HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/27/2018 - RegularMarch 27, 2018 121
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 fourth Tuesday and the second
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of March 2018. 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
Vannie Harrell of Church Alive International. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by
all present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Hooker called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. The roll call
was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Martha B. Hooker, Supervisors George G. Assaid,
Phil C. North, Joseph P. McNamara and P. Jason Peters
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: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance authorizing the relocation of the polling place for
Precinct 306 — Garst Mill pursuant to § 24.2-306, 307 and 310 of
the 1950 Code of Virginia as amended (Anna Cloeter, Registrar)
Ms. Cloeter outlined the request for the ordinance. There was no
discussion.
22 March 27, 2018
Supervisor Assaid's motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for April 10, 2018, was seconded by Supervisor McNamara and approved by
the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance approving a lease with Reba Farm Inn to provide
equestrian camping facilities and services in Explore Park (Doug
Blount, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism)
Mr. Blount advised no changes from first reading and introduced the
owners, Ron Gore and Kathleen Donovan. There was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 032718-1 APPROVING A LEASE WITH REBA
FARM INN TO PROVIDE EQUESTRIAN SERVICES IN EXPLORE
PARK
WHEREAS, the County is the Lessee of a ninety-nine year lease for Explore
Park, property owned by the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority ("VRFA"), a
political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the lease between the County and the VRFA is for
the County to provide and promote a high quality recreational attraction in the western
part of the Commonwealth; expand the historical knowledge of adults and children;
promote tourism and economic development in the Commonwealth; set aside and
conserve scenic and natural areas along the Roanoke River; preserve open -space land;
and enhance and expand research and educational programs; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
("PRT") has devised a master plan ("Adventure Plan") for the land leased by the County
in Explore Park to achieve the purpose of the County / VRFA Lease; and
WHEREAS, the Adventure Plan calls for design and implementation of various
outdoor recreation activities, including different types of recreation activities; and
WHEREAS, the County has solicited and negotiated contracts with various
vendors for ground leases and event contracts to implement the Adventure Plan; and
WHEREAS, Reba Farm Inn ("Reba Farm"), was the responsive bidder for the
County's RFP for, among other things, providing equestrian services for visitors to
Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, the County has agreed to lease portions of Explore Park to Reba
Farm, so that the company may provide quality equestrian events and services to
visitors of Explore Park; and
March 27, 2018 123
WHEREAS, such a lease will provide tangible and intangible benefits to the
County in the form of revenue and economic development;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows -
1 .
ollows:1. That pursuant to the provisions of Sections 2.01 and 2.03 of the Charter of
Roanoke County, the County is authorized to acquire property, including the lease of
real estate; and,
2. That pursuant to the provisions of Section 18.04 of the Charter of
Roanoke County, the acquisition of any interest in real estate shall be accomplished by
ordinance, the first reading of this ordinance was held on March 13, 2018, and the
second reading of this ordinance was held on March 27, 2018.
3. That the execution of a Lease Agreement ("Agreement") with Reba Farm
to lease certain parcels of land in Explore Park is authorized.
4. That the lease term shall commence on April 1, 2018, and continue for a
period of five (5) years, with the option to renew for an additional successive five (5) -
year periods, upon the same terms and conditions contained in the Agreement, unless
terminated as provided in the Agreement.
5. That the base rent shall be ten percent (10%) of Reba Farm Inn's gross
revenue derived from its services at Explore Park, annually, during the term of the
Agreement.
6. That the County Administrator, or an Assistant County Administrator, is
authorized to execute such documents and take such actions on behalf of the Board of
Supervisors in this matter as are necessary to accomplish the lease of this property, all
of which shall be approved as to form by the County Attorney.
7. That this ordinance shall be effective on and from the date of its adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
North the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance approving a lease with Treetop Quest Roanoke, LLC to
provide an aerial adventure course at Explore Park (Doug Blount,
Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism)
Mr. Blount advised the only change is to an opening date of Labor Day in
2019, September 2, 2019. Doug introduced Julian Hatton who provided a PowerPoint
presentation and video; a copy of which is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board
of Supervisors.
124 March 27, 2018
ORDINANCE 032718-2 APPROVING A LEASE WITH TREETOP
QUEST ROANOKE, LLC TO PROVIDE AERIAL ADVENTURE
COURSE IN EXPLORE PARK
WHEREAS, the County is the Lessee of a ninety-nine year lease for Explore
Park, property owned by the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority ("VRFA"), a
political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the lease between the County and the VRFA is for
the County to provide and promote a high quality recreational attraction in the western
part of the Commonwealth; expand the historical knowledge of adults and children;
promote tourism and economic development in the Commonwealth; set aside and
conserve scenic and natural areas along the Roanoke River; preserve open -space land;
and enhance and expand research and educational programs; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
("PRT") has devised a master plan ("Adventure Plan") for the land leased by the County
in Explore Park to achieve the purpose of the County / VRFA Lease; and
WHEREAS, the Adventure Plan calls for design and implementation of various
outdoor recreation activities, including different types of recreation activities; and
WHEREAS, the County has solicited and negotiated contracts with various
vendors for ground leases and event contracts to implement the Adventure Plan; and
WHEREAS, Treetop Quest, Roanoke LLC ("Treetop Quest"), was the responsive
bidder for the County's RFP for, among other things, providing an aerial adventure
course for visitors to Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, the County has agreed to lease portions of Explore Park to Treetop
Quest, so that the company may provide quality aerial adventure and retail services to
visitors of Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, such a lease will provide tangible and intangible benefits to the
County in the form of revenue and economic development.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows -
1 .
ollows:1. That pursuant to the provisions of Sections 2.01 and 2.03 of the Charter of
Roanoke County, the County is authorized to acquire property, including the lease of
real estate; and,
2. That pursuant to the provisions of Section 18.04 of the Charter of
Roanoke County, the acquisition of any interest in real estate shall be accomplished by
ordinance, the first reading of this ordinance was held on March 13, 2018, and the
second reading of this ordinance was held on March 27, 2018.
3. That the execution of a Lease Agreement ("Agreement") with Treetop
Quest to lease certain parcels of land in Explore Park is authorized.
4. That the lease term shall commence on April 1, 2018, and continue for a
period of seven (7) years, with the option to renew for two (2) additional successive
March 27, 2018 125
three (3) -year periods, upon the same terms and conditions contained in the
Agreement, unless terminated as provided in the Agreement.
5. That the base rent shall be five percent (5%) of Treetop Quest's gross
revenue derived from its services at Explore Park, annually, during the term of the
Agreement, with a minimum guarantee of $25,000 annually in year two (2) of the
Agreement.
6. That the County Administrator, or an Assistant County Administrator, is
authorized to execute such documents and take such actions on behalf of the Board of
Supervisors in this matter as are necessary to accomplish the lease of this property, all
of which shall be approved as to form by the County Attorney.
7. That this ordinance shall be effective on and from the date of its adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara, the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 032718-3 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
ollows:That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for March 27,
2018, 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 3 inclusive, as follows -
1 .
ollows:1. Approval of minutes — January 27, 2018
2. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Gary L. Creasy, Recreation Program Manager, upon his
retirement after more than forty (40) years of service
3. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Eric "Steve" Wilson, Welding Shop Foreman, upon his
retirement after twenty-one (21) years of service
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara, the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
126 March 27, 2018
RESOLUTION 032718-3.a EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO GARY L. CREASY, RECREATION PROGRAM MANAGER,
UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER FORTY (40) YEARS OF
SERVICE
WHEREAS, Mr. Creasy was employed by Roanoke County on September 19,
1977; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Creasy retired on March 1, 2018, after forty years and six
months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Mr. Creasy's tenure with the Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Department, he has served as a Recreation Program Manager and Recreation
Supervisor and served with professionalism and dedication in providing services to the
citizens of Roanoke County;
WHEREAS, Mr. Creasy was instrumental in the development and success of
Roanoke County's robust youth and adult athletic team sports leagues, classes and
programs enjoyed thousands of citizens each year; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Creasy administered Roanoke County's sports marketing
initiatives including the development of Burton Sports Complex into Roanoke County's
premier sports tournament site and recruiting over 20,000 teams to the Roanoke Valley
while serving on the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau Sports Marketing
Committee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens
of Roanoke County to GARY L. CREASY for more than forty years of capable, loyal
and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy
and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara, the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 032718-3.b EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO ERIC "STEVE" WILSON, WELDING SHOP FOREMAN,
UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-ONE (21) YEARS OF
SERVICE
March 27, 2018 127
WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson was employed by Roanoke County on September 16,
1996; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson retired on February 1, 2018, after twenty-one years and
five months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Mr. Wilson's tenure with the General Services' Department,
he has served as a Welding Shop Foreman, Equipment Mechanic and Equipment
Technician and served with professionalism and dedication in providing services to the
citizens of Roanoke County;
WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson performed or oversaw all work related to welding,
fabrication, and small engine maintenance and repair for County Departments in an
exceptional manner that maximized equipment service life.
WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson eliminated the outsourcing of all solid waste equipment
body and hydraulic work and proactively sought opportunities to reduce or eliminate
costs using his skills. He took great pride in the quality of his work and contributions to
the County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens
of Roanoke County to ERIC "STEVE" WILSON for more than twenty-one years of
capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy
and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara, the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Grace Terry first thanked the Board when a few weeks ago citizens spoke
about not voting in favor of signing the Memorandum of Agreement with DEQ. Thank
you for not doing that and listening to our concerns; there were some tears after that.
So, she is here to alert the Board about a zoning problem and to get some assistance
and will read parts of a letter that she submitted. She is registering a Zoning Code
complaint about the current use by a company, Search, Inc., of a parcel on Bent
Mountain, Bottom Creek Road owned by her sister. She is the owner of the adjacent
parcel on the Mill Creek Boundary line of her sister's parcel. The Zoning Department
had emailed her some documents that she requested and was trying to determine what
the Zoning Classification was for this parcel and it is Agricultural Residential. She has
tried her best to review the County's Zoning Ordinance to try to determine if the
encampment that has been set up there is allowable and she cannot find anywhere that
the large tent and the other structures and equipment that have been erected on the
128 March 27, 2018
property and have been there since last Thursday, about ten days now. In addition, she
cannot find any language that would allow gas generation or people who are identified
to us to spend the night on the premises. She has visited Roanoke County's offices,
twice now to seek some assistance in trying to locate the section of the zoning code.
She is certainly no expert, but she is trying to find out what part of the zoning code
ordinance would relate to this complaint. So, she wrote the letter to discuss what the
issues are and first of all the landowner, her sister, did not give permission for Search,
Inc. to erect any structures, to operate a gasoline powered generator or to stay on the
property. However, a person named Michael Henbecker signed and certified an
applicable statement that he was acting as her agent. This is not true. We have no
knowledge of this person and the page that said owner's affidavit was completely blank
because her sister did not give any kind of permission for this. So, the application
stated that the project is an archeologic field laboratory. This company is currently not
authorized to be there conducting archeological digging and removal of artifacts. FERC
has not authorized this particular activity. This is currently an unresolved matter and is
a violation of landowner property rights to approve the property being used when it does
not meet the zoning regulations. If necessary, she can provide documentation to show
that the entry is not allowed. The permit issued by the Fire Marshal's office does not
indicate that there are gasoline generator operating on the property; she has heard the
generator operating. She has video document to workers carrying three gasoline cans
from Bottom Creek Road into the property and video of the security guard answering
her question as to what the gasoline is for. She said, "Heating." Chairman Hooker
reminded Ms. Terry of the time limit. It is important to note that there is no third -party
monitoring of the archeological activities by this company. There is no oversight, if the
dig is being done improperly. We are unable to observe. So not only are the private
property rights not being protected, but Roanoke County citizens are at the risk of losing
irreplaceable artifacts that would be key to understanding the peoples who inhabited
this area in the era of 9000 BC. She is asking you to please use your authority to
enforce the zoning code and address this issue of Search, Inc. on her sister's property.
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Peters moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion was seconded by Supervisor McNamara carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves Report
2. Outstanding Debt Report
3. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of
February 28, 2018
March 27, 2018 129
4. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and
Encumbrances as of February 28, 2018
5. Accounts Paid — February 28, 2018
6. Statement of Treasurer's Accountability per Investment and Portfolio
Policy as of January 31, 2018
Chairman Hooker recessed to the fourth floor at 3:27 p.m. for work
session
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to review with the Board of Supervisors Total
Compensation and outside agencies as part of the County
Administrator's Proposed Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Operating
Budget (Thomas C. Gates, County Administrator; Anne Marie
Green, Director of Human Resources; Rebecca E. Owens, Director
of Finance; Christopher R. Bever, Director of Management and
Budget)
Mr. Gates provided a brief overview and turned the session over to Chris
Bever and Anne Marie Green. Ms. Green explained total compensation.
Supervisor Hooker inquired regarding higher pay in the valley with Ms.
Green advising companies such as Norfolk Southern and Advance Auto.
Supervisor McNamara inquired regarding the SAFER grant and if staff
was looking at what happens in the third year. Mr. Bever responded in the third year
there will be an impact and staff have identified some things that are "one-time" items
that we will not need to put funding toward so that when we get to the third year we can
apply to this.
Supervisor McNamara commented that he thought it would be interesting
to look at inflation without healthcare. Mr. Bever responded that staff has looked at and
was not as significant as you would think.
Supervisor North asked if anybody would be in the hole with Mr. Bever
advising we would discuss when we do to those slides in the presentation.
Supervisor McNamara stated what concerns him is that we have to take
care of our employees, first. When you add people, you make it more difficult to take
care of your employees. The Board does not want tax increases. He personally thinks
that we should only add Fire and Rescue to maintain service levels. To add any other
positions, should be offset by another. Once you add a Treasurer Clerk you keep a
Treasurer Clerk.
130 March 27, 2018
His recommendation would be to hire a part-time college student for ten weeks. If
government increases, we are becoming a higher proportion of people's taxes. Do we
really need a fire inspector, and business systems analyst? If we want to take care of
our employees, don't add employees.
Supervisor North added to what Supervisor McNamara said on an intern,
"Let's find somebody that wants to work part-time." Also what about the option to go to
an outside vendor. He would like to see what kind of return you could get with part-time
person. With regard to the Explore Park person, was it part of the Explore Park Plan?
If so, then we should move forward. With regard to the Fire Inspector, it would be offset
by State funding.
Supervisor Hooker inquired regarding the CommlT position, it is coming
from part-time to full time. Mr. Hunter advised the part-time position has been empty
since last summer and they have projects lingering from 2015. They are looking for
someone with experience in content and document management.
Supervisor Assaid commented there are other departments that seem to
have a surplus of people, maybe those positions ought to be reassigned to areas where
they are needed.
Supervisor McNamara stated he is not comfortable saying, "You don't
need a position." He does not have that expertise, he is just looking at it from a policy
perspective, do we want to increase the size of government. Grant funded positions
don't last forever and at the end of the day end up with more people. The more people
we have, the more difficult to be competitive for the people that are already here. Our
population isn't growing so government should not be growing. For example, if we
increase a ticket by $5, that is supposed to save us. We do these things to create
efficiencies, but where is the offsetting labor savings.
Supervisor Assaid stated he is not for adding any positions.
Supervisor Peters inquired of Ms. Green in the last five years, where have
we been in our employee count. Ms. Green advised she did not have the data with her,
but she did know that there are very few vacant positions and have not changed
employee count except adding Public Safety positions.
Supervisor McNamara stated he took exception to that when they
restructured the Library System. Mr. Bever advised we may have added one position.
Mr. Gates stated he thought the reclassification of those positions was $300,000.
Supervisor Peters stated he has not seen that number change in the time
he has been here so we are using attribution. The only growth that he has seen is in
Fire and Rescue.
Supervisor McNamara stated he was not aware of any positions being cut
with the exception of Director of Community Development. Mr. Bever stated the Clerk
had a second position, but what staff was able to do was to take the position and split
the position between two departments and achieve savings because we were able to
have that person work with both departments.
March 27, 2018 131
Mr. Gates advised staff is cognizant of the Board's disposition on
positions. What staff has brought forward this year really necessary for us to carry out
the service that the Board has asked staff to take on. For example, the CommlT is very
critical for our ability to deliver the services that goes on behind the scenes. The
Business System Analyst is probably not the most descriptive, but it really making sure
that the backroom system is functioning. We have not added a position„ but expanded
a part-time position. Explore Park is self-evident. It is true that the activity is not what it
will be a year from now, but we do need folks there who are capable of making sure that
the activities we do have and expect to have are well managed. This position will be
funded from revenue generated by the Park. We tried a different funding model last
year for the Fire Inspector position, which did not work. This year they have done a
very good job of acquiring grants to support that service need. What the Board does
not see is the part-time employees and we have eliminated many part-time employees.
All of the new positions are connected to a revenue source.
Supervisor Assaid asked if Mr. Hunter had brought the CommlT position
last year with Mr. Hunter responding in the affirmative. He then asked Mr. Gates to
pick, with Mr. Gates stated he feels there are two that are important to service delivery.
CommlT and Explore Park. The Inspector position for Fire and Rescue, if the grant
money expires the position expires and the Treasurer's position is a running discussion
and does not need to talk about as they are well familiar with it. He would certainly
advocate strongly on behalf of CommlT and Explore Park.
Supervisor Assaid stated he could support the position for CommlT.
Supervisor Hooker asked Kevin Hutchins, Treasurer to speak regarding
the treasurer's position. He advised that he did not want to be redundant because we
have had these conversation before and he shouldn't and wouldn't want to speak about
Mr. McNamara's comment about policy because he certainly understands. For a
revenue producing position, where we have a reoccurring amount, we could go part-
time or outsourcing. He has spoken with the County Attorney and are prepared to bring
forward an ordinance that would allow for the fee that would have to be put on for
personal property collections. He does not think there will be the same service level
that they would get with his staff because we nurture our citizens and when you get a
company involved you will not have the same sort of effort. We are prepared to move
that forward depending on what type of decision is made. We have been looking at this
for the past couple of years. If you look at the overall number, $2.2 million, it will grow
rapidly. In June it will be $4.2 and go back to $2.2, it becomes harder and harder as it
ages out in years 2-5. There are alternatives that we can do and we are prepared to
look at any and all of them.
132 March 27, 2018
Supervisor Hooker stated she was intrigued by using an intern; would be a
win-win in her estimation with giving someone experience and see what could be
collected over a sort period of time and see if it merits. Mr. Hutchins stated he was not
going to argue that it would not be effective, but he would warn that it would take ten
weeks to come up to speed with the law. We do not have to do because they are
already given the ability to collect by statue.
Supervisor Hooker stated she was in favor of Explore Park and CommlT
and wait on the others.
Supervisor North stated he concurs, but would go with part-time for the
Treasurer before going to an outside agency
Supervisor Assaid stated is concurred with CommlT only.
Supervisor McNamara stated he was okay with CommlT due to the
elimination in Community Development, but he would wait a half year with Explore Park
to see if the revenue comes in.
Mr. Bever stated that staff feels Explore Park is critical to service in
Explore Park.
Supervisor Peters stated he felt we need to make sure that we are doing it
right from the "get -go" on Explore Park. Mr. Bever stated there was no general
government impact on this position and will be recovering the expenses by the growth.
Supervisor Hooker stated it was unanimous consent on the CommlT
position and consensus on Explore Park and Fire and Rescue.
Supervisor Peters asked staff to look at orthodontics in the dental
coverage.
There was consensus to move forward with outside agencies and to
adding the ten game.
It was noted that the financial policies will be reviewed at the work session
scheduled for April 10, 2018.
The work session was held from 3:42 p.m. until 5:10 p.m.
Chairman Hooker called the meeting back into session at: 7:01 p.m.
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING
1. Public hearing for citizen comments on the effective Real Estate
Tax Rate for calendar year 2018 (Christopher R. Bever, Director of
Management and Budget; William E. "Billy" Driver, Director of
Real Estate;)
Chairman Hooker opened and closed the public hearing with the following
citizen speaking:
March 27, 2018 133
Noah Tickle stated he has been a Roanoke County resident since 1954.
Last was a "long" about, "Get out there and get em in here." When in fact, they will get
in here when they hear "taxes are going down." Their tympanic membrane has been
numbed by "taxes going up." They go the other way; salivating for more and more taxes
will not work. Build it and they will come is not that. Tax reductions is the, "build it and
they will come." This applies to the industrial complex and residents. He is just saying
and y'all know it too. Some days back, it was, "Oh my gosh the railroad just left." So,
"Oh my gosh" what was done to keep em? Begs the question. With a tax till death
mentality, industrial complexes and residents will leave. Industry will consolidate to
survive. Residents will not go very far to drive in to keep working a job. Some days
further back, they brought "it" to Chief Justice Roberts saying, "What is it?" Disgusted by
their question, He answered, "It is a tax." WOW was that the wrong answer. He is sure
sure he had never heard the end of it. See, industry and bad little taxpaying residents
may say, "it is a tax." Governance will never like that answer.
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
1. Public hearing for citizen comments on the maximum 2018
calendar year tax rates for Real Estate, Personal Property, and
Machinery and Tools Taxes (Christopher R. Bever, Director of
Management and Budget)
Chairman Hooker opened and closed the public hearing with the following
citizen speaking:
Noah Tickle stated he has been a Roanoke County resident since 1954.
Again, again; on and on. It is mentioned tax rates will not go up, but will continue as last
time. So ask yourself, 'What does that mean?" It is like pedaling a bicycle or some other
pedaling device. This is being pedaled or some such is being pedaled. Thus meaning
like a man who once came to a BOS meeting down off the mountain kept saying, "We
are in big trouble;" suffixing each comment, whereas, governance on the other hand
likes to generate lots of prefixes using lots and lots of "whereases" to indicate like Dillon
Rule type of conditioning while pedaling. Tax pedaling rates pedal more and more taxes
with each spin of the tax pedal crank; cranking more, more, more taxes. The deceptive
comfort of saying, taxes will not go up at the finish will not play "calming waters of the
residents". One can hear their nest buzzing louder and the waves of their waters
splashing higher and higher. Till one day, their cup runneth over with swarms from their
hives and the flood of their concerns floods the area in question. He saw and was
involved with this happening mid -sixties about the tax deceptive pedaling. Civic
Leagues formations at that time were their back pedaling strokes. Lots of anger came
out of that. Several years later that quietened and the hives returned to their nests.
Governance should "student up"' on history to understand that eventually the tax pedal
crank breaks. Like the man down from the mountain said, "We are in big trouble."
134 March 27, 2018
Momma taught me to add. He will soon know if taxes did or did not go up .He will go
ahead and say it for you. Taxes will go up. Subtraction will never be needed. A man he
used to work with, would always prefix then suffix his comments with, "You know it" and
you do. You think it but you do not say it, "You know it."
2. Resolutions to set the following maximum tax rates for calendar
year 2018 to support the fiscal year 2018-2019 operating budget:
(a) Resolution to set the Real Estate maximum tax rate for
calendar year 2018
RESOLUTION 032718-4 TO SET THE REAL ESTATE MAXIMUM TAX
RATE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2018
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors of Roanoke Virginia will
set maximum tax rates for calendar year 2018 to support the fiscal year 2018-2019
operating budget; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing for citizen comments on setting maximum tax rates
was held on March 27, 2018, at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors will adopt final 2018
calendar year tax rates on April 10, 2018, following a public hearing for citizen
comments;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Roanoke County Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke Virginia, set the following Real Estate maximum tax rate for
calendar year 2018-
(A) The Real Estate Tax for calendar year 2018 is set at a rate of not more
than $1.09 per $100 of assessed valuation.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
(b) Resolution to set the Personal Property maximum tax rate for
calendar year 2018
RESOLUTION 032718-5 TO SET THE PERSONAL PROPERTY
MAXIMUM TAX RATE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2018
March 27, 2018 135
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors of Roanoke Virginia will
set maximum tax rates for calendar year 2018 to support the fiscal year 2018-2019
operating budget; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing for citizen comments on setting maximum tax rates
was held on March 27, 2018, at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors will adopt final 2018
calendar year tax rates on April 10, 2018, following a public hearing for citizen
comments;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Roanoke County Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke Virginia, set the following Personal Property maximum tax rate
for calendar year 2018-
(A) The Personal Property Tax for calendar year 2018 is set at a rate of not
more than $3.50 per $100 of assessed valuation.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
North, the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
(c) Resolution to set the Machinery and Tools maximum tax rate
for calendar year 2018 (Christopher R. Bever, Director of
Management and Budget)
RESOLUTION 032718-6 TO SET THE MACHINERY AND TOOLS
MAXIMUM TAX RATE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2018
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors of Roanoke Virginia will
set maximum tax rates for calendar year 2018 to support the fiscal year 2018-2019
operating budget; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing for citizen comments on setting maximum tax rates
was held on March 27, 2018, at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors will adopt final 2018
calendar year tax rates on April 10, 2018, following a public hearing for citizen
comments;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Roanoke County Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke Virginia, set the following Machinery and Tools maximum tax
rate for calendar year 2018-
(B) The Machinery and Tools Tax for calendar year 2018 is set at a rate of not
more than $2.85 per $100 of assessed valuation.
136 March 27, 2018
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
North, the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SECOND READINGS OF ORDINANCES
1. The petition of Diana England to obtain a Special Use Permit in a
R-1, Low Density Residential, District to obtain a multiple dog
permit for seven (7) dogs on 1.18 acres, located at 4579 Layman
Road, Vinton Magisterial District (Philip Thompson, Deputy
Director of Planning)
Mr. Thompson outlined the request for special use permit.
Supervisor Assaid inquired if petitioner could replace a dog with Mr.
Thompson responding in the affirmative but advised it was not their intent. Chairman
McNamara opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to speak.
Petitioner briefing spoke that these were rescue animals.
ORDINANCE 032718-7 GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT IN
A R-1 (LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) DISTRICT TO OBTAIN A
MULTIPLE DOG PERMIT ON 1.18 ACRES, LOCATED AT 4579
LAYMAN ROAD, VINTON MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT (TAX MAP
NO. 040.18-01-15.00-0000)
WHEREAS, the owners of 4579 Layman Road (Vinton Magisterial District), which
property is zoned R-1 (low density residential), have applied for a multiple dog permit for
their seven (7) dogs; and
WHEREAS, Section 5-24 of the Roanoke County Code states that the keeping of
more than three (3) dogs over four (4) months of age per dwelling shall be unlawful,
unless a multiple dog permit has been issued; and
WHEREAS, Section 30-82-4 of the Roanoke County Code states that in order to
obtain a multiple dog permit on lots less than five (5) acres in an R-1 zoning district, a
special use permit is required; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Planning Commission held a public hearing on
this matter on March 6, 2018 and subsequently recommended approval of the special
use permit; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on February 27, 20187
and the second reading and public hearing were held on March 27, 2018; and
March 27, 2018 137
WHEREAS, legal notice and advertisement has been provided as required by
law.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows-
1.
ollows:1. The Board finds that the granting of a special use permit to allow a multiple
dog permit in a R-1 (low density residential) district on a 1.18 acre parcel
located at 4579 Layman Road (tax map no.: 040.18-01-15.00-0000), in the
Vinton Magisterial District, meets with the requirements of Section 30-19-1 of
the Roanoke County Code; The proposed use conforms with the standards
set forth in article IV, use and design standards, and further conforms with the
following general standards:
a. The proposed use is in conformance with the comprehensive plan of
the County, as amended, pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.2-
2232 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and with official
County policies adopted in relation thereto, including the purposes of
the zoning ordinance.
b. The proposed use will have a minimum adverse impact on the
surrounding neighborhood and community;
2. The Board grants a special use permit to allow a multiple dog permit at 4579
Layman Road (tax map no.: 040.18-01-15.00-0000), in the Vinton Magisterial
District, subject to the following condition:
a. The maximum number of dogs shall be limited to seven (7).
3. That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its final passage. The
Zoning Administrator is directed to amend the zoning district map to reflect
the change in zoning classification authorized by this ordinance.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
Assaid and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Diane Bell of 1329 Miller's Landing stated she lives in the Hollins area of
our County. She and her husband have been blessed with 4 children, in fact, 2 sets of
twins, who are enrolled in Northside High and Mountain View Elementary. She is here
tonight representing a group of over 600 concerned Roanoke County parents. She
would like to invite you all to join us on our Facebook group "RCPS- Active Shooter
Prevention Alliance". We are an action and outcomes -based group that wastes no time
arguing about matters of national debate, such as gun control, arming teachers, and
partisan policies. We, instead, have joined together around the fundamental risk of one
county oversight, with grave consequences. To explain, she must acknowledge that the
138 March 27, 2018
Task Force which came together after the Sandy Hook tragedy did an excellent job of
securing our schools from intruders. The flaw in the plan is that no interventions were
put in place to stop our own youth from bringing weapons in to our schools. This is
evidenced by 2 incidents in just the last month. We believe these incidents, with no
injuries thankfully, are warning signs. We want this oversight fixed immediately. We also
do not feel that our requests are unreasonable. Considering recent events, many
surrounding counties, most with far fewer resources, have immediately responded with
heightened security measures. We feel that this is a matter of priorities. Our robust
county can certainly make this a priority too. At the school board meeting last Thursday,
we listened to exciting news regarding future Roanoke County developments and
planning, including new community feedback sessions. There was further discussion
about attracting our own youth back to the area, after college, to raise families here and,
by doing so, assisting our future economy in continuing to thrive. A feeling of safety, and
especially school safety, is critical to that list. Walking trails, music venues, and bike
paths will not be able to distract from the basic need of safety for their children. They will
remember how we act NOW. Please join us in making action now a reality. The School
Board has responded respectfully, yet helplessly, to our pleas; they say there is no
money. In fact, not one additional dollar will be spent toward school safety, per the
approved budget, for the upcoming school year and that is where we need you, our
elected officials, to allocate the money. There is no greater priority for our community
right now. With that, I would like to share with you our Alliance's proposed action plan:
• Superintendent to apply to the State of Virginia for the Public School Security
Equipment Grant --$3.4 million available, per Section 22.1-280.2:2 of the Code of
Virginia.
• Superintendent to accept the extra law enforcement assistance offered by the
Roanoke County Sheriffs Office
• Per Section 22.1-280.2:1 of the Code of Virginia: recruit retired law enforcement
professionals to supplement current officers in our schools, especially during
student arrival times, and train them in entrance security, active shooter
response, threat assessments, and emergency evacuation procedure
• Establish an anonymous tip -line for students, teachers, and parents to report
disturbing behaviors, social media posts, text messages, and any threatening
situations that could escalate into violence
• Refer emotionally and mentally disturbed students to licensed mental health
professionals for evaluation, treatment and formal risk assessment
• Provide entrance security for all schools, including but not limited to, ideas such
as: metal detectors or wands, surveillance cameras, and armed guards (utilizing,
in part, the resources named above). No weapon should make it into our schools,
ever!
• Utilize donated funds and resources from concerned citizens, businesses, and
community organizations to add additional security measures, such as but not
March 27, 2018 139
limited to: see-through backpacks and bags, personal panic buttons for teachers,
bulletproof enclosures/curtains for classrooms, doorstops, and bulletproof glass
• Each county household will be asked to make a written pledge to take personal
responsibility in eliminating ease of access to firearms
• The acceptance of all entities involved that communication and transparency are
more critical than ever right now
In closing, she would like to share a story that I shared at a recent school board
meeting. This perspective was told to me by a mentor early on in my career as a
manager in healthcare, where I too serve and assist in protecting a group of vulnerable
human lives. When faced with tough ethical dilemmas, she suggested to me that I look
at the situation today as if it would end up in the newspaper tomorrow. She encouraged
the Board to look at this situation the same way. My question to you is: What will you
wish you would have done today when you read about Roanoke County's mass
casualty shooting in tomorrow's newspaper?
Chairman Hooker stated she appreciated her concern and what she is
trying to do. She appreciates your comments and there has been a lot of talk about this
in our community and about how we should work together to protect our kid. The
Roanoke County School Board has appointed the school safety committee that you
spoke of to find what measures could be taken to further secure our schools. Our
police, our fire and rescue leaders who bear responsibility; and they are the
professionals, for the protection of all in our community are and shall remain part of this
discussions and at this point it is premature to determine what actions this Board of
Supervisors might take. We will continue to work with the schools and the School
Board to consider any recommendations that they put forward to us.
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor North stated he had a few short thank-yous. First of all to our
citizens, to our customers and to the business in Roanoke County that make this County
able to fund many things. Also, a thank you to our greatest asset, our employees, best
wishes for good Easter and spring break next week and come back safely.
Supervisor McNamara stated he made an announcement at the last
meeting that there was a community meeting on the redevelopment and reimagining of
the Oak Grove area. If you had a chance to attend that is wonderful. He was there one
of the days himself; there were a lot of drawings, questions being answered, but we are
just beginning in the process. There will be two additional sessions; the Saturday
session was snow so many people perhaps were concerned, Saturday, May 19, 20187
and he will re -announce as we get closer and then Thursday, May 24, 2018. Both of
these meetings will be held at the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, which is across the
street from Oak Grove and down the road just a little. The reason he mentioned today is
there is also an online survey that the deadline is April 7, 2018. So, if you want to have
140 March 27, 2018
input and you want your opinions and thoughts to be part of our gathering process, the
survey is available online and can be accessed via website, www.roanokecountyva.gov
and he also believes there are hard copies of the surveys in the library. So, if you would
prefer to use that approach, we could do that. If you want us to mail you one, you can
call our Board office and we will take care of getting you a survey in some form or
fashion; 772-2005.
Supervisor Peters stated he first wanted to thank the citizens who have
reached out to him over the past couple of weeks concerning his last comments. He
asked our County Administrator to begin looking at the framework for economic
development and what that will look like going forward. He does want to thank all in
attendance for being here tonight; our children, our schools are very important and know
that is something we are going to continue to look at with our School Board as the Chair
has already alluded to. Lastly, as Mr. North said earlier, he appreciates what our current
staff does to keep us safe and what they do every day to keep the County moving
forward.
Supervisor Assaid stated there were a couple of things that were brought
up by Ms. Bell. He had seen her at the School Board meeting twice and he would
recommend that she reach out to the Superintendent on the grants. He knows that over
the last five (5) years, the schools have applied and have received grant money and in
most cases it has been used for surveillance cameras; replacement of the systems
within some of the older schools. So, for the last five years he knows for sure that they
have used that. The School Boards in the past, it has a 25% match, have funded those.
So, they have done a good job getting them. Another thing, and he will only speak to
this briefly, he is a member of the School Safety Task force that has been in place since
2012. This is not something that has been put in place within the last month. He can tell
you that it is Chaired by Chief Hall and does a fabulous job and he and his staff, along
with the Sheriff's Department, Fire and Rescue, County and School Administration staff
as well as the County E911 folks all get together and meet. We also have
subcommittees that meet and report back to the Task Force. Those subcommittees are
made up of Fire and Rescue, different people, Police Department, School Administrators
and operations staff at the schools. He does not want them to think that nothing has
been done or it just started to happen. It has been going on for years. The Police are
the ones responsible for our safety and they do an outstanding job working along Chief
Simon of Fire and Rescue. They do an outstanding job and they do continue to work to
make things better. They are not stagnant with something that came up in 2012. This is
a fluid plan and keeps getting worked on. He just wanted everyone to know that. It is
not something new. It is such a complex issue to determine what needs to be done
because each school has different needs and he knows the School Board and the Board
of Supervisors are all supportive. We have talked to them and we know that they want to
make sure the students are safe and they know that sometimes throwing money at a
problem doesn't always work. Some of the points that were brought up, the mental
health aspects are extremely important. Being able to reach out by picking up the
March 27, 2018 141
phone, text message, email, however the process may be is extremely important for
those students to protect their anonymity. He just wants them to know that things are
happening and have been happening for quite some time.
Supervisor Hooker stated she had a couple of quick comments. First,
there is an economic development seminar that is being sponsored by Roanoke County
Economic Development, Roanoke City Economic Development and Freedom First are
the partners. There is a one-hour seminar on April 19, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30
a.m. at the South County Public Library and you can register online. Contact our
Roanoke County website and you can get more details on how to register. It is called
Navigating the Workforce System and it covers funding opportunities for existing workers
training, free recruitment and job posting services, regional labor market information
availability, job fair and connecting with the future workforce. So, if you have any interest
in this, please go online for more information. She would like to echo the sentiments of
several of her Board members and what they have said regarding school safety. We
appreciate the fact that you care and that we can always get better and this is something
we are trying to get better so thank you.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Hooker adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
S mitted by- Approved by:
Deborah C. cks Martha B. Hooker
Chief Deputy CI k to the Board Chairman
Mm
March 27, 2018
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