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08-13-2003 MinutesBOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES August 13, 2003 Supervisors in Attendances Mr. Arthur S. Warren, Chairman Mr. J. L. McHale, III, Vice Chrm. Mr. Edward B. Barber Mrs. Renny B. Humphrey Mr. Kelly E. Miller Mr. Lane B. Ramsey County Administrator Staff in Attendances Mr. George Braunstein, Exec. Dir., Community Services Board Ms. Marilyn Cole, Asst. County Administrator Mr. Charles Dane, Interim Airport Manager Ms. Lisa Elko, CMC Clerk Mr. Steven L. Micas, County Attorney Mr. Francis Pitaro, Dir., General Services Mr. James J. L. Stegmaier, Deputy Co. Admin., Management Services Mr. M. D. Stith, Jr., Deputy Co. Admin., Community Development Mr. Dan Weiskotten, Asst. Dir., Historical Society Mr. McHale called the special meeting to order at 3:25 p.m. He welcomed the members of the Disability Services Board and introductions were made. DISABILITY AWARENESS PRESENTATION Rev. Donna Mott, Chairman of the Disability Services Board (DSB), introduced Ms. Sheila Pope, Community Services Board (CSB) Behavior Specialist to begin the presentation. Ms. Sheila Pope introduced her co-presenter, Mr. Dan Llewellen, CSB Service Coordinator. She then provided a slide presentation regarding the importance of appropriate language when talking to or about people with disabilities. Mr. Llewellen presented the Board with information relative to People First, a national advocacy group for people with developmental disabilities. He stated that the local group has over 40 active members who participate in social events, community parades and public rallies; provide donations to various community organizations; and participate in training opportunities for useful citizenship. Board members and staff participated in a challenging group exercise to demonstrate the value of support in facilitating a disabled individual's inclusion into the community. 03-609 08/13/03 Ms. Pope provided helpful tips relative to interacting with individuals with disabilities. Board members and staff participated in activities simulating various disabilities. Ms. Pope expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet with the Board. Mrs. Humphrey suggested that a teenager with a disability be appointed to serve on the Disability Services Board to provide insight from a youth's perspective. Ms. Judy Rossi, CSB Community Services Director, expressed concerns that there are no questions specific to the disabled on the county's Citizen Satisfaction Survey. Discussion ensued relative to identifying elderly and disabled individuals within the county so that they can be better protected. Mr. Ramsey stated the Fire Department lists special circumstances of citizens in its database as the information becomes available. Concerns were expressed relative to initiatives to make this type of information more readily available. Mr. McHale suggested that a future Chesterfield Matters taping advise families of seniors and persons with special needs to provide information to the Fire Department for its database. Mr. Miller stated he would like to see a program organized whereby volunteers from churches or other agencies would call seniors and disabled citizens on a daily basis to check on them. DSB member Alice Magee stated the Shepherd's Center is expanding its services and will transport seniors and disabled citizens to the doctor and to purchase groceries if they request it. Mrs. Humphrey requested that Mrs. Pope provide a disability awareness presentation at a future community meeting and also to members of the Ettrick Teen Center. It was generally agreed that People First club members would attend the next DSB meeting with the Board; methods to provide information to the Fire Department relative to special needs of citizens would be explored; the disability awareness presentation would be provided at future community meetings; and questions regarding needs of the disabled would be placed on the Citizen Satisfaction Survey. Discussion ensued relative to the difficulty in acquiring information regarding disabled citizens. Mr. Ramsey suggested that a separate survey for the disabled might provide better information. 03-610 08/13/03 Mr. Braunstein stated that unlike CSB consumers, there are a number of people with physical problems who are not served by any specific county agency, but might be served by state advocacy groups. He further stated that working with advocacy groups to provide disability surveys to its members in Chesterfield County might be an option. Mrs. Humphrey requested a summary of activities of the local People First group. Board members expressed appreciation to Ms. Pope and Mr. Llewellen for providing an excellent awareness of what disabled persons encounter on a daily basis. The Board recessed for thirty minutes for dinner. Reconvening: Mr. Warren arrived at the meeting. AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD PRESENTATION Mr. Warren welcomed members of the Airport Advisory Board and introductions were made. Mr. Steven O'Leary, Chairman of the Airport Advisory Board and Mr. Charles Dane, Interim Airport Manager, presented a summary of activities of the Airport Advisory Board. Mr. Dane reviewed Airport initiatives and accomplishments as they relate to the county's strategic goals. Mr. O'Leary stated the Airport is fiscally sound; continuing to grow; environmentally safe; the fourth largest airport in Virginia for based aircraft with over 130 total based aircraft; and the tenth busiest airport in Virginia with over 70,000 landings and departures annually. He reviewed a summary of fuel sales from 2001 through 2003. Discussion ensued relative to the projected decrease in Avgas fuel sales for 2003. Mr. Thomas ~Mike" Mickel, President of Dominion Aviation, stated there was a significant decrease in Avgas fuel sales during the first several months of 2003 primarily due to the weather. He further stated Avgas fuel sales have increased in the past two months and jet fuel sales have increased tremendously over the entire year. Mr. O'Leary reviewed recent corporate jets added to the Airport; personal property tax impact of the aircraft based at the Airport; and economic impact data provided by the American Association of Airport Executives. He stated the Airport needs more corporate hangar space to be in a position to attract corporate clients as they become available either through economic development activity or through existing companies entering into their own flight services. 03-611 08/13/03 When asked, Mr. O'Leary stated a 10-bay T-hangar would cost approximately $350,000 to construct and the debt service pays for itself if it is half full. Mr. Dane stated budgetary! figures indicate that 75 percent occupancy would cover the idebt service of a corporate hangar for larger jets for the first few years, and after the first few years, 50 percent occupancy would be sufficient. When asked, Mr. Dane stated there is a waiting list at this time for T-hangar space. He further stated there is only space for one additional 10,000-square foot hangar at the existing apron. He stated that, in order for the Airport to grow, an additional apron is necessary and planned for construction in 2005. Discussion ensued relative to the possibility of receiving federal funding for an additional runway at the Airport. Mr. Doug Sander, representing Delta Airport Consultants, stated that Federal Aviation Administration would more than likely not fund such a project. Mr. O'Leary reviewed a summary of grants totals; completed projects for 2002-2003; and upcoming projects. He stated that Airport needs include a corporate hangar; additional T- hangar space; and apron/tie-down space. Mr. Miller inquired about the possibility of public/private funding of T-hangars. Mr. Ramsey stated the county has historically been able to build T-hangars using rental revenue. Discussion, questions and comments ensued relative to capacity of existing hangar space and potential occupancy of a new corporate hangar. When asked, Mr. Dane stated the events of September 11, 2001 have had a positive effect on general aviation because people are still afraid ofl commercial flights. Mr. Sander stated there appears to be a growing trend for corporations to build larger hangars to base their aircraft. Mr. Dane noted the additional apron space is critical to provide additional corporate hangar space. When asked, Mr. Dane stated it would cost approximately $350,000 to $400,000 tol construct a 10,000-square foot corporate hangar, and the hangar would hold four or five small jets. Mrs. Humphrey stated she feels the county should seriously consider an additional corporate hangar. Mr. Barber commended Mr. Dane on the excellent job he is doing as the county's Interim Airport Director. Mr. Ramsey commended Mr. iDane and Mr. Mickel for recently presenting Airport information to an economic development prospect on a short notice. 03-612 08/13/03 Mr. Warren thanked the members of the Airport Advisory Board for meeting with the Board and providing such an informative presentation. Mrs. Humphrey presented the Board with an engraved tray given to her by Virginia State University in appreciation of the county's outstanding contributions to the university. The Board recessed for fifteen minutes. Reconvening: CHESTERFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTATION Colonel Horace Mann, incoming President of the Historical Society presented each of the Board members with a copy of the recently reprinted book by Jeffrey O'Dell, Chesterfield County Early Architecture and Historic Sites. Mrs. Doris Hancock, outgoing Historical Society President, reviewed a number of ~Chesterfield Firsts" from 1611 to 1997, and stressed the importance of promoting the county's history when promoting the county. She provided information relative to events sponsored by and participated in by the Historical Society. Discussion ensued relative to the status of purchasing the property necessary to expand the Eppington Foundation. Mrs. Hancock provided information relative to the Historical Society's fundraising efforts. She stated the Society's library at Castlewood has 1,600 published works related to Chesterfield County; 21 years of carefully gathered research including cemetery and genealogical records; hundreds of maps and photographs; and is open more than 40 hours per week by skilled volunteers and staff. She provided information relative to education opportunities offered at Magnolia Grange, the County Museum and the 1892 Jail. She stated the 1917 Courthouse is currently being used by the Chesterfield Court system, and the Historical Society would like to have the building back as a part of their tour. She further stated the 1828 Clerk's Office building is currently being used as office space for the Extension Service, and the Society would also like to have this building as one of its historic sites. Mrs. Humphrey excused herself from the meeting. Mrs. Hancock stated the Historical Society started an outreach program to schools, libraries and groups in 2000 and provides a tour that complements the Standards of Learning. She further stated one of the Society's goals is to work with the county and the Historical Alliance in promoting historic information regarding county sites in preparation for the 2007 Jamestown celebration. She stressed the importance of reprinting Volume 1 (1607-1954) of Chesterfield - An Old Virginia County, in conjunction with promotion of the 2007 celebration. Colonel Mann stated the Historical Society would like to increase public awareness of the county's historic buildings, Civil War sites, collections and artifacts by 03-613 08/13/03 increasing signage on Iron Bridge Road and obtaining permission for signage on Interstate 95 and Interstate 295. He further stated the Society hopes to create a suitable slogan indicative of all !Chesterfield "firsts" and perhaps paint it on water towers within the county. He provided visitation data from 1999 through 2002, and stated the Society will endeavor to interest tourists in visiting Chesterfield and hopes !to increase visitation by five percent in 2004. He stated the 2007 Jamestown celebration will provide the Historical Society with an opportunity to promote the early settlement of Chesterfield County as well as other historic events. He expressed appreciation to the Board for its support. Discussion ensued relative to promoting the county's history in the school system and to fundraising possibilities for the Historical Society. Mr. McHale suggested that !the Historical Society solicit the support of area realtors. Mr. Barber stated the committee on the Future has chosen greenways as the topic for their next report, and suggested that the Historic Society team up with the committee to discuss connecting historic sites through greenways. Discussion ensued relative to the possibility of relocating the Extension Service from the 1828 Clerk's Office when the Community Development building is complete. Mr. Barber suggested provilding a boat tour from Jamestown to Chesterfield in 2007 with either a half-day tour of Henricus or a full day tour of the icounty. He further suggested that a tour package from Jamestown to Chesterfield be designed and funding solicited to help disseminate the information. Mr. Ramsey stated a regional group consisting of the Chamber of Commerce, the ConventiOn and Visitors Bureau, and other organizations is developing a 2007 tourism package with Richmond as the major thrust, and Henricus being a site of interest. He further stated it will cost several million dollars to promote the tourism package nationally. Mr. Miller stated he feels finding supporters within Chesterfield County itself would be the best way to promote tourism in the county in 2007. Mr. Ramsey stated a challenge has been issued by the Historical Society to find another community in the country with as many firsts as Chesterfield County. Mr. McHale suggested that! the Board issue a challenge for students to provide an additional verifiable ~first" from Chesterfield County. Mr. Warren expressed appreciation to Mrs. Hancock and Colonel Mann for providing an excellent presentation. 03-614 08/13/03 On motion of Mr. McHale, seconded by Mr. Barber, the Board adjourned at 7:40 p.m. until August 27, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. Ayes: Warren, McHale, Barber and Miller. Nays: None. Absent: Humphrey. Lane B. Ram~y ~/ County Administ~ator Arthur S. Warren Chairman 03-615 08/13/03