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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/9/2007 - Regular January 9, 2007 1 Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 January 9, 2007 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the organizational meeting held on the second Tuesday, and the first regularly scheduled meeting of the month of January, 2007. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman Wray called the meeting to order at 2:04 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, Assistant County Administrator; Dan O'Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Diane S. Childers, Clerk to the Board; Teresa Hamilton Hall, Public Information Officer IN RE: ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY BOARD .L Election of Officers a. Chairman 2 January 9, 2007 Supervisor Flora nominated Supervisor McNamara to serve as Chairman. There were no other nominations for Chairman. Supervisor McNamara was elected by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Church, Altizer, Flora, Wray NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Supervisor McNamara b. Vice-Chairman Supervisor Altizer nominated Supervisor Flora to serve as Vice-Chairman. There were no other nominations for Vice-Chairman. Supervisor Flora was elected by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Supervisor Flora 2. LenQth of Term for Chairman and Vice-Chairman Supervisor Flora moved that the terms of office run from January 9, 2007, through the 2008 organizational meeting to be held on January 8, 2008. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None January 9, 2007 3 IN RE: RECESS Chairman McNamara declared the meeting in recess at 2:07 p.m. CALL TO ORDER INRE: Chairman McNamara called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. with all members present. INRE: OPENING CEREMONIES The invocation was given by Pastor Mike Wilshire, Cornerstone Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS 1.: Resolution of appreciation to Michael A. Wrav for his service as Chairman of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors in 2006 R-01 0907-1 Chairman McNamara presented the resolution and a commemorative plaque to Supervisor Wray. Supervisor Flora moved to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Supervisor Wray 4 January 9, 2007 RESOLUTION 010907-1 OF APPRECIATION TO MICHAEL A. WRA Y FOR HIS SERVICE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IN 2006 WHEREAS, Michael A. Wray served as Chairman of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors during 2006; and WHEREAS, during Mr. Wray's term as Chairman, the following noteworthy achievements took place: > Investment of $156 million dollars in Roanoke County by new and existing businesses resulting in the creation of 600 new jobs for the region; and > Began the process of developing a new 200-acre premiere business park in North Roanoke County that will function as a gateway to the Valley; and > Consideration of a proposal to develop a multi-generational recreation center that will offer indoor recreational opportunities and fitness programs for residents of all ages; and > Implemented a pilot recycling program in the Cave Spring Magisterial District; and > Recognition of Roanoke County Schools for being the first school system in the State of Virginia to receive district accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement; and > Approved a new state-of-the-art library for citizens in Southwest Roanoke County designed for patrons of all ages and utilizing the latest technology; and > Broke ground for the Western Virginia Regional Jail which will incorporate many green features designed to make the facility more compatible with the environment and reduce energy usage; and > Completed the new Public Safety Center and successfully relocated the County's technology infrastructure without interruptions in service; and > Selection of Roanoke County as the site for the 2006 BG US Challenge, a corporate team building event in which Team Roanoke County qualified and participated in the World Team Challenge held in Malta; and > Received a third consecutive Digital Counties Award from the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties for the County's proactive use of technology to improve the delivery of services to its citizens; and > Developed a Parks and Recreation Master Plan to serve as a guide for enhancing and developing recreation facilities and services to meet the future needs of the community; and WHEREAS, Chairman Wray worked diligently during his term to represent the citizens of Roanoke County by promoting economic development initiatives and supporting the uses of technology to provide advanced services to our residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, does hereby extend its deepest appreciation to MICHAEL A. WRA Y for his service as Chairman during 2006 and for his belief in democracy and championing of citizen participation in local government. January 9, 2007 5 Supervisor Flora moved to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None ABSTAIN: SupervisorWray INRE: NEW BUSINESS 1.: Request to authorize and execute ! performance aareement between the County of Roanoke. the Roanoke County Economic Development Authority (EDA). and Plastics One. (Jill Loope. Assistant Director of Economic Development) A-010907-2 Ms. Loope advised that Plastics One specializes in the manufacture of custom cable assemblies and connector systems for the medical and communications markets, and that their operation in Roanoke has played a critical role in advancing Virginia's presence in the medical device and plastics industry sectors. She noted that they have been an important contributor toward the Roanoke regional economy for more than 57 years. She stated that Plastics One has grown their workforce and their revenues by five times in less than 20 years. Currently, they are planning a $1.7 million expansion which includes the addition of 30 new employees. Due to the significant infrastructure improvements required, Ms. Loope reported that Plastics One has requested assistance with their expansion in accordance with the County's Public Private Partnership Policy. Therefore, a three party performance agreement has been negotiated between Roanoke County, Roanoke County Economic Development 6 January 9, 2007 Authority, and Plastics One. She advised that this agreement will promote and encourage the expansion and retention of this important company while encouraging increased employment and corporate investment in Roanoke. Ms. Loope stated that the agreement allows for an economic development grant in an amount equal to three years of new local tax revenue to be reimbursed to the company after the new facility is built. She advised that it is anticipated that this amount will not exceed $50,000 in total, and it is consistent with the County's Public Private Partnership Policy. She indicated that if the company generates less than the estimated new local tax revenue, then the actual grant for that year shall be less. Supervisor Wray noted that Plastics One has been a very good economic partner for Roanoke County, and he referenced the recent expansion of their products which are shipped world-wide. Supervisor Wray moved to approve the staff recommendation (execution of a performance agreement between the County of Roanoke, the Roanoke County Economic Development Authority, and Plastics One, Inc.). The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None January 9, 2007 7 2. Withdrawal of ! performance aareement between the County of Roanoke, the Roanoke County Economic Development Authority (EDA), and Oppidan, Incorporated, at the reauest of Oppidan Inc. (Elmer C. Hodae, County Administrator) A-01 0907-3 Mr. Hodge advised that Oppidan, Inc. is the development company that has chosen to develop a 40-acre parcel off Plantation Road. He indicated that this property has been vacant for many years despite the County's attempts to market the property, and this has been primarily due to the sub-standard access to the site. He advised that Oppidan approached the County regarding interest in opening up two national retail stores, Gander Mountain and Camping World. As the project developed, it was apparent that major improvements to the property were needed. Mr. Hodge stated that this agreement was presented to the Board on December 19,2006, at which time Oppidan requested assistance for infrastructure improvements. He advised that the Board supported this request for $1 million to assist with the infrastructure improvements for this $30 million project. Mr. Hodge reported that subsequent to the Board approval, Roanoke County was notified by Oppidan that one of their primary prospects had a policy against acceptance of incentives; therefore, they would no longer require the incentive. Mr. Hodge stated that this is good news because the development is still proceeding without the incentive, and he noted that it is our understanding that Gander Mountain will still be 8 January 9, 2007 part of the project. He stated that Oppidan will fulfill all the requirements that Roanoke County would have fulfilled had we participated in the project. Mr. Hodge advised that there were several differences between this project and the typical prospect which involves a single entity that works directly with staff. In this situation, the County worked with a developer who was bringing in other companies, and he noted that this adds an additional layer of complexity to the process. He indicated that if the developer does not pursue the project, then sometimes the related companies choose not to come. He advised that this project is an example of a "cluster" prospect that will take place over a period of time, as opposed to a single prospect that will occur at a specific time. He stated that the County has found that at times it is necessary to participate in bringing in the developer to ensure appropriate infrastructure improvements are made, thereby securing the prospect and providing additional jobs for the community. In this case, the 40 acres will be developed to expand the County's tax base and increase jobs. He stated that an additional reason why the County may choose to participate in a project is because it provides us with a seat at the table. He noted that even though the proper zoning may be in place, there are times when the County may want to take additional steps to ensure that the citizens surrounding the development are adequately protected. Mr. Hodge stated that this action would rescind the contract previously approved and reallocate the funds to the economic development account. January 9, 2007 9 Supervisor Church referenced the letter Roanoke County received from Oppidan and indicated that they sounded somewhat surprised by this change. He inquired if there is something else planned for this development. Mr. Hodge advised that Oppidan may change how the infrastructure is developed slightly; however, much of the standards are established by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). He noted that the developer has indicated that they are confident that the project will proceed as planned. Supervisor Flora stated that it is unique that a developer would turn down an incentive; however, we vigorously sought to attract them to Roanoke County because they will be a huge incentive to attract other businesses. He stated that it is his hope that Oppidan will proceed with the project and the fact that they are not accepting the incentive is a plus because these funds can be used to attract another business to Roanoke County. He indicated that the only disadvantage is that the County will no longer be involved in the decision making process. Supervisor Flora moved to approve the staff recommendation (withdraw the performance agreement with Oppidan, Inc. and return the $1,000,000 grant allocation to the Public Private Partnership account). The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None 10 January 9, 2007 INRE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES .:L First readina of an ordinance authorizina conveyance of an easement to Mountain Brook Development, Inc. throuah property owned !rl the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors at Vinyard Park to provide! mainline sanitary sewer connection, Vinton Maaisterial District. {Pete Haislip, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Mr. Haislip advised that this is a request from Mountain Brook Development, Inc. for the conveyance of an easement for the purposes of providing a mainline sanitary sewer connection from the proposed Mountain Brook subdivision, located within the City of Roanoke corporate limits, to the Glade Creek sanitary sewer interceptor located along the south side of a Norfolk & Western Railroad right-of-way within Vinyard Park II. He noted that this is the property that is leased to the Roanoke Star youth soccer association. He advised that the sewer line is adjacent to the soccer fields and needs to be run under the railroad and connected to the sewer interceptor. Mr. Haislip indicated that this same process has been used numerous times in the past, and the standard calculation of 40% of assessed value multiplied by the square footage was used to determine fair market value. In addition, field repair costs have been taken into consideration and the estimated date for completion of the project is March 1 to avoid impacting the soccer program. January 9, 2007 11 Supervisor Altizer inquired if this agreement encompasses all changes that the County will need to make to ensure that the park is restored to its current condition. Mr. Haislip responded in the affirmative and advised that staff met onsite and has addressed these issues. He noted that it is a small area that will be disturbed. Supervisor Altizer noted the language that referred to the "standard 40% of assessed value of the easement requested" and stated that he is aware that this is the County's standard formula. He noted that Alternative 1 mentions appropriation of "fair market value payment". He stated that "assessed values" and "fair market value payments" are two separate issues. He inquired if the correct language is being used. Mr. Mahoney advised that the language is appropriate. Supervisor Altizer moved to approve the first reading and set the second reading for January 23, 2007. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None IN RE: APPOINTMENTS 1: Library Board Chairman McNamara advised that the four-year term of Phyllis C. Amos, Cave Spring Magisterial District, expired on December 31, 2006. Supervisor Wray nominated James O. Nelson to serve a four-year term which will expire on December 31, 2010. He requested that confirmation of his appointment be placed on the consent agenda. 12 January 9, 2007 Supervisor Wray expressed appreciation to Phyllis C. Amos for her years of service on the Library Board. IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA R-010907-4; R-010907-4.c; R-010907-4.d; R-010907-4.e Supervisor Altizer moved to adopt the consent resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None RESOLUTION 010907-4 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS ITEM K - 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 January 9, 2007, designated as Item K - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1 through 6, inclusive, as follows: 1. Approval of minutes - December 19, 2006 2. Confirmation of Board member appointments to committees, commissions and boards for 2007 3. Request from the schools to accept and appropriate grant funding and reimbursements totaling $70,253.54 4. Resolutions of appreciation to the following individuals upon their retirements: (a) William C. Ails, Sheriff's Office, upon his retirement after twenty-three years of service (b) Agnes Engl, Community Development Department, upon her retirement after thirteen years of service 5. Resolution supporting a grant application to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to help finance the construction of a walking/hiking/biking trail in Walrond Park 6. Confirmation of committee appointment January 9, 2007 13 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 Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None RESOLUTION 010907-3.c EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO WILLIAM C. ALLS, SHERIFF'S OFFICE, UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY- THREE YEARS OF SERVICE WHEREAS, William C. Ails was first employed by Roanoke County on June 1, 1983, as a Deputy Sheriff in the Sheriff's Office; and served as a deputy sheriff in the facility maintenance department; and WHEREAS, Deputy Sheriff Ails retired from Roanoke County on January 1, 2007, after twenty-three years and seven months of services; and WHEREAS, Deputy Sheriff Ails kept the Jail facility in top mechanical condition through his expertise and dedication to the job; and WHEREAS, the public safety of Roanoke County citizens is assured by dedicated employees such as Deputy Sheriff Ails; and WHEREAS, Deputy Sheriff Ails, through his employment with Roanoke County, has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for its citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens of Roanoke County to WILLIAM C. ALLS for more than twenty-three years of capable, loyal, and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy and productive retirement. On motion of Supervisor Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None 14 January 9, 2007 RESOLUTION 010907 -3.d EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO AGNES ENGL, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTEEN YEARS OF SERVICE WHEREAS, Agnes Engl was first employed by Roanoke County on April 26, 1993, in the Community Development Department as a program support specialist; and WHEREAS, Ms. Engl retired from Roanoke County on January 1, 2007, after thirteen years and eight months of service; and WHEREAS, Ms. Engl was an exemplary employee and served as a role model for other employees in the Community Development Department; and WHEREAS, Ms. Engl assisted in the implementation of several projects including drainage, stormwater management, and floodplain protection; and WHEREAS, Ms. Engl was vital in conducting the business operations of the Community Development Department which involves building, development review, drainage, engineering, inspections, permitting, planning, stormwater management, and zoning; and WHEREAS, Ms. Engl, through her employment with Roanoke County, has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for its citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens of Roanoke County to AGNES ENGL for more than thirteen years of capable, loyal, and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy and productive retirement. On motion of Supervisor Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None RESOLUTION 010907 -3.e SUPPORTING A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION TO HELP FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WALKING/HIKING/BIKING TRAIL IN WALROND PARK WHEREAS, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (OCR), provides funds to assist political subdivisions of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the purposes of providing and maintaining recreational trails and trail-related facilities; and WHEREAS, there are urgent needs within Roanoke County to develop greenways and trails on park land; and January 9, 2007 15 WHEREAS, this project is deemed a development priority by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and shall be referred to as the Walrond Park Walking/Hiking/Biking Trail Project; and WHEREAS, in order to attain funding assistance from DCR, it is necessary that the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors guarantee that a proportionate share of the cost thereof is available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator, is hereby authorized to cause such information or materials as may be necessary to be provided to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and to enter into such agreements as may be necessary to permit the formulation, approval and funding of the Walrond Park Walking/Hiking/Biking Trail Project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors gives its assurances that the funds needed as the proportionate share of the cost of the approved program will be provided. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Department of Conservation and Recreation is respectfully requested to assist in approval and funding of the Walrond Park Walking/Hiking/Biking Trail Project in order to enhance the standard of public recreational enjoyment for all our citizenry. On motion of Supervisor Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None INRE: REPORTS Supervisor Flora moved to receive and file the following reports. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara NAYS: None 1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance 2. Capital Reserves 3. Reserve for Board Continaency 4. Future Capital Proiects 16 January 9, 2007 IN RE: 5. Treasurer's Statement of Accountability per Investment and Portfolio Policy as of December 31. 2006 REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS Supervisor Wrav: (1) He read a letter addressed to the Board from a citizen in his district praising the services of the County's Fire and Rescue/EMS Department. (2) He requested an update from Anne Marie Green, Director of General Services, regarding the recycling pilot project. Ms. Green advised that the trailer has been delivered and signage is currently being constructed. She is working with Teresa Hall, Public Information Officer, regarding promotional information to advise citizens of the availability of the recycling container. She indicated that the trailer will likely be in place within the next two weeks. (3) He requested that Billy Driver, Director of Real Estate Valuation, provide the Board with information regarding the recent reassessment notices. Mr. Driver stated that approximately 44,000 real estate assessment notices were mailed and staff is currently conducting an informal appeals process. To date, approximately 138 calls have been received regarding the reassessments and 50 appointments have been scheduled for additional review. He noted that last year, staff received approximately 380 calls and scheduled 92 appointments. Mr. Driver advised citizens that they can contact the real estate valuation office regarding questions about their new assessments, and indicated that the process for appeals is noted on the assessment form. Mr. Driver also highlighted the availability of Saturday and evening hours to make the process accessible for all citizens. (4) He referenced several recent January 9, 2007 17 automobile accidents on Cotton Hill Road and asked that Mr. Hodge evaluate these situations for safety concerns. Mr. Hodge advised that he would investigate the matter and also noted that staff is addressing an accident that recently occurred on Sugar Loaf Mountain Road. Mr. Hodge noted that if minor repairs to the road are all that is required, this might be accomplished in one of the maintenance line items of the budget; however if significant road improvements are needed, it would be necessary to consider adding these to the six-year improvement plan. He noted that a work session is scheduled at the end of February to discuss the six-year improvement plan. Supervisor Church: He thanked Mr. Driver for his prompt response to the citizens in the Catawba District who had inquired about their reassessment notices. He stated that if the citizens are addressed individually and their concerns are heard, they will understand. Supervisor Altizer: He noted that a citizen in his district had concerns about their real estate assessment, and he commended Mr. Driver for his prompt handling of this inquiry. (2) He advised the citizens in the Vinton District that he is now holding office hours from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays at the Roanoke County Administration Center for any citizen who wishes to meet with him. He requested that citizens contact the Clerk's Office at 772-2005 to schedule an appointment. (3) He noted that there are several legislative bills going to the General Assembly regarding land use and dedication of lane miles to VDOT. He encouraged citizens to contact their delegates to ensure that these bills do not pass and he noted that much of this 18 January 9, 2007 legislation is aimed at Northern Virginia localities. He stated that these bills contain ramifications on land use and zoning decisions for localities. Supervisor Flora: (1) He noted that he has received a few calls regarding reassessments and advised that the Board has no control over assessed values. He stated that all property is reassessed in the County every two years and he noted that when assessments are conducted every six years, the increases are far more significant. (2) He inquired about the status of the track at Hollins Park. Mr. Haislip reported that the County is in the process of constructing a loop trail for biking and hiking. Mr. Haislip indicated that the track should be completed in approximately one week and will be a one-half mile crushed cinder track. He recognized the partnership with the Hollins Rotary Club and Landford Brothers Construction, and stated that construction of this type of trail is part of the concept outlined in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. (3) He noted increasing problems with people moving 15-20 individuals into a single family residence. He stated that this creates issues within the neighborhood and advised that the process for zoning enforcement is cumbersome and time consuming. He indicated that there are noise concerns associated with this problem, and health concerns may also be an issue. He advised that County staff may need to develop a strategy for addressing these issues. Supervisor McNamara: (1) He stated that the real estate assessors establish values for property; however, they do not set the tax rate. He advised that the Board is responsible for establishing the tax rate and noted that there is still a lot of time January 9, 2007 19 before the tax rate is set. He stated that the overall assessment increase was 7.12% which is higher than it has been in recent years. The difference in the current reassessment is that single family households have appreciated at a greater rate than commercial and agricultural properties with an average increase between 8% and 12%. He stated that the good news is that the County is not in a declining market, it is a desirable place to live, and property values are holding strong. He advised citizens that there is an appeals process if they feel that their assessment is not proper. He stated that if citizens are concerned about the tax rate, they should contact the Board of Supervisors. (2) He expressed congratulations to the Fire and Rescue Department for their quality newsletter. INRE: ADJOURNMENT Chairman McNamara adjourned the meeting at 4:00 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: Dl~lO ,J. Ci~J}.[)~ Diane S. Childers, CMC Clerk to the Board , eph P. McNamara pnairman t/ 20 January 9, 2007 This paae intentionallv left blank.