Board Of Supervisors Meeting Summary: March 12, 2024
THE NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING, March 12, 2024
2:00 P.M. Present: Supervisors Parr, Reed, Rutherford, Harvey and Ligon
I. CALL TO ORDER:
A moment of silence was followed by the pledge of allegiance.
Jerry West introduced Jacob Floyd as the new employee at Parks and Recreations. He has a degree from Liberty University in Parks and Recreation Management.
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Hank Gibb from Nellysford spoke in favor of sending a letter from the Board of Supervisors to the State Corporation Commission opposing the proposed rate increase rates by Aqua Virginia. for water and sewage to its customers in Nellysford.
William Percy requested the Board to reconsider its decision not to put speed control cameras in the school zones in Nelson and to consider another vendor if cost was the determining issue. He also requested that an overpass be considered by VDOT at the intersection of Callohill and Route 29.
Steve Baine spoke and requested that the Board in determining the annual Fiscal Budget act as a partner with school board and not just write them a blank check. He further encouraged the Board to ensure that the county “live within its means”.
III. CONSENT AGENDA: the following resolutions passed unanimously without discussion:
A. Resolution – R2024-13 Minutes Approved for October 1, 2023, November 16, 2023, December 4, 2023, and December 12, 2023.
B. Resolution – R2024-14 Budget Amendment Of Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget, March 12, 2024
I. Appropriation of Funds (General Fund)
Amount Revenue Account (-) Expenditure Account(+)
$ 15,000.00 3-100-003303-0055 4-100-032010-5508
$ 66,524.00 3-100-002404-0015 4-100-032020-5648
$ 18,321.68 3-100-002404-0002 4-100-032020-5650
$ 2,763.80 3-100-002404-0001 4-100-031020-5419
$ 4,613.63 3-100-002404-0009 4-100-022010-1006
$ 10,765.12 3-100-003303-0036 4-100-022010-1006
$ 30,000.00 3-100-001899-0030 4-100-081020-7056
$ 147,988.23
Appropriations are the addition of unbudgeted funds received or held by the County for use within the current fiscal year budget. These funds increase the budget bottom line. The General Fund Appropriations of $147,988.23 reflect requests of
(1) $15,000.00 appropriation request for FY23 Emergency Management Performance Grant award funds for use in FY24 (50% local match);
(2) $66,524.00 appropriation request for annual FY24 Fire Funds received from Virginia Department of Fire Programs;
(3) $18,321.68 appropriation request for FY23 Four-For-Life annual funds received in FY24 for disbursement to Nelson EMS Council for emergency services;
(4) $2,763.80 appropriation request for FY24 Sheriff's asset forfeiture funds received;
(5) $4,613.63 appropriation request for FY23 Victim Witness state grant funds received for in FY24;
(6) $10,765.12 appropriation request for FY23 Victim Witness
federal grant funds received in FY24;
(7) $30,000.00 appropriation request for GO Virginia Wine Industry Planning Grant match funds to be provided by Albemarle and Fauquier Counties.
II. Transfer of Funds (General Fund Non-Recurring Contingency)
Amount Credit Account (-) Debit Account (+)
$ 10,000.00 4-100-999000-9905 4-100-091030-5617
$ 11,000.00 4-100-999000-9905 4-100-091030-5617
$ 20,531.91 4-100-999000-9905 4-100-091050-7014
$ 23,022.68 4-100-999000-9905 4-100-091050-7085
$ 64,554.59
Transfers represent funds that are already appropriated in the budget but are moved from one line item to another. Transfers do not affect the bottom line of the budget. Transfers from General Fund Non-Recurring Contingency in the amount of $64,554.59 are requested as follows:
(1) $10,000.00 is requested to cover July 4th celebration sponsorship at Oak Ridge Estate (as approved by the Board of Supervisors on February 13, 2024;
(2) $11,000.00 is requested to cover the Lovingston Fire Department
fireworks display on July 4th (not to exceed this amount, also approved on
February 13, 2024);
(3) $20,531.91 is requested to cover emergency costs of newly implemented ADA access upgrades at polling precincts prior to election; (4) $23,022.68 is requested to cover cost of Stryker Power Lift Cot for Nelson Emergency Services ambulance, after applying $8,020.00 available balance in that account line.
C. Resolution – R2024-15 FY25 Creative Communities Partnership Grant:
The Board endorsed the County’s submission of an application to the Virginia Commission of the Arts for 2024-2025 Creative Communities Partnership Grant funding (formerly Local Government Challenge Grant). The application includes a local match of $4,500.00 to be confirmed upon formal adoption of Nelson County’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget by the Board of Supervisors.
D. Resolution – R2024-16 Opposition to Aqua Virginia Rate Increase:
Aqua Virginia Inc. (“Aqua”), a state-wide, investor-owned water and sewer utility company, owns and operates a water and wastewater system in the Nellysford area of Nelson County. As a utility company, Aqua’s rates are regulated by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (“Commission”). Aqua has filed a rate case in the Commission, Application of Aqua Virginia, Inc. for an Increase in Rates, Case No. PUR-2023-00073, seeking an increase in its water revenues of $5,214,892 and an increase in wastewater revenues of $1,696,121, for a combined increase of $6,911,013. The requested increases constitute an approximate 33.88 percent increase in water revenues and a 21.08 percent increase in wastewater revenues, for a combined increase of 29.49 percent with potentially much greater impacts on certain individual customers in Nelson County; and
“WHEREAS, this increase in rates would have deleterious effects on the County and its citizens and appears unjustified based on the filings made in the aforementioned case.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors calls upon the staff of the Commission and the Office of the Attorney General Office of Consumer Counsel to investigate the application carefully and thoroughly analyze the basis therefor, if any.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors authorizes and directs the County Administrator to file this resolution with the Virginia State Corporation Commission as Nelson County’s objection to Aqua Virginia’s proposed rate increase.”
E. Resolution – R2024-17 Virginia Main Street Annual Compliance: The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has established the Virginia Main Street Program, which provides technical assistance, consulting services, training, and grant funding to communities of all sizes with different levels of experience in, and commitment to, commercial district revitalization. Interested cities, towns and counties that are exploring the Virginia Main Street program designation may participate as an affiliate through the Exploring Main Street tier, wherein Lovingston is currently best suited and currently participates as an affiliate member. Participation in the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Exploring Main Street Program continues to be of benefit to Nelson County and the Lovingston community. Lovingston understands that participation as an affiliate community does not guarantee selection as a Virginia Main Street Community, and the County will be able to receive affiliate community services from the Exploring Main Street Program as long as the requirements stated in the Program Guidelines are met. As a matter of program compliance, the Exploring Main Street Program guidelines require a resolution of support from the Governing Body be maintained on file with DHCD;
“NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors hereby supports Lovingston’s continued participation in the Exploring Main Street Program, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Nelson County Board of Supervisors hereby assigns the Director of Tourism and Economic Development to serve as the County’s liaison to the Virginia Main Street Program.”
IV. PROCLAMATION – AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH (P2024-01)
The Nelson County Board of Supervisors proclaimed March 2024 as Red Cross Month and encourage all citizens of Nelson County, Virginia to reach out and support its humanitarian mission.
V. PRESENTATIONS
A. VDOT Report: Robert Brown from VDOT:
As previously reported, the data from the Traffic Count/Traffic Study on 151 has been collected but is still in its raw form and is being reviewed by VDOT’s engineers and compared to the information gathered in prior studies. VDOT hopes to have the report ready in April.
The data collection/report on lowering the speed limit to 45 on Rt. 29 south of Lovingston has not come back yet. The study of pedestrian traffic on Main Street /Rt 29 study revealed more pedestrians crossing than expected and VDOT is working on recommendations to make the crossings safer.
Route 674 pipe replacement has been ordered but not yet received. It is expected to arrive in April, and VDOT hopes to install it by May.
The truck restriction signs have been ordered but have not yet arrived for the Tye River Road Underpass.
VDOT has been actively trimming the brush on 151, improving the line of site views for motorists.
The Six Year Plan for VDOT (FY25-30) for secondary roads in Nelson requires a public hearing. The Board agreed to set it for May 14, 2024 at the April meeting.
Mr. Rutherford inquired if the stoplight at Rt. 29 and Callohill is being studied? Mr. Brown agreed to send any information he had in writing to the Board.
Ernie Reed inquired if Old Ridge Road could be paved up to Laurel Lane? Mr. Brown responded that the County could apply for a revenue sharing grant from the Revenue Sharing Program but a right of way would have to be obtained for the road to be state maintained. According to Mr. Rutherford, in 2018, the cost of such a right of way was several hundred thousand dollars. Ms. McGarry said she would check to see if the Right of Way had been obtained.
Mr. Carr asked if Bradley Lane and Spy Run Gap could be added to the Six Year Plan. Mr. Brown said that VDOT assigns projects from the Rural Rustic Roads List to the Six Year Plan and opined that projects in the 6 year plan tend to be executed on a “first come, first serve basis”. If roads need to be added, Mr. Brown said the Board should send VDOT the designations by way of Mr. Brown or Ms. McGarry to be added to the Rural Rustic Roads List.
Ms. Ligon inquired about Friendly Gap Drive study requested by Mr. Barton when he was on the Board. Mr. Brown said the review has not been done but he will request the survey to be done.
B. VDOT Smart Scale Pre-Applications – Carson Eckhardt: attached is the power point provided by VDOT regarding the 151 Study which is fairly self-explanatory.
C. Parks and Recreation Upcoming Projects – Jerry West March 2024
News:
• We are excited to announce the hiring of our new Recreation Specialist, Jacob Floyd who started with the department on March 8. Jacob is a Nelson native, participated in our programs as a youth and now excited to oversee them in a professional role. He will graduate in May from Liberty University where he is finishing his last class online for a degree in Sports and Recreation Management. He is also currently helping coach varsity baseball at Nelson County High School this spring.
Marketing:
• Social media posts for both NCPR, Blue Ridge Tunnel, Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail
Athletics:
• Gymnastics is offering 10 classes this spring
• Zumba is held at the Nelson Center 4 days per week.
• Tae Kwon Do classes held on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Nelson Center.
• We held a youth volleyball clinic on February 20 where we had 18 children attend. This clinic is instructed by and supports the NCHS Volleyball Program.
• Youth soccer is getting underway with our biggest season in quite some time! We have 236 children registered.
U6 Lil Kickers (4-5yr olds): 59 children
U8 (6-7yr olds): 61 children
U11 (8-10yr olds): 81 children
U15 (11-14yr olds): 36 children
• NFL Flag Football registrations end on March 12. As of March 7, we have our largest season to date for this league as well with 55 children and still growing!
7-9yr olds: 23 children
10-12yr olds: 32 children
Programs:
• Yoga Classes are still being held on Sunday afternoons from 2-3. We have been averaging about 18-20 participants each week. Classes for months March – May are now open for registration.
• Our Intro to Pickleball classes were held from Jan 14-Feb 4 with a full 9 registered and our current class from Feb. 24-Mar. 17 is also full with 9 registered.
Special Events:
• No new special events during February
Meetings:
• We have been holding meetings for our spring races: Piney River Mini Bi-Tri Athlon and the Nelson Downriver Race. Registrations are now open and we are planning for good attendance.
• We have been meeting with Rockfish River Elementary School and Three Ridges Touring on a joint Rockfish Bike Rodeo event to be held at RRES in April.
• Jerry attended the month Crozet Tunnel Foundation meeting on February 15.
• We met with and are partnering with the Forestry Department to do a tree giveaway at The Nelson Center in the near future.
• Jerry attended the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society: Western Service Area meeting in Woodstock, VA on
February 28 at Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation’s new Recreation Activities Center.
Parks & Trails:
• We performed more tree clean up work along the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail on March 5.
• The Massies Mill Ruritan Club held a work day at the Tye River Park and has cleared the majority of brush out of there and will be planting grass throughout the area. A new sign will be placed at the site in the near future to help promote the site.
• We have kicked off 2 new campaigns enhance both the Piney River Trailhead of the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail as well as the Blue Ridge Tunnel.
1)Cover The Caboose
Nelson County Parks and Recreation has teamed up with the Fleetwood Harmony Masonic Lodge
No. 92 to raise funds to construct a cover over the Piney River Caboose.
The Caboose sits at the Piney River Trailhead of the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail. It had been
used in the area for many years before being decommissioned in 1960 to make way for newer steel,
bay window cabooses. In the 2010’s Nelson native, the late Ted Hughes sought after the caboose
where it had been sitting in Rapidan, VA to return it to its glory and be placed alongside the now
Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail adjacent to the Piney River Depot. Mr. Hughes along with many
friends completed the restoration of the caboose in its current location during 2019.
It is the goal of Nelson County Parks and Recreation to minimize weathered wear to the caboose by
constructing a structure over the caboose which will help preserve it and extend the pristine lifespan
made possible by Mr. Hughes and crew.
Donations can be made to the Fleetwood Harmony Masonic Lodge in the form of cash, check or online by card. Please indicate “Cover The Caboose” on all donations.
Mail donations to: Fleetwood Harmony Masonic Lodge No. 92, PO Box 172, Lovingston, VA
22949 or drop off to the Nelson County Parks and Recreation Department office located in The
Nelson Center.
Donation Tiers (including benefits at each level)
• $100: Brakeman – Limited Edition PRVA Sticker available only to CTC Sponsors
• $250: Conductor – Limited Edition PRVA Sticker available only to CTC Sponsors and
Name on Plaque
• $500: Iron Horse – Limited Edition PRVA Sticker available only to CTC Sponsors, Name
on Plaque, Engraved Glass. 2 Tickets to Completion Reception
• $1000: Club 1914 – Limited Edition PRVA Sticker available only to CTC Sponsors, Name
on Plaque, Engraved Glass, 4 Tickets to Completion Reception
Each ticket to the reception will also receive a complementary engraved glass.
“Club 1914” Corporate sponsors will have the opportunity to have their logo on a banner displayed
at reception and will remain at the trail for 12 months following the reception.
All donors of $100 or more will be included on a plaque to be displayed on site.
Blue Ridge Tunnel: Western Portal Stone
2) The Crozet Tunnel Foundation has kicked off a fundraising campaign to return and display the Western Portal Stone to the Western Trail of the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail.
• This two-piece portal stone, or plaque, once filled the now-empty space you see at the highest point of the western portal entry arch. It features the names of public figures important to the tunnel’s planning and completion in the 1850's. The western portal stone was placed in the early 1900's, well after the tunnel was first built in the 1850's. However, historic photos tell us that the plaque likely broke into several pieces almost immediately after installation.
• The stone was removed from the tunnel around 1970 and moved to VMI where it was planned to be permanently displayed in a ceremony during their Founders Day program that year. However, plans fell through when Albert Sincolf, C&O Railroad public affairs manager fell ill and the ceremony was cancelled. The stones have been sitting on a pallet at VMI ever since.
• The VMI Museum has agreed to gift the portal stones back to the Blue Ridge Tunnel Foundation and Nelson County to be on permanent display outside of the Western Portal.
• While all monetary donations are welcome, donors of $1000 and above will receive a custom engraved brick that will be incorporated into the interpretive display of the portal stones. Financial supporters who contribute above $2500 will receive a brick and 2 VIP passes to a private unveiling ceremony followed by a reception at a local vineyard.
D. FY25 Budget Introduction and Proposed Schedule
Candace McGarry gave the following report on the projected FY25 Revenues:
· Revenues = Expenditures at $49,487,653
· No changes in tax rates or fees have been incorporated:
o Real Estate/Mobile Home Tax Rate - $.65/$100 value
100% Value of Penny in RE Tax = $321,707
o Personal Property Tax Rate - $2.79/$100 value
o Machinery & Tools Tax Rate - $1.25/$100 value
o Transient Occupancy Tax – 7% as of July 1, 2024
· High School renovation and DSS building project Bond Anticipation Note proceeds and expenditures have not yet been incorporated into the budget. *
FY25 Revenues by Category Compared to FY24 Amended Budget through February 2024 and FY24 Budget Projections:
FY25 Local Revenue Factors (Compared to FY24 Amended Budget):
· A slight increase of 1.39% in Real Estate Taxes is expected due to natural growth = $285,390. The FY25 value of the penny in Real Estate Tax at 100% collection is $321,707
· A decrease of -22.7% in Public Service Tax is expected due to a decrease in the assessed values of Public Service Corporations including rolling stock between tax year 2022 and 2023 = ($295,291)
· A decrease of -1.2% in Personal Property Taxes is utilized due to a decline in overall vehicle values from tax year 2023 to 2024 (PP Book as of March 7th as compared to April 17th) = ($71,902); $100,000 in tax revenue was added in anticipation of some increase between now and April. 2025 tax year Personal Property Taxes are estimated including an increase of 1%.
· Local Sales and Use taxes are included at no change and have not yet been provided by the State; this should be received sometime in March.
· An increase in Meals and Lodging Taxes of 17.7% and 26.0% respectively is expected = $707,026, FY24 Meals tax projections are higher than budgeted and the Lodging tax rate was increased from 5% to 7% effective July 1, 2024. A 10% reduction factor was applied to anticipated collections to allow for a possible decline in short term rentals or overall bookings.
o Meals tax increase = $239,026
o Lodging tax increase = $468,000
· An increase in Building Permit Fees of 26.3% is anticipated by the Building Inspections department = $72,726
· A significant increase in Interest earnings of 169.2% is expected in comparing FY25 ($1,345,860) to the amended budget of FY24 ($500,000), due to the low estimate budgeted in FY24 and inflationary economic conditions precipitating the persistence of higher interest rates over the past year = $845,860. The FY24 projection for interest earnings is $1,373,610 which is slightly higher, by 2.06% than the estimate for FY25. These rates are expected to maintain current levels or drop slightly over the next year (-2.06% or -27,750).
FY25 State Revenue Factors (Compared to FY24 Amended Budget):
· A 3.7% increase in salary and benefits reimbursements from the State Compensation Board for their proportionate share of covered positions is included and includes a full year of the 2% salary increase provided in December 2023. The General Assembly’s recommended budget contains a 3% salary increase for State supported local offices; the State reimbursement for this salary increase is TBD and will offset an associated increase in expenditures to some degree.
· A 6.0% increase in State reimbursements for expenditures related to the Children’s Services Act (CSA) is expected = $77,600. The State share of these expenditures is 68.68% and local share is 31.32%.
· An increase of 3.9% is anticipated in reimbursement for Department of Social Services costs due to a higher level of staffing expected in FY25 = $39,934. The non-local portion of their budget is funded by 40% State funds. The General Assembly’s recommended budget contains a 3% salary increase for State supported local offices; the State reimbursement for this salary increase is TBD and will offset an associated increase in expenditures to some degree.
· Other Categorical Aid from the State includes grants received during the year which fluctuates between fiscal years. These include Fire Funds, Four-for-Life funds, State appropriated project funds, Tourism and Economic Development grants, Library of Virginia grants, and other Sheriff’s Department grants; which at the beginning of the new fiscal year show a decrease of -74.6% = ($579,357). These grants are appropriated within the budget when awarded or received.
FY25 Federal Revenue Factors (Compared to FY24 Amended Budget):
· A significant reduction of -22.2% in ARPA Grant funds from FY24 to FY25 = -$424,000
· A 5.9% increase is anticipated in reimbursement for Department of Social Services costs due to higher overall expenditures related to an anticipated higher level of staffing = $59,899. The non-local portion of their budget is funded by 60% Federal funds.
FY25 Other Revenue Factors (Compared to FY24 Amended Budget):
· Other revenues have decreased from last fiscal year -46.53% = -$3,113,489. This is primarily because FY24 utilized a higher level of Year Ending Balance or Carry Over funds, consisting of $2.8 Million in ARPA funds carried forward for the NCHS Roof Project, $2.6M in Capital Outlay and funding of $399,920 of Non-recurring contingency plus other appropriations throughout the fiscal year. Additionally, the Broadband Authority transferred $300,000 to the General Fund during FY24, which is not being utilized and is carried forward to FY25.
· The FY25 Year Ending Balance (FY24 Revenues > Expenditures) utilizes $3,577,427 consisting of:
o $1,533,840 in FY24 net expenditure savings anticipated including:
Departmental Operations: -$381,006
Non-Departmental Operations: -$291,323
Unspent Capital Outlay: -$63,887
Capital Projects: -$149,570
Contingencies: -$648,054
o $1,499,021 in FY24 net revenue increase anticipated including:
Local: $1,176,576 (Recordation Tax, Meals Tax, Court Fines, & Interest Earnings)
State: $19,806 (State Shared Expenses & CSA Reimbursement)
Federal: $11,116 (CARES Act, SCAAP, Misc.)
Other: $291,523 (Insurance recoveries, cancelled checks, NCBA Transfer)
o On the expenditure side, these funds are the balance of ARP funds from the NCHS Roof project which can be used with no restrictions, funding of Capital Outlay expenditures, carry forward of unspent FY24 miscellaneous funds, non-recurring costs and non-recurring contingency. Additionally, $350,000 in fund balance is proposed to be used for replacement of the Piney River pump station.
Linda Staton, Director of Finance reported on the expected expenditures as follows:
Summary:
The introduced budget for FY25 is $49,487,637, a decrease of $2,277,984 or 4.40% less than the FY24 amended budget. Revenues projected for FY25 are estimated at an equivalent decrease from FY24 balancing the budget.
Employee Salaries and Benefits:
New Full-Time Positions proposed and funded:
Assistant Director of Special Projects for Tourism and Economic Development salary & benefits at $82,417
Family Services Specialist IV, Senior Worker salary and benefits at $79,143 (state funding requires a 76% local match of $60,149)
· 2% COLA increase to salary and benefits for FT and PT employees at $176,716
· Implement third and final stage of (MAG) Pay Study, equity adjustments of salaries and benefits at $76,768
· 11.0% Health Insurance increase for Key Advantage 500 & Key Advantage 250 plans with an estimated budget of $90,000 (TBD); option to add a High Deductible Health Plan included in rate projections to offer lower rates for employees and County
· Overall VRS employer contribution rate is decreasing from 11.47% to 10.77%; short-term disability rates are decreasing from 0.85% to 0.74%
· $15,669 earmarked for estimated increase in Worker’s Comp Premium (TBD)
Other Expenditures:
· Incremental increases in utilities, fuel, mileage, postage, telecommunications, maintenance service contracts, and repairs and maintenance, and equipment
· Year #2 of Adult Drug Court expenditures covered through four-year federal Department of Justice (DOJ) grant at the direction of the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office; second year funding FY25 is $171,794.
· Regional Jail operational increase of $229,018, includes $31,740 in Debt Service for the Bond Anticipation Note issued to cover Architectural and Engineering services related to the renovation project. The County’s 5-year average census increased from 14.74% in FY24 to 15.87% of the total. The 5-year average census determines the percentage share for each member jurisdiction.
· Paid EMS increase of $216,609; this includes the additional $195,000 required in salaries and benefits due to transitioning to 24/72 shift scheduling changes presented to the Board at the January 9, 2024 meeting, $25,000 for increasing mileage costs, $15,000 for increased medical supply costs, and $10,000 for repair and maintenance costs of older transport units; one option for potential increase in revenue recovery to offset these costs is to increase transport rates
· Capital Outlay of $2,247,243 covered by Carryover Funds from Year End Balance (FY24 Revenues > FY24 Expenditures) includes $391,511 for Emergency Services Vehicles, $256,000 for four (4) Law Enforcement vehicles, $40,000 and $72,500 for Motor Pool and County EMS Response Vehicle, $292,900 for IT Microwave Network Upgrade (replacement of 2 antennas), $196,000 to improve Emergency Services radio communications with Wintergreen, $260,000 to replace Transfer Station tipping floor, $140,000 for Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and $151,200 to replace Voting Machine Equipment
· Level funding of most Agency requests in FY25; exceptions being JMRL (Regional Library), Nelson EMS Council, and Community Investment Collaborative
· Transfer to Debt Service of $3,935,284 includes $610,000 toward the County’s debt capacity building strategy not included in FY24
· Level funding of School Nurses; formal request is pending from the School Division
· Level funding in operational budget for School Division of $18,379,837; additional request TBD once state budget is resolved and Schools submit a formal request
· County’s ARPA carry-over funds of $128,138, the balance of funds not required for NCHS roof project.
· Increase in Transfer to VPA Fund (Social Services Departmental Costs) of $79,143 for additional cost to add a Family Services Specialist IV, Senior Worker (state funding requires a 76% local match of $60,149).
· Transfer to Reassessment Fund of $100,000 for next reassessment.
Contingencies:
· Recurring Contingency of $482,693
· Non-recurring Contingency of $441,288
· Total all Contingency funds for FY25 = $923,981
I. NEW & UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Shipman Historic District Cost Share Grant Application:
The Board approved $16,000 for the Shipman Historic District Planning Grant application at their March 14, 2023 meeting to complete the nomination for Shipman as a designated Historic District.
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources hired Hill Studio in the fall of 2023 to complete the
Preliminary Information Form. The survey work was completed in December 2023 – January 2024, with
the public meeting held on January 10, 2024. The Preliminary Information Form is complete and is being reviewed by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The next step is to apply for another cost share grant from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to complete the historic district nomination to the State and National Register. The County’s funds are in place. The consensus of the Board was to move forward with the project.
B. Comprehensive Plan – Planning Commission’s Recommendations www.Nelson2042.com.
The Board has reviewed the Planning Commission’s recommendation today and will hold its public hearing on March 20th at 7pm at NCHS. Final adoption of the Plan will not be scheduled until at least the Board’s regular meeting on April 9, 2024
VII. REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS, DIRECTIVES AND CORRESPONDENCE
A. Reports
1. County Administrator’s Report:
A. Comprehensive Plan: See above.
B. Gladstone TAP Applications/Award: The Board previously authorized the submittal of FY25/26 Transportation Alternative (TA) Program grant funding pre-applications for further funding of the Gladstone Depot Relocation and Restoration Project, which received an initial funding award in September of 2022. The pre-application was screened in for submittal of a final application due October 2, 2023. In September 2023, VDOT advised that the County needed to have the following eligibility issues addressed prior to the application deadline; which was impossible. In November, they then advised that we could submit them by December 31, 2023 or the application would be screened out:
1. A formal letter on DHR letterhead that states that moving of the depot and interior modifications to the depot building will not degrade/undermine the historic integrity of the structure.
2. An updated letter from CSX is needed that includes a new achievable relocation timeline. The original letter dated April 29, 2019 states that the Depot must be moved by June 30, 2020.
County Staff worked with Friends of Gladstone Depot who were able to secure #2 before the December 31st deadline; however, #1 was not attainable in the timeframe allowed, even though DHR staff was more than willing to help- the information needed to complete their review was too extensive. The current FY25-26 application was screened out by Central Office Local Assistance Division in January 2024 and VDOT is highly recommending the cancelation of UPC 121612, the selected FY23-FY24 TAP Application, to keep the project from appearing on FHWA’s Financial Integrity Evaluation & Review (FIRE) Report due to the project’s inability to progress and lack of billings. They noted that if the County cancels this funding, it would be accessible in the future, but if FHWA reclaims the funds, the County would not have access to them in the future for this project. No expenditures have occurred to date, so there are no concerns with potential payback related to cancelation. I am herein recommending these funds be canceled immediately to preserve their future accessibility for this project and ask for the Board’s concurrence. The Board concurred with the recommendation
C. Lovingston Front Street Sidewalk Improvements TAP Grant: This application has scored very well for potential funding and is now in the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s arena for funding consideration and inclusion in the Six Year Improvement Plan. This project includes widening of sidewalks on the west side of Front Street between Main Street and theater Drive in order to meet accessibility standards. Curb ramps with detectable warning surfaces will be installed and curb extensions and bump-outs will be constructed at future crosswalk locations. Additional work includes replacing driveway ramps that don’t meet ADA standards and utility pole relocation from the sidewalk area so they are unobstructed. Citizens are encouraged to contact State CTB members to advocate for this project; their contact information can be provided by County Administration or found on the CTB website. The Board and public will be advised of future important CTB meeting/public hearing dates.
TAP Grant Funds Requested: $2,500,000 (Maximum) with a Local Match Requirement: $625,000 (20%) and project costs over $3,125,000.
D. Route 151 Through Truck Restriction: No Change. I am still working on getting the required information together for the Board’s consideration of authorizing a public hearing on a Route 151 through truck restriction. Some questions regarding the process were submitted to VDOT; specifically, I have asked if the Board can request that VDOT perform an assessment of Route 151 for the through truck restriction prior to holding a public hearing on the matter. I have also asked if the beginning termini of the route to be restricted can start at the intersection of Route 250 and Route 151 in Albemarle County or if it has to begin and end in Nelson County. The proposed beginning and ending termini of the route to be restricted is a requirement for the public hearing notices. In a follow up conversation about this with Robert Brown last week, he indicated that he thought we would need the cooperation and concurrence of Albemarle County since he thought the beginning termini would have to be at the Route 250/Route 151 intersection. Mr. Brown was not sure at that time if VDOT could do the through truck restriction assessment of Route 151 prior to the Board authorizing a public hearing but he said he would inquire.
E. 24-Hour Library Kiosk in Nellysford: The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday March 13th at 3pm at the site with Chair Parr and Vice Chair Reed in attendance. Light refreshments will be served.
F. Piney River Solar, LLC Special Exception 2023-369 – Amherst County: The Special Exception permit was denied by the Amherst County Board of Supervisors.
2. Board Reports:
1) Ernie Reed and Jessica Ligon met i) with Marta Keane from JABA and Dorothy Wilson, the Agency Service Co-ordinator at the Nelson Community Center for Nelson County ii) met with DEQ regarding phosphorus issue at Hatton Creek. The DEQ is looking at a possible watershed approach with possible cooperation from landowners. There will be another meeting on that issue. Ernie Reed and Jessica Ligon went to Gladstone to see the presentation to the public regarding the proposed solar farm. Mr. Reed went to TJPDC to discuss big problems with rural transportation that the Metropolitan Transit Authority has not quite addressed. The meeting also covered land trusts, a subject on which Mr. Reed is coming up to speed. More information will follow at a later date. Mr. Reed saw the “Mamma Mia” production at the Nelson High School. “What a great get together it is. Only Homecoming comes close” to producing all those smiles. The Service Authority moving forward to getting some federal rural development grant for the Lovingston sewer improvements. The Wintergreen wastewater treatment plant should be finished by the end of the year.
2) Jesse Rutherford: Line of Duty Benefits Act failed to make it out of the House Appropriations Committee, who to let it die without a vote. The stakeholders have said they will try again next December. During this year, it will be incumbent on everyone to contact the members of the committees involved in favor of the proposal. Support in Nelson was bipartisan.
3) David Parr reported that the EMS office is getting the “Knox Boxes” set up in the schools and is planning an active shooter drill. Knox Boxes are small, wall mounted safes that hold building keys accessible by fire departments, medical services and police in cases of emergencies. EMS is working with North Branch School on what can be done to help them in the event of such an emergency. Appomattox and Amherst Counties are giving vouchers for tax benefits to volunteers living in those counties but volunteering for Fire and Rescue in Nelson. Nelson is looking into setting up reciprocity agreements with neighboring counties for fire and rescue volunteers who don’t live in counties where they serve.
The EDA meeting raised issue of another location for DSS Building but no actual location came up. David Parr, Candace McGarry and Jesse Rutherford attended the “pinning ceremony” at the Sheriff’s Department and it was wonderful.
B. Appointments: Ms. McGarry reported that they have had NO applicants yet for MACCA Board opening or the EDA opening. MACCA indicated that they may have someone interested in the position. Mr. Parr said the Board will need to become proactive in finding applicants
C. Correspondence: None
D. Directives: Jesse Rutherford Will draft letter of thanks for submission at the next Board of Supervisors Meeting honoring Armand Thieblot, vice chairman of Nelson County Electoral Board, who is moving to Texas.
VIII. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO §2.2-3711 (A)(7) & (A)(8)
IS CONTINUED TO MARCH 15, 2024 AT 1:00 PM FOR A BUDGET WORK SESSION. AN
EVENING SESSION WILL NOT BE CONDUCTED FOR THE MARCH 12 MEETING.