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

Kenny Robinson led the Board in prayer.

PLEDGE

All led in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Bob Adkins, seconded by Virginia Meador, to approve the minutes as presented.  The motion was unanimously approved.

IN RE:  APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The following items were deleted from the agenda:

1)       Presentation of Audit for 2003-04 by Larry Sturgill

2)       Approval of Audit 2003-2004

A motion was made by Robby Robbins, seconded by Steve Bates, to approve the agenda with said deletions.  The motion was unanimously approved.

IN RE:  PUBLIC EXPRESSION

Richard Falin a member of the Derby Historical Preservation Association addressed the Board regarding the coalmine that is beginning operations at the head of the Derby Community.  A renovation project with new water lines, sewer lines and new pavement has just been completed in the Derby community.  The coal haul from this mining operation would destroy this new infrastructure.  The coal operator, Paul Ison, being made aware that this community has been declared a historical site, has agreed to use an alternative route that would miss approximately 85% of the historical district.  Mr. Ison suggested using a portion of the old railroad bed for the alternative roadway but the ownership of that land is not certain at this time.  He noted that this railroad bed has been set-aside for the Rails to Trails project.  Mr. Ison also said that he would donate funds to help build this road, minimize dust, etc to avoid those homes.  Mr. Falin asked the Board that they be allowed to lease a portion of the railroad bed to Mr. Ison for this alternate road.  He asked that the process be expedited since the mine is due to open as soon as the permit is approved.

Supervisor Luntsford advised that he, Attorney Mullins, and the engineer would be meeting one day next week to review maps on the railroad bed to verify the proper ownership of that property.

Hugh Kiser addressed the Board concerning heavy blasting that is doing damage to homeowners that reside near the construction site of the Super Wal-Mart.  He asked for assistance in monitoring strength of the blasting.

Mr. Kiser was advised to attend the Planning Commission meeting on Monday, December 13 at which time the Planning Commission could assist him in finding a solution for this problem.

Jim Blackburn addressed the Board regarding icy spots in the road that are not being addressed by VDOT in a timely manner causing safety hazards for those that report to work early, especially school buses.  He noted several icy spots in the Pole Bridge, Turkey Branch, and Hurricane sections of the County.

Denver Mullins, a local contractor, voiced his support in rescinding the contractors licensing fee.  He stated that this is a much needed tax break for the contractors.

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

IN RE:  ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Kenny Robinson, representing VDOT, provided a brief update on projects throughout the County.

There was some discussion regarding the installation of a red light at the Tacoma intersection.

Administrator Skinner was asked to contact Sheriff Oakes regarding the icy road conditions asking that the deputies report to VDOT any icy spots throughout the County which would allow VDOT time to address these safety hazards.

IN RE:  RESOLUTION / NAMING OF BRIDGE/ B.F. ROBINETTE

A motion was made by Virginia Meador, seconded by John Peace, to approve the resolution requesting the naming of a bridge located on St. Route 610 after B.F. Robinette.  The motion was unanimously approved.

RESOLUTION #         2004

(Said resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)

IN RE:  CONSENT AGENDA

A motion was made by Leland Branham, seconded by Bob Adkins, to approve the consent agenda as follows:

IN RE: PUBLIC HEARINGS

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

Set a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. January 6 on a proposed Fire Department Operational/Liability Ordinance.

Set a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. January 6 on a proposed ordinance rescinding the Contractor's License Fee Ordinance.

IN RE:  RESOLUTION / DERBY PROJECT

Approved the resolution endorsing the concept of promoting fair housing for the Derby Project.

RESOLUTION #              2004

(Said resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)

IN RE:  RESOLUTION / CHECK SIGNING

Approved the resolution authorizing the signatures for signing checks.

RESOLUTION #       2004

(Said resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)

IN RE:  RESOLUTION / UNDERSTAFFED POSITIONS/CIRCUIT COURT CLERK

Approved the resolution encouraging funding of understaffed Clerk of Court positions.

RESOLUTION #          2004

(Said resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)

IN RE:  RESOLUTION / RURAL ELECTRONIC LITIGATION PILOT

Approved the resolution requesting funding for the Rural Electronic Litigation Pilot in Wise.

RESOLUTION #          2004

(Said resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)

IN RE:  RESOLUTIONS /APPROVING OF FINANCING OF TRANSFER STATION, ETC

Adopted the resolutions authorizing the financing of transfer station, police cars and related equipment.

RESOLUTION #                  2004

RESOLUTION #__________2004

(Said resolutions are on file in the County Administrator's Office)

IN RE:  BUDGET AMENDMENTS (#10 -#16)

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 Corrections' salaries & wages $3,443.00 and FICA $263.00 - State budget came in $3,706.00 less than the original budget

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

No. 13: Increase general fund revenues by $470.00 and increase the budget for Law Enforcement police supplies by $470.00 - Dept. of Motor Vehicles Mini Grant

No. 14: Increase general fund revenues by $1,327.00 and increase Law Enforcement budget, police supplies by $1,317.00 - Department 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

No. 16: Decrease allowance 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

The motion to approve the consent agenda was unanimously approved.

IN RE:  E-911 ROAD NAME ADDITIONS

A public hearing was held on December 2 to receive citizens comments regarding the proposed E-911 road name additions with the deletion of five (5) names that was in the Town of Wise.  There was no public opposition to the proposed names.

A motion was made by Leland Branham, seconded by Steve Bates, to approve the list of E-911 road name additions as presented.  The motion was unanimously approved.

(Said list is on file in the County Administrator's Office)

IN RE:  REZONING / NEW PEOPLES BANK

A public hearing was held on December to receive citizens' comments regarding a request from New Peoples Bank to rezone 1.956 acres from R-1 to B-2 for the purpose of constructing a bank at 5448 Wise-Norton Road.  There was no public opposition to the proposed rezoning.

A motion was made by Bob Adkins, seconded by Robby Robbins, to approve the rezoning request from New Peoples Bank for the purpose of building a bank.  The motion was unanimously approved.

IN RE:  TREASURER'S REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING

A motion was made by Bob Adkins, seconded by Robby Robbins, to approve the Treasurer's request for additional funding for travel and education in the amount of $4,500.00.

Ronnie Shortt made a substitute motion to table the request until the January meeting for further information.  Fred Luntsford seconded the request. The motion was unanimously approved.

IN RE:  RICHMOND TRIP

There was some discussion regarding the meeting with legislators in Richmond that has been set for January 23-26, 2005.

Bob Adkins made a motion to approve expenses for the Supervisors.  Robby Robbins seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously approved. 

Supervisor Meador asked that a list of needs be made for the legislators to consider.

IN RE:  CHANGE OF WORKSHOP MEETING PLACE

A motion was made by Ronnie Shortt, seconded by Fred Luntsford, to hold its January 6, 2005 Workshop meeting at the Appalachia High School Auditorium.  The motion was unanimously approved.

IN RE:  APPOINTMENT / IDA

A motion was made by Ronnie Shortt, seconded by Bob Adkins, to reappoint Roger Mullins to the IDA for a term of four (4) years.  The motion was unanimously approved.

IN RE:  APPOINTMENT / PLANNING COMMISSION

A motion was made by Ronnie Shortt, seconded by Bob Adkins, to reappoint Faye Barker to the Planning Commission for a term of four (4) years.  The motion was unanimously approved.

IN RE:  APPOINTMENT / PSA

A motion was made by John Peace, seconded by Virginia Meador, to appoint William E. Peace, Jr. to the PSA for a term of four (4) years.  The motion was unanimously approved.

IN RE:  APPOINTMENT / SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD

A motion was made by Robby Robbins that he be reappointed to the Social Services Board.  Virginia Meador seconded the motion.

Leland Branham nominated Mary Kiser to the Social Services Board.

There was some discussion as to whether or not one or more Board members were to serve on that Board.

Attorney Mullins stated that she would need to review the Code to determination whether or not one or more Board members are to serve on the this Board.

The votes for Robby Robbins were as follows:

Aye-     Virginia Meador             Nay-     John Peace

             Robby Robbins                           Fred Luntsford

             Bob Adkins                                  Leland Branham

                                                                   Ronnie Shortt

                                                                   Steve Bates

Motion failed.

Attorney Mullins advised that Ms. Kiser could be appointed pending her eligibility of the appointment.

The votes for Mary Kiser were as follows:

Aye-     John Peace                   Nay-     Virginia Meador

             Fred Luntsford                           Robby Robbins

             Leland Branham                        Bob Adkins

             Ronnie Shortt

             Steve Bates

Motion carried.

IN RE:  COUNTY ATTORNEY'S REPORT

Attorney Mullins reported that work is ongoing with the City of Norton regarding the requested sewer taps for property located in Esserville adjacent to the Super Wal-Mart property.  A meeting with the engineer has been set up for one day next week.

IN RE: PUBLIC HEARINGS / MEETING PLACE

Secretary Underwood advised Chairman Peace that due to changing the Workshop meeting place each of the public hearings that were set under the consent agenda would require another motion stating that the public hearings will be held at the Appalachia High School auditorium.

A motion was made by Fred Luntsford, seconded by Leland Branham, to hold the public hearings as stated under the consent agenda at the Appalachia High School auditorium.  The motion was unanimously approved.

IN RE:  BOARD COMMENTS

Supervisor Shortt stated that he has had several complaints regarding 911 signs that are torn down.  He asked that Administrator Skinner ascertain who is responsible for replacing these signs once they have been torn down or stolen.  He also asked the Administrator to contact Sheriff Oakes and ask that his deputies report to VDOT any icy roads throughout the County which would allow the maintenance crew ample time to salt these specific areas.

Supervisor Luntsford spoke briefly on the request from Cliff Bowman, Pastor of the Stephens Church of God, regarding the purchase of a portion of the County property for a new church.  He noted pictures, drawings, photos and three (3) options regarding the proposed construction of the new church listed in the packets provided to each of the Board members by Pastor Bowman.

Supervisor Robbins spoke briefly on several options open to the County for use of the County jail facility once the Regional jail becomes operational.

Board members voiced their holiday wishes to everyone.

RECESS

There being no further business, a motion was made by Bob Adkins, seconded by Ronnie Shortt, to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was unanimously approved.

ATTEST:                                 WISE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

_____________________        ________________________

Glen A. Skinner, Clerk                 John W. Peace II, Chairman

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