1 Speedwell Fire Department elects officers page 2
March 2013 ISSUE
340 S 6th St 24382
Wytheville, VA VOLUME YEAR
Phone: (276) 223-4500 Fax: (276) 223-4515 E-mail: jvcoleman@wytheco.org www.wytheco.org www.facebook.com/wytheco
Local responders launch Website page 3 Volume 2 Issue 3
Recreational Vehicle Owner Advisement Page 5
Wythe the news
THE HUB OF SOUTHW EST VIRGINIA.
Resolution passed for GWHS team On February 26, 2012 the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bi-monthly meeting at the County Administration Building. At the meeting the Board passed a resolution in honor of the George Wythe Football team, heard from the school system’s superintendent and reviewed a letter from the Planning Commission.
Dr. Lee Brannon, superintendent of Wythe County Public Schools, reported that bids would go out shortly for the Sheffey Elementary School and Rural Retreat Middle School projects identified in the school’s capital improvement plan. He noted that other projects may be considered depending on the bids received.
Chair Danny McDaniel read a resolution in honor of the George Wythe Football Team players and coaches. The resolution recognized the team for winning the 2012 State Football Championship.
Brannon added that the school system held over 20 public meetings, in which no one opposed a tax increase for school construction projects. Continued page 4
Board votes against designation On February 12, 2012 the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bi-monthly meeting at the County Administration Building. At the meeting the Board made a decision regarding the National Heritage Area Designation and reviewed letters from the U. S. Forest Service Area Ranger. During citizens’ time, Matthew Miller addressed the Board on be-
half of the Wythe County Farm Bureau. He noted that the Farm Bureau has worked to investigate the National Heritage Area issue and is not opposed to the Crooked Road, enhanced tourism, or to the promotion of music heritage, but does have an issue with the designation as a National Heritage Area and what that entails from the federal government.
Miller added that the Virginia Farm Bureau and the Southwest Ag Association have voiced opposition to the designations and have contacted Senators to discuss the issue. He stated that the Farm Bureau would prefer that the Board oppose the designation and requested that the Board take no Continued page 4
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Fire and Rescue Officers Elected Speedwell Fire Department has elected its new officers for 2013. The list of officers include: Chief—Jerry Porter Assistant Chief—Mickey Bass Captain—Mike Whalen First Lieutentant—AJ Whitlow Second Lieutenant—Gene Horney Sergeants—Bill Tarter and Dale Jones Safety Officer—Jimmy Linkous Chaplan—Jo Swiney Secretary—Gus Kincer Treasurer—Stephanie Whitlow Trustees—Jimmy Linkous, Doug Robinson, Paul Townley.
Hydrant System aids in saving property from fire In mid– December 2012, the Wytheville Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call on West Lee Highway where a family home was burning. According to fire chief Ronnie King, if it had not been for the Wythe County hydrant system recently extended to cover that portion of the County all could have been lost. “When we first got there fire was coming out of the windows and door,” said King. King added had if not for the hydrant system now in place, there would have been little water pressure and little water to stop the house from burning
to the ground. “They could have lost the house, the garage and much more,” he said. The hydrant system was extended to the West Lee Highway area in 2012. Thanks to the Wytheville to Rural Retreat Waterline Extension, water pressure and water were readily available to extinguish the fire Not only do such systems provide water supplies for communities in Wythe County, they ensure the safety of residents and their property in the event of an emergency.
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Local Responders Launch Website In an effort to recruit more volunteers throughout the community, Wythe County Fire Departments and Rescue Squads are banding together. The groups are participating in an initiative called, “Will You Answer?” Following a video produced by Wythe County Rescue, the Website was launched to spark even more interest. The Website asks “Have you ever wondered what happens when someone calls 9-1-1? Who answers those calls for help? Thousands of emergency calls are received in Wythe County each year and many times the crews that respond are volunteers. Ordinary people who do extraordinary things for the community. You can be one of those people. You can make a difference!
Wythe County Rescue Welcomes New Crew of Junior Volunteers Wythe County Rescue has seen a surge of young volunteers in recent weeks after the successful presentation of a Youtube recruitment video. The young volunteers are hard at work observing active EMTs, practicing procedures and getting hands on experience with real life emergencies.
We understand that being a volunteer in emergency services isn't easy, it's a big responsibility. It can be time consuming and takes a great deal of perseverance, patience, and dedication. But at the same time, being part of a Fire or EMS department can be the most exciting and rewarding experience of your life. It's not something you just do. It's a calling, are you ready to answer the call?” For more information on how to volunteer with a local department or squad visit www.willyouanswer.com.
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Cont.: GWHS The Board reviewed and discussed a letter and supporting data from Eric Crowgey, Chair of the Wythe County Planning Commission, outlining the Commission’s recommendation to draft a Wind Energy Ordinance for WytheCounty. Cellell Dalton, County Administrator, explained that the Planning Commission has provided a draft
ordinance, which he would recommend sending to the County Attorney for revisions. Stephen Bear, Assistant County Administrator, explained that the Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Center for Wind Energy have recommended that any locality with the potential for a wind energy project consider developing a wind energy ordinance.
He noted that the three major points to consider in the ordinance are setbacks, noise and decommissioning. Bear added that the Planning Commission has recommended that the Board consider drafting an ordinance in order to prepare for any potential wind energy projects within the County.
Cont.: committee members action in favor of the designation. The Board reviewed and discussed 24 questions and answers prepared by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia related to the proposed Crooked Road National Heritage Area designation.
evaluating data from both sides concerning the National Heritage Area designation. He requested that the Board determine whether they plan to move forward as part of the Heritage Area designation or ask to be removed from the designation. The Board voted to be removed from the designation.
Cellell Dalton, County Administrator, explained that the County has spent enormous amounts of time
The Board reviewed and discussed a letter and map from Elizabeth
Wertz, U. S. Forest Service Area Ranger, outlining plans for a prescribed fire in the Snake Den Mountain and Horne Knob areas. The Board also reviewed and discussed a letter and map from Elizabeth Wertz, U. S. Forest Service Area Ranger, describing a proposed multi-use recreation trail to be constructed in the Raccoon Branch Campground area of the National Forest.
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ATTENTION RECREATIONAL VEHICLE OWNERS Please familiarize yourself with the
WYTHE COUNTY FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE #2008-1 In light of recent flooding in Wythe County, the Building Inspection Department would like to remind everyone of the requirements for recreational vehicles located within the various flood zones of the County. The following requirements shall apply: D. Standards for Manufactured Homes and Recreational Vehicles 1. All manufactured homes placed, or substantially improved, on individual lots or parcels, in expansions to existing manufactured home parks or subdivisions, in a new manufactured home park or subdivision or in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred substantial damage as the result of a flood, must meet all the requirements for new construction, including the elevation and anchoring requirements in Article 4, section 4.2 (A) and (B), and section 4.3 (A). 2. All manufactured homes placed or substantially improved in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision must be elevated so that a. the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated no lower than the base flood elevation; or, b. the manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least an equivalent strength, of no less than thirty-six (36) inches in height above the grade; c. the manufactured home must be securely anchored to the adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement; 3.
All recreational vehicles placed on sites must either a. be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days; Please Notify Building Inspection Department so the move can be verified. b. be fully licensed and ready for highway use (a recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices and has no permanently attached additions); or, c. meet all the requirements for manufactured homes in Article 4, section 4.3 (D).
4. All owners of a recreational vehicle placed on a site within the flood plain must have an evacuation plan approved by the Building Official for removal of the recreational vehicle during a flood period prior to receiving a building permit for the installation of any utilities to serve the recreational vehicle.
The requirements above are only a portion of the Ordinance. The ordinance applies to all structures which are located in flood prone areas. Please follow the link below to see the Ordinance in its entirety. http://www.wytheco.org/documents/ord2008-1.pdf Any questions may be directed to the Building Inspection Department.
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January Board of Supervisors Recaps On January 8, 2013, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bi-monthly meeting at the County Administration Building. At the meeting, the Board elected a chair and vice chair, discussed a proposed Agricultural Exposition Center, accepted a Stormwater Management Grant, appointed committee members and looked at progress made by Wythe County Rescue Squad. Cellell Dalton, County Administrator, opened the first meeting of the 2013 year with nominations for the Wythe County Board of Supervisors Chairperson. Danny McDaniel, East Wytheville Supervisor, was reelected as Chairperson. Supervisor Gary Houseman was also reelected as Vice Chairperson. Supervisor Tim Reeves reported that he, Supervisor Horney, and Dalton met with Mark Munsey on December 28 to discuss the proposed Agricultural Exposition Center. He explained that they provided criteria parameters to the engineer for the evaluation of each potential site for the Center. Supervisor Reeves noted that site location, convenience, accessibility, security, visibility, compatibility with surroundings, costs, site configuration and size, expansion capability, and parking were considered. He added that they plan to meet with the engineer in February to review the preliminary evaluations of each potential site. Dalton explained that the Storm
Water Management Grant funding awarded would assist with a portion of the costs incurred with the Stormwater Management Program Wythe County is required to implement by the state. He noted that the Virginia General Assembly passed Stormwater Management regulations that force the County to enact Stormwater Ordinances and enforce the State law. He added that the grant funding would only cover approximately one-third of the total costs incurred with the program. Supervisor Coy McRoberts made a motion, seconded by Supervisor Hall to accept the Department of Conservation and Recreation grant in the amount of $33,842 for Stormwater Management. McDaniel requested that Board members continue serving on the same committees as they had in the previous year. He noted that those appointments would be finalized at the January 16 reconvened Board meeting. He explained that he had received a letter from the Tourism Advisory Committee requesting that all Committee members be reappointed with the exception of the Blacklick District representative. McDaniel requested that the Board accept the Wythe Grayson Regional Library Board’s nomination of Ernest Wheeler to the Wythe Grayson Regional Library Board. The Board reviewed and discussed a resolution adopted by the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors urging Congress to adopt the
Industrial Hemp Farming Act. Dalton explained that the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors has presented the resolution to the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), who endorses the resolution. He noted that they have requested that Wythe County adopt a similar resolution in support of their efforts to industrialize hemp farming. Supervisor Tim Reeves noted the VACo Environmental and Agricultural Steering Committee discussed the issue and they also support the resolution. McDaniel explained that he received a memorandum from J. D. Hancock, Executive Director of the Wythe County Rescue Squad, updating the Board on the status of the Squad. He noted that the Squad had a profitable month, as well as receiving ten new volunteers. ————————————— On January 22, 2013, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bi-monthly meeting at the County Administration Building. At the meeting, the Board held a public hearing, appointed committee members, presented a transportation bill and spoke with Wythe County Rescue Squad. A public hearing to solicit public input on local community development and housing needs in relation to Department of Housing and Community Development Funding for a project in Wythe County was held at the meeting.
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Discovery Channel Visits Max Meadows
Cellell Dalton, County Administrator, reported that the most recent housing project completed was in Austinville with a cost of $700,000. He explained that the County is currently considering a housing rehabilitation project in Slabtown, as well as, the addition of utilities to a subdivision in the Route 52 area. The Board made several committee appointments for 2013. The appointments are as follows: 1. Community Policy and Management Team - Department of Social Services Director, Lewis Lafon 2. Crossroads Regional Industrial Facility Authority –Supervisor Gary Houseman 3. County and Town Industrial Development Authority –Jennifer Atwell 4. Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board –Denise Grego 5. Mount Rogers Planning District Commission –Jacqueline King 6. Reassessment Committee – Chair McDaniel noted that the Reassessment Committee was no longer needed. Supervisor Tim Reeves reported that he spoke with Governor McDonnell at a town hall meeting conference call on January 18. He noted that the Governor encouraged the localities to support
the Transportation Bill, the elimination of the gas tax, and an increase of the sales tax in Virginia to 5.5%. Supervisor Reeves added that Governor McDonnell has also proposed that $45 million be returned to local governments to offset unfunded State mandates, as well as a $59 million pay increase for teachers. Supervisor Gary Houseman reported that he, Supervisor Hale, and Bruce Grant met with the rescue squads on January 15. He explained that J. D. Hancock, Executive Director of the Wythe County Rescue Squad, has prepared a video to recruit new members. Supervisor Houseman noted that the Fire and Rescue Taskforce has requested that Hancock work with Jenna Nichols-Coleman, Public Information Officer, to develop a recruitment video for all of the squads. Hancock addressed the Board and introduced Dustin Hazelwood, a paramedic who has worked with the squad for approximately six months. He noted that the Squad recently adopted a quality assurance program to ensure that the Squad provides the best care possible to the citizens, which Mr. Hazelwood coordinated.
Hazelwood said that the Squad is working to review call sheets to ensure that providers follow protocols, increase involvement with the community, and to encourage volunteerism.
In late February, Beyond Productions, a contractor of the Discovery Channel, visited Wythe County to shoot footage for the television documentary series “Deadly Women.” The program is made by a company called Beyond Productions based in Sydney, Australia. Beyond Productions specializes in factual and documentary style programs for both Australian and US networks. One such program that you may have heard of is the highly successful show ‘Mythbusters’, which they produce for Discovery USA. Deadly Women is another series for the Discovery Network USA (Investigation Discovery) which explores the psychological motivation behind why some women commit homicide. The series hopes to create a greater awareness and understanding of the effects of such crimes, both on the individuals involved and the larger community.
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Required permits for metal structures Building permits are required for metal structures over 200 square feet in size. The structures must also meet the wind and snow load requirements for Wythe County and be anchored. Metal structures over 600 square feet have other foundation requirements. Please contact the Building Inspection Department for more information if you are considering installing a similar structure.
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Tourism Spotlight: West Wind Farm, Vineyard and Winery West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery is a true family-crafted business in the Eastern end of Wythe County. The venue’s grapevines were planted in the spring of 2003 and the first wine made was in fall of 2005. Currently, there are five acres of grapes being cultivated on the farm. In the five years since the opening in 2006, West Wind’s wines have been awarded over forty awards at a variety of competitions. Virtually every wine they have made has been recognized. West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery was the second winery in Virginia to be certified Virginia Green by the Commonwealth’s Department of Environmental Quality. Their wine was also approved for participation in Virginia’s Finest a recognized quality assurance program sponsored by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Café Saturdays at West Wind Café Saturdays will continue into 2013 at West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery. Bring friends and join in for a great lunch with live music each week. From 11am to 3pm each Saturday, West Wind will be offering the following:
March 9th: Hearty chicken noodle soup and chicken salad croissant with broccoli salad 16th: Grilled chickenpesto pasta with white bean soup 23rd: Taco soup with grilled cheese 29th: Family-style chicken stew with biscuits and salad Enjoy LIVE MUSIC each Saturday from Noon to 2pm Decadent desserts available weekly à la carte Wine available for purchase by the glass or bottle A bountiful cheese board is always available, too Café selections are $10 each excluding beverage, tax, and gratuity.
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Planning Commission Spotlight What is a subdivision of land? The Wythe County Subdivision Ordinance defines a subdivision as a division of a parcel of land into two (2) or more lots. Therefore, anyone that wants to divide his or her property to convey even one lot must meet the terms of the Subdivision Ordinance. There are various types of subdivisions in the ordinance including family, adjoining owner, minor, major and townhouse subdivisions.
In addition, the ordinance has guidelines for lot line revisions. A lot line revision is typically a relocation or abandonment of an internal lot line or lines on adjoining parcels that individuals own.
come familiar with the regulations in the Wythe County Subdivision Ordinance. This ordinance can be found on the county website at www.wytheco.org.
Over the next several issues we will be addressing each of the above subdivisions.
Contact Michelle Cassell in the Wythe County Planning Commission Office at 276-223-4508 if you would like additional information or would like to schedule a meeting to discuss subdividing your property.
If you are interested in subdividing your property it is encouraged that you be-
Upcoming Sport Registration The K-3 Max Meadows Youth Basketball league began on Thursday, January 24 and will end on Thursday, March 7. This is an instructional league for participants to learn the fundamentals of basketball, as well as developing skills to work as a team.
If you would like to register your child, please call (276)223-4517 or come watch a night of youth basketball. Registrations for both Dixie Youth Baseball and Spring Soccer have begun. ***Max Meadows students need to register through WCPRD***
This league will meet on Thursdays at the Max Meadows Elementary School gymnasium at 6:00 P.M.
Dixie Youth Baseball – Registrations end Friday, March 1.
Upcoming Classes “EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF PAINTING” Join Judy Moore-Gist, an experienced and Certified Bob Ross Instructor, as she changes your life forever by making you more aware of beautiful cloud shapes and colors that you took for granted before. She will teach you in just one session and you will find that there is nothing more inspiring than seeing a beautiful landscape that you have created and will treasure forever. DEADLINE: Monday, March 4
WHEN: SUNDAY, MARCH 10th. WHERE: MAX MEADOWS RURITAN BUILDING. TIME: 1:30pm -5:30pm. FEE: $65 Per Person; PreRegistration and pre-payment REQUIRED. Minimum of 8 Participants. Ages 15 & Up SPONSORED BY: For more information or to register, call (276)223-4517 or email us at recdept@wytheco.org Registration forms can be found online at www.wytheco.org or by visiting our office at 340 South Sixth Street, Wytheville.
Practice begins Monday, April 1. Spring Soccer U10, U12 & U14 Registrations Thursday, February 21. Practice begins Monday March 18. Season begins Monday, April 1.
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Schedule of Events •
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3/12 Wythe County Board of Supervisors will hold its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. in the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville. 3/9 Budget Committee will meet in the conference room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th
County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 4 p.m.
Street, Wytheville at 8 a.m. •
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3/19 Water Committee will meet in the conference room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 9:30 a.m. 3/19 Tourism Committee will meet in the Board room of the
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3/26 Wythe County Board of Supervisors will hold its bi-monthly meeting at 9 a.m. in the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville.
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Wythe County Water Updates Construction projects Wytheville to Rural Retreat Water Extension Project: The water service along A Frame Drive and the extension to St. Paul Ln and east on Huffard Ln has been completed. Customers along these lines may apply for service at any time. Customers will receive an official letter explaining the details concerning connection requirements. Wytheville to Speedwell Water Project: Construction has begun on a water extension project that will extend water from the existing County water system on West Lee Hwy to the Speedwell area. The water will be extended along South Fork Drive, Old Stage Rd., Tabernacle Rd, Scenic Trail , Crockett Rd on to Grayson Turnpike Rd and on to Speedwell. In addition a one-half million gallon water tank will be constructed along Grayson Turnpike. The water extension will bring a much needed secondary source of water to the Speedwell community which now relies on two wells to serve the 180 customers including the Speedwell Elementary. In addition, the extension will help those along the route with water quality and quantity issues and provide fire protection. This project is approximately 12% completed and is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. Old School Road Water Project: Steve Martin’s Trenching was awarded the contract and work began in late December. The extension will loop around Old School Rd to the end of Marble Ln. The water main installation is nearly completed and the contractor will begin setting water meters soon. The County inspector has been contacting customers along this route to discuss meter locations. This work should be completed in March 2013.
Grahams Forge Sewer Project: The Grahams Forge Phase III sewer project is progressing on schedule and the contractor has completed approximately 80% of the work . The project will provide sewer service along East Lee Hwy near Gateway mobile home park to the Estes Truck terminal. Customers in the project area will be notified by mail of a completion date and connection requirements. This project is Wythe County Board of Supervisors scheduled for completion in March of 2013. Applications for service The HUB of southwest VA can be made at any time at the County Administration building. 340 S 6th St Wytheville, VA 24382
Project in the planning stages
Phone: (276) 223-4500 Fax: (276) 223-4515
Slabtown Community Improvements Project: The County is evaluating the information received from the community surveys which will determine if the project will meet grant eligibility requirements. This evaluation will outline what the improvements project will encompass, which could include water system improvements, roads and housing.
E-mail: jvcoleman@wytheco.org www.wytheco.org www.facebook.com/wytheco
Exit 24 Wastewater: The Board of Supervisors has commissioned a Preliminary Engineering Report that will outline construction alternatives, cost estimates and potential funding to construct a wastewater system at exit 24 on I-77, Poplar Camp. A draft report is under review and should be completed in March 2013. Castleton Road/Barren Springs Water Extension: The Board of Supervisors has commissioned a Preliminary Engineering Report that will outline construction alternatives, cost estimates and potential funding to construct a water system extension along Castleton Road to Barren Springs. A draft report is under review and should be completed in March 2013. Jackson Elementary School Exten-
sion: The County has receive grant funds from the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission and Southeast Rural Community Assistance Program to design a water extension to serve the Jackson Elementary School and also approximately twelve homes along the route which have contaminated wells. The design is 90% completed and funding applications are being prepared for construction and related costs. Speedwell Phase II: Design of a water main extension from the intersection of Crockett Road and Grayson Turnpike north toward Wytheville is underway and approximately 75% completed. This project will provide water service along Grayson Turnpike to approximately 200 customers. Additional areas that are being considered for service are Barrett Mill Rd and Pump Hollow Rd. Residents along these two roads will be mailed a survey to gain their input on any water needs they may have.