After a longer than expected Service Authority Meeting, the King George County Board of Supervisors began their very short meeting on March 20, 2018at 7:44pm.
Dr. Neiman Young, County Administrator, asked to amend the Agenda to remove the Department of Finance presentation on the "Acceptance of Award for Installation of Security Access Systems and Security Video at Potomac Elementary School from the 2017 Virginia School Security Equipment Grant Program." Once this was approved, the Board opened the floor for public comment.
First to speak was Don Shelton offering his suggestion to have the Pamunkey Indian Tribe build the casino they want here in King George County. He said it would attract tourism and provide jobs and be something special for the county.
Next was Gene Hamber who spoke about the leveling of the Smoot Library budget. He said he feels it is a bad idea. He gave many facts and figures, most of which sounded like they came from our previous Opinion article on the potential merger. In addition to facts and figures from our article, he also said that the state average for cost per capita for libraries is $20.86. He said in comparison, Smoot costs $15.57 per capita while Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) costs $46.38 per capita. He also said he looked at a popular and newly released title at CRRL and there were 53 holds on it while Smoot only had two holds on the same title. In the end, he said "leveling the budget is a bad idea."
Next to speak was Pete who graduated form King George High School in 1975. He said he was also a veteran, former White House Employee, and elevator inspector. He said as a life-long resident of the County, he has seen the library grow and shrink over time. He said when growing up here, other counties wanted to be like King George when it came to the Smoot Library. He equated a CRRL take-over as a big-box store taking over and would provide less personal service and attention. He said he has seen inconsistent numbers on social media and wants to see real numbers given to residents so residents can decide. He closed by saying he would like to keep Smoot in the County.
Ed Veazey was next to talk and he noted recent displays of Indian artifacts. He said he recently read about the Pamunkey Indians and their desire to build a casino and suggested the area off Route 301 that is owned by Cleydael Partnership. He said there is over 500 acres, a water tank, and a fiber line from AT&T. He also said it would be an ideal spot for the Indians to have a museum, similar to the future Ralph Bunche museum and Dahlgren Heritage Museum [EDITOR'S NOTE: Neil Richard, a co-founder of Project94, is an employee of the Dahlgren Heritage Museum]. He closed by saying it was a little corny but wanted the Board to "ask not what a casino could do for you or to you but rather what would a casino do for County finances."
The last public speaker identified herself as Kathy Phillips although she said she also goes by "hey you." She said she was a happy resident of King George and wanted to speak about the Library. She said she came here about 18 years ago and has been part of the Smoot library since then as a user, volunteer, and participant. Phillips said the library is unique in that it responds to patron needs. She said her concern with joining CRRL was how the resources would be handled. She was also worried about what would happen if there was a trial period but we decided not to be part of CRRL, especially after material was acquired or money obtained. She closed by saying she spoke to some of the library staff and they were against the move, even though they would get better pay and benefits.
John Jenkins then began his report. He thanked everyone for their comments, thoughts, and concerns. He said as far as the comments about the library, it felt like deja vu. He said the level funding isn't related to a failed CRRL acquisition. He said the Board was just researching and looking into things and that the Board was still at square one. He appeared to be a little frustrated by all the comments about the library and said it sort of felt like beating a dead horse. He then moved on to say he attended a YMCA Board meeting and budget work session on March 15th and a GWRC meeting on the 19th.
Jeff Bueche began his report by thanking everyone for their comments. He said, regarding the library, he wasn't sure how the discussion got to this point. He said his goal was to look for every financial advantage for taxpayers. The Board was presented a proposal but nothing has happened. Bueche also said level funding isn't a cut and that the County has made investments in the past. He also said that the library endowment fund has been brought up and said the Board of Trustees may need to do more work. He said he would go on the record as far as looking at CRRL that he needs to see a significant financial gain for the constituents. Changing topics, he said he thinks the casino idea is great and had already sent the County Administrator the article. He said there is a need to bring more revenue to the County. He said he attended the budget meeting on the 15th and also met with various officials on the 20th. This meeting was with Dr. Benson, Superintendent of King George County Schools, Dashan Turner, Director of Administrative Services, Dr. Young, and various staff from the King George County Sheriff's Office. He said the meeting was not in response to the school shooting that day in St. Mary's County, but rather something that had previously been planned. He did say the meeting was in regards to school security. He then read a letter from Jim Lynch who resigned his position as the County's delegate on the Northern Neck Tourism Council [likely he meant the Northern Neck Tourism Commission as no "Council" appears to exist] effective April 29th. After a brief discussion, Ryan Gandy was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Ruby Brabo then began her report by saying she attended a Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce event on the 8th and met with the County Administrator and a prospective business owner on the 14th. She also attended the budget work session on the 15th as well as the GWRC meeting. She then reminded the Board that FAMPO is still awaiting three citizens from King George to be appointed to their advisory committee and she still had two nominees. Seeing as the rest of the Board had no additions, and no comments on her two nominees, the Board approved Dr. Rob Gates and Lesley Jordan to serve on the committee. She then noted that the Caroline County Board of Supervisors just voted to dissolve their library board and were seeking a proposal from CRRL. She said the Landfill Advisory Committee was struggling and was unsure of its role. Brabo said she still gets complaints and would like the Board's permission to have Dr. Young call a meeting to discuss the issues. She said regarding the casino, if there is a desire in the community, then so be it. She cautioned that it shouldn't necessarily be looked at for a solution for the County budget. She also said only certain land can be used for the tribal casino and she wasn't sure if any lands were present in King George.
Cathy Binder reported that she also attended the budget meeting on the 15th. She said that same day she attended a meeting with Carol Sparbel, Smoot Library Board of Trustees Chair, Richard Granger, and Carol Arnott, Library Assistant. She said the goal was to solve the communication issue and find a way to make things better. She said in light of the discussion, she wanted to appoint herself to the Library's Board of Trustees to represent the Shiloh District. The Board approved the motion. She closed by thanking everyone that spoke about the library and the casino.
Richard Granger was next to give his report and thanked everyone for their comments about the casino and said investigation is always a good idea. Regarding the library, he said he appreciates the comments. He said they had a good conversation during the meeting on the 15th, though things may have gotten a little heated. He said the perception that the Board is trying to push something through is not the case and as Jeff Bueche said, the Board is just investigating and looking for the best value for the citizens. He said he heard a number quoted during public comment about the CRRL proposal that the cost to the County was $460,000 but that included a one-time cost if the proposal was accepted and that the annual cost would be $374,000. He moved on to say he also attended the budget meeting on the 15th. In closing, he said he received an email from Mrs. Sparbel earlier in the day about the Library's role in meeting the needs of Governor's School students. He said that while Questia might not fit the needs, a new solution, Find It VA, should be able to work for the students. He finished by reminding citizens that if they need certain resources at the library, they just need to ask.
The Consent Agenda was passed without comment.
The County Attorney had no report.
Wilma Ward, Director of Finance, took over the podium and presented several items that were tabled from a previous meeting. These items were:
Dr. Neiman Young, County Administrator, then presented the next item on the Agenda about the Professional Services Associated with the Utilities Master Plan, specifically Phase II. Young recommended approval and the Board did so without comment.
Young then went into his report and gave an update from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). He said VDOT is notifying the Board of a public meeting for the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) on May 8, 2018 at 4 pm at the Germanna Community College campus in Fredericksburg. The meeting will give citizens the opportunity to comment on the CTB's Six-Year Improvement Program.
Young also received a notice from the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) about their 30 day public comment period for their draft 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. He said the public comment period will close on April 11, 2018. Brabo asked about the Smart Scale project applications and progress being made. Young said he wanted to make sure the submissions were complete before giving an update. Brabo asked if there was any feeling that Route 301 projects could be submitted and Young said he didn't think it would be an issue. Brabo suggested including projects that would benefit base traffic in the Dahlgren area and recommended Young and Ryan Gandy speak to Captain O'Leary about his thoughts.
Young then concluded his report with a reminder to the Board that the Board would have a joint meeting with the Planning Commission on March 27, 2018 at Company 1 at 6:30 pm. The meeting would be to discuss the mixed use development ordinance progress and concerns.
The meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm without a Closed Session.
Meeting Attendees:
John Jenkins (Board of Supervisors)
Jeff Bueche (Board of Supervisors)
Richard Granger (Chairman, Board of Supervisors)
Ruby Brabo (Board of Supervisors)
Cathy Binder (Board of Supervisors)
Neiman Young (County Administrator)
Eric Gregory (County Attorney)
Meeting Agenda
Next Meeting:
The Board of Supervisors will next meet on April 3, 2018 at 6:30 pm at the Revercomb Building.
Previous Meeting:
Read about the previous Board of Supervisors Meeting.
Dr. Neiman Young, County Administrator, asked to amend the Agenda to remove the Department of Finance presentation on the "Acceptance of Award for Installation of Security Access Systems and Security Video at Potomac Elementary School from the 2017 Virginia School Security Equipment Grant Program." Once this was approved, the Board opened the floor for public comment.
First to speak was Don Shelton offering his suggestion to have the Pamunkey Indian Tribe build the casino they want here in King George County. He said it would attract tourism and provide jobs and be something special for the county.
Next was Gene Hamber who spoke about the leveling of the Smoot Library budget. He said he feels it is a bad idea. He gave many facts and figures, most of which sounded like they came from our previous Opinion article on the potential merger. In addition to facts and figures from our article, he also said that the state average for cost per capita for libraries is $20.86. He said in comparison, Smoot costs $15.57 per capita while Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) costs $46.38 per capita. He also said he looked at a popular and newly released title at CRRL and there were 53 holds on it while Smoot only had two holds on the same title. In the end, he said "leveling the budget is a bad idea."
Next to speak was Pete who graduated form King George High School in 1975. He said he was also a veteran, former White House Employee, and elevator inspector. He said as a life-long resident of the County, he has seen the library grow and shrink over time. He said when growing up here, other counties wanted to be like King George when it came to the Smoot Library. He equated a CRRL take-over as a big-box store taking over and would provide less personal service and attention. He said he has seen inconsistent numbers on social media and wants to see real numbers given to residents so residents can decide. He closed by saying he would like to keep Smoot in the County.
Ed Veazey was next to talk and he noted recent displays of Indian artifacts. He said he recently read about the Pamunkey Indians and their desire to build a casino and suggested the area off Route 301 that is owned by Cleydael Partnership. He said there is over 500 acres, a water tank, and a fiber line from AT&T. He also said it would be an ideal spot for the Indians to have a museum, similar to the future Ralph Bunche museum and Dahlgren Heritage Museum [EDITOR'S NOTE: Neil Richard, a co-founder of Project94, is an employee of the Dahlgren Heritage Museum]. He closed by saying it was a little corny but wanted the Board to "ask not what a casino could do for you or to you but rather what would a casino do for County finances."
The last public speaker identified herself as Kathy Phillips although she said she also goes by "hey you." She said she was a happy resident of King George and wanted to speak about the Library. She said she came here about 18 years ago and has been part of the Smoot library since then as a user, volunteer, and participant. Phillips said the library is unique in that it responds to patron needs. She said her concern with joining CRRL was how the resources would be handled. She was also worried about what would happen if there was a trial period but we decided not to be part of CRRL, especially after material was acquired or money obtained. She closed by saying she spoke to some of the library staff and they were against the move, even though they would get better pay and benefits.
John Jenkins then began his report. He thanked everyone for their comments, thoughts, and concerns. He said as far as the comments about the library, it felt like deja vu. He said the level funding isn't related to a failed CRRL acquisition. He said the Board was just researching and looking into things and that the Board was still at square one. He appeared to be a little frustrated by all the comments about the library and said it sort of felt like beating a dead horse. He then moved on to say he attended a YMCA Board meeting and budget work session on March 15th and a GWRC meeting on the 19th.
Jeff Bueche began his report by thanking everyone for their comments. He said, regarding the library, he wasn't sure how the discussion got to this point. He said his goal was to look for every financial advantage for taxpayers. The Board was presented a proposal but nothing has happened. Bueche also said level funding isn't a cut and that the County has made investments in the past. He also said that the library endowment fund has been brought up and said the Board of Trustees may need to do more work. He said he would go on the record as far as looking at CRRL that he needs to see a significant financial gain for the constituents. Changing topics, he said he thinks the casino idea is great and had already sent the County Administrator the article. He said there is a need to bring more revenue to the County. He said he attended the budget meeting on the 15th and also met with various officials on the 20th. This meeting was with Dr. Benson, Superintendent of King George County Schools, Dashan Turner, Director of Administrative Services, Dr. Young, and various staff from the King George County Sheriff's Office. He said the meeting was not in response to the school shooting that day in St. Mary's County, but rather something that had previously been planned. He did say the meeting was in regards to school security. He then read a letter from Jim Lynch who resigned his position as the County's delegate on the Northern Neck Tourism Council [likely he meant the Northern Neck Tourism Commission as no "Council" appears to exist] effective April 29th. After a brief discussion, Ryan Gandy was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Ruby Brabo then began her report by saying she attended a Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce event on the 8th and met with the County Administrator and a prospective business owner on the 14th. She also attended the budget work session on the 15th as well as the GWRC meeting. She then reminded the Board that FAMPO is still awaiting three citizens from King George to be appointed to their advisory committee and she still had two nominees. Seeing as the rest of the Board had no additions, and no comments on her two nominees, the Board approved Dr. Rob Gates and Lesley Jordan to serve on the committee. She then noted that the Caroline County Board of Supervisors just voted to dissolve their library board and were seeking a proposal from CRRL. She said the Landfill Advisory Committee was struggling and was unsure of its role. Brabo said she still gets complaints and would like the Board's permission to have Dr. Young call a meeting to discuss the issues. She said regarding the casino, if there is a desire in the community, then so be it. She cautioned that it shouldn't necessarily be looked at for a solution for the County budget. She also said only certain land can be used for the tribal casino and she wasn't sure if any lands were present in King George.
Cathy Binder reported that she also attended the budget meeting on the 15th. She said that same day she attended a meeting with Carol Sparbel, Smoot Library Board of Trustees Chair, Richard Granger, and Carol Arnott, Library Assistant. She said the goal was to solve the communication issue and find a way to make things better. She said in light of the discussion, she wanted to appoint herself to the Library's Board of Trustees to represent the Shiloh District. The Board approved the motion. She closed by thanking everyone that spoke about the library and the casino.
Richard Granger was next to give his report and thanked everyone for their comments about the casino and said investigation is always a good idea. Regarding the library, he said he appreciates the comments. He said they had a good conversation during the meeting on the 15th, though things may have gotten a little heated. He said the perception that the Board is trying to push something through is not the case and as Jeff Bueche said, the Board is just investigating and looking for the best value for the citizens. He said he heard a number quoted during public comment about the CRRL proposal that the cost to the County was $460,000 but that included a one-time cost if the proposal was accepted and that the annual cost would be $374,000. He moved on to say he also attended the budget meeting on the 15th. In closing, he said he received an email from Mrs. Sparbel earlier in the day about the Library's role in meeting the needs of Governor's School students. He said that while Questia might not fit the needs, a new solution, Find It VA, should be able to work for the students. He finished by reminding citizens that if they need certain resources at the library, they just need to ask.
The Consent Agenda was passed without comment.
The County Attorney had no report.
Wilma Ward, Director of Finance, took over the podium and presented several items that were tabled from a previous meeting. These items were:
- KGCS Energy Performance Contract Change Order Request
- Authorization to re-appropriate funds from Instruction to Facilities
- Award of Contract for Site Work Associated with the Installation of Modular Classrooms
- Virginia State Security Equipment Grant Job award for $94,420 with a local match of $23,605
Dr. Neiman Young, County Administrator, then presented the next item on the Agenda about the Professional Services Associated with the Utilities Master Plan, specifically Phase II. Young recommended approval and the Board did so without comment.
Young then went into his report and gave an update from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). He said VDOT is notifying the Board of a public meeting for the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) on May 8, 2018 at 4 pm at the Germanna Community College campus in Fredericksburg. The meeting will give citizens the opportunity to comment on the CTB's Six-Year Improvement Program.
Young also received a notice from the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) about their 30 day public comment period for their draft 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. He said the public comment period will close on April 11, 2018. Brabo asked about the Smart Scale project applications and progress being made. Young said he wanted to make sure the submissions were complete before giving an update. Brabo asked if there was any feeling that Route 301 projects could be submitted and Young said he didn't think it would be an issue. Brabo suggested including projects that would benefit base traffic in the Dahlgren area and recommended Young and Ryan Gandy speak to Captain O'Leary about his thoughts.
Young then concluded his report with a reminder to the Board that the Board would have a joint meeting with the Planning Commission on March 27, 2018 at Company 1 at 6:30 pm. The meeting would be to discuss the mixed use development ordinance progress and concerns.
The meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm without a Closed Session.
Meeting Attendees:
John Jenkins (Board of Supervisors)
Jeff Bueche (Board of Supervisors)
Richard Granger (Chairman, Board of Supervisors)
Ruby Brabo (Board of Supervisors)
Cathy Binder (Board of Supervisors)
Neiman Young (County Administrator)
Eric Gregory (County Attorney)
Meeting Agenda
Next Meeting:
The Board of Supervisors will next meet on April 3, 2018 at 6:30 pm at the Revercomb Building.
Previous Meeting:
Read about the previous Board of Supervisors Meeting.
No comments:
Post a Comment