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11-19-2024 Work Session - FINAL PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ WORK SESSION November 19, 2024 VIRGINIA: The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors' ("Board") Work Session was held on November 19, 2024, in the Board Meeting Room, 39 Bank Street, SE, Chatham, Virginia 24531. CALL TO ORDER (3:00 PM) Dalton called the Meeting to Order at 3:53 PM. ROLL CALL The following Board Members were present: Darrell W. Dalton - Callands-Gretna District Robert M. Tucker, Jr. - Banister District Kenneth L. Bowman - Chatham-Blairs District Timothy W. Dudley – Staunton River District – Arrived Late at 3:55 PM Eddie L. Hite, Jr. - Dan River District William V. (“Vic”) Ingram - Tunstall District Murray W. Whittle - Westover District APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion to approve Agenda. RESULT: 6-0 (Approved) MOVER: Ingram SECONDER: Tucker AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Hite, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None NOT PRESENT: Dudley (Arrived Late at 3:55 PM) PRESENTATIONS a. County Broadband Project Update and BEAD Letter of Support Discussion Rob Taylor, RiverStreet Networks, provided an update on the ongoing Broadband Project in Pittsylvania County, funded by multiple federal and state programs, including the Connect America Fund (CAF), Rural Digital Opportunity Funds (RDOF), ARPA, and state VATI funds from 2022 and 2023. The total investment in the County amounts to $91 million, aiming to bring fiber broadband to over 16,500 funded locations, with plans to expand to approximately 20,000 locations by the project's end in 2025. Taylor highlighted the progress since the last update, with 5,500 locations now having access to broadband and an additional 3,400 under construction. The County has seen significant community interest, evidenced by a take rate of 21-22%, which is higher than the national average for similar projects. River Street has also conducted several outreach events, marketing campaigns, and other efforts to notify residents about service availability. Additionally, Taylor discussed the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Development) program, a $42.4 billion federal initiative, from which Virginia has been allocated $1.48 billion. River Street is seeking support from the County in the form of a letter to strengthen its application for BEAD funding. This letter would not preclude other ISP's from accessing the funds but would enhance River Street’s chances of securing resources for continued broadband expansion in the County. This letter of support is on the night's Business Meeting Agenda. b. IALR Update Telly Tucker and Linda Green presented an update to the Board where they highlighted the significant achievements and collaborative efforts of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in driving regional economic development. Since its establishment in 2002, IALR has grown to include seven (7) buildings on its campus, serving six (6) counties and two (2) cities, with its initiatives now reaching statewide, nationally, and globally. The region has experienced remarkable growth in manufacturing jobs, capital investments, and site readiness, positioning it as a leader in economic development within Virginia. Notable achievements include the Microporous project, which accounted for 45% of Virginia's new jobs and 50% of capital investment in the recent fiscal year. This success has been driven by strategic planning, partnerships between Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville, and investments in infrastructure and workforce development. The region’s collaborative approach has garnered admiration across the state. Looking ahead, the need to develop additional industrial sites and address challenges such as energy, water, transportation, and workforce development is critical. The region is proactively planning to sustain and expand its economic growth, ensuring readiness for future opportunities. Tucker and Green also emphasized the dedication and teamwork of economic development leaders, whose ability to set aside individual preferences for the common good has earned the region recognition throughout Virginia. This collaborative leadership, combined with visionary investments and forward-thinking planning, is driving the region’s continued economic success and ensuring prosperity for future generations. STAFF, COMMITTEE, AND/OR CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER REPORTS a. Ringgold Rail Trail Bridge Repair Update/Discussion Dave Arnold, Assistant County Administrator, provided an update on the status of the Ringgold Rail Trail project, focusing on the pedestrian bridge, the last remaining component of a disaster recovery initiative following Tropical Storm Michael in 2018. Arnold highlighted the timeline of the project, emphasizing the complexities of securing FEMA funding and addressing extensive flood damage. Despite delays, progress has been made, including addressing funding shortfalls, refining cost estimates, and engaging community organizations for potential grant support. Arnold shared that since the last meeting there has been an increase in FEMA's eligible funding due to a calculation correction, reducing the project’s funding shortfall. He also clarified the timeline for awarding a construction contract and discussed the importance of meeting FEMA's deadlines to avoid losing funding. Questions about trail usage and alternative funding avenues were addressed, with plans to pursue affordable trail counters and explore grants from local organizations if FEMA funding proves insufficient. b. Proposed FY25/26 County Budget Calendar Discussion/Review Kim Van Der Hyde, Finance Director, reviewed the budget calendar with the Board. The calendar serves as a guide and remains flexible for adjustments during the process. It mirrors the previous year’s approach, with no significant changes. She clarified that department heads have the month of November to prepare budget submissions, even during Thanksgiving week, ensuring they have ample time. The adjusted Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) threshold of $100,000 reduces the number of required submissions. Final CIP adoption is scheduled for January, allowing sufficient review time. c. Reorganizational Meeting Date Discussion There was consensus of the Board to schedule the Reorganizational Meeting for Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the County Administration Conference Room. CLOSED SESSION Motion to enter Closed Session. The Board entered Closed Session at 4:10 PM. RESULT: 7-0 (Approved) MOVER: Hite SECONDER: Ingram AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None a. Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel. (1) Legal Authority: Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(8) Subject Matters: Active 911 Purpose: Consultation with Legal Counsel/Legal Advice and Discussion Regarding the Same b. Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body. (1) Legal Authority: Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(3) Subject Matters: Potential Real Property Acquisition for Public Purpose (29 Medical Center; Mt. Cross Properties) Purpose: Review/Discussion Regarding the Same c. Discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business' or industry's interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community. (1) Legal Authority: Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(5) Subject Matters: Cambridge and Toy Story Purpose: Economic Development Projects Update/Discussion on Unannounced Prospective Businesses/Industries d. Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body. (1) Legal Authority: Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) Subject Matter: County Attorney Next Steps Purpose: Review/Discussion of Related Next Steps RETURN TO OPEN SESSION & CLOSED SESSION CERTIFICATION The Board returned to Open Session at 6:41 PM and the following Certification was recorded: PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ CLOSED MEETING CERTIFICATION BE IT RESOLVED that at the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors’ (“Board”) Work Session on November 19, 2024, the Board hereby certifies by a recorded vote that to the best of each Board Member’s knowledge only public business matters lawfully exempted from the Open Meeting requirements of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (“Act”) and identified in the Motion authorizing the Closed Meeting were heard, discussed, or considered in the Closed Meeting. If any Board Member believes that there was a departure from the requirements of the Act, he shall so state prior to the vote indicating the substance of the departure. The Statement shall be recorded in the Board's Minutes. Vote Kenneth L. Bowman Yes Timothy W. Dudley Yes Eddie L. Hite, Jr. Yes William V. (“Vic”) Ingram Yes Murray W. Whittle Yes Robert M. Tucker, Jr. Yes Darrell W. Dalton Yes ADJOURNMENT Dalton adjourned the Meeting at 6:43 PM.