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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/10/2002 - Regular September 10, 2002 597 Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 September 10, 2002 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 September, 2002. INRE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman Church called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Joseph B. "Butch" Church, Vice Chairman Joseph McNamara, Supervisors Richard C. Flora, H. Odell "Fuzzy" Minnix, Harry C. Nickens MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Diane S. Childers, Clerk to the Board; John M. Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Dan R. O'Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Diane D. Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES The invocation was given by the Reverend Tommy London, First Baptist Church, Cloverdale, Virginia. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. 598 September 10, 2002 IN RE: REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF AGENDA ITEMS Supervisor Church requested that Item 1-3, Proclamation declaring September 11, 2002 as "Patriot Day" in the County of Roanoke, be pulled from the consent agenda and placed as Item C-3. IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS 1. Joint Proclamation declaring September 8 through September 14, 2002 "American Character Week" in the Roanoke Valley Chairman Church presented the Proclamation to Stuart Harris, Greater Roanoke Valley Character Coalition. 2. Certificate of Recognition to Tamea Franco-Woodward for being featured in the September issue of Southern Living Magazine as the owner of East West DyeCom, Inc. Chairman Church presented the Certificate of Recognition to Ms. Franco- Woodward. 3. Proclamation declaring September 11, 2002 as "Patriot Day" in the County of Roanoke This item was moved from the Consent Agenda, Item 1-3. The proclamation was read by the Clerk, and the Board expressed their unanimous support. September 10, 2002 599 INRE: BRIEFINGS 1. Briefing on the 2002-03 Capital Improvement Incentive Fund grant awards. (Pete Haislip, Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism) Mr. Haislip reported that this matching grant program was created in 1994- 1995 to provide funds to groups wishing to make improvements to Roanoke County facilities. The program was allocated $40,000 in its initial year and $50,000 per year for the eight subsequent years. To date, $462,337 has been awarded and the value of the improvements received is $1,323,509. The current year award recipients were Youth on Wheels, Cave Spring American Little League, Southwest Soccer Association (in partnership with the Cave Spring Recreation Foundation and the Hidden Valley Youth Sports Association), Fort Lewis Elementary PT A, Green Valley Elementary PT A, Green Hill Equestrian Committee, and North Roanoke Recreation Club. In response to Supervisor McNamara's question, Mr. Haislip indicated that for the past several years, the County has been able to fund most of the requests for grants which meet the qualification requirements. 2. Briefing on the Blue Ridge-Southwest Virginia Film Office Inc. First Annual Film Festival. (Wendi Schultz, Tourism and Event Coordinator Ms. Schultz reported that the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism will be lending support to the Film Festival scheduled to take place in October. Ms. Schultz stated that involvement in this event will meet several departmental goals: encouraging 600 September 10, 2002 tourism and economic development, and assisting Virginia's Explore Park in their economic development initiatives. The facilities at Explore Park will be used to host workshops and presentations during the film festival. Ms. Schultz introduced Ms. Bootie Chewning, Co-Director of the Film Office. Ms. Chewning reported that several productions are currently underway at the Film Office, and the focus at this point is on launching the film festival. Ms. Sandra Eubank, Co- Director of the Film Office, will be working with Ms. Chewning to promote the event. Ms. Chewning indicated that the Film Office has enjoyed the support of surrounding localities, and conveyed her thanks to Roanoke County for their assistance. She also reported that the Film Office will be covered in an upcoming edition of Southern Living Magazine. Chairman Church conveyed his thanks to Ms. Chewning for her support of the Roanoke Valley. IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES 1. First reading of an ordinance authorizing the vacation of a portion of an existing sanitary sewer easement created on subdivision plat of Section 4, The Groves, recorded in Plat Book 19, Page 140, across the remaining portion of Tract C, owned by Palm Land Company, L.C., Cave Spring Magisterial District. (Arnold Covey, Director of Community Development) Mr. Covey stated that this request is to accommodate a minor adjustment to a sewer easement so that the developer can move forward with planning for Section 9 of The 601 September 10, 2002 Groves. The proposed plans have been approved by County staff, and the developer has posted a bond and will be responsible for all expenses. Supervisor Minnix moved to approve the first reading and set the second reading and public hearing for September 24, 2002. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Flora, McNamara, Minnix, Nickens, Church NAYS: None 2. First reading of an ordinance authorizing conveyance of a 0.226 acre parcel of real estate known as the remaining portion of Lot 1, Mount Vernon Heights, Cave Spring Magisterial District. (Paul Mahoney, County Attorney) Mr. Mahoney reported that this ordinance is proposing the sale of a 0.226 acre parcel which is a portion of the Brambleton Center. A public hearing is scheduled on this matter for September 24, 2002. If approval of the ordinance is granted, staff is requesting that the proceeds of the sale be allocated for capital improvements to the Brambleton Center. Supervisor Minnix moved to approve the first reading and set the second reading and public hearing for September 24, 2002. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: 602 September 10, 2002 AYES: NAYS: INRE: Supervisors Flora, McNamara, Minnix, Nickens, Church None APPOINTMENTS 1. Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission (Appointed by District) Supervisor Church advised that he may have a nominee for this vacancy in the near future. 2. Roanoke County Cable Television Committee Supervisor Nickens advised that he was withdrawing the nomination of Lee Eddy to serve the unexpired term of Jim Dickey, Member at Large. The appointment of David Jones to the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee automatically places him on this committee to serve the remainder of Mr. Dickey's unexpired term. 3. Virginia Western Community College Board Supervisor Minnix stated that he may have a nominee for this vacancy in the next several weeks. Supervisor Church indicated that he and Supervisor Nickens have also been working on a nomination. IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA R-091 002-1, R-091 002-1.c, R-091 002-1.d, R-091 002-1.1, R-091002-1.Q Supervisor McNamara moved to adopt the Consent Resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Flora, McNamara, Minnix, Nickens, Church September 10, 2002 603 NAYS: None RESOLUTION 091002-1 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS ITEM I -CONSENT AGENDA 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 September 10, 2002 designated as Item I - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1 through 11, inclusive, as follows: 1. Approval of Minutes - August 27, 2002 Meeting 2. Confirmation of Committee Appointments to Grievance Panel, Industrial Development Authority, Roanoke Valley Regional Cable TV Committee, Social Services Advisory Board, Virginia's First Regional Industrial Facility Authority 3. Proclamation declaring September 11, 2002 as "Patriot Day" in the County of Roanoke 4. Acceptance of Water Facilities Serving the Old Mountain Road Area 5. Resolution of Endorsement for the 2002 General Obligation Bond Referenda to support Higher Education and Museums and State Parks and Natural Areas 6. Resolution of Endorsement for the Pledge of Allegiance 7. Request from schools to appropriate $47,399 grant from the Governor's Office of Substance Abuse Prevention to the school grant fund 8. Request to accept Broughton Drive into the Virginia Department of Transportation Secondary System. 9. Request to accept Aarons Run Circle into the Virginia Department of Transportation Secondary System 10. Requestfrom the Police Department to accept a Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) grant in the amount of $5,000 for CIT Training 11. Request to accept a Local Government Challenge Grant in the amount of $5,000 from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. 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 McNamara to adopt the Consent Resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Flora, McNamara, Minnix, Nickens, Church 604 September 10, 2002 NAYS: None RESOLUTION 091002-1.c OF ENDORSEMENT FOR THE 2002 GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND REFERENDA WHEREAS, on November 5, 2002 Virginia voters will have an opportunity to approve two important general obligation bond referenda: a $900 million bond for Higher Education and Museums and a $119 million bond for State Parks and Natural Area; and, WHEREAS, the future of Virginia rests in the quality of our schools, and this $900 million bond will pay for needed upgrades, renovations, modernizations and new construction in our schools, museums and historical sites; and WHEREAS, over the next decade an additional 32,000 qualified high school graduates are expected to enroll at our colleges, universities and community colleges, in addition to the 325,000 students these institutions now serve; and WHEREAS, the Higher Education General Obligation Bond includes crucial funding to build laboratories for medical research and to modernize laboratory classrooms that are used to train health care workers; and WHEREAS, by providing funds for research laboratories and teaching facilities, the bond referendum will help Virginians have access to well-trained health care professionals and new, cutting edge treatments, leading to better health care and a better quality of life for all Virginia; and, WHEREAS, the state-owned museums are valuable assets for partnering with schools to accomplish the Standards of Learning, enhancing the economy through tourism and new business development, and improving the quality of life for all Virginians; and, WHEREAS, the state-owned museums are stewards of Virginia's artistic, historical and scientific heritage, not only being interested in the past but also serving as catalysts for future scholarship, innovation and creativity; and, WHEREAS, the Commonwealth's natural landscapes are vanishing at an alarming rate, and Virginia's citizens have voiced concern for lack of open space both now and for future generations; and, WHEREAS, State park visitors, over seven million per year with nearly 40 percent from outside, contributed $144 million to the state's economy in 2001; and, WHEREAS, the Parks and Natural Areas bond referendum will enhance Virginia's tourism potential; increase the flow of out-of-state revenue to Virginia; stimulate our sluggish economy, particularly in rural areas; and improve recreational offerings throughout Virginia for the enjoyment of our citizens and families. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Roanoke, Virginia endorses the 2002 General Obligation Bond Referenda in support of Higher Education and Museums and State Parks and Natural Areas. September 10, 2002 605 On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the Resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Flora, McNamara, Minnix, Nickens, Church NAYS: None RESOLUTION 091002-1.d OF ENDORSEMENT TO CONTINUE RECITING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IN THE SCHOOLS AS IT IS CURRENTLY WRITTEN WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Roanoke, Virginia is concerned about a recent court ruling in California regarding the Pledge of Allegiance; and, WHEREAS, the Pledge of Allegiance is a symbol of patriotism for the United States of America; and WHEREAS, the wording of the Pledge is designed to promote said patriotism; and WHEREAS, due to the events of September 11th, our Nation is under attack by forces bent on the destruction of our Country; and WHEREAS, this Pledge does not promote any specific religion; and WHEREAS, in this time of crisis our citizens want and need to show their faith in our Country and the ideals for which it was created. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Roanoke, Virginia wishes to express their extreme desire that the Pledge of Allegiance will continue to be recited in the schools as it is currently written. On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the Resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Flora, McNamara, Minnix, Nickens, Church NAYS: None RESOLUTION R-091 002-1.1 REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF BROUGHTON DRIVE INTO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECONDARY SYSTEM WHEREAS, the street described on the attached Addition 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 606 September 10, 2002 WHEREAS, the Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation has advised this Board the streets meet the requirements established by the Subdivision Street Requirements of the Virginia Department of Transportation, WHEREAS, the County and the Virginia Department ofTransportation have entered into an agreement on March 9, 1999 for comprehensive stormwater detention which applies to this request for addition, 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 Requirements, 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: Seconded By: Yeas: Nays: Absent: Supervisor McNamara None Required Supervisors Flora. McNamara. Minnix, Nickens. Church None None RESOLUTION R-091002-1.Q REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF AARONS RUN CIRCLE INTO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECONDARY SYSTEM WHEREAS, the street described on the attached Addition 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 Transportation has advised this Board the streets meet the requirements established by the Subdivision Street Requirements of the Virginia Department of Transportation, WHEREAS, the County and the Virginia Department of Transportation have entered into an agreement on March 9, 1999 for comprehensive stormwater detention which applies to this request for addition, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this Board requests the Virginia Department of Transportation to add the streets described on the attached Additions Form September 10, 2002 607 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: Seconded By: Yeas: Nays: Absent: Supervisor McNamara None Reauired Supervisors Flora. McNamara. Minnix, Nickens. Church None None INRE: REPORTS Supervisor Minnix moved to receive and file the following reports. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Supervisors Flora, McNamara, Minnix, Nickens, Church None 1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance 2. Capital Fund Unappropriated Balance 3. Board Contingency Fund 4. Future School Capital Reserve 5. Clean Valley Council 6. Statement of the Treasurer's Accountability per Investment and Portfolio Policy as of July 31, 2002 608 September 10, 2002 IN RE:REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS Supervisor Nickens: (1) He indicated that he has received communications regarding the use of playing fields in Southwest County, especially with regard to Hidden Valley High School teams not having access to their own field. He requested that Mr. Hodge and Mr. Haislip look into this matter and see if the County can provide some relief. Supervisor Flora: (1) He stated that four years ago, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) had been asked to check the speed limits on Route 604 and Route 460. To date, VDOT has not responded to the request. He indicated that with the opening ofWal-Mart, this request needs to be considered. He asked Mr. Hodge to contact VDOT concerning this matter. Supervisor Church: (1) He stated that he continues to receive calls from individuals with disabilities requesting access to County ball fields. Mr. Haislip stated that significant improvements have been made in this area and a reassessment is currently underway. Mr. Haislip indicated that anyone having problems accessing a ball field may contact his office at 387-6078 and special arrangements will be made. IN RE: WORK SESSIONS 1. Work session with the Industrial Development Authority. (Doug Chittum, Director of Economic Development) The work session was presented by Mr. Chittum and was held from 4:09 p.m. until 4:54 p.m. The following members of the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) were 609 September 10, 2002 present: Billy H. Branch, Chairman; Craig W. Sharp; Carole Brackman; Linwood P. Windley; Allan "Cap" Robinson; and Mr. Chittum, who serves as the Secretary-Treasurer. Topics of discussion included: (1) The Public Private Procurement Funding Act which allows tax credits to developers who can then, in turn, offer a lower interest rate for projects being developed. (2) The potential economic development impact of widening 1-81. (3) Ways that the IDA and County can work together to enhance economic development initiatives in the County. INRE: ABSENCE Supervisor Minnix left the meeting at 4:55 p.m. 2. Budget work session for discussion of local impact of potential state budget reductions for fiscal year 2002-2003. (Brent Robertson, Director of Management & Budget) The work session was presented by Mr. Robertson and was held from 4:55 p.m. until 5:52 p.m. Mr. Robertson reported that the state revenue shortfall for the biennium is approximately $2 billion. All state agencies have been instructed to plan for potential budget reductions of 7 percent, 11 percent, and 15 percent. Specific information regarding potential reductions to local governments may not be available until Mid- December. The County has an $8.3 million budget from the State and if these cuts are transmitted to the local level, the County could potentially lose $580,000 to $1.3 million in revenues. 610 September 10, 2002 In response to Supervisor Nickens' question, Mr. Robertson indicated that the State has been withholding payments to local governments. Diana Rosapepe, Library Director, has reported that she received notice that the first quarterly payment to the libraries is being withheld. Diane Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer, reported that payments to Explore Park are also being withheld. It was the consensus of the Board that the County should protest this withholding of payments by the State, and Mr. Robertson was instructed to determine the appropriate individuals at the State level to contact regarding this matter. In response to questions from Supervisor McNamara, Mr. Robertson indicated that revenues are on target based on the reduced levels from last year. Mr. Robertson reported that personal property revenues decreased by $1.2 million last year but comparison of actual revenues remain relatively flat. Mr. Robertson stated that the County is continuing the Job Bank, and there are currently five positions which remain frozen from last year. Travel and training restrictions remain in place, and departments are preparing plans for potential five percent reductions if needed. It was the consensus of the Board that the Budget Department should proceed conservatively and plan for potential reductions in state revenues. Mr. Robertson and Ms. Hyatt were also instructed to protest the withholding of payments by the State. Ms. Anne Marie Green, Director of General Services, presented a vehicle replacement summary which detailed repair costs, mileage, purchase price and 611 September 10, 2002 replacement costs. Departments were asked to prioritize their most critical replacement needs, and the total replacement cost is $1,325,200. Supervisor Nickens stressed the need to seriously assess these issues during the budget process. Ms. Green also indicated that at present, General Services is approaching the maximum number of houses they can serve with the current number of Bandit trucks in service. She estimated that within the next three to four years, an additional vehicle will be needed. Mr. Hodge indicated that staff wanted to keep the Board advised of the current budget situation, and additional information should be available by the first meeting in October. Supervisor Flora requested that staff present the Board with a Capital Improvements Program that can realistically be funded. Mr. Danial Morris, Director of Finance, stated that the County has approximately seven weeks remaining in the fiscal year 2001 audit. At present, it appears that the County is well within their amended revenue projections. There were savings in the expenditures category due to the deferment of hiring, capital and maintenance decisions. In response to a question from Supervisor McNamara, Mr. Morris indicated that a revenue number should be available within the next three weeks. Ms. Hyatt reported that the School Board would be considering their capital needs at a meeting tonight, and she stated that the County's ability to pay for debt at this time is $17 million _ $18 million if the $2 million per year continues to be set aside in the 612 September 10, 2002 budget to fund the debt. Supervisor McNamara requested that Diane Hyatt prepare a debt analysis of $20 million at 5 percent and 6 percent interest rates, and also analyze how much funding would need to be contributed for $20 million at the same rates. INRE: ADJOURNMENT Chairman Church adjourned the meeting at 5:52 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: D¡;JQ.)\g, tJ,IdøIJQ} Diane S. Childers Clerk to the Board Ý~h~~~:æá«ðÚ Chairman