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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/11/1997 - Regular February 11, 1997 73 ~ Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 February 11, 1997 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday, and the first regularly scheduled meeting of the month of February 11, 1997. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Bob L. Johnson, Vice Chairman Harry C. Nickens, Supervisors Lee B. Eddy, Fenton F. "Spike" Harrison MEMBERS ABSENT: Supervisor H. Odell "Fuzzy" Minnix STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Mary H. Allen, Clerk; John M. Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Don C. Myers, Assistant County Administrator; Anne Marie Green, Director, Community Relations IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES The invocation was given by Reverend Joseph Keaton, Central Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. 74 February 11, 1997 ~ - IN RE: REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Johnson asked that Mr. Gubala give a briefing on the Economic Development Activity for 1996 which was listed as Item 7 under Reports. IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS, AND AWARDS .1.. Certificate of Recognition to Bob Carle. Marathon Oil. for Droviding funds to assist individuals and families in obtaining fuel oil during emergency situations. Chairman Johnson presented Mr. Carle with a Certificate of Recognition. Also present was Dr. Betty McCrary, Director of Social Services. Supervisor Eddy moved to award the certificate. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix IN RE: BRIEFINGS .1.. Economic Development Activitv Report for 1996 (Tim Gubala. Economic Development Director) Mr. Hodge commended the Economic Development staff for their February 11, 1997 75 = - successes during 1996. Mr. Gubala reported that R. R. Donnelley & Sons is constructing a new 278,000 square foot printing facility employing 175 at Valley TechPark. The initial phase is valued at $63 million. There were 19 locations or expansions during 1996 for a total estimated investment of over $90 million and 885 jobs. The County Industrial Development Authority, Fralin & Waldron and the Greater Roanoke Valley Development Foundation executed an agreement for the construction of a 75,000 square foot expandable "shell building" on a 16 acre tract in Valley Gateway. Other economic development projects included special tourism and sporting events such as the Tour DuPont, Archery and NCAA Division "football, basketball and baseball tournaments. Mr. Gubala updated the Board on business development and the inquiries that were generated during the year. He advised that the staff has added a new individual who will be working with the communities. He reported on the activities of the Industrial Development Authority and the increased emphasis on a regional approach from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Supervisor Johnson moved to receive and file the report. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote with Supervisor Minnix absent. IN RE: NEW BUSINESS 1... Request for appropriation of funds to upgrade County 76 February 11, 1997 E Computer Systems for the Year 2000. (Craio Hatmaker. MIS Director) a-021197 -1 Mr. Hatmaker advised that when the year 2000 begins, the computer will interpret the "00" as 1900 instead of 2000. He has discussed this problem with other localities and they are currently working on an impact analysis. He has also discussed the problem with several businesses in the Roanoke Valley including Allstate and Norfolk Southern. Mr. Hatmaker recommended that phase 1 include: (1) elimination of obsolete programs, (2) replacement of the obsolete programs, (3) employment of two additional staff to handle the additional work, and (4) additional staff between now and 2000 only, to handle this problem. This part of the project could be outsourced. Mr. Hatmaker advised that the total cost for the project was $550,000 over three years. At this time he was requesting $32,000 to hire the additional staff. Supervisor Nickens expressed concerned that this expense was not anticipated during the budget process where it would have been viewed against other funding requests. Supervisor Harrison agreed. Supervisor Nickens requested that more information be provided or that a future work session be scheduled on the various MIS projects, and that staff look at the possibility of costs being shared by the various departments such as Schools, Utilities, and Social Services. Supervisor Johnson asked that a list of the full-time employees February 11, 1997 77 be provided during the budget process. Supervisor Eddy moved to postpone this request until the next meeting. There was no vote. Supervisor Nickens offered a substitute motion to approve the appropriation of $31,850 from the Unappropriated Balance with the understanding that this will add two permanent positions to the full-time position count. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: Supervisor Harrison ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix IN RE: REQUESTS FOR WORK SESSIONS Supervisor Nickens requested that a work session be held on the MIS projects. IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING 1... Public Hearing for Community Development Block Grant application on behalf of Total Action Against PovertY (TAP) for Microenterprise Grant. (Tim Gubala. Economic Development Director) Mr. Gubala advised that this is the first public hearing requested for the 78 February 11, 1997 - Microenterprise Grant which would identify, train and assist low to moderate income individuals to learn about business basics. The second public hearing is scheduled for February 25,1997. Anthony Peterson, a resident of the TAP Residential Housing on 21st Street, spoke in support of the grant. Supervisor Nickens moved to close the first public hearing, and advised that the second public hearing will be held February 25, 1997. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix INRE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES 1... Ordinance approvino an option to purchase agreement with Eva M. Burritt for five feet of Lot 14. the eastern 25 feet of Lot 14. Lot 13. and Lot 12 on map of Fort Lewis Estates authorizing the exercise of said oDtion and authorizing assignment of the contract to the Industrial Development authority in connection with the Krooer Proiect. (Tim Gubala. Economic Development Director) Mr. Gubala reported that the County is assisting the Kroger Company with February 11, 1997 79 - - expansion of their distribution facility in the Glenvar. The expansion will require improvements to Garman Road and Route 11/460, and Ms. Burritt owns property through which the new Garman Road will pass. She has signed an option, and the County would like to assign the contract to the IDA to proceed with acquisition. The estimated market value is $250,000. In an effort to reach a settlement, an offer of $315,000 was made to meet the property owner's price, and to comply with VDOTs request to have the new Garman Road intersect with the existing traffic signal at Allegheny Drive and West Main Street. Supervisor Harrison moved to approve the first reading and set the second reading and public hearing for February 25, 1997. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix 2. Ordinance authorizina conveyance of a sanitarv sewer easement to the Town of Vinton across Stonebridge Park DroDerty owned by the Board of Supervisors. (Paul Mahoney. County Attorney) Mr. Mahoney advised that this ordinance would authorize a donation of an easement to the Town of Vinton for extension of underground sanitary sewer service to 80 February 11, 1997 - - the new development in Wolf Creek Subdivision. The total cost is $1.00 which is considered a donation. Supervisor Nickens asked how long Mountain View Road would be closed and suggested that the residents be advised if it was more than a couple of days. Mr. Hodge responded that there was a notice in the newspaper. Supervisor Nickens moved to approve the first reading and set the second reading and public hearing for February 25, 1997. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA R-021197-2. R-021197-2.c Supervisor Johnson moved to adopt the Consent Resolution after discussion of Item 1. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix RESOLUTION 021197-2 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS ITEM L CONSENT AGENDA - February 11, 1997 81 - BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: 1. That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for February 11, 1997 designated as Item L - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1 through 4, inclusive, as follows: 1. Appropriation of school insurance funds to replace gym floor at Roanoke County Career Center. 2. Acceptance of drainage easement serving the public roads for Wexford, Phase II. 3. Request for acceptance of Bridgeport Lane and a portion of Bloomfield Avenue into the Virginia Department of Transportation Secondary System. 4. Request to appropriate grant monies received from the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services Recruitment and Retention Mini-grant. 2. That the Clerk to the Board is hereby authorized and directed where required by law to set forth upon any of said items the separate vote tabulation for any such item pursuant to this resolution. On motion of Supervisor Johnson to adopt the Consent Resolution after discussion of Item 1, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix RESOLUTION 021197-2.c REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF BRIDGEPORT LANE AND a PORTION OF BLOOMFIELD AVENUE INTO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECONDARY SYSTEM. WHEREAS, the streets described on the attached Additions Form SR- 5(a), fully incorporated herein by reference, are shown on plats recorded in the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court of Roanoke County, and WHEREAS, the Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of 82 February 11, 1997 = Transportation has advised this Board the streets meet the requirements established by the Subdivision Street Requirements of the Virginia Department of Transportation, and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this Board requests the Virginia Department of Transportation to add the streets described on the attached Additions Form SR-5(a) to the secondary system of state highways, pursuant to §33.1-229, Code of Virginia, and the Department's Subdivision Street Reauirements. and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board guarantees a clear and unrestricted right-of-way, as described, and any necessary easements for cuts, fills and drainage, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Resident engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation. Recorded Vote Moved By: Supervisor Johnson Seconded By: None Required Yeas: Supervisors Eddy Harrison. Nickens. Johnson Nays: ~ Absent: Supervisor Minnix IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS Supervisor Eddv: (1) He asked about the use of the government access television channel to inform the public, and suggested that a study be done on better ways to utilize the channel. Ms. Green advised that it is currently programmed every night, and could be included in next citizen survey. Supervisor Eddy requested an outline of what is being produced. (2) He asked Mr. Mahoney about the policy manual. Mr. Mahoney advised that no new work has been done, but he will try to finalize in the near future. (3) He advised that he sent a memorandum to the Board members asking for suggestions for use of VDOT rural transportation program funding of $40,000 for the February 11, 1997 ~ = Fifth Planning District Commission Rural Transportation Advisory Committee. He needs any suggestions by February 20, 1997. (4) He announced that the VDOT preallocation hearing is scheduled for March 12, 1997. Mr. Hodge advised that staff will make a presentation and will be the first of the Roanoke Valley localities to speak. (5) He announced that VDOT held a meeting with the other agencies to discuss establishing a low band radio station. He forwarded a summary of the meeting to the Board. He suggested asking the local administrators to review and come back with a funding request. Chairman Johnson asked Mr. Hodge to prepare a report for the February 25, 1997 meeting. (6) He heard from the Blue Ribbon Commission that they are requesting a joint meeting with School Board and Board of Supervisors to discuss results of the feasibility study. Ms. Allen responded that the meeting is scheduled for March 17, 1997 at 7 p.m. at Hidden Valley Junior High School. Mr. Hodge was asked to contact School Superintendent Deanna Gordon to find another meeting place. (7) He asked about a joint meeting with the Vinton Town Council. Chairman Johnson asked Mr. Hodge to contact the Town for proposed dates and get back to the Board. Supervisor Harrison: (1) He announced that he will attend the VDOT preallocation hearing and will present petitions for road improvements on Route 11/460. (2) Regarding a recent letter to the editor asking the Board to tell the real estate assessors how to do their job, he advised that he would meet with anyone, but he could not influence the assessment methodology. (3) He asked about the status of the Strauss Project at Green Hill Park. Gary Robertson responded that he was not 84 February 11, 1997 ~ sure if Strauss still had an option to purchase the property because the option may have expired. Supervisor Nickens: (1) He expressed appreciation to the staff for their involvement with VDOT in resolving speed problems on Bandy Road. (2) He requested information on the cost of vehicle maintenance during the budget process. SUDervisor Johnson: (1) He advised that he sent a letter to Senator John Edwards opposing his sponsorship of a bill to eliminate local government sovereign immunity, and was informed that the bill never made it out of committee. He announced that he attended VACONML Legislative Day on February 5, 1997 with Mr. Hodge and Mr. Mahoney. They met with the mayors and managers of other localities to discuss issues, and he felt that there was a spirit of regional cooperation. IN RE: CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1... Chris Muse. Roanoke Valley Web spoke. He described his Roanoke Valley Community Web Page on the Internet, and asked for an endorsement from Roanoke County as he plans to do from the other local governments. Chairman Johnson referred Mr. Muse's request to the staff to review and bring back a recommendation. INRE: REPORTS Supervisor Nickens moved to receive and file the following reports after February 11, 1997 85 removal of Item 7. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote. 1... General Fund UnaDpropriated Balance b. Capital Fund UnaDDropriated Balance ~ Board Contingencv Fund 4. Treasurer's Statement of Accountability Der Investments and Portfolio Policv as of January 31. 1997. 5. Update on changes to sDeed limits on Bandy Road and recommendations for Twelve O'Clock Knob Road. 6. Proaress Report on the Comprehensive Plan. 7. 1~~C [conomie Development Activity Report. INRE: EXECUTIVE SESSION At 5:00 p.m., Supervisor Nickens moved to go into Executive Session following the work sessions, pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.1-344 a. (3) to discuss the acquisition or use of real property for public purposes, office space for Social Services Department. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix IN RE: WORK SESSIONS 8.6 February 11, 1997 = .1.. Budget Work Session -CaDitallmDrovement Program The work session was held from 5:05 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and from 6:35 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A draft of the Capital Improvement Program for 1998 - 2002 was presented. There was a general discussion on the various departmental requests. There was also discussion on consideration of including citizen input in the CIP process. The Board asked that the 800 MHZ system be added to the Capital Improvement Program. Supervisor Johnson asked for a report on drainage and storm water management. Mr. Hodge advised that the windows for the public safety center and the bunks at the fire and rescue buildings were among his top priorities. 1. Joint Work Session with the Roanoke County Transportation Safetv Commission The work session was held from 5:30 p.m. until 6:35 p.m. Commission Chair Jim Martin advised that the purpose of the work session was to receive direction from the Board on what issues the Transportation and Safety Commission should be addressing. At one time, they were requesting and reviewing safety grants and forwarding them to the Board for approval. Police Chief John Cease described the current process and how they use the grant funds. Commission member Gordon Saul presented a memo on analysis of accident data for Roanoke County and Commission member Jim Phipps presented a February 11, 1997 87 - statistical overview of crime and disorder and its impact on the quality of life for Roanoke County. Following discussion between the bodies, there was consensus that the Commission should establish their mission and projects, and bring back an annual report to the Board of Supervisors. Suggestions for projects included lobbying for a primary seat belt law and a child seat belt law, more publicity for the Commission and possible additional funding to carry out their mission. ;L Budget Work Session - Review of County and School Debt Schedules Finance Director Diane Hyatt briefed the Board on the debt schedules. This work session was continued until the February 25, 1997 meeting. IN RE: CERTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION R-021197-3 At 8:01 p.m., Supervisor Nickens moved (1) to return to open session; (2) stated that the Executive Session was held from 7:37 p.m. until 8:00 p.m;, and (3) to adopt the Certification Resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix RESOLUTION 021197-3 CERTIFYING EXECUTIVE MEETING WAS HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA 88 February 11, 1997 - - WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened an executive 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 2.1-344.1 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such executive 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 members knowledge: 1. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the executive meeting which this certification resolution applies, and 2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia. On motion of Supervisor Nickens to adopt the Certification Resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix INRE: ADJOURNMENT Supervisor Eddy move to adjourn at 8:04 p.m. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote with Supervisor Minnix absent. Submitted by, Approved by, ~.:Jf..I. ~ Mary H. Allen, CMC Clerk to the Board