Loading...
09-21-2021 Business Meeting - DRAFT PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ BUSINESS MEETING September 21, 2021 VIRGINIA: The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors’ Business Meeting was held on September 21, 2021, in the Board Meeting Room, 39 Bank Street, SE, Chatham, Virginia 24531. CALL TO ORDER (7:00 PM) Warren called the Meeting to Order at 7:00 PM. ROLL CALL The following Members were present: Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Robert ("Bob") W. Warren Chairman - Chatham Blairs District Present 6:30 PM Ronald S. Scearce Vice-Chairman - Westover District Present 6:30 PM Joe B. Davis Supervisor - Dan River District Present 6:31 PM Timothy W. Dudley Supervisor - Staunton River District Present 6:32 PM Ben L. Farmer Supervisor - Callands-Gretna District Present 6:28 PM William V. ("Vic") Ingram Supervisor - Tunstall District Present 6:28 PM Charles H. Miller, Jr. Supervisor - Banister District Present 6:32 PM AGENDA ITEMS TO BE ADDED Motion to remove item 10B(1) from the Agenda and add Finance Committee Recommendations as item 13a. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Scearce SECONDER: Davis AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion to approve Agenda as amended. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Davis SECONDER: Farmer AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller CONSENT AGENDA Motion to approve Consent Agenda. Board of Supervisors September 21, 2021 Business Meeting RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Dudley SECONDER: Miller AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller a. August Board Meeting Minutes Approval (Staff Contact: Kaylyn M. McCluster) b. August Bill List Approval (online); (Staff Contact: Kimberly G. Van Der Hyde) c. Proclamation (Domestic Violence Awareness Month; October) Adoption (Staff Contact: Kaylyn M. McCluster) d. Resolution # 2021-09-02 (Old Callands Post Office Ownership Transfer Approval) Adoption (Staff Contact: Kaylyn M. McCluster) e. Resolution # 2021-09-03 (Honoring Zwei (Police Dog)) Adoption (Supervisor Farmer) f. Resolution # 2021-09-04 (Honoring Vickie Taylor, Retirement, 50 Years) Adoption (Supervisor Ingram) g. Resolution # 2021-09-05 (Honoring Evonda Thornton; Retirement, 31 Years) Adoption (Supervisor Ingram) h. Resolution # 2021-09-06 (Chatham Sidewalks Project Funding) Adoption (Staff Contact: Kaylyn M. McCluster) i. Resolution # 2021-09-07 (Collective Bargaining of Public Employees) Adoption (Staff Contact: Kaylyn M. McCluster) j. Resolution # 2021-09-08 (Appreciation of White Oak Worship Center's Music Festival Logistical Support) Adoption (Staff Contact: Kaylyn M. McCluster) k. Certificate of Recognition (63 Years of Marriage) Approval (Mr. and Mrs. James Thornton); (Supervisor Ingram) l. Climax Volunteer Fire Department's Use of County Public Safety Capital Reserves Fund Approval (Staff Contact: Christopher C. Slemp) m. Redistricting Project Contract Award (ARCBridge Consulting & Training, Inc.) Ratification n. Approval of FY2022 Capital Improvements Projects (Staff Contact: Kimberly G. Van Der Hyde) o. Project Imagine WIA Grant Approval (Staff Contact: Kimberly G. Van Der Hyde) p. Natural Disaster/Emergency Response Expense Carryover (Staff Contact: Kimberly G. Van Der Hyde) q. Cool Branch Fundraising Extension Approval (Staff Contact: David M. Smitherman) ITEMS REMOVED FROM AGENDA Public Hearing: Revisions to PCC Chapter 35 (Revenue Share for Solar Energy Projects); (Staff Contact: Emily S. Ragsdale). Board of Supervisors September 21, 2021 Business Meeting PRESENTATIONS a. Resolution # 2021-09-03 (Zwei (Police Dog)) Presentation (Supervisor Farmer) Farmer presented Resolution # 2021-09-03 to Sheriff Taylor and Sergeant Szelc, honoring the life of Police K-9, Zwei. b. Resolution # 2021-09-04 (Vickie Taylor) Presentation (Supervisor Ingram) Ingram presented Vickie Taylor with Resolution # 2021-09-04 in honor of her retirement. c. Resolution # 2021-09-05 (Evonda Thornton) Presentation (Supervisor Ingram) Ingram presented Resolution # 2021-09-05 to Evonda Thornton in honor of her retirement. d. Resolution # 2021-09-08 (White Oak Worship Center) Presentation (Supervisor Scearce) Davis presented Resolution # 2021-09-08 to Scearce, on behalf of White Oak Worship Center, in appreciation for their Music Festival Logistical Support. e. Certificate of Recognition (63 Years of Marriage); (Mr. and Mrs. James Thornton); (Supervisor Ingram) Ingram presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mr. and Mrs. James Thornton in honor of their 63rd wedding anniversary. f. Proclamation (Domestic Violence Awareness Month; October) Presentation (Supervisor Dudley) Dudley presented the Domestic Violence Awareness Month for October Proclamation to Marilyn Waller with Haven of the Dan River Region. g. Broadband Project Presentation and MOU Approval (RiverStreet); (Dave F. Arnold) Arnold gave a presentation regarding the County partnership with RiverStreet Communications of Virginia, LLC, to provide broadband internet services to all unserved County citizens. This is a $75 million project for the County. The County, RiverStreet, and the County School Board will be working together to attempt to secure funding and establish policies and procedures that will promote and sustain a market for broadband availability. For the funding, there will be a minimum match from the County and the School Board of $16,528,939. Twelve ($12) million of this amount will come from ARPA funds and $4,528,939 from revenue sharing. RiverStreet also has a minimum match of $19,657,064, and $39,510,529 has been requested in a Virginia Telecommunications Initiative 2022 Grant Application. The impact of this partnership will bring fiber to the home for 11,985 “passings” (homes, businesses, civic facilities, etc.). Motion to approve the Broadband MOU between the County School Board, RiverStreet, and the County as presented. Board of Supervisors September 21, 2021 Business Meeting RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Davis SECONDER: Dudley AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller HEARING OF THE CITIZENS Marion Gains, Dan River District, spoke to the Board regarding Mary Jane Walters' Estate, and requested that $86,998.34 be granted to her from the proceeds from the sale of the estate. Barbara Hancock, Callands-Gretna District, stated her concern regarding her being kicked out of the School Board Meeting due to her not having a mask on the proper way, as well as stating her concern regarding the push for the COVID vaccine. Lori King, Chatham-Blairs District, spoke on behalf of her daughter-in-law Kristen King, regarding an incident where her granddaughter was written up for a dress code violation at Chatham Middle School. Melissa Powell, Westover District, voiced her concerns regarding Mr. Burton having parents removed from a public meeting for not wearing a mask, yet he was not wearing a mask during the meeting either. William Phillips, spoke regarding his concerns regarding the Rock Festival. He doesn't agree with the festival happening again, as he was not able to come and go to his home as he wanted during the event. PUBLIC HEARINGS Rezoning Public Hearings Case 1: Public Hearing: Case R-21-022 Timothy Duffer; Rezoning from B-2, Business District, General, to RC-1, Residential Combined Subdivision District; On August 3, 2021, the Planning Commission recommended, by an 8-0 vote, with no opposition, that the Petitioner’s request be granted (Chairman Warren) In Case R-21-022, Timothy Duffer (“Petitioner”) has petitioned to rezone 10.36 acres from B-2, Business District, General, to RC-1, Residential Combined Subdivision District (to construct a single-family dwelling). The subject properties are located on State Road 694/David Giles Lane in the Chatham-Blairs Election District and shown on the Tax Maps as GPIN #s 2423-52-3747 and 2423-62-2318. Once the properties are rezoned to RC-1, all uses listed under Pittsylvania County Code § 35-267 are permitted. On August 3, 2021, the Planning Commission recommended, by an 8-0 vote, with no opposition, that the Petitioner’s request be granted. Warren opened the Public Hearing at 8:08 PM. No one signed up to speak and Warren closed the Public Hearing at 8:09 PM. Board of Supervisors September 21, 2021 Business Meeting Motion to approve the rezoning of 10.36 acres from B-2, Business District, General, to RC-1, Residential Combined Subdivision District, to allow the construction of a single-family dwelling. The rezoning would be consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Plan. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Scearce SECONDER: Dudley AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller Case 2: Public Hearing: Case R-21-024 Samuel and Carolyn Munford; Rezoning from A- 1, Agricultural District, to R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District; On August 3, 2021, the Planning Commission recommended, by an 8-0 vote, with no opposition, that the Petitioner’s request be granted. (Supervisor Ingram) In Case R-21-024, Samuel and Carolyn Munford (“Petitioners”) have petitioned to rezone 0.203 acres from A-1, Agricultural District, to R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District (to combine with an adjacent parcel of land zoned R-1). The subject property is located on State Road 834/Jones Mill Road, in the Tunstall Election District and shown on the Tax Maps as GPIN #s 2403-03-7279 and part of 2403-13-0312. Once the properties are rezoned to R-1, all uses listed under Pittsylvania County Code § 35-222 are permitted. On August 3, 2021, the Planning Commission recommended, by an 8-0 vote, with no opposition, that the Petitioner’s request be granted. Warren opened the Public Hearing at 8:10 PM. Mr. and Mrs. Munford were present to represent the Petition. No one signed up to speak and Warren closed the Public Hearing at 8:11 PM. Motion to approve the rezoning of 0.203 acres from A-1, Agricultural District, to R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to combine with an adjacent parcel of land zoned R- 1. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ingram SECONDER: Farmer AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller Case 3: Public Hearing: Case R-21-026 James Wilkerson; Rezoning from A-1, Agricultural District, to R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District; On August 3, 2021, the Planning Commission recommended, by an 8-0 vote, with no opposition, that the Petitioner’s request be granted (Supervisor Davis) In Case R-21-026, James Wilkerson (“Petitioner”) has petitioned to rezone 0.32 acres from A-1, Agricultural District, to R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District (to combine with an adjacent parcel of land zoned R-1). The subject property is located State Road 733/Barker Road, in the Dan River Election District and shown on the Tax Maps as part of GPIN # 2348-33-5242. Board of Supervisors September 21, 2021 Business Meeting Once the properties are rezoned to R-1, all uses listed under Pittsylvania County Code § 35-222 are permitted. On August 3, 2021, the Planning Commission recommended, by an 8-0 vote, with no opposition, that the Petitioner’s request be granted. Warren opened the Public Hearing at 8:12 PM. No one signed up to speak and Warren closed the Public Hearing at 8:13 PM. Motion to approve the rezoning of 0.32 acres from A-1, Agricultural District, to R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to combine with an adjacent parcel of land zoned R-1. The rezoning would be consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Plan. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Davis SECONDER: Dudley AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller Other Public Hearings 1. Public Hearing: Revisions to PCC Chapter 4 (Erosion and Sediment Control); (Staff Contact: Emily S. Ragsdale) Virginia Code § 62.1-44.15.1 requires any locality that has chosen not to establish a Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program to adopt and administer a Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program (“VESCP”). The County last updated Pittsylvania County Code (“PPC”), Chapter 4 (Erosion and Sediment Control), which establishes the County VESCP, in 2001. Since that update, many State regulations have changed, requiring the related County Ordinance to be updated to reflect those changes. Warren opened the Public Hearing at 8:15 PM. No one signed up to speak and Warren closed the Public Hearing at 8:16 PM. Motion to approve PCC Chapter 4 revisions as presented. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Davis SECONDER: Miller AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller 2. Public Hearing: Virginia Code § 58.1-3819(A)(2) Transient Occupancy Tax Funds Usage (Staff Contact: David M. Smitherman) At the Board’s Business Meeting on July 20, 2021, the Board voted to create a County Transient Occupancy Tax. This tax, in the amount of four percent (4%), would be applied to all hotels, motels, boarding houses, and travel campgrounds, and other facilities offering guest rooms or spots rented out for continuous occupancy for fewer than thirty (30) consecutive days as outlined in Pittsylvania County Code § 6-39. The County will retain two percent (2%) of the Transient Board of Supervisors September 21, 2021 Business Meeting Occupancy Tax for current operations. The other two percent (2%) will be used to promote County tourism. As required by Virginia Code § 58.1-3819, the County must hold a Public Hearing to determine how the other two percent (2%) tourism revenue will be spent. Warren opened the Public Hearing at 8:17 PM. Bill Guerrant spoke on behalf of the Historical Society and asked the Board to consider creating a new position, Director of Museums and Historic Sites, with the funds from the Transient Occupancy Tax. This would be a paid position and the function of this position would be to take advantage of the historic sites in the County and the two (2) museums that are underutilized, and this would allow the County to use these sites as tourist destinations and create new opportunities for school children. Jeff Love stated that this tax is discouraging tourism. He stated the local lodging businesses attract business to the County and the tax will make lodging in the county much more expensive than other areas and will encourage visitors to go elsewhere. He feels this will only create more issues for businesses who are trying to survive through the pandemic. Warren closed the Public Hearing at 8:30 PM. Sonya Ingram stated she was unaware that she needed to sign up to speak and Warren granted her speaking time. She stated revenue from tourism reached $27 billion in Virginia. She requested to create an official tourism department in collaboration with Danville. Warren closed the Public Hearing at 8:34 PM. Motion to table this matter until October. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Davis SECONDER: Dudley AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller 3. Public Hearing: Revision to PCC Chapter 35, Division 11, Industrial District, Light (M-1); PCC § 35-387, Maximum Height of Buildings; and PCC, Chapter 35, Division 12, Industrial District, Heavy Industry (M-2); and PCC § 35-406, Maximum Height of Buildings Height); (Staff Contact: Emily S. Ragsdale) County Staff has proposed revisions to Pittsylvania County Code (“PCC”), Chapter 35, Division 11, Industrial District, Light (M-1); PCC Sec. 35-387, Maximum Height of Buildings; PCC, Chapter 35, Division 12, Industrial District, Heavy Industry (M-2); and PCC Sec. 35-406, Maximum Height of Buildings. Currently, each of the PCC Sections above limits the maximum height of structures to eighty (80) feet. As technology continues to evolve relating to manufacturing, and a wider variety of manufacturing businesses continue to locate within the Board of Supervisors September 21, 2021 Business Meeting County, it has come to County Staff’s attention that the current PCC height restrictions have become a hardship for potential companies, specifically large manufacturing operations locating in the County’s Industrial Parks. County Staff is also proposing to increase the maximum height of buildings on properties within M-1, Industrial District, Light, and M-2, Industrial District, Heavy Industry zoning districts, and within the boundaries of an identified Industrial Park, be increased to a maximum height of one hundred and twenty (120) feet. County Staff has made inquiries to both County Volunteer Fire Departments and the City of Danville Fire Department to ensure that ladder truck heights are adequate to meet the new heights (ladder truck height plus hose pressure) for fire protection considerations. At its September 7, 2021, Meeting, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the Board approve this County Staff requested Zoning Amendment to continue to accommodate interested industries coming to the County. Warren opened the Public Hearing at 8:35 PM. No one signed up to speak and Warren closed the Public Hearing at 8:36 PM. Motion to approve the PCC amendments as presented. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Scearce SECONDER: Ingram AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. MATTERS FROM WORK SESSION (IF ANY) a. Finance Committee Recommendations The Finance Committee met earlier in the day and voted to forward the following items to the Board for approval: · ARPA funding · Capital Improvements Fund usage · Communications Technician Position · Climax Volunteer Fire Department's Use of County Public Safety Capital Reserves Fund · Appropriations for painting three (3) water tanks Board of Supervisors September 21, 2021 Business Meeting Motion to approve all recommendations from the Finance Committee. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Scearce SECONDER: Davis AYES: Warren, Scearce, Davis, Dudley, Farmer, Ingram, Miller BOARD MEMBER REPORTS • Ingram stated Bonnie Jones, Nick Sapounakes, and Thomas Huffman all passed away from COVID recently. He also stated that Peyton Sellers had a great racing year. • Farmer recognized the historical night with the signing of the RiverStreet MOU for the Broadband partnership. He also recognized the Sheriff’s Department for their hard work during the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, as well as recognizing the citizens for their patience throughout the festival. There was also an item on the Consent Agenda where Roger Jefferson graciously sold the Old Calland’s Post Office to the County for $1.00, and he wanted to recognize that group for their work on this. • Dudley thanked everyone for coming out, he thanked everyone who worked the Rock Festival and all those who stepped up and helped the situation, and he also thanked Staff for their work and dedication. • Miller referenced item h on the Consent Agenda, Resolution # 2021-09-06, supporting the Chatham Sidewalks Project. He would like to petition that we go to work and attempt to get a sidewalk established where the sidewalk ends at Chatham Elementary and proceed North to Friendship Road. • Davis thanked Staff and those in attendance. He recognized a widow in his District who passed away, Mary D. Brooks, and asked for prayers for her family. He also thanked County Staff for their impressive work at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, as well as Fire and Rescue personnel. He thanked the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board also. • Scearce stated the Board passed a water project in his district and he thanked County Staff for getting this Project approved and thanked his colleagues for its approval. This will improve the water quality for everyone in that community, and the citizens in that area will appreciate everything that has been done for them. • Warren thanked Ingram for mentioning Sapounakes. He was a big part of the community and was a life member of the Danville Life Saving Crew, as well as a member of the Mount Hermon Fire Department. He thanked everyone for coming out and expressing their concerns, but also wanted to remind everyone that the School Board are also elected officials and the Board does not have any authority over their policies and operations. He thanked the front-line teachers and Board of Supervisors September 21, 2021 Business Meeting School Staff for their dedication to the students of the County. He also thanked County Departments for their work during the Rock Festival, and thanked the Schools for the use of their buses and the City of Danville for providing school buses and for providing additional lighting to protect pedestrians who were commuting on foot through those areas. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Smitherman appreciated the opportunity to work with the Sheriff’s Department, the Virginia State Police, Public Safety, and other local agencies that were helping during the Blue Ridge Rock Festival. He recognized the Tyson Foods announcement, which represents the largest and single employment and investment announcement probably in the history of the County, with close to three hundred (300) people and $300 million dollars’ worth of investment and a Fortune 100 company. This is big news for the County, as well as our partners in the City of Danville. He also is super proud of the joint Economic Development Staff and for the great work they did in landing this flagship industry. He also recognized the Broadband announcement from earlier in the evening, and he thanked the Board, the School Board, and RiverStreet for the great partnership that has now been formally approved. He is looking forward to the successful relationships that they will have in the future. ADJOURNMENT Warren adjourned the Meeting at 9:03 PM.