November 18, 2009 Accomack County Board of Supervisors Regular Monthly Meeting
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, Laura Gordy, S. McCaleb, J. Gray, D. Hart, S. Mears, G. Chessor.
County Attendees: Jim McGowan, Director of Planning, Steve Miner, County Administrator, Mark Taylor, County Attorney, Larry Forbes, Economic Development, Mike Mason, Finance Department.
Audience: About 30 attendees
Chairman Steve Mallette called the regular session to order at 5:00 PM.
Opening Remarks: Mr. Mallette discussed alterations to consent agenda and they were approved. He commented on aerospace developments in the county. He thanked those county and emergency officials with respect to recent storm response. He noted economic activity in county and pointed out some upsides. He discussed the obesity issue in county and potential funding. The obesity issue is important for children.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Toni Trepanier of Hallwood: She discussed the setting of 30 day time limit for citizens to appeal with the Board of Equalization for assessments. She suggested that 30 day time limit is not optimal and should be extended to at least 90 days.
Comments were made by Mark Taylor in regard to time line for appeals on assessment. He considered the potential timetable for submitting appeals and evaluating them. Mr. Taylor made point that it may be a financial consideration for time line so that county can budget appropriately. Mr. Miner made additional comments about the assessment time line and its implications.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Approved for those reviewed. These minutes include the special meetings on November 4 and 6.
CONSENT AGENDA
Change part of agenda. Approved.
HIGHWAY MATTERS
Mr. Isdell (VDOT Rep) discussed road maintenance and patching. He discussed storm clean up including trimming trees. There was an inspection of bridges on Tangier. Ms. Thornton commended Mr. Isdell for notification during adverse situation on causeway during storm. Mr. Wolff asked about Fleming Road near Horntown. Signs for posting speed limit expected to be installed in next week according to Mr. Isdell.
Resolution for Transportation and Mobility Plan was discussed and Mr. Isdell indicated funding by the state is limited. Resolution was motioned and approved for routes 602 and 609.
REPORT OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Larry Forbes: He discussed economic development in county. The EDA (Economic Development Authority) considered plans for the Wallops spaceplex. Approval for testing future wind energy systems has been made for Oak Hall area. Testing will also be performed for solar voltaic power in the central part of the county. Participation with lower Somerset county for cooperative projects were discussed. Mr. McCaleb asked about wind energy and bird populations. Mr. Forbes stated studies are ongoing in county and a report on bird mortality is expected in near future by Mr. Silverman. Mr. McCaleb indicated that the majority of adverse bird impacts are not due to strikes but pressure differentials developed by wind turbines.
James McGowan: He discussed items for planning commission. Several meetings last week were cancelled due to storms. He considered rescheduling of several meetings. He discussed tours of planned developments in Hampton Roads area. Mr. Chessor asked who decided which developments to visit. Mr. Forbes stated that there were a couple he already visited and they seem to be good demonstrations of planning communities and villages. Mr. Miner indicated he will look at overall schedule for Board of Supervisors (BOS).
Mr. Fluhart: He discussed economic indicators in county. He discussed CRS (Community Rating System) which is correlated with FEMA. Depending on the CRS rating, individuals can receive a discount on their flood insurance. The county has a class 8 rating for the CRS. Mr. Fluhart commended his staff for review of CRS and certifying the rating. Mr. Chessor asked for more details and Mr. Fluhart described some other aspects of CRS. Mr. McCaleb stated that the phrase flood-safe may not be appropriate for the county and Mr. Fluhart agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Steve Miner: He discussed departmental space needs in county and study by architects. Mr. Collins will address BOS on this issue. Mr. Collins noted meetings were delayed last week due to storms. He noted that rental space needs to be eliminated. He indicated that 10K square feet is needed for county departments. Currently 7.2K square feet is being leased. Space needs can be optimized by consolidation. Storage of records was also discussed. The biggest need is school administration matters. Mr. Hart asked about primary school needs and large auditorium. Mr. Gray commented that building should be renovated but only at a bare bones (economically) level. Mr. Gray indicated teachers should come first for funding. Mr. Mallette asked Mr. Collins what direction he needs from BOS. Mr. Collins indicated info will be sent to Mr. Miner. Mr. Miner continued the discussion with acquiring square footage and costs along with immediate plans. Mr. Wolff suggested that a consensus should be taken to begin preparing free space in primary school. Ms. Mears is concerned about expenses at this time and whether county can handle additional building expenditures. Mr. Mason discussed that costs for this year may not be exist next year. Mr. Mason discussed the fully loaded costs may be $4M.
Mr. Oral Lambert (absent): The topic to be considered is the float barge near Cape Charles. Mr. Miner discussed plan with Northampton county for the renovation of the barge. The cost is approximately a $300K to do this renovation between Accomack and Northampton counties. The total estimated cost for renovation is $1M. Mr. Miner does not have full cost versus cost benefits for this effort. One key aspect is the maintenance of the barge system and the extent of services the barge will supply. Mr. Miner does not have a definitive business plan for renovation of barge at this time. Grant from state is possible until end of December. Mr. Mallette mentioned he is on the transportation committee along with Mr. Wolff and Mr. McCaleb. Mr. Mallette discussed maintenance over three years for dry docking and alike. He has concerns that the business end of barge may not be sustainable, and then why put tax payer’s money into this effort. No financials have been obtained that could shed light on the business end of this venture. The BOS had numerous questions in regard to finances and funding. Mr. Wolff made point that railroad needs to demonstrate their participation in this effort of renovation of float barge. Mr. Chessor noted no representatives from Bay Creek Resort and Club were present at BOS meeting and this speaks volume.
Consider Appointments
Parks and Recreation: Mr. Mallette stated if nominations are not available, then appointments need to be reopening.
Building Fire Code Appeals Board: None
NEW BUSINESS
Stewart Hall: He discussed EECBG Grant Application for improvements to county HVAC system. Ms. Thornton asked how this impacts upgrade to administration building. Motion was made to apply for grant. Approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Miner discussed offshore wind leasing issue. A representative is needed from BOS to review this discussion. Mr. McCaleb was nominated and approved for this action.
Mr. Miner considered the fiber optics projects on the eastern shore, and a grant will be applied to Broadband Authority. Funds need to be awarded by January 1. The county will be involved in the funding and time line is moving rapidly. The extent of funding will depend on the extent of jobs creation on eastern shore.
Mr. Miner discussed a DHDC meeting on sewer and water issue for future hospital planning that occurred last week. He suggested adding this topic to the BOS agenda for next meeting.
Mr. Miner had discussions on state budget and administrative processes how to prepare budget by state guidance. There is a time line for budget that needs to be submitted.
He mentioned about client would like Melfa fire training facility. This requires more discussion.
Mr. Miner stated that Mr. Hurdle will be sending out assessments by mail next week. Chincoteague will not be in mailing due to some issues and considerations of evaluation of properties on Chincoteague.
He stated that Onancock is having a meeting on sewer and water on November 19 in the evening.
PUBLIC HEARING
Continuation of Notice to Signify the Intention to Sell Certain Real Estate Owned by Count at Kearsage Circle in Wallops Island. Mr. Mallette called public hearing to order. He asked Mr. Forbes to describe notice. This parcel belongs to county and the original intent was to build an educational center on this parcel. The concept was to develop skills for those involved in Wallops Research Park (WRP) and other avionics fields. This would be an offsite facility from NASA and WRP. Business persons from Northern Virginia are interested in forming this educational center for K through 12 grades. A group was formed after the Challenger shuttle disaster to present a positive picture to space ventures. This group would like to build a center that will include square footage for teaching as well as related businesses. Negotiations have been concluded and this business group would like to purchase the 3.1 acre parcel.
Mr. McCaleb asked if BOS would be able to influence rents and services. Mr. Forbes stated that this business group wants to work with BOS and their concerns. Mr. McCaleb asked for division of 60K square foot building in regard to county concerns and needs. Mr. Forbes indicated that it may be less than 2K square feet.
Public hearing is opened with no speakers. Public hearing is closed.
Mr. Wolff made motion for execution of contract as negotiated. Approved
Amendment to Accomack County Code, Chapter 82 Taxation. This will change taxation time line from May 1 to February 15 for seeking real estate exemption.
Public hearing is opened with no speakers. Public hearing is closed.
Ms. Thornton asked about the optimization of time limits and proper notification.
Motion is made and approved.
Planning Commission Public Hearing is Opened. Mr. McGowan discusses the draft amendments in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and the Board’s Strategic Plan. This involves the Accomack County zoning district ordinances. The guidance will involve rural as well as village communities.
Mr. McCaleb asked about conservation loss of land. Mr. McGowan indicated sheds could be put on conservation lands as well as agricultural and forestry usages on small scale. Ms. Thornton asked about the particulars of subdividing a minimal 20 acre lot. The BOS members asked for more details on land and septic systems involved.
Public Hearing is opened.
Ms. Cooper: She noted that these new ordinances should be supported in that it will allow planned development in county. She commended commission for their efforts.
Toni Trepanier: She indicated she was impressed with ordinances. She was concerned for the possibility of rezoning that may cause more dense populations.
Public Hearing is closed.
Planning Commission: Phil Hickman calls commission to order and motion is made to recommend these plans to BOS. Mr. Taylor clarified that BOS can make changes that are less restrictive than those recommended. The recommendations were approved and sent to BOS.
Mr. Chessor makes motion to accept recommendations on rural ordinances. Approved. The village recommendations will be modified and considered at later time.
Planning Commission closes their meeting and adjourns at 9:05 PM.
COUNTY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Taylor discussed the minimal fine for littering. He requests that BOS allows Mr. Taylor to pursue alteration of fines for littering in state. Mr. Hart asked that requests be sent to VACO (Virginia Association of Counties) as well.
He discussed the Wal-Mart site and changes in storm water drainage. Ms. Thornton noted that state’s storm water ordinance will be in effect July 1, 2010. Mr. Taylor stated he had to review that date. The consensus of the BOS is to have Mr. Taylor review Mr. Pitt’s recommendations for storm water drainage.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMENT PERIOD
Ms. Thorton: She was concerned that board members did not attend sewer meeting in Olney. Mr. Mallette commented he had only a few days notice.
Mr. Gray: He asked if Wal-Mart is also planning a strip mall and Mr. McGowan indicated this was not in the plans.
Mr. Chessor and Ms. Gordy: They commended the Planning Commission for their efforts.
Mr. Wolff: He discussed his town forum which had over 70 people and their concerns about annexation.
Mr. Mallette: He added his comments about Chincoteague’s comprehensive plans which included annexing NASA and other properties on the mainland. Mr. Mallette was given information that the comprehensive plan was only a draft. However with recent newspaper accounts it appears that the Chincoteague comprehensive plan may be more factual than draft. Mr. Mallette would like a better working relationship with all parties in the county.
Ms. Thornton: She expressed concerns about the concept of annexation and how it has been reported.
PAYABLES
Approved
BUDGET ITEMS
Approved
There was no Executive Session
Adjournment approximately 9:15 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.
