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2008-10-31 MinutesBOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES October 31, 2008 Supervisors in Attendance: Mr. Arthur S. Warren, Chairman Mr. Daniel A. Gecker, Vice Chrm Ms. Dorothy Jaeckle Mr. James "Jim" Holland Ms. Marleen K. Durfee Mr. James J. L. Stegmaier County Administrator Staff in Attendance: Ms. Janice Blakley, Clerk to the Board Mr. Allan Carmody, Dir., Budget and Management Ms. Marilyn Cole, Asst. County Administrator Ms. Rebecca Dickson, Dep. County Administrator, Human Services Colonel Thierry Dupuis, Police Department Ms. Karla Gerner, Dir., Human Resource Mgmt. Interim Fire Chief James E. Graham, Fire Department Mr. William E. Johnson, Deputy County Admin., Management Services Mr. Donald Kappel, Dir., Public Affairs Mr. Steven L. Micas, County Attorney Dr. Marcus Newsome, Superintendent, Chesterfield County Schools Pending Fire Chief Edward "Loy" Senter, Jr. Mr. M. D. Stith, Jr., Deputy County Admin., Community Development Mr. Warren called the work session to order at 10:16 a.m. 1. WELCOMING REMARKS Mr. Warren welcomed those in attendance to the work session. He stated a great deal of planning and preparation has been spent on the future budgets for Chesterfield County in these tough economic times. He further stated the county is taking careful steps to continue to provide the level of services citizens expect and appreciate in these struggling economic times. He explained the effect of state budget reductions, which are not fully understood at this time . He stated the Board will be making decisions in the future that will increase the efficiency in government, save money and provide the necessary services that are important to the community. He further stated the Board members have strong financial backgrounds and will be working hard to reach a solution. He noted that Chesterfield County. is not seeing the same magnitude of financial problems as some of the localities in 08-762 10/31/08 the Commonwealth due to decisions made by the Board at the beginning of this year. 2. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Mr. Stegmaier introduced Mr. Edward "Loy" Senter, who will take the position of Fire Chief on November 17, 2008. He stated the county is in some unfamiliar territory due to the state of the economy. He further stated the Leadership Team spent a day and a half this week thoroughly reviewing the first draft of a programs and services list prepared by staff. He explained these are unusual times in the economy. He stated Chesterfield County's financial condition is sound. Although all indications point to some significant revenue shortfalls, the county has plans in place to address the majority of the issues. He further stated the county's priority will be to focus on the core services provided to citizens, which will set the county on a course to look at efficiency in government. He stated Chesterfield County has always attempted to -stay ahead of the curve to preserve the county's programs. Mr. Warren stated the decisions made in the past will help the county continue to have a AAA bond rating. 3. AUTHORIZATION TO HONOR MR. ROBERT MCRAE BY PLACING A PLAQUE ON THE WEAVER ATHLETIC FIELD HOUSE Mr. Gecker stated Coach Robert McRae has coached football at Bettie Weaver Elementary School for three years, turning the football program into one of the best in the Chesterfield Quarterback League. He further stated Bettie Weaver Elementary School will be placing a plaque on the Weaver Athletic Field House to recognize Coach McRae. Mr. Gecker then recognized Ms. Karla Gerner for receiving the Communities in Schools Volunteer of the Year award. On motion of Mr. Gecker, seconded by Mr. Holland, the Board adopted the following resolution: WHEREAS, Chesterfield County, Virginia has been selected three times as "One of the 100 Best Communities for Young People" by America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth; and WHEREAS, the America's Promise award is based on fulfillment of what the alliance calls "The Five Promises" that America makes to its young people; and WHEREAS, the five promises are caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education and opportunities to help others; and WHEREAS, Mr. Robert McRae, affectionately known to most as "Coach," exemplifies a commitment to the fulfillment of those promises; and WHEREAS, Coach McRae has served the Weaver Athletic Association for three years, providing strong and consistent leadership; and J J J 08-763 10/31/08 WHEREAS, Coach. McRae has consistently surpassed expectations as he has built the Bettie Weaver Elementary School's Titan football team into one of the best-run programs in the Chesterfield Quarterback League; and WHEREAS, Coach McRae has served as a coach for two years while simultaneously launching the effort to build a field house, manage the construction of field lights and installation of irrigation systems, arrange for planting of sod on four fields, organize fundraising events, and numerous other projects; and WHEREAS, Coach McRae demonstrates and instills the important values of respect, responsibility and honesty in all Titan players; and WHEREAS, Coach McRae's exemplary leadership and accomplishments on behalf of the Weaver Titans merit appropriate recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors hereby extends appreciation to Coach Robert McRae for his dedication to the young athletes he has mentored at Bettie Weaver Elementary School, authorizes the placement of a plaque on the Weaver Athletic Field House to honor Coach Robert McRae, and extends to him, on behalf of all Chesterfield County residents, best wishes for continued success. Ayes: Warren, Gecker, Jaeckle, Holland, and Durfee. Nays: None. 4. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE ECONOMY AND CHESTERFIELD'S FISCAL YEARS 2009 AND 2010 BUDGETS AND RELATED ISSUES Mr. Carmody stated with the great strength of the membership on the Board and the Leadership Team, the county will get through these tough economic times. He further stated the impact on the county will be much less than experienced in other Virginia communities because of the conservative budget assumptions made by the county and the real estate assessments not facing the dramatic adjustments as those in northern Virginia. The county will take steps to ensure a balanced budget by minimizing the impact on the community and workforce. He provided information to the Board on Chesterfield County's adopted budget - general fund from FY1991 to FY2009; unemployment rates from FY1990 to FY2008; retail sales growth from FY1990 to FY2008; new vehicle registrations FY1994 to FY2009; home price appreciation from the first quarter in 2000 to the second quarter in 2008; and third quarter real estate performance for 2008. He explained to the Board how Chesterfield County's financial outlook compares to areas surrounding Washington D.C. He reviewed the state budget reduction plans; state general fund growth; and the impact of state budget reductions on localities. He provided an explanation of the county's approach to the FY2009 budget and FY2009 projections. He further provided a summary budget projection relating to the county and schools' budgets; the FY2010 outlook on the economy; revised revenue projections and options for the county to close the projected $37.6 million general fund gap in FY2010. 08-764 10/31/08 In response to Mr. Holland's question, Mr. Carmody stated the projections were based on activity through the first quarter of FY2009. In response to Mr. Warren's question, Ms. Kitchen stated the growth in the schools enrollment for this year was 157 students, which is the lowest amount of growth in over 20 years. Mr. Warren stated the Board members will be holding town hall meetings to receive input from the public in each district throughout the upcoming budget season. In response to Mr. Warren's questions, Mr. Carmody stated the FY2009 budget shows a projected revenue shortfall of just under $23 million, but due to savings on the expense side of the budget, the county needs to identify $8 million in spending reductions. He further stated the school system is looking at $11.5 million in projected reductions. He further stated it is reasonable to expect further reductions in state funding in addition to the $37 million projected shortfall. In response to Ms. Durfee's question, Mr. Carmody stated staff is in the process of reviewing changes in the methodology for the funding formula for schools and will review how the county and school's collectively will approach maintaining services. Mr. Stegmaier expressed appreciation to Mr. Carmody and the Budget staff for their fantastic job and to Dr. Newsome and Ms. Kitchen for working with the county. In response to Ms. Jaeckle's question, Mr. Carmody stated there are 4,410 subprime loans within the county and 10 percent of those are delinquent. Mr. Bob Schrum, with the Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce, expressed appreciation to the county for taking initiative to make the hard decisions to help protect the county. Mr. Carmody ended his presentation by reviewing the calendar for the FY2010 budget. 7. FIFTEEN-MINUTE CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD There were no speakers at this time. 8. ADJOURNMENT TO NOVEMBER 12, 2008 REGULAR MEETING On motion of Mr. Gecker, seconded by Mr. Warren, the Board adjourned at 11:40 a.m. to November 12, 2008. J mes .L. Steg aier ounty Administrator rthur S. Warren Chairman 08-765 10/31/08 J J J