04-13-2005 Town Meeting9UPp ?3 . _ri56
TOWN MEETING OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS HELD THE THIRTEENTH DAY OF APRIL IN THE
YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND FIVE
PRESENT: Phillip A. Bradshaw, Chairman
Thomas J. Wright, III, Vice-Chairman
Henry H. Bradby
Richard K. MacManus
Stan D. Clark
Also Attending: Jacob P. Stroman, IV, County Attorney
W. Douglas Caskey, County Administrator
Donald T. Robertson, Assistant
County Administrator/Operations
E. Wayne Rountree, P.E., Assistant County
. Administrator/Development
Anne F. Seward, Assistant County Administrator/
Administration
Richard O. Childress, Director of Emergency
Management
Alan S. Nogiec, Director~of Parks and Recreation
Carey Mills Storm, Recording Secretary
Chairman Bradshaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. for the
purpose of conducting a "Town Meeting" held at the Rushmere Volunteer
Fire Station.
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Following a welcome to all present, Chairman Bradshaw turned the
proceedings over to W. Douglas Caskey, County Administrator, who
formally. introduced the members of the Board of Supervisors, the County
Attorney, and staff members.
Richard O. Childress, Director of Emergency Management, noted with
respect to partnering efforts between .the County and the American Red
Cross,. a letter was sent out previously from the American Red. Cross that
appeared to be soliciting volunteers from the .Peninsula. He stated he has
since sent out a letter on County letterhead identifying that it is the County
soliciting volunteer participation. He advised that the Surry Nuclear Plant
drill has been postponed until after the first of the year. , He further advised
that staff is moving forward with EMS billing with an implementation date of
July 1, 2005.. He advised that for an .annual subscription fee of $60 .per
household, an individual could cover all out-of-pocket expenses. He
reiterated that. the County's purpose is. to begin billing insurance companies,
including Medicare and Medicaid, and that while an individual might receive
a bill, the County does not intend to pursue collection .against citizens.
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Alan S. Nogiec, Director of Parks and Recreation, discussed the five
.projects currently underway in the County. relating to recreation. He stated
the Fort Boykin erosion control project is now complete; the Tyler's Beach
Boat Harbor dock has been replaced following its. destruction by Hurricane
Isabel; installed a chain link fence. He stated he has had a meeting with the
watermen and intends to hold a second meeting. He advised that the
developers of the Lawnes Creek development will be donating 50 acres for
the Hardy District Park, and. a committee will be established charged with
identifying what the citizens want in that paxk. He noted that staff will be
applying for any available grant funding, with. a request o the Board of
Supervisors to reallocate certain funds into the .Capital Budget before the
project is put out to bid. He noted that an opening ceremony, officiated by
Supervisor Bradby, will 6e held. He stated that he did not feel that Fort
Huger would have a negative impact on the facility. He advised that the first
phase of the Central County Park is now underway.
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Chairman Bradshaw called for comments from the public.
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Cory Hernandez inquired about the school budget, specifically the
difference between the proposed budget and what the School Board is
requesting, and, how these two (2) budgets can. be brought together. He
noted that at the School Board meeting last night, Superintendent McPhersort
had outlined items that would be cut if the Board of Supervisors did not fully
fund the school's request.
Chairman Bradshaw stated .that the Board of Supervisors only allocates
a specific amount of .funding to the School Board, but it is the School's
Board responsibility to determine how these funds will be spent.. He noted
that the Board of Supervisors has no authority over individual line items. He
noted that over the last eleven (11) years, the Board .has .fully funded
education. He stated that the Board of Supervisors has directed the Director
of Budget. and Finance to present a balanced budget without a tax rate
increase this year. He noted that the Board also does not want to be in a
position where it has to borrow money in order to keep the tax rate down. He
stated that the Board has control over only $10 out of every $100, and that ~
the school budget represents 70% of the. entire budget. He advised that a
.committee of himself ..and Supervisor MacManus were directed to .meet
jointly. with the School's Finance Committee, and that he wanted to learn
more about the "No Child Left Behind Act" and special education
requirements. He stated the school system is currently meeting the needs of
special education students,. and the Board must be proactive with respect to
education.
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Supervisor Clark stated the proposed budget is only a working ._
document prepared for the Board by staff, and.. the Board would make any
adjustments, as needed. He indicated that teachers' salaries area priority.
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Supervisor MacManus noted $2.4 million of the school's budget
request is associated with the opening of the Smithfield Middle School, and
$600,000 is associated with ,carryover funds. He stated all .Board of
Supervisors' members support school growth. He noted that salary increases
for teachersare only proposed at a 5% increase, while other jurisdictions. are
proposing. more. He noted that the Board of Supervisors has funded the
school system well in the past, and it is the objective of both the Board of
Supervisors and the School Board to retain a healthy educational system in
the County.
Supervisor Bradby stated the single question that he has asked himself
during budget time over the last twenty-nine (29) years he has been a Board
of Supervisors' member is what the impact on the school system will be
because of the action taken by the Board of Supervisors. He stated it is
important that the Board provide adequate funding so that -the County can
provide a quality education for its children.
Ronnie Bryant, President of the Burwells Bay Home Improvement
Association, inquired which parcels of land purchased by the County.
following Hurricane Isabel are being considering to be utilized as a public
beach or park facility.
Mr. Robertson stated the Home Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP),
which is a .program administered through the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), provides funds. to the County so that it can
purchase properties that were damaged during Hurricane Isabel... He stated
this voluntary homeowner program was also .implemented after Hurricane
Floyd destroyed property in the Zuni area. He stated the County has no plans
for the ,property other than to be used as open space. He stated Federal
requirements mandate that property acquired by the County can never contain
an insurable structure in the future. He stated the property purchased by the
County could be used as a small landing or boat ramp; picnic tables could be
placed there, or anything related to a park setting..
Mr. Bryant. inquired why the County was interested in acquiring these
properties.
Mr. Robertson stated the County purchasing the properties eliminates
the possibility of any structure being built on them in the future. He stated
the program allows the homeowner to receive relief by selling the property,
and they can also move ahead with their lives by relocate elsewhere. He
stated the County is not pursuing. the homeowners, rather it is the
homeowner's option whether or not to sell their property. He stated the.
County is responsible for maintaining the property after its purchase.
Mr. Bryant inquired what the County intends to do to help discouraged
citizens.
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Supervisor MacManus offered the assistance of staff to those interested
in rebuilding after Hurricane Isabel He stated staff .could assist. with
community meetings and any requirements of the federal. government.
Chairman Bradshaw directed. Mr. Robertson to meet with Mr. Bryant
and advise him of all state requirements..
Supervisor MacManus commented that the County received responses
from eleven (11) property owners who did not want their property.
Mr. Robertson explained that certain requirements must be met in order
to rebuild on damaged property. He stated homes must have experienced
damage in the amount of 50% or more, and that the home .must be built in
accordance .with today's building standards. He stated that many
homeowners .found that they could not meet the .Health Department's
standards of today.
Chairman .Bradshaw suggested staff contact Delegate Barlow and
Senator Quayle to request heir help at the state level.
Mr. Bryant noted that the Town of Claremont is rebuilding.
Chairman Bradshaw requested that Mr. Hartley find out the particulars
associated with the rebuilding that is occurring in the Claremont area.
Mr. Bryant expressed concern with the County not rasing its funds more
wisely.. He advised that debris from twenty (2C1) homes still remains after
Hurricane Isabel, and the shoreline along Burwells Bay is in need of
cleaning. '
Chairman Bradshaw .suggested .talking to Congressman Forbes and
Senator Allen. He directed Mr. Robertson to set up a meeting with: Mr.
Bryant, Congressman Forbes, Delegate Barlow and Senator Quayle, and to
keep the Board updated at a future Board meeting.
Supervisor Clark requested that photos betaken of the sites. He noted
the Board might have to consider budgeting local funds each year to address
this problem.
Mr. Bryant inquired if it was wise to purchase. these properties when
sites such as Tyler's Beach are not properly maintained by the County.
Supervisor Bradby noted that .Tyler's. Beach is now under the
supervision of the .Parks and Recreation Department, and he expects. to see
improvements as a result.
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Mr. Bryant:stated that to have a public beach or park is not in thebest
interest of the County.
Mary Hayden noted that she was not happy with the park being located
in that area. She stated homeowners are anxious about where the dredged
material will be dumped.
Supervisor MacManus noted that twenty (20) acres could be donated
by the developer for a dredge spoils site, and that 50 acres is being designated
by the County as a park site.
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Rudolph Jefferson noted that many foreigners have begun to buy
property that is in close proximity to the Surry Nuclear Power Station. He
inquired if the appropriate authorities are investigating these people to ensure
they are legitimate.
Mr. Jefferson inquired if staff is taking the necessary steps to advise the
elderly in the community about the tax .relief program.
Chairman Bradshaw stated information- pertaining to the tax relief
program for the elderly is placed on the County's website and printed in the
local newspapers. He further advised that representatives of the TRIAD
program have been notified.
Supervisor MacManus noted that the program has also .been
communicated to the local churches.
Chairman Bradshaw noted that developers of the Lawnes Pointe
development would be present after the meeting to provide a presentation on
.that development to the public.
Mr. Hartley advised revised construction plans have been submitted by
the developer, and the trees have been cleared in the right-of--ways. He stated
that construction of the roads can not begin at this point. He stated that the
on-site septic system that is proposed is a no-discharge .system,. and the
developer will need to apply for a CUP to allow that type of septic system.
He stated the Planning. Commission would be discussing the development on
,April 26, 2005 at 6:OO p.m. with a recommendation going to the Board at its
May 19, 2005 meeting.
Mr. Jefferson brought up Rushmere Volunteer's Fire Department
Operating Budget, and inquired what the bottom line is that the Board
believes the Department can operate on.
Chairman Bradshaw stated the Board had previously hired a consultant
to do an evaluation on how much it would cost the County to go to paid
personnel for fire and rescue services. He stated the Board was advised that
it could not replace its voluntary organizations and continue to receive the
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same service. He stated the .Board wants. to adequately fund the fire
department budgets. He requested Mr. Jefferson.. to provide the Board with
his comments after he attends. the next meeting of the Fire and Rescue
Association..
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Supervisor Clark noted that the time to raise concerns is during the
budget process. He stated there are a many demands on County dollars, and it
is the Board's responsibility to decide how to address funding concerns and
still keep taxes. at a reasonable level.
Gloria Young notified the Board about a drainage concern at her home
that began in September, 2005.
Chairman Bradshaw requested that staff get Ms. Young's address and
forward same to Joe Lomax, Assistant Resident Engineer/VDOT, for his
attention.
Supervisor Clark requested that Mr. Robertson provide the Board with
a status report on Ms. Young's concern.
Allen Bradby inquired if EMS bills will sent directly to the user.
Supervisor Clark stated that bills will be sent to insurance companies,
Medicare and Medicaid, with a note to the user that their .insurance company
has been billed.
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Chairman Bradshaw noted that the southern end of the County has been
implementing EMS billing for the past eight (8) years. He stated that the
City of Franklin bills the insurance; then a first bill is sent. to the user,
followed by a second and third bill. He stated after that the City of Franklin
takes no action.
Supervisor MacManus stated the Board is trying to discourage users
who have been abusing the system because it impacts .the ones who truly
have a need for an ambulance. He promised to ensure that EMS billing does
not financially impact the citizens of the County.
Joe Ferguson addressed. County employee growth at the Courthouse.
He stated the population of the County has not greatly increased, yet there are
new.employees, and the "family feel" that used to exist at the Courthouse is
no longer present. He expressed concern with the County government's
staffing level getting out of control.
Chairman Bradshaw advised that the Board still desires to have a
family-feel. at the Courthouse, and still adequately. serve the citizens. He
stated he .would .speak to the County Administrator, as there is always room
for improvements.
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Supervisor MacManus noted that the Board funded four. (4) additional
Sheriff's deputies last year; that the Planning and Zoning Department has
increased by several employees associated with the increase in homes being
built in the County; and, that the .Economic Development Department has
increased from zero to three (3) employees. He stated that the Cost Plus
facility has .brought in $750,000 in revenue and pays for that staffing. He
stated Rachael Morris assists the .County's farmers and the farming
community in general. He stated the Board has also hired afull-time County
Attorney and an Assistant County Attorney. He stated it is becoming more
difficult to maintain the "Mayberry" feel because of the kinds of .issues the
County has to deal with today. .
George Wilson's name was called to speak, but he had apparently left
the meeting.
Bobby Wright voiced a concern with the condition of Burwell's Bay,
and noted that his wife has owned property there for the last fifty (50) years.
He inquired how much funding is available for use by the County to purchase
properties.
Mr. Robertson advised that $800,000 was available to the County.
Mr. Wright reported that the trash at the transfer station on Mill Swamp
Road is not appropriately attended, and he requested the Board to take the
action necessary to keep his area free of debris.
Chairman Bradshaw .stated the Board has been aggressively dealing
with other issues and allowed the trash issue to get away. He stated the
County.is providing funding for four (4) manned sites, but needs to get this
issue under better control before proceeding.
Supervisor Wright noted that outside contractors are continuing to
dump their trash at County sites, and the Board is proceeding with manned
sites in an effort to address this problem.
Mr. Wright acknowledged Supervisor Bradby's many dedicated years
of service to the Rushmere Volunteer Fire Department, the County
government, and the citizens.. ~ .
Jim Jackson expressed concern with the lack of police protection in the
northern area of the County. He advised that it took 45 minutes for deputies
to respond recently to his call for help.
Chairman Bradshaw stated we provided the funding to the Sheriff's
Department for four (4) additional deputies last year, but the Board has no
control over how the Sheriff's actually handles his funds. He advised that
Supervisors Clark and Bradshaw would be meeting with the Sheriff to
discuss his concerns with providing adequate coverage to the entire County.
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Mr. Jackson requested Mr. Childress to elaborate on the $60 per-
household subscription fee that he referred to earlier in the meeting.
Mr. Childress explained that the household subscription fee covers any
out-of-pocket expenses for the insured and their families.. He stated it is .the
equivalent of owning an insurance policy.
Supervisor Clark noted that Mr. Jackson did not need the extra
insurance because the County. is not going to .pursue the bills with citizens,
only their insurance companies, Medicare or Medicaid.: He stated there is too
collection agency and the County will not report users for delinquent bills.
Leroy Wilson stated he has six (6) acres of land, of.,which only 4.5
acres are buildable because of wetlands. He inquired what process he should
proceed in order to build upon his property..
Chairman Bradshaw directed Mr. Hartley to get with Mr. Wilson to
explain the process to him.
Keith Jones inquired when the recreational area would be available for
use.
Mr. Robertson stated the developers would be briefing the public. on
their plans to develop the property at Lawnes Creek. He noted it would be 12
to 18 months before the .park is completed, and staff will be requesting input
from the community relative to the recreational. area.
Mr. Jones requested that the speed limit be reduced on Fort Huger
Drive. He advised that a deaf child lives along this roadway.
Martha Jackson acknowledged the efforts of the Rushmere Volunteer
.Fire Department members. to save her mother-in-law's Life. She inquired
what could be done to .homeowners that do not take proper care of their
property.
County Attorney Stroman advised that the Board received authority
from the state legislators this year to take action. against the property owners
of occupied homes that are not properly .maintained. He advised that he
would be preparing anordinance to allow the County to take advantage. of the
new law.
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Jeremiah Jackson inquired about the County's plans to widen Burwell's
Bay Road.
Chairman Bradshaw stated widening of County roadways is a VDOT
responsibility. He requested Mr. Robertson to provide Mr. Jackson with a
telephone number so that he could contact VDOT himself.
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Hyrum Morton of Tyler's Beach Road: inquired what the purpose was
for the signs posted at Lawnes Creek. He expressed a concern with where the
sediment will be dumped, and noted he wanted to stay informed as .the
development progresses. He informed the Board that the developer is tearing
up the Rushmere Shores side. of the property.
Chairman Bradshaw noted that Mr. Morton should stay after the Town
Meeting and listen to the developer's presentation.
Supervisor Wright added that the location of where the sediment will
be dumped is not known at this point in time.
Everdene Manny inquired why she received a water rate increase..
E. Wayne Rountree, P.E., Assistant County
Administrator/Development, replied that he would. give Ms. Manny a call to
discuss her issue.
Jeremiah Jefferson inquired why the Rushmere Volunteer Fire
Department and County departments receive a water bill from the County..
Mr. Rountree explained that the utility system of the County. is set up as
a separate business, and it supports itself with ,those funds. He stated all
water users. on the County's system receive a bill.
Supervisor Bradby thanked those in attendance for attending the
meeting. He stated the Board wants to be responsive to the concerns of the
citizens.
Supervisor. MacManus acknowledged Supervisor Henry H. Bradby for
.his many years of dedicated service.. He noted that the Board looks to him
for knowledge.. He also thanked Chief Jones for the use of the Rushmere
Volunteer Fire Department facility. He stressed the importance of
volunteers, and advised that the Board has funding available to teach
individuals how to be Red Cross volunteers. He encouraged the public to
volunteer for the Red Cross so that they could help out in the future. He
promised to .try to maintain the tax rate in the future, and- continue to pursue
efforts for the school system.
Mr. Wright thanked Chief Jones and the public for coming to the
meeting. He stated if a person has .voiced a concern tonight that is not
addressed within the next 30 days, to .contact the Board for its assistance.
Supervisor Clark invited the ..public to address any transportation
concerns during the Board's quarterly meetings with VDOT. He noted that
citizens can make comments at any of the Board's meetings during the
Citizen Comments period,. or citizens could email the Board or relay
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.messages through the County Administrator. He stated fire and rescue needs
are growing,throughout the County, and he acknowledged that the Rushmere ',
Volunteer Fire Department attends all Fire and Rescue meetings and they do
make a difference.. He stated the northern end of the County needs its own
ambulance because currently _an ambulance has to be dispatched from
Smithfield to responds to calls in the northern end of the County.
Chairman Bradshaw noted that Mr. Bradby's .concerns have always
been with the citizens of the County. He stated the Board is concerned about
fire and rescue needs, .and he recognized that it is the citizens that drive the
County and make it stand out.
Supervisor Bradby moved the Board adjourn: the Town Meeting at 9:10
p.m. The motion was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors MacManus, .Bradby,
Bradshaw, Clark and Wright voting in favor of the motion, and no
Supervisors voting against the motion..
ip A. Bradshaw, Chairman
W. Doug s skey, Cler