Board of Supervisors Regular Second Meeting   12/14/2022

I'd like to thank our Albemarle County police officers, Ben Chisholm and Andy Muncy, for being here today and being on duty as you are 24-7, 365, protecting and serving.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

All right board, it's time to move to item number four, the adoption of the final agenda.

The floor is open to adopt the final agenda as amended and if any supervisor has any other amendments, please make them at this time.

Second.

Without objection, if the clerk will call the roll.

Price?

Aye.

Mr. Andrews?

Yes.

Mr. Galloway?

Yes.

LaPisto-Kirtley?

All right, thank you.

Supervisor Mallek?

Thank you very much.

Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley.

Thank you, all I have.

Also wish everybody a very safe holiday.

Thank you, Supervisor McKeel.

Thank you.

There was a camera there.

And that's it Donna, thank you.

Supervisor Mallek.

Thank you.

I really appreciate that important addition to that summary.

We have none.

Thank you.

The floor is open for a motion to adopt the consent agenda or any amendments that any supervisor desires to make.

Second.

No, I made the motion.

I'll second it if nobody did.

Okay.

Ann seconded it.

Well, someone tell me what's going on out there.

Supervisor Galloway yawned.

Okay.

Couldn't be taking it tomorrow.

Without objection, if the clerk will call the roll.

Price?

Aye.

Mr. Andrews?

Yes.

Mr. Galloway?

Yes.

LaPisto-Kirtley?

Aye.

All right, thank you board.

Demick, good afternoon and welcome.

I'll bring up my PowerPoint.

Yes.

Thank you.

Supervisor Mallek.

So I understand the 10,000 Medicaid cases, are those cases waiting to enter the system or are those cases which are already enrolled and you then have to re-evaluate everybody?

As of March 20th, 2020, we were told not to deny anyone or decline benefits for anyone through Medicaid, so that expanded the roles rather than allowing normal attrition to occur for our caseloads.

So I'd love to know if you have any information about that.

Okay

Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley?

in the process of applying or have already been approved.

There are open approved cases waiting for the eventual resumption of the eligibility requirements.

And do you believe that the additional workers that you're suggesting, the five full-time employees, that given those numbers, will you be able to address this caseload?

I think it's important to note that we're making this request and approaching this workload with very little and sometimes confusing information.

No more questions.

Supervisor Galloway.

But that's $67,000 reimbursement safe or is that part of the

There has been some discussion around whether they could give local departments and social services some additional dollars for overtime.

You know, obviously we need to do it and I imagine it'll get approved, but are we going to be able to get people in these FTE slots?

So for these positions, I have fairly confident that we'll be able to get folks in there fairly quickly.

and the

And if we don't, we will have adequate funding to cover the cost.

For the record, that was Mr. Walker, Deputy County Executive, who filed the answer.

You're saying it was, I forgot the time frame now, 18 months?

18 to 24 months.

Does that make sense what I'm saying?

Yes, sir.

Supervisor Andrews.

how they're handling this or if this is a scramble that everybody's going to be going through.

I remain confident even in competition that will prevail.

So, thank you.

Thank you.

Supervisor McKeel.

and so I see Doug moving up to the mic.

And so with that as my tee up to this issue, I do think it'd be worth a little further and fuller conversation from Kaki about what is being experienced in foster care and why that is also playing out at the same time, but they are distinct issues.

There has been a lot of challenges and a lot going on.

It is still a caseload issue, just being driven by different factors.

Does that?

Do you understand?

And we need to start to focus on adoptions.

I am trying to keep it separate, though, because we're talking about different

And so we wanted to share that with the board in a separate email so there'd just be an understanding and appreciation for how we address that distinctly from how this really needs to be addressed.

And I'm sorry if I took away from your discussion about your five FDEs.

Yes, yes.

Thank you.

It's just being addressed in different ways.

So, thank you, Terry.

Any other further comments, Supervisor Mallek?

So these five that we're now activating, are they in that category?

These are on top of us.

And the Family First Adoption Program, I mean, I understand families across the generations are probably terribly stressed right now, too, so that may not be an option, but is that still

I don't know the answer to that, but if you'd like I can invite Mary Stebbins up to maybe address the family first.

We are actually one of the higher numbers in the entire state for kinship care.

Well, thank you for what all of you do to help these most vulnerable little people.

If nothing further, board, the floor is open if any supervisor desires to make a motion with regard to the staff recommended approval for an additional five FTEs in the Department of Social Services.

Second.

Without objection, if the clerk will call the roll.

Aye

Supervisor Mallek?

And your flu shot.

Yeah, and your flu shot.

Please get your flu shot.

I just wanted to remind people, and I don't know the year, but I remember very clearly that at one point Japan required flu shots for their young children.

It is really important that everybody get their flu shots if they're eligible, right?

Thank you.

Yes.

All right.

I understand you'll be teeing this off.

So without further ado, I will turn it over to David Foley, unless there are any questions, Madam Chair, that I may answer at the moment.

All right.

Supervisor Mallek?

If any of those folks you just recognized are here, would you please introduce them?

But she also has great guidance for us as well as we go through these efforts.

Good afternoon.

That's all I have, but I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Supervisor Mallek?

No questions at the moment.

Thank you very much.

Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley?

Thank you very much, Mr. Foley.

Supervisor Galloway?

Thank you.

Supervisor Andrews?

Thank you.

Supervisor McKeel?

Thank you.

Thank you.

So thank you for the opportunity and I hope I was able to address some of what Mr. Galloway was wanting me to.

Supervisor Mallek?

And I saw the transportation folks walk in a little while ago and I know they have some big buckets coming in, which makes me very excited that we'll be able to do this wonderful service for our community.

And it's true.

Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley.

the things you've said I think we're moving in the right direction, definitely moving in the right direction and I think it's due, frankly due to you and your team and so I offer like Supervisor Mallek my kudos to you.

Supervisor Galloway?

Supervisor Andrews?

Your team is amazing.

I agree.

Supervisor McKeel?

But anyway, thank you very much.

Anything further?

So that's in addition and over beyond the updating of the systems we use.

Thank you.

Oh, you were leaning forward.

That's very important also.

That will be in January that it will be presented to us.

It means a lot.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I don't have time to read with my laptop.

Mr. Bowman, good afternoon.

Oh, gosh, thank you.

I will note that Mr. Sumner, when he recognized the illustrative

So before I turn it over and we discuss the disposable plastic bag tax, I just would pause in case there's any questions from the board for clarification or just other comments that the board would like to share at this time.

Don't see any hands raised at this point, Mr. Bowman.

I will turn this part of the presentation over to him.

So with that, I will open up to any questions coming from or questions or concerns or comments that the board may have.

Supervisor Malek.

Thank you very much.

Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley.

No questions.

Supervisor Andrews?

I also will say that the Solid Waste Alternatives Advisory Committee, in their most recent meeting, discussed the possibility of finding a way to collect and recycle gently used bags as another part of this process.

Yes, those were all things that we had just have been discussing with our Facilities Environmental Services Division, so those will all be under consideration.

Supervisor McKeel?

trying to be diplomatic and maybe not so much diplomatic, but anyway.

to ask those questions to those other localities that have a little bit more experience and a little bit more data with this program.

you know it's important for the public to understand that

And do you have a third section, Mr. Bowman?

I'll clarify as Mr. Davidson steps away that the bags will be branded with the Buy Local campaign that is underway and that was part of staff's recognition as they considered the way to implement this program.

One thing I'd love to add is the store I frequent actually gives five cents back if you bring bags of any sort with you to take your groceries home.

and so hopefully other stores around town will begin to do that as well as another incentive for people to, number one, they're not getting charged and number two, they're getting money back and that money pot is donated to charities.

Like when we were kids with the soda bottles.

That's exactly right, walking down the road.

Alright, thank you, Mr. Bowman.

Thank you.

It's good to see you this afternoon.

Can you hear me all right?

Yes.

I can't hear you very well.

Donna's right in front of you.

That would be the only reason.

Use your school teacher voice and you'll be all set.

Thank you.

Is this better?

Yes.

Thank you.

Supervisor Mallek?

Thank you.

Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley?

Thank you.

Supervisor Galloway?

Who knows that number?

It says in what we received, Ned, from staff, Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program, the segment of Hydraulic Road immediately north of Lambs Road ranks 27th among VDOT-maintained roadway segments in need of safety improvements, and that's in the Culpeper District.

I mean, it's not 27 out of 30 is my point.

No, so they rank the top 100.

Because I know where I'd be requesting where the funding would come from for the study.

Yeah, the recommended source of the funding with the board's consent is the Capital Advancing Strategic Plan Reserve, the two million dollars that is available to you that is currently unobligated.

Thank you.

Supervisor Andrews?

So we need that.

Supervisor McKeel?

So just quickly, once again.

and given that pre-applications for revenue sharing are due in early July, we'd like to start moving on this quickly.

So I'm not sure I have to convince you a whole lot more.

Supervisor Andrews?

I'm sorry, I didn't quite understand the question.

It is a public document.

It has not been broadly distributed, but it certainly is available as public information.

Supervisor Mallek?

Is there a consultant's list already sort of pre-qualified and ready to go so we don't have to do a whole RFP or do you have to start from scratch?

Okay.

I didn't see you coming up as I was looking around.

But yeah, we can get people going pretty quickly.

Thank you.

Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley?

Thank you.

Mr. Walker, do you have all the information that you need?

He does have delegated authority, but this makes it clear in the record that the board's support for using this.

So moved.

We have a motion by Supervisor McKeel and a second by Supervisor Mallek.

It does not appear that any further discussion is desired so with no objection if the clerk will call the roll.

Price?

Aye.

Mr. Galloway?

Yes.

LaPisto-Kirtley?

Aye.

Thank you.

And Donna, can I just say, this is a really good example of a win-win for county government and for schools when we work together to solve problems.

Right.

Yeah.

And thank you for all the work that everyone here has done to present to us.

Good afternoon, Mr. Walker.

My only opportunity today is to introduce Emily Kilroy, who is going to be presenting the year in review.

Kilroy.

Thank you.

And with that, I'm just going to hit play.

Uh oh, audio

So thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.

While our communications team kept busy keeping everyone informed about the weather and how to best connect with services, our police department was busy answering 6,873 calls for service and our career and volunteer units of Albemarle County Fire Rescue answered more than 1,633 calls for service.

We want to give a big shout out to county staff during both winter storms as they work diligently to open warming and water centers for people to come get warm, get fresh water, and access Wi-Fi and electricity.

Even after the storms ended, our Parks and Recreation crews continued to work hard to clean up park areas and more.

Before we move on, I want to remind people that they should sign up for Code Red, our local emergency alert system.

Tourism remained behind pre-pandemic levels and food and retail locations struggled to fill available jobs.

Let's go out to Serena at the county office building on 5th Street to learn more about the resources available to local job seekers.

Sam, tell me about what services you offer here in the Career Center.

Here in our Career Center we offer employment services such as networking, mock interviews, opportunities for navigating resources, and also communications and networking throughout our communities.

Can you tell us a little bit about that?

With that program we offer credentialing and certifications with culinary, cosmetology, and CDL and driver's license.

What were some of the highlights that you can recall?

We're very appreciative of that as well.

What do you expect for the next year going forward, both him and expansion?

We want to be more inclusive and equitable in our approach and we think getting back to that face-to-face connection will really help us with that.

Back to you in the studio.

We'll be right back after this message.

To learn more about the Community Read initiative, visit albemarle.org slash community read.

Those sidewalks will provide a much safer environment for pedestrians in our community.

Serena.

Can you tell us a little bit about that?

The park entrance will be off Route 20 just south of Avon Street and it'll have a parking lot, restrooms, and multi-use trails and we're excited about this park and the grand opening and we're also working on a connector trail from Fifth Street Station to Biscuit Run Park which will connect the park to downtown Charlottesville and the Rivanna Trail.

Tell us a little bit about how your department's been helping to support our community as they want to be more active and outdoors this year.

Just a wonderful partnership with the local club and they'll be doing a lot of fundraising so look out for that information coming soon.

Tell us a little bit about that, too.

Amazing.

We'll be right back.

Looking back at 2022, our community had so many ways to learn about and engage in the work of our local government.

And what individuals can do in their own backyards.

I'm already seeing more butterflies and birds.

They made a big difference at their school and in the community.

This year it was at Stonefield and community members can meet police officers, firefighters, and other public safety folks and check out all the cool gear they have.

Ways like email newsletters, social media, our podcasts, and all the pop-ups and events that we do out in the community.

And if you haven't registered yet, visit engage.albemarle.org and sign up today.

This year, staff began developing the AC44, the next comprehensive plan that will guide growth, development, and investment for Albemarle County from 2024 to 2044.

The people, places and ideas.

Community roundtables, pop-ups, meetings and presentations to allow for a variety of perspectives to inform the future of Albemarle County.

What's the new comp plan planning?

And the AC44 plan isn't the only framework for Albemarle County.

supporting exceptional educational opportunities, and finally goal six, workforce and customer service recruiting and retaining engaged public servants who provide quality government services to support the county mission.

This guides staff to contribute real-life understanding on the day-to-day services provided and needed by the community that we serve.

Right, and documents and plans are only the first step to plan and prepare for the future.

This year, Fire Rescue launched the Office of Emergency Management headed by a Deputy Chief to address the potential emergency needs of Albemarle County.

Let's check in with Serena out at Albemarle County Fire Rescue headquarters to learn more.

Tell us a little bit about the office and what your objectives are.

Our office was created to better align the county with state and federal resources that are available really to accomplish one main objective and that is a secure and resilient nation with the capabilities across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that post the greatest risk to the county.

Tell us about some of the highlights from 2022.

For example, over the next six months we're going to be working with a number of different departments and the school division to test our active threat responses to see how well we perform and where we might be able to improve.

What would you say some tips are that you would share with our community at home that are watching?

the whole community is able to actually bounce back that much more quickly and that's the key is our resilience and so when we talk about being ready that really boils down to three things having a plan, building a kit that you can have at home in case of emergencies and also being informed during the emergencies and we use code red our messaging system to let folks know what's going on and what they need steps they need to take to help their families

And is there a website you might point folks to to go to in case of emergency?

Yes, ready.gov has all the tools you'll need to accomplish all those tasks I just mentioned.

For Albemarle County News, I'm Serena Gruya.

Thank you.

Thank you.

So the matter is now before the board.

Thank you.

Really appreciate the opportunity to present this to the board today.

Supervisor Mallek?

So thank you for all that extra information.

Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley?

Thank you.

Supervisor Galloway?

McKeel,

I see some of the stars in the audience and we're all good.

We have a closed meeting, closed session, but because once we get back from that we're closing out for the year, we're going to hold that off and first do from the board committee reports matters not listed on the agenda.

Supervisor Mallek?

There's a lot of stewardship that's going on with urban programs, rural programs, everything in between, and lots of federal resources that are referred to that are there to help everybody.

Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley?

That was it.

Thank you, Supervisor Andrews.

Further to add, do you know if the Greene County presentation was recorded and on the web now available?

But I would assume it's on the website.

You've got another one coming, right?

Those are yet to be put on the books.

Thank you.

Supervisor McKeel?

It shouldn't be hard to

to get to.

I appreciate it.

You had another comment?

So that's all I have.

And unless there's something else bored, we're ready to go into a closed meeting.

Do you have a motion?

I move that the Board of Supervisors convene a closed meeting pursuant to section 2.2-3711A of the Code of Virginia under subsection 1 to discuss and consider the annual performance of the county executive.

Without objection, if the clerk will call the roll.

Price?

Aye.

Mr. Andrews?

Yes.

Mr. Galloway?

Yes.

Aye.