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07-20-2006 Minutes BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES July 20, 2006 Supervisors in Attendance: - Mr. R. M. ~Dickie" King, Jr., Chairman Mr. Kelly E. Miller, Vice Chrm. Mrs. Renny Bush Humphrey Mr. Arthur S. Warren Mr. Lane B. Ramsey, County Administrator Staff in Attendance: Mrs. Janice Blakley, Dep. Clerk to the Board Mr. Allan Carmody, Dir., Budget and Mgmt. Ms. Marilyn Cole, Asst. County Administrator Mr. Jonathan Davis, Real Estate Assessor Ms. Rebecca Dickson, Deputy Co. Administrator, Human Services Mr. Steven L. Micas, County Attorney Mr. Francis Pitaro, Dir., General Services Ms. Chris Ruth, Asst. Dir., Public Affairs Mr. James J. L. Stegmaier, Deputy Co. Admin., Management Services Mr. M. D. Stith, Jr., Deputy Co. Admin., Community Development Mr. Kirk Turner, Dir., Planning Mr. Scott Zaremba, Asst. Dir., Human Resources Mr. King called the special meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. He stated the purpose of this meeting is the consideration of applicants for appointment as Interim Midlothian District Supervisor. 1. INVOCATION Mr. Stegmaier gave the invocation. 2 . PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mr. Stith led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. 3 . CONSIDERATION OF APPLICANTS FOR APPOINTMENT AS INTERIM MIDLOTHIAN DISTRICT SUPERVISOR Mr. King stated at a special meeting held on July 7, 2006, the Board accepted the resignation of Mr. Edward Barber as the Midlothian District Supervisor and formulated a process 06-643 01/11/06 to accept applications for the appointment of an interim replacement. He further stated the Board received 17 applications from interested residents from the Midlothian District. He stated background investigations of all candidates for thE: Midlothian Supervisor have been completed, disclosing one mi:3demeanor conviction from one candidate that occurred over 35 years ago, which would not disqualify the candidate for a coaching card under the existing background investigation system in Chesterfield County. Mrs. Blakley read the names of the applicants and confirmed their attendance. Mr. King provided an overview of the process for the special meeting. He stated each applicant will have up to five minutes to introduce themselves and explain his or her reasons for wanting to be appointed Interim Midlothian Supervisor. He further stated the order for hearing the applicants will be random, indicating the Board has several random lists which have been computer generated, and one list will be selected prior to the presentations. He stated each applicant will be called as their name appears on the random list. He explained the lighting system for timing each speaker. He requested that each applicant provide their name and address; tell how long they have lived in the county; and indicate whether they intend to be a candidate in the November election or are only interested in serving during the interim. He stated following the presentation of all 17 applicants, each Board member has up to 15 minutes to ask questions of the applicants, ""hich will also be done randomly. He stated at the conclusion of the question period, each Board member will be given five minutes for closing co:rru:nents in the order in which they have asked questions. On motion of Mr. King, seconded by Mrs. Humphrey, the Board approved the changes to the process for presentations and the questioning of candidates for the Interim Midlothian District Supervisor's position. Ayes: King, Miller, Humphrey and Warren. Nays: None. MR. KEITH F. MCCREA Mr. Keith F. McCrea, a resident of Chesterfield County for 20 years, stated he is undecided whether he will run for election in November 2006. He further stated he understands responsibilities that the Board faces on a regular basis, indicating that he is particularly interested in land development. He referenced various land issues in Midlothian, including the Cloverleaf Corridor, Watkins Centre; and HMK. property at the corner of Chippenham and powhite. 06-644 01/11/06 MR. LEONARD M. ZIEGLER .- Mr. Leonard M. Ziegler, a resident of Chesterfield County for six years, stated he does not intend to run in the November 2006 election. He provided qualities that he would bring to the Board if selected: 1) a responsible and committed citizen; 2) duty to participate; 3) deep family values and commitments; 4) leadership and planning experience; and 5) financially conservative. He stated he has a well-grounded moral compass and an above average commitment to his community. MR. STERLING W. HENING - Mr. Sterling W. Hening, a resident of Chesterfield County since 2005, stated he does not plan to run in the November election. He further stated he believes the Board should ultimately choose a candidate who is willing to state they only want to serve during the interim period for the following reasons: 1) Midlothian residents deserve a representati ve who will focus and devote their time on the role and business of the county as a whole; 2) avoids the perception that the Board of Supervisors is appointing or hand picking the replacement; and 3) appointing a candidate that wishes to serve in the interim only enables the candidates interested in serving in the long term to introduce themselves to the citizens of the district and to communicate their stance on important issues; and 4) allows the citizens to make an informed decision on who their representative should be. He stated an appointed elected official should be independent, impartial and fair in judgment, actions and decisions. He further stated, in his opinion, the public office should be used for the public good and not personal gain, and public deliberations and processes should be conducted openly unless legally confidential. MS. WENDY MCINDOE AUSTIN - Ms. Wendy McIndoe Austin, a resident of Chesterfield County for three years, stated she does not plan to run in the November 2006 election. She further stated she chose to live in the Midlothian District because of the well-managed, award-winning government, the stellar educational system, and the low crime rate. She stated she is interested in serving the community of Midlothian because she believes everyone has a responsibility to do their part and carry out their civic duty. She further stated, as representative of the Midlothian District, she would follow the dictates of the community and her conscience, listen to all sides, and make informed decisions that would best serve the citizens. She stated issues that need to be addressed include managing growth and making sure it pays for itself so that we don't betray our quality of life by allowing overcrowded schools, clogged roads and disappearing green space; revitalization of areas that are declining; and maintaining low tax bills. She further stated if she is selected, her door will always be open and she will be available to listen to what the people of Midlothian believe needs to be done for the rest of this year. 06-645 01/11/06 MR. DONALD D. SOWDER Mr. Donald D. Sowder, a resident of Chesterfield County for seven years, stated he intends to run in the November 2006 election. He further stated he has never lived anywhere during his military career that comes close to Midlothian, Virginia, indicating that county residents are extremely fortunate to live at the geographic center of the business, cultural and historical corridor of the mid-Atlantic region. He stated he envisions the Route 288 corridor as an Innsbrook-type complex starting with the Watkins Centre and other areas consistent with the county's master plan, thus equalizing the county's tax base. He stressed the importance of being aware of residential growth and stated he believes county government has a responsibility to provide good, high- paying jobs for its citizens. MS. PATRICIA M. CARPENTER Ms. patricia M. Carpenter, a resident of Chesterfield County for five years, stated she will not run in the November 2006 election, but does plan to compete for the Midlothian District School Board representative position in November 2007. She further stated she has been active in the community through schools and her homeowners association and chaired the Citizens Committee that promoted passage of the 2004 School Bond Referendum. She stated she believes her experience with the bond referendum is very pertinent to the interim supervisor position, indicating she learned a tremendous amount about the residents' concerns and the services they want their county government to provide. MS. MARGIE DICKINSON DAVIS Ms. Margie Dickinson Davis, a resident of Chesterfield County for 18 years, stated she does intend to run for election in November 2006. She further stated two important factors for this position are the ability to work with an irate citizen and knowledge of the budget process. She provided details of her qualifications in these areas and stated she has been exposed to various Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission issues as a member of the Health Center Commission and the expansion of Lucy Corr Village. MR. JOHN EDWARD KOTVAS, JR. Mr. John E. Kotvas, Jr., a resident of Chesterfield County for 20 years, stated he intends to run for election in November 2006. He provided seven key ideas to help Chesterfield and Midlothian to remain one of the top places to live: 1) conduct a nationwide search for a new County Administrator when Mr. Ramsey retires; 2) increase commercial development and smart growth; 3) in-depth budget review; 4) strong foundation for public education; 5) review of the tax rate; 6) road improvements; and 7) public safety and law enforcement. He stated Chesterfield's motto should be "get it done," and the goal of community leaders should be to make Midlothian and all of Chesterfield the number one place to live in the United States. . 06-646 07/20/06 - - - MR. ROBERT A. HODGES - Mr. Robert A. Hodges, a resident of Chesterfield County for 22 years, stated he has considered running in the November 2006 election. He further stated his life has been shaped and guided by the principles he has gained through four major experiences military; business; church; and community service. He stated he is not seeking this appointment for political ambition, but to be of service to Chesterfield County and its residents. He further stated he is a business-oriented person who would work for development in Chesterfield and a sensible plan for considering infrastructure for transportation, safety, schools and open spaces prior to development. He stated he believes citizens want to be informed concerning development and also want to feel that their individual property is protected and not subject to adverse issues. He further stated he will look for ways to improve and use large tracts that are no longer in use in the county or are currently idle. MS. ANNE STEVENS CARTER TIERNEY - Ms. Anne Stevens Carter Tierney, a resident of Chesterfield County for 22 years, stated she is interested in running for election in November 2006. She further stated staying home with her children has allowed her the time to be more involved with her community. She stated she is interested in the position because of her passion about her community. She further stated citizens in the Midlothian district voice their concerns to her, indicating that their concerns are her concerns. MR. ALBERT F. (DUFF) YOUNG, JR. - Mr. Albert F. (Duff) Young, Jr., a resident of Chesterfield County for over seven years, stated he intends to run in the special election in November 2006. He further stated the Board would be hard pressed to find a willing candidate with a better and more extensive business background than his. He stated adding a supervisor to the Board with proven business skills and experience, along with hands-on experience actively managing and operating a major business in Chesterfield County, is a valued attribute and the right criteria for the Board to consider. He stated, if selected, he plans to take the time to speak with existing management to understand the business better and to also talk with the customers. He further stated he would take time to talk with the existing Board members and County Administration to gain a firsthand and inside understanding of the primary issues of the county, and would couple this knowledge with formal input from Midlothian constituents and his own common sense and real world business experience to formulate a work plan. He stated, in his opinion, the Board should seek a candidate who is smart, open-minded, business-oriented and business experienced, who is willing to listen, and who will consider a new, fresh, well-informed look at both the problems and opportunities facing the county. 06-647 01/11/06 MR. ANTHONY C. BERNARDO Mr. Anthony C. Bernardo, a county resident since July 2002, stated he has not decided if he will run for the special election in November 2006. He further stated he wants to serve as an instrument of the people of Midlothian to help government provide exceptional quality of life and achieve well-planned, fiscally managed growth. He stated his values include: belief in the law; belief in the rights of indi viduals wi thin the framework of the law; and belief in family values and religious values. He further stated he supports investment in the comnunity for education, law enforcement 1 environmental respect and safety of citizens, which are key elements for the quality of life. He stated he believes in managed growth throu9h a "pay-as-you-go" system and would like to see an increase in technology or headquarters-type organizations in Midlothian to increase the tax base and provide high paying jobs. He further stated he believes in surplus or break-even fiscal policies and does not believe in deficits, and believes in goal setting and a strategic planning process in ordl~r to get the job done. He stated he has a strong business background, as well as experience working with many different people and cultures. He further stated he believes in the role of political process to lead for the benefit of all people. MR. CHARLES B. 0' KEEFFE, JR. Mr. Charles B. O'Keeffe, Jr., a resident of Midlothian for 40 years, stated hE! does not plan to run for office in the special election in November 2006. He further stated he is here to offer his services to the Board if they feel that he could serve adequately in the interim period. He stated, in the interes.t of fairness to thE! voters of the Midlothian District, he hopes the person the Board chooses to serve in the interim period will not be chosen on the basis of political interest. He further stated he has provided the Board with details of his experience, which he believes is adequate, but not superior to other candidates. He stated qualifications are not the major issue, but rather fairness to the voters in the Midlothian District. He further stated he would maintain stabilit.y and civility as the Board carries out the business of the county if appointed interim supervisor. MR. ROBERT E. OLSEN Mr. Robert E. Olsen, a resident of the Midlothian District since 1975, stated he does not intend to run in the special election in November 2006. He further stated he has received two resolutions from the Board regarding his cornrni tment to the county, and he believes this is another way he can help the county. He stated there are many problems facing Chesterfield County, but nothing that cannot be solved. He further stated he would like to have the opportunity to continue his commitment to the county and hopes the Board will nominate him for the interim period. 06-648 01/11/06 MR. GORDON S. MEYER - Mr. Gordon S. Meyer, a resident of the Midlothian District for over 15 years, stated if appointed, he will not seek to run in the special election in November 2006. He further stated he can bring stability and experience during this interim period. He stated he knows that the appointee cannot be successful without directly related experiences in Midlothian, and he has more than a decade of Midlothian development-related experience to offer. He further stated he has essential contacts that will be needed for the interim supervisor, and, as the interim supervisor, his approach to resolve issues would be to cooperate across districts and to utilize a consensus approach, which encourages and provides for upfront residential and developer input. MS. TERRI COFER BEIRNE - Ms. Terri Cofer Beirne, a resident of Chesterfield County for 22 years, stated she is not interested in running for the Midlothian seat in the fall. She further stated she is interested in helping to shape the county that has been a huge factor in shaping her life. She stated she sees this job as 'drinking from an open fire hydrant' and digesting a tremendous amount of complicated information, while trying to reach a decision that balances a lot of interests at the same time with the back drop of the limitations that the General Assembly imposes on the Board. She further stated she believes her professional experiences have provided her with skills to help manage some of these responsibilities for the next few months. She stated having the benefi t of seeing Chesterfield County grow over the last 40 years, she would like the opportunity to assist with development for the next several months. MR. WILLIAM H. SHEWMAKE - Mr. William H. Shewmake, a resident of Midlothian since 1999, stated he will seek election in November 2006. He thanked the Board for the open process to allow all applicants to come forward and explain to the Board why they wish to serve as the Midlothian Supervisor. He stated he would like the Board to consider four criteria when selecting the interim supervisor, including service, experience, temperament and judgment. He stated he feels community service is absolutely essential in the Board's consideration. He further stated in terms of experience, the Board is not looking to appoint someone who will be a good Board member in two or three years - the Midlothian voters will do that in November. He stated he will meet with the people and work together with applicants and neighborhood leaders on issues to find common interests. He stated he believes it is vital to choose someone who will foster a cooperative atmosphere and who reacts well under pressure. He further stated, if appointed, he promises uphold the honor of this office at all times and to serve this county and its constituents to very best of his ability. Mr. King requested a 10-minute recess. 06-649 01/11/06 Reconvening: Mr. King stated that each Board ml:!mber would have 15 minutes to question the candidates. He further stated the Board members will be randomly selected in a computer-generated order. He suggested that the questions pertain to information provided by the candidates. Mr. King s ta ted he kept extens i ve notes and had taken the time to read and review all applications. He further stated he did not have specific questions at this time and will do his questioning in personal interviews. He stated he is astounded by the, extraordinary number of qualified people that have stepped forward in the best interest for their community and Chesterfield County. He further stated the Board has its work cut out to choose the person who will serve for the next 90 days. Mr. Warren stated he was very impressed with the quality of all the candidates. He further stated this will be very difficult decision for the Board, and he will take the time to review all the resumes and perhaps call some of the applicants in order to try to make the best possible decision. Mr. Miller stated he will use thE:: interview process for his questions. He further stated hE! mayor may not interview everyone, but he will certainly interview a number of candidates. He stated he read all of the resumes prior to the meeting and was very impressed. He further stated Chesterfield County is blessed in so many ways and the Midlothian District is truly blessed to have this quality of people willing to serve. He thanked the applicants for taking the time to come before the Board and for offering themselves. Mrs. Humphrey thanked all of thE! candidates that addressed the Board and stated the Board has a duty and responsibility to see that Midlothian residents have representation. She further stated l1idlothian residEmts will make a decision regarding their representative in November. She stated the resumes are extraordinary, and it is exciting and energetic to see the folks who want to step up and serve. She further stated she will take the opportunity to privately phone or interview a number of applicants. She stated she hopes the applicants would leave the proceeding with a continued commitment to the Midlothian residents. Mr. King commended each Board member for pulling together during this time of pain and humility to do what is best for Chesterfield County. He invited the public to submit written or e-mail comment.s to the Board rE:!garding the applicants. He requested that by the close of business on Friday, July 21, 2006, Board members provide the Clerk with a list of times they are available for interviews and a list of candidates they wish to intE!rview. He stated it is the intention of the Board to nominate and appoint a rE::~placement s~perviso-r at the. regular scheduled Board meeting on July 26, 2006. He provided details of the procedure for making the appointment. He stated the new Board member will be required to complete the necessary disclosure paperwork and take the oath of office, and it is the intent for the new Board member to 06-1550 01/11/06 participate at the regular scheduled August 23, 2006 Board meeting. He further stated after the oath is taken, the new Board member may begin work by participating in orientation sessions, conducting constituent work, reviewing the August Board agenda, and meeting with staff as needed. He thanked the applicants for their interest and presentations. 4 . ADJOURNMENT - On motion of Mr. Miller, seconded by Mrs. Board adjourned at 9:15 p.m. until July 26, p.m. Humphrey, the 2006 at 3:00 Ayes: King, Miller, Humphrey and Warren. Nays: None. - . M. ~Dickie" Chairman ~ Lane B. Ramsey County Administrator 06-651 01/11/06