VIRGINIA: AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TAZEWELL COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HELD FEBRUARY 4, 2025 AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. IN THE TAZEWELL COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 197 MAIN STREET, TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA 24651 PRESENT: AARON GILLESPIE, CHAIRMAN KYLE CRUEY, VICE-CHAIRPERSON ANDY HROVATIC, MEMBER CHUCK PRESLEY, MEMBER SHANNA PLASTER, MEMBER C. ERIC YOUNG, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR CHASE D. COLLINS, COUNTY ATTORNEY SUSAN JEWELL, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MEMBERS OF THE PRESS: JIM TALBERT, RICHLANDS NEWS & PRESS, WARREN HINKLE, THE VOICE ABSENT: None MINUTES Chairman, Aaron Gillespie called the regular meeting to order and presided with all other members present. Supervisor Hrovatic led The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag followed by the invocation given by Supervisor Cruey. Chairman Gillespie welcomed those in attendance and citizens who were participating by conference call. Citizens were able to call in and participate in the meeting by calling (425) 436-6388 and entering the access code 836650. AGENDA APPROVED AS AMENDED The Chairperson called for any additions/deletions to the agenda. Eric Young, County Administrator, requested to add two (2) additional items to the second executive session: A(1) Personnel in Administration A(1) Personnel in Administration Upon motion of Supervisor Cruey, seconded by Supervisor Plaster and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors approved the February 4, 2025 amended agenda with additions/deletions, a copy of which is available at the County Administration Office, 197 Main Street, Tazewell, Virginia 24651. MINUTES APPROVED AS WRITTEN Upon motion of Supervisor Hrovatic, seconded by Supervisor Presley and adopted by a vote of5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 Page 1 Supervisors hereby approves the minutes from the January 7, 2025 meeting. A copy is available in the County Administration Office, 197 Main Street, Tazewell, Virginia 24651. CONSENT CALENDAR Upon motion of Supervisor Presley seconded by Supervisor Hrovatic and adopted by a vote of5 to 0 with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves all items of the Consent Calendar. The County Administrator is authorized to issue warrants in accordance with this action and said warrants shall be converted to negotiable checks by the Treasurer of Tazewell County, Virginia. Consent Calendar (All items on the consent calendar are considered to be routine matters. The following items may be enacted by one motion, with the concurrence ofthe Board ofSupervisors, ai member may request that an item be removed for further discussion) A. Approval of Warrants B. County Departments - Transfer the following amounts from the Contingent Expenditures and Grant Account No. 91050-7041 to various department accounts as shown on the attached table. C. Ratify poll to approve United Way individual assistance agreement for Hurricane Helene Flood victims D. Ratify poll to increase an IT phone stipend from $50 to $100 monthly E. Consider a refund of $18,718.00 to Oxford Square Virginia LP for overpayment BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 minutes * Page 2 Consent Calendar Items February 4, 2025 Meeting REVISED Source Check # To Acct Amt Description VaCorp 632038 32010-8105 $36,378.00 1987 Spartan VIN 5217 damage Angie Christian 5791 035600-8109-15 $15.00 Project Lifesaver donation Timothy G. 1986 035600-8109-15 $45.00 Project Lifesaver Honaker donation VaCorp 633218 31020-6009 $1306.97 TCSO vehicle repair Natasha Hunt 5019 73010-1150 $200.00 TCPL payroll reimbursement VAWSMRA 1003 31020-6010 $500.00 DARE donation Dominion Auto 31020-8105 $3027.00 Sale of TCSO vehicle Dominion Auto 31020-8101 $8903.00 Sale of TCSO vehicle Dominion Auto 31020-6009 $23.000.00 Sale of TCSO vehicle Bedford County 9090380 31020-5510 $647.80 ICAC class reimbursement VaCorp 633698 31020-6009 $2512.35 TCSO 2014 Taurus repair CofVA 25923949 31020-5510 $120.00 TCSO meeting reimbursement VaCorp 633209 035600-3310-1 $16335.45 Storm repair to tower site VaCorp 635936 32010-6009 $6231.51 AVVFD pumper truck repair VIN 2176 CMCS 246718 31020-1150 $1191.30 CITAC reimbursement BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 Page3 DEPARTMENT REPORTS Engineering - Kenneth Dunford New landfill cell Mr. Dunford announced that the new cell is 2/3 complete as of this date and can be used for waste disposal. He stated that waste diversion can be stopped within the week. Supervisor Gillespie thanked Mr. Dunford for his hard work on the landfill project. Landfill waste diversion Upon motion of Supervisor Hrovatic, seconded by Supervisor Plaster and adopted by a vote of5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves $4,260.20 to pay Bluefield, WV pursuant to the disposal agreement for diversion of waste to Mercer landfill. Safer Streets grant Mr. Dunford asked the members of the Safer Streets grant committee to provide available dates SO interviews can be scheduled. IT equipment surplus Mr. Dunford provided a list ofIT equipment that is being removed from service as part of the updates that are being performed on our current network. He asked that the items be approved for surplus to allow the items to be either be discarded or sold on the www.deals.gov website. The Chairman asked that the list ofitems be made a part oft the record of this meeting. A copy is available at the County Administration Office, 197 Main Street, Tazewell, Virginia 24651. Upon motion of Supervisor Presley, seconded by Supervisor Gillespie and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves the list of IT equipment for surplus and sale or discard. Convenience stations Supervisor Gillespie asked Mr. Dunford to evaluate the Thompson Valley convenience center and see if there could be an additional dumpster there or whether the current arrangement might be altered for better use. Mr. Dunford advised he will need to confer with Capital Watse regarding the matter. Brian Earls precinct update Mr. Earls approached the Board with a request to move the Mundytown polling location. He stated that issues have arisen with the current Mundytown polling location regarding availability of the portion of the building used on Election Day. Mr. Earls' office has secured a convenient alternate location 34 miles from the current location, which is a new building and ADA compliant. Supervisor Cruey asked Mr. Earls whether there is a location more central to the Baptist Valley area. Mr. Earls stated that the new location is merely 34 mile from the old location and has a better building and parking area than the current location. Upon motion of Supervisor Cruey, seconded by Supervisor Presley and adopted by a vote of 4 to 0, with all members present, Supervisor Gillespie abstaining and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves holding a public hearing in March and April 2025 regarding moving the Mundytown polling location to Adria Road. BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 minutes Page 4 County Attorney, Chase Collins, confirmed with Mr. Earls that these requested changes do not cause any voter to travel more than 20 minutes to their respective polling location nor are there any inconveniences to Mr. Earls' office staff. The County Administrator recommended that a rental/lease agreement be in place for each polling location prior to actually approving the move. Mr. Earls explained that the current Amonate polling location presents some safety concerns regarding a slick surface at the entry of the building and other issues of disrepair regarding the building, which is now only used as a polling location. He stated there is also considerable expense for the telephone requirement at that location. Mr. Earls suggested that the Amonate precinct be dissolved and voting be diverted to the Bandy location and the Mundytown location, based upon where the Amonate voters' residences are located. He stated that there is no additional travel time or distance for the Amonate voters. Supervisor Cruey asked if other locations within the Amonate community could be considered, particularly church buildings. Mr. Earls responded that parking areas at the churches are some distance from the buildings themselves. Supervisor Cruey said he would discuss it further with Mr. Earls prior to approving any change, but would be willing to hold a hearing on the matter. Upon motion of Supervisor Cruey, seconded by Supervisor Presley and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves holding a public hearing in March and April 2025 regarding moving the Mundytown polling location and dissolving the Amonate precinct by diverting Amonate voters to Bandy and Mundytown precincts. EXECUTIVECLOSED MEETING - 4:48 pm Upon motion of Supervisor Gillespie, seconded by Supervisor Cruey and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof, the Board enters into an Executive/Closed meeting and invites all persons necessary to conduct business in this session, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711. Executive/Closed Meeting - Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 A( 7) Discussion regarding diabetes prescription cost litigation A( 5) Potential new business or expansion: Project FIND A(29) Contract negotiations regarding landfill construction A(29) Contract negotiations w/ Springville FD building engineer BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 Page 5 RETURN/CERTIFICATION/REPORT OF ACTION - 6:15 pm The Board of Supervisors returned to public session and Supervisor Hrovatic read the following certification: CERTIICATION OF EXECUTIVE/CLOSED MEETING TAZEWELL COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS WHEREAS, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors has convened an executive/closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative vote and in accordance with The Virginia Freedom ofInformation Act; and WHEREAS, 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Board of Supervisors that such executive/closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE: IT RESOLVED, that the Tazewell County Board ofSupervisors hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed ini the executive/closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors. The Chairman called for a roll call vote with the following votes hereby recorded. The Chair called for a roll call vote on the Certification: Ayes: Five (5) Nays: None (0) Absent: None (0) Absent during vote: None (0) Report of Action: One (1) ACTION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion of Supervisor Gillespie, seconded by Supervisor Hrovatic and adopted by a vote of5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves funding the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority the amount of $125,000.000 from contingency for Project FIND, dependent upon (1) the IDA match said funding for Project FIND; (2) Project FIND executing a lease with the IDA for Bluestone Industrial Park shell building pursuant to the terms negotiated between them; and (3) final legal review. Mr. Young announced that time did not permit all topics be addressed in the first executive session and asked that all three (3) personnel issues be taken upi in the second executive session as indicated on the original agenda. PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinance exempting military/police K9 officer. from rabies tag. fee The Chairman called to order a public hearing that was duly advertised according to law for an ordinance to exempt military/police K9 officers from rabies tag fee in Tazewell County. Chase Collins, County Attorney, explained the purpose of the public hearing. The Chairman asked for clarification regarding whether the K9 officer be retired, active or either. Mr. Collins stated that the ordinance is for either active or retired K9 officers. BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 minutes Page 6 The Chairman called for public comments from the floor. The Chairman called a second and third time for additional public comments from the floor. Hearing none, the Chairman closed the public hearing. Upon motion of Supervisor Cruey, seconded by Supervisor Hrovatic and adopted by a vote of5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves an ordinance exempting military/police K9 officer from rabies tag fee. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Chief Barry. Brooks - fire protection presentation At the County Administrator's request, this matter is deferred until the March 4, 2025 meeting. Graham High School Cheerleaders resolution This resolution was tabled until the March 4, 2025 meeting at Supervisor Presley's request. Christina Shinall resolution Supervisor Cruey advised that Ms. Shinall is currently hospitalized but stated he wished to proceed with the reading and vote ofthe resolution SO it can be presented to Ms. Shinall at a later date. A copy is available at the County Administration Office, 197 Main Street, Tazewell, Virginia 24651. Upon motion of Supervisor Cruey, seconded by Supervisor Presley and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves a resolution honoring Christina Shinall for her service to TCSO as a dispatcher. Denny Hayes/Kayla Fallon veteran equine program Mr. Hayes presented information regarding the need for a veteran's equine program as an avenue for veteran counselling/therapy. Mr. Young suggested that Cavitts Creek is an ideal location for the project and requested to meet with Mr. Hayes and Dave White at the location for further evaluation. Mr. Young reminded the Boad that in January, another organization had offered a similar program. Supervisor Hrovatic suggested the Board move forward with Trails of Purpose and not delay. He recommended negotiation with both organizations. Jeff Buchanan = VDOT snow removal Erica Miller, VDOT Administrator for the Lebanon residency, presented information regarding snow removal services provided by VDOT. Upon motion of Supervisor Cruey, seconded by Supervisor Plaster and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves temporarily suspending Roberts Rules of Order SO that the agenda may be addressed out of order for efficiency. ADMINISTRATVEFINNCIALCOUNTY PROJECTS UPDATE Consider extending State of Emergency until March 4, 2025 County Administrator, Eric Young, advised that a State of Emergency due to Hurricane Helene is no longer necessary and asked that it be permitted to expire on this date. BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 * Page 7 Storm recovery update Mr. Young announced that United Way raised $47,000.00 for flood relief in Tazewell County's name, which will be used to assist county residents that were negatively affected by Hurricane Helene and an accounting provided to United Way upon completion of the grant. From a recent meeting with David Taylor of DSS and Robin Boyd ofCVCA, Mr. Young reports that replacement oflost refrigerated/frozen foods is the most common request being as many of those suffering the loss have a fixed income and find it difficult to replace the food items. Mr. Young asked the Board members their thoughts on howt to best use the money. After discussion, the Board recommended that the money go toward supplemental SNAP appropriation, administered by Tazewell County DSS. Upon motion of Supervisor Plaster, seconded by Supervisor Presley and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves using the $47,000.00 United Way grant for supplemental SNAP benefits for current SNAP recipients who suffered food loss during Hurricane Helene to be administered by Tazewell County DSS. Landfill update Mr. Young stated this matter was addressed in Mr. Dunford's report. Repair/removal of dilapidated structures Mr. Young shared information regarding a meeting he recently attended in Bluefield, Virginia addressing dilapidated structures. He explained that $250,000.00 is appropriated in the draft budget to address the situation in Tazewell County. Consider acceptance of dog/cat sterilization funds from DMV Upon motion of Supervisor Plaster, seconded by Supervisor Presley and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board ofSupervisors hereby approves transferring to Crab Orchard Veterinary Hospital the donation from DMV from Animal Friendly license plate purchases for which the proceeds will be used for spay/neuter of animals adopted from the Tazewell County Animal Shelter at a discount to the adopting owner. Consider donation of $50K from apparatus line item to BVVFD for purchase offire truck Upon motion ofSupervisor Plaster, seconded by Supervisor Cruey and adopted by. a vote of5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board ofs Supervisors hereby approves a donation of$50,000.00 to BVVFD from the fire apparatus line item for the purchase of a 2000 F-550 truck. Consider surplus of 1987 Spartan Gladiator Grumman VIN 159476D0IHCI8S217 Upon motion of Supervisor Cruey, seconded by Supervisor Presley and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board ofs Supervisors hereby approves surplus of a 1987 Spartan Gladiator Grumman VIN 159AT6DO1HC18217 for donation to AVVFD. Consider accepting donation from Town of Bluefield Upon motion of Supervisor Cruey, seconded by Supervisor Presley and adopted by a vote of 4 to 0, with all members present, Supervisor Cruey abstaining and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 minutes Page 8 of Supervisors hereby approves accepting a 2014 Ford Explorer VIN FAHP2MK2EGI689, having been surplused by the Town of Bluefield to TCSO. Consider holding a public hearing to establish the real property tax rate. for 2025 Mr. Young stated that he recommends the real property tax rate remain the same and that a public hearing be held in March 2025 regarding the same. Upon motion of Supervisor Plaster, seconded by Supervisor Hrovatic and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves holding a public hearing at the March 2025 to establish the real property tax rate for 2025. IDA member attendance Mr. Young relayed concerns from the IDA regarding the attendance of one of their members. He stated this member has only attended one meeting since being appointed in June 2024. The Couty Attorney advised the IDA member's position on that authority may be revoked after having missed three consecutive meetings or having missing four meetings within a twelve-month period. Supervisor Cruey stated he will attempt to make contact with the member and determine whether she plans to return to the IDA meetings. State meals tax authorization Mr. Young talked about the previously failed meals tax referendum and explained that the Code of Virginia now allows the County to enact a meals tax by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. He stated that the lack of funding and resources for fire apparatus, ambulances and TCSO vehicles is a growing problem for the county. He asked that the Board hold a public hearing to enact a meals tax to annually fund fire apparatus, ambulances, TCSO vehicles and a part time paid fire department. Mr. Young explained that the lack of volunteers for our rescue squads and fire departments may one day impact a large-scale emergency which we might not be equipped to manage efficiently. He advised that a meals tax could potentially bring in approximately $1m per year and explained that this tax would not add additional tax to eating establishment located in any ofthe towns, only at those establishments located elsewhere in the county. Mr. Collins shared that the rate may be set anywhere from one-half of 1% up to the maximum of 6%. Supervisor Cruey spoke against the meals tax stating that the citizens of the county made their wishes known when they voted against the referendum several years ago. Supervisor Presley shared his experience with the meals tax enacted in the Town of Bluefield. He stated that the tax burden was borne mostly by people that didn'tlive in the town limits, such as shoppers from outside the town who choose to eat while they visited and shopped within the town limits. Supervisor Hrovatic expressed his dislike of taxes and stated that the choice has to be made between finding new revenue or cutting services. Supervisor Plaster stated she doesn't like the meals tax but realizes that lack of funding for our emergency services is a major issue for the county. She praised the D.A.D Fire Department and other volunteer firefighters that came to the aid of Richlands Elementary School and helped pump flood waters away from the school to prevent flooding and damage to the new gym floor. She acknowledged the sacrifices the volunteers make on a daily basis and expressed her heartfelt appreciation to them. BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 Page 9 Upon motion of Supervisor Presley, seconded by Supervisor Hrovatic and adopted by a vote of 4 to 1, with Supervisor Cruey voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves holding public hearings in March 2025 and April 2025 to consider the imposition of a meals tax in an amount of up to 6%. CITIZEN COMMENTS = SCHEDULED Robert Carlson, North Tazewell, Virginia spoke regarding toxic chemicals associated with solar panels. CITIZEN COMMENTS - UNSCHEDULED There were no unscheduled citizen comments. Consider potential earmark applications The County Administrator explained that the term "earmark" means congressionally directed spending and that it isn't quite clear whether or not those funds will be available this year. He further stated that last year, the County applied for several grants from the earmarks and were awarded one of those grants. Mr. Young announced that applications for earmarks will open soon. He asked for suggestions regarding possible projects. Consider terminating custodial contract Mr. Young explained that the quality of work provided by the current cleaning company has diminished and requested to terminate the contract with that company and hire a part-time county custodial staff to provide cleaning services to the administration building, Commonwealth Attorney offices and the building official's offices. Upon motion of Supervisor Presley, seconded by Supervisor Cruey and adopted by a vote of 4 to 0, with all members present, Supervisor Gillespie abstaining and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves terminating the current custodial contract with Sparkle & Shine and instead hire a part-time county custodial staff to provide cleaning services to the administration building, Commonwealth Attorney offices and the building official's offices and to help elsewhere if needed. Opioid. Abuse. Abatement Committee update According to Mr. Young, advertisements were solicited for companies to provide residential rehabilitation house in Tazewell County and three (3) companies responded. A subcommittee was appointed to interview those housing agencies and it is expected that a choice will be announced at the March 2025 meeting. Consider advertising. for natural gas extension feasibility study Mr. Young announced that the County was awarded a $100k grant to conduct a feasibility study regarding the extension of a natural gas line from Pounding Mill to the Russell County line. He asked for a motion authorizing the advertisement for firms to conduct the study. He also said the $100k grant may not cover the cost of the study in its entirety. Upon motion of Supervisor Hrovatic, seconded by Supervisor Plaster and adopted by a vote of5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes advertisement for firms to conduct a feasibility study to extend a natural gas line from Pounding Mill to the Russell County line Mr. Young asked that a committee to evaluate the proposals be selected at this time. BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 minutes Page 10 Supervisor Plaster and Supervisor Hrovatic agreed to serve on that committee. Airport. Agreeemtnt Mr. Collins announced that the Tazewell County Airport Authority wishes to borrow $500,000.00 through the Virgina Resources Authority Virginia Airport Revolving Fund to purchase bonds for the purpose of erecting a new hanger on the airport property. He stated the County is required to enter into a non-binding support agreement to do SO., which requires the adoption of a resolution authorizing the execution f an agreement providing for non-binding obligation of Tazewell Couty, Virgina to consider certain appropriations to the Tazewell County Airport Authority and agree that certain matter related to the issuance and sale of revenue bonds ofthe Tazewell County Airport Authority to the Virgina Resources Authority. Supervisor Hrovatic shared that the Airport Authority was awarded $500,000.00 from the FAA and Virginia Aviation for capital improvements and this additional money would help to build a new hanger. Upon motion of Supervisor Hrovatic, seconded by Supervisor Gillespie and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes the adoption of a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement providing for non-binding obligation of Tazewell Couty, Virgina to consider certain appropriations to the Tazewell County Airport Authority and agree that certain matter related to the issuance and sale of revenue bonds of the Tazewell County Airport Authority to the Virgina Resources Authority. Mr. Collins recommended a second motion to authorize the Chairman of the BOS to execute the support agreement "Tazewell County Airport Authority" on behalf of the Tazewell County Board ofSupervisors. The Tazewell County Airport Authority adopted this at their last meeting according to Mr. Collins. Upon motion of Supervisor Hrovatic, seconded by Supervisor Gillespie and adopted by a vote of: 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby authorize the Chairman of the BOS to execute the support agreement "Tazewell County Airport Authority" on behalf oft the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors. Convenience stations Mr. Young explained that he has been contacted several times recently regarding the condition of the Baptist Valley convenience station because of out-of-state trash, large items discarded and a dirty area. Mr. Collins stated that he contacted the Community Criminal Justice Board and asked that this matter be placed on their meeting agenda to address stronger penalties through the courts in order to help curb the situation. Supervisor Plaster suggested installing cameras similar to the traffic cameras used for detecting speeding and/or running signal lights, which then sends a ticket or bill to the offender. Supervisor Gillespie stated that collecting the fines and fees presents a problem for the courts. Supervisor Cruey expressed conçern that being stricter about the convenience stations could cause people to dump the garbage beside the road or over a hill, creating a situation that requires cleanup. The County Administrator said one possibility might be to decrease the number of convenience station sites, therefore decreasing the County's cost enough to hire one person to man the remaining convenience stations on ai rotating basis. BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 Page 11 Other Mr. Collins added that he researched the status oft the solar bill that is before the House (House Bill 2126) was passed by indefinitely and a State Senate companion bill (SB 1190) was voted down 20-19. Mr. Young mentioned that the Extension Office sent a funding request for 4H camp scholarships for the 2025 summer camp. The Chairman deferred this matter until the March 2025 meeting. Mr. Young also mentioned a request for a letter of support from GigaBeam internet provider and he did not know where the service area would be to extend services to another area ofthe county). The Chairman suggested going ahead and approving the support letter. Upon motion of Supervisor Gillespie, seconded by Supervisor Cruey and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby approves a letter of support for a grant application being made by GigaBeam for the purpose of extending internet service (to a different area of the county). Also, Mr. Young shared information about a $75.00 funding request from SonShine Preschool for a Trike-A- Thon fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Hospital. This matter was deferred until the March 2025 meeting. Appointments Fire/Rescue Board This matter is deferred until the March 4, 2025 meeting. Tourism This matter is deferred until the March 4, 2025 meeting. Workforce Investment Board Mr. Young explained that Supervisor Cruey has become overloaded with multiple committee/board commitments and has asked that he be removed from the Workforce Investment Board and another BOS member take his place. Upon motion of Supervisor Gillespie, seconded by Supervisor Cruey and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board ofSupervisors hereby approves appointing Shanna Plaster to serve on the Workforce Investment Board. BOARD CONCERNS Supervisor Gillespie Supervisor Gillespie stated he feels the Board has explored some good plans for solving the trash problem. Supervisor Presley Supervisor Presley lightly touched on multiple subjects and gave updates regarding: Fenner Dunlop possible expansion; Bluestone Gas project had first contractor interviews; PSA's stronger financial situation; recording BOS meetings; more safety features for the Courthouse and dilapidated structures. BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 minutes * Page 12 Supervisor Plaster Supervisor Plaster expressed her gratitude to the volunteer firemen that came to help pump water away from Richlands Middle School and helped prevent flood damage to the new gym floor. Supervisor Cruey Supervisor Cruey advised that Appalachian Power Rate Reduction Act (HB 2621) passed today and thanked Delegate Morefield and Senator Hackworth for their help. Supervisor Hrovatic Supervisor Hrovatic repeated Supervisor Plaster's praise for the volunteers that helped with the RES flooding issue from Friday. Supervisor Hrovatic asked about the transfer station at Cedar Bluff walking floor trailer. Mr. Young advised that Mr. Dunford is moving ahead with that plan. EXECUTIVE/CLOSED MEETING - 8:10 pm Upon motion of Supervisor Cruey, seconded by Supervisor Plaster and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, with all members present and voting in favor thereof, the Board enters into an Executive/Closed meeting and invites all persons necessary to conduct business in this session, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711. Executive/Closed Meeting = Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 A(1) Personnel in Administration A(1) Personnel in Administration A(1) Personnel in Administration RETURN/CERTIFICATIONREPORT OF ACTION - 9:05 pm The Board of Supervisors returned to public session and Supervisor Hrovatic read the following certification: CERTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVECLOSED MEETING TAZEWELL COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS WHEREAS, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors has convened an executive/closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative vote and in accordance with The Virginia Freedom ofInformation Act; and WHEREAS, 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Board of Supervisors that such executive/closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tazewell County Board ofSupervisors hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the executive/closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors. The Chairman called for a roll call vote with the following votes hereby recorded. BOS Meeting February 4, 2025 Page 13 The Chair called for a roll call vote on the Certification: Ayes: Five (5) Nays: None (0) Absent: None (0) Absent during vote: None (0) Report of Action: None (0) OTHER BUSINESS ADJOURN Upon motion of Supervisor Cruey, seconded by Supervisor Presley and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0 with all members present and voting in favor thereof and no one voting against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby adjourns until Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 4:00 pm. A copy teste: Aaron Gillespie, Chairman BOS. Meeting * February 4, 2025 minutes Page 14