March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -1-

Transcription

1 March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -1- AT A JOINT MEETING OF THE GLOUCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND THE GLOUCESTER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017, AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE THOMAS CALHOUN WALKER EDUCATION CENTER AUDITORIUM, 6099 T. C. WALKER ROAD, GLOUCESTER, VIRGINIA: I. Call To Order and Roll Call A. Board of Supervisors Mr. Bazzani called the meeting to order and Mr. Fedors took roll call for the Board of Supervisors. THERE WERE PRESENT: Phillip N. Bazzani, Chair Christopher A. Hutson, Vice Chair Ashley C. Chriscoe Andrew James, Jr. John C. Meyer, Jr. Robert J. Orth Michael R. Winebarger THERE WERE ABSENT: ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: None Edwin Ted Wilmot, County Attorney J. Brent Fedors, County Administrator B. School Board Mr. Records, Chair, called the School Board to order and welcomed everyone in attendance. Dr. Clemons took roll call for the School Board. The following members were present: Charles B. Records, Chair; Troy M. Andersen; George Randy Burak; Carla Hook; Jarret Lee; and Robin Rice. Anita Parker, Vice Chair, was absent. Other individuals present included: Dr. Walter R. Clemons, Superintendent of Schools; Heather Lucas, Chief Financial Officer; John Hutchinson, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services; and Dr. Charles Wagner, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services. II. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Mr. James gave an invocation and then all in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. III. Approval of the Minutes February 28, 2017 Mr. Chriscoe moved, seconded by Mr. Hutson, to approve the minutes of the February 28, 2017, meeting as presented. The motion carried and was approved by the following voice vote: Mr. Bazzani, Mr. Hutson, Mr. Chriscoe, Mr. James, Mr. Meyer, Dr. Orth, and Mr. Winebarger yes. IV. Adoption of the Agenda Mr. Fedors requested the addition of the Page Middle School Jazz Band as item V on the agenda with all other items moving forward as appropriate. Mr. Hutson moved, seconded by Mr. Chriscoe, to adopt the agenda as amended. The Board of Supervisors approved the motion by the following voice vote: Mr.

2 March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -2- Bazzani, Mr. Hutson, Mr. Chriscoe, Mr. James, Mr. Meyer, Dr. Orth, and Mr. Winebarger yes. Ms. Rice moved, seconded by Mr. Burak, to adopt the agenda as amended. The School Board approved the motion by a unanimous voice vote. V. Page Middle School Jazz Band Performance Mr. Bazzani introduced the Page Middle School Jazz Band. Ms. Fowler, Band Director, introduced the band. The jazz band played two selections for the Boards. After the performance, Mr. Bazzani and Mr. Records thanked the students for their performance. VI. Approval of the Consent Agenda Mr. Hutson moved, seconded by Mr. Chriscoe, to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried and the following item was approved by the following voice vote: Mr. Bazzani, Mr. Hutson, Mr. Chriscoe, Mr. James, Mr. Meyer, Dr. Orth, and Mr. Winebarger yes. A. Resolution Proclaiming April 2017 Gloucester Community Volunteer Month Christi Lewis Community Engagement Director RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 2017 GLOUCESTER COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER MONTH WHEREAS, an entire community or just one individual, can affect positive change with any volunteer action, no matter how big or small; and WHEREAS, each day volunteers in Gloucester County unselfishly share their time and talents to make a difference in the lives of others; and WHEREAS, experience teaches us that government by itself cannot solve all of our social problems and needs; and WHEREAS, Gloucester County's substantial volunteer force joins millions of people nationwide in giving and serving in valued community service endeavors; and WHEREAS, during the month of April, the Gloucester Resource Council, in collaboration with the Gloucester Department of Community Engagement, plans to promote and publicize volunteer and community service opportunities in Gloucester and recognize outstanding community volunteers for their significant contributions and commitment to service. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim April 2017 as Community Volunteer Month in Gloucester County and calls on all community members to join together to celebrate National Volunteer Month. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors encourages youth and adults to join in the joy and rewards of service to others, and recognizes, with appreciation and gratitude, the valuable contributions volunteers make in improving the quality of life in Gloucester County. VII. Matters Presented by the Board

3 March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -3- A. Board of Supervisors Dr. Orth noted that every quarter the Board members receive newsletters from the Community Engagement Coordinators at the schools. He stated that the most recent newsletter had information on the teachers of the year at each school. He noted that it was very impressive to read about the qualifications of the teachers, and he encouraged everyone to read the newsletters. B. School Board Mr. Andersen recognized Ms. Olivia Schultz from Page Middle School. He asked her to stand and noted that she was the 2 nd place regional science fair winner. All in attendance gave Ms. Schultz a round of applause. Mr. Records recognized Dr. Clemons for receiving the Region III Superintendent of the Year award from the Virginia Association of School Superintendents. VIII. County Administrator Items Mr. Fedors thanked everyone who participated in Clean Gloucester Day. He stated that there were 684 volunteers who picked up 687 bags of trash for a total of 16.4 tons. IX. Citizens Comment Period (limited to topics on the Work Session agenda only) (Speakers should provide 10 copies of handouts if any) DYLAN RICHARDS PAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT Mr. Richards stated that he is a Page Middle School Baseball captain, Page Student Body President and a student. He noted that he wished to speak regarding the cutting of middle school sports. He stated that it seemed arbitrary as participation in sports teaches discipline and respect. He further stated that those who participate in sports learn to keep themselves in line. He asked that school sports be maintained. BAILEY HUDGINS YORK DISTRICT Mr. Hudgins stated that he is an 8 th grader at Page Middle School and is currently a Page Middle School Baseball captain. He further stated that middle school sports have taught him leadership and team player skills. He noted that the sports programs help to facilitate physical health, teamwork, friendship, dedication and accountability that help benefit students education. He asked that other options be considered to cut the budget rather than cutting school sports. CHELESA WILDS Ms. Wilds stated that she is a parent of a child who uses special education services. She further stated that more teachers are needed. She noted that there are too many children with IEPs (Individual Education Program) that need small group help. She asked that the budget be reviewed and any extra funds be pulled for special

4 March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -4- education services. She stated that qualified teachers with specialties in special education services are needed in order to help the students meet their goals. BILLY SMITH Mr. Smith spoke regarding the cutting of middle school sports. He stated that student athletes have some of the highest GPAs (Grade Point Average). He further stated that he did not see how cutting the sports programs will save much money. He noted that the uniforms are already paid for and the students pay for the equipment. He stated that the lessons that the students learn in sports are lessons they carry with them for the rest of their lives. BETH GIBSON WARE DISTRICT Ms. Gibson asked the Board members to imagine they were being asked to give $75 more a year and noted that this is a pill that cannot be swallowed. JENNIFER WORRELL PETSWORTH DISTRICT Ms. Worrell implored the Board of Supervisors to fully fund the school budget. She stated that teachers spend countless hours planning, creating resources and delivering additional help to students. She noted that struggling teachers continue to work two and three jobs to make ends meet. She stated that research on the economic impact of investment in early childhood education showed a 13% return on investment. She reviewed other statistics related to better student outcomes with increased spending on education. CLINT ALEXANDER GLOUCESTER POINT DISTRICT Mr. Alexander stated that he was speaking on behalf of the schools. He noted that citizens have a civic duty to aid their communities. He stated that the County s highest demographic age group is with the second highest age group being He noted these are the age groups with school age children or grandchildren going through the schools. He reviewed school rankings, comparing Gloucester with other counties in the state. He advised that good public schools bring in families and ultimately drive the economy in a positive direction. RONALD HAGGERTY PETSWORTH DISTRICT Dr. Haggerty stated that he wished to reinforce the effect of the BPOL (Business, Professional and Occupational License) tax increase on small businesses. He further stated that the way the BPOL is set up is discriminatory to small business owners. He advised that one option to remedy this situation is to remove the tax and replace it with an affordable fee for small businesses with revenues under $2.5 million. He noted another option is to return the tax rate to the previous levels, or near previous levels, and keep them on pace with other industries. JENNY CRITTENDEN MAIN STREET PRESERVATION TRUST Ms. Crittenden stated that she wished to recognize and thank the Board for engaging in conversation on revising the BPOL taxes to make this right. She further stated that in today s tight budgets it is important not to place the burden too much on small businesses. She noted that the top three impediments to the flourishing of

5 March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -5- small businesses are over regulation, lack of access to capital, and over taxation. She advised that as small businesses go, so goes the American economy as a whole. She concluded that they look forward to working with the Board to make Gloucester a friendly and easy place to do business. ANN BURRESS YORK DISTRICT Ms. Burress stated that we have lost our vision. She advised that the vision has been to have the best school system in the state and nation, and to be the best County in which to do business in the state and nation. She noted that the school budget was cut to the bone in previous years and there is nothing left. She stated that we need to retain our vision and in order to grow Gloucester, we have to grow our support to schools. PETER WILCOX YORK DISTRICT Dr. Wilcox stated that he wants Gloucester to remain a healthy community. He noted that it is not fair that some have been burdened with a % increase in taxes. He stated that he appreciates that the Board is revisiting the BPOL as it is a matter of fairness. He noted that he wants Gloucester to attract people. BRECK INGALLS YORK DISTRICT Mr. Ingalls stated that the change in the BPOL tax resulted in a 422% increase for his firm. He noted that he understands the Board intends to take a look at the BPOL tax and to make it right. He stated that he appreciates their efforts and thanked the Board members for their work. DON MITCHELL YORK DISTRICT Mr. Mitchell stated that every year we hear the same song of fewer students, more money. He endorsed the comments of business owners being throttled as a result of the BPOL tax increase. He stated that most people he knows have not received the level of increases that the school system has received. He noted that the income of the American middle class has actually declined over the last decade and will continue to decline. SAM VENEBLE COURTHOUSE AREA Mr. Veneble stated that he just moved into Gloucester County and does not currently have children. He noted that he is not sure if the Gloucester County school system will be the right school system when he does have children in the future. He stated that whether taxes are increased or spending is cut, the Board should think of it not as a business, but as an education system. KEN LARSON WARE DISTRICT Mr. Larson noted that most college students could not pass a civics quiz with more than a 50% score. He stated that he read recently that a significant portion of the population no longer abides by a biblical world view. He discussed the local and national debt. He called for no additional spending in the County, no pay increases for school or county staff, and no tax increases. He stated that the Board needed to do hard pruning.

6 March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -6- X. Work Session Agenda A. Discussion of Transportation Facility Study Results John Hutchinson Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Mr. Scott Shorland Construction Manager & Mr. Richard Corner Hudson & Associates Architects Mr. Hutchinson provided an overall cost comparison between the old and new Page sites with an estimated cost for improvements to T. C. Walker Road and Route 17 intersection included. He noted that during a recent meeting with staff from the County and the schools, and members of both Boards, they were able to take a closer look at the project and look at ways to reduce the costs. He stated that with the changes to the proposed project the estimated cost at the old Page site is $5.59 million and the estimated cost at the new Page site is $6.4 million. Mr. Curry noted that during the meeting, discussion was held about how to trim the project down without affecting the overall scope and ability of the project. He reviewed the primary changes to include: removing the public utilities office and work space from the proposed building; removing one maintenance bay from the base bid; refining the building envelope; and site work changes at both sites. He noted that the cost difference between the two sites is approximately $827,000. He reviewed the potential value from having the old Page site available for some other use, and the possible return on investment to recoup the $827,000 differential. Board members asked questions and discussed the information provided. Mr. Bazzani called for a brief recess. After the recess, Mr. Records asked the School Board members if they wished to make a decision on the site this evening or to wait until their next meeting. School Board members discussed this matter. Mr. Meyer noted that he and Mr. Chriscoe will be hosting a town hall meeting on April 8 at 3:00 p.m. to discuss the budget and the transportation facility. Mr. Lee moved, seconded by Ms. Rice, to select the new Page site for the proposed transportation facility. School Board members discussed this matter further. It was noted by Mr. Burak and Ms. Hook that the school division would be losing the ability to use the new Page site property for the academic purposes for which it was purchased. After further discussion, Ms. Duncan, Deputy Clerk, polled the School Board on the motion. The motion carried by the following vote: Mr. Records, Mr. Andersen, Mr. Lee, and Ms. Rice yes; Mr. Burak, Ms. Hook no; and Ms. Parker absent. Mr. Fedors advised that he and Dr. Clemons will work with the County Attorney to frame an agreement to bring back to the two Boards for consideration. B. GHS Master Plan Update/Next Steps Dr. Walter Clemons, Superintendent

7 March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -7- Dr. Clemons thanked Mr. Records for acknowledging his Region III Superintendent of the Year Award. In regard to the Gloucester High School Master Plan, he advised that the School Board has entered into an agreement with Moseley Architects. He stated that Moseley was selected based on their qualifications and scope of work. He noted their bid fell under the amount that the County had budgeted for the study. He stated that they will be moving forward quickly. Mr. Meyer noted that the study needs to focus on what the structure should look like and how it should function. He stated that the collaborative learning environment seems to be driving the architecture today, but always keep in mind that teaching methodologies evolve and that the structure needs to provide flexibility to adapt to changing methodologies. C. Discussion of Superintendent s Proposed FY 2018 Budget Members, Board of Supervisors and School Board Dr. Clemons noted that his budget is the proposed budget and ultimately the School Board will need to determine what is included in the final budget. He reviewed a slide comparing the increases in expenditures in the Superintendent s proposed budget, the County Administrator s proposed increase to schools, the reductions in the proposed budget and the remaining deficit of $1.7 million. Dr. Clemons then reviewed additional items for the School Board to consider to reduce the deficit to include: additional savings in HMP (Health Management Plan); possible maintenance contract reductions; possible additional attrition; pay to play for middle and high school athletics; charging all non-gcps (Gloucester County Public Schools) users facilities usage fees or eliminate use of facilities by all non-gcps organizations. Mr. Hutchinson stated that the estimated facilities usage fees are based on rental fees, and that the estimate incorporates hours of usage and custodial coverage. Mr. Andersen clarified that the option to charge all non-gcps organizations facility use fees would include the Gloucester County Parks and Recreation Department. He noted that it is important to consider the unintended consequences, as the Parks and Recreation Department may have to increase fees for programs in order to cover the facility use. He stated that those costs may actually be more than a tax increase. Dr. Clemons continued to review items to consider for reductions to include asking the County to fully fund SROs (School Resource Officers). Mr. Fedors noted that in reference to Mr. Andersen s comments and the line items related to SRO s and facility use, if the Board was able to support those amounts, then the Board could support that through the transfer to schools. advised that with respect to community use of schools, he feels that increasing those costs will decimate the community use of schools. He

8 March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -8- Dr. Clemons reviewed additional considerations to include no compensation increase minus the employees health insurance increase; possible additional funding from the County for the HMP increase; increasing class sizes; and moving to a four day work week. He stated again that he is proposing items for consideration by the School Board and the School Board has not considered specific items as of this time. Mr. Fedors asked if the school system has considered use of one time funds to provide a one-time compensation bonus. Dr. Clemons stated that he had not presented that to the School Board; however, it may be something that the School Board wishes to consider. Mr. Fedors and Dr. Clemons discussed the funding gap in the HMP increase and the school employees contribution to health care costs. Mr. Meyer asked for the cost for a 1% increase for teachers, and whether a comparison can be prepared to show an average of salary and HMP cost with employer contribution for both the schools and County. Dr. Clemons noted that the 1% salary increase for the teachers was approximately $271,000. He stated that a comparison was contemplated last year and the information was very similar on both sides. He noted that it is important to remember that the markets are different, and for the school division compensation and benefits packages are key to attract and retain staff. After additional discussion and questions, Mr. Lee asked about consolidating insurance coverage for the County and School Divisions or combining with other school divisions. Dr. Clemons noted that he and Mr. Fedors have discussed the state program and at this time it does not seem to be a benefit; however, as the County and School Division currently have the same insurance carrier, it may be possible to look at a combined program in FY19. Members of both Boards and staff discussed retention of employees and the top three priorities for the Board of Supervisors. Dr. Orth stated that there are budget items such as VRS (Virginia Retirement System) and health insurance increases that we cannot get around. He noted that the hardest part for the Board of Supervisors is that, while they understand the teacher s plight, they need to deal with the County as a whole. D. School Board Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Ms. Rice, the School Board adjourned by a unanimous voice vote. As the time was nearing 11:00 p.m., Mr. Winebarger moved, seconded by Dr. Orth, to extend the meeting past the automatic adjournment time. The motion carried and was approved by the following voice vote: Mr. Bazzani, Mr. Hutson, Mr. Chriscoe, Mr. James, Mr. Meyer, Dr. Orth, and Mr. Winebarger yes. Mr. Bazzani called for a brief recess.

9 March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -9- E. Discussion on Amending Gloucester County Code Chapter 10 Licenses Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) Taxes J. Brent Fedors County Administrator After the recess, Mr. Fedors distributed handouts regarding the Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) taxes. He noted that the handouts provide information on rates at the state allowable maximum amount, and the midrange between the 2016 and 2017 levels for the categories of Financial and Professional Services, Personal and Business Services, and Contractors. He stated that staff was tasked with looking at the effect of a $5,000 cap. He advised that a positive effect of a cap would be a reduction in those businesses splitting their licenses. He noted that on the negative side, the $5,000 cap would only affect 22 out of 2,700 businesses. He reviewed the potential impact of a cap on revenue and the average refund amount if the Board chose to issue refunds. Mr. Meyer noted that using a cap on the revenue results in an aggressive tax. He reviewed information on a spreadsheet he created and noted that after his review, he preferred setting a cap on the rate, rather than a cap on the total tax paid. are legal. In answer to a question from Mr. Winebarger, Mr. Wilmot confirmed that caps After further discussion, Mr. Fedors advised that the Board s initial action favored small businesses with revenue less than $250,000. He noted that with a $5,000 cap, without modifying the remaining rates, the Board would be addressing those businesses on the high end. He advised that a change in the rates would more uniformly address all businesses, and a cap on the tax would address only the concerns from the largest businesses that were affected. Board members discussed the possibility of offering a rebate to those who were affected by the increases this year and the method to achieve this goal. Mr. Chriscoe recommended discussing this at the next budget work session rather than the regular meeting on April 4. He noted after listening this evening he is leaning toward modifying rates. Board members continued to discuss the possibility of reducing rates; providing refunds in the current year or credits for 2018; and including a modification of the rates for the contractor category. XI. Supervisors Discussion Mr. Meyer reviewed his planned format for the town hall meeting. Mr. Bazzani asked if the schools were planning to get rid of sports based on the comments from citizens. Mr. Fedors advised that it was brought up as a possibility and then the School Board redirected the Superintendent to explore a pay for play option. XII. Closed Meeting (none scheduled)

10 March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting with School Board -10- There was no closed meeting scheduled. XIII. Adjournment Mr. Chriscoe moved, seconded by Mr. Hutson to adjourn. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 11:38 p.m. by the following voice vote: Mr. Bazzani, Mr. Hutson, Mr. Chriscoe, Mr. James, Mr. Meyer, Dr. Orth and Mr. Winebarger yes. Phillip N. Bazzani, Chair J. Brent Fedors, County Administrator