04-03-1978 MinutesBOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MINUTES
APRIL 3, 1978
Supervisors in Attendance:
Mr. E. Merlin O'Neill, Sr,, Chair~mn
Mrs. Joan Girone, Vice-Cha~
Mr. J. Ruffin Apperson
Mr. R. Garland Dodd
Mr. Nicholas M, Meiszer, Co, Admin.
Staff in Attendance:
Mrs, Joan Dolezal, Secretary
Mr, William Gill, Recreation Dept.
Mr. PhillipHester, Dir. of
Recreation
Mrs. Gene Knoop, Library Dir.
Mr. Steve Micas, Co. Attorney
Mrs. Girone called the meeting to order at the Courthouse at
I0:10 a.m. (EST) in the absence of the Chairman.
Mr. Phillip Hester was present to discuss the proposed
General Obligation Bond Issue with regard to recreation and
parks. He summarized the various projects for each area
and stated he had tried to look at the overall recreation
program rather than looking at each individual district. He
added that he had included some items which he thought were
necessary such as a maintenance building to store equipment,
lighting facilities, water facilities, entrance signs,
additional personnel and a radio system.
Mr. O'Neill arrived at the meeting.
Mr. Hester stated that he proposed to renovate school facilities.
}~r. Meiszer stated that all of the items listed could not be
accomplished at one time but that a list of priorities would
have to be established for the three year, five year, orwhat~;ertime
period was decided, Mr. Bookman and Mrs. Girone questioned
the facilities planned for their areas stating that they did
~not feel those fields listed would suffice,
Mr. Dodd inquired how the Board felt Point of Rocks Park should
proceed. Mr. Apperson stated originally it was to go very
slow but with the proposed bond. issue it would move faster than
originally anticipated.
The Board recognized Mrs. Knoop who was present, Mrs. Knoop
stated that she had talked with Mr. Phillips and his message
to the Board regarding the construction of any new library
facilities in the Midlothian area was that the Library Board
could not support this construction if the Board would not
staff the library properly. She stated that 45% of the
County population are registered card holders, that with present
staffing they are working 53 hours a week and these hours will
be cut back and that to provide adequate service to the residents
more staff is needed. Mr. Dodd and Mrs. Girone suggested
volunteers to help the library situation. Mrs, Knoop stated
that volunteers are not totally reliable, sPe~king from her past
experience. Mrs. Girone stated that the service at the Bon Air
Branch Library is outstanding but she felt the County was not
providing such service at all libraries and the public did not
expect such personal service, and further t~at if theCountyweretoconstruct
another library branch, they wereaware that it wouldhave to be staffed.
After further discussion of the bond issue, the Board generally
agreed that the following seemed to be what was needed:
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5,000,000 -
2,000,000 ~
1,500,000 -
700,000 -
6,500,~000 -
1,500~000 -
Sewer
Landfill
Fire Stations
Branch Library
Parks and Recreation
Courthouse Addition
Mrs. Girone stated she was concerned about the Courthouse
addition being included. The parks and recreation projects
were divided as follows by District:
2,000,000 - Midlothian
836,500 - Clover Hill
1,200,000 - Dale
1,400,000 - Bermuda
700,000 - Matoaca
Mrs. Girone stated she was not in favor of purchasing land
in Dale District for a park when the County owned land just
three of four miles away and that by doing so was not a wise
expenditure of taxpayers money. There was some discussion
regarding the use of high school facilities and Mr. Hester
stated that he felt there would be some problems and it would
be best not to try to use those facilities. Mrs. Girone stated
she felt a 40% contingency in lieu of a 20% contingency should
be included. Mr. Meiszer stated that he felt the less
specific the Board was would be best and to allow for inflation
would be better than adding a 40% contingency which was like
no budget at all.
After further discussion of the matter, it was on motion of
Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mrs. Girone, resolved that the Board
go into Executive Session to discuss real estate and pending
litigation.
Vote: Unanimous
Reconvening:
Mr. O'Neill stated he felt the Board was considering the
recreation and parks t¢ the ultimate and what was originally
discussed was what would be adequate. He stated the agreement
with the School System was to provide more fields but he did
not think each had to be completely renovated. Mr. Apperson
stated that if the central park he had planned was to be cut
out, then the six schools in his area would have to be considered
After further consideration of this matter, it was generally
agreed that Mr. Hester should evaluate the entire system and
bring back a recommendation to the Board which would improve
existing facilities, utilize school facilities where possible
and practical and then investigate the possibility and
feasibility of new sites.
Mr. Meiszer gave the Board a report on the proposed construction
for the Courthouse additiOn by Wiley and Wilson. He explained
how the building would be constructed, the floor space which
would be 19,172 sq, ft,' On the first floor, 15,380 sq, ft, on
the second floor and each additional floor would have
11,088, that the cost would be approximately $35-$40 per sq. ft.
and that Community Development would utilize this space as
well with growing room available, He stated the boring tests
for a basement had not been completed but the architects felt
this probably would not be a good idea. Mr. Apperson stated
if civil defense funds were available then the basement construc-
tion might be considered but if not, it would be best not to
consider a basement.
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There was some~ discussion regarding whether or not the
Board wanted to receive proposals for the design work for
the water facilities proposed in the Water Revenue Bond Issue.
Some supervisors felt the three major firms doing work in the
County should submit proposals and others felt there were other
firms who might be interested and their price might be lower.
After further discussion of the matter it was generally agreed
that the County Administrator receive proposals foe this
work.
On motion of Mr. Bookman, seconded by Mrs. Girone, the Board
authorized the County Administrator to hire a financial
consultant to prepare a financial statement for the County.
'Vote: Unanimous
On motion of Mr. Apperson, seconded by Mr. Bookman, the Board
adjourned at 4:20 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. on April 12, 1978.
Vote: Unanimous
Administrator ~
E. Me~lin 0 Neill, ~Sr. ~
Chairman
78-108