02-17-2022 Regular Meeting i . n
REGULAR 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 SEVENTEENTH DAY OF FEBRUARY IN THE YEAR TWO
THOUSAND AND TWENTY-TWO
PRESENT:
Rudolph Jefferson, District 3, Chairman
William M. McCarty, District 2, Vice-Chairman
Richard L. Grice, District 1
Don G. Rosie, II, District 5
Joel C. Acree, District 4
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
Robert W. Jones, Jr., County Attorney
Randy R. Keaton, County Administrator
Donald T. Robertson, Assistant County Administrator
Carey Mills Storm, Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Jefferson called the regular meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Supervisor McCarty moved that the agenda be approved. The motion was adopted
(5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice and Rosie voting in favor of
the motion and no Supervisors voting against the motion.
CLOSED MEETING
The following matters were identified for discussion in closed meeting by County
Attorney Jones: Consultation with legal counsel regarding potential litigation
regarding zonings matters where such consultation would adversely affect the
negotiating or litigation posture of this public body pursuant to subsection 7;
discussion concerning a prospective business or the expansion of -an existing
business where no previous announcement has been made of business' interest in
locating or expanding its facilities in the Shirley T. Holland Industrial Park pursuant
to subsection 5; discussion or consideration of the disposition of publicly held real
property in the Windsor area, where discussion in an open meeting would
adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the Board
pursuant to subsection 3; a discussion regarding the appointment of specific
appointees to County boards, committee or authorities as set forth in the agenda,
pursuant to subsection 1; and a discussion regarding the performance of the
County Attorney, pursuant to subsection 1.
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Upon motion of Supervisor McCarty 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 McCarty 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 McCarty and all voting in favor (5-0), 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, Grice, Jefferson, McCarty. Rosie
NAYS: 0
ABSENT DURING VOTE: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING: 0
INVOCATION
Pastor Willie Williams delivered the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance to
the American Flag of the United States of America.
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CITIZENS' COMMENTS
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Robert Hines of Smithfield expressed concern with the development proposed in
the Town of Smithfield called The Grange at 10Main because it will double the
population, increase traffic and have a negative impact on Town residents. On a
second subject, CRT, he stated that he believes that all history, positive and
negative, should be taught in school.
Richard Sieukiewicz of Carrollton asked the Board to deny the request presented
by Mr. Kooiman later in the meeting tonight for a height variance.
Chris Edwards, Fire Chief of the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, relayed a
request from the Fire & Advisory Board for the Board of Supervisors to work with
the Town of Smithfield to use Waterworks Lake for a water supply for the Smithfield
Volunteer Fire Department.
Volpe Boykin of the Carrsville District recommended that the Board's salary be
increased from $13,000 to $24,000 annually to ensure that the County attracts and
retains good supervisors.
Chris Torre of Smithfield expressed concern with County taxes being used to
subsidize a development in Smithfield called The Grange at 10Main.
Steven Morinszko of Carrollton asked the Board to deny the request of Mr.
Kooiman for a height variance.
Elizabeth Hopkins of Gray Street in Smithfield spoke against using taxpayer funds
to build a farmer's market.
Jeff Brooks of Smithfield spoke against using taxpayer funds to build a farmer's
market.
Steve Turner of Carrollton asked the Board to deny the request of Mr. Kooiman for
a height variance.
Ty Ehlers of Spring Crest Drive asked the Board to deny Mr. Kooiman's request for
a height variance.
Herb DeGroft asked the Board to scrutinize anything the School Board sends to the
Board involving taxpayers' money and funding for public schools.
There being no further persons signed up to speak, Supervisor McCarty advised
that the Board of Supervisors has no authority over housing projects or
development in the Town of Smithfield.
Supervisor Acree asked that citizens always relay their concerns to the Board but
advised that the Smithfield Town Council has authority over development in the
Town of Smithfield and not this Board.
Supervisor Grice commented that proffers were eliminated because of their misuse
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in the northern part of the State, and he would like to see a modification to that.
He advised that the Board could deny an application because an applicant is not
contributing to the welfare of the community, but the Board is not in a position to
suggest proffers on any project any longer. On the issue of a salary increase for the
Board, the public was advised that there are specific laws stipulating when salary
increases can be done which is when they change over at least two Board members
at election time. He stated he is supportive of an increase for the Board.
Chairman Jefferson commented that when he ran for the Board of Supervisors, he
was unaware of a salary for Board members and that he personally came on the
Board to serve the community. He added that he does not support an increase for
the Board at this time. Regarding Chris Edwards' request to the Board from the
Fire & Advisory Board, he would recommend County Administrator Keaton speak
with the Town.
County Administrator Keaton reported that the Smithfield Town Manager had
spoken with him approximately a year ago and relayed three options, one of which
was the road being cut in two; however, the Town Council has never requested the
County to fund any portion of that project.
CONSENT AGENDA
Supervisor McCarty moved that the following Consent Agenda be adopted:
A. Resolution to Amend the FY2021-22 Grant Fund Budget and Appropriate
Funding from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles ($960)
B. Resolution to Amend the FY2021-22 Operating Budget and Appropriate
Funding for Pass Through Dominion Energy funding from the Virginia
Department of Emergency Management ($25,000)
C. Resolution to Amend the FY2021-22 Operating Budget and Appropriate
Funding for Vehicle Repairs from Insurance Proceeds ($6,366)
D. Resolution to Amend the FY2021-22 Operating Budget and Appropriate
Funding for the 2021 Local Emergency Management Performance Grant
($7,500)
E. Resolution to Amend the FY2021-22 Budget and Appropriate Funding from
the Virginia DHCD Covid-19 ARPA SLFRF Municipal Utility Assistance Program
($94,182)
F. Resolution to Amend the FY2021-22 Grant Fund Budget and Appropriate
Funding from Virginia Department of Health Rescue Squad Assistance Fund
($15,109)
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G. Resolution to Amend the FY2021-22 Grant Fund Budget and Appropriate
Funding for the DCJS Violence Against Women's Act Grant ($30,795)
H. Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of Isle of Wight County, Virginia to
Request the Virginia Department of Transportation Include Certain Streets in
the System of State Highways (Benn's Grant Subdivision, Phases 6,7,8, 10A1,
1061 and parts of Phases 2, 3 and 10A2) (Spring Hill Place (Route 1060) from
Rt. 1071 (Turner Landing Way) to Rt. 1061 (Oak Hill Ln.), 0.13 miles; Spring
Hill Place (Rt. 1060) from Rt. 1061 (Oak Hill Way) to Rt. 1072 (Jordan House
Dr.), .11 miles; Spring Hill Place (Route 1060) from Rt. 1072 (Jordan House
Dr.) to Private Alley, 0.03 miles; Spring Hill Place (Route 1060) from Private
Alley to Private Alley (existing Rt. 1060 termini), 0.09 miles; Oak Hill Lane
(Route 1061) from Rt. 1069 (Asbury Way) to Brentwood Cove, 0.05 miles;
Oak Hill Lane (Route 1061) from Brentwood Cove to Rt. 1065(Williamson
Park Lane), 0.15 miles; Oak Hill Lane (Route 1061) from Rt. 1065 (Williamson
Park Ln.) to Rt. 1060(Spring Hill PI.), 0.05 miles; Williamson Park Lane (Route
1065) from Rt. 1061 (Oak Hill Lane) to Rt. 1069 (Asbury Way), 0.05 miles;
Williamson Park Lane (Route 1065) from Rt. 1069 (Asbury Way) to Rt. 1068
(Bridger Dr.), 0.05 miles; Asbury Way (Route 1069) from Rt. 1061 (Oak Hill
Ln) to Rt. 1065 (Williamson Park Ln), 0.17 miles; Turner Landing Way (Route
1071) from Rt. 1060 (Spring Hill PI.) to Rt. 1073 (Riley Way), 0.10 miles;
Jordan House Way (Route 1072) from Rt. 1060 (Spring Hill PI.) to Rt. 1073
(Riley Way), 0.10 miles; Jordan House Way (Route 1072) from Rt. 1073 (Riley
Way) to Rt. 1076 (Bowler Way), 0.11 miles; Riley Way (Route 1073) from Rt.
1071 (Turner Landing Way) to Rt. 1074 (Cedar Crest Dr.), 0.14 miles; Riley
Way (Route 1073) from Rt. 1074 (Cedar Crest Dr.) to Rt. 107 (Spring Grove
Way), 0.05 miles; Riley Way (Route 1073) from Rt. 1075 (Spring Grove Way)
to Rt. 1072 (Jordan House Dr.), 0.05 miles; Cedar Crest Drive (Route 1074)
from Rt. 1073 (Riley Way) to Sycamore Walk, 0.06 miles; Spring Grove Way
(Route 1075) from Rt. 1073 (Riley Way) to Rt. 1076 (Bowler Way), 0.11 miles;
and Bowler Way (Route 1076) from Rt. 1075 (Spring Grove Way) to Rt. 1072
(Jordan House Dr.), 0.05 miles.
I. Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of Isle of Wight County, Virginia to
Request the Virginia Department of Transportation Include Certain Streets in
the System of State Highways (Holland Meadows Phase 2 Subdivision) (Lena
Rose Street (Route 1852) from Rt. 1851 (John Henry St)to Rt. 1854 (Savannah
St.), 0.19 miles; Lena Rose Street (Route 1852) from Rt. 1854 (Savannah St.)
to Rt. 1855 (Kelsie Street), 0.13 miles; Lena Rose Street (Route 1852) from
Rt. 1855 (Kelsie St.) to Stub, 0.01 miles; Savannah Street (Route 1854) from
Rt.1851(John Henry St.) to Rt. 1852 (Lena Rose St.), 0.09 miles; and Kelsie
Street (Route 1855) from Rt. 1851(John Henry St.) to Rt. 1852 (Lena Rose St.),
0.1 miles.
J. Minutes
. November 22, 2021 Special Joint Meeting
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•
December 9, 2021 Work Session
December 9, 2021 Regular Meeting
December 22, 2021 Special Meeting
January 6, 2022 Organizational Meeting
January 20, 2022 Regular Meeting
The motion was adopted unanimously (5-0) with Supervisors Acree, McCarty,
Grice, Rosie and Jefferson voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting
against the motion.
REGIONAL AND INTER-GOVERNMENTAL REPORTS
There were no reports offered.
APPOINTMENTS
Supervisor Grice moved that Debra Frank be reappointed to serve on the
Commission on Aging. The motion was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson,
McCarty, Acree, Grice and Rosie voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors
voting against the motion.
Supervisor Acree moved that the following individuals be appointed to serve on the
Fire & Rescue Advisory Board:
Department Primary Alternate
Carrollton VFD Tim Nunez Scott Brower
Carrsville VFD Judson West Weston Jamison
Rushmere VFD Brandon Jefferson Kevin Parker
Windsor VFD Lee Marshall Dale Scott
Smithfield VFD Chris Edwards Charlie Kempton
Isle of Wight VRS Brian Carroll Chad Owens
Windsor VRS Keith Griffin Beth Hecker
Dept. Emergency Services Pat Humphries Greg Parsons
The motion was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice
and Rosie voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting against the
motion.
Supervisor McCarty moved that Dr. Cornell Jones be appointed to serve as the
parent representative on the Community Policy & Management Team. The motion
was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice and Rosie
voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting against the motion.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Assistant County Administrator Robertson addressed the Board regarding past
events held by the Special Needs Task Force which included a Let's Connect Event
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on March 10, 2020; Field Day on May 22, 2021; and County Fair Day on September
17, 2021. He advised that another Let's Connect event is scheduled for April 26,
2022.
Howard Meissel, a resident of Battery Park and member of the Special Needs Task
Force, identified the goals of the Special Needs Task Force as
recreation/socialization; facilitation; advocacy; and life skills. He requested that
the Board build on the work of the Task Force with the formation of a stand-alone
commission composed of appointed civil servants and volunteers charged with the
goal of coordinating and monitoring future activities. He noted the need for a full-
time staff member with an understanding of therapeutic recreation to provide
regular sustainable programming and assist with employment opportunities.
Supervisor Grice moved, and rescinded his motion, that the County move forward
with a Special Needs Commission. He then recommended that staff return to the
Board's March meeting with an outline of how the Commission will be formed, its
makeup and its mission statement. Staff is to advise what a therapeutic position
would involve at the County level to facilitate those services. Said position is to be
incorporated into the budget for the upcoming 2022-23 fiscal year.
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Dr. Nancy Welch, Acting Director, Western Tidewater Health District, provided a
COVID-19 vaccine update.
Supervisor Grice requested that emergency services staff return to the Board at its
next meeting with ideas on what can be undertaken on the part of the County to
encourage additional vaccinations.
Supervisor Grice moved that masks as of March 1, 2022 in County facilities will be
optional. The motion was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty,
Acree, Grice and Rosie voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting
against the motion.
Valerie Butler, on behalf of the Isle of Wight NAACP, presented Will Drewery with
a service award.
The Board took a break and upon returning to open session, Chairman Jefferson
called for the County Attorney's report.
COUNTY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
No report was offered.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
County Administrator Keaton explained that the schools had received additional
funding in the amount of $2,122,797 for a school nutrition program and because
the amount exceeded 1% of the budget, a public hearing on a Resolution to Amend
the FY2021-22 Budget and Appropriate Funds from the Federal Government must
be conducted.
A Resolution to Amend the FY2021-22 Budget and Appropriate Funds from
the Federal Government
Chairman Jefferson opened the public hearing and called for persons to speak in
favor of or in opposition to the Resolution.
No one appeared and spoke.
Chairman Jefferson closed the public hearing and called for comments from the
Board.
Supervisor McCarty moved that the following Resolution be adopted:
RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE FY 2021-22 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS
FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
WHEREAS, Isle of Wight County Schools have received funding in the amount of
$2,122,797 for school breakfasts and lunches provided during the COVID-19
pandemic; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors wishes to amend the FY 2021-22 budget and
appropriate federal funding from the Federal Food and Nutrition Service Child
Nutrition Service program to the Food Service category within the Isle of Wight
County Schools budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Isle of Wight
County, Virginia, that the FY 2021-22 budget is hereby amended and funds in the
amount of two million one hundred twenty-two thousand seven hundred ninety-
seven dollars ($2,122,797) from the Federal Food and Nutrition Service Child
Nutrition Service program be appropriated to the Food Service budget category
within the Isle of Wight County Schools budget.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Administrator of Isle of Wight County,
Virginia is authorized to make the appropriate accounting adjustments and to do
all things necessary to give this resolution effect.
The motion was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice
and Rosie voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting against the
motion.
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COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
County Administrator Keaton updated the Board on the issuance of General
Obligation Bonds to include a market update; a review of the County's 2020 debt
service; and the final results from the General Obligation Bonds sold last week and
which funds projects in the County's Capital Improvements Plan over the next three
years.
County Administrator Keaton acknowledged that the County's AA rating is a result
of the fiscal policies adopted by the Board, conservative budgets, and the
accumulation of reserves. The County has received a very high credit rating from
the rating agencies which allowed the County to command a lower interest rate of
2.37% from the investors who buy the bonds.
It was further noted by Supervisor Grice that because of the County's excellent
financial status,the bonds sold at a premium and the County received more money
than it has to pay back. He applauded Davenport & Company and staff for their
efforts. He pointed out that taxes have not been raised in the County in seven
years.
Assistant County Administrator Robertson provided a legislative update on the
2022 General Assembly Session. He stated the County's focus continues to be on
SB37; a budget amendment associated with the Western Tidewater Regional Jail;
SB481; HB251; HB90/SB451; and HB1010.
UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS
County Attorney Jones stated that pursuant to the Board's direction at its January
work session he has drafted amendments to the County's ordinance to allow
hunting of deer/bear with rifles. He advised that also responsive to the Board's
direction, a representative from the Department of Wildlife Resources is in
attendance tonight to address the Board this evening.
Peter Acker, Department of Wildlife Resources, advised that the State's position
regarding hunting with rifles versus shotguns is neutral. He presented safety data
for the last twenty years in Virginia of hunting incidents. He stated hunting is
overall a safe activity.
Chairman Jefferson stated he believes that the amendments, if adopted, would
place homeowners in the rural areas of the County at a disadvantage as there is a
great deal of trees being cleared in the County.
Supervisor Rosie commented that the data shows that there has been far more
harm with shotguns than with rifles. He agreed that an elevated stand is a good
safety practice.
Supervisor Grice expressed concern that a landowner can't hunt with a rifle on his
own land.
Supervisor McCarty stated he has not talked to anyone who has asked him to
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approve the amendments. He inquired, if adopted, could it be restricted to not
allow hunting in a Development Service District?
Supervisor Rosie recommended that the number of feet a hunter must be from a
home be identified.
Supervisor McCarty moved to table action on the ordinance amendment and direct
the County Attorney to investigate if a hunter can be restricted from hunting in a
Development Service District; determine a number of feet a hunter must be from
a home; and review the ordinances of Smithfield, Windsor and Sussex. The motion
was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice and Rosie
voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting against the motion.
On the subject of local matching funds for the Virginia Technology Initiative (VATI)
grant application, Assistant County Administrator Robertson reminded the Board
that the County had received funding from the State with regard to the VATI grant
and staff is working with partners in the region to work through the details and get
to the point of a contract. He continued that when the Board was initially
approached by staff, the Board approved match funding up to approximately $2.7
million and because the number of homes included in the VATI grant have been
reduced, there is now an opportunity for the County's local match amount to be
reduced to $2.4 million. He would recommend that the Board authorize staff to
submit a letter in support of the revised grant match amount.
Supervisor McCarty moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Letter of Support
for the program and with a revised grant match amount. The motion was adopted
(5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice and Rosie voting in favor of
the motion and no Supervisors voting against the motion.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Ring presented the request of Jerry Kooiman on behalf of KS Carrollton, LLC,
property owner, for a height exception for the Heritage Apartment building located
at 23321 Sugar Hill Road to allow the building to exceed the maximum height limit
of 35 feet permitted in the Urban Residential District by 2.25 feet for a total building
height of 37.25 feet requested. She provided background information on the
application, to include its strengths and weaknesses. She advised that the Planning
Commission voted to recommend denial of the exception request and staff also
recommends that because the building exceeds the maximum permitted height for
the district and that the height exception request also be denied.
Supervisor Rosie stated that the County has guidelines in its ordinance for how
things should be built for a reason and if the Board makes an exception, then why
have an ordinance?
Mrs. Kooiman advised that a one-page application was submitted to the County
with a site plan and a proposal to build a three-story building. The application did
indicate 35.5 feet for the building. A year and four months later they submitted
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the architectural building plans which are detailed with specifics and the height of
the building at that time in the building plans is shown as 36.4 feet. The plans were
reviewed, approved and stamped and construction began last year in October of
2021. Three months into the construction process they received a notice that the
building was nonconforming with the height according to the County's ordinance.
They immediately engaged with County staff for direction on how to proceed. They
informed us of the two options, as follows: 1.) we cut down the roof or 2.) apply
for a variance. They had hoped that it would be resolved administratively;
however, it was not. In the process of applying for a variance, they learned that
neither central permitting or inspections checks the height of the building as
permitted and submitted with the architectural building plan. She stated that there
is no advantage on her end to build a building that is slightly taller than the County's
ordinance. She recognized staff for making sure that all safety issues that were
submitted were reviewed extensively and addressed. She stated the neighboring
parcel is also a commercial parcel and there could be a building next door to them
that is up to 50 feet. She stated that she looks to the County as the expert on
ordinances and when they review, approve and stamp plans as was done in their
case, she thinks that should be honored unless there is an error. She stated the
only viable solution today is to obtain a variance; anything else would financially
ruin them.
County Attorney Jones clarified that if a permit is issued that is not in harmony with
the Zoning Ordinance, it would be null and void as stipulated under Section 1012,
paragraph B2 which stipulates that all department officials and public employees
of Isle of Wight County which are vested with the duty or authority to issue permits
or licenses shall do so in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance. Such
departments and personnel shall issue permits for uses and purposes only when
they are in harmony with the provision of the ordinance. He opined that if a permit
is issued that is not in harmony with the zoning ordinance it will be null and void.
He reiterated that the building permit was issued properly, the building is designed
structurally in accordance with the Virginia Statewide Building Permit, but the
construction plans did not list the building being 34.5 feet tall. He stated the
bottom line is that the architect drew the building too tall.
Supervisor McCarty expressed the important of listening to the citizens and noted
he would like to know how they would feel about the site line being screened or
mitigated.
Supervisor Rosie asked what could be done in terms of screening.
Mr. Kooiman advised that in lieu of the lower bushes, he would be willing to plant
a very fast-growing tree that grows approximately four feet annually and provides
a privacy screen.
Supervisor Grice stated he would like a favorable response from the affected
neighbors in support of Mr. Kooiman's mitigation plan.
Mr. Kooiman inquired if the Board would be willing to authorize the County
Administrator to lift the cease order and allow him to continue with the project and
work on floors 1, 2 and 3 while any issues get resolved.
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Supervisor Grice moved that the discussion be tabled until the Board's March 3,
2022 work session at which time Mr. Kooiman is to return with a mitigation plan.
The motion was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice
and Rosie voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting against the
motion.
On the subject of updated Voting Districts, Precincts and Polling Places, Caleb
Kitchen, on behalf of the Isle of Wight Electoral Board which is charged with
conducting free, open, fair and transparent elections and to provide oversight for
the Registrar's office. The Electoral Board is recommending that Smithfield be
District 1; Newport be District 2; Hardy be District 3; Windsor be District 4; and
Carrsville be District 5. The Supreme Court of Virginia established new district lines
for the House of Representatives, the State Senate and the Virginia House of
Delegates and the County experienced a change in all three, but the change which
caused the greatest challenge for the Electoral Board was the Virginia House of
Delegates, specifically the County's line between 83rd and 84th House of Delegates
District which have created split precincts where there are two distinct polling
locations physically set up within the same polling location. The concern is without
making any of these small voting districts adjustments, the County would be
looking at eight of those precincts, some of which would not even have 100 people
in them. To address this issue, the Code of Virginia allows localities to make minor
adjustments under limited circumstances. The number of A/B precincts has been
reduced to two, one at Nike Park and the other at Cypress Creek.
Supervisor McCarty moved to authorize a public hearing for the Board's March 3,
2022 work session for consideration of the updated voting district precincts and
polling places as presented. The motion was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors
Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice and Rosie voting in favor of the motion and no
Supervisors voting against the motion.
County Administrator Keaton presented a Resolution to Adopt Financial and
Accounting Policy Amendments to Isle of Wight County Policy Manual which
updates the dollar limits for purchasing. He explained that the County has always
taken a more conservative approach by using half of the State's number. He
advised that the State has raised the amount to $200,000.
Supervisor McCarty moved to amend the following resolution to go from $50,000
to $100,000 knowing that the State amount is $200,000:
RESOLUTION TO AMEND CHAPTER 2: FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING ARTICLE I,
SECTION 1.33 OF THE COUNTY POLICY MANUAL
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia General Assembly has amended the
State Code relative to central purchasing and procurement; and
WHEREAS, Isle of Wight County's policies and procedures need to be amended to
come into conformity with federal and State laws; and,
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WHEREAS, the County's policies and procedures need to be periodically updated to
conform with current practices.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that revisions to Chapter 2: Financial and
Accounting, Article I, Section 1.33 of the County Policy are hereby adopted as
follows:
Section 1.33 - General Procedure
(Revised July 1, 2019 February 17, 2022)
1. The purpose of this article is to enunciate the public policies pertaining to
governmental procurement from nongovernmental sources, to include
governmental procurement which may or may not result in monetary
consideration for either party. This article shall apply whether the
consideration is monetary or nonmonetary and regardless of whether the
county, the contractor, or some third party is providing theconsideration.
2. All single or term contracts for goods and services other than professional
services when the estimated cost is expected to exceed ec.e two hundred
thousand dollars ($1200,000) shall be purchased from the lowest
responsive, responsible bidder, after due notice inviting bids.
3. Construction of improvements estimated to cost more than fifty one
hundred thousand dollars ($5100,000.00) shall be procured only by
competitive sealed bidding. Transportation improvements estimated to
cost more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) shall be
procured only by competitive sealed bidding. When it is in the County's
best interest, formal solicitation requirements for other than professional
services and transportation related construction may be waived up to two
hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) by writing a justification to the
• Purchasing Agent explaining why competitive sealed bidding or
competitive negotiation is not advantageous. The Purchasing Agent will
seek approval or disapproval of the County Administrator before
proceeding.
The motion was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice
and Rosie voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting against the
motion.
Gerald H. Gwaltney, Commissioner of the Revenue, addressed the impact of
personal property valuations in the County. Looking at the 2022 property values,
due to the economic situation with supply and demand, it is found that new vehicle
inventory is down due to Covid-19 cases impacting the workforce and a shortage
of computer chips. Used Vehicle inventory is also down due to very few trade-ins
and travel down and lease companies not replacing its fleet. The County's property
fleet was sent to be valued by JD Power and 95% of the 26,000 vehicles increased
in value. The increase in value is going to result in an increased tax bill for
taxpayers. Regarding the car tax relief,the County receives from the State annually
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$5.1 million for personal use vehicles only. The relief.is only on the first $20,000 of
value and he noted that as the value goes up, the relief percentage goes down. A
40% relief to taxpayers was awarded last year; however, with the increase in values
staff is projecting 35% in 2022. He recommended that the Board reduce the
Personal Property tax rate 20 cents and adopt a Personal Property tax rate of$4.30
as the tax relief is provided to all vehicles; is business friendly; business vehicles
receive relief since those vehicle do not receive State car tax relief; business
equipment tax is also lowered; the County no longer has the highest regional
Personal Property tax rate; and in order to fund the reduced rate, $530,000 is
needed to fund each 10 cent reduction in tax rate.
Supervisor McCarty moved to authorize the County Attorney to advertise a public
hearing on the Personal Property tax rate of $4.30. The motion was adopted (5-0)
with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice and Rosie voting in favor of the
motion and no Supervisors voting against the motion.
The subject of interim salary adjustments for public safety employees was
introduced by Michelle Clark, Director of Human Resources. Salaries in the Sheriff's
Department, Animal Control, Dispatchers, Fire and Emergency Services were
compared against those in other localities and staff recommended a 5% increase
which will cover the period of March through June to include FICA and retirement
for a cost of$99,233.00.
Sheriff Clarke thanked the Board for its support and noted that while the 5%
increase is appreciated, deputies in his department are still earning less than those
employed by the Windsor Police Department. He noted that the County is
competing against seven cities, and he would suggest a 7% raise for captains and
below excluding himself and the Chief Deputy.
Supervisor McCarty remarked that he would like an opportunity to review the
Sheriff's budget noting that funding of it is from County funds. Supervisor Grice
asked the Sheriff to return to the Board with suggestions for a hiring bonus that
would be payable over a period of time to assist with the recruitment of individuals
and an outline of programs such as those used at West Point and the Air Force
Academy where it will help the Sheriff recruit employees.
Supervisor McCarty moved that a 7% raise be granted to sworn law enforcement
employees including Captains and below, Fire medics including Captains and below,
Animal control officers, and E911 dispatchers effective March 1, 2022 and that the
Sheriff return to the Board with suggestions on a hiring bonus that is payable out
over a period of time which will assist in the recruitment of people. The motion
was adopted (5-0) with Supervisors Jefferson, McCarty, Acree, Grice and Rosie
voting in favor of the motion and no Supervisors voting against the motion.
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ADJOURNMENT
At 11:00 p.m., Chairman Jefferson declared the meeting adjourned.
athg RAIRA987
biti01.16 56101, Rudolph Jefferson, Chairman
Carey Mills Storm, Clerk
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