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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUB202000025 Minutes 1990-08-08August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 1) A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, was held on August 8, 1990, at 9:00 A.M., Meeting Room #7, County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Messrs. Edward H. Bain, Jr., David P. Bowerman, F. R. Bowie, Mrs. Charlotte Y. Humphris, Mr. Walter F. Perkins and Mr. Peter T. Way. BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None. OFFICERS PRESENT: Mr. Guy B. Agnor, Jr., County Executive; Mr. George R. St. John, County Attorney; and Mr. V. Wayne Cilimberg, Director of Planning and Community Development. Agenda Item No. 1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 9:05 A.M. by the Chairman, Mr. Bowie. Agenda Item No. 2. Pledge of Allegiance. Agenda Item No. 3. Moment of Silence. Agenda Item No. 4. Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from the Public. Mr. Bowie explained that this item is on the agenda to allow citizens to make brief presentations to the Board without having to wait through a long meeting. He said five minutes would be granted for each presentation. Mr. Robert B. Stephens said the Board received copies of the map system he is proposing that the County use instead of the proposed E911 system. He demonstrated to the Board that the map system works by assigning coordinate numbers to every household in the County instead of numbering each house and 1" assigning street names. Mr. Stephens feels his system will work well and is much less expensive. The grid system locates a call for fire or rescue assistance within 100 to 200 yards of the house. He said the coordinate numbers are placed on the telephones of each residence in the County. Even a small child can give the coordinate numbers to the emergency responders. Mr. Stephens said he is probably premature in his presentation to the Board in that the 911 committee has not made recommendations to the Board as yet. He has already made a presentation to the 911 committee and to the City Police Department as well. He said he first approached Mr. Mike Carroll, who was Director of the 911 Center at that time, with his proposition. Mr. Carroll favored the E911 system instead. He said the new Director of the 911 Center will not discuss his proposal. He is coming to the Board today because he is not being heard through the 911 channels. Mr. Stephens pointed out that Orange County paid $128,000 in 1986 for the E911 System, and it is still not operational. Orange County has since implemented the grid system he is recommending. Therefore, he feels there is merit to his proposal, and he asked the Board to consider it. Mr. Stephens said he realizes that the 911 Committee will make a presen- tation to the Board. He requested that Mr. Buddy Rittenhouse and Mr. Butch Johnstone be selected to consider this system. He said the telephone company can get the coordinates on every telephone in the County. He said the coordi- nates are determined only once and the system costs a minimal amount compared to the E911 system. Mr. Bowie asked for a comparison of the grid system to the E911 system from the 911 Board, along with a recommendation. Mr. Bain suggested that the cost and the capabilities be compared as well. Mr. Bowerman added that any such system should be applicable to the urbanized area of the County as well. There were no other members of the public present to address the Board. Agenda Item No. 5. Consent Agenda. Motion was offered by Mr. Way and seconded by Mrs. Humphris to approve the Consent Agenda. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 96 (Page 2) AYES: Messrs. Bain, Bowerman, Bowie, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. Item 5.1. Resolution: Route 20 Addition/Abandonment requested by letter dated July 23, 1990 from Mr. Gerald G. Utz, Contract Administrator, Department of Transportation. The following resolution was adopted by the vote shown above as follows: � WHEREAS, Primary Route 20, from 1.00 miles south of Route640 to 0.81 miles south of Route 640, a distance of 0.19 miles, has been altered, and a new road has been constructed and approved by the State Highway Commissioner, which new road serves the same citizens as the road so altered; and WHEREAS, certain sections of this new road follow new locations, these being shown on the attached sketch titled 'Changes in Primary System due to Relocation of Construction of Route 20, Albemarle County, dated at Charlottesville, Virginia, June'21, 1990.' NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the portions of Primary Route 20, i.e. section 2 shown in red on the sketch titled 'Changes in Primary System due to Relocation and Construction on Route 20, Project: 0020-002-S20, C501, Albemarle County, dated at Charlottesville, Virginia, June 21, 1990', a total distance of 0.19 miles be and hereby is, added to the Primary System of State Highways pursuant to Section 33.1-229 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended; And further, that the section of old location, i.e. section 1, shown in blue on the aforementioned sketch, a total distance of 0.19 miles, be, and the same hereby is, abandoned as a public road pursuant to Section 33.1-155 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended. — Item 5.1a. Statements of Expenses to the State Compensation Board for the Department of Finance, Commonwealth's Attorney, Sheriff and Regional Jail for the Month of July, 1990, were approved by the vote shown above. Item 5.2. Letter dated July 23, 1990, from D. S. Roosevelt, Resident Engineer, re: Route 631/Greenbrier Drive Traffic Signal Study, noting, that while traffic volumes on the main line meet or exceed the warrants require- ments for a traffic signal, the volumes on side streets do not, so no traffic signal will be installed. Letter was received as information. Item 5.3. Memorandum dated July 18, 1990, from Guy B. Agnor, Jr., entitled "Transportation Pledge Bonds", was received as information. This is new legislation which provides for localities to issue bonds for transporta- tion projects. The bill requires a constitutional amendment in November. No local referendum will be required thereafter. Mr. Bain wondered if the Board wants to take a position on this subject before the election. Mr. Bowie said he has other questions about this item as well. The Board agreed to place this item on the October 10 agenda for discussion. Item 5.4. Memorandum dated July 20, 1990, from Guy B. Agnor, Jr., entitled "VDoT 2010 State-wide Highway Plan", was received as information. Mr. Bowie requested that this item be discussed under Agenda Item No. 7, Highway Matters. Item 5.5. Copy of Final 1990-91 Construction Allocations for the Inter- state, Primary and Urban Highway Systems, Public Transit, Ports and Airports and Six -Year Improvement Program received from Commissioner Ray D. Pethtel, on file in the Clerk's Office, was received as information. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 3) 40W Item 5.6. Copy of.Letter dated July 20, 1990, from the Virginia Depart- ment of Historic Resources addressed to Phil and Mary Sheridan, stating that the Department is interested in nominating Mount Fair to the Virginia Land- marks Register, was received as information. Item 5.7. Letter dated July 21, 1990, from H. Bryan Mitchell, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, stating that the owner of "The Barracks" (Mr. Thomas B. Bishop) has asked that it be evaluated for inclusion on the Virginia Landmarks Register, was received as information. Item 5.8. Copy of Letter dated June 11, 1990, from George R. St. John, County Attorney addressed to Guy B. Agnor, Jr., re: Camellia Gardens (Drain- age Easement) stating his opinion that the County should exhaust every means including court proceedings to obtain private maintenance for such facilities before considering taking over for public maintenance of such facilities, was received as information. Item 5.9. Memorandum dated August 2, 1990, from Guy B. Agnor, Jr., entitled "Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental Rates for 1990-91", was received as information. Mr. Agnor states that a three -tiered health insur- ance plan consisting of KeyCare I, KeyCare III, and Comprehensive 500, will be offered to employees for the next contract year beginning October 1, 1990. Item 5.10. 1990 Second Quarter Building Report prepared by the Depart- ment of Planning and Community Development was received as information. Item 5.11. Arbor Crest Apartments Monthly Bond Report for June, 1990, was received as information. Item 5.12. Letter from D. S. Roosevelt, Resident Engineer, dated August 2, 1990, re: Public Hearing to be held on _August 21, 1990, on the Virginia Rail Plan, received as information. Item 5.13. Letter from D. S. Roosevelt, Resident Engineer, dated August 2, 1990, re: Current Projects - Construction Schedule, received as informa- tion. Item 5.14. Letter dated August 2, 1990, from D. S. Roosevelt, Resident Engineer, re: approval of revenue sharing funds for 1990-91 Albemarle County Secondary Roads Budget, received as information. Mr. Roosevelt noted that the County's request for $425,00,0 in revenue sharing funds was approved in accor- dance with the Board's resolution adopted May 16, 1990. Item 5.15. Letter dated August 2, 1990, from D. S. Roosevelt, advising that the County's request for a special land use permit (Permit No. 743-00651) to install a gate on Route 1421 at the entrance to the Rivanna Park has been approved, was received as information. 1990. Agenda Item No. 6. Approval of Minutes: May 16, June 6 and June 13, No minutes had been read. Agenda Item No. 7a. Highway Matters: Statement concerning Route 29 North Project. Mr. Bowie said there was a joint meeting last week with City, County and University representatives which ended with no resolution on this subject. He feels that more rhetoric will serve no purpose. The deadline for comments to August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 4) the Virginia Department of Transportation is next Wednesday, August 15, 1990. Mr. Bowie said he sent a copy to Board members of a proposed letter from City Council to VDoT. Today Board members received a copy of the City Council's final version of that letter dated August 7, 1990. Mr. Agnor said this last letter contains a change in the second para- graph. The words, "which will minimize disruptions to traffic" have been added in this version. There was a change in No. 4 to quote Mr. Casteen's statement of "construction of an alternate controlled vehicle access", rather than construction of additional access. Mr. Bowie feels that it is presumptuous of the Board and City Council to dictate to VDoT the best sequence of improvements to Route 29 North, since there is no engineer on either board. However, there are no more meetings scheduled by City Council or the Board of Supervisors between now and the deadline in which to discuss the letter. He said the Board can either sign this letter with a caveat explaining that VDoT is better qualified to deter- mine the order of improvements or write a separate letter. Mrs. Humphris said she has other problems with the letter as well. She said the. Board of Supervisors went on record on March 7, 1990, delaying any decision regarding Georgetown Road improvements until after the Base Case improvements on Route 29 North and the four-laning of Rio Road and Hydraulic Road is completed. Therefore, No. 2 is not consistent with the County's current posture according to the minutes of the March 7 meeting. Mr. Agnor said the idea behind No. 2 is that the County controls the approval of the Six -Year Plan. Mrs. Humphris said she does not see how the Board can sign a letter agreeing to certain things while being on record in support of something entirely different. Also, she sees no reason for the first paragraph on the second page. She feels there is no point in accentu- ating the negatives to VDoT. Mr. Bain said he is not happy about signing a letter containing the order of improvements because the order can be a key element to VDoT's decision. The question is whether it is better to send a separate letter indicating the issues on which there is agreement. He wonders if there is a benefit to writing a joint letter and if such a benefit outweighs the negatives already mentioned. Mrs. Humphris said she cannot vote for a statement which she absolutely does not believe to be correct or to be a position that this Board should take. She reiterated her objections to the letter as being the order of improvements, the double message given to the public by including the refer- ence to Georgetown Road, and an unnecessary paragraph emphasizing the nega- tives. She feels it is more important that the County give a direct message to VDoT than to sign a letter that is incorrect. Mr. Bain said his position about Georgetown Road is that he would much rather make the improvements than have a road going west of Georgetown Road. He feels that it is a question of when the improvement is going to happen. Mrs. Humphris said she feels that the Board's representation at the joint meeting on August 3 regarding Route 29 North was superlative. She said Mr. Bowie handled the situation like a true diplomat and Mr. Bowerman presented the watershed case in a masterful fashion. However, it has come to light that there is additional information of which the Board was not aware. Mr. Bowerman said the Board was advised just prior to the joint meeting on Route 29 that the COMSIS data was available to the City. As it turns out, that data was available to the City as far back as early July. This data indicates that the impact of the Meadow Creek Parkway on City streets, which the City has maintained would be detrimental, is in fact, not the case. Mr. Bowerman said the negotiations and concerns about Meadow Creek Parkway are no longer accurate based on the information received from COMSIS. What is disturbing is that the City Council used Meadow Creek as an item of negotia- tion, when they knew all along that it was no longer a viable concern. He said he is most unhappy about that, assuming that the morning newspaper is accurate regarding the timing of the receipt of the information. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 5) 9M Mrs. Humphris quoted from the City Council meeting on television Monday night that the Meadow Creek Parkway is "a dagger toward the heart of Charlottesville". Mr. Bowie said City Council has had information for two I months that that is not the case. Mrs. Humphris said she had thought the Board and City Council were dealing on equal terms with the information available in the DEIS. To find that the City already knew that the Meadow Creek Parkway would not be a threat and was still trying to get the Board to make concessions based on that belief, is a tremendous disappointment to Mrs. Humphris. Based on that as well, she cannot in good conscience sign a joint statement to VDoT. Mr. Agnor said in light of the information in the morning newspaper, his recommendation is that the Board not sign the joint letter. Mr. Way said much effort has been given to solving these problems over a long period of time. He feels the Board should write a separate letter, pointing out the areas of agreement in a positive way. Mr. Bowie recommended that the Board's letter include: 1) the position given by the Board at the VDoT public hearing; 2) a summary of Mr. Bowerman's presentation on the history of watershed protection along with a copy of his entire presentation; 3) a paragraph to re-emphasize the "western collector" from the Base Case acknowledging the University's reference to access to the North Grounds along with a map showing the effect of the collector road; 4) a paragraph pledging cooperation with the City, the University and the State in non -road solutions to traffic, such as park and ride, public transportation, mass transit or parking regulations; and 5) a paragraph requesting that Route 29 North be included as a specific item in the Comprehensive Plans of the City, the County and the University. Mr. Bowie noted that he requested that Item 5.4 from the Consent Agenda be held for discussion at this point because the memo points out that the COT-21 plan requires a five-year review. Based on that, he feels the specific Yissue of Route 29 North should be included in all three Comprehensive Plans. Upon completion of the Base Case, the State could analyze and provide a level of service report for subsequent reviews of the Comprehensive Plan. At the first sign of deterioration, established organizations such as the PACC can then work to solve any problems. He said this would provide a continual review and analysis without creating new committees. Mr. Bowie said the first paragraph could contain the items included in the Base Case and leave the order to the discretion of the State. He asked staff to provide to Board members by Friday a draft letter including these points. Comments from Board members could be returned by Monday so that the letter can be signed and mailed on Monday. There were no objections from Board members. Agenda Item No. 7b. Highway Matters: Route 660 Bridge Project EIS. Mr. Bowie said Mr. Dan Roosevelt, Resident Engineer for the Highway Department, will be addressing questions raised by Mrs. Humphris at the May Board meeting concerning environmental studies on the Route 660 project. Mr. Roosevelt said he brought two representatives from the Culpeper Office. Mr. Rick Woody helps prepare the environmental documents, and Mr. r Roger Clatterbuck handles environmental permits. Mr. Roosevelt said he obtained a verbatim copy of the discussion at the May meeting so that he could respond directly to the questions raised. He said Mrs. Humphris referred to a letter in the environmental study file from Mr. Agnor requesting the actions planned by the State to protect the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir, and there was no copy of a response in the file. Mr. Roosevelt agreed that a response was not in the file. He talked with the Culpeper Office, and a letter dated May 16, 1990, was sent in response to Mr. Agnor's request. Another question raised was the fact that all the environmental impact information was based on the preferred alternative without information August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 O (Page 6) regarding the impact on the perennial stream, thus raising a question about the integrity of the environmental impact statement. Mr. Roosevelt said all three alignments were presented for review during the development of the environmental study and in the meetings with the water review committee. He said the reviewers were aware of all three alignments and not just the pre- ferred alternative. Mrs. Humphris said her point is that the reviewers were not aware of the ^" existence of the stream. Mr. Roosevelt said information was presented con- cerning the project and the opportunity was given to visit the project. He pointed out that the stream is not of sufficient size to be covered by the environmental study requirements. Had there been no river crossing involved in this project, this stream would not have been considered at all. Mrs. Humphris said her question arose because all of the attention was given to the preferred alternative at the public hearing. No attention was given to the stream because the State identified the stream as intermittent, when it is actually a perennial stream. Mr. Roosevelt said the question was asked as to what happens when docu- ments which are supposed to be in the file are not there. Mr. Roosevelt said the documents were in the file, but he did not recognize that the documents were there because of his ignorance of the process. He forwarded to Board members a copy of the documents in question, indicating the comments of State agencies on this project. There was a concern that the agency doing the work on this bridge is doing its own environmental impact statement. Mr. Roosevelt said the State is preparing the environmental study, but the approval rests with the Federal Highway Administration. It is not true that the State prepares the study and also approves it. Mrs. Humphris asked if a project has ever been disapproved. Mr. Roosevelt said changes or additional information have been requested, and he believes that projects have been disapproved in the past. In this case, he assumes that this report was the first submission and was approved by the Federal Highway Administration. Mr. Roosevelt said that concludes the questions raised at the May meet- ing. He then presented the following statement regarding the environmental process followed by VDoT in the Route 660 project: "This project involves two separate and distinct environmental pro- cesses: the document process and the permit process. The environmen- tal document is necessary if federal funds are used on a project. The water quality permit is required if the project impacts a stream that has over a five square mile drainage area or impacts over an acre of wetlands. The Rivanna River is the permitted stream in this case. Streams with smaller drainage areas that meet specific criteria are considered to have a minor environmental impact and are covered by 'Nationwide Permits'. A 'Nationwide Permit' is one given automatical- ly without any special coordination process, but requires compliance with any applicable state and Federal laws. The completion of the environmental document usually precedes project construction by one to two years. The permit, on the other hand, is usually authorized only a few months prior to construction. The permit depends on more specific details of the construction plans, while the document deals with a general concept of the project. The Federal Highway Administration outlines its policies on environ- mental documents in 23 CFR 771. These regulations divide environmen- tal documents into three types: 1. Environmental impact statements - An in-depth study on a major action that is likely to cause a significant impact on the envi- ronment. 2. Categorical exclusion - A minor action that, based on past experience with similar actions, will not involve a significant environmental impact and falls into a predetermined category. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 7) 3. Environmental assessment - A document used when the degree of impact is uncertain. iai The Route 660 bridge project falls into the categorical exclusion classification of 'bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replace- ment'. As such, the level of documentation required consists of in-house studies on historic resources, endangered species, water quality and wetland delineation, and outside contacts with the follow- ing agencies or individuals: Department of Conservation and Historic Resources Virginia Division of Historic Landmarks Advisory Council on Historic Preservation County Executive Thomas Jefferson Health District Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission District Conservationist District Forester Because of the permit required, this project was presented at the Interagency Coordination Meeting during the document preparation stage. This involves preparing a brief information packet, a slide presentation of the study area and a narrative description of the construction. The coordination panel members include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, national Marine Fisheries Service, Corps of Engineers, United States Coast Guard, Virginia Water Control Board Marine Resources Commission, Division of Planning and Recreation Resources, Institute of Marine Science, State Health Department, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Council on the Environment and the Natural Heritage Program. Each of these agencies receives an informa- tion packet and has the opportunity to comment regardless of their attendance of a specific meeting. All of the agency comments are summarized and returned to VDoT. Any concerns raised at this meeting must be responded to at the permit stage. A copy of the Early Coordi- nation comments, dated March 24, 1988, pertaining to this project are attached. The categorical exclusion, once approved, would only be rewritten if the project underwent major changes in scope or environmental impacts. For example, if the project were lengthened by a mile, or if the bridge crossing were moved to a completely new area requiring con- struction on new alignment, the document would be revised. The changes in the bridge alignment were minor and did not require the preparation of a new document. The field studies performed to compose the original document were extensive enough to assure that any bridge crossing in the general area would not cause a significant impact on the environment. The statements made in the categorical exclusion are correct for the chosen alignment. During the permit stage, the agencies involved with the Interagency Coordination Meeting have the opportunity to review the project in more detail. Their primary concern is with .streams having over five square miles drainage area, however, they may comment on any drainage within the project. On this project, the Rivanna River with a drain- age area of 216 square miles, and being a Public Water Supply for the City of Charlottesville, is the main source of concern. Factors involving erosion, wetlands, and the historical nature of the bridge were considered in the authorizing ,of the permit. After the permit has been issued, major changes in the plans involving the Rivanna. River would have to be presented to the Interagency Coordination panel for approval." Mrs. Humphris said all of her questions were aimed at one small point, which was the stream. She simply wanted to know what happens when one favor- ite alternative is presented at public hearing, and as a result of the public hearing, the alignment is moved causing a different impact. Is the alignment change made without reassessing the impact of the new alignment? Mr. Roosevelt said although there may be individual disagreement over whether the August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 8) 1O2 new alignment at the Route 660 bridge constitutes an environmental impact, based on the guidelines used by VDoT, it is not considered as a major environ- mental impact. He said there are general guidelines which are followed for a similar type of stream on any project in the State. As to whether the impact was properly documented at the hearing, Mr. Roosevelt said it is true that there was a recommendation for a particular alignment. However, he feels that the same information was available for all three alignments. The purpose of the hearing is to allow the public to bring up concerns that the Highway Department may not have considered. While it may be that attention is concen- trated on the line recommended by VDoT, the public should be considering the impact of all alignments on their property. Mrs. Humphris said she appreciates the thoroughness with which Mr. Roosevelt answered her questions. She said her problem is with the estab- lished process, not with what Mr. Roosevelt has done. Mr. Bain asked the status of the Route 660 project. Mr. Roosevelt said bids have been received at a considerably higher amount than estimated and have been rejected. He said he does not have enough information at this time to determine why the bids were so high. Mr. Bowerman said a constituent brought to his attention the fact that the project was bid for exposed aggregate on the piers under the bridge. He was told that this adds substantially to the cost of the project. Mr. Bowerman wondered if the Board intended that exposed aggregate be used on the piers. Since the project has to be rebid, Mr. Bowerman feels that exposed aggregate could be left off of the piers. Mr. Roosevelt said if that is the Board's consensus, it will help him to know that before the project is rebid. He said the project was advertised for exposed aggregate on the piers. There was a consensus of the Board that there should not be exposed aggregate on the piers. There was no further discussion of this item. Agenda Item No. 7c. Agreement: Timberwood Boulevard. Mr. St. John said he would like more time to review the agreement and asked if this item could be postponed. He asked what effect such a delay would have on the developer. Mr. Cilimberg said the delay may jeopardize getting these roads into the State highway system by this winter. Mr. Bowie asked why a delay is necessary. Mr. St. John said he would feel more comfortable if he could review the history of previous agreements for the Pantops development and for Mill Creek. He feels that the Board needs to be aware that this agreement on the part of the County is the same as endorsing a promissory note. The County is guaranteeing funds to complete these.four-lane roads which amounts to a financial obligation pledging the taxing power of this County past the current fiscal year. He said the courts have ruled that even though this is not a fixed obligation, it is a debt that is payable out of the taxing power of the County. This agreement guarantees that if developers do not come up with the money, the County will complete the roads. He feels that more time to review this agreement is necessary. He noted that the agreements for the other developments he mentioned did not amount to a monetary burden on the County beyond the current fiscal year. Mr. Bowie agreed that it appears that the County is agreeing to build roads and to pay for them. Mr. Bain said he had the same question as that raised by Mr. St. John. Mr. St. John said if this discussion can be postponed until he can do an in-depth study and report, there is no need for the staff report to be given now. Mr. Cilimberg said the developer's representative is not present, so he does not know how this will affect the developer. He said this process began in 1988 under the previous Director of Planning. He said the developer has made a good faith donation of right-of-way in a subdivision for construction of the road and is relying on this agreement to get his roads accepted into the State system. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 O 3 (Page 9) Mr. Bowie said confusion may exist because in 1988, the County was talking about putting construction of the Meadow Creek Parkway in the County's Capital Improvements Program. At that time, it was felt that the developer would build what he needed and dedicate the right-of-way, and somebody else would build the other two lanes. Subsequently, the County learned that the cost of building the Meadow Creek Parkway was so prohibitive that it is a dead issue unless the State builds the road. Apparently, this agreement is based on discussions at that time. Mr. Bowie feels that the additional lanes will have to be built as'part of the Meadow Creek Parkway, or they will not be built. Mr. Bain said he is concerned that the agreement contains a specified period of time in which the road is to be built. Mr. Cilimberg said in light of the concerns mentioned, he suggests that this item be postponed so that staff, the County Attorney, and the Highway Department can discuss the matter further. He will contact the developer with a new date. Mr. St. John said he knows that the developer has taken actions in good faith, and is not looking for a way to renege. However, he sees a problem which should be solved before the agreement is signed. Motion was offered by Mr. Bain and seconded by Mr. Bowerman to defer this item to September 12 as requested by the County Attorney to allow time for additional review. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Messrs. Bain, Bowerman, Bowie, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. Agenda Item No. 7d. Other Highway Matters. Mr. Perkins said he has received complaints about the condition of Route 810 from Doylesville to Boonesville. He said there are numerous potholes and loose gravel from private driveways. He asked Mr. Roosevelt to look into those problems. Agenda Item No. 8. Discussion: Rivanna Waste Authority Operational Agreement. Mr. Bowie said Board members received a copy of a memo he sent Mayor Alvin Edwards of Charlotteville expressing the Board's opposition to "veto" power. The City Council responded that it would like the Mayor to meet with Mr. Bowie to try to resolve that difference and other issues. However, since the Mayor is out of town this week, Mr. Bowie suggested that this item be deferred to the next day meeting until he can meet with the Mayor and bring a report to the Board. He said no further action can be taken anyway until the Articles of Incorporation have been approved by the State for the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority. Mr. Bain asked if the transfer station discussion is being delayed as well. Mr. Bowie said delay would allow more time for Board members to think about that as well. Mrs. Humphris said she has made a list of items to be discussed and wondered if staff could prepare for the Board a memo addressing these ques- tions. Mr. Bowie said he will also present these concerns to the Mayor when they meet. Mr. Bain said he feels the Board should not get into the aspect of tipping fees in discussions with the City Council. That should be a function of the newly created Authority. He wondered if the Board could receive a report on tipping fees at the September day meeting. Mr. Bowerman said there seems to be a great concern on the part of City Council that someone is going to spend lots of money for an incineration system. He is not planning to do that and wondered how other Board members feel. Mr. Bain said he feels the problem is that the County controls the land use decisions in meeting State requirements for collecting and disposing of August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 10) solid waste. The City is afraid that the County may say "no" to a future request to allow some element of solid waste disposal in the County. Mr. Tucker said the procedure is that the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority may apply for a land use amendment or permit. The land use decision would be made by the Board of Supervisors before any expenditure of funds by the Authority. In response to Mr. Bowerman's comments regarding the incinerator, Mrs. Humphris concurs that there is a fear that the County will go with incinera- tion. She feels the fear is unfounded. However, she acknowledges that incineration is a part of the hierarchy of disposal, even though it is at the bottom of the list. She will not say "never incineration" because technology is improving all the time. Mr. Bowie concurred. Motion was offered by Mr. Bain and seconded by Mr. Way to defer this item to September 12, 1990. Roll was called and the motion carried by the follow- ing recorded vote: AYES: Messrs. Bain, Bowerman, Bowie, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. (The Board recessed at 10:30 A.M. and reconvened at 10:40 P.M.) Agenda Item No. 9. Appeal: Ingleside Preliminary Plat. (Prepared by McKee -Carson, dated May 7, 1990, revised June 9 and June 15, 1990.) Mr. Bowie said an appeal of the Planning Commission's action on June 26, 1990, relative to the Ingleside Preliminary Plat was filed by Mrs. Humphris. Mr. Cilimberg gave the staff report as follows: "Proposal: The applicant is proposing to create 12 lots averaging 6.99 acres from two parcels totalling 88.40 acres. The ten develop- ment lots range in size from 2.00 acres to 9.99 acres. The two remaining lots consist of 22.06 and 30.22 acres. The lots are pro- posed to be served by public roads. Location: Property, described as Tax Map 60, Parcel 1 (part of) and Parcel 'T', is located on the north side of Route 601 (Garth Road) across from the Inglecress Subdivision in the Jack Jouett Magisterial District. Character of the Area: The property consists of rolling terrain with some areas of critical slope. A majority of the property is open pasture land with areas of flood plain along Ivy Creek. Staff Comment: The applicant is proposing to create twelve lots under conventional development which utilizes all available development rights. The main issue identified in the review of this plat is the construction of Road "B" through areas of critical slope adjacent to Ivy Creek which is a major tributary to the south Fork Rivanna Reser- voir. At Station 15 the preliminary road profile indicates as much as 37 vertical feet of fill is necessary to construct the road to Virginia Department of Transportation standards for vertical alignment. The road is proposed to be located approximately 300 feet from Ivy Creek and 120 feet from its flood plain. The road fill slope could generate some amount of soil erosion during construction, and there is potential for this sediment to reach Ivy Creek. The Erosion Control Ordinance will require a,silt basin which will withstand a two year storm for the drainage area in this area of fill. Staff opinion is a silt basin which meets the demand of a ten year storm would provide a more effective erosion control measure resulting in greater water supply protection. After consultation with the Watershed Management Official and Erosion Control Officer, staff recommends the following as a condition ofapproval: August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 11) 105 Department of Engineering issuance of an erosion control permit to include a silt basin located downstream of the proposed culvert near Station 15+00 on Road "B". The basin shall be constructed to meet the demands of a ten year storm. Staff opinion is this plat is consistent with the Zoning and Subdivi- sion Ordinance regulations and recommends approval of the Ingleside Preliminary Plat with the following conditions: Recommended Conditions of Approval: 1. The final plat shall not be signed until the following conditions are met: a. Department of Engineering approval of road and drainage plans and calculations; b. Department of Engineering issuance of an erosion control permit to include a silt basin located downstream of the proposed culvert near station 15+00 on road "B". The basin shall be constructed to meet the demands of a ten year storm; C. Department of Engineering approval of drainage easement plats; d. Virginia Department of Transportation approval of road and drainage plans and calculations; e. Dedication of right-of-way to accommodate the turn and taper lane; f. Residue strips of land on the north side of the roads shall be transferred back to Tax Map 60, Parcel 1. 2. Administrative approval of the final plat." Mr. Cilimberg said the plat is for a subdivision involving two parcels, Tax Map 60, Parcel 1 (part of) and Parcel 'T', on Garth Road, west of Charlottesville. The specific concern expressed in the appeal by Mrs. Humphris is the disruption of critical slopes and fill on critical slopes for one of the two roads to serve the development. Mr. Cilimberg then pointed out the location of the parcels. One parcel consists of approximately ten acres and is to be subdivided into five lots. A second parcel will be subdivided into another seven lots. The second parcel was created under an exempt plat earlier this year by the property owner. He pointed out the flood plain along Ivy Creek to the east and southeast of the site. Mr. Cilimberg noted staff's concern about construction of Road "B", which crosses a critical slope in two areas adjacent to Ivy Creek. Staff reviewed the request in light of possible soil erosion generated during construction and the potential for sediment reaching Ivy Creek. Because of staff's con- cern, a provision for silt basins was included in the conditions of approval recommended by staff in order to minimize the siltation and flow to Ivy Creek from both crossings. The condition recommended by the Planning Commission addressing this concern is Condition No. lb as follows: Department of Engineering issuance of an erosion control permit to include a silt basin located downstream of the proposed culvert near station 15+00 on road "B" and possibly a second basin located downhill at station 19+50 on road "B" if deemed appropriate by the Watershed Management Official and the County Engineer. The basin shall be constructed to meet the demands of a ten-year storm. Mr. Cilimberg said the road will obviously provide access to the seven lots created on the 88.4 acres created by the exempt transaction. He said there is no alternative means of access to those lots on this site. Staff considered the possibility of requiring access through the residue parcel remaining after the exempt parcel was created. After discussions with the August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 12) ESiT=y County Attorney's office, it was determined that the ordinances make no allowance for requiring such an alternative access in lieu of crossing the stream. The parcel is legally required to have access, and the owner of the tract did not wish to have an access provided across the residue tract because of concern over disturbing the horse farm operation. Mr. Cilimberg then discussed specific elements of the zoning ordinance which might be interpreted as applicable to this application. The building (^ site regulations for accessways found in Section 4.2.2.1. do not apply to public roads as interpreted by the County Attorney's office. It is the County Attorney's opinion that accessways are driveways on individual building sites as well as the public road to serve the building sites. Therefore, there is no provision in this section of the ordinance by which this particular road could be denied. Mr. Cilimberg noted that the road does not require a special use permit because it does not cross a one hundred year flood plain. Under Section 4.3.3.2, Improvements of Earth Disturbing Activity on Critical Slopes, there is a reference to fill and waste areas which allows fill by right. Mr. Cilimberg said this application complies with Section 4.3.01 of the ordinance which says that the fill activity can occur by right. The application also complies with supplementary regulations for fill areas under Section 5.1.2a. Mr. Cilimberg said there is nothing in the Subdivision Ordinance that restricts a public road from crossing critical slopes or from crossing streams. Therefore, after consultation with the County Attorney's office, staff was unable to find any provisions in either ordinance pertinent to this development whereby an alternative to the proposed "Road B" could be required. Staff recommends that the Zoning Ordinance be amended to deal with similar situations in the future. Mr. Bowie asked if staff is indicating that current ordinance provisions allow this road on critical slopes. Mr. Cilimberg said staff has determined that this request complies with County ordinances, and, on that basis, the Planning Commission approved the subdivision with conditions by a vote of six to one. Mr. Bain asked if this application can be found to be an endangerment to public health, safety and welfare. Mr. St. John, County Attorney, said the Board could find that this road on critical slopes represents a danger to the public health, safety and welfare. However, such a finding would have to be supported by fact. In essence, in that case, the Board would be finding that the technical standards in the County's ordinances are inadequate to protect the public health, safety and welfare in that even when an applicant complies. with the ordinances, there is still a clear and present danger to public health and safety. Mr. Bowerman asked why the parcel was created through the exempt plat provision. Mr. Cilimberg said the original parcel was one large tract. One lot was divided off, which does not constitute a subdivision under the Zoning Ordinance. That division is an exempt transaction and has to meet the minimw requirements for creating a lot. Mr. Bowerman said since a parcel cannot be created without access, it seems the question of access should have come up at the time the lot was created through the exempt transaction. Mr. Cilimberg said that staff noted to the applicant that creation of a lot by exempt transaction does not assure the right to have the access in question. Mr. Bowerman said he understood Mr. Cilimberg to just say that there is no alternative access except the one in question. Therefore, the implication is that permission is to be given for this access because the County allowed the creation of the lot to begin with. Mr. Cilimberg said staff indicated to the applicant that a public road is not guaranteed. At this time, Mr. Bob McKee, representing Inglecress, Ltd., said he did not come to make a formal presentation to the Board, but would answer any questions. He said a by -right subdivision plat has been submitted, and the applicant feels that he has a right to proceed. He said provisions were made by the applicant for providing sediment basins at two; locations, which August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 13) 107 actually goes beyond the regulations of the Zoning Ordinance. The applicant is concerned with the quality of the development and will do whatever is necessary to mitigate the concerns of the Board. He said one aspect of the proposal is to keep the Ingleside farm and equine facility in tact by locating the subdivision as far to the east side of the property as possible. That is one reason the road is not located on the other side of the lake in the agricultural area. Mr. McKee said the owner's reasons for creating the subdivision in the first place are a private matter. Mr. Bain asked if the applicant knew the concerns about roads over critical slopes when the exempt plat was put to record. Mr. McKee said the applicant was aware of some of the critical areas. He pointed out that the owner is concerned about maintaining the integrity of the horse farm. Mrs. Humphris said her curiosity was first piqued when telephone calls started coming in about the dirt piles being brought into the watershed at this site on Garth Road. Mrs. Humphris attended the Ingleside site plan review where the Watershed Management Official stated that the large amount of fill might cause an erosion problem. He said the plan needs to be failsafe because of the proximity to Ivy Creek, which feeds directly into the Reser- voir. The Watershed Management Official also said that a 100-foot setback should be shown along the stream and the lake. Mrs. Humphris said she attended the Planning Commission meeting on June 26, 1990, when the Ingleside request was discussed. She learned that the basis for this plan as stated by Mr. McKee today is the importance of main- taining the integrity of the horse farm. Mrs. Humphris feels that the Plan- ning Commission concurred that it was more important to maintain the integrity of the horse farm than it was to maintain the integrity of the Reservoir, the drinking water supply for 80,000 people. Mrs. Humphris said she became concerned at the Planning Commission meeting by a comment made by Mr. Ron Keeler, Chief of Planning, regarding problems with the Zoning Ordinance. The question was asked as to how much soil could possibly get into the stream from the amount of fill that would be used to build the road on critical slopes. The answer was that even the most effective soil erosion measures are only 75 percent effective. Mr. Keeler reported that as much as 25 tons of silt could go into the water supply from this site. He pointed out that some critical language had been omitted from the Zoning Ordinance addressing these concerns. Mrs. Humphris then pointed out comments made at the Planning Commission meeting which she feels are pertinent. For example, the issues of critical slopes, the amount of fill and the fact that it was loose fill were pointed out by various Commissioners. Mrs. Humphris noted that Mr. Keeler indicated the difficulties involved in writing ordinance provisions for multiple pur- poses. Ordinances must apply County -wide, yet be concerned about watershed protection. Mrs. Humphris learned that the fatal words left out of the ordinance addressing the issue of critical slopes and fill are, "provided no such activity shall occur within 100 horizontal feet of a tributary of a reservoir watershed". Mrs. Humphris said she is bringing this information to the Board because this road plan involves steep slopes which requires that tremendous amounts of fill be stockpiled on the property, and because it is being done in order to preserve the horse farm in spite of this Board's continuing efforts to protect the water supply. She feels that these issues need to be addressed by the Board. Mr. St. John explained the legal process followed by staff in arriving at a recommendation for approval. He said an exempt division of land is one that is not a subdivision as defined in the subdivision ordinance and is, there- fore, not subject to the regulations of the subdivision ordinance. The plat is brought to the Planning Office for verification of exemption from the subdivision ordinance requirements. A division of land in which both result- ing parcels are more than five acres and where none of the resulting parcels has less than 250 feet of road frontage is not considered a subdivision and is exempt from the requirements of the subdivision ordinance. When the parcel in question was cut off from the rest of the farm, it met the definition of an exempt subdivision because it was one lot with more than five acres and had more than 250 feet of road frontage. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 0 g { (Page 14) Mr. Bain asked about the ordinance requirements regarding lots having irregular shapes. Mr. St. John said those requirements do not apply in this case because this division of land is exempt from the subdivision ordinance rules. Mr. St. John said a subdivision is entitled to approval if the ordinance requirements are met. He pointed out that such approval is a ministerial act and not a discretionary act. However, if there is some feature of the trans- action which constitutes a genuine health consideration, that presents a different problem. He noted that the protection of the public water supply is a vital public interest. However, with respect to roads on critical slopes in and out of the watershed, the ordinances are drafted to reflect a decision not to prohibit roads on critical slopes, but rather the protection of the water- shed through technical requirements. He said there are strict rules about the methods and means used to construct roads on critical slopes, rather than a prohibition of roads on critical slopes. Mr. Bain said he feels that the 30-acre parcel was created as a move to get around the subdivision ordinance requirements. Mr. Cilimberg said staff did not view the exempt plat transaction that way. Mr. Ron Keeler, Chief of Planning, said there were a number of scenarios proposed by the applicant in the planning stage. Staff was trying to encour- age a rural preservation development on this property. The applicant proposed to include much of the steep area as common open space through a plan which was neither a rural preservation development nor a by -right development. Staff was concerned that approval of a hybrid between the two development plans would reduce the likelihood of getting rural preservation development plans in the future. Therefore, staff recommended a rural preservation development or that the areas shown as open space be included in the lots. The applicant chose to include the open space in Lot 1. Mr. Keeler said the subdivision ordinance applies to lots with irregular shapes when a lot is created with an irregular shape for the purpose of obtaining frontage on a public road, or to satisfy a minimum area requirement, and the lot is unusable for reasonable purposes. Mr. St. John added that the irregularity of the lot in question here is in large part caused by the topography of the lot and is not caused by the developer. The irregularity condemned by the ordinance is an artificial irregularity which is achieved to circumvent the ordinance. It is Mr. St. John's opinion that the ordinance requirements do not apply if the irregu- larity is caused by the topography. Mr. Bowerman asked what staff's recommendation would be if the applica- tion had been submitted prior to the exempt transaction and the request was for six lots to be created from one large parcel in the back of this property. Mr. Keeler said if the 85 acres had not been created first and were sti part of the farm, staff's recommendation for a request to subdivide would be that the road not cross the stream and involve this amount of fill. He said the Planning Commission in that case could decide where the road should go. Mr. Bowerman asked if this request is before the Board only because of the creation of an exempt lot which met the conditions of exemption from the subdivision ordinance. Mr. St. John said that is correct. Mr. Keeler noted that the applicant, by the exempt transaction, fore- closed the possibility of a private road serving the lots because the ordi- nance clearly addresses that issue. Mr. Bowerman said the applicant could have built a house there and also built a driveway out to Garth Road. Mr. Keeler agreed. Mrs. Humphris asked what can now be done with the 133-acre farm parcel. Mr. Cilimberg said all of the development rights were carried into the lot created under the exempt transaction. Therefore, the remaining 133 acres can only be divided into 21-acre or greater lots. He said the applicant could August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 15) 1.0 9 apply for a rural preservation development with a limited number of lots based on 133 acres. Mr. Cilimberg said the applicant could have done that initially with the entire tract and chose not to. Mr. Keeler said a rural preservation development on the residue acreage would require special approval. Mrs. Humphris asked if it has been determined if the second silt basin can be located at Station 19.5. Mr. Cilimberg said that has not been deter- mined at this point. Mr. Way asked what happens if the silt basin cannot be located at Station 19.5. Mr. Cilimberg said the condition is based on final plat approval. The basin will be constructed if it is deemed appropriate by the Watershed Manage- ment Official and the County Engineer. Mrs. Humphris said she thought the requirement was based on the physical capability of the land. Mr. Cilimberg said if the basin cannot be located at this point, then it is deemed to be inappropriate and will not be required. Mrs. Humphris said if the basin is not deemed appropriate, then the silt will just go directly into the creek. Mr. Cilimberg said that is correct. Mr. Bain said he is not sure the Board can make the findings necessary for a present danger described by Mr. St. John in order to protect the Reser- voir, although he feels there is a danger of silt getting into the Reservoir. Mr. St. John said he is uncomfortable about speaking to that except to say that the Board's function is to look at these applications and either make or not make those findings. He said he will vigorously defend the Board's decision. Mr. Bain said it sounds as though staff has reviewed in detail all of the ordinances that would or could apply. He feels this application is a subter- fuge, and if there is nothing that can be done on this particular one, then the ordinances need to be amended to take care of this type of situation in the future. He said this application flies in the face of all efforts the Board has made to protect the reservoir. Mr. Bowie agreed. Mrs. Humphris said she feels that Mr. Bain's analysis is absolutely correct. This is a subterfuge and flies in the face of everything that this Board has been trying to do for the last 20 years. She feels the application is definitely not in the public interest, but from the information presented today, the Board is in no position to prevent the request. Mr. Bowie said he feels the application is convoluted to avoid the ordinances, and he would support a motion to uphold the appeal, had there been one. Mr. Bowerman agreed that he feels there is a subterfuge, whether it was intended as one or not. He feels that if this application had come before the Commission in any other situation, the Commission would have had authority to decide the road location. That authority is being denied now because of the exempt transaction. He said the only thing the County did was approve a subdivision for one lot, and that is all the County is obligated for because the rest of the application is not in the public interest. He said he too would support a motion to overturn the Commission's decision. Mrs. Humphris then offered a motion to overturn the Planning Commission's decision for approval. Mr. Bowerman seconded the motion. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Messrs. Bain, Bowerman, Bowie, Mrs. Humphris and Mr. Perkins. NAYS: Mr. Way. Mr St. John clarified the motion that the appeal is upheld, the Planning Commission's decision is overturned and the subdivision plat is disapproved by this action. Mrs. Humphris said that is the intent of the motion for the reasons stated during the foregoing discussion. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 1 O (Page 16) Agenda Item No. 10. Public Hearing: Affordable Housing Project. (Advertised in the Daily Progress on July 24, 1990.) Mr. David Benish, Chief of Community Development, said the public hearing is for the purpose of presenting to the Board for review and comment the conceptual development plan for the County's affordable housing subdivision, requesting an appropriation of $331,714 to match a possible Community Develop- ment Block Grant (CDBG), reviewing a proposed road crossing of Powell's Creek and certification of a resolution affirming further fair housing by the County. Mr. Benish then distributed copies of letters in opposition to the proposed housing project. He said there is a misconception that this is a private development. The project was initiated and endorsed by the Board of Supervisors as an effort to provide affordable housing to residents of the County who are being priced out of the housing market. The Charlottesville Housing Foundation (CHF) has taken the lead role in undertaking the develop- ment on behalf of the County. The proposed project will consist of 50 single-family detached homes on one -quarter to one-half acre lots. These will be owner -occupied homes avail- able for purchase by qualifying low to moderate income families. Through the use of CDBG funds, low interest Farmers Home Administration mortgages, Charlottesville Housing Foundation deferred loans, Housing Partnership Funds, Virginia Housing Development Authority loan reservations, and County funds, the projected cost of units will be between $45,000 and $65,000. The 50 homes will be constructed in two phases, with phase one consisting of 30 lots. Phase two will consist of up to 20 additional lots and will be constructed based on the demand for additional units. The units will either be stick - built or modular construction. Two or three builders will likely be solicited to construct units within the development. A total of 40 acres will be purchased by CHF for the development. The proposed units will be located on approximately 25 acres. The remaining 15 acres will consist of undisturbed open space in the flood plain. — Mr. Benish said the property is currently zoned R-b, Residential, which will permit up to 270 dwellings. The Comprehensive Plan indicates that a density of four to ten dwelling units per acre is appropriate in this area. The proposed density is 1.10 dwelling units per acre. This is a by -right development requiring no rezoning. Approval of a special use permit by the Planning Commission will be needed to allow the crossing of Powell's Creek. In order to receive CDBG funds, Mr. Benish said an environmental review of the proposed project must be conducted. As part of the review, any pro- posed project activity within the one hundred year flood plain must be reviewed at a public hearing by the governing body to receive public comment and determine the appropriateness of the activity. The County Zoning Ordi- nance requires a special use permit for activity within the one hundred year flood plain. Such a request will be submitted prior to or along with review of a site development plan for this project. Mr. Benish explained that the crossing of Powell's Creek is to provide access to the proposed site from Cling Lane in the Orchard Acres Subdivision. The project fronts on the dead end portion of Cling Lane. An alternative access from Route 788 north of the site would require a crossing of the CSX railroad. This is not considered a viable option due to public safety concerns over creating an additional at -grade crossing with no alternative access. The second alternative for access is to the east of the site on Blue Ridge Street. This alternative is not deemed viable due to lack of available right-of-way to the site and the potential impact to the Wayland Farm, which has been determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Therefore, access to Cling Lane is determined to be the most viable. The stream crossing will not require significant disturbance and will not impact stream flow or flood plain capa- city. County special use permit review will be required at the time of site plan review. Technical items regarding the stream crossing will be resolved at that time. (Mr. Bain left at 11:35 A.M. and returned at 11:39 A.M.) August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 1 1 (Page 17) Mr. Benish said a "Notice of Explanation" will be published in the newspaper to meet CDBG funding requirements if the Board concurs with staff's finding regarding the flood plain activity. Mr. Bowie pointed out that, contrary to the "inflamatory propaganda" distributed in Crozet, this is the third public hearing held regarding afford- able housing for Albemarle County. He said the idea was discussed extensively during the Comprehensive Plan review. The Comprehensive Plan indicates that 60 percent of the population in Albemarle County cannot afford to buy a home in this County. This proposed housing project responds to that fact. The purpose is to provide affordable housing for working Albemarle County citi- zens. The project will not "house Charlottesville's poor" as mentioned in the five letters of objection to this project. This project will not benefit a "greedy developer", since the project is being initiated by the County and developed by the Charlottesville Housing Foundation, a non-profit organiza- tion. Mr. Bowie said this is not subsidized housing. He pointed out that if this project of 50 units is not built, the property in question is currently zoned to allow 270 units by right. He said he is making these points clear because of the misleading information which has been published regarding this housing project. The public hearing was opened at this time. Mr. Karl Hrebick said he lives one mile from the proposed development. Mr. Hrebick said he is a builder, but he does not believe that this project is well -planned. He said he has 22 pounds of water pressure at his home in Jarman Gap Estates. He has been told by an engineer in the Albemarle County Service Authority that the State requires a minimum of 20 pounds of water pressure. He feels that before any development is approved, the effect on the Crozet water system should be considered. Currently, the fire protection flow. at Western Albemarle High School is inadequate according to the same engineer. Mr. Hrebick feels that more development should not be allowed without improv- ing the water system. He suggested that the grant be used to improve the water system in western Albemarle so that well -planned future development may occur. Mr. Hrebick is concerned about Albemarle County being in the business of providing housing for its residents. He wonders if tax money should be used for that purpose. Mr. Hrebick said if the bounty is paying part of the bill, in a sense this is subsidized housing. He is further concerned that the purchasers of these homes will sell them to "slum lords". He pointed out that a survey of the community of Orangedale in Charlottesville reveals that 42 percent of the homes are non -owner occupied. He said Orangedale was an affordable housing project 12 years ago. Mr. Benish said restrictions for qualifying for loans for these houses typically require that the owner must maintain and live in the home for a period of years. Depending on the final design of the project, there may be restrictions requiring that a house be sold to another qualifying owner. Mr. Way added that this was a concern discussed by the Board when the project was originally presented. Mr. Hrebick said he does not agree with the concept of using County funds to develop housing. He suggested an alternative use for such funds to repair the curbs and gutters and sidewalks in Crozet. He pointed out that the residents of Windham in Crozet must walk on the street one-half a block from Windham because of inadequate handicap access. .. Mr. Bowie said the CDBG funds could not be used for the purpose Mr. Hrebick is suggesting, although the County recognizes these problems. Mr. Hrebick said he is referring to the money that Albemarle County will be appro- priating to match the grant funds. He would like to see the County's money spent in the wisest way. Mr. Kevin Cox said he is interested in seeing more moderately priced houses, apartments and manufactured housing in Albemarle County. He feels there is affordable housing in Albemarle County for millionaires. However, there is a shortage of houses priced in a range for family incomes of $15,000 to $25,000. He said there is a demand and a waiting list for such housing. Among those eligible to purchase homes in the proposed project price range are County police officers, school teachers, nurses, firefighters and other August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 18) 112 professionals in this community. Without reasonably priced housing, many middle class professionals will leave Albemarle and live where they can afford a detached, single-family dwelling. Mr. Cox said he has lived in Albemarle County for 27 years and does not want to leave the County. However, with an income of $24,000, it is nearly impossible to find a decent house that he can afford to buy. That is why his name is on the waiting list for affordable housing and that is why he is here today to ask for the Board's continued support for the proposed project. Mr. Paul Burke said he would appreciate it if hearings of this nature could be held in the evening so that working people in the County can attend. He is a resident of Crozet and has been unable to obtain information about this project. He said he understands that the "greedy developer" is Mr. Nunnally who developed the "stick together" houses in the northern portion of Orchard Acres. Mr. Burke said Orchard Acres has 120 houses with most of the traffic going onto Jarman's Gap Road. He is concerned about this project being in the watershed and about the traffic for the project coming through Orchard Acres. He feels this project is an opportunity for Charlottesville to dump social problems on Albemarle County at the County's expense. He feels there are a sufficient number of poor people in Crozet who need housing, and he hopes that the local residents will have a chance to obtain affordable housing. Mr. Burke said there are at least nine houses in Orchard Acres in the $65,OOO to $75,000 range for sale. He pointed out that there are no bus lines and few social services available. It takes over 24 minutes for the County police to arrive in Crozet. He is concerned about drug problems and other crimes. Mr. Burke feels that this project will be a tenement and will become rental property. He asked the Board to find better use for the money of Albemarle County taxpayers. He believes this project is an opportunity for a developer who has an undesirable parcel of 40 acres to find a way to develop his property. He asked the Board not to participate in subsidized housing because that is not the business of the County. He personally does not want to see County funds spent this way. Mr. Jack Marshall, President of Citizens for Albemarle and a resident of White Hall District, said Citizens for Albemarle is concerned about the population growth spawned by the proliferation of housing subdivisions. Albemarle County is swelling at a rate that will lead to a doubling of the population in 25 years. This growth is placing strains on the environment, on the pocketbooks of residents and on the quality of life. However, Citizens for Albemarle is also concerned about the fact that not all of the County's current residents can afford decent housing. Developers find little profit in building inexpensive houses. Every year there are proportionately fewer places for low to moderate income families to buy or rent. In 1980, 13 percent of the County's labor force commuted from neighboring localities. The 1990 census will likely show an even higher percentage. For many people it has become economically impossible to live in Albemarle County. Current housing trends, which are largely dictated by developers, are driving out a vital element of the society. People who have lived in the County for several generations are being forced to move elsewhere. He believes the County's housing policy should be compassionate and balanced. This means creating opportunities not only for the affluent, but for people of all economic levels. He said the proposed development is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and would be built in a designated growth area. He feels that the $331,000 match by the County is one of the costs of living in a well-rounded and fair society. He hopes that the details for this project will show that it can be developed in an environmentally responsible manner. If that is the case, Citizens for Albemarle strongly urges the Board to support the venture. Ms. Sue Casteen, a resident of Crozet on Railroad Avenue, said she bought an affordable house for $45,000. She said she makes less than $30,OOO a year. She lived in Orangedale previously using a VHDA loan to purchase the home. Ms. Casteen said she does not feel subsidized housing works. She feels that the County needs to make existing houses available with loans which can be obtained by low to moderate income families. Ms. Casteen said she feels that children who live in low-income areas are discriminated against and do not understand why. She feels that Albemarle County does not need more housing projects. The houses are there if financing can be made available to those who are low-income workers. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 2-3-3 (Page 19) Mr. Edgar S. Robb, a citizen of Albemarle County, said he is as directly affected by this proposal as anyone. He owns three pieces of property zoned R-6 which are adjacent to the proposed project. Mr. Robb commended the Board for foresight in creating the opportunity in Albemarle County for lower income families to have a place to live. He also commended the work of Mr. Francis Fife and the Charlottesville Housing Foundation. Mr. Robb said he is present to address the road crossing question. He bought a subdivided lot adjacent to this property and found out that the biggest portion is in the flood plain. He has enough space on the lotto put. a small residence only. The zoning is R-6, but the lot is constrained by the size of the flood plain. Therefore, he is conducting a study of the flood plain at his lot on Jarman's Gap Road. He said there has been a great deal of confusion as to the definition of this flood plain. He has hired engineers and paid over $10,000 to find out how the flood plain boundary was originally established. He found out that no one knows who established the flood plain. He asked the Board to define the flood plain before taking any further action on this project. That will establish what can be done with all of the prop- erty in this area. He said it is possible that it is in the best interest of the County and himself to develop his property in the same fashion as the County is proposing. He is not opposed to the housing project. However, he hopes the Board will not appropriate funds until the big question of the flood plain boundary is established. Mr. Perkins said it seems that the most logical way to obtain access to the proposed project might be through Mr. Robb's property. He asked if Mr. Robb has any interest in selling a portion of his property to gain access. Mr. Robb said when he heard about the proposal, he met with Mr. Fife and told him that he would like to be kept advised of the progress of the proposal because it borders his property. He said he is a bit upset because he has not been allowed any input as an adjoining property owner. Mr. Robb said he would not do anything in the neighborhood that the residents do not share in. He is critical of this proposal only in that the people of Crozet have not been provided with full or accurate information. Mr. Perkins asked if his answer is yes or no. Mr. Robb did not give an answer. Ms. Sally Thomas, League of Women Voters, urged the County to approve.the proposed project. She feels that the impact of the access road on the stream, stream flow and capacity is not significant.This access is the least danger- ous, the least costly and the one originally planned for the development of the property. She said she supports the request for a commitment by the County of $331,000 for this project. She understands that the Charlottesville Housing Foundation has committed $181,000 subject to the County's commitment. There is the possibility of a $331,000 CDBG grant. The Virginia Housing Development Authority has committed one million dollars in construction money and one million dollars in five percent mortgage money. With this level of support, the League of Women Voters urges the Board to make a significant commitment as requested. Mr. Tom Lawler, resident of Crozet on the corner of Jarman Gap Road and Killdeer Lane, said he anticipates that the traffic from this project will go past his front door. He does not disagree with the concept, but he is con- cerned about maintenance of the development after the houses are sold. He said there are no child care or pre-school facilities in Crozet and no public transportation available. He wondered if the County is prepared to assume the responsibility of making those facilities available. There are no safe access ways for people on foot in this area. The nearest public facilities are across the railroad track or on the other side of town. He asked if green space has been considered in this project.' He wondered if facilitators will be available in Crozet when there is a need for counselling, etc. If the intent is to help people who are working under a financial handicap, then these other aspects must be considered as well. He asked the Board to address these questions before the project is approved. Ms. Lisa Marshall, neighboring landowner, said she bought her property this year for $58,000. She said the residents of Crozet were upset by reading about the public hearing without having been given any other information about the proposal. Ms. Marshall said she came to Mr. Fife in March, and he allayed many of her fears. She feels that being against this project is like being against motherhood. However, she is concerned about transportation out of August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 20) imm Crozet. She is concerned about the access to the project coming right by her driveway. She is concerned about the possibility that the homes will not remain owner -occupied. She said that services such as police coverage are not adequate for this type of expansion. She is not radically opposed to the @; project. She just needs more reassurance because there was not much informa- tion beforehand, although residents had been told they would be informed. Mr. Francis Fife, Executive Director of the Charlottesville Housing Foundation, said over a year ago the Board of Supervisors discussed the idea (, of a joint housing development for 30 or more single family hones. Since that time a housing specialist employed by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission and Mr. Fife have searched the County for land on which to con- struct such homes. He said Mr. Steve Runkle, President of the Kessler Group, has assisted in this search on a voluntary basis. Finding property which is not excessively priced has been difficult, and he believes that the proposed property is suitable. Mr. Fife explained that he is willing to meet in Crozet i at a suitable time to discuss the project. The reason there has not been a meeting is that CHF has been working with the County staff to obtain the land, and until the past few days there was not a definite idea of how much of the property would be purchased. He said the plan is to purchase the entire property. It is only now that he is free to explain to the residents what the plans for the project are. He pointed out that Mr. Dick Nunnally has made an exceedingly generous offer regarding this property because he would like to see people have the opportunity to own homes. When the information is made public, he feels it will be clear that Mr. Nunnally is foregoing a great deal of money. Mr. Fife noted that the architect who has agreed to work on this project has donated his services. He said there are many people working in Albemarle who cannot afford to live here and housing is a universal problem. Mr. Fife said CHF has put forth a great deal of effort up to this point to work with the County in providing adequate housing. The sources CHF has been able to gather for this project will help it go forward rapidly. Regarding existing homes which are available for purchase, Mr. Fife pointed out that many of these homes require a great deal of remodeling to bring them up to standard. The County does not want to place people in substandard housing. CHF is willing and ready to move forward when the County is ready to make a commitment for $331,000. CHF has raised money from private citizens in Charlottesville and Albemarle County to help with this project and has offered to put up $181,000 as well as provide the services and time of its staff. Mr. Ronnie Hancock, a broker with Clover Realty Company, said he has worked a great deal with government subsidized housing in the past. When the FHA began issuing loans years ago, there were almost no specifications or restrictions for qualifying for government loans. Anyone classed as low income was eligible. As a result, many of the homes were abandoned and not maintained and the program got a bad reputation. Today, applicants for FHA loans must qualify just as applicants for conventional financing. The only difference is that 20 percent of the buyer's income currently goes toward the house payment. The government then pays the balance of the payment. The interest is set at a rate of 10 percent. When the house is sold, a percentage of the profit goes back to the government to cover the money provided by the government. Therefore, there is a different class of homeowners taking advantage of these loans today. Mr. Hancock said he is neither for nor against the project. He just wants to make people aware that the buyers must be reputable people and must meet loan qualifications. He feels that this issue is important at this public hearing. Mr. Bowie closed the public hearing at this time. Mr. Perkins said he does not feel that the crossing of Powell's Creek is the problem. Rather, he is concerned about the traffic coming through Orchard Acres as a result of the proposed development. He said the streets are not designed for this volume of traffic. He cannot support "dumping" another 500 vehicles per day onto those roads. He feels that Mr. Fife should meet with Mr. Robb and attempt to work out a way of getting traffic directly to Route 691. He said it might be beneficial to Mr. Robb and the best way to provide access, although it may not be the cheapest alternative. Mr.. Perkins said, at one time, he lived in the first house in Orchard Acres. Hemoved because every car in the subdivision came by his house, and it became dangerous getting in and out of his driveway. Mr. Perkins said he cannot support access to this property through Orchard Acres. He feels there is a good reason this property has not been developed, and that reason is access. For this reason he cannot support the stream crossing. Mr. Perkins said he suggested to Mr. Cilimberg six months ago that there should be a public hearing in Crozet to inform the people of the project to avoid misunderstanding. He is making that suggestion again. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) I T 5 (Page 21) Mr. Bowie agreed that public information hearings in Crozet are needed. He asked Mr. Perkins to assure that such hearings are held before this comes back to the Board. The action required by the Board on this matter will take place after the lunch break. Agenda Item No. 12. Public Hearing on An Ordinance to amend and reenact Chapter 4 of the Code of Albemarle, entitled "Animals and Fowl", to add The Meadows as one of those areas where dogs are prohibited from running at large. (Advertised in the Daily Progress on July 24 and July 31, 1990.) Mr. Bowie opened the public hearing. Mr. Don Nobles, Activity Director of the Meadows Community Center, said the residents of The Meadows are senior citizens who walk with canes and walkers and need the protection of this law. He said there are a number of activities which take place at The Meadows and which warrant this law as well. There being no other members of the public present to speak, the public hearing was closed and the matter placed before the Board. Motion was offered by Mr. Perkins and seconded by Mr. Bain to adopt an ordinance to amend and reenact Chapter 4, Animals and Fowl, Article II, Division 2, Section 4-19 of the Code of Albemarle as set out below. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Messrs. Bain, Bowerman, Bowie, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REENACT '1 CHAPTER 4, ANIMALS AND FOWL, ARTICLE II, DIVISION 2, SECTION 4-19 OF THE CODE OF ALBEMARLE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, that Chapter 4, Article II, Division 2, of the Code of Albemarle, is hereby amended and reenacted in Section 4-19, by the addition of sub -section (a) (30) to read as follows: Sec. 4-19. In certain areas. (a) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to permit such dog to run at large at any time within the following designated areas of the county: (30) The Meadows in Crozet as platted and recorded in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county, in Deed Book 651, page 149. Agenda Item No. 14. Executive Session: Personnel and Acquisition of Property. At 12:39 P.M., motion was offered by Mr. Bain and seconded by Mrs. Humphris to adjourn into Executive Session for the purposes of discussing the performance of specific personnel and acquisition of property in accordance with State Code Sections 2.1-344.A.1 and 2.1-344.A.3. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: II AYES: Messrs. Bain, Bowerman, Bowie, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 22) 116 At 3:26 P.M., the Board reconvened into open session and motion was offered by Mr. Bain, seconded by Mr. Bowerman, to adopt the following resolu- tion certifying executive session: CERTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE MEETING WHEREAS, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors has convened an executive meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and WHEREAS, Section 2.1-344.1 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors that such executive meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. VOTE: AYES: Messrs. Bain, Bowerman, Bowie, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. ABSENT DURING VOTE: None. ABSENT DURING MEETING: None. At this time, the Board continued the discussion from the morning on Agenda Item No. 10. Affordable Housing Project. Mr. Perkins said he does not have a problem with the housing project, but is concerned about routing all of that traffic into the streets of Orchard Acres. He thinks that Route 691 should be considered for access. Mr. Bain asked if it is possible to access along the northern route, south of the railroad tracks. Mr. Perkins said access from that route would also create traffic problems. Mr. Agnor suggested that the staff hold a community meeting in Crozet, study further the road issue and then bring the matter back to the Board for review. The staff could have a recommendation on the road issue ready in early September. Mr. Cilimberg said one of the conditions for receiving the block grant funds is a position from the Board on the proposed road crossing of Powell's Creek. The Board needs to find that if this is to be the access, that it is not creating disturbance detriment to the flood plain. A statement by the Board to that affect does not commit the Board to the crossing of Powell's Creek as the access. This access is still subject to further planning. Action by the Board allows the staff to proceed with the technical require- ments of getting the block grant contract signed and funds appropriated before September 14. Mr. Benish said access through Jarman's Gap Road would require this same sort of review because it would have flood plain activity. There also would be a problem if access was considered to the east. The Key Stone property, mentioned earlier in the meeting, is a site eligible for historic designation and if access is changed to encourage a roadway in that direction, it could be a detriment to the site and affect the Department of Historic Resources findings on the impact on an historic site. Mr. Benish said that was a concern of his and one of the reasons for making access to the west more viable. He is concerned that the County not lose the block grant funds. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1' (Page 23) 1 1 7 I Mr. Perkins said he understands that his proposal would require the same kind of review since part of the road would be in the flood plain. He does not have a problem with crossing the flood plain, but continues to have a problem with routing all of that traffic into Orchard Acres where the streets are not adequate to handle it. He is more concerned with Orchard Acres than with a historic designation. Mr. Benish commented that the whole area is flood plain soil which might have an impact. Mr. Perkins said the entire road would not have to be in the flood plain. Mr. Cilimberg commented that the area intended for the crossing is identified by FEMA as being flood plain on the Flood Insurance Rate Map. Mr. Way said the questions asked during the morning session should have a response. He thinks it is important to move forward and keep all of the options open. Mr. Perkins then offered motion that the staff proceed with the afford- able housing project in Crozet with the understanding that staff is to look at other alternatives for road access; staff will also proceed with publication of the public notice. Mr. Benish commented that the public notice is worded such that alterna- tive access to the east is feasible due to the availability of land and the cost would not preclude the staff from coming back if conditions change. Mr. Perkins said he still thinks staff should look at access to Route 691. In addition, all of that land in the area is zoned R-6 so there probably will be other development. Mrs. Humphris asked for an explanation of the statement "it is the County's judgement that the continued viable of.the housing subdivision project outweighs consideration of executive orders ...." Mr. Benish said that is wording from the Flood plain and Wetlands Protection Acts. The form is recommended by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development which basically states that this is the most viable alternative and it addres- ses the requirements of those code provisions. Mr. Bain then seconded the motion. Mr. Bowie said he will support the motion although before this comes back to the Board he would like additional information. He also supports Mr. Perkin's request for a public information meeting in Crozet. There being no further comments, roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Messrs. Bain, Bowerman, Bowie, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. Mr. Cilimberg said Mr. Benish needs to be designated as the Environmental Certifying Officer for this project. He has been acting in that capacity, but needs to be officially appointed by the Board. Mr. Bain offered motion, seconded by Mrs. Humphris, to appoint Mr. David Benish as the Environmental Certifying Officer for the project. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Messrs. Bain, Bowerman, Bowie, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. Agenda Item No. 15. Request to vacate a portion of a plat of North - fields. This matter was brought to the Board by letter of July 11„ 1990, from Virginia Land Trust. (Mr. Bain said he would abstain from the discussions on this item because of a potential conflict of interest. At 3:45 P.M., he left the room.) Mr. Cilimberg presented the following staff report: August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 24) 1 1 8 "REQUEST: To vacate the term 'Recreation Area' from property de- scribed as Tax Map 62A(2), Parcel 10A, and to reissue a single family dwelling building permit on the property and to further approve subdivision of the property into three lots. This property is situ- ated on Carrsbrook Drive in Northfields Subdivision in the Charlottes- ville Magisterial District. This property is within a designated growth area. FORWARD: This report deals only with the request to vacate the term 'Recreation Area' from the property. The question of reissuance of the building permit is more appropriate to the County Attorney and Zoning Administrator. The plat proposing subdivision of the property into three lots has not been reviewed by the Planning Commission and, therefore, in staff opinion, is not properly before the Board. On April 4, 1961, the Albemarle County Planning Commission gave preliminary approval to Sections 6, 7 and 8 of Northfields subdivi- sion. At that time, Charlottesville exercised concurrent jurisdiction for subdivision review near the city: April 11, 1961 - Charlottesville Planning.Commission granted pre- liminary approval. May 2, 1961 - Albemarle County Planning Commission granted final approval. May 9, 1961 - Charlottesville Planning Commission granted final approval. May 17, 1961 - Albemarle County Board of Supervisors granted final approval. June, 1961 - Plat recorded in Deed Book 368, Page 432 describing this property and other property as 'Recreation Area'. STAFF COMMENT: The applicant has submitted argument as to why the language 'Recreation Are,' should be vacated allowing subdivision and development of the property (on file). Staff will address two issues from the applicant's sub�ittal: 1. Item 2a. incorporates a letter from the County Attorney's office written in regard to another property in Northfields, not the property subject tothis request. A significant difference is that this site was specifically approved as 'Recreation Area'. 2. Item 2e. states that proposed dwellings will be at a 'price level presently about $150,000 to $160,000' while the building permit reflects a value of $90,000. Staff offers the following comments related to the request to vacate the term 'Recreation Area': 1. In accordance with City and County approvals, the County Depart- ment of Finance has taxed the property for recreational value since 1961 at a far lower assessment than for residentially - developable land. According to the Department of Finance, should the Board choose to allow residential development, only three years of 'back taxes' could be collected. 2. Staff views this issue as a subdivision restriction self-imposed by the developer to entreat approval by two localities. Had the developer intended additional subdivision of land, 'Reserved for Future Development' as opposed to 'Recreational Area' would have been appropriate language. 3. Vacation of the term 'Recreation Area' to allow additional development could have severe implications to the tax base as well as planning efforts if areas designated for recreation or open space (and taxed as such) could be converted at the convenience of a developer. Such action could also discredit the planning process to lot purchasers within a development. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting)` H 1 9 (Page 25) 4. Staff can determine no compelling reason to warrant re-evaluation of the developer's original proposal that this land be designated for 'Recreation Area'. Therefore, staff recommends no further consideration of this matter. Should the Board choose to further consider this request, staff recommends the following: 1. The County Attorney's office should offer opinion as to what property owners within Northfields (if any) should be notified of public hearing; 2. The issue of the suspended building permit could be resolved by partial vacation, subject to Planning Commission approval of subdivision within the residue designated as 'Recreation Area'. Again it is recommended that the County Attorney's office be consulted. Dr. Charles W. Hurt, the applicant, said he owns the land and, first he would like to address the issue of the cost of the building. permit. The building permit is typically the cost of construction which is usually 60 percent of the selling price. When he gets a building permit for $90,000, he expects to sell the house for $150,000 to $160,000. He does not think the building permit includes interest, land, architectural fees or permits. He then presented a picture of the house he proposes to build which fits in with the neighborhood. Dr. Hurt said he does not think, as was implied, that he has gotten some sort of break because this land has been assessed as a recre- ation area. He feels that he has been overtaxed on this land for the last 30 years because.it has not been used. Before sewerage was provided to this pro- perty, it would not perk. This property has had no use other than neighbors dumping trash on it. He is tired of trying to keep the property clean from trash and debris. Dr. Hurt .said a number of lots were platted and recorded before this section of Northfields. There was no zoning in effect at the time this was put to record. When many of the people in Northfields bought their lots, this lot had not been recorded. He voluntarily placed restrictions on this pro- perty, not the County. He thinks it is a legal question as to whether putting the term "recreation" on that lot means the lot must remain recreation for- ever. He also questions the meaning of "recreation". Recreation might have one meaning for him and another meaning for somebody else. He also pointed out that the Northfields Homeowner's. Association has no interest whatsoever in this property. He excluded this property from the restrictions of the home- owner's association. He does not think the words "recreation area" gives anybody any rights in this property. Dr. Hurt said the reason he is before the Board today is because he obtained a building permit from the County and started construction on the foundation for a house, and then was issued a "stop work" order. He had spent about $5,000 to that point. He does not think it is necessary for the Board to vacate this property. The property was not designated as open area. He is present today because he wants to get his building permit back. Mr. Donn Bent, representing the applicant, said he does not think that the residents of Northfields have a vested right to forever prohibit develop- ment of this property. As it currently stands, the site is not particularly attractive and the remains of the building that was started are unsightly. In addition, the site is a good breeding place for mosquitos, pests and varments. There are people in Northfields who would like to see this property developed because it has become an eyesore. He thinks there should be a public hearing to let the neighbors express their views. Mr. Bowie asked what happens if the Board does not set a public hearing on this request. Mr. St. John responded that the plat would not be vacated. It is his opinion that in order for anything other than recreation to take place on this property, the plat must be vacated. This lot was approved as an amenity for the rest of the subdivision. Mrs. Humphris said she believes that the term recreation area was used as a sales tool for the subdivision. The fact that the property is unsightly and August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 26) 1 2 O used for things other than recreation is because it has remained in the ownership of the developer and was never deeded to the homeowner's associa- tion. She then recounted a similar situation that happened in.the subdivision in which she lives. She thinks that the people who have purchased lots in Northfields have every right to assume this property will remain as recreation space. Mr. Bowerman asked if there were other lots in Northfields platted in r'1 1961 that were undevelopable because of a sewer problem. Dr. Hurt said he did not know at the time the lots were platted that they would not perk. He then restated that the lot was intentionally excluded from the restrictions of the homeowner's association. At the time the lots were platted, there were about two dozen that would not perk, but he did not know that at that time. Also, there was not a requirement that the lots percolate. Mr. Bowerman asked Dr. Hurt why he allowed the term "recreation area" to be put on the plat. Dr. Hurt replied that at the time it was obvious that the lot would not perk. This lot looked liked all of the other lots that would not perk and it was obvious that the land was unbuildable. Mrs. Humphris then asked Dr. Hurt again why the property was designated recreation area. Dr. Hurt replied it was a fluke on the part of the engineer that he did not pay attention to. At the time, he was not aware that putting these words on the plat would mean that somebody else would have rights in the property. He reiterated that the homeowner's association has no rights or control in this property. Mr. St. John commented that would mean any houses built on the property would not have the same restrictions as the other houses in Northfields. Dr. Hurt replied that is correct. (Mr. Bowie left the meeting at 4:12 P.M.) Mr. Bowerman asked who uses the property for recreation. Dr. Hurt replied the property was not used as recreation for anyone. He objects to people trashing the property and he has given no one permission to use it. Not many of the homeowners in Northfields bought property from him directly and he has no control over how property is represented when it is sold by someone. Mr. St. John said that is the same as saying that a person has no right to place any reliance on something that is put on a plat for public record. Dr. Hurt responded that is not correct. He has not violated any restrictions. He did not intend these words to be a permanent restriction on the property. Mr. St. John said it is his opinion that Dr. Hurt intentionally put the word recreation on the plat and intended for buyers in the subdivision to think they were getting a right in the property even though they really were not. Dr. Hurt exclaimed that was absolutely false and no one can tell him what he intended to do. Mr. St. John said he thinks Dr. Hurt is attempting to commit a fraud on the people who live in Northfields, and on the City and County. Dr. Hurt said that is for the court to decide. Mrs. Humphris said it is her opinion that vacating the term "recreation area" from the plat would establish a precedent. She then offered motion to not set a public hearing on the request to vacate a portion of a plat in Northfields Subdivision. Mr. St. John said if the sentiment of the people who live in Northfields is that this property is being used as a dumping ground, then maybe the toard should consider going to public hearing on the request. Mrs. Humphris said based on the information she has received, she is satisfied with denying the request. Mr. Bowerman seconded the motion. Mrs. Humphris said she thinks the people in Northfields purchased their lots and expected this recreational area to remain. -11 There being no further discussion, roll was called and the motion carried 11 by the following recorded vote: AYES: Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris and Mr. Perkins. NAYS: Mr. Way. ABSTAIN: Mr. Bain. ABSENT: Mr. Bowie. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 2 1 (Page 27) (Mr. Bain returned to the meeting at 4:19 P.M.) Agenda Item No. 16a. Discussion: Point Source Discharge for Single - Family Wastewater Treatment System. Mr. Agnor presented his memorandum dated August 2, 1990, as follows: "Forwarded herewith, as requested, is a written opinion from Mrs. Patterson, Zoning Administrator, on the use under the current Zoning Ordinance of a Wisconsin Sand Mound Septic System and a low pressure distribution septic system. The opinion is that both systems would be allowed. You will recall that both systems are on site, non -discharge systems that utilize subsurface absorption requiring acceptable percolation of the soil on site, similar to traditional septic drain - field systems. Also attached is a Planning Department staff report on the concept of revising the Zoning Ordinance to provide for surface discharge waste treatment systems for use in replacing failed septic systems where subsurface discharge systems will not function. The report does not recommend revising the ordinance, indicating that once such systems are allowed in the narrowest of circumstances, their use would be subject to variances by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Dr. Susan McLeod, District Health Director, will be present at your August 8 meeting to discuss with you the Surface Discharge Systems which are licensed by the State Water Control Board in coordination with the State Department of Health, with local government approval." The following memorandum dated July 30, 1990, from Amelia M. Patterson, Zoning Administrator, was received: "This serves as response to the Board's inquiry at their meeting of July llth, as to whether Wisconsin sand mound and low pressure distri- bution (lpd) septic systems would be permitted under the current Zoning Ordinance. It is my opinion, after consultation with local Health officials, that these alternate subsurface systems would be permitted. Please note that the ordinance requires full 100 percent reserve areas, unless variances are granted. To our knowledge, there currently are none of these systems within Albemarle County. A low pressure distribution system had been pro- posed at the Earlysville Forest commercial area, but was abandoned when additional area became available for a conventional drainfield. Apparently these systems offer few advantages for the geology within Albemarle County. Both systems still require an acceptable percolation rate from native soils. They are both on -site non -discharge systems that utilize subsurface absorption. The sand mound system is used mostly in tidal areas and restricts the maximum slope to 12 percent. The clay layer found commonly in Albemarle causes effluent to be dispersed outward and upward. The 1pd system is expensive (two or three times the standard), and does not always reduce drainfield size. A typical 60 minute/inch rate results in a 20 percent reduction." Thefollowingmemorandum, dated July 31, 1990, from V. Wayne Cilimberg, Director of Planning and Community Development, was received: "At its meeting of July 11, 1990, the Board of Supervisors declined to endorse usage of VPDES permitted treatment systems for development of vacant land; but did direct staff to report as to the propriety of allowing such systems for developed lots where conventional septic systems had failed and no other on -site treatment facility could be utilized. Staff has discussed this issue with other agencies (Albe- marle County Service Authority, Watershed Management Official, and Director of Engineering). f August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 28) - 122 Planning staff comments relative to 'emergency' usage of such systems follow: I >o, 1. Staff asked the County Attorney's Office if the Board could j authorize installation of such a system, though not permitted in the Zoning Ordinance, upon recommendation by the Virginia Depart- ment of Health that no alternative existed and, therefore, a clear danger existed to the public health. The County Attorney's response was in the negative; 2. If the Zoning Ordinance were amended to allow such systems in the narrowest of circumstances, the provision would be subject to variance by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Therefore, the Board of Supervisors would have no guarantee nor control over usage of such systems; 3. In the July report, staff suggested that if the Board chose to allow such systems, al'wait and see' approach with the involved state agencies would be appropriate. Currently, the Virginia Department of Health is operating under a policy statement and it is likely to be more than a year before specific regulations are adopted. As has been the case with other Health Department efforts, these regulations will be subjected to pressure from special interest groups. In closing, and based on staff research, these systems have not re- ceived positive endorsement by the Virginia Department of Health, Albemarle County Service Authority, Watershed Management Official, County Engineer or Planning staff. Other localities, as reported in July, are concerned that the burden of these systems will be shifted to localities. The Virginia Department of Health has no adopted regulations (only policy) governing such systems. While 'emergency' cases may be very limited, ',once allowed in the Zoning Ordinance the Board cannot assume that ' ergency' situations would be the only circumstance under which s ch systems would be authorized. For these reasons, staff again recommends that allowance of these systems in the Zoning Ordinance, even under the narrowest of circumstances, would be premature. Should the Board choose to amend the Zoning Ordinance, staff recom- mends the following language: 4.1.8 The zoning administrator shall certify that issuance of a Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit for a single family dwelling treatment system re- quiring such permit to be consistent with local regulation only under the following circumstances: a. The dwelling for which such permit is sought is in existence; and b. All on -site sewage disposal systems have failed or are failing as evidenced by written report from the Virgin- ia Department of Health and no other property is reasonably available for location of an on -site sewage disposal system; and C. There shall be no increase in potential occupancy by building addition, remodeling, or change of use, in a manner which will increase water usage; and d. There shall be no increase in the plumbing within the dwelling except as necessary for minimum facilities for good sanitation. For residential use, minimum facilities shall be limited to: a water closet, a bathroom sink, a bathtub and/or shower and a kitchen sink." August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 2 3 (Page 29) �i Dr. Susan McLeod, Director, Thomas Jefferson Health District, addressed the Board. Also present with her was Mr. Jack Collins, Environmental Manager for the Health Department. Dr. 'McLeod said the Health Department is presently in a transition period with the new Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES). The State Water Control Board has turned over the responsi- bility to the local health departments. There are basically two types of systems recognized in the VPDES Policy. One system is a package treatment system which requires a fair amount of maintenance. The other system is a sand filter system which is a much more passive system, has filtration from the effluent and then further effluent from that which has to be disinfected. The difference between these two systems is the level of maintenance required. Both systems require that there be a stream or a protected area for some distance from the discharge point in order to limit contact with the effluent. Dr. McLeod said the County has been fortunate not to have to be forced to deal with these kinds of treatment systems. In general, the County has good soil that perks well and then there are the traditional drainfield systems. Many other areas in the state have dealt with sand filter systems in the past. If the systems are maintained property, they will not be a detriment to to the public's health. The monitoring of the system would be the responsibility of the local health department. The department is concerned that it will not be allowed to hire any additional personnel to take on this responsibility. From that standpoint, she would not like to see a lot of these systems proliferat- ing in the County, but for specific limited use, it would be something that the department could deal with. Mr. Perkins asked what action is needed from the Board. Mr. Agnor said the Board needs to decide whether it wants to amend the Zoning Ordinance to accommodate discharge systems. Mr. Perkins asked if the Zoning Administrator's opinion addresses only the nondischarge methods. Mr. Agnor replied "yes". Mr. St. John asked if there are places in the County now where septic systems are failing. Mr. Way replied "yes". Mr. St. John said he is not attempting to advocate a position, but he does think there should be a means at hand, if there is a situation which exists and which creates a danger or threat to the health of the public, to alleviate that situation. Mrs. Humphris said she thinks the Board should wait until a situation presents itself and then act. She does not think the Board should allow this when there has been no demonstrated need. Mr. Way said he does not think the people who have this problem will ever just come before the Board because they will think the process to go through is too tough. Dr. McLeod said if this system were made available, it does not necessar- ily mean that it will be the way to handle many of the failing septic systems because there are significant restrictions, costs and other kinds of things that may not be feasible. So far, when septic systems have failed, the Health Department has been able to recommend remedies within the current regulations. Mr. Collins then described the process the Health department goes through when a system fails. Mr. Way said he thinks there already is a problem with failing septic systems and he does not want to just ignore it. Mr. Perkins said if there is a problem in the County with failing sys- tems, then it is up to the homeowner to remedy the situation and to come to the County for help. Mr. Bain said he is not willing to forward this method as a remedy. Mrs. Humphris said she also is not willing to vote to allow these methods. Motion was then offered by Mr. Way to instruct the County Attorney to draft language to amend the Zoning Ordinance to provide for a point source discharge system. For lack of a second, the motion died. There was no further discussion. '71 August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 30) 1.24 Agenda Item No. 11. Public Hearing on An Ordinance to Assess, as part of the fees taxed as costs in each criminal or traffic case, etc., a sum not in excess of two dollars. (Advertised in the Daily Progress on July 24 and July 31, 1990.) Mr. Agnor said the proposed amendment to the Code would provide an assessment, as part of the fees taxed as costs in each criminal or traffic case in a district or circuit court, a sum not in excess of two dollars. These additional revenues may be used for the construction, renovation or maintenance of a courthouse or jail and court -related facilities and to defray any increases in the cost of heating, cooling, electricity and ordinary maintenance. The public hearing was opened. There being no comments from the public, the public hearing was closed. Motion was offered by Mrs. Humphris, seconded by Mr. Bowerman, to adopt the following Ordinance to assess, as part of the fees taxed as costs in each criminal or traffic case in a district or circuit court, a sum not in excess of two dollars: BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, that: A fee of Two Dollars shall be taxed as additional costs in each criminal or traffic case in the respective courts of Albemarle County for the purpose of providing for the maintenance, construction or renovation of the courthouse, jail or court related facilities located in and serving the County and to defray the costs of cooling, heating and electricity in these facilities. The Director of Finance shall segregate the fees collected pursuant to this ordinance for the purposes designated above. Roll was called and the foregoing motion carried by the following record- ed vote: AYES: Mr. Bain, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Mr. Bowie. Agenda Item No. 13. Public Hearing on An Ordinance to amend and reenact sections in Chapter 12 of the Code of Albemarle to require the payment of personal property taxes on mobile homes before the issuance of an automobile decal, and to make violation provisions clearer. (Advertised in the Daily Progress on July 24 and July 31, 1990.) Mr. Agnor said therproposed amendment to Chapter 12 of the Code would add a penalty for the nonpayment of decal fees. The other proposed change re- quires payment of personal property taxes on mobile homes prior to issuance of decals. The public hearing was opened. There being no comments from the public, the public hearing was closed. Motion was offered by Mr. Bain, seconded by Mr. Bowerman, to adopt the following Ordinance to amend and reenact Chapter 12, Motor Vehicles and Traffic: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REENACT CHAPTER 12, MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC OF THE CODE OF ALBEMARLE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, that Article V, Chapter 12 of the Code of Albemarle, is hereby amended and reenacted in certain sections as follows: August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 31) Sec. 12-21.1. Violations: 1.2 5 The penalty for violation of this Chapter of the Code of Albemarle shall be found in Sec. 1-6. A violation of this Chapter may not be discharged by payment of a fine except upon presentation of satisfactory evidence that the required license has been obtained. r Sec. 12-29. License not to be on all vehicles a No motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer taxable under the provisions of this article shall be licensed unless and until the applicant for such license shall have produced satisfactory evidence that all personal property taxes on the motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer to be licensed which have been assessed or are assessable against such applicant have been paid, and satisfactory evidence that any other delinquent mobile home, motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer personal property taxes owing by the applicant and which have been properly assessed or are assessable against the applicant have been paid. FURTHER ORDAINED that in all other respects Chapter 12, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, of the Code of Albemarle remains the same; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the amendments shall be effective immediately upon approval by the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia. Roll was called and the foregoing motion carried by the following record- ed vote: AYES: Mr. Bain, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Mr. Bowie. Agenda Item No. 15a. Discussion: Alternative Day Care Proposal. (Mr. Bowerman left the meeting at 4:43 P.M.) Mr. Way said Board members are aware that the JTPA grant for a child care program has been denied. At the meeting when the School Board asked this Board to endorse the grant application, he made an alternate proposal for day care for high school students. He feels that day care is an important issue that needs to be addressed and if this Board does not do anything today, school will be in session and the issue will not be addressed again until next year. He pro- poses that a $20,000 scholarship fund be established for the purpose of assisting high school students with a child to find day care while those students are in school. He recommends that the fund be administered by the United Way Child Care Scholarship•Program. He has been unsuccessful in getting in touch with someone from that Program. He has spoken with Mr. Charles McCallum, Executive Director of United Way, who indicated that he saw no problem with United Way administering the program. (Mr. Bowerman returned to the meeting at 4:45 P.M.) Whatever criteria is established by the United Way Child Care Scholarship Program would apply to students applying to the Program, but, in addition, he felt the following criteria should be a part of r_ any program: - 1. Any full time student at Albemarle High School, Murray High School or Western Albemarle High School would be eligible to participate in the program; 2. The financial situation of the teen mother and her family, as well as the father and his family (where applicable), would be considered before awarding a scholarship; 3. The program would be evaluated each year under the normal budget process conducted by staff; 4. Program to be limited to 180 days of child care. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 32) sons: 126 Mr. Way said he thinks this is a viable program for the following rea- 1. The teen mother will have some choice where child will receive day care; 2. The teen mother will not be forced to take courses in "parenting skills" or "day care provider skills" in order to participate in the program; 3. The $20,000 initial grant can be increased by direct contributions from citizens who wish to do so; and 4. The County can apply to the Private Industry Council in future years for a grant to supplement this program. Mr. Way suggested that if the Board members are interested in pursuing this program, that it direct staff to meet with a representative from the United Way Scholarship Program and set up the details for the program and then come back to the Board for an appropriation of the funds. If the program is approved in concept so that United Way can begin, knowing that the Board will appropriate up to $20,000, that should relieve the minds of some of the students who are in this situation when school opens. Mr. Bowerman asked if Mr. Way had considered having the program admini- stered by the County Social Services Department. Mr. Way replied "yes" and that might be a better agency to run the program. The reason he chose United Way was because he knew it had a program and criteria in existence and would not need to add additional people to run the program. If the Board or staff feels that Social Services would be a better agency to run the program, he has no problem with that. Mr. Bain said he also would like to have Social Ser- vices considered. He then asked where the funds would come from. Mr. Agnor said the $20,000 would come from the General Fund Balance. Mrs. Humphris said she is glad Mr. Way made this proposal. She then asked if the 180 day limit is per year. Mr. Way replied "yes". The purpose is to provide child care during the school year. Mr. Way said most of the aspects of the program can be put together fairly quickly. He also thinks there should be as much flexibility as possi- ble based on the financial need of that individual. Mr. Bowerman agreed with Mr. Way. Motion was then offered by Mr. Way to request the staff to look into the possibility of providing child care for high school students using the general guidelines he outlined above and report back to the Board at the September 5 meeting. In supporting this program, unless the staff determines the proposal is not feasible, the Board will appropriate $20,000 from the Fund Balance at that time to fund the program. Mrs. Humphris seconded the motion. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Mr. Bain, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Mr. Bowie. Agenda Item No. 16e. Presentation: Beneplus Plan Amendment. (Mr. St. John left the meeting at 4:58 P.M.) Mr. Bob Brandenburger, Benefits/Safety Coordinator, Personnel Department, said the BENEPLUS Program is used to allow employees to pay certain expenses such as medical insurance and expenses, dental insurance and dependent care by setting aside dollars in a pre-tax type account. These dollars are not subject to social security, federal or state taxes. This program has been in effect in the County for three years and has been successful. He then presented the following memo- randum dated August 2, 1990: "Enclosed is the amended BENEPLUS plan document that requires Board approval. The changes in the plan are required to insure compliance with recent changes in Internal Revenue Service regulations that apply to plan years that begin after January 1, 1990. The enclosed plan is amended to reflect the following changes: August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 33). 127 1. Reducing the enrollment paperwork by using a 'negative election' for payment of health insurance premiums. Health insurance premiums will be paid on a pre-tax basis unless an employee specifically elects otherwise when enrolling in the health or dental program. This election will remain in effect for all further plan years unless rescinded by an employee during subse- quent changes in enrollment in the health plan. This procedure does not apply to the health and dependent care reimbursement accounts. (Mr. St. John returned to the meeting at 5:01 P.M.) 2. Only Albemarle County medical/dental insurance premiums can be paid pre-tax. Other spouse or dependent insurance obtained through another employer cannot be paid on a pre-tax basis. Also, other health insurance such as cancer, disability, inten- sive care or accident insurance can no longer be paid on a pre-tax basis. 3. Claims against a health or dependent care reimbursement account will continue to be paid when an employee provides proof of payment, but a statement of the charges incurred will be required from a third party provider. 4. Part-time permanent employees working less than 20 hours per week will not be eligible to participate. This conforms to the benefit eligibility policies adopted by the Boards this past November. 5. Terminating employees who do not elect to continue participation through federal COBRA rights will no longer be allowed to submit claims for expenses incurred during the plan year butaftertheir date of termination. 6. The most significant IRS change is the requirement for employers to assume a 'risk of loss' for the health reimbursement account (HRA). Under past regulations the employer was not at risk because the maximum monthly reimbursement to an employee was limited to the amount of money in the employee's account at the time the claim was processed. New IRS regulations require each HRA must provide that the maximum amount of health care reim- bursements elected by each HRA participant during the plan year must be available to the participant throughout the entire plan year, subject to reduction for any prior claims paid. The amount of available reimbursement cannot be based on the total premiums paid by a participant at the time the claim is made, nor can the participant's payment schedule be accelerated simply because he has withdrawn reimbursements in excess of the balance in the HRA. (Note: These risk -shifting, uniform coverage rules do not apply to flexible spending accounts that reimburse employees for dependent care expenses.) To understand the potential problems created by this 'employer -at - risk' rule, consider its application where an employee elects to establish a health reimbursement account for $4000 and then immedi- ately incurs $4000 in expenses. To comply with this new rule, the county must reimburse the employee for the full $4000 in expenses, even though the employee will only be required to make salary reduc- tion contributions over the course of the entire plan year. The County, in the example described above, is at risk only for the interest expense of reimbursing employees early in the year, provided that the employer's $4000 contribution will be repaid through the salary -reduction contributions made by the employee during the balance of the year. This so-called 'negative HRA balance' situation is exacerbated if the employee terminates without paying the balance of the salary reduction 'premiums' that are due for the rest of the plan year. It is unlikely that the County could force only employees who have negative account balances to repay excess reimbursements without violating the 'risk of loss' requirement in the proposed regulations. The proposed regulations also prohibit employers from: basing emplo- yee's payment schedule on the amount of claims incurred. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 34) To limit potentially large losses resulting from such HRA election changes, I recommend the BENEPLUS plan be amended by: 1. Placing a dollar cap on the health reimbursement accounts at $4000, 2. retaining all forfeitures in the plan to offset any losses incurred. The current plan retains forfeitures in a pooled ^^ account that is liquidated by giving each participant an equal share of $10.00 or more, and 3. using FICA savings to offset any losses. While the BENEPLUS plan could be amended to delete the health reim- bursement account option, I do not recommend this course of action. The County's risk of loss is relatively low because: Of the 718 people participating in BENEPLUS, only 276 (38%) participate in the health reimbursement account (HRA). 128 The average annual contribution to the HRA is $737.70. It ranges from a low of $36.00 to a high of $3696.00. Only six people elected contributions above $3,000.00. The distribution of current participation is as follows: Annual Contribution (at risk) $1-$500 $501-$1000 $1001-$1500 $1501-$2000 $2001-$2500 $2501-$3000 $3001-$3500 I� $3501-$4000 $4000+ No. of Participants Cumulative No. 150 150 56 55 205 74 30 235 85 18 253 92 12 265 96 5 270 98 1 271 98 5 76 100 0 276 100 The risk only occurs if a participant terminates before the end of the plan year (September 30th) and has received reimbursements in excess of his contributions. A review of our terminations for the past year indicates few HRA participants terminated before the end of the school year. Month of Termination No. of HRA Participants October 1 November 1 December 1 January 0 February i March 0 April 1 May 1 June 18 July 0 The County will save approximately $83,046 in FICA expenses for this year's BENEPLUS plan. This savings will increase next year when all employee health insurance premiums are paid pre-tax. In conclusion, pre-tax savings on medical expenses for an employee can be a significant benefit as few people ever reach the exclusion to qualify for itemized health deductions on their federal and state income taxes. Weighing this against the low risk of loss, I recommend the health reimbursement account be retained with a $4000 cap on contributions." Mr. Bain asked if the Board should allocate some of the funds for the potential "risk of loss". Mr. Agnor suggested waiting and if a problem occurs, then take action. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 2 9 (Page 35) Mr. Bain asked if any of these changes have been explained to the employ- ees. Mr. Brandenburger replied "no". Within the next two weeks, Personnel will begin sending information out to the employees. Mr. Agnor said the staff recommends continuance of the Beneplus Plan with the revisions proposed. Motion was offered by Mrs. Humphris, seconded by Mr. Way, to continue the Beneplus Plan with the revisions as outlined in Mr. Brandenburger's memorandum of August 2, by readopting the following plan effective September 1, 1990. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Mr. Bain, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Mr. Bowie. COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE FLEXIBLE HEALTH BF.HRFITS PLAN (BENEPLUS) Effective July 1, 1987 Amended July 1, 1989 Amended September 1, 1990 WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States has enacted legis- lation in the form of Sections 105, 106, 125, and 129 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which it designed to encourage employers to offer to their employees health benefits and accident (and disability)' insurance coverage, including health benefit reimbursements provided through flexible employee benefit plans, operated on a nondiscrimina- tory basis; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors ("employer") has determined that it is in the best interest of employees of the County of Albemarle to adopt a flexible employee welfare benefit plan which will better enable eligible employees to provide for health and accident insurance, other medical and dental benefits, and dependent care benefits in a flexible and cost effective fashion; NOW, THEREFORE, in order to accomplish these purposes, the Board of Supervisors has adopted the County of Albemarle Flexible Health Benefits Plan ("Plan") as hereinafter stated, to be effective as of July 1, 1987, as amended. It is intended that this Plan meet all of the requirements of Sections 105, 106, 125, and 129 of the Code, governing the tax treat- ment of eligible employees of health and accident insurance, other medical and dental benefits, and dependent care benefits, and the Plan shall be interpreted, wherever possible, to comply with such terms of the Code. CONTENTS Page Section 1. Purpose ............................................... 2 Section 2. Effective Date and Plan Year .......................... 2 Section 3. Definitions ........................................... 2 Section 4. Eligibility and Participation ......................... 5 Section 5. Benefits .............................................. 5 4 Section 6. Limitation ............................................ 7 f I Section 7. Elections by Eligible Employees ....................... 7 Section 8. Continuation of Health Benefits Following Termination of Employment or Coverage ................. 9 Section 9. Claim Procedures ...................................... 12 Section 10. Review Procedure for Claims Denied by Plan Administrator ................................. 14 Section 11. Plan Administrator .................................... 15 Section 12. Plan Contributions .................................... 15 Section 13. Amendment or Termination .............................. 15 Section 14. Miscellaneous ......................................... 16 Section 15. Entire Agreement ...................................... 17 August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 3 O (Page 36) Section 1 The purpose of this Plan is to permit Eligible Employees of the Employer to choose among the Benefits provided by the Employer under this Plan in such a fashion as best suits their individual circum- stances, and further to encourage and help provide for expanded, but cost-effective medical and dental benefits and other health coverage for each Eligible Employee and for his spouse and Dependents, and _ dependent care coverage for each Eligible Employee. It is the intent of the Employer that this Plan qualify as a "cafeteria plan" within the meaning of Section 125 of the Code, and to the maximum extent possible, that any Benefits paid under the Plan be eligible for exclusion from gross income under Sections 105, 106 and 129 of the Code. The Employer presently provides, and will continue to provide, a variety of other employee benefits to some or all of its employees on a non -elective basis. The Benefits provided under this Plan shall be in addition to and not in lieu of such other benefits, and such other benefits shall not constitute a part of this Plan. Section 2 EFFECTIVE DATE AND PLAN YEAR The effective date of this Plan, as amended, shall be Septem- ber 30, 1990. The Plan shall be kept on the basis of a fiscal Plan Year beginning September 1st and ending on each subsequent September 29th. Section 3 3.01 Benefits. "Benefits" means the health and accident bene- fits available under this Plan that are described in Section 5. 3.02 Code. "Code" means the lnternal Revenue Code of 1986, as now in effect or as it may be amended hereafter, and includes any regulations or rulings issued thereunder. 3.03 Dependent. The "Dependents" of a Participant for each Plan Year shall include his spouse and any of the following individuals who depend on the Participant for more than one-half (1/2) of their support during the Plan Year: (a) his son or daughter, a descendent of either, or stepson or stepdaughter; (b) his father or mother, an ancestor, brother or sister of elther, or stepfather or stepmother; (c) his brother or sister, a son or daughter of either, or stepbrother or stepsister; (d) his son-in-law, daughter-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in- law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law; or (e) any other individual whose principal residence is with the Participant and who is a member of the Participant's household during such Plan Year. 3.04 Dependent Care Recipient. A "Dependent Recipient" quali- fied to receive Benefits under Section 5 of the Plan is any Dependent who is either: (a) a son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter ("child") of a Participant who is under the age of thirteen (13); (b) any Dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of taking care of himself and who regularly spends at least eight (8) hours a day in the Participant's home; August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 3 3- (Page 37) (c) any other Dependent who is under the age of thirteen (13) and whose gross income for each of the calendar years covered by such Plan Year is less than $2000. 3.05 Educational Institution. "Educational lnstitution" means any educational institution which normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly carried on. 3.06 Eligible Employees. An "Eligible Employee" is any Full- time or Part-time employee who is eligible to participate in the Plan under section 4.01. 3.07 Eligible Health FSA Expenses. "Eligible Health FSA Expen- ses" means any medical, dental, or other health care expenses deduct- ible under Section 213 of the Code that are incurred by a Participant or by the Participant's spouse or Dependents, that are not otherwise reimbursed under the Insurance Policies maintained by the Employer or under any other health plan coverage, and that are described in requests for reimbursement under the Health FSA provided under the Plan that comply with the Claims Procedures described in Section 9 hereof. Notwithstanding the above, "Eligible Health FSA Expenses" do not include reimbursements for any Participant's premium payments for other health plan coverage, such as premiums paid for health coverage under a plan maintained by an employer of the Participant's spouse or Dependents. 3.08 Eligible Dependent Care Expenses. "Eligible Dependent Care Expenses" means all expenses for Qualifying Dependents Care Services incurred by a Participant or by his or her Spouse which are paid to a Qualified Caregiver of a Qualified Dependent Care Center. 3.09 Employer. "Employer" means County of Albemarle, or any other agency that is affiliated with the Employer within the means of the controlled group rules of Sections 414(b), (c), or (m) of the Code that has adopted this Plan (or an amended version of this Plan) after obtaining formal approval for such adoption from the Board of Supervi- sors. 3.10.a Full-time Employees. "Full-time Employees" are employees (other than leased employees within the meaning of Section 414(n) of the Code) who customarily work at least forty (40) hours per week for the Employer or as otherwise designated by policies governing employ- ment status. 3.10.b Part-time Employees. "Part-time Employees" are employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week and are not classified as full-time employees. 3.11 Health Benefits. "Health Benefits" means the medical and dental Benefits described in Sections 5.01 and 5.02(a) of the Plan and the Health FSA benefit described in Section 5.02(c). 3.12 Health FSA Account. "Health FSA Account" means the Flexi- ble Spending Account ("FSA") of the Plan under which Eligible Health FSA Expenses are paid. 3.13 Insurance Policies. The "Insurance Policies" shall mean the agreements between the Employer and various insurance companies licensed to provide health insurance coverage in the State of Virgin- ia, under which such insurance companies are required to provide insurance coverage to support, in whole or in part, as agreed by the Employer, the medical, dental and other insurable Health Benefits described in schedule A attached to the Plan. 3.14 Participant. A "Participant" is any Eligible Employee who is a Participant in the Plan under Section 4.02, or any individual who is receiving coverage under either the Insurance Policies, the FAS Account of this Plan, or in accordance with the Continuation of Health Benefits rules of Section 8. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 38) 3-32 3.15 Plan. The "Plan" is the County of Albemarle Flexible Benefit Plan (Beneplus) as it exists and may be amended from time to time. 3.16 Plan Contributions. "Plan Contributions" are the amounts paid by Participants during the Plan Year.for benefits described in Section 5, by reducing salary to pay for additional noncash Benefits. Such Plan Contributions may be made on a "pre-tax basis," in which case the Plan Contributions are not included in the Participant's taxable income for such Plan Year, or on an "after-tax basis," in which case the Plan Contributions are included in the Participant's taxable,incoine for such Plan Year. 3.17 Plan Year. "Plan Year" means the twelve month period commencing on September 30th and ending on September 29th. 3.18 Qualified Caregiver. A "Qualified Caregiver" is a person performing Qualifying Dependent Care Services who is not: (a) a Dependent; (b) a Spouse; or (c) a child of the Participant who has not attained the age of nineteen (19) as of the close of the Plan Year in which the Qualifying Dependent Care Services were provided. 3.19 Qualified Dependent Care Center. A "Qualified Dependent Care Center" is a licensed dependent care center that provides depen- dent care for more than six individuals, and operates in compliance with all applicable laws of both the state and town, city or village in which it is located. 3.20 Qualifying Dependent Care Services. "Qualifying Dependent Care Services" means services which are performed to enable a Partici- pant or his Spouse to remain gainfully employed, which are related to the care of one or more Dependent Care Recipients (including household services related to such care), and which are performed either within or outside the home of the Participant. Such Qualifying Dependent Care Services must be performed during the Plan Year and after the Participant has filed an election to receive Benefits under the procedures described in Section 7. Section 4 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION 4.01 Eligibility. All Full-time and Part-time (as defined in 3.10) Employees of the Employer shall be eligible to participate in this Plan. 4.02 Participation. Each employee who is eligible to partici- pate in the Plan under Section 4.01 shall become a Participant in this Plan on the later of the effective date of this Plan or on the first day of the calendar month following thirty (30) days of continuous employment with the Employer as an Eligible Employee. A Participant who terminates or is discharged from employment with the Employer shall cease to be a Participant in the Plan on the effective date of such termination, or discharge, or reduction in hours to less than twenty (20) hours per week. Notwithstanding the above, an individual who has ceased to be an Eligible Employee can continue to be a Partic- ipant in the Plan, if and to the extent such an individual elects Continuation of Health Benefits under the rules in Section 8. Section 5 BENEFITS 5.01 Pre -Tax Contributions for Employee Share of Insurance Policy Premiums or Other Health Plan Costs. From the effective date of the Plan and for so long as this Plan is continued, the Employer August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 3 3 (Page 39) shall provide to each Participant for each Plan Year a cafeteria benefit to perm'r Employees to pay their share of Insurance Policy premiums or other health plan costs (out of pre-tax dollars) by reducing their salaries in the total amount shown on Schedule A. Each Participant may elect to receive all or part of this Health Benefit as a Cash Benefit, by indicating on the health plan enrollment form. 5.02 Additional Salary Reduction Benefits. From the effective date of the Plan and for so long as this Plan is continued, every Participant in the Plan shall be eligible to elect to reduce his salary and receive instead, some or all of the following Benefits by filing an election to receive such Benefits under the Procedures described in Section 7 and 8: (a) Health FSA Benefits. Reimbursements under the Plan are available for all Eligible Health FSA Expenses incurred by a Partici- pant or his spouse or Dependents for health care provided or other medical expenses incurred during the Plan Year and after the date on which the Participant has filed (or is deemed to have filed) an election to receive such benefits under the procedures described in Sections 7 and 8. The maximum Plan Contribution during any Plan Year by a Participant may not exceed the maximum amount of Benefits de- scribed in section 5.05, except to the extent that contributions equal to 102 percent of plan costs are required under Section 8. The maximum reimbursement under the Health FSA available at any time during the period of coverage of any Participant during any Plan Year equals the maximum Health FSA Benefits elected for such period of coverage, reduced by all prior reimbursements for Eligible Health FSA Expenses paid for the same period of coverage. If any Participant ceases to make required contributions to the Health FSA, no Benefits shall be paid hereunder for any health expenses incurred after the end of that portion of the period of coverage which corresponds to the portion of total scheduled Plan Contributions to the Health FSA for such period of coverage that were paid by the participant prior to his or her cessation of contributions. If Health FSA Benefits cease to be provided after such a cessation of required contributions, the Partic- ipant may not make an election to rejoin the Plan for the remaining portion of the Plan Year. 5.03 Maximum Health FSA Benefits. The Maximum Health FSA Expenses payable to any Participant during any Plan Year is $4000. 5.04 Maximum Dependent Care FSA Benefits. A Participant who is married at the close of a Plan Year may not receive Benefits for Eligible Expenses incurred by him for the Plan Year in excess of the least of: (a) $5000 (or $2500 in the case of a married Participant filing a separate federal income tax return from his spouse); (b) his Earned lncome for such Plan Year; or (c) the Earned Income of his spouse for such Plan Year. A Participant who is not married at the close of the Plan Year may not receive Benefits for Eligible Expenses incurred by him in the Plan Year in excess of the lesser of $5000 or his Earned Income for the Plan Year. Notwithstanding the above, the maximum Benefits paid under ,.. this Plan must be reduced by the amount of any tax-exempt dependent care assistance benefits received by the Participant or his spouse i from any other employer during the Plan Year. 5.05 Nondiscriminatory Benefits. The plan is intended not to discriminate in favor of highly compensated individuals as to eligi- bility to participate, contributions and/or Benefits, and to comply in this respect with the requirements of the Code. If, in the judgement of the Plan Administrator, the operation of the Plan in any Plan Year would result in such discrimination, then such Plan Administrator shall select and exclude from coverage under the Plan, such Partici- pants and/or reduce such Plan Contributions and/or Benefits under the Plan, all as shall be necessary to assure that, in the judgement of the Plan Administrator, the Plan does not discriminate. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 40) Section 6 LIU i0 U Wn 1 3 4 6.01 Maximum Overall Contributions. No Participant who is an Eligible Employee shall be entitled to forego or reduce cash compen- sation by more than the aggregate maximum amount of Benefits specified in Section 5. Individuals participating under the Continuation of Health Benefit Rules of Section 8 shall not be required to make Plan Contributions in excess of the amounts specified in such Section. 6.02 Forfeiture of Unused Benefits. A Participant shall receive no reimbursement for Benefits elected, but unused, during a Plan Year for any reason. Section 7 ELECTIONS BY ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES 7.01 Effective Date of Elections. For any Plan Year, a Partici- pant who is an Eligible Employee may affirmatively elect to receive any of the Benefits listed in Section 5 by filing an election form, which may be obtained from the Employer, and which shall specify the type and exact amount of each of such Benefits, and the corresponding amount of Plan Contributions to be paid by the Participant for such Benefits during the period covered by the election. The initial election filed by any Participant who is an Eligible Employee shall become effective on the first day of the monthly pay period which commences after such election form is submitted, properly signed and dated, by the Participant to the Employer and accepted on behalf of the Employer. Any subsequent election filed by such a Participant shall become effective on the first day of the subsequent Plan Year for which such election is made. If any Eligible Employee fails to file an election form by the end of the thirty (30) day period after he first becomes an Eligible Participant, he shall be deemed to have elected to receive all cash Benefits under this Plan. 7.02.a Duration of Elections for Health Insurance Premiums. Once effective, any such affirmative or deemed election described in Section 7.01 shall remain in effect until the end of the Plan Year for which it was made, and throughout all subsequent Plan Years, unless a change is made pursuant to Sections 7.03 through 7.06 below. 7.02.b Duration of Elections for Health and Dependent Care FSA's. Elections expire at the end of each Plan Year. 7.03 New Elections for Subsequent Plan Years. A Participant may change his election for any Plan Year subsequent to the Plan Year in which such a change is made, by filing a new election form by the first day of the Plan Year for which he wants such revised election to be effective. 7.04 Revocation of Election on Termination of Service or Switch to Part-time (less than [twenty] 20 hours per week) Employment. The election of any Participant who terminates or is discharged from Employment with the Employer or who becomes Part-time with less than twenty (20) hours per week will be automatically terminated, effective as of the effective date of such termination, resignation, or reduc- tion in hours. Such a terminated election may be reinstated, however, solely to the extent that a Participant elects to continue to receive the Health Benefits covered by such an election under the Continuation of Health Benefits Rules in Section 8. Except as provided in Section 8, no Benefits will be paid for any expenses incurred for services provided after the effective date of any revocation of a Participant's election. Any Plan Contributions made for the portion of the Plan Year extending beyond such election revocation date will be refunded to the Participant. If the Participant becomes an Eligible Employee again within the same Plan Year, the Participant may not make a new election for the remainder of such Plan Year with respect to any Benefits that were terminated as of the effective date of such termi- nation, discharge, or reduction in hours. August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 41) 3-35 7.05 Midyear Changes in Health Benefit Elections on Account of Cost or Coverage Changes. If the cost of any Health Benefits des- cribed in Schedule A increases or decreases during the Plan Year, corresponding changes consistent with such increase or decrease will automatically be made in Plan Contributions for such Health Benefits scheduled to be made by affected Participants. If any such cost increase raises a Participant's Plan Contributions for such Health Benefit by more than twenty-five (25) percent, or if any health — coverage under any policy described in Schedule A is significantly curtailed or ceases during the Plan Year, the affected Participants may elect to cease participation under such Health Insurance Policy or plan, and in lieu thereof to receive on a prospective basis coverage under a similar health Insurance Policy or Plan provided by the Employer. Amendments in outstanding Health Benefit elections, includ- ing elections under the Health FSA, may also be made during the Plan Year whenever there has been a significant change in the health coverage of the Participant, or his or her spouse attributable to the spouse's employment, provided that such election changes are consis- tent with the change in health coverage. Notwithstanding the above, this section 7.05 does not permit a Participant's election to be changed to reduce Plan Contributions to the Health FSA and the corre- sponding Benefits reimbursing Eligible Health FSA Expenses, unless the Participant's Plan Contributions to the Health FSA made during the part of the Plan Year preceding such election change either equal or exceed the Benefit reimbursements for Eligible Health FSA Expenses during the portion of the Plan Year preceding such election change. 7.06 Mid -Year Changes in Health and Dependent Care FSA Elections on Account of Life Events. A Participant may change his election for the remainder of any Plan year for which an election has been made or deemed made only if such change in his election is on account of, and consistent with, a Life Event. A "Life Event" shall be an event in the life of the Participant which, as determined in the discretion of the Plan Administrator, increases or decreases the number of Depen- dents qualifying for Benefits under this Plan, including, without limitation, marriage or divorce of the Participant, death of a spouse or other Dependent, birth or adoption of a Dependent, termination or commencement of a spouse's employment, a switching from full-time to part-time employment status by the Participant's spouse, and the taking of an unpaid leave of absence by the Participant or his or her spouse. In the event that Plan Contributions and the corresponding Plan Benefits for the balance of the Plan Year are terminated as the result of such a change in an election, any Plan Contribution made for the portion of the Plan Year extending beyond such election revocation date will be refunded to the Participant. 7.07 Effect of Change in FSA Account Election on Maximum Health FSA Benefits. Any change in an election affecting annual Plan Contri- butions to the Health FSA pursuant to Section 7.06 also will change the Maximum Health FSA Benefits for the period of coverage remaining in the Plan Year. Such Maximum Health FSA Benefits for the period of coverage following an election change shall be calculated by adding the balance remaining in the Participant's FSA as of the end of the portion of the Plan Year immediately preceding the change in election, to the total Plan Contributions scheduled to be made by the Partici- pant during the remainder of the Plan Year. Section 8 OF HEALTH BENEFITS FOLL0WING f OF EMPLOYMENT OR COVERAGE 8.01 Availability of Continued Health Benefits. The Health Benefits under the Plan will be available to all persons whose Health Benefits would otherwise terminate due to a qualifying event described in Sections 8.04 or 8.05, and who qualify under the terms of Title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended and subsequent regulations and amendments. Anyone eligible to elect to continue coverage under this Section 8 shall be referred to herein as a "Qualifying Beneficiary." August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 42) 3-36 8.02 Continuation of Health Benefits By Payment from Final Paycheck. Any Participant who is terminated or discharged from employment with the Employer or who switches to part-time (less than [twenty] 20 hours per week) employment status may elect to receive all or some of the Health Benefits covered by his Plan election in effect at the time of such termination or reduction in hours, by paying the Plan Contribution due for such Health Benefits for the balance of the Plan Year out of the Participant's final paycheck (in the case of a termination of service) or last paycheck for the pay period prior to the reduction in hours. If such paycheck is not sufficient to cover the full amount of such Plan contribution due for the balance of the Plan Year, the Participant must pay any balance due to the Employer, by making an additional after-tax Plan Contribution within ten (10) days after termination of employment or reduction in hours. 8.03 Purchase of Health Benefits at 102 Percent of Cost. A Qualified Beneficiary whose Plan Benefits have been terminated for any of the qualifying event enumerated in Sections 8.04 or 8.05 has the right to continue in the Plan for all health benefits which under the Plan the Qualified Beneficiary was entitled to receive on the day immediately preceding the date of the qualifying event. The time period for which the continuation coverage is available is indicated below in conjunction with the corresponding qualifying event. One Hundred Two Percent (102%) of the full cost of providing such coverage shall be charged to any person continuing in the Plan. Notwith- standing the foregoing, in the case of an extension of the eighteen (18) month period described in Section 8.04 to twenty-nine (29) months pursuant to Section 8.06, One Hundred Fifty Percent (150%) shall be substituted for One Hundred Two Percent (102%) in the preceding sentence for any month after the eighteenth (18th) month of continuous coverage. This cost shall be determined at the beginning of each Plan Year and shall remain in effect for the remainder of such Plan Year. 8.04 Qualifying Events Triggering Eighteen (18) Months of Continuation Coverage. An eighteen (18) month continuation of Health Benefits shall be available to Qualified Beneficiaries who lose coverage due to one of the following qualifying events: (a) the termination of employment by a Participant who is an Eligible Employee for any reason except gross misconduct; (b) the loss of eligibility of a previously Eligible Employee to participate in the Plan due to reduced work hours. 8.05 Qualifying Events Triggering Thirty -Six (36) Months of Continuation Coverage. A thirty-six (36) month continuation of Health Benefits shall be available to Qualified Beneficiaries who lose coverage due to one of the following qualifying events: (a) death of a Participant who is an Eligible Employee; (b) divorce or legal separation from a Participant who is an Eligible Employee; (c) a covered Dependent child's loss of eligibility to partici- pate in the plan due to age or a change in student status; (d) a covered Dependent's loss of eligibility to participate in the Plan due to the Eligible Employee becoming entitled to Medicare. If a qualifying event listed in this Section 8.05 occurs within the eighteen (18) month period described in Section 8.03, the thirty- six (36) month continuation period shall be deemed to commence as of the date of the qualifying event in Section 8.04. Solely to the extent required by law, in the case of an event described in Section 8.05(d), the period of continuation coverage for covered Dependents for such event or any subsequent qualifying event shall not terminate before the end of the thirty-six (36) month period beginning on the date the Eligible Employee became entitled to Medicare. r_ August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 43) 137 8.06 Other Qualifying Event Rules. In the case of a Qualified Beneficiary who is determined to have been disabled (within the meaning of the Social Security Act) at the time of a qualifying event described in Section 8.04, any reference in Section 8.04 to eighteen (18) months with respect to such qualifying event is deemed to be a reference to twenty-nine (29) months, but only if the Qualified Beneficiary provides notice of such determination of disability to the Plan Administrator within sixty (60) days of such determination, but not later than the otherwise applicable eighteen (18) month period. Such Qualified Beneficiary must also notify the Plan Administrator of any final determination that he is no longer disabled, within thirty (30) days of such final determination. 8.07 Notification Rules. The Eligible Employee or Qualified Beneficiary is required to notify the Plan Administrator within sixty (60) days of a qualifying event described in Section 8.05(b) or W . If an Eligible Employee of Qualified Beneficiary fails to provide such notice, the Qualified Beneficiary shall lose his right to elect continuation of coverage under this Section 8. The Employer is required to notify the Plan Administrator within thirty (30) days of any other qualifying event. The Plan Administrator shall notify each Qualified Beneficiary of his right to continuation of coverage within fourteen (14) days of the notice made to the Plan Administrator of the qualifying event. The Eligible Employee or covered Dependent is also required to provide the Plan Administrator with all information needed to meet its obligation of providing notice and continuation of cover- age. 8.08 Termination of Continuation Coverage. Continuation of Health Benefits coverage under the Insurance Policies shall not be provided beyond whichever of the following dates is first to occur: it (a) the date the maximum continuation period expires for the. corresponding qualifying event; (b) the date of termination of the Health Benefit elected under the Plan, together with all other health benefits provided by the County that have been continued under continuation of Health Benefits rules; (c) the date the Eligible Employee or Qualified Beneficiary fails to pay the applicable Plan Contribution on time; (d) the date the Eligible Employee or Qualified Beneficiary becomes covered under any other group health plan (as an employee or otherwise) which does not contain any exclusion or limitation with respect to any pre-existing condition of such Beneficiary; (a) the date the Eligible Employee or Qualified Beneficiary becomes entitled to Medicare; or (f) in the case of an extension of coverage under Section 8.06 due to disability, the later of one of the foregoing events described in subparagraphs (a) through (c) or the month that begins more than thirty (30) days after a final determination that the Qualified Beneficiary is no longer disabled. 8.09 Nonpayment of Plan Contributions to Health FSA. If any Participant fails to pay on time any applicable Plan Contribution to the Health FSA, the Employer will reduce any reimbursement for Eligi- ble Health FSA Expense remaining to be paid to the Participant by the amount of any Plan Contributions due for the balance of the Plan Year, i as part of the Employer's efforts to collect any overdue unpaid Plan Contributions. Section 9 9.01 Health, Medical and Dental Benefits. Claims for medical, dental, or other Health Benefits under this Plan shall be made on 7 �I August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 44) 1 3.8 forms maintained and provided by the county. Each Participant elect- ing to receive medical, dental or other Health Benefits shall be entitled to claim reimbursement for medical, dental or other health expenses. Such claims shall be made by filing, on a form provided by the County, a request for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred and paid by the Participant in this plan. Such forms shall be filed together with such evidence of either payment of indebtedness to the third party as shall be required by the insurer in accordance with the Insurance Policy for medical or dental care or other Health Benefits received during the Plan Year. The Employer assumes no obligation to pay Benefits under the applicable Insurance Policy or any other policy or contract of insurance. Any review of any claim or denial of a claim shall be performed by the Insurer in accordance with the rules of the Insurance Policy. 9.02 Health FSA Benefits. Each Participant who desires to receive reimbursement under the Plan for Eligible Health FSA Expenses (up to the maximum amounts outlined below) shall submit to the Plan Administrator, at the times indicated in Section 9.04, a form or other supplementary requests for information provided by the Employer providing: (a) a written evidence of the amount of payment to the indepen- dent third party showing the amount of the medical expense that has been incurred; and (b) a written statement that the amount of such expense has not been reimbursed and is not reimbursable under any other health plan. As soon as is administratively feasible following the twentieth (20th) of each calendar month, the Plan Administrator shall review all the claims submitted by Participants during that month in accordance with the foregoing procedures, and shall pay Participant the Health FSA Benefits which each Participant is entitled to receive under the Plan, in accordance with Sections 5.01(a), 5.03 and 9.02. The maximum amount of such Health FSA Benefits available during the period of coverage, as calculated under the rules of Section 7.07, properly reduced by prior reimbursements for the same period of coverage. 9.03 Dependent Care FSA Benefits. Each Participant who desires to receive reimbursement under the Plan for Eligible Expenses incurred for Qualifying Dependent Care Services shall submit to the Plan Administrator, at the times indicated in Section 9.04, a form provided by the Employer, or responses to other supplementary factual requests. By submitting this form the Participant acknowledges: (a) the nature and dates of performance of the Qualifying Dependent Care Services for which the Participant wishes to be reim- bursed is permissible; (b) that the Participant will include on his or her Federal Income tax return the name, address, and (except in the case of a tax-exempt Qualified Dependent Care Center) the taxpayer identifi- cation number of the provider of the Qualifying Dependent Care Servic- es; (c) evidence of indebtedness or payment by the Participant to the third party who performed the Qualifying Dependent Care Services. As soon as is administratively feasible following the twentieth (20th) of each calendar month, the Plan Administrator shall review all the forms submitted by Participants during that month in accordance with the foregoing procedures, and shall pay each Participant the Benefits which each Participant is entitled to receive under the Plan, in accordance with Sections 5.01(a), 5.03, 5.05 and 9.02. 9.04 Claims Submission Deadlines. Claims submitted under Section 9.01 must be filed with the applicable Insurance Policy or other Insurance contract. Claims submitted under Sections 9.02 and 9.03 must be submitted to the Plan Administrator no later than by August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 3 9 (Page 45) thirty (30) days after the earlier of the end of the Plan Year or the end of the Participant's period of coverage, if the Participant has ceased to make Plan Contributions to the FSA's. Section 10 REVIEW PROCEDURE FOR CLAIMS DENIED BY PLAN 10.01 Notice of Claim Denial. if any claim for Benefits under this Plan submitted under Sections 9.02 and 9.03 is denied in whole or in part, the claimant shall be furnished promptly by the Plan Admini- strator a written notice setting forth the following information: (a) a specific reason or reasons for the denial; (b) specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions upon which thedenial is based; (c) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and (d) an explanation of the Plan's claimreview procedures, as set forth below in Sections 10.02 and 10.03. Failure by the Plan Administrator to respond to a claim for Benefits submitted under Sections 9.02 or 9.03 within thirty (30) days following the end of the calendar month in which such claim was submitted shall be deemed a denial. 10.02 Appeal Procedures. Within sixty (60) days after denial of any claim for Benefits under this Plan, the claimant may request in writing a review of the denial by the Plan Administrator. Any claim- ant seeking review hereunder is entitled to examine all pertinent documents, and to submit issues and comments in writing. 10.03 Response to Appeal. The Plan Administrator shall render a decision on review of a claim not later than sixty (60) days after receipt of a request for review under Section 10.02. Such decision shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the decision, referring to the Plan or Code provision upon which it is based. Such decision of the Plan Administrator shall be final and conclusive. Section 11 11.01 Plan Administrator. The "Plan Administrator" shall be the Director of Personnel or his/her designee. The Plan Administrator shall have authority and responsibility to take any reasonable actions necessary to control and manage the operation and administration of this Plan under rules applied on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis to all Participants. 11.02 Appeals Committee. The "Appeals Committee" shall be a committee of three (3) individuals appointed by the Plan Admini- strator, who shall have authority and responsibility to decide by .—. majority vote any appeals of claims denied pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 above. 11.03 Expenses. All reasonable expenses of the Plan Admini- strator and Appeals Committee shall be paid by the Employer and any expenses not paid by the Employer shall not be the responsibility of the committee members personally. Section 12 PLAN 12.01 Characterization of Employer and Employee Contributions. All Plan Contributions made on a pre-tax basis shall be designated and August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 4 O (Page 46) deemed to be Employer contributions. All Contributions made on an after-tax basis shall be designated and deemed to be Participant '! Contributions. l -!� 12.02 Trust. The Plan can provide that no separate trust will be established. Section 13 i AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION I. This Plan may be amended or terminated at any time by the Board of Supervisors provided, however, that any termination or amendment shall not effect the right of any Participant to claim Benefits for that portion of the Plan Year or coverage period prior to such termi- nation or amendment, to the extent such amounts are payable under the f terms of the Plan as in effect prior to the calendar month in which the Plan is terminated or amended. Any amendment or termination shall itake effect only as of the end of a pay period. Section 14 f MISCELLANEOUS 14.01 Right to Interpret the Plan. All final decisions in interpreting provisions of the Plan shall be the responsibility of the Plan Administrator and the Appeals Committee. 14.02 No Personal Liability. Nothing contained herein shall impose on any officers or directors of the Employer any personal liability for any Benefits due a Participant or Dependent pursuant to this Plan. 14.03 Additional Procrdures. Any rules, regulations, or pro- cedures that may be necessary for the proper administration or func- tioning of this Plan that are not covered in this Plan shall be promulgated and adopted by the Plan Administrator. 14.04 Agreement not an Employee Contract. This Plan shall not be deemed to constitute a contract between the Employer and any Participant or to be a consideration or an inducement for the employ- ment of any Participant. This Plan shall not be deemed to give any Participant or other employee the right to be retained in the service of the Employer or to interfere with the right of the Employer to discharge any Participant or other employee at any time regardless of the effect which such discharge shall have upon such a person as a Participant in this Plan. This Plan shall not be deemed to give the Employer the right to require any Participant or other employee to remain in the employment of the Employer or to restrict any such person's right to terminate his employment at any time. 14.05 Severability. I£ any provision of this Plan shall be held invalid for any reason, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of this Plan and this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal and invalid provisions had never been included. --- 14.06 Gender and Number. In the construction of this Plan, reference to any gender shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders, the plural shall include the singular and the singular the plural, wherever appropriate. 14.07 Construction. The terms of the Plan shall be construed under the laws of Virginia except to the extent such laws are pre- empted by the laws of any other state or by federal law. 14.08 Rights. Participants in the Plan are entitled to: (a) examine, without charge, at the Employer's office, all Plan documents; and n August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 4 1- (Page 47) (b) obtain copies of all Plan documents and other Plan infor- mation upon written request to the Employer. The Employer may make a reasonable charge for copies. i The Employer has a duty to operate the plan prudently and in the interest of Plan Participants and beneficiaries. No one, including the Employer, may discriminate against a Participant in any way to prevent a Participant from obtaining a Benefit or exercising his or her rights. If a Participant's claim for a Benefit is denied in whole or in part, he or she must be given a written explanation of the reason for the denial. A Participant has the right to have the Employer review and reconsider such claim. 14.09 Delegation. The County of Albemarle shall have the power to delegate specific duties and responsibilities to officers or other employees of the county of Albemarle or other individuals or entities. Any delegation by the County of Albemarle may allow further delega- tions by the individual or entity to whom the delegation is made. Any delegation may be rescinded by the County of Albemarle at any time. Each person or entity to whom a duty or responsibilty has been dele- gated shall be responsible for the exercise of such duty or respon- sibilty and shall not be responsible for any act or failure to act of any person or entity. Section 15 ENTIRE AGREEMENT This document (including the Schedules attached hereto) sets forth the entire Plan. Except as provided in this Plan, no other employee benefit plan which is, or may hereafter be, maintained by the Employer on a non -elective basis shall constitute a part of this Plan. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employer has caused this Plan to be executed this day of 1990, to be effective as of September 1, 1990. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS By: Title: Attest: Title: Schedule A MEDICAL AND DENTAL BENEFITS PROVIDED UNDER INSURANCE POLICIES Delta Dental of Virginia Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Virginia KeyCare I Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Virginia KeyCare III Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Virginia Comp Care 500 If a Participant elects to participate in any of these insurance programs or health plans, then the Employer shall reduce ,such Partici- pant's pay by the level portion of the annual amount of the premium cost for such benefits. The Employer shall remit such amount directly to the Insurer under an Insurance Policy for the health or medical care program in which the Participant, his spouse, and his other Dependents are enrolled. Mr. Bain asked when the employees would receive orientation on the changes in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan. Mr. Brandenburger said two general information sessions on medical changes will be held for employees. Blue Cross/Blue Shield representatives will also be at the sessions. Informa- tion on all of the proposed changes will be mailed to employees next week. The employees will have until September 10 to make any changes in health plan enrollments. �I August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) (Page 48) " r, VIA Not Docketed: Because of the lateness of the hour, Mr. Perkins asked where to proceed on the agenda next. Mr. Agnor said the Board needs to decide whether it wants to discuss any more matters. Mrs. Linda Wilson, Executive Director of JAUNT, is present. It is not required that JAUNT be discussed today, but the sonner this Board acts, the sooner the JAUNT Board can resolve the fare issue. Mr. Bain said he thinks the issue will require considerable discussion and he is,too weary for that type of decision -making. If some of the items on the agenda which have not been discussed need immediate action, he felt the Board could possibly meet next Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Way agreed with Mr. Bain. He thinks the Board has met long enough for one day. Mr. Bain asked if the remaining items could be carried over into September or if it was necessary for the Board to meet next week. Mr. Agnor replied the items could be carried over into September. He then went down the remaining list of items and suggested that the Board act on Item No. 17b and suggested that the Board authorize the staff to proceed on with soem of the temporary committee appointments. The Board then proceed with Item No. 17b. Agenda Item No. 17b. Appropriation: Department of Motor Vehicles grant for the purchase of alcohol sensors to be used by the Police Department. Mr. Agnor said the State Department of Motor Vehicles has offered a $1500 highway safety grant to the Police Department for the purchase of four alcohol sensors for use in patrol cars in the apprehension of drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. The grant requires a local fund investment of $240 which is budgeted in the current operating budget. Motion was offered by Mr. Bain, seconded by Mrs. Humphris, to approve the following appropriation for a highway safety grant to the Police Department for the purchase of four alcohol sensors for use in patrol cars: FISCAL YEAR: 1990-91 FUND: General PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: DMV Mini Grant for Purchase of t Equipment -17 EXPENDITURE COST CENTER/CATETORY DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 1100031010800101 Equipment Replacement $1,500.00 TOTAL $1,500.00 DMV Grant -Federal $1,500.00 TOTAL $1,500.00 Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Mr. Bain, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Mr. Bowie. Agenda Item No. 18a. Temporary Committee Appointments. Mr. Bain said he has no problem with authorizing staff to proceed with the appointments to the Private Road Ordinance Committee. Mr. Bowerman agreed and said the Board wanted to discuss the appointments for the Housing Commit- tee. Mr. Tucker handed out a letter from the League of Women Voters concern- ing the appointee on the Housing Committee and suggested the Board may want to consider the letter before making a decision. The other Board members agreed to authorize staff to proceed with the Private Road Ordinance Committee. Deferred until September 12, 1990, were: Agenda Item No. 16a. Discussion: Albemarle County Redistricting from 1990 Census. Agenda Item No. 16b. Resolution: re: Federal Budget. 7 WM N ti August 8, 1990 (Regular Day Meeting) 1 4 3 (Page 49) Agenda Item No. 16d. Private/Public Transit Alternatives. Agenda Item No. 16f. Discussion: JAUNT fares. Agenda Item No. 16g. Discussion: Cable Television. Agenda Item No. 17a. Appropriation: Chris Greene Lake/Mint Springs Lake, proposed swim area improvements. Agenda Item No. 18b. Appointments: Other. Agenda Item No. 19. Cancel August 15, 1990, Meeting. Motion was offered by Mrs. Humphris, seconded by Mr. Way, to cancel the regular meeting scheduled for August 15, 1990. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Mr. Bain, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Way. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Mr. Bowie. Agenda Item No. 20. Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from the Board. Mr. Agnor said Dr. Harold Buttery, State Health Commissioner, will be in Charlottesville in September and has invited members of the Board of Supervi- sors and City Council to meet with him on Thursday, September 27, from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. at the Health Department. He plans to discuss the Governor's proposals for budget changes and any other concerns that the local governing body may have concerning the operations of the Health Department. Mr. Tucker handed out crime statistics prepared by Police Chief John Miller for July 1988-89 through June 1989-90. Chief Miller released this information to the media today. The statistics show a decrease in the crime rate from last year. Also attached are statistics showing a five year compar- ison. For January to June, 1990, the crime rate continues to show a decrease. Mr. Bowerman asked if Chief Miller has an opinion on why the rate have de- creased. Mr. Tucker said Chief Miller thinks that input the County has from citizen groups reporting crimes has had some effect. Agenda Item No. 21. Adjourn. With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:26 P.M. CHAIRMAN