Public hearings slated on two topics

By Erin McGrath

Published: August 20, 2008

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors has set two public hearings for September.

- September 9: A hearing is slated on whether to enact a proposed ordinance that would allow 16- and 17-year old members of county volunteer fire companies to seek firefighter certification and to participate in companies’ activities, with a parent or guardian’s permission. The ordinance is in Chapter 5, Fire Protection and Prevention, Article 1 of the Nelson County General Code.

- September 25: A hearing regarding abandonment of roads around the county courthouse, in anticipation of the new courthouse facility under construction. County Administrator Stephen Carter said abandonment is something the county should do to avoid future conflict.

Virginia Department of Transportation Report

In other matters at its meeting last week, the board heard from Kevin Wright of the Virginia Department of Transportation who said funding is available to begin design work on turn lanes for the Virginia 151-Virginia 635 intersection in Afton.

Nearly $1 million is set aside, but the design work could take two to three years, Wright said. Supervisor Connie Brennan asked Wright to find out how the county could make Va. 151 a scenic byway.

Courthouse Project Update

Wiley & Wilson Inc., a Lynchburg-based architecture firm, plans to present an updated design for the new courthouse and government center project at the supervisors’ Aug. 28 meeting.

The county will also receive an updated cost estimate and options about financing by then. The cost is estimated at $10 million.

County staff also reported the county has closed on the acquisition of private property adjacent to the courthouse. The house on the property will be moved when construction begins.

Appointments

The supervisors appointed Jane Strauss of Faber and Janet Ngai of Massies Mill to the Nelson County Library Advisory Committee and Pauline Page of Faber to the Nelson County Welfare Board.