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Minutes of other Meetings |
Minutes of the Board of Supervisors
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5:00 P.M. 
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Wright called the February 20, 2007 regular meeting of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors to order at 5:00 p.m. Mr. Wright led the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. CITIZEN INFORMATION PERIOD ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
On motion of Mr. Barnes, seconded by Mr. Gentry, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the February 20, 2007 agenda was adopted.
PRESENTATIONS Update Rappahannock Juvenile Detention Center Commission Stuart Cooke, referenced a handout of the finalized financial audit report of the Rappahannock Juvenile Detention Center completed by the Miller Foley Group. Mr. Cooke explained the schedules of the operations, debt service and child care days for the year ending on June 30, 2006. Mr. Cooke stated this report compares Louisa County to the surrounding counties. Mr. Wright said he appreciates what Mr. Cooke does and questioned if there is a trend for growth of the center. Mr. Cooke stated he would compare the center to the stock market, where the numbers always go up and down and said there isnt necessarily a trend. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Oswell stated there are children who are also considered non mandated which means before CSA, these are children would have been served by the juvenile justice or mental health funds placed in the pool. Mr. Oswell stated if all funds for the year were encumbered, the child would be placed on a waiting list until additional funding became available because state and local governments are not required to provide additional funding for these children. Mr. Oswell noted there are currently thirty-four current foster care prevention cases and eight additional cases that are at high risk of being placed in foster care. Mr. Oswell said referrals to foster care prevention are ordered by the courts, FAPT (Family Assessment and Planning Team), and other agencies, such as, Child Protective Services (CPS). Mr. Oswell stated for the current foster care case load, there are fifty-two children that are in the custody of Louisa Department of Social Services. Mr. Oswell referenced a chart for the current case load standards per Social Worker. Mr. Oswell stated Social Services has too many cases for the amount of workers the Department has. Mr. Oswell stated the Department of Social Services fiscal issues are that the local Departments funding for Services Administration will be twenty percent from the County and the other eighty percent from federal and state sources. Mr. Oswell added the budget is $376,852 and the balance is $374,431 through January 31, 2007. Mr. Oswell stated $160,000 was budgeted for the Department and it is due to pass thru sometime in February. Mr. Oswell stated that pass thru means the Department will not use general state fund dollars; they only use federal and local money. Mr. Oswell added the problem with services pass thru is that twenty-four percent is federal money and seventy-six percent is local money. Mr. Oswell said the Social Services Department proposed the need of an additional Foster Care worker for the FY08 budget, but the Department has realized they are in need of an additional worker sooner. Mr. Oswell stated he is requesting approval to begin recruitment and hire a new worker. Mr. Oswell added the Department may or may not need more local funding for this fiscal year. Mr. Gentry stated last month funds from the Department was $100,000 and questioned how much the County paid. Mr. Oswell stated the County paid forty-four percent. Mr. Gentry questioned if the at risk bill also included the foster care. Mr. Oswell stated with the exception of title IV-E of the Social Security Act, which involves federal financial participation in state and local child welfare activities, where if a child comes into foster care and the Department is able to determine that the child is IV-E, then the pool funds arent impacted. Mr. Oswell added the Department has about $400,000 in state and federal money that covers the cost. Mr. Oswell stated the pool money of $1 million doesnt include the IV-E money that is included in the budget. Mr. Harper questioned if foster parents get more money for taking in the less well-behaved kids. Mr. Oswell said no, the amount of money the parent receives is based on the age of the child, the older the child, the more money the parent receives. Mr. Harper asked if there is a limit the County can be reimbursed for these programs. Mr. Oswell stated the County only gets a fifty-six percent reimbursement from the CSA pool. Mr. Harper questioned if there was a program in the works that only pays for what Medicare and Medicaid approves for certain medical treatments. Mr. Oswell stated Medicaid pays a set amount for some treatment facilities. Mr. Harper stated there are a larger number of children currently in foster care and commented that it wouldnt hurt to spend time and money to solve this problem.
Mr. Wright said people have become much more proficient in recognizing a potential problem within the children at an earlier age. Mr. Wright stated one of the reasons the number of children in foster care has increased is because of the ability to recognize and evaluate these problems and bring the children into a program earlier to prevent them from becoming a social liability in the future. Mr. Oswell stated sometimes the Department has more kids because the right thing is being done rather than the wrong. On motion of Mr. Gentry, seconded by Mr. Jennings, which carried a vote of 5-1, with Mr. Harper voting against, the Board agreed for the Louisa Department of Social Services to begin recruitment and hire a new worker.
Discussion Patrick Henry II Voting Precinct Mr. Barnes stated he would like a plaque of recognition for Mr. Carl Perkins and his wife. Mr. Barnes said the Patrick Henry District is growing and there are currently over 2,000 voters. Mr. Barnes said the current location, Carl Perkins, has been outgrown and has no restrooms, kitchen facilities or phone. Mr. Barnes added the workers are not supposed to leave the facility at all during the day. Mr. Barnes stated his main concern is to make sure the people have access to vote. Mr. Barnes stated he would like to have the voting precinct be at the new elementary school, if and when it is built, because this would be a central location for the Patrick Henry District. Mr. Barnes added Rt. 208 is the best corridor for the location. Mr. Barnes said for now, he would like the voting precinct to be at Galilee Baptist Church. Mr. Barnes added a lot of companies have vanpools that leave from the Church in the mornings and people could vote since they leave from there. Mr. Gentry questioned if the Electoral Board concurs with this location, since the letter the Board received was for the voting precinct to be relocated at another church. Mr. Martin stated the Electoral Board concurs with this location. Mr. Wright stated he was concerned about how far people will have to travel to vote and stated the precinct has to be moved, and said the question was where to move. Mr. Jennings questioned if this would be one precinct. Mr. Barnes stated the precinct would be one location with split polls. On motion of Mr. Barnes, seconded by Mr. Purcell, which carried a vote of 6-0, the Board voted to have a public hearing for the consolidation of the Patrick Henry voting precinct.
Resolution A joint resolution providing for the implementation of the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act for local responsible offenders, the Pretrial Services Act and the establishment of the Thomas Jefferson Area Community Criminal Justice Board [TJACCJB] Patrick Morgan, County Attorney, stated the Board and the County has participated in the Community Criminal Justice Board for a number of years. Mr. Morgan said participation is mandatory and the Code of Virginia requires that each county and city establishing and operating community-based probation and pretrial services establish a Community Criminal Justice Board. Mr. Morgan stated OAR comes to the County to bring about those programs.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, seconded by Mr. Jennings, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the Board adopted a joint resolution providing for the implementation of the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act for local responsible offenders, the Pretrial Services Act and the establishment of the Thomas Jefferson Area Community Criminal Justice Board [TJACCJB].
Discussion Financial reporting from fire and rescue volunteer agencies
Mr. McLeod stated during the FY 07 budget discussions, the Board discussed volunteer agencies completing financial audits for the operating and capital funds appropriated to them yearly. Mr. McLeod said he has talked to two local auditors, the Fire Association and EMSAL asking for their thoughts on how to accomplish this audit.
Mr. McLeod said one auditor suggest the volunteer agencies move towards a financial report by hiring a CPA/Auditor of their choice to complete a “review report” for FY 07. Mr. McLeod said the review report will make sure all the agencies can produce auditable information and mentioned some agencies are currently creating this report, but he doesnt know the level of information from all of the agencies. Mr. McLeod stated if the Board wants a higher level of a financial report, then the idea would be to move towards it over a two-year period, which will allow the agencies time to get used to what is required. Mr. McLeod said this would be a report of the local money that is given by the County to the agencies and how they budget the money and then to make sure the budget guidelines are being followed. Mr. McLeod questioned which method or direction the Board would like the Volunteer agencies to take.
Mr. Gentry stated the Board wanted audits of all organizations that received public monies. Mr. Gentry said he doesnt know what type of audits, but a form that can be approved by the Financial Department to show justification of the money. Mr. McLeod stated during the budget process last year the Board questioned if the volunteer agencies should continue with the current process or if they should submit a financial audit. Mr. McLeod added the Board voted for the agencies to continue with what they were doing, which was simply getting an agency to sign off saying this is how the money was spent. On motion of Mr. Harper, seconded by Mr. Barnes, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the Board agreed that all volunteer fire and rescue agencies, along with EMSAL and the Louisa County Fire Association, be instructed to conduct an agreed upon audit procedure of their financial records, to include details on how the Countys funds are being spent. On motion of Mr. Jennings, seconded by Mr. Barnes, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the Board agreed for a resolution for Mr. Ellis for his dedication to the Industrial Development Authority.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, seconded by Mr. Gentry, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the Board appointed Mr. Slover to the Commission on Aging and Mr. Monson to the Industrial Development Authority.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Mr. Lintecum stated included in the Board packet, the Central Virginia Regional Jail Sewer Line Easement submitted a letter from Gardner, Maupin, Sutton & Haney, P.C. explaining the issues with the sewer line easement. On motion of Mr. Barnes, seconded by Mr. Gentry, which carried a vote of 6-0, the Board voted to approve a resolution for the proposed Deed of Easement, of the proposed sewer line, to the Town of Orange.
Mr. Lintecum stated the Sheriffs Department needs to have a meeting with the Board On March 19, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. for the Accreditation Program. Mr. Wright said if the program benefits the Sheriffs Department, it usually benefits the County as well.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, seconded by Mr. Purcell, which carried a vote of 6-0, the Board agreed to schedule a meeting for the Sheriffs Department on March 19, 2007 at 4:00 p.m.
Mr. Wright stated the Board needs to make a decision on the new school. Mr. Wright said he is requesting a workshop for Board members to share concerns and potential solutions on getting a new elementary school built. Mr. Wright questioned if the workshop could be held on March 5, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. prior to the regular meeting at 5:00 p.m. On motion of Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Gentry, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the Board agreed to schedule a workshop on March 5, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS On motion of Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Barnes, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the Board adopted a resolution for appropriation of donated funds to repair the Louisa County Courthouse fence.
On motion of Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Barnes, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the Board adopted a resolution for supplemental appropriation and disbursement of Four for Life monies. On motion of Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Barnes, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the Board adopted a resolution for supplemental appropriation for a grant for an ambulance under the Office of Emergency Medical Services consolidated grant program. On motion of Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Barnes, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the Board adopted a resolution for appropriation for funds donated for the creation of the Piedmont Crossroads Visitors Center. On motion of Mr. Harper, seconded by Mr. Barnes, with Mr. Gentry abstaining on bills pertaining to him, which carried by a vote of 6-0, a resolution was adopted approving the bills for the first half of February 2007 for the County of Louisa in the amount of $203,673.96.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion of Mr. Barnes, seconded by Mr. Jennings, which carried by a vote of 5-0-1, with Mr. Purcell abstaining due to his absence, the Board adopted the minutes of the February 5, 2007 meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Annual Report Dominion Virginia Power North Anna State of the Station. Dan Stoddard, Dominion Power Site Vice-President, gave an overview of the report given to the Board members prior to the meeting on the 2006 State of the Station update. The topics included:
Mr. Stoddard stated safety is the highest priority at North Anna. Mr. Stoddard explained the North Anna goal for 2006 was 0.14 and the actual accomplishment was 0.11 and the 2007 goal is 0.12. Mr. Stoddard added North Anna continues to promote an effective Virginia Voluntary Protection Program Star Worksite status and submitted its annual self-evaluation to OSHA in 2006. Mr. Stoddard stated North Anna continues to be among the top rated plants by the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Mr. Stoddard said during 2006, North Anna Units 1 and 2 maintained the NRC Performance Indicators within the Green performance band, which means cornerstone objectives were fully met. Mr. Stoddard added North Anna continues to be among the top rated plants in the lowest radiation exposure to employees.
Mr. Stoddard said Dominion is working with the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) in a voluntary industry-wide program to self-assess and enhance groundwater monitoring programs for tritium at nuclear generating stations. Mr. Stoddard added tritium is a naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen that is commonly found in water and is also a byproduct of nuclear reactor operations. Mr. Stoddard stated in both areas, emergency preparedness and security, North Annas performance stays strong. Mr. Stoddard explained in June 2006, North Anna successfully completed a comprehensive review by the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Stoddard further explained in December 2006, North Anna conducted a fully integrated exercise that was evaluated by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the NRC and was considered successful by both evaluators. Mr. Stoddard added during 2006, North Anna completed the siren change out project and the new sirens have battery power backup, which will insure their operability during times of power outage. Mr. Stoddard stated the operating performance for North Anna in 2006 resulted in a combined capacity factor of 93.95%. Mr. Stoddard added this included a 29-day refueling outage and a five-day maintenance outage for Unit 1. Mr. Stoddard said North Anna remains an industry leader in the generation of safe, low cost electrical power and continues to be a strong contributor to the local economy, being the largest employer and the largest taxpayer in Louisa County, having paid over $220 million in property taxes through 2006.
Mr. Harper stated he knows Dominion has upgraded the sirens systems and questioned if North Anna has looked at reverse 911. Mr. Harper stated when 911 calls comes in, they are identified through dispatch, but it can be set up through a certain mile radius of the plant for the calls to go out as well with a recorded message to the households. Mr. Stoddard stated he was not aware that has been done, but he will do a follow up on that.
Jerry Rosenthal, Patrick Henry District, stated this public meeting is required under the terms of the signed agreement of April 26, 1984 between VEPCO and Louisa County. Mr. Rosenthal added under that agreement, Louisa County received $150,000 and VEPCO got the end of the lawsuits related to their decision to transship nuclear fuel waste from Surry to North Anna. Mr. Rosenthal further added the County also got written promises from VEPCO on the storage of high and low-level waste at North Anna. Mr. Rosenthal stated the public hearing is not to address State of the Station. Mr. Rosenthal said he had written a letter to note the County should properly advertise the public hearing in conformity with the rules and regulations. Mr. Rosenthal stated the advertisement of the public hearing had the wrong date and emphasized this public hearing is not the State of the Station; it is the story for the County. Mr. Rosenthal added there is no downside to doing this public hearing correctly. Mr. Rosenthal stated he hopes the Board members will recognize that this public meeting is not about confronting Dominion; it is about education and making better decisions involving and utilizing the public.
Harry Ruth, Jackson District, stated he represents the Friends of Lake Anna. Mr. Ruth said the organization is not anti-nuclear, nor do they have not-in-my-backyard sentiments. Mr. Ruth stated the group does not oppose the addition of two new reactors at the plant, however, they dont want to see new reactors create adverse impacts, when Dominion could use the dry air cooled technology, rather than using water air cooled. Mr. Ruth stated the organization applauds Dominion for being good taxpayers to the County, even though the tax contribution has very little variation, while the Lake Anna residential tax assessments have more than doubled in the past five years. Mr. Ruth said Dominion contributes about thirty percent of the tax revenues and Lake Anna residential tax revenues contribute about twenty-two percent, while Lake Anna occupies less than four percent of the Countys land. Fay Rosenthal, Patrick Henry District stated the Supervisors should have the same concerns as the Friends of Lake Anna and the Board should be asking questions to Dominion. Mr. Stoddard emphasized that all current and future reactors comply with all State and Federal regulations.
Mr. Gentry questioned Mr. Stoddard on how he would respond if he were a Board member and someone said the water was too hot. Mr. Stoddard stated he doesnt find the water to be too hot, but he would listen and recognize the concerns and the purpose of the waste heat treatment facility is to cool the water before it goes into the lake and thats what it does. Mr. Jennings commended Dominion for everything they have done. Mr. Jennings said there are citizens who have concerns and he thinks Dominion should contact these citizens. Mr. Jennings added he hopes that Dominion will take better protection measures with the dam area. Mr. Jennings said there might be a need for a possible stoplight for Route 652 and Route 700, because they will be the most impacted with the traffic increase. Mr. Jennings stated the most important issue at this time is the willingness to work with the citizens.
Mr. Barnes stated dialogue is always good and makes issues better, but the Board and citizens are concerned about spent fuel and things in that nature. Mr. Barnes said the biggest concern is what is going to happen with spent fuel. Mr. Barnes stated the auditor told the Board to do away with the decommissioning fund. Mr. Lintecum stated the County has a significant General Fund Balance and that is allowable to make sure the capital budget is what it is. Mr. Lintecum said it shows that money could be used for that purpose, so the County has a large General Fund Balance and a large Capital Fund Balance. Mr. Lintecum said this allows the County to have reserves. Mr. Barnes said Virginia Power and citizens of the County need to work together to get better, and if this isnt done, then problems dont get fixed. Mr. Barnes said he is appreciative of Virginia Power and what they do for the community because Louisa needs that cooperation to make things happen.
Mr. Harper stated the Town of Mineral is in the ten-mile zone of the plant and said they do participate in that process. Mr. Gentry stated Dominion and the Board have responsibilities to express concerns and said he recognizes what Dominion does for the County, but he hopes the plant expects to hear concerns from a Board member.
Mr. Wright said he hopes the public will continue to express their concerns to the Board and noted that disagreement is what generates progress.
Abandonment of extension of Route 1110, East 5th Street, in the Town of Mineral. Mr. Harper stated he would be abstaining from this vote. On motion of Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Barnes, with Mr. Harper abstaining, which carried by a vote of 5-0-1, the Board voted to adopt a resolution supporting the abandonment of 5th Street in Mineral.
ADJOURNMENT On motion of Mr. Barnes, seconded by Mr. Purcell, which carried by a vote of 6-0, the Board voted to recess the February 20, 2007 meeting at 7:44 p.m. until March 5, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. BY ORDER OF |