HIGHLIGHTS OF MARCH 14, 2023 MEETING OF THE NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Resolution – R2023-10 Minutes for Approval: approved unanimously.
Resolution – R2023-11 Budget Amendment: approved unanimously. The General Fund Appropriation of $123,518.17 reflects requestsm of (1)$7,628.23 to appropriate FY23 National Opioid Settlemtn funds received to date 2023; (2) $528 to appropriate FY23 PSAP (public Safety Answering Points) Forfeiture funds received Feb.2023; (3)(4) $3,000 to appropriate in FY23 PSAP (Public Safety Answering Points) Education Program for $2,3333.79 to 9-1-1 and $666.21to GIS education/training costs (no match required); (5) $18,682.56 to appropriate FY22 Four-For-Life Funds recived in FY23 to be disbursed to Nelson EMS Council (6) $2290 to appropriate Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Bear Wise Grant funds received to educate the public in conflict in bear conflict prevention (requires $1,500 in-kind county contribution); (7) $41,389.38 to appropriate FY23 Forest Sustainablility state funding received relative to outdoor recreation and /or forestry conservative; (8) $50,000 to appropriate the first tranche of ARPA funds from FY22 LATCF (Local Assitance & Tribal Consistency Fund) allocation. The total appropriation request for this period is below the 1% of expenditure budget limit for March of $761,693.93.
The Pinery River Water/Sewer Fund Appropriation of $37,449.25 represents rewuested funds from a transfer from the General Fund to cover costs associated with emergency repairs necessary at the Piney River Pump Station.
The General Fund Emplyee Benefits and Department Transfes of $20,525 are requested for (1) $8,364 to covere benefit cost previouls requested on 2/14/23 amd (2) $10,243 to correct a salary appropriation transfer account line error on 2.14/23; (3) $1,918 to cover the Commonwealth Attorney’s part-time FICA benefits for FY23.
The General Fund Transfer from Recurring Contingency of $156,838.25 relects (1) $60,000 requested by Court Services due to higher than anticipated FY23 Juvenile Detention costs; (2)(3) $3243 is requested of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) to help cover 12% additional FY23 slalary and benefit increases through June 30th ($2,900 slaaries, $343 in benefits; (4) $25,380 is requested to cover the contract cost of MAG (Management Advisorey Group) compensations study to be completed in FY23: (5) $30,766 is requested to reappropriatem FY222 funds in FY23 for the Architectural Partners PAR Agricultural Center final contract expenses paid in FY2: (6) $37,449.25 is required to transfer to the Piney Riover Water & Sewer Fund to coer the emergency Capital Outlay/Pump Station Repairs. The balance of Recurring Contingency is $781,440.75.
Resolution – R2023-11A Budget Amendment: unanimously approved.
The General Fund Appropriation of $264,402 reflects the Nelson County Public School requests of (1) $62,500 to appropriate FY23 local match funds for School Security Equipment Grant award appropriated December 2022; (2)$104,402 is requested to appropriate FY23 excess costs of Electric Buses and Charging Stations associated with the Clean School Bus Rebate awarded and appropriated by the Board in November and December 2022; (3) $60,000 to requested to appropriate the cost of two used vans for student transportation; (4) $37,500 is requested to cover the cost of an SUV for the school Superintendent’s use.
Resolution – R2023-12 FY24 Creative Communities Partnership Grant: unanimously approved. The Board thereby endorsed the County’s submission of an application to the Virginia Commission of the Arts for 2023-2024 Creative Communities Partnership Grant funding (formerly Local Government Challenge Grant) said application includes a local match of $4,500.00 to be
confirmed upon formal adoption of Nelson County’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget by the Board of Supervisors.
Proclamation – P2023-01 Emergency Management Week unanimously passed: The Nelson County Board of Supervisors proclaimed March 19-23, 2023 as EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS’ WEEK in Nelson County and encourages all citizens to honor the Nelson County Emergency Management team and to recognize their service behind the scenes and commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of all who live and visit in Nelson County.
VDOT Report: VDOT reported on the roadwork done over the last months and provided the attached priority list of work for FY 23-28:
Rural Rustic Priority List - FY23/28
1 666 Jacks Hill 1.82 Mi W RTE 678 1.0 M W 678 0.8 80 $ 162,000.00
2 654 Cedar Creek 3 Mi West RTE 655 RTE 661 1.24 Mi 110 $ 248,000.00
3 643 Ball Mountain RTE 639 Dead End 0.60 Mi 50 $ 120,000.00
4 848 Whippoorwill Lane (This route is already
hard surfaced to the end of state maintenance)
5 765 Honey Suckle RTE 151 Dead End 0.20 Mi 50 $ 52,000.00
6 674 Cow Hollow RTE 780 RTE 56 1.10 Mi 60 $ 250,000.00
7 623 Davis Creek RTE 625 Dead End 1.70 Mi 60 $ 352,000.00
646 Hunting Lodge Road Rte. 604 Rte. 645 2.00 Mi 50 $400,000
674 Jenny’s Creek Rd Rte. 56 Rte. 151 1.2 Mi 60 $250,000
606 Buffalo Station Rte. 626 1.4 Mi East 1.4 Mi 60 $260,000
629 Gulleysville Lane Rte. 634 Dead End 1.27 Mi 60 $200,000
667 Fork Mt 1.29 Mi North Rt 56 2.29 Mi N 1.00 Mi 130 $225,000
613 Berry Hill Rd Rte. 788 1.10 Mi S 1.00 Mi 60 $200,000
640 Wheelers Cove Rd Rte. 620 1.50 Mi 1.5 Mi 80 $300,000
641 Dutch Creek Ln 40
764 Walk Around Ln RTE 628 Dead End 0.60 Mi 50 $150,000
721 Green Field Dr .70 Mi N RTE 626 2.8 Mi N 2.1 Mi 70 $450,000
$1,835,00 Total estimated expenditures.
Audit Report – Robinson, Farmer, Cox and Associates: Nelson County successfully “passed” the audit.
Community Center Coalition: The coalition gave a power point presentation of its mission and its projects. The mission is to : provide opportunities for social engagement and combats loneliness; provide volunteer opportunities; provide recreational opportunities; help define the community and the community’s needs; provide positive impacts to people of all ages -
mentally, physically, and emotionally; promote creativity, culture, and education, and provide space for all these activities.
The county currently has the following community centers:
Schuyler Elementary School - 1991 – Walton Mountain Museum est. 1992
Nelson Memorial High School – 2004 - Nelson
Heritage Center (The Millennium Group)
Lovingston Elementary School - 1998 - The Nelson
Center
Rockfish Valley Elementary School - 2000 -
Rockfish Valley Community Center
Fleetwood Elementary School - 1995 – Fleetwood Community Center
Ryan Elementary School - 1998 - Ryan School
Apartments
The Gladstone Depot - Gladstone Train Museum &
Community Center est. 2022 is in the process of completion and is open for some activities.
Nelson Community Wellness Alliance: The Nelson Community Wellness Alliance gave a presentation outlining its mission and its activities. The Mission is “to serve as a catalyst for improved health outcomes in Nelson County through meaningful partnerships and programs.”
Its Vision is a Nelson County free of barriers where all residents enjoy easily accessible resources and a high quality of life.
The Values of the alliance are that all Nelson County residents should enjoy the opportunity to thrive within every social determinant of health – therefore we improve partnerships among Neighborhood, Social & Community Context, Education, Economic Stability, and Healthcare resources.
The Priorities of the Alliance are improving health outcomes, expanding collaboration between agencies, organizations, and the community, raising the quality of life for all Nelson residents, increasing access, and removing barriers for all social determinants of health, and educating professionals and the public on health and wellness.
A federal grant is currently funding the Alliance employment training program, a grant generally given to larger entities. Nelson is the only small community currently receiving such a grant. The program provides for six weeks of job training and those trained are to be provided services in job placement. One of the training programs is for health worker specialists to help local citizens find available health treatment options. The success of the program is expected to contribute positively to a decision on whether the grant is renewed. The barriers to training are the need for a community hub, the lack of affordable childcare, especially for those under age 2 while training is occurring, the need for job placement and training services, and transportation. Currently, the following listed projects are expected to be completed in 2023: CHW Training Program August 2023, Alliance Child Development Center providing childcare located at the Heritage Center (after school only) with 50% 0f the openings allocated to those in the job training programs (August 2023 projected), and Community Hub late 2023 projected. The following needs for support were identified: Hub Launch, Daycare Staffing & Scholarships, and Gaps in operational expenses. The Alliance is seeking additional funding from private sources.
Nelson County Community Fund (R2023-13):The Board unanimously adopted the resolution stating, “the Board of Supervisors of Nelson County adopts this resolution of support for the efforts of the Nelson County Community Fund, Inc., acknowledging its contributions and encouraging continued support for its efforts to address critical needs in Nelson County.”
FY24 Budget Introduction and Proposed Schedule: The Board unanimously adopted the attached tentative 2023-2024 Budget Calendar:
*REVISED Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget Calendar
Indicates Regular Board Meeting Indicates Related to Taxes
Indicates Budget Work Session Indicates Related to Budget Public Hearing
Budget Introduction & Budget Work Session: Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Budget Work Session: Thursday, March 30, 2023
Budget Work Session: Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Budget Work Session: Thursday, April 6, 2023
*Decide if Changes to Taxes are to be Made
Authorize Public Hearing on Rates if Increased.
(Per §58.1-3007)
Staff Sends Public Hearing Notice to Paper on Increase
In Tax Rates if Needed for April 20th: Friday, April 7, 2023
Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Authorize Budget Public Hearing for May 9th.
Additional Budget Work Session if Needed: Thursday, April 13, 2023
Increase in Tax Rates Public Hearing Notice Advertised: Thursday, April 13, 2023
For April 20th:
Public Hearing on Increase in Tax Rates if Needed: Thursday, April 20, 2023 (Must be at least 7 days
Set RE & PPTX Rates and PPTRA% Distribution after the public hearing notice per §58.1-3007)
(Per §58.1-3001) 7 PM – Following Joint Meetings with NCSB
Tax Rates and PPTRA% Given to COR: Friday, April 21, 2023
Staff sends Budget Public Hearing Ad to Paper for May 9th: Friday, April 21, 2023
Budget Public Hearing Advertised for May 9th: Thursday, April 27, 2023 (Must be at least 7 days
prior to public hearing per §15.2-2506 – 12 days’
notice)
Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 (Must be at least 7 days
FY24 Budget Public Hearing (12 Days’ Notice) after the public hearing notice per §15.2-2506)
Tax Bills Sent Out by TR: Week of May 15, 2023
Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting: Tuesday, June 13, 2023 (Must be at least 7 days
FY24 Budget Adoption & Appropriation after public hearing per §15.2-2506)
*Calendar may be adjusted based on the rate of progress of the Board’s work on the budget.
The first proposed budget work session was scheduled for Tuesday March 28, 2023 and a second meeting was scheduled for April 6, 2023 to talk about what if any tax increases are needed. A public hearing will be set for April 13, 2023 and May 9, 2023.
National Opioid Settlement Participation (R2023-14) unanimously passed whereby the Nelson County Board of Supervisors, this 14th day of March, 2023, approves of the County’s participation in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and their related corporate entities, and directs the County Attorney to execute the documents necessary to effectuate the County’s participation in the settlements, including the required.
release of claims against settling entities.
Proposed Amendments to Chapter 3, Animals (R2023-15) unanimously passed the Board. The resolution provides that pursuant to §15.2-1427 of the Code of Virginia 1950 as amended, the County Administrator is authorized to advertise a public hearing to be held on April 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the General District Courtroom in the Courthouse in Lovingston, Virginia. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public input on an Ordinance proposed for passage to amend Chapter 3, Animals, to incorporate provisions pertaining to the fence law, proposed fees and removal of sections that are duplicative of state law.
Shipman Historic District Planning Grant Application: The Board unanimously passed the application. The Map of the Shipman Proposed Historic District is located at page 196 of the March 14, 2023 BOS packet which can be obtained on the County website. An historic district is largely a matter of identifying structures 50 or more years of age and of archeological/architectural significance. The county will apply funding in part by a grant with the county paying at least $8,000 towards the survey costs. The more money the county puts up, the more likely the grant will be approved. Oakridge is interested in being included in the grant. The historic c district would be a voluntary designation and does not limit what the owner can do with the property.
County Administrator’s Report:
Comprehensive Plan: The project website is www.Nelson2042.com. The 3rd of four scheduled joint work sessions of the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission will be held on March 15, 2023 at 6:30 PM and will entail review of draft chapters pertaining to Housing and Economy.
County Website Redesign: In February, the consultant worked on new layouts based on our feedback, customized the theme, and started creating the style guide to include color palette, fonts, and general page layout. We are in Stage 1 of content organization and initial site structure for menus and navigation.
Piney River Wastewater Pump Station Repairs: Repairs at the pump station were completed in late February as well as additional work to reprogram the variable frequency drives that operate the pumps was required this month. Operations are reportedly back to normal.
Nelson 151 Corridor Study: VDOT has released a survey as part of the 151 Corridor Study which can be accessed at https://metroquestsurvey.com/vz37, from the link provided on the County’s website, and this VDOT project page Route 151 Corridor Study - Nelson County - Projects | Virginia Department of Transportation (virginiadot.org). Two public engagement sessions will be held within the study area, with the first being on April 7th at the Rockfish Valley Community Center from 4-6 PM. Now set for April 18, 2023 from 4-6:00. See attached flyer.
Amherst County Solar Project: County Administration was advised by Amherst County of a Special Exception Request by Piney River Solar, LLC for a utility-scale project on property in Amherst County that adjoins the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail. The project site will utilize the parcels’ 431.4 total acres with approximately 169 acres being used for solar arrays. These parcels have frontages on 2508 Patrick Henry Highway and 1187 Roses Mill Road. County Staff including Dylan Bishop, Jerry West, and Maureen Kelley met on site with the project developer and advised that due to the topography and anticipated sight lines, the solar arrays should not be visible from the railway trail. The Amherst Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the project on Thursday, March 16th at 7:00 PM in the Amherst County Administration building.
Virginia Outdoors Foundation Grant: On March 7th, a Virginia Outdoors Foundation – Preservation Trust Fund grant application was submitted by Jerry West for $195,000 in funding for the Sturt Nature Park property with no local match required. The grant funds are proposed to cover costs related to a professional survey of the property, master planning work, and development of a trail system, entrance, and parking area. If awarded the grant, staff will seek the Board’s approval for grant acceptance.
Opioid Abatement Funds: County staff met with Region Ten staff to discuss the potential for a regional application to the State Opioid Abatement Authority that would benefit the member localities of Region Ten including Nelson, Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, and Louisa. The proposal would use $1,363,961 in these grant funds to expand their Crisis Response services, CITAC services, and Community Outreach services that are currently available to its members. As reported by Region Ten, 55 percent of the adult client population they serve in Nelson has a diagnosis of a Substance Abuse Disorder. These applications must be submitted by a member locality who would also serve as the fiscal agent on behalf of Region Ten and its members; Albemarle County has agreed to serve in this role. Region Ten will present this proposal at the April Board meeting and seek the Board’s official support of the regional application which is a grant requirement. The application submission deadline for this funding round is May 5th.
New Office Building: PMA is proceeding with having the consulting engineering subcontractor Timmons Group conduct the more in-depth geotechnical work on the Calohill site which includes 15 borings, analysis, and reporting as well as seismic refraction to identify soil thickness, depth to identify weathered rock and solid rock in proximity of the proposed building, parking, and drive areas. Staff is verifying the timeframe for completion of this work.
FY24 Budget: As will be reported at the meeting, staff is proposing to introduce the draft budget and begin work sessions later this month and a revised draft calendar has been provided for the Board’s review and consideration. The State’s budget has not been finalized with the General Assembly to resume its work in April. The School Division approved its FY24 budget at their March 9th meeting with the additional requested local funding being $1,582,639 for a total request of $18,884,261. A packet of School Division budget information will be provided at the March meeting and the school division has requested the opportunity to present their budget at a joint meeting with the Board on April 20th, just prior to their regular meeting agenda.
Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail: The Regional Jail Authority Board approved its FY24 Budget last week in the total amount of $9,453,000, a 4.6% increase over FY23. Member contributions are based on the individual member’s 5-year average % of population and nelson’s percentage increased from 12.99% in FY23 to 14.74% in FY24, resulting in a $219,783 increase in our share of operations for a total of $1,393,372. This includes an estimated share of interest only debt service for the anticipated interim financing related to the proposed jail renovations of $38,766. Proceeding with the interim financing will commence once the Governor has signed a budget containing the funding for the 25% reimbursement of eligible costs for the renovation project.
Compensation Study: As time permits, Staff continue to review and vet the information provided by the consultant in order to have a better understanding of the resulting pay classifications. More discussion on this is anticipated during the budget work sessions with the Board.
Board Reports: Ernie Reed reported that he made a field trip to the Larkin Property looking to establish a water plan. Jesse Rutherford reported that the Service Authority needs to provide costs figures. David Parr reported that MACAA is attempting to get someone to fill the Nelson position.
Appointments: Ernie Reed will be the BOS representative on the Drug Court Advisory Board. Larry Saunders was appointed to fill Robert Doyle’s remaining term on the Nelson County Economic and Development Board. This appointment will be effective until June 30, 2023. A second unexpired term left vacant by Kim Bryant will be addressed at the April BOS meeting. That term will end on June 30, 2035.
Evening Session:
A. Special Use Permit #838 – Class C Automobile Graveyard
Consideration of a Special Use Permit application requesting County approval to allow a Class C
Automobile Graveyard use on property zoned A-1 Agricultural. The subject property is located at Tax Map Parcel #7-6-3 at 110 Family Ln in Afton. The subject property is 1 acre and owned by Alvin Carpenter. The Special use permit for no more than 6 vehicles and requiring a 6-foot screen was passed 4-1. Mr. Harvey proposed the restrictions.
B. Rezoning #837 – A-1 Agricultural to M-2 Industrial
Consideration of a Rezoning application requesting County approval to rezone property from A-1
Agricultural to M-2 Industrial for a cabinet shop use. The subject property is located at Tax Map Parcel
#64-5-5A on Patrick Henry Highway. The subject property is 26.147 acres and owned by Michael & Danita Massie. The Request was approved a presented.
C. Rezoning #850 – A-1 Agricultural to B-1 Business with concurrent Special Use Permit #849
– Multifamily dwelling
Consideration of Rezoning and Special Use Permit applications requesting County approval to rezone
property from A-1 Agricultural to B-1 Business with a concurrent special use permit for a multifamily
dwelling. The subject property is located at Tax Map Parcel #67-A-15 at 8207 Thomas Nelson Hwy. The
subject property is 0.874 acres and owned by Salvatore Mannino. The Request was approved a presented.
A presentation was made by a student at Nelson Highschool during the morning public comment time requesting a contribution of $300 to $500 to help provide a covering for a courtyard at Tye River Elementary to allow the space to be used as an outdoor classroom. The student is participating in the Governor’s School and her Governor’s School project is the creation of an outdoor classroom. On the motion of Jesse Rutherford at the 7:00 pm session, a $500 grant was approved to be paid to Tye River Elementary with the stipulation that the funds be used for that purpose.
THE BOARD VOTED TO CONTINUE ITS MEETING TO MARCH 15, 2023 AT 6:30 P.M. FOR A JOINT MEETING BETWEEN THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND THE PLANNING
COMMISSION.