Honorable John W. Peace, II - Chairman

Honorable Fred Luntsford - Vice-Chairman

Honorable Robert R. Adkins

Honorable Steve Bates

Honorable Ronnie Shortt

Honorable Virginia Meador

Honorable Leland Branham

Honorable Robert Robbins - members of said Board and

Glen A. Skinner - County Administrator

Shannon C. Scott - Assistant County Administrator

Karen T. Mullins - County Attorney

Annette Underwood - Executive Secretary

PRAYER

T. G. Branson led the Board in prayer.

PLEDGE

All led in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

IN RE:  ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

The following items were deleted/added to the agenda:

ADD TO CONSENT AGENDA:

(1)  Set public hearing for January 6, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. on a proposed boundary line adjustment agreement between the County of Wise and the Town of St. Paul.

(2)  Adopt the resolution endorsing the concept of promoting fair housing for the Derby Project

(3)  Set public hearing for January 6, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. on a proposed ordinance for Fire Departments

(4)  Set public hearing for January 6, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. on rescinding the Contractor's License Fee

DELETE:

       The following E-911 names set for public hearing on December 2 because they are located in the corporate limits of the Town of Wise:

·         Culpepper Road

·         Northumberland Road

·         Buena Vista Road

·         Norfolk Road

·         Calapooia Road

IN RE:  PSA UPDATE

PSA Director Danny Buchanan provided the Board with a chart showing water projects that have been completed and future projects that will be implemented when grants are available. 

Regarding the sewer requests from the citizens living in the Riverview Community, Mr. Buchanan stated that those additional requests have been added to the existing study that is being considered for funding.  The funding agency has requested maps showing the additional hook-ups that will be taken into consideration the first of January 2005.

Regarding the replacement of water lines in the Stephens area, Mr. Buchanan stated that January 1 has been targeted for that project.

IN RE:  STEPHENS CHURCH OF GOD

Cliff Bowman, Pastor Stephen's Church of God, provided a power point presentation showing the church property that is adjacent to the property owned by the County of approximately 2.54 acres.  Pastor Bowman stated that the growth of the church has been such that a new building is necessary. It is the wishes of the church that the Board convey to them approximately 1.276 acres of that property to allow the proposed construction of a new church facility.  Pastor Bowman noted that if this transaction took place, the church would have its own access to the property, and the church would pave the community center parking lot along with the parking lot that would serve the church.

After further discussion, the Board asked Pastor Bowman to provide a sketch of a more detailed description as to the placement of the proposed structure, the parking lot area, etc. for review and consideration by the Board.

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING / E-911 ROAD NAMES

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens input regarding ninety-three unnamed E-911 road name additions.

There being no one to speak, the public hearing was closed.

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING / REZONING / NEW PEOPLES BANK

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens' input regarding a request from New Peoples Bank to rezone 1.956 acres of property from R-1 to B-2 for the purpose of constructing a bank at 5448 Wise-Norton Road.

There being no one to speak, the public hearing was closed.

IN RE:  PUBLIC EXPRESSION

Jim Smith, owner of property adjacent to the super Wal-Mart property located in the Esserville area, stated that he approached the City of Norton for a sewer tap for his property but was told that there was a moratorium on sewer taps.  Mr. Smith asked the Board for possible assistance in getting this moratorium lifted so that he and other property owners can be provided sewer taps.

IN RE:  FIRE DEPARTMENT

Robert Anderson, Chief of the Appalachia Fire Department, addressed the Board regarding the need for an ordinance to be adopted by the County that would protect the fire departments when personnel under the age of 18 are employed or work as volunteers.  Mr. Anderson stated that they needed to have the ordinance adopted prior to their January meeting if possible.

Attorney Mullins reviewed a model ordinance that addresses all the concerns of the fire departments, which could be considered by the Board.  This would protect the fire departments showing that they had all their policies in place as required by law.  She noted that the ordinance could be added to the agenda for next week to be sent out for public hearing at the January meeting.

IN RE:  CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE  FEE ORDINANCE

Commissioner of Revenue Doug Mullins addressed the Board regarding the Contractor's License Fee Ordinance adopted May 12, 1994.  Mr. Mullins stated that all contractors do not comply with the ordinance and it would require additional staff to have it properly enforced.  Even though the license fee brings in approximately $60,000 per year, it is mostly from local contractors who are struggling to make ends meet while others never report their work.  Moreover, the fee itself is inconsistent with the county's position concerning BPOL (Business, Professional and Occupational License).  Currently there are numerous professions that are not targeted to pay such a fee (one based upon gross receipts) in order to operate a business.  Mr. Mullins asked that the Board review the ordinance based upon his concerns and consider rescinding the Contractor's License Fee Ordinance.

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

IN RE:  ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Highway Resident Engineer T. G. Branson gave an update on construction throughout the County. 

Mr. Branson reviewed the proposed resolution requesting the naming of bridge in the Powell Valley section of the County in memory of B.F. Robinette.

Board members presented needs in their districts for Mr. Branson's review and consideration.

IN RE:  OTHER ITEMS REVIEWED

(1)  Resolution authorizing signatures for signing checks

(2)  Resolution to encourage funding of understaffed Clerk of Court positions

(3)  Resolution to fund Rural Electronic Litigation Pilot in Wise

(4)  Resolutions authorizing the financing of transfer station, police cars and related equipment

(5)  Approval of Audit 2003-2004

(6)  Budget amendments:

No. 10:  Increase General Fund revenues by $30,761.00.  Increase Clerk of the Circuit Court line item - Grant Expenses by $30,761.00 - Library of Virginia Records Preservation Grant

No. 11:  Increase allowance for Emergency and Contingency and decrease S.W. Virginia Community Correction's salaries & wages $3,443.00 and FICA $263.00 - State budget came in $376.00 less than the original budget.

No. 12:  Decrease fund balance for FY 03-04 by $6,500.00 and increase Emergency Services grant expenses by $6,500.00 - Carry-over grant money from FY 03-04 to be spent in FY 04-05

No. 13:  Increase General Fund and revenues by $470.00 and increase the budget for Law Enforcement police supplies by $470.00 - Department of Motor Vehicles Mini grant

No. 14:  Increase General Fund revenues by $1,327.00 and increase Law Enforcement budget, police supplies by $1,327.00 - Dept of Motor Vehicles Mini grant

No. 15: Increase General Fund revenues by $1,500.00 and increase Law Enforcement budget, salaries and wage overtime by $1,500.00 - Dept of Motor Vehicles Check Point Strike Point Grant

No. 16:  Decrease allowances for Emergency and Contingency $36,000.00 and increase the budget for E-911 road signs $36,000.00 - Transfer from Emergency/Contingency line item to E-911 for road signs

IN RE:  OTHER ITEMS REVIEWED

(1)  Rescind/Repeal  Contractor's License Fee Ordinance

(2)  Additional funding ($4500) for Treasurer's Office for travel and education

(3)  Meeting with Legislators in Richmond - January 2005 -Supervisor Branham asked that Board members consider going to Richmond January 23-26 to talk with the legislators regarding needs in Wise County. He asked for commitments at the next meeting to allow time for reservations, etc.

(4)  Change of January Workshop meeting place---Supervisor Shortt asked that the Board consider holding its January Workshop at the Appalachia High School Auditorium

IN RE:  BOARD COMMENTS

Supervisor Luntsford gave a brief update on the ongoing project at Derby.  Some of the community residents have concerns regarding mining activity that is beginning in the upper portion of the Derby community and the affect the coal trucks will have on the new pavement, the new water lines and sewer lines that have recently been installed.  The operator of the mining company has offered to find another route for the coal haul in lieu of traveling through the main street of the community if possible.  The old railroad bed would be an alternative route but at the present time there is some question as to the ownership of the route that is being proposed.  He asked that he be allowed to place this item on the agenda for the next meeting if information is forthcoming regarding ownership.

Attorney Mullins stated that she has been asked to review the property to ascertain the ownership.  The County obtained a deed to some of the railroad bed in that area throughout the Derby project but further review of the deed will be done prior to the next meeting for clarification of ownership. She recommended that the Board add it to the agenda for a report and further action can be taken if ownership of the property has been verified.

Supervisor Shortt asked the County Attorney to prepare the necessary documents to rescind the Contractor's License Fee Ordinance and be prepared to bring the Board up to date on the moratorium that has been placed on sewer taps for the property owners adjacent to the Super Walmart property located in the Esserville area.

Supervisor Adkins gave a brief overview on the importance of meeting with Legislators in Richmond in January.  At that time, local representatives have the opportunity to make known the needs of the County regarding roads, jobs, etc.

Supervisor Robbins spoke briefly on the importance of enforcing the litter laws.

ADJOURN

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

ATTEST:                               WISE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

____________________         ______________________

Glen A. Skinner - Clerk              John W. Peace - Chairman

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