HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/13/2021 - Regular April 13, 2021 235
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the first regularly scheduled meeting
of the month of April 2021. Audio and video recordings of this meeting will be held on
file for a minimum of five (5) years in the office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors.
IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES
Before the meeting was called to order, a moment of silence was
observed. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Peters called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. The roll call was
taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman P. Jason Peters; Supervisors Martha B. Hooker,
Paul M. Mahoney, Phil C. North and David F. Radford
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Daniel R. O'Donnell, County Administrator; Richard
Caywood, Assistant County Administrator; Rebecca Owens,
Assistant County Administrator; Peter S. Lubeck, County
Attorney; Amy Whittaker, Public Information Officer and
Deborah C. Jacks, Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board
IN RE: BRIEFINGS
1. Briefing to provide Regional Housing Study by Roanoke Valley
Alleghany Regional Commission to the Board of Supervisors
(Bryan W. Hill, Regional Planner III — Roanoke Valley Alleghany
Regional Commission)
Mr. Hill provided a PowerPoint presentation concerning the Regional
Housing Study. It was Mr. Hill's suggestion to include the study or adopt into the
Comprehensive Plan.
236 April 13, 2021
Supervisor Mahoney commented on the age of the housing and how
many homes were built 50-60 years ago. We have attempted to implement some
provisions in our zoning ordinance for mixed use development where you would have
commercial on the main level and residential on second, third and fourth floor. He
thinks we have tried to take some of these steps and thinks there are other things that
we have to do. His thought was more in the area of more homes then we would have
more families that would help our average daily membership. He feels that is a long-
term strategy that Roanoke County needs to implement.
Supervisor North requested staff that the long version of this study be
shared with Community Development.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution approving the Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS)
budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 upon certain terms and
conditions (Michael Wray, Vice-Chairman, Roanoke County Public
School Board; Dr. Kenneth Nicely, Roanoke County Public
Schools Superintendent; and Susan Peterson, Roanoke County
Public Schools Director of Finance)
Mr. Wray provided an overview and then turned the meeting over to
Susan Peterson who provided an outline of the school's budget. Dr. Nicely thanked the
Board for their support. All Supervisors offered their thanks to the Schools' staff.
Supervisor North stated the Board has been a strong advocate in support of holding the
schools harmless under the pandemic. He asked when they thought they would have
totals for the children in the fall? Dr. Nicely responded registration for kindergarten was
happening now and thinks we should have a _ much better understanding as the
enrollment continues throughout.the spring and summer.
Supervisor Hooker read the following statement, "I am an employee of
Roanoke County Public Schools and am honored to be and after discussion with our
Attorney and Commonwealth Attorney, it has been, determined that she may vote on
this issue."
There was no further discussion.
RESOLUTION 041321-1 APPROVING THE ROANOKE COUNTY
PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022
UPON CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS
WHEREAS, State Code 22.1-93 requires the governing body of a County to
prepare and approve an annual budget for education purposes. by May 15 or within
thirty (30) days of the receipt by the County of the estimates of State funds, whichever
shall later occur; and
April 13, 2021 237
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County School Board approved their fiscal year 2021-
2022 budget on March 25, 2021; and
WHEREAS, as a formality, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors will need
to approve the resolution for the budget, however this does not authorize the spending
of funds until such time as the appropriation ordinance is approved on May 11, 2021;
and
WHEREAS, the appropriation of Roanoke County Public Schools funds net of the
American Rescue Plan Act totals $199,476,263, and will occur as part of the adoption of
the fiscal year 2021-2022 budget ordinances; and
WHEREAS, approximately $9.75 million from the American Rescue Plan Act will
be brought to the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors as a separate item to be
appropriated at a later date.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia that the fiscal year 2020-2021 Roanoke County Public Schools budget
as set forth by the School Board's adoption on March 25, 2021, excluding the
approximately $9.75 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, a copy of which is
incorporated by reference herein, is hereby APPROVED, and the County Administrator
and the Clerk are authorized to execute and attest, respectively, on behalf of the
County, any documentation, in form approved by the County Attorney, necessary to
evidence said approval.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
2. Resolution setting the allocation percentage for Personal
Property Tax Relief in Roanoke County for the 2021 tax year
(Laurie Gearheart, Director of Finance and Management Services)
Ms. Gearheart outlined the request for resolution. There was no
discussion.
RESOLUTION 041321-2 SETTING THE ALLOCATION
PERCENTAGE FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF IN
ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE 2021 TAX YEAR
WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 58.1-3524
(C) (2) and Section 58.1-3912 (E) of the Code of Virginia, as amended by Chapter 1 of
the Acts of Assembly 2004 Special Session I, and as set forth in item 503.E (Personal
Property Tax Relief Program or "PPTRA") of Chapter 951 of the 2005 Acts of Assembly,
a qualifying vehicle (as defined in Section 58.1-3523 of the Code of Virginia) with a
238 April 13, 2021
taxable situs within the County commencing January 1, 2021, shall receive personal
property tax relief; and,
WHEREAS, this resolution is adopted pursuant to Ordinance 122005-10 adopted
by the Board of Supervisors on December 20, 2005.
NOW THEREFORE, BE- IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA, as follows:
1. That tax relief shall be allocated so as to eliminate personal property taxation
for qualifying personal use vehicles valued at$1,000 or less.
2. That qualifying personal use vehicles valued from $1,001 to $20,000 will be
eligible for 52.28% tax relief.
3. That qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $20,001 or more shall only
receive 52.28% tax relief on the first $20,000 of value; and
4. That all other vehicles which do not meet the definition of qualifying (for
example, including but not limited to, business use vehicles, farm use vehicles, motor
homes, etc.) will not be eligible for any form of tax relief under this program.
5. That the percentages applied to the categories of qualifying personal use
vehicles are estimated fully to use all available PPTRA funds allocated to Roanoke
County by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
6. That this Resolution shall be effective from and after the date of its adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
3. Resolution authorizing the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional
Commission to amend its Charter to reduce membership
requirements (Daniel R. O'Donnell, County Administrator)
Mr. O'Donnell outlined the request for resolution. There was no
discussion.
RESOLUTION 041321-3 AUTHORIZING THE ROANOKE
VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONALCOMMISSION TO AMEND
ITS CHARTER TO REDUCE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
WHEREAS, the Roanoke .Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission ("The
Commission") is seeking to amend its charter to reduce the number of Commissioners
serving on its Board from 38 to 30; and
WHEREAS, the member governments of the Commission are the Counties of
Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Franklin and Roanoke; the Cities of Covington, Roanoke
and Salem; and the Towns of Clifton Forge, Rocky Mount, and Vinton; and
April 13, 2021 239
WHEREAS, in April of 2019 the Chair of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional
Commission directed Commission staff to review the board size of peer Commissions,
absentee and attendance data of the Commission, and requirements of the Code of
Virginia regarding the Commission's board structure; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission board was
determined to be the second largest board in the Commonwealth, behind only the
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission with 47 members; and
WHEREAS, it was determined that under current Charter rules and population
forecasts the Commission Board was expected to grow even larger in 2022 with an
additional member from the City of Roanoke, bringing the total to seven representatives
comprised of four elected officials; and
WHEREAS, a Restructuring Committee was formed in October of 2020 to review
staff research and produce a recommendation to the full Board; and
WHEREAS, after reviewing the research and conferring with their local governing
bodies as well as chief administrative officers for Commission member jurisdictions, the
members of the Restructuring Committee recommended changes to the membership
formula for the Commission Board; the addition of a provision for alternate members of
the Board to provide flexibility to member governments; and clarification on the
definition of Population for purposes of determining membership; and,
WHEREAS, the Commission Board voted to accept the recommendations of the
Restructuring Committee at the February 25, 2021 meeting of the Commission; and,
WHEREAS, Article II, Section 1 of the Charter shall be amended to read: "The
membership of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission shall be composed
of representatives of the member governmental subdivisions, on the basis of two
members from each governmental subdivision, at least one of whom is an elected
member of the governing body of the subdivision. In addition, each governmental
subdivision with population in excess of 25,000 and less than 50,000 shall appoint one
additional member who must be an elected official of the governing body of the
subdivision. Each governmental subdivision with a population in excess of 50,000 shall
further appoint one additional member, who may but need not be an elected official of
the governing body of the subdivision, provided that at least a majority, but not
substantially more than a majority, of the Commission members shall be elected
officials of the governing bodies of the governmental subdivisions. In determining the
population of counties, the numerical total shall be exclusive of participating towns who
have a population of three thousand, five hundred; said towns are eligible to have at
least two representatives; and
WHEREAS, Article II, Section 2 of the Charter shall be amended to read:
""Population," unless a different census is clearly set forth, means the number of
inhabitants according to the United States census latest preceding the time at which any
provision dependent upon population is being applied, or the time as of which it is being
construed, unless there is available an annual estimate of population prepared by the
Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. of the University of Virginia, which has been
240 April 13, 2021
f
filed with the Department of Housing and Community Development, in which event the
estimate shall govern."; and
WHEREAS, Article II, Section 6 shall be added to the Charter, reading: "Each
governmental subdivision of the Commission shall have the option of appointing an
alternate member. An alternate member shall be entitled to receive notice of all
meetings of the Commission and of all meetings of committees of which the appointed
member is a part, and to attend and vote at any such meeting at which the appointed
member is not personally present. When appointing alternates for an elected official of
the governing body, the governmental subdivision must appoint a member of the same
governing body."; and
WHEREAS, any changes to the Commission charter must be approved
unanimously by the governing bodies of all Commission member jurisdictions.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of the
County of Roanoke approves the above Charter changes of the Roanoke Valley-
Alleghany Regional Commission.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that aforementioned Charter changes of the
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission will become effective on July 1,. 2022,
and that the resulting reduction in Board size will be reached through attrition of existing
Board members whose terms end on or after July 1, 2022.
On motion of Supervisor North to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC MEETING
1. Public hearing for citizen comments on the Proposed Fiscal Year
2021-2022 Operating Budget and the Proposed Fiscal Year 2022-
2031 Capital Improvement Program (Laurie Gearheart, Director of
Finance and Management Services)
Ms. Gearheart outlined:the request for public hearing.
Chairman Peters recessed the meeting from 3:56 p.m. until 4:06 p.m.
There were no citizens to speak on this agenda item.
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
1. Public hearing for citizen comments on the following items:
Calendar Year 2021 Real Estate, Personal Property and Machinery
and Tools Tax Rates (Laurie Gearheart, Director of Finance and
Management Services)
111 April 13, 2021 241
Ms. Gearheart outlined the request for public hearing.
Chairman Peters recessed the meeting from 4:10 p.m. until 4:20 p.m.
There were no citizens to speak on this agenda item.
2. Request to adopt the following taxes rates (Laurie Gearheart,
Director of Finance and Management Services):
(a) Resolution setting the tax rate on Real Estate in the County of
Roanoke for the calendar year 2021; (1.09)
RESOLUTION 041321-4 SETTING THE .TAX RATE ON REAL
ESTATE SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE
CALENDAR YEAR 2021
BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that
the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2021, and ending December
31, 2021, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $1.09 per one hundred dollars of
assessed valuation on all taxable real estate and mobile homes classified by Sections
58.1-3200, 58.1-3201, 58.1-3506.A.8, and 58.1-3506.B of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as
amended, situate in Roanoke County.
On motion of Supervisor North to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
(b) Resolution setting the tax levy on Personal Property situate in the
County of Roanoke for the calendar year 2021;
RESOLUTION 041321-5 SETTING THE TAX LEVY ON
PERSONAL PROPERTY SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR
THE CALENDAR YEAR 2021
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2021, and
ending December 31, 2021, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $3.50 per one
hundred dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable, tangible personal property,
excluding that class of personal property generally designated as machinery and tools
as set forth in Section 58.1-3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and
excluding all those classes of household goods and personal effects as are defined in
Sections 58.1-3504 and 58.1-3505 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, but
242 April 13, 2021
including the property separately classified by Sections 58.1-3500, 58.1-3501, 58.1-
3502, 58.1-3506 in the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, of public service
corporations based upon the assessed value thereof fixed by the State Corporation
Commission and duly certified.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
(c) Resolution setting the tax levy on a classification of personal
property - Machinery and Tools - situate in the County of Roanoke
for calendar year 2021 (2.85)
RESOLUTION 041321-6 SETTING THE TAX LEVY ON A
CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY - MACHINERY AND
TOOLS - SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE CALENDAR
YEAR 2021
BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That there be, and hereby is, established as a separate class of personal
property in Roanoke County those items of personal property set forth in Section 58.1-
3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally designated as machinery
and tools.
2. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2021, and
ending December 31, 2021, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $2.85 per one
hundred dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable, tangible personal property as
herein established as a separate classification for tax purposes and as more fully
defined by Section 58.1-3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally
designated as machinery and tools.
On motion of Supervisor Mahoney to adopt the resolution, seconded by
Supervisor North and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
April 13, 2021 243
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance accepting and appropriating Education Grant Awards
related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the amount of $4,340,714.11
to the Roanoke County Public School grant fund for fiscal year
2020-2021 (Susan Peterson, Director of Finance, Roanoke County
Public Schools)
Ms. Peterson outlined the request for ordinance and explained where the
funds would be spent.
Supervisor Radford asked if all the schools had paper towel dispensers,
with Ms. Peterson responding with these funds, all the schools would have. Supervisor
Radford asked about automated soap dispensers with Ms. Peterson responding in the
negative.
Supervisor Mahoney asked for clarification that the schools have two
years to spend the funds with Ms. Peterson responding in the affirmative. Supervisor
Mahoney then asked with respect to special education if the dollars were good for two
years as well with Ms. Peterson responding one year.
Supervisor Peters motion to approve the first reading and set the public
hearing and second reading for April 27, 2021, was seconded by Supervisor Hooker
and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance accepting and appropriating Virginia Preschool
Initiative grant expansions in the, amount of $99,745.73 to the
Roanoke County Public Schools' Grant Fund for fiscal year 2020-
2021 (Susan Peterson, Director of Finance for Roanoke County
Public Schools)
Ms. Peterson outlined the request for ordinance. There was no
discussion.
Supervisor North's motion to approve the first reading and set the public
hearing and second reading for April 27, 2021, was seconded by Supervisor Hooker
and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
244 April 13, 2021
3. Ordinance appropriating funds in the amount of $536,030 for a
rural broadband project with Cox Communications (Daniel R.
O'Donnell, County Administrator; Bill Hunter, Director of
Communications and Information Technology)
Mr. O'Donnell outlined the request for ordinance.
Supervisor Hooker thanked staff for all their hard work.
Supervisor Radford asked Mr. Hunter to provide a timeline. Mr. Hunter
stated the actual work itself is pending on the neighborhood and is anywhere from three
to six months. There is not enough staffing to accomplish all of them simultaneously so
the projects will be from three to 18 months. Additionally, there is another issue that we
have run into with other projects is permitting with AEP and VDOT. They have been
great to work with, but they have a limited amount of people than can get out and
inspect and replace poles, if necessary. You had mentioned in a memo to the Board
something about a website. Can you elaborate? Mr. Hunter responding they are
working on a public webpage where citizens can follow along on the projects we have
finished, the ones that are in work and projects we are anticipating doing in the future.
Supervisor Radford passed along the same gratitude and thanks for all the hard work.
Ever since he has been on the Board, he has the same rural that Supervisor Hooker
has with Bent Mountain. This will definitely help this area.
Mr. O'Donnell advised staff was planning on a work session at the next
Board meeting.
Supervisor North stated he noticed there are 641 homes and home
businesses mentioned in the meeting packet that will be impacted by this. How many of
those are you going .to sign up? Mr. Hunter responded before the pandemic, if a
provider went into a neighborhood,the take rate was only about 30%. He thinks since
then he feels the take rate will be much higher. Supervisor North asked if he has any
feedback.regarding the VATI scoring system that the State uses that could make us
more successful the next time around. Mr. Hunter advised they would be meeting with
them shortly to see what we did good and what we can improve on. The reduction in
funds is what crippled the projects this year. The meetings are starting for the next
round of VATIs for 2022. Supervisor North stated he agreed that we need to advocate
next year for more money than $50 million. Thank you for your hard work on this.
April 13, 2021 245
Supervisor Mahoney commented if his math is correct, we are looking at
in excess of $9,500 per address. If you are at a 30% take rate, we are looking at
$27,000-$28,000. He understands that broadband is critically important to our economy
and our future, but at some point in time, we have to be fiscally responsible. Even if you
double the take rate, it is still a lot of dollars to spend for people who are not taking
advantage of the opportunity. He does not know what cut off should be, but if it is 100%
take rate, $9,500 is a significant amount of public money. Mr. Hunter responded this
County is absolutely beautiful, the geography, the scenery, but these areas we are
talking about are just the toughest of tough geography and those are some of the
reasons those provider have not gone in there in the first place. This is a traditional
style, but a lot of those areas were not served because the terrain was so unforgiving. It
is not a typical cost per passing that the providers normally look at. Supervisor
Mahoney stated Mr. O'Donnell has spoken to the Board in the past about this, the
parallel is rural electrictrification back in the 1930's. He is sure in the 1930's, rural
electrification did not pass the cost benefit analysis.
Mr. O'Donnell stated this is one of the things we will talk about in the work
session. There is a significant amount of Federal money outside of the County
allocation, $10 billion for rural broadband projects through the America Rescue Plan
that we need to learn.
Supervisor Hooker stated for some of these areas, it was difficult a tower
to connect and did not have a lot of options. She is appreciative of the good work they
have done. Supervisor Hooker then asked Mr. Hunter if there would be some kind of
notification maybe through this email group on what is to come and how long it will take.
Mr. Hunter responded they communicate regularly with this group and he still get calls
every day. The webpage that we are working on will provide a lot of information for
further plans for people and as projects progress we will be able to update that for them
as well. Supervisor Hooker stated we need to have some good public relations before
the website launces.
Supervisor Peters thanked them for their hard work.
Supervisor Hooker's motion to approve the first reading and set the public
hearing and second reading for April 27, 2021, was seconded by Supervisor Radford
and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance amending Chapter 7 (Building Regulations), Article IV
(Unsafe Buildings and Structures), Section 7-62 (Appeals from
decisions rendered under Article) of the Roanoke County Code
(Peter Lubeck, County Attorney)
246 April 13, 2021
Mr. Lubeck explained the minor provisions and noted there were no
changes since first reading on March 23, 2021.
Chairman Peters recessed the meeting from 4:50 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
There were no citizens to speak on this agenda item.
ORDINANCE 041321-7 AMENDING CHAPTER 7 (BUILDING
REGULATIONS), ARTICLE IV (UNSAFE BUILDINGS AND
STRUCTURES), SECTION 7-62 (APPEALS FROM DECISIONS
RENDERED UNDER ARTICLE) OF THE ROANOKE COUNTY
CODE
WHEREAS, Section 7-16 of the Roanoke County Code adopts and incorporates
the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (the "USBC") into the Roanoke County
Code; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 106.1 of the USBC, a locality's building official is
charged with enforcing the provisions of the USBC. The County's building official is
referred to as the Building Commissioner; and
WHEREAS, at present, Section 7-62 of the County Code, which pertains to
appeals from determinations made by the Building Commissioner, conflicts with Section
119.5 of the USBC. Section 7-62 requires that appeals be noted to the local board of
building code appeals within ten (10) days of receipt of the Building Commissioner's
determination and Section 119.5 of the USBC requires that such appeals be noted
within thirty (30) calendar days; and
WHEREFORE, it is proposed that the County Code be amended to be consistent
with the USBC; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on March 23, 2021, and
the second reading and public hearing were held on April 13, 2021.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Roanoke County Board of
Supervisors as follows:
1. Chapter 7 (Building Regulations), Article IV (Unsafe Buildings and
Structures), Section 7-62(a) (Appeals from decisions rendered under article) of the
Roanoke County Code is hereby amended to read and provide as follows:
Sec. 7-62. — Appeals from decisions rendered under article.
(a) A decision rendered by the building official in the enforcement of this article may
be appealed to the building code board of adjustments and appeals, provided
such appeal is made submitted in writing to the local building code board of
adjustments and appeals within ten (10}thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the
decision being appealed, as set forth in Section 119.5 of the Virginia Uniform
Statewide Building Code as it may be amended from time to time. in a manner
and form to be specified-by the building official; wed, however, not subject to
appeal. Before rendering a decision in favor of the appellant, the building code
board of adjustments and appeals must serve as a committee of the whole and
April 13, 2021 247
conduct an on-site investigation of the building or structure in question and
clearly determine that the condition of the same poses no threat to the health,
safety or general welfare of the citizens of the county.
2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Mahoney to adopt the ordinance, seconded by
Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance authorizing the granting of a new thirty foot (30')
drainage easement to the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, on property owned by the William Livingston Whitwell
Revocable Trust (Tax map no. 027.12-06-02.00-0000), located at
1252 Keffield Street, for the purpose of drainage improvements,
Hollins Magisterial District (Tarek Moneir, Director of
Development Services)
Mr. Moneir outlined the request and noted no changes since first reading
held on March 23, 2021.
Chairman Peters recessed the meeting from 5:02 p.m. until 5:12 p.m.
There were no citizens to speak on this agenda item.
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 041321-9 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM J- CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for April 13,
2021, designated as Item J - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 5 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes— February 9, 2021; February 29, 2021
2. Confirmation of appointment to the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission
(At-Large)
248 April 13, 2021
3. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors to Sandra
H. Walton, Assistant Director of Real Estate Valuation, upon her retirement
after fifteen (15) years of service
4. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Stephen G. Simon, Chief of Fire & Rescue, upon his
retirement after twenty-six (26) years of service
5. Proclamation recognizing the week of April 11-17, 2021, as National
Telecommunicators Week in Roanoke County
On motion of Supervisor Radford to adopt the resolution, seconded by
Supervisor Mahoney and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
A-041321-9.a
RESOLUTION 041321.9.b EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO SANDRA H. WALTON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF REAL
ESTATE VALUATION, UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER
FIFTEEN (15) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Sandra H. Walton was employed by Roanoke County on December
19, 2005; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Walton retired on January 1, 2021, after fifteen (15) years of
devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Ms: Walton throughout her employment with Roanoke County, has
been instrumental in improving the quality of life and providing services to the citizens of
Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, throughout Ms. Walton's tenure with Roanoke County, she brought
years of appraisal experience and expertise to the Real Estate Department; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Walton, along with all her daily duties, was responsible for
training,, mentoring and development of all new appraisal staff and she provided
guidance through their licensing and certification process; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Walton contributed to the county in addition to appraisal practice
as a participant in the Lean Program. She also took a role in development ;of The
Community Strategic Plan; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Walton also contributed to the assessment profession through
her involvement and membership in the professional organization International
Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and its Virginia Chapter. There she served as
Arrangements Liaison and Committee Chair representing Roanoke County as host of
the 2017 Annual Conference.
April 13, 2021 249
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens
of Roanoke County to SANDRA H. WALTON for fifteen (15) years of capable, loyal,
and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy
and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor Radford to adopt the resolution, seconded by
Supervisor Mahoney and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 041321-9.c EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO STEPHEN GEORGE SIMON, CHIEF OF FIRE AND RESCUE,
UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN TWENTY-SIX
(26) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Chief Simon was employed by Roanoke County on November 28,
1994; and
WHEREAS, Chief Simon retired on April 1, 2021, after twenty-six years and four
months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Chief Simon's tenure with the Fire and Rescue Department,
he served as the Chief, Deputy Chief, Division Chief, Battalion Chief, EMS Captain and
Fire Lieutenant and hired initially as a Paramedic/Firefighter; and served with
professionalism and dedication in providing services to the citizens of Roanoke County;
and
WHEREAS, Chief Simon was instrumental in the development of the current
EMS System, Ambulance Billing System, Station Alerting System, Computer-Aided
Dispatch System, the County-wide Access Control System, and the regional hiring
process; and
WHEREAS, Chief Simon was an innovative leader implementing multiple
programs to improve fire and rescue services in the County, such as the Wildland
Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, partnership with Appalachian Trail
Conservancy, and development of the Department's Swift-Water Rescue Team; and
WHEREAS, Chief Simon was effective at managing the financial resources of the
Department and acquiring multiple grants to help with vehicle and building
improvements along with receiving two SAFER Grants to improve staffing levels; and
WHEREAS, Chief Simon was instrumental in upgrading the current self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), implementation of SCBA compressor/fill
stations at every County station, and cancer reducing programs such as diesel exhaust
250 April 13, 2021
removal systems and development of a comprehensive firefighter gear washing
program; and
WHEREAS, Chief Simon was an advocate for reducing youth injuries through his
work with the American Academy of Pediatrics, where he assisted in developing Fire-
EMS training programs; and
WHEREAS, Chief Simon led the County in a professional and coordinated
manner during the recent pandemic as the Incident Commander providing outstanding
leadership and development of the Medical Control Unit to ensure employee safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens
of Roanoke County to STEPHEN GEORGE SIMON for more than twenty-six years of
capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy
and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor Radford to adopt the resolution, seconded by
Supervisor Mahoney and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Hooker moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion was seconded by Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves Report
2. Outstanding Debt Report
3. Proclamation signed by the Chairman — Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 13, 2021 251
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Mahoney stated the Board may recall when they designated
him as its appointee to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Committee, otherwise known as CEDS. When he got on the committee he was
surprised because we have over 156 projects from all the jurisdictions that are
participants in that group and he felt when you have 156 projects, you really don't have
any priorities. He reached out to Wayne Strickland and Eddie Wells, the people at
Allegheny Regional Commission and suggested could we look at a top ten projects; not
to eliminate any specific jurisdictions, but try to identify those projects that one, have
some regional impact and number two, has a reasonable chance of getting some
funding from the economic development authority, a federal entity under the Commerce
Department. We have gone through a process. Each jurisdiction was supposed to
come up with their top three. On behalf of Roanoke County, his top three were the
Woodhaven Project, he thought if you look at what we are looking at with 1581 and the
exit off onto Peters Creek, would be very expensive and would help jump start the
Woodhaven Project. Second was Explore Park. Again, he looked at Explore Park with
the opportunity to partner with Bedford as a regional project just like Woodhaven is a
regional project with the City of Salem and Roanoke City. Then, for another project that
he felt has some regional impact is the Regional Career and Technical Center. The
EDA has funded some community colleges at other parts of the state, mechatronics
equipment and he thought this would be an opportunity to jump start those
opportunities. Although we were only supposed to do three, he slipped a fourth one in,
because if President Biden's infrastructure legislation went forward, there might be an
opportunity for Interstate 73. It has been a dream for 20 years, but it is what it is. At the
end of the day, we had a list of 25-20 projects from all the different jurisdictions and
each jurisdiction would nominate ten. So, he nominated Roanoke's Innovation Corridor,
Woodhaven Technology Park, additional flights and runway capacity at the airport,
initiatives to expand broadband access across our greater region, Regional Career and
Technical Education Center, Explore Park, 173, Commerce Center Site Development
under joint revenue sharing (in Allegheny), completion of the Jackson River Scenic
Trail, (there is supposed to be EDA funding that is supposed to match up with VDOT
funding) and finally a multimodal facility in downtown Roanoke. On April 21st, we are
supposed to have a work session to finalize all of this and then submit that to the full
group in May. He feels optimistic because Wayne Strickland and I reached out to the
Regional Director from the Economic Development Administration, Linda Cruz-Carnell
and she responded back to us with the questions, "Do we really have a chance to get
Federal funding for any of these projects." She responded very positively and indicated
to us that under the American Rescue Plan, EDA has $3 billion, but more importantly,
the legislation has specifically carved out $750 million for travel and tourism. So, he
thought Explore Park just might fit into that little niche of travel and tourism under the
American Rescue Plan. He is sure every jurisdiction in the United States is going to
252 April 13, 2021
chase the money. While $3 billion sounds like a lot, knows, if you look at all the
jurisdictions in the United States, it may not go very far. He hopes that maybe if we can
come together and try to identify some priority projects and also fit the niche of travel
and tourism with Explore, we may have an opportunity. He was very happy that the
regional director responded to Wayne Strickland and himself with respect to our
inquiries as to what are the kinds of projects that have a chance of successfully getting
some of these dollars. The second issue, if anybody goes down Rt. 419 in front of
Tanglewood, you will see again all the highway work going on and more importantly, all
the work that is being down out in front of Tanglewood Mall. They are moving dirt and
doing construction and he is really optimistic that we may have some of those
outparcels up and running fairly quickly.
Supervisor Hooker thanked Chief Griffith who is here among us. He went
with her to two firehouses, Masons Cove and Ft. Lewis. They visited with the
volunteers, had a great visit with them. She just appreciates so much that visit and
even had the opportunity to pass out some plaques for some of our volunteers who
have been serving for 30+ years, 35 years. It really meant a lot to them to have Chief
Griffith there. We had a recent opportunity to meet with Congressman Ben Cline and
Congressman Morgan Griffith and Supervisor North along with Jill Loope, Director of
Economic Development and we went to tour Mack Trucks again and it was a great tour,
a great conversation. Both Congressman and a certain Supervisor also drove a truck.
It was quite a sight to see. Just yesterday, we were able to meet with Congressman
Morgan Griffith again for a site visit on the Woodhaven Tech Park site and had a very
positive conversation. She reminded residents of Bradshaw Road of the Community
Meeting that is going to be held .this Thursday evening, April 15th at 6:00 p.m. at
Mason's Cove Elementary School. She looks forward to communicating with them
again with an update on RVRA and other important issues.
Supervisor, North commented it was an interesting visit both at Mack and
also at. Woodhaven with Supervisor Hooker, which makes him come up :with this
comment. We just heard Supervisor,Mahoney says there are pots of money lying in the
EDA. We have learned there are pots of money in the Federal Highway Trust Fund.
There are also another pot of money that we were told about yesterday from
Congressman Griffith that may be available this year, maybe next. He is also hiring
someone because of the need to get up to speed and manage these different project
that the citizens in his district may ask.for from the different municipalities. He;seemed
to be very knowledgeable about these. There is money out there, all you have to do is
press the right buttons and be persistent, like Supervisor Mahoney did with Wayne
Strickland-and Wayne is retiring so whoever takes his place needs to be ready to get on
the horse:and ride to,:try and get these funds for the region, as well as Roanoke County.
We need to pay very close attention. We are going to get so much money in the future
from these other plans, that staff is going to be so busy thinking about the American
Relief Plan and the Infrastructure Plan, whenever that comes out. It has a lot of money
for broadband. It takes a lot of time to study these and understand the mechanisms.
April 13, 2021 253
They passed the bills, but did not write the rules, so we are still waiting for the rules of
engagement. We have three years on those. There are existing pots we need to
understand and-get very comfortable and familiar with so we can pull the legislative
levers, meeting with our Congressmen as well as our State people. For all he knows,
there may be some State money lying around that we don't know about. He will
dedicate himself and staff needs to do the same. We need to ask these questions and
look into that with the help of Mr. Caywood, Mr. O'Donnell and Mr. Lubeck and those
here on the Board who decide to do so, we will find those funds because they are out
there, just lying there and our taxpayers paid for those funds and they need to come
back to this area to help us. If we don't ask, nobody is going to walk up to you and say,
"You want this project?" You have to be the one to initiate the interest like Supervisor
Mahoney did. Good work on the CEDS. He did participate in a ribbon cutting on a new
Hollins new business called Old Virginia Outpost on April 9, 2021. This new business is
a brick and mortar parts, accessories and insulation facility for jeeps, trucks and vans
and restoration vehicles. He also learned a new term called overlanding. This implies
restoration and modifications to vehicles allowing driving to work Monday through
Thursday and then you take off Friday evening or Saturday morning on a camping trip
for the weekend. Some of these vehicles have stoves, beds, speaker systems. It is
amazing what you can do. It is really one vehicle in one. Marketing targets largely 45-
60 year olds, who spend about $25,000 to $50,000 each over and above the cost of the
vehicle. So if you go out and buy a vehicle, van or jeep, they can get a lot of things on
them so you can do overlanding on the weekend. Owner Jeff Sluss is both excited and
optimistic about the future after surviving the pandemic at another location in the region.
If you are interested, check their website at wwe.oldva-outpost.com. Lastly, he
participated in a NACO call and listened to information about the infrastructure plan
targeting $115 billion for roads and bridges, $100 billion for broadband nationwide.
Both will help Virginia and our region with roads, bridges and broadband. There are a
lot of other nuances that he will not get into, but you can read about in the paper. In the
words of one Congressman without naming him specifically, "It is about 25%
infrastructure and about 75% to 85% other "stuff' that does not need to be in the
infrastructure bill. There is another pot of money for us to focus on.
Supervisor Radford commented at our last meeting we talked informally
about doing a little bit more research on school construction and their request. So, last
week, Supervisor North joined him with a tour to Penn Forest Elementary School.
Thanks to Mr. Wray for setting that up. The reason we wanted to go to Penn Forrest is
because it was built with the open classroom concept. Years later after Glen Cove and
Cundiff, who both this have mark of open classrooms. He wanted to see what the walls
did. It is not a fair comparison because Penn Forest is a much bigger footprint, much
more square feet. When they put the walls in to segregate the pods, as they call them,
it still has a lot of disruption and not very good flow. He came away from there saying
this is not the ideal setting, but those people who run the school do a great job. They
make it happen. It is just phenomenal. So, his thought is he is not sure putting walls in
254 April 13, 2021
Glen Cove and Cundiff with a small footprint is going to help the flow, but that is just his
perspective. Yesterday, Jason Moretz, his counterpart on the School Board, invited him
over and they toured BCAT and got to go through there. He had already been there
right when he came on the Board in 2019. Today, the building looks more crowded
than it did two years ago, so he can see why their need for and request for a larger
footprint at this point. We did go into one of the building and they did show him the
1985 flood high water mark and he was amazed the water got up that high on that site.
Earlier, a couple of weeks ago, Supervisor North and I sat in on an hour and a half
presentation of an architect that can do solar schools, just a different concept. He really
liked it and hopes the School Board will pick that up and run with it and learn more
about that concept. Just wanted to report back that he did some work, looked at stuff
and analyzed it.
IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
At 5:30 p.m., Supervisor Peters moved to go into closed meeting following
the work sessions pursuant, to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 (A) (2) for
discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose,
where the discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position
or negotiation strategy of the public body. Specifically, the Board will discuss and
consider the acquisition of property for parks and recreation purposes. The motion was
seconded by Supervisor Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
The closed session was held from 6:23 p.m. until 8:02 p.m.
IN RE: WORK SESSION
1. Work session to review with the Board of Supervisors the County
Administrator's proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating
Budget (Laurie Gearheart, Director of Finance and Management
Services; Steve Elliott, Budget Manager)
Mr. O'Donnell provided an overview and turned the session over to Mr.
Elliot and Ms. Gearheart.
Supervisor Mahoney inquired about police vehicles; Mr. O'Donnell advised
they were almost caught up. There are other items that also need to be replaced. Mr.
O'Donnell indicated they would be looking at the Rescue Plan to see if those funds
could be used.
April 13, 2021 255
Supervisor Radford asked Doug Blount, Director of General Services,
Parks, Recreation and Tourism about Splash Valley and he advised they would have a
reduced opening of Fridays through Mondays starting in June. Supervisor Radford then
asked about Green Ridge Recreation Center with Mr. Blount advising they were doing
good and have maintained the building as if full capacity.
Supervisor North stated for 2023 he understood from Chief Simon that the
State has some programs we could look at. Mr. O'Donnell stated this is not the way he
likes to budget, but with the American Relief Fund feels we will be okay.
With regard to CSA, Supervisor North asked Mr. Lubeck to explain briefly
what legislation is doing to allow us to do if we have to go ask for a pilot. Mr. Lubeck
advised staff would make a proposal that would be reviewed presumably by the next
General Assembly whether to approve. They are not calling it a pilot. Supervisor North
indicated that costs continue to go up. Ms. Owens stated both she and Ms. Gearheart
serve on the CPMT Board:and that is the trend we are seeing, with the pandemic there
seems to be more and more need for children and care. They are in the process of
looking at the American Rescue Plan to see if these funds can be used.
Supervisor Hooker asked if we could be looking at some of the services,
which are through the schools, by doing in-house.
Supervisor Mahoney stated in looking at page eight, do we want to revisit
some of the fund balance policy percentages? Ms. Gearheart responded we can
certainly look at. Staff looks at each year. They just wanted to give a general preview
especially related to the general government because they are very important. Due to
the pandemic, it is difficult to predict where we will be at the end of June 2021, so she
would like to wait and see. We have reduced some of them in the past. Supervisor
Mahoney commented he thinks it is excellent that we have a policy for certain fund
balances, like a rainy day fund, but it has been raining for the last year. For example,
general government, it is great to have 12%, maybe we don't put 12% in this year, can
we put into vehicle replacement or some other area that we think as a higher priority.
He knows it was a 20 year fight to get to establishing these fund balances. Ms.
Gearheart responded she understands, however, credit rating agencies want to see
20% in our general fund balance so she would hesitate to back off the 12% when we
already know we are not where the credit agencies want us to be. Another thing, as we
try to read everything regarding the American Rescue Plan that we can get our hands
on, one of the things that she read was that credit agencies will be looking to see if you
are using some of these funds to bulk up your fund balances. She feels that they will
be able to catch up with the fleet and use the American Rescue Plan and leave the fund
balances alone. She added we may be able to bulk up the recreation fee class fund
because there is a definite clause that says it can be used for lost revenues. What we
don't know is exactly they will calculate that.
Supervisor Mahoney commented with regard to the criminal justice
academy, you still have the fixed costs regardless of the number of participants.
256 April 13, 2021
Supervisor Radford stated he was glad staff brought up the creditors, they
do not care if we are in a recession, in a pandemic. They are going to look at us where
we are today. So, if we need to be 20% then we need to go in that direction. The same
is with the private industry. When the housing collapse in 2007-2008, they did not care.
Only the strong survived and they still had to maintain those credit ratings. To him, that
is a high standard that we have to work our way around to maintain.
Ms. Gearheart then reviewed the changes to the budget.
The work session was held from 5:46 p.m. until 6:22 p.m.
IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
At 8:03 p.m., Supervisor Peters moved to return to open session and
adopt the certification resolution.
RESOLUTION 041321-10 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING
WAS HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened
a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in
accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by
the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such closed meeting was
conducted in conformity with Virginia law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's
knowledge:
1. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting
requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting which this
certification resolution applies; and
2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening
the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
April 13, 2021 257
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Peters adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m.
S itted by: Approved by:
r
eborah C. P+ Jas. 'eters
C ' f Deputy erk to the Board Chair -n
258 April 13, 2021
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