External Affairs Committee Minutes

MINUTES – EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING
July 9, 2007 Final Approved

Meeting was called to order.  The agenda was approved as submitted.  Minutes were approved as presented.

Old Business
LOW Marketing Brochure – No report

Germanna Pool/Fitness Center Status – King George, Stafford and Caroline Counties have funding and are ahead of the Germanna YMCA project.

Dam Regulation Working Group Status   
New Dam Regulations – The dam regulations working group is working to refute the state regional directors statement that the new regulations are mainly “administrative” in content.

Emergency Action Plan –  Consultant plans to have a draft ready for review by August 10, 2007.

Hydrology Survey – Dewberry and Davis plans another status review for dam working group by end of month.

Alternate Spillway Design – Consultant plans another status review for dam working group by end of month.

BOS Actions/Schedule  - Cluster Ordnance approved and sent back to Planning Committee to redo to meet Governor’s request. Orange County School approved to carry over $200,000 to next year. Next meeting will be 7/10 regarding Budget Amendment and Waste Center Easement ingress in Barboursville.

OC Planning Committee – June 7 Revised Proffer Planning to classify high growth.  Consideration not tied to capital improvement plan. There will be a Public Hearing on July 19 on Wilderness Crossing (this is King/Dotson properties on Route 20) consideration of Keaton Dam upgrade if approved. Special Use requested for Newhouse & James property (proposed site of new middle school).

School Board Actions –  The June 5 meeting discussed LGES Fifth Graders and bus issues.  Next meeting will be July 10. There will be a School Board Workshop on July 17 (9 am to noon) and July 18 (3-5 pm) in Taylor Education Building to receive comments on the design of the new middle school, lunch provided please RSVP. Tony Jackson, Assistant Supt. has resigned.

New Business

EAC Annual Report – see attached – any comments by EAC members needed by 8/8.

Route 20 Study public hearing on western end was June 13 four intersections considered for turning lanes.

Press Clippings

Local county candidates elections on November 6.  Several positions have opposition.  

Open space land purchase study

Other

Doug Rogers received notice that RSA/DEQ will conduct pilot test on sewer by installing gravity feed system with bids out in July and work beginning in September. It will affect sixty houses in area of the white house to Monroe Street. Doug has spoken with Ed Scott and Edd Houck. LOWA has requested and received a delay from RSA/DEQ to delay since LOWA had not been informed and public hearing is needed, probably August.  The cost will be $2 million.

Meeting adjourned, next meeting will be Monday, August 13 at 7 PM in the Reading Room.

Brenda Rogers, secretary

External Affairs Committee Minutes
Monday, May 12, 2008

Members Present:
Frank Beverina, Chris Burr, Connie Buttimer, Doug Crain, Irving Grimes, Fred Marshall

Members Absent:
None

Guests:
Neil Buttimer, LOWA Board, Lee Frame OC Supervisor, Dave McKee, Liaison to LOWA Planning, Tom Sheridan, LOWA Board Liaison

Meeting was called to order. 
The agenda was approved with a change for the OC Supervisor to give a report first on a motion by Crain, seconded by Buttimer.
The April minutes were approved as written on a motion by Marshall, seconded by Crain.

Report from OC Supervisor Frame:
He listed his opinion of good and bad aspects of the Wilderness Crossing Project.
Good were:  200 ft buffer, Convention Center/Hotel and strong proffers.
Bad were:  Possible big box construction, urban looking construction and would attract new residents.
He also spoke about the Tourism Corridor Overlay and said 3-4 Supervisors were in favor of implementation.
He passed along the information about gold mines to Bill Rolf, OC County Administrator.

Election of Officers
Doug Crain was elected Chairman.  Fred Marshall was elected as Vice Chairman.  Connie Buttimer was elected as Secretary.

Old Business
Dam Regulation Working Group—Marshall reported the following:
May 1 deadline has been met.
June 30 state deadline for drawings of gate system for the present spillway will be met.  Drawings are now available.
It is a good idea to do the survey to determine how to pay for dam changes.
Site specific information is delayed because there is no one to do the PMP.  The company is unable to meet our deadline
The emergency action plan will be finished by June 30.
Free Lance Star reporter wanted to back out of her agreement to attend the meetings on a background basis.  She agreed to set up a meeting with her Editor to discuss this ethical question.

BOS Actions/Schedule:
      We went over the schedule of meetings.
      There has been an increase of 2 more patrol officers in the Sheriff’s office.  We want to find out how many are North of 522 and how many are South of 522. 
      We found out that the shopping center pedestrian crossing is not possible without sidewalks.

Press Clippings:
      Amendment to VA FY2008/9 budget includes $5M for civil war sites.
      Elwood to receive a $240,500 grant
      LOW report cited operational deficiencies.
      BOS received briefing on Wilderness Crossings Business Park.
      Widening of Route 3 in Spotsylvania scheduled for 2011 completion.
      OC employs 198 full time and 70 part time employees at $10 million.
      BOS reconsiders tourism corridor overlay
      Industrial Park tenants delayed (because of economy)
      OC unemployment rate increased in March from 4.2% to 4.5%.

Other Business
Buttimer said that some students had mentioned that bullying occurs at OC high school.  She has informed Jim Hopkins, School Board Representative, of the problem and will follow to see if any kind of counseling is planned for the upcoming school year.  A good program exists at James Madison HS in Fredericksburg.

We discussed the need for busing at LOW.  We have information that can be brought back up and perhaps should study the problem again.

The OC Chamber has many functions we should be aware of.  Doug Rogers is a member and could perhaps come to our meetings as a liaison to the Chamber.
BFI is still the waste management firm that is authorized to make contracts with homeowners in LOW.  We discussed the large item pick-up.
Grimes gave a report on realtor statistics:
            LOW Statistics
            197 houses on the market
            22 rentals
            203 days on the market until sale
           
            OC Statistics (other than LOW)
            79 houses on the market
            8 rentals
            82 days on the market until sale
           
35 houses have sold since January 1, in the $150-200,000.00 range with an average of 158 days on the market.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:25pm.  Next meeting will be Monday July, 14 at 7pm in the Reading Room of the Holcomb Building.

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

External Affairs Committee Minutes
June 9, 2008

Members Present:
Frank Beverina, Chris Burr, Connie Buttimer, Doug Crain, Irving Grimes, Tom Sheridan, LOWA Board Liaison,

Members Absent:
Fred Marshall

Guests:
Karen & Roger Anderson; Neil Buttimer, LOWA Board & Germanna Homeowners Group Chairman; Lee Frame, OC Supervisor; Doug Rogers, Chamber of Commerce Representative; Don Walters, Planning Committee Chairman.

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Crain. 
The agenda was approved on a motion by Beverina seconded by Grimes.
The May minutes were approved as written on a motion by Beverina, seconded by Grimes.

Old Business
A.  The Dam Regulation Working Group met with Dam Safety at LOW on June 2.  They seemed impressed by the progress made so far.  26 houses possibly in inundation zone have decreased to 6 because of new hydrology study.  We are on schedule for June 30 deadlines.
B.  Beverina reported that a big box store has been proposed at Rt. 3 and 20.  The county needs to pass the big box ordinance first.  Public hearings will occur.  We should be asking about water, sewer, and the impact on the small dam.
C.  BOS Actions
      Raised the level of due diligence required on the Procurement Policy—$1000-5000.
      BOS agreed with the Ruritan Club for reimbursement for use of a building.
      School CIP list approved for 2008.
      Students will be charged for participating in football, cheerleading etc.  County is $25,000 in arrears for sport activities.
      Pete Rainey was appointed to the Library Board
      The Big Box Ordinance has not been passed because they are arguing about the amount of space allotted.
      BOS approved the Secondary Road Construction Budget for FY 2008/2009.
      Supervisor Burkett continues to defend his wife’s use of bogus web sites to help win the election.
      Supervisor Frame has been appointed to the Jail Board Expansion Committee.
      Proffer Policy Update will be discussed at the June 10 meeting.
      County staff has been tasked to look into property taxes for low income seniors.
     
Press Clippings
A.  OC School Board approved 2008/2009 budget
B.  Four seeking seats on the LOW Board
C.  Supervisor Burkett’s wife sets up bogus web sites against candidates.
D.  The Piedmont Environmental Council broke elections laws.
E.  Anti-bully contest at Lightfoot Elementary
F.  OC School Superintendent will leave after this year, but given a raise.
G.  LOW Lions Club, Democrat women and LYF all given good publicity.

New Business
A.  Assignments were given:  Crain and Beverina will cover BOS meetings, Busing will be covered by Crain and Buttimer, School Board will be covered by Buttimer.  Legislation will be covered by Burr.  We still need someone for Retirement Housing. 
B.  Chairman Crain reported:
      More construction is planned at Harrison Plaza where golf course was located.
      Turn lanes at 611 & 20 are completed—Kenny Dotson did the work with VDOT providing materials.
      Tourism Corridor Overlay is probably a year away.  Piedmont Environmental Council Representative and Kenny Dotson have had meetings to work out differences.  Will probably only be on Route 3 to start.
      Proffer policy was finished by Debbie Kendall.  Now is on hold.
      The water study is 1 year late.
      We are trying to get population information by district from Debbie Kendall.
      We need the number of EMS 2007 F&R service calls—Lee Frame will try and get those statistics.
      We are still trying to get the OC and LOW school population numbers—Jim Hopkins is helping.
C.  Doug Rogers reported on the OC Chamber of Commerce
      A joint mixer with Fauquier and Culpeper will be held next Thursday with Joe Ward, Director of Tourism speaking.
      OC High School had 361 graduates.
D.  Irving Grimes reported on Realtor Statistics.

      Listings in the area
      Locust Grove—144 days on the market
      Orange—138 days on the market
      LOW—199 days on the market

      LOW Statistics
         204 houses on the market
         27 lots on the market
         46 have been sold since January
         34 houses are in foreclosure
         11 homes are under construction 
      Statistics from www.realtytrack.com

Meeting Adjourned.  Next meeting will be on Monday July, 14 at 7:00pm in the Reading Room of the Holcomb Building.

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

External Affairs Committee Minutes
July 14, 2008

Members Present:
Frank Beverina, Chris Burr, Connie Buttimer, Doug Crain, Irving Grimes, Fred Marshall, Tom Sheridan—LOWA Board Liaison,

Members Absent: None
Guests:  Neil Buttimer, LOWA Board & Germanna Homeowners Group Chairman; Doug Rogers, Chamber of Commerce Representative; Jim Drabant, Planning Committee

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Crain. 
The agenda was approved on a motion by Burr seconded by Marshall.
The June minutes were approved with changes on a motion by Burr, seconded by Marshall.

Old Business
A.  Marshall reported that the June 30th deadline was met to submit drawings to the state.  Negotiations are moving to a higher level.  Site-specific probable maximum precipitation study is being delayed awaiting SWCB action on July 17th. 
B.  Beverina will continue to update the construction data.
C.  BOS Actions:
      Tourism Corridor Overlay presentation was struck
      Frame & Burkett are working on big box draft guidelines for BOS review
      Approved amending school budget to move funds
      Presentation on mixed use zoning classifications
D.  School Board-Buttimer reported that a 45 minute presentation was given about upgrading the field and track at the high school by giving a private group permission to collect donations.  This would be for Olympic grade equipment.  Board seemed interested but if money is spent at OC high school it is less likely a second high school will ever be built in our part of the county.
            
Press Clippings
   A.  Details about RSA—not as good as Orange
   B.  Road woes
   C.  Accidents dropped on Route 20.
   D.  District 4 Supervisor article about King Property proposal.
    E.  Judge forces sale of HOA
    F.  LOW Board
   G.  LOW Lions Food Pantry has a new trailer
   H.  Dominion Power customers get 18% hike—We may not get the full 18%.
     I.  Sales tax will be raised 1% to benefit transportation.
    J.  The Chesapeake is having trouble with oysters
   K.  Post 911 GI Bill is in the works
    L.  FLS has good Guide to Living

New Business
A.  Real Estate Statistics
      Locust Grove 149 houses on market
      Orange—166 houses on market
      LOW—198 houses on market (from www.mris.com)

      Three lots went up for auction.  Mansour bought two and one was withdrawn.

B.  We would like to set up a meeting of the GHOG for September.
C.  Wilderness Tavern marker is missing.  We will try to find out what happened to it.
D.  The annual report is due August 1 and will be done by Beverina and Crain.

Meeting Adjourned. 

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

Next meeting will be on Monday August 11 at 7:00pm in the Reading Room of the Holcomb Building.

External Affairs Committee Minutes
August 11, 2008

Members Present:
Frank Beverina, Chris Burr, Connie Buttimer, Doug Crain, Irving Grimes, Fred Marshall, Neil Buttimer—LOWA Board Liaison  

Members Absent: None
Guests:  Betty Beck—prospective member, Lee Frame—District 5 Supervisor

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Crain. 
The agenda was approved on a motion by Burr seconded by Marshall.
The July minutes were approved on a motion by Burr, seconded by Marshall.

Old Business
A.  Marshall reported that the Dam Regulation Group is preparing for the Soil and Water Conservation Board meeting. 
B.  No Report on Construction Data Base
C.  BoS Actions—Chairman Crain
      Middle School plans have been approved
      A budget amendment moved $117K from 2008 to 2009 for the Economic Development Authority
      Approved charging fees for 2008-2009 Soccer season.
      Has work session on August 26 to review CIP schedule
      Discussed insurance consolidation for Volunteer Fire and Rescue
      Held public hearing on conditional zoning to utilize a form of cash proffers—Ordinance passed.
D.  Supervisor Frame Reported:
      Big box ordinance has been revised several times.
      Middle school project manager was hired but is now gone.  Seeking new project manager
      Erosion & Sediment Control wants to confer with LOWA
      In the CIP review $3-1/2 million was budgeted for F&R for next year
      Reverse 911 uses Verizon data base.  A number may be established to call in additional numbers.
      LOWA Safety & Security Chairman has asked for more Sheriff coverage.  Are we getting fair share?
      Meeting held to discuss 20 & 601.  One left turn lane to school is in school plan.  Probably need two.
      Proper title of Frame’s one-year slot is Central Virginia Regional Jail Board of Directors .  They will          work to add on to the jail and change from a Board to an Authority.
      He is asking if the sediment pond in the shopping center has ever been cleared
      He is wondering if the Chesapeake Bay requirements are being met by the new school plan
      The compactor may be removed and a transfer station set up at a later date.
E.  School Board Report:  Buttimer reported that SB Member Jim Hopkins has determined that there are 831 students attending public school from LOW.  358 in K-5, 221 in 6-8, 252 in 9-12.

Press Clippings
       We went over recent press clippings

New Business
A.  Real Estate Statistics
      Locust Grove—156 days on the market
      Orange—175 days on the market
      LOW—210 days on the market

B.  Grimes will invite other HOA’s to the meeting scheduled for September 8.  We discussed the order of the meeting and a change in location to accommodate additional people. 
C.  Crain reported that the Map Tech work is on hold—but will eventually have a warning system
D.  Beverina and Crain worked on the Annual Committee Report and filed to the Board.

Meeting Adjourned on a motion by Marshall and seconded by Grimes. 

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

Next meeting will be on Monday September 8 at 7:00pm in the Woods Center.

External Affairs Committee Minutes
September 8, 2008

Members Present:
Betty Beck, Frank Beverina, Connie Buttimer, Doug Crain, Irving Grimes, Fred Marshall, Neil Buttimer—LOWA Board Liaison and Germanna Home Owners Group Chairman            

Members Absent: Chris Burr
Guests:  Bill Eden—VP of Wilderness Shores, Ernie Meier—LOWA member; Kathleen & Dick Bradie—TRIAD

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Crain. 
The agenda was approved on a motion by Marshall seconded by Grimes.
Previous minutes were not available but will be read at the next meeting.

Welcome to Germanna Home Owner Group—GHOG Chairman Buttimer welcomed Bill Eden and other guests.

Old Business
A.  Marshall reported on the Dam Regulation Group
      Has not accepted our compromise proposal for 2/3 PMF dam
      Currently pursuing a political option with our legislators
      New regulations have been signed by the Governor and will be implemented on September 26.

B.  Construction Data Base
      Walmart is seeking to build at Routes 3 & 20 in a T-shaped area of 51-1/2 acres—They will need a special use permit which must have a hearing.  They need plan approval by Planning Board and a road plan approval by VDOT.
      King property needs to be rezoned for commercial before Walmart can move to that location as proposed by Kenny Dotson.
      Monsour Azimipour is selling pad sites for a strip mall near Wilderness Shores.  He was invited to attend to tell us of his plans.
       
C.  BoS Actions—Chairman Crain
      Still working on the Subdivision Ordinance and will be rewritten.  It is upsetting developers and property owners.
      Zoning Ordinances will be rewritten.  Contracted out at $70,000 - $170,00.  Will also have a 30 person panel. 
      Proffer ordinance is being changed too
      Tourism Corridor Overlay presentation will be given to the BoS by Kenny Dotson (Titan Construction) & Dan Holms (Piedmont Environmental Committee)
      Next public meeting of the BoS is September 9.

D.  Supervisor Frame Reported:
       
New Business

A.  Real Estate Statistics—Grimes gave a report on area home sales
    

B.  Transportation/Transit Activity—Crain gave a report on the successful meeting with Planning District 9 and his inquiries about bus service.  He has also been in contact with Virginia Regional Transportation officials.  This has been discussed in the past but hopefully with a change in the economic state and increased population there will be more interest. 
C.  Crain expressed hope that a new push for implementing the Tourism Corridor Overlay might be successful.
D.  C Buttimer gave a brief report of the progress of the new Middle School and said that extensive information is available on www.jimhopkins.com

Meeting Adjourned on a motion by Marshall and seconded by Grimes. 

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

Next meeting will be on Monday October 13 at 7:00pm in the Reading Room of the Holcomb Building.

External Affairs Committee Minutes
October 13, 2008

Members Present:
Betty Beck, Chris Burr, Connie Buttimer, Irving Grimes, Fred Marshall, Neil Buttimer—LOWA Board Liaison and GHOG Chairman         
Members Absent: Frank Beverina, Doug Crain
Guests:  Kathleen & Dick Bradie—TRIAD, Lee Frame—District 5 Supervisor, Don Walters

Meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Marshall. 
The agenda was approved on a motion by Burr seconded by Grimes.
The minutes of August and September were approved as read on a motion by Burr seconded by Grimes.

Old Business
A.  Supervisor Frame Reported:
      Erosion & Sediment Control will be monitored by Elton Rupe, Maintenance Supervisor for the Middle School on our behalf.
      The Subdivision Ordinance will have a public hearing on October 28th at Prospect Heights MS.
      The Civic Club will host Walmart representatives on October 21st in the Clubhouse
      Big box guidelines have been approved.
      Proffer guidelines were changed and approved so that new housing must pay $29,000.
      New homes are not taxed immediately.  Now they will be taxed as built starting next year.
      Personal property tax may be paid on personal watercraft.
      No special use permit submitted by Walmart to use the commercially zoned land on Route 3.

B.  Dam Regulation Working Group—Marshall reported
      Our permit for operation has been extended for four months.
      We are “resting our oars” and awaiting decisions for now—as well as seeking political intervention.
      There is no deadline for putting in the Emergency Action Plan

C.  Construction Data Base: No report

D.  Orange County Schools:  No report—A question was asked about the hiring of a new Project Manager—will that slow down work.  C. Buttimer will investigate.
     
E.  BoS Actions/Schedules
      Subdivision Ordinance was covered by Frame but additional comment was made that one of the big problems is how to subdivide agricultural land
      On the Tourism Corridor Overlay, a report was given to the BoS seeking “issue areas”
      Public meeting was held on the Comprehensive Plan on October 2nd.

F.  Other
      Don Walters pointed out that the Walmart proposed area is 50 feet above the existing structures, in contrast, the King property would be surrounded by trees and not elevated.
      Burr said he would invite people from the Civil War Preservation Trust to the Civic Club Meeting.
      Burr was also concerned about increased security needs after the Walmart is built.  Will the Sheriff’s department be able to secure that area or should Walmart be asked to furnish 24/7 security for their parking lot and store?
      Grimes will also notify members of the GHOG about the Civic Club meeting with Walmart.

New Business
A.  Real Estate Statistics—Grimes gave a report on area home sales
                                                    Days on Market     Homes on Market
      Orange County                       175                       302
      Locust Grove                         167                         88
      LOW                                     201                       171
      September was the best month in two years for the Century 21 office at LOW but no turnaround is expected anytime soon in the market.

B.  Regulations—Burr reported that “Save The Bay” regulations may effect some bonds approved in Stafford and Fauquier Counties.

C.  Transportation/Transit Activity—Marshall reported that Crain has met with Greg McGowan of the Virginia Regional Transit Authority to seeks costs and proposed routes.  A meeting will be set up soon with officials.

D.  Press Clippings:  We went over the articles written in the last month pertaining to LOW. 
      Housing prices
      Subdivision Ordinance
      School Board Advisory Committee formed to find new Superintendent
      Subsidized housing in Culpeper
      Stafford County to charge road impact fees for new construction (VA General Assembly law)
      Recent derogatory articles by Robin Knepper
          After a discussion of the work we did last year to energize the realtors, take out a magazine ad, create a slogan and brochure we are concerned about the recent articles written and the damage they have done. We decided it is time to advise some action.

      Keeping in mind that the External Affairs committee worked diligently to advertise and promote LOW all last year, this committee is disturbed by the misrepresentation of LOWA with the dam issue and inaccurate information about our finances and facilities in the Free Lance Star.  We urge Chairman Crain to write a letter to President Wilson to advise him to meet with the Editor of the Free Lance Star to discuss this continuing trend.  Motion made by C Buttimer, seconded by Burr.  Motion approved unanimously.

Meeting Adjourned on a motion by Burr and seconded by Grimes. 

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

Next meeting will be on Monday November 10th at 7:00pm in the Reading Room of the Holcomb Building.

External Affairs Committee Minutes
November 10, 2008

Members Present:
Betty Beck, Connie Buttimer, Doug Crain, Irving Grimes, Fred Marshall, Neil Buttimer—LOWA Board Liaison and GHOG Chairman        
Members Absent: Frank Beverina, Chris Burr
Guests:  None

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Crain. 
The agenda was approved on a motion by Grimes  seconded by Marshall.
The minutes of October were approved as read on a motion by Marshall  seconded by Beck.

Old Business
A.  Dam Regulation Working Group:
      The proposed changes to the dam are still being considered by Kaine administration
      Final draft is on hold pending word about the dam from administration.

B.  Construction Data Base:  No report
                                                                              
C.  BOS Actions/Schedule
      Subdivision Ordinance was approved on October 28—94 residents spoke against it.
      Of the appraised value of all properties in county—LOW represents 35%.
      Zoning Ordinance—still being considered—expect no changes.
      On November 12th, Mrs. Pace will give an interpretation of the Subdivision Ordinance.

D.  Transportation/Transit Activity: 
      Crain is trying to set up a meeting with Mrs. Pace and the Culpeper VRT with little success. 
      County Administrator Rolfe will try to set up a meeting.
       
F.  Other:  Press Clippings
      We went over the articles written in the last month pertaining to LOW.

New Business
A.  Review of taskings/assignments:
      Betty will take on the Tourism Corridor Overlay subject and help with Regulation watching.  Buttimer will continue with OC schools.  Grimes will continue with Real Estate.  Marshall will continue with the DRWG.

Real Estate Statistics—Grimes gave a report on area home sales
      21 homes sold in September.  7 sold in October.  One house sold in November as of this date.  The assessed value of LOW is $1.3 BILLION!

B.  Regulations—No report
C.  Tourism Corridor Overlay—No report
D.  Route 3/20 Development—No report

E.  Orange County Schools—Everything seems to be moving along as scheduled.

F.  Wilson Letter: FLS—Wilson does not want to meet with the Editor of the FLS to discuss bad press.  He encouraged private citizens to make statements about their displeasure with coverage. 

Meeting was adjourned on a motion by Marshall at 8:45pm.

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

External Affairs Committee Minutes
February 9, 2009

Members Present: Betty Beck, Chris Burr, Connie Buttimer, Doug Crain, Fred Marshall, Neil Buttimer—LOWA Board Liaison and GHOG Chairman         
Members Absent: Irving Grimes
Guests:  Doug Rogers, OC Chamber of Commerce

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Crain. 
The agenda was approved on a motion by Burr seconded by Marshall.
The minutes of the 12 January meeting were approved on a motion by Marshall, seconded by Burr.

Old Business

A.  BOS Actions/Schedule
      Compactor—BOS has approved relocation of the compactor at a $53,000 per year savings.  No schedule for the change yet.  Compactor at LOW will be closed on Wednesdays beginning in March.
      Comprehensive Plan/Zoning—At meeting, “rural” was the theme.  Not much on the economy.  OC has passed the 1% growth.  At present 91% of OC land is agricultural or forest.  Allen Huffman was there representing “OC Citizens for Freedom”.  Meeting on 10 February zoning will be put into comprehensive plan.  There will be a postponement of the reassessment at a savings of $183,000.
      Other—BOS re-voted on jail authority.  VDOT has NO new road money. 

B.  Dam Regulation Working Group: Marshall reported
      SWCB has approved a two year extension of our conditional dam operating permit. (January 2009—January 2011).
      LOWA has agreed to construct the alternate spillway which is 190 feet wide.  Cost estimate is $5.6 million.  The Governor has proposed a budget amendment to provide a grant of $1 million from the dam safety flood prevention and protection assistance fund.  This could reduce our cost to $4.6 million. 
      LOWA Board has a number of money options to pursue plus choosing a project manager for the job.
       
C.  School Update:  Buttimer reported
      BOS has given approval of the middle school project and voted to establish a 5% contingency fund for the construction.  They voted unanimously to negotiate a contract with Kenbridge Construction to build the school on a bid of $30 million.  Final price will be close to $40 million with cost of land, architectural services, extension of RSA lines, furnishings and improvements to Route 601.  This will be funded by selling bonds.  Principle and interest will be paid by the county over twenty years.

D.  Real Estate Update:  Grimes was absent but Crain had some figures
      Median sales in December 2008 were $183,950.  Median sales in November 2008 were $209,000.
      Neil Buttimer suggested that Crain call Grimes for next meeting to get the same figures as usual so that comparisons can be made.
      Crain reported that Fredericksburg owns the river front almost to the Route 3 bridge near GCC from above Elys Ford.

E.  State/Federal Regulations:  Burr reported on newspaper clippings

• Children’s Health Insurance Plan.
• Apprehension of 1982 Tylenol killer.
• TV transition to HD broadcasting postponed until June.
• Some confusion over the property rights of the land where Walmart proposes to build.
• Texas and Vermont citizens commenting about the location of Walmart.
• Group home to be built in LOWA.

F.  Other
      Free Lance Star continues bad reporting and inaccurate information in articles about LOWA.  Members of this committee are still unhappy with the situation.

New Business

A.  Planning Committee Input: Crain reported that they have asked us to submit questions that might be used in the annual survey.  Members gave a few suggestions for Crain to pass along.

B.  Other:  Doug Rogers reported that the OC Chamber of Commerce meets on February 26th from noon until 1:30pm.  Public is invited.  The OC Republican Committee will hold a meeting on March 21 to elect delegates to the State Convention.  And on March 16 at 7pm the 30th District will hold a debate with the three Republican candidates for Attorney General at the Daniel Technology Center, GCC in Culpeper.

Open Discussion:
Greg Raines from the Issac Walton league will speak to the LOW Vets.
The OC Cable Franchise—LOWA received the last $30,000 check from Comcast.
Virginia Legislature is in session.  There is a proposed amendment to the Property Owners Act which would require revealing the salary of employees.
Neil Buttimer reported that the LOWA BOD asked the Lake Users Committee to examine the Virginia Safe Boater Test to see if we should require members to take this test.

Meeting was adjourned on a motion at 8:55pm by Marshall.

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

External Affairs Committee Minutes
March 9, 2009

Members Present: Chris Burr, Connie Buttimer, Doug Crain, Irving Grimes, Fred Marshall, Neil Buttimer—LOWA Board Liaison and GHOG Chairman         
Members Absent: Betty Beck
Guests:  Doug Rogers, OC Chamber of Commerce; Don Walters, LOWA Planning; Lee Frame, OC Board Supervisor.

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Crain. 
The agenda was approved on a motion by Burr seconded by Buttimer.
The minutes of the 9 February meeting were approved with typographical changes on a motion by Marshall, seconded by Burr.

Old Business
A.  BOS Actions/Schedule
      VDOT update will be given at the BOS meeting.  Mr. Frame informed us that VDOT will tell about a new standard of service at a hearing next week
      Virginia Regional Transit will give an update.
      Agenda for BOS is no longer published in the paper.  It can be seen online at www.orangecountyva.gov.
      Budget: The County is laying off about 17 county employees.  A public hearing on the budget will be held on April 7. The personal property tax on real estate will remained unchanged at $.47/100. Car tax will be increased by $.48/100.
      Mr. Frame reported that about $300,000 that was budgeted for the jail this year. Next year’s budget will be about $830,000.  $1 million has been restored to the school budget.  BOS has authorized a grant seeking a half million dollars to build roads to access houses built by Habitat for Humanity. 

B.  Dam Regulation Working Group: Marshall reported
      The state budget has been approved with the $1 million grant for the LOWA dam.  Other loan options are still being considered by LOWA. 
      AMT has completed a detailed design package for the dam which is currently being reviewed.  The steel gate must be ordered by August 2009 to maintain the schedule.
       
C.  School Update:  Buttimer reported
      The School Board may cut nearly $1.7 million from the budget. They are seeking ways to do this such as eliminating summer school, activity buses, non-core curriculum programs, field trips and many other things. They decided to wait a little longer make a decision to see what funds they might get from the Federal Stimulus. 

D.  Real Estate Update:  Grimes reported current statistics
                                 Days on Market           Homes on Market
      LOW                   223                              131 (34 rentals)
      OC                      195                              258
      Locust Grove       ?                                  67

                                 2008 Sales           2009 Sales
      LOW                   12                          11  (Median price at LOW was $163,000.)
      OC                      49                          28
      LG                       23                          11

      There are 43 lots available for sale.

E.  State/Federal Regulations:  Burr reported on newspaper clippings

• The Legislative session is over.  Some money is coming to our county from the state.
• The Free Lance Star has incorrectly reported on the last LOWA Board meeting again.  Totally incorrect statements were made by the reporter concerning the security contract bid and the services offered by that new company.  Twice the reporter has written that LOW is in financial trouble which is not the case.  We discussed this problem again and continue to be very concerned about the damage to our community by this bad reporting.

F.  Other
      Walmart—The plans to build the Walmart store are proceeding.  Mr. Frame said that they have requested a Special Use Permit.  It will probably be considered in April.  Burr noted that the sheriff has been called to the Walmart in Culpeper 867 times in the last year.  Burr continues to be concerned about security at the new Walmart.

New Business
A.  LOWA Budget: The LOWA 2009 budget has been determined and annual assessment will be $1137 per lot.  Items of note are the selection of a new security force and the ability to use credit cards to pay for the annual assessment.

B.  Other:  Crain reported on upcoming events.
      March 12     Chamber of Commerce meeting
      March 15     Elmwood—French Wine tasting
      March 16     James Madison’s Birthday
      March 16     Attorney General Republican Candidate Debate in Culpeper
      March 18     Lakes Manager will speak at the Civic Club meeting
      March 25    Game & Wildlife meeting at Warrenton.  The will discuss extending deer season, enlarging bear season and bringing back quail hunting.

Open Discussion:  None

Meeting was adjourned on a motion at 8:35pm by Burr.

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

External Affairs Committee Minutes
April 13, 2009

Members Present:
Chris Burr, Connie Buttimer, Doug Crain, Irving Grimes, Fred Marshall, Neil Buttimer—LOWA Board Liaison and GHOG Chairman  Members Absent: Betty Beck
Guests:  Lee Frame, OC Board Supervisor, Kathleen & Dick Bradie, TRIAD.

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Crain. 
The agenda was approved on a motion by Marshall seconded by Grimes.
The minutes of the 9 April meeting were approved with changes on a motion by Burr, seconded by Marshall.

Old Business

A.  BOS Actions/Schedule
      2010 Budget/Schedule: BOS adopted the budget and set the tax rate.  They discussed the CIP and tax exemption.  They rezoned two lots to agriculture.  One vending machine contract will serve all of the OC sites.  Debbie Kendall is looking at open space easements.  A new registrar is in place—Raymond L. Cody.  A lawsuit on residential zoning is in process.   

B.  Dam Regulation Working Group: Marshall reported
      An RFP for dam construction is being prepared by AMT for review by the Dam Task Group.  Seven contractors plan to bid
      A job description for hiring a dam project manager is being prepared by the Dam Task Group.
      The completion goal for both of the above items is the end of May.
      An April 22, 2009 meeting is scheduled with state officials, LOWA management, LOWA lawyers and the Chairman of the OC Supervisors to obtain the best financial arrangement for LOWA dam project.
      The new spillway must be completed by January 31, 2011.

C.  School Update:  No report

D.  Real Estate Update:  Grimes reported that the market is doing better.

E.  Communications:  Beck is out of town

F.  Areas of Potential Impact:  Burr reported:

• Four houses in Section 13 were vandalized by teens.  Three have been apprehended and another is still at large.
• Representative Eric Cantor has sent a letter to Ms. Kathleen Olmstead of Locust Grove indicating that he is requesting a status report from the Environmental Protection Agency concerning mercury and arsenic used in the past for gold mining in the nearby areas.

G.  Other

• The Free Lance Star has incorrectly reported on the last LOWA Board meeting AGAIN.
• Walmart conducted a balloon test to see if the construction will be as visible as some fear. Mr. Frame reported that the paperwork for the project is coming along.

New Business:

A.  Stimulus—(ARRA) There were 37 projects submitted by people of or from Orange County in the stimulus package.

B.  Other: 

• The new security company will hold an informational session for LOWA residents.
•  The LOW Planning committee has a survey in the yearly assessment mail-out.
•  The Post Office at The Market at Locust Grove may be closing.

Open Discussion:  None

Meeting was adjourned on a motion at 8:20pm by Marshall.

External Affairs Committee Minutes
July 13, 2009

Members Present:  Betty Beck, Connie Buttimer, Irving Grimes, Pat Rowland, Don Walters and Neil Buttimer—LOWA Board Liaison and GHOG Chairman
Members Absent: Chris Burr
Guests:  Lee Frame, OC Board Supervisor and Doug Rogers, Chamber of Commerce

1. Meeting was called to order by Chairman Rowland and he welcomed new member, Don Walters 
2. The agenda was approved on a motion by Buttimer seconded by Grimes.
3. The minutes of the June meeting were approved on a motion by Walters seconded by Beck.

4.  Report on Activities of Orange County Supervisors—Lee Frame reported

• The DEQ permit for Kenny Dodson’s sewage treatment plant will be modified.  He was approved for 20,000 gallons per day but only built the current facility for 4,500 gallons per day.  He may need a second tier when he expands his development.
• The public hearing for Walmart is now rescheduled for August 27th.

5. School Update—C Buttimer reported
The number of students from Lake of the Woods in Orange County Public School was read from a report by Jim Hopkins.

               Grades             Students 2008              Students 2009
               K-5                  358                              386
               6-8                   221                              228
               9-12                 252                              261
               Total                831                              875
It was noted that this does not include youngsters who are home schooled or enrolled in private schools.  And the total amount of pre-school children at the lake is also not known.

6.  Real Estate Open House—N Buttimer reported

• Luncheon will be held on July 24th with realtors.
• Open House has been moved to September 13th.
• Steering committee will meet soon.
• Grimes and Buttimer have a list to contact for the Steering Committee.

7.  Real Estate Statistics:  Grimes Reported the June Statistics
                                 Days on Market           Homes on Market
      LOW                   198                              169                                          54 Lots
      OC                      203                              263                                          15 Rentals
      Locust Grove       174                              72

                                 2008 Sales                   2009 Sales
      LOW                   34                                27            Median price at LOW was $162,910.
      OC                      85                                59            Average age of home was 18 years
      LG                       39                                18

Open Discussion
Chairman Rowland stated that this committee should watch information about the 2010 census and the redistricting of our County.

Meeting was adjourned

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

Next meeting will be in the Holcomb Building Reading Room on Monday, August 10, 2009.

External Affairs Committee Minutes
August 10, 2009

Members Present:  Chris Burr, Connie Buttimer, Irving Grimes, Pat Rowland, Neil Buttimer—LOWA Board Liaison and GHOG Chairman
Members Absent: Betty Beck
Guests:  Lee Frame—OC Board Supervisor, Doug Rogers—Chamber of Commerce, Boggs Wright, and Alicia Payne.

1. Meeting was called to order by Chairman Rowland.
      The agenda was approved on a motion by Burr seconded by Buttimer.
2. The minutes of the July meeting were approved on a motion by Burrs seconded by Buttimer.

3.  Discussion of National Park Service Study—Alicia Payne
      Russ Smith has been asked to expand the walking trails to accommodate bicycles and horses.
      Residents should come to a meeting on September 9 at the LOW Clubhouse.
      Residents are paying taxes for the land—should be taken off the tax account if we can’t use it.
      Park spokesmen claim that horses tear up the ground.  So do hikers, especially in rainy weather.  Our Equestrian Center does not allow trail rides in rainy weather. 
      Horse manure does not carry any diseases for humans
     
4.  Report on activities of Orange County BOS—Lee Frame

• Had a General Management Plan meeting last Fall with Park Service and they were only interested in preserving trails in the park lands. 
• At the public hearing for Walmart scheduled for August 27th, OC residents will speak first starting at 6pm.
• Working on the budget so that plans will be made a few years out.
• VRA—Memorandum of agreement will be signed for $1 million.  HOA assessment will be sufficient collateral for a loan.
• 90 acres were purchased by Spotsylvania County for the National Park Service.
• A new County Administrator will not be selected until after the November elections.

5.  School Update—no report

6.  Real Estate Open House—Pat Rowland

• Open House will run from 1-4pm on Sunday September 13th
• Realtors will run ads at their expense.
• Attendees will be directed from the front gate to the clubhouse to check in.
• Attendees will be given information listed by waterfront, price, etc. supplied by the realtors.
• Realtors are allowed to put out signs for the day.
• There are five realtors on the steering committee and it will meet Thursday at the Woods Center.

7.  Real Estate Statistics—Irving Grimes
            July Statistics
 

     There are 15 foreclosures on the market
     There are 25 short sales.

8.  Dam Upgrade—Neil Buttimer
      The BOD is in negotiations with a contractor
      On the 23rd the BOD meeting is scheduled to approve the contract
      Recent survey has a high number who want a one-time special assessment.  

Open Discussion
Alicia Payne would like to see LOW look into having a monopole installed and possibly some wind turbines to provide power.

Doug Rogers announced that there would be a Chamber coffee on August 11 and he will attend. And on August 27 there will be a Chamber Luncheon at Clearwater Grille that he will also attend.
The Orange Street Festival will be held on Saturday, September 12.  More information is available on the Chamber web site www.orangevachamber.com.   Or contact occhamber@verizon.net

Chris Burr said that $100,000 damage was done by four juveniles at a home in Section 13.  No court date is set yet.

Beaches have been closed and Chris is concerned about sewage leaks as the cause.  We were reminded to report any leaks to DEQ.

Meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

Next meeting will be in the Holcomb Building Reading Room on September 14, 2009.

External Affairs Committee Minutes
November 9, 2009

Members Present:  Chris Burr, Connie Buttimer, Don Walters, Irving Grimes and Pat Rowland—LOWA Board Liaison
Members Absent: Betty Beck
Guests:  Joe Jackson, Neil Buttimer—LOWA Board and GHOG Chair

1. Meeting was called to order at 7:02pm by Vice Chairman Burr
He welcomed prospective new member, Joe Jackson.

2. The agenda was approved on a motion by Grimes seconded by Walters.

3. Previous minutes were not available. (No meeting in September or October.  August minutes will be approved at next meeting.  Draft attached.)

4.  OC Update—Lee Frame was not in attendance

• A Wilderness Battlefield group will be appearing before a judge to try and bring suit against Walmart.  They will be represented by Arnold & Porter law firm.
• Taxes will be raised next year.
• Terri Pace lost the election for District 4 to Grover Wilson
• Mark Johnson lost the election for District 1 to Shannon Abbs.
• In November and December, the second meeting of the BOS will not be held.
• OC Planning requirements will be revised to reflect the state requirements.

5. LOWA Update—Pat Rowland reported

• On November 18 at 2pm there will be a meeting to discuss the dam status.
• On November 19 the BOD will attend the Soil and Water Conservation Board meeting in Richmond.

6.  Other Assignments

• Real Estate Statistics:  Grimes Reported the October Statistics

                                 Days on Market        Homes on Market
      LOW                   170                              142                                         
      OC*                    189                              332                                         
      Locust Grove*     174                              75
                           
                                 2008 Sales                  2009 Sales
      LOW                   116                              122                 
      OC*                    242                              233                 
      Locust Grove*     79                                58
*Without LOW
                    
                                             2009                2008
LOW Median Price               $173,850         $223,500         (22% drop)
Age                                       20 years           19 years
Days on Market                     171                  180

Foreclosures......................... 3
Short Sales Undisclosed........ 4
Short Sales........................... 30-37

Compiled 2009 Real Estate Statistics attached.

• Schools

               Percentage of graduates was best of 16 surrounding counties.
               Drop out rate is down.
               RSA hookup to new middle school is not completed.

• Legislation

       There was a Republican sweep in VA for Governor, Lt Governor and Attorney General.
       Ed Scott was re-elected as our VA House Representative.

• General

       Juveniles from vandalism in Section 13 went to court on October 26.  Two were charged with trespassing and sent home.  One under 12 juvenile was sent home to “be good”.  A third older youth still faces charges.

       Alicia Payne is representing the BOD to try and establish horse trails in the Battlefield.

       Defibrillators have been removed from LOWA buildings because the insurance company fears suits could be brought against users.  LOW Rescue and other LOW residents would like to see them brought back using the “Good Samaritan” law.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm.

Submitted by Connie Buttimer, Secretary

Next meeting will be in the Holcomb Building Reading Room on Monday, December 14, 2009.

External Affairs Committee Minutes
February 14, 2011

Members Present:  Betty Beck, Connie Buttimer, Jim Drabant, Bruce Kay, Doug Rogers, Betty Tabor, John Undari, Don Walters, Alicia Payne (Alternate) and Ernie Meier, Board Liaison

Members Absent:  None

Guests:  Doug Crain, Lee Frame, Dave McKee, Tom Roach, and Bob Shope

The meeting was called to order at 7pm
The agenda was approved.
The minutes from December and January were approved.

Committee Assignments were completed.  We were reminded to share information gathered with the Committee which may then be shared by the Chair with the Board of Directors, if necessary.

            1.  Orange County Board of Supervisors--------------------Lee Frame
            2.  Orange County Planning Commission-------------------Don Walters
                         a.  Comprehensive Plan, etc
            3.  Orange County Economic Development Plans---------Doug Rogers
                                                                                                     John Undari   
            4.  Orange County Board Of Education----------------------Betty Tabor
5.        VDOT Road Improvements---------------------------------Connie Buttimer
a.        Rt. 3                                                                            Don Walters
b.       Proposed By-Passes (North and South), etc.
c.        Overlay
            6.  Rapidan Service Authority-------------------------------Jim Drabant
            7.  Dam Safety Regulations--------------------------------- Bruce Kay                 
            8. Virginia General Assembly------------------------------- Bruce Kay
a.        Senate
b.       House
              9.     Piedmont Environmental Council-----------------Betty Beck
10.     Rappahannock Rapidan Regional Commission---------Alicia Payne
11.     National Park Service----------------------------------------Alicia Payne
12.     Redistricting---------------------------------------------------Jim Drabant

New Business
Tom Roach of Century 21 presented information and a detailed handout about real estate concerns in Lake of the Woods.

Other Business
Bruce Kay announced that a Soil and Water Board hearing was set for March 10.  He also noted that pending legislation (Senate bill 1060) has no effect on LOWA dams

Lee Frame, County Supervisor spoke about redistricting, Walmart, and gave a detailed report about how RSA uses our money.  He also described in detail the water and sewage system in Lake of the Woods.

Meeting Adjourned

Respectfully Submitted, Connie Buttimer, Acting Secretary