HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/8/2013 - RegularJanuary 8, 2013 1
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday and the first
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of January 2013. Audio and video recordings
of this meeting will be held on file for a minimum of five (5) years in the office of the
Clerk to the Board of Supervisors.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
taken.
Chairman Flora called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. The roll call was
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Richard C. Flora; Supervisors Michael W. Altizer,
Joseph B. "Butch" Church, Eddie "Ed" Elswick and Charlotte
A. Moore
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: B. Clayton Goodman III, County Administrator; Daniel R.
O'Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Paul M.
Mahoney, County Attorney; Teresa H. Hall, Director of Public
Information and Deborah C. Jacks, Clerk to the Board
IN RE: ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY BOARD
1. Election of Officers
a. Chairman
Supervisor Church nominated Supervisor Moore to serve as Chairman.
Supervisor Moore declined the nomination. Supervisor Moore nominated Supervisor
Altizer to serve as Chairman. Supervisor Altizer was elected by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Altizer, Elswick, Church
NAYS: Supervisor Church
Supervisor Church commented that his vote is not going to make any
difference because he is sure it was predecided decided over a year ago, but with due
2 January 8, 2013
respect to Mr. Flora and Mr. Altizer who voted no during his nomination in 2010, he
respectfully votes no.
Supervisor Elswick commented during his vote that politics has been a
part of who gets to be Chairman in times past; he has been guilty himself and he would
like to see the Board resolve that from now on the Board forces a rotation of the job, so
they can all responsive to the responsibility of being a Supervisor and the citizens get a
chance to see how each performs in the job and make it official that from now on the
position will be rotated and try to get politics out of it.
b. Vice Chairman
Supervisor Flora nominated Supervisor Moore to serve as Vice
Chairman. Supervisor Moore was elected by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: Supervisor Church
Supervisor Church commented during his vote that unless Supervisor
Altizer can guarantee he is never going to be sick and miss a meeting, which he knows
he cannot he goes back to the lady from Cave Spring has declined the Chair,
somewhere along the line there is a lack of process.
IN RE: RECESS
Chairman Altizer declared the meeting in recess at 2:10 p.m.
IN RE: INVOCATION
An invocation was given by Pastor Sam Belisle from the Celebration
Church before the afternoon meeting was called back into session.
IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES
Chairman Altizer called the meeting back into open session at 3:03 p.m.
with all Supervisors present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Recognition of Brian Clingenpeel for receiving the Governor's
Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children (Richard
E. Burch, Jr., Chief of Fire and Rescue)
January 8, 2013 3
Chief Burch outlined the recognition. In attendance for this recognition
were Chief Richard E. Burch, Jr., Brian Clingenpeel, Public Educator, Rob Logan,
Executive Director of the Western Virginia EMS Council; Division Chief Steve Simon
and Division Chief Todd Maxey.
Mr. Clingenpeel thanked everyone for the recognition. All Supervisors
offered their thanks and congratulations.
2. Recognizing Virginia Department of Forestry and Roanoke
County Fire and Rescue Staff for extinguishment of forest fire
on November 25, 2012 (Richard E. Burch, Jr., Chief of Fire and
Rescue)
Chief Burch gave a brief overview of the fire on November 25, 2012 and
turned the remarks over to Captain Jerry Parcell who gave a more detailed accounting
of the extinguishment of the fire. In attendance for this recognition were Chief Richard
E. Burch, Jr., Captain Jerry Parcell, Captain Don Altice and Division Chief Dustin
Campbell; Virginia Department of Forestry Foresters: Joe Boswell, John Willoughby,
Dennis McCarthy; Bent Mountain Volunteer EMT Robert Foote. All Supervisors offered
their thanks with a special thanks from Supervisor Elswick.
3. Resolution of appreciation to Richard C. Flora for his service
as Chairman of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors in
2012
All Supervisors offered their thanks.
RESOLUTION 010812 -1 OF APPRECIATION TO RICHARD C.
FLORA FOR HIS SERVICE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS IN 2012
WHEREAS, Richard C. Flora served as Chairman of the Roanoke County Board
of Supervisors during 2012; and
WHEREAS, during Mr. Flora's term as Chairman, the County achieved a variety
of accomplishments, including:
➢ Commercial developments resulting in several new businesses moving
into Roanoke County;
➢ Dedication of the South County Library
➢ Virginia Association of Counties Fire & Rescue Achievement Award for
Criminal Justice /Public Safety
➢ Roanoke County Police Department and Emergency Communications
S1
January 8, 2013
Center received re- accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation
for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA)
➢ 2012 Silver Summit Award in the Annual Report/ Modest Budget Category
for the 2011 Roanoke County Annual Progress Report
➢ 2012 Gold Summit Award in the Audio - Visual Long Format/ Modest
Budget Category for the "What Will It Take" educational video
➢ 2012 Gold Summit Award in the Website Development/ Average Budget
Category for the RVTV -3 Website
➢ Multiple awards for the Save a Ton education campaign
➢ Revision of the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan to include the
Glenvar Community Plan
➢ Approval of a Fire /Emergency Medical Services Mutual Aid Agreement
with the County of Bedford, Virginia and the Town of Vinton, Virginia
➢ Virginia Public Library Directors Association Award for Outstanding Facility
2012
➢ Recognition of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Staff for receiving Virginia
Recreation and Parks Society Awards
➢ Establishment of the Roanoke County RoCo Alert System
➢ Continued progress on School capital projects with the renovation of the
Cave Spring Middle School
➢ 2012 Digital Counties Survey award for the ninth (9th) consecutive year
➢ Entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Botetourt County, City
of Roanoke and the Town of Vinton for a Regional Animal Shelter
WHEREAS, Chairman Flora worked diligently during his term to represent the
citizens of Roanoke County by promoting regional projects and initiatives to benefit all
the residents of the Roanoke Valley.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, does hereby extend its deepest appreciation to Richard C.
Flora for his service as Chairman during 2012 and for his belief in democracy and
championing of citizen participation in local government.
On motion of Supervisor Moore to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
January 8, 2013
5
ABSTAIN: Supervisor Flora
IN RE: BRIEFINGS
1. Briefing on a Report of the Agricultural and Natural Resources of
Roanoke County as prepared by the Virginia Tech Extension
Service (Joe Dupuis, Master Food Volunteer)
Mr. Dupuis provided a report to all Board members and explained this is
the first report for this new program. Supervisor Moore thanked Mr. Dupuis for his
service.
2. Introduction of David Henderson, County Engineer
Mr. Arnold Covey, Director of Community Development introduced Mr.
David Henderson as the new County Engineer. Mr. Covey explained he has a civil
engineering degree from the University of Maryland and his master degree from
Virginia Tech. Mr. Henderson remarked he is looking forward to working with Roanoke
County as there are a lot of challenges ahead.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution scheduling a public hearing on February 13, 2013 and
declaring the developer Blue Hills Village, LLC of Blue Hills
Village development in the Hollins Magisterial District to be in
default (Tarek Moneir, Deputy Director of Development Services)
Mr. Moneir explained the request for the resolution due to the developer
being in default. There was no discussion.
RESOLUTION 010813 -2 APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE ROANOKE COUNTY BONDING
COMMITTEE TO SET FEBRUARY 12, 2013, AS PUBLIC
HEARING IN ANTICIPATION OF DECLARING THE DEVELOPER
BLUE HILLS VILLAGE, LLC OF BLUE HILLS VILLAGE
(LOCATED IN THE HOLLINS MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT), TO BE
IN DEFAULT AND TO AUTHORIZE OFFICIALS OF ROANOKE
COUNTY TO EXERCISE ITS RIGHTS UNDER THE
"DEVELOPER'S SITE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT" AND THE
ACCOMPANYING SITE DEVELOPMENT LETTER OF CREDITS
6 January 8, 2013
WHEREAS, Blue Hills Village, LLC, a Virginia limited liability corporation
(hereafter "Developer"), as developers of Blue Hills Village in the Hollins Magisterial
District of Roanoke County, on or about February 20, 2007, entered into an Erosion and
Sediment Control Agreement (hereafter "ESC Agreement ") with the County of Roanoke
and provided an irrevocable Letter of Credit issued by National Bank of Virginia in the
amount of $23,600 to insure the construction and maintenance of certain erosion and
sediment control facilities in connection with the development of Blue Hills Village; and
WHEREAS, the Developer subsequently, on or about August 7, 2007, entered
into a Land Subdivider's Agreement with the County of Roanoke and was granted
approval to subdivide a portion of the Developer's property and to record a plat of
subdivision for the development to be known as Blue Hills Village and provided an
irrevocable Letter of Credit issued by National Bank of Virginia in the amount of
$134,731 to insure the construction, completion and maintenance of improvements to
the land; and
WHEREAS, the Bonding Committee for Roanoke County meeting on December
12 2012, at the Roanoke County Administration Building considered the documentation
as to the status of this subdivision project and voted to recommend that the Board of
Supervisors schedule a public hearing to consider declaring the Developer to be in
default and that the County take all necessary actions to collect the outstanding surety
proceeds in order to complete this development.
NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That a public hearing be scheduled for February 12, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, 5204 Bernard Drive, Roanoke, Virginia,
24018 to hear testimony and proposals from Blue Hills Village, LLC and National
Bank of Virginia concerning the recommendations of the Bonding Committee to
declare the Developer in default and to collect the proceeds from the letters of
credit in order to complete the development of Blue Hills Village, in accordance
with the Land Subdivider's Agreement.
2. That the County Administrator, the Director of the Department of Community
Development, his staff and agents and the Office of the County Attorney are
hereby directed to provide appropriate notices to the Developer and the Surety of
this public hearing, and are further authorized to take such action as may be
necessary to fully assert and defend the rights and obligations of Roanoke
County in this regard.
3. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from the date of its adoption.
On motion of Chairman Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
January 8, 2013 7
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance authorizing the granting of a ten (10) -foot utility
easement to Verizon Virginia, Inc. on property owned by the
Roanoke County Board of Supervisors (Tax Map No. 055.13 -01-
02.02) for the purpose of an underground utility line to the
Glenvar Library at 3917 Daugherty Road, Catawba Magisterial
District (Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney)
Mr. Mahoney outlined the ordinance and stated there were no changes
from the first reading. There was no discussion. Chairman Altizer opened and closed
the meeting as there were no citizens who spoke on this public hearing.
ORDINANCE 010813 -3 AUTHORIZING THE GRANTING OF A
TEN (10) -FOOT UTILITY EASEMENT TO VERIZON VIRGINIA
INC. ON PROPERTY OWNED BY THE ROANOKE COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (TAX MAP NO. 055.13 -01- 02.02)
FOR THE PURPOSE OF AN UNDERGROUND
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM TO THE GLENVAR LIBRARY AT
3917 DAUGHERTY ROAD, CATAWBA MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Verizon Virginia Inc. ( Verizon) requires a permanent utility
easement for purpose of providing telephone service to the Glenvar Library from an
existing overhead electric line; and
WHEREAS, granting this utility easement for an underground communications
system is necessary for the operation of the Glenvar Library; and
WHEREAS, the proposed utility easement to the Glenvar Library will serve the
interests of the public and is necessary for the public health, safety and welfare of the
citizens of Roanoke County.
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That pursuant to the provisions of Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County
Charter, the acquisition and disposition of real estate can be authorized only by
ordinance. A first reading of this ordinance was held on December 11, 2012, and a
second reading and public hearing was held on January 8, 2013.
2. That pursuant to the provisions of Section 16.01 of the Roanoke County
Charter, the interest in real estate to be conveyed is hereby declared to be surplus, and
is hereby made available for other public uses by conveyance to Verizon Virginia Inc.
for a utility easement.
3. That donation to Verizon Virginia Inc. of a utility easement for purpose of
an underground communication system, as shown on a plat No. BCC - 89022 -R and
8 January 8, 2013
attached sketch "A" titled " Verizon Virginia Inc. Right -of -Way Plat" prepared by Verizon
Virginia Inc., is hereby authorized and approved.
4. That the County Administrator, or any Assistant County Administrator, is
hereby authorized to execute such documents and take such further actions as may be
necessary to accomplish this conveyance, all of which shall be on form approved by the
County Attorney.
5. That this ordinance shall be effective on and from the date of its adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Church to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 010813 -4 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM I- CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for January 8,
2013, designated as Item I - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 6 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes — December 11, 2012
2. Request to accept and appropriate $23,648.67 to Roanoke County Schools
3. Request to appropriate $18,322.50 to the Clerk of the Circuit Court from the
Commonwealth of Virginia for fiscal year 2012/2013
4. Request to accept and appropriate $17,500 to Roanoke County Schools
5. Resolution of appreciation of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors to
Victoria Diaz - Eastman, Human Resources Assistant, after more than six (6)
years of service
6. Resolution of appreciation of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors to
Stephen Journiette, Crew Leader, after more than seven (7) years of service
On motion of Supervisor Church to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
January 8, 2013 9
A- 010812 -4.a
A- 010812 -4.b
A- 010812 -4.c
RESOLUTION 010812 -4.d EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO VICTORIA DIAZ- EASTMAN, HUMAN RESOURCES
ASSISTANT, UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN
SIX (6) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Victoria Diaz - Eastman was hired on June 2, 2007, and has worked
as a Program Support Specialist and Human Resources Assistant during her tenure
with Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Diaz - Eastman retired on January 1, 2013, after six (6) years and
eight (8) months of devoted, faithful and expert service with the County; and
WHEREAS, during her time serving Roanoke County, Ms. Diaz - Eastman has
always exhibited an attitude of friendliness, caring respect and consideration of County
staff and citizens; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Diaz - Eastman has been a very dedicated employee, and served
the County well over the past six years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of
the citizens of Roanoke County to VICTORIA DIAZ- EASTMAN for six (6) years and
eight (8) months 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 Church to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 010812 -4.e EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO STEPHEN JOURNIETTE, CREW LEADER, UPON HIS
RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS OF
SERVICE
WHEREAS, Stephen Journiette was hired on April 25, 2005, and has worked as
a Part time Custodian, Full time Custodian and Crew Leader during his tenure with
Roanoke County; and
10 January 8, 2013
WHEREAS, Mr. Journiette retired on January 1, 2013, after seven (7) years and
eight (8) months of devoted, faithful and expert service with the County; and
WHEREAS, during his time serving Roanoke County, Mr. Journiette was
consistently pro- active in maintaining his assigned buildings, often changing his working
hours and filling in when his employees were out so that the public and County
employees had a pleasant and safe environment; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Journiette was an outstanding supervisor and was well liked and
respected by his employees, his co- workers at General Services and the County
employees in his buildings; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Journiette was always dependable and trustworthy, with a strong
work ethic and dedication to Roanoke County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of
the citizens of Roanoke County to STEPHEN JOURNIETTE for seven (7) years and
eight (8) months 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 Church to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
IN RE: REQUESTS FOR WORK SESSIONS
Chairman Altizer stated to Mr. Goodman at this time he is asking him to
draft a letter to the following localities; he would like to call for an Economic Summit to
be hosted by Roanoke County at Green Ridge Recreational Center. He would like to
send out letters to Franklin County, Roanoke City, City of Salem, Montgomery County,
Town of Vinton, Botetourt County, and the Western Virginia Water Authority. He stated
when looking across this valley some people are rich in land and some people are not.
We entertain many, many businesses that come into this valley year after year and they
leave. We do not have properties big enough and with governments being strapped as
they have been for the last four or five years on their own cannot do a lot and they
leave. He stated he would like to open the dialog and discussion with all the leaders of
the other localities to see if there is way that we can come together to find a way to be
able to bring the big companies with the big jobs and a number of jobs. We in this
valley cannot continue to grow at the rate we are growing and hope that everything is
going to stay the same, either with services or taxes. We have to grow this economy,
create jobs and be in a position that when somebody comes knocking we all can be
able to come to the plate and be able to entertain them and possibly do something. In
this valley we need to be collaborators together and partners; not competitors. We see
January 8, 2013 11
big company after big company leave and go to other localities who have found a way
to come together to be ready. There is a light at the end of the tunnel in this economy
and if we are not on the right side of the bell curve to be in a position to entertain these
companies when they are ready to invest, shame on us. So, Mr. Goodman if you would
send that letter and invite all the elected officials of those localities and their staff.
IN RE: CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
The following citizens spoke.
Lynda LaPrade of 5509 Will Carter Lane in Roanoke, Virginia stated there
are two concerns for her today. In the Board's Agenda a work session shows the Board
is are considering purchasing property for a possible future roundabout. Has VDOT
done a traffic study to determine need? Why, with all the financial uncertainty would the
Board even consider purchasing something that might, someday, be on a wishlist? She
stated she would like to remind the Board that people in Roanoke County and
throughout the country are cutting back, spending very carefully and taking care of
necessities. She advised they expect the Board to do to the same with OUR money.
This is not the time for the Board to spend money on something that might or might not
ever be needed; and she stresses needed. If the Board proceeds with this, we, the
citizens will expect full transparency and full justification of the necessity of this item.
She stated she would also like to again express her concerns about maintaining
personal property rights. Utah has created a booklet for all citizens called "How Property
Rights are protected by the Constitution and the State of Utah ". Included in it are rights
that are spelled out and constitutionally protected. 1) You have the right to quiet
enjoyment. To be free from unreasonable and ongoing nuisances such as odors, noise,
dust, vibrations, pollution, trash and debris, whether the source is a neighbor or a
governmental activity. 2) You have the right to expect that regulations will be
interpreted, where ambiguous, in favor of the property owner. 3) You have the right to
be free from regulations that are so vague as to be void. 4) You have the right to be free
from administrative decisions in the regulation of property that are not supported by
substantial evidence in the record. 5) You have the right to be free from economically
onerous regulations -which create extraordinary burdens on the use of property. Why do
you need to create such protection for us? Martha Soneta owns a small farm in
Fauquier County, Virginia, where she recently hosted a birthday party for eight 10 -year-
old girls. They wore hats, picked veggies, and made goat's milk soap. The county says
she should have obtain a license before hosting such an event and hit her with a $5,000
fine. In Jackson Heights, Oregon, Gary Harrington owns 170 acres with three ponds
and has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined $1500 for "collecting" rainwater in
his own ponds. The officials state "Oregon law says that all of the water in the state is
public water and if you want to use that water, either to divert it or store it, you have to
12 January 8, 2013
acquire a water right before doing that activity." When discussing ICLEI, all of you
repeatedly said you would protect our private property rights. Now is the time to see if
those were "political words" or the comments of those interested in protecting their
citizens. Adopt an ordinance protecting us from future abuse.
Susan Edwards of 4121 Givens Road in Salem, Virginia stated she lives in
the Catawba Magisterial District of Roanoke County. She first congratulated Mr. Altizer
on his selection as Chairman for this year. She stated this afternoon she is here to
express her appreciation to the Board, Chairman Flora and particularly our County
Attorney, Mr. Mahoney for their work in adopting a policy that will allow the continuation
of invocations before Board meetings. She stated she knew they were under pressure
from various citizens making comments and in the newspaper over that particular
decision; and commended the Board for adopting a policy that was proactive to provide
the citizens protection of free speech and also allowing the continuation of this practice.
In the start of this new year, she is here to encourage the Board because this term will
include additional challenges and we know there are alternatives out there that can be
weighed as the Board works on the budget, seek citizen comments, consider new
resolutions and listen to the citizens as problems arise; there are opportunities to come
to solutions. She just wants to let the Board know that she appreciates each member
serving of the Board this year.
IN RE: REPORTS
Chairman Altizer moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance
2. Capital Reserves
3. Reserve for Board Contingency
4. Treasurer's Statement of Accountability per Investment and
Portfolio Policy as of November 30, 2012
5. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of
November 30, 2012
6. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and
January 8, 2013 13
Encumbrances as of November 30, 2012
7. Accounts Paid — November 30, 2012
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Moore stated she wanted everyone to know that RCCLEAR
has been working very diligently on gathering information on ways that our citizens can
save money and energy. Statistically, if you use ten (10), thirteen (13) watt CFL light
bulbs, you can save $47 per year. When you purchase bulbs, keep your receipt and
write on the back of the receipt the date that you purchased them because these bulbs
should last thousands of hours and if they do not you can take them back and return
them for a full refunds. One of the easiest ways to save money and energy is with our
cars; a savings of $208 per year was projected by simply driving twenty (20) miles less
per week. Do not forget to check the gaps in your attic leading down to your heated
spaces. These bypasses are one of the biggest thieves in virtually all new buildings and
old. You can go to the SaveATon.org website to get more ideas on savings and there is
a calculator there so you can check your own progress. Supervisor Moore then invited
everyone to attend a meeting next Thursday, January 17, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. at the
South County Library on stormwater.
Supervisor Flora stated he wanted to wish every a happy new year; it
certainly started off not like January, at least. This morning when he pulled into New
Castle the temperature said 19 degrees, which when he got out he was convinced it
was at least 19 degrees, but today is turning off beautiful and the rest of the week looks
good. The New Year is starting off rather well and hopes it continues for the next 359
days in the same fashion. Supervisor Flora then again thanked the Board for their kind
words earlier this afternoon and he appreciates them; it has been an honor to sit in the
middle chair last year.
Supervisor Altizer stated he too would like to wish everybody a happy new
year and to thank the Board for election of Chair. He humbly takes this chairmanship
very seriously; as Mr. Church said earlier it is going to be a challenging year. With all
challenges we have opportunities and as long as we are looking for every opportunity to
every challenge we have to find the solution. He stated he firmly believes Roanoke
County will come out on top again in the end as we have. He stated he will not paint a
perfect picture, as we all know revenues are tight. Real Estate Assessments Revenues
are down approximately $2.5 million to the County. It will be tough, there will be
challenges but with the quality of the staff that we have and with this Board he thinks
they will find a way to make things work, but if it comes to having to make tough
decisions in the end to get it done, then we will have to make tough decisions. Roanoke
County is strong; we have strong- minded people who in the past have always found a
way to get it done and he is hoping that this year, we will continue to find ways to keep
Roanoke County at the top of its game.
14 January 8, 2013
IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
At 4:01 p.m., Chairman Altizer moved to go into closed meeting following
the work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2 -3711 A 1, personnel,
namely discussion concerning an appointment to the Community Policy and
Management Team (CPMT); League of Older Americans Advisory Council and Section
2.2.3711.A.29, Discussion of the terms or scope of a public contract involving the
expenditure of public funds where discussion in open session would adversely affect the
bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the County, namely an agreement with the
Virginia's First Regional Industrial Facility Authority. The motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
The closed session was held from 5:43 p.m. until 5:54 p.m.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
At 4:02 p.m. Chairman Altizer recessed to the fourth floor the following
work sessions to be following by closed session.
1. Discussion for proposed land purchase to promote the
construction of a future roundabout (B. Clayton Goodman III,
County Administrator)
In attendance for this work session was David Holliday, Planning
Administrator to answer any questions.
Mr. Goodman advised that Supervisor Moore had contact him because
she had been contacted by some of her constituents concerning a future roundabout for
public safety. The proposed roundabout would be at the intersection of Starkey Road
and Buck Mountain. She advised she had found a property at the intersection, which is
available for purchase. She asked that Mr. Goodman present this item to the Board for
discussion as to whether this would be an opportunity to support and possibly
accelerate construction of any future roundabout by purchasing land, which is now for
sale. A copy of the MLS listing, tax assessment and a map depicting the property and
the area has been provided in the Board packet. He further added in regards to VDOT,
this roundabout is not on any approved plan currently, it would be something that would
need to be added either through revenue sharing and /or six -year plan. Most likely it
would have to be added to revenue sharing, which is where projects have been done
before, i.e. the Merriman Road roundabout, which was constructed with revenue-
January 8, 2013 15
sharing funds and cost approximately $1.2 million.
Supervisor Moore stated it is her opinion the County already needs a
roundabout there; there is lots of traffic. Traffic backs up everyday all the way up
Starkey Road. When people get to that intersection at Buck Mountain, they do not stop;
they run the stop sign. People speed and there are a lot of residents that live around
there; it is really congested. She stated she thinks this would offer an opportunity for
improvement. This property could be looked at and assessed for VDOT to put a
roundabout there in the future. She stated she thinks it is really needed. This property
is zoned multi - family, which means a triplex could be built there and if that happens, it is
going to be a lot more expensive in the future. She advised in looking at the maps in
the packet, there is a steep bank at the end of Starkey Road and it drops off on the right
side of Starkey Road near Buck Mountain. So, it is not really doable; it would be more
expensive. Mr. Holiday can address that. She stated she hopes that the Board does
not let this be a political issue. She stated she thinks it is really, really important for the
safety of our citizens and it would allow us an opportunity to do something good for the
County and for VDOT. She also stated that she works for Realstar Realtors; she is a
subagent of Realstar. She does not have this property listed; she will not receive any
financial gain from it, but because she does work for Realstar and this is such an
important issue, she is going to recuse herself from any votes that may be taken on it.
Supervisor Church commented that he did not think it would be a political
issue if you are talking about budgetary issues, which is his major concern. Where is
the money coming from? Currently, we have listened to one chairman sitting in here to
his left and we are up against the wall financially, $300,000. We do not know what we
have coming down the road. We do know the assessments are down, revenues are
down and the outlook is bleak. We have disaster happening around our County in
Newtown that could potentially bring funding for school protection on the horizon. We
have at least one and maybe multiple potential school closings in Roanoke County.
How in the world can be looking at something like this?
Supervisor Elswick stated anytime we consider a project with this kind of
money on it, we ought to follow our normal routine and it should be evaluated by our
CIP Committee, there ought to be some priority given to it and we ought to know from
VDOT, what kind of traffic studies have been made and whether or not VDOT agrees
that a roundabout is something that might happen someday. He advised he drives
through there quite often and has never had a problem, but obviously he must not be
driving through when there is a lot of congestion. He reiterated he thinks the Board
should follow the normal routine. As far as responsibility for roundabouts, it is not
Roanoke County it is VDOT. They are the ones that make those kinds of decisions. It
is a lot of money. We have a lot of land that belongs to the County already and does
not think it is the kind of thing that we ought to be talking about at this point in time.
Chairman Altizer inquired if VDOT was looking at Buck Mountain and
Starkey? Mr. Goodman advised he would let Mr. Holiday give some background on
work that is occurring in the area and also address the question.
16 January 8, 2013
Mr. Holiday advised it is not on either the six -year plan or revenue sharing
plan. There was some revenue sharing money on Buck Mountain Road, but it is on
improvements. VDOT is doing a maintenance project on a bridge on Starkey Road very
near this location. If you go down Starkey Road and approach Buck Mountain Road,
there is a small creek with a bridge in need of replacement. VDOT is planning to do this
replacement next summer. They originally tried to do it in 2012, but got pushed back.
Staff has been in communications with them for a number of years on this because it
will require a short -term closure. We have been coordinating with Fire and Rescue and
schools and general services, etc. They originally looked at a five -day window, now they
are looking at a ten -day window of closure with detours around Buck Mountain Road,
Route 220 and Route 419 or Merriman, Ranchcrest, Route 221, just like they did with
the roundabout. In our communications with VDOT, staff has stressed they need to
help reach out to the businesses along there and the residents. Staff is concerned
about traffic cutting through the Crescent Heights neighborhood that has very small
roads and could not handle any cut - through traffic at all. VDOT has advised they will do
whatever they can to discourage that and also have some type of community meeting to
alert the citizens out there and the businesses that run trucks through there from various
points along Starkey or at Southwest Industrial Park. Corrugated Container runs
through there daily from Route 419 and Route 220 as well. Some tankers run through
there to the distribution center on Starkey, as well as movers down on Merriman and on
Starkey and Commonwealth Drive. There are running through there at various times
and Rockydale runs dump trucks across Buck Mountain Road to their facility down by
the train tracks. They will be looking at that and be communicating with everybody.
They are looking at next summer; we originally asked them to do it during the summer
so that it would not conflict with schools, but they have asked for additional talks
concerning a backup plan in case that does not happen. We met again with
representatives from the school and they advised they can work around that, even if it
has to been done after school starts. They have advised they would appreciate not
having to do the first week of school, because the parents dropping off the children can
be alerted as well. Bus routes and fire and rescue can get around and detour through
Crescent Heights if they need to. There has been no discussion about the roundabout.
Supervisor Church stated his problem with the issue is number one
financial and number two, this item was set for closed session and has no business
being in closed session. He spoke with Mr. Goodman and believes Mr. Elswick called
Mr. Goodman and was advised it was going to stay on closed session. Supervisor
Church stated when you are talking about $300,000 taxpayer money; it needs to be
transparent. Then when you start looking at the details: where it is, how much money
you are talking about. We cannot continue to tell the public that we are lacking
revenues and then turn around and does something like this, somewhere it has to give,
it has to come from somewhere. He stated he thinks this is something way down in the
road. We do not have the funds; it should be public and transparent all the way.
January 8, 2013 17
Mr. Goodman stated the reason staff wanted to present to the Board was
to obtain feedback and to also discuss whether staff should pursue with VDOT for
further discussions about the roundabout because it is not on any of our plans, etc. The
property coming up for sale was an opportunity according to Supervisor Moore to
discuss and look at the possibility if the County did work something out with VDOT and
the Board approved; there may be some savings on the project and also address some
of her constituents concerns about public safety in that area. He stated staff just needs
direction from the Board on how they would like staff to proceed.
Supervisor Flora asked if there was any process for VDOT reimbursing
the County for any right -of -way that we made purchase of for a project they are going to
do. Mr. Holiday stated it is his understanding only if Roanoke County has it identified as
a project and have a right -of -way phase in that revenue sharing project. As far as the
six -year plan, he thinks it is probably the same way; a project would need to be
established.
Supervisor Moore advised in regard to the roundabout, she has spoke
with Dana Martin and some other people at VDOT and they are very open minded and
in tune to looking at this project, so it could possibly be that VDOT may be interested in
looking at that location and putting it on the six -year plan.
Supervisor Flora stated he travels this road occasionally and he does
know it is a short -cut through to US 220. If you are coming down Route 221 and you
want to go Route 220 South, this is a good way to cut through because you circumvent
Tanglewood and the Lowes area and you cut off several minutes of traffic time plus
twenty (20) stoplights. It is a fairly heavily traveled road and Buck Mountain Road is in
some dire need of some improvements. There was a bus accident out there several
years ago; it is narrow and has a significant drop off on one side after you get under the
Parkway. If this does not move forward, it ought to. The County needs to take a look at
where we can put this project because South County continues to develop. Actually, if
you are coming from Salem and you are on Route 419 and going Route 220 South, you
will go around; you will go Cave Spring Road, Merriman and then hits Starkey Road and
Buck Mountain Road. It is a very convenient by -pass to that congested area around
Route 419 and Route 220. It needs to be looked at; the problem with putting on the six
(6) year plan is that is not a six (6) year plan, really like a twenty (20) year plan. The
area needs to be addressed before it becomes a real problem area. If you travel
through there and he has at 5:00 p.m., you are going to sit and wait at Starkey Road.
We need to look at it and this traffic circle (roundabout) could be a part of the solution.
Chairman Altizer stated it would appear that we need to have some insight
or something from VDOT to see what it would exactly take; whether they are interested
or not and how long it is going to take. Before you think about spending the money, you
have to have some answers from VDOT to provide some clarity as to how long it will be,
what would they be willing to do, what is it going to take to put it on? There is no doubt
with the subdivisions that are partially built up Buck Mountain Road that have a lot of
lots up there that when the homebuilder market comes back it is going to get worse out
18 January 8, 2013
there. He clarified that he does not go that way much because he does not like the
traffic out there. Chairman Altizer reiterated that he thinks we need answers before the
Board can make a decision.
Mr. Goodman asked if it would be the consensus of the Board that staff
should work with VDOT and see what it would take to get it on the six -year plan or
revenue sharing and report back to the Board.
Supervisor Church stated anything other than six -year plan because we
do not have the money. He is not willing to go forward. Budget -wise we have been
telling the people over and over, we don't have it. We cannot cherry -pick. There are
lots of items in Roanoke County that needs attention, but this is not one of them.
Roanoke County has a lot facing us and to take $300,000 taxpayer money is just wrong.
He stated it is his opinion that we will need to deal with it down the road.
Supervisor Moore stated if VDOT does it shouldn't we be allowed to ask
them. Supervisor Church stated he does not think they will at no cost to Roanoke
County. Supervisor Moore stated we will never know unless we check into it.
Supervisor Elswick stated he would like to see a petition from those
citizens who asked that a roundabout be constructed and if we were to pursue it, which
he does not think we should, there needs to be some way to assure the citizens that we
do not have a Supervisor working for the listing agent that is going to benefit from
pursuing it. He stated he did not want the Board to look like we are benefitting one of
our Supervisors because they work for the listing agent. He stated he thinks it is just
not something we should pursue without a lot of interest from the people who live in the
area and without VDOT's concurrence. At this point, if we do not feel that it is a high
priority item as compared to other ways we need to spend our money, he does not think
we should consider it.
Supervisor Moore stated that is why she recused herself from any voting.
Supervisor Elswick stated it did not matter as the company she works for still makes
money. Supervisor Moore stated it is not her company, she does not own it she only
works for them.
Chairman Altizer admonished the Board to not start the whole year where
they are generating a perception that there is or there is not something. If there is
anything anywhere the citizens of Roanoke County will find it out. Let's debate the
issue on the merits of what we are talking about and let that be it. We cannot go into a
year like this throwing innuendoes or creating perceptions. If there are conflicts of
interest and a Board member feels that there is, that is why we have the County
Attorney; that can be worked out as it has in the past for probably for every Board
member that is sitting currently on this Board. Let's keep to the debate of the issue and
if it is the consensus of the Board to do something, we will move forward and if it is not
the consensus we will move on in another direction, but let's start this year debating the
issue on the merits of the issue. Therefore, he advised it appears there is not a
consensus one way or the other and there are some that would like to have more
information and some that think the information is not needed at this time. He advised
January 8, 2013 19
the Board should move on and if things change or become different at some point, the
Board can bring it up again.
The work session was held from 4:16 p.m. until 4:38 p.m.
2. Work session on the Plantation Road Transportation Alternatives
Program Application (Megan G. Cronise, Principal Planner)
Megan Cronise went through PowerPoint presentation explaining the
request; a copy of which is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors.
Both Supervisors Church and Flora commented on the road conditions in
this area.
Mr. Goodman explained the need is there in part due to the economic
development concentration and staff wants to support and maintain these strategies.
It was the consensus of the Board to move forward on this issue.
The work session was held from 4:38 p.m. until 4:55 p.m.
3. Request to apply for fiscal year 2013 -2014 Virginia Department of
Transportation (VDOT) Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program
Funding — Eastern Section of the Roanoke River Greenway:
Roanoke City to Blue Ridge Parkway (Doug Blount, Director of
Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Lindsay Blankenship, Greenway
Planner)
In attendance for this work session were Liz Belcher, Roanoke Valley
Greenway Coordinator; Lon Williams, Landscape Architect; Lindsay Blankenship,
Greenway Planner and Doug Blount, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
Lindsay Blankenship went through a PowerPoint presentation outlining the proposed
request; a copy of which is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Elswick asked when going through a wooded area, do we have
it as a dirt path or do we do we cut the trees and put gravel down and pave it; which
way is it done. Ms. Blankenship replied they would update the trails that are already
there. She indicated they have looked at both scenarios and if you do a gravel path that
will not meet VDOT ADA requirements so we would have to build that with volunteer
labor or pay for it ourselves. She indicated that is a concern the Parkway has; they
want the least disturbance to land.
Supervisor Elswick remarked he would think most people using greenways
would like a dirt path through the woods rather than a gravel or paved path; plus,
anytime you cut a tree you increase the CO2. If we are cutting a lot of trees then we
need to take that into account and use it as an offset where we are saving CO2. We
have a mixed variety of uses, mountain bikes, the moms with their strollers, etc.
Supervisor Elswick then asked if is it going to be in the wooded area near Explore Park;
20 January 8, 2013
dirt paths, gravel or pavement. Ms. Blankenship responded currently they are hoping to
use the paved trail of the Roanoke River Greenway system. Supervisor Elswick
responded a paved path through the woods with Ms. Blankenship responding in the
affirmative. Supervisor Elswick stated apparently people have different opinions about
nature than he does.
Supervisor Flora stated VDOT has standards that you have to meet in
order to get the funding; it has to be accessible. Mr. Goodman stated it is an ADA
requirement. So it must be accessible to a mother pushing a carriage or for someone
with a wheelchair. The Appalachian Trail is a great example of where it goes through
the mountains, but he would not want to take a mountain bike through certain parts of
the Appalachian Trail.
Supervisor Elswick inquired if VDOT would be calling the shots on how we
proceed with Ms. Blankenship advising in order to receive the funding. Supervisor
Elswick stated you can go to McAfee's Knob and some of those areas and it is just nice
to walk on dirt. Mr. Blount advised it is their best practice to be able to offer the least
amount of disturbance, but because of trying to use Federal funds staff does not have a
lot of choices. There are always different sections on the Greenways that will have
some natural surface trailways because it is being done through volunteers. Mr.
Goodman advised Hollins is another example and is being done with volunteers.
Chairman Altizer inquired about Roanoke City's bridge that comes across
and connects and where do we stand with the private property owners; are we getting a
good feelings because if you have one or two that says no you are back to redesigning.
Ms. Blankenship stated throughout last summer and fall staff has been meeting with all
the property owners and have scheduled individual meetings with the eleven (11)
property owners to hear about their concerns, present a project overview to them.
Generally, they have had really strong support for all the neighbors in the area. They
have all agreed to allow us temporary access to their properties to conduct preliminary
engineering, etc.
Mr. Blount explained this was more of an urban population, but have run
into a few issues with rural areas with regard to hunting and fishing. There are a few
things that will be needed to look at and addressed.
Supervisor Flora stated you may have to put up some "No Trespassing"
signs and to have enforcement there as well.
Mr. Blount stated overall they have received a very positive feedback and
hope that will continue.
Supervisor Elswick asked what type of problems have they had with
people throwing trash along the greenways with Ms. Belcher advising people think of
that as a problem, but it has not been. Part of it is that the users in the valley have
really respected the greenways and just like the Appalachian Trail users they usually
pick up as they go. Most of the trash in the City section is maintained by the City parks,
but the County has an "Adopt a Greenway" program as does the City and Salem where
a volunteer helps with maintenance and picks up trash. She stated she does not feel
January 8, 2013 21
this is a big issue. Supervisor Elswick remarked that is incredible considering every
other area in the County has a real problem with trash; even in front of this building last
week there was a ton of trash. It says a lot for the kind of people that use these trails.
Supervisor Flora stated the people that use these trails are outdoors
people; they have a great deal of respect for the outdoors and nature. They take care
of these trails.
It was the consensus of the Board to move forward on this item.
The work session was held from 4:55 p.m. until 5:18 p.m.
4. Work session to discuss fiscal year 2013 -2014 budget
development (W. Brent Robertson, Director of Management and
Budget)
Mr. Robertson went through PowerPoint presentation outlining the
Governor's proposed Budget for fiscal years 2012 -2014; a copy of which is on file in the
office to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. There was no discussion.
The work session was held from 5:18 p.m. until 5:35 p.m.
IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
At 5:54 p.m., Supervisor Flora moved to return to open session and to
adopt the certification resolution.
RESOLUTION 010812 -5 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 member's
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 Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
22
January 8, 2013
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Altizer adjourned the meeting at 5:55 p.m.
Submitted by:
Approved by:
Michael W. Altizer
• Chairman