Loading...
March 22 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes301 A Regular Meeting of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors was held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, 7:00 P.M., in the Board of Supervisors' Meeting Room, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. PRESENT Chairman Charles S. DeHaven, Jr., Blaine P. Dunn, Bill M. Ewing, Gene E. Fisher, Gary A. Lofton, Judith McCann -Slaughter, and Robert W. Wells. CALL TO ORDER Chairman DeHaven called the meeting to order. INVOCATION Reverend Ross Halbersma, New Hope Alliance Church, delivered the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Chairman Fisher led the Pledge of Allegiance. ADOPTION OF AGENDA - APPROVED County Administrator Brenda Garton stated there were no changes to the agenda. Upon a motion made by Supervisor Lofton, seconded by Vice Chairman Fisher, the Board approved the agenda by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVED Upon a motion made by Supervisor Ewing, seconded by Supervisor Slaughter, the Board approved the following items under the consent agenda: - Minutes - Tab A; - Proclamation - April 9-15, 2017 as National Telecommunicators Week in Frederick County - Tab B; - Proclamation - April 1-7, 2017 as Local Government Education Week - Tab C; - Road Resolution - Snowden Bridge Subdivision, Section 3 - Tab H. The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22JI7 County of Frederick, Virginia N Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells, Aye CITIZEN COMMENTS Jay Marts, Gainesboro District, addressed the Board with reference to the School Board's Capital Improvements Plan and the proposal for new construction. He referenced an article in The Winchester Star written by a resident in Clarke County and stated that many of the comments in the article echoed what has been said before the Board of Supervisors; population growth has been slow and student growth has been flat for many years. He stated that with reference to the data on the elementary schools, with numbers reported by the School Board; that adjusting school boundaries could technically save millions. He further stated that with reference to the proposed fourth high school, if they accept the School Board's data that they are currently at a capacity of 4400 in the three existing schools and they build a new one with a capacity of 1,725; based upon their own growth projections, it would take fifty three years to reach the new capacity. He stated the closing comment in the Open Forum was instructive, "And don't forget: buildings don't teach children, good teachers do," Joe Crane, Gainesboro District, addressed the Board with reference to the school construction and comments he was hearing from neighbors in his district. He stated they have not seen professional studies showing potential population growth and demographics for the next five to twenty years. They have not seen professional engineering studies for additions to current schools, but did have some plans showing how readjustments to school boundaries could accommodate all students and thus, could alleviate the overcrowding. He further stated that he felt the money could be better spent and if he had it his way, it would go to the Sheriff's Department. Dana Newcomb, Gainesboro District, addressed the Board and stated the School Board's new construction budget request rests upon a foundation of lies, fabrication and deception perpetrated by the leadership of the School Board and School Administration. He stated that in the past year, facts have been laid before them that prove the lie. He stated that the school establishment knows that the basis for this school construction proposal is a lie and everyone on the Board of Supervisors knows that it is as lie. He asked that the Board of Supervisors unanimously reject the School Board's irresponsibly extravagant and fiscally unsupportable request and solicit from them a responsible documented cost effective program providing for the expansion, renovation and maintenance of public properties entrusted to them by the taxpayers. Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 30b Ned Fairinholt, Stonewall District, addressed the Board and requested citizens be protected from the School Board's absurd capital request. He stated there is no need to build a high school, expand Armel School or build any additional elementary schools; there is a good empty school sitting on Linden Drive. He stated there are apparently so many empty seats in the elementary schools that they are offering pre-school daycare to compete with the commercial daycare centers. He stated the more he learns, the more absurd it becomes. He further stated that with the School Board's common core program, they profess critical thinking, and the Board needs to do a little critical thinking and reject their foolish capital plan. He stated that additional schools will not only increase their already heavy debt, but will increase annual operating costs. He stated citizens want better education, not higher taxes. Karen Vance, Shawnee District, addressed the Board and referenced the School Board's grandiose school building plans. She felt some of the facts and figures they presented were questionable. She referred to the fact they are facing school choice and stated she did not feel that the School Board took that into consideration, and that if school choice passes, there are good private and parochial schools available and felt some citizens would start to take advantage of putting their children into those schools which would lower the enrollment even more. She further stated that the Board of Supervisors is the guardian of tax dollars and they needed to tell the School Board to revisit and deescalate their plans. Stephen Baker, Red Bud District, addressed the Board and stated he had children, who had graduated from Millbrook High School so he no longer had a dog in the fight, but he could remember when Millbrook was being built; that the arguments he heard back then are the same arguments now. He stated he felt the School Board gave good figures to the Board of Supervisors back then and felt they were giving good figures now. He further stated they needed to take care of the children, take care of the growth that is going to happen. He went on to say he had no problem with taxes going up and hoped the Board of Supervisors would support the children by going forward and supporting the projects that are needed. Shawn Graber, Back Creek District, addressed the Board and stated that the in the last two to three years the School Board stated that if the Board of Supervisors had any other options, other than the $130 million that they are asking for then they wanted to hear them and that one Board of Supervisors member stepped up and submitted a plan for the expansion of Millbrook High School which would meet the capacity for the next ten years. He stated that in doing so, it Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 304 would not only meet the capacity needs of today and the next years, but would allow them to pay off some of the interest currently owed and maybe by that point be able to pay cash for a school without raising taxes. He stated that everything that has been proposed to the School Board other than the $130 million dollar plan has the word "no" attached to it, He stated the Board of Supervisors is similar to parents in dishing out an allowance and they need to just say "no." There were no further comments. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMENTS Supervisor Dunn stated that last year there were a lot of good comments and then a lot of people left and he would encourage them to stay until the end of the meeting to hear any comments made to the commenter or to hear any and all new comments. Vice Chairman Fisher stated that the Board of Supervisors and the School Board have continued to talk and work together in an attempt to try and find a way to address the needs and move the School system forward, that they are not just doing nothing, and they will continue to work on it. MINUTES - APPROVED UNDER CONSENT AGENDA The minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 22, 2017; Budget Work Session of March 1, 2017; and Closed Session and Budget Work Session of March S, 2017 were approved under the consent agenda. COUNTY OFFICIALS PROCLAMATION 4002-17 APRIL 9-15 2017 AS NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK - APPROVED UNDER CONSENT AGENDA PROCLAMATION NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK FREDERICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA APRIL 9-15, 2017 WHEREAS, emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire or emergency medical services; and WHEREAS, when an emergency occurs, the prompt response of police officers, firefighters and paramedics is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property; and WHEREAS, the safety of our police officers and firefighters is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who telephone the Frederick County Department of Public Safety Communications Center; and WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services; and WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers are the single vital link for our police officers and firefighters by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and ensuring their safety; and Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 30b, WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers of Frederick County, Virginia have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of patients; and WHEREAS, each dispatcher has exhibited compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of Frederick County, Virginia does hereby proclaim the week of April 9-15, 2017 to be National Telecommunicator's Week in Frederick County, in honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our county and citizens safe. ADOPTED this 22nd day of March, 2017. PROCLAMATION #003-17 - APRIL 1-7 2017 AS LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION WEEK - APPROVED UNDER CONSENT AGENDA PROCLAMATION APRIL 1-7, 2017 LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION WEEK WHEREAS, since the colonial period, the Commonwealth of Virginia has closely held the institutions of local government; and WHEREAS, local governments throughout the Commonwealth provide valuable services to the citizens of the communities they serve; and WHEREAS, citizen services such as, law enforcement, public health and safety, recreational opportunities, and educating local children, are most often delivered at the local level; and WHEREAS, in recognition of the work performed by local governments, the Virginia General Assembly, on February 29, 2012, designated the first week in April as Local Government Education Week in Virginia; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by Board of Supervisors of the County of Frederick, Virginia, that April 1-7, 2017 is hereby designated as Local Government Education Week; and BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Frederick, Virginia and the Frederick County School Board will partner to promote civic education and engagement in an effort to educate citizens about their local government, strengthen the sense of community, and engage the next generation of local government managers. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ROBERT S. MOLDEN REAPPOINTED TO THE FREDERICK COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION AS REPRESENTATIVE OF OPEOUON MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT - APPROVED Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wells, seconded by Supervisor Slaughter, Robert S. Molden was reappointed to the Planning Commission as a representative from Opequon District for a four year term, said term to expire April 7, 2021. The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 3©6. Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye LAWRENCE R. AMBROGI REAPPOINTED TO THE FREDERICK COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF SHAWNEE MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT - APPROVED Upon a motion made by Vice Chairman Fisher, seconded by Supervisor Lofton, Lawrence R. Ambrogi was reappointed to the Planning Commission as a representative from Shawnee District for a four year term, said term to expire April 28, 2021. The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye TOM SIMON REAPPOINTED TO THE FREDERICK COUNTY SANITATION AUTHORITY - APPROVED Upon a motion made by Vice Chairman Fisher, seconded by Supervisor Lofton, Tom Simon was reappointed to the Sanitation Authority for a four year term, said term to expire April 15, 2021. The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P, Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye JEFFREY S. BOPPE APPOINTED TO THE FREDERICK COUNTY FINANCE COMMITTEE - APPROVED Chairman DeHaven stated that he appointed Jeffrey S. Boppe as a citizen member to the Frederick County Finance Committee. REQUEST FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE FOR REFUNDS - APPROVED Administrator Garton reviewed the following requests from the Commissioner of the Revenue to authorize the Treasurer to refund: 1. Chaos Fab Shop LLC in the amount of $3,143.53 for business license fees for 2016. This refund resulted from reclassification of business license taxes for the 2016 tax year. Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/t7 County of Frederick, Virginia cm Upon a motion made by Supervisor Slaughter, seconded by Supervisor Dunn, the above refund request and supplemental appropriation was approved by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye 2. Penske Truck Leasing Co. in the amount of $3,683.49 for personal property taxes for 2016. This refund resulted from proration of personal property taxes on vehicles sold, traded or moved out of Frederick County. Upon a motion made by Supervisor Slaughter, seconded by Supervisor Ewing, the above refund request and supplemental appropriation was approved by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT - APPROVED Supervisor Slaughter presented the Finance Committee Report. A Finance Committee was held in the First Floor Conference Room at 107 North Kent Street on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. All members were present. Items 7 and 8 were approved under consent agenda. Upon a motion made by Supervisor Slaughter, seconded by Supervisor Ewing, items 7 and 8 were approved under the consent agenda by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye 1. The Blue Ridge Youth Soccer Association, Inc. (BRYSA) requests real property tax exemption for land owned by the organization. See attached information, p. 4 — 10. The committee postpones the request indefinitely. — No Action Taken. 2. The Park and Stewardship Planner requests a General Fund supplemental appropriationin the amount of $17,500, This amount represents an increase in VDOT funding for the VDOT Recreation Access Grant awarded in December 2016. No additional local funds are required. The funding increase also requires an updated Board resolution to accept the new amount. See attached information, p. 11 — 17. The committee recommends approval of the supplemental appropriation and the updated resolution. — Approved. Upon a motion made by Supervisor Slaughter, seconded by Supervisor Wells, the above Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia m request was approved. RESOLUTION (4063-17) BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, FREDERICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA MARCH 22, 2017 WHEREAS, the Sherando Park is owned and is to be developed by Frederick County as a recreational facility serving the residents of Frederick County and adjoining localities; and WHEREAS, the property on which this facility is located has no access to a public street or roadway and will require the construction of a new roadway which will connect to Warrior Drive; and WHEREAS, the procedure governing the allocation of recreational access funds as set forth in Section 33.2-1510 of the Code of Virginia requires joint action by the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Commonwealth Transportation Board; and WHEREAS, a statement of policy agreed upon between the said Director and Board approves the use of such funds for the construction of access roads to publicly -owned recreational or historic areas; and WHEREAS, the Board has duly adopted a zoning ordinance pursuant to Article 7 (Section 152- 2280 et seq), Chapter 22, Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia; and WHEREAS, it appears to this Board that all requirements of the law have been met to permit the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation to designate Sherando Park as a public recreational facility and further permit the Commonwealth Transportation Board to provide funds for access to this public recreation area in accordance with Section 33.2-1510 of the Code of Virginia; and WHEREAS, the Board agrees, in keeping with the intent of Section 33.2-405 of the Code of Vir inia, to use its good offices to reasonably protect the aesthetic or cultural value of this road leading to or within areas of historical, natural or recreational significance; and WHEREAS, the County of Frederick hereby guarantees that the necessary environmental analysis, mitigation, and fee simple right of way for this improvement, and utility relocations or adjustments, if necessary, will be provided at no cost to the Virginia Department of Transportation; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Supervisors of Frederick County hereby requests the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation to designate Sherando Park as a public recreational area and to recommend to the Commonwealth Transportation Board that recreational access funds be allocated for an adequate access road to serve said Sherando park area; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Commonwealth Transportation Board is hereby requested to allocate the necessary recreational access funds to provide a suitable access road as hereinbefore described. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator and/or his designee(s) be authorized to act on behalf of the Board of Supervisors to execute any and all documents necessary to secure the funding sought through the Recreation Access Program up to, but not exceeding $340,000 state funds; comprised of $306,000 ($250,000 unmatched and $56,000 matched) for road construction and $34,000 (unmatched) for bikeway construction. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: The Frederick County Board of Supervisors hereby agrees that the new roadway so constructed will be added to and become a part of the secondary system of highways. The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote: Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 309 Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye 3. The Parks and Recreation Director requests approval of a revision to their Donation and Recognition Policy allowing rights to be sold for existing unnamed facilities. The revision has been approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission. See attached information, p. 18 — 21. The committee recommends approval. — Approved. Upon a motion made by Supervisor Slaughter, seconded by Supervisor Dunn, the above request was approved. The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye 4. The Social Services Director requests approval to become fiscal agent for the CFW Foster Care Program and a General Fund supplemental appropriation in the amount of $12,838 to cover the month of June. No additional local funds required. See attached memo, p. 22 — 24. The committee recommends approval. — Approved. Upon a motion made by Supervisor Slaughter, seconded by Supervisor Lofton, the above request was approved. The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye 5. Stephens City Fire & Rescue Company requests a General Fund supplemental appropriation in the amount of $224,105.51. This amount is a request for proffer funds for a proposed ancillary building project. See attached information, p. 25 — 42. The committee recommends approval. — Postponed and Referred to the Public Safety Committee, Vice Chairman Fisher made the motion to postpone this request and refer it to the Public Safety Committee. Supervisor Dunn stated he felt this was a good proposal, and that he would defer to Vice Chairman Fisher, but felt Stephens City had done a good job on this. Supervisor Lofton seconded the motion. The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote: Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 3io Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye 6. The Fire & Rescue Chief requests a General Fund supplemental appropriation in the amount of $10,266. This amount represents revenue collected in excess of budgeted for fire school programs. No local funds required. See attached memo, p. 43. The, committee recommends approval. — Approved. Upon a motion made by Supervisor Slaughter, seconded by Supervisor Ewing, the above request was approved. The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote: Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Aye Blaine P. Dunn Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Gary A. Lofton Aye Judith McCann -Slaughter Aye Robert W. Wells Aye 7. The Sheriff requests a General Fund su lemental appTopriation in the amount of $3,617.19. This amount represents a reimbursement for an auto claim. No local funds required. See attached memo, p. 44 — 45, - Approved Under Consent Agenda. 8. The Sheriff requests a General Fund supplemental appropriation in the amount of $17,381,86. This amount represents ICAC reimbursement. No local funds required. See attached memos, p. 46 — 55. - Approved Under Consent Agenda. 9. The Finance Director requests continued discussion on the funding sources and cash balance for the Airport Operating Fund. Information Only 1. The Finance Director provides a Fund 10 Transfer Report for February 2017. See attached, p. 56. 2. The Finance Director provides an FY 2016 Fund Balance Report ending March 9, 2017. See attached, p. 57. 3. The Finance Director provides financial statements for the month ending February 28, 2017. See attached, p. 58 — 68. PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC HEARING - FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 BUDGET - PUBLIC HEARING ONLY) - NO ACTION TAKEN County Administrator Brenda Garton presented the proposed fiscal year 2017-2018 budget. She began by reviewing the Board budget priorities and objectives. She noted that with the reassessment of real property values effective January 1, 2017, this will impact revenues. She further noted that public safety and education needs are priorities. She noted that budget Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 311 priorities and objectives also include sufficient funding for employee compensation to maintain quality of service; provide Contingency Fund for emergencies; provide for additional staff in critical areas; provide support of technology to improve efficiency and workload. She went on to say there is a natural increase in taxes of about $5 million and the proposed real estate tax is $.60. She further stated the General Fund budget reflects $11,863,176 in new revenue, but with the initial expenditure increase requests of $23,149,410, there is still a deficit in revenues of $11,286,234 to cover requested funding from schools, departments and agencies. She went on to say the Board had conducted a number of work sessions over the past couple of months and had made some decisions as to the use of revenues to cover operating and capital needs. Ms. Garton Ru-ther stated the Board decided to set aside the entire $4,323,620 in increased revenue from the reassessment for future capital needs without specifying any particular project at this time. She further stated the Board continues the effort to reduce the use of Fund Balance for operating costs, reducing the amount by $1.1 million to $2.5 million. The total amount available to split with the schools is $3,921,855 using the traditional 570/o/43% split, resulting in $2,235,457 for the schools and $1,686,398 for the County General Fund in increased local tax revenues. Administrator Garton noted the proposed budget included: • Increase in local funding for schools of approximately $5.3 million, including operating and capital. • 2-2,5% reserve for raises for county staff. • $3,5 million capital funding for General Fund. • Increased county staffing in critical areas: o 12 new firefighters/emt positions with equipment o 1 new Sheriff's deputy with equipment o 1 new Building Inspector o 2 new Treasurer Cashiers (mid year hires) o I new Social Services Administrative position o 1 new Parks and Rec Technician • Increases in funding for health department, social services, community services board (both jointly funded with the state) • Increase in Library funding • Pictometry Upgrades • CSA Fund transfer increase • Microsoft Office 365 • Increased insurance costs • Various increases and decreases in operating costs throughout the General Fund Items not included in the proposed budget: • Full funding requested by the schools. • Capital requests. • New position requests: o 10 of 11 patrol deputies and 1 investigator by the Sheriff o 17 of 29 positions requested by Fire and Rescue o Additional Planner o Program Coordinator in Parks and Recreation Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 312 • Various requests for increases and new initiatives throughout the General Fund budget. • Tuition Assistance Program Administrator Garton concluded her presentation and thanked the Board, the Constitutional Officers, Department Directors and the Budget Committee for their assistance and work on this budget and for the opportunity to present it. Chairman DeHaven convened the public hearing on the proposed FY 2017-2018 budget. Mike Elwell, Executive Director of the Northwestern Community Services Board, addressed the Board and thanked them for their past support. He gave a brief overview of the services provided by the agency and stated that about 29% of the population served are Frederick County residents. He further stated that two new programs opened up within the past six months. Lauren Cummings, Executive Director of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, addressed the Board and thanked them for supporting their efforts to address the addiction crises in the area. She gave an overview of the drug treatment court and stated that out of eleven participants, seven were from Frederick County. She stated participants face many challenges beyond the drug treatment court program and that lives are being changed. She further stated she hoped the Board continued their support in the same amount of funding as in the past and that their program is contingent upon the other localities providing funding. Marietta Cather Walls, Lord Fairfax Soil and Water Conservation District, addressed the Board and thanked them for their support in the past. She stated the efforts of the Soil and Water Conservation District have brought back funds to the area. She stated their efforts protect the water, streams and land which affect everyone. She further stated the Board of Directors is all volunteers; they do not get paid for their time. She asked the Board to continue their funding support and efforts to protect the water resources. Kitty Hockman Nicholas, Lord Fairfax Soil and Water Conservation District, addressed the Board and gave an overview of their mission and stated they have been in existence for seventy six years. She stated they have come a long way in improving the soil and water quality, but have gone backwards as many factors have lessened the quality of the soil, water and streams, She gave an overview of their efforts and activities to improve the quality of soil and water and stated there is still much that needs to be done. She further stated they were requesting funding in the amount of $11,250.00. Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22117 County of Frederick, Virginia 31 George Hughes, Gainesboro District, addressed the Board and stated he has been a resident of Frederick County for about forty years and he did not see any more services that he benefits from than when he first came. He stated he did not see more deputy patrol cars go by, it takes longer for the Fire Department to get there and the ambulance service was slower, but more money is being spent. He stated he thought there was a lot of slush in the School Board's budget. Jay Marts, Gainesboro District, addressed the Board and stated that in January he appeared before the Board and addressed debt. He stated the fact that the County would collect $4.3 million from the increase in the real estate assessment, his prediction was that the Board would spend every penny of it on expanding the bureaucracy and providing a pay increase to all government employees; the Board would not reduce debt, nor would there be any tax relief to the constituents by decreasing the property tax rates to revenue neutral, and that the Board did not prove him wrong, He stated the proposed budget is neither conservative nor compassionate. Richard Van Norton, Back Creek District, addressed the Board and stated that he is a disabled veteran and represents all veterans on fixed incomes. He stated veterans could not afford a tax increase, particularly one that is eight times higher than the increase veterans receive on social security and military retirement. He stated the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission have let development outpace the growth in revenue. He further stated they are entertaining a proposal to spend millions of dollars for a new high school that is not needed. He stated every time the Board rezones property from agricultural to residential, it increases the need for services. He went on to say that disabled veterans get a waiver on the county vehicle license, but no break on personal property taxes and no break on Virginia State taxes except for VA disability income. He stated he felt they could do better than that for the seniors and veterans. Shawn Graber, Back Creek District, addressed the Board and stated that in looking over the budgets for the last four years, he has seen a trend; he has seen an increase in taxes, debt and raiding of the rainy day fund. He stated the budget is increasing beyond the population and they will never be able to catch up. He stated that if the children of the future are laden with debt, they will never be able to pay it. He further stated the teachers are the highest paid in the valley and that the schools funds have increased significantly but not the student population. Ned l+airinholt, Stonewall District, addressed the Board and stated he understood that Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 314, population increase causes an increase to the county in the services they need to provide and he understood inflation causing costs to increase. He further stated bureaucracies will keep asking and asking, they have an insatiable appetite, but the Board cannot keep increasing the budget and asked them to please not do that. Joy Kirk, Back Creek District and President of the Frederick County Education Association, addressed the Board and thanked them for the opportunity to speak. She stated she received many calls and emails concerning the 2.5% step increase that they see as a cost of living, but it did not cover the increase in health insurance premiums. She stated many teachers with fewer years of experience and many educational support staff saw their take home pay decrease, their service cost increase, and in some cases, the coverage decreased. She further stated the newer, young employees are saddled with college debt, are often in need of more reliable transportation, and have all the typical household expenses. She stated they needed to ensure the young people choosing careers in Frederick County public schools that their choice will ensure them a financially secure future. She stated that, as educators, they hope the Board of Supervisors provides enough funding so the School Board has the ability to help them keep up with inflation and the cost of living while meeting the educational needs of students. She further stated many people rely on government funding and thereby citizens' taxes for survival and the only way they see a change is if monies are reallocated or if there is an increase in revenue. She went on to say the county's student needs of today will not dissipate while they wait to build buildings. She asked the Board to support the budget as advertised, Dr. John Lamanna, Stonewall District, representing the School Board, addressed the Board and stated the School Board had spent months working on the budget, listening to each other as they identified priorities and debated the impact of necessary cuts. He stated through individual and joint meetings, the Board of Supervisors knows the School Board's priorities, its needs and proposed expenditures, and its expected and needed revenue. He further stated all attempts to persuade, sway and convince have been played out. Dr. Lamanna stated the School Board has trusted the Board of Supervisors' intent as an appropriating body and believed they had a similar perception of the School Board. He stated that each decision they make as a School Board could be drilled down to their mission, to ensure all students an excellent education. He further stated whether it was a need for a bus, an elementary school or a design for a new high school; this was indeed their intent. He stated there was no other agenda, no other Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 315 reason. He stated the School Board has become discouraged by the divisive rhetoric directed at the boards, often noted in the local paper. He went on to say that as a School Board, they are with the Board of Supervisors as they work together towards what is best for the county. He further stated that it is simply time to work together, not to please or pacify any one particular constituent base, but to do what is best in the long term for the community. He stated he looked forward to the time when the two boards can join together to look strategically to the future, planning for inevitable growth in a systematic, transparent, efficient way. He went on to say they have the given authority, the capability, the responsibility, and he hoped they have the will. Dody Stottlemyer, Shawnee District, addressed the Board and stated she is aware they have hard decisions to make in putting the budget together. She asked them to take into consideration the citizens that could not attend the meeting or who may not be able to navigate the web site for those that wanted to contact the Board members. She stated she works with many citizens in the private sector who make much less than the $65K median income. She stated the Schools are certainly important, but they take a huge part of the budget. She stated if they take into consideration what they get in addition to their debt, it is more than 63% of the budget; therefore Fire and Rescue, the Sheriff's Department are being slighted and asked the Board of Supervisors to consider some reallocation of funding percentages. She further asked the Board to take into consideration the citizens who are not in the median income level and the $.60 in real estate tax is going to be a struggle for them. Stephen Baker, Red Bud District, addressed the Board and stated that he has lived in three states, three jurisdictions, including Frederick County, Virginia for the last twenty one years and his take on the local government is they are not a bunch of free spending liberals. He stated he felt they are responsible with the money and he knows they work with the School Board. He further stated he felt the School Board works hard and presented a reasonable picture to the Board and urged the Board of Supervisors to support the schools and the children of Frederick County, Dr. David Sovine, Superintendent of Frederick County Schools, and resident of Shawnee District, addressed the Board and stated he appreciated the Board's role in planning and working to address the funding needs to position the community to thrive. He stated since he has had numerous opportunities to communicate throughout the budget process, he would be brief. He stated that numerous independent research based economic studies have been conducted by a Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 316 variety of highly respected researchers in the Commonwealth over the past several years, all of which have had the same findings and that is investing in the public schools is a wise investment for generating increased revenues and for contributing to the community's overall stability, health, and well-being. He farther stated he respected the Board's challenging role as the funding body, but he believed supporting the public schools, public safety agencies, county services, and parks and recreation facilities is essential for strengthening the community's position to thrive today and into the future. He went on to say he agreed with Dr. Lamanna's comments earlier; that the collaborative and joint strategic work of both boards moving forward will allow them to collectively navigate the most complex challenges and build a stronger Frederick County for the next generation. Shannon Trout, Shawnee District, addressed the Board and stated she supports any tax increase that will fully fund the Sheriff's Department as she is concerned they are not going to get the deputies they need, as well as Fire and Rescue and the Schools. She stated she has several friends that are qualified teachers that have left Frederick County Schools to go work in other localities due to the other jurisdictions' salaries and benefit packages. She asked the Board of Supervisors to think about that in their deliberations of the School Board budget as losing qualified candidates will affect students more than anything. There being no further comments, Chairman DeHaven closed the public hearing. Chairman DeHaven thanked everyone for taking time out of their schedule to attend and for their comments; they are important to the process. PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS ROAD RESOLUTION (#062-17) - SNOWDEN BRIDGE SUBDIVISION, SECTION 3 - APPROVED UNDER CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTION BY THE FREDERICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Board of Supervisors of Frederick County, in regular meeting on the 22nd day of March, 2017, adopted the following: WHEREAS, the streets described on the attached Form AM-4.3, fully incorporated herein by reference, are shown on plats recorded in the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court of Frederick County; and WHEREAS, the Resident Engineer of the Virginia Department of Transportation has advised this Board that the streets meet the requirements established by the Subdivision Street Requirements of the Virginia Department of Transportation; and WHEREAS, the County and the Virginia Department of Transportation have entered into an agreement on June 9, 1993, for comprehensive stormwater detention which applies to this request for addition; and Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia 317 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this Board requests the Virginia Department of Transportation to add the streets described in the attached Form AM-4.3 to the secondary system of state highways, pursuant to 33.2-705, Code of Virginia, and the Department's Subdivision Street Requirements; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board guarantees a clear and unrestricted right-of-way, as described, and any necessary easements for cuts, fills and drainage; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation. BOARD LIAISON REPORTS There were no Board liaison reports. CITIZEN COMMENTS Allison Behan, Stonewall District, addressed the Board and stated that with the proposed FY 2017-2018 budget, Frederick County Public Schools' projected increase in enrollment is almost 300 students so she was uncertain as to where previous constituents got their numbers for declining or flat -lining enrollment. She also noted in the budget presentation showed the county is extremely low in real estate tax compared to many of the surrounding localities, but the county's median income is above many of the surrounding localities that pay more in real estate taxes. She stated that her point was that if other people can obviously do it, so can we. She went on to say she appreciated Vice Chairman Fisher mentioning the Board is working with the School Board to come to some agreement, but still, to the public eye, no action is being taken. She stated the longer the Board delays action, the longer they are delaying the children's education in a non -crowded environment. She asked the Board to please approve the School's Capital Improvements Plan as presented and stop delaying what the children deserve. There were no further comments. Chairman DeHaven closed the Citizen Comments portion of the meeting. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMENTS Supervisor Dunn stated there were a wide and different set of views at this meeting. He stated he used to be a teacher and fully understood what it was like not to receive a pay raise. He stated he was told last year the Board had gone through some severe tightness on money and just in this last year they were able to break even of the deficit that occurred in previous years. He stated that due to that, prior to his being on the Board, the Board had to make cuts in capital improvements including the Sheriff's Department, the schools, etc. He further stated that in this budget going forward, he has made comments to try and get the Sheriff's Department's vehicles Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting ofO3122117 County of Frederick, Virginia 318 on a replacement schedule as well as the schools' buses, but there is a cost to do that, and this Board is trying to go back and get on a normal spending pattern, trying to address the lack of spending that occurred in a four or five year timeframe. He stated that at the same time, in going forward, the School Board has on their Capital Improvements Plan a number of items that have no cost to them and he is concerned about what happens in the next five years and as a community, they needed to address that and work together and he felt they were trying to do that. He stated he wanted to address the teaching community and give them some thoughts; with reference to their health insurance going up, but their salary increase does not cover that, he stated that he is empathetic to that. He further stated that he had recently spoken with someone in the private sector whose insurance went up considerably, as well as their deductible, and those in the private sector are not being reimbursed for that and asked those teachers to recognize that from that perspective. He went on to say the Board is trying to go with a budget they probably do not all agree on, but they are trying to compromise to make something that most of them can agree on to address the needs cited in most of the comments made. He stated they understand the tension and what they do will probably not satisfy everyone fully but they are trying to satisfy a group of taxpayers and public needs and to just try and recognize that. ADJOURN UPON MOTION MADE BY VICE CHAIRMAN FISHER, SECONDED BY SUPERVISOR LOFTON, THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THIS BOARD, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED. (8:46 P.M.) SC,,e,,X a Charles S. DeHaven, Jr. Chairman, Board of Supervisors Brenda G. Garton Clerk, Board of Supervisors Minutes Prepared By: t Kam` r Teresa J. Pri Administrative Assistant County Administrator's Office Minute Book Number 42 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting of 03/22/17 County of Frederick, Virginia