HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-12-06ooo O
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 1)
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County,
Virginia, was held on December 6, 1995, at 9:00 A.M., Room 241, County Office
Building, McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia.
PRESENT: Mr. David P. Bowerman, Mrs. Charlotte Y. Humphris, Mr.
Forrest R. Marshall, Jr., Mr. Charles S. Martin, Mr. Walter F. Perkins and
Mrs. Sally H. Thomas.
ABSENT: None.
OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Robert W. Tucker, Jr., County
Attorney, Larry W. Davis, and County Planner, V. Wayne Cilimberg.
Agenda Item No. 1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at
9:02 a.m. by the Chairman, Mr. Perkins.
Agenda Item No. 2. Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item No. 3. Moment of Silence.
Agenda Item No. 4. Certificates of Appreciation. Mr. Perkins read into
the record the names of those who are receiving certificates for work on
various boards and commissions:
Betty Newell JABA Advisory Council on Aging
Served from August 1, 1987, to June 1, 1995
Lawrence Cabot, Jr. - Jefferson Area Board on Aging
Served from September 1, 1993, to March 31, 1995
Josephine M. Blue Monticello Area Community Action Agency
Served from June 13, 1990, to September 6, 1995
Shirley B. Dorrier - Library Board
Served from September 9, 1987, to June 30, 1995
Cyndy Caughron - Library Board
Served from February 1, 1989, to June 30, 1995
Christine K. Baker - Library Board
Served from September 2, 1992, to June 30, 1995
John Stewart Darrell - Industrial Development Authority
Served from November 11, 1981, to January 19, 1995
Arthur H. Baker - Industrial Development Authority
Served from March 20, 1991, to June 30, 1995
Scott B. Peyton - Public Recreational Facilities Authority
Served from September 13, 1989, to December 13, 1995
Mr. Perkins also recognized a new employee in the Clerk's Office, Ms.
Christine Petersen.
Agenda Item No. 5. Other ~atters Not Listed on the Agenda from the
PUBLIC.
Mr. Cary Branch was present to request that the naming of the new high
school be revisited. He has been a resident of the County for 35 years. He
said this Board and the School Board have a great opportunity to honor a great
citizen of this area, Lawrence BrunL~n. He was disappointed when he appeared
before the School Board and no one there knew the name of Lawrence Brunton.
He has not been able to get anyone to give him the motivation behind naming
the school "Monticello High" other than there were too many people of equal
stature in the community to compete for the name. He does not believe many
could compete with Lawrence Brunton for contributions to the com~t~Y[ He
said there are other things in the community named "Monticello", but there is
only one Lawrence Brunton. He handed to the Board a listing of Mr. Brunton's
accomplishments, and said he intends to pursue with the School Board changing
the name of the new high school.
0002 .
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 2) .... ~i~,_~~
Mr. Martin said he would like to comment. Although he knows the School
Board can select whatever name they wish, he was frankly disappointed that did
not take a closer look at naming the school for someone. There are a lot of
people in the community who have contributed greatly over the years, and it
would be nice for one of those people to be recognized.
Mr. Marshall said Mr. Brunton is a member of his family, so he would not
be voting on the issue, but he also feels that the issue could be revisited.
Mr. Bowerman said he would not object if the School Board wanted to
revisit the naming of the school.
Mr. Perkins said this certainly is a decision of the School Board. This
Board might have some influence with the School Board, but very little.
Agenda Item No. 6. Consent Agenda. Motion was offered by Mrs.
Humphris, seconded by Mr. Martin, to approve Items 6.1 through 6.9 and to
accept all other items with the exception on 6.19 for information. Roll was
called, and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin and
Mr. Perkins.
None.
Agenda Item No. 6.la. Appropriations: Stormwater Fund - $897,856.83,
(Form #95034).
It was noted in the staff's report that the Virginia Code requires the
reappropriation of unexpended funds from a prior year for projects that are
uncompleted. The Stormwater Fund ended FY 1994-95 with uncompleted projects
totaling $897,856.83, which are itemized on the appropriation form. Staff
recommends approval of this request as detailed on Form #95034.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution of appro-
priation was adopted:
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEAR: 1995-96
NUMBER: 95034
FUND: STORMWATER
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: REAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FROM FY 94-95
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY
1910041000950093
1910041035312400
1910041035800975
1910041036312400
1910041036360000
1910041036800750
1910041036800975
DESCRIPTION
ENGINEERING DRAINAGE STUDY/PLAN
FOUR SEASONS PROF SERV ENG
FOUR SEASONS STORMWATER CONTROL
BIRNAM/WYNRIDGE PROF SERV ENG
BIRNAM/WYNRIDGE ADVERTISING
BIRNAM/WYNRIDGE PURCHASE OF LAND
BIRNAM/WYNRIDGE STORMWATER CONTROL
1910041039800975 ~LICKINGHOLE
1910041040800975
1910041041800975
1910041043800975
1910041049800975
1910041050800975
1910041053800975
1910041054800975
STORMWATER CONTROL
BERKELEY STORMWATER CONTROL
LYNCHBURG STORMWATER CONTROL
FOUR SEASONS STORMWATER CONTROL
WOODBROOK STORMWATER CONTROL
WINDHAM/JAPdVuAN STORMWATER CONTROL
PEYTON DRIVE STORMWATER CONTROL
RICKY ROAD STORMWATER CONTROL
TOTAL
AMOUNT
$136,188.15
12,164.54
75,085.70
1,546.45
300.00
3,000.00
85,100.00
207,800.41
685.98
17,500.00
20,000.00
60,000.00
82,075.60
156,515.00
39. 895.00
$897,856.83
REVENUE
2910051000510100
DESCRIPTION
FLrND BALANCE
TOTAL
$897,856.83
$897,856.83
0002 2
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 3)
Agenda Item No. 6.lb. Piedmont Regional Education Program - $14,975.90,
(Form #95036).
It was noted in the Staff's report that the Engineering Department and
Building Services were the project managers for the site work and set up of
the five mobile classroom units installed this past summer at the Burgess Lane
Project at CATEC for the Piedmont Regional Educational Program (PREP).
Funding for this project was provided through Fluvanna County which is the
fiscal agent. Engineering functioned as a general contractor by hiring and
coordinating the various subcontractors to complete this work. The vast
majority of the materials and supplies used by these subcontractors were
charged to store and vendor accounts of Building Services with the agreement
that PREP/Fluvanna would reimburse Building Services for these expenditures.
Two reimbursements have been received to date, made out to the County of
Albemarle and turned over to the County's Chief of Financial Management. They
were for $2,131.55 and $12,844.35, for a total reimbursement of $14,975.90.
Staff recommended approval of Appropriation Form #95036 in the amount of
$14,975.90 to the Department of Building Services Cost Center for reimburse-
ment of expenditures made on behalf of the Piedmont Regional Educational
Program.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution of appro-
priation was adopted:
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEAR: 1995-96
NUMBER: 95036
FUND: SCHOOL
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION:
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS RECEIVED FROM
FLUVANNA COUNTY REIMBURSING EXPENSES
INCURRED WITH SETUP OF BURGESS LANE
SCHOOL
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
1243362420600700 BUILDING SERVICES-MAINT SUPPLIES
TOTAL
AMOUNT
$14,975.90
$14,975.90
REVENUE
2200018000189900
DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
MISC REVENUES $14,975.90
TOTAL $14,975.90
Agenda Item No. 6.1c. Gypsy Moth FY 1995/96 Operating Budget - $24,121,
(Form #95039).
It was noted that the Gypsy Moth program was initiated in 1988 to
address the encroaching infestation of gypsy moths into the County. Funded by
Federal grant funds, local tax funds and fees from landowners have been a
full-time coordinator, one part-time aide, 12 part-time surveyors and the
operational cost of pest management. The current fee is $10 per acre of land
sprayed. The local share of $24,121 was approved in the 1995-96 budget.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution of appro-
priation was adopted:
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEA=R: 1995-96
NI3MBER: 95039
FUND: GYPSY MOTH
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: FY 1995-96 OPERATING BUDGET
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY
1123034010110000
1123034010130000
1123034010160900
1123034010210000
1123034010221000
1123034010231000
DESCRIPTION
SALARIES-REGULAR
SALARIES-PART-TIME
SALARY RESERVE-BONUS
FICA
VRS
HEALTH INS
AMOUNT
$29,500.00
11,400.00
1,157.00
2,900.00
2,600.00
1,800.00
!
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 4)
1123034010232000
1123034010241000
1123034010270000
1123034010360000
1123034010390000
1123034010520100
1123034010520300
1123034010550100
1123034010550110
1123034010550400
1123034010580100
1123034010600100
1123034010601400
1123034010601700
1123034010800100
1123034010800700
1123034010800701
1123034010800710
DENTAL INS
VRS LIFE INS
WORKERS' COMP INS
ADVERTISING
OTHER PURCHASED SERVICES
POSTAL SERVICES
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
TRAVEL-MILEAGE
TRAVEL-POOL CAR
TRAVEL-EDUCATION
DUES & MEMBERSHIPS
OFFICE SUPPLIES
OTHER OPERATING SUPPLIES
COPY SUPPLIES
MACHINERY & EQUIP
ADP EQUIPMENT
ADP EQUIP.-REPLACEMENT
ADP SOFTWARE
TOTAL
REVENIJE DESCRIPTION
2123016000160502 CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE
2123016000160526 PRIVATE PROPERTY SPRAYING
2123018000189913 MISC LOCAL REVENUE
2123024000240900 MISC INCOME-STATE
2123033000330001 GRANT REVENUE-FEDERAL
2123051000512004 TR3kNSFER FROM GEN'L FUAID
TOTAL
000 13
60.00
55 00
1,703 00
350 00
9,000 00
125 00
1,500 00
1,500.00
800.00
500.00
50 00
'350 00
2,500 00
100 00
100 00
3,000 00
1,071 00
250 00
$72,371.00
AMOUNT
$8,5OO.OO
18,000 00
100 00
650 00
21,000 00
24,121.00
$72,371 00
Agenda Item No. 6.1d. United Way Child Care Scholarship Program -
$304,768.46, (Form #95040).
It was noted in the staff's report that the United Way Child Care
Scholarship Program helps low and moderate income working families in the
Thomas Jefferson Planning District maintain employment through direct fee-
subsidies to pay for child care. The program promotes quality child care for
children, especially "at-risk" children, by allowing the parent to select a
licensed or certified provider. Scholarships are awarded based on a sliding
scale fee with parents paying a portion of the cost.
In an agreement signed in May, 1992 between the Albemarle Department of
Social Services (DSS), Charlottesville DSS, and Virginia DSS, the United Way
is administering a local pool of funds. The 1995-96 program will expend
$257,560 for scholarships, $39,390 for United Way administrative fees, and
$7818.46 for Albemarle County administrative fees, a total of $304,768.46.
The pool is funded by $151,505 in Federal funds, $68,400 in Charlottesville
funds, $38,800 in United Way funds, and $44,305 in Albemarle County funds, and
a Fund Balance of $1758.46.
(Mrs. Humphris asked if administrative costs are large because there is
a full-time person administering the program. Mr. Tucker said "yes". This is
not a new program, and the amount for administration has remained steady
throughout the program.)
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution of
appropriation was approved:
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEAR: 1995-96
NUMBER: 95040
FUND: GRANT
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: FY 1995-96 UNITED WAY PROGR3kM
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
1155053110390055 ADM FEE-ALBEMARLE COUNTY
1155053110390056 ADM FEE-UNITED WAY
1155053110567910 UNITED WAY DAY CARE PROGRAM
TOTAL
AMOUNT
$7,818.46
39,390.00
257,560.00
$304,768.46
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 5)
REVENUE
2155033501160502
2155033501160503
2155033501160525
2155033000330001
2155051000510100
DESCRIPTION
CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
UNITED WAY MATCHING FUNDS
FEDERAL PASS THRUFUNDS
FUND BALANCE
TOTAL
000 .4
AMOUNT
$68,400.00
44,305.00
38,800.00
151,505.00
1,758.46
$304,768.46
Agenda Item No. 6.1e. Housing Assistance Program - $9,292.90, (Form
#95041).
It was noted in the staff's report that the Section 8 Housing Program is
an on-going rental assistance program offered by the Federal Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Section 8-001 program provides
housing assistance with 178 subsidies and is funded through June 2002. The
Section 8-002 program provides 34 housing vouchers. The Section 8-003 program
provides housing assistance for 35 units. A fund balance of $9,292.90 exists
from prior year administrative start-up funds received from HUD and not
expended. The County's Housing Departments wishes to have the fund balance
reappropriated in order to complete the computerization of the Section 8
Rental Assistance program by purchasing software, a computer, and a printer.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution of
appropriation was adopted:
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEAR: 1995-96
NUMBER: 95041
FUND: GRANT
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: SECTION 8 HOUSING PROGP~AM
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
1122781900800710 DATA PROCESSING SOFTWARE
TOTAL
AMOUNT
$9,292.90
$9,292.90
RElrENUE
2122751000510100
DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
FUND BALANCE $9,292.90
TOTAL $9,292.90
Agenda Item No. 6.1f. Intake Crisis Manager - $32,905, (Form ~95042) .
It was noted in the staff's report that currently there are no services
in the Charlottesville/Albemarle community that deal with delinquent youths
after normal working hours other than emergency intake that results in
detention. This grant (No: 96-BS040JE95 was approved by the Virginia
Department of Criminal Justice Services for the period July 1, 1995, through
June 30, 1996, in the amount of $32,905) from the Department of Criminal
Justice Services funds a crisis intake manager to provide mediation, referral
and counseling services to delinquent youths needing immediate crisis
intervention in lieu of detention (this position has recently been filled).
The drop-in center case manager will be an Albemarle County employee and will
be located after hours in the Albemarle County Police Department. Supplies,
training, travel, and other expenses will be funded by the Juvenile and
Domestic Relations Court budget. The County is to act as Fiscal Agent.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution of
appropriation was adopted:
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEAR: 1995-96
NIIMBER: 95042
FL/ND: GRANT
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION: INTAKE CRISIS MANAGER
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 6)
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY
1152029407110000 SALARIES
1152029407210000 FICA
DESCRIPTION
TOTAL
REVENUE
2152033000330407
DESCRIPTION
DCJS-INTAKE CRISIS MANAGER
TOTAL
000215
P340UNT
$30,565.00
2,340.00
$32,905.00
AMOUNT
$32, 905.00
$32,905.00
Agenda Item No. 6.1g. B. Dan Dickerson Service Road - $21,989, (Form
#95044).
The Gypsy Moth program was initiated in 1988 to address the encroaching
infestation of gypsy moths into the County of Albemarle. A full-time
coordinator, one part-time aide, 12 part-time surveyors, and the operational
cost of pest management have been funded by Federal grant funds, local tax
funds, and fees from landowners. The current fee level is $10 per acre of
land sprayed.
The local share of $24,121 was approved in the 1995/96 Budget.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution of
appropriation was adopted:
APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FISCAL YEAR: 1995-96
NUMBER: 95044
FUND: CAPITAL
PURPOSE OF APPROPRIATION:
FI/NDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO
A T WILLIAMS/DICKERSON SERVICE
ROAD ON ROUTE 29 NORTH
EXPENDITURE
COST CENTER/CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
1901041000950030 SERVICE ROAD-WILLIAMS/DICKERSON
TOTAL
~40UNT
$21,989.00
$21,989.00
REVENUE
2901018000189908
DESCRIPTION
SERVICE ROAD-WILLIAMS/DICKERSON
TOTAL
AMOUNT
$21,989.00
$21,989.00
Agenda Item No. 6.2. Resolution to take Berkmar Drive North Extension
(Route 1403) and Hilton Heights Road (Route 1438) into the State Secondary
System of Highways; and to also guarantee to the Virginia Department of
Transportation, for a period of one year from the date of acceptance in the
Secondary System of Highways, Berkmar Drive North Extension and Hilton Heights
Road against defective materials and/or workmanship up to a maximum of
$14,250.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the streets in Berkmar Drive North Extension (RIP-
92-001), Route 1403, and Hilton Heights Road (SUB-12.225), Route
1438 described on the attached Additions Form SR-5(A) dated
December 6, 1995, fully incorporated herein by reference, are
shown on plats recorded in the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court
of Albemarle County, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department
of Transportation has advised the Board that the streets meet the
requirements established by the Subdivision Street Requirements of
the Virginia Department of Transportation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the/Albemarle Board of
County Supervisors requests the Virginia Department of Transpor-
tation to add the roads in Berkmar Drive North Extension and River
Heights as described on the attached Additions Form SR-5(A) dated
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 7)
December 6, 1995, to the secondary system of state highways,
pursuant to §33.1-229, Code of Virginia, and the Department's
Subdivision Street Requirements; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board guarantees a clear and
unrestricted right-of-way, as described, and any necessary ease-
ments for cuts, fills and drainage as described on the recorded
plats; and
FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be
forwarded to the Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of
Transportation;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby guarantees
to the Virginia Department of Transportation for a period of one
year from the date of acceptance into the secondary system of
state highways, Berkmar Drive North Extension and Hilton Heights
Road against defective materials and/or workmanship up to a
maximum of $14,250.00.
The roads described on Additions Form SR-5(A) are:
1)
Berkmar Drive North Extension from the end of existing
Route 1403 (Berkmar Drive/Woodbrook intersection),
3664 linear feet to the end of Berkmar Drive Extension
right edge of pavement where it intersects with Hilton
Heights Road as shown on plat recorded 2/2/94 in Deed
Book 1380, pages 490-491 in the office of the Clerk of
the Circuit Court of Albemarle County, Virginia,
showing a 50 foot right-of-way with additional right-
of-way and drainage, sight and guardrail easement
plats recorded in: Deed Book 1427, page 613; Deed
Book 1428, pages 550-552; Deed Book 1429, pages 126-
127; Deed Book 1439, page 198; Deed Book 1446, pages
129-130; Deed Book 1446, page 136; Deed Book 1447,
page 668; Deed Book 1454, pages 412-413; Deed Book
1454, pages 420-421; Deed Book 1480, page 34; Deed
Book 1484, page 658; Deed Book 1484, page 662; Deed
Book 1488, pages 695 and 698; Deed Book 1499, page
212; Deed Book 1499, page 207; Deed Book 1499, page
224; Deed Book 1499, page 217; Deed Book 1504, page
687; and Deed Book 1504, page 693, for a length of
0.07 mile.
2)
Hilton Heights Road, Route 1438 from end of existing
Route 1438 (center of Wal-Mart/Sam's entrance), 540
linear feet from edge of pavement of Berkmar Drive
North Extension end (Route 1403) as shown on plat
recorded 2/2/94 in Deed Book 1380, pages 490-491, in
the office the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Albemarle
County, Virginia, showing a right-of-way width varying
from 50 feet to 120 feet with additional right-of-way,
signal pole easement and easements in Deed Book 1133,
page 678; Deed Book 1174, pages 343-344 and Deed Book
1484, page 658 for a total length of 0.1 mile.
Total length - 0.8 mile.
Agenda Item No. 6.3. Resolution to take Dunlora Drive in Dunlora
Subdivision - Phase iA, into the State Secondary System of Highways.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the street in Dunlora Subdivision - Phase lA (SUB
12.354 & SUB 12.354A) described on the attached Additions Form SR-
5(A) dated December 6, 1995, fully incorporated herein by refer-
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 8)
0002 7
ence, are shown on plats recorded in the Clerk's Office of the
Circuit Court of Albemarle County, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department
of Transportation has advised the Board that the street meets the
requirements established by the Subdivision Street Requirements of
the Virginia Department of Transportation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Albemarle Board of
County Supervisors requests the Virginia Department of Transpor-
tation to add the road in Dunlora Subdivision - Phase lA as
described on the attached Additions Form SR-5{A) dated December 6,
1995, to the secondary system of state highways, pursuant to
§33.1-229, Code of Virginia, and the Department's Subdivision
Street Requirements; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board guarantees a clear and
unrestricted right-of-way, as described, and any necessary ease-
ments for cuts, fills and drainage as described on the recorded
plats; and
FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be
forwarded to the Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of
Transportat ion.
The road described on Additions Form SR-5(A) is:
1)
Dunlora Drive from Station 10+25, right edge of pave-
ment of State Route 631, 1775 linear feet to Station
28+00 as shown on plat recorded 12/1/89 in Deed Book
1078, pages 565-574 in the office of the Clerk of the
Circuit Court of Albemarle County, Virginia, showing a
50 foot right-of-way.
Total length - 0.34 mile.
Agenda Item No. 6.4. Resolution to take roads in Dunlora Subdivision -
Phase 2A, into the State Secondary System of Highways.
By the recorded vote set out above, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the streets in Dunlora Subdivision - Phase 2A (SUB
12.354 & SUB 12.354A) described on the attached Additions Form SR-
5(A) dated December 6, 1995, fully incorporated herein by refer-
ence, are shown on plats recorded in the Clerk's Office of the
Circuit Court of Albemarle County, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department
of Transportation has advised the Board that the streets meet the
requirements established by the Subdivision Street Requirements of
the Virginia Department of Transportation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Albemarle Board of
County Supervisors requests the Virginia Department of Transpor-
tation to add the roads in Dunlora Subdivision - Phase 2A as
described on the attached Additions Form SR-5(A) dated December 6,
1995, to the secondary system of state highways, pursuant to
§33.1-229, Code of Virginia, and the Department's Subdivision
Street Requirements; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board guarantees a clear and
unrestricted right-of-way, as described, and any necessary ease-
ments for cuts, fills and drainage as described on the recorded
plats; and
FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be
forwarded to the Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of
Transportation.
The roads described on Additions Form SR-5(A) are:
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meetingi
(Page 9)
O00 S
1) Dunlora Drive from Station 28+00, 2750 linear feet to
Station 55+50 as shown on plat recorded 12/11/92 in
Deed Book 1276, pages 704 in the office of the Clerk
of the Circuit Court of Albemarle County, Virginia,
showing a 50 foot right-of-way. Additional plats were
recorded 6/3/94 in Deed Book 1408, pages 344-353, and
on 11/20/95 in Deed Book 1504, page 560, for a length
of 0.52 mile.
2) River Oaks Drive from Station 10+11, right edge of
pavement of Dunlora Drive, 1165.87 linear feet to
Station 21+76.87, edge of pavement at the end of the
cul-de-sac, as shown on plat recorded 12/21/93 in Deed
Book 1370, pages 615-619 in the office of the Clerk of
the Circuit Court of Albemarle County, Virginia, show-
ing a 50 foot right-of-way, for a length of 0.22 mile.
3) River Oaks Ridge from Station 10+10, left edge of
pavement of River Oaks Drive, 517.48 linear feet to
Station 15+27.48, edge of pavement at the end of the
cul-de-sac, as shown on plat recorded 12/21/93 in Deed
Book 1370, pages 615-619 in the office of the Clerk of
the Circuit Court of Albemarle County, Virginia, show-
ing a 50 foot right-of-way, for a length of 0.10 mile.
Total length - 0.84 mile.
Agenda Item No. 6.5. Authorize Chairman to execute service agreement
with North Garden Volunteer Fire Company advancing $70,000 to purchase new
pumper truck.
It was noted in the staff's report that several years ago Albemarle
County established a revolving fund to be used by the ten volunteer fire and
rescue companies in the County. This fund, currently funded at $2.0 million,
provides the volunteer companies a means of acquiring needed firefighting
equipment and buildings, interest free, with repayments being deducted from
their annual County appropriation. Requests for disbursements from the fund
are monitored and approved by the Jefferson Country Fire and Rescue Associa-
tion (JCFRA).
The current amount available for loan in the revolving fund is
$260,559.13. North Garden Volunteer Fire Company has requested, and JCFRA has
approved, an advance of $70,000 to purchase a new pumper truck. This advance
will be paid upon request after the execution of this agreement. Repayment of
the loan will be over an eight-year period beginning in FY 1996-97.
By the recorded vote set out above, the Chairman was authorized to
executive the service agreement as set out below:
THIS SERVICE AGREEMENT, made this __ day of ,
1995, by and between the COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE, VIRGINIA (the
"County"), and the NORTH GARDEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY ("North
Garden");
WITNESSETH:
the has entered into service
WHEREAS,
County
previously
agreements with North Garden, dated July 19, 1985; September 14,
1988; and March 22, 1993, providing for the withholding ~f certain
sums each year by the County from the County's annual grant to
North Garden, as set forth in said agreements, copies of which are
attached hereto as Exhibits A, B and C; and
WHEREAS, as a result of said agreements, the outstanding
indebtedness now totals $63,580.37; and
WHEREAS, North Garden now desires to receive from the County
Seventy Thousand Dollars ($70,000.00) to be used toward the
purchase of a new pumper truck, and
0002:1.9
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 10)
WHEREAS, North Garden now desires to enter into an agreement
consolidating its annual withholding of payments by the County;
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the operation by
North Garden of a volunteer fire company which will fight fires
and protect property and human life from loss or damage by fire
during the term of this agreement, the County shall pay to North
Garden Seventy Thousand Dollars ($70,000.00), which payment shall
be made when needed from the County's fire fund. Thereafter, the
sum of Sixteen Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-Seven Dollars and Fifty
Cents ($16,697.50) per year shall be withheld each year from the
County's annual grant to North Garden for a period of seven (7)
years beginning July, 1996 and extending through July, 2002,' with
a balance of Sixteen Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-Seven Dollars and
Eighty-Seven Cents ($16,697.87) due in the eighth year (July,
2003). Thus, at the end of the eighth year, which is the term of
this service agreement, a total of One Hundred Thirty-Three
Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Dollars and Thirty-Seven Cents
($133,580.37) will have been withheld. This withholding consoli-
dates the balance of all prior advancements as a result of prior
service agreements with North Garden dated May 7, 1987; September
14, 1988; and March 22, 1993.
If at any time during the term of this agreement, North
Garden is no longer in the business of providing fire fighting
services or the fire fighting vehicles are no longer used for fire
fighting purposes, North Garden covenants that it will convey its
interest in the fire fighting vehicles, or the property known as
Albemarle County Tax Map 99 Parcel 5A, as the case may be, to the
County at no cost to the County so long as the County or its
assigns will use the property for fire fighting purposes. All
covenants set forth in the agreements dated May 7, 1987, September
14, 1988, and March 22, 1993, remain in full force and effect.
North Garden further covenants that it shall not convey the new
pumper truck or any interest therein to any party during the term
of this agreement.
A copy of the title to the new pumper truck shall be deliv-
ered to the County within 60 days of the purchase of the new
pumper truck.
Agenda Item No. 6.6. Approval of Alternative Sentencing Project for
Joint Security Complex.
It was noted in the staff's report that, in October the Albemarle/
Charlottesville Jail Board forwarded a request to the City and County to fund
a study of Alternative Sentencing Programs due to concerns about the cost of
incarceration and expansion. The Jail Board is also exploring the possibil-
ity of a regional study with other localities and/or jails.
One firm, The Sentencing Project of Washington D.C., submitted a
proposal with a cost of $15,300. The scope of work will include review of
data on historic and projected jail populations, Crime and arrest rates,
pretrial release populations, jail length of stay, court case data, interviews
and site visits where appropriate, and an analysis of sentencing and pretrial
release practices in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area. The final product
will include recommendations for alternative programs and policies that might
reduce the jail population without adversely affecting public safety.
Staff recommended approval of the study and payment of the County's
share of the cost ($7,150) from either the current operating budget of the
Joint Security Complex or from an unexpended balance from prior year's
appropriation.
By the recorded vote set out above, the request was approved.
Agenda Item No. 6.7. Set public hearing to repeal Article VII, Regional
Jail Board, of Chapter 2, Administration, of the County Code.
It was noted in the staff's report that the County and the City have now
executed the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail Authority Agreement which
l
000, 0
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 11)
creates an authority in place of the regional jail board. Article VII,
Regional Jail Board, Chapter 2, Administration, of the Code of Albemarle is no
longer appropriate because of the establishment of the jail authority. This
section should be repealed to reflect that a jail board no longer exists.
By the recorded vote set out above, a public hearing was ordered
advertised for January 3, 1996, to repeal Article VII, Chapter 2, as recom-
mended.
Agenda Item No. 6.8. Reappoint Patricia L. Smith to the Jail Authority.
It was noted in the staff's report that a couple of months ago, the Code
of Albemarle was amended to allow for an additional term for Ms. Pat Smith on
the Jail Authority. At the time of this amendment, no official action to
reappoint Ms. Smith was taken. She is now eligible for appointment to the
Jail Authority. That action is requested at this time.
By the recorded vote set out above, Ms. Patricia L. Smith was reap-
pointed as the joint appointee on the Jail Authority for a new term which will
expire on April 30, 1997.
Agenda Item No. 6.9. Statements of Expenses for the Department of
Finance, Sheriff, Commonwealth's Attorney, Regional Jail and Clerk, Circuit
Court, for the month of October, 1995, was approved as presented.
Agenda Item No. 6.10. Copy of letter dated November 15, 1995, from Ms.
Angela G. Tucker, Resident Engineer, Department of Transportation, to Mr.
David J. Hirschman, Water Resources Manager, re: Route 614 (Sugar Hollow
Road), was received for information as follows:
"Thank you for your letter dated November 10, 1995, detailing
issues of concern with respect to proposed road work on Route 614.
I would like to address each item individually as listed in your
report.
Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) Reservoir
Clean-Out: RWSA advises that a project showing was con-
ducted on Friday, November 10, 1995, and that award of the
contract will likely be around December 1, 1995. Debris
removal is estimated to take approximately 180 days. It is
our intent to coordinate the remainder of our road work as
closely as possible with RWSA'S proposed work.
Stormwater Runoff: This office will work with the County to
place and maintain BMP'S (Best Management Practices) that
adequately address the "first flush" of stormwater runoff
where needed. However, due to time restraints, it is appre-
ciated that a retrofit option is available in order to
address these concerns. We will begin reviewing the concep-
tual ideas submitted as Attachment 1 (on file) for future
discussion.
Leaching of Pollutants From Plant Mix: Serious and due
consideration will be given to addressing stormwater runoff
as discussed in Item #2. The Department will need to con-
sider cost, maintenance responsibilities and potential
liability issues as specific BMP'S are reviewed.
Vegetation on Fill Slopes: An annual/perennial rye mixture
is being used to provide immediate erosion protection. This
mixture will allow for easy takeover of native vegetation as
subsequent growing cycles occur.
Stream Channel Restoration: Further communication with
respect to future work in the stream channel is appreciated.
Work in the Vicinity of the Buxton's Low-Water Bridge: We
will provide hardwood plantings along the Cabell property
frontage in place of mature cedar tree removal. The exact
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 12)
type and number of plantings will be discussed with the
Cabell's. The appropriate planting season will be coordi-
nated.
Please find attached (on file) a copy of the report from Van
Yahres Tree Company with respect to the sycamore tree. We
will request additional inspections/fertilizations as deemed
necessary to insure the prolonged health of this tree.
The rock berm will be lowered to provide for sheet flow
through a grass shoulder as previously discussed.
Upper Cabell Property: We will address in similar fashion
as mentioned in Item #6.
8o
Section along Puppy Run Farm: We are requesting a design
exception for the pavement and shoulder width along the
section of road in front of Puppy Run Farm. It is expected
that this exception will be granted with the understanding
that should safety issues arise over time (documented by
accident statistics) a full 18' pavement width with minimal
shoulder would be pursued within available right of way. We
have received no formal report which indicates that this
grading would adversely impact the river, however it seems
prudent to work with all parties to reach a compromise along
this area.
Stormwater runoff will be sheeted to the south side of the
roadway and directed back to the river channel by way of a
new cross.pipe at the bottom of the hill, approximately 300'
or so east of the Brigg's entrance. This will likely be an
area designed for BMP installation to address concentrated
runoff. It will also preserve the integrity of the north
slope of the road/south slope of the river bank which is
severely eroding. We intend to install a cross pipe to
carry runoff from the Brigg's property under Route 614 at
their entrance. This pipe would be installed such that
property runoff would be carried to the river, not road
stormwater runoff. Since little/no change is occurring on
the Brigg's property with respect to this runoff, it is our
opinion that we are not increasing pollutants/toxins at this
location with the installation of a cross pipe. We will
address both the inlet/outlet ends to insure that erosion is
minimized/halted. We will obtain formal concurrence from
the Briggs that their property discharge can be addressed in
this way.
Will Additional Toxins enter the River due to Paving? We
agree with your response.
10.
Will Paving encourage more Development and Increase the
Value of Road Frontage? No comment.
11.
Will Paving diminish the Safety of Non-Vehicular Traffic
(Pedestrians, Bicycles, etc.) along Route 614 due to In-
creased Traffic and Higher Speeds? There is no conclusive
evidence that paving roads diminishes the safety of
non-vehicular traffic. We will review this road for appro-
priate signing, speed limit posting, etc., making safety the
top priority.
12.
What is the Position of Shenandoah National Park on this
Issue, considering Recreational Use ~nd the Related Lands
Study? No comment.
13.
How does Paving the Road relate to the Comprehensive Plan?
No comment.
14.
How will Paving alter the Qualities of the Area which Led to
Its Designation as a State Scenic River and County Scenic
Stream? No comment.
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 13)
15.
HOW will Shoulder and Graded Areas be Stabilized?
with your response.
We agree
16.
Can Flood Relief Funding be Used for Restoration of the
River and Its Edge Vegetation to a More Natural State? We
will discuss this potential with the appropriate agencies
and share details.
17.
What about a Public Hearing or Meeting? A public hearing is
not required under the process of restoring roads with
respect to maintenance funding. The Department has consid-
ered all opinions submitted formally for review.
Thank you for your thorough response to the issues raised
regarding our work on Route 614. I wholeheartedly agree with your
penultimate paragraph and have learned much from the experience.
I will strive to enhance the relationship that VDOT shares with
the County and apply wisely the wisdom that hindsight has pro-
vided."
Agenda Item No. 6.11. Letter dated November 21, 1995, from Mr. R. H.
Connock, Jr., District Construction Engineer, Department of Transportation,
providing notice of a citizen information/participation meeting to be held
regarding the Route 29 Corridor Development Study, (Project 6029-967-F01,
PE-100), Charlottesville to Warrenton, was received as information.
Mr. Connock notes that the purpose of this meeting is to present
alternatives under consideration and to discuss traffic issues. This study is
a major undertaking that will help plan for the future transportation facili-
ties, including rail, air and automobile travel for people and freight.
Agenda Item No. 6.12. Letter dated November 28, 1995, from Ms. A. G.
Tucker, Resident Engineer, Department of Transportation, to Ms. Ella W. Carey,
Clerk, providing the monthly update on highway improvement projects currently
under construction in Albemarle County, was received as follows:
PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
ALBEMARLE COUNTY
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
ROUTE LOCATION STATUS ESTIMATED
NO. COMP. DATE
29
240
29
671
From Hydraulic Rd (Rt
743) To N of Rio Rd (Rt
631)
Rt 240 Bridge Replace-
ment Near Iht Rt 250
Bridge Replacement at
Millington
Construc-
tion 92%
Complete
Construc-
tion 61%
Complete
Construc-
tion 36%
Complete
Construc-
tion 45%
Complete
Dec 95
Dec 95
May 97
Dec 95
Agenda Item No. 6.13. Information on proposed joint budget review
process with the City of Charlottesville for community agencies for FY 1996-
97, was received as information.
Staff noted that in the spirit of collaboration and streamlining
government, the County and the City are proposing a joint agency review
process for the Fiscal Year 1996-97 budget. The common process includes one
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 14)
000,; 23
agency application, a combined review team, joint agency interviews and joint
funding recommendations to the respective jurisdictions.
Agenda Item No. 6.14. October 1995 Financial Report, was received as
information.
Agenda Item No. 6.15. Copy of Planning Commission minutes for November
7 and November 21, 1995, were received as information.
Agenda Item No. 6.16. Arbor Crest Apartments (Hydraulic Road Apts.)
Bond Program Report and Monthly Report for the month of October, 1995, was
received as information.
Agenda Item NO. 6.17. Copy of minutes of the Board of Directors of the
Albemarle County Service Authority for October 19, 1995, was received as
information.
Agenda Item No. 6.18. Acme Design Technology Company's October, 1995
operating results (on file in Clerk's office), was received as information.
Agenda Item No. 6.19. Letter dated November 22, 1995 from Mr. Robert
Martinez, Secretary of Transportation, Department of Transportation, to the
Honorable Walter F. Perkins, Chairman, re: Route 29 Bypass Study, was
received as follows:
~Thank you for your letters concerning the proposed Route 29
Bypass study that currently is under way. I apologize for the
delay in responding to your request for information and I hope the
following will address the concerns expressed in your letters.
The consultant firm of Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade and Douglas
has been contracted to provide the Virginia Department of Trans-
portation (VDOT) complete engineering services for the proposed
Route 29 Bypass. Included in their scope of work is the develop-
ment and analysis of traffic data within the entire study area.
This information will be used to develop the roadway requirements
and intersection configurations based on the level of service;
develop data for pavement design; and, develop traffic data for
noise analysis and noise wall design.
For this analysis to be beneficial to both VDOT and those citizens
who will be affected by this project, a complete study of several
different scenarios is very important. Analyzing the traffic
volumes with interchanges along the bypass and without inter-
changes (except at the termini) will allow everyone involved to be
better informed of all the impacts associated with the development
of this project.
The consultant currently is coordinating the development of this
traffic information with Albemarle County, as well as the City of
Charlottesville, and once the analysis is complete it will be
provided to each jurisdiction for their review. VDOT will then be
prepared to address the questions if they arise on the need for
interchanges as project development continues.
VDOT is aware of the sensitivity of the study of interchanges on
the proposed bypass at Barracks Road and Hydraulic Road as well as
the provisions of the resolution approved by the Commonwealth
Transportation Board on November 15, 1990, but development of this
information in no way indicates VDOT's intention to construct
interchanges at these locations.
Thank you for your continued interest in this project. You can be
assured that VDOT will continue to be responsive to the concerns
of those citizens involved with the development of this and other
transportation facilities in your area."
000224
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 15)
(Mrs. Humphris requested that this item be discussed with under Agenda
Item No. 8, Highway Matters.)
Agenda Item No. 7. Approval of Minutes: July 5, August 16 and November
8, 1995.
Mr. Bowerman had read the minutes of July 5, 1995, and found one mistake
on page 8, 5th full paragraph - delete the words "There are many people who do
not represent ridership dependent upon CTS."
Mr. Marshall had read the minutes of August 16, 1995, and found them to
be in order.
Mrs. Thomas had read the minutes of November 8, 1995, and noted the
misspelling of the word "coloform" in two places on page 4.
Motion was offered by Mrs. Thomas, seconded by Mr. Marshall, to approve
the minutes as read. Roll was called, and the motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin and
Mr. Perkins.
None.
Agenda Item No. 8a. Other Transportation Matters.
Ms. Angela Tucker, Resident Highway Engineer, noted the Citizens
Information Meeting which will take place later today at Madison County High
School concerning the Route 29 North Corridor Study (see Item 6.11 on the
Consent Agenda).
Mrs. Humphris said she had been told by a citizen that after Albemarle's
Western Bypass is completed out past Airport Road, if there can also be some
connection with the Meadow Creek Parkway, that the Route 29 Corridor go much
further north. When she looked at this proposal on a map, it appeared to go
through the UREF Industrial Park. She asked if this study group knows about
the industrial park. Mr. Cilimberg said he represents the County on the Study
Committee and he told the group that if a parallel road to Route 29 is
proposed, it could affect the UREF property. The line that will be proposed
at the public meeting today shows the road just on the eastern boundary of the
I/REF Industrial Park. There is area between UREF and Route 29 where this road
could be built. The UREF property actually has little frontage on Route 29.
Mrs. Humphris asked if it will be proposed that the road go through
established S~bdivisions. Mr. Cilimberg said it is hard to tell exactly where
the road would lie since all he has seen so far is a line on a very small map.
What the group will be doing today is showing a general location that will put
the road on the eastern edge of UREF, which means that the road would be on
the western edge of those subdivisions which front Route 29.
Mrs. Humphris asked how this would effect the proposed (Wendell Wood)
mobile home park. Mr. Cilimberg said the road would be on the western side of
that park also. Staff has been alerting the group to these things as they
start to look at this NHS (National Highway System) concept. If a road
parallel to Route 29 is built in that general area, the group has been alerted
to what properties will be effected. Staff has also tried to make the public
aware that this is being looked at as a possibility. It is not a recommenda-
tion at this time; it is a concept.
Mrs. Humphris said this concept does not sound good for this community.
She hopes the group is aware that the idea of having a limited access road for
the entire length of the area being studied will be hard to implement without
causing severe hardships on human beings.
Mr. Perkins asked why Route 29 has not been considered as a limited
access road with service roads being built on each side. Mr. Cilimberg said
that is another concept. Mrs. Humphris felt a better idea would be to build
the road to the east of Albemarle County where there are not many people and
the communities want economic development. There is open land and good
topography for building a road to the east, it could be built in a straight
00022:5
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 16)
line from Orange County to Lynchburg. She does not understand the whole
concept. Mr. Marshall said he asked that same question 16 years ago.
Ms. Tucker said the committee is still in the information-gathering
stage, and more or less "brainstorming" such issues as service roads, bypass
extensions, etc.
Mrs. Humphris said this Board has another meeting scheduled for that
same time this afternoon, so she wanted Ms. Tucker to hear her concerns, and
hopes they will be passed on to the committee.
Ms. Tucker said she would like to spend time with individual members of
the Board to look at the. revised Six-Year Secondary Road Plan before the
public hearing. She has made some changes in the Plan which would benefit
from individual discussions.
Mrs. Thomas said she appreciates the response of Ms. Tucker to Mr.
Hirschman's letter concerning Route 614. Ms. Tucker said the Highway Depart-
ment intends to complete its work on that project this week. They will work
with interested people in the future as the project continues, but the paving
project will be completed this week.
Mrs. Thomas mentioned that she met with Ms. Tucker in Ivy recently to
discuss the traffic problems there. This was the day after a fatality in Ivy.
Ms. Tucker said she does not yet have any information on that fatality and
whether or not it was connected with sight distance. Mr. Tucker said the
Police Accident Reconstruction Team is also investigating the accident, but
has not yet completed its work. Sight distance will be a major consideration
in that report.
Mrs. Thomas said in Ivy the speed limit needs to be kept as close as
possible to the posted speed. With the new "Smart Sign" the Police have,
there will the opportunity to have that sign in different locations throughout
the County. Batesville contributed $500 toward purchase of the sign in
exchange for the promise of being able to use the sign once a month. It is a
unique concept for law enforcement in this area.
Mr. Perkins asked for an update on the Millington Bridge project. Ms.
Tucker said the contractor has stopped work at this time waiting for steel
from the fabricator. An exact date for receipt of this material could not be
obtained. That is the only holdup on the project.
Mr. Perkins remarked that the bridge project on Route 240 seems to be
nearly completed. Ms. Tucker said the project should be finished this date.
Mrs. Humphris mentioned the letter from Secretary Martinez listed as
Item 6.19 on the Consent Agenda. She said this Board sent a letter to Mr.
Martinez on September 7 expressing its unanimous concern about VDOT studying
construction of interchanges on the proposed Western Bypass at both Barracks
Road and Hydraulic Road. The Board reminded him of its consistent and
continuing opposition to those interchanges in the Rural Areas and in the
watershed. The Commonwealth Transportation Board said in their 1990 resolu-
tion that there would be no interchanges unless it was at the request of this
Board. They recognized the impact these interchanges would have on the
environment and the development that could occur because of such construction.
She does not know why it took such a long time to receive a reply to the
Board's letter, particularly because the reply was not helpful. Mr. Martinez
says it is within the work of the consultant, and the information will be used
to develop roadway requirements and intersection configurations, etc.
Mrs. Humphris said she finds the reply unacceptable. It raises lots of
questions, particularly that the whole concept behind the Western Bypass was
to move the through traffic keeping it off of the Route 29 Business corridor.
There seems to be a movement to make the proposed bypass a road with addi-
tional accesses and that will have a major effect on the watershed. It is
more difficult, as time goes by, to keep in people's minds the reason this
county acted in 1980 to protect the watershed. It is difficult for people to
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 17)
oooaa ;
understand the County does not have an infinite supply of water and that an
additional reservoir will have to be built in the near future as a supplement
to, but not a replacement for, the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir.
Mrs. Humphris said it is disheartening to learn that the same group
which defeated the three interchanges on the business corridor now wants to
put interchanges out in the rural area, in the watershed, very close to the
water supply and in established neighborhoods. She thinks the Board is facing
another battle such as the one over the interchanges on Business Route 29
where the facts where not totally presented. She believes that next Spring
when the plan design is reviewed for public hearing, there will be data
showing that it will be convenient to have interchanges on the Bypass, and
there will be no additional environmental information provided about the
damage it will do and the way it will open the watershed for development. The
state has said it is up to this Board to control land use and they would then
be able to build interchanges without any impact. She is aware of the
political reality, and she knows the pressures that can be brought to bear on
any Board. With the changing complexion of boards such as this one, because
of the political process, it is possible that in the future a Board "would
cave in" and allow commercial development on the interchanges. That would be
the end of the watershed and protection of the rural areas, a concept which is
the basis of the County's Comprehensive Plan.
Mrs. Humphris mentioned again that the letter from Mr. Martinez said the
analysis being done is to study everything to do with design of the roadway,
an interchange at the North Grounds connector and what traffic levels will be
there. She said the Westover property has no accesses to make it a useable
piece of property unless it accesses onto the Western Bypass. It cannot use
Old Ivy Road to serve any development that might be placed on that property.
With the railroad bridges the only other way to get out of that property, the
logical thing is to have an access from the Westover property onto the Bypass.
Mrs. Humphris said that another question to do with that whole area is
that UREF has said it is possible they will have an access onto the North
Grounds connector thus eliminating their need to use the access they are now
using over the University Village access onto Old Ivy Road. Since the
Secretary says VDOT needs all this traffic data, and they are studying the
whole area, are they including these necessary possibilities? Mr. Cilimberg
said he knows VDOT is looking at the interchange at the Western Bypass/North
Grounds connector. He does not know about the other possibilities. He said
it was discussed by the Faulconer/Birdwood Area B Study Committee a couple of
weeks ago. One of the things noted was that the Westover property frontage on
the new Bypass is so close to where the interchange will be on the existing
Route 250/29 Bypass that it is probably not feasible from a design standpoint
to incorporate another interchange.
Mrs, Humphris said that is all she needs to say. When she found out the
other day that some of the same people who told this Board that interchanges
are too ugly, too harmful, too dangerous, and so forth to have on Route 29,
and that they now want to put interchanges right over the Reservoir, and in
some of the County's neighborhoods, it was very disappointing. She finds it
astonishing that anybody could come up with an idea to do that, and they are
already starting to promote this to homeowners' associations out in the rural
areas, to convince them it would make it more convenient for them to get to
town, to work and shop, if they would get behind the effort to promote the
interchanges.
(Note: Mr. Bowerman left the room at 9:38 a.m.)
There was no further discussion of this item.
Agenda Item No. 9. Work Session: FY 1996/97 through FY 2000/01 Capital
Improvements Program.
It was noted in the staff's report that the FY 1996-97/2000-01 recom-
mended Capital Improvement Program (CIP) was developed using requests from the
various General Government departments and the School Division by the CIP
Technical Committee. The recommended five-year program was reviewed by the
Planning Commission on November 7 and then followed by a public hearing on
November 28.
00022
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 18)
The recommended CIP totals $80.0 million, $69.0 million of which is
allocated for School Division projects, $10.5 million for General Government
projects and, approximately $0.5 million is for Stormwater Fund projects.
(Note: Mr. Bowerman returned at 9:40 a.m.)
Ms. Roxanne White, Executive Assistant, made a slide presentation and
answered questions.
Mr. Martin asked if there is something slowing down the Zan Road
extension. Mr. Cilimberg noted that most of Zan Road is in the City and has
to become a city priority. At one time, it was thought there would be private
participation. This project was initiated at Great Eastern Management's
request, but at this time there is no private commitment. Mrs. Thomas said
the County is always being criticized for not having parallel roads along
Route 29, but the City ruined the one chance there was to have such a road
when they approved Pepsi Place. Mr. Tucker said a lot of the issues have been
worked out in terms of alignment, but there has been no financial commitment
to share in the cost of the road, and the City has not made this project a
high priority on the City's list.
Mrs. Thomas asked if it is true that most of the pedestrian paths,
sidewalks and street lights shown would not be done by V DOT if the County was
not paying a share. Mr. Cilimberg said under the program that VDOT uses for
secondary improvements, there is partial funding for sidewalks. VDOT will
purchase the right-of-way and build half of the sidewalk and the other half of
the cost is covered by the county. They would not build sidewalks if the
county was not participating. Mr. Cilimberg said the bicycle facilities are
shown because the regional bike plan was passed. In some cases, the full cost
of a bike lane in the road is paid for by VDOT. When the bike lane goes off
of the road, the cost is shared. Sidewalks are also based on local plans.
Ms. White said the other project shown is for Route 29 North landscap-
ing. About $25,000 has been added to the project to extend it from Rio Hill
Shopping Center to the River. Mr. Martin asked if that is a 50-50 match with
the businesses. Ms. White said the businesses are contributing $10,000 per
year for that project.
Mr. Marshall asked about the 1-64/Route 20 study. Mrs. Thomas said in
the past, ~ungela Tucker reported to the Board that VDOT was working on the
study and now she sees it in this CIP as something the County is to fund. Mr.
Cilimberg said that the project was actually put in the CIP last year with the
understanding there would be an overall look at the interchange to see what
improvements could be made, including the possibility of other ramps that are
not part of the interchange now.
Ms. Tucker said VDOT's primary six-year plan shows an acceleration lane
being placed from eastbound 1-64 onto southbound Route 20 to tie into the
deceleration lane going into Piedmont Community College. It also includes
building a right-turn lane on Route 53 onto northbound Route 20. That is
being coordinated with the Thomas Jefferson Enhancement Project. These
improvements are in the six-year plan and due to happen within the next year.
There is no study in place.
Mr. Cilimberg said the interchange study was for bigger improvement
possibilities that might be needed due to traffic flow in that area and
reconfiguration of the interchange possibilities. That study evolved out of
the Area B study done for the Blue Ridge neighborhood.
Ms. White went on to discuss School Projects. She noted that there are
two projects which have been added to the School Fund, and those are the "Avon
Street/Route 20 Connector" road at $1.4 million, and the "New High School
Community Recreational Facility" at $3.8 million. She said this project shows
in the fifth year of the CIP and it does involve a 50-meter swimming pool at
the new high school site. The Technical Committee had questions about this
project. The estimate shown is only a "ballpark" estimate at this time. This
was an issue which the Committee felt should have some public debate.
In reply to a question from Mr. Marshall, Mr. Tucker said if the
swimming pool project is left in the School Fund, it is possible to borrow
some of the needed funds from the VPSA. If left as a project under Parks and
Recreation, the total cost would be borne by the County's General Fund.
000228
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 19)
Mr. Perkins invited the Board members to comment on the presentation.
Mrs. Thomas mentioned she has heard from many citizens that the County's
soccer fields are the worst in the league because they are so overused. The
Athletic Field Study has been put off until the year 2001 and it is suggested
that consultants be hired to do it. She does not understand the delay or the
need for outside consultants. She said the community is playing a lot of
soccer and more fields are needed. Ms. White said the study was not to
determine if more fields are needed, but rather to look at whether current
County property could be used for this purpose. Mrs. Thomas said if that is
the case, why wait until the year 2001. Ms. White said, by policy, new
projects are coming into the CIP in the fifth year. If there is a consensus
that something needs to be done sooner, the Board has the option of moving a
project forward in the plan. · ....
Mrs. Humphris expressed her concerns about an indoor swimming facility
at the new high school. She thinks the Board should think about the issues
involved with such a project, such as liability, as well as the parity issue.
In a facility such as this, it is usually not the original cost that causes a
problem, but the maintenance and upkeep. She is aware of the benefits of
using a swimming pool, but she is concerned about the enormous capital cost,
the upkeep, plus the parity, plus the liability, and wonders if the Board
should not think about whether that money could be better spent on education.
Due to lack of time, the work session stopped at this point. Mr. Tucker
suggested the Board might have time to pick up this discussion later today.
It was noted in the staff's report that the FY 1996-97/2000-01 recommended
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) was developed using requests from the
various General Government departments and the School Division by the CIP
Technical Committee. The recommended five-year program was reviewed by the
Planning Commission on November 7 and then followed by a public hearing on
November 28.
Agenda Item No. 10. Authorize County Executive to execute agreements
for permanent pump and haul for Randolph and Catherine Lange (formerly
Captain's Table). Because the applicants were not present, this item was
skipped temporarily.
Agenda Item No. lla. Public Hearing: To amend the service area
boundaries of the Albemarle County Service Authority to include parcel 88B on
Tax Map 56 in the Crozet Growth Area for water and sewer service. (Advertised
in the Daily Progress on November 21 and 28, 1995.)
Mr. Cilimberg stated that on April 5, 1995, the Board of Supervisors
approved a request to amend the service area boundaries of the Albemarle
County Service Authority for water and sewer to include parcels 88, 88A, 89,
90, 90A and 93 on Tax Map 56 in the Crozet Growth Area. Recently, in the
course of reviewing a development proposal including Parcel 88B adjacent to
those parcels, it was realized that Parcel 88B was inadvertently omitted from
the request to be included in the service areas for water and sewer. Parcel
88B had been included in the applicant's request for amendment of the Service
Area boundaries, but staff had thought that parcel was already included for
water and sewer service. Upon closer inspection, it was realized that Parcel
88B was included for "water only to existing structures." Staff is now
requesting official action to correct this mistake.
(Note: Mrs. HLunphris left the room at 10:11 a.m.)
Mr. Perkins opened the public hearing. With no one from the public
rising to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion was immediately offered by Mrs. Thomas, seconded by Mr. Martin,
to extend the service area boundaries of the Albemarle County Service Author-
ity to include parcel 88B on Tax Map 56 for both public water and public sewer
service. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin and Mr. Perkins.
NAYS: None.
A~SENT: Mrs. Humphris.
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 20)
00022
Agenda Item No. llb. Public Hearing: To amend the service area
boundaries of the Albemarle County Service Authority for sewer service to
existing structures only at 1-64 East rest area; for water and sewer service
to existing structures at 1-64 West rest area; and for sewer service to the
Ivy Landfill. (Advertised in the Daily Progress on November 21 and 28, 1995.)
Mr. Cilimberg said the Board considered this request on November 1,
1995, and agreed to set this public hearing after staff recommended that
additional information be provided. The applicant has provided an overview of
alternatives in two areas. The applicant for service at the rest stops has
provided, through their consultant, further information regarding the feasi-
bility of alternative non-discharge systems and the feasibility of relocating
the rest areas closer to public utilities. No additional information has been
provided regarding verification of existing well flow or alternative well site
potential at the westbound rest stop. They all concur that the most reason-
able and best alternative if these rest stops are going to remain open is to
provide public sewage services. The County's Water Resources Manager has
provided comments in response to the applicant's additional information, and
that response is on file. The State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
also provided comments.
Mr. Cilimberg said that based on all information provided thus far,
staff makes the following recommendation:
1)
Approve "Limited Service for Sewer" to the existing Rest Area
Structures Only at the Virginia Department of Transportation's
1-64 East Rest Area (Tax Map 54, 1-64 Right of Way), and, the
Virginia Department of Transportation's 1-64 West Rest Area (Tax
Map 73, 1-64 Right of Way). The service should be provided by
private sewer lines following existing VDOT right-of-way only.
2)
Approve "Limited Service for Sewer" to the Ivy Sanitary Landfill
for Leachate Management Only (Tax Map 73, Parcel 28). The service
should be provided by private sewer lines following VDOT
right-of-way only.
3)
Due to lack of information justifying the need, staff does not
recommend approving the request for water service to the 1-64 West
Rest Area.
Mr. Marshall said he did not realize problems were being experienced at
the rest stop at Crozet. He had asked the Health Department to check the rest
stop at Ivy. Mr. Cilimberg said the same kinds of problems are being experi-
enced at both rest stops. Mr. Marshall asked if both rest stops use the
mineral oil systems. Mr. Cilimberg said the letter from the Health Department
gives background on information for their picking the mineral oil system
manufactured by the Chrysler Corporation which he understands is no longer
being manufactured.
Mrs. Thomas asked if the line from the Ivy Landfill would go to the rest
area line, hook up to it, and the sewage/leachate go on together from that
point. It sounds like there are to be two private lines built. Mr. Cilimberg
said in actuality that is probably the way it will be. There will likely be
parallel lines in the same corridor once the line reaches the location of the
westbound rest stop sewer line. It is a timing situation. The line for the
landfill would probably happen first, so instead of hooking it into the line
done for the rest stop, they would parallel that line with another private
line.
Mrs. Thomas said that means it would be dug up the second time to put in
the line. Mr. Cilimberg said it is hoped it might be done all at the same
time, but he would prefer that the applicant address that question.
Mrs. Humphris asked if the recommendation is to size for existing use
only so there could be no expansion of the line. Mr. Cilimberg said that
could be included and perhaps Mr. Bill Brent should speak to how that should
be best worded. Mrs. Humphris said in one of the reports given to the Board
that was included as a recommendation.
At this time, Mr. Perkins opened the public hearing. First to speak was
Mr. Bill Brent, Executive Director of the Albemarle County Service Authority.
He could not comment on the sizing. All of the facilities to be built will be
00230
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 21)
designed, constructed and operated by VDOT or the Rivanna Solid Waste Author-
ity (RSWA). The sizing of the pumps and the pipe are all related, but with a
force main it is better to undersize than oversize because the material can be
pumped more easily through a small pipe than a large pipe.
Mrs. Thomas said she would like to discuss the public aspects of having
a private line. Ordinarily, once the Albemarle County Service Authority has
the lines, maintenance becomes the responsibility of the current water users.
With a private line, would maintenance of the line remain the responsibility
of VDOT? Mr. Brent said that is correct. Mrs. Thomas said to clarify, there
would be no maintenance charges over the life of this line to be picked up by
the other water users. Mr. Brent said that is correct.
Mrs. Thomas asked if that private line could be opened to some other
~erty along that line or would that possibility always come back to this
Board because it would be an expansion of the ACSA's service area. Mr. Brent
said he believes the Board will limit what can be connected to it by the
action which will be taken. Mrs. Thomas said it will remain the Board's
responsibility even though it is a private line. Mr. Brent answered "yes."
Mr. Jeff Kirwan of Peacock Hill was present to express his concern as a
scientist and a nearby resident to the Ivy Landfill. His principal concern is
that by having a sewer line which is committed (and which requires a substan-
tial expense on the part of the County) to the Ivy Landfill, that in an
indirect fashion, the County will solidify this commitment to what was
supposed to have been a temporary solution to the landfill problems. He is
afraid that most people will think that Ieachate is the major problem. As a
scientist, he does not think that is the case. Leachate runoff into the
headwaters of the Reservoir is an important problem to be addressed.
From history, Mr. Kirwan said it is known that several industries in the
County have put thousands of gallons of known carcinogens into an unlined cell
that is known as the "paint pit." That is a concern to nearby residents who
drink well water from the Peacock Hill subdivision water system (which is a
County-approved well system), since some homes are less than a quarter of a
mile from the boundaries of this landfill. He mentioned an article from an
issue of the Cape Cod Times of October 19th about problems of organic pollut-
ants that have been left in the ground by a federal airbase. Already they
have spent nearly $60 million on testing in the first phases of trying to stop
this pollution which is 170 to 200 feet underground. Mr. Kirwan said it is
known from the records that there have been hundreds of gallons of known
carcinogens put in the paint pit. He is concerned that there are 130 people
living in a county-approved development whose property values and personal
safety are being impacted by the decisions to continue using the Ivy Landfill.
He is afraid that the addition of the sewage system which is supposed to
remove leachate will just solidify this continuing behavior of addressing the
landfill problem with Band-Aid-like solutions. He thinks something more
significant needs to be done. His credentials include work with environmental
consulting firms as an undergraduate at Cornell University and he is a
biologist. He does not believe there has been an environmental impact
statement done on the Ivy Landfill.
Mr. Art Petrini, Executive Director of the Rivanna Solid Waste Author-
ity, spoke next. He said it is intended to have a separate line in the same
trench as the line for VDOT. The construction would occur simultaneously,
however, leachate pumping through that line would not begin until such time as
it is found to be necessary. He anticipates that the construction job will be
one job for both projects.
Mrs. Thomas asked if it is technologically impossible to join the lines
and join the leachate to the sewage. Mr. Petrini stated that from an engi-
neering standpoint, it is not feasible. To size a line, the quantity of flow
through the line must be known. VDOT knows their quantity of flow and is
ready to implement their program shortly. RSWA does not know, at this time,
its quantity of flow. That is why they are only asking for a service area
designation to give them the option to put the flow through the line.
Mrs. Thomas said RSWA is going to size the line because it is to be
constructed now. Mr. Petrini said "yes" There are several things happening
too fast to be comfortable with. The ultimate answer to the landfill and
solid waste management has not been produced yet. Therefore, RSWA has to use
its best engineering estimate as to what will happen. If RSWA feels the line
can be sized with the VDOT project, that will be done. If that would be an
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 22)
000; 8
inappropriate use of funds to fund that project, the project will not be
implemented at the same time.
Mr. Tucker asked Mr. Petrini to address Mr. Kirwan's question about
whether or not it is appropriate to run a line for the leachate when it may
not be appropriate to have the landfill there. Mr. Tucker said it is his
understanding that since there will be leachate regardless of when the
landfill is closed, this is a mechanism to eliminate the leachate as effi-
ciently and effectively as possible. He does not believe it was ever the
intent of the RSWA Board to solidify the use of the landfill for any specific
period of time. Mr. Petrini responded that legally the RSWA is required, upon
closing the landfill, to maintain environmental and other controls for 30
years. Leachate is one of the environmental issues they will have to control.
Controlling it means capturing it within the boundaries of the landfill and
either treating it on-site or pumping it out through trucks, or through the
force main being discussed. Legally, RSWA is required to manage the leachate
for a minimum of 30 years; morally RSWA is required to manage it until such
time as it is not an issue. That could be even longer. Whether the landfill
is open or closed is not material at all to the request in front of the Board
today.
Mr. Jennings Wagoner, a resident of Peacock Hill, said he was encouraged
by the statements today, but is also concerned about promises going back 27
years about the landfill that each step would not be a permanent step, but the
landfill is still there, and still growing. He handed to the Board a letter
and petition signed by 30+ people who do not live in the Ivy area, but who
oppose the landfill. The residents of Peacock Hill are concerned that the
landfill be closed down and if the line will be used to continue the landfill,
he is opposed to the request.
Mr. Ed Strange, a resident of Ivy, said he is concerned only with the
portion of the request relating to the landfill. He feels this is a prece-
dent-setting request and caution is in order. He asked why RSWA wants
approval for something they admit they may not need. Once they get the
approval, the Board has lost its control. The cost has been estimated at $1.0
million and that money is desperately needed for clean-up of the three million
gallons of hazardous chemicals that are now on-site at the landfill. The
estimated cost by Joyce Engineering is $4.0 to $8.0 million. RSWA does not
have that money, yet they are considering a million dollar expenditure. He,
others, are concerned that RSWA believes it can continue the landfill in
the headwaters of the Rivanna Reservoir and pay for the eventual clean-up and
this sewer line by continued landfilling. He believes a mistake was made by
putting the landfill in the headwaters in the first place. Another mistake
should not be made now by approving a sewer line that may not be needed. Let
RSWA come back for approval when it has been proven it is needed. In that
way, the Board will retain control. In the meantime, he thinks the money they
do have ShoUld be spent on the removal of hazardous chemical waste. Money is
going to be the critical issue. Just recently there was a "Subtitle C" cap put
over the paint pit which contains most of the hazardous waste. He does not
believe that was a good move, but time will tell whether there is a need to
remove the cap, get in and remove the waste physically. He guesses that the
cap cost $2.0 to $3.0 million and the chemicals are still there. If the sewer
line were free and it took care of the matter, that might be reasonable, but
does not feel it will take care of the matter. The chemicals will still
remain on the site.
Mr. Petrini responded that the RSWA has done a cost evaluation and is
not before the Board for an economic consideration but for health and safety
reasons. It could cost up to $2.0+ million per year to control the leachate
the current way which is to pump it into a truck and haul it to the Moore's
Creek Sewage Treatment Plant. He has one estimate of $2.5 million which
compares to $1.0 to $1.5 million if it is put in a pump station and pumped to
the Moore's Creek Sewage Treatment Plant. The $1.0 to $1.5 million is a
one-time capital cost and there will also be some yearly operating costs. The
$2.0 to $2.5 million is a yearly cost that would be perpetuated as long as
there is leachate. Just on a dollar value, it is not reasonable to continue
this practice if the type of leachate quantity anticipated is generated in the
future. Mr. Petrini further stated that RSWA anticipates having the pipe
installed with the VDOT project. However, he will get confirmation of that
from the RSWA Board and let them decide the criteria that would make it not
usable. He cannot go to them unless he has permission through the County
Board first.
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 23)
Mr. Perkins asked if any representative from V DOT would care to speak.
No one replied. With no one else from the public rising to speak, the public
hearing was closed at this time.
Mrs. Thomas asked if the Board was to consider all three requests
together. Mr. Tucker said it is a joint application. Mr. Cilimberg said the
staff set out the report with three separate recommendations, one of those is
not to provide public water.
Mrs. Humphris asked if the Board could set aside the request to deal
with the water because, in addition to what staff has said about lack of
justification, she did some calculations on her own and they show that there
really is no justification. She asked if a motion was needed to dispense with
that part of the request. Mr. Tucker stated that action is needed on that
part of the request.
Mrs. Humphris moved that the Board not extend the service area and not
provide water to the westbound service area for VDOT. The motion was seconded
by Mrs. Thomas.
Mr. Martin asked if the Board should just deny or should some wording be
used in case VDOT does comes back with the type of information needed. Mrs.
Thomas said, at this point she would be more comfortable just denying the
request. They can always reapply. Mr. Marshall asked if there is a time
frame for reapplying. Mr. Cilimberg said there is not a time limit, but a new
fee may be required. Mrs. Humphris said it evidently was not important enough
to VDOT to furnish the type of information the Board needed for deci-
sion-making. Mr. Cilimberg said VDOT has been trying to get more tests done.
He understands the test was done last week, but he did not get the informa-
tion.
Mr. Marshall said his concern is health and safety, and that is not an
issue with this request. He would not object to deferring the request if it
may come back in 30 days with the needed information. Mr. Tucker said he does
not believe that will happen.
At this point, Mr. Perkins restated the mokion to not extend the service
area boundaries of the Albemarle County Service Authority for water service to
the 1-64 West rest stop. Roll was called, and the motion carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin and
Mr. Perkins.
None.
Mrs. T~s said she would like to discuss the rest areas, since they
have not been discussed today. The Board will be breaking a substantial
precedent by allowing this hook-on. Once the private line is allowed to hook
onto the "Ivy intersection" of the Crozet Interceptor, she feels everyone
living in Ivy who is having sewage disposal problems will want the same
courtesy. Mrs. Thomas said she will admit that she is one of the people who
were opposed to the Crozet Interceptor back in the 1970s. She did not feel
there would ever be a board of supervisors who would be able to resist the
temptation to allow people to hook onto the interceptor, thus, there would be
more development in that corridor which would be more harmful with its
pollution and runoff than the sewage that was going into the creek in Crozet.
She never thought she would be one of those people at the table making that
kind of decision.
Mrs. Thomas said she just wants everyone to be aware that the Board is
making that kind of decision because the material presented to the Board for
making this decision does not bring out that point. Talking to Mr. David
Hirschman and reading everything presented so far, because of the quantity of
waste that is produced at these rest stops, it seems that there is no present
system that can recycle the waste and not have a discharge and a pump and haul
situation. It looks like VDOT is trapped into either having to move the rest
stops or close them. She is not convinced that the rest stops help this
area's tourism that much. This is a State item and that is why she wanted to
make sure there was not going to be any expense to the local water users. She
does not see that anything can be done except to allow the hook in. She does
not like it, but that seems to be the limit of technology.
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 24)
Mrs. Thomas said as to the Ivy Landfill issue, the people who spoke said
what she thought the people in Ivy would be feeling. There is a lot of
mistrust. There is a bad thing in their midst. This is something that no one
wants in their backyard. The concern is, if the line is allowed, will the
Board be cementing the existence and use of that landfill. She has decided
that is not the case since leachate is going to be there, even after the 35
years. Digging up the paint pit is not related to the leachate. They are
right in saying that solving the leachate problem is not solving the paint pit
problem. The leachate problem has to be solved. She does not know if it
makes good sense to put in a line when its size is not known, nor how it will
be used. She hopes the RSWA Board does some thinking about whether they are
going to use it now and the different costs of putting it in now, or putting
it in later. She does not want the Board's action today to be misconstrued to
mean the RSWA should go ahead with this project. She would appreciate hearing
the thoughts of the other Board members, but unless others have thought of
ways which are better than what has been presented, she feels this is the
least of the possible evils facing the Board.
Mr. Bowerman said he agrees one hundred percent with what Mrs. Thomas
has said and sees no. reason to repeat it.
Mrs. Humphris asked what language could be recommended to the Board for
a motion that would show how the Board is attempting to distinguish this
problem and its potential solution from any other so as to minimize the
opportunity for a precedent. Mr. Davis said the record will be clear that it
is for an environmental problem for this landfill but language could be
constructed that it is to solve an existing environmental identified problem
at the landfill for this aspect of this approval. Mrs. Humphris asked about
wording for the rest stops. Mr. Davis said they are more problematic because
it is an existing use and the criteria already addresses a situation where
there is an existing structure that otherwise has no alternative sewage
disposal. He does not believe there is any way to separate it further from
that criteria.
Mr. Tucker asked Mr. Davis if he believes any approval of the request by
the Board today will be setting a precedent. To him, he feels this request is
distinguishable from other issues that may be brought up. Mrs. Humphris said
the existing criteria says it has to be both adjacent to existing lines (which
they are not) and be a danger to public health and safety. She asked how the
Board can word a motion so as not to establish a precedent.
Mr. Martin said he cannot see a situation coming up were someone living
two miles from this line would be willing to pay the cost involved to hook to
the line. Mrs. Thomas said the "No-Problem Cafe" did that very thing. Mr.
Martin asked if that is bad. Mrs. Humphris said it is bad in that it destroys
the County's comprehensive planning of not allowing expansion of growth in the
rural areas.
Mr. Marshall said the Health Department is going to close that rest stop
unless something is done, and it will cost millions of dollars to relocate it.
Mr. Brent said as to the precedent aspect of this question, one thing
that these two facilities have in common that is unlikely that anybody else
would have is that they are existing, publicly-owned and are both environmen-
tally distressed. Therefore, if the County could create a service area for
existing, publicly-owned facilities in environmental distress, it would
alleviate the precedent problem.
Mr. Perkins felt it should make no difference if the facilities are
publicly owned. If there were private concerns with problems of this magni-
tude, and with this much of an investment, the Board would look favorably upon
those things too.
Mrs. Humphris said it would help the Board now to include that in the
motion. It is needed so if the Board deals with something like this again, it
will be there, but it can be changed if the occasion arises. It is protection
for now in the event the Board should receive a similar request. She will not
repeat what Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Bowerman have said. It is acknowledged that
there is a problem with the rest areas. VDOT does need to have access to the
Crozet Interceptor because of public health and safety concerns. Recognizing
that they do not meet the Board's existing criteria for such a connection
because they are outside of the designated growth area boundaries, she then
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 25)
000 34
offered motion to approve amending the service area boundaries of the
Albemarle County Service Authority for limited sewer service to the existing
rest area structures only, at the Virginia Department of Transportation 1-64
East rest area (Tax Map 54) and at the Virginia Department of Transportation
1-64 West rest area (Tax Map 73). In addition, the service area boundaries
for limited sewer service are extended to provide limited sewer service to the
Ivy Sanitary Landfill for purposes of leachate management, only (Tax Map 73,
Parcel 28).
Mr. Davis suggested that the motion include the recommendation that
service to these areas is required to be provided by private sewer lines
within existing Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) right-of-way.
Mrs. Humphris agreed to that addition to the motion, and added that the line
be sized for existing use only.
Mrs. Thomas mentioned that this is a health and safety distress, and it
is also an environmental issue. There is a study which people may be inter-
ested in seeing. The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority will have their
independent consultant say, in the near future, what the danger is to the
water. There are also deep wells being drilled to find the impact of things
which are not being discussed today, which are in the landfill and what their
impact is to the wells in the neighborhood.
At this point, the motion was seconded by Mr. Bowerman.
Ms. Angela Tucker said VDOT does not have a design yet for this line.
It is the intent of VDOT to use existing right-of-way and not to take anything
cross country. However, if VDOT should need to use minimal easements (to cut
a sharp corner or bypass rock), how would that be effected by the clause "VDOT
right-of-way only"? She said things become complicated when they have to
purchase right-of-way. While that technicality could be taken care of by
purchasing property in lieu of using easements, it wOuld still be nice to have
the availability of not stopping anything should they need 100 feet of
easement to get around a restriction. Mrs. Humphris said the whole consider-
ation and recommendations of the Water Resources Manager and the consultant
was that it seemed to be very important for keeping this a private
(non-accessible to another party) sewer line, and that it be within VDOT
right-of-way. That is the way the recommendation came to the Board.
Mr. Tucker asked if VDOT would purchase any right-of-way needed to cut a
corner or something of that nature, or would they use just an easement. Ms.
Tucker said it would be VDOT's preference to pursue a permanent easement. It
would not be a formal right-of-way. She Suggested that they take this project
one step at a time, working carefully with their designer. Mrs. Thomas
suggested that if VDOT needed to go outside of their right-of-way in some
specific area, that they come back to the Board for an amendment. Mrs.
Humphris agreed that might be the best way to handle this matter. Since this
has been brought up at the last minute she would not be comfortable with
changing the recommendation. Ms. Tucker said she knows this was the recommen-
dation put forth by County Staff, but VDOT does not have a design for this
line at this time.
Mrs. Thomas asked if there is a reason VDOT needs to proceed now instead
of six months from now if that would make a big difference with the landfill
pipe. Is the problem unbearable, so the project needs to go forth in the
middle of winter? Ms. Tucker said winter is a better season for VDOT to do
the construction. There are peak seasons at the rest stops where VDOT would
not consider disrupting the convenience it provides, but it is a problem at
this very moment. They have the same consultant available for design purposes
if VDOT gets the agreement from the Board today. Maybe there is some logic
that can be discussed concerning the joint application.
Mr. Perkins said it sounds as if no one is ready to start digging, so
while the landfill is gathering additional information, planning can go forth,
and maybe both projects will be ready at the same time. Ms. Tucker said they
would prefer to coordinate so the right-of-way will not be disturbed twice.
With no further discussion by the Board, Mr. Perkins requested that the
roll be called on the motion which reads in its entirety: "Approve amending
the service area boundaries of the Albemarle County Service Authority for
limited sewer service to the existing rest area structures only, at the
Virginia Department of Transportation 1-64 East rest area (Tax Map 54) and at
the Virginia Department of Transportation 1-64 West rest area (Tax Map 73).
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 26)
000235
In addition, the service area boundaries for limited sewer service are
extended to provide limited sewer service to the Ivy Sanitary Landfill for
purposes of leachate management only (Tax Map 73, Parcel 28). Service to
these areas is required to be provided by private sewer lines within existing
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) right-of-way, and the line be
sized for existing use only. Expansion of the limited service areas is
supported by the findings that it is necessary for existing publicly-owned
uses and is necessary to address identified public health, safety and environ-
mental problems.
The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin and
Mr. Perkins.
None.
(Note: The Board recessed at 11:03 a.m. and reconvened at 11:16 a.m.)
Agenda Item No. 12a. Public Hearing pursuant to Va. Code Section 30-
19.04 for the purpose of considering a request by the Jefferson Area Board on
Aging ("JABA") for a resolution of support for exemption from taxation of
certain property purchased by JABA to be developed as an adult day care
center, said resolution required prior to consideration by a committee of the
General Assembly of legislation involving the designation of property to be
exempted from taxation. (Advertised in the Daily Progress on November 21 and
28, 1995)
Mr. Tucker summarized the request. In addition, staff is recommending
adopting of a resolution to set future policy for tax exempt requests to the
Board. If the Board chooses to approve tax exemption, staff will furnish a
proper resolution for adoption at the Board's meeting on December 13.
At this time, Mr. Perkins opened the public hearing.
First to speak was Mr. Ed Jones, Chairman of the Board for JABA. He
thanked the members of the Board and staff members for their willingness to
listen to this request. He thinks a bigger issue may have been made of this
request than the number of dollars involved. The JABA Board believes in
working hard for every dollar. They believe that every dollar should be used
for meals and to provide critical service to the citizens of the community.
They take pride in the quality and effectiveness of their services.
Mr. Jones said JABA's second reason for wanting favorable consideration
of their petition is related to the fact that they will be borrowing substan-
tial sums in the near future for a bridge loan during the construction phase
and then for a term loan. Their financial advisors have said that a favor-
able decision by the Board will help them in being granted the loan and
acquiring a lower interest rate. A one-half percentage point on the interest
rate makes a big difference in a substantial size loan.
Mr. Jones said JABA's Board believes it is time to build a state-of-the-
art adult, health care facility in the County. They have made substantial
progress in raising the $3.0 million it will take, but success in this
enterprise is not assured. He requested that the Board grant favorable
support of their request.
Mr. Joe Brown from Earlysville said he recently retired as general
manager of Leggett Department Stores so he has had more time to work on this
project to build a new senior day care center in the area. He has been
involved in lots of fund-raising activities at Leggett and always felt they
were a real part of the community. They have made a sizeable pledge to this
campaign. He has never worked for an organization that he was so sold on. He
personally feels this is something that is really needed in the community. He
mentioned that Mrs. Thomas had talked earlier today about soccer fields, and
they are needed too. He realizes that some time a cap must be put on because
the County can't just continue to give away funds. If this were a big,
money-making project, and JABA would get a windfall in return for this
investment, he would not be here today. He is convinced JABA will need more
of the Board's support in the future to make this center a reality, and in
order to operate it successfully. He invited the Board members to look at the
plans and the rendering of the facility. Mr. Brown said the Center is to be
build on a piece of property on Hillsdale Drive across the street from Our
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 27)
Lady of Peace and directly behind the Marriott Motel.
They feel this is a
wonderful location and will aid in serving the community. The present Center
on East Market Street is not easily accessible. He thanked the Board members
for listening and requested favorable consideration of the request.
Mrs. Frances Hill, a resident of Crozet, said she owns property there.
She attends The Meadows, another JABA project, and said anything progressive
for the community is needed.
Mr. Carlton Luck, from Esmont, said he represents the southside of
Albemarle County. He feels this center is greatly needed in the community.
His wife works with the seniors at Esmont. He thinks the JABA Board is doing
a wonderful job for the seniors. He said even members of the Board will be
seniors some day, and may want to benefit from these same services. If the
Board can give JABA a tax exemption, they would appreciate it. If taxes are
going up, all will be paying anyway. He thanked the Board members for
whatever help they can give.
Mr. Thomas Morton said he goes to the day care center every day.
Without the day care center, he would be completely alone because his daughter
and her husband and grandchildren are out of the house all day. He is picked
up by JAUNT and taken to the day care center and he loves it. He would be
lost without it.
Mr. Leonard Loman said he does not believe the money could not be better
spent. All of us will need this type of service at some point in the future.
He does not know that the County should make any change in policy at this
time, but this organization does a phenomenal job.
Mr. Alex Jordan spoke about arriving in Albemarle County in a wheel-
chair. He is an alumni of JABA. He spent all of 1992 in the wheelchair, and
JABA brought him up to a level where he was able to attend Woodrow Wilson
Rehabilitation where he spent another year. He had not been up and about
until 1995. If this Board can do anything to make JA~A a success, he asked
that they get all the help possible. He said they need it and do a wonderful
job.
Ms. Mary Lou Weiss, Director of the Thomas Jefferson Adult Health Care
Center, and a resident of the White Hall District, asked that the new center
be tax exempt. JABA and its programs support the County's mission of service
to the community. JABA's objectives are to advance the development of
community-based services to empower families to provide cost-effective,
quality care for frail or disabled adults. The community has experienced an
unprecedented growth of elderly and frail who have unique needs. JABA, in
collaboration with the community, provides advocacy and cost-effective
community-based services for adults who are at risk in the community and who
may need assistance and supervision during the day so their families can
continue to work and provide care in their homes in order to avoid premature
institutionalization. The program is multi-disciplinary, in collaboration
with all community resources. The Center works with the departments of Social
Services, with Protective Services, with the Health Department, the Police
Department, Region Ten, MACAA, Martha Jefferson Hospital, University of
Virginia Hospital, the Alzheimer's Association, local schools and businesses.
Together, with community, the Thomas Jefferson Adult Health Care Center
supports continued community living, disease prevention and health promotion,
maintenance and improvement of functional abilities, acquisition of coping
skills, and improvement of the quality of individual and family life.
Ms. Jane Crobach, a resident of Albemarle County, said she works with
individuals with disabilities, many of whom have become disabled due to aging.
She coordinates with all of the local agencies including and foremost, JABA.
She has found JA~A to be well-managed and a productive organization with
dedicated staff working with limited resources. She said every person in the
room today will at some time need the services of JABA. She thinks JABA
deserves the requested level of support from Albemarle County.
Mr. Gordon Walker, a resident of Batesville, and also Director of the
Jefferson Area Board on Aging, said JABA is asking Albemarle County to be an
active partner in their endeavor to build a center. For 20 years JABA has
fulfilled the charge given to it by the County to provide necessary services
to the aged and the families that care for them. JABA has delivered millions
of dollars of service to Albemarle County residents, and that also contributes
to the local tax base. JABA's record of consistency should provide the Board
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 28)
00023
with an assurance that this is a credible organization that will fulfill its
obligations if they are granted tax-exempt status. There is substantial
precedent for granting the tax-exempt status to meet human service objectives.
Relief from property tax will enable JABA to succeed. It is a major undertak-
ing and they are concerned that without the Board's support they will not be
successful. Without the help of JABA, the task of caring for the elderly is
difficult primarily for families who may be forced to quit work or make
decisions to place people in nursing homes, and increase the cost of health
care.
Mrs. Nancy Barnett, a member of the JABA Board, said she speaks as a
concerned citizen. She does home care for her husband and knows that eventu-
ally she will have to have some relief. She knows she can drop her husband
off at JABA in the morning and pick him up in the evening. She urged the
Board to support this request from JABA.
With no one else from the public rising to Speak, Mr. Perkins closed the
public hearing and placed the matter before the Board.
Mr. Marshall said he intends to support this motion because sometimes
you have to spend money to save money. In this case, he thinks the Board will
be spending $18,000 to save ten times that amount in services provided by this
organization to the community. He then offered motion to support JABA'S
request. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bowerman.
Mr. Davis said action by the Board will require the drafting of a
resolution setting forth the specifics required by State Code. If the Board
supports this motion, staff will draft that resolution and return it to the
Board on the consent agenda at next week's meeting.
Mr. Marshall said that was the intent of his motion. Mr. Bowerman, as
seconder, agreed.
Mrs. Humphris said she has had a very frank discussion with Mr. Jones
and Mr. Walker about this request. She is the senior member of the Board of
Supervisors in years, is a senior citizen, and has had a lot of experience
caring for elderly, disabled, ill parents. However, she feels bound by the
facts of the situation to support the staff recommendation, which is not to
support tax-exempt status for JABA. The reasons are all set out in the
staff's report. To approve the request would be precedent setting, which is
always important to the Board because of the doors it opens for future
requests from other worthy organizations doing things for the citizens in the
County. The County's ability to help JABA is not limited by whether or not
the tax exempt status is granted. Because of the reasons laid out by staff,
doing this does not permit the annual oversight or review by the Board of
Supervisors. The Board is accountable to the citizens for expenditure of
taxpayer dollars, and because tax exempt status is a thing which is granted in
perpetuity, it would never be rescinded and would not allow future Boards to
decide on the level of support they chose to give to JABA. For all those
reasons, she will not support the request, although she wholeheartedly
supports JABA and will do so during future budget considerations.
Mrs. Thomas said she does not think the concept is the support of JABA,
but rather how up-front the Board is with the citizens and taxpayers. This
kind of support is hidden in the budget. She did get a listing of the things
which currently receive this type of support, and she was surprised to learn
which entities already receive support. She is opposed to the request in
principle, but on the other hand, it apparently makes a great deal of differ-
ence to the banks and the kind of loan JABA would receive. To the County, it
is not an advantage because she thinks the Board should be allowed to decide
each year on priorities and decide where the taxpayer's dollars go. At this
moment, she is still undecided as to how she will vote.
Mr. Martin said this is an easy decision for him. It is not the first
agency to receive a tax-exempt status in terms of a building, so he does not
feel it would be setting a precedent. One of the discriminations the State
Code allows the Board to have in the way of taxation has to do with the
elderly and allowing them a tax exemption. This is just a continuation of
that same kind of exemption. It is obvious that JABA needs this exemption in
order to convince the banks to help them with the loans.
Mr. Bowerman said he understands what Mr. Martin is saying, but it seems
to him that the Board is actually penalizing an agency that is successful in
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 29)
000235
pursuing its mission, which this Board is a part of. The County is not
collecting taxes from JABA now, except for the raw land it owns, and it seems
silly to be taxing that real estate and then giving them money. Right now
they are not paying this and yet they are going to create a new facility,
which is going to become an additional cost to them. Because of their
mission, what they do for the community, and this Board's relationship with
them, it makes sense to grant them a tax exemption for the facility. Ini-
tially, he did not support it as evidenced by Mrs. Humphris' concerns, but,
upon reflection, it does make sense, and he will support the motion.
Mr. Davis asked if it is the Board's intent to grant JABA tax-exempt
status for this piece of property only, because the general approval would be
to grant tax-exempt status for any property owned by JABA now or it might
acquire in the future. Conditions could be recommended to the General
Assembly. One condition used in other localities is to limit it to a specific
piece of property or a specific use. Mr. Marshall said the intent of his
motion was for this single piece of property. Mrs. Thomas concurred that this
is what the banks are concerned about. Mr. Davis then asked if the Board
would want a resolution that would limit tax exemption to this one piece of
property identified for this center. Mr. Martin agreed that is what he had
been discussing.
Mr. Perkins said since JABA is a regional entity, how does this Board
balance the tax-exempt status against what other localities will be contribut-
ing to JABA? There will be citizens from other localities using the center.
Mr. Tucker said that is difficult to discern, because it could change daily.
He does not know how to balance it on a regional basis. Mr. Perkins asked if
there is some way the loss of tax revenues can be identified. Mr. Tucker said
staff tries to bring that forward in a budgetary discussion on any properties
where the County is providing tax exemption. Staff also reminds the agencies
of their tax exempt status. Mr. Bowerman said that should be counted as
Albemarle County's contribution when other governments look at the contribu-
tion Albemarle makes.
Mr. Perkins asked if the County Attorney had researched whether a tax-
exempt status can be revoked. Mr. Davis said it would require an Act of the
General Assembly to revoke it, and he has never seen one done, but he thinks
it could be legally done.
Mrs. Thomas said if this request is granted, she hopes staff will make
the tax exempt status of organizations evident in the budget. Mr. Tucker said
that is a good point and it can be made a part of every budget.
Mrs. Humphris said it gives her no pleasure to oppose this request.
is just being consistent with her own thinking and with her past votes on
issues like this.
She
Mr. Perkins said he voted against Our Lady of Peace because he felt that
was a private, for-profit entity, but he will support this request.
There being no further discussion, roll was called, and the motion
carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin and Mr. Perkins.
NAYS: Mrs. Humphris.
Agenda Item No. 12b. Public Hearing pursuant to Va. Code Section
15.1-504 for the purpose of considering a resolution which would set a policy
for future requests from nonprofit organizations for exemption from taxation
of real property.
Mr. Tucker asked if the Board wanted to adopt the resolution setting out
a general policy for tax exempt requests.
Mrs. Thomas felt it might be helpful to have a resolution like this. It
says "compelling circumstances," which leaves it up to the Board as to when
something is a compelling circumstance. If the staff would find it helpful to
have something like this when dealing with applicants, she is wiling to move
that it be adopted. It is the same as the one used by the City, and could
help in the Board's efforts to be consistent in dealing with applicants when
there are joint budget meetings with the City. Mrs. Thomas then offered
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 30)
00023,9
motion to approve the resolution as presented to the Board. The motion was
seconded by Mrs. Humphris.
Mr. Martin felt that sometimes the Board gets too much into trying to
have a rule or a plan so the Board can just act like robots. He just thinks
that "if something is not broken, just leave it alone." He does not think
anything is broken in this case.
Mrs. Thomas said that is why she said if the staff thinks it would be
helpful she is willing to offer the motion. Evidently, staff thinks it would
be helpful, of they would not have proposed it to the Board. Mrs. Humphris
felt it would be guidance to the staff. The Board would still be making the
decisions. It is important because the number of requests for resolutions
supporting tax exemption are likely to increase in times of budget cuts. Mrs.
Thomas felt the Board will be hit with an increased number just because some
entities are going to move out of the city into the county. Mr. Bowerman said
he did not think it will make any difference. He feels that any organization
compelled to pursue tax exemption is going to do it in spite of the resolu-
tion. Mr. Marshall agreed. Mr. Tucker said this resolution will require the
staff to make an analysis and identify compelling reasons for the request.
With no further comments, roll was called, and the motion carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Perkins.
NAYS: Mr. Martin.
R E S 0 L U T I 0 N
WHEREAS, the Virginia General Assembly requires qualifying
entities desiring property tax exemptions under state law to first
seek a resolution of support from the local governing body, and
WHEREAS, the number of requests to the Board of County
Supervisors for such resolutions supporting tax exemptions are
likely to increase in these times of budget cuts, and
WHEREAS, many of the applicants seeking such tax relief
already are subsidized by the county through its regular budget
funding, and
WHEREAS, this Board, to be fair and orderly in its treatment
of all organizations, both those that have been granted property
tax exemptions under Virginia law, and those which do not have
property tax exemptions, would prefer that most of all of its
subsidies be analyzed as part of the budget process rather than
piecemeal during the entire fiscal year through the tax exempt
process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County
Supervisors shall not adopt resolutions supporting tax exempt
status for organizations under state law unless there are compel-
ling circumstances,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that during its annual budget process
this Board will take into account whether a funding applicant has
a property tax exemption, and if so, its nature and extent, and
then shape the aggregate County funding amount accordingly, all
with the goal of treating every applicant fairly.
Agenda Item No. 13. Tourism Council Presentation.
Ms. Sandy Greenwood said she was present to give an update of activities
of the Tourism Council. Mr. Bryan Elliot will give a financial report on
tourism dollars. The next portion will be how the tourism dollar travels
through the community and why it benefits all. She will then give a report on
what the Council has been doing and what the committee goals are. Their
mission statement is: "The Council is organized to provide business leader-
ship, to enhance the ecumenic climate of our regional tourism industry, and to
promote cooperation, coordination and communication within the regional
tourism industry, between the industry, the County/City/State governments and
the citizens in this jurisdiction, to facilitate cooperation and cross-
000240
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 31)
promotion between tourism entities, and create a better understanding of
tourism's contributions to our regional economy." She thanked the Board for
its support and for establishing this Council.
The next speaker, who did not identify himself, said he is an educator,
and his task is to set a definition for tourism, for the travel industry as it
is known locally. He handed out several charts for his presentation. He said
that tourism is a very complex industry. It is highly segmented. In the
United States, it has the third fastest growth rate of all U.S. industrial
segments between now and the year 2000. In the Commonwealth, it is the second
fastest growing industry. Tourism is the opportunity to provide quality
services for individuals coming to the community, while having minimal impact,
with maximum economic return. For every tourist dollar that is spent in this
community, it has a spending power of eight fold.
Mr. Bryan Elliott went over some information provided by the Virginia
Department of Tourism (on file) which relates to traveler spending, payroll
and employment in the area, plus the local tax c6ntribution. He mentioned
three areas which the Council believes are critical to the industry. Tourism
is a catalyst for the local economy, tourism is a contributor to the local tax
base, and tourism enhances the overall quality of life for the area's citi-
zens. In 1994, over $204.0 million was spent by travelers in the local
economy (from the Virginia Department of Tourism). That is a six percent
increase between 1994 and 1988. In terms of annual employment and payroll,
they have linked about 4000 jobs in the local economy to tourism. This
~employment level provides $53.0 million in annual payroll, and 37 lodging, and
329 restaurant establishments support this payroll in the region. Thirty-five
percent of all taxable sales in the City and County in 1994 could be traced to
traveler spending; $4.35 million was attributable to the local tax dollars,
all types of taxes. Mrs. Humphris said this shows how much the County is
losing by not having a meals tax.
Mr. Elliott said that for the support both the County and the City make,
as well as the Chamber of Commerce, to supporting the Visitor's Bureau (about
$200,000 a year), there is a return of $4.35 million. Thirdly, as to the
quality of life, if one looks at some of the infrastructure improvements
planned or already completed, they benefit not only the tourist, but all
people who live in the area. Tourism is vital, it is thriving, and is a
growing industry, one that is critical to the future of the area.
Ms. Greenwood said the travel and tourism business is a very attractive
business for the obvious reasons. As a result, it has become highly competi-
tive. Everybody wants it. It has become a "dog eat dog" type of business.
It is still a fixed market. It is one of the few areas in business where you
cannot create demand, only respond to that demand. As a result, the area
needs to stay competitive because it cannot stay status quo. Different states
are going after the same market, and Canada is going after the same markets.
The Council set some short-term and some long-term goals, feeling it had a
great deal to accomplish.
Ms. Greenwood said one of the first things facing the Council was the
Internet. They have put together a plan for the Internet and have also
requested matching grant funds from the State to go on the Internet locally.
They are deciding what the home page will look like and are being sure they
can be assessed through the State. Virginia Tech has been very aggressive on
the Internet with tourism. They want to be sure they have taken advantage of
all of the special events in the way of public relations. There is now a
Special Events Committee (Olympic Torch Relay Race which is to be in Char-
lottesville in June) and a Public Relations Committee (to insure that there is
good coverage for any events in this area). They have set up a long-term
strategy and by-laws for the council and established the committees and goals
necessary to insure success. There is an Education Committee which will
coordinate efforts between private industry and educational partners for
hospitality training and training of the local workforce. They want to be a
conduit and communication vehicle for the City, the County, the Chamber,
public and private industry. The Marketing Committee wilt develop a coopera-
tive marketing effort. They will coordinate the financial resources and
maximum expenditures to market the regional area. They need to determine
which markets will benefit the local area most. They also want to get guest
satisfaction feedback. The Technical Committee is responsible for capturing
and making useful all the data that is available for travel and tourism, and
they will also take on the Internet project.
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 32)
00024i
Ms. Greenwood said there is natural beauty in the area, historic value,
and all the things that tourists truly value. As a result, the tourism
support will extend throughout the community when matching grant funds are
accessed, and when ISTEA funds are requested, the community benefits. She
thanked the Board for its support, and offered to answer questions.
Mrs. Thomas said she has been interested in the World Wide Web and what
other communities are doing. She has noticed that the information quite often
is out-of-date so it is not very useful. She asked if between the grant they
have applied for and their Committee, they will be able to keep the informa-
tion up-to-date. Ms. Greenwood said they have discussed getting an intern
from the Curry School. The first intern will be paid for helping to develop
the information, but in the future, they hope to get interns, to keep the
Internet updated, and to do this work for college credit.
Mr. Tucker said the Tourism Council was created recently. Structurally,
they are to provide advice to the Convention Bureau while working with Ms.
Bobbye Cochran, to keep this Board, City Council, and the Chamber of Commerce,
up-to-date on what the Council is doing.
At this time, Mr. Perkins asked Mr. Tucker if the Board could return to
Agenda Item No. 10, Authorize County Executive to execute agreements for
permanent pump and haul for Randolph and Catherine Lange (formerly Captain's
Table).
Mr. Tucker said the Board saw this request on March 1, 1995, and
authorized the County Attorney to draft the necessary contracts to provide for
pump and haul for the Captain's Table Restaurant. The County Attorney has
done that. It is in the form of three contracts: 1) an agreement between the
County and the owner, 2) a hauler's agreement which includes the owner, the
County and the septic hauler, and 3) between the owner, the County and the
State Health Commissioner. The agreements were forwarded to the owner and
have been signed. There is a draft policy included in the staff's report
which is meant to become a part of the Comprehensive Plan. The staff feels
the Comprehensive Plan is the best place to identify various adopted policies.
If approved, the County Executive would be authorized to sign the agreements
with the condition that the owners verify, to the satisfaction of the Zonin~
Administrator, that the restaurant's non-conforming status in the Rural Areas
District will not expire within 90 days from the date of approval. If the
Board accepts the policy for future pump and haul requests, it should direct
that the policy be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. There is some
language in the staff's report just prior to that recommendation regarding
when their non-conforming status expires.
Mr. Tucker said he believes that has been clarified to be November 30,
1996. Mr. Davis said that is the information received by the Zoning Depart-
ment, but they have not been able to confirm that date.
Mrs. Humphris asked if the Board can take action if they do not have
confirmation of the expiration period. Mr. Davis said once the staff confirms
what the expiration date is, if it is more than 90 days out which would allow
for the Health Department to review and approve these agreements, Mr. Tucker
can then execute the agreements, but that would be contingent upon confirma-
tion that the non-conforming use has not already expired. Mr. Tucker said it
was his understanding that it was expected to expire on December 31, 1995, and
he did not know how the applicants could implement all of these contracts in
that time period. Mr. Davis said that was the initial information received by
the Zoning staff last Spring, but when they tried to confirm it, they were
given different information, and now they are looking for confirmation of the
different information that says it is a later date. He does not believe the
Langes have provided any satisfactory information to Zoning at this point.
Mr. Tucker asked if it was Mr. Davis' opinion that the Board could
approve these agreements and if that time has expired, he will not si~n unless
he has those confirmations. Mr. Davis said he did not believe the applicants
were present even though he had written advising them of the date of this
meeting. In March there was a Realtor present who was prepared to speak to
the issue. He has continued to be involved in this to some extent. The
circumstance is that the Langes have sold the property, the restaurant went
out of business and they reacquired the property. The restaurant has not been
reopened primarily due to the septic tank problem. He has no information at
all as to how real their plans for reopening are or how they intend to
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 33)
000242
operate. The agreements are very restrictive in that they limit the Board's
approval only to the Langes and only for a restaurant that is the same level
of activity that was in existence when it went out of business.
Mrs. Thomas asked if the Langes have accepted the agreements with the
conditions. Mr. Davis said that was the information provided to him in March
and April when he asked them about the level of business they were trying to
continue. They provided that information to him and have executed the
agreements, so he assumes the agreements are acceptable to them. However,
they have not pursued this matter aggressively.
Mrs. Humphris said if they are not "knocking on the door" and are not
here today and the Board does not really know what is going on, she cannot see
proceeding with the matter. She feels it should be deferred. Mr. Marshall
said they might decide not to do anything. Mrs. Thomas felt it would be
better to defer, because she feels this would be precedent-setting action and
it is probably better not to set the precedent if there is not a business that
wants the permit. She asked if there is any legal reason why it cannot be
deferred. Mr. Davis said after hearing this discussion, it would be better to
defer until the Langes can be present to present their case. He said it is an
important decision this Board is making. He does not know of any permanent
pump and haul agreement that the County has entered into in the past.
Mrs. Thomas asked if the matter could be deferred until January, 1996.
Mr. Tucker answered "yes", because if their non-conformity runs out at the end
of this month, there is no way the Langes could execute all of the things they
need to do. Mr. Davis suggested that he write a letter advising that the
matter will be back on the Board's agenda the first week of January and ask if
they want to appear and argue their case.
Motion was offered by Mr. Bowerman, seconded by Mrs. Humphris, to defer
the matter of a permanent pump and haul for Randolph and Catherine Lange
(formerly Captain's Table) until the meeting on January 3, 1996. Roll was
called, and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin and
Mr. Perkins.
None.
Agenda Item No. 14. Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from the
BOARD.
Mrs. Thomas noted that all members of the Moorman's Scenic River
Advisory Board (a committee appointed by the Governor) have been removed and
replacements named. Although they are not appointments made by this Board,
she requested that all of those people receive a letter of appreciation
because they did serve the interests of the County for a long time.
Mrs. Humphris mentioned an article she believes is significant which was
in the November 27, 1995, NACO County News about the problem of the tax
give-away war which has been waged across the country by states trying to get
companies to move to their state. This is a practice which is bankrupting the
localities and is a practice which needs to be stopped. Probably the only way
to do it would be for the Federal Government to do it under the commerce laws
which say that any kind of a tax break has to be available to everybody and
not the kind that is decided upon on a state-by-state basis. They can do that
under the Interstate Commerce laws, because there will be more of the
tax-give-away wars in Virginia.
Agenda Item No. 15. Executive Session: Legal Matters and Personnel.
At 12:30 p.m., motion was offered by Mr. Bowerman, seconded by Mrs.
Humphris, to adjourn into executive session pursuant to Section 2.1-344.A of
the Code of Virginia under Subsection (1) to discuss an employee evaluation
and appointments to boards and commissions, and under Subsection (7) to
consult with legal counsel and staff regarding specific legal matters concern-
ing reversion. Roll was called, and the motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting) 000243
(Page 34)
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin and
Mr. Perkins.
NAYS: None.
Agenda Item No. 16. Certify Executive Session.
At 2:10 p.m., the Board reconvened into open session. Motion was
immediately offered by Mr. Bowerman, seconded by Mrs. Humphris, to certify by
a recorded vote that to the best of each Board members's knowledge only public
business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements of the
Virginia Freedom of Information Act and identified in the motion authorizing
the executive session were heard, discussed or considered in the executive
session. Roll was called, and the motion carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin and
Mr. Perkins.
None.
Agenda Item No. 17. 2:00 p.m., Room 235 - Joint meeting with School
Board and State Legislators to discuss the County's 1996 Legislative Program.
(Note: Mr. Mitch Van Yahres and Mr. Peter Way were present, but Senator Emily
Couric was not present).
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Russell Madison Cummings, Jr.,
Mrs. Susan Clayton Gallion, Mrs. Karen L. Powell and Mr. Michael J. Marshall.
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. William W. Finley, Mr. George C.
Landrith, III and Mrs. Sharon Wood.
OFFICERS PRESENT: Dr. Kevin C. Castner, Superintendent of Schools, Mr.
Frank E. Morgan, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services; Mrs. Diane T.
Ippolito, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Mr. Mark A. Trank,
Deputy County Attorney.
At 2:10 p.m., Mr. Perkins called the Board of Supervisors to order.
Mrs. Powell, Vice-Chairman, called the School Board to order.
Mr. Tucker said that everyone had been sent a copy of the Thomas
Jefferson Planning District Commission's Legislative Program for 1996 which
gives a regional perspective of the requests from the localities in Planning
District 10. One big issue has to do with reversion and there are three
pieces of legislation proposed by staff. That has been reviewed with the
legislators. One piece of legislation deals with preventing a city from
reverting back to a city once it has reverted to town status; a second piece
of legislation suggested provides for a cooling-off period after a reversion
and a five-year period from the date of that reversion before any annexation
proceedings could begin; and the third piece of legislation provides for a
referendum. Reversion is the only major change in government that does not
provide for any type of referenda for the voters of a locality. Staff is
proposing that a referendum take place after the actual ruling has been made
by the three-judge panel so that both localities would know what the actual
reversion consist of. The vote would take place within 90 days in both the
city and the county. The proposed legislation is an attempt "to level the
playing field" as well as trying to provide some fairness for counties.
Dr. Kevin Castner, Division Superintendent, said he speaks for himself
and not for the School Board which did not take a formal position on some of
the issues coming up. He was asked to summarize his thoughts, and that
summary should have been distributed to the Board members. Albemarle County
has had considerable growth for the last several years. When a locality grows
by 200 students each year, that is a cost of over a million dollars just to
stay the same as the year before. When other things impact the budget (such
as mandates and keeping up with the cost-of-living increases for employees),
the budget is really stretched. This year there are a couple of things which
create a potential impact. One is the prefunding of the Virginia Retirement
System (VRS) . That could have a substantial impact, one that is not known at
this time because there is a range on it between $80,000 and $1.9 million. If
that is passed to the locality, it will cut into new revenues and growth of
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting) 000244
(Page 35)
the budget. The School Board would appreciate anything the Board of Supervi-
sors can do to help ease that impact.
Dr. Castner said the next issue involves unfunded mandates. The School
Board is committed to having a curriculum in Albemarle County that will be
aligned with the SOL's (standards of learning). Testing on the SOL's will
begin in the Spring of 1997. On the subject of social studies, Albemarle's
curriculum is not aligned and the materials that Albemarle is using are not at
the correct grade level and this could create an impact on the budget between
one-half million dollars to one million dollars in order to provide materials
and adequate training so that Albemarle's children can be taught the curricu-
lum they would be tested on in the Spring of 1997. They do not disagree that
this program is a good program, but the money to fund it is not in the School
Board's present budget. If that is where the money is to come from, they
would appreciate any additional support that can be given.
Dr. Castner said that as Federal regulations for entitlements change,
the Chapter I Funds that are designated to help the neediest students, are
going to be reduced by approximately $200,000. Since that is money which has
always been received from the Federal level, it is now competing against local
dollars. Anything that can be done from the State level to try and balance
that reduction in funds would be a great help. They think that funds spent on
at-risk and elementary students will have a greater impact than funds spent
across-the-board.
Mr. Way asked if Dr. Castner was giving a worst-case scenario. None of
these things will necessarily take place. Dr. Castner answered that in the
VRS payment he tried to show the limits; however, for the SOL's, the figure he
gave is fact. Mr. Way said it is not fact that the SOL's are not going to be
funded. Dr. Castner agreed. He said that on the issue of Federal legisla-
tion, they have been told those are the numbers the School System is going to
receive. He said they have been told to anticipate in the future, especially
in Chapter I, that the reduction could continue over the next few years.
Mr. Van Yahres asked if there any schools in Albemarle that will be
eligible for the "disparity funding" which will be coming into place. He
understands there are two elementary schools that would be eligible under the
guidelines of 25 percent and 50 percent students getting a free lunch. Dr.
Castner said he was not familiar with the legislation.
Mr. Michael Marshall said he feels the most critical issue on the SOL's
is the second issue, materials that are appropriate to those instructions.
This does put a large burden on school boards statewide to come up with more
and different books for the kids to read. For the SOL's to have a meaningful
impact, there will have to be one or two years of funding on a per head basis
which is dedicated strictly for materials purchases to accommodate the
requirements of the SOL's. Otherwise, the SOL'S are not being implemented,
Dr. Castner said the social studies curriculum is the most dramatically
changed, so, like Chapter I, it is more than a local issue.
Mrs. Thomas asked if the School Board could show figures which have been
incurred for the SOL's that would be helpful for the legislators. Mr. Mike
Marshall said in the first year they asked for $650,000 and tot about
$380,000. Last year they put in another $250,000. They have spent a lot of
money the last couple of years on books to try to accommodate the requirements
of the SOL's. Since the state is making an SOL requirement, he thinks they
should fund some part of that requirement for the counties.
Mrs. Karen Powell said the School Board had a summary done on how the
SOL's compared to Albemarle's curriculum. There have been a lot of grade
level changes with different reading levels. Whether or not the information
has changed, the grade level has changed, and appropriate materials are needed
in order to meet the SOL's in that regard.
Mrs. Thomas asked if studying Virginia history in the third grade as
opposed to the fifth grade means you have to buy entirely new books. Mrs.
Powell said "yes" because the material from one grade is not appropriate to
the other grade.
Mrs. Susan Gallion said she is interested in the views of the legisla-
tors on the issue of binding arbitration. There were two different votes last
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
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000245
year which were different from the original vote. Mr. Van Yahres said this is
an issue which comes up each year before the Education Committee. He believes
binding arbitration should follow the state guidelines which are different
from what has been requested. So far, that is the way he has voted, but he
will look at the legislation if it is presented again this year, He reserves
the right to change his mind. Mrs. Gallion said she believes it would
significantly increase the legal costs of the School Board. Mr. Way said it
comes closer every year to passing, but he will continue to vote against it.
Mr. Madison Cummings said he would like to speak to the potential
legislation to support education. He has talked to several principals in the
area, and one of these has a school where over 25 percent are free and
reduced-cost lunch kids. Last year the School Board had an initiative to
provide some at-risk money for these kids, and now with the potential loss of
Title I money from the Federal level, this particular school is $35,000 "in
the hole." He thinks that is going to happen with a lot of schools where
there are significant numbers of at-risk kids. Changes on the Federal level
are definitely impacting Albemarle.
Mr. Martin asked if any Federal money toes to the Comprehensive Services
Act, or is that just State money. Mrs. Gallion said it is just state money.
Mrs. Thomas said the Board will hear this from the Virginia Association of
Counties, but the CRS is considered a sleeper, and it is going to hit local
governments very hard, and the poorer the county, the harder the impact will
.be.
Mr. Perkins asked if there were any further education issues to be
discussed. Since there were none, he asked what changes should be made in the
reversion laws. Mr. Van Yahres asked what the Board wanted. Mr. Perkins said
the Board will meet with City Council on December 12 and there is a resolution
on education and a housing strategy which has been developed with City
Council.
Mr. Marshall said the present reversion laws are unfair to counties and
he thinks counties should be on a "level playing field" with cities. This can
be done by making sure they cannot revert, annex and then revert back to city
status. He thinks that is the number one issue with the reversion laws. Mr.
Van Yahres said during the last campaign, this is an issue he addressed. He
has all ready asked for legislation to be drafted along those lines.
Mr. Bowerman asked about reverting to a town, and then annexing and
having that land stay within the town. In other words, having some moratorium
that would not allow a city which had reverted to then annex for some period
of time. Mr. Van Yahres said that is not something he had thought about, but
he would is willing to take a look at that idea.
Mr. Martin said the Board feels strongly about making it clear that if a
city wants to revert to town status, that is what the city intends. If a city
just wants to revert in order to annex property, then just call it what it is.
If reversion is an attempt to force the issue of cooperation between counties
and cities, then maybe that's good. If reversion is just a vehicle to allow
the annexation of property, then it is bad legislation. The Legislators need
to'help the county make sure that reversion cannot be used for that purpose.
Mr. Van Yahres said he has spoken with city officials, they understand the
apprehension of counties and it is not their intent. He spoke with them about
the bill and they have no problem with it, but the exact language is yet to be
worked out.
Mrs. Thomas said talking in terms of "a few years" before allowing a
town to revert back to a city does not deal with the issue satisfactorily. It
would take a few years before even a vigorous town would get to a tax base
that would support them. To put a time clause does not do it; it simply says
that it cannot happen for a while. Once they annex, that land would become
permanently city land removing it totally from the county's tax base.
Charlottesville and Albemarle have been working under an agreement that there
will not be an annexation for many years. In the County's land use decisions,
it allowed tax revenue areas to be very close to the city, which makes
Albemarle very prone to losing valuable tax property in an annexation. It was
done for the good of the area. It has been good, simple land use decisions
and it was done under the assumption that there was not going to be annexation
because that is what Charlottesville promised. If Albemarle now opens itself
up to an annexation, and the town can become a city again, Albemarle will have
dealt itself a mortal blow in the name of having done good land use planning
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 37)
000246
over the years. Mr. Van Yahres said any legislation that he proposes to file,
will be discussed with Albemarle County and Charlottesville first.
Mr. Marshall said that is not enough for him. He wants a commitment.
He stated that in order to preserve the rural areas, the County has concen-
trated its growth in the urban ring. In doing so, if the city were allowed to
go to a township and then revert back to a city and take all of Albemarle's
tax base, the economic base of Albemarle County would be virtually destroyed.
If there is to be legislation introduced, it needs to say that if a city
reverts to town status, it cannot ever go back to being a city, it must remain
a town. That is the only way it can be done and protect the county.
Mrs. Humphris emphasized Mr. Marshall's remarks. She said that in the
long-term, it is a critical issue for Albemarle. The reversion legislation
was supposed to help cities that were in trouble by allowing them to have some
help on a fair basis from counties which had become more urbanized and
stronger. What point would there be in allowing a city to become a town, then
annex and revert back to city status, if that delivers a mortal wound and
leaves a dying county. That is the reality and exactly what would happen.
Who can blame the Board for being so fearful about not just reversion, but the
annexation that would come if this legislation proposed by Albemarle is not
passed? This Board has to trust the Legislators not to chose up sides between
Charlottesville and Albemarle, but simply to be fair.
Mr. Van Yahres said he hopes there is no choosing of sides also. It is
his desire that Charlottesville and Albemarle get together before anything
like this is even considered in the future. He does not think town reversion
is the answer. He thinks there are better options and he hopes the City and
the County have enough sense to do it. He believes compromises can be reached
if there are good negotiations between the City and the County. He believes
the two bodies have to get together and do it without having a reversion.
Mr. Way concurred with Mr. Van Yahres and then commended the Board for
the work it has done in trying to get more services in conjunction with the
City. Mr. Way said he was a member of the Board of Supervisors in the 1960s
and met with City Council to work out a merger agreement. The agreement that
was reached was not satisfactory and when put before the voters of both the
City and the County to make that determination, was soundly defeated. In
other localities in Virginia, the same thing took place and it was successful
in some cases. In every case, the voters had an opportunity to express their
opinion on it. A few years later in Albemarle County, the City and the City
tot together and drew up the Revenue Sharing Agreement, and even that was put
before the voters of the City and of the County. It is interesting that in
the current statutes, if a town wants to become a city, the question is put
before the voters. In looking at history, the people who will be effected by
the agreements have been allowed to have the final say. Members of the
governing bodies, knowing that the public is going to vote, are encouraged to
come up with an agreement that is in the best interest of the entire area.
For those reasons, he is very much in favor of the legislation that calls for
a referendum. He has asked Legislative Services to draw up such legislation.
When it comes to him in draft form, he will share it with the Board members.
Mr. Perkins said he understands that the City of Charlottesville and the
County of Albemarle have more cooperative agreements than any two localities
in the State, and the Board is willing to look at others. Regardless of
whether the City reverts or not, there are things that Charlottesville will do
for their people that the County does not need to do in the County and vice
versa. There are different problems in different areas. The urban ring is
definitely different from the White Hall District. The Board is interested in
working with the City and reaching cooperative agreements on anything it can,
but there are certain things where there is no benefit to it for the obvious
reasons. He thinks there needs to be a "level playing field" on the reversion
issue.
Mr. Way said Mr. Van Yahres indicated earlier that he is interested in
some kind of legislation that would prevent the town from immediately becoming
a city again. He thinks that makes sense, and he will be glad to co-patron
that legislation.
Mr. Van Yahres said everything that is being discussed seems to indicate
that discussions, negotiations and compromise are necessary. He emphasizes
the word "compromise" because he believes that both bodies will have to give
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 38)
00024'7
something in order to make this work. He said the answer to the whole
question needs to be the spirit of compromise. If the town reversion legisla-
tion has forced the issue, then it is good, but there has to be concrete
results that will not force the city into reverting to a town. He believes
the real dilemma is caused by State legislation. The independent city status
in Virginia is one of the major problems and the General Assembly has not
coped with that problem yet. That problem needs to be addressed as it stands
today and not in light of what the future may bring.
Mr. Marshall said "you can't negotiate with a gun to your head." Until
the County gets some legislation that will put this Board on a level playing
field, it makes it very difficult, Mr. Van Yahres said if that is the
attitude that is going to take place, he thinks the Board has to negotiate on
the basis of the existing law. Mr. Marshall is talking about a law that might
take effect on July 1, 1996. He believes this Board should have something
done long before that date.
Mr. Martin said he would like to change the subject. Ever since he
became a member of the Board of Supervisors, there has been a request for
legislation regarding equal taxing and borrowing powers for counties. He
sees no reason why counties should not have equal powers in these matters as
the cities do, especially in counties like Albemarle which have urban rings
with the same characteristics as cities. Mr. Van Yahres agreed it is needed,
and he has supported it in the past. Mr. Way said his position has not
changed on that question. He does not think it is right for the cities
either. Mr. Perkins said he feels reversion is a bad law and he believes bad
laws need to be changed; the effective date is not the big issue.
Mrs. Thomas urged that the Legislators give the Board/County staff a
chance to look at any proposed language drafted by Legislative Services. Mr.
Way promised that Mr. Davis will get to look at anything drafted for him by
Legislative Services on this specific subject. Mr. Van Yahres concurred.
Mrs. Thomas mentioned one item that is shown in "Standing Positions."
It has to do with the County's opposition to legislation that seeks to weaken
local powers to regulate land use. It is one of the few things that local
government still has the ability to do and, yet, it is constantly threatened.
It is very important in maintaining this area where you like to live.
Mr. Bowerman mentioned "transfer of development rights (TDR's)." It is
a tool of growth management that counties need in order to create viable urban
areas and viable rural areas. It compensates all landowners justly for
whatever division rights they have, and allows for better planning, growth
control and management. It runs into resistance every time it comes up in the
Legislature. He is not sure which particular lobbies are against it. It does
allow returns tO each individual landowner and it gives local governments an
opportunity to increase the density in urban areas, and to decrease it in
areas where they do not feel it is appropriate. He hopes it is something that
cities and rural areas, and the people who represent them, can jump on and
give that authority to local governments. The County has requested this
legislation again this year. Mr. Van Yahres reiterated TDR's have been around
for a long time. While he was a member of the committee on Counties, Cities
and Towns, he voted for the legislation. Mr. Way said he is a member of that
committee at the present, and there was no request for this legislation last
year.
Mr. Bowerman asked what group is so opposed to it. Mr. Van Yahres said
he does not remember where the opposition came from. Mr. Bowerman said there
is a lack of interest from the urban areas. Mr. Way said there has been less
of a push for the TDR's and a greater push for impact fees.
Mr. Perkins asked if there is any legislation the County needs to know
about that the Legislators plan to introduce. Mr. Van Yahres said he is not
sure what legislation he will be introducing. He has several pieces of
- legislation he is looking at, but he does not think there is anything that
will upset this Board. Mr. Way said the legislation he is planning to
introduce will not effect county or city government directly, it is in another
area.
Mr. Bowerman asked if campaign reform would effect local races for city
councils and county boards of supervisors. Mr. Way answered that what has
been drawn up in the past has always applied only to members of the General
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 39)
0002 t8
Assembly. He feels the General Assembly needs to "get its house in order"
before telling local government officials what to do.
Mrs. Thomas said she knows the Legislators are interested in education
and wondered if they might have visited the County's Bright Stars program for
four-year olds. It is very interesting. Mr. Van Yahres said that is one of
the funding initiatives the State is doing now, and that is putting more money
into pre-school, early childhood programs. He is in favor of that and hopes
that more money can be put into such programs. Along those lines, he recently
visited the Beaumont State Farm and that visit reinforced his feeling that
there is a need to do something about early childhood so that young people do
not end up in places like that. What is being done there is almost criminal
in its own way because out of that process, there is no reinforcing of good
values being done. He thinks these young people will just be another drain on
society and will wind up in a worse situation in the future. This is the
first time that he had been to this particular facility, and it was an
eye-opener. Something needs to be done about early childhood to stop the
possibility of that happening in the future to some of the younger generation.
Mr. Martin asked if this was an arranged, or a surprise visit. Mr. Van
Yahres said it was an arranged visit, and what he saw was bad enough. They
have security there for the first time. They had not had security or a fence
until this summer. They had asked about the number of people who had escaped
from the facility, and the answer was "none". When someone did walk off of
the grounds they came back shortly. It was observed that most of the young
people are urban dwellers and once they left the grounds and tot into the
woods, they came right back. He felt that to be an interesting observation.
Mr. Tucker said staff understands that the matter of the BPOL (Busi-
nesses, Professions, Occupations License) tax may be brought up again. Losing
that tax is a major concern of counties unless there is some other revenue to
take its place. For Albemarle County, it represents $4.2 million in revenue.
That is also in the County's legislative package; at least provide something
which is revenue neutral to replace it if it is eliminated. Mr. Way said Mr.
Tucker had spoken to him about this, but there is a study going on, and Mr.
Van Yahres, who is on the committee, should speak. Mr. Van Yahres said the
committee came up with a compromise. One of the biggest problems with the
BPOL Tax is the fact that it is not a good tax, and he likes to say "its not a
tax; its a fee." One of the biggest problems with the BPOL Tax around the
State is its lack of uniformity. Model legislation has been proposed which
came about as a compromise with the business community, city finance and
county finance people. As Mr. Tucker has pointed out, it is necessary revenue
and counties only have one way to replace it and that is with property taxes,
which is not the right way to go. There will be pressure to eliminate the
BPOL Tax. It puts pressure on where to raise that revenue, and the State
can't make it up as was proposed last year by the Governor. That is not a
viable alternative because it is unfair to the localities that do not have the
BPOL Tax. The model ordinance may be the way to go. Personally, he feels
that source of tax revenue needs to be maintained. That is the way he voted
in the Finance Committee, but the proposal never tot out of committee last
year.
Mrs. Thomas said she understands that most of the complaints about the
BPOL Tax that led to the model ordinance had to do with areas in Northern
Virginia where companies or service providers would end up getting taxed a
couple of times. There have not been those problems here, so if you are asked
why your localities have not adopted the model ordinance, it responds to
problems that have not been encountered in this locality. Mr. Van Yahres
agreed and said Northern Virginia is where the impetus came from, and the
model ordinance addresses several different kinds of problems they have, such
as definitions.
Mr. Marshall asked if some way to tax income on business rather than on
sales had been found. Mr. Van Yahres said if you use the term "license"
rather than "tax", it makes more sense. Mr. Marshall explained that with some
types of enterprises, when they pay on sales instead of on profit it can cause
them to go out of business. A license to do business and paying a tax on the
profits of that business instead of a sales amount is fine. At this time, it
is unfair to those businesses which are losing money, but must still pay
taxes. This, in effect, forces small business out, allowing big businesses to
take over. Mr. Van Yahres responded that small business is the major economic
drive in this country. He is not saying that the BPOL license is a good tax.
You have to look at in the same light as you do a property tax. A business
000249
December 6, 1995 (Regular Day Meeting)
(Page 40)
pays a property tax, and whether they make money or lose money, a business
pays its real property tax on the value of the property.
Agenda Item No. 19. At 3:10 p.m., with no further business to come
before the Board, motion was offered by Mr. Bowerman, seconded by Mrs.
Humphris, to adjourn this meeting to December 12, 1995, at 5:30 p.m. for a
joint meeting with City Council in City Hall to discuss reversion. Roll was
called, and the motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Bowerman, Mrs. Humphris, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Martin and
Mr. Perkins.
NAYS: None.
(NOTE: Agenda Item No. 18. After the motion to adjourn, the Board
proceeded to the reception with the School Board and State Legislators.
Chairman
Approved
Oate [~C~
Initials