VIRGINIA: At a Work Session of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Patrick, held at the Patrick County Veteran's Memorial Building on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT: Jonathan Wood = Chair, Andrew Overby - Vice-Chair, C. Clayton Kendrick, Jr., Steve Marshall, Doug Perry - Board Members. STAFF PRESENT: Beth Simms, County Administrator; Amy Walker, Clerk; Donna Shough, Assistant County Administrator, Human Resources Director; Lori Jones, Finance Director. Others present: Taylor Boyd - The Enterprise. Jonathan Wood called the meeting to order. Pastor John Franklin, Salem Church gave the invocation. The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Jonathan Wood gave the following statement regarding meeting participation: Welcome to the Patrick County Board of Supervisors meetings, where our local governing body convenes monthly to address community matters that are under the purview of the Board. We uphold civility as a cornerstone of our proceedings and expect all attendees to conduct themselves accordingly. There is always opportunity for public engagement, including scheduled public comment and additional public hearings on specific agenda tems. We encourage active participation from our residents. In addition to these meetings, your Board of Supervisor representative is readily available for communication via email and/or phone outside of the formal session. Please be advised that outbursts or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. We aim to maintain a respectful and productive environment for all attendees. - -1 February 24, 2025 Page 1 Thank you for your cooperation and involvement in shaping the future of our community. Approval of the meeting agenda: Beth Simms recommended to move Old Business before New Business. On a motion by Steve Marshall to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Andrew Overby and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None Old Business: ZITEL = BEAD Grant Letter of Support: Mr. Rodney Gray provided a presentation and requested a letter of support for the BEAD grant application. On a motion by Steve Marshall to approve a resolution of support for the BEAD Grant seconded by Andrew Overby and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None February 24, 2025 Page 2 ZITEL WHERE COUNTRY ROADS AND FIBER MEET ZITEL PARTNERSHIPS BCE MHON FOCUS S ON RURAL ROA EAT a 6 OUR N AS AIOCALY - RCA MB - ARINE WE CANS DO HINCS OUR MPE 1 ORS S UTRIZNG OLUNTEER FD ANDE MSE FACIITIES AS PORS (POINT : PRESG NSEY 0 OF FREEINT TTERNET SERV VICE ANDI PROVEDEL OCAL SUPPORT ND SEPVICE ROM a U - PENDS ANDMEGHBORS WE FoCs ONENGNC SEPACE TORVEAL AREAS BASICALLY ME D FBER WHERE OIKER COMPANES WONT ZITEL'S KEYS TO SUCCESS ZITEL WERE COUNTRY AND FIBER We keep our overhead low We are nottop heavyi in monogement, likel largero corporations andi legocy Telephone Companies. Wec own our own outsideplent construction company We do thingsdifferently thon our competitors We design our processes oduomerelationt onthe way we would want to! be treated by our own providers. Wecant be flexible to our customers and to our local government partners, being nimble allows Us toodjust our plans tor meet the demanding timelinesof Grant funding. Wehaveover? 25 years ofIT and Network Security experience behind our decision making process. February 24, 2025 Page 3 Existing. ZITEL andVATI2022B0i14: lin Bedford County Totol Curren ActiveFiber Esimated tolal completionMorch? 2025 Approx 875MllesofF Fiber Approx 15,392poming Approx 2995 Subiriben Approx 1000 VATFundeds Subs ZITEL privatef fundingl Investment inbedford County to date $11.950,000.00 - DEPLOYMENT PROCESS Dabiedtghwin-Aetor orburieddedslon (2 to6 wecks) Pockets develops ond organized in build order (2104wecks) Permibpulled - detign submitted 1OVDOT or AEP (2t0 12 weeks or more) MisUrlity contacted ond area marked (4 to7doys) Construction of main line - (upwords of 2to1 12 wecks) Moinline ground restorotion (1 to2wecks) Splicing and customer drops begin - Isplicing 2 to3 weeks) drops are ongoing. Instollation -(to4hours) 111039 Weeks startiofinish. February 24, 2025 Page 4 KIR Floyd ahd Carroll 4128 Patiek ten 24171 - o Current Pricing and Service Structure Residentiall Essentiols 100 Business Essentiols 100 $54.99 Month $89.99 Month Uplol 100MbS Download UpTo 100Mbs Downlood Up Tol 100Mbs Upload Uplol 100Mbs Upload Residenfial Deluxe300 Business Ultimato 500 $69.99/ Month $159,991 Month UpTo300Mbs Download Up To 500Mbs Downlood Up To300Mbs Upload UpTos 500Mbs Upload Residential Extreme 1000 Business Extreme 1000 $97.99 Month $279.99 /Month Up To 1Gbs Download Upl To 1Gbs Download Up Tol Gbs Upload Upl To 1Gbs Upload Enterprise Rotes Vary based on Construction, but approximately fall at $1.00 per Meg-o-bit FreeBosic Instollation FreeONT (modem)usoge $10.99per monthE Equipment Fee outer $12. 99F per onth Eqvipment Fee Vi Extender $149.99- Exioncedinstallaion February 24, 2025 Page 5 New Low Income Offering *coming Soon Residential Basic 50 29.99 / Month Up To 50Mbs Download Up To 50Mbs Upload Double the FCC Definifion of Broadband This Planis only available to those that qualify for the ACP (affordable Connectivity Program) forlowi income families and will be a completely free infernet package. WHAT'S NEW FOR 2025 / 2026 FOR ZITEL 10GBPS ZTEL ZTEL. XGS-PON BUSINESS CLOUD IOGIG-ABYTETOT THE HOME ZITEL BUSINESSTO LAUNCH ZITEL CLOUD TOLAUNCH n our par n optolounch) 10Gg XGS Mih TEL e ZTELCloud ll ff online PONservicest for deployment next yeor Our toou conhove single Mng for ond bock hup services currerly fiberi infios veture sfully copoble VoIP for bvinest we -ill ofier col WS of supporing rhese exponded speeds Ths ed os F low hemior urchos hoved Servers di > VT omers os choose - 2.5 GIGt00 40GB locote fiber servers bock sin bone ovr dotos onnect remer lons P OGIGaircuit. February 24, 2025 Page 6 WHERE COUNTRY ROADS AND FIBER MEET ZITEL We understand thei issues of building in the rural oreos of Virginic. 1000 dropincluded for free. Slperf foot costO above the 1000 mork. Flexi bility on thotc cost to work with our customers, Enter into o controct lerm-receives 025%d discount ons the drop.cos Willdivide thot cosT monthly over he length of the term with NOTHING due of he ime of insiall QUESTIONS? February 24, 2025 Page 7 COUNTY OF PATRICK Board of Supervisors February 10, 2025 Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Director Office of Broadband Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development 600 East Main Street, Ste 300 Richmond, VA 23219 RE: BEAD Application Letter of Support for ZITEL LLC Dear Dr. Holmes: I am writing to express the Patrick County Board of Supervisors' support for ZITEL LLC's application for BEAD funding to extend their fiber network in the County. Patrick County currently has dozens of BEAD eligible locations within ZITEL's existing build areas. As you are aware, the County continues to work to address gaps in broadband access. Many of our residents still lack reliable high-speed internet, which is essential for education, economic development, and overall quality of life. The BEAD funding would enable ZITEL to expand their services and address this critical need in our community and the rural portions of Virginia. By means of this letter, the Patrick County Board of Supervisors is acknowledging our support of ZITEL's BEAD applications to expand FTTH services in our County. We hope for your favorable consideration of their application(s), which will help meet the urgent broadband needs of our residents. Thank you for your attention tothis matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me ifyou require additional information or support. Sincerely, bualtue - ( Chairman, Patrick County Board of Supervisors Cc: Patrick County Administration ZITELI LLC The Countye of Patrick will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color; sex, national origin, age, marital or Deteran status, medical condition orl handicap, or any other status protected by laus Wec are an Equal Opportunity Employer P.O.I Box 466 1061 Rucker Street . Stuart. Virginia 24171 Telephone: (276) 694-6094 . Fax: (276) 694- 2160 Mtpelwscepatrichiew February 24, 2025 Page 8 New Business: Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates = Audit Report: Mr. Scott Wickham provided the annual audit report. He provided a couple of minor findings but the County received an unmodified opinion overall. See file. Budget Discussion: Doug Perry asked where the Comp Board salary reimbursements are listed. Lori Jones reported that the reimbursements are shown in the summary pages as well as revenues. Clayton Kendrick stated that he couldn't understand the budget this year and asked if the deficit was in red on page 4. He also noted that the contribution to Feeding Southwest Virginia doesn't stay in Patrick County. Jonathan Wood asked if Patrick & Henry Community Colege/Community Center was contributing to the maintenance costs on page 58. The costs are not being reimbursed. Beth Simms stated that a Memorandum of Understanding was underway and that would define the responsible parties. Andrew Overby requested total expenses of all County cell phones and land line phones. Lori Jones reported that internet service is also listed in the land lines line item. He would also like all expenses for vehicles, information technology, fuel, and phones. Clayton Kendrick asked about the health insurance. Donna Shough stated that bids had gone out and Sam Irby with Innovative Group would be at the next Board meeting to discuss health insurance. She also noted that the broker's fees do not impact the cost of health insurance. Jonathan Wood asked if the local Health Department contribution was required. Lori Jones confirmed that the contribution was required. Clayton Kendrick pointed out that the PARC Workshop and Developmental Center requests has both increased over last year. Jonathan Wood asked for clarification on what is included in the Blue Ridge Library request. Beth Simms stated the request covers everything except the building and maintenance. The Library request for this year was 5% increase. Jonathan Wood stated that he would like to keep the increase at 3%. - February 24, 2025 Page 9 Doug Perry requested if the maintenance is included in the Rotary lease. Beth Simms confirmed that the Rotary lease falls under Parks & Recreation and the maintenance is the County's responsibility. Andrew Overby stated there was no justification for the Patrick County Education Foundation contribution of $110,000 and wanted to confirm if that was for the Patrick Promise. Beth Simms confirmed. The Board decided to remove the contribution for Feeding Southwest Virginia and reduce Library funding to a 3% increase. Jonathan Wood asked if the Piedmont Community Services Behavioral Health Specialist was required. The three regional counties (Patrick, Franklin, Henry) agreed to fund the position. Jonathan Wood asked about the Legal Aid Society request. Jonathan Wood asked about the 13% increase in salaries for Economic Development. Beth Simms confirmed that due to the Economic Development and Tourism staffing changes, the line item now consists of 1.5 positions instead of the one position. Andrew Overby asked for the total of all proposed salary raises. Lori Jones reported that the total $472,159, including Comp Board positions and several other part- time positions. $309,977 after Comp Board reimbursements. Sheriff Dan Smith spoke regarding the Sheriff's Office budget stating that the ability to recruit certified employees is becoming more difficult. Other agencies are recruiting local Sheriff's deputies which could debilitate his office. He is trying to remain competitive in the law enforcement field. The medical, labs, and supplies for operations has been an increasing expense. The State has been asked to help with the overwhelming medical expenses of a certain inmate. The Sheriff has been pushing to have all inmates enrolled in the Affordable Care Act which should help reduce the medical expenses. Jonathan Wood referred to the Economic Development contributions and asked what did the line-item cover. Beth Simms stated that it was for incentives for large business employers who apply for State grants, this is the matching portion. n February 24, 2025 Page 10 Clayton Kendrick questioned the salaries of Economic Development and Tourism. Beth Simms explained that it was to cover the split position between Tourism and Economic Development. Jonathan Wood questioned the number of cell phones between Economic Development and Tourism. Beth Simms stated that the two employees both have cell phones due to the amount of out of office work. Doug Perry stated that the Transient Occupancy Tax is covering almost all of the Tourism expenses. Beth Simms explained that 60% of the tax is applied to fund tourism. Jonathan Wood noted that the Board could increase the tax to 7 cents to help with the General Fund. Jonathan Wood referred to the Extension Office salaries and asked how much was County funded. Lori Jones will confirm the individual salaries and increases with the department. He also pointed to the Department of Social Services where increases were shown up to 7%. Lori Jones explained that there was a 3% increase plus a merit increase that is available, which is included in their comp plan provided to the State. Clayton Kendrick stated that the County previously gave a merit increase to employees but it was stopped. He asked why the merit increase has continued with DSS. Beth Simms stated that DSS has a comp plan in place with the State and that they have a couple of options to pay their employees, one is a merit increase, which is what they chose to do. Clayton Kendrick asked about the Ararat dams and why there is such a projected increase over the next several years. Beth Simms reported that a lot of catch-up work is being completed and is needed to get them up and operational. There are also grants that are being applied for to help fund the work needed. Jonathan Wood asked about the capital improvement projects for the dams which includes a tractor. Beth Simms explained that due to the elevation, using a standard mower was highly dangerous. He asked if it was possible to obtain bids to outsource the work. Clayton Kendrick noted that there was only one bid for the tractor. Clayton Kendrick noted that a zero-turn mower was requested. Beth Simms stated it was for the Recreation department. She also stated that Mr. McGuinness was compiling a list of equipment that could be sold as surplus. 1 February 24, 2025 Page 11 Jonathan Wood asked about the voter equipment costs for the next three years. Beth Simms stated that the equipment is required by the State. Once the County has adopted a capital plan, these types of expenses can be budgeted over a number of years. Clayton Kendrick stated that the Adult Education building needs significant repairs. He also pointed out the Transfer Station scales quote was much less. Andrew Overby noted that there were no vehicles on the capital projects list. Beth Simms stated that Administration is working on a fleet management system. He asked how many ambulances Station 8 has. Scottie Cassell confirmed there are three ambulances, one of which isn't operational and the other two have over 100,000 miles. One of the two operational trucks is in the shop for repairs due to the fuel having moisture and the pump freezing and bursting. Jonathan Wood asked about a generator for the County Administration building. Beth Simms reported that a grant has been applied for but won't know the outcome for several months. Andrew Overby requested to strike until the grant award is known. After much discussion, Doug Perry requested that the expense be left in the budget. Beth Simms recommended a capital expenses fund SO infrastructure expenses can be budgeted for. Jonathan Woods asked about the vinyl flooring at the community center/P&HCC building and asked that upkeep of the building be included in the MOU with P&HCC. He also pointed out the carpet in the Courthouse. Lori Jones noted that the Courthouse maintenance fund would also contribute to the improvements. Scottie Cassell reported that he is obtaining quotes on ambulances. Jonathan Wood requested that the Recreation department provide additional quotes for mowers. Andrew Overby requested alternatives to purchasing a tractor for use at the dams. Andrew Overby asked for background information on the Administration building security expense. Beth Simms reported that after having a meeting with the Judges who preside in the building, it was determined that there are needs for increased security. A grant for funding was applied for; however, was not rewarded. Andrew Overby stated February 24, 2025 Page 12 that the cost listed would not cover the actual job. Clayton Kendrick said he didn't see the need for everything that was listed. A control at the main entrance of the building and reduction of other entrances would work. Andrew Overby stated that he didn't want to see the County incur additional increased costs for maintenance of the system in the future. Beth Simms reported that a tiered quote would be obtained. Jonathan Wood stated that he wants to see the Board contribute to the Patrick County Education Association (Patrick Promise). Closed Meeting: Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia, Doug Perry moved that the Board convene in closed meeting pursuant to Virginia Code section 2.2-3711(a)(1) to discuss and consider the following personnel matters: Planning Commission = Mayo River, At-Large X 2 Stormwater Board of Appeals - At-Large Public Service Authority = Blue Ridge West Piedmont Planning District Commission = At-Large Dan River Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) = At-Large, seconded by Andrew Overby and carried unanimously. WHEREAS, the Patrick County Board of Supervisors has convened an executive meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and WHEREAS, Section 2.1-344.1 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Board that such executive meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Patrick County Board of Supervisors does hereby certify that, to the best of each member's knowledge, only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting was heard, discussed or considered by the Board, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Patrick County Board of Supervisors does hereby certify that, to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were February 24, 2025 Page 13 discussed in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution applies. Roll Call: Marshall = aye Kendrick - aye Perry = aye Overby = aye Wood = aye Reconvene: Doug Perry moved that the Patrick County Board of Supervisors return to open session, seconded by Andrew Overby and carried unanimously. Roll Call: Marshall - aye Kendrick = aye Perry = aye Overby - aye Wood = aye Doug Perry moved to certify that to the best of each member's knowledge (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion to enter into closed session were heard, discussed or considered during the closed session seconded by Andrew Overby. Roll Call: Marshall - aye Kendrick = aye Perry = aye Overby - aye Wood = aye February 24, 2025 Page 14 Action: On a motion by Clayton Kendrick to appoint Janet Rorrer of the Mayo River District to serve a four-year term on the Planning Commission seconded by Steve Marshall and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None On a motion by Andrew Overby to appoint Vance Agee, at-large member to serve a four-year term on the Planning Commission seconded by Clayton Kendrick and carried 3:2. Voting Aye: Kendrick, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: Marshall, Perry On a motion by Andrew Overby to appoint Ed Pool, at-large member to serve a four-year term on the Planning Commission seconded by Clayton Kendrick and carried 3:2. Voting Aye: Kendrick, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: Marshall, Perry On a motion by Clayton Kendrick to appoint Jerry Adams to serve a three-year term on the West Piedmont Planning District Commission Board seconded by Steve Marshall and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None On a motion by Clayton Kendrick to appoint Bryce Simmons to serve a four-year term on the Stormwater Board of Appeals seconded by Steve Marshall and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None February 24, 2025 Page 15 Adjourn: On a motion by Andrew Overby to adjourn until March 10, 2025 seconded by Clayton Kendrick and carried unanimously. Voting Aye: Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby, Wood Voting Nay: None ath 1 L Jonathan Wood, Chairman February 24, 2025 Page 16