HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 15, 2001 Work Session
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A Luncheon/Worksession of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors was held on
November 15, 2001, at 12:00 noon, in the Board of Supervisors' Meeting Room, County
Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. (This worksession was called
for further discussion of the proposed Regional Water Authority).
PRESENT
Chairman Richard C. Shickle; Vice Chairman Charles W. Orndoff, Sr; W. Harrington Smith,
Jr.; Robert M. Sager; Margaret B. Douglas; and Sidney A. Reyes. (Supervisor Reyes arrived at 1:00
P.M.)
STAFF: County Administrator John R. Riley, Jr.; Assistant County Administrator Kris
Tierney; Deputy Clerk Carol T. Bayliss.
OTHERS: Engineer-Director of the Frederick County Sanitation Authority Wellington
Jones; Chairman of the Sanitation Authority James Anderson; Chainnan of the Regional Water
Supply Committee James L. Longerbeam; Attorney Clayton L. Walton of Williams Mullen Clark
& Dobbins.
Administrator Riley presented an update on the regional committee and explained what has
been taking place during the past two years in their efforts to reach a plan that would benefit all
localities, and their citizens, to meet their future needs for water. He further advised that the steering
committee has completed their assignment and have provided this information to the localities for
their review and recommendation. The next step in the process will be for each locality to have a
public hearing on the proposal, and if the okay is given, the Authority will then proceed to
implement the plan as approved.
Chairman Anderson stated that he felt the county is much better off going with this type of
plan rather than going it alone.
Chairman Shickle asked if Frederick County was the only locality without an authority.
Attorney Walton replied no. He further explained the importance of an Authority, for when
everyone is doing their own thing, without any type of plan, this is no good, as we all need to be
looking at least forty years in thc future. Patchwork quilting in this type of planning is no good,
specific decisions on infrastructure need to be made now. He referred to other localities within the
State of Virginia and the problems they have experienced by not having the right plan in effect.
Attorney Walton presented a handout entitled Summarv of Regional Water Supply Studv and
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Formation ofthe Shenandoah Vallev Water Authority. This publication was broken down into five
parts that he reviewed with those present. Tab A - Summary of Consultants and their consensus on
what this whole project will be driven on; Tab B - Draft Articlcs ofIncorporation; Tab C - Articles
ofIncorporation of the Shenandoah Valley Water Authority; Tab D - Draft Bylaws and Tab E-
ByLaws of the Shenandoah Valley Water Authority (adopted ~~_2001).
Director Jones advised that the county knows the areas for the highest potential for
groundwater; however, we should not rely on anyone source at any time.
Attorney Walton referred to the City of Norfolk and theirreservoirs. He addressed the grants
that are available on the state and federal level to help offset the cost involved. He advised that water
supply plants are a localities' most expensive utility. In order to help off set this cost, as many
localities as possible need to be involved, as it is cheaper to build one large plant rather than two
small plants.
Supervisor Sager asked about Stephens City and their grolmdwater plan, septic systems, and
wastewater.
Chairman Longerbeam stated that he fecls the Town of Middletown has a real problem.
Administrator Riley asked about Piedmont endorsing this plan.
Attorney Walton advised that they have called him a number of times.
Supervisor Reyes addressed the issue of eminent domain.
Director Jones advised that the various jurisdictions have to give their approval.
Chairman Longerbeam feels this is the long term solution and the support is there for the
most part.
Attorney Walton advised that he felt there was no choice other than to go with the long term.
Chairman Shickle stated that he understands that all localities have to have a public hearing
on this matter.
Attorney Walton replied yes, and he advised that it be done during November and December.
Administrator Riley advised that the county's is scheduled for the December 12 Board
meeting.
The Sanitation Authority will not be voting on this.
Administrator Riley thanked Attorney Walton for all his help with this project and the vcry
informative information that he had provided to the Board.
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END OF DISCUSSION.
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Jo . Riley, Jr.
Clerk, Board of Supervisors
R CL~~c ~
Richard C. Shickle
Chairman, Board of Supervisors
Minutes Prepared By: A.>~L T ,:~.t'~J'1 ~~
Carol T. Bayliss
Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors
Minute Book Number 27
Board of Supervisors WorksessioD on the Regional Water Authority on 11/15/01