HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/12/2006 - Special
November 12, 2006
929
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
November 12,2006
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at The
Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Virginia, this being a special meeting for the purpose
of the annual retreat.
IN RE:
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Wray called the meeting to order at 1: 10 p.m. The roll call was
taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Michael A. Wray, Vice-Chairman Joseph P.
McNamara, Supervisors Michael W. Altizer, Joseph B.
"Butch" Church, Richard C. Flora
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney,
County Attorney; John M. Chambliss, Jr., Assistant County
Administrator; Dan O'Donnell, Assistant County
Administrator; Diane D. Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer;
Brenda J. Holton, Deputy Clerk to the Board
OTHERS PRESENT: Eldon James, Legislative Liaison (left at 1 :20 p.m.); Jim
Johnson, Financial Advisor (left at 2:45 p.m.)
IN RE:
OPENING REMARKS
Chairman Wray expressed appreciation to the Board members for their
attendance at the annual retreat and advised that he appreciated the support that they
provided him while serving as Chairman for 2006.
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November 12, 2006
IN RE:
REQUESTED TO POSTPONE, ADD TO OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF
THE AGENDA ITEMS
Supervisor McNamara inquired if any topic could be discussed openly
under the agenda item entitled "The Future of Roanoke County". Chairman Wray
advised that he requested this item be added to the agenda so that the members could
discuss their visions for the future. Supervisor McNamara advised that a retreat was
not structured as formally as a Board meeting and he felt that there should be open and
forthright discussions. Supervisor Wray advised that he felt the purpose of a retreat
was to encourage open discussion. Supervisor McNamara reiterated that it was his
understanding that open discussion would be allowed under this item. Supervisor Flora
advised that this item would give the Board the opportunity to brainstorm ideas.
IN RE:
NEW BUSINESS
~ Request to adopt! resolution endorsina the re-election of Wanda
C. Winao as the Reaion 11 representative on the Virainia
Association of Counties (V ACo) Board of Directors. (Elmer C.
Hodae, County Administrator)
R-111206-1
Mr. Hodge advised that Wanda C. Wingo, a member of the Botetourt
Board of Supervisors, served as the VACo Region 11 representative for 2006, and she
has expressed her intention to seek re-election to this position. He reported that the
resolution was not prepared in time for the Board to consider adoption at their October
November 12, 2006
931
24, 2006, meeting. Mr. Hodge requested that the Board adopt the resolution endorsing
Ms. Wingo's re-election and have it delivered to the Region 11 caucus meeting before
4: 15 p.m. today.
Supervisor Flora inquired if there was any opposition to Ms. Wingo's re-
election, and Mr. Hodge advised that he did not think anyone else was seeking the
position but he was not certain of that fact.
Supervisor Altizer moved to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by
the following recorded vote:
AYES:
Supervisors McNamara, Church, Altizer, Flora, Wray
NAYS:
None
RESOLUTION 111206-1 ENDORSING THE CANDIDACY OF WANDA
C. WINGO TO SERVE AS THE REGION 11 REPRESENTATIVE ON
THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WHEREAS, the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) Board of Directors
representative from Region 11 is open for nominations at the V ACo annual meeting in
November 2006; and
WHEREAS, Region 11 includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Giles,
and Roanoke; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Wanda C. Wingo has been involved in both the Virginia
Association of Counties and the National Association of Counties for many years; has
served on numerous committees, commissions, and boards during this time; and also
previously served a term as President of the Virginia Association of Counties; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Wanda C. Wingo has served as the Regional 11 representative
for the past year and has expressed her intention to seek re-election to this position.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, fully endorses Mrs. Wanda C. Wingo's candidacy in seeking
to be re-elected to the position of Region 11 representative on the Board of Directors of
the Virginia Association of Counties.
932
November 12,2006
On motion of Supervisor Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Altizer, Flora, Wray
NAYS: None
IN RE:
BRIEFING
~ Briefina ~ Eldon James. Roanoke County Leaislative Liaison
Mr. Hodge advised that Eldon James, Legislative Liaison, was present
and asked him to update the Board on the General Assembly. Mr. James advised that
the Board should not expect anything stupendous to be accomplished on transportation
in the 2007 session since it is an election year. He advised that land use will be
discussed in committee meetings and when recommendations are made, he will
forward them to the County for review by the planning staff. The Farm Bureau will
probably make the sequester bill permissive rather than mandatory. Mr. James advised
that it is believed that the legislators will accomplish the majority of the items on the
County's legislative resolution, and he has not heard any discussion about problems
with the other items on the County's legislative program. He advised that regarding
revenue sharing, there may be a $2 million cap per locality instead of the $1 million
which he previously discussed with the Board.
In response to Supervisor Altizer's inquiry about the status of the Cardinal
Criminal Justice Academy, Mr. James referred the question to Mr. Mahoney; however,
he advised that there are things being discussed that may be to the County's
advantage. Mr. Hodge advised that Ray Lavinder, Chief of Police, has compiled a
chronology and other information to support a new law enforcement training academy
November 12, 2006
933
which should be sent to the legislators. Mr. Mahoney advised that the County
understands that Cardinal Academy has asked the other training academies in the area
not to train the County's employees. Mr. Mahoney advised that with the assistance of
Mr. Chambliss and Chief Lavender, he has drafted a letter for Sheriff Gerald Holt's
signature under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requesting all of Cardinal
Academy's correspondence and emails regarding this subject. He advised that
Cardinal Academy refused to train a group of correctional employees that Sheriff Holt
sent to them at the end of 2005 or beginning of 2006. He advised that if they can
secure this information through the FOIA, this could prove embarrassing for Cardinal
Academy with the legislators. Mr. Mahoney advised that the County is asking the
legislators to remove the moratorium language in the appropriation act that states that
no new independent academies can be created. Mr. Mahoney advised that they also
want to change the legislation to allow the Board of Supervisors to place a fee to be
used for training purposes on each traffic case in General District Court. He advised
that this fee will be similar to what is in effect in Roanoke City and other localities, and
he indicated that he and Mr. James will continue working to accomplish this legislation.
Mr. Mahoney inquired about the status of the proposal to devolve
responsibility for secondary roads to the counties. Mr. James advised that House Bill
5093 includes that concept as mandatory; however, it was proposed for an incorrect
section of the Virginia Code and this problem will have to be worked through with the
patrons and supporters of the bill. He advised that the chairman of the ad hoc group
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November 12, 2006
informed several people that he does not see mandatory devolution being passed. Mr.
James advised that he believes the bill will become permissive with caveats and this
concept will have a better chance of being passed and will be more workable because
counties have the choice of complying. He advised that even though HB 5093 was
written to make it mandatory, there does not seem to be enough support for it to be
approved as mandatory.
Mr. Hodge invited Mr. James to provide an update at a Board meeting in
December 2006 or January 2007. Mr. Hodge advised that the significance of the
revenue sharing for this year is that the County will allocate $1 million in December;
however, the final amount will not be known until March or April 2007. Mr. Hodge
advised that if it is approved, the County will receive the money in this fiscal year;
however, if it is approved in the following year, the $1 million would shift to the next
fiscal year. He asked Mr. James for any information he could provide concerning
monies for revenue sharing. Mr. James advised that in view of the information from Mr.
Hodge, he would like to discuss this with Mr. Mahoney to understand the subtleties and
suggest appropriate language concerning the fiscal years and whether or not the
County wants the monies be carried over to another fiscal year. Mr. James advised that
he had another meeting to attend and left the meeting at 1 :20 p.m.
November 12, 2006
935
IN RE:
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Mr. Hodge advised that several capital projects are on the agenda for
discussion; however, a closed meeting has also been scheduled because some may
require discussion of confidential information.
~ Multi-Generational Recreation Center
Mr. Hodge advised that on November 10, 2006, the County received an
unsolicited Public Private Recreational Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA) proposal
from English Construction Company with a check for $50,000 for development of a
multi-generational recreation center. He advised that he had one copy of the proposal
and that some of the information contained was confidential. He advised that the Board
will consider the proposal at their meeting on November 14, 2006, and decide whether
they wish to proceed with Phase II of the process. Mr. Hodge advised that the proposal
contains detailed information regarding two concepts for the project and provides
diagrams showing their locations. He advised that the County has information
concerning a potential partner for the project.
INRE:
CLOSED MEETING
At 1 :30 p.m., Supervisor Wray moved to go into closed meeting pursuant
to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 A (30) discussion regarding the terms of scope
of a contract involving the expenditure of public funds where discussion in open session
would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body,
namely contract with the Western Virginia Water Authority; and Section 2.2-3711 A (5)
~-----~----~-_.---~.__._.-~~---_._~_.~-_._-
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November 12, 2006
discussion concerning a prospective business or industry where no previous
announcement has been made. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
Supervisors McNamara, Church, Altizer, Flora, Wray
NAYS:
None
IN RE:
CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
R-111206-2
At 2:40 p.m., Supervisor Wray moved to return to open session and adopt
the certification resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
Supervisors McNamara, Church, Altizer, Flora, Wray
NAYS:
None
RESOLUTION 111206-2 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING WAS
HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened
a closed 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 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by
the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such closed 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 closed meeting which this
certification resolution applies, and
2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening
the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia.
On motion of Supervisor Wray to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Altizer, Flora, Wray
NAYS: None
November 12, 2006
937
INRE:
CAPITAL PROJECTS (CONTINUED)
1. Multi-Generational Recreation Center
Mr. Hodge asked Jim Johnson, Financial Advisor, for his advice on the
financing for the PPEA proposal. Mr. Johnson advised that most PPEA projects being
done in Virginia have the municipalities taking the lead in the process because they can
do the financing cheaper. He advised that he has not seen a PPEA done up to this
point that includes a private operating entity. He advised that the majority of the PPEA's
are done through lease revenue bonds, and some cities have used general obligation
bonds which they can do without going through a referendum. He advised that the
biggest issue on recreational facilities is whether it is deemed an essential
governmental purpose of the locality that would encourage an annual appropriation. He
advised that some localities try to combine different projects such as economic
development, with recreational projects or libraries which are essential. This helps
ensure that rating agencies will look at the project more strongly. He advised that the
market for rates is good, but he believes that within the next six to twelve months the
rates will probably be on an upward curve. He does not anticipate an increase in long-
term rates. He advised that construction costs are increasing every day, and he is
working with Ms. Hyatt to identify revenue sources and fit the debt service payments
into multiple projects within the confines of the County's budget. He advised that one
idea would be to take cash and put it towards the radio equipment or short-term projects
while financing the long-term projects at 100%, amortizing the payment, and reducing
938
November 12, 2006
debt service. Mr. Johnson advised that one of the issues would be the sensitivity of
having to adjust the revenue sources to fund the capital projects. It would be the
County's decision whether it is an adjustment of revenue source or expense item. He
advised that if you increase the debt service by adding the jail, recreational center,
library, and other infrastructure, it would all be new debt service and new funding would
have to be identified. If there is an economic development in the future, that could also
be considered.
Mr. Johnson advised that one item that Supervisor Flora mentioned was
Tax Increment Financings (TIFs) which are a viable financing option in many cases. He
stated that the only concern he would have is that it is a very costly financing because
lawyers, bankers, and others have expensive fees. He advised that if you have a small
TIF financing, it would be easier to do a lease revenue bond financing because instead
of the investor taking the risk of the TIF revenues, the County takes the risk.
Portsmouth and Suffolk have both built hotel conference centers where the
municipalities own a portion of the center and most of those have been done on lease
revenue bond financing because of the incremental tax revenues coming in from a
multitude of sources such as sales and real estate taxes. He advised that the
Community Development Authority (CDA) will probably be the predominant way that
people in Virginia finance infrastructure improvements but it is a non-rated credit and
the interest rates are closer to 6% on tax exempt vs. the County rate of 4.75%. He
advised that it is a much more costly financing vehicle but it does keep the debt off the
November 12, 2006
939
balance sheet, because it is the debt of a CDA; however, it is considered overlapping
debt and many localities have passed resolutions that the CDA is limited to a total of 1 %
of assessed value.
Mr. Hodge advised that Mr. Johnson's explanation was very significant.
He advised that there has been a tremendous increase throughout the state to have
revenue from an identified area going through an authority that the locality creates
which is different and separate from going through the Economic Development Authority
(EDA). Mr. Johnson advised that the CDA has a special assessment which in some
cases is in addition to the County's real estate assessment. He advised that a CDA is
being done in Hanover County now with a special assessment on real estate and a TIF
component which takes the incremental tax revenue from that district above what it is
now so it is combined; however, this is a non-rated transaction. Mr. Johnson advised
that he had to leave to attend another meeting. He left the meeting at 2:45 p.m.
IN RE:
RECESS
Chairman Wray declared a recess at 2:48 p.m. The Board returned to
open session at 2:55 p.m.
IN RE: CAPITAL PROJECTS (CONTINUED)
2. Library
Ms. Hyatt briefed the Board on the status of the South County Library.
She reported that the offer made to the owners of the property on Starkey Road has
been declined, and staff is moving ahead with the Merriman property as the site for the
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November 12, 2006
library. Ms. Hyatt advised that the architects have suggested that the library be placed
on the high portion of the property, which is the Merriman Road side, with access from
Crystal Creek Road. She advised that the wetlands will be maintained as a wetland
area with appropriate walking trails that will connect to the other areas in the Merriman
Park complex. She reported that the library will be a two-story building with a viewing
balcony overlooking the wetlands area. She advised that Crystal Creek Road will need
to be widened and revenue sharing monies are a possible source of funds.
Supervisor Flora inquired if the library would include public meeting areas
similar to those seen on the library tour in Phoenix. Ms. Hyatt advised that there would
be public meetings rooms, an auditorium, and a coffee shop included in the plans. Ms.
Hyatt advised that the architects are currently updating the wetlands delineation reports,
the survey of the property, and conducting additional core drillings. She advised that
the architects will attend a meeting in January 2007 to present the project plan to the
Board.
3. Western VirQinia ReQional Jail
Mr. Chambliss advised that the Jail Authority has had on-going
communications and assistance from the State Department of Corrections which
resulted in a number of suggestions for improvements to the design of the regional jail.
He advised that the footprint of the facility has increased 13,500 square feet and there is
a total of 605 cells. They also will be installing 200 bunks for double-bunking which will
give an opening capacity of 805. He advised that they met with some of the bond
November 12, 2006
941
insurance companies in New York last month, and it appears that four out of five groups
will be bidding on the regional jail. He advised that the County's bonds will trade as if
they are AAA bonds which will give the County an improved bond interest rate.
According to the present schedule, the bonds would be sold the second week of
January 2007, with a 30-year bond issue and interest in the range of 4.75%. Mr.
Chambliss advised that two years ago they were estimating interest in the 6% range.
Mr. Chambliss advised that the Authority adopted the use of the PPEA for
the competitive negotiation process, and they will be reviewing with the proposers some
of the suggestions made and evaluating some of the cost items. The Authority will
report back to the four governing bodies in late November or December concerning the
financial implications of the schedules related to the financing for this project. He
advised that they will attend the County's Board meeting on December 5, 2006. They
hope by early December to be able to acknowledge who will be awarded the
construction contract, the guaranteed national price, and the comprehensive agreement
for construction of the jail project. He advised that the local government per diem is still
in the range of approximately $42 to $45 as was projected a year ago. He advised that
because of the projected increase in construction costs, they have looked at moving the
debt service from a 20-year to a 30-year program to capitalize on the interest rate for a
longer period of time so they will be able to get the operation started. The schedule for
the construction would be approximately 700 days which would mean occupying the
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November 12, 2006
facility in approximately October 2008, depending upon how quickly thereafter they can
begin to transfer inmates.
Supervisor Church inquired if there were sink holes on the property. Mr.
Chambliss advised that there were two minor sink holes and these were taken care of
by excavating underneath and pouring in concrete caps. He advised that essentially all
of the land that the building pad is going to be on at this point has been bored. He
advised that they had a couple of areas that were questionable on the borings and they
over-excavated those areas, replaced the dirt, and doubled the size of the footers. He
advised that there were some minor areas but all of these were of manageable size and
have been taken care of to the geotechnical engineers' satisfaction. Mr. Chambliss
advised that there will be some additional cost due to the additional concrete work;
however, the extra excavation was built into the contract and where they did excavate
deeper than six feet, a change order will be issued.
In response to Supervisor Wray's inquiry, Mr. Chambliss advised that the
project construction costs increased from $53 million to approximately $80 million, and
that the County's share has increased from approximately $20 million to $30 million. He
advised that they increased the obligation for debt service from 20-years to 30-years to
try to keep the annual costs in line. It is within $100,000 of the previous annual service
amount. Mr. Chambliss advised that some of the reasons for the increased cost are
that the footprint grew by approximately 13,500 and the construction costs increased.
Mr. Chambliss advised that there was an 8% inflation factor included in the original cost
November 12,2006
943
projections; however, the cost for concrete, copper, steel, electronics, true-cast concrete
cells, (all of which include including transportation and fuel costs) have increased. He
advised that another factor contributing to the increased cost is that there is limited
competition for sub-contractors who can handle a job of this size or be bonded so the
costs are greater.
Mr. Chambliss advised that Ms. Brooks Ballard, State Department of
Corrections, advised that she was not surprised by the increases in the costs. She
suggested that the Authority review the plans for possible cost reductions and go back
to the State Board of Corrections to request an adjustment of the State's share. She
suggested that they wait until they reach the final determination of the cost figures
because they only get one chance to have the numbers adjusted by the State. Mr.
Chambliss advised that he anticipates that the State will still pay somewhere between
40% and 50% of the capital costs.
Supervisor Altizer advised that he wanted to be sure that they are
examining possible cost reductions that may occur at the current jail when the regional
jail is in operation. Mr. Chambliss advised that many of the funded positions from the
State will be transferred to the regional jail. He advised that there is some indication
that the State is looking at the number of deputy sheriffs so many of those may stay
within their local sheriff's office. Mr. Chambliss advised that there will be some
reduction in staff and savings at the local jails but most of the cost savings will be
ancillary. The cost per inmate will adjust slightly but there will not be dramatic savings.
944
November 12, 2006
In response to Supervisor Flora's inquiry about the number of employees
that the Compensation Board will require for the local jail, Mr. Chambliss advised that
none will be funded beyond what the Compensation Board currently funds. Ms. Hyatt
advised that there are currently some over-hire employees at the jail who will transfer to
the regional jail.
Mr. Chambliss advised that there was a modest increase in the
LEED/sustainable design features which are being made upfront; however, these
design features should save money in operating costs. He advised that payback in
some cases will be within six months and in all cases less than five years, and those
operational features are the right things to be done to protect the environment.
Supervisor Wray inquired if the other localities have been made aware of
the increased costs for the regional jail. Ms. Hyatt advised that there was difficulty
getting this information disseminated to the localities at the same time because of the
different meeting dates; however, they plan to meet first with Montgomery County on
November 27, Roanoke County on December 5, and later with Franklin County and the
City of Salem. Mr. Hodge advised that they would like to keep this information
confidential until it has been presented to the other localities.
4. GaraQe
Mr. Hodge advised that the County is close to an agreement with the
Western Virginia Water Authority and their contribution for the garage will be
approximately $1.2 million to $1.3 million. They are looking at property in the vicinity of
November 12, 2006
945
the new English Construction business park; however, it is probably not going to work at
that site. They are also considering the site which the County purchased near the
skating rink for either the garage or a fire station. He advised that Ms. Delores Pruett
,
who lives in the Hershberger House next to this property, has called him and Supervisor
Flora and expressed her concerns about the County's proposed use of this property.
Mr. Hodge advised that the estimated cost for the new garage is $5 million including the
land.
5. Radio System Uparade
Mr. O'Donnell presented a time line for the digital 800 MHz project and
advised that it needs to be completed by December 2009 because Motorola will not
support the analog system after that time. He advised that they are planning to use the
PPEA process to determine the scope of the project and that a consultant should be
chosen by December 2006. He advised that the system does not have to be all digital
at one time; they can leave the non-public safety users on analog if necessary and this
can be designed into the cost of the project.
Supervisor Flora questioned why the PPEA process was used for the
project instead of Request for Proposals (RFP) with competitive bids. Mr. O'Donnell
advised that it was a time factor since the PPEA process will design the scope of the
project. He advised that the current estimate for the costs of the radio system upgrade
is $26 million which will be shared equally between the County and Roanoke City. Ms.
Hyatt advised that the County has $5 million in reserve for the radio system upgrade.
946
November 12, 2006
IN RE:
FINANCIAL STATUS OF ROANOKE COUNTY:
.1:. Preliminary results of operations for June 30, 2006
Ms. Hyatt advised that as a result of year end operations, the County had
$1.3 million to put into the capital reserves after adding $1.5 million to the fund balance
as required by County policy. She distributed a summary of capital reserve balances
which stated that as of September 30, 2006, the County has $5.8 million in minor
capital, $179,000 in major capital, $374,185 in other reserves, for a total of $6.3 million.
She advised that the schools have $249,000 in minor capital, $3.7 million in major
capital, and $435,000 in other reserves, for a total of $4.2 million. She advised that
from the 2005-06 year end rollovers, the County is adding $453,000 into the minor
capital fund and $859,000 into the major capital fund while the schools are adding $6.2
million. She reported that pursuant to school policy, they put the maximum of $1 million
in the minor capital fund and $5.2 million in the major capital fund. She advised that the
County will have $7.7 million available for projects and the schools will have $10.6
million. She advised that the County has set aside $5 million from minor capital for the
radio system upgrade which leaves a balance of $2.7 million. The schools have set
aside but not officially appropriated $893,000 for Northside High School and $493,000
for William Byrd High School, leaving a balance of $9.2 million. She advised that on the
County side, they have looked at all of the capital projects and found $1.8 million in
funds that could be removed from other capital projects. She advised that they may be
able to re-appropriate the second $500,000 for the VDOT match if they do not get the
November 12,2006
947
entire $1 million in revenue sharing funds. Mr. Hodge advised that the amount of the
VDOT monies will not be known until February or March but he believes that they might
need $1.1 million for this purpose.
Ms. Hyatt advised that the schools added $1.6 million in funding from the
State budget amendment to fix K-12 funding. Ms. Hyatt advised that she was
disappointed in the distribution of these funds because the State sent the $1.6 million to
the schools instead of the localities that appropriated the funds. She advised that if the
County had received the funds, they would have been split equally with the schools. In
response to an inquiry from Supervisor Church, Ms. Hyatt advised that if they adjusted
these funds at this point, it would be through a decrease in the transfer of funds from the
County to the schools. Ms. Hyatt advised that the School Board will be considering the
use of these funds at one of their meetings with the alternatives being to: (1) split the
funds with the County; (2) appropriate the funds for capital projects; or (3) do nothing at
this time and the funds will be put in the year end capital funds. Ms. Hyatt advised that
the schools received $1.3 million because of the under-estimate of school enrollment by
378 in 2006-2007. Ms. Hyatt advised that by adding these new sources of funds, the
schools will have $12.1 million for their reserves for capital projects. She advised that
the schools will probably present their capital project list in January at the proposed
retreat with the Board. There was general discussion concerning the $1.6 million in new
funds for the schools and the total of $12.1 million for school capital projects.
948 November 12, 2006
1. Review of capital reserves and other sources to fund capital
proiects
Ms. Hyatt distributed the following handout showing capital projects and
their funding sources, and she reported on the details of each project. Ms. Hyatt
advised that Valleypointe Phase II is the English Construction business park project,
and that the $13 million listed for the radios is the County's share of the project.
Roanoke County Capital Projects
Sources and Uses of Funds
DRAFT
Uses of Funds
County
Portion
of Jail
Financing
Valleypointe Multi-Gen
Garage
Library Phase II Center
Radios
North County
Fire
Station Total
30 360 000 5 000 000 1 5 000 000
2 500 000 20 000 000 13 000 000 ~ 86 360 000
Sources of Funds
Currently appropriated
2007 -08 appropriation
2008-09 appropriation
2009-10 appropriation
2010-11 appropriation
500,000
2,000,000
500,000
500,000
500,000
500,000
500,000
3,000,000
From INWIIA
1,350,000
500,000
1,350,000
500,000 1,000,000
5,000,000 5,621,097
Major Capital
Minor Capital
From Capital Accounts - close
out projects
From Capital Fund - Fire
accounts
621,097
1,654,718
1,654,718
Public Works Fund
374,185
181,508 181,508
374,185
Public Safety Bldg
1,000,000
1,000,000
30,360,000
39,818,492
Jail Authority Bond Proceeds 30,360,000
Roanoke County Bond
Proceeds
13,000,000
20,000,000 6,818,492
30 360 000 5 000 000 15 000 000
2 500 000 20 000 000 13 000 000 ~ 84 360 000
November 12, 2006
949
Annual Debt Services
20 yrs @ 6%
20yrs@6% _OR_
30 yrs @ 6%
30yrs@4.75% 1,817,000
1 0 yrs @ 6%
1,133,405
1,743,700
1,452,980
925,415
Ms. Hyatt advised that sometime in the near future, she may request that
the Board adopt a reimbursement resolution to allow the future possible reimbursement
of the $2 million currently budgeted for the library. In response to Supervisor Flora's
inquiry, Ms. Hyatt advised that the request to use the bond proceeds must be made
upfront in order to have this option.
Mr. Hodge advised that the staff had worked very hard to accomplish
savings and he thought the schedule for the capital projects was well done but it is very
tig ht.
IN RE:
CLOSED MEETING
At 3:55 p.m., Supervisor Wray moved to go into closed meeting pursuant
to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 A (3) discussion regarding the acquisition of
real estate for public school purposes. The motion carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
Supervisors McNamara, Church, Altizer, Flora, Wray
None
950
November 12, 2006
IN RE:
CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
R-111206-3
At 4:10 p.m., Supervisor Wray moved to return to open session and adopt
the certification resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
Supervisors McNamara, Church, Altizer, Flora, Wray
NAYS:
None
RESOLUTION 111206-3 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING WAS
HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened a
closed 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 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by
the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such closed 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 closed meeting which this
certification resolution applies, and
2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening
the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia.
On motion of Supervisor Wray to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Altizer, Flora, Wray
NAYS: None
INRE:
BOARD COMMENTS
Supervisor McNamara requested that the Board support funding one-half
of the cost for installing Astroturf at Bogle Field. He advised that the majority of the
School Board members reported that they heard a majority of the Board members
November 12, 2006
951
agree to fund one-half of the costs when the schools turned over the Merriman site. He
advised that he thought the opportunity for the Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Department to use the field was far more important than the $400,000 funding required
for the Astroturf. He advised that four teams use Bogle Field as their home field and
because the field was un playable on many of their home games, the games had to be
rescheduled elsewhere. He advised that peewee football teams play their benefit
games there, and it is also used for soccer games.
Supervisor Flora advised that when Bogle Field was upgraded some years
ago, he thought that the agreement was that after the season started, there would be no
parks and recreation games played on the field. Supervisor Altizer advised that he
thought the problem arose when it was originally discussed that all of the high school
fields would have Astroturf installed but when some of the high schools decided they
wanted other things, nothing further was done. Supervisor Church advised that his
concern was that the policy should be consistent for all fields. Supervisor Flora advised
that Northside High School and Glenvar High School reported earlier that they did not
want the Astroturf. Supervisor Wray suggested that Astroturf could be offered to all of
the high schools, and it would be their choice whether they accepted.
Supervisor Flora advised that Astroturf was included in the budget when
Bogle Field was renovated; however, when the company that was going to install it went
bankrupt, the price increased and it was cut out by the School Board. Supervisor
McNamara advised that the School Board thinks that the Board committed to the
-------~----_.__.-~------------
952
November 12,2006
funding for the Astroturf and that the Board is backing off their commitment. Supervisor
Church advised that he did not remember making the commitment. Mr. Hodge
requested that staff be allowed to review this subject, look at field usage, and look at
sharing the costs with the School Board. Supervisor Church advised that he was not
opposed to the request but he would like to look at the background including usage of
the fields before making any decision. There was no consensus reached on Supervisor
McNamara's request, and Mr. Hodge advised that he would present a report to the
Board in January 2007.
Mr. Hodge advised that the principal at Arnold R. Burton School has
requested a school resource officer, and he would like for the Board to review the
school resource officers and public safety at a meeting in January 2007.
Supervisor Flora requested that the Board consider increasing the
$300,000 each funding by the County and schools for capital projects. Supervisor Flora
advised that philosophically he would not encourage the County and schools to budget
all revenues and expenditures because there would be no funds remaining for other
projects. Supervisor McNamara advised that he is not concerned about the schools
under-estimating revenues because it can only happen one year.
IN RE:
FUTURE OF ROANOKE COUNTY
Supervisor McNamara asked for the Board's advice on handling situations
where Gene Marrano, editor and writer for the Cave Spring Connection, publishes
articles on a regular basis with incorrect facts. Supervisor McNamara advised that he
November 12, 2006
953
wrote Mr. Marrano two or three letters concerning these inaccurate facts in his articles.
He advised that recently Mr. Marrano wrote an article which quoted him and other
supervisors, as well as County staff and ended with the declaration that the above
article was a "dream". In response to Supervisor McNamara's inquiry, Mr. Mahoney
advised that it was legal under the First Amendment for freedom of speech, and that
you would have to prove actual malice for it to be considered libel or slanderous.
Supervisor Church suggested that silence could not be quoted. It was the general
consensus of the Board that each supervisor should decide whether or not they wished
to speak with reporters.
IN RE:
DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL JOINT MEETING WITH THE
ROANOKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Chairman Wray advised that the School Board has requested that a
retreat be held with the School Board on Saturday, January 27, 2007. He advised that
the details of the time, place and agenda will be provided later to the Board members.
IN RE:
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Wray adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
Submitted by:
Approved by:
~~.~
Brenda J. olton, CMC
Deputy Clerk to the Board
-0)~Q.LJ~
Michael A. Wray
Chairman
954
November 12, 2006
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