09-06-2017 Work SessionWORK SESSION OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HELD IN
THE ROBERT C. CLAUD, SR. BOARD ROOM OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
COURTHOUSE ON WEDNESDAY, THE SIXTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER IN THE YEAR TWO
THOUSAND AND SEVENTEEN
PRESENT:
Rex W. Alphin, Chairman, Carrsville District (Arrived at 4:05 p.m.)
William M. McCarty, Vice -Chairman, Newport District
Rudolph Jefferson, Hardy District
Joel C. Acree, Windsor District
Richard L. Grice, Smithfield District
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
Mark C. Popovich, County Attorney
Randy R. Keaton, County Administrator
Donald T. Robertson, Assistant County Administrator
Carey M. Storm, Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
Vice -Chairman McCarty called the work session of the Board of Supervisors' to
order at 4:00 p.m. and delivered the invocation.
The following matters were identified for discussion in closed meeting by County
Attorney Popovich:
Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia concerning a discussion
regarding the performance of the County Administrator; pursuant to Section 2.2-
3711 (A)(1) concerning a discussion regarding the performance of the County
Attorney; and, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) concerning the appointment of
specific officers, appointees or employees of the public body.
Upon motion of Supervisor Jefferson, all those present voting in favor (4-0) with
Chairman Alphin absent, the Board entered the closed meeting for the reasons
stated by County Attorney Popovich.
Chairman Alphin arrived at the meeting at 4:05 p.m.
Upon motion of Supervisor McCarty, all voting in favor (5-0), the Board
reconvened into open meeting.
Upon motion of Supervisor Jefferson, the following Resolution was adopted:
CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors has convened a closed meeting on this date
pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of
the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and,
WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712(D) of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by
this Board of Supervisors that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity
with Virginia law;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors hereby certifies
that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters
lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed
in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such
public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed
meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors.
VOTE
AYES: Acree, Alphin, Grice, Jefferson and McCarty
NAYS: 0
ABSENT DURING VOTE: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING: 0
David Smith, Director of Parks & Recreation, introduced Pete Acker with the
Department of Game & Inland Fisheries who briefed the Board on the potential
benefits associated with the State managing hunting licenses for property owned
by the County and located on the Blackwater River. He advised that under the
State's Public Access Lands for Sportsmen Program, the land would be open to
the public pursuant to any regulations/restrictions imposed by the County. He
advised further discussion is needed between the State and County regarding the
development of parking lots, signage and advertisement on the State's website of
the property as a public hunting and fishing opportunity.
Responsive to Supervisor Acree, Mr. Acker advised that access cannot be
restricted to County residents if management of the property is taken over by the
State.
Responsive to Supervisor Jefferson, County Attorney Popovich advised that the
property currently has a timber lease from the prior owner, however, that as land
is cleared, such land is released to the County which then can replant and harvest
as it sees fit.
Responsive to Supervisor Jefferson, Mr. Acker advised that depending on the
details of the plan, the first steps to be taken are the parking areas and signage.
He further advised that hunting clubs can hunt the land as a club, but do not have
reserved rights to any portion of that property at any given time.
Responsive to Supervisor McCarty, Mr. Acker confirmed that the State provides
funding for the development of the parking lots and signage. He advised that
most of the facilities managed by the State are primitive sites and do not have
restroom facilities.
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Responsive to Supervisor Grice, Mr. Acker advised that there are no fees
associated with the State's services and no compensation to the County for the
land usage. He confirmed that any improvements to the land would be paid by
the State and he offered to investigate and report back if the property liability
falls on the State or the County. He advised that the State has no interest in
contributing to the development of a Master Plan for the property.
Responsive to Chairman Alphin, Mr. Acker offered to pass along the County's
desire to sell the property to the State.
Chairman Alphin advised Mr. Acker that the Board would be back in touch
following further discussion on how it wishes to proceed about the State
maintaining the property.
County Attorney Popovich requested direction from the Board on whether to
proceed with renewing the leases with the current hunt clubs as they have now
expired.
Chairman Alphin relayed the Board's desire that County Attorney Popovich
proceed with extension of the lease renewals with the current hunt clubs and
Supervisor Grice suggested that the current hunt clubs be advised that the County
may have alternative plans for the use of the property next year.
County Attorney Popovich advised he would proceed with the advertisement of a
public hearing on the lease of the Blackwater River land at the Board's next
meeting.
Andrea Clontz briefed the Board relative to recent changes in Hurricane Irma's
path and the mode of operations for the County's emergency shelters.
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Tony Wilson, Director of Public Works, advised that the new sign at the James
River Bridge has been installed and requested direction from the Board regarding
how he should proceed with the sign located at Routes 258 and 58 in Carrsville.
The Board concurred with the appearance of the existing sign at Routes 258 and
58 and directed staff to enhance the landscaping around that sign.
Responsive to Supervisor Acree, Mr. Wilson offered to speak with VDOT
concerning sprucing up of the area at the base of the James River Bridge going
northbound.
Mr. Wilson advised he would proceed with replacing all old County welcome signs
with the new signs; three more double post signs; and, four single post signs.
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County Attorney Popovich presented proposed revisions to Chapter 11, Motor
Vehicles and Traffic Ordinance relating to train companies being held responsible
for railroad crossing obstructions and the County having the ability to retain any
penalties versus it going to the state regarding individuals cited by the sheriff's
office for drunk driving.
He advised that he did not include the proration of license fees, as there are
multiple counties throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia that do not prorate
license fee.
The consensus of the Board was for the County Attorney to proceed with
advertising the proposed ordinance amendments for public hearing.
County Administrator Keaton provided highlights of the pre -pricing market call for
the County's bond sale which is scheduled for tomorrow, resulting in an
anticipated $2.8 to $2.9 million savings for the County. He advised that the actual
results of the bond sales will be received tomorrow.
ADJOURNMENT
At 7:00 p.m., Chairman Alphin declared the work session adjourned.
Rex W. Alphin, Chairman
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Care ills orm, Clerk
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