1. Recognition of Employees - 
   Clerk of the Circuit Court's Office:  
   Victoria G. Ratliff and Renee M. Taylor
2. Recognition of Employee with 25 years of service:  
   Tom Chester
3. Recognition of Employee with 15 years of service:  
   Robin Williams

IN RE:  DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

Don King, representing the Disabled American Veterans Wise Chapter No. 56, addressed the Board regarding the need for a state Veterans Home/Hospital/Medical Center for veterans in Wise, Scott, Lee, Russell, Dickenson, Buchanan and Washington counties.  The site that has been suggested for this center is the Appalachian Regional Hospital in Wise that has been closed for sometime.  He explained the expense and the problem of traveling a long distance if a veteran had to be hospitalized since most of the veterans are disabled with no means of getting to and from the hospital.  Mr. King asked the Board to consider adopting a resolution of support for this effort.

IN RE:  ABANDONED MINE LAND (AML) FUND

Bernard Reilly, President of the Dickenson County Citizens Committee "Save Virginia's Baby" came before the Board requesting a resolution of support encouraging political leaders, within our State and Federal offices to take the necessary steps to extend the AML Fee collections until such time as all reclamation in Wise County is complete. 

IN RE:  PUBLIC EXPRESSION

Elmer Phillips asked the Board to take Daytown Road into the system because of the condition of the road that makes it almost impossible to get a school bus into the area to pick up the school children.

Attorney Mullins spoke briefly regarding the house that was built on the R-O-W as well as other obstructions that are hindering the footage that is needed to build the road.  Mr. Mullins stated that it would take court action to remove the house.

Chairman Stallard asked Administrator Sealover to ascertain from the School Board whether or not the road is adequate for the school bus to travel.

IN RE:  ANNEXATION

Appalachia Councilman E. L. Hutchinson, presented several questions to Administrator Sealover regarding the meeting he had with Town Manager George Polly and the proposed Big Stone Gap annexation issue.

After answering several questions, Chairman Stallard asked that Mr. Sealover be given a copy of the questions for which he could give a written reply to Mr. Hutchinson.

IN RE:  ARNO FLOODING PROBLEM

Buford McNutt, a resident of the Arno section in Appalachia, presented the Board with pictures and videos of floods in l977, 2001, and 2002.  Mr. McNutt stated that a mining operation has removed the bridge in their community and replaced the bridge with two (2) 60" culverts.  Since the culverts were placed there, debris gets caught inside and dams up the water causing the community to flood.  He asked the Board to give any assistance possible to correct this problem before heavy rains set in again.

Chairman Stallard stated that someone from the County would review the problem and bring a report back to the Board.

There being no further comments, the public expression was closed.

IN RE:  ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

The following items were discussed:

1. Children at Play signs on Lake Ridge Road
2. Resolution New Addition - Sykes Boulevard
3. VDOT Remarks

Betty Cornett left the meeting at 6:50 p.m.

Jeff Salyers asked Mr. Branson for some possible assistance in getting a better site distance at the railroad crossing on Robbins Road in the Banner section of Coeburn.

He noted that the railroad company will not assist in the situation and directed him to VDOT.

Mr. Branson stated that this is a private road and not State maintained.  Therefore, VDOT cannot intervene to correct the problem.  The materials that are blocking the site distance for that road belong to the railroad company and should be addressed by the same.

IN RE:  CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were reviewed under the Consent Agenda:

Set public hearing at 2:00 p.m. on August 23 for South Mountain Water Project Phase II

Set public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on September 5 for proposed ordinance establishing the Wise County Enterprise Zone

Edgar Mullins asked that the proposed amendment to the Real Estate Tax Exemption For Elderly and Disabled, that is being set for public hearing, be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion

Budget Amendments

1. No. 2:  Add $83,021.00; from fund balance (lapsed FEMA revenues) and add to Emergency Services ($16,958) and reserve for emergencies/contingency ($66,063)
2. No. 3:  Add $16,592 (grant) to the E-911 Fund
3. No. 4:  Add $2244 (grant) and add that amount to various line items in the Victim Witness Program Budget

Authorize Administrator to sign Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan

Resolution approving the Community Services Board FY 2003 Performance Contract

IN RE:  OTHER ITEMS REVIEWED

1. Resolution establishing goals, policies, and responsibilities related to the County's Risk Management/Loss Control Program
2. Resolution directing preparation of a Strategic Plan for Economic Development
3. Resolution expressing concern about the recent court ruling on the Pledge of Allegiance
4. Award of bid for $1 million dollar line of credit
5. Fiscal Status Report through July (Available August 8)
6. County Attorney's Report
7. Board comments

ADJOURN

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

ATTEST:                 WISE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

__________________       ________________________

Clerk                              Chairman

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