Minutes Regular Meeting September 10, 2024 Floyd County Board of Supervisors 1. Called to Order - Chairman Turman called the meeting to order at 8:30 am or soon 2. Opening Prayer - The opening prayer was offered by Supervisor Bechtold. 3. Pledge of Allegiance - Supervisor Boothe offered the Pledge of Allegiance. thereafter. 4. Quorum - Kim Chiddo called the roll. A quorum was found. Supervisor Cox was absent and unable to attend remotely. PRESENT: Joe D. Turman, Chairman; Jerry W. Boothe, Vice Chairman; Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch and Kalinda Bechtold Board Members; Kim Chiddo, Deputy County Administrator/CFo, Jenny Tolbert, Administrative Accounting Specialist, Danny Lowery ITC Operations Manager to live stream and film the meeting. 5. Approval of Agenda - On a motion by Supervisor Boothe, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and carried to approve the agenda as amended to add, 8d. Mark Bolt and 8 e. 6. Approval of Disbursements = On a motion by Supervisor Boothe, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously carried to approve the disbursements as presented. 7.Approval of Minutes - On a motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch seconded by Supervisor Bechtold and unanimously carried to approve the minutes from 07/23/2024 and 07/30/2024 Lydeana Martin to presentations and S 2.2-3711A.1 to closed session. Public Hearing. 8. Presentations: a. Dr. Cromer, Floyd County Superintendent Dr. Cromer updated the Board on the following: School is going smoothly with only a few issues to date. At the School Board Meeting there was recognition of the State Track Athletes and samples of the new nutrition program, Farm to Fork. Each 1- month a local product will be highlighted, and bistro boxes will be provided Overnight field trips approved for the upcoming school year. Principles shared their school improvement plans at the School Board Complemented the work on the ball fields by the Parks & Recreation Spoke about the situation with the cyber security that caused the schools too close for a day. The situation was recognized quickly and swiftly Anew accreditation program has been set by the state and the schools November is Take Your Legislator to Lunch Month and legislation has at lunch with samples. meeting. Department. eliminated. Everything is now back online. should have their scores next month. been invited to the event. b. David Clarke, Virginia Department of Transportation Mr. Clarke gave an update on the following: Maintenance on the following: Brush and Tree Cleanup Patching Street Sweeping Deputy County Administrator Kim Chiddo asked for an update on Moore Road. Mr. Clarke stated that if a speed study is needed, he will need to know which section of the road needs to be studied. Supervisor Kuchenbuch stated that a solution is needed for excessive speed on that road due to an increase in traffic through this area. After discussion, it was decided that Chairman Turman read an email from Supervisor Cox about the following areas of concern: the speed study would need to be for the entirety of the road. Rough road conditions on Diamond Knob. Laurel Creek Road - Opposite side from Gearhart's garage, going back to Huffville, ongoing issue with resident placing brush and other items on the VDOT right-of-way shoulder causing a hazard and obstruction as you enter a curve. A VDOT representative has spoken with the resident in the past, but the problem seems to still exist. Supervisor Cox also thanked VDOT for their work on Daniels Run/Stonewall project in his email. -2- Supervisor Bechtold requested patchwork where the culvert was replaced on Franklin Pike. Supervisor Kuchenbuch asked that work be done here urgently due to the gravel settlement. Supervisor Kuchenbuch asked that Mr. Clarke speak about White Oak Grove Road where pavement was put down and then tar and gravel placed over that. Mr. Clarke stated that the pavement was actually a patch to add strength to the road before the tar and gravel treatment. She also asked that he research Ridge Road near Cole's Knob. She also thanked him for the work on Daniels Run. Supervisor Boothe expressed concern with the following areas. Route 817 there are potholes just off the paved entrance Route 730. Advance Route sign is needed Crosswalk in town Route 221 from Slaughter's Supermarket to Long Level Road - Is it possible to extend the 45mph zone? There was a recent accident here. The guardrails may also need to be extended at the site of the accident. Chairman Turman stated that there is tall grass behind the guardrail that is blocking sight at Mira Fork Road, and they will need to use equipment that can reach over the railing to cut the grass. He stated that people have been requesting machine work on gravel roads, but he knows that we will need rain to soften the ground first. C. Paul Kitchen, Chairman Electoral Board, Amy Ingram, General Registrar, Sarah Akers, General Registrar Statement from Paul Kitchen: "Good Morning, Mr. Chairman, members ofthe Floyd County Board of Supervisors, County Staff, and citizens. Icome before you todaywith mixed emotions. In life and in business change isi inevitable. Change can be disruptive and challenging. Change also presents opportunities for business and personal Ms. Amy Ingram will be retiring effective October 1. This is a significant life-changing decision for her. She struggled to even hand to the Electoral Board the letter announcing her retirement. This was clearlya difficult and emotional. moment. ini her life. Iknow that she had: struggled to reach this decision because she was trying to reconcile her devotion to herjob, that she has servedi for more Amy's career in public service began in 1989 at the Floyd Countyoffice of Virginia Cooperative Extension as the 4HAgent. She quickly earned the respect ofl her colleagues and the community growth. Put simply, change is difficult even ini the best of circumstances. than 25 years, with personal andi family needs. as the go-to person at the office. -3- In 1999 the Floyd County Electoral Board appointed her to the office of Registrar of Voters and Director of Elections. Overherr more than twenty-five years ofexemplaryservice, she has seen and dealt with never-ending change. Most recently when/showed up on the scene! Despite the challenges. Amy always delivered: for the citizens of Floyd. She, without fail, put On behalf oft the Floyd County Electoral Board, we extend, our sincere and grateful appreciation for her dedicated. service to the Floyd County Office of Elections, our congratulations on her well-earned retirement, and our best wishes for continued: success, happiness, and good together open, safe, and accurate elections. health in the years to come. " Amy Ingram shared a heartfelt message about her time working in Floyd County and how she has cherished this time. She shared that she has had a great career and feels like her CO- workers have become family. She was the third Registrar in Floyd County. The Board members shared their gratitude for her thoroughness, patience, fairness, and kindness during her career and thanked her for her many years of dedication. Paul Kitchen then introduced Sarah Campbel!: Campbell effective upon Amy's retirement. "spoke ofchange. Amywill now) pass the baton to our General Registrardesignated to Ms. Sarah Sarah has devoted her professional career to public service. Hera accompushments are numerous, but whati impressed usi is how she advocated for and protected the rights ofv victims of crimes. More impressive was her work to assure that defendants were treatedi fairly and in accordance When/read her resume, /was impressed with the articulate depth describing herv working life. When we interviewed her, lasked why she applied for this job. Her face lite up and she made it clearthat she had thought it through and had done her homework. It was as ifshe was already a General Registrar. We took into account her work on election days as an officer of elections and When we deliberated to decide who to appoint. We took a straw poll. All votes were for Sarah. with the law. Sarah was not afraid to go toe to toe and do what was right. then deputy chief. Decision made! Please allowr me to introduce Mr. Sarah Campbell." " Sarah Campbell shared that she worked at the Sheriff's Office in high school, and it feels like coming home now because she will be working right down the hall from where she started. She stated that her experience with working for victim's rights will help her to be fair and accurate ini this new role. She looks forward to working with the citizens of Floyd. 4- d. Mark Bolt, Building Official Mark Bolt reviewed the bids for the. Animal Control Painting Bids and answered questions about the different types of epoxies and prep work shown ini the two bids. One oft the bids Supervisor Boothe asked where the animals would be housed during the renovation and Mr. Bolt said that Animal Control had an agreement with the Humane Society for that. offers a polyurethane coating over the epoxy. e. Lydeana Martin, Community & Economic Development Director Lydeana Martin discussed a digital opportunity grant proposal, Appalachian Heights: Reaching New Peaks of Digital Success. The grant funding would provide opportunities for online education, remote work, small business growth, telehealth, and online services. There would also be an additional layer of cyber security for customers to utilize a portal for WIFI access for emergency responders. This WIFI access would help overcome cell phone and safety radio "dead zones" throughout the county. The grant would also provide cardiac training and equipment and software for our EMS workers. This would be a partnership with Citizens Telephone Cooperative, which would be the authorized representative for purposes of the On a motion by Supervisor Boothe, Seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously carried, to approve the letter reflecting the commitments to partner on the Appalachian Heights Digital Grant, authorize signature, and recognize that if the $40,000 in in-kind funding doesn't grant. work, the County would provide the match. 9. Public Comment - Chairman Turman read the handicap statement and opened the floor for public comment, with a 4-minute limit. The speakers were as follows: Kerry Whitlock - Little River District Mr. Whitlock is a bus driver for Floyd County Public Schools and has driven the new electric bus for the county. He is concerned about travel on Route 8 due to the brush along the sides of the road. He has to drive in the middle of the road to avoid damaging the bus or limbs coming into the windows and possibly hitting kids. He is also concerned about the roughness of some of the places where he has to pull off the road as well as intersections that may require 4-way stops. -5- Steven Turner- - Franklin County Mr. Turner spoke about the proposed abandonment of 792. He has owned property along this road for around 27 years. His concern is with safety and access. There are two bridges on this road and if one goes out people will not have access to their property. VDOT does a pretty good job of maintaining and getting up downed trees that prevent access. If there is a fire on the Franklin County side, there will not be access if one of the bridges is out or the road is blocked. Chairman Turman declared the public comment period over. 10. Old Business: None 11. Proposed abandonment of discontinued State Route 792 Runnett Bag Road, approximately 1.40 miles, more or less, from the intersection of discontinued State Route 637 tot the Franklin County line application. Supervisor Kuchenbuch made the following statement: "Looking back at the action taken by the Board at the meeting of August 27, 2024, the motion adopted by the Board was ambiguous in that the motion was stated to "not approve" the request. This is ambiguous because it is not clear whether this was tantamount to denying the abandonment request or merely tabling/delaying action on the request. Additionally, because the matter was being advertised for consideration at today's meeting, the best course of action is to rescind the previous action of the Board and consider it today for definitive action with a clearer motion. Therefore, Ir move to rescind the motion taken at the Board meeting of August On a motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, seconded by Supervisor Bechtold and unanimously carried to rescind the motion taken at the Board meeting of August 27, 2024, to not approve the road abandonment of discontinued State Route 792 Runnett Bag Road, approximately 1.4 miles, more or less, from the intersection of discontinued State Route 637 to the Franklin 27,2024, to "not approve" the road abandonment policy. County line application. 6- 12. Closed Session - Onan motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, Seconded by Supervisor Bechtold and unanimously carried to go into Closed Session under $ 2.2-3711 A.1, $2.2-3711 A.5,92.2-3711. A.7and $2.2-3711A.8. a. $2.2-3711A.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 ofany public body; and evaluation of performance of departments or schools of public institutions of higher education where such evaluation will necessarily involve discussion oft the performance of specific individuals.. Any teacher shall be permitted to be present during a closed meeting in which there is a discussion or consideration ofa 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 oft 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. Personnel b. $2.2-3711 A.5-1 Discussion concerning aj prospective business ori industry or the expansion ofan existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made oft the business or industry's interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community. $2.2-3711 A.7- Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, where such consultation or briefing in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture oft the public body. For the purposes oft this subdivision, "probable litigation" means litigation that has been specifically threatened or on which the public body or its legal counsel has a reasonable basis to believe will be commenced by or against a known party. Nothing int this subdivision shall be construed toj permit the closure of a meeting merely because an attorney representing the public body isi in attendance or is consulted on ai matter. Construction Dispute d. $2.2-3711 A.8- Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by aj public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision ofl legal advice by such counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed toj permit the closure ofar meeting merely because an attorney representing the public body is in attendance or is consulted on a matter: Manufacturing Volunteer Rescue Ona a motion by Supervisor Bechtold, Seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously carried, the approval to come out of closed session. -7- Onam motion by Supervisor Boothe, Seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously carried, the Board certified that the Board of Supervisors only discussed those matters that they entered into closed session for. 13. New Business a. Floyd County Tower Lease Onamotion by Supervisor Boothe, Seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously carried, to approve the lease as presented and obtain the appropriate signatures. b. Equalization Board appointment Action was deferred to make appointments until members of the last Equalization Board can be contacted to see if they are interested in continuing to serve on the board. There was a discussion on if the board members have to be advertised before the appointment. On a motion by Supervisor Boothe, Seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously carried, to advertise any open positions of the Equalization Board after contact with the last Ona a motion by Supervisor Bechtold, Seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously carried, to ratify the settlement with Frith Construction as discussed in closed session and authorize the final agreed payment under the construction contract upon execution of a settlement and release agreement in a form to be approved by the county attorney, and to authorize the appropriate staff to execute the settlement agreement on behalf of the county. Ona a motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, Seconded by Supervisor Bechtold and unanimously carried, to deny the application and disapprove the requested abandonment of Runnett Bag Supervisor Bechtold is against abandoning this section of road for future generations because once access is removed, it is removed forever. There was a discussion on reviewing the members to confirm if they wish to continue. Road as well as all advertisements. procedure for future applications requesting any abandonment. 14. Board Time summer. Supervisor Bechtold wanted to thank the staff for all of their hard work during this hard Supervisor Kuchenbuch added that it is nice to see how well the staff works together. 8- Chairman Turman noted the importance of cross-training and is glad that is taking place. Supervisor Boothe wants to discuss the criteria for addressing at the next Board of Supervisors Meeting. The policy requirements may need to be changed to obtain an address. Chairman Turman would like to see what steps need to be taken to get a Code Enforcement Officer. Having this type of officer would help to clean up the county with illegal dumping sites. Discussion was had about the new convenience centers and the usefuiness of a Code Enforcement Officer and cameras in these locations. There was also discussion about the fines associated with the green boxes being pre-payable. 15. County Administrators Report VacO achievement award Moore Road Request Update On a motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, Seconded by Supervisor Bechtold and unanimously carried, the Board voted to authorize the Virginia Department of Transportation to conduct: a 16. Adjournment- On a motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, Seconded by Supervisor Bechtold, and passed unanimously, the Board voted to adjourn until the next meeting on speed study on Moore Road in its entirety. 09/24/2024 at 7:00 p.m. (or soon thereafter). goluma Charman, Joe Turman County Administrator Linda Millsaps -9-