HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/10/2000 - Regular
October 10, 2000
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Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
October 10, 2000
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 October, 2000.
IN RE:
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman McNamara called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. The roll call
was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Joseph McNamara, Vice Chairman H. Odell "Fuzzy"
Minnix, Supervisors Joseph B. "Butch" Church, Bob L. Johnson
(Arrived 3:20 p.m.), Harry C. Nickens
None
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney,
County Attorney; Mary H. Allen, Clerk to the Board; John M.
Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Dan R. O'Donnell,
Assistant County Administrator
IN RE:
OPENING CEREMONIES
The invocation was given by The Reverend Phillip Whitaker, Brambleton
Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
IN RE:
PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS, AND AWARDS
1... Proclamation declarina October 22-31. 2000 as Red Ribbon
Week in the Countv of Roanoke
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October 10, 2000
Chairman McNamara presented the proclamation to Mary Gwen Parker.
Supervisor Nickens moved to adopt the proclamation. The motion carried
by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Supervisors Minnix, Church, Nickens, McNamara
None
ABSENT:
Supervisor Johnson
2.
Recoanition of County Officials for sDecial achievement:
g.
Recoanition of Steven A. McGraw. Clerk of Circuit Court
for beina elected President of the Virainia Court Clerks'
Association.
Chairman McNamara presented the certificate to Mr. McGraw.
Q,.
Recoanition of D. Diane St. John for achievina
desianation as a Certified
Administrator.
Elections/Reaistration
Chairman McNamara presented the certificate to Ms. St. John.
IN RE:
BRIEFINGS
1...
Annual ReDort from the Health DeDartment for 1999 and 2000.
(Dr. Mollv Odell. Director. Alleahanv and Roanoke City Health
Districts)
Dr. Odell presented the annual Public Health Report as of September
2000 which provided various health statistics for the Alleghany and Roanoke Health
Districts which includes Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Covington, Clifton Forge,
Botetourt County, Salem and Alleghany County. The statistics included birth and death
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rates, reportable diseases, air quality, housing units, and river/creek water quality.
IN RE:
NEW BUSINESS
1...
Reauest to aDDrove a construction contract and advance
funds for the New South County High School.
(Dr. Linda
Weber. School SuDerintendent and Diane Hvatt. Chief
Financial Officer)
R-101000-1
Ms. Hyatt reported that the School Board has awarded the construction
contract for the new South County High School to GMT Industries for $19,094,000
which includes the auxiliary gymnasium and four additional classrooms. The contract is
within the construction budget. Proceeds from the state literary loan fund and the
Virginia Public School Authority Fund will be used to finance the project. The School
Board is requesting an advance of $9,500,000 at this time for construction costs needed
between now and May 2001 when the VPSA bonds are issued. Ms. Hyatt asked for
approval of the resolution which authorizes an advance of $9,500,000 from the County
for construction of the new South County High School and approval of the construction
contract of $19,094,000.
School Board member Mike Stovall, School Superintendent Linda Weber
and Richard Flora, Executive Assistant for Operations, were present to answer
questions. Mr. Flora reported that they first opened bids a month ago, when they
requested multiple bids and planned to use a project management approach. When the
bids were opened, they were $2.1 million over budget. The Schools decided to go back
out for a single bid and without a project management company overseeing the project.
The second bids were all on budget without using the $500,000 contingency. The
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October 10, 2000
Schools and project management group have mutually agreed to terminate their
contract. Mr. Flora also advised they plan to complete the school by June 2002,
depending upon the weather. In response to questions from the Board, Mr. Flora
advised that he did not know why the project management approach did not work in
Roanoke County when it had been successful in other communities.
Supervisor Johnson asked about the School's Six Year Plan. Dr. Weber
responded that the plan was complete and they would be presenting it to the School
Board. There was consensus to hold a joint work session with the School Board on
November 14, 2000 for presentation of the School's Six Year Plan.
Supervisor McNamara moved to approve the contract for $19,094,000 and
advance funds of $9,500,000. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Supervisors Johnson, Minnix, Church, Nickens, McNamara
None
RESOLUTION 101000-1 TO ADVANCE FUNDS FOR CERTAIN
EXPENDITURES MADE AND/OR TO BE MADE IN CONNECTION WITH
THE ACQUISITION, RENOVATION, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING
OF CERTAIN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR SCHOOL PROJECTS
(SOUTH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL)
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Roanoke, Virginia
(the "County Board") adopted a resolution on August 19, 1997 declaring its intention to
reimburse itself from the proceeds of one or more tax-exempt financings for certain
expenditures made and/or to be made in connection with the acquisition, renovation,
construction and equipping of certain capital improvements for school projects, and
WHEREAS, the School Board (the "School Board") of the County of
Roanoke, Virginia (the "County") adopted a resolution on August 28, 1997 declaring its
intention to reimburse itself from the proceeds of one or more tax-exempt financings for
certain expenditures made and/or to be made in connection with the acquisition,
renovation, construction and equipping of certain capital improvements for school
projects, and
WHEREAS, the School Board requested an advance to award contracts
of $318,000 for site development, $129,300 for architecture and engineering costs,
value engineering, and surveying/testing, and $226,651 for project management for
Glenvar Middle School, for a total advance of $673,951, on June 13, 2000, and
WHEREAS, the School Board requested an advance to award contracts
of $592,100 for site development, $500,000 for road construction, and $757,992 for
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project management for the new south county high school, for a total advance of
$1,850,092, on June 13, 2000, and
WHEREAS, the County Board approved an advance of $1 ,850,092 for the
new south county high school and an advance of $673,951 for Glenvar Middle School
on June 13, 2000, and
WHEREAS, the School Board is now requesting approval to award the
construction contract for the new south county high school for $19,094,000 and requires
an advance in the amount of $9,500,000.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the County Board authorizes the School
Board to enter into a construction contract for $19,094,000 and advances the sum of
$9,500,000 for construction of the new south county high school.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried
by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Johnson, Minnix, Church, Nickens, McNamara
NAYS: None
IN RE:
FIRST READINGS OF ORDINANCES
1...
First readina of an ordinance amendina and reenacting
Section 21-3. "Utilitv Service Tax" of Article I. "In General" of
ChaDter 21. "Taxation" of the Roanoke County Code to
conform to the reQuirements of Virainia Statutes dereaulatina
electrical and natural aas industries.
Senior Assistant County Attornev)
(JoseDh Obenshain.
Mr. Obenshain reported that the General Assembly passed legislation
deregulating the gas and electric industries in the state effective January 1, 2001. As a
result, localities are required to amend their consumer utility tax and utility license tax
ordinances before October 31, 2000, to allow a sixty day notice to be given to electric
and gas companies. The legislation will give consumers the option of purchasing their
gas or electricity service from a choice of different providers which may be located
outside of Virginia. Federal law prohibits local governments from requiring out-of-state
companies to collect the taxes imposed upon residents and businesses in their present
form, and the tax basis must be changed from a percentage of the dollar amount paid
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October 10, 2000
by the consumer to a tax based on the amount of energy consumed. Mr. Obenshain
explained that the new rate structure is supposed to be revenue neutral, generating the
same amount of revenue that the localities have been receiving under the current
system.
Supervisor Nickens moved to approve the first reading and set the second
reading and public hearing for October 24, 2000. The motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Supervisors Johnson, Minnix, Church, Nickens, McNamara
None
INRE:
APPOINTMENTS
1...
Industrial DeveloDment Authority
Supervisor Nickens nominated Craig W. Sharpe to fill the unexpired term
of J. Carson Quarles. The term will expire September 26, 2002.
IN REL:
CONSENT AGENDA
R-101000-2: R-101000-2.e
Supervisor Nickens moved to adopt the Consent Resolution after
discussion of Item 5. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Supervisors Johnson, Minnix, Church, Nickens, McNamara
None
RESOLUTION 101000-2 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:
October 10, 2000
591
1. That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for
October 10, 2000 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 5, inclusive, as follows:
1. Confirmation of appointment to the Hanging Rock Battlefield and
Rail Preservation Foundation.
2.
Designation of a voting representative at the Virginia Association of
Counties (VACo) Annual Meeting.
Request for acceptance and appropriation of $16,111 from the
Department of Education for alternative student education.
3.
4,
Donation of a new 20' drainage easement and waterline easement
and a new 20' waterline easement on property of Boone, Boone &
Loeb, Inc., Fairway Forest Villas, in the Windsor Hills Magisterial
District.
Endorsement of Supervisor Harry C. Nickens to serve another term
as Region Nine Representative on the Virginia
Association of Counties Board of Directors.
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 Nickens to adopt the Consent Resolution, and
carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Johnson, Minnix, Church, Nickens, McNamara
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 101000-2.e ENDORSING SUPERVISOR HARRY C.
NICKENS TO SERVE ANOTHER TERM AS REGION NINE
REPRESENTATIVE ON VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
5.
WHEREAS, Supervisor Harry C. Nickens is currently serving a two year
term as Region Nine Representative on the Virginia Association of Counties Board of
Directors; and
WHEREAS, Supervisor Nickens has advised that he desires to continue
serving as Region Nine Representative for another two year term which will begin
January 1, 2001, and end on December 31, 2002; and
WHEREAS, Supervisor Nickens has requested an endorsement from
each of the governing bodies in Region Nine which includes Bedford County, Botetourt
County, Craig County, Giles County and Roanoke County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, does hereby endorse Harry C. Nickens to serve another two
year term as Region Nine representative on the VACo Board of Directors; and
FURTHER, the Clerk to the Board is directed to forward a copy of this
resolution to each of the governing bodies in Region Nine, and James D. Campbell,
Executive Director of V ACo.
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October 10, 2000
On motion of Supervisor Nickens to adopt the resolution, and carried by
the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Johnson, Minnix, Church, Nickens, McNamara
NAYS: None
IN RE:
REQUESTS FOR WORK SESSIONS
Chairman McNamara scheduled a work session on November 14, 2000 to
discuss the School's Six Year Plan.
Chairman McNamara advised that the Cave Spring Rescue volunteers
had requested a work session on October 24, 2000 at 5:00 p.m. with audio visual
support.
IN RE:
CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Chris Caveness. 5051 Twelve O'Clock Knob Road. thanked the Board
for their support on the Virginia Gas Pipeline issue. He presented a petition from 100
citizens and advised that they had filed a motion to the SCC questioning (1) whether the
Virginia Gas Pipeline provided the required time period following their public notice; and
(2) that those notified were informed that the requested easements would include other
uses such as telecommunications. He asked that the Board endorse their petition.
Mr. Mahoney advised that the Board will meet with the Montgomery
County Board of Supervisors later in the evening in a closed meeting and that the
material presented by Mr. Caveness will be discussed at that time.
INRE:
REPORTS
Supervisor Minnix moved to receive and file the following reports after
discussion of Item 6. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
October 10,2000
593
AYES:
NAYS:
1...
2.
~
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.§.,
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Supervisors Johnson, Minnix, Church, Nickens, McNamara
None
General Fund UnaDDroDriated Balance
CaDital Fund UnaDDroDriated Balance
Board Continaencv Fund
Future School CaDital Reserve
Quarterlv ReDort on Dav ReDorting Proaram
UDdate on renovations to the Salem Office SUDDlv building
Supervisor Johnson asked for a cost breakdown after the construction
bids are received. Supervisor Nickens advised that he had no interest in going beyond
the original scope and plans. Supervisor Minnix asked Mr. Hodge or Mr. Mahoney if
additional funds are provided with the appointment of an additional judge. Mr. Hodge
advised that any additional funds would cover office support only.
1..
IN RE:
Statement of the Treasurer's Accountabilitv Der Investment
and Portfolio Policy as of SeDtember 30. 2000.
REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
SuDervisor Johnson: (1) He apologized for being late to the meeting. (2)
He noted that his father was deaf and would have enjoyed the closed captioning of the
meeting, and that he was proud that we are now providing the service. (3) He advised
that he tried to attend the Explore Park picnic but took his grandchildren instead to the
Police Department Open House, and commended the department on the activity.
SuDervisor Minnix: (1) He explained that he did not attend the Explore
Park picnic either because he had to work. (2) He reminded the residents on Penn
Forest Blvd. that NO PARKING signs will be installed soon, but he is trying to determine
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October 10, 2000
whether there can be parking during evening hours. (3) He announced that the Board
met with the Airport Commission and the Roanoke City Council earlier and heard a
report from Jacqueline Shuck, Airport Executive Director. (4) He advised that he has
had many residents ask him about the new Land Rover dealership on Route 220 and
the Virginia Department of Transportation restrictions and asked Mr. Hodge for a report.
Mr. Hodge advised that Land Rover and VDOT are working on safe access to the site.
SuDervisor Church: (1) He advised that he attended the Explore Park
picnic and had a good time.
He pointed out that the local governments can
communicate more effectively if they know each other better. He thanked Mr. Hodge
and the staff for the picnic. (2) He also attended the Police Department Open House
and congratulated the staff on an excellent program. (3) He spoke of the opportunity at
the grand opening of the Center for Research and Technology to meet prospects who
would be coming to town for the event.
SuDervisor McNamara: (1) He reported that the members of the Board
attended a Workforce Development program along with 80-90 others earlier in the day.
(2) He explained that the primary reason for meeting with the Airport Commission was
because of the economic development importance of the airport, and that the Board will
continue to work with the Airport Commission and Roanoke City Council. (3) He
announced that the Center for Research and Technology Opening Ceremonies will be
held Thursday, October 12, 2000, and that the Lt Governor, Secretary of Technology,
President of Virginia Tech, and other dignitaries will be among those attending.
IN RE:
RECESS
Chairman McNamara declared a ten minute recess at 4:30 p.m.
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INRE:
WORK SESSIONS (4TH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM)
1... Work Session to discuss amendments to the Community Plan
for the Hollins/Interstate 81 Exit 146 interchanae area. (Janet
Scheid. Senior Planner)
The work session was held from 4:40 p.m. until 5:05 p.m. Ms. Scheid
explained that the changes to the community plan and development and land use
guidelines are to encourage future economic development but that there is no change in
the zoning at this time. She reported that as a result of the increasing traffic along the
Interstate 81 corridor, VDOT has proposed improving the interstate. One of these
proposed improvements calls for the enlargement and relocation of the Hollins
interchange, Exit 146. The interchange study has been conducted to analyze the
potential impacts and opportunities that the road improvements provide on the current
land uses. Another objective is to determine suitable land uses within the project area
which can promote economic opportunities while limiting the haphazard development of
land in ways that are not consistent with the overall objectives of the interchange
district.
The current uses within the project area range from agricultural to
residential to industrial. As this transition continues to progress with the widening of
1-81 and the re-design of the interchange, it is important that the County Land Use Maps
and Community Plan provide current property owners, and particularly residential
owners, with the ability to adapt to changing uses and property values.
Ms. Scheid reported that the following Design and Land Use Guidelines
were recommended to ensure that the development of the Hollins/I-81 Interchange
District conforms with the overall objectives. Plantation Road will continue to serve as
an important gateway into Roanoke County and it is extremely important that the
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October 10, 2000
improvements made to the area reflect the project's proximity to Tinker Mountain, Green
Ridge, Hollins University and the adjacent residential developments.
These
recommendations will be implemented in all or some of the following ways: (1) as
guidelines in the review of rezonings and special use permits; (2) as requirements of an
interchange overlay district incorporated into the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance; or
(3) as guidelines used in evaluating public/private partnerships to advance economic
development projects.
StreetscaDe ImDrovements
This interchange area is a gateway into the Roanoke County community. landscaped
medians and right-of-ways, where appropriate and visual, are encouraged to be
incorporated into road improvement projects.
The coordinated use of shared entrances and parking lots is encouraged. This will
create a safer vehicular environment along Plantation Road by reducing the number of
entrances on the roadway.
Sianaae
The County should work with property owners to ensure that signage conforms to the
Hollins Village Design Guidelines for suitable sign types, materials and colors to aid
businesses in the design and construction of their signage. A financial incentive
program is in place in this community to encourage owners of existing business signs to
renovate their signage to meet these recommended guidelines.
Monument style signs are encouraged throughout the interchange area. In areas
designated Transition, monument signs, whether for multiple or single business, should
not exceed 7 feet in height and 10 feet in width. In areas designated Core or Principal
Industrial, monument signs, whether for multiple or single business, should not exceed
15 feet in height and 10 feet in width. In all areas, monument signs should not be back
lit but may have ground illumination. There should be a limit of one monument sign per
parcel.
In situations where monument style signs are not used, then the sign regulations
contained in the Office District (C-1) of the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance,
Section 30-93-13(0) should apply.
No new off-premises advertising should be allowed in the interchange district.
October 1O, 2000
~q7
Architectural Guidelines
Exterior building materials are encouraged to be of high quality, attractive in
appearance, durable and easily maintained for the life of the structure. Brick, stone or
masonry construction is preferred for all structures but particularly for those buildings
fronting or visible from the public street. Metal exterior construction materials should
only be used on the sides of buildings not visible from the public street.
For properties zoned commercial, roof pitches of no less than a 4/12 pitch are
encouraged on both primary structures and accessory structures. Flat roofs are not
encouraged on commercial properties. Roof materials should be nonreflective.
Architectural design should be sensitive to form, texture, color and massing of buildings,
with particular emphasis paid to articulating entrances and to minimizing bulk.
Bright primary colors for exterior materials, including trim, are discouraged.
Land Use Guidelines
It is the intention of Roanoke County to encourage the development and
re-development of this interchange district in an orderly manner that is consistent with
the stated objectives. This will ensure development that protects the environment and
aesthetics of the area while protecting against development that is likely to cause or
create a hazard or nuisance to adjacent properties.
The development and re-development of property within this interchange district should
only be conducted when proper and safe vehicular access is provided taking into
consideration sight distance, turning movements, acceleration and deceleration lanes
and speed of traffic.
It is the intention of Roanoke County to provide technical and/or financial incentives to
property owners within this Interchange District, through public/private partnerships
where appropriate, to encourage the development and re-development of property
within the guidelines stated herein.
It is the objective of Roanoke County to encourage the development and
re-development of those properties that are best situated for industrial and commercial
development based on location, road access, topography and other physical attributes.
In addition, it is the objective of Roanoke County to preserve and protect, where
appropriate, existing residential properties and those properties best suited for no
development or for very low intensity development due to their special natural features.
2.
Work Session on vear-end oDerations. (Brent Robertson. Budget
Director)
The work session was held from 5:07 p.m. until 5:50 p.m.
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October 10, 2000
Mr. Hodge reported that expenditures were still being audited, but savings are
expected to be between $500,000 and $700,000, and revenue growth exceeded budget
projections by $3,366,381. During the current budget process, the Board approved
$723,627 for major expenditures to be taken from this anticipated surplus. In addition,
State reimbursement for programs account for over $500,000 of the surplus. Also,
interest income related to rising interest rates and reserving funds for construction
projects accounted for over $350,000. This leaves available funds of $2,643,114.
Mr. Hodge offered recommendations on the potential uses of the year end
revenues, including additional Emergency Medical Services personnel, and economic
development funds for Clearbrook Development and McDonald Farm.
Supervisor McNamara suggested that the County use some of the funds for
Parks and Recreation to conduct an inventory of sites that could be used to increase
tourism activities. There was general consensus to fund the Clearbrook development.
Other items discussed for potential funding included: tourism, McDonald Farm, fire and
EMS.
Mr. Hodge emphasized that the three priorities are education, economic
development and fire and EMS.
IN RE:
ADJOURNMENT
At 5:50 p.m. Chairman McNamara adjourned the meeting to attend a joint
meeting at 7:15 p.m. with the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors at the
Montgomery County Courthouse, Christiansburg, Virginia, for the purpose of discussion
of the Virginia Gas Pipeline and a joint closed meeting on the same subject.
October 10, 2000
5~
Submitted by,
Approved by,
Mary H. Allen, CMC/AAE
Clerk to the Board
Joseph McNamara
Chairman
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