Honorable Fred A. Luntsford - Chairman

Honorable Ronnie Shortt - Vice-Chairman

Honorable Robert R. Adkins

Honorable Steve Bates

Honorable Virginia Meador

Honorable John W. Peace II

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

Bob Adkins led the Board in prayer.

PLEDGE

All led in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

WELCOME

Mayor Jackie Gilliam welcomed the Board to their facility and invited them for refreshments after the meeting.

IN RE:  APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Chairman Luntsford reviewed the following items to be added to the agenda:

To New Business Add: 

Resolution /Fiscal Agent Agreement/Appalachian Juvenile Commission

To Consent Agenda Add the following budget amendments: 

No.38:  Increase revenue from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant-$12,391.00- Increase budget for Sheriff's Office-Machinery and equipment $12,391.00

No. 39: Increase revenue from prior years fund balance-$16,530.00-Increase expenses- Welfare Administration-Comprehensive Services Act - $16,530.00

IN RE:  SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET FY 2005-06 PRESENTATION

Nolan Kilgore, Acting Superintendent of Public Schools, reviewed a portion of the FY 2005-06 school budget pertaining to staffing issues, education needs, health insurance and salaries.  He noted that the school system has recently adjusted the teacher pay scale to be more competitive with other areas.

Ron Vicars, Supervisor for Business and Finance, presented the school budget totaling approximately $70.77 million across three funds - Operations, debt service and capital outlay.  The budget includes a 4.5 percent pay raise for teachers and administrators, plus a 6 percent increase for support staff.  The County is being asked to appropriate approximately $15.05 million or approximately $1.46 million more compared to FY 2004-05.

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING / CONDITIONAL ZONING / MIDSOUTH DEVELOPMENT

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens' comments regarding a proposed conditional zoning on property consisting of 4.7 aces located at 9635 Coeburn Mountain Road from a R-1 District to a R-2 District for the purpose of constructing a multi-family residential/student housing.

Dan Hilton, a resident of Coeburn Mountain, living across the road from the Christian School, voiced his opposition to the proposed multi-family residential / student housing project.  Mr. Hilton stated that with a safety hazard already existing on this road with excess speeding, the additional flow of traffic would enhance that problem.  However, he said he could accept the project if it was being done by the college.  If it were under the supervision of the college, it would be policed, monitored and controlled in an orderly manner.  He feels there is some type of deception in the manner in which this project is being portrayed and perhaps the housing will be for HUD or low-income families instead of college students. 

John Kennedy, a resident living across from the Christian School on Coeburn Mountain, voiced his opposition to the proposed housing project that will certainly increase the danger of traffic accidents.  Mr. Kennedy said he was neither against growth nor against the college, but this project has him concerned for his community.  He asked that this project be denied as presented.

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

IN RE:  PUBLIC HEARING / CONDITIONAL ZONING / BSG SUBDIVISION

A public hearing was duly advertised for this date to receive citizens' comments regarding a proposed conditional zoning on property consisting of 3.93 acres located in Section II of the Barnette, Sergeant and Green (BSG) Subdivision off Washington Road in the Esserville section of Wise for the purpose of constructing an assisted living facility.

There was no opposition to the proposed conditional zoning.

There being no comments the public hearing was closed.

IN RE:  PUBLIC EXPRESSION

Edgar Mullins addressed the Board on behalf of the Pound High School Students that recently participated in the FCCLA competition in Virginia Beach.  Since they won first place at the State Leadership and Recognition Conference in Virginia Beach, they now qualified for national FCCLA competition in San Diego, California.  The cost for the trip is $10,000.  Mr. Mullins asked the Board for some financial assistance to make this trip possible.

Jane Mullins, FCCLA Sponsor, stated that these students won a gold medal and trophy for the Event Competition for Parliamentary Procedure Senior Division and will compete July 1-8 in San Diego, California at the National Leadership Meeting.  She noted that this is a tremendous honor for our students, schools, and our County.

Holly Mullins explained the Competition for Parliamentary Procedure.  She advised the Board that $3,500 has been raised for this trip through several fund raising events.  She said that any assistance from the Board would be appreciated.

Richard Mullins, a resident of Pound, told the Board that he appreciated their efforts in keeping the schools open in Appalachia and St. Paul.

Paul Kuczko, Chairman of the Community Policy and Management Board, briefed the Board on the increased expenses for the Welfare Administration - Comprehensive Services Act - and the need for additional funding.

Walter Crouse voiced his opinion on the upcoming School Budget and some options that could be utilized to cut costs.  He noted that future plans for our schools should get in motion now to provide a better education for our children.

Harold Greear, a resident of District 2, thanked the Board for its efforts in working with the School Board regarding school consolidation.  Mr. Greear voiced his opposition to funding the existing Coalfield Expressway.  He said the whole process was done in haste and handled in a bad way.

He also opposed the resolution supporting Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation and Re-mining Provisions in Virginia.

Larry Baker voiced his opposition to the proposed US 23 Access Road because it is not economically feasible.  He said the proposed Ramsey Access Road would benefit the County and displace fewer homes.

Donnie Seymore addressed the Board regarding an increase in fire department funding.

Administrator Skinner advised that funds for the fire departments has been addressed in the upcoming budget.

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

IN RE:  ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Highway Resident Engineer, T. G. Branson, informed the Board that he would have some information on Williams Road at the next meeting.

Board members provided needs in their districts.

IN RE:  CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were reviewed:

(1) Set public hearing (6:00 p.m. June 2) on a proposed rezone/boundary adjustment for property consisting of 13.774 acres located in the Bear Creek Subdivision in the Hurricane section of Wise for the purpose of expanding the existing subdivision.

(2) Set public hearing (6:00 p.m. June 2) on a proposed rezoning of property located at 2815 3rd Avenue East, in BSG for the purpose of expanding a business.

(3) Set public hearing (6:00 p.m. June 2) on four (4) proposed E-911 road name additions

(4) Set public hearing (6:00 p.m. June 2) on the proposed County Annual budget FY 2005-2006

(5) Proclamation saluting the Pound High School students participating in the FCCLA competition.  Each of the six students participating in the competition was presented a personal copy of the proclamation.

(6) Budget amendments as follows:

No. 33:  Increase revenue from DMV STOP-Grant-$130.00.  Increase budget for expenses of Treasurer - Salaries and Wages Part-time - $130.00

No. 34: Increase revenue from transfer from the RAID Fund to the General Fund - $1,000.00.  Increase budget for expenses for Sheriff's Office Correction and Detention - Salaries and Wages - $1,000.00

No. 35: Increase revenue from prior years fund balance - $2,600.00.  Increase budget for expenses for Economic Development - Advertising - $2,600.00

No. 36: Increase revenue from prior years fund balance - $1,500.00.  Increase budget for expenses for Treasurer - Salaries and wages - part-time $1,500.00

No. 37: Increase revenue from prior years fund balance -$290.00.  Increase budget for expenses for Circuit Court-Furniture and fixtures - $290.00

IN RE:  OTHER ITEMS REVIEWED

(1) Resolution Adding Tazewell County to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority

(2) Resolution/cable transfer/Rapid communications

(3) Resolution Supporting the development of a TMDL Study for the Straight Creek watershed

(4) Resolution Supporting Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation and Re-mining Provisions in Virginia

(5) Appointments

IN RE:  COUNTY BUDGET FY 2005-2006 PROPOSAL

Administrator Skinner presented a power point presentation on the proposed County budget for FY 2005-2006.

BOARD COMMENTS

Board members voiced their appreciation to Mayor Gilliam, Town Manager Bobby Dorton, and the Town Staff for their hospitality and for use of the Town Hall facility for the Board Workshop meeting.

ADJOURN

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

ATTEST:                                 WISE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

____________________     _________________________________

Glen A. Skinner, Clerk            Fred A. Luntsford, Chairman

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