12-12-2019 Regular MeetingREGULAR MEETING 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 LOCATED AT 17090 MONUMENT CIRCLE, ISLE OF WIGHT,
VIRGINIA ON THURSDAY, THE TWELFTH DAY OF DECEMBER IN THE YEAR TWO
THOUSAND AND NINETEEN
PRESENT:
William M. McCarty, Newport District, Chairman
Joel C. Acree, Windsor District, Vice -Chairman
Don G. Rosie, II, Carrsville District (via telephone)
Richard L. Grice, Smithfield District
Rudolph Jefferson, Hardy District
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
Robert W. Jones, Jr., County Attorney
Randy R. Keaton, County Administrator
Donald T. Robertson, Assistant County Administrator
Carey M. Storm, Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman McCarty called the regular Board of Supervisors' meeting to order at
5:00 p.m. and welcomed all present.
The Board went downstairs and attended the annual Wreath Hanging event.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/AMENDMENTS
Supervisor Acree moved that the agenda be approved as presented. The motion
was adopted by a vote of (4-0) with Supervisors Acree, Grice, Jefferson and
McCarty voting in favor of the motion; no Supervisors voting against the motion;
and, Supervisor Rosie absent for the vote.
Noting that Supervisor Rosie was present electronically, County Attorney Jones
advised that under State code and the Board's By-laws, a Board member can
participate remotely in a meeting if a quorum is assembled and if the member has
requested and notified the Chairman that he/she wishes to appear
remotely/electronically and that the remote Board member must advise his location
and nature of the personal matter that keeps him from being present at a meeting.
Supervisor Rosie advised that he is on a business trip in Alabama and Florida.
Supervisor Acree moved to authorize the remote participation of Supervisor Rosie.
The motion was adopted by a vote of (4-0) with Supervisors Acree, Grice,
Jefferson and McCarty voting in favor of the motion; no Supervisors voting against
the motion; and, Supervisor Rosie absent for the vote.
CLOSED MEETING
The following matters were identified for discussion in closed meeting by County
Attorney Jones:
Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia concerning a discussion
regarding the appointment of specific appointees to County boards, committees
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or authorities; pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) regarding a discussion
regarding job assignment of specific County employees within the Planning &
Zoning Department and the Department of Inspections; and, pursuant to Section
2.2-3711(A)(8) regarding consultation with legal counsel employed by the Board
regarding specific legal matters namely Section 15.1-915 and the restrictions it
imposes upon the Board and Section 46.2-752 pertaining to vehicle licensing fees.
Upon motion of Supervisor Jefferson and all voting in favor (5-0), the Board
entered the closed meeting for the reasons stated by County Attorney Jones.
Upon motion of Supervisor Jefferson and all voting in favor (5-0), the Board
reconvened into open meeting.
County Attorney Jones reminded the Board that in accordance with Section 2-10(G)
of the Board's Rules & Procedure, all those who participated in the closed meeting
are reminded that all matters discussed in closed meeting are to remain
confidential, as provided under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and that
such matters as were discussed in closed meeting should not be acted upon or
discussed in public by any participant unless and until a public, formal action of the
Board of Supervisors is taken on that particular subject matter.
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, Rosie, Grice, Jefferson and McCarty
NAYS: 0
ABSENT DURING VOTE: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING: 0
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INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Mark delivered the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American Flag of the United States of America.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS
Albert Burckard of the Newport District requested that the Board reconsider
refunding and reestablishing a Department of Historic Resources with appropriate
staffing levels; that the County eliminate from the Parks & Recreation long-range
plan, the demolition of the buildings that comprise the former Nike Missile site in
Carrollton; and, expand the mission of the task force to include the long-range goal
of developing our new historic district at Nike Park into Commonwealth -level
historic attraction with the ultimate goal of establishing the site as a national cold
war museum.
Herb DeGroft of Mill Swamp Road recognized the forwarding thinking of the
Board regarding senior restricted developments.
William Falkner of the Smithfield District distributed a Christmas gift to the
individual Board members and thanked them for their service.
Jim Henderson, on behalf of the Carrollton Civic League and the Isle of Wight
Citizens Association, advised that the League and the Association are in favor of
eliminating or reducing the vehicle license fee.
William Havrilla of Carrollton advised that the two bridges on Route 17 are in
need of expansion and he requested the Board to work with the City of Suffolk in
requesting the State to expand such bridges. He remarked that the Board also
needs to find areas within the budget or cut services so that the tax rate does not
have to be increased.
Robert Fry, Western Tidewater Free Clinic, thanked the Board for its past financial
support.
Supervisors Acree and Jefferson recognized the significant contributions of the
Clinic to the community noting that the County receives a great return on its
contribution.
Chairman McCarty recognized all the contributions of all County organizations
and expressed a desire to see how the on-line sales tax impacts the County. He
further indicated a desire to discuss items with the City of Suffolk that have an
impact on traffic in the County.
Responsive to Mr. Burckard's comments, County Administrator Keaton advised
that the County has entered into a 50% funding partnership with the Town of
Smithfield for the museum and the same has been done for the Tourism office.
Supervisor Acree commented that the Hampton Roads Transportation Advisory
Committee has a comment period and he encouraged all citizens to get informed
and provide their comments.
Supervisor Rosie electronically advised that school buses are not visible at the last
curve on Colossee Road as they go up/down the hill and he requested the
installation of additional signage cautioning motorists to slow down.
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CONSENT AGENDA
A. September 19, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes
B. October 3, 2019 Work Session Minutes
Supervisor Grice moved that the Consent Agenda be adopted as presented. The
motion was adopted by a vote of (5-0) with Supervisors Acree, Rosie, Grice,
Jefferson and McCarty voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting
against the motion.
APPOINTMENTS
Supervisor Jefferson moved that Donald T. Robertson be reappointed to serve
again on the Western Tidewater Community Services Board. The motion was
adopted by a vote of (5-0) with Supervisors Acree, Rosie, Grice, Jefferson and
McCarty voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting against the
motion.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Adrian Winget, David Barlow, Jared Brown, Lee Barlow, Marc Meisner, and
Walter Winget were recognized for their expertise and skills to transport a
Nike Ajax missile, booster and launcher to Nike Park.
Supervisor Acree moved that the following Resolution be adopted:
RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OF
THE VIRGINIA MILITARY PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS, the County has previously undertaken efforts to acquire a Nike
Ajax missile, booster, and launcher; and,
WHEREAS, the mobilization, transportation and siting of the missile,
booster, and launcher requires specialized care and expertise; and,
WHEREAS, members of the Virginia Military Preservation Association
(VMPA) offered their expertise and skills to transport the missile, booster,
and launcher from Air Power Park in Hampton, Virginia to its current
location at Nike Park; and,
WHEREAS, the services provided by the VMPA are invaluable and will
contribute to preservation of historical artifacts for the benefit of current and
future visitors to Isle of Wight County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the
Board of Supervisors of the County of Isle of Wight, Virginia recognizes and
expresses its appreciation to the VMPA and specifically Adrian Winget,
David Barlow, Jared Brown, Lee Barlow, Marc Meisner, and Walter Winget
for their efforts, expertise, and commitment to the citizens of Isle of Wight
County in relocating the County's Nike Ajax Missile from Air Power Park in
Hampton, Virginia to its current location at Nike Park.
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The motion was adopted by a vote of (5-0) with Supervisors Acree, Rosie, Grice,
Jefferson and McCarty voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting
against the motion.
Arthur E. Berkley, Director of Inspections, was recognized on the occasion of his
retirement.
Supervisor Acree moved that the following Resolution be adopted;
RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE ARTHUR E.
BERKLEY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Arthur E. Berkley began employment with Isle of Wight County as
the Building Official on June 3, 1991; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Berkley holds numerous professional certifications from the
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development covering
amusement devices, building inspections, commercial building plans
examination, fire protection, mechanical inspections, plumbing inspections, and
professional code administration; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Berkley also holds numerous professional certifications from
the International Code Council including, but not limited to, Certified Building
Official, Building Code Specialist, Building Plans Examiner, Residential
Combination Inspector, Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector, and
Commercial Building Inspector; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Berkley has served as a Lead Instructor for the Virginia
Department of Housing and Community Development and has also served on
the Building Code Inspection Test Development and Review Committee for the
National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors; and,
WHEREAS, during his distinguished career, Mr. Berkley has held numerous
statewide and regional leadership positions including President of the Virginia
Building and Code Officials Association; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Berkley will retire from formal employment with Isle of
Wight County, effective January 1, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board
of Supervisors of the County of Isle of Wight, Virginia recognizes and
appreciates the considerable contributions of Arthur E. Berkley for outstanding
service to the citizens of Isle of Wight County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Isle of Wight County Board of
Supervisors extends to Arthur E. Berkley its best wishes for his future
endeavors and orders that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes
of this Board this twelfth day of December 2019.
The motion was adopted by a vote of (5-0) with Supervisors Acree, Rosie, Grice,
Jefferson and McCarty voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting
against the motion.
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Betsy Hedrick, P.B. Mares, LLP, advised the Board that P.B. Mares, LLP has
issued an unmodified opinion on the County's Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. She acknowledged the Director of
Budget & Finance and her staff for providing all the information necessary to
complete the audit and issue it by the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts'
deadline of November 30, 2019.
County Administrator Keaton recognized Ms. Humphries and her staff for their
efforts in completing the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report inhouse for the
first time.
Stephanie Humphries, Director of Budget & Finance, provided a PowerPoint
presentation on the County's General Fund detailing revenues; expenditures; other
financing; and, sources and uses reflecting an increase of $1.3 million for a total
General Fund of $24.9 million for year end. She reviewed the Unassigned Fund
Balance, which was $16.2 million, well above the County's policy of 15%. She
pointed out that Education spending is the largest portion of the budget and under
governmental revenues, she reviewed property taxes, the tax collection rate and the
General Fund Fund Balance.
COUNTY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
County Attorney Jones advised that he would be bringing an amendment to the
County's License Fee Ordinance to the Board for its discussion by February 2020.
County Attorney Jones presented the Board's by-laws for the upcoming year
(2020).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Sale of County Property/Great Springs Road
County Attorney Jones advised that the property is a 30 -acre parcel of land located
adjacent to the Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad which is landlocked and has
no road frontage or deeded access. The property owner in front of the property has
made an offer consistent with the land use values of all the surrounding properties
of $80,000 for that property.
Chairman McCarty opened the public hearing and called for persons to speak in
favor of or in opposition to the proposed sale.
No one appeared and spoke.
Chairman McCarty closed the public hearing and called for comments from the
Board.
Supervisor Jefferson moved to authorize the Chairman to execute all appropriate
documents to transfer the property. The motion was adopted by a vote of (5-0)
with Supervisors Acree, Rosie, Grice, Jefferson and McCarty voting in favor of the
motion and no Supervisors voting against the motion.
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COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
County Administrator Keaton advised that the matter under New Business
concerning the ATV Trail Grant for Heritage Park would be moved to the Board's
January 2, 2020 work session.
ADJOURNMENT
At 7:00 p.m., Chairman McCarty declared the meeting adjourned.
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Carey ills St rm, Cler
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Joel C. Acree, G4 rman