|
The Wise County Board of Supervisors met in Regular session on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 6:00 PM in the Board of Supervisors meeting room located in the Wise County courthouse. The following were present:
Honorable Ronald L. Shortt – Chairman
Honorable Steve Bates – Vice-Chairman
Honorable Virginia Meador
Honorable John W. Peace, II
Honorable Robert R. Adkins
Honorable Robert E. Robbins
Honorable Leland Branham
Honorable Fred A. Luntsford – members of said Board and
Glen A. Skinner – County Administrator
Shannon C. Scott – Assistant County Administrator
Karen T. Mullins – County Attorney
Annette Underwood – Executive Secretary
PRAYER
T. G. Branson led in prayer.
PLEDGE
All led in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Robby Robbins, seconded by Leland Branham, to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was unanimously approved.
IN RE: AGENDA / ADDITIONS/ DELETIONS
The following items were considered for addition to the agenda:
Add to New Business
- Resolution “Watch For Children” signs –South Fork of Pound
- Resolution – Emergency Medical Transport Services (Valley Volunteer Fire Dept request for change of status)
- Resolution- Promoting Restoration of the Chief Benge Scout Trail
A motion was made by Leland Branham, seconded by Fred Luntsford, to approve the agenda with the additions as listed above. The motion was unanimously approved.
IN RE: PUBLIC EXPRESSION
Wythe Moore a resident of the Flatwoods section, addressed the Board regarding junk cars. He said he has called the Litter Dept. for a year asking that these vehicles be moved and nothing has been done.
Chairman Shortt asked the County Administrator to follow up on this complaint.
There being no further comments, the public expression period was closed.
IN RE: ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Residency Administrator T. G. Branson gave a brief update on bridges that are under construction.
Regarding the proposed Six Year Secondary Construction Plan, he added one project Route 757.
Board members presented needs in their districts for VDOT review.
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Bob Adkins, seconded by Steve Bates, to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARINGS
Set public hearing (6:00 PM-March 1) on proposed E-911 road name additions
Set public hearing (6:00 PM – March 1) on the Wise County CIP FY 2008-2012
IN RE: AUDIT SERVICES
Authorized advertisement for RFP for County Audit services
IN RE: RESOLUTION-SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET REVISED
Revised Resolution on School Board Classification By Category
IN RE: CHECK SIGNING
Authorized former Chairman Fred Luntsford to sign checks until implementation of new check writing system
PROCLAMATION
Approved Proclamation Kick Butts / Breathe Day
IN RE: BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Approved budget amendments #39 - #42
The motion to approve the consent agenda was unanimously approved.
IN RE: SIX YEAR SECONDARY CONSTRUCTION PLAN
A public hearing was held on February 1 to receive citizens’ comments regarding the proposed Six Year Secondary Construction Plan. There was no opposition to the proposed Plan.
A motion was made by Leland Branham, seconded by Fred Luntsford, to approve the Six Year Secondary Construction Plan as presented with the addition of Rt. 757. The motion was unanimously approved.
IN RE: ORDINANCE – OPEN BURNING
A public hearing was held on February 1 to receive citizens’ comments regarding the proposed ordinance - Regulation on Open Burning in Wise County.
County Attorney Mullins stated that this ordinance is bringing the County’s local ordinance into compliance with the State law. As it now stands, any fines for violations charged under the State statute will be returned to the State. If this ordinance is adopted by the County, fines will go into the County’s General Fund. Any burn regulations not covered in this ordinance is covered under the County’s Solid Waste Ordinance. She further explained that the State is now requesting the localities to adopt the State regulations which must be approved by DEQ. A fax was received from DEQ today making a modification to the proposed ordinance with the deletion of the “WAIVER” paragraph.
There was some discussion on the County and State guidelines and regulations and the impact it will have on the environment and the ability of Wise County citizens to open burn paper and other wastes. It was noted that burning of land relates to private lawns and gardens.
There was no opposition to the proposed ordinance at the public hearing.
A motion was made by Bob Adkins, seconded by Leland Branham, to approve the Ordinance on Regulation on Open Burning in Wise County with the deletion of the “Waiver” section 9 VAC 5-40-5645. The motion was unanimously approved.
ORDINANCE # 2007
(Said ordinance is on file in the County Administrator’s Office)
IN RE: RESOLUTION VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Phillip Barker, Chief of the Valley Fire Department, ask the Board’s permission to allow the Valley Volunteer Fire Department to change its status from Basic Life support to Advance Life support transport.
A motion was made by Virginia Meador, seconded by John Peace, to approve the resolution granting approval to Valley Volunteer Fire Department to operate within Wise County as an Advance Life Support Transport subject to their compliance with regulations of the State of Virginia. The motion was unanimously approved.
RESOLUTION # 2007
(Said resolution is on file in the County Administrator’s Office)
IN RE: APPOINTMENT-SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Attorney Mullins explained that the Southwest Virginia EMS Council Board of Directors approved revisions to the organizational by-laws. As a result of those revisions, each represented County and City within their service area will be entitled to one (1) seat on the Council’s Board of Directors. The term of office will be for one year beginning in January 2007. After this initial period, the representative will be appointed for a three (3) year term.
Supervisor Peace nominated Gary Williams for re-appointment to the Southwest Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council.
Supervisor Adkins made a motion that nominations cease. Leland Branham seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved
Gary Williams was re-appointed to the Southwest Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council by acclamation.
IN RE: APPOINTMENT- MOUNTAIN EMPIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD
John Peace made a motion to appoint Tabathia Peace to the MECC Board. Virginia Meador seconded the motion.
Aye- John Peace Nay - Steve Bates Abstain – Ronnie Shortt
Virginia Meador
Leland Branham
Robby Robbins
Bob Adkins
Fred Luntsford
IN RE: BUDGET AMENDMENT #38
Supervisors Bates asked that budget amendments exceeding a certain amount be placed under new business for discussion and not under the consent agenda. The smaller items, pass thru monies, housekeeping items, etc would be considered under the consent agenda.
He stated that he could not recall the Board approving an expenditure of approximately $216,000 for the recent courthouse renovations that was on the agenda for approval. However, there was an amount up to $17,000 that was approved for the space for the Magistrate’s Office. He asked that future expenses such as this be brought before the Board with estimates being provided for the Board’s review and approval. He proceeded to explain that the Board is voted in to be accountable to the citizens of Wise County and be good stewards of their money.
Regarding the cost for the Sesquicentennial celebration in Coeburn, it was Mr. Bates understanding that this was to be paid for by donations and not County funds. Since all the donations did not come through for this event, he asked that future endeavors such as this be organized in such a way that donations would be collected prior to the event.
Administrator Skinner apologized to the Board for them not being apprised on the renovations in a timely manner. He further explained that future moves or needs by the constitutional offices will be received with a plan of need and cost estimates for the County’s portion of expenses. Mr. Skinner noted that he had been made aware of the Commonwealth Attorney’ need early on. However, he noted that the space made available through those renovations has met the needs of those constitutional offices in making their office more efficient and more productive in services to our citizens.
Several Board members voiced their appreciation for the efforts that was put forth in providing the 150th Birthday celebration event that was enjoyed by thousands of Wise County citizens and the surrounding area.
A motion was made by Robby Robbins, seconded by Bob Adkins, to approve budget amendment # 38 as presented.
Aye- Virginia Meador Nay- Steve Bates
John Peace
Bob Adkins
Leland Branham
Robby Robbins
Fred Luntsford
Ronnie Shortt
IN RE: RESOLUTION – WATCH FOR CHILDREN SIGNS
A motion was made by Fred Luntsford, seconded by Leland Branham, to adopt the resolution requesting the installation and maintenance of “Watch for Children” signs on Meade Branch Road in the Gilley section on South fork of Pound on Rt. 752.
The motion was unanimously approved.
RESOLUTION # 2007
(Said resolution is on file in the County Administrator’s Office)
IN RE: RESOLUTION – RESTORATION OF CHIEF BENGE SCOUT TRAIL
A motion was made by Robby Robbins, seconded by John Peace, to adopt the resolution supporting the current application for state and federal funds for the restoration of the Chief Benge Scout Trail. The motion was unanimously approved.
RESOLUTION # 2007
(Said resolution is on file in the County Administrator’s Office)
COUNTY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Attorney Mullins reported that she has met with PSA and its Attorney Bud Philips to review current agreements, contracts, and financial obligations regarding the Comprehensive Utility Services resolution that was recently adopted by the Board.
She explained the process in getting all the players together and the necessary documents and agreements that must be in place for the necessary transfer of this utility service to the PSA. With this being a lengthy process, Attorney Mullins stated that she will be providing the Board with a monthly report regarding the progress of this transfer. Plans are to have a general agreement in place within the next month.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Skinner reported on the following items:
- VDOT Annual Road Plan and Rt. 757
- Status of cell phone towers
- Invitation from School Board for Board of Supervisors to hear information from architect regarding the proposed school projects
- Tourism Summit
BOARD COMMENTS
Board members praised Thomas Jones for his teamwork and his overall outstanding plays that were made during the Super Bowl.
There was some discussion on the need to promote our tools for tourism.
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made by Bob Adkins, seconded by Fred Luntsford, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was unanimously approved.
ATTEST WISE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
____________________________ ______________________________________
Glen A. Skinner, Clerk Ronald L. Shortt, Chairman
Back
to Top |
