Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/18/2008 - Special March 18, 2008 171 Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 March 18, 2008 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, met this day atthe Roanoke County Administration Center, this being a special meeting for the purpose of discussing budget development and hearing requests for funding from cultural, tourism, and other agencies for the fiscal year 2008-2009 budget and to hold a public hearing on the Secondary Roads Six-Year Improvement Plan. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chairman Altizer called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice-Chairman Michael W. Altizer; Supervisors Joseph B. “Butch” Church, Joseph P. McNamara, Charlotte A. Moore MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairman Richard C. Flora STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; John M. Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Dan O’Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Diane Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer; Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget; Wanda G. Riley, Clerk to the Board; Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance IN RE: WORK SESSIONS Vice-Chairman Altizer announced that the Board would now go into work sessions and following the evening session, work sessions would continue in the fourth floor training room of the Roanoke County Administration Center. March 18, 2008 172 1. Work session to discuss fiscal year 2008-2009 budget development. (Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget) (a) Fire and Rescue (b) General Services (c) Parks, Recreation and Tourism (d) Police Department (e) Community Development The work session was held from 3:05 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The following staff members were present: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; John Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Dan O’Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Paul Mahoney, County Attorney; Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget; Jimmy Lyon, Budget Analyst; Richard E. Burch, Chief of Fire and Rescue; Dustin Campbell, Division Chief, Fire and Rescue; Steve Simon, Division Chief, Fire and Rescue; Joey Stump, Division Chief-Administration, Fire and Rescue; Todd Maxey, Division Chief, Fire and Rescue; Anne Marie Green, Director of General Services; Nancy Duval, Solid Waste Manager; Marcus Ordonez, Assistant Director of Recreation; Mark Courtright, Assistant Director of Parks; Ray Lavinder, Police Chief; Terrell Holbrook, Assistant Police Chief; Arnold Covey, Director of Community Development; Philip Thompson, Deputy Director of Planning; Tarek Moneir, Deputy Director of Development Services March 18, 2008 173 (a) Fire and Rescue Department Budget Presentation: Chief Burch highlighted several events of the department in the past year including the disaster drill held at Hidden Valley High School in October 2007 and the Green Ridge Mountain fire in February 2008, which was the largest fire in the department’s history. He explained that the new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was used for the first time during the fire. He stated that the Fire and Rescue Department has sent surveys to the various agencies that helped with the fire and would like to bring those results back to the Board at a future date. He thanked the Board for the funds they have provided to the department to purchase equipment and protective clothing. Chief Burch stated that the new project for next budget year is the new North County Fire Station. He stated that the groundbreaking for the new station is scheduled for May or June of 2008, with the opening of the station in May or June of 2009. He stated that staffing is another large request in this budget and will include one-half year of staffing for the new fire station as training will need to be completed before the opening of the station in 2009. Chief Burch advised that the Emergency Operations Plan must be revised and adopted every five years, and the new plan will be brought to the Board for approval in September or October 2008. He stated that the department received a grant to construct a new burn building and construction will begin in the next several months. March 18, 2008 174 Chief Burch stated that the accreditation of the department was started about a year ago, and the department will ask for a work session with the Board in the next few months to give the Board more detail about the process. Chief Burch stated that fuel costs have increased significantly over the past several years. He explained that in 2005 the fuel cost was $30,000 over budget, and this year they are expecting it to be approximately $90,000 over budget. He stated that the department has been able to absorb these increased costs in their budget, but it may become more difficult in the future. Supervisor McNamara asked if there would be a volunteer operation out of the new North County station. Chief Burch stated that it would be considered; however, with the experience at the current Hollins station, it may not be very successful. He further explained that the department has created a new system where someone can volunteer for the County rather than for a particular agency. In answer to an inquiry from Supervisor McNamara, Chief Burch stated that four positions will be transferred from the Hollins station to the new North County station and that the new station will be a 24 hours per day, 7 days per week station. Supervisor Church asked about ambulance transports, and Chief Burch stated that there were 8,800 ambulance transports last year for all of Roanoke County. Supervisor Church asked for the number of transports for North County and Fort Lewis, and Chief Burch stated that he would get those numbers for him. March 18, 2008 175 In response to an inquiry from Mr. Hodge regarding increases in transport fees, Chief Burch stated that the department is expecting a three to five percent increase in revenue from call volume. Mr. Hodge asked Chief Burch to explain response times generally for the County and asked what he anticipates the department’s needs would be the second year out. Chief Burch explained that the Board had adopted a six-minute response time for Advanced Life Support for 80 percent of the calls. He stated that the current figure is 49 percent and that the Hollins station is a big reason for that as they responded to over 900 calls last year. He stated that the new North County station will have an impact on the call volume. He explained that the department is experiencing slow response times and some no responses from specific volunteer agencies. He stated that when the accreditation information is completed, there will be a complete profile of each station. Mr. Hodge explained that 14 positions have been included in next year’s budget for one-half year for the new North County fire station to provide the 19-20 weeks of training for the new personnel. (b) General Services Department Budget Presentation : Ms. Green stated that the upcoming budget for the department is $8.143 million which is a change of 2.45 percent from last year’s budget. She advised that requests for additional funding were made for janitorial supplies as the new Public Safety Center has more square feet than the old Public Safety Center and takes more supplies. She stated that the department is partially funding the replacement of two March 18, 2008 176 automated trucks. She stated that capital maintenance needs are increasing and the department has requested $400,000 for capital maintenance needs. She stated that several of the fire stations were built around the same time, and they are in need of repairs. Ms. Green stated that the department’s unfunded requests include an upgrade to the Kessler Mill Fuel Site at a cost of $16,000. She explained that this is the only fuel site the County owns, and it would be better to upgrade the site than to repair it. Ms. Green stated that Roanoke City had requested that the County consider a pilot curbside recycling program, and Supervisor McNamara had asked Ms. Green to include this in the budget. She explained that the cost for curbside recycling for an estimated 3,300 houses would cost $276,400 annually. She stated that her recommendation is that recycling is more cost effective with the current method of drop- off centers and that it is less expensive and gets the job done. In response to an inquiry from Mr. Hodge, Ms. Green stated that there are drop-off centers at Hollins University, Cave Spring Middle School, Oak Grove Elementary, Cox Communications, Glenvar Middle School, and William Byrd Middle School. In response to an inquiry from Supervisor Altizer, Ms. Green stated that the old automated trucks are listed on a surplus auction site on the Internet. Ms. Green stated that another unfunded item is the replacement of 5,000 automated trash cans at a cost of $265,000. She stated that the cans are needed for March 18, 2008 177 new subdivisions and buildings in the County and for residents who request to purchase a second can. Ms. Green explained that the current fuel costs for the County are $140,000 over budget and that the General Services Department alone is approximately $30,000 over budget. Mr. Hodge stated that all County vehicles are running approximately five millions miles per year, and if the cost of gas is $4.00 per gallon, a savings of ten percent can make a difference in the costs. Ms. Green stated that the Vehicle Replacement Committee reviews all requests for new vehicles except fire trucks. She explained that the committee reviews the requests to determine if a vehicle needs to be replaced and, if so, what to replace it with. She stated that with the replacement of more efficient vehicles over the past several years the County has increased its overall mileage by two miles per gallon. Supervisor Altizer asked if there is any differentiation between the County fuel sites and the Schools fuel sites and if the County staff is paying an up-charge. Ms. Green advised that the County staff is not using the Schools facilities for fueling vehicles and are only using the Kessler Mill site or the Wright Express Card. Ms. Green advised that the Western Virginia Water Authority is paying a five-cent up-charge for fuel at the County’s site. March 18, 2008 178 Ms. Green stated that the new garage will bid at the end of March or the first of April 2008 and that staff will bring the drawings and bids back to the Board for review. In reply to a question from Supervisor Church about the renovations at the Craig Avenue Recreation Center, Ms. Green noted that the Craig Avenue Recreation Center had undergone repairs in 2004 and was still in need of window replacements. She stated a lot of the older buildings had undergone a substantial amount of repairs. She advised that the Kessler Mill Road facility needs a lot of repair and replacement, but a decision needs to be made as to what to do with that building because it is probably not worth the $1.5 million in repairs. Ms. Green stated that the County has a fuel plan that goes into effect when the price of gas reaches $3 per gallon. The Board requested a copy of that policy, and Ms. Green stated that she would provide it to them. Ms. Green stated that the new garage will be LEED certified and advised that other County buildings are energy efficient. In response to an inquiry from Mr. Hodge, Ms. Green stated that the County currently has seven hybrid vehicles and two more are planned in the upcoming budget. (c) Parks and Recreation Department Budget Presentation: Mr. Ordonez stated that Mr. Haislip is having some health issues and will not be at the meeting and that he and Mr. Courtright will make the budget presentation. March 18, 2008 179 Mr. Courtright stated that the most significant issue for Parks in the future is the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan. He stated that as they position themselves in the Level 1 and Level 2 maintenance standards, the department will be able to operate at current capacity and will not be asking for any additional full-time positions in the maintenance operations. He stated the department manages 90 to 91 sites with staff and contractual services. He advised that the current work plan is a seven day operation and that from April to October, one of the park managers will also work Saturday and Sunday and will be available if needed. Mr. Courtright stated that the greenways were a major initiative in the Master Plan. He stated that the department will focus more attention on the greenway system. Mr. Courtright thanked the Board for the creation of the Vehicle Replacement Committee and stated that the replacement of the older vehicles has resulted in rarely having breakdowns. He stated that the department does have a challenge with fuel efficiency, and staff is trying to optimize their trips. Mr. Courtright stated that a number of their tractors are 15 to 20 years old and replacements of some of these tractors have been included in the department’s additional funding requests. He stated that part-time staff is very important to the maintenance and recreation operations, and a four-percent salary increase has been included in the department’s additional funding requests for those positions. March 18, 2008 180 Mr. Courtright discussed several previous Capital Improvement Projects, such as the project at Garst Mill Park which is planned to begin in the fall of 2008. He stated that the trail at Green Hill Park has been paved. Mr. Courtright discussed greenway initiatives, and park and wetland initiatives for the Taylor tract. Mr. Courtright stated that the $200,000 in the Capital Maintenance Projects was well utilized. He stated that some of the projects funded through this account were paving of the Mt. Pleasant parking lot; restrooms at Whispering Pines Park; playground at Starkey Park; bleachers throughout the system; new entrance, parking lot, and shelter at Brookside Park; walking trails at Walrond Park; and fencing the Oak Grove backstop. Mr. Courtright stated that the matching grant Capital Improvement Incentive Fund (CIIF) is a very successful program and the department hopes this continues for years to come. He stated that there is $100,000 in the fund and $75,711 has been allocated to projects that the department is facilitating through the Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and volunteer groups making improvements in the parks. He advised that the department is planning to renew the application for funding. Mr. Ordonez stated that sports marketing fits in with both the parks and recreation sides of the department and ties all these pieces together. He advised that over the past years, there has been a growth in tournaments from approximately 25 to 45 tournaments. He advised that often the region must host a smaller ASA or NSA March 18, 2008 181 tournament in order to attract a big national tournament. He stated that the department is requesting a transfer in funds of $25,000 from the CIIF Program to Sports Marketing to create some new sports marketing initiatives. He stated that the County’s partners in sports marketing are Roanoke City and the City of Salem, and they must bid on the tournaments up-front. Supervisor McNamara asked when the Sports Marketing budget was increased from $25,000 to $50,000, and Mr. Ordonez stated that it was two years ago. Mr. Ordonez explained that a majority of the projects that would apply for the CIIF program have been completed, and the funds requested from the CIIF applications have been in the range of $75,000 although there has been $100,000 in this fund; therefore, the department is requesting that $25,000 be transferred to Sports Marketing. He stated that tournaments and special events resulted in $11.2 million in direct spending in the Roanoke Valley, and they hope this will increase to $12 million next year. Mr. Ordonez advised that the department will be reviewing cost recovery measures in the recreation operations and setting measurable goals and objectives on cost recovery percentages. He stated that the fitness program is growing and the department is now offering several new sessions. He stated that the fitness programs are expanding geographically, and the department is developing partnerships with Hollins University and local churches to move those programs out into the community. March 18, 2008 182 Mr. Ordonez explained that the department is now performing criminal background screenings for all coaches with isolated time with the youth. Mr. Ordonez stated that the conceptual design of the multi-generational center has been completed, and it is hoped to have the design development phase completed by the end of March. Mr. O’Donnell stated that the groundbreaking for the multi-generational center is planned for late April or early May. In reply to an inquiry from Mr. Hodge, Mr. Ordonez stated that as the fees for the multi-generational center are developed, the staff will meet with the Board and request their approval for fees. IN RE: RECESS Vice-Chairman Altizer declared a recess at 4:08 p.m. The recess lasted until 4:16 p.m. IN RE: CONTINUATION OF WORK SESSIONS (d) Police Department Budget Presentation : Chief Lavinder stated that in the past few years, the Board has made a concerted effort to provide additional funding to help decrease response times and provide additional staff for those officers who work in the more rural areas of the County. He stated that the Police Department is requesting an additional six police officers for a patrol district in the Routes 221/419 area. Chief Lavinder advised that the department has received a grant every year since 1995 to provide a staff person to oversee the Crimes Against Women March 18, 2008 183 program. He stated that the grant will no longer be available, and the department would like to continue this program. Chief Lavinder advised that the cost of fuel has increased, and the department is $125,000 over budget this year; however, they were able to make some budget adjustments and cover the deficit. He stated that they would like additional funding for increased fuel costs, training at the new academy, and overtime. He stated that the cost of ammunition has tripled in price and vehicle equipment, such as lights and sirens, have also increased in cost. Mr. Hodge stated that the staff is requesting funding for one-half year for the six new police officers and for the position for the Crimes Against Women Program. He stated that the six positions that were approved in last year’s budget will be funded in the current budget for the full year. He stated that due to the length of time it takes to train new officers, these positions will begin half-way through the year. He stated that the vehicle allocation for the Police Department has been increased to $800,000, and surplus vehicles can be used for the seven new positions. He stated that the request for an increase in fuel costs is a common theme this year. Supervisor Altizer asked Chief Lavinder how having two districts in southwest County will affect all areas of the County. Chief Lavinder answered that he hoped it would have a major effect. He advised that last year, response times for true emergency, life threatening calls increased by 15 seconds. He stated that when six new officers are funded each year, the department is basically keeping up with the March 18, 2008 184 population of Roanoke County. He stated that it is recommended that the department have 1.5 officers per 1,000 people. He also pointed out that the County has ten times the land area of Roanoke City. Mr. Hodge recommended that Police and Fire and Rescue positions not be reduced. Chief Lavinder advised that the check for $2.8 million received from John Brownlee for the Police Department’s part in a federal investigation will be used for the new academy. He stated that several sites have been reviewed, and the primary site is the Kessler Mill Road facility. Mr. Hodge stated that he hoped to bring this item back to the Board in four to six weeks. (e) Community Development Department’s Budget Presentation: Mr. Covey stated that the common theme of the increase in fuel costs is a major issue for the Community Development Department as well. He stated that the department has experienced additional environmental regulations which will create additional workload in the future. Mr. Covey stated that he would like to focus on where the department is heading in the future. He provided a handout to the Board of the current organizational chart for the Community Development Department showing 58 positions. He stated that he would like to discuss the plan for his department for the next ten years. Mr. Covey explained that the divisions in the department will undergo name changes. He also stated that the plan shows 27 additional staff. March 18, 2008 185 Mr. Covey stated that all the projects the Board has heard about today – the new fire station, multi-generational center, garage – all have an impact on the department with plan reviews and inspections. He stated that new businesses developing in the County want to know how quickly plans can be reviewed, and staff needs to be available to address their concerns and requests and to improve customer service. Mr. Covey explained that another issue impacting the department’s workload is the stormwater ordinance, which will require more inspections, water quality issues, and stormwater permitting. He stated that currently the department approves erosion and sediment control plans and sends them to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for permitting. He noted that in the future, the Community Development Department will have the permitting responsibility. He stated that the FEMA flood plain requirements are enforced by the department. Mr. Covey stated that other projects the department is involved in are the Route 221 corridor; Hollins University corridor; Route 24 corridor into Vinton; update of the Glenvar Comprehensive Plan with the widening of Route 11/460; tracking proffers that have been approved over the years; zoning ordinance amendments; zoning inspections; several large drainage projects; and large development projects such as Wal-Mart, Slate Hill, Kroger, and Keagy Village. Mr. Covey stated that transportation is another area that will continue to grow with the Chapter 527 Traffic Impact Analysis, the new Access Management March 18, 2008 186 Guidelines, new roundabout at the South County Library, and access improvements to William Byrd High School. He stated that rural additions to the transportation system require staff time to meet with property owners to explain the project to them. Mr. Covey stated that the department is studying the possibility of extended hours and possibly working half days on Saturdays to offer better customer service. He noted that it is only a matter of time before the department will be involved in property maintenance. He explained that homes built in the late 1960s and early 1970s are aging and turning over as rental properties, and the County needs to be proactive in this area. Mr. Covey explained that the plan for the future of the department was a team effort of the staff in the department. In response to an inquiry from Mr. Hodge, Mr. Covey stated that the department is reviewing the fee structures to determine if there is an opportunity to use fees to offset staffing. Supervisor Altizer asked how many stormwater detention ponds are in the County, and Mr. Covey answered that there are 350. Supervisor Altizer then asked how many have been inspected since the new regulations were adopted. Mr. Covey stated that the department only has to inspect new detention ponds under the new regulations. However, he stated that the department is going to make an attempt to inspect all ponds over a period of time. Mr. Covey advised that when the department gets complaints about detention ponds, they have to notify the homeowners association. He reported March 18, 2008 187 that some associations are not as active as others, and it is difficult to find the responsible person. Supervisor Altizer asked Mr. Mahoney if a homeowners association is dissolved, who is responsible for the detention pond. Mr. Mahoney stated that he did not know the answer to that question; however, he would argue that the homeowners association would be like a corporation, and there would be joint liability to each lot owner. Supervisor Altizer asked what happens to the old detention ponds that fail and who is responsible for repairing them. Mr. Covey stated that in Sarasota, Florida, the homeowner’s association fees and a stormwater utility fee are part of the real estate tax. He stated that he could imagine that in the future, Roanoke County will be maintaining these facilities. Supervisor Altizer asked Mr. Mahoney if the County could be held liable for detention ponds that violate the Department of Environmental Quality standards, and Mr. Mahoney answered yes. Supervisor Church stated that most complaints from citizens come through the Community Development Department and that the needs of the department need to be addressed. He asked Mr. Covey to work with the Board to allocate a way to confront the issues. March 18, 2008 188 Mr. Hodge advised that one new staff person has been included in the Community Development budget for next year; however, the department needs three new positions. He stated that Mr. Covey had requested 12 new positions. IN RE: RECESS Vice-Chairman Altizer declared a recess from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. IN RE: PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public hearing and adoption of the Secondary Roads System Six- Year Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2008-2014 and the allocation of secondary road funds for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. (Teresa Becher, Transportation Engineering Manager) R-031808-1 Ms. Becher stated that in accordance with Section 33.1-70.01 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, the Board of Supervisors is required to conduct a public hearing on the Secondary Roads System Six-Year Improvement Plan to receive public comments. She advised that the plan before the Board of Supervisors was presented to them at a work session on February 26, 2008. She stated that at the work session, County staff explained the funding allocations for the next six years and the distribution of the upcoming fiscal year’s allocation of approximately $3.76 million (a 28.7 percent increase of funds or $1,074,885 from last year) between the two funding categories (Countywide Incidental Construction Items and Numbered Projects). She stated that staff is now requesting the Board of Supervisors conduct the public hearing and March 18, 2008 189 approve staff’s recommendation to adopt the resolution approving the Secondary Roads System Six-Year Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2008-2014 and allocation of secondary road funds for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. There were no citizens to speak on this item. There was no discussion on this item. Supervisor Altizer moved to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara NATS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Flora RESOLUTION 031808-1 REQUESTING APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEM SIX-YEAR IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-2014 AND APPROVAL OF THE ALLOCATION OF SECONDARY ROAD FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2008-2009 WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on March 18, 2008, to receive comments for the adoption of the Roanoke County Secondary Roads System Six-Year Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2008-2014 and the adoption of the secondary road funding for Fiscal Years 2008-2009; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors does hereby approve the adoption of the Secondary Road System Six-year Construction Plan for Roanoke County for Fiscal Years 2008-2014 and the allocation of secondary road funds for Fiscal Years 2008- 2009. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution duly attested to be forthwith forwarded to the Virginia Department of Transportation Salem Residency Office along with a duly attested copy of the proposed Roanoke County Secondary Roads System Six-Year Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2008-2014 by the Clerk to the Board. March 18, 2008 190 Moved by: Supervisor Altizer Seconded by: None Required Yeas: Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara Nays: None Absent: Supervisor Flora 2. Request to adopt a resolution approving the Revenue Sharing Projects and funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008-2009. (Teresa Becher, Transportation Engineering Manager) R-031808-2 Ms. Becher stated that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) annually provides localities the opportunity to receive state matching funds for the construction, maintenance, and improvement to primary and secondary roads in the state’s highway system. She advised that the Commonwealth of Virginia provides $1 million for the matching program and limits localities (counties, towns, and cities) to $2 million each. She explained that the Revenue Sharing Program for FY 2008-2009 contains 20 projects totaling $2 million in improvement projects. She stated that the County and VDOT staff presented these projects with maps and justifications for inclusion in the Revenue Sharing Program for FY 2008-2009 at the February 26, 2008, Board of Supervisors work session. She advised that staff has received no requests to modify or change the priority list and is requesting that the Board approve the priority list for the FY 2008-2009 Revenue Sharing Program. There were no citizens to speak on this item. There was no discussion on this item. March 18, 2008 191 Supervisor Church moved to adopt the resolution to approve the Revenue Sharing Projects and funds for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 and authorize the County Administrator to sign the Letter of Intent and defer appropriation of the funds ($1,000,000) until July 1, 2008. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara NAYS: None ABSENT: Supervisor Flora RESOLUTION 031808-2 REQUESTING APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE REVENUE SHARING PROJECTS AND FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009 WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors at a work session on February 26, 2008, reviewed and approved the projects identified in Roanoke County Revenue Sharing Program for Fiscal Year 2008-2009; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors desires to submit an application for an allocation of funds of up to $1,000,000 through the Virginia Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2008-2009, Revenue Sharing Program; and WHEREAS, $1,000,000 of these funds are requested to fund the projects identified in Roanoke County Revenue Sharing Program for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Roanoke County Board of Supervisors hereby approves the Revenue Sharing Project list for Fiscal Year 2008- 2009 and supports this application for an allocation of $1,000,000 through the Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Program. Moved by: Supervisor Church Seconded by: None Required Yeas: Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara Nays: None Absent: Supervisor Flora IN RE: FUNDING REQUESTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009 BUDGET 1. Cultural, Tourism, and Other Agencies March 18, 2008 192 Vice-Chairman Altizer advised that this time had been set aside for cultural, tourism, and other agencies to submit funding requests to the Board for the fiscal year 2008-2009 budget. The agencies were called to speak in alphabetical order (A to Z). The following representatives spoke on behalf of their agencies: (1) Arts Council of the Blue Ridge: Krista Engl; (2) Center in the Square: Larry Davidson; (3) Clean Valley Council: Stephen McTigue; (4) Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway: J. Richard Wells, President; (5) History Museum and Historical Society of Western VA – Learning Gallery: Kent Chrisman, Executive Director; (6) Harrison Museum of African American Culture: Sereina Paynter, President of the Board of Directors; (7) History Museum and Historical Society – O Winston Link Museum: Kim Parker; (8) Jefferson Center Foundation: John Levin, Senior Director of Development; (9) Mill Mountain Theater: Laura Romanowski, Associate Director of Development; (10) Mill Mountain Zoo: David Orndorff, Executive Director; (11) Miss Virginia Pageant: Bootie Bell Chewning; (12) New Century Venture Center: Lisa Ison, President; (13) Opera Roanoke: Judith Clark, Executive Director; (14) Roanoke Higher Education Center: Thomas McKeon, Ed.D., Executive Director; (15) Roanoke River Basin Association: John Lindsey; (16) Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: Beth Cline; (17) Science Museum of Western VA: Nancy McCrickard, Executive Director; (18) Small Business Development Center: Roy Baldwin, Director; (19) Southwest Virginia Ballet: Mike Lawson, Executive Director; (20) Vinton Historical Society: Douglas Forbes, Treasurer; (21) Virginia Amateur Sports: Peter Lampman, President; (22) Virginia Economic Bridge – no one March 18, 2008 193 was present to speak; (23) Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority – Explore Park: Fred Anderson, Chairman; (24) Western Virginia Land Trust: Roger Holnback, Executive Director; and (25) Young Audiences of Virginia, Inc.: Cindy Petersen, Regional Director. Clerk’s Note: Chairman Flora arrived at the meeting at 7:19 p.m. IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS Supervisor Church: (1) He advised the residents in the Green Ridge Court area that the developer has put his development plans on hold, that the project has come to a standstill, and the County or he will keep the residents advised. (2) He stated that he had given information to Bill Richardson about Mr. Dooley on Paint Bank Road and that he would get back with Mr. Dooley as soon as he had more information. Supervisor Altizer: (1) He stated that Chairman Flora has now joined the meeting. (2) He advised Mr. Hodge that he wanted to make sure the staff is aware of the Route 24 corridor study and the entrance into east County. (3) He directed the Clerk to contact Senators Smith and Edwards and Delegates Fralin and Ware to set up a meeting with the Wolf Creek Homeowners Associations in an effort to discuss the possibility of introducing legislation next year to give homeowners quicker control of their associations than they currently have. Supervisor Flora: He apologized for missing tonight’s meeting, but stated that he had to attend another critical meeting that was originally scheduled for last night and rescheduled for tonight. March 18, 2008 194 IN RE: WORK SESSIONS CONTINUED Chairman Flora took over as chair. 1. Budget Work Session. (Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator) The work session was held from 7:38 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The following staff members were present: Diane Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer; Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget. Ms. Hyatt and Mr. Robertson presented budget handouts to the Board which showed five-year revenue projections. Mr. Robertson stated that projected revenues for FY 2008-2009 is just over $6.5 million. Supervisors McNamara and Church questioned how revenues can be projected for three or four years. In answer to an inquiry from Supervisor Church, Mr. Robertson stated that in the previous five or six years, the County has had one year where revenues were in the negative and $2 million to $3 million surpluses in the other years. Mr. Hodge stated that it was important to review revenues for two years due to the addition of personnel in the Police Department and Fire and Rescue Department which will be funded for one-half year and fully funded the second year. Ms. Hyatt noted that the projected revenues were calculated guesses for planning purposes and that the rating agencies requested to see the projected revenues; however, this was one of the financial policies the County was missing. She stated that the rating agencies recommended that the County prepare this report. March 18, 2008 195 Ms. Hyatt reviewed the handouts with the Board (Projected Sources – Uses of New Revenues, FY 2008-2009 Budget Projections and FY 2009-2010 Budget Projections). Ms. Hyatt reviewed the handout with the Board (Changes Needed to Fund 4 Elementary Schools). It was the consensus of the Board to proceed with the renovations or replacements of four elementary schools, complete the architectural and engineering work on the schools, and then review the revenue forecasts for adequacy before the construction contracts are awarded. Ms. Hyatt stated that the transfer of funds to the schools for FY 2008- 2009, based on the renovation or replacement of four elementary schools, will be $62,214,926. The proposed budget that the Board reviewed includes 4 percent raises for County employees. It was the consensus of the Board that Ms. Hyatt conduct sessions with the employees and retirees on the proposed Retiree Health Insurance prior to the Board discussing this in a work session. The work session with the Board was tentatively scheduled for April 22, 2008. It was the consensus of the Board that a tour of the new regional jail site and a drive-by of Gander Mountain be scheduled for April 8, 2008, at 12:00 noon. 196 March 18, 2008 IN RE: ADJOURNMENT Chairman Flora adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Submitted by: ~~e~.~~ Clerk to the Board Approved by: r-zc.,~c.-~ L ~~ Richard C. Flora Chairman