The James City County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved all agenda items at its Tuesday meeting, including contract awards for improvements to Mid County Park and Kidsburg and the creation of a shared risk management role for the county and its schools.
Discussion about improving Mid County Park and Kidsburg began in January 2011. The playground did not meet safety standards and the pressure-treated wood used to build it tested positive for arsenic, but not at levels threatening to children. Several public hearings have been held since then, and the James City County Planning Commission and the board approved plans for improvements in 2011.
Funds were appropriated for the project, which was estimated to cost about $1.5 million. David A. Nice Builders, Inc., won the bid for the Mid County Park project, and Cunningham Recreation won the bid for Kidsburg. The cost is now estimated to come in just under $1.5 million and construction on the park is projected to be completed by Memorial Day this year.
The board approved refinancing of Williamsburg Landing Inc.’s revenue and refunding bond through the county’s Economic Development Authority. The bond refinance will also go before Essex, Mathews and Gloucester counties and the City of Williamsburg. Internal Revenue code requires the counties to approve the refinance. Kaufman and Canoles attorney Kevin White said there is no liability on debt services for the county — that would fall to Williamsburg Landing.
The board voted to enforce a resolution with the Virginia Department of Transportation to collect illegally posted signs within highway limits and will assess fees to the people who posted the signs. The county will recoup an estimated $34 from each sign collection and a $100 civil penalty can be issued, which will be paid to the state’s Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund.
A shared risk management services role will be created for the county and county schools. The new employee will be responsible for insurance, workers compensation claims, safety training and Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports.
Other Board Notes
- The board approved Berkeley Supervisor Mary Jones’ nomination of Christopher Basic to continue his role on the planning commission, as well as her nomination of Tim O’Connor to continue on the planning commission.
- Jason Purse, who holds a master’s degree in public administration from Old Dominion University and has worked as a county planner since 2005, was appointed to the position of Zoning Administrator for the county. Purse is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners. Christy Parrish will serve as Acting Zoning Administrator, with Allen Murphy as Alternate Acting Zoning Administrator. If Purse is unable to fulfill his duty as administrator, the duties will fall first to Parrish then to Murphy.
