by Neil Richard
The King George County Board of Supervisors began their meeting at 8:08pm in a room that was quite warm and humid due to a technical issue with the A/C system.
There were no amendments to the Agenda.
Public Comment began with Linda Peterson speaking about the proposed shooting range across the road from her farm on Salem Church Road. Richard Granger, Chairman, asked her to speak a little louder as it was hard to hear her. Peterson continued that she had three points to make with the first being that the area was agricultural and rural and that the County saw fit to designate the Shiloh area as low growth. Having lived on her farm for 35 years, she said visitors to her farm often remark on how quiet it is. She said she found it amazing because to her, it was just normal. Her second point was about noise pollution. She said there's already a shooting range in King George and her friends that live near it, hate it. She has other friends that live three miles from the Stafford County range and they complain about the noise. Peterson said that people travel to state parks for peace and scenery but they don't go there for the loud noise. She said noise is not restful and can cause stress, a leading cause of health problems. Her final point was to simply ask if they, the Board, would welcome a shooting range across from their house. Peterson said once a change like this is made, it can never be reclaimed and is asking the Board to not allow a shooting range to be established at the site of the former Cameron Hills Golf Course.
Next to speak was Rob Neal, a resident of Bald Eagle Drive. He said he had already spoken to Dr. Young, County Administrator, and Supervisors Ruby Brabo and Cathy Binder. He said they were kind enough to have a Town Hall where the developers could explain their intentions. He said after the Town Hall, his question was how could he prevent this development and was told he had to speak to the Board of Supervisors. He said he had already spoken with Binder but wanted to speak to the whole Board. Neal said he can't stand it that he only has three minutes to speak on something that impacts what he's spent most of his adult life building. He said he prays that the Board doesn't have to wake up to learn a shooting range is opening across the street from them. He said he's passionate about it because it's his home and if he can't fight for it, it's not worth fighting for. He finished by saying he'll probably see a lot them and asked that they not let this happen to their quiet neighborhood.
Koontz Campbell was next to speak saying that her understanding about the proposed shooting range and something that concerns her is that there will be a campground with campers and drinking along with the shooting range. She said she didn't think it was a good combination and that it wasn't a good fit in an agricultural neighborhood.
Billy Clift then introduced himself as a lifelong resident of King George. He said he wasn't prepared to speak tonight but wanted to agree with his neighbors about the shooting range. He said he grew up here and growth will happen but he chose his home in the Shiloh area because of the lack of growth that was planned for that district. He said each individual property owner has a right to do what they want on their own property until it impacts those outside. He closed by saying there was no benefit to this kind of development.
Jim Lynch then spoke, starting off with a comment that he was also unprepared to speak like Mr. Clift. He said he had one thought on the matter. If this piece of property was given a special exception to operate as a golf course, then anything else that takes it's place should not make any more noise than a golf course.
John Jenkins began his Board Report by apologizing for his new attire. Before the meeting started he removed his jacket and tie. He said he just couldn't take the heat anymore. He then thanked everyone for coming out and speaking and that it gave him a lot of things to think about before any proposal comes across his desk. Jenkins said he attended a Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) regional meeting and was promptly interrupted by a loud motorcycle going down the road. A few members in the audience said "noise" loudly as if to draw attention to the potential noise from a shooting facility. Dr. Young got up and closed the window that had been opened in an effort to provide a breeze, much to the dismay of the Supervisors.
Jenkins continued his report by saying that the issue of developer's proffers was discussed at the meeting. He then moved to appoint Betsy Stevenson to the Smoot Library Board and James "Beau" Beaudette to the Wetlands Board. Both appointments were approved.
Jeff Bueche's report started with his attending Fairview Beach Day celebration, the unofficial last day of summer, and he said it was nice to be able to talk to all the families there. He said on the way home from the event, he stopped at Caledon State Park and enjoyed speaking to volunteers there and commented that the parking lot was full of cars despite the heavy rain. Bueche said he spoke to the residents of Potomac Landing on September 3rd and reminded residents that he was willing to come out and speak to any residents association. He said he was willing to reach out and engage with the public.
Bueche said on a separate note, while he wasn't on the Service Authority Board, he was proud of how the County operates. He said the meeting began with everyone standing for a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance and he wasn't sure that was necessarily the case everywhere but that it was wonderful to see here. He also thanked the Service Authority Board for what they've done and echoed Brabo's comments from that meeting that when he began attending meetings in 2013, the Service Authority Board would have meetings that lasted barely five minutes. He said that he is not a customer and that was why he appointed Mike Bennett to serve in his place on the Board. He said it was frustrating to get information in those extremely short meetings but felt that customers are now getting their due service. He said that learning things now may be hard but he was optimistic about the future.
Ruby Brabo began her lengthy report by stating that she helped host a Town Hall with Cathy Binder on August 11th. She added that the Ogneks, the current owners of the former Cameron Ridge Golf Course, have some things they can do by-right. But she said that all too often citizens are too late in getting engaged and that, while there was no proposal before them, the Board does appreciate them voicing their concerns this early. She continued her report by saying she attended a joint Planning Commission meeting on the 14th, a conference call regarding the ChemBio move on the 15th, and a VACo summit on the 16th. She attended a VACo Board of Directors meeting on the 17th and then went on vacation from the 19th through the 23rd. She said this vacation was the reason her report was longer than normal as she was making up for lost time.
Brabo said she attended a National Association of Counties (NACo) conference call on the 24th and another VACo meeting on the 30th. She mentioned that there is a lot of property for sale that can be developed but developers continue to purchase property and seek to have it rezoned. She said for her to vote in favor of rezoning, she needs to know that it is what the citizens want. She then moved to have Marsha Stonehill appointed to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and it was approved. Brabo reminded the Board that there was a meeting set for next month regarding the ChemBio move and it was being organized by the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce. She discovered that all of the surrounding counties involved in the discussions were scheduled for separate meetings instead of one meeting and felt that was a red flag.
Cathy Binder repeated much of the same report she gave at the Service Authority Board meeting, stating that she attended the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) training session on the 27th and 28th. This training was for operators of Sewage Treatment Plants and although she wasn't an expert, she felt she learned a lot about the process of running a wastewater treatment facility. She said during the training she had "the pleasure of meeting with several operators of King George's sewage plants." She said they were dedicated workers who were excited about the training as these opportunities were not available in the past. She repeated that the past work environment didn't allow for the staff to necessarily provide the best service they could but she felt with the recent changes, things were on the right track.
Binder also commented that she has been listening to everyone about the proposed shooting range in her district and absorbing all of the information. She said she has not made any decision but is continuing to listen to everyone's concerns. She said she did recently drive down Bald Eagle Drive and noted how close the golf course was and how small Salem Church Road was. She closed by saying she hopes a solution can be found but will continue to listen to residents.
Richard Granger started by saying he wanted to echo Brabo's comment on thanking citizens for coming out early and getting involved. He said the Board relies on citizens to help them make wise and informed decisions and asked anyone that wanted to discuss it further to reach out to him. Granger said he attended a Fredericksburg Regional Alliance meeting and got to go on a tour of the rail gun facility at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. He said that despite being a base employee, he has never had the chance to see it. He said at a recent VACo meeting they discussed impact fees being assessed for developers and felt that was a great idea to pursue as it may help mitigate the infrastructure costs of new developments. He asked Eric Gregory, County Attorney, if he could look into that so the Board could have a better understanding of what they can do. Gregory said he could research it. Granger closed his comments by again thanking everyone for coming out and weathering the heat in the Board Room.
The Consent Agenda was approved.
The County Attorney, Eric Gregory, did have a report regarding a proposed Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (DRHT). He said the owner of the private trail, David Brickley, and the Friends of DRHT, which maintains the trail, have proposed an agreement for the County to become involved, primarily by taking on a management role [EDITOR'S NOTE - Neil Richard, a co-founder of Project94, is the Treasurer of the Friends of DRHT.]. He said he has been asked to review the MOU and is awaiting input from the Supervisors before pursuing further feedback from the owner. Gregory said the County will indemnify the land owner as state code allows and that the County will also have some immunity. Brabo asked if it was similar to what is in place for other County owned and operated parks and Gregory said it was. Gregory mentioned insurance coverage for liability and the County would eventually have to respond to loss claims. Brabo asked if he could get more information on the last five years to see if any claims had been filed at other parks in the County.
Gregory said he was waiting on responses from the rest of the Supervisors before he could move forward and Brabo suggested that everyone give comments before the next meeting so they can approve a revised draft to send back to Brickley. Bueche said his only concerns were that he wasn't sure if the Parks and Rec department had given feedback and if the Friends of DRHT would maintain the trail. Dr. Young answered by saying the Friends of DRHT would continue to maintain the trail and that Tim Smith, Director of Parks and Rec, was excited to take on a new asset.
Dr. Neiman Young, County Administrator, then presented his request for the Board to approve local funding for King George to continue to be part of the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD). Young said the funds were already approved and appropriated in the County's FY19 Budget. The Board approved his request.
Dr. Young then said he didn't plan on having anything to report but he had just learned that Chiefs Moody and Lynd of the Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Department were awarded an $8,000 grant to fund rapid response kits at many schools and County buildings. He said these kits were designed to provide equipment in a crisis, such as an active shooter situation.
Brabo made one final comment when Dr. Young was finished, saying that localities continue to get unfunded mandates from the state and that every time the County saves money, they have to spend it on things mandated by the state. She said that maybe it was time for residents to talk to their elected state representatives to tell them they're tired of the unfunded mandates. Brabo said three were right here in King George, Delegates McDougle and Ransone, and Senator Stuart.
Bueche added that, in line with what Brabo had said, he was concerned about the Medicaid expansion and what it would mean to the two year budget plan. He said it would hit County and school employees hard and that the County would have to cover part of those costs. He asked if the next budget cycle could include those changes to make it a more realistic plan.
There was no Closed Session.
The meeting adjourned at 8:53pm.
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 September 11, 2018 at 6:30 pm at Company 1.
Previous Meeting:
Read about the previous Board of Supervisors Meeting.
The King George County Board of Supervisors began their meeting at 8:08pm in a room that was quite warm and humid due to a technical issue with the A/C system.
There were no amendments to the Agenda.
Public Comment began with Linda Peterson speaking about the proposed shooting range across the road from her farm on Salem Church Road. Richard Granger, Chairman, asked her to speak a little louder as it was hard to hear her. Peterson continued that she had three points to make with the first being that the area was agricultural and rural and that the County saw fit to designate the Shiloh area as low growth. Having lived on her farm for 35 years, she said visitors to her farm often remark on how quiet it is. She said she found it amazing because to her, it was just normal. Her second point was about noise pollution. She said there's already a shooting range in King George and her friends that live near it, hate it. She has other friends that live three miles from the Stafford County range and they complain about the noise. Peterson said that people travel to state parks for peace and scenery but they don't go there for the loud noise. She said noise is not restful and can cause stress, a leading cause of health problems. Her final point was to simply ask if they, the Board, would welcome a shooting range across from their house. Peterson said once a change like this is made, it can never be reclaimed and is asking the Board to not allow a shooting range to be established at the site of the former Cameron Hills Golf Course.
Next to speak was Rob Neal, a resident of Bald Eagle Drive. He said he had already spoken to Dr. Young, County Administrator, and Supervisors Ruby Brabo and Cathy Binder. He said they were kind enough to have a Town Hall where the developers could explain their intentions. He said after the Town Hall, his question was how could he prevent this development and was told he had to speak to the Board of Supervisors. He said he had already spoken with Binder but wanted to speak to the whole Board. Neal said he can't stand it that he only has three minutes to speak on something that impacts what he's spent most of his adult life building. He said he prays that the Board doesn't have to wake up to learn a shooting range is opening across the street from them. He said he's passionate about it because it's his home and if he can't fight for it, it's not worth fighting for. He finished by saying he'll probably see a lot them and asked that they not let this happen to their quiet neighborhood.
Koontz Campbell was next to speak saying that her understanding about the proposed shooting range and something that concerns her is that there will be a campground with campers and drinking along with the shooting range. She said she didn't think it was a good combination and that it wasn't a good fit in an agricultural neighborhood.
Billy Clift then introduced himself as a lifelong resident of King George. He said he wasn't prepared to speak tonight but wanted to agree with his neighbors about the shooting range. He said he grew up here and growth will happen but he chose his home in the Shiloh area because of the lack of growth that was planned for that district. He said each individual property owner has a right to do what they want on their own property until it impacts those outside. He closed by saying there was no benefit to this kind of development.
Jim Lynch then spoke, starting off with a comment that he was also unprepared to speak like Mr. Clift. He said he had one thought on the matter. If this piece of property was given a special exception to operate as a golf course, then anything else that takes it's place should not make any more noise than a golf course.
John Jenkins began his Board Report by apologizing for his new attire. Before the meeting started he removed his jacket and tie. He said he just couldn't take the heat anymore. He then thanked everyone for coming out and speaking and that it gave him a lot of things to think about before any proposal comes across his desk. Jenkins said he attended a Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) regional meeting and was promptly interrupted by a loud motorcycle going down the road. A few members in the audience said "noise" loudly as if to draw attention to the potential noise from a shooting facility. Dr. Young got up and closed the window that had been opened in an effort to provide a breeze, much to the dismay of the Supervisors.
Jenkins continued his report by saying that the issue of developer's proffers was discussed at the meeting. He then moved to appoint Betsy Stevenson to the Smoot Library Board and James "Beau" Beaudette to the Wetlands Board. Both appointments were approved.
Jeff Bueche's report started with his attending Fairview Beach Day celebration, the unofficial last day of summer, and he said it was nice to be able to talk to all the families there. He said on the way home from the event, he stopped at Caledon State Park and enjoyed speaking to volunteers there and commented that the parking lot was full of cars despite the heavy rain. Bueche said he spoke to the residents of Potomac Landing on September 3rd and reminded residents that he was willing to come out and speak to any residents association. He said he was willing to reach out and engage with the public.
Bueche said on a separate note, while he wasn't on the Service Authority Board, he was proud of how the County operates. He said the meeting began with everyone standing for a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance and he wasn't sure that was necessarily the case everywhere but that it was wonderful to see here. He also thanked the Service Authority Board for what they've done and echoed Brabo's comments from that meeting that when he began attending meetings in 2013, the Service Authority Board would have meetings that lasted barely five minutes. He said that he is not a customer and that was why he appointed Mike Bennett to serve in his place on the Board. He said it was frustrating to get information in those extremely short meetings but felt that customers are now getting their due service. He said that learning things now may be hard but he was optimistic about the future.
Ruby Brabo began her lengthy report by stating that she helped host a Town Hall with Cathy Binder on August 11th. She added that the Ogneks, the current owners of the former Cameron Ridge Golf Course, have some things they can do by-right. But she said that all too often citizens are too late in getting engaged and that, while there was no proposal before them, the Board does appreciate them voicing their concerns this early. She continued her report by saying she attended a joint Planning Commission meeting on the 14th, a conference call regarding the ChemBio move on the 15th, and a VACo summit on the 16th. She attended a VACo Board of Directors meeting on the 17th and then went on vacation from the 19th through the 23rd. She said this vacation was the reason her report was longer than normal as she was making up for lost time.
Brabo said she attended a National Association of Counties (NACo) conference call on the 24th and another VACo meeting on the 30th. She mentioned that there is a lot of property for sale that can be developed but developers continue to purchase property and seek to have it rezoned. She said for her to vote in favor of rezoning, she needs to know that it is what the citizens want. She then moved to have Marsha Stonehill appointed to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and it was approved. Brabo reminded the Board that there was a meeting set for next month regarding the ChemBio move and it was being organized by the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce. She discovered that all of the surrounding counties involved in the discussions were scheduled for separate meetings instead of one meeting and felt that was a red flag.
Cathy Binder repeated much of the same report she gave at the Service Authority Board meeting, stating that she attended the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) training session on the 27th and 28th. This training was for operators of Sewage Treatment Plants and although she wasn't an expert, she felt she learned a lot about the process of running a wastewater treatment facility. She said during the training she had "the pleasure of meeting with several operators of King George's sewage plants." She said they were dedicated workers who were excited about the training as these opportunities were not available in the past. She repeated that the past work environment didn't allow for the staff to necessarily provide the best service they could but she felt with the recent changes, things were on the right track.
Binder also commented that she has been listening to everyone about the proposed shooting range in her district and absorbing all of the information. She said she has not made any decision but is continuing to listen to everyone's concerns. She said she did recently drive down Bald Eagle Drive and noted how close the golf course was and how small Salem Church Road was. She closed by saying she hopes a solution can be found but will continue to listen to residents.
Richard Granger started by saying he wanted to echo Brabo's comment on thanking citizens for coming out early and getting involved. He said the Board relies on citizens to help them make wise and informed decisions and asked anyone that wanted to discuss it further to reach out to him. Granger said he attended a Fredericksburg Regional Alliance meeting and got to go on a tour of the rail gun facility at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. He said that despite being a base employee, he has never had the chance to see it. He said at a recent VACo meeting they discussed impact fees being assessed for developers and felt that was a great idea to pursue as it may help mitigate the infrastructure costs of new developments. He asked Eric Gregory, County Attorney, if he could look into that so the Board could have a better understanding of what they can do. Gregory said he could research it. Granger closed his comments by again thanking everyone for coming out and weathering the heat in the Board Room.
The Consent Agenda was approved.
The County Attorney, Eric Gregory, did have a report regarding a proposed Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (DRHT). He said the owner of the private trail, David Brickley, and the Friends of DRHT, which maintains the trail, have proposed an agreement for the County to become involved, primarily by taking on a management role [EDITOR'S NOTE - Neil Richard, a co-founder of Project94, is the Treasurer of the Friends of DRHT.]. He said he has been asked to review the MOU and is awaiting input from the Supervisors before pursuing further feedback from the owner. Gregory said the County will indemnify the land owner as state code allows and that the County will also have some immunity. Brabo asked if it was similar to what is in place for other County owned and operated parks and Gregory said it was. Gregory mentioned insurance coverage for liability and the County would eventually have to respond to loss claims. Brabo asked if he could get more information on the last five years to see if any claims had been filed at other parks in the County.
Gregory said he was waiting on responses from the rest of the Supervisors before he could move forward and Brabo suggested that everyone give comments before the next meeting so they can approve a revised draft to send back to Brickley. Bueche said his only concerns were that he wasn't sure if the Parks and Rec department had given feedback and if the Friends of DRHT would maintain the trail. Dr. Young answered by saying the Friends of DRHT would continue to maintain the trail and that Tim Smith, Director of Parks and Rec, was excited to take on a new asset.
Dr. Neiman Young, County Administrator, then presented his request for the Board to approve local funding for King George to continue to be part of the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD). Young said the funds were already approved and appropriated in the County's FY19 Budget. The Board approved his request.
Dr. Young then said he didn't plan on having anything to report but he had just learned that Chiefs Moody and Lynd of the Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Department were awarded an $8,000 grant to fund rapid response kits at many schools and County buildings. He said these kits were designed to provide equipment in a crisis, such as an active shooter situation.
Brabo made one final comment when Dr. Young was finished, saying that localities continue to get unfunded mandates from the state and that every time the County saves money, they have to spend it on things mandated by the state. She said that maybe it was time for residents to talk to their elected state representatives to tell them they're tired of the unfunded mandates. Brabo said three were right here in King George, Delegates McDougle and Ransone, and Senator Stuart.
Bueche added that, in line with what Brabo had said, he was concerned about the Medicaid expansion and what it would mean to the two year budget plan. He said it would hit County and school employees hard and that the County would have to cover part of those costs. He asked if the next budget cycle could include those changes to make it a more realistic plan.
There was no Closed Session.
The meeting adjourned at 8:53pm.
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 September 11, 2018 at 6:30 pm at Company 1.
Previous Meeting:
Read about the previous Board of Supervisors Meeting.
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