Minutes Floyd County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting May 13, 2025 1. Called to Order = Chairman Turman called the meeting to order at 8:30 am or soon thereafter. 2. Opening Prayer = The opening prayer was offered by Supervisor Cox 3. Pledge of Allegiance - Supervisor Kuchenbuch offered the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Quorum = Linda Millsaps called the roll. A quorum was found. PRESENT: Joe D. Turman, Chairman; Jerry W. Boothe, Vice Chairman; Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch, Kalinda Bechtold, Levi Cox, Board Members; Linda Millsaps, County Administration; Kim Chiddo, Deputy County Administrator/CFO, and Danny Lowery, IT Operations Manager, to live stream and film the meeting. 5. Approval of Agenda = On a motion by Supervisor Boothe, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, and unanimously carried out to approve the agenda as amended: Amend to add 10 d. Ratify Ending County-Wide Burn Ban. Amend to add 11 b, Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day Proclamation. Add Board time to become the new 12. 6. Approval of Disbursements - On a motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, seconded by Supervisor Cox, it was unanimously carried out to approve the disbursements as presented. 7. Approval of Minutes = On a motion by Supervisor Cox, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, and unanimously carried to approve the minutes from 04/22/2025. 1- 8. Presentations: a. Dr. Cromer, Floyd County Superintendent Dr. Cromer discussed the following: Skyline Bank funds, $500.00, for Teacher of the Year. Katie Thomas. Recognize Business = VSBA - Honor roll (Skyline Nursing) VSBA = Business fair, nominations April census 1588 May 22nd is the last day of the school year with early release. b. David Clarke, Virginia Department of Transportation Mr. Clarke gave an update on the following: Patching and replacing pipe Secondary road work: Daniels Run White Rock Conner Grove Six-year road plan-Mr. Clarke will compile suggested roads and send them to County Staff for Board review to confirm, update, and complete the resolution. Each Board of Supervisor updated Mr. Clarke of concerns within their district: Supervisor Bechtold noted Indian Valley potholes and questioned Duncan Chapel Road centerline striping. Supervisor Cox stated that he has had several conversations regarding the brush Countywide. Supervisor Boothe noted the need for rumble strip replacement at Route 730 and 750; as well, attention to Needmore Road concerning rut and low shoulders. Supervisor Kuchenbuch shared the Dobbins Hollow pothole issue and discussed Bluebird Lane. -2- Supervisor Turman voiced his concerns about Shelor Road at Fork Mt. toward 58 below Buffalo Mountain, it is rough and needs work. Also noting that the pavement is broken in the middle. C. Mark Bolt i. Station Three Rescue Update Mr. Bolt updated the board on the issue with the generator. On a motion by Supervisor Cox, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, and unanimously approved for $3900.00 for generator repair at Station 3. ii. Transfer Station Plans On a motion by Supervisor Boothe, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, and carried unanimously to hire a survey crew for assistance with the layout of the Transfer Station. iii. Building Security Update Mr. Bolt updated the Board of Supervisors on various meetings with the Sheriff's department staff regarding Security updates and changes upcoming to the courthouse. iv. TRC Plan, Willis Convenience Center On a motion by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, seconded by Supervisor Boothe and unanimously carried out to approve the TRC Contract, for Willis Convenience Center for $58,300.00. d. Constitutional Officers No Constitutional officers are present at this time. (10:02 a.m.) Supervisor Turman reopened the Constitution Officer Time at 10:14 a.m. Sheriff Craig updated and reviewed the following: -3- Thank you for the changes in the insurance policy. Deputy in the academy Sgt. Donnelly left to Montgomery County Dispatch Position open Animal Control Civilian position still open Graduation on Friday night, and the sheriff's department is prepared Kids Fishing Day -110-120 kids. Thankful for all the sponsors. Big success, especially the new "Golden Trout" Turman read the handicap statement and opened the floor for Public Supervisor Comment. 9. Public Comments: Gerald Vest = Locust Grove District Iwould like to continue to emphasize the priority of EMS Need to support financially, staff and possible grants Discussed his concern, especially about. 10. Old Business: a. ARPA Expenditure Update b. Road Abandonment Policy C. Land Division Ordinance Review d. Ratify Ending Countywide Burn Ban On a motion by Supervisor Boothe, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, and unanimously carried and approved to ratify and end the Burn Ban. 11. New Business a. Proposed Ordinance to Allow Employee Bonuses On a motion by Supervisor Boothe and seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously carried to approve the staff moving forward with advertising for the Public Hearing Proposed Ordinance allowing employee bonuses. b. Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day Proclamation: 4 Supervisor Cox read the following proclamation: AT A REGULAR MEETING, THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF FLOYD COUNTY, VIRGINIA, HELD ON TUESDAY, May 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, THEREOF: PRESENT: Joe D. Turman, Chairman; Jerry W. Boothe, Vice Chairman; Linda Kuchenbuch, Kalinda Bechtold, and Levi Cox, Board Members; Linda S. Millsaps, County Administrator; Kim Chiddo, Deputy County Administrator/CFO; and Daniel Lowry, Head ofIT Operations to live stream. The following action was taken: On a motion of Supervisor Cox, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch, and unanimously carried,twas resolved to adopt the following proclamation: Virginia Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day WHEREAS the safety and well-being of Virginians is important to the prosperity of Virginia's families and communities; and WHEREAS law enforcement officers throughout our Commonwealth work tirelessly to protect and serve Virginians, enforce our laws, and keep our neighborhoods, schools, and families safe; and WHEREAS law enforcement officers report for duty every day with the knowledge ofthe may face and the sacrifices they may be called upon to make to safeguard the public and enforce dangers the they laws of the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS we reflect upon the enduring commitment and valor of our state and local law enforcement officers, as their commitment to maintaining law and order in our communities ensures the safety and well-being of the citizens oft the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS we must pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty and recognize their sacrifices, as well as the hardship and loss suffered by the families of those fallen officers; and WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Public Safety Memorial, located adjacent to the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond, stands as aj profound tribute to nearly 1,000 Virginia public safety heroes who selflessly gave their lives in the line of duty and serves as a solemn and lasting reminder oftheir names and their courageous actions; and -5- WHEREAS, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed the first proclamation recognizing May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week, "to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to voice our appreciation for those who currently serve on the front lines of the battle against crime," and WHEREAS Virginia Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day are opportunities to honor the officers who have fallen in the line of duty, recognize the sacrifices made by the families of those officers, and the families of those who continue to protect and serve our communities. NOW, THEREFORE, the Floyd County Board of Supervisors do hereby recognize May 11-17, 2025, as VIRGINIA POLICE WEEK, and May 15, 2025, as PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY in OF VIRGINIA, and I call these observances to the attention of all of our our COMMONWEALTH citizens. ATTEST: Linda S. Millsaps, Joe Turman, Chairman County Administrator Board of Supervisors On a motion by Supervisor Cox and seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously carried to approve the proclamation of Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial day. 12. Board Time: Supervisor Bechtold noted all the increased positive efforts that she and the Board's dedication and commitment to growing the EMS department. On a motion by Supervisor Boothe, seconded by Supervisor Kuchenbuch and unanimously carried to approve the tax rate of .44 cents per $100/assessed value as well as Public Service Corp. of .44 cents, and Mobile Home tax of 44 cents. Personal Property Merchants Capital and Machinery/Tools remain the same. 13. County Administrator's Report Dr. Millsaps reviewed and read the following presentation: -6- FLOYD VIRGINIA County Administrator Update May 13, 2025 Below, please find some of the key County Administration updates for late April through May 13, 2025. Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Linda Millsaps with any questions. mlsaps@fordcova.gov. and (919) 696-8180. BO D GE This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CCBY -7- Budget and Tax Activity On May 12, 2025, the Board of Supervisors held Public Hearings for both the FY26 budget and the FY26 real estate tax rate. County Administrator Millsaps, with support from Deputy County Administrator/CFO Kim Chiddo, offered a presentation reflecting the Board's approval for purposes of advertising and public hearing, a $52.78 million budget. It also reflects a $0.44 per 100 real estate tax rate. This is a significant reduction from the current rate of $0.67 per 100 and is effectively a level budget from the previous year. Key budget elements include expansion of EMS staffing and special enhanced care training to improve outcomes, replacing funding from the Commonwealth that was no longer available to support our fifth School Resource Officer (allowing us to continue to have an SRO at each school), and an addition to the 1 Community and Economic Development staff to expand grant writing capabilities and bandwidth, more direct business support, development of a youth entrepreneurship to encourage our children to start a business and stay in Floyd, and to help program businesses respond to changing market conditions. It also includes funding for a code and ordinance enforcement officer to address green box and other challenges, a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for staff, and some IT security enhancements. It also includes an increase in the County's participation in dual and family health insurance for employees. This increase is key to the county's ability to maintain staff as their families grow. FEMA Several members of the senior staff, including the County Administrator, Deputy/CFO, and the Community Economic Development team, participated in a kickoff meeting with several FEMA representatives. These individuals are the FEMA staff who will help us shepherd along Floyd's two remaining applications. (Earlier this spring Floyd was awarded $21,000 from the agency in a different grant). The two applications under consideration would be worth more than $1.5 million to Floyd County if awarded. -8- DHCD VIRGINIA Department of Housing & - - DHCD Community Development TP-ACNIKEISENISN Dr. Millsaps, Lydeana Martin, Karla Turman, and Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch participated in the contract negotiations with Virginia DHCD for our newest award of more than $1.0 million to rehabilitate or substantially rebuild eight different homes in the community. This work will be done through a partnership with FISH, the Floyd County Schools, and many other partners. Work is expected to begin in September 2025. New Addressing Ordinance There are new addressing rules in Floyd County! Effective May 1, 2025, landowners can request an address without footers. This means that undeveloped land can now receive an address. Residents may also be able to obtain a second address on a parcel, under certain circumstances. It is our goal to do most of the application review online, sO be sure to check the website for instructions and an application! -9- Radio Tower Update Good news! The contract is in hand for the radio tower near Check. This will be a part of a major expansion and improvement for Floyd's first responder radio system. Plans and surveying are underway for both this site and one in the Buffalo Mountain area. We have alerted ProComm, our radio system vendor, that we are ready to move forward with major equipment purchases. The county secured a $4.1 million loan a few years ago to cover this project. Audit Status Linda Millsaps and Kim Chiddo continue to work closely with our auditors at Brown Edwards. We are now looking forward to a review of the initial audit by the senior partners at the firm. (Brown Edwards sends an audit through three levels of review before they release it to the client). They continue to come back with more questions. While this has been an arduous process, we have learned a great deal. And are recognizing even more the value that Munis is bringing to the County. County Administration Building Plans This week, Dr. Millsaps and Mark Bolt met with our architect, the Treasurer, the Commissioner of Revenue, and representatives from the Election offices. All three offices will be moved to the County Administration building once the bank moves to its new building. Each office representative was allowed to look at and discuss a variety of possibilities. We are trying to accommodate everyone's desires while limiting our financial investment. -10- Virginia Department of Emergency Management Dr. Millsaps met with Mike Guzzo and spoke with Cole Taggard, both with VDEM, about future training opportunities for both our staff and the Board of Supervisors. We have been actively identifying additional folks to train up in VDEM and FEMA requirements and protocols, as well as best practices. We will begin additional outreach efforts to reach out to our first responders and develop some limited modifications to the County's Emergency Management plan. Stay tuned for more information. APPALACHIAN POWER AEP Compa Home / Outages APCO Meeting This week I met with the three-state external relations director for Appalachian Power, and well as our Virginia director. We discussed several items around community rates, local government rates, their emergency response and areas for improvement, aging utility infrastructure, the new major power line, grants available through Appalachian Power, after crisis data sharing, and legislative issues. As a result of that meeting and additional conversations with VDEM, we offered to be a pilot for a new model of a more partnered emergency response effort. VDEM is supportive of this and would like to see AEP change its model in this direction. They also committed to coming back and doing a special presentation for our first responders and DSS about recent changes in rules and practices around power termination due to non-payment and their special programs for those who have a medical need for electricity. I am hopeful there will be more to come from this meeting, as we discussed extensively, potential legislation and litigation. -11- Audit Work Continues Work continues on the FY24 Audit. All initially requested documents and questions have been answered and provided by the staff. The audit is now being reviewed by the Senior Partners at Brown Edwards. They are now sending a series of new questions and requests. While challenging, we continue to make progress. We anticipate a presentation of the audit during the evening meeting in May. New Playground Equipment New Playground equipment is here! The music-focused equipment has been placed in the area for younger children. This will replace the existing ageing equipment and hopefully reflect Floyd's personality. Special thanks to the Tides Foundation, which funded the purchase of the equipment. We ordered additional sand for the sandlot and expect to put it in once the rain breaks. Batting Cages/Outdoor Stage Installation was delayed until hopefully Wednesday for a new double metal carport structure that will serve as both an outdoor stage and new batting cages. We had hoped to have it placed this past Monday. These were purchased with Tourism ARPA funds managed by the Town. You might recall these were originally earmarked for walking trails, initially between town and the park, and then between town and the Floyd Center for the Arts. However, issues with landowners in between caused us to shift gears to this park project.. Courthouse Security Dr. Millsaps, Mark Bolt, Danny Lowry, Brian Craig, and Chad Harris met to discuss security modifications to the County Courthouse. These changes are focused on funneling visitors through a single entrance and exit. There will also be more cameras and alarmed crash bars for the doors. Dr Millsaps will provide the Board with a single security proposal representing this work and the recommendations for the County Administration building. -12- NRV Recovery Eco System/CAO Meeting Dr. Millsaps engaged in several conversations with the NR Regional Commission related to FY26 OAA funding and the regional effort. We continue to work on appropriate funding for the Floyd Peer Center and other regional efforts. There have been some challenges related to the FY26 Application and the closeout of FY25. We believe we have these issues resolved. There will be a reboot of the regional effort in the next few weeks, according to the Regional Commission. In addition, regional news, there was much discussion about pending FEMA and DHCD grants. Many communities are focusing on PSA enhancements with their applications. Meetings with Radford University, Partnerships Dr. Millsaps participated in a limited invitation meeting with the state director of the SCHEV (State Council for Higher Education for Virginia), Director Scott Fleming, to discuss opportunities for better partnerships between employers and higher education. As a follow-up Dr. Millsaps met with Angela Joyner to discuss specific partnership opportunities between Floyd County and the University. Radford has many students from the larger SW Virginia region, SO we believe this is a good opportunity to potentially -13- draw future employees to Floyd. Floyd County was the only local government represented in the SCHEV meeting. Tourism Summit The Floyd Tourism Summit was held on April 29, 2025, from 9 am to noon. This will be facilitated by Virginia Tourism and include special presentations from several regional tourism partners. There were more than 35 participants. Festivals Update FloydFest continues to work directly with Dr. Millsaps and Kevin Sowers about plans for FloydFest 2025. Much of the processes and procedures will be similar to last year's. The location of the Communications Truck will be moved to better facilitate their view of the property. There are also significant changes to the stage and a few changes to the medical processes. Floyd EMS will continue to be present at this event. Dr. Millsaps received an application for the Floyd Center for the Arts Living Traditions Festival. She will meet with them shortly to go over the appliçation. No issues are anticipated. Meeting with School Leadership Chairman Turman, Vice-Chair Boothe, Dr. Millsaps, and Linda Millsaps met on May 12, 2025, with the Superintendent and Finance Director for the Floyd County Schools, as well as the Chair and Vice-Chair of the School Board. The school representatives shared their concern about funding levels for FY26 for the schools. Thanks to some amazing work on the part of Kim Chiddo and Jenny Tolbert, payroll is LIVE on Munis! This was the first month that the new system was used to produce payroll and notices for staff. This is a huge milestone, and thanks to these two for making it happen. - 14- Open Enrollment Now is the time for open enrollment. Employees are excited about the more favorable health insurance rates for couples and families. Mabry Mill Dr. Millsaps has been involved in conversations with the Parkway staff and the Patrick County Administrator about ensuring that the work on the Mill occurs. Outside grant funds have been provided for the shingles. The restroom facilities are in disrepair and need attention. Upcoming Events and Staff Vacations Dr. Millsaps will again be participating in the Federal Reserve's Rural Conference in Roanoke. She will also be a part of the Region 10 meeting for VACo and the Onward Annual Dinner. Other staff will participate in the 2025 VDOT Salem District - Local Assistance Partnership (LAP) Day. Lydeana Martin is on vacation for the next three weeks. Karla Turman will be taking leave several days of annual leave at a variety of times on Dr. Millsaps discussed the following, PowerPoint presentation which was displayed throughout the meeting. a. FEMA Meeting b. DHCD Contract Negotiations C. Addressing Update d. Radio Tower Status e. Audit Status f. County Administration Building Plans Meeting g. APCO Meeting h. CAO Updates i. Meeting with Radford University, Partnerships j. Festival Update i. Floyd Fest -15- ii. Living Traditions k. Key Staff Vacations The following PowerPoint was presented and discussed at various times during the meeting: Board of Supervisors FLOYD Meeting VIRGINIA May 13, 2025 5/13/2025 -16- Agenda: Meeting Opening Board Room, County Administration Building, 202 E. Main Street, FLOYD Floyd, VA 8:30 a.m. - (or soon thereafter) VIRGINIA 1. Call to Order May 13, 2. Opening Prayer 2025 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Quorum 5. Approval of Agenda (Action Item) 6. Approval of Disbursements (Action Item) 7. Approval of Minutes (Action Item) 5/13/2025 8. Presentations a. 8:40 a.m. - Dr. Cromer, FLOYD Floyd County Superintendent b. 8:55 a.m. = David Clarke, Virginia Department of VIRGINIA Transportation C. 9:10 a.m. - Mark Bolt, Director of Facilities and Building Official May 13, i. Station Three Rescue Update, Discussion 2025 ii. Transfer Station Plans iii. Building Security Update, Discussion iv. TRC Plan, Willis Convenience Center (Action Item) d. 9:35 a.m. - Constitutional Officers 5/13/2025 -17- FLOYD 9. Public Comments VIRGINIA Limit Comments to 4 minutes May 13, 2025 One way Communication Alert Staff to Any ADA Needs 5/13/2025 10. Old Business FLOYD VIRGINIA a.ARPA Expenditure Update b. Road Abandonment Policy May 13, C. Land Division Ordinance Review 2025 and Discussion d. Ratify Ending Countywide Burn Ban (Action Item) 5/13/2025 -18- 11. New Business FLOYD VIRGINIA a. Proposed Ordinance to Allow Employee May 13, Bonuses (Action Item) 2025 b. Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day (Action item) 5/13/2025 12. Board Time FLOYD VIRGINIA May 13, 2025 5/13/2025 -19- 13. County Administrator's Report FLOYD a. FEMA Meeting VIRGINIA b. DHCD Contract Negotiations C. Addressing Update d. Radio Tower Status May 13, e. Audit Status 2025 T. County Administration Building Plans Meetings g. APCO Meeting h. CAO Updates Meeting With Radford University, Partnerships Festivals Update I Floyd Fest ii. Living Traditions k. Key Staff Vacations 5/13/2025 14. Correspondence FLOYD VIRGINIA May 13, 2025 5/13/2025 20- 15. Adjournment FLOYD VIRGINIA May 13, 2025 5/13/2025 Adjournment May 13, 2025 FLOYD VIRGINIA 5/13/2025 14. Correspondence: Deputy County Administrator/CFO updated the board of contents withing the Correspondence folder. -21- seconded Bechtold, and 15. Adjournment = On a motion by Supervisor Boothe, by Supervisor passed unanimously, the Board voted to adjourn until the next meeting on 05/27/2025 at 6:00 p.m. (or soon thereafter). ada - aas - - gpuma Linda Millsaps Chairman Joe Turman, Cbunty Administrator - 22-