November 17, 2010 Accomack County Board of Supervisors Regular Monthly Meeting
Accomac Board Chambers, Accomac, 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 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (BOS)
Present: L. Gordy (Chair) D. Hart. Wanda Thornton, Ron Wolff, Steve Mallette, S. McCaleb, J. Gray, S. Mears. Absent: G. Chessor.
County Attendees: Jim McGowan, Director of Planning, Steve Miner, County Administrator , Mark Taylor, County Attorney, Mike Mason, Finance Department,.
Audience: 30 members
Chair L. Gordy called the regular session to order at 5:00 PM.
Opening Comments: Ms. Gordy discussed modifications to agenda. She mentioned email from James McGowan. Mr. Miner commented additional item for new business.
AGENDA
Approved with modifications.
Ms. Gordy commented she did not limit the time of a speaker from previous month’s public comment.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ed Kish from Melfa: He addressed the issue of ID theft that occurred in county from laptop stolen from county employer. He suggested that one should review items on internet for ID theft, and if you feel that you are a victim of ID theft you go to the sheriff department and submit a form with case number. Apparently as of today you cannot do this at sheriff department.
Bob Gresham: He discussed the breach of ID security due to theft of laptop computer. He is concern that this is a serious issue, and an outside group should evaluate county procedures.
Wesley Edwards: He commented on stolen laptop. Laptops were procured so they could leave the office. He made point that to have enhanced procedures would require additional personnel and costs to handle situation.
Toni Trapanier from Hallwood: She agreed with Wes Edwards and his views and she is concerned why county has citizens’ social security numbers in a database.
Ed Kish (second presentation): He is not concerned that data will be used for ID theft. He is reasonably certain that data will be erased from stolen county laptop. He would like just more info about theft issue.
PRESENTATIONS
Employee Recognition of EMS Personnel: Three new paramedics were introduced by Supervisor Pruitt
Resolution from Mr. Allen: deferred.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approved.
REPORT OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Eastern Shore Rural Health: Ms. Stern updated the BOS on recent events. They just added 30 jobs at clinic. Many new clients at center are uninsured. A preparedness drill was held in Olney at cost of clinic. Approximately $8M has been brought into Accomack County via grants and funding. They will offer dental services to uninsured patients in northern part of county. Clinic also handles patient needs off the Eastern Shore through the bridge-tunnel tolls. Clinic gives corporate services to employers such as Wal Mart. She would like to purchase land in northern part of county for future health clinic.
Shore Health Services: Mr. Zager will give a status update to BOS. He discussed the various costs of diseases through country. The key element is making therapies outpatient in nature to help reduce costs attributed to lengthy stays in hospitals.
Update Mary Smith School: Mr. Annis discussed funding strategy for school. The main source of funding will be federal low income grants. School will be turned into 28 apartments with most of them one bedroom. Some other apartment buildings will be built which will give a total of 88 units. Mr. Hart asked if alumni were on board with project and Mr. Annis indicated they were. Mr. Wolff pointed out the school is a historical site and there may be funding in this direction.
Parks and Recreation: Mr. Burton discussed status. He noted challenges of running recreations during these economic times.
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON LOBBYIST FOR COUNTY
Mr. Miner discussed the proposal to employ a lobbying company for the county. Members from proposed lobbying company were made available for questions. Mr. Catron discussed lobbying company and background. From previous ad hoc committee meetings, Mr. Catron discussed taxiway funding and possible methods for funding. He also commented on possible unfunded mandates from the EPA that may impact county. His firm works by monthly retainer and on specified projects as discussed with BOS and county administrator. Motion made to hire lobbying firm for six month period. Cost for lobbying firm is $6500 per month. Approved seven to one.
Social Services: Ms Parker discussed social services and needs. Case load has increased dramatically. She would like BOS to consider a bonus for staff within the budget for social services workers. This is a onetime bonus from funds that are already available. Motion made to have public hearing to discuss bonus. Approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Printing Services: Ms.Burton discussed award of IFB 631 to Waterford Printing for services. There is an issue of bids for award. One bid was incorrect. Paper People were the actual low bidders. Motion was made to rebid printing award. Motion was withdrawn due to state circumstances and preferences. Another motion was made later in BOS meeting.
Wind Energy: Mr. Silverman discussed status. He noted a case study of Bethany, NY. Committee of 7 developed into a referendum which resulted in disallowing wind farms. There seems to be a widely based opposition to wind farms due to scenery masking. There is also economic opposition due to competition.
PUBLIC HEARING
Modest Town Agricultural and Forestal District: Public Hearing is opened. No speakers. Hearing is closed.
Planning Commission member discussed issue. Motion made to continue district with recommended changes. Approved.
OLD BUSINESS (CONT’D)
Amend County Ordinance on Animals, Article III. Mr. Wolff discussed proposal for acquiring licenses for cats and other companion animals. The major concern is rabies which can be more prevalent in feral cats. After considerations, Mr. Wolff would like to remove consideration of this license; however, he would like to solicit the help of citizens in minimizing the potential of rabies via cats. Motion to make citizen committee. Approved.
APPOINTMENTS
Accomack County Building and Fire Code: Deferred
Wetlands Board: Motion to appoint J. Wayne Taylor. Approved as alternate.
Workforce Investment Board: Mr. Hart may consider position. Motion made to allow Mr. Hart investigate position. Approved.
Planning Commission District 9: Mr. McCaleb would like to nominate Dr. Bacardi as re-appointment. Mr. McCaleb would like him to go through process. Motion made and approved.
Quimby Boat Harbor: Need replacement and put on agenda next month.
NEW BUSINESS
Redistricting: Mr. Mallette wants to bring up topic and timeline for setting new redistricting. Several BOS members would like to consider staggered terms.
Creation of New IT Position: Deferred.
Judgeships: Motion to find judgeship (this will be a vacated position not a new position): Approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Mr. Miner discussed laptop issue. Several recommendations were made. One is have a virtual desktop to a central server. Single contact point for any potential fraud due to stolen laptop is the county attorney’s office. School board voted school property back to county. Mr. Hart wants to make sure building is winterized. Mr. Hart would like the alternative of making it poignant in the newspaper that some companies owe county taxes. Motion to make clear notice in newspaper about taxes. Approved.
Public hearing next month to amend budget for schools, and second hearing scheduled at 5:30 PM next month. Motion made and approved.
Set hearing date for wind energy on February 23.
Encryption of BOS computers will begin. There is a question of usefulness of coding BOS computers as pointed out by some BOS members due to the age of computers.
COUNTY ATTORNEY REPORT
Mr. Taylor discusses the bid on printing services. This discussion was previously initiated earlier in the meeting. Principally the preference discussed by the state is only allowed for large businesses vs. small businesses; this is a situation between two designated small businesses. With this new information, motion was made to rebid printing award. Approved.
Mr. Taylor discussed laptop issue. The comments made in county’s letter to residents are essentially correct.
Mr. Taylor gave lobbying agent information about property replacement for Wallops Research Park.
BOS COMMENTS
Ms. Thornton would like to put on January agenda that all county employees will have random drug test.
BUDGET ITEMS
Approved
PAYABLES
Mr. McCaleb asked about limit on some equipment. It was noted that this was a previous award. Another issue was budget for north landfill items; this issue was answered
Approved.
MEETING MOVED TO CLOSED SESSION
Adjournment approximately 8:45PM
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.
