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Home My WebLink About3/11/1997 - Special March 11, 1997 12J - - ~ Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 March 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 a joint meeting with Roanoke City Council. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman Johnson and Mayor Bowers called the meeting to order at 12:25 p.m. The roll call was taken for the Board of Supervisors and Roanoke City Council. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Bob L. Johnson, Vice Chairman Harry C. Nickens, Supervisors Lee B. Eddy, Fenton F. "Spike" Harrison, H. Odell "Fuzzy" Minnix MEMBERS ABSENT: None 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, Diane Hyatt, Finance Director, William Rand, General Services Director OTHERS PRESENT: Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers; Council Members, Nelson Harris, Carroll Swain, John Parrott, and Linda 124 March 11, 1997 , 1- Wyatt; City Manager Bob Herbert; other Roanoke City officials (City Council Members William White and Jim Trout were absent) IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES The invocation was given by John M. Chambliss, Jr., Assistant Administrator. IN RE: OPENING REMARKS 1. Chairman Johnson Chairman Johnson welcomed Roanoke City Council and staff to the meeting. He mentioned the many joint ventures in which Roanoke Valley local governments were now participating, and suggested that the City and Council film a joint RVfV show highlighting these projects. 2. Mavor Bowers Mayor Bowers thanked the Board of Supervisors for hosting the meeting, and noted that both governing bodies need to continue to make efforts toward each other. IN RE: DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS ~ Request for a team of volunteers to offer assistance to flood victims in the Midwest. (Requested by Roanoke County) Chairman Johnson suggested that the two localities offer volunteer assistance to the areas in Kentucky and the Midwest similar to the help that was ~ March 11, 1997 125 - provided to the Roanoke Valley during the flood of 1985. Mayor Bowers suggested that City Manager Bob Herbert and County Administrator Elmer Hodge contact the appropriate officials to offer assistance from both governments. 2. Habitat for Humanity (Reouested by Roanoke City. CONTINUED FROM NOVEMBER 4. 1996) Mr. Hodge announced that the County had been working with Total Action Against Poverty at the Pinkard Court Center which the County donated to TAP. Supervisor Eddy added that affordable housing in the County is being addressed through the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Hodge also advised that Billy Branch offered approximately six acres of land off Starkey Road in the County to Habitat for Humanity but there are road access problems. .;L. Low Band Tourist Radio System. (Requested by Roanoke County and Roanoke City) Mayor Bowers and Supervisor Eddy expressed strong support for the low band tourist radio system. Mayor Bowers reported on cost information to set up the system, and advised that he had requested that Congressman Goodlatte contact the Blue Ridge Parkway officials for assistance in developing the system and appropriate signage. Supervisor Minnix advised he would like to see statistics on whether the radio systems draw tourists to the area. 126 March 11, 1997 - - Supervisor Johnson advised that the Board of Supervisors will include this item in their budget process. Councilwoman Wyatt suggested that the money might be better spent by contributions to the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. 4. Segregation in the Roanoke Valley. (Reouested bv Roanoke Citv) City Manager Bob Herbert explained that this item was in response to a newspaper article stating that Roanoke was the most segregated city in Virginia according to a national study. He advised that this problem was due to many factors such as new housing construction, the trend to move to suburban areas, economic factors, and Roanoke's inability to annex land. He suggested that the staffs from the two localities meet to discuss this issue. 5. Discussion of tippino fees at the landfill. (Requested by Roanoke County) Chairman Johnson reported that increased tipping fees at the landfill were having an effect on the County budget. Mr. Hodge explained that the impact in Roanoke County was $180,000, and suggested an outside review of tipping fees in other localities. Supervisor Minnix recommended looking at the long term benefits of joint refuse collection. - March 11, 1997 121 - - §. Discussion of Specialized Transit Arranged Rides (STAR) bus service. (Requested bv Roanoke City) Mr. Herbert announced that the City had notified Roanoke County residents that the STAR bus service would terminate on June 30, 1997, and the Greater Roanoke Transit Commission would provide to the County a list of County riders dependent on the STAR service. Mr. Hodge responded that the County had received the list and contacted the individuals informing them that the County is planning to improve its CORTRAN bus service and increase the number of trips. 7. Changes in the General Assembly to the Personal Property Tax and Business. Professional and Occuoational License (BPOL) Tax. (Reouested by Roanoke CiM Roanoke City Finance Director James Grisso reported that the state law had changed regarding this tax and this will impact the City by $125,000. He advised that the City and County had worked together in the past so that fees would be the same. Chairman Johnson responded that the City and County need to continue to make the same decisions at the same time. Supervisor Minnix suggested looking at new taxes to replace the loss of BPOL. 8. Regional Recycling Supervisor Eddy suggested a regional uniform recycling system between the City and the County. He asked for an update on the City's recycling program. Mr. ~ March 11, 1997 - Supervisor Eddy suggested a regional uniform recycling system between the City and the County. He asked for an update on the City's recycling program. Mr. Herbert responded that 3,500 to 5,000 are not yet on the recycling program; that the program has been cost effective and almost covers the operating costs. Supervisor Minnix suggested that both localities consider source separation at the landfill. Mr. Herbert responded that the City is willing to look at other options. Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Chief Executive Officer John Hubbard was present and advised that there is potential space for recycling at the Transfer Station but it would not be cost effective. ~ Update on Joint Healthcare Project Roanoke County Finance Director Diane Hyatt updated both governing bodies on the joint health care project. She advised that the committee plans to have the Request for Proposals out in April or May with review by the end of August. The Committee plans to bring back a recommendation in August or September. The proposed implementation date is January 1, 1998. INRE: ADJOURNMENT Chairman Johnson and Mayor Bowers adjourned the meeting at 1 :33 p.m. ~.# Q~ltUt- Mary H. Allen, CMC Clerk to the Board Approved by: B~~ Chairman Submitted by: