgrading communications. He discussed grants for these upgrades and wants approval from county to seek grants. Motion was made to allow 911 center apply for grants. Approved.
Highway Matters: Mr. Isdale discussed road repair and mowing of roads. Mr. Mallette asked about Route 13 improvements and maintenance. Mr. Isdale discussed tree and general upkeep. Mr. Hart mentioned some road improvements near Olney. Mr. Wolff talked about potholes in roads and road conditions. It is possible that ditches need refining.
OLD BUSINESS
Capital Improvement Plan: Mike Mason discussed history of plan. Motion was made to approve plan; approved.
Leachate Treatment Project: Stewart Hall discussed need to have project. Landfill leachate is causing problems for county. Plan was changed to have Onancock handle leachate. Mr. Wolff asked if Onancock had the capability to handle leachate, and Mr. Hall indicated that the issue is being researched. The long term plan is to handle leachate at northern landfill. The cost of handling of leachate is about $20K per month. Mr. McCaleb is concerned there is no central solution to these waste issues and a coordinated plan is needed to handle concerns. Ms. Thornton questioned Mr. Hall and Onancock will handle septage and not leachate. Motion was made to change scope of plan. Approved.
Consider Appointments:
Regional Housing Authority: Ms Gordy recommended (not audible). Approved.
Eastern Shore Community College: Two openings available.
Harborton Public Facilities: Mr. Hart has nominee but paperwork is needed.
Parks and Recreation: Mr. Hart motioned to reappoint Mr. Washington. Approved. Mr. Wolff motioned to have Mr. Miller to continue. Approved.
Quinby Boat Harbor: Mr. Hart motioned to name Mr. Mark Rowl. Approved
Wetlands Board: Mr. Wolff motioned Mr. Davis. Approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Sewer Service Rates Structure: Mr. Hall discussed the rates for the services. A public hearing is planned. Motion to have public hearing; approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Miner discussed helping local businesses in their finances. He indicated that some assessments are overvalued and need to be lowered in the near future. Motion to initiate formal water and sewer service pricing: approved 8 to 1.
Ms. Thornton suggested to meet with town of Onancock to discuss water and sewer initiatives. Mr. Miner indicated meeting can be arranged but county needs to consider options. Ms. Gordy discussed PSA (Public Service Authority) and the comments of her constituents. Ms. Thornton questioned how EDA handled water and sewer management. Mr. Miner indicated only one person handled these issues.
COUNTY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Taylor stated he had been working on water and sewer concerns and how they are mandated by state. He is putting model together that county can utilize. He also has been working on details of WalMart project. Mr. Taylor also discussed dog ordinance.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (BOS) COMMENT PERIOD
Mr. Hart discussed VaCo (Virginia Association of Counties). He gave comments to Mr. Miner and favorable feedback from VaCo.
Ms. Thornton commented on effort of Mr. Hart throughout Virginia. She commented that attendance list is needed for committees before making appointments for each of the committees.
Mr. Wolff discussed his county forum and commented that Norm Bobczynski of Orbital Sciences gave presentation. The space vehicle planned to be used for supplying space station is much larger than previous launch vehicles.
PAYABLES
Approved
BUDGET ITEMS
Approved
Accomack County of Public Schools: Mr. Bull arrived late, and Mr. Mallette commented that all valictorains should be recognized.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Proposed Amendment to Fiscal Budget in Amount of $6,394,372 to Reflect Federal and State Funding. Mr. Miner indicated Mr. Bull is available for questions. Public hearing is opened; no speakers. Hearing closed. Motion to have amendment: approved.
Proposed Amendment to Chapter 82-Taxation, Division 3. Special Assessment for Land Preservation. Mr. Mason indicated this will take effect later in year. Public hearing is opened.
Mr. Seybolt discussed fee increase and concern about parcels being taken out of land preservation.
Public hearing is closed.
Mr. McCaleb asked who made proposal to increase fee from $20 to $200. Mr. Mason indicated it was his proposal. Mr. Mallette suggested contiguous parcels should be taken as a lump to minimize fee impact. Mr. Hurdle discussed contiguous parcels and relation to Code of Virginia. Land use for potatoes and tomatoes need to reviewed. This value for potatoes is expected to increase and go into effect 2010. Ms. Thornton believes $200 fee is high for an individual land owner. Mr. Chessor wants to know if parcels can be consolidated. He is concerned that raw land is more valuable to county and should be promoted.
Public hearing was closed.
Mr.McCaleb motioned to table issue. Approved.
There was no executive session.
Adjournment approximately 8:10 PM
Notes by Tim Getek
N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith and is presented as accurately as possible. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island and Accomack County. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.
