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Home My WebLink About7/26/2002 - Special July 26, 2002 499 Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 July 26, 2002 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the Vinton War Memorial, Vinton, Virginia, this being an adjourned meeting from July 23, 2002 for the purpose of attending the Greater Roanoke Valley Leadership Summit meeting hosted by the Town of Vinton. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Don Davis, Mayor of the Town of Vinton, called the meeting to order at 12:40 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chairman Joseph McNamara, Supervisor Harry C. Nickens MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairman Joseph B. "Butch" ChUrcli, Supervisors H. Odell "Fuzzy" Minnix, Richard C. Flora STAFF PRESENT: John M. Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Diane S. Childers, Clerk to the Board OTHERS PRESENT: Elected officials and staff from the City of Roanoke, City of Salem, Town of Vinton, County of Franklin, County of Alleghany, County of Bedford, City of Covington, County of Botetourt; representatives from the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance. INRE: WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Mayor Davis welcomed the participants and introductions were made. 500 July 26, 2002 INRE: DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS . Vinton Community Information: Mayor Davis reported on economic development within the Town of Vinton, and stated that ribbon cutting ceremonies had recently been held for the Carilion Center and Valley Bank offices. The Town is in the midst of a $3.3 million upgrade project on Hardy Road which includes widening of lanes, installation of bike paths and other improvements. The downtown business district is also undergoing renovations to the water and sewer system, sidewalks and roadways. The downtown area renovations are estimated to be complete in September 2002. Engineering specifications are being developed for a sewer project that will include a new pump station and 15,400 feet of new sewer lines. The Town is also working with Mike Chandler to conduct a citizen's academy for obtaining community input into the updated Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Davis stated that the town received the Virginia Municipal League (VML) Achievement Award in 2001 for communities with populations between 5,000 and 10,000 people. The Town was recognized for working together with Roanoke County to avoid a costly annexation by drafting a gainsharing agreement that established a plan for sharing development costs and revenues of the Vinton Business Center. . Reaional Economic Strateav: Dr. Victor Iannello, Vice Chair of the Fifth Planning District Regional July 26, 2002 501 Alliance, reported that the purpose of the Regional Economic Strategy was to reverse the declines currently being experienced in this region in the areas of population growth, employment, and educational attainment. He stated that the declines seen in these areas can be attributed to the reduced presence of railroad and banking industries, as well as reductions in some manufacturing sectors in the region. The goals of the Economic Development Strategy are to: · Establish common guiding principles for organizations and jurisdictions · Identify critical assets for economic prosperity (urban centers, research facilities) · Build consensus on key regional priorities · Provide a "song sheet" of agreed upon actions for organizations and governments Mr. Iannello advised that development of the strategy consisted of engaging the services of economic development experts; building on prior studies, existing plans and ongoing activities; interviewing leaders in business, government, education and the community; and convening the Planning Leadership Group which identified and prioritized the strategies and tactics. The strategy is designed to elevate regional prosperity and create new patterns of growth through a strategic transformation that cultivates: . Visibility - development of image, enlargement of the metropolitan statistical area (MSA), formation of a coalition of marketing organizations . Connectivity - improvement of regional transportation, high speed internet access and passenger rail service. 502 July 26, 2002 · Quality of Life Amenities - increased promotion of outdoor activities, development of urban centers. · Knowledge Workforce - creation of a higher education consortium, increased funding for workforce programs. · Innovation/Entrepreneurship - promotion of regional ties with Virginia Tech, creation of a venture capital fund, recruitment of seasoned entrepreneurs. · Economic Transformation - creation of new industry cluster organizations, use of revenue sharing benefits Mr. Iannello indicated that the next phase of implementation will involve communicating the strategy to jurisdictions and organizations, managing the implementation of tactics, facilitating the regional alliances' new initiatives, and identifying and monitoring the critical benchmarks of progress. . Roanoke ReQional Airport Alliance: Ralph Smith, Mayor of the City of Roanoke, reported that the airport was unsuccessful in receiving grant funding which had been anticipated. The funding was not critical to the success of the project, but would have proven beneficial. He indicated that Barry DuVal, consultant for the Regional Airport Alliance, is currently meeting with the business council to formulate ideas to gain support and interest amongst Virginia Tech and other major community leaders. There are a number of cities who have experienced success with the implementation of similar airport initiatives, and Mayor Smith stressed the importance of creativity in developing the strategy. He indicated that creation of July 26, 2002 503 low-cost, competitive flights will draw increased travel and development to the region. Marketing the region as a "package" similar to the manner utilized by hotels will provide greater results. . Reaional Water SUDDIY StudY Mr. Wayne Strickland, Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley- Alleghany Regional Commission, reported that the Alliance has completed the process of interviewing consulting firms to perform the regional water supply study. A contractor has been selected and will be announced at a press conference on July 29, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. at the Regional Commission offices. There were seven participating governments involved in the discussions. Mr. Strickland expressed his appreciation to the participating governments, and commended them for their efforts in working together as a region. INRE: CLOSING COMMENTS It was decided that the next Regional Leadership Summit will be held in November and hosted by the City of Covington. The City of Roanoke volunteered to host the March meeting. Mr. Strickland reminded participants that the County of Alleghany will be hosting the Mayors and Chairs meeting in August, and any items to be placed on this agenda should be submitted to him no later than August 12. Mr. Alfred Dowe, Roanoke City Council, announced that the 504 July 26,2002 . National Basketball Association (NBA) is asking all regional communities to support their local NBA teams. He encouraged leaders to provide support for the Roanoke Dazzle, which could provide economic stimulus for the region. Ms. Linda Wyatt, Roanoke City Council, suggested that state legislators be invited to attend the November meeting of the Regional Leadership Summit. It was decided that Wayne Strickland would invite the state representatives to attend. INRE: ADJOURNMENT Mayor Davis adjourned the meeting at 1 :35 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: ~~àlO)\~. tJ;JdM¡¡J Diane S. Chi ders Clerk to the Board ~~~B~~Ckd) Chairman