Honorable Douglas A. Stallard - Chairman

Honorable Betty Cornett - Vice-Chair

Honorable Barry Nelson

Honorable Edgar Mullins

Honorable Virginia Meador

Honorable Robert Adkins

Honorable Jeffrey Salyers

Honorable Robert Robbins - members of said Board and

Edward L. Sealover - County Administrator

Shannon C. Scott - Assistant County Administrator

Karen T. Mullins - County Attorney

Annette Underwood - Executive Secretary

PRAYER

Chris Crabtree, Youth Pastor Mary's Chapel Church, led the Board in prayer.

PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

All led in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

IN RE:  APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The following items were added to the agenda:

(1) Amend l988 contract with C-N-W to obtain an additional connector terminal on the Authority's transmission line to serve the new Pound (Animal Shelter)

(2) Resolution requesting the naming of the Overlook on US 23 to be "James W. Robinson Memorial Overlook"

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING/SPECIAL USE PERMIT/RECYCLING/JUNKYARD BUSINESS

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive public comments regarding a request from David Stidham for a Special Use Permit for a recycling/junkyard business to be located at 2314B Preston Road in the Big Stone Gap area.

Dan McCoy, an adjacent property owner, voiced his opposition to the proposed recycling/junkyard business because of possible contamination of the ground water, depreciation of adjoining property and marring the scenic beauty of the valley.  He asked that this request be denied.

Arnie Rigg, a resident of the Big Stone Gap area, told the Board that his property overlooked the area that is being proposed for the recycling/junkyard business.  Mr. Rigg reminded the Board that sometime back he had asked for a Special Use Permit for property located in the Valley for a business comparable to Mr. Stidham.  He was told at that time that his business would destroy the scenic beauty of the Valley, possibly pollute the ground water, and increased traffic flow.  The proposal before the Board for a recycling/junkyard business would have the same effect.  Mr. Rigg asked that the request be denied.

There being no further comments the public hearing was closed.

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING/REAL ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION FOR ELDERLY & DISABLED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens' comments regarding a proposed amendment to the Real Estate Tax Exemption for the Elderly & Disabled Ordinance setting the due date (October 15) for first time & hardship applicants who reside in manufactured homes & receive a personal property tax ticket.

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

Board member Edgar Mullins voiced his desire to change the due date for first time & hardship applicants on real estate.

IN RE:   PUBLIC EXPRESSION

Richard Falin, a resident of the Appalachia, Derby area, reported that a railroad trestle was in the stream located in the Derby Community and flooding occurs when heavy rains come.   He suggested that someone be given the trestle for scrap iron to remove it from the stream.

Mr. Falin also reported that VDOT employees were removing political signs from private property in Derby.  He asked that this be looked into and stopped.

Highway Resident Engineer, T. G. Branson, told the Board that he would ascertain who gave the orders to have this done.

Roger Williams asked about the status of the Williams Bridge and whether or not the bridge will be built to meet state requirements.

Administrator Sealover advised that bid estimates are being secured for the bridge with a deadline set for Monday, September 8.  Regarding the requirements, VDOT prepared the spec sheet, which the contractors were provided a copy prior to submitting their bid.

Norman Greear, a property owner in the Day Town Community, asked the status of the Day Town Road project.

Attorney Mullins advised that there are two (2) hindrances in getting the Day Town Road into the Secondary System.  (1) There is not sufficient R-O-W at the entrance to Day Town Road because of a house and septic system and (2) the house that is being occupied by Ms. Fleming which is also on the proposed R-O-W is still an issue.

Mr. Greear asked the Board to re-consider having these R-O-W's cleared to enable the road to be taken into the system.  He further explained that there are many families living in that community with school children and a good road is badly needed.

Muiread Craft, Project Coordinator for the Guest River Project, asked that the County continue being a part of the Guest River Restoration Project.  She noted that the County has played a major part in this project.

There being no further comments, the public expression period was closed.

IN RE:  ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Highway Engineer T. G. Branson gave a brief status report regarding construction throughout the County.

Mr. Branson asked the Board to consider setting a public hearing at its October Workshop for the Six-Year Annual Road Plan for Roads and Bridges.

Board members presented requests for Mr. Branson's review and comments.

IN RE:  CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were reviewed.

(1)  Set public hearing on a requested Special Use Permit for a telecommunications facility/cellular tower to be located in the Coeburn area

(2)  Set public hearing on a requested Special Use Permit for an adult assisted living facility to be located in an existing structure at 14510 Sandy Ridge Road

(3)  Set public hearing on a requested Special Use Permit for a private horse training facility to be located at 9737 Norton-Coeburn Road

(4)  Set public hearing on a request Special Use Permit for a family cemetery on approximately ½ acre located at 10906 Highland Avenue in Bold Camp

(5)  Resolution Supporting Re-qualification of the Coalfield Coalition

(6)  Proclamation Honoring Carl Snodgrass as Experience Works 2003 Outstanding Virginia Older Worker

(7)  Set County Administrator and Attorney's salaries for FY 03-04 and renew Attorney's contract

Budget Amendments

1)  No. 8:  Increase General Fund revenues by $30,500 (grant), deposit in appropriate Health Department line items (arthritis and cancer initiative)

2)  No. 9:  Increase E-911 Fund revenues by $343,421; deposit in various line items of the E-911 Fund

3)  No. 10:  Increase General Fund revenues by $12,672 (re-appropriate grant funds); deposit in appropriate Emergency Services (Civil Defense) line items

IN RE:  OTHER ITEMS REVIEWED

1)   Appointments

2)   County Attorney's Report

3)   Board comments

4)   Closed Session (bids on vehicles)

5)   Award of bid

ADJOURN

The Board meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.

ATTEST:                  WISE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

______________________        _____________________

Clerk                                      Chairman