David Cupp

The meeting addressed the consent agenda, approving items A (minutes approval), B (authority approval items), and C (claims and additional items) together. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the Exit One Regional Wastewater Project, including deliberation on connecting to Mount Area, the estimated $1.3 million cost share for the Authority, and the associated $8 million total project cost. The Authority voted to move forward with this project, which involves seeking engineering, bidding, and finalizing a contract with Mount Area, while managing funding secured through a zero-interest loan from the Virginia Resource Authority. Updates on the Exit One plant indicated an inspection by DEQ revealing minor equipment issues but persistent flow and suspended solids problems, leading to a discussion about hiring a third-party engineering firm for comprehensive analysis. Other project updates included the Pine Grove Line Extension and the upcoming Asset Management Plan meeting. New business involved initiating the selection process for the Budget Committee.

The meeting commenced with the election of the Chairman, Joey Dixon, and Vice Chairman, Tracy Moore. The board then set the recurring meeting time and date for the first Monday of every month, adjusting for September due to Labor Day. They approved the rules of procedures, code of ethics, and non-disclosure documents. A closed session was held under Virginia Code sections 2.2-3711 A6, A29 (concerning solid waste offerers for the KA site), and A8 (regarding the county social media policy). Following the closed session, the board certified that only lawfully exempted business was discussed. A public hearing was opened and closed regarding the property transfer of parcel 76A41A from the civic league, with an additional parcel, 76A88, to be discussed later. Old business included committee appointments: Fred Bobbit was reappointed to the social services board, Mike Watson was appointed to the New River Valley Regional Jail board, Mr. Early was nominated to the Carol Wellness Center board (with Mr. Early abstaining from the vote), Ronald Newman was nominated for the NRDNC board, and Mr. Early was nominated for the budget committee. Board members offered thanks to the staff. Member Early requested an estimate for repairing equipment to allow for live streaming of meetings in the future, and suggested developing long-term 5 to 10-year goals in cooperation with the EDA. Sign-ups for youth soccer and baseball were also noted.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda included a citizens time segment, which had no registered speakers. The consent agenda items (A, B, and C) were approved unanimously. Project updates were provided, specifically regarding the exit wastewater project and ongoing discussions with NC. The board discussed scheduling an executive session to deliberate on certain projects, eventually setting the session for February 16th at 5:00 PM at Fiddler's. New business included a request for water service installation at a property (251 shop), where the need for a cost estimate was noted, potentially considering future adjacent water requests. Old business was deferred. Authority members expressed gratitude to the staff for their efforts in maintaining water system operations during severe cold weather and noted a concern regarding a recent water leak, which was subsequently confirmed to be resolved. The meeting concluded with a motion for adjournment.

The meeting commenced with citizen comments regarding the extension of county water service to an address on Freeze Road, including discussion on cost estimates for in-house work versus contracting the extension, and meter placement responsibilities. The main discussion focused on the Exit One Regional Wastewater Project, which aims to connect sewer lines to Mount Airy for processing. The project cost has increased to approximately $6.5 million, and funding might be available through a loan, contingent upon the completion of the PSA's audit. Potential revenues from expected development (truck stop, hotel, fast food) were presented, indicating a need for substantial county subsidy or rate increases if development does not materialize. The current wastewater plant is experiencing compliance issues due to flow surges, particularly during holidays. The board also discussed the responsibility for the Mount Airy plant, noting that the current contract does not appear to mandate their handling of pre-treatment or package plant issues, despite initial expectations. The possibility of inviting LOVEs to speak at the next meeting regarding their system costs and responsibilities was raised.

The meeting commenced with the certification that a closed session, held pursuant to sections 2.2-3711D A1, A3, A6, and A29 of the Code of Virginia, was conducted in conformity with Virginia law. Key agenda items included the recognition and presentation of Lifesaver Awards to numerous personnel for their dedication during critical medical emergencies, specifically citing incidents on June 13th and October 14th. The board approved the consent calendar and the payment of invoices. A motion was passed to allow officers to attend National Police Week activities in Washington D.C. During board member comments, there were expressions of gratitude towards EMS, fire, and sheriff's departments for their service during severe weather conditions. A motion to appoint Greg Hawks to the PSA board passed with one abstention. Furthermore, Mr. Collins submitted formal statements for the record regarding a social media policy review and withheld communications disclosed through a recent FOIA request. Other discussions involved future reaffirmation of the county's sanctuary resolution and appreciation for county staff.