Chamber News

Patrick Board of Supervisors Meeting - Nov. 15-2010

Below is a report on the actions taken by the Patrick County Board of Supervisors in the monthly meeting held on Monday, November 15, 2010.

Board of Supervisors Meeting on November 15, 2010 As reported by Tom Bishop Trails Enhancement Funding for 2011 The Board approved a resolution to renew funding from the VDOT transportation enhancement program for the year 2011, for the Mayo River Trail and the Dan River Trail. This was necessary to be done by December 1. Approved on a vote of 3-2, with Dr. Lock Boyce and Roger Heyden voting no. At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Lock Boyce made a motion that action on the 2 resolutions concerning the Mayo River Trail and Dan River Trail be taken off the agenda since they were last minute additions. His motion was seconded by Roger Heyden but lost on a vote of 3-2, with Karl Weiss, Crystal Harris and Ron Knight voting in favor of keeping these items on the agenda. Library Board Appointment Janet Dimarey was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Blue Ridge Library Board. Vote was unanimous. Grant for New Police Cars The USDA has announced that the Grant allocation for purchase of new Police vehicles in the amount of $50,000 is not available for Fiscal year 2010 as expected due to the funding source being exhausted. Since this was for new vehicles in support of the new jail, the project start up costs will cover this costs. Sheriff Dan Smith explained this situation to the Board and he is still in hopes of getting this money at a later date. Tom Rose Reported on Outstanding Projects Tree Trimming Trimming of approximately 50 trees near the County Administration building was estimated to cost $3042. The Board voted unanimously to do the trimming with County employees and save this cash outlay. Carpet Cleaning This project was completed last week with the exception of one office and one rest room. Court House Improvements This project is moving along very well and is approximately 90% complete Repairs to the County Administration Building The bids have been received on this project and they are favorable. This project is ready to move forward. Public Comment-Shooting Range During the public comment period 15 different individuals spoke concerning the new Shooting Range which were, largely residents on Popular Drive and New Hope Church Road. 12 spoke against the Shooting Range and insisted it be relocated. Problems consisted of shooting of high powered weapons, on Sunday and late at night, causing a multiplicity of problems such as: 1. Excessive noise late into the evening. 2. Created a nervousness for both humans and pets 3. Prohibiting sleep for children on school nights. 4. Creating psychological, physical and social problems to elderly, handicapped and children 5. Concern that curiosity by children may attract them to the firing range and the safety concerns 6. Residents have no protective gear, such as eye and ear protection, like the shooters have. Residents claim they had no prior notification plans for the Shooting Range and high volume of usage while the Sheriff Department was training over 40 new officers. They felt they are being dumped on by the County Landfill, Dog Pound and now a Shooting range. 3 residents spoke in favor of the Shooting Range and the valuableness to the young 4-H Club members. Sheriff Dan Smith discussed his response to residents (by letter) which stated: 1. Sunday shooting will be discontinued 2. No further hosting of a Regional Shooting qualifications 3. Night shooting will stop at 9:00pm 4. Residents will be notified in advance of other training events by WHEO radio announcements or notifying by the Emergency Communication system. 5. The amount of training will be reduced since new officers for the new jail have completed their training. MARC Locating to Patrick County The Executive Director, David Draper, of the MARC organization of Martinsville announced their plans to locate an office site in Patrick County. They help adults with disabilities and brain injury and work to create jobs for them. Many of them can do lawn maintenance, raking leaves, mowing and moving. They are paid minimum wage. Their target audience is 18-22 year old individuals. The Board welcomed them to the community and agreed to help them find a location Lisa Price Hughes Reported on VDOT Work She announced the closure of Rt. 773, Ararat Highway at Clarks Creek Bridge (Dan River District) which will be replace with a box culvert in a few days. Closure will last approximately 1 week. Work on Lee Elgin Road will take place in May, 2011 (Smith River District) Roger Heyden thanked Lisa for the new “Share The Road� signs erected in Dan River District, replacing the bridge on Pedigo Ridge Road, and repositioning a sign on Willard Creek Road where it intersects with Route 103 (Dry Pond). Roger requested attention be given to Dan River Farm Road that is an unpaved. Reported by Tom Bishop