Chamber News

Patrick County Board of Supervisors Meeting-Oct. 18-2010

Below is a news report prepared by Tom Bishop of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors meeting on October 18, 2010.

News report Patrick County Board of Supervisors October 18, 2010 Public Comment Period Danny Foley from the Mayo River District was the only person to make comment. He spoke as a representative of the Taxpayer Watch Dog group and questioned the expenditures of $3000 for plaques by the School Board and the purchase of land near the High School. He is also concerned by the Dick and Willie Trail opened in Martinsville that just a few days prior was inundated with flooding. He says the public cannot stand all this spending. And that the Contingency Fund will not last. Proclamation In Recognition of Virginia GED and Career Pathways Awareness Week. The Board presented a proclamation to Lee Ann Hazelwood and Mary Scott, representing the One Stop Workforce Office. The proclamation recognizes October 18-23, 2010 as GED and Career Pathways Awareness Week in the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board region, and calls this observation to the attention of all our citizens.� Planning Commission Draft Comprehensive Plan Jay Scudder said the plan does not involve land use plans or zoning. It includes transportation aspects and there needs to be a public hearing and then adoption in 1-2 months. He introduced Teresa McCormick (County Mapping Office) as the first Patrick County person to complete the curriculum to be a subdivision agent. He commended Teresa for completing this training with the Citizen Planning Association. Mutual Aid In Firefighting & EMS Rescue The agreement between Franklin County and Patrick County for the mutual aid agreement was approved unanimously. Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission Grant The Patrick County Tourism Board has received a $3500 grant from Virginia Tourism for the production of a video promoting Stuart and Patrick County to be used at the new Heartwood Artisan Center in Abingdon, VA. This project required a $3500 match from Patrick County which being funded out of the Tourism Budget. While this expenditure was questioned by Supervisor Dr. Lock Boyce, Chairman Karl Weiss said this was covered in the Tourism Budget and no approval was required by the Board at this time. Heating and Air Conditioning Unit Replacement in the County Office Building Tom Rose, Acting County Administrator reported 3 bids had been received for replacement of HVAC units on the roof. The apparent low bidder is for $75,000. He says it is best to replace all units at one time due to the necessity to rent a crane each time one unit is replaced. Units are approximately 25 years old. Other repairs will be needed causing the project to exceed $100,000 and possibly go to approximately $125,000. This will include roof repairs, replacing window seals, ceiling sheetrock, caulking and other repairs. This work is not to include office redecorating. Also, carpet cleaning is greatly needed in the County Office building and the PH Community College Building and will cost approximately $2700. The Board voted 4-1 to approve the expenditure of $75000 on HVAC roof units, complete carpet cleaning, and obtain bids on window repairs and ceiling repairs. Crystal Harris of Smith River District voted no. Jay Scudder recommended a Structural Engineer be employed to estimate cost of building structural repairs. The Board decided to have Jason Brown, County Building Inspector, assess the structural repairs needed instead of contracting with an engineer. Courthouse Repairs Tom Rose reported the renovation on the County Courthouse was making good progress. Much painting has been completed and work on gutters and molding is continuing. Paying Bills Claims and Transfers Before this final action by the Board was approved, Roger Hayden questioned the expenditure for 3 used generators from Federal Government surplus at the cost of $3000. Roger did not disagree with making this purchase, but with how it had been communicated to the public. Paying Bills, Claims and Tranfers was approved 4-1 with Roger Hayden voting no. Board Appointments Two appointments to the Blue Ridge Regional Library Board were discussed but it was decided to table this until the next meeting so Board Members will have an opportunity to talk to the candidates ahead of time. Unanimous vote 5-0 approving. Peters Creek Planning Board vacancy exists and no action was taken on this matter. Dr. Boyce assured the Board he would bring a recommendation next meeting. Jay Scudder A reception was held at 5:00pm in recognition of Jay Scudder’s contribution as outgoing County Administrator. This was Jay’s last meeting with the Board as County Administrator. At the end of the meeting, Jay said it had been an honor working with the Board and the County. Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm