Dear Email Recipient, As might be expected, as soon as we set up an alternate report email system, we managed to find and fix the issue with our existing webmail. We will be sending you two reports from April via this webmail and today's Board of Supervisors' report. If you received an email from ruralnelson@googlegroups, please do become a member of that group as that will continue to be our backup system in the event that this webmail has additional technical problems. Again, thank you sincerely for your patience and understanding. It has been a technologically trying time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ UPCOMING: - Wednesday, May 26th PLANNING COMMISSION 7:30pm Courthouse - Thursday, May 27th BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 7:00pm Courthouse ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Thursday, April 22, 2010 Present: Ms. Connie Brennan, Mr. Joe Dan Johnson, Mr. Tommy Bruguiere, Mr. Allen Hale, Mr. Tommy Harvey PUBLIC COMMENT: MR. HANK SCHEIB, Arrington, said that he is concerned about roaming dogs in the county. He said that four weeks ago his family dog was killed on his front porch by pitbulls. He said roaming dogs in the county are causing emotional and economic losses and that an ordinance is needed to control these dogs. MS. ELIZABETH SNEAD, Arrington, said that she is terrified of dogs after having been bitten. She said that she had six stray dogs in her yard this week and was a virtual prisoner in her home. She said that she should be able to take a walk without worrying and that she should feel safe. MS. DARLENE OWENS, Arrington, said that she has been tormented by these dogs in her own yard. She said that she feels in danger walking down the street and urged the county to adopt a confinement ordinance to protect the animals and people. MS. GRETCHEN PRICE, Tyro and a Director with the SPCA, said that proper containment of animals can solve a lot of problems, including the problem of lost pets. MR. DAVE HOLM, Lovingston Veterinary Hospital, said that rarely a week goes by that there is not some issue with a family pet being hurt or killed by roaming dogs. He said that the problem is not with any one particular breed but is across the board. He said that confinement can be done humanely and the county can adopt a progressive ordinance to protect all. MS. BETTY GRAHAME, Almost Home Animal Shelter, said that there are frequently now dogs confined at the county animal shelter awaiting court cases because they have gotten into trouble. She urged a confinement ordinance. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING/FLOOD PLAIN: Planning Commissioners (Ms. Philippa Proulx, Ms. Emily Hunt, Mr. Mike Tapager and Ms. Linda Russell) opened their joint meeting. Mr. Boger introduced Mr. Charlie Banks, State Flood Plain Coordinator with VA Department of Conservation & Recreation. Mr. Boger said that the FEMA maps have been incorporated into the county’s zoning maps and must be adopted by May 11, 2010 in order for the county to participate in the federal flood insurance program. He noted that the proposed amendments to the Flood Plain ordinance incorporate the changes and can be more restrictive than the FEMA ordinances but cannot be less restrictive. Mr. Boger said that individual property owners can ask for a map amendment with a survey showing that their property is above the base flood elevation. During the Public Hearing, MR. GENE BEARD, Lovingston & Tyro, said that he does not want to deal with the expense of getting his land out of the flood zone. He said that this is a big joke and things should stay like they are. He said the county is going to lose money because they are going to have to lower his taxes if they put his land in a flood zone. MR. DANNY STEVENS, Tyro, said that his 69 acres on Harper’s Creek is now all in the flood zone but there was no flooding on his land in 1969. He said it should not be in the flood zone and he does not see the point to the new maps. After the Public Hearing, Mr. Banks said that the new maps are based on more accurate data and topography information. He said that if the county does not adopt the maps, the maps become effective anyway. He said that if the county does not participate in the program, federal flood insurance, which is much less expensive than private insurance, would not be available to residents. Ms. Brennan noted that the county has no control over the maps and is trying to do the best possible for all the residents. Planning Commissioners asked to consider the amendments and make their recommendation to the Supervisors at their April 28th meeting. Supervisors agreed and Commissioners adjourned their meeting. SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTS: After discussion, Supervisors voted 5-0 to fund replacement (asphalt shingle) of the Tye River Elementary School roof and replacement of the windows at Tye River and Rockfish River Elementary Schools for approximately $750,000 - $800,000. The funding will come from the courthouse project set aside/contingency and funds remaining from the Piney River project. Supervisors directed staff to work with school board staff to determine whether there is any legal recourse on the incorrectly installed windows. Meeting adjourned. Copyright 2000-2010 by Rural Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Reports may be reprinted or excerpted with attribution. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This report, sent to over 600 Nelson County citizens, was made possible by the generous donations of Rural Nelson members and supporters. We need your help to continue this service. Please consider donating. Kim Taylor Cash Field Officer Rural Nelson, Inc. P. O. Box 401 Lovingston, VA 22949 434.263.5000 www.ruralnelson.org