AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH AN AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY BOARD IN AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA

WHEREAS, Virginia Code § 15.2-1411 authorizes the governing body of any locality to appoint such advisory boards, committees, and commissions as it deems necessary to advise the governing body with regard to any matter of concern to the locality.

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia desires to exercise such authority to establish an Agriculture Industry Board to advise the board of supervisors concerning issues related to the preservation and promotion of agriculture in the county.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Board of Supervisors of Augusta County, Virginia, that:

1. Chapter 2, Article III of The Code of the County of Augusta, Virginia be, and hereby is, amended by adding thereto a new Section 2-34 to read as follows:

[THE FOLLOWING IS ALL NEW LANGUAGE]

§ 2-34. Agriculture Industry Board.

A. Establishment, composition and organization.

1. There is hereby established the Augusta County Agriculture Industry Board.

2. The board shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the board of supervisors. One (1) member shall represent each of the seven magisterial districts.

3. Unless waived by the board of supervisors, each member of the board shall be a resident of the county and the magisterial district such member represents.

4. The members of the board shall serve at the pleasure of the board of supervisors. The initial terms of the members shall be as follows: the initial terms of the members from the Beverley Manor, North River and Riverheads Magisterial Districts shall be for two (2) years; and the initial terms of the members from Middle River, Pastures, South River and Wayne Magisterial Districts shall be for four (4) years. Thereafter, all appointments shall be for four year terms, except appointments to fill vacancies, which shall be for the unexpired terms.

5. The members of the board shall receive compensation and reimbursement of expenses in accordance with the general policy established by the board of supervisors.

6. The board shall elect a chairman, vice chairman and secretary at its first meeting of each calendar year. The secretary need not be a member of the board.

7. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the board may establish procedures as may be most conducive to the conduct of its business.

8. The board shall hold quarterly meetings at a time and place designated by the board, and shall hold such additional meetings as are deemed necessary. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum and no action of the board shall be valid unless authorized by a majority vote of those present and voting.

B. Powers and duties. The board shall have the powers and duties to:

1. Review and advise the board of supervisors concerning issues related to the preservation and promotion of agriculture in the county.

2. Make an annual report to the board of supervisors concerning the operation of the board and the state of the agriculture industry in the county.

3. Perform such additional functions or duties as may be assigned from time to time by the board of supervisors.

C. Staff support. The Extension Service Unit Director shall serve as the executive director of the board and shall provide staff support to the board to assist the board in the exercise of its powers and duties.

2. This ordinance shall become effective upon enactment.