Honorable John W. Peace,II - Chairman

Honorable Fred Luntsford - Vice-Chairman

Honorable Robert Adkins

Honorable Steve Bates

Honorable Ronnie Shortt

Honorable Virginia Meador

Honorable Leland Branham

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

Bob Adkins led the Board in prayer.

PLEDGE

All led in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

IN RE:  APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Ronnie Shortt asked that a resolution requesting VCEDA to support software engineering scholarships be added to the agenda.

IN RE:  PUBLIC EXPRESSION

Glenn Sturgill, a local hunter, expressed his concern that making the Animal Control Ordinance more restrictive would be harmful to the hunters if one of their expensive dogs made a mistake and was tagged as a vicious or dangerous dog.  Mr. Sturgill further stated that PETA and the Humane Society could take this proposed amendment and cause lots of problems for the hunters.  He asked that the Board hear his concerns and make the proposed amendment less restrictive.

Betty Roberts who lives directly behind the courthouse informed the Board that water running down her sloped yard that is adjacent to the County parking lot has become stagnated because there is no place for the water to go.  At one time, there was a creek that this excess water ran into.  But when the parking lot, sewer & water lines were installed, no thought was given to the water that drains from her yard. She asked the Board to help with a possible solution to correct this drainage problem.

Frank and Betty Stanley stated that their neighbor has a German Police dog that is vicious and dangerous.  Their grandson was bitten over the weekend by the dog.  They stressed the need for stricter laws on dogs such as this and voiced their support for the proposed amendment to the Animal Control Ordinance.

Evelyn Adams explained to the Board all the problems they have encountered with their neighbor's Rottweiler and German Shepard.  She cannot get outside her house to check her mail, mow the lawn or have any outside activities.  She asked that the proposed amendment be adopted.

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING / ORDINANCE APPROVING EXEMPTION OF THE JUNCTION CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING FROM CERTAIN TAXATION

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens' comments regarding a proposed Ordinance approving the exemption of the Junction Center for Independent Living, Inc. from certain taxation.

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

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING/PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE #1-1975

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens' comments regarding a proposed amendment to Animal Control Ordinance #1-1975 pertaining to vicious/dangerous dogs.

Deborah Adams voiced her support for the proposed amendment.  She stated that her neighbor's dogs have been vicious and dangerous for years and nothing could be done because they have shots and tags.  She explained that the dogs have chased her and others including the police, animal wardens, and meter readers.  Vehicles have been ruined including the bumper of a police car being detached by these dogs.  Children cannot play in the yard because of dog waste and when mowing the lawn this is also a frustrating process.

Attorney Mullins explained that this is not a request from PETA nor the Humane Society.  The purpose of the proposed amendment is to update the ordinance with State Law and give the Animal Control Officers some authority in protecting citizens from vicious and dangerous dogs.  As the ordinance now stands, if a dog has its shots and tags, nothing can be done unless it bites someone.  The County ordinance, as it is written, will not stand up in court. 

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

IN RE:  ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Kenny Robinson, representing VDOT, responded to last month's comments from Board members.

IN RE:  CONSENT AGENDA     

The Consent Agenda was reviewed as follows:

(1) Proclamation saluting the PV Middle School students participating in the FCCLA competition

(2) Set public hearing 6:00 p.m. August 5 on a proposed conditional zoning permit for property located on Cranes Nest Road

(3) Approve first quarter appropriations

(4) Resolution approving Planning District One Community Services Board FY 04-05 Performance Contract

(5) Approve refund of excess machinery & tools tax paid

(6) Budget amendment #1: Increase General Fund revenues by $141,583 (Homeland Security grant); deposit in Emergency Services budget, grant expense line item

IN RE:  OTHER ITEMS REVIEWED

(1) Authorize Chairman of the Board to execute and manage County Economic CD Rom Production Contract between Wise County and Menick Media, Inc.

(2) Authorize County Administrator to execute Agreement with Joyce Engineering, Inc. to provide certain professional engineering services related to the transfer station and other solid waste management activities

(3) Appointments

IN RE:  COUNTY ATTORNEY REPORT

Attorney Mullins stated that a request has been received from Dr. Botts With Hands Across the Mountain.  Dr. Botts had spoken to the Board some time ago asking the County to accept a small parcel of property near the Kentucky/Virginia line for a scenic overlook project with grant funding being provided..  It was initially intended that VDOT would accept the parcel.  However, there are certain restrictions in the deed that do not meet VDOT standards.  Therefore, "Hands" is asking that County to take on this project. This requires no County funds.  Engineering plans have been completed for review.  The problem with the deed is that the property is owned by a coal company that does not want to remove the language from the deed, which gives them the right to remove minerals from the site if they so choose. 

Chairman Peace asked that the Board be furnished with more information regarding this matter.

IN RE:  COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

Administrator Sealover reported that Wise County is one of eleven counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia and 106 counties throughout the country that has been chosen to be a recipient of the 2004 National Association of Counties Achievement Award.  This award is due to the County's involvement in the RAM project.

IN RE:  BOARD COMMENTS

Chairman Peace reported to the Board regarding his VCEDA meeting that was held on Friday.  He spoke briefly on marketing the CD ROM to increase awareness of and create interest in Wise County as a viable location to relocate industry from other parts of the country.  He asked each Board Member to write down three (3) to five (5) things that makes their district/town a great place to live that can be a part of this CD ROM.

Ronnie Shortt spoke briefly regarding the proposed resolution requesting VCEDA to support software engineering scholarships.

ADJOURN

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

ATTEST:                             WISE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

________________________      ____________________________

   Clerk                                                  Chairman

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