December 16, 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:
http://www.co.accomack.va.us/Board%20of%20Supervisors/Board_Meetings.shtml
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, 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 wished everyone a Merry Christmas. He discussed the recent heavy rains and storm water situation.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Modified. Approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Grescham from Accomac: He discussed stormwater proposals before Board of Supervisors (BOS). He is concerned about proposals that may impact agricultural and forestral lands. He also mentioned several that were recently closed due to heavy rains. He pointed out that the proposed Stormwater ordinance is long and complex. He recommends that BOS should study ordinance before taking it to public hearing.
REPORT OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS
W. Richard Bull: Superintendant of Schools. He reported that schools were in operation for the most part in spite of weather and that SOL scores have improved in the county. He wished everyone happy holidays.
CLOSED SESSION CALLED AT 5:15 PM
Vote certified to close session.
Meeting reconvened at 6:00 PM
PRESENTATION OF DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD
Mr. Miner commented on this award for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009. The award was presented to Mike Mason. Mr. Mason made note on need to provide accurate budget information for review by critical personnel, and transparency of information.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Deferred.
CONSENT AGENDA
Change part of agenda. Ms. Gordy was concerned about public hearing on Stormwater ordinance and the need to have a work session. Ms. Thornton noted that Stormwater ordinance may need more review especially in light of current rainfall in county. Mr. Mallette asked for some clarification from Mark Taylor or Jim McGowan in regard to statewide and county ordinances. Mr. McGowan discussed the Stormwater ordinance and its history. The only noted change was the certification of inspector for reviewing stormwater concerns at sites. Motion was made to have a work session on Stormwater ordinance before public hearing. Approved.
HIGHWAY MATTERS
Mr. Isdell (VDOT Rep) discussed road drainage. He is reviewing the last series of storms. He noted the six year plan and it will be presented either in February or March. Ms. Thornton asked about water on the roads. Mr. Isdell indicated that ditches along roads are not designed to drain anything else but the roads. Mr. McCaleb asked about road petitions and how many have been reviewed. Mr. Gray is concerned about secondary ditches away from the roads that may cause blockage and overflow on road. Mr. Hall commented on the environmental issues of clearing ditches.
REPORT OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS (Continued)
Larry Forbes: Division Director ECD. Not available this evening.
James McGowan: Director Planning Commission. He requested meeting in January for public hearing to discuss new planning issues. Motion made and approved for meeting. Ms. Thornton asked for clarification of types of mobile homes and manufactured homes to be placed on agricultural district.
Mr. McGowan discussed grant funding for enhancing planning education. He noted joint meetings with Planning Commission that would be useful. The tour of town facilities in Hampton Roads was considered; this will be done in conjunction with BOS and the towns of Olney and Onancock.
OLD BUSINESS
Steve Miner: Update considered for carfloat (barge) repairs. Mr. Mallette reviewed the situation with the $300K funding needed by counties. The growth of utilization of carfloat will determine debt level on a yearly basis. Ms. Gordy expressed concerns about profit and loss of company operating carfloat and to the extent county knows their fiscal situation. Discussion by BOS members on need to vote on resolution in spite of not knowing full financial details because of state matching funds at $700K. Resolution approved by 7 to 2 vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed Amendment to Accomack County. Appeals and Equalization Assessments. Issue of setting forth rules of assessment appeals.
Public Hearing opened. No speakers and it is closed.
Motion to approve. Approved by 8 to 1 vote; Ms Thornton did not approve due to 30 day timeline.
Proposed Regulations Governing Water Supply and Waste Discharge.
Public Hearing Opened. No speakers and hearing is closed.
Ms. Thornton asked questions about regulations. Mr. Hall commented on some of the needs that may be considered in the future with respect to type of chemicals and compounds that may be treated. Ms. Thornton is concerned about the type of chemicals listed and legality of treating them in a system. Motion was made to alter regulations and rediscuss issues in future. Approved.
Rezoning Request by William Taylor in Greenbush, VA. Staff report was given by Mr. Testerman to describe rezoning situation. Request was approved by Planning Commission. A total of 6.75 acres will be rezoned from agricultural to residential. Planning staff has approved request with respect to egress and other planning needs.
Public hearing is opened.
Valerie Mears from Greenbush: She discussed drainage issue due to development. She has concerns about disrupting the watershed. Ms Mears commented on a possible contradiction of development plans that the Planning Commission has proposed in the past.
Barbara Mears from Greenbush: She asked about drainage from the development as well as issues about road drainage. She read a statement that also questioned the drainage issue. The single lot homes will be 30K square feet.
William Taylor from Greenbush: He clarified the situation in regard to rezoning and drainage. He indicated that drainage was reviewed and appears to be good in this area.
Public Hearing is closed.
Mr. McGowan discussed the current situation in regard to standing water but it appears there is little impact. He mentioned that plans would need to be submitted with respect to roads and other erosion and sediment plans. Motion made to rezone. Approved.
OLD BUSINESS (Continued)
E. Philip McCaleb: Leasing of Outer Continental Shelf Blocks. He discussed the potential of wind farms that are 12 miles from ocean shore. He commented on ship traffic that may impact leasing. He was concern about NASA Wallops restricted area where it is planned stages from rockets will fall. The Navy may have concerns as well. Mr. Wolff questioned if oil and gas aspects were discussed. Mr. McCaleb commented that Virginia does not have a large amount of drilling areas compared to other states. The principal discussion revolved around wind generation of energy. A resolution was considered that would address the need to protect the areas involving NASA and the Navy. Motion was made to send supportive letter that would protect activities that may be impacted. Approved.
Appointments
Parks and Recreation: Mr. Chessor stated he has a candidate but needs to send a new application form. Motion made to appoint Reverend Thomas. Approved.
Accomack County Building and Fire Board: None.
NEW BUSINESS
Mike Mason: Consider setting dates to discuss FY 2011 budget and adopt calendar. There is a concern in regard to state budget. Motion to arrange dates. Approved.
Steve Miner: Consider an amendment to the Joint Resolution of Accomack and Northampton Counties which created the Eastern Shore Tourism Commission. Issues of extent of participation by each county need to be considered. Motion was planned to table issue. Approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Memorandum of Understanding on Delinquent Tax Collection with Treasurer. Mr. Miner discussed how state can restrict registration if personal property tax is not paid. He discussed a position to be added to aid in this collection.
Various Invitations Invitations to BOS for Eastern Shore Tourism Commission, Virginia Chamber of Commerce for the Eastern Shore, and Committee for Future of Accomack County. The calendar needs to be reviewed to check dates and conflicts.
Sewer Analysis was performed by Mr. Hall and on bid analysis for services from Onancock.
Mr. Mason wanted to clarify some comments on tax collection. He wants to have some mechanism to police the payment of personal property tax since decals will no longer be utilized by county. This is why DMV stops were considered.
COUNTY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Taylor discussed the inaugural launch of Wallops Research Park leadership council.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMENT PERIOD
Many holiday wishes from BOS members.
Ms. Thornton thanked Mr. Hall for his impetus on getting roads in landfill workable, and season’s greetings to all.
Mr. McCaleb spoke on concerns of county spending $50K per month to treat leachate and wants consideration of a sewer treatment plant started.
PAYABLES
Approved
BUDGET ITEMS
Approved
Brief discussion was made on agenda for next BOS meeting in first week of January; this meeting will combine an organizational planning meeting for the BOS
Adjournment approximately 9:00 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.
