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03-06-2006 Minutes BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES March 6, 2006 .- Supervisors in Attendance: Mr. R. M. "Dickie" King, Jr., Chairman Mr. Kelly E. Miller, Vice Chrm. Mr. Edward B. Barber Mrs. Renny Bush Humphrey Supervisor Absent: Mr. Arthur S. Warren Mr. Lane B. Ramsey, County Administrator - .- Staff in Attendance: Colonel Carl R. Baker, Police Department Mr. Joe Campbell, Dir., Juvenile Detention Home Ms. Jana Carter, Dir., Youth Planning and Development Ms. Marilyn Cole, Asst. County Administrator Mr. William W. Davenport, Commonwealth's Attorney Ms. Rebecca Dickson, Dir., Budget and Management Mr. Robert Eanes, Asst. to the County Administrator Ms. Lisa Elko, Clerk Mr. Bradford S. Hammer, Deputy Co. Admin., Human Services Mr. Donald Kappel, Dir., Public Affairs Mr. Rob Key, Asst. Dir., General Services Mr. Michael Likins, Coop. Extension Director Mr. Mike Mabe, Dir., Libraries Chief Paul Mauger, Fire and EMS Dept. Mr. Steven L. Micas, County Attorney Dr. William Nelson, Dir., Health Dept. Ms. Diane Peterson, Senior Advocate Mr. Glen Peterson, Dir., Community Diversion Incentive Program Ms. Karen Reilly, Compo Services Act Coordinator Ms. Sarah Snead, Dir., Social Services Mr. Gary Southard, Strategic Mgr., Mental Health/Mental Retard./Substance Abuse Mr. James J. L. Stegmaier, Deputy Co. Admin., Management Services Mr. M. D. Stith, Jr., Deputy Co. Admin., Community Development 06-194 03/06/06 Sheriff Clarence williams, Sheriff's Department 1. DX_ WJ:'J.'II MBMBBRS 01' 'rBB SOC:tAL SB1tV:J:CES BOARD Members of the Board of Supervisors had dinner in Room 502 of the Administration Building with members of the Social Services Board prior to the meeting. ~ Mr. King called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Mr. King commended the police and Fire and EMS Departments and other agencies who worked tirelessly in the search for two missing teens feared lost in Swift Creek Reservoir. He stated one recovery was made yesterday and another was made today. He expressed heartfelt sympathy to the families of Jordan Sebia and Travis Turner. Members of the audience joined Board members in a moment of silence. Colonel Baker provided details of the police Department's investigative activities surrounding the deaths of the teens. He stated a determination should be made in the next couple of days as to whether the deaths were accidental. He noted the new mobile command vehicle was a huge benefit for everyone involved in the activities. Mr. King commended Colonel Baker on the way that all of the agencies involved worked together. Chief Mauger thanked the Board for providing the new command vehicle, which allowed the departments to perform their duties so efficiently. He provided details of the search and recovery efforts of Fire and EMS. He stated many sources assisted with the search, including the Virginia State police, who provided SONAR equipment; the Chesterfield Utilities Department, who provided GIS mapping technology; Charlottesville/Albemarle County, who provided search and rescue K-9 dog teams; and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. He stated, throughout the operation, a number of very much appreciated comments and recommendations were received from the community, indicating that there was a science behind the highly coordinated effort, with safety as a paramount consideration. Mr. King commended both personnel, who conducted included factors such as temperatures. the Fire and EMS and the search in conditions zero visibility, wind and Police that low Mr. Ramsey highlighted a number of organizations, volunteers and businesses that were directly involved with the search efforts, and expressed appreciation for the amazing support provided during this difficult time. Mrs. Humphrey organizations families. expressed appreciation to several volunteer and citizens who provided support to the 06-195 03/06/06 Mr. Miller stated his heart goes out to families of the two teens who lost their lives. He further stated it is the Board's duty to provide positive support to Police, Fire and EMS, who continue to rise to unbelievable heights in times of crisis. 2 . WORK SESSIONS - COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S FY2007-FY2008 BIENNIAL PINANCIAL PLAN INCLUDING PRESENTATIONS PROM: 2.A. SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD Ms. Snead introduced Mr. Rusty Sirles, Chairman of the Social Services Board. Mr. Sirles expressed appreciation to the Board for their support. He then introduced members of the Social Services Board, who were present at the meeting. He called forward Social Services Board member, Mr. Bruce Miller, to provide details of the proposed budget. .- Mr. Miller reviewed organizational highlights, including development of initiatives to respond to the rapidly increasing Hispanic population; selection as a pilot for an innovative approach to securing permanency for foster care children, known as Concurrent Permanency Planning; and high performance in spite of increased caseload volume and complexity. He expressed concerns relative to increased active cases for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) , food stamps, Medicaid, and fuel assistance and provided details of the increase in these areas from FY2002- FY2005. He stated critical issues include changing demographics and increasing difficulty in case management; tremendously increased caseloads of benefit program workers; manda tory federal compliance requirements; turnover in eligibility staff; and difficulty in recruiting and filling posi tions. He stated the FY2007 budget includes funding requests for upgrading to full-time one Medicaid Eligibility Worker, one Bi-Lingual Interpreter and one Section 8 Housing Worker and later thanked the County Administrator for funding these requests. He further stated the FY2007 budget includes an additional funding request for six new Eligibility Workers and thanked the Board for funding three of the six positions. He continued to list other funding requests to include increased program funds for indigent funerals and burials, a Senior Eligibility Worker for the Energy Assistance Program, and a Social Work Aide. He thanked the Board for its unwavering commitment and efforts on behalf of the county's most vulnerable citizens, including elderly, children and families. .- In response to Supervisor Miller's question, Ms. Snead stated some programs, such as protective services and foster care, are available for children of illegal immigrants. She further stated she will provide the Board with more specific information relative to eligibility of immigrants for services. Mr. Barber thanked the Social Services Board for their tremendous service and stated the length of service of the members speaks highly of both the board and the agency. 06-196 03/06/06 Ms. Snead stated the members of the social Services Board are an incredible group, and she cannot say enough about their knowledge, support: and level of dedication. In response to Mrs. Humphrey's question, Ms. Colonial Heights is billed for their administrative costs of the agency. Snead stated portion of Discussion ensued relative to the increase in citizens served through the fuel assistance program. -' Ms. Snead stated, although we have had a very mild winter, more citizens applied for fuel assistance, primarily because of anxiety as a result of publicity around the cost of fuel and heating sources. Mrs. Humphrey requested that Ms. Snead act as a liaison with the Board of Trustees of the Baptist Children's Home to gain information regarding licensure and inspections. She stated that county has maintained a partnership with the organization for many years, and it may be time to further the relationship or reinforce it. She stated the facility is vital to the placement of children for the entire Crater Region, and she wants to make sure it remains open. Ms. Snead stated the department has had a longstanding devotion and relationship with that organization, and she will be glad to work with them. Mr. Ramsey noted Mr. Hammer has been ~rorking with the organization. Mr. King thanked Ms. Snead for the informative presentation of the Social Services Board. 2.B. CONST:ITUTIONAL OFFICERS 2. B .1. COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY Mr. Davenport presented an overview of the Commonwealth's Attorney's proposed FY2007 budget. He stated budgetary concerns include future funding of an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney and a full-time Secretary through the Proj ect Exile Grant; anticipation of seven murder cases in FY2007 and one capital murder case pending; additional positions requested from the Compensation Board; a possible new 5th General District Court Judge that will impact the Commonwealth's Attorney's workload; and retirement of senior attorneys within the next five years. He provided details of population and staff growth comparisons for Chesterfield and Henrico. He reviewed Central Virginia Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force data from calendar years 2002-2005 relative to drug seizures; seized assets; arrests and search warrants; and indictments through Grand Jury. He provided case load and staffing comparisons for Chesterfield and Henrico. He stated additional requests for FY2007 and FY2008 include funding for one full-time Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney and one full- time Secretary for the Project Exile Program; upgrading the Legal Secretary for the Drug Taskforce from part-time to full-time; and two additional entry level Attorneys, two additional entry level Legal Secretaries, and one entry level 06-197 03/06/06 Paralegal that he anticipates receiving from the Compensation Board. He noted Capital Improvement Program issues include funding for audio-visual upgrades in Circuit and General District courtrooms in 2011 and 2012. He thanked the Board for its continued support. ,~ In response to Mr. King's questions, Mr. Davenport stated he anticipates the Project Exile funding will end June 30, 2006. He further stated the county is being asked to supplement the new positions being provided by the State Compensation Board. Discussion ensued relative to the difference in criminal activities seen in Henrico and Chesterfield. In response to Mr. Miller's question, Mr. Davenport stated he is unable to provide an assessment of the number of illegal immigrants his office is involved with. He noted his office is incurring an increasing number of hourly costs for Spanish interpretation, indicating that at some point, a full-time Spanish interpreter may be necessary. Mr. King thanked Mr. Davenport for providing the Board with details of the Commonwealth Attorney's proposed budget. 2.B.2. SHERIFF - Sheriff Williams presented an overview of the Sheriff's proposed FY2007-FY2008 budget. He reviewed accomplishments, including 100 percent compliance with the Board of Corrections three-year audit/inspection; enhanced child support enforcement program; continued decrease in inmate medical emergency room transports; low employee turnover rate; successfully transitioned booking operations; new jail transi tion teams; and new inmate workforces. He compared Sheriff's Office employee diversity statistics with countywide statistics. He stated the county received over $145,000 through the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program to offset the cost of housing illegal aliens in the local jail and at Riverside Regional Jail and also received grant funding for a new firearms simulator and upgrade to the Jail Management System. He reviewed FY2007-FY2008 budget initiatives, including implementation of more inmate programs; implementation of telemedicine program; VLEPSC re- accreditation; implementation of cash refunding for jail releases; conduction of a survey of complete operations/ salary benchmarking; development of support personnel staffing plan; completion of the agency information technology plan; and initiation of process to obtain additional accreditations. He provided details of inmates requiring mental health care and inmates seen on sick call, and requested that the Board provide funding for a full-time Medical Assistant position to address this critical issue. He expressed concerns relative to increased docketed court cases, Courthouse security screenings, increased scope of Courthouse security services and Courthouse security challenges, and stated there is a critical need for 17 Deputies and 2 Sergeants to address Courthouse Security needs and alleviate the severe staffing shortage. He also expressed concerns relative to the decrease in state funding of his office from 66 percent in 1990 to 30 percent in 2005. - 06-198 03/06/06 Mr. Miller commended Sheriff Williams on the excellent work of his staff. In response to Mr. Miller's question, Sheriff Williams stated he will provide the Board with data regarding the number of inmates who are illegal aliens. He further stated he has seen a tremendous increase in illegal aliens, indicating that his office has received $145,000 from the state to offset the cost of housing illegal aliens in both the local and regional jails. Discussion ensued relative to determination of the need for mental health care by inmates. Mr. Barber expressed concerns relative to the inadequacies of state funding of the Sheriff's Office. Discussion ensued relative to payment of overtime for deputies who are drafted for courtroom security purposes. Sheriff Williams stated he is concerned about the health and mental condition of his deputies because of the number of hours they are working and the time they are spending away from their families. Mr. Barber inquired about the cost of hiring new deputies as opposed to the payment of overtime of deputies to address staffing shortages for courtroom security. Sheriff Williams stated he will provide the Board with this data, once it has been compiled. Mrs. Humphrey expressed appreciation to Sheriff Williams for his consistency in managing the operation of the jail. She commended Sheriff Williams on decreased medical costs and inmate transports for medical reasons. She stated the medical technology upgrades included in the budget are both innovative and timely. She further stated she would like to explore the possibility of acquiring federal terrorism funding for the Sheriff's Office to address courtroom security issues. .-", Mr . Ramsey been aimed government prepared. stated all of the homeland security funds have at response to emergencies, and the federal expects the county to use the funding to be Mr. King stated he, too, is interested in finding out how the savings for overtime payments could be redirected in the form of new employees. Mr. Ramsey stated a number of studies have been done regarding overtime pay, indicating that it generally takes 50 percent or more of an employee's salary in overtime pay before warranting the hiring of an additional employee. Sheriff Williams thanked Mr. Ramsey and the Board for their assistance with opening the replacement jail. ~-""",- 2.C. COUNTY ADMIHI:STRATOR'S FY2007 AND FY2008 PROPOSED OVERALL BUDGET Mr. Allan Carmody, Budget Manager, presented a summary of the County Administrator's proposed FY2007 and FY2008 overall budget. He reviewed percentage increase in the demand for 06-199 03/06/06 - services from FY2000-FY2005 and stated the tax rates are proposed to remain unchanged for FY2007 in all categories, with exception of the real estate rate. He stated the FY2007 budget is predicated at $1.06 as of January 2006 and $1.05 as of January 2007, and the FY2008 budget has been built around a continued annual one-cent decline in the real estate tax rate. He further stated primary considerations in the budget preparation included placing priority in the areas of Education, Public Safety and Human Services; providing multi- faceted tax relief; and employing qualified personnel. He stated the County Administrator's FY2007 proposed budget totals $1,104,045,400. He reviewed FY2006 versus FY2007 proposed General Fund revenues and expenditures. He stated the budget is predicated around multi-faceted tax relief, including real estate rate reductions; the second consecutive year of expansion of the tax relief for the elderly and disabled program; and a cap on the BPOL tax for the 8th consecutive year. He provided details of various initiatives within the proposed budget that support each of the county's strategic goals. He reviewed FY2007 General Fund sources and uses; balancing ini tia ti ves ; and new posi tions . He then reviewed proposed fee changes for FY2007 and FY2008 in building inspection; utilities; and waste and resource recovery. In response to Mr. Miller's question, Mr. Carmody stated the proposed utilities increase affects the base charges on a bi- monthly bill rather than a customer's consumption, noting that the commodity charges are not changing. Mr. Ramsey noted the utili ties fee increase address necessary capital improvements availability anticipated by the department several years. is proposed to related to over the next Mrs. Humphrey referenced the new positions proposed by the County Administrator and inquired about funding for the Project Exile positions requested by the Commonwealth's Attorney. Mr. Ramsey stated staff is aware that Project Exile funding is a priority and will be watching the state budget in regards to this funding. Mr. Carmody reviewed the proposed fee changes for the Sheriff's Office and ended the presentation by reviewing the remainder of the budget work session calendar. ,- Mr. Miller expressed concerns relative to the astronomical increase in residential real estate revaluations. He stated, when the Board reduced the real estate tax by one cent in 2001, the increase in revaluations was 3.4 percent. He further stated the increase for 2006 is Ii percent, more than three times the increase in 200l, indicating that he wants to look further into reduction of the real estate tax rate. Mr. King thanked presentation. Mr. Carmody for the informative 2.D. HtJMAN SERVICES Mr. Hammer presented an overview of budget for Human Services, totaling reviewed increased workload projections the proposed FY2007 $92.5 million. He for school health 06-200 03/06/06 ..-(r"~ I nurses and future trends for restaurant inspections. He noted that fees could help pay for more inspectors in FY2008. He provided Library details, including recent accomplishments; 10-year circulation history; circulation per capita; population served per library staff person; material expenditure per capita; and increased age of library collections. He expressed concerns relative to the importance of taking steps to begin improving the library collections. He reviewed Parks and Recreation data relative to co- sponsored group enrollment; facility usage; senior citizen program enrollment; special events attendance; and recreational program participants. He expressed concerns that there have been no new recreation positions in over 12 years. He stated the FY2007 and FY2008 budgets include funding for prior Parks and Recreation commitments and noted the Government Center Trail will be completed very soon. He provided accomplishments of the Youth Planning and Development Office; Youth Group Home; and Juvenile Probation. He reviewed Juvenile Probation trends for FY2003-FY2005. He noted the county was recently recognized as one of the top 100 localities for Youth in America. Mr. Miller inquired whether the increase in police complaints regarding juveniles and the total intakes could be associated with the large number of group homes in the county. Mr. Hammer stated the police Department responded to 400 calls for group homes in the county last year, and children from the group homes are arrested and taken into the juvenile court system. Mr. Miller expressed concerns relative to the cost to the county of police calls at group homes. Mr. Hammer reviewed data relative to Ju\renile Probation intake dispositions and Juvenile Drug Court accomplishments and trends. He stated local and state grant funding will support the juvenile drug court program in FY2007 and FY2008, indicating that staff will continue to seek federal grant support. He further stated Juvenile Detention Home challenges include staffing to address rising population and increased need for medical and mental health services based on need of the detention population. He stated there has been a significant increase in active Comprehensive Services cases, which has impacted local funding. He provided Comprehensive Services Act details regarding service population growth and expenditures by category. He expressed concerns that new Communi ty Service Board posi tions are necessary to reduce wai ting time for psychiatry services and family and adolescent mental health services. In response to Mrs. Humphrey's question, Mr. Hammer stated the proposed new counselor position could not provide services for both school-age children and pre-schoolers. I, I Mr. Hammer provided details of Chesterfield Access registered I passengers, access trips and costs. He stated the number of low-income residents using the service is very low because I the mothers who would like to use the service must pay for I their children. He further stated the Board could add I $22,000 to $50,000 to the Access budget and allow children to I ride with their mothers for free. He stated most of the 06-201 03/06/06 trips for low-income residents are for medical and work purposes. In response to Mr. Barber's question, Mr. Hammer stated the additional cost for allowing children to ride with their parents would be used to compensate the vendor for a loss in seating during trips. ,- Mr. Barber stated he does not addi tional charge if children destination as their mother. think there are traveling should be an to the same Mr. Hammer provided details of the Extension Office's FY2005 programming results and the success of programs for youth in the Jefferson Davis Highway corridor. Discussion ensued relative to the Extension Office's Master Gardener Program. - Mr. Hammer stated the county is in need of an arborist position to advocate for proper landscaping by developers in the county. He further stated the county's Extension Director, Mike Likins, could be designated to serve in this capacity. He provided details of cost saving initiatives in Community Corrections Services and the number of victims served during FY2003-FY2005 by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center. He expressed concerns relative to loss of grant funding for the Dual Treatment Track, but noted that funding is included in the Governor's proposed budget. He provided details of issues involving senior citizens, as noted by the county's Senior Advocate. Mrs. Humphrey requested that Senior Advocate Diane Peterson attend her afternoon community meeting on March 29th at Second Branch Baptist Church to answer senior citizens' questions regarding the Medicare drug benefit program. Mr. Miller stated the county libraries are very dear to his heart. He inquired whether the libraries might consider a "buy a book" program where individuals or civic groups might consider purchasing materials to assist with circulation replacement needs. Mr. Mabe stated staff will continue to work with The Friends of the Library and will also look into Mr. Miller's suggestion. Mr. King thanked Mr. Hammer for providing details of the proposed Human Services' budget. 3 . ADJOUIUDIENT On motion of Mr. King, seconded by Mr. Miller, the Board adjourned at 9:08 p.m. until March 8, 2006 at 3:30 p.m. Ayes: King, Miller, Barber and Humphrey. Nays: None. Absent: Warren. L{:!i ee!~ County Administrator // \. " 06-202 03/06/06