The Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its regularly scheduled meeting at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 08, 2011. The location of the meeting was in the Board Room of the County Administration Building, 340 South Sixth Street, Wytheville, Virginia. MEMBERS PRESENT: Wythe B. Bucky Sharitz, Chair Gary M. Houseman Martha P. Umberger B.G. Gene Horney Margaret O. Maggie Poole Coy L. McRoberts MEMBERS ABSENT: Danny C. McDaniel STAFF PRESENT: R. Cellell Dalton, County Administrator Stephen D. Bear, Assistant County Administrator Martha G. Collins, Administrative Assistant Scot Farthing, County Attorney OTHERS PRESENT: Jack Rutherford Sheriff Doug King Danny Gordon Donna Jackson Linda Meyer Herb Craft Randy Martin Larry Miller Buford Bailey Marisa Osborn Glenda Crockett-Eanes Wesley Eversole Bill Barbour 70 citizens CALL TO ORDER & INVOCATION The Chair determined that a quorum was present and called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Pastor Jack Rutherford of the Sharon Baptist Church provided the invocation and the Chair led the Pledge of Allegiance. CITIZENS TIME Chair Sharitz welcomed the citizens present at the meeting and inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Board. 1. Sheffey Elementary School Ms. Donna Jackson, Sheffey Elementary PTO President, addressed the Board with her concerns regarding Sheffey Elementary School. Ms. Jackson distributed a news release from the Virginia Department of Education. She explained that she received a call from the Mr. Robinson, Virginia Secretary of Education, who had shown pictures of Sheffey Elementary School to Governor McDonnell. Ms. Jackson noted that Governor McDonnell agreed that Sheffey Elementary School needed improvements. She explained that the School Board unanimously voted to apply for construction bonds, but the Board of Supervisors voted against the bonds due to lack of information. Ms. Jackson added that Mr. Robinson stated that without a bond application on file, he could
not help at this time. She concluded by asking the School Board and Board of Supervisors to work together to improve the conditions at Sheffey Elementary. Chair Sharitz asked County Administrator Dalton to work with School Superintendant Brannon on this issue. 2. Salary Increases Ms. Linda Meyer addressed the Board with her concerns regarding administrative salary increases. Ms. Meyer asked the Board to reconsider the administrative salary increases. She added that she had recently heard of a County employee in the finance office who received a $6,000 raise and asked the reason for this raise. Ms. Meyer concluded by asking the Board to address and correct this action. 3. Korean Free Trade Agreement - Mr. Larry Miller, Human Resources Manager of BondCote Corporation in Pulaski addressed the Board. Mr. Miller explained that approximately one-third of their employees live in Wythe County and will be adversely affected by the Korean Free Trade Agreement. He presented the Board with information about the Agreement and asked for the Board s assistance with this issue. 4. Salary Increases Mr. Buford Bailey addressed the Board with his concerns regarding administrative salary increases. Mr. Bailey expressed his disapproval with the raises by quoting Thomas Jefferson who in the Declaration of Independence stated, governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. He added that if the Board does not decide to rescind the raises those up for election in November will pay the penalty and the newly elected Board would reverse the decision. 5. Salary Increases Ms. Marisa Osborn addressed the Board with her concerns regarding administrative salary increases. Ms. Osborn explained that the justification for these raises is now a mute point and asked if Mr. Dalton or Mr. Bear would resign if the raises were rescinded. If not, then she asked that the Board rescind the raises and each Board member go on public record as to whether they are in favor of or against the raises. Ms. Osborn added that she had placed 40 phone calls to her representative, Ms. Umberger, with no response and no way to leave a message. She concluded by asking the Board members to let their constituents know how they stand on this issue. 6. Salary Increases Ms. Glenda Crockett-Eanes addressed the Board with her concerns regarding administrative salary increases. Ms. Crockett-Eanes explained that she is an educator at a special education school in Wythe County. She asked the Board revisit their decision on the recent raises and to apply those funds to the school systems. 7. Rescue Squads Mr. Wesley Eversole of Lead Mines addressed the Board with his concerns regarding rescue squad charging. Mr. Eversole explained that a 2
family member had recently been taken from Sheffey School to the Wythe County Hospital by the rescue squad and received a bill for $992. He asked how much the billing agency receives of that amount. Chair Sharitz responded that they did not have that information at this time, but would look into the issue. Mr. Eversole concluded by stating that the money given out for the recent raises could be given to the rescue squads. 8. Salary Increases Mr. Herb Craft addressed the Board with his concerns regarding administrative salary increases. Mr. Craft explained that he is from the east Wytheville district and felt that most of his issues had already been addressed. He noted that most citizens in Wythe County have not received any raise in the past year. Mr. Craft asked the Board why the raises were given and at the amount given, especially now that the original reason is gone. He also asked how the County would save money by paying an employee over $100,000 in wages and benefits, when an outside firm doing an audit would be cheaper. Hearing no one else to address the Board, Chair Sharitz closed Citizens Time SHENTEL CABLE Mr. Bill Barbour, Director of Industry Relations with Shentel Cable addressed the Board. Mr. Barbour explained to the Board that Shentel Cable had recently purchased the assets of Jetbroadband, which was the cable, high-speed data, and phone provider in Wythe County. He discussed the history of Shentel Cable and noted that it is a publicly traded company. Mr. Barbour added that Shentel Cable has committed over $30 million to bring their plant up to technical specifications to carry the community into the future for many years. He described some of those upgrades and the possible intermittent down times caused by them. Mr. Barbour added that superstation WGN would be removed from their lineup and explained the reasons for the change. Mr. Dalton asked Mr. Barbour whom citizens could contact if they have problems. Mr. Barbour responded that they could speak to someone at the local office on Main Street or call the 800 number on their billing statements and listed online. WYTHEVILLE REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY Mr. Randy Martin, Executive Director of the Wytheville Redevelopment and Housing Authority appeared before the Board to discuss the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Mr. Martin distributed handouts to the Board outlining the available balance of housing assistance payments for 2011. He began by explaining that the Wytheville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (WRHA) distributes 135 vouchers to citizens to find affordable housing within the County. Mr. Martin asked the Board to consider allocating funds in the amount of $17,888 for housing assistance payments to help 3
residents in the program for the next three months. He added that the WRHA would hold a public hearing on March 21 to change payment standards and occupancy standards. Mr. Martin explained that in the spring of 2012 the WRHA would pay back the funds requested. Supervisor Houseman asked Mr. Martin to explain payment standards and occupancy standards. Mr. Martin explained that a payment standard provides for rent and utilities, which is currently set at 102%, and will change to 95% and 98% for the elderly. He added that the occupancy standard is a standard that allows children after the age of six their own bedroom; HUD is changing that to two persons per bedroom regardless of sex or age. Supervisor Umberger asked where the new housing would be built. Mr. Martin explained that the entire block of west Jefferson and Union would be developed for persons with disabilities. Mr. Dalton asked if the housing standards are changed, would that force some individuals on the program to move. Mr. Martin responded that it could force some to move to a smaller house. He added that the WRHA does assist individuals in finding housing and owns 80 units in the Town and County. Chair Sharitz referred the issue to the Budget Committee for consideration, which meets next Thursday at 3:30 p.m. BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE 1. Ager Park Supervisor Poole made a motion as recommended by the Building and Grounds Committee to open Ager Park until construction begins on the multi-purpose field. The motion passed unanimously, six for and one absent. 2. Wellness and Fitness Center Supervisor Poole made a motion as recommended by the Building and Grounds Committee to endorse the Western Wythe County Wellness and Fitness Center feasibility report and develop a committee to address funding opportunities and plans for proceeding. The motion passed unanimously, six for and one absent. 3. County Office Building Project Supervisor Poole made a motion as recommended by the Building and Grounds Committee to add Deduct No. 1 back to the County Office Building Project and reevaluate the assignment of office spaces. The roll call vote on the motion was as follows: 4
Wythe B. Sharitz Coy L. McRoberts ABSENT: Danny C. McDaniel ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 1. Lot 24 Site Development Supervisor Umberger made a motion as recommended by the Economic Development Committee to accept Change Order No. 2 for the Progress Park Lot Site Development. Supervisor Umberger explained that the change order was in the amount of $698,850 and the funds were included in the original project budget. Supervisor Houseman asked why the change order was taken out of the budget. Mr. Dalton explained that the exclusion of change order no. 2 was for stormwater management, which was anticipated to be completed off-site. He added that the off-site cost was over $1 million and to do so on-site would be a significant cost savings. The roll call vote on the motion was as follows: SMYTH WYTHE AIRPORT COMMISSION The Board reviewed a letter from Scott Freeman, secretary of the Smyth Wythe Airport Commission regarding member and contact information changes. Mr. Dalton explained and Board discussed these changes. LOCAL CHOICE RENEWAL The Board reviewed the Local Choice Healthcare Plan s proposed renewal rates for fiscal year 2012. Mr. Dalton explained that the Insurance Committee recommended that the County continue using the Local Choice Healthcare Plan. Supervisor McRoberts made a motion seconded by Supervisor Poole to continue using the Local Choice Healthcare Plan. The roll call vote on the motion was as follows: 5
Wythe B. Sharitz Coy L. McRoberts WATER MATERIAL BIDS The Board reviewed water material bid results and recommendations from County Engineer, Kenny Hurst. Supervisor Umberger asked how far the water line on Lead Mines Road would go. Mr. Dalton explained that it would be on Route 69 from Route 52 to Austinville. Supervisor Umberger asked if the Rural Retreat water line was complete. Mr. Dalton explained that the water line installed by the town of Rural Retreat from town to the entrance of Rural Retreat Lake has had several issues but once the new line is complete, it should reduce water consumption dramatically. Mr. Dalton reported that the materials bid from Ferguson Enterprises was for $13,457.03, HD Supply Waterworks was for $40,237.71, and Consolidated Pipe and Supply was for $9,820.50. He added that all three would supply the materials for the waterline projects. Mr. Dalton noted that Mr. Hurst received all the bids and has chosen the lowest cost for each line item needed for the project. Supervisor Houseman made a motion to accept the bid from Ferguson Enterprises for $13,457.03, seconded by Supervisor Horney. The roll call vote on the motion was as follows: Supervisor McRoberts made a motion to accept the bid from HD Supply Waterworks for $40,237.71. Supervisor Poole seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: 6
Supervisor McRoberts made a motion to accept the bid from Consolidated Pipe and Supply for $9820.50. Supervisor Horney seconded the motion and the roll call vote was as follows: WATER CONNECTION BIDS The Board reviewed a memo from County Engineer, Kenny Hurst outlining bid results for the Lead Mines Water Connection Project. Supervisor Horney asked if the County was obligated to accept the low bid. Mr. Dalton explained that Ramey Inc. installed the main water line and is already onsite. Supervisor Horney made a motion, seconded by Supervisor Poole to accept the bid from Ramey Inc. in the amount of $72,975 for the construction of the water connections on Lead Mines Road. The roll call vote was as follows: VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE (VML)/VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (VACO)/APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY (APCO) STEERING COMMITTEE The Board reviewed a memorandum from the VML/VACo/APCo Steering Committee regarding APCo s Public Authority Lighting Program. Mr. Dalton explained that the County has worked with the VML/VACo Steering Committee to lower electrical rates for County facilities and schools. 7
911 MEMORIAL COMMITTEE Chair Sharitz requested on behalf of Jim Cox, Sheriff s Office Chaplain, that a Board member serve on the 911 Memorial Committee. With no other Board members volunteering, Chair Sharitz agreed to serve on the Committee. PAYMENT OF COUNTY INVOICES Supervisor Poole made a motion to pay the invoices submitted for approval on March 08, 2011 for the various departments of County government. The invoices were paid on General Warrants 30077373-30077423; 30077425-30077453; 30077455-3007457; as follows: EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS March 08, 2011 CHECK # ISSUE DATE VENDOR TOTAL 30077373 03/08/11 AFTON COMMUNICATIONS CORP $326.80 30077374 03/08/11 ALSCO $98.23 30077375 03/08/11 AMERICAN ASSOC OF NOTARIES $18.90 30077376 03/08/11 APPALACHIAN POWER $632.91 30077377 03/08/11 ARMY & NAVY STORE $147.96 30077378 03/08/11 ATLANTIC EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS INC $570.92 30077379 03/08/11 AUSTIN, MAURICE $189.00 30077380 03/08/11 BKT UNIFORMS $59.98 30077381 03/08/11 BLAIR, MARJORIE J $1,585.68 30077382 03/08/11 BUSINESS CARD $1,193.62 30077383 03/08/11 BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS $37.50 30077384 03/08/11 CW WARTHEN $319.62 30077385 03/08/11 CANDU AUTO SALES & SERVICE $39.45 30077386 03/08/11 CASC $100.00 30077387 03/08/11 CATRON, G W $792.84 30077388 03/08/11 CDW GOVERNMENT INC $28.91 30077389 03/08/11 CENTURYLINK $2,084.71 30077390 03/08/11 CENTURYLINK $40.04 30077391 03/08/11 CENTURYLINK $292.28 30077392 03/08/11 CENTURYLINK $2,929.83 30077393 03/08/11 CENTURYLINK $334.97 30077394 03/08/11 CENTURYLINK $198.63 30077395 03/08/11 CENTURYLINK $80.37 30077396 03/08/11 CENTURYLINK $36.27 30077397 03/08/11 CENTURYLINK $82.88 30077398 03/08/11 CITIZENS TELEPHONE COOP $465.00 30077399 03/08/11 COM TEC $1,331.00 30077400 03/08/11 CORRECTION PRODUCT COMPANY $1,285.57 30077401 03/08/11 CROCKETT, WALTER S $60.00 30077402 03/08/11 DALTON, ROBERT C $284.13 30077403 03/08/11 DISTRICT THREE $3,601.75 8
30077404 03/08/11 DIYORIO, JOHN $792.84 30077405 03/08/11 ELSAG NORTH AMERICA $17,000.00 30077406 03/08/11 EMS INC $430.00 30077407 03/08/11 ESI $24.07 30077408 03/08/11 EVERSOLE MOTORS $16.00 30077409 03/08/11 F & R ELECTRIC INC $1,735.30 30077410 03/08/11 FERGUSON ENTERPRISES $32.84 30077411 03/08/11 FLEETONE LLC $226.16 30077412 03/08/11 GALLS $596.16 30077413 03/08/11 HOPE INC $2,756.00 30077414 03/08/11 HORNEY, HAYDEN H $192.76 30077415 03/08/11 KAYS OF KINGSPORT INC $524.67 30077416 03/08/11 KING, DOUGLAS W $662.35 30077417 03/08/11 KING-MOORE INC $949.00 30077418 03/08/11 KMART $153.91 30077419 03/08/11 KUSTOM SIGNALS $99.46 30077420 03/08/11 LANE GROUP $5,543.50 30077421 03/08/11 LBM OFFICE SOLUTIONS $216.66 30077422 03/08/11 LEE'S GARAGE $132.99 30077423 03/08/11 LEXISNEXIS $500.00 30077425 03/08/11 LOWE'S $1,223.77 30077426 03/08/11 MEADE CONTRACTING CO $98,598.57 30077427 03/08/11 MEREDITH'S GARAGE $313.65 30077428 03/08/11 NEW RIVER REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY$24,162.57 30077429 03/08/11 NTELOS $30.90 30077430 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $1,686.00 30077431 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $7,577.00 30077432 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $1,428.00 30077433 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $79.00 30077434 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $330.00 30077435 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $1,015.00 30077436 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $345.00 30077437 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $2,282.00 30077438 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $2,514.00 30077439 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $18,319.00 30077440 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $11,572.00 30077441 03/08/11 RURAL DEVELOPMENT $2,295.00 30077442 03/08/11 SENTRY SERVICES $1,371.57 30077443 03/08/11 SMYTH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE $999.72 30077444 03/08/11 SOUTH END CONSTRUCTION INC $242,116.14 30077445 03/08/11 STEVE'S AUTO SALES & REPAIR $1,808.34 30077446 03/08/11 SUNTRUST $36,881.92 30077447 03/08/11 THOMPSON TIRE $99.00 30077448 03/08/11 TRI COUNTY GLASS INC $195.16 30077449 03/08/11 TROPHYS PLUS $104.00 9
30077450 03/08/11 UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA $31.00 30077451 03/08/11 UPS STORE 5065 $8.45 30077452 03/08/11 VIRGINIA TOURISM CORP $160.00 30077453 03/08/11 VITA $176.62 30077455 03/08/11 VITA $483.49 30077456 03/08/11 WYTHE CO WATER & WASTEWATER $66.00 30077457 03/08/11 WYTHEVILLE OFFICE SUPPLY $533.82 TOTAL EXPENDITURES APPROVED 03/08/11 $510,641.11 Supervisor McRoberts seconded the motion. Supervisor Umberger inquired about the electoral board payment. She asked if that was a year s payment to the electoral board members. Mr. Dalton explained that those salaries are set by the State of Virginia. The roll call vote was as follows: ABSENT: Danny C. McDaniel PAY ADJUSTMENTS Mr. Dalton read a memo from himself to the Board of Supervisors informing the Board that he had administratively stopped the pay adjustments for both the County Administrator and the Assistant County Administrator after receiving the resignation letter from Ms. Nikki Shank. He offered the following recommendations for the Wythe County Board of Supervisors consideration and action: All Wythe County Employees pay grades are to be fixed at the December 31, 2010 level until employee reviews are finalized, presented, and approved as part of the FY12 budget deliberations. Perform a compensation study of all County employees, which will be presented and considered as part of the FY12 budget deliberations. Request the Wythe County School Board provide a proposed pay scale for teachers and staff for the Board of Supervisors to consider as part of the FY12 budget deliberations. Supervisor Poole made a motion to adopt Mr. Dalton s recommendations. Supervisor Horney seconded the motion and the roll call vote on the motion was as follows: 10
ABSENT: Danny C. McDaniel SECONDARY ROAD PLAN PUBLIC HEARING Mr. Dalton requested the Board set a public hearing date for the secondary road plan. The Board agreed to set the secondary road plan public hearing for April 12, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. Supervisor Umberger asked if citizens requesting road improvements should attend the meeting. Mr. Dalton explained that the Board had passed a resolution to reinstate roads taken off of the six-year plan in the order they were taken off the plan. He noted that the next road to be considered is Johnny Lane, then Glade Road. Supervisor Umberger asked if residents attend the public hearing, would they be able to add their roads to the list. Mr. Dalton noted that that would be the Board s decision. The Board discussed. Supervisor McRoberts reported that he has received calls from a citizen concerned with the condition of Route 608, especially with the upcoming rain. Mr. Dalton stated that he too had received calls regarding Route 608. He added that he informed the citizen that he would contact VDOT to look into the issue. ADJOURNMENT With no other business to come before the Board, Chair Sharitz adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:08 p.m. Wythe B. Sharitz, Chair 11