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2008-05-02 MinutesBOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES May 2, 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 Congressman Eric Cantor Ms. Jennifer Nolen, Seventh District Director Mr. Lloyd Lenhart, Seventh District Representative Staff in Attendance: Ms. Marilyn Cole, Asst. County Administrator Ms. Kim Conley, Government Affairs Coordinator Ms. Mary Ann Curtin, Dir., Intergovtl. Relations Colonel Thierry Dupuis, Police Department Deputy Chief Jim Graham, Fire Department Mr. Russell Harris, Mgr. of Community Development Services Mr. William E. Johnson, Deputy county Admin., Management Services Mr. Donald Kappel, Dir., Public Affairs Mr. Steven L. Micas, County Attorney Mr. Jeff Mincks, Deputy County Attorney Ms. Robin Salo, Financial Grants Analyst, Accounting Mr. Warren called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Warren thanked Congressman Eric Cantor for attending the meeting and being a friend to Chesterfield County and the region. He stated he had the pleasure of working with Congressman Cantor at the Capital Region Airport Commission. The Board members, County Administrator and staff from the county and congressman's office introduced themselves. Congressman Cantor thanked everybody for taking the time to attend the meeting. He stated having the majority of Chesterfield County in the 7th District is a real privilege. He provided an overview of the issues in Washington, such as the cost for fuel and the rising prices in the consumer market. He stated Chesterfield County is now facing a downturn in the housing market, but that this area is better than the nation when it comes to foreclosures. He further stated he would like to learn about the vision that the new Board and the County Administrator have for Chesterfield County. Mr. Warren stated Chesterfield County has been blessed with a brand new Board that took office on January 1, 2008 and has completed the budget process with a reduced tax rate. He further provided details for Congressman Cantor of the county's recognitions and accomplishments. 08-327 05/02/08 Mr. Stegmaier provided Congressman Cantor with additional information on the issues facing Chesterfield County. He stated two of the county's biggest challenges are how to grow smart in order to maintain the quality of life that the citizens have been enjoying and how to balance the residential growth with economic development. He stated the county has begun to target certain market sectors in order to achieve diversity in the business tax base. He further stated the county has made substantial investments at the Meadowville Technology Park. He provided details of some of the Homeland Security Grants that have assisted the county with various public safety functions including the enhancement of interoperability communications systems. He addressed some of the federal issues of interest to the county including: Community Development Block Grant funding, Homeland Security/law enforcement grants, Post Office boundaries, and the Fort Darling landfill. In response to Congressman Cantor's question, Mr. Stegmaier stated two of Chesterfield County's biggest challenges are managing growth and balancing the tax rate so the county does not overburden current homeowners with the cost of building facilities for new residents. He discussed employment and transportation challenges. Congressman Cantor stated he is working on getting a high speed rail system in place to help relieve the choke points in the transportation system. He further stated it would be a tremendous economic boost for the region. Mr. Warren stated the ratio of residential development to commercial development is important to the Board and the county would like to increase the amount of commercial development within the county. Ms. Durfee stated Chesterfield County has surpassed Henrico's population. She further stated Henrico has done an excellent job in economic development. She stated the county needs to be mindful of economic development and the location of the economic development, in order to be successful. Mr. Holland stated he feels this region is a wonderful region. He further stated one area of concern is the transportation network. Ms. Jaeckle compared the Meadowville Technology Park to Innsbrook in Henrico and stated the Fort Lee expansion provides great opportunities for corporate headquarters to relocate to Chesterfield County. Mr. Gecker thanked Congressman Cantor for meeting with county officials. In response to Congressman Cantor's question, Mr. Gecker stated the Cloverleaf Mall zoning case has been approved and the financial incentive package will be before the Board shortly. He further stated this project will be a catalyst for future development along the Midlothian Corridor. He stated the vision for the property is to be a mixed-use development, to include retail, some residential and office uses. J J J 08-328 05/02/08 Mr. Warren discussed the Roseland rezoning west of Route 288. He further stated the Board is working hard to protect the county's water resources with the Upper Swift Creek Plan revision. Ms. Durfee stated the Board needs to realistically look at economic development and to balance the employment growth with the existing residential development. Congressman Cantor stated all localities need to concentrate on public safety and research federal grants for assistance in funding needed equipment and technology. Colonel Dupuis stated one of the biggest challenges for Police is recruitment and retention of police officers. Ms. Jaeckle stated local police departments are losing personnel to the Department of Homeland Security. Congressman Cantor discussed the federal grants process and stated that many grants are based on the risks of the locality. He further stated the Richmond Airport is currently in discussions due to the investment in security upgrades, which the federal government will not reimburse. Mr. Stegmaier stated federal agencies look at localities such as Chesterfield, which have invested money in training recruits, and they offer them substantial financial incentives for those officers to leave local government. He further stated it would be nice to be reimbursed for some of the investment Chesterfield County has made. Colonel Dupuis stated some localities require new recruits to agree to spend 3 to 5 years before moving on to a different position. Congressman Cantor thanked everyone for being generous with their time and for making their work in Congress easier. He stated he looks forward to working with the county and wants to keep the lines of communication open. Mr. Warren thanked Congressman Cantor for being a friend to Chesterfield County and expressed appreciation for what the congressman is doing for the region. On motion of Mr. Gecker, seconded by Mr. Holland, the Board adjourned until May 28, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. Ayes: Warren, Gecker, Jaeckle, Holland and Durfee. Nays: None. es J Stegm er ounty Administrator Arthur S. Warren Chairman 08-329 05/02/08