April7, 2025 A Russell County FY 2025/2026 Budget Workshop (4:00 PM = 6:00 PM) and regular monthly meeting of the Russell County Board of Supervisors was held on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Russell County Government Center in Lebanon, Virginia. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL The Clerk called the meeting to order. Roll Call by the Clerk: Board Members Present - Andrew Hensley Tara Dye Steve Breeding aquorum Rebecca Dye Nate Kiser David Eaton Board Members Absent = Lou Ann Wallace Also Present - Lonzo Lester, Clerk Rhonda Lester, Deputy Clerk Terry Kilgore, County Attorney INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Invocation performed by Caleb Johnson followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OFTHE AGENDA Motion made by Steve Breeding, second Tara Dye and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to amend the Agenda to add the Mutual Aid Cooperation Agreement for Law Enforcement Services for Russell County, the City of Bristol Police Department, and the Bristol Virginia Sheriff's Department as item number (10) under the County Administrator Requests. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace RUSSELL COUNTY FY: 2025/2026 BUDGETWORKSHOP (4PM = 6PM) 1. Updates presented by RCPS Superintendent, Dr. Kimberly Hooker and Russell County Administrator, Lonzo Lester. PRESENTATIONS 1. Delegate Will Morefield, Paul Inskeep, and Preston Breeding - Pure Salmon Project 2. Rodney Williams - National Day of Prayer NEW BUSINESS 1. Approval of Minutes: Motion made by Steve Breeding, second Tara Dye and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the minutes of March 3, 2025 as presented. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 2. Approval of Expenditures: Motion made by Steve Breeding, second Andrew Hensley and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the expenditures presented for payment. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 3. Committee/Board Appointments: a) Community Policy Management Team - Amy Adkins 4' Year-Term April 5, 2025 Jeffrey Brintle Resignation April 7, 2025 Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Tara Dye and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the reappointment of Amy Adkins for a four-year term ending April 5, 2029 and accept the resignation of Jeffrey Brintle. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Tara Dye and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the appointment of Robbie Davis for a rour-year term ending April 7, 2029. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace b) Spearhead Trails - Tabled until the next scheduled meeting. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER REPORTS AND REQUESTS 1. Sheriff Watson offered a brief update COUNTY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND REQUESTS None COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS AND REQUESTS Reports: 1. Russell County Road Reporting System 2. VDOT Monthly Road System Report 3. County & PSA Project Listing 4. Russell County 2025 Proposed Tax Rate Public Hearing (4/11/25) 5. Board of Equalization (BOE) Meetings 6. Volunteer Fire Department Services Ordinance 7. Commonwealth Energy Partners (CEP) - Solar Project 8. Community Centers & Fire Departments Generator Contract (Rebid) 9. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day (4/17/25) Requests: 1. RC Coal Severance Committee - Pure Salmon Project- Motion made by Andrew Hensley, second Steve Breeding and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the RC Coal Severance Committee Pure Salmon Project. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: Rebecca Dye and Tara Dye Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 2. Pure Salmon Project Road Project Contract- Motion made by Steve Breeding, second Nate Kiser and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to allow the County Administrator to award the Pure Salmon Project Road Project Contract to Bizzack. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: Rebecca Dye, Tara Dye Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 3. VASAP Commission OAA Direct Funds - Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Steve Breeding and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the VASAP Commission - OAA Direct Funds of $5,000.00 for FY26. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 4. Dante Downtown Revitalization Project Planning Grant (CPPD)- Motion made by Steve Breeding, second Tara Dye and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the Dante Downtown Revitalization Project - Planning Grant (CPPD). The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 5. Cumberland Mountain Service Board - Swords Creek Elementary School - Motion made by Steve Breeding, second Andrew Hensley and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to allow the County Administrator and Legal Counsel to negotiate with Cumberland Mountain Service Board regarding the Swords Creek Elementary School in leu of fees. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 6. Dante Fire Department Property Public Hearing Notice - Motion made by Steve Breeding, second Rebecca Dye and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the Dante Fire Department Property Public Hearing Notice. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 7. DEQ/CPPD Resolution - Local and Regional Water Supply Planning Grant - Motion made by Rebecca Dye, second Nate Kiser and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the DEQ/CPPD Resolution- - Local and Regional Water Supply Planning Grant. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 8. Russell County Planning Commission Plats - Motion made by Nate Kiser, second Andrew Hensley and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the Russell County Planning Commission Plat: Clarence Auville is combining two lots in Banner Heights subdivision with adjoining property he owns off Mew Road. DB 813-PG 239 The total acreage of the new parcel is 6.62 acres. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 9. Russell County Kids Fishing Day - 05/17/2025 & Honaker Kids Fishing Day (05/03/2025) Donations Motion made by Tara Dye, second Andrew Hensley and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the Russell County Kids Fishing Day - 05/17/2025 & Honaker Kids Fishing Day (05/03/2025) Donations of $500.00 each. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace 10. Mutual Aid Cooperation Agreement of Law Enforcement Services for Russell County, the City of Bristol Police Department, and the Bristol Virginia Sheriff's Department. Motion made by Tara Dye, second Andrew Hensley and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to approve the Mutual Aid Cooperation Agreement of Law Enforcement Services for Russell County, the City of Bristol Police Department, and the Bristol Virginia Sheriff's Department. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace CITIZENS' COMMENTS The Chair opened the citizens' comment period. 1. Jared Ring - Ijust thought it might be prudent fresh off a budget meetingto remind the board that meals alone account for nearly $200,000 of our income budget. When the topic was last broached, the board had decided to send a letter with specifics about the Sunday alcohol ordinances to one of the businesses in Castlewood that's being negatively affected by that. They never received any such letter, so they don't sell any alcohol on Sundays despite the ordinance only specifying beer and wine. How much revenue have we handed to St. Paul during that period because of that? Perhaps we might view that as some recompense for St. Paul lending us their fire services for too long a time. As a North Castlewood resident, I'dj just like to say! would love to have a functional and well-certified fire department in my district again as soon as possible. Nowto my main point, some time ago members of the anti-landfill group caught wind ofnew activity around a waste project concerning Carbotura. Russell County'swaste costs are high and being able to recycle waste and sell raw materials is an appealing prospect. So, I did my nomework on the company and found claims of them being able to 100% recycle waste and break down PFAS with microwaves. The further along Iread though the more suspicious I grew. Seeing only Al generated images to support the claims and not particularly good ones at that, one even apparently being prompted with the words federal grant funding in the image itself. Conceptually, you don't get 100% of anything back from an engineering perspective, there will always be inefficiencies and waste let alone the immense energy requirements of microwaving trash on mass and rotating it SO that you're coating it evenly to break down the waste. Worst of all though was my discovery of the Carbotura lunar cycle concept they were promoting on LinkedIn, a literal moon base to go along with technologies that already looked like something out of science fiction. Don'ttake my word fori it, get on LinkedIn it's Alan Witters. He's one of their promo people; it's one of the first posts. In particular, my FOIA request turned up a disagreement between Tara Dye and Steve Breeding that left me with some questions; first of which is it unreasonable after a highly controversial landfill project to keep the home district board member in the loop about a similar project?, Why are there other counties being approached about this project before the rest of the board?, Why is something with borderline science fiction claims and Al generated nonsense being its only image support being taken this seriously at all?, Why aren't these folks approaching the largest centers of waste creation instead of coming out here among the poor and disenfranchised with a novellytechnology, How many other municipalities have they approached and been turned down by?, and What makes a company cold call a county whose chieffeatures are cheap land and a desperate local government? Now let me speak clearly, appreciate folks bringing genuine industry into the county, but I think the constituents have made it abundantly clear that we do not believe it's Russell County's duty to solve the trash woes of the rest of Southwest Virginia. It's concerning to me that the website and basic computer literacy were not enough to put an end to this. Furthermore, the attempts to characterize this as a partisan issue and characterize anyone Mr. Breeding disagrees with as environmental hypochondriacs are deeply concerning to me. Well-reasoned folks on opposite ends ofthe political spectrum have both opposed the landfill and similar projects for good reason..founded in fact not opinion, not environmental hypochondria, or whatever else you want to call it. I'dj just like to say, please stop trying to make messes that my generation will have to clean up. Waste projects will be political suicideinthis county for the political future. As long as I'm a resident here I will fight them tooth and nail even if that means personally going out and door knocking every house in a district for the opponents oft their supporters. Thankyou. 2. PhlipAddington-lappreciate all the questions that were asked from 4t to6PM: about what was being spent. I appreciate Andrew's thoroughness. I appreciate Nate reminding everybody that nothing is free... there's not a big pile of money up here that just gets granted under all these projects that it comes from taxpayers. That being said, am the chairman of the Republican Party in the wonderful county of Russell. Every meeting we read this, and want to read it if it's okay. The Virginia Republican Creed: We believe... That the free enterprise system is the most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice, That all individuals are entitled to equal rights, justice, and opportunities and should assume their responsibilities as citizens in a free society, That fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraints must be exercised at all levels of government, That the Federal Government must preserve individual liberty by observing Constitutional limitations, That peace is best preserved through a strong national defense, Thatfaith in God, as recognized by our Founding Fathers is essentialto the moral fiber ofthe Nation. I know this budget is millions of dollars and the project that was talked about that is coming down the road is going to bring money into the county. There are other projects that we hear about that's going to bring money into the county. My concern with the tax increase that's coming down the pike is that...I had a lot of quotes from fine presidents, but one of my favorite from Ronald Reagan was "No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size"; if we take an opportunity to increase the tax rate, amlever, going to get that money back because the county may be more prosperous down the road?" Ikind of doubt it. I've worked ever: since turned 16y years old and got a driver's license. I've had a job, I've worked 60, 70, or 80 hours a week. The Lord has been awfully good to me. I work very hard for my money, and I'm taxed to death already everywhere. We turn we're taxed, everything we do we're taxed. I ask this board and the leaders of all these departments that are asking for money should look upon themselves and say maybe we don't need that this year...let's wait and see if this project's coming and may bring more revenue into the county. appreciate what this board and the school board did getting the teachers raises, it took 20 years of talking about it. That raise was historic for Russell County. My son is a teacher, my daughter is a teacher, and my wife is a retired school nurse, I'm well versed in the struggles of education, but to come backi this year and ask for more money above the 3% increase kind of gives me pause. Let's wait and see ifwe get more revenue coming in. This board and the board of education have proved we're willing to give you guys the money you deserve; teachers deserve every penny they get. But, under the current financial situation we find ourselves in, hope they will understand. That being said, want to brag on a couple things: the Cleveland community helped themselves in that flood damage. They had a workday where volunteers came out. JJ Eaton that came about this press box...instead of coming and asking you guys for money or instead of going to the school board and asking for money, he went to the connections that he made and asked for help, asked for volunteers, and asked for community support. think that's the best way to approach some of the issues we have. lappreciate the job you guys do, - appreciate what Will said. 3. Tammy Garrett - I came out tonight to rant and rave a little bit. Carbotura is an Al scam. Has anyone looked at the disclaimer page on their Al generated website? It's called regulations D506c mandated legend, and it includes a cautionary statement in a securities disclaimer about the company. It might be a good idea to run that by the county attorney. Alan Witters the CEO of Carbotura, says he has work experience of three master's degrees an MBA, computer science, and mechanical engineering. I bet he has one in underwater basket weaving too. These credentials would not be accepted on any resume by any employer looking to hire a qualified person. David Clipple, the vice president, has certifications in basic killboat sailing, basic coastal cruising and bareboat chartering. This Al company Gravitas Infinitum was founded in 2017, not 2023 and almost eight years later has no operating facilities anywhere in the world. Does Russell County want to or have the funds to be the microwave trash guinea pig of the rest of the world? According to their Al website, it would take 400 tons of trash a day to operate this conceptual facility..that means according to you Steve, we would have to accept trash from all the surrounding counties in Southwest Virginia. So, then what would we have? Yes, you're right, a landfill. Steve, you said you had been researching this company.. can you tell us real quick what WTCM is? Cany you tell us? Okay anyway, it's waste to circular manufacturing. Could you explain the process of exogenesis, pregenesis and regenesis to your constituents? It would be better for you all to look at San Francisco as a waste management model, 80% of their trash right now is being diverted from landfills and they are not microwaving it. I have four suggestions for this board: number one, Russell County Republican Party said on their Facebook page on January 2nd 2024 that the new board would be saving taxpayers money, and it has an air oft transparency compared to the old board. Is that still true? Maybe with some members; number two, secrecy among board members should end when one member goes talking to other counties or to people in Richmond about potential projects at that point all board of supervisors members should be aware ofthose potential projects; ;number three, all members need to work together to address our crises that are coming due to Trump budget cuts. Since Trump's inauguration we have lost over: $1 million locally..$188,000 for a brush truck for Lebanon, $432,000 for a fire department and $513,000 for feeding Southwest Virginia. We also lost $500,000 in an EPA grant which would have helped Dante and some other Southwest Virginia towns. You all should be preparing for more to come; number four, my last suggestion to this is that Steve Breeding resign from this board. We need more members who listen to our constituents, work with other board members, and focus on improving our community for everyone..not someone who goes against people and says white when other people are saying black. Ifyou cannot do that then you should resign, thank you. 4. Jennifer Chumbley- -1 come to you not with a list of demands tonight, but with a truth that many in Russell County are feeling. I think most of you probably know that it's the continued divide between this board and the people you serve. Transparencyisn't optional in government, it's a duty. Meeting after meeting we are here and then, we have to find out through FOIA requests about negotiations happening behind closed doors with many questions going unanswered. I understand the need for some secrecy with specific industries, just don't think trash is going to be one of those. This kind of behavior doesn't inspire confidence, it erodes trust. I've heard I'm living rent free in some of y'all's heads and I just like to say I appreciate that hospitality. While some of you stay focused on me, others of us are focused on the bigger picture. a county government that works for all of us not just a chosen few. didn't mean to come off as nice, I'm not trying to be nice. I'm trying to be stern and concerning about what happens in our county. Russell County deserves leadership that listens. The citizens are watching and whether y'all like it or not we're not going anywhere. Tonight, want to challenge you...maybe instead of being SO persistent on the continuing remarks about who's Republican or Democrat, let's join forces as a board and work for the people. Thank you. 5. Charles King, Jr. - 1 don't know what - was going to say before I heard all this here. I'm concerned about the future. After hearing all this tonight, I'm still concerned about it. I'm the one that brought the fish farm to people's attention. 'm glad I did it, because I could get no answers, Ithink it was a good step tonight to get some kind of information out of people. I hope it works out. - - hope it brings 200 jobs. I hope it becomes more than it is. Have any ofy'all been in there and walked around? have, the current state of the college is pretty ugly. If anybody's checked it out, it's not hard to see. That's my concerns for what - did, hope this works out. 6. Wanda Burke - - 'm just coming to you regarding an email that I had gotten from Senator Pillion's office. He had told me he was goingto get with the county about the Mark Mero event. He was going to ask you all about the $14,000 to bring Mark into Russell County for September 24 th and 25th. - was just coming to ask if we can get that taken care of. I think you have his 501cinformation. just want y'all to knowwe appreciate that, We lookforwardi to him coming and Ijust hope that he has the impact that he has had every time that he comes here. ithink he will again. Ify'all have never come to hear Mark speak, we do the community night...it will be the 25th at the middle school. He comes in and speaks at all the high schools and the middle schools. I - think he has made a huge impact on kids in this area regarding not only drug addiction, but everything. just think he really speaks to our kids, and he's made al huge impact. So, thank y'all and we appreciate it. And I'L get you that letter. Thank you. 7. Jimmy Little - My question goes to you Lonzo and Steve, when you all suspended the fire department.. .did you all take in consideration now much of an increase in the fire apparatuses and how much you costed the taxpayers on their fire insurance? My mother-in-law's fire insurance went up. Some people lost their houses in Dante because of the time limit for the other fire departments to show up. Everybody's houses in Dante fire insurance went up. Can the county compensate those people who lost their houses? Instead of spending this $400,000, put it toward new homes. BOARD DISCUSSIONS & REMINDERS Andrew Hensley -I appreciate everybody coming out. Tara Dye -I appreciate everybody coming out. Idid have a question for Mr. Kilgore, how hard would it be to amend our solid waste ordinance to prohibit any private landfills or any kind of trash? Our people have made it really clear; we don't want it. My main concern is to make sure that the public is aware of what's coming, sO if you had an ordinance in place then obviously they would have to come and people would have to know. Steve Breeding - None Rebecca Dye - None Nate Kiser - - appreciate everybody coming out tonight putting up with this long meeting. Hopefully we can get some answers for some of you guys that are still needing some questions answered. David Eaton - just want to thank everybody for coming out speaking from your heart. ADIOURNMENT Motion made by Andrew Hensley, second Steve Breeding and duly agreed by the Board of Supervisors to adjourn at 9:16 PM to reconvene on Friday April 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM. The vote was: Aye: Andrew Hensley, Tara Dye, David Eaton, Steve Breeding, Rebecca Dye, and Nate Kiser Nay: None Abstain: None Absent: Lou Ann Wallace The next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Clerk of the Board Chairperson