September 2010 Supervisors report

The Board of Supervisors voted 7 to 0 to place $900,402.11 in the instruction category of Pittsylvania county School budget. The School system wanted the Supervisors to place this money into construction so they could build storage buildings at the four High Schools. I know buildings cost money to build but I know the ones the School system wanted was too extravagant and could be done at much lower cost. If they were located in front of the School buildings then I could understand for them to look good. They will be located mostly out of sight from main entrances. I supported placing this money in instruction. We need to take care of our teachers first, buildings can be constructed later when the economy improves or build less extravagant ones now. I have done my homework as I do before all meetings and I don’t rubber stamp projects just because the county Administrator or School system says we need to do this.

The Board of Supervisors meeting was well attended at September 21 meeting. There were many young citizens along with parents and coaches; they overflowed in the hallways of the court house. Most were under the impression that the Board of Supervisors was going to shut down all sports programs in Pittsylvania County by not funding their programs. We as a Board had never intended to withdraw funding it was the School system who decided to start charging for non School related sports programs using the Schools facilities. I wish these parents and children would show up at the School Board meeting and present their case where the problem lies. The question is why did the School system stop outside activities in public buildings paid for with taxpayer dollars? The Board of Supervisors did vote to appropriate $4,000 to keep sports programs running till November of this year. The matter of remaining funds will be discussed at Finance committee meeting to be held before next Board meeting on October 4, 2010.The money saved on constructing lower cost storage buildings would pay the $61,000+ fee they are asking the Youth sports to pay.

The Board voted to hold several Public hearings and we took action at September 21, 2010 Board meeting. Proposal to move Swansonville Voting Precinct no action taken at this time till after redistricting takes place next year; Amend Pittsylvania county code flood plain management chapter 23; Lease of county property by Mid-Atlantic Broadband; Enterprise Zone application to Virginia Department of Housing & community Development to place Mega Park in order to aid in locating industries & businesses in industrial parks The vote was 7 to 0 on the above public hearings

We did have one person speak on Public hearing on Chapter 12 - new amendments to Moral Decency & Community standards. She was concerned for her children and potential to be exposed to clientele such clubs could attract to our county. With the amendment that passed with 7 to 0 vote all obscene material sold in stores will be breaking the law in Pittsylvania county. I raised the question of how it would be enforced. If you have an issue with such material call the Sheriff’s department to start the process of correcting the issue.

The Board of Supervisors voted 7 to 0 on the following items-To purchase 20.13 acres next to Pittsylvania county landfill for $75,000; Engine replacement roll off truck $15,380; Surveying, bidding & construction administration for phase II cell-B construction at landfill; Made modifications to open space agreement with Board of Supervisors; Approved lifting hiring freeze and advertize to hire Recreation Director at county grade 15 and to hire a full time county attorney.

We have been trying to repair the basement of Mosses building for some time. There is mold, mildew problems and water is seeping into the basement area, this is where most of Sheriffs staff is located. We are trying to fix the problem and it will cost $225,770 to dig down to footers along the walls on the outside, regrade and concrete the front .Then remove all ceiling tiles and all lead paint and asbestos on the inside, then they will coat the walls with sealer. If we do not fix this problem it will work its way to 1^st and 2^nd floors. Plus the sidewalks that weren’t replaced will be taken up and replaced. This will cost $9,570 for a total of $235,340 this requires a 10 day layover and will be voted on October 4, 2010 meeting.

Update on no-thru truck traffic on Blue Ridge Drive, Prospect Road and East hurt Road a total of 424 responses were made to Virginia Department of Transportation only 8 of those were opposed to our request. I will keep up posted as I get information.

I will be holding a citizens meeting on October 5, 2010 at Hurt Town Hall from 5:45 to 7 PM.Please stop by during that time to express concerns or ideas to make local Government better in person to me.

To get the Board of Supervisors packet or other information, you need to go to Pittsylvania County Home page www.pittgov.org; this is a tool for all citizens to use and help to keep a watchful eye on County business. Feel free to contact me by telephone (434-335-5967) please no phone calls after 9 PM or you can e-mail me at any hour marshall.ecker@pittgov.org I want to know your thoughts or ideas on issues that are important to you.