HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/10/2016 - Regular
May 10, 2016
223
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day atthe
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday and the first
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of May 2016. 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: OPENING CEREMONIES
Before the meeting was called to order an invocation was given by Pastor
Loren Tate Mitchell of Covenant Presbyterian Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was
recited by all present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Peters called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. The roll call was
taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman P. Jason Peters,Supervisors George G. Assaid,
Al Bedrosian, Martha B. Hooker and Joseph P. McNamara
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
STAFF PRESENT:
Thomas C. Gates, County Administrator; Daniel R.
O’Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Richard
Caywood, Assistant County Administrator; Ruth Ellen
Kuhnel, County Attorney; Amy Whittaker, Public Information
Officer and Deborah C. Jacks, Chief Deputy Clerk to the
Board
IN RE: REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF
AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Gates requested postponement of agenda item G-1,Ordinance
authorizing the vacation of a 0.014 acre portion of a right-of-way shown as Dawn Marie
Court on the plat of Section No. 1, Hanging Rock Estates, recorded in the Clerk's Office
of the Circuit Court for the County of Roanoke, Virginia in Plat Book 18, Page 156 and
located in the Catawba Magisterial District. There were no objections.
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IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Proclamation declaring May 2016 as Business Appreciation
Month in the County of Roanoke (Jill B. Loope, Director of
Economic Development)
Ms. Loope introduced John Higgenbottom, Vice President of Corrugated
Container; Chad Tyson, General Manager-Roanoke Office, and Heather French,
Human Resources Director. The proclamation was read by the Chief Deputy Clerk to
the Board and was accepted by Mr. Higgenbottom on behalf of all businesses.
2. Proclamation declaring the week of May 15 through 21, 2016, as
Emergency Medical Services Week in the County of Roanoke
(Stephen G. Simon, Chief of Fire and Rescue)
Chief Simon introduced Battalion Chief Billy Duff and explained why EMS
Week is held. The proclamation was read by the Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution approving the Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS)
budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 upon certain terms and
conditions (Mr. Mike Wray, Chairman of the Roanoke County
School Board; Dr. Greg Killough, RCPS Superintendent; Mrs.
Penny Hodge, RCPS Assistant Superintendent of Finance and
Operations; Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance; Christopher
Bever, Director of Management and Budget)
Ms. Owens read from the Board Report. School Board Chairman Wray
gave a brief verbal presentation on their budget. Dr. Killough thanked the Board for
their long-standing support.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked for the following clarifications stating the
average daily membership in 2007 was 14,777 and is 13,950 today, which represents a
six percent (6%) decline but the budget includes a significant increase for fiscal 2016-
2017. In 2013 we had all this data that enrollments were declining. What happened
and why are we projected an increase. Penny Hodge replied that before they were
dealing with information only in the school system, which was difficult to project. Now,
they have the demographics study that pulled data from many other areas, i.e. GIS, ITS,
birth rates, etc. that that did not have in the past.
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Supervisor Bedrosian then stated so a demographics study was never
done before with Ms. Hodge responding in the affirmative. Supervisor Bedrosian then
asked how accurate is the number today and in the past. Ms. Hodge explained that it
has gone both ways.
Supervisor Bedrosian then asked about illegal immigrants with Ms. Hodge
advising the Commonwealth of Virginia requires everyone in the jurisdiction to be
educated and they are only allowed to ask for proof of residency. Supervisor Bedrosian
then asked about English as a second language and Ms. Hodge advised she felt it was
a significant number. Supervisor Bedrosian asked her to guess, which she refused
stating she does not guess on numbers that she does not know.
Supervisor McNamara thanked everyone for a job well done and recalled
twenty years ago as having an acrimonious relationship with the schools. Currently, we
have a revenue sharing arrangement, which works well.
Supervisor Hooker commented she too is comfortable with the current
revenue sharing formula. She added that the quality of the schools helps with our
economic development. She stated that she wanted to publicly declare for the record
that she has determined that even though she is employed as a teacher for the school
system, upon review of the State Code with the County Attorney, she is able to vote
fairly, objectively and in the public interest on the budget for the Roanoke County
Schools.
Supervisor Assaid stated that he too is an employee of Roanoke County
Schools and upon review of the State Code and in consultation with the County
Attorney he is able to vote fairly, objectively and in the public interest on the budget for
the Roanoke County Schools.
Supervisor Bedrosian commented he does not think it is appropriate for
school employees to vote on the budget; it is difficult to be objective. He has heard from
a number of people who are saying it does not seem right.
RESOLUTION 051016-1 APPROVING THE ROANOKE COUNTY
PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017
UPON CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS
WHEREAS, State Code 22.1-93 requires the governing body of a County to
prepare and approve an annual budget for education purposes by May 15 or within
thirty (30) days of the receipt by the County of the estimates of state funds, whichever
shall later occur; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County School Board approved their fiscal year 2016-
2017 budget on March 24, 2016.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia that the fiscal year 2016-2017 Roanoke County Schools budget as set
forth by the School Board’s adoption on March 24, 2016, a copy of which is
incorporated by reference herein, is hereby APPROVED, and the County Administrator
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and the Clerk are authorized to execute and attest, respectively, on behalf of the
County, any documentation, in form approved by the County Attorney, necessary to
evidence said approval.
On motion of Supervisor Assaid to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: Supervisor Bedrosian
2. Request to adopt a resolution to the Virginia Retirement System
(VRS) approvingthe employer contribution rate option for the
biennium beginning July 1, 2016(Rebecca Owens, Director of
Finance)
Ms. Owens outlined the request. There was no discussion.
RESOLUTION 051016-2 TO THE VIRGINIA RETIREMENT
SYSTEM (VRS) TO ELECT THE ALTERNATE EMPLOYER
CONTRIBUTION RATE OPTION FOR THE BIENNIUM
BEGINNING JULY 1, 2016
WHEREAS, the 2016 Appropriation Act Item 475(1)(1) requires that an employer
pay the contribution rate certified by the VRS Board of Trustees ("Certified Rate"),
unless the employer elects to pay an alternate rate as described in Item 475(1)(2)
("Alternate Rate"); and
WHEREAS, if an employer wishes to pay the Certified Rate, then the employer
need not take action on this resolution; and
WHEREAS, if an employer wishes to pay the Alternate Rate established in the
2016 Appropriation Act, then the employer must pass this resolution on or before July 1,
2016, to elect the Alternate Rate; and
WHEREAS, any local public school division that elects to pay the Alternate Rate
must receive a concurrence of its local governing body documented by a resolution of
the governing body on or before July 1, 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Roanoke ("the
Employer") 55180, does hereby elect to pay the Alternate Rate and acknowledges that
its contribution rate effective July 1, 2016 shall be based on the higher of a) the
contribution rate in effect for FY 2012, or b) ninety percent of the results of the June 30,
2015 actuarial valuation of assets and liabilities as approved by the Virginia Retirement
System Board of Trustees for the 2016-18 biennium; and
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Employer does hereby certify to the
Virginia Retirement System Board of Trustees that it agrees to pay the Alternate Rate of
11.18% effective July 1, 2016; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Employer does hereby acknowledge that,
if it is a school division, this resolution shall not become effective unless the Virginia
Retirement System receives a concurrence of its local governing body documented by a
resolution of the local governing body dated on or before July 1, 2016; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Employer does hereby certify to the
Virginia Retirement System Board of Trustees that it has reviewed and understands the
information provided by the Virginia Retirement System outlining the potential future
fiscal implications of any election made under the provisions of this resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, the officers of the Employer are hereby authorized and
directed in the name of the Employer to carry out the provisions of this resolution, and
said officers of the Employer are authorized and directed to pay over to the Treasurer of
Virginia from time to time such sums as are due to be paid by the Employer for this
purpose.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
Resolution approving participation in and conditions of the
3.
Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (VJCCCA) Grant
Program of the Department of Juvenile Justice for fiscal years
2016-2017 and 2017-2018 and to allow participation by the City of
Salem (Daniel R. O'Donnell, Assistant County Administrator)
Mr. O’Donnell outlined the resolution. Supervisor Hooker stated she was
curious about the success rate; what does success mean with Mr. O’Donnell advising
no recidivism. There was no additional discussion.
RESOLUTION 051016-3 APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN AND
CONDITIONS OF THE VIRGINIA JUVENILE COMMUNITY
CRIME CONTROL ACT (VJCCCA) GRANT PROGRAM OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE FOR FISCAL YEARS
2016-2017 AND 2017-2018 AND TO ALLOW PARTICIPATION
BY THE CITY OF SALEM
WHEREAS, the County of Roanoke has participated in the Virginia Juvenile
Community Crime Control Act (VJCCCA) program in the past allowing the Court Service
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Unit to provide direct services, substance abuse services and probation activities
associated with the Juvenile Court; and
WHEREAS, through the Juvenile Intervention Services Program of Roanoke
County’s Court Services Unit, the grant funds have been administered to assist the
court by providing immediate and random urine screens, community service, restitution
and providing intensive supervision such as Home Electronic Monitoring and Outreach
Detention services; and
WHEREAS, the Court Services Unit of the Juvenile Court serves the youth of
both the County of Roanoke and the City of Salem; and
WHEREAS, the Court Services Unit desires to provide services through the
Juvenile Intervention Services Program to serve the youth of both the County of
Roanoke and the City of Salem utilizing the funding from the VJCCCA grant and other
appropriate funds.
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County will participate in the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act
for fiscal years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 and will accept said funds, appropriating
them for the purpose set forth in this Act until it notifies the Department of Juvenile
Justice, in writing, that it no longer wishes to participate in the program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Administrator or the Assistant
County Administrator is hereby authorized to execute a local plan on behalf of the
County of Roanoke and City of Salem; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County of Roanoke will combine services
and grant resources with the City of Salem, and the County, as operator of the Juvenile
Intervention Services Program, will serve as fiscal agent for these localities.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRSTS READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Public hearing for citizen comments on the proposed fiscal year
2016-2017 Operating Budget and the proposed fiscal year 2017-
2026 Capital Improvement Program (Christopher Bever, Director
of Management and Budget)
Chairman Peters opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this agenda item.
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2. Ordinance to appropriate funds for the fiscal year 2016-2017 budget
and approval of the Classification Plan for fiscal year 2016-2017
(Christopher Bever, Director of Management and Budget; Rebecca
Owens, Director of Finance)
Mr. Bever outlined the changes to the budget with budget memorandums
#14, which extended library hours at the Mt. Pleasant branch library, #17; which
detailed the outside agency funding and was the result of the Board’s spreadsheet.
Supervisor McNamara stated that he personally believes the consensus
accomplished the direction of the Board and was a ten percent reduction.
Chairman Peters advised he supports the extended hours at Mt. Pleasant
because he feels there is a need.
Supervisor Bedrosian commented that the citizens need to know that the
County is funding outside agencies; and there is not a will to stop funding and focus on
core services. He added that he feels the Board is discriminating against a lot of
agencies that did not receive funds and needs to be treated equally and he cannot
support.
Supervisor Assaid’s motion to approve first reading with the inclusion of
the reduction in outside agency contributions and to include the extra hours for the Mt.
Pleasant library and set the second reading for May 24, 2016, was seconded by
Supervisor Peters and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: Supervisor Bedrosian
Supervisor Bedrosian then asked Mr. Bever to advise the increase in the
budget with Mr. Bever responding $4.5 million.
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
Ordinance authorizing the vacation of a 0.014 acre portion of a
1.
right-of-way shown as Dawn Marie Court on the plat of Section
No. 1, Hanging Rock Estates, recorded in the Clerk's Office of the
Circuit Court for the County of Roanoke, Virginia in Plat Book 18,
Page 156 and located in the Catawba Magisterial District (Arnold
Covey, Director of Community Development) Postponed at the
request of the HOA
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3. Ordinance approving Botetourt County's request to join the
Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission and to adopt The
Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement
establishing the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission(Doug
Blount, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism)
Mr. Blount outlined the request for ordinance and outlined the changes to
the agreement. There is no fiscal impact associated with this request.
Supervisor Peter’s motion to approve first reading and set the second
reading for May 24, 2016, was seconded by Supervisor Hooker and approved by the
following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
4. Ordinance accepting and appropriating grant funds in the amount of
$1,053,858.75 from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration for a Roanoke Valley Driving Under the Influence
(DUI) task force (Howard B. Hall, Chief of Police)
Chief Hall outlined the request for the grant. He noted in Roanoke Valley
2010-2015 reports there were 22,043 total crashes and of those 1,409 were alcohol
related and 35 were fatalities. In Roanoke County, 2,718 crashes, 1,294 reportable,
298 injuries and seven (7) in deaths, one was DUI related. Overall 58 motorists or two
percent (2%) had been drinking, drugs in 14 of those cases. This appropriation will fund
six (6) personnel between the participating jurisdictions. Funds are available for five (5)
years, but is renewable. If the funding ends, staff will have six (6) months’ notice.
Routine turnover would take over.
Supervisor McNamara advised he supported and he advised alerting the
Board if the grants cease to become available.
Supervisor Peters’ motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for May 24, 2016, was seconded by Supervisor Hooker and approved by the
following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
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1. Ordinance accepting and appropriating $100,000 from the Virginia
Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the purpose of locally
administering the improvement of the drainage system at
Kenwick Trail, Belle Meade Drive and Merriman Road; Cave
Spring Magisterial District(Tarek Moneir, Deputy Director of
Development)
Mr. Moneir advised there were no changes from the first reading. There
was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 051016-4 ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING
$100,000 FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION (VDOT) FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOCALLY
ADMINISTERING THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE DRAINAGE
SYSTEM AT KENWICK TRAIL, BELLE MEADE DRIVE AND
MERRIMAN ROAD, CAVE SPRING MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT
WHEREAS, on October 14, 2014, the Board of Supervisors approved a
resolution supporting an application of $500,000 of matching transportation funding
through the VDOT 2015-2016 revenue sharing program; and
WHEREAS, the Kenwick Tail, Belle Meade Drive and Merriman Road projects
were projects under this program; and
WHEREAS, a determination was made that these will be locally administered
projects; and
WHEREAS, $200,000 of the projects is within the VDOT right-of-way and is
eligible for a 50/50 revenue sharing grant; and
WHEREAS, $100,000 of the project budget will be funding from VDOT with a
match of $100,000 provided from the stormwater maintenance of effort funding; and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter provides that funds be
appropriated by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, first reading of this ordinance was held on April 26, 2016, and the
second reading was held on May 10, 2016.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That the sum of $100,000 is hereby appropriated for the purpose of
improving the drainage system at Kenwick Trail, Belle Meade Drive and
Merriman Road; and
2. That the sum of $100,000 is allocated from stormwater maintenance of
effort funding for the purpose of improving the drainage system at Kenwick
Trail, Belle Meade Drive and Merriman Road; and
3. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
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On motion of Supervisor Assaid to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance to accept and appropriate $1,000 from the Appalachian
Power Company in support of the Catawba Greenway (Lindsay
Blankenship, Greenway/Blueway Planner)
Ms. Blankenship advised there were no changes from the first reading and
introduced Kay Dunkley from Virginia Tech, Teresa Hamilton Hall from AEP and Liz
Belcher, Roanoke County Greenway Coordinator. There was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 051016-5 ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000 FROM THE APPALACHIAN
POWER COMPANY TO THE CATAWBA GREENWAY
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission was formed in 1997 to
plan and support a network of greenways and trails throughout the member localities;
WHEREAS, the Catawba Greenway is included in the 2007 Update to the
Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke County and Virginia Tech have a partnership to construct a
section of the Catawba Greenway at the Catawba Sustainability Center; and
WHEREAS, the Appalachian Power Company has agreed to donate $1,000 to
Roanoke County for a pedestrian bridge crossing of Catawba Creek; and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter provides that funds be
appropriated by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, first reading of this ordinance was held on April 26, 2016, and the
second reading was held on May 10, 2016.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That the sum of $1,000 is hereby appropriated from the Appalachian
Power Company to the Department of Park, Recreation, and Tourism for the Catawba
Greenway for the purpose of constructing a pedestrian bridge; and
2. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
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IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance approving the sale of the former Vinton Library to
Richard H. Macher and authorizing the execution of a contract of
sale (Jill Loope, Director of Economic Development)
Ms. Loope advised there were no changes from the first reading. There
was no discussion.
Chairman Peters recognized Mayor Gross, Barry Thompson, Tim
Greenway and Booty Chewning from the Town of Vinton.
Chairman Peters opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this agenda item.
ORDINANCE 051016-6 APPROVING THE SALE OF THE
FORMER VINTON LIBRARY TO RICHARD H. MACHER AND
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT OF SALE
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors owns property located at 800 Washington
Avenue, Vinton, Virginia 24179 consisting of one (1) parcel containing 1.27 acres
previously used as the Vinton branch for the Roanoke County Public Library known as
the “Former Vinton Library”; and
WHEREAS, upon completion of the new Vinton Library in downtown Vinton, the
Former Vinton Library was vacated and made available for public acquisition; and
WHEREAS, THAT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION OF Section 16.01 of the
Charter of Roanoke County, the subject property, having been made available for other
public uses before permitting disposition by sale, is hereby declared to be surplus; and
WHEREAS, that a Request for Proposals to engage a licensed real estate broker
to aid and assist in the sale of the property was performed; and
WHEREAS, Poe and Cronk, Inc. was selected and the same marketed and
made the property available to the public by all advertising means available; and
WHEREAS, Richard H. Macher submitted an Offer to Purchase the property to
establish a full service restaurant for Macado’s, Inc., which Offer the County accepted;
and
WHEREAS, a draft Contract of Sale has been prepared between the County and
Richard H. Macher, providing for the purchase of the property in “AS IS” condition at a
total purchase price of $700,000; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the conveyance of the former Vinton
Library located at 800 Washington Avenue to Richard H. Macher upon the terms and
conditions set out in the above-mentioned Contract; and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter directs the acquisition
and conveyance of real estate interests be accomplished by ordinance; the first reading
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of this ordinance was held on April 26, 2016, and the second reading and public hearing
was held on May 10, 2016.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. The subject property is hereby declared surplus, was properly advertised
to the public and meets all legal requirements of disposal as required by the Roanoke
County Charter and the Roanoke County Code; and
2. That the conveyance of a 1.27 acres parcel of real estate known as the
former Vinton Library and located at 800 Washington Avenue (Tax Map Number 60.16-
06-32.00) to Richard H. Macher upon certain terms and conditions as set forth in a
Contract of Sale, is hereby approved and authorized; and
3. That the County Administrator or Assistant County Administrator is hereby
authorized to execute such documents and take such actions on behalf of Roanoke
County in this matter as are necessary to accomplish the acquisition of this real estate,
all of which shall be approved as to form by the County Attorney.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
Assaid and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: Supervisor Bedrosian
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 051016-7 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:
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for May 10,
2016, 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, as
follows:
1. Approval of minutes – March 8, 2016; March 22, 2016
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
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235
Dave Mason of the Cave Spring Magisterial District stated he waives no
rights and his remarks are directed to the members of the Board of Supervisors. His is
somewhat of an unpopular view here, four out of five, of the Roanoke County Board still
appear to believe that it is all right to dilute our purposes by a grant of subsidy to the
Broadband Authority. Even though the Constitution of Virginia does not permit special
consideration to be paid out to special sets or classes of people. Pure and simple,
transfer of wealth schemes are State sponsored theft and an affront to private property.
Still, with regard to broadband, he wished to be even more specific. He wished to touch
upon an email, which has a rather wide circulation. What particularly disturbs him about
the email is that it appears that Supervisor McNamara, the author of the email, is more
concerned with melting ice cream profits than he is with our pocketbooks being
purloined. Supervisor McNamara regarding all of this, if you do the right constitutional
thing and vote against the dispensation of special interest favors it is likely that both the
public and private sector would better prosper. For this reason, you should include
yourself among those voting no to the subsidy. To the supervisors separately and
severally, you must vote against the disposition of special privileges and favors to
special classes of people. To do otherwise, is an affront to the people and imposes
upon them unconscionable burdens. Also, the suppression of information by shouting
out private providers from open session broadband comment is another egregious act
to be much lamented. Vote no to broadband, serve the people respectfully of their right.
Practice a legitimate rule of law.
Isabel Kase of Archer Drive, lived there for forty-five years and she has
said it before and she will say it again, she is against what she sees as out of control
spending, when we are already in debt and giving to outside interest, she can
remember the day when we could rake the leaves to the curb and they were vacuumed
and we lost that advantage. She grew up in the days before credit cards and we did not
spend the money until we had it. The first rule in money management is if you don’t
have it, don’t spend it and she just feels like we are following a trickle-down thing from
the federal government. They are spending out of control and she sees the same thing
happening here. She would just like to see if watch our pocketbooks. Take care of the
taxpayers and hold back spending.
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Peters moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion was seconded by Supervisor Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Bedrosian, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance
2. Capital Reserves
3. Reserve for Board Contingency
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4. Outstanding Debt
5. Proclamations signed by the Chairman
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Bedrosian stated it is an awkward time today as most of you
know, his beautiful wife passed away on Saturday from cancer. Cassidy was a beautiful
woman and he thinks the only reason he is here because she wanted him to be here.
She hated government and politics, but she loved that he took a stand and she loved
her husband. So he is here. It is a difficult thing, but he wanted to take this time to just
celebrate her. Cassidy was an amazing bright light. She was his heart. She wasn’t
perfect, we always have ups and downs as everybody does. He thinks what you regret
most in life is the downs so he would look at everybody here and say, “Get things right,
make them always right, every day.” You always regret that one thing you should have
said this or that. Cassidy was the best campaigner in the world. He sees Max Beyer in
the audience, you were right. She hated this stuff. She did not like the pretentious of it.
She did not like going to meetings. But if you would tell Cassidy to go out with her
children and her husband and campaign like we did a few years ago and she was in her
glory. She did a great job. Like it or not, the only reason that he is here, got elected, is
because of his wife. Even if he wasn’t up to going out one night, she would go out and
he will always remember that. Cassidy believed in Jesus as her Lord and Savior and he
is going to mix politics and spirituality. She believed in him and that is where she is
today. She is with Jesus in heaven. It is hard for anybody to understand, especially
with a spouse. You look at your parents and it is a different thing and amazingly
enough both of his parents are still alive; they are 80 and 85. It seems unusual that your
wife would be gone at 55, but the one solace that he has is that she was a strong
believer and she continues on. It is not like anything is ended, it is just different and to
his five beautiful children, Alexis, Olivia, Casey, Madeline and Isabella, he has the
greatest children in the world and they have been really, really good and strong and
they have helped out during the whole time. You find that that these things are amazing
when it happens. It is sad that something like this happens that you find out how strong
your family is and how good they are. He appreciates the Board members too with their
comments and calling and thanks you all. We may not agree on things, but that is okay.
After what he has been through the last few days, he is even stronger, he really is. He
feels like he can face anything in life now. So he will continue to be stronger and
fortunately you will have to put up with him for a little longer, but he will be even tougher.
He will challenge all of us to do the right thing all the time because that is what Cassidy
would have liked for him to do. So, he will end by giving thanks to his lord and savior,
Jesus. He is totally comforted. It is not that it is easy, but at the end of the day he is
comforted by the fact that he knows she is doing well and he talks to her every day. It is
great. People will think he is nuts, if you see him mumbling to himself, that is okay. You
can think he is nuts, it really does not bother him.
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Supervisor Hooker stated that our hearts are with you and we are thinking
of you in this time and will work with you in your strength. She wants to go on and she
promised a chart earlier and she wanted to preface this with the fact that the Board of
Supervisors were elected by our citizens to set policy, to set policy and we set the tax
rate that generates the revenue for this County and it impacts all of us personally, but
we are all part of this community and we all have individual careers that are impacted by
the policies that we set, but it is policy. This is one thing she is particularly proud of and
what she mentioned earlier. She has a chart that shows out of 133 school divisions in
the State of Virginia, we are the second highest with the least amount of per pupil
spending. So, this is the most recent per pupil spending numbers that were just release
by the State. These results were given to us by the State for both SOL data and per
pupil spending data. Roanoke County shows that out of 133 divisions, only one division
spends less than we do per student with higher SOL scores and that is awesome. We
are not spendthrifts, we are not over the top with our spending and have gotten really
good results and she is proud to be a part of that organization.
Supervisor Peters commented he found out about Al’s wife on Sunday
afternoon and he did not know her personally, but his wife homeschooled with Al and
his wife and through her and other comments that she has heard since Sunday, she
was a remarkable woman. He thinks a lot can be said by the legacy that one will leave
behind. He hopes that he knows our prayers are with him in our community and our
staff are here for you. As he ends so many of our meetings, thanks to our staff and all
of our first responders, our teachers for what they do, because they are the greatest
asset of Roanoke County, he appreciates what they do.
th
At 4:35 p.m. Chairman Peters recessed to the 4 floor for work session
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1.Work session to provide the Board of Supervisors an opportunity
to discuss the proposed Broadband initiative (Board of
Supervisors Request)
Mr. Gates advised last work session on the budget. He introduced
George Condyles, who gave a brief overview. Supervisor McNamara inquired why
Roanoke is considered less in Broadband. Mr. Condyles stated he did not have the
answer; depends on where you are.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked if Mr. Condyles has met with the County
Administrator with Mr. Condyles advising once today and he will be getting paid to be
here. Supervisor Bedrosian remarked that we should have been meeting several times
over this issue. Supervisor Bedrosian then introduced the providers and asked them
what they have done in the Roanoke Valley and what are we deficient in.
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238
Supervisor Peters stated he takes offense with Mr. Bedrosian’s statement
as the providers were involved over a year and half ago. Mr. Bedrosian responded that
Mr. Peters was correct, but the Board left the meeting not getting involved.
Jeff Meritt, with Cox Communications outlined the forty years of service to
the area; already have 10 gig in the market and can go higher. He noted that the
electronica on the end is the key. The concern is competition as they have already
invested $70 million in the Roanoke Area.
Supervisor Hooker thanked Mr. Merritt for meeting with her personally. He
inquired of Mr. Condoyles fiber is fiber and it depends on what is connecting on the
ends. Mr. Condoyles advised some fiber may be very fast and some may not be, but he
agreed fiber is fiber and the electronics on each end is what will make it all happen and
is always evolving.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated we were shown generic fiber, but reiterated
that it is the electronics and must be kept constantly upgraded. He then inquired if he
was involved in PBS with Mr. Condoyles responding in the negative.
Jim Garrett with Kinex Telecom advised he is the provider that comes in
when you build the network and put customers on. In 1997, he started his first ISP and
sold to Intelos. He then started another ISP with 50 miles of fiber. He noted that
Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority (RVBA) had to bore before there is no room on
the poles and there are certain restrictions about how close to a powerline and with
VDOT.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated that RVBA has stated that we do not have
fiber.
Paul Combs with Comcast stated they did a total rebuild/upgrade and
brought everything up to date. He added they have provided what RVBA is building all
along; wants to stress they have catered to a full suite of businesses. They only turn
down when it is cost prohibitive and only one business responsible end. Only turn down
when it is cost prohibitive and only one business.
Supervisor Bedrosian inquired who was PBS’s customer and what did
they get with the answer being dedicated fiber.
Ray LaMura with Virginia Cable Telecommunications stated it is important
to know if you have completed the “tool kit” checklist, do you have joint trenching. He
then commented that if you go a few miles down the road to Bristol, Virginia (article in
May 9, 2016 Roanoke Times) that they went down the path to $120 million and is now
for sale at a loss.
Supervisor Peters commented we are not on the State checklist and
proceeded to bring up the Commonwealth of Virginia map showing fiber. He was
advised it is how it is labeled. They are all labeled “cable. Their network is driven by a
fiber optic backbone. Mr. Condoyles explained backbone versus distribution. Customer
determines what is used at what price point.
Mr. Merritt advised he is not opposed to broadband if it is the right
decision, but wanted to caution the Board not to make the decision on the wrong
May 10, 2016 239
information that the service is not available and is not competitive. He added that
taxpayer money would be better spend building a fiber network in more underserved
areas of the County.
Supervisor Hooker stated she is hearing there is a reluctance to invest.
Supervisor Assaid inquired why the particular route for Roanoke County
was chosen with Mr. Gates advising because of the commercial corridors. Mr. Gates
added that it will take approximately six years for potential revenues.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked is the application for the loan has been
submitted, with Mr. Gates advised yes, but not obligated.
The entire work session has been recorded and is on file in the office of
the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors.
The work session was held from 4:53 p.m. until 6:31 p.m.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Peters adjourned the meeting at 6:32 p.m.
bmitted by: Approved by:
glit, i
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l _�.a::�!� � .-11,—.4.-:
b-borah C. 4 . k. P. Jas"n Peters
Chief Deputy -rk to the Board Chairman
May 10, 2016
240
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