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The Wise County Board of Supervisors met in a Regular
meeting on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. in the
Board of Supervisors meeting room located in the Wise County
courthouse. The following were present:
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 R. 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.
MINUTES
A motion
was made by John Peace, seconded by Virginia Meador, to
approve the minutes as presented. The motion was unanimously
approved.
IN
RE: AGENDA APPROVAL -ADDITIONS / DELETIONS
Administrator
Skinner read the following items as additions to the agenda:
Under
Consent agenda add
Set
public hearing @ 6:00 p.m. May 4 on a request for Change
of Zoning on property in Pound
Set
public hearing @ 6:00 p.m. May 4 on a request for Change
of Zoning on property in Virginia City
Budget
amendments No. 82 and No. 83
Chairman
Luntsford asked that the Resolution on Water and Sewer Revenue
Bond - Extension of North Fork area water lines AND the
Support Agreement for the North Fork area water lines be
placed under the Consent Agenda.
Supervisor
Peace asked that the following verbage be added to the Resolution
- Authorization for Use of Wise County VCEDA Funds- (pursuant
to the approval of the Russell County Board of Supervisors
approving the Wise County/Russell County Revenue Sharing
Agreement).
Under
New Business add
Valley
Fire Request
Table
the resolution on Transfer of Cable Franchise until next
month
Chairman
Luntsford asked that the public hearing set for May 4 on
the Change of Zoning on property in Pound be changed to
the May 11 meeting so those individuals making the request
will not have to travel the distance to St. Paul.
There
being no further changes to the proposed agenda, a motion
was made by Bob Adkins, seconded by John Peace, to approve
the agenda with the additions and other modifications as
stated. The motion was unanimously approved.
IN
RE: WISE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTATION
Bill
Gobble, President of the Wise County Historical Society,
informed the Board that the Historical Society is promoting,
in any way possible, the fact that the County has been in
existence for 150 years. He asked for permission to
bury a time capsule in the courthouse lawn to be left there
for 50 years, which will contain five (5) historical books
of Wise County. In the year of 2056, the time capsule
would be uncovered and the people could read about this
150th anniversary that was celebrated in 2006.
He said this would be best done in the spring of 2007 which
would enable the Historical Society to have all its books
together to be placed in the time capsule.
IN
RE: ADVOCATE CENTER PRESENTATION
Sister
Beth Jasper presented the Board with a handout on the services
offered by the Advocate Center. She explained the
many health issues, home repairs and many other needs that
are far greater than the funds that are available for this
outreach. Sister Beth asked for continued support
from the Board to enable the center to assist in meeting
some of these needs. She noted that the Center only
serves Wise County and the City of Norton, but there are
requests from other counties that are turned away due to
lack of funds.
Supervisors
Robbins asked that $1500.00 be added to the upcoming budget
for consideration for the Advocate Center.
Sister
Beth also mentioned the great need for housing repair that
there is not enough funds.
IN
RE: PUBLIC EXPRESSION
Venis
Clark, representing the Community Action Committee in Appalachia,
now known as the Community Life Volunteers, informed the
Board that this committee's purpose is to revitalize the
Town of Appalachia and bring it back to a viable town.
The Town will be celebrating its 100th reunion
this year and plans are being made to make the Town more
attractive by planting of trees, shrubbery, etc. She
asked for a donation of $750.00 toward this expense.
A motion
was made by Fred Luntsford, seconded by Ronnie Shortt, to
appropriate $750.00 to the Community Life Volunteers to
assist in the expense of re-vitalizing the Town of Appalachia
for its 100th reunion. The motion was unanimously
approved.
Robin
Gardner, Angela Honeycutt, Gina Porter, Becky Collins, Bill
Cole, Marlene Bush, and Walter Crouse, addressed the Board
regarding the "run-down" conditions of the high schools
that has come about with neglect over the past 20 years.
They asked that plans be made for the renovating of the
high schools since the people have spoken against consolidation.
The Board was also praised for hearing the voice of the
people and meeting the needs of the Coeburn Middle School
and Powell Valley Primary School.
Treasurer
Rita Holbrook and Commissioner of Revenue Doug Mullins came
before the Board providing a handout on information regarding
the Personal Property Tax Relief Act ( PPTRA). Treasurer
Holbrook noted that the State has prepared a model plan
that is called "PAM", which is basically compiled historical
data. The Plan was reviewed and discussed.
Commissioner
of Revenue Mullins informed the Board that this is a Richmond
generated problem. The law makers in the General Assembly
created this and are now trying to fix the problem.
This is not a problem created by the localities. Treasurer
Holbrook has given an estimate on this figure but at the
end of the year, after supplements, exonerations, etc, that's
when a true figure will surface.
The
question before the Board is that a decision is needed as
to the percentage of PPTRA tax credit that would be given
to the tax payers. There was a discussion of the 66%
rate and the 70% rate. (current rate is 70%) If the
Board decides on the 70% rate, then the difference between
66% and 70% would come from the fund balance.
Walter
Crouse provided information on the upcoming 22nd
Annual Wise County Clean Up and asked that citizens participate
to help clean up our County and keep it clean. He
noted that supplies will be provided for the clean up at
each site on the 22nd.
Litter
Warden Greg Cross invited all Board member to the Litter
Summitt that will take place on April 17 & 18 at the
Oxbow Center in St. Paul. He briefed the Board on
the items to be addressed at the Summitt.
Jerry
Strong, a native of Appalachia, came before the Board addressing
the timing of re-surfacing of Main Street in Appalachia.
Mr. Strong expounded on the condition of the existing road
and the fact that the 100th reunion for Appalachia
will take place in August of this year. He asked if
the resurfacing could be completed prior to that date.
There
being no further comments the public expression period was
closed.
IN
RE: FAIRVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER
Blaine
McCoy, President of the Fairview Community Center, addressed
the Board with needed repairs to the Community Center and
financial assistance in getting the grass mowed. At
the present time, whoever rents the facility mows the grass.
He asked for any playground equipment that may be available
to place on the grounds for children to play on. The
money that has been collected for use of the Center has
been put toward repairing holes in the foundation, wrapping
of water lines, and filling the gas tank during the winter
months. Gravel was recently donated for the walking
track.
Mr.
McCoy informed the Board that someone was measuring a portion
of the Community Center property with 2x4's being placed
on some of the posts surrounding the property as if to be
doing some type of survey. It was noted that the County
has not been performing any survey to the land.
At a
recent meeting of the Community Center Committee, a request
was made by a school teacher expressing interest in renting
the Center for the next school year for a private Christian
School. He asked if this was permissible and if so
is there ample insurance to cover any injuries that may
occur with the children.
Chairman
Luntsford advised that there would be no insurance coverage
for a private school as it stands now. After further
discussion, Mr. McCoy was told that this matter will be
discussed with the County Attorney and he will be notified
of her findings accordingly.
IN
RE: ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Highway
Resident Engineer T. G. Branson stated that main street
in Appalachia has been scheduled for repaving this year.
However, he has no control over the day or month the paving
will be done. A contract has been let for that district
and once the contractor has come into the Residency to pave,
then he can encourage them as to where they should pave
first. Mr. Branson said he would get in touch with
the contractor and ascertain when he would be coming into
the Residency for paving. In the meantime, some
patching will be done by VDOT in the areas that are in need
of repair in the Appalachia area.
Mr.
Branson noted that the annual transportation hearing will
be held in Salem on May 9 at 6:30. He asked that the
Board strongly support, by resolution or by making a presentation
at the meeting, any projects that are in Wise County or
the region that are in need of funding.
Mr.
Branson noted that revenues currently available in this
year's working draft of the six year plan will be sufficiently
reduced from the existing six year program due to decrease
in gasoline sales, transportation user fees, sharply higher
asphalt / concrete, increase fuel costs, and continually
rising maintenance fees. Due to these factors, the
final Secondary Road Program funding may be reduced as much
as 38% without any further additional funding.
There
were brief comments from Board members regarding VDOT review
of needs in their districts.
IN
RE: RESOLUTION - ROAD ABANDONMENT ROUTE 686
A motion
was made by Ronnie Shortt, seconded by John Peace, to approve
the resolution abandoning the section of Secondary Rte 686
from 2.27 Mi. W. Rte. 78 to 2.40 Mi. W. Rte. 78, a distance
of 0.13 miles. The motion was unanimously approved.
RESOLUTION
#
2006
(Said
resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
BREAK
The
Board took a break at 7:30 p.m.
The
meeting reconvened at 7:40 p.m.
IN
RE: CONSENT AGENDA
A motion
was made by Bob Adkins, seconded by Ronnie Shortt , to approve
the consent agenda as follows:
IN
RE: PUBLIC HEARINGS
Set
public hearing (6:00 p.m. May 4 at St. Paul Town Hall) on
a request for a Special use Permit for the purpose of constructing/installing
a cellular U-Tower.
Set
public hearing (6:00 p.m. May 4 at St. Paul Town Hall) on
eleven additional E-911 road name additions.
Set
public hearing (6:00 p.m. May 4 at St. Paul Town Hall) on
An Emergency Ordinance Prohibiting Dogs & Cats from
Running at Large.
Set
public hearing (6:00 p.m. May 11 Wise County courthouse)
on a Change of Zoning on property in the Pound area for
the purpose of commercial development
Set
public hearing (6:00 p.m. on May 4 St. Paul Town Hall) on
a Change of Zoning on property located in the Virginia City
section of St. Paul for the purpose of commercial development
IN
RE: RESOLUTION PRESERVE AMERICA COMMUNITY
Resolution
applying for the designation of Wise County as a Preserve
America Community.
RESOLUTION
#
2006
(Said
resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
IN
RE: RESOLUTION - ACTION TO AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHER FAIR
HOUSING
Resolution
endorsing the concept of fair housing.
RESOLUTION
# 2006
(Said
resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
IN
RE: RESOLUTION- VIRGINIA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT
Resolution
authorizing the County Administrator to sign and submit
appropriate documents for the submittal of the Virginia
Community Development Block Grant proposal.
RESOLUTION
#
2006
(Said
resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
IN
RE: RESOLUTION - INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE
Resolution
supporting legislation to increase minimum wage.
RESOLUTION
#
2006
(Said
resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
IN
RE: RESOLUTION - USE OF VCEDA FUNDS
Resolution
authorizing the use of Wise County VCEDA funds in assisting
the locating of a new business in the Bush Building, which
is conditioned upon the development of a Revenue Sharing
Agreement by and between Russell County and Wise County.
RESOLUTION
#
2006
(Said
resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
IN
RE: RESOLUTION -WATER AND SEWER REVENUE BOND-NORTH
FORK
Resolution
regarding the issuance of a water and sewer revenue refunding
bond by the Wise County PSA and providing for Wise County's
Moral Obligation to make certain appropriations
RESOLUTION
# 2006
(Said
resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
IN
RE: SUPPORT AGREEMENT - NORTH FORK WATER
Support
Agreement between the Wise County Board of Supervisors,
the Wise County PSA and Virginia Resources Authority (VRA)
for the North Fork water line extension project.
PROCLAMATION
- CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
Proclamation
proclaiming the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention
Month.
IN
RE: APPROPRIATIONS
Fourth
quarter appropriations
IN
RE: BUDGET AMENDMENTS
No.
75: Source of revenue - Prior year's fund balance
- $3,000.00
Expenditure (3102) Sheriff-Law Enforcement
(505503) Travel-Subsistence and lodging - $3,000.00
No.
76: Source of Revenue - (DMV) STOP Grant - $5,545.00
(1213) Treasurer
(50700) Machinery & Equipment - $3,070.00
(50540) Office supplies - $2,475.00
No.
77: Source of Revenue-Fed. Dept. of Criminal Justice
Serv. Grant funds-$49,815.00
Federal NASA Grant funds - $60,000.00
Expenditures (2116) Wise DEVELOP Project
(501003) Salaries & Wages Part-time - $96,405.00
(503002) Professional Services other-$10,410.00-
(505506) Travel - $3,000.00
No.
78: Source of Revenue - Prior year's fund balance
- $850.00
Expenditures (1302) Registrar
(507002) Furniture & Fixtures - $250.00
(507001)
Machinery and equipment - $600.00
No.
79: Source of Revenue - Prior year's fund balance
- $10,794.72
Expenditures (3102) Sheriff-Law Enforcement
(503002) Professional Services other - $10,794.72
No.
80: Source of Revenue - IT Improvement Fund - $1,100.00
Expenditure (1220) Automated Data Processing
(507007) ADP Equipment & Software - $1,100.00
No.
81: Source of Revenue - Virginia State Compensation
Board - $2,821.17
Expenditures (3102) Sheriff-Law Enforcement
(315203) Telecommunications- $2,821.17
No.
82: Source of Revenue - Law Library Fund - $40,000.00
Expenditures (2108) Law Library
(505411) Books & Subscriptions $40,000.00
No local General Fund dollars involved
No.
83: Source of Revenue - Insurance Recovery - $11,320.00
Expenditures (9400) E-911 County Dispatch
(507001) Machinery & Equipment $11,320.00
No local General Fund dollars involved
No.
84: Source of Revenue -LENOWISCO Planning District
Commission - $6,036.85
Expenditure (4316) Sewer services/projects
(505810) Grant Expenses $6,036.85
No local General Fund dollars involved
IN
RE: ORDINANCE - MANDATORY SEWER HOOKUP
A public
hearing was held on February 2, 2006 to receive citizens'
comments regarding an ordinance being adopted by the Board
of Supervisors concurring with the resolution adopted by
the Wise County PSA for Mandatory Sewer Connection.
Chairman
Luntsford noted that the PSA Board re-visited the language
in the resolution and deleted #5 that was being opposed
by the citizens.
A motion
was made by John Peace, seconded by Steve Bates, to approve
the ordinance concurring with the resolution adopted by
the PSA for a mandatory sewer hookup. The motion was
unanimously approved.
ORDINANCE
#
2006
(Said
ordinance is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
IN
RE: CONDITIONAL ZONING - EMILY EDMONDSON
A public
hearing was held on March 2, 2006 to receive citizens' comments
regarding a request from Emily Edmondson for conditional
zoning on property located at 9506 Coeburn Mtn. Road for
the purpose of constructing housing. There was opposition
to the conditional zoning from some of the nearby property
owners.
Bob
Adkins made a motion that the conditional zoning request
be denied.
Chairman
Luntsford stated that this was the same motion that was
made before and it died. He asked Supervisor Adkins
to withdraw his motion to allow for another motion to be
made.
Supervisor
Adkins withdrew his motion.
John
Peace made a motion to grant the request from Emily Edmondson
for conditional zoning. Steve Bates seconded the motion.
Aye-
Steve Bates
Nay- Virginia Meador
John Peace
Bob Adkins
Leland Branham
Robby Robbins
Fred Luntsford
Ronnie Shortt
The
motion failed.
IN
RE: E-911 ROAD NAME ADDITIONS
A public
hearing was held on April 6 to receive citizens' comments
regarding two (2) additional E-911 road names. There
was no opposition to the proposed names.
A motion
was made by John Peace, seconded by Ronnie Shortt, to approve
the E-911 road names as presented. The motion was
unanimously approved.
(Said
names are on file in the County Administrator's Office)
IN
RE: CONDITIONAL ZONING -CULBY SUPPLY
A public
hearing was held on April 6 to receive citizens comments
regarding a request from Culby Supply for Conditional Zoning
for three (3) lots located at 6230 Hurricane Road for the
purpose of building multi-family housing. There was
no opposition to the propose Conditional Zoning.
A motion
was made by Leland Branham, seconded by Steve Bates, to
approve the Conditional Zoning request as made by Culby
Supply for the purpose of building multi-family housing.
The motion was unanimously approved.
IN
RE: CONDITIONAL CHANGE OF USE - CHRIS WILLIAMS
A public
hearing was held on April 6 to receive citizens' input regarding
a request from Chris Williams for Conditional Change of
Use for a 1.50 acre parcel of land located on 1605 Artesian
Well Hollow Road, Big Stone Gap for the purpose of expanding
property for an M-1 use. There was no opposition to
the Conditional Change of use.
A motion
was made by John Peace, seconded by Bob Adkins, to approve
the Conditional Change of Use as requested by Chris Williams
for the purpose of expanding property for an M-1 use.
The motion was unanimously approved.
IN
RE: ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - REAL ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION
FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED
A public
hearing was held on April 6 to receive citizens input regarding
a proposed amendment to the Real Estate Tax Exemption for
Elderly and Disabled Ordinance. There was no opposition
to the proposed amendment.
A motion
was made by Ronnie Shortt, seconded by John Peace, to approve
the amendment to the ordinance regarding Real Estate Tax
Exemption for elderly and disabled which would allow for
qualifying individuals filing after the May 15 deadline
to receive pro-rated tax consideration equal to one-half
of the total amount of the exemption. The motion was
unanimously approved.
ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT
(Said
amendment is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
IN
RE: RESOLUTION - TRANSFER OF CABLE FRANCHISE / CEBRIDGE
This
resolution was tabled until next month for further information.
IN
RE: MEOC ADDITIONAL FUNDING
A letter
was received from MEOC's Executive Director Marilyn Maxwell
requesting a special appropriation of $5,000.00 for the
MEOC Emergency Fuel Fund for the Elderly as part of the
annual Walkathon held in May with all proceeds going directly
to that fund.
A motion
was made by Ronnie Shortt, seconded by Virginia Meador,
to approve an additional appropriation of $5,000.00 to the
MEOC Emergency Fuel Fund. The motion was unanimously
approved.
IN
RE: RESOLUTION - FUNDING FOR SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
SCHOOL
Chairman
Luntsford read the resolution regarding the funding initiative
for the Software Engineering Program at The University of
Virginia's College at Wise.
A motion
was made by Fred Luntsford, seconded by Leland Branham,
to adopt the resolution whereby Wise County creates a Software
Engineering Education Initiative of a $125,000 Enterprise
Fund to be reserved for scholarships, and $125,000 for capital
improvements for the start-up of the School of Software
Engineering in the fall of 2006. The motion was unanimously
approved.
RESOLUTION
#
2006
(Said
resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
IN
RE: PRO-ART - REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING
A letter
was received from Pro-Art Executive Director Daisy Portuondo
requesting $5,000.00 to help with the payment on the purchase
of a grand piano for the Performing Arts Center.
After
discussing, it was the consensus of the Board to place this
request in the upcoming budget for consideration.
IN
RE: RESOLUTION - FUNDING FOR SCHOOL PROJECTS
Supervisor
Peace read the resolution regarding funding for the school
construction projects of Coeburn Middle School and the Powell
Valley Primary Schools.
A motion
was made by John Peace, seconded by Virginia Meador, to
approve the resolution whereby the Board of Supervisors
authorize the appropriation and transfer of $4,015,000 for
Powell Valley Primary School and $3,457,500 for Coeburn
Middle School for a total of $7,472,500.00 as requested
by the School Superintendent and in such a way to avoid
bond debt. The motion was unanimously approved.
RESOLUTION
#
2006
(Said
resolution is on file in the County Administrator's Office)
Supervisor
Bates urged the Board of Supervisors, the School Board and
the citizens to move forward and expedite the renovations
of the high schools. He asked that everyone come together
and get this done for our children and make the high schools
a top priority.
He asked
that the School Board come to the Board of Supervisors before
May of 2007 with a plan for full renovations of the high
schools with options to be considered.
Supervisor
Bates made a motion that a letter be sent to the School
Board with regard to a plan, with options, for the renovating
of the high schools to be submitted to the Board no later
than May 1, 2007. John Peace seconded the motion.
The motion was unanimously approved.
Several
comments were made from Board members in that a reasonable
plan be submitted with no "fluff", only needs, and that
the PPTEA be used in an effort to control costs. Also,
Board members asked that the School Board not delay in getting
these projects underway but to proceed with haste.
IN
RE: WORKSHOP MEETING PLACE CHANGE
A motion
was made by Leland Branham, seconded by John Peace, to move
the May Workshop meeting to the Town Hall in St. Paul.
The motion was unanimously approved.
IN
RE: APPOINTMENT -BUILDING CODE & APPEALS BOARD
A motion
was made by Leland Branham, seconded by Robby Robbins, to
re-appoint Dick Houchins to the Building Code & Appeals
Board. The motion was unanimously approved.
IN
RE: VALLEY FIRE REQUEST
Chairman
Luntsford noted that the Board approved a resolution at
its last meeting allowing Valley Fire to do transports.
A motion
was made by John Peace, seconded by Virginia Meador, to
authorize the County Administrator to send a letter to Mr.
Hendricks giving the Board's approval for Valley Fire Department
to secure an amendment to their license to allow them to
do transports. The motion was unanimously approved.
COUNTY
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Administrator
Skinner asked the Board to appoint a member of the Board
to work with him and Mr. Snodgrass on the final details
of the response to the project proposal with regard to the
prospect for the Virginia City Project.
Chairman
Luntsford appointed Supervisor Peace and Supervisor Adkins
to assist in this endeavor.
He spoke
briefly on the mile markers that are being installed on
US 23.
BOARD
COMMENTS
Board
members had brief comments regarding the school upgrades
and the need for everyone to work together to accomplish
this enormous task for the future of our children and grandchildren.
Supervisor
Branham asked that the Board consider preparing a resolution
regarding the County's road needs, especially the Connector
Road , to be taken to the Annual Transportation Meeting
for consideration.
Supervisor
Peace asked that a request be made to VCEDA to participate
in the cost of a study involving another approach to the
connector road.
IN
RE: VIDEO PRESENTATION - BACK YARD TREASURE
A video
was shown on Lonesome Pine Model Railroaders in Appalachia,
Virginia.
ADJOURN
A motion
was made by Bob Adkins, seconded by Robby Robbins, to adjourn
the meeting. The motion was unanimously approved.
ATTEST:
WISE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
____________________
__________________________
Glen
A. Skinner, Clerk
Fred A. Luntsford, Chairman
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