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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 22, 2000 Budget Public Hearing 474 A Regular Meeting of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors was held on Wednesday, March 22, 2000, at 7:15 P.M., in the Board of Supervisors' Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. PRESENT Chairman Richard C. Shickle; Vice Chairman Charles W. Orndoff, Sr.; W. Harrington Smith, Jr.; Margaret B. Douglas; and Sidney A. Reyes. ABSENT Robert M. Sager was absent due to back surgery. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Shickle called the meeting to order. INVOCATION The invocation was delivered by the Chairman. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Upon motion made by W. Harrington Smith, Jr., seconded by Charles W. Orndoff, Sr., the agenda was adopted, as presented, by the following recorded vote: Richard C. Shickle - Aye Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Sager - Absent Margaret B. Douglas - Aye Sidney A. Reyes - Aye CONSENT AGENDA County Administrator John R. Riley, Jr., had no items for the consent agenda. CITIZEN COMMENTS No one appeared to speak before the board. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23. 2000 - APPROVED AS PRESENTED Upon motion made by Charles W. Orndoff, Sr., seconded by Sidney A. Reyes, the minutes as noted above were approved as presented by the following recorded vote: Richard C. Shickle - Aye Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Sager - Absent Margaret B. Douglas - Aye Sidney A. Reyes - Aye Board of Supervisors Meeting of 03/22/00 Budget Public Hearing Meeting Minute Book Number 26 475 PUBLIC HEARING: BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001 FOR FREDERICK COUNTY Chairman Shickle presented the Rules of Order. County Administrator Riley made a slide presentation to the board summarizing the FY 2000-2001 budget. The Chairman opened the floor at this time for public input. Nora Belle Comer. Executive Director. 4-H Center: Thanked the board for their past contributions to the 4-H Center and asked that they continue to fund $10,000 for the center. Contributions made by the localities help keep registration cost down for children and adults who attend their camps and fund capital improvements needed for the facility. Charlene Putorush. Stonewall District: Also serves as secretary to the Stonewall Elementary School PTO. She asked for the board's support ofthe fully proposed Frederick County School budget. Linda Tvler. Stonewall District: Is in favor of a tax increase to help fund the needs ofthe county schools. Trisha Stiles. Stonewall District: On behalf of the Frederick County School Board and Finance Committee, she thanked the board for the working relationship and support received in preparing the budget for the new fiscal year. With increasing mandates by the state and schools expanding, more funds will be needed over the years to keep up with all the school programs. The board was asked for their support in providing the additional funds in order to achieve this. Richard Steohenson. Gainesboro District. Chairman ofthe Handlev Rel!ional Library Board: Thanked the board for their support of the new library which should be opening next summer. It will be Frederick County's first library. Bruce Watkins. Stonewall District: Asked the board to provide additional funding for the schools. He stated that a good education is a better investment than bringing new industry into the county. He also stated that new industry takes away employees from existing industries in Frederick County and did not agree with the board investing tax dollars in this area. Georl!e Ludwil!. Back Creek District. Shawnee Land Sanitary District Resident: Is in favor of an increase in the sanitary district fees. The fee was established in 1987 and was expected to maintain that level for five years before an increase would have to be established to continue the Board of Supervisors Meeting of 03/22/00 Budget Public Hearing Meeting Minute Book Number 26 476 improvements in the Shawnee Land Sanitary District. The fees have sufficiently funded the needs of Shawnee Land for 12 years and it is definitely time for an increase. He believes the proposed increase from $220 to $350 is inappropriate as it would create a hardship for the homeowners. He asked the board to consider a $110 increase which equates to the inflation rate of the improved properties. He agreed with not assessing a fee increase for the unimproved lot property owners. Kathy Browninl!, ODequon District and President ofthe Frederick County Education Association: Spoke on behalf of the educators and support staff ofthe schools. She asked the board to approve the entire school budget as originally proposed to the board. Marilyn Hamilton, Back Creek District: Is in favor of fully funding the school's budget and a tax increase. Reverend Gilbert Mack, Chairman ofthe Fremont Nursery Board of Directors: Asked the board to restore the $2000 donation to their facility. The facility is not closed, has been staffed with qualified and dedicated people, and enrollment is up to 32 with 16 on the list. The facility provides the most economical means of child care and continued support for funding from the board was requested. Michael D. Wymer, Back Creek District and Shawnee Land Sanitarv District Resident: Provided to the board a petition with 216 names of residents in Shawnee Land opposing the proposed amount ofincrease of the sanitary district fees. In ten years, the budget has always had a surplus of funds except for two that he could recall. He felt that homeowners who were not expected to pay their fees were hurting homeowners who did pay and did not feel this was fair. If the delinquent taxes were paid an increase would not be necessary. He lives on a graveled road and when it rains the gravel is washed over to the side of the road. He provided pictures ofthis road and advised the board that if the fees were used more wisely such a large increases in fees would not be necessary. Sara Bickinl!, Teacher at ADDle Pie Elementary School: Asked for the board's support of the fully proposed school budget. Maria DeLalla, Back Creek District: Has two children in the school system and supports the increase in funding for the schools and a tax increase. Positions were cut based on the amount the board was willing to fund the school and she would like to see these positions restored to provide Board of Supervisors Meetiug of 03/22/00 Budget Public Heariug Meeting Miuute Book Number 26 477 the quality education needed in the school system. William T. Swimlev. Jr.. Back Creek District: Is not in favor of a 70 percent increase in the Shawnee Land Sanitary District fees. He felt the Shawnee Land budget lacked merit and asked the board to revisit it. He does not believe the items listed are accurate in their cost projections and provided a hand out to the board explaining this in detail. Dou\: Toan. President of the Industrial Parks Association: Asked the board to restore additional funding in the Economic Development Commission's budget in order to attract new industry to Frederick County. He did not agree with the statements made earlier in the meeting about new industry taking away from current industry and that these monies were not a good way to invest county tax payers money. If the county does not try to attract industry to this area, industries will go to surrounding localities and not only will it take away from Frederick County its employees but its tax base as well. The other localities will prosper. Linda Jenkins. Stonewall District: Is a bus driver for the Frederick County school system. As a result of the General Assembly ruling the localities will not be responsible in paying the VRS contributions, $640,000 will be returned to Frederick County and she asked that this money be appropriated for the purchase of new school buses. A number of buses are old and felt it would be a wise investment to sell the old buses while they still had some resale value. She further addressed that 15 drivers have quite this year due to the age of the buses. Dr. William C. Dean. Frederick County School Superintendent: Thanked the board for the additional funds and the working relationship with the board during the budget preparing process. He explained that he disagreed with the population figures addressed in the budget presentation earlier in the meeting and advised the board that there in fact was a population increase of 150 students this year. He requested that the schools be allowed to use the $640,000 returned by the General Assembly. He advised that the school board is continuing to work on their five year plan as well as their Capital Improvements Plan. He advised that the schools have improved in all areas as the drop out rate has decreased, math and science courses have advanced, and more disabled students are educated through the public school system. But the schools still have a ways to go and he asked for the board's full support in funding their needs. Sandy Havden. Back Creek District. Shawnee Land Sanitary District Resident: Board of Supervisors Meeting of 03/22/00 Budget Publie Hearing Meeting Minute Book Number 26 478 Is in favor of an increase in the sanitary district fees but disagrees with the unimproved lot owners not being assessed an increase. He felt it was unfair to increase the fee for the improved lot owners only. Wilson Gilbert. Opequon District: Asked the board's support in fully funding the proposed school budget. The public hearing was closed. County Administrator Riley advised the board that a final budget worksession would be scheduled for the first week in April and the final budget would be presented to the board for approval at their next meeting on April 12. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RILEY ADVISED THE PUBLIC THAT OPEQUON DISTRICT SUPERVISOR ROBERT M. SAGER'S ABSENCE WAS DUE TO NECK SURGERY AND THAT HE IS DOING WELL WINCHESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT REOUEST FOR A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $108.625 WHICH WILL BE OFFSET BY GENERATED REVENUE-APPROVED County Administrator Riley presented this request. Since the time the airport's budget was prepared, fuel cost has increased approximately 33%, and based on last year's sales, this appropriation will be needed to cover the purchase of fuel for the remaining fiscal year. Winchester Regional Airport Operations Supervisor David Foley appeared before the board to answer questions. He advised that next year's appropriation would be monitored and the appropriate action taken, ifnecessary, should fuel cost continue to be on the rise. Mr. Foley further advised that rates to the public are based on a cost plus profit margin and then it is determined if the cost can be charged to the customer or if it has to be a gradual increase. Rates are based like any other retail gas business. Upon motion made by W. Harrington Smith, Jr., seconded by Sidney A. Reyes, the above request was approved by the following recorded vote: Richard C. Shickle - Aye Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Sager - Absent Margaret B. Douglas - Aye Sidney A. Reyes - Aye REOUEST FOR VACATION OF INTEREST FROM ANTHONY L. COOK. THE MEADOWS SUBDIVISION - APPROVED Board of Supervisors Meeting of 03/22/00 Budget Public Hearing Meeting Minute Book Number 26 479 This lot, located in The Meadows Subdivision, was designated as park open-space at the time it was platted. The concept of a park never materialized and has become an unattractive nuisance. Mr. Cook has acquired the parcel and wishes to improve it. Upon motion made by W. Harrington Smith, Jr., seconded by Charles W. Orndoff, Sr., the above request was approved by the following recorded vote: Richard C. Shickle - Aye Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Sager - Absent Margaret B. Douglas - Aye Sidney A. Reyes - Aye RESOLUTION (#036-00) - IN SUPPORT OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY AD HOC REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE - APPROVED Upon motion made by W. Harrington Smith, Jr., seconded by Margaret B. Douglas, the following resolution was approved: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY AD HOC REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the Shenandoah Valley Ad Hoc Regional Water Authority Exploratory Committee held its organizational meeting October 20, 1999; and WHEREAS, the concept of a Request for Proposal to deal with the issues identified in the September 29 meeting, as set out in the Preamble, was proposed and served as the focus of meetings December 21, 1999 and February 29,2000; and WHEREAS, the Exploratory Committee has developed a three part Request for Proposal entitled "Analysis of Regional Water Supply Solutions" which includes, at a feasibility level, (1) a water resource evaluation, (2) an infrastructure evaluation, and (3) an organizational evaluation of regional water supply options which would result in an overall recommendation and organizational implementation plan for consideration by the committee; and WHEREAS, the information available to the committee suggests an anticipated minimum negotiated contract cost of $50,000 which, on population based funding would average under 28 cents per capita for the 1999 current population estimates of 181,300, up to $180,000 or approximately a dollar per capita; and WHEREAS, Planning District Commission and local government staff will be in a position to cooperate in the collection and presentation of the base documents for the report, effectively minimizing the direct cost for consultant expertise and effectively increasing the value of the product; and WHEREAS, this strategic regional cooperative investment to understand the resources and options for the region at this point, as it may face a doubling of population in this century, will return benefits many times over such an investment; and WHEREAS, the Ad Hoc Committee has requested a resolution of support from local governments in the region that Planning District Commission and local government staffresources be committed to finalizing the Request for Proposal for issuance on behalf ofthe Ad Hoc Committee Board of Supervisors Meeting of 03/22/00 Budget Public Hearing Meeting Minute Book Number 26 48D and that a representative subcommittee be authorized to negotiate a firm contract price. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the County of Frederick, Virginia supports the Request for Proposal process and will designate local officials and staff to work with the Ad Hoc Committee in the process; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this jurisdiction will cooperate with the other jurisdictions and water users on a County/City/Town basis to secure funds for the consultant contract as negotiated; and BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, that this effort has been originated through the foresight of the local government of the Northern Shenandoah Valley with wide support from citizens in response to a heightened awareness ofthe long term importance ofthe water resource to the region and not as a response to a State or Federal mandate. ADOPTED this nnd day of March, 2000. The above motion was approved by the following recorded vote: Richard C. Shickle - Aye Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Sager - Absent Margaret B. Douglas - Aye Sidney A. Reyes - Aye CHAIRMAN RICHARD C. SHICKI.E APPOINTED TO SERVE ON THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY AD HOC REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE Upon motion made by Margaret B. Douglas, seconded by W. Harrington Smith, Jr., Chairman Richard C. Shicklewas appointed to serve on this committee as approved by the following recorded vote: Richard C. Shickle - Aye Charles W. Orndoff, Sr. - Aye W. Harrington Smith, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Sager - Absent Margaret B. Douglas - Aye Sidney A. Reyes - Aye ',. DEPARTMENTAL 2000-2001 ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMS - SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION ONLY County Administrator Riley presented the work programs to the board. These reports will be presented to the board for adoption at their next meeting scheduled for April 12 in conjunction with the annual budget. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMENTS Supervisor Orndoff addressed the board regarding input he had received on changing the time of the board meetings. Most of his constituents are not in favor of the board meetings being held Board of Supervisors Meeting of 03/22/00 Budget Public Hearing Meeting Minute Book Number 26 481 before 5:30 P.M. County Administrator Riley advised the board that most everyone he had received input from would like to see the meetings continue at 7:15 P.M. He asked the board to give this issue some more thought and be prepared to discuss and/or vote on this issue at the next meeting. Supervisor Smith advised the board that the Virginia Department of Transportation will begin work in April to install traffic lights at the intersection of Senseny Road and Greenwood Road and on Route 11 by the General Electric plant. County Administrator Riley reminded the board of the CARQUEST Ribbon Cutting ceremony on March 27, at 10:00 AM. UPON MOTION MADE BY CHARLES W. ORNDOFF, SR., SECONDED BY SIDNEY A. REYES, THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD, THE MEETING WAS HEREBY ADJOURNED (TIME: 8:32 P.M.). ~Sc--/~ Richard C. Shickle Chairman, Board of Supervisors I Minutes Prepared By: ~....-L -r7 '-~'l tt.Q...4.) Carol T. Bayliss .. Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors Board of Supervisors Meeting of 03/22/00 Budget Public Hearing Meeting Minute Book Number 26