The Wise County Board of Supervisors met in a Workshop Meeting on June 1, 2000, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room located in the Wise County Courthouse.  The following were present:

Honorable Robert Adkins-Chairman

Honorable Virginia Meador

Honorable Doug Mullins

Honorable Edgar Mullins

Honorable Betty Cornett

Honorable Douglas Stallard

Honorable Jeffrey Salyers

Honorable Donnie Dowell - members of said Board and

Shannon C. Scott-Acting County Administrator

Karen Mullins-County Attorney

Annette Underwood-Executive Secretary

PRAYER

Rev. Robbie Fultz, Assistant Pastor Freedom of Worship Church, Norton, VA led the Board in prayer.

PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING/ REZONING/HUDSON BRANHAM

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens comments regarding a request from Hudson Branham to rezone 6.5 acres of land located at 8241 South Mountain Road, Pound, VA from an A-RR District to a B-1 District for the purpose of establishing a farm produce business.

There was no public comment regarding this request.

Board member Doug Mullins stated that he had received several calls from residents in that area opposing the rezoning.   Their reason for not attending the public hearing held by the Planning Commission and this public hearing is because the hearings conflicted with their work schedules.  He asked that the Board consider sending the request back to the Planning Commission for further study.

There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed.

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING/DANCE HALL PERMIT/JIMMY R. RAY

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens comments regarding a request from Jimmy R. Ray for a dance hall permit for the Mountaineer Restaurant & The Midnighter Lounge (the former Moose Lodge building) located on Highway 58 near Coeburn, VA.

There was no public comment opposing the dance hall permit.

There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed.

IN RE:  APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The following items were added to the agenda:

1. Discretionary Funds to be added at next meeting

2. Youth Basketball of America (Discretionary Fund)

3. Wise Play Ground at Primary School/ (Discretionary Fund)

4. Landfill Use Fee payments/collections

IN RE:  PUBLIC  EXPRESSION

There was no one to speak during the public expression period.

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING/ BUDGET FY 2000/01

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens comments regarding the County Budget for FY 2000/01.

Chairman Adkins asked for anyone wishing to speak regarding the School portion of the County budget:

The following individuals asked the Board to reconsider additional funding to the school budget which will allow Art and Music Teachers for the different schools, allow education to expand to better educate the children and for better economic growth and would further provide funds to upgrade existing school facilities:

Carl Curtis

Robert England

Nancy Bailey

Joe Smiddy

Helen Filmore

Andy Kilgore

Toyna Hatfield

Nila Bolling

Mary Robinson

Dave Lawson

Karen Ponish

Lee Clark

Michael Baker

Doug Stallard stated that he appreciated all the comments that have been made.  He noted that the Board has always come through for the School Board and met its requests.  However, there is a possibility that the School Board can keep the County from having to raise taxes.  He said there are things being said behind the scenes that indicate support for the Board, but he challenged the School Board to step up to the plate with the Board and make a public commitment that they are willing to help.

Betty Cornett voiced her support for a good education program in the schools and the need to reinforce our schools with up-to-date technology to prepare our children for the future and hopefully bring industry into our county.

There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed.

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING/TRANSFER OF PROPERTY LP AIRPORT

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens' comments regarding the transfer of approximately 100 acres of property, jointly owned by Wise County and the City of Norton, to the Wise County IDA for the purpose of industrial development.

Carl Snodgrass, speaking on behalf of the Wise County IDA, stated that the IDA has been negotiating with the Cumberlands Airport Commission to acquire approximately l00 additional acres of land that has been deemed surplus by the Airport Commission in the overall master plan.   This additional acreage is in the name of Wise County and the City of Norton and requires a public hearing by each party.  He asked that the Board look favorably in approving the transfer of this property to the Wise County IDA for industrial development.

There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed.

RECESS

The Board took a break at 7:00 p.m.

The Board reconvened its meeting at 7:15 p.m.

IN RE:  ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

The VDOT payment and gravel payments were reviewed.

Mr. Branson gave a brief update of ongoing construction throughout Wise County.

IN RE:  BLACKWOOD LANDFILL UPDATE

Bill King, representing T&L, gave the Board a brief update on the progress of the Blackwood Landfill.  Mr. King noted that the overall budget for the project is projected to finish below the debt amount.  However, the inspection hours will go over the estimated time frame.  The projected hours needed on inspections to finish the project is 330.  In the spirit of cost control, T&L has offered to reduce its rate from $55.00 to $45.00 for those extra 330 hours.  Even with this increase in hours, the overall budget is well under the bid amount.  

IN RE:   APPOINTMENTS

Edgar Mullins voiced his concern regarding the PSA appointment that was for district 1 but was made to someone in district 2.  Doug Mullins the Board member from district 1 who made the appointment explained the appointee's qualifications for that position and the fact that she lived in the Pound area.  He explained that if this appointment is not legal then he would take the step to make the needed changes.  Otherwise, he is confident in his decision.

Attorney Mullins said she would research the policy adopted by the Board concerning district appointments.  However, the Board has the option to change said policy. 

IN RE:  SINKING FUND CONTRIBUTION

Administrator Scott reported that the County is required by law to set aside sufficient funds to close the Blackwood Landfill at the anticipated date.  The proposed funding calculated for FY 2000/01 is $170,056.00 to be combined with dollars set aside previously in the amount of  $345,600.00 for a total of $515,656.00.    He asked the Board to consider this request at its next meeting.

Administrator Scott also reported that a letter has been received from DEQ notifying the County that the closure plan that has been submitted by Dewberry & Davis for the closure of the Appalachia Landfill, has been accepted, and construction should begin within the next thirty to sixty days.

IN RE:  ADVERTISE FOR RFP'S/ENGINEERING SERVICES CONNECTOR ROAD RT 58

Administrator Scott reported that Wise County was the recipient for an ARC Grant in the amount of $625,000 which will require a local match of $125,000.  After speaking with T.G. Branson, a member of the Coal & Gas Road Improvement Committee, regarding these local funds, Mr. Scott noted that the matching funds will be available from the Coal & Gas Road Improvement Funds. 

Chairman of the Coal & Gas Road Improvement Committee Doug Stallard stated that a meeting will be held on June 15 by the Committee to confirm this commitment.

Edgar Mullins questioned the mining that is expected to take place next to the Appalachia Landfill and the impact said mining will have on the landfill.

Mr. Scott stated that it is his understanding that a permit must be secured from DMME prior to any mining activities which hopefully will take into consideration the adjacent landfill.  In any event, Mr. Scott said he would be talking with DMME regarding this issue.

IN RE:  TOWN OF BIG STONE GAP/SCHOOL RESOURCES OFFICER

Chairman Adkins advised that the Town of Big Stone Gap has made a request for funding for a School Resource Officer for the coming year.

Administrator Scott stated that he will speak to BSG Town Manager George Polly prior to next week's meeting as to the status of his request.

There was some discussion on the funding sources for the School Resource Officers and the entity through which these officers are hired.

Chairman Adkins asked Administrator Scott to ascertain answers to the questions regarding the School Resource Officer and report back to the Board.

IN RE:  LEGAL SERVICES ANNEXATION

Administrator Scott asked for authorization to secure legal counsel for the County should the need arise through the proposed annexation by Big Stone Gap.

It was the understanding of the Board that this request has already been approved in a prior meeting.

Mr. Scott said he would research the minutes to ascertain the Board actions on this request.

IN RE:  MECKLENBURG COUNTY RESOLUTION/INCREASE  IN LOCAL SALES TAX

Chairman Adkins advised that Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors has adopted a resolution seeking an increase of one percent (1%) in general retail sales tax which is available to counties, cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth.  Mecklenburg's County Administrator Polly C. Johnson has requested that Wise County consider adopting a similar resolution.

IN RE:  OTHER  ITEMS DISCUSSED

1. Discretionary Fund Disbursement

2. Rezoning/Peggy Adams

3. Landfill Use Fee Refunds

4. Appointments

5. Payment of Accounts

6. E-911 Payments

7. Blackwood Enterprise Fund Payments

8. Enterprise Fund Payments

9. Set Year End Meeting

10. Board Comments

There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

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