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Storm Water Management - February 26

Council for the City of Waynesboro, Virginia, held a Stormwater Work Session on Wednesday, August 15, 2007, at 12:00 P.M. with representatives from community businesses and residents in Council Chambers of the Charles T. Yancey Municipal Building, 503 West Main Street, Waynesboro, Virginia, with Mayor Thomas Reynolds presiding and calling the meeting to order:

PRESENT: Council Members: Thomas W. Reynolds, Mayor

Nancy M. Dowdy, Vice Mayor

Frank S. Lucente, Councilman

Lorie M. Smith, Councilwoman

Timothy D. Williams, Councilman

Staff: Douglas Walker, City Manager

Michael G. Hamp II, Asst. City Manager

Julia Bortle, Clerk of Council

Robert C. Lunger, Esq., City Attorney

Brian K. McReynolds, PE, Director of Public Works

Anne Showman, Finance Director

Kim Cameron, City Engineer

Pat Nicosia, Director, Budget, Purchasing & Invent.

Guests: Lewis Ferry, Ward A

Bernie Gardner, Columbia Gas of Virginia

Mike Laczynski, Invista

Tom Sykes, Reo Distribution

Webber Payne, Waynesboro Florist

Mack Jones, Barnwell & Jones Realtor

Terry Short, Ward B

Emmett Toms, VA Dominion Power

Carl Rosberg, nTelos

Ellen Winter, Ward D

Robert Fry, Ward A

ABSENT: None

**********

MAYOR’S OPENING REMARKS:

Mayor Reynolds opened the meeting, greeted guests and thanked them for meeting with the City Council for the discussion and sharing of ideas. He asked the guests to introduce themselves and who they represent.

The goal of this meeting was to decide on a fee schedule for an Enterprise Fund as it was decided not to use the General Fund for stormwater management. It was noted that many of the local businesses were not satisfied with the anticipated cost of the program as presented, and this meeting was an open discussion for residents and businesses to discuss funding ideas.

The floor was opened for discussion.

**********

Mr. Laczynski: disagreed with creating a utility versus utilizing the General Fund. Creating a new tax should be the last resort utilized, and if a utility tax is created, it must include a credit system that recognizes investments already made. If a utility is the proposed method, not instituting a credit system would also be an error.

Mayor Reynolds encouraged the use of the General Fund, as did Mr. Williams. Council instead decided to use a utility, pulling it out of the budget. Mayor Reynolds stated that televised meetings included discussions of the plan, the levels of service, and how to pay for them. Except for a brief period of time when stormwater was included in the General Fund, stormwater revolved around the creation of a utility.

Guest: The City would create a lot of expenditure and overhead just administering and operating this separate utility. He was not aware until recently there was a separate funding of another $.06 of the tax rate to pay for the $1.4 million Council is talking about spending if the utility is enacted. (Mayor Reynolds noted that stormwater was $900,000 as part of the $1.4 million in the CIP).

Mr. Lucente: stated he is against the General Fund paying for stormwater. There are ponds that have not been maintained throughout the years, and if stormwater is in the General Fund, the funds could be used elsewhere if there is no immediate stormwater concern. Since these were not dealt with in the past, they may not be dealt with by future councils. Another problem is that there is a school contract where the City gives the schools 42.5% of all monies received in General Funds. That means for every dollar spent on stormwater, the City will have to raise an additional $.73 for the schools.

Mrs. Smith: stated she agrees with Mr. Lucente. Stormwater entails multi-millions of dollars of investments and infrastructures for the City. The General Fund will continue to place that work at risk. She sees the utility as a means of protecting taxpayer’s investments in infrastructure that will be put into place. It will be well positioned through depreciation and other sound financial methods over time to manage the system. She supports the use of a utility.

Mr. Lucente: stated that a stormwater utility is more efficient, more accountable, but too expensive at its present budget. It must be made fair and palatable to all citizens and businesses. His first priority is maintenance of the present infrastructure since “you don’t know what you have to do until you fix what you have.” He stated that a utility fee would be wise because work would be cut back after the existing problems are fixed. The utility should be self-sustaining so that it doesn’t have to be voted on each year.

Vice Mayor Dowdy: stated maintenance will not take care of her Ward’s problems. She believes that the projects should be done along with the maintenance. She and Mrs. Smith looked at putting stormwater into the General Fund but decided against it. She assures all those present that every Council member is very mindful of every aspect of this community, and they are trying to put this program in a position where it is not a burden to any one sector of the community.

Mr. Frye: stated that Ward A was promised that as soon as the City got the funds, they would take care of the problem by enlarging the line from Augusta down to the river. That was 23 years ago, and it has gotten worse. If it was refigured, money could be saved.

Tom Sykes: stated that the Board of Supervisors for Augusta County addressed stormwater problems with ordinances and policies. He stated that businesses are concerned that because budgeted projects have been included in the past but not done, what assurance will they have that the City will have personnel doing maintenance in the future with more money. Reo Distribution believes that cleaning it up, putting it in a General Fund and assigning the correct management to it is the way for Council to consider this process.

Mrs. Smith: addressed Mr. Sykes, stating that smaller projects were done; the past lack of maintenance was due to a lack of capacity and a lack of funding. Whether it is in the General Fund or through a utility, the money is being allocated to increase the capacity to allow the City to manage the pond maintenance problem.

Mayor Reynolds: stated he supports a separate department whose duties will include stormwater pond maintenance. He stated that in order to make stormwater management fair and equitable, the Council is faced with the choice between a stormwater utility based on impervious surface area or put the project in the General Fund that will pay for it with taxes. He clarified that the Agreement with the School System does not add to the tax rate as it is part of the budget.

Mayor Reynolds: stated that out of the General Fund budget, approximately $900,000 is designated for maintenance. Mr. Walker added that there is a component of the stormwater utility budget that includes projects 9 and 10 for this year, as identified in the Capital Improvements Plan. Projects 1-8 were in the General Fund.

Mr. Laczynski: stated that Invista invested $6.4 million in their stormwater management system. They spend $350,000 annually to maintain, repair and manage their system. Therefore, without a rebate system or credit system that recognizes investments already made is not fair, equitable and defendable. The City of Chesapeake did it from the start. He also asked where the money allocated to the six divisions of Public Works budgeted for stormwater work was spent, since the system was not maintained.

Vice Mayor Dowdy: stated that the Council has discussed credits, but the time frame allocated did not allow that to be addressed fairly. She stated that Council will address it as soon as possible.

Mrs. Smith: stated she agrees that a credit program is appropriate for those who go above and beyond the City’s ordinances designed to manage stormwater, but credit system costs money that must be funded. That must be part of the rate structure.

Mr. Lucente: agreed with Mr. Laczynski that a credit system must be done from the beginning. He did not think time constraints are an issue and will not make a hasty decision. He would prefer to eliminate the credits and reduce the rate from the beginning. He stated that the only way the stormwater program will work is to reduce the program’s costs. The effective way to reduce costs is to do the maintenance portion first.

Mr. Frye: stated one way to cut costs is to eliminate new offices. Mr. Lucente informed Mr. Frye that those costs are not separate but will be prorated and added to the utility bill.

Guests: stated that his area of Wayne Hills has no current stormwater management; therefore, nothing to maintain. They have been waiting for 46 years for help with stormwater, and they need infrastructure now.

Mr. Lucente: stated that some projects will be done through the General Fund.

Mayor Reynolds: stated that churches will be charged according to impervious area.

Mr. Sykes: impressed upon City Council that they must maintain vigilance on this program’s cost. He questioned where the current funding for stormwater is being spent. Stormwater management and sediment control have been a state mandate for years. If Waynesboro is just catching up, then the City must make sure it is an accountable department; not a separate level of management and tax.

Mrs. Smith: stated that the issue of accountability has been raised twice during this meeting. She asked the City Manager to comment on the lack of confidence and accountability voiced here.

Mr. Jones: asked why stormwater management is not part of the normal tax revenue. He used leaf removal as an example, and asked why that is part of stormwater. He stated that a majority of the issues related to stormwater should be in the General Fund Budget.

Mr. Walker: explained there were services shifted from other areas to the stormwater budget as they relate to the stormwater program. Resources are being applied to address other problems within Public Works. Choices have been made, costs have been reduced, revenues not provided; therefore, services have not been delivered. That is part of why the City is in this position. Using the General Fund or using a utility is a choice for Council. The current utility is a blend with General expenses related to capital improvements and utility expenses related to on-going maintenance and operations.

Mrs. Winter: disagreed with Mr. Lucente about reducing rates at the start. It is not going to encourage businesses to decrease the flow off their property. If there is no runoff from your property, there is no problem; therefore, the answer is impervious surface. Without a utility, taxes must be raised. She agreed with credits for commercial and industrial entities that go above minimum requirements. She mentioned there is a pervious surface that can be used on parking lots that water will soak into rather than run off. Businesses need to be accountable for maintaining stormwater, and a better policing job must be done. If impervious surface is the main cause for stormwater runoff, they should be responsible for it, instead of from the General Fund, raising taxes for everyone.

Mr. Rosberg: stated from a business perspective, nTelos’ real estate rate is one of the lowest in the Commonwealth. Personal property taxes are one of the highest, which affects businesses. He stated that nTelos built two ponds that have been maintained. He stated that the proposed plan is hard on businesses. The General Fund seems fair to him. He agreed that consideration has to be given to those companies who have spent money on stormwater management. The proposed taxes will have an impact on proposed future businesses in the City.

Mrs. Smith: stated that rates must come down for business and industry. Relative to the real estate rate, the City has nine industries, seven have realized virtually no increase in their real estate taxation. Invista realized a .6% increase in their real estate tax rate while all other residents had an average of 35%.

Mr. Laczynski: stated that all taxes must be considered, real estate, personal property, and machinery and tool. The only way to reduce the machinery and tool tax in the City was with the physical removal of the equipment. Removing equipment, when working hard to improve competitiveness to restart the equipment should be applauded by the City, not taxed non-revenue as has been done. He stated that businesses consider total taxes when making decisions, not individually.

Mr. Rosberg: agreed that Waynesboro is on the high side of business taxes when considering all of Virginia and on the lower end for residential.

Mr. Laczynski: stated he recognizes businesses have to be part of the solution for this problem. As a resident and business person in Waynesboro, he asked Council to consider how quickly the City wants versus needs to repair 30-plus years of neglect. An answer to that may help make the decision on a credit system for a utility or how many cents to add to real estate in a General Fund.

Mr. Lucente: stated the current real estate market and property assessments must be considered. He stated that the soil and erosion personnel should focus on the ponds. He also stated that businesses should be made aware of what their fee structure will be, and noted that staff is currently working on those figures.

Mr. Jones: stated that the tax rate and the assessed rate work in tandem. The City’s operation is dependent on their sources of revenue, and the combined dollar result has to be considered.

Mayor Reynolds: stated he does not have the same concerns that some Council members have, worrying that some other future Council may choose not to do this.

Mr. Sykes: As the City only owns three stormwater ponds and the rest are in private hands, he stated that public dollars should not be expended to clean them up. If it is done, then a lien should be placed on that property until it is cleaned.

Mayor Reynolds: stated that problems have to be addressed now without concentrating on the past problems. The Council will act on enforcement of the maintenance of the private ownership ponds.

Guest: stated that enforcement of the drainfield should be addressed with current staff. He has not heard about the development of a comprehensive strategy to address this matter. He has heard there is a dollar figure suggested from a consultant based on levels of service.

Mayor Reynolds stated the projects are identified and prioritized. Mrs. Smith stated that the utility is going to be built on maintenance, addressing one, two, or three projects per year, based on available revenue. Regarding Capital Projects 1-8 may be funded by bond issues and contracted out. The smaller projects done through the utility will be done in-house.

Guest: stated everyone who benefits from the location of the City, its infrastructure, and quality of life will have to make sacrifices. Sacrificing some VDOT funding for road improvements may be a good idea. He also supports increasing property taxes to offset some of those necessary improvements. If businesses do have a self-sustaining stormwater management system, a credit system is logical and an investment of great value to residents and water quality. He also suggested the removal of some impervious surface.

Mayor Reynolds: agreed with the concept of beginning this program with a tax credit for those companies who have already invested in stormwater management. That may also encourage those businesses that have been in existence for a longer period of time to become proactive and address the issue to earn credits. He also addressed the issue of one-time expenses and their justification. He said some of those one-time expenses may be able to be shifted into the General Fund, creating a blended program.

Mrs. Smith: stated the Council has viewed numerous models, but this Council does not intend to place a burden on Invista or proportionately to other businesses. The City has lowered its tax rate by approximately 28% over the last four or five years. This has reduced the City’s capacity to pay for stormwater while running the other necessities.

Mr. Laczynski: asked Council to consider that they may want to delay this program as there is no definition for impervious surface yet. There is between 35 and 40 acres of Invista property that is gravel that is listed as impervious surface. He asked what a parking lot surface can be replaced with, if there is no clear definition.

Mr. Lucente: stated he questions the consultant’s quote of $1.4 million for stormwater. He believes it can be done for less money. The bottom line is a decision must be made about how to proceed. He wants direction from those present on how much they expect to pay and with what method. With too many ideas being discussed at this meeting, it makes it difficult to come up with a consensus. He stated that a funding mechanism must be found to correct the problems so they don’t have to be addressed every year. Using the General Fund means a shift in who pays for it. Although businesses have 2.7 times as much impervious surface as residents, he does not believe businesses can bear that share.

Mrs. Winter: stated Waynesboro would hurt itself if it ran businesses out of town due to the utility tax. However, if the stormwater is put in the General Fund, it does not encourage anybody to have less stormwater runoff. Having a utility tax with credits will encourage people to handle the stormwater issues better. That must include a good definition of impervious surface.

Mayor Reynolds: stated he has heard that stormwater should come from the General Fund from most of the visitors present. If a decision is made to do that, it can’t be done until the new Budget, necessitating a tax rate to cover the charge. He stated there are two options; either at the next Budget level figure what the bottom line is based on recommendations, or to implement the utility with clearly defined terms. When the budget is cut, service levels are affected, whether it’s moving VDOT money to stormwater, or using General Fund money affecting other projects. He stated that the only way to look at funding is to address the levels of service.

Mr. Sykes: stated that it was mentioned at a previous meeting that the stormwater department was already created and funded through September 30, 2007. He asked if that meant a utility must be created to fund that department through the rest of the year.

Mr. Walker: stated that it is his responsibility per Council to develop a plan.

Mayor Reynolds: stated he appreciated it that each of the meeting participants took time out of their day to participate in this meeting. He suggested that if there are future questions or comments to make, that they contact any member of City Council.

Mr. Walker: stated there is another meeting this evening at 6:00 p.m. with staff presentations, focusing on budget scenarios. The meeting will be televised for everyone’s information.

**********

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:15 p.m.

______________________ ______________________________

Julia Bortle, Clerk of Council Thomas W. Reynolds, Mayor

City of Waynesboro, Virginia City of Waynesboro, Virginia

VDot News - February 26

TRAFFIC ALERT FOR WEEK OF February 25-29, 2008

Highway work zones in the Staunton District



The following is a list of highway work that might affect traffic in the Staunton transportation district during the coming weeks. The Staunton district is comprised of 11 counties, Alleghany, Bath , Rockbridge, Augusta, Highland , Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Page, Warren and Clarke. Work scheduled is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. Also, when traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.


(NEW) _ Indicates a new or revised entry since last week’s report.

AUGUSTA COUNTY

Interstate 64

* Mile markers 95 to 96 – Cleaning and painting bridges, alternating lane closures. Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.



Interstate 81

* Various locations –Guardrail installation. Alternating lane and shoulder closures both northbound and southbound. Night work - 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

* Mile markers 205 to 237 – Northbound and southbound lanes, debris clean up on Wednesday.



Primary Roads

* Route 11 – Utility company will be trimming trees.

* Route 56 – Utility company will be trimming trees.

* Route 250 –Trucks entering from Route 636 between Route 637 to Route 358 and from Route 608 between Route 608 to Route 1360.

* Route 252 - Utility company will be trimming trees.

* Route 262 – Debris clean up from I-81 to Route 11 at Verona on Wednesday.

* Route 340 (Rosser Avenue) – Trucks entering from work site from Route 608 to Route 1501 for utility work with flagger traffic control during daylight hours.

* Various roads – Guardrail replacement. Alternating lane and shoulder closures. Weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.



Secondary Roads

* Route 608 – Utility company will be trimming trees.

* Route 610 – Tree trimming from Route 608 to the Nelson County Line weekdays during daylight hours, weekdays.

* (NEW) Route 612 – Curb and gutter installation from Route 1908 ( Locust Street ) to Route 792 ( Riverside Avenue ). Work is Tuesday to Friday.

* Route 621 ( Sandy Ridge Road ) – Between Route 823 and Route 611. Work-site truck traffic for sub-division road construction. Work is during daylight hours.

* (NEW) Route 660 – Tree trimming. Route 610 to end of state maintenance. Work is weekdays during daylight hours, weekdays.

* Route 664 – Tree trimming from Waynesboro City limits to the Blue Ridge Parkway during daylight hours, weekdays.

* Route 710 – Utility company will be trimming trees.

* Route 726 – Utility company will be trimming trees.

* (NEW) Route 848 – Tree trimming. Route 610 to end of state maintenance. Work is during daylight hours, weekdays.

* (NEW) Route 855 – Tree trimming. Route 610 to end of state maintenance. Work is during daylight hours, weekdays.

* (NEW) Route 887 – Tree trimming. Route 610 to end of state maintenance. Work is during daylight hours, weekdays.

* (NEW) Route 912 – Tree trimming. Route 610 to Route 660. Work is during daylight hours, weekdays.

* (NEW) Route 913 – Tree trimming. Route 912 north to Route 912 south. Work is during daylight hours, weekdays.

* Route 1319 ( Westminster Drive ) – From Route 1360 and Route 608, water line installation. Road surface patching may cause minor delays.

* Route 1621 (Beagle Gap Run) – From Wild Cat Cove to Beagle Gap Forest . Trucks entering work for sewer line installation. Work is daylight hours.

* (NEW) Route 1621 (Beagle Gap Run) – Ditch cleaning, Monday, Feb. 18.

* Various Roads – Shoulder repairs, brush cutting, and machining non-hard surface roads. Scraping dirt roads. Lane closures and flaggers may be used at various locations. Work will be weekdays during daylight hours.



MOTORISTS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR SIGNAL WORK



STAUNTON – Traffic signal work will take place near Interstate 81 exit 307 in Frederick County . This location is at the I-81 southbound exit ramp and eastbound Route 277. The work will begin on Feb. 27 and will last several weeks. Motorists should be alert for this work zone and potential traffic delays which will occur later in the project.

The crews will relocate a signal pole and replace traffic signal heads. This work is part of a larger project that will widen a small portion of Route 277 to improve flow for tractor trailers turning left from the I-81 southbound exit ramp on to eastbound Route 277.

All work is weather permitting.

Richardson Wayland Electrical Co. L.L.C. of Roanoke is the contractor doing the signal work.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-800-578-4111. (TTY/TDD users, call 711). Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.

Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Virginia’s highway safety partnership — the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police — challenges you to help prevent highway fatalities. Buckle up. Avoid distractions. Share the road. Drive drug- and alcohol-free. Obey speed limits. For more information on the Highway Safety Challenge and things you can do to avoid becoming Virginia ’s next traffic fatality, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.

Wite Hill Rd. Wreck - February 21



Thursday 21, 2008- 8:30 am A tractor and trailer rolled over on its side blocking the turn off lanes to interstate 81. There where no injuries and the wreck is being investigating by the state police.

NOAA Winter Weather Advisory - February 21

Winter Weather Advisory

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
851 PM EST THU FEB 21 2008

MDZ016>018-VAZ021-025-026-036>039-050-055>057-WVZ054-221000-
/O.CON.KLWX.WW.Y.0007.080222T0200Z-080223T0300Z/
CHARLES-ST. MARYS-CALVERT-HIGHLAND-AUGUSTA-ROCKINGHAM-NELSON-
ALBEMARLE-GREENE-MADISON-ORANGE-STAFFORD-SPOTSYLVANIA-KING GEORGE-
PENDLETON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WALDORF...ST MARYS CITY...STAUNTON...
WAYNESBORO...HARRISONBURG...CHARLOTTESVILLE...FREDERICKSBURG
851 PM EST THU FEB 21 2008

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST
FRIDAY...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST
FRIDAY.

A STORM MOVING IN FROM THE SOUTHWEST WILL BRING PRECIPITATION
INTO THE COLD AIR ALREADY IN PLACE OVER THE REGION. THE RESULT
WILL BE LIGHT SNOW OVERNIGHT...FOLLOWED BY FREEZING RAIN FRIDAY
INTO FRIDAY NIGHT.

LIGHT SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP DURING THE LATE EVENING HOURS.
AN INCH OR LESS OF SNOW IS EXPECTED OVERNIGHT. THE SNOW WILL
CHANGE TO FREEZING RAIN EARLY FRIDAY MORNING.

THE FREEZING RAIN WILL BE ON AND OFF DURING THE DAY ON FRIDAY AND
INTO FRIDAY NIGHT. AROUND A TENTH OF AN INCH OF ICING IS
EXPECTED.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

$$








Hazardous Weather Outlook

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
358 PM EST THU FEB 21 2008

MDZ003>005-009-010-501-502-VAZ021-025>031-036>042-050-051-
WVZ050>055-501>504-221000-
WASHINGTON-FREDERICK MD-CARROLL-MONTGOMERY-HOWARD-
EXTREME WESTERN ALLEGANY-CENTRAL AND EASTERN ALLEGANY-HIGHLAND-
AUGUSTA-ROCKINGHAM-SHENANDOAH-FREDERICK VA-PAGE-WARREN-CLARKE-
NELSON-ALBEMARLE-GREENE-MADISON-RAPPAHANNOCK-FAUQUIER-LOUDOUN-
ORANGE-CULPEPER-HAMPSHIRE-MORGAN-BERKELEY-JEFFERSON-PENDLETON-
HARDY-WESTERN GRANT-EASTERN GRANT-WESTERN MINERAL-EASTERN MINERAL-
358 PM EST THU FEB 21 2008

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA...
NORTHERN AND CENTRAL VIRGINIA...AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN MARYLAND
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF GARRETT COUNTY.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT

A WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING FOR NORTHERN AND NORTHWESTERN VIRGINIA...EASTERN WEST
VIRGINIA... CENTRAL NORTHERN AND WESTERN MARYLAND. A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR CENTRAL AND WEST CENTRAL
VIRGINIA AND PENDLETON COUNTY WEST VIRGINIA. LOW PRESSURE ACROSS
THE GULF OF MEXICO WILL SPREAD SNOW AND FREEZING RAIN ACROSS THE
REGION. CONSULT THE LATEST WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE /WBCWSWLWX/ OR
/WWUS41 KLWX/ FOR DETAILS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

A WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING FOR NORTHERN AND NORTHWESTERN VIRGINIA...EASTERN WEST
VIRGINIA... CENTRAL NORTHERN AND WESTERN MARYLAND. A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR CENTRAL AND WEST CENTRAL
VIRGINIA AND PENDLETON COUNTY WEST VIRGINIA. LOW PRESSURE ACROSS
THE GULF OF MEXICO WILL SPREAD SNOW AND FREEZING RAIN ACROSS THE
REGION. CONSULT THE LATEST WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE /WBCWSWLWX/ OR
/WWUS41 KLWX/ FOR DETAILS.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME...HOWEVER
SNOW...SLEET AND ICE ACCUMULATIONS TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT
WILL BE APPRECIATED.


http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Waynesboro&state=VA&site=LWX&textField1=38.0695&textField2=-78.9026

REGULAR MEETING OF THE AUGUSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

ADVANCED

A G E N D A

REGULAR MEETING OF THE AUGUSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.

Board Meeting Room, Government Center, Verona, VA

___________________________________________________________________________

ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION

___________________________________________________________________________

2-12 7:00 P.M. MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC

2-13 MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD

2-14 WESTGATE – PRELIMINARY PLAT

Consider preliminary plat – Westgate, containing 61 lots zoned General Business and 2 lots zoned General Industrial located on the west side of Tinkling Spring Road (Route 285) between Expo Road (Route 935) and Ramsey Road (Route 635) (Beverley Manor District). The Planning Commission recommends approval.

2-15 CONSENT AGENDA

2-15.01 MINUTES

Consider minutes of the following meetings:

* Regular Meeting, Wednesday, February 13, 2008

2-16 MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF

2-17 CLOSED SESSION

NOTICE OF VARIOUS MEETINGS/GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Augusta County Fire-Rescue Reports dated February 13, 2008.
2. Augusta County Service Authority Progress Reports dated February 15, 2008.

H2-27ra1.08



M E M O R A N D U M

February 21, 2008



TO: Augusta County Board of Supervisors

FROM: Patrick J. Coffield, County Administrator

SUBJECT: STAFF BRIEFING, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2008, 1:30 p.m.

Board Meeting Room, Government Center, Verona, VA _____________________________________________________________________________

ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION

_____________________________________________________________________________

S/B-01 1:30 p.m. ROADS

Report by VDOT.

S/B-02 STATE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS

Presentation by state DCR Regional Manager, Jim Echols, on draft regulations.

S/B-03 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PROGRAM

Staff presentation on:

1. E&S staffing proposal and budget
2. E&S draft ordinance and fee schedule
3. DCR Corrective Action Agreement

S/B-04 MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE DECALS – ORDINANCE

Discuss draft ordinance.

S/B-05 OFFICE ON YOUTH – ANNUAL REPORT

Presentation by staff on annual report.

S/B-06 SHENANDOAH VALLEY SOCIAL SERVICES – ANNUAL REPORT

Presentation by staff on annual report.

S/B-07 COMMUNITY ACTION

Discuss obtaining Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding by forming a Community Action Agency.

S/B-08 SHENANDOAH VALLEY RAILROAD COMPANY

Discuss resolution supporting state funding request by SVRR for rail improvements.

S/B-09 BUCKINGHAM BRANCH RAILROAD COMPANY

Discuss resolution supporting state funding request by BBRC for rail improvements.



S/B-10 SHENANDOAH VALLEY JUVENILE CENTER

Discuss resolution expanding services to include providing a “less-secure residential program for juveniles.

S/B-11 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Discuss approval of contract for preparation of the Economic Development Strategy.

Funding Sources: Comprehensive Plan Acct. (#11010-3125) $ 73,855

IDA 73,855

$147,710

S/B-12 ADULT BUSINESS – ORDINANCE

Discuss recommendations of Planning Commission regarding proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment and proposal to enact Police Powers Ordinance requiring all adult businesses to obtain a permit from Sheriff’s Department.

S/B-13 PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS

1. Westgate – Preliminary Plat, located on the west side of Tinkling Spring Road (Route 285) between Expo Road (Route 935) and Ramsey Road (Route 635) (Beverley Manor District).

S/B-14 MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD

S/B-15 MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF

S/B-16 CLOSED SESSION

H2-25sb1.07





NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

DATE TIME EVENT/PLACE **

Feb 21 1:30 p.m. ACSA

Feb 25 1:30 p.m. BOS STAFF BRIEFING

Feb 26 7:00 p.m. EMERGENCY SERVICES OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

7:30 p.m. AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY BOARD

Feb 27 7:00 p.m. BOS MEETING

Feb 29 11:30 a.m. THE BIG READ

Augusta County Courthouse - Staunton

Mar 1-5 NACo LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE 2008

Hilton Washington, Washington, DC

Mar 5 8:30 a.m. AUGUSTA COUNTY ELECTORAL BOARD

Mar 6 9:30 a.m. BZA VIEWINGS

1:00 p.m. BZA STAFF BRIEFING

1:30 p.m. BZA MEETING

Mar 11 9:00 a.m. MIDDLE RIVER REGIONAL JAIL AUTHORITY MEETING

3:30 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF BRIEFING/VIEWINGS

3:30 p.m. GART/TOURISM MEETING

7:00 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

Mar 12 7:00 p.m. BOS MEETING

Mar 18 4:00 p.m. RECYCLING MEETING

Mar 19 7:00 p.m. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING

Mar 20 1:30 p.m. ACSA

Mar 21 11:00 a.m. IDA

Mar 24 12:00 p.m. NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK – Augusta County

Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee –

Appreciation Lunch

1:30 p.m. BOS STAFF BRIEFING

Mar 25 7:00 p.m. LIBRARY MEETING

Library - Fishersville

7:00 p.m. EMERGENCY SERVICES OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

7:30 p.m. AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY BOARD

Mar 26 7:00 p.m. BOS MEETING

Mar 31-Apr 1 8:00 a.m. BOS BUDGET WORK SESSION

Apr 8 3:30 p.m. GART/TOURISM MEETING

Apr 12-19 SPRING CLEAN UP WEEK

Apr 19 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY

Farmer’s Market Lot, Waynesboro, VA

Apr 13 2:00 p.m. LIBRARY DEDICATION

Fishersville Library

Apr 16 7:00 p.m. BOS BUDGET – PUBLIC HEARING

May 7 7:00 p.m. BOS BUDGET – ADOPTION MEETING

DATE: February 21, 2008

H:calendar **All meetings are at the Government Center unless otherwise noted.

Wilda Road house fire - February 20










Wednesday 20, 2008 - 9 am Wilda Road. The house fire seems to have started with a wood stove and smoke filled the house. The home owner was not there at the time but a neighbor called him at work. The neighbor also called the fire department.

the fire is still under investigation.

Photo/Story Nathan Combs

AGENDA FOR WAYNESBORO CITY COUNCIL

REVISED AGENDA FOR WAYNESBORO CITY COUNCIL

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2008, AT 7:00 P.M.

IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CHARLES T. YANCEY MUNICIPAL BUILDING

AT 503 WEST MAIN STREET, WAYNESBORO, VIRGINIA.

1. Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Consent Agenda (any item placed on the consent agenda shall be removed and considered as a separate matter, if so requested by any member of Council, otherwise all items will be voted on with one (1) motion).
1. Consider the approval of Minutes from the August 15, 2007 Stormwater Community Meeting, the February 4, 2008 Work Session and the February 11, 2008 Business Meeting, and dispense with the reading of the Minutes.
2. Second consideration/adoption of an ordinance appropriating a Library of Virginia Records Preservation Grant for the Circuit Court in the amount of $7,500 for technical services to reformat plats from paper to digital for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2008
3. Consider a request for a refund of $237.93 for 2007 personal property PPTRA on a vehicle that did not receive PPTRA, per Virginia Code § 58.1-3981.
4. Consider request to reschedule the public hearing to receive comments on the ordinance amending the FY08 budget from February 25 to March 10, 2008.
3. Consider adopting a Proclamation proclaiming March as Big Read Month with a presentation by Zahir Mahmoud, Library Director.
4. Consider adopting a Proclamation proclaiming February as Black History Month, and present Proclamation to Ms. Estello Randolph.
5. Planning Matters:
1. Receive the Planning Commission’s report and recommendations on proposed amendments to the City Zoning Ordinance Code Section 98-250.17, pertaining to permitted uses in the Planned Unit Development District.
2. Receive the Planning Commission’s report and recommendations on proposed amendments to the City Zoning Ordinance, Code Sections 98-250.2, 98-250.3 and 98-250.10, pertaining to construction in the floodplain.
6. Consider a request from Shenandoah Valley Art Center to close portions of Main Street and Wayne Avenue beginning on Friday, October 10th at 4:00 p.m. until Sunday, October 12th at 8:00 p.m. for the Virginia Fall Foliage Festival Art Show.
7. Consider a request by Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. to close West Main Street from McElroy to Wayne Avenue (Arch and Wayne to remain open) for the Main Street Muscle Car Show, on Saturday, May 17, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The request includes the use of amplified music at the event.
8. Consider a request by Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. to reserve Constitution Park and the City parking lot at Arch and Main, and to serve alcohol on City property, for the Waynesboro Chili Blues & Brews Cook-off, on Saturday, September 6, 2008 from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
9. Consider adoption of the FY09 City Council Budget Calendar.
10. Consider the following ordinances:
1. Appropriating a Reading First Grant in the amount of $11,305 to the Elementary Central Office Fund operating for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2008.
2. Appropriating a Title IV Drug Free Schools Grant in the amount of $5,603 to the Secondary Central Office Fund Operating for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2008.
3. Appropriating a Virginia Preschool Initiative in the amount of $70,000 to the Central Office Fund operating for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2008.
11. Consider the reappointment of Mr. Robert Harris to the Valley Community Services Board of Directors for a term of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2011.
12. Citizen Comment Period.
13. Communication, Correspondence and Calendar.
14. Adjourn.

The Waynesboro City Council encourages the participation of all City citizens.

For those with special needs, please notify the Clerk of Council (540-942-6669) of any accommodations required, including assisted listening device, at least five days prior to the meeting you wish to attend.

Graham first candidate certified for ballot in upcoming election - February 20






Ward B Waynesboro City Council candidate Chris Graham was certified for ballot access by Waynesboro voter registrar Mary Alice Downs on Tuesday - two full weeks before the March 4 filing deadline and a little more than two weeks after he entered the race for the open city-council seat.

He is the first candidate to have secured his place on the ballot for the May 6 city election.

"I'm proud of the efforts of our campaign and our many volunteers who offered their time and energy toward completing this essential first phase of our effort at Moving Waynesboro Forward," Graham said today.

Graham entered the race for the Ward B seat currently held by mayor Tom Reynolds on Feb. 1. Reynolds announced on Jan. 18 that he will not seek a third four-year term on the city council representing Ward B.

Graham is the co-owner of Augusta Free Press Publishing, which is based in Downtown Waynesboro.

More information about his campaign can be accessed online at www.movingwaynesboroforward.com.


Crystal Abbe Graham, Campaign Manager

WINTER WEATHER SAFE DRIVING REMINDERS - February 20

STAUNTON – Winter precipitation is expected in the Shenandoah Valley this week. Virginia Department of Transportation crews will be ready to treat and plow roads as necessary.


Motorists are reminded that ice and freezing rain conditions can still produce hazardous driving conditions, even when roads are treated. During hazardous winter weather people should not drive unless absolutely necessary. People who are driving in winter road conditions should use extra caution particularly on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.


VDOT has detailed information, including safety tips for motorists and its snow-removal process at http://www.virginiadot.org/news/snowseason.asp. For the latest on road condition and traffic during winter storms, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511virginia.org.


Virginia’s efforts to prepare for winter weather and other emergencies can be viewed by visiting www.ReadyVirginia.gov. The National Weather Service, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Social Services and other state agencies have created the Ready Virginia resource to provide citizens with a one-stop shop for emergency preparedness tips and information.


Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Virginia’s highway safety partnership — the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police — challenges you to help prevent highway fatalities. Buckle up. Avoid distractions. Share the road. Drive drug- and alcohol-free. Obey speed limits. For more information on the Highway Safety Challenge and things you can do to avoid becoming Virginia ’s next traffic fatality, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.

Wayne Theatre Alliance - February 20

Go to

http://organizationnews.blogspot.com/2008/02/wayne-theatre-alliance.html