Attendance. The following members of the Board of Supervisors were present: Walter C. Zaremba, Sheila S. Noll, Donald E. Wiggins, James S. Burgett, and Thomas G. Shepperd.

Also in attendance were James O. McReynolds, County Administrator; and James E. Barnett, County Attorney.

Mr. McReynolds made a brief presentation on projected revenues and expenditures contained in the proposed Fiscal Year 2004 Budget.

Chairman Burgett called to order a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2004 Budget which was duly advertised as required by law.

Ms. Ellen Thacker, 112 Thomas Road, General Manager for BFI, spoke on behalf of the Virginia Living Museum and the environmental stewardship of BFI and other businesses to the museum. She acknowledged that the citizens must be prudent with the County's tax dollars, but she advocated the support of projects critical to first class education of the children. She stated that business, citizens, and local government must work together to fund the gap to finish the Virginia Living Museum.

Ms. Patty Riddick, 107 River Point Drive, Volunteer at Virginia Living Museum, appeared to ask that the Board reconsider helping the Museum in its expansion and operations. She spoke of her experiences as a volunteer at the Museum and the wealth of knowledge it holds for the area's children.

Mr. Dave Efimetz, 130 Nina Lane, James City County, Development Director for Virginia Living Museum, spoke of the educational opportunities provided by the Museum, noting that York County can boast over 1,000 residents who are members, which is about 1/3 of the general membership. He asked the Board to consider the Museum’s request for funding.

Ms. Stacey Gardner, appeared on behalf of the Patient Advocate Foundation, asking the Board to reconsider its decision not to help fund services the Foundation provides to chronically ill patients. She explained the needs of the Foundation’s clientele, stating case managers are there to help those patients through the medical process, help them get in the Medicaid system, and make sure they have proper access to care.

Ms. Amy Kelley, a case manager for the Patient Advocate Foundation, spoke of how she helps find resources for chronic patients, and makes sure they have someone to turn to. She asked the Board to please reconsider providing funding to the Foundation during next year’s budget, noting that the services provided by the Foundation are free.

Mr. Joe Emerson, 815 Yorktown Road, President of York Education Association, spoke of the Superintendent’s proposed budget, stating the School Board has had to abandon some of its proposed programs, and the budget fails to fund several teaching positions. He stated the School Division's schools have met all SOL accreditation, and Mr. Emerson requested that the Board express its commitment to education by fully funding the Superintendent’s budget.

Mr. James W. Noel, III, 112 Park Lane, Chairman of the York County Youth Commission, called the Board's attention to the annual Outstanding Youth Awards Program which recognizes outstanding students in four areas. Mr. Noel requested that the Board consider expanding this program by awarding each recipient a $500 educational scholarship upon their graduation from high school. He noted the request totals $2,000 in FY2004.

Mrs. Martha McCartney, 109 Quaker Meeting House Road, appeared to speak on behalf of the Heritage Humane Society, noting the new state regulations went into effect, and the Society managed to meet them by January 1. She spoke of the work that had to be done such as the installation of supplementary heating and cooling equipment in the kennels and the installation of special kennel doors that permit the containment of the heated and cooled air. Mrs. McCartney noted that the Society’s adoption rate is between 95 and 100 percent, and they provide humane education to York County schools.

Mrs. Anita Jagt, 207 Sir John Way, appeared to express her concern about the educational budget and her concerns with the Board’s lack of adequate support for public education. She expressed her concern about a comment made by a Board member to the effect that York County would never pay its teachers more than the middle of the road. Mrs. Jagt stated the government, the school system, and the parents should always be reaching for the best there is to offer its children and their education

Mr. David Dress, 104 Joel Lane, spoke concerning the need for a new band room for Grafton High School because of its unsanitary conditions and inadequate size. Mr. Dress stated he now finds it disturbing that the promise of a new band room is years away. He stated it is one of the best bands in the Tidewater area and in the state, yet it does not have an adequate size room to accommodate the entire band.

Mrs. Cathy Dress, 104 Joel Lane, stated she would like Board’s assistance in the problem of the Grafton High School band room. She stated her son has had 15 sinus infections during his first two years in high school because of the black mold and mildew in this room. The Grafton High band is an award winning organization that has inadequate facilities, and the students cannot practice together because it is not large enough to accommodate all of them. Mrs. Dress stated that building a new wing will relieve crowding of chorus and drama classes as well.

Ms. Monique Hayes, 110 Banneker Drive, stated that because her child was in the CDR program she was able to successfully study and complete a LPN program. She stated that CDR has been there for her and her children in that they provide care for her children and parenting classes for her. Ms. Hayes stated CDR is currently helping her and her family to become self-sufficient, and she asked for the Board's continued support of CDR.

Mrs. Madie Haskell, 283 Patriot Lane, thanked the Board of Supervisors for the great things they do for CDR. She stated she knows the Board’s job is difficult, but the CDR parents are thankful that the Board has decided to continue funding CDR.

Mrs. Carol Bauer, 314 Brook Lane, a teacher in the York County school system, spoke regarding the outstanding York County school system, but stated the average teacher salaries were low. She stated York ranks below the average in federal and state salaries and with other localities. She asked that the Board increase funding for York County schools because the teachers and students deserve fully funded, quality programs.

Mrs. Jean Grinnell, 116 Sir John Way, spoke of her concerns about funding for the schools. She expressed her concern about the level of support the school system is getting from the Board of Supervisors, and she spoke of what the schools are lacking, especially in the area of technology. She stated it is the duty of the County to provide its children with the best education possible, and it is important to keep the County’s wonderful reputation in terms of its school system.

Mrs. Rhonda Everton, 203 Sir John Way, echoed the concerns of other speakers concerning the lack of adequate funding for the school system in the FY2004 budget. She asked for a commitment from the Board of Supervisors and the School Board to strive to continuing having the best system possible. Parents are concerned that not enough attention and financial commitment is being shown by the administration to keep York's quality education system.

Mr. Bill Ringgold, 104 Fielding Lewis Drive, spoke on the inadequate funding for the Grafton High School band room. He stated the band has statewide recognition, and it has a supportive parent base. Mr. Ringgold noted the band is the largest band on the Peninsula, but it has the smallest facilities. There is no adequate indoor practice facility or storage area. He asked that the Board of Supervisors provide adequate funding for the expansion of the band room.

Mr. Robert Emerson, 811 Yorktown Road, commended Mr. McReynolds and Dr. Staples on a balanced budget based on the restraints put on them by the Board and the state reductions. He stated to tie the budget to a tax rate makes the process useless; it only means that the budget is balanced, not that it will meet the needs of the County. He stated the new teacher positions included in the budget are not adequate for the number of new students projected for the next school year, and the Board must take responsibility for the larger classrooms.

Mrs. Irene Leopold, 214 Lindsay Landing Road, stated she has a daughter in the Grafton High School band, and it has provided the most positive influence in her life. She expressed concern about the crowded conditions, stating there is only one door in and out of the room. She indicated that funding has been removed from future expenditures which is unacceptable to the parents, and she spoke of initiatives the Board should begin to raise necessary funding to support the school system.

Ms. Anya Pallen, 145 Rustling Oak Ridge, stated she was present to argue for more funding to provide for an adequate band room at Grafton High School. She noted that an expansion would also improve the athletic program.

Ms. Louise Canfield, 7151 Richmond Road, appeared representing the Comprehensive Health Initiative Program (CHIP) of Greater Williamsburg. She stated CHIP is currently serving a number of York County families, and the requested 9 percent of its allocations come from York County. She explained the services provided, and she spoke of the positive outcomes to the low-income families with children under the age of six. Ms. Canfield stated if CHIP does not receive funding, it will have to cease services to York County children.

Ms. Lisa Thomas, representing Child Development Resources, Inc. (CDR), thanked the Board for its continuing support of CDR services. She spoke of the Infant and Toddler Central Point of Entry Program which provides answers to parent questions and assistance and linking with appropriate services. She stated the proposed budget does not include funding for this program, and CDR will not be able to provide the services without additional funding.

Mr. John Bernardo, 131 Bucktail Run, spoke in support of addition to the band room, the arts, and the athletic facilities. He stated the organization is a credit to the County, and it is a positive educational influence for the students. Mr. Bernardo indicated there was nothing stopping the Board from increasing taxes to provide the necessary funding for County needs.

There being no one else present who wished to speak concerning the subject proposed budget, Chairman Burgett closed the public hearing.

Chairman Burgett then called to order a public hearing on proposed Ordinance No. 03-9 which was duly advertised as required by law and is entitled:

_______________________________                                                ________________________________
James O. McReynolds, Clerk                                                         James S. Burgett, Chairman
York County Board of Supervisors                                                 York County Board of Supervisors