Minutes Regular Meeting April 9, 2024  Floyd County Board of Supervisors  1. Called to Order - Chairman Turman called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. 2. Opening Prayer - The opening prayer was offered by Supervisor Bechtold. 3. Pledge of Allegiance - Supervisor Cox offered the Pledge of Allegiance.  4. Quorum - Dr. Millsaps called the roll. A quorum was found as all Supervisors were present. 5. Approval of Agenda - On a motion by Supervisor Boothe Bechtold, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and approved unanimously to approve the agenda as presented 6. Approval of Disbursements = On a motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, seconded by Supervisor Bechtold, to approve both sets of disbursement checks, unanimously. 7. Approval of Minutes - On a motion by Supervisor Bechtold, seconded by Supervisor  Boothe and approved the minutes from 03/26/2024.  8. Presentations:  a. Dr. Bissell, Director, New River Health District (remotely)  County Administrator Linda Millsaps asked Dr. Bissell for an overview of the budget Dr. Bissell shared that they a lot of staff time throughout the district including Floyd Dr. Bissell continued to share that they have a collaborative relationship with the New River Valley Region as they did during COVID time. Dr. Bissell shared that they are attempting to regain the trust of the community and meet them where they are. Working with harm reduction staff and supporting the recovery community with resources, such as hygiene kits, and snack kits as well as receiving services and referral opportunities. Also, trying to get resources to those who may need a place to live to prevent them from living in cars or alternative housing that may not be safe.  as well as the Opioid abatement as it relates to Floyd County.  to provide all necessary services.  1-    Supervisor Bechtold questioned what hours the Floyd County Health Department is Dr. Bissell shared that the Floyd hours are Mon-Tue-Thurs and Fri from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. We are trying to promote a one-number to contact a staff person for more of an on-demand service to fit the County's needs. As we do not have a lot of people to  open and what events you have had or plan to have.  attend events.  Supervisor Bechtold asked Dr. Bissell for hard numbers that the Health Department's services provided to Floyd County. Dr. Bissell read from document that her staff sent to the Deputy County Administrator Chiddo, who verified and let the board know that this information would be saved to the board's budget folder. This information was the response to the second request from the County Aconversation ensued regarding the tick issues in the county and a discussion of prevention and deterring concerns of the population.  Administrator.  b. David Clarke, Virginia Department of Transportation  Mr. Clarke noted the following that VDOT has been working on:  Gravel Road Work  Pipe cleaning and pipe replacement.  Reminder of the 6-year road plan at the end of the month  Supervisor Bechtold thanked David and his crew for all the work, and it has not gone Mr. Boothe also thanked David and his team. In addition, noted that usually every spring he requests attention to the guardrails and shoulders. Also, Mr. Boothe asked that VDOT visit the bridge on 720, Epperly Mill Road, near Crenshaw Lighting as you can see daylight coming through it. Supervisor Boothe also noted that on Route 8 in Montgomery County there are potholes that need to be addressed. Alot of Floyd County community members drive daily this road to get to and from work. Lastly, it was discussed the need for dust control on the road near the landfill.  unnoticed.  -2-    Supervisor Kuchenbuch thanked the VDOT team for fixing the pothole issue on Beaver Dam Creek. Also, a big thank you for the asphalt work in the ditch on 615/Chrstansburg Pike Road. A continued thanks for the preparation work and response on Starbuck Rd. Additional request for Pilot Mountain Road as there is Supervisor Cox requested that Mr. Clarke check on the grade and gravel at Conner Lane at Graysville. Also, Conner Road and 221 request an overlay of the asphalt or heavy patching. On Daniels Run, Supervisor Cox is to provide the address, the new curve sign is placed in a position where the resident will potentially hit the sign due to pulling a trailer into their driveway. Supervisor Cox asked to look at the placement of the sign. Also, on Good Neighbor Road there is a culvert that is sinking. The question arose about needing an update on the work on Daniels Run and Stonewall. Supervisor Turman noted that he has noticed all the curve signs and thinks they are ag great help. He shared that some members of the Topeka Church asked that the curve signs take away from the church's visuals. Also, note that most roads need to be machined. Mr. Clarke shared that this is definitely on the schedule. Lastly, Supervisor Turman also questioned if Buffalo Mountain Road is scheduled for  some Large Gullies in the ditch that pose a safety concern.  Mr. Clarke stated that they are working on it.  paving, as the patches are rough.  C. - Dr. Cromer, Floyd County Superintendent, and Darin Boothe, Finance Director  Dr. Cromer updated the Board on the following:  they had some recognition of 2 students Jackson Brewer and Quinlan Beegle. School award - USA Medallion School - this is due to the participation of the  youth exchange student program.  Presently have 2 exchange students from Egypt.  Due to having 1 additional snow day unused on the calendar, the School will The current enrollment Month ending was 1642, however, the ADM report will  have an early release on May 23rd rather than May 24th.  represent 1643.  -3-    Further review, (PowerPoint provided) from Dr. Cromer and Darrin Boothe  Referençed facing "The Fiscal Cliff" in Floyd County  Increase in LCI ($950,000.00 63%) Growing needs and rising costs Declining enrollment Loss ($550,000.00 37%) reduce the impact on staff.  General budget adjustments (Raise, VPSA, ESSER funds, Enrollment FY25 priorities - savings and efficiency, protect the quality of instruction, FY25 Budget includes - eliminated funding for professional development, no increases for staff or health insurance contributions, removal of 11 The governor released his budget late last evening. (working through Still waiting for the State's information for any monetary changes from  positions (either by retirement or resignation)  those details them  April 17th General Assembly veto session TBD-A Approved State Budget  Mr. Boothe discussed a study from Georgetown University regarding the ESSER funds. Mr. Boothe noted that the schools used their ESSER funds for non-recurring items. Also discussed was the breakdown of the LCI and how it attributed to the $950,000.00 loss to the budget. Despite the initial information, a lot of positives have come out of this, and noted the increasedretreshing communication with Linda and Kim, the County Supervisor Bechtold asked about leveling students between schools to balance the possible teacher/class ratio. Dr. Cromer shared that they visit this monthly and work through the availability of staff. Dr. Cromer also noted that they have to be mindful of  Administrator.  districting.  Supervisor Kuchenbuch shared that she agrees and likes the increase in communication. Questioned who took over Dr. Cromer's position of grant writing. Dr. Cromer shared that there are a few who write grants now. Mr. Ratcliffe took over my old position and he is always looking for ways to increase revenue. Supervisor Kuchenbuch asked for the breakdown of the 11 who are retiring by position.  4    Dr. Cromer shared most are aides, custodians, bus drivers, support staff, a librarian, and possibly a teacher. Administration-wise we are pretty low on staffing. Supervisor Kuchenbuch asked School board member Ms. Leroy how the school board adjusts and orj justifies the schools open with the decreasing enrollment. Ms. Leroy shared that Ia am speaking for myself and noted that they are looking at this and discuss itm monthly and are always looking at the facilities and transportation to ensure we are efficient in all these aspects. Ms. Leroy continues to state that this LCI weighs on her  and will be re-evaluated in 2 years and this will be an ongoing issue. Supervisor Cox thanked Dr. Cromer and her staff for their leadership.  Supervisor Turman thanked Dr. Cromer and acknowledged that this is going to bea challenging budget year, some decisions will be difficult, and people will not be happy.  But we have to do right by the County.  Dr. Cromer thanked the County and Deputy County Administrator for the communication and that we are a team working together.  9. Public Comment-  Chairman Turman read the handicap statement helping anyone needing support to make their public comment. Chairman Turman asked that when speaking, state your  name and district.  David Whitaker, Court House District:  Mr. Whitaker asked that the Board deal with the budget to ensure the right of pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness and to give focus to the Sheriff and the public servants. Also noted was to have the home-schooled children have their parents' tax dollars follow them and to allow those children to participate in sports. Mr. Whitaker  gave a personal story of his grandson and his journey in sports.    Leon Moore, Burks Forest:  Mr. Moore shared that agreed with Supervisor Cox that public safety and education need to be prioritized. Also, urged the board to continue to support the first responders. Also, wanted to recognize the school for their attention to their budget and the immediate response toi it. In addition, noted that the board needs to cut spending in some areas and increase spending in others. Mr. Moore asked that the board look at the school system they got, the first responders they got and be concerned with those  things during the budget process.  10. Old Business:  a. Audit RFP Preliminary Draft  Ac conversation ensued about the RFP prospects and staff overview of the b. PSA Meeting - Special called meeting of the Board - 05/09/2024.  Ona a motion by Supervisor Cox and Seconded by Supervisor Boothe to have a special board meeting to join the PSA on 05/09/2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town  Conference room. C. - ARPA - potential uses  Dr. Millsaps updated the Board regarding the Potential ARPA uses  recommendations and our suggestions of the Staff. Dr. Millsaps reviewed each of On a motion by Supervisor Boothe and seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously approved for staff to move forward with the purchase of the County Onamotion by Supervisor Boothe and seconded by Supervisor Bechtold and unanimously carried to authorize staff to utilize the ARPA funds for past, present, and future, Administrative move, (umiture/movinglconstruction), the board room construction/umiture/materials) and security cameras and the 2nd courtroom  the recommendations.  Tahoe, utilizing ARPA funds.  expenses.  6-    12. Closed Session:  On a motion by Supervisor Boothe, seconded by Supervisor Bechtold and passed unanimously, the Board voted to move to closed session under S 2.2-3711  A.1,52.2-3711. A.3,52.2-3711 A.5 and S 2.2-3711 A.8.  Supervisor Kuchenbuch - yes Supervisor Bechtold - yes Supervisor Boothe = yes Supervisor Cox - yes Supervisor Turman - yes  a. $2.2-3711 A.1 Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and evaluation of performance of departments or schools of public institutions of higher education where such evaluation will necessarily involve discussion of the performance of specific individuals. Any teacher shall be permitted to be present during a closed meeting in which there is adiscussion or consideration of a disciplinary matter that involves the teacher and some student, and the student involved in the matter is present, provided the teacher makes a written request to be present to the presiding officer of the appropriate board. Nothing in this subdivision, however, shall be construed to authorize a closed meeting by a local governing body or an elected school board to discuss compensation matters that affect the membership of such body or  board collectively. Appointment of Candidates  b. 2.2-3711 A3 Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property fora public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body. An industry that relates to an energy- $2.2-3711 A.5- Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to permit the closure of a meeting merely because an attorney representing the public body is in attendance ori is consulted on a matter. An industry that relates to an energy-  related project.  related project.  -7-    d. 2.2-3711 A.8 Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to permit the closure of a meeting merely because an attorney representing the public body is in attendance or is consulted on a matter. Ordinance Review  Onar motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, seconded by Supervisor Cox, and unanimously carried, the Board voted to come out of closed session.  Supervisor Kuchenbuch - yes Supervisor Bechtold - yes Supervisor Boothe - yes Supervisor Cox-y yes Supervisor Turman - yes  Onai motion by Supervisor Bechtold seconded by Supervisor Boothe, and unanimously carried, the Board certified that the Board only discussed the matters in closed session.  Supervisor Boothe - yes Supervisor Kuchenbuch- : yes Supervisor Cox - yes Supervisor Bechtold - yes Supervisor Turman - yes  13. New Business  a. Department of Social Services Board Appointment, 4-year term: Onamotion by supervisor Kuchenbuch, seconded by Supervisor Bechtold and unanimously carried to approve the appointment of Lisa Thomason to the Department of Social Services Board to complete the term of Molly Hunter-Sloan.  d. County Complex address modification:  On a motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, Seconded by Supervisor Bechtold and unanimously carried to use a new county addressing system for the Floyd County  Government Complex.  Ad conversation ensued about the EMS ordinance.  -8-    On a motion by Supervisor Bechtold, seconded by Supervisor Boothe, and unanimously carried, to move forward with the Ordinance regulating and licensing emergency services agencies and the operation of emergency services vehicles within the county of Floyd and to advertise for a special meeting with the date of either 04/23/2024 or  05/14/2024 whichever timing of advertising allows.  14. Board Time  Supervisor Bechtold would like to look into taking down the concession building at the Parks and Recreation and possibly utilizing Food Trucks ini its place. And look at the Supervisor Cox would like to thank Mark Bolt for responding quickly and getting gravel down at a green box site. Supervisor Cox stated that he had already received  opportunity of a decrease in expenses and an increase in revenue.  responses that were thankful and positive.  15. County Administrators Report - Dr. Millsaps offered the following information about staff  activities.  a) Congressional Directed Funding Request  b) EMS update c) Outdoor Venues e) Cell Towers f) Munis Status g) Building Status h) Tax Rates Reminder  d) Open Positions/new employees  13. Correspondence-  Deputy County Administrator Chiddo gave the board an overview ofi items in the  correspondence packet.  14. Adjournment - On a motion by Supervisor Cox, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, and passed unanimously, the Board voted to adjourn until the next meeting on 04/19/2024 at  9:00 a.m. (or soon thereafter) for the budget workshop.  -9-    gD. Cumm CHairman, Joe Turman  CI  10-