HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/9/2019 - Regular
April 9, 2019
139
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 April 2019. 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
James Jason Cook of Valley Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all
present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman North called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. The roll call was
taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Phil C. North; Supervisors George G. Assaid,
Martha B. Hooker, David F. Radford and P. Jason Peters
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Daniel R. O’Donnell, County Administrator; Richard
Caywood, Assistant County Administrator; Rebecca Owens,
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: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Proclamation declaring April 14-20 2019, as National Public Safety
Telecommunicators Week in the County of Roanoke (Bill Hunter,
Director of Communications and Information Technology)
Proclamation was presented by Chairman North.
April 9, 2019
140
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution approving the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission
budget for fiscal year 2019-2020 (Timothy T. Bradshaw, A.A.E.,
Executive Director of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission)
Mr. Bradshaw provided an overview of the budget.
Supervisor Radford commented that he thought the new walkway was
fantastic, but was there going to be any expansion to it with Mr. Bradshaw explaining
they hope to extend to the end of the parking lot. There was no discussion.
RESOLUTION 040919-1 APPROVING THE ROANOKE
REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION BUDGET FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2019-2020
WHEREAS, Section 24.B of the Regional Airport Commission Act and Section
17.(a) of the contract between the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, and the Roanoke
Regional Airport Commission provides that the Commission shall prepare and submit its
operating budget for the forthcoming year to the Board of Supervisors of the County and
City Council of the City; and
WHEREAS, by report dated March 26, 2019, a copy of which is on file in the
office of the Clerk of the Board, the Executive Director of the Roanoke Regional Airport
Commission has submitted a request that the County approve the fiscal year 2019-2020
budget of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia that the fiscal year 2019-2020 budget and proposed capital
expenditures for the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission as set forth in the March
26, 2019, report of the Commission Executive Director, a copy of which is incorporated
by reference herein, is hereby APPROVED, and the County Administrator 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
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
2. Resolution setting the allocation percentage for Personal
Property Tax Relief in Roanoke County for the 2019 tax year
(Laurie Gearheart, Acting Director of Finance)
April 9, 2019
141
Ms. Gearheart outlined the request for resolution. There was no
discussion.
RESOLUTION 040919-2 SETTING THE ALLOCATION
PERCENTAGE FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF IN
ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE 2019 TAX YEAR
WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 58.1-3524
(C) (2) and Section 58.1-3912 (E) of the Code of Virginia, as amended by Chapter 1 of
the Acts of Assembly and as set forth in item 503.E (Personal Property Tax Relief
Program or “PPTRA”) of Chapter 951 of the 2005 Acts of Assembly and qualifying
vehicle with a taxable situs within the County commencing January 1, 2019, shall
receive personal property tax relief; and
WHEREAS, this Resolution is adopted pursuant to Ordinance 122005-10
adopted by the Board of Supervisors on December 20, 2005.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA, as follows:
1. That tax relief shall be allocated so as to eliminate personal property taxation
for qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $1,000 or less.
2. That qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $1,001-$20,000 will be eligible
for 54.55% tax relief.
3. That qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $20,001 or more shall only
receive 54.55% tax relief on the first $20,000 of value; and
4. That all other vehicles which do not meet the definition of qualifying (for
example, including but not limited to, business use vehicles, farm use vehicles, motor
homes, etc.) will not be eligible for any form of tax relief under this program.
5. That the percentages applied to the categories of qualifying personal use
vehicles are estimated fully to use all available PPTRA funds allocated to Roanoke
County by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
6. That this Resolution shall be effective from and after the date of its adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
3. Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Roanoke,
Virginia authorizing the execution of certain documents in
connection with certain General Obligation School Bonds
previously purchased by the Virginia Public School Authority
(Laurie Gearheart, Acting Director of Finance)
April 9, 2019
142
Ms. Gearheart outlined the request for resolution.
Supervisor Peters asked if there was any cost associated with this action,
with Ms. Gearheart advising in the negative. There was no further discussion.
RESOLUTION 040919-3 OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
THE COUNTY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION
WITH CERTAIN GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL BONDS
PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED BY THE VIRGINIA PUBLIC
SCHOOL AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, the County of Roanoke, Virginia (the "County") previously issued
its General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2001 and Series 2003 (the “Local Bonds”),
to finance certain capital projects for public school purposes, which were purchased by
the Virginia Public School Authority ("VPSA"); and
WHEREAS, VPSA has notified the County that (i) VPSA is issuing its School
Financing Refunding Bonds, Series 2019B to potentially refund all or a portion of the
VPSA bonds that purchased the Local Bonds (the "Refunded VPSA Bonds") for debt
service savings and (ii) VPSA will allocate the debt service savings achieved as a result
of such refunding to the local school bonds purchased with the Refunded VPSA Bonds,
including the Local Bonds; and
WHEREAS, VPSA has notified the County that the County will receive its
allocable share of the savings achieved over the remaining amortization period of the
County's Refunded Local Bonds through an annual credit (the "Refunding Credit");
which will be paid to the County on or after August 1 of each applicable year, provided
the County's debt service payments on the Local Bonds have been received; and
WHEREAS, in order to receive the Refunding Credit, VPSA needs the County
and the School Board of the County to execute a Certificate of Refunding of Local
School Bond (the "Refunding Certificate") in a form substantially similar to the
Certificate of Refunding of Local School Bond on file with the County's Director of
Finance; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the County (the "Board") desires to
authorize the execution and delivery of the Refunding Certificate and the performance
of such other actions required by VPSA in order to receive the Refunding Credit.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA:
1. The Board authorizes and directs the County Administrator and the Director
of Finance, or either of them, and such officers and agents of the County as
either of them may designate to execute and deliver the Refunding Certificate
and to take such other actions and to sign such other documents as required
April 9, 2019
143
by VPSA in order to receive the Refunding Credit and all such actions
previously taken are ratified and confirmed.
2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
4. Resolution rescinding a ground lease with Treetop Quest
Roanoke, LLC and approving a construction and licensing
agreement with Treetop Quest, LLC to establish an aerial
adventure course at Explore Park (Doug Blount, Director of Parks,
Recreation and Tourism)
Mr. Blount outlined the request for resolution approving a construction and
licensing agreement.
Supervisor Radford commented with regard to the Construction Contract,
since he is a contractor, his antennae goes up a little bit. Section 11, Hold Harmless
and Indemnity in the Code of Virginia Section 11-4.1, Virginia is an anti-indemnity State
and there is a statute in there that states, Certain Indemnification provisions in
construction contracts are declared void. Has our legal staff looked at Section 11 of the
Virginia Statute? Mr. Blount advised they have and the contract was actually written by
Mary Beth Nash and provided to Treetop Quest.
Supervisor Peters thanked Mr. Blount and his staff. He is thrilled to see if
come together as well as the community, who has been waiting for a long time.
RESOLUTION 040919-4 RESCINDING GROUND LEASE WITH
TREETOP QUEST, LLC, AND APPROVING A CONSTRUCTION
AND LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH TREETOP QUEST, LLC
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors wishes to continue the implementation of
the Master Plan for Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors previously authorized a ground lease of
property in Explore Park for TreeTop Quest Roanoke, LLC (“TreeTop Roanoke”) to
lease and operate an aerial adventure course; and
WHEREAS, TreeTop Quest, LLC (“Treetop”), the parent company of TreeTop
Roanoke, has experienced changes in its business model and no longer wishes to
lease space in Explore Park to operate the aerial adventure course; and
April 9, 2019
144
WHEREAS, TreeTop and the County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and
Tourism have reached a new agreement regarding an aerial adventure course in
Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, the parties have agreed that TreeTop will construct an aerial
adventure course in Explore Park, license its equipment to the County and County staff
will operate the course; and
WHEREAS, this aerial adventure course will complement the other recreation
offerings at Explore Park.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows;
1. That the lease previously approved for TreeTop Roanoke be rescinded; and
2. That the County Administrator is hereby authorized to enter into a
construction and licensing agreement for TreeTop to build an aerial adventure
course at Explore Park.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
5. Resolution approving a Maintenance Agreement between the
County of Roanoke and Treetop Quest, LLC to maintain an aerial
adventure course at Explore Park (Doug Blount, Director of Parks,
Recreation and Tourism)
Mr. Bount outlined the request for resolution to approve a maintenance
agreement.
Supervisor North commented that Mr. Blount’s department has done a
great job will all the new iniatives at Explore Park.
RESOLUTION 040919-5 APPROVING A MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ROANOKE AND
TREETOP QUEST, LLC TO MAINTAIN AN AERIAL ADVENTURE
COURSE AT EXPLORE PARK
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors wishes to continue the implementation of
the Master Plan for Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors previously authorized a ground lease of
property in Explore Park for Treetop Quest Roanoke, LLC (“Treetop Roanoke”) to lease
and operate an aerial adventure course; and
April 9, 2019
145
WHEREAS, Treetop Quest, LLC (“Treetop”), the parent company of Treetop
Roanoke, has experienced changes in its business model and no longer wishes to
lease space in Explore Park to operate the aerial adventure course; and
WHEREAS, Treetop and the County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and
Tourism have reached a new agreement regarding an aerial adventure course in
Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, the parties have agreed that Treetop will construct an aerial
adventure course in Explore Park, license its equipment to the County and County staff
will operate the course; and
WHEREAS, Safety is the top priority for outdoor recreation at Explore Park; and
WHERAS, Treetop has the expertise and resources to maintain the aerial
adventure course at Explore Park; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows;
3. That the County Administrator is hereby authorized to enter into a
maintenance agreement for Treetop to maintain the aerial adventure course
at Explore Park.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING
1. Public hearing for citizen comments on the Proposed Fiscal Year
2019-2020 Operating Budget and the Proposed Fiscal Year 2020-
2029 Capital Improvement Program (Christopher R. Bever,
Director of Management and Budget)
Chairman North opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this item.
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF TAX RATES
2. Request to adopt the following taxes rates:
(a) Order setting the tax rate on Real Estate in the County of
Roanoke for the calendar year 2019
April 9, 2019
146
ORDER 040919-6 SETTING THE TAX RATE ON REAL ESTATE
SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR
2019
BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that
the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2019, and ending
December31, 2019, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $1.09 per one hundred
dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable real estate and mobile homes classified by
Sections 58.1-3200, 58.1-3201, 58.1-3506.A.8, and 58.1-3506.B of the 1950 Code of
Virginia, as amended, situate in Roanoke County.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the order, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
(b) Order setting the tax levy on Personal Property situate in the
County of Roanoke for the calendar year 2019
ORDER 040919-7 SETTING THE TAX LEVY ON PERSONAL
PROPERTY SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE
CALENDAR YEAR 2019
BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2019, and
ending December 31, 2019, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $3.50 per one
hundred dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable, tangible personal property,
excluding that class of personal property generally designated as machinery and tools
as set forth in Section 58.1-3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and
excluding all those classes of household goods and personal effects as are defined in
Sections 58.1-3504 and 58.1-3505 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, but
including the property separately classified by Sections 58.1-3500, 58.1-3501, 58.1-
3502, 58.1-3506 in the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, of public service
corporations based upon the assessed value thereof fixed by the State Corporation
Commission and duly certified.
2. That there be, and hereby is, established as a separate class of personal
property in Roanoke County those items of personal property set forth in Section 58.1-
3506 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and adopted by Ordinance No.
121592-11, and generally designated as Motor Vehicles for Disabled Veterans.
April 9, 2019
147
3. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2019, and
ending December 31, 2019, be, and hereby is, set at fifty (50%) percent of the tax rate
established in paragraph 1 for the taxable, tangible personal property as herein
established as a separate classification for tax purposes and as more fully defined by
Section 58.1-3506 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally designated
as Motor Vehicles for Disabled Veterans.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the order, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
(c) Order setting the tax levy on a classification of personal
property - Machinery and Tools - situate in the County of
Roanoke for calendar year 2019 (Christopher R. Bever,
Director of Management and Budget)
ORDER 040919-8 SETTING THE TAX LEVY ON A
CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY - MACHINERY
AND TOOLS - SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE
CALENDAR YEAR 2019
BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That there be, and hereby is, established as a separate class of personal
property in Roanoke County those items of personal property set forth in Section 58.1-
3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally designated as machinery
and tools.
2. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2019, and
ending December 31, 2019, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $2.85 per one
hundred dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable, tangible personal property as
herein established as a separate classification for tax purposes and as more fully
defined by Section 58.1-3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally
designated as machinery and tools.
On motion of Supervisor North to adopt the order, seconded by Supervisor
Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
April 9, 2019
148
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance authorizing the acquisition of a new easement across
Tax Map Parcel 087.07-03-07.01, for Ingress and Egress to the
Roanoke County Administration Center from Penn Forest
Boulevard (Richard Caywood, Assistant County Administrator;
Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County Attorney)
Mr. Caywood advised the only changes from the first reading were
technical changes.
Chairman North opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this item.
There was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 040919-9 AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF A
NEW EASEMENT ACROSS TAX MAP PARCEL 087.07-03-07.01,
FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS TO THE ROANOKE COUNTY
ADMINISTRATION CENTER FROM PENN FOREST BLVD
WHEREAS, in 1993, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County acquired the
3.395-acre parcel of real estate located at 5204 Bernard Drive (Tax Map No. 087.07-03-
08.0000), which property is presently used as the Roanoke County Administration
Center (the “3.395-acre parcel”); and
WHEREAS, in 2012, the Board of Supervisors subsequently acquired an
adjacent 0.454-acre parcel, located at 2727 Penn Forest Blvd (the “0.454-acre parcel”).
The 0.454-acre parcel was used as a separate parking lot to service the Roanoke
County Administration Center; and
WHEREAS, the 0.454-acre parcel is accessed by an ingress/ egress easement
from Penn Forest Blvd, across the parcel located at 2741 Penn Forest Blvd (Tax Map
No. 087.07-03-01.0000), which is presently owned by the Strauss Properties, LLC.; and
WHEREAS, in 2013, by the filing of a combination plat, the 3.395-acre parcel and
the 0.454 acre-parcel were consolidated into one parcel (the “Combined Parcel”,
designated on the Roanoke County land records as Tax Map No. 087-07-03-08.0000).
In 2016 and 2017, the curb that separated the 3.395-acre parcel and the 0.454-acre
parcel was removed and the parking lots were combined; and
WHEREAS, the ingress/ egress easement is now being used by Roanoke
County employees and members of the public to access the entire Combined Parcel;
and
WHEREAS, Strauss Properties, LLC is willing to grant a new easement to the
Board; the new easement would 1) adjust the location of the ingress/ egress easement,
April 9, 2019
149
and 2) enlarge the scope of the ingress/egress easement, to allow use of the easement
to access the Combined Parcel and not just the prior 0.454-acre parcel. In exchange,
the County would contribute towards the expense of maintaining the easement area;
and
WHEREAS, 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. Accordingly, a first reading of this ordinance was held on March 26, 2019,
and the second reading and public hearing of this ordinance was held on April 9, 2019.
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That the acquisition of a new easement from Strauss Properties, LLC,
across 2741 Penn Forest Blvd (Tax Map No. 087.07-03-01.0000) for ingress and egress
to the Roanoke County Administration Center, located at 5204 Bernard Drive (Tax Map
No. 087.07-03-08.0000), is hereby authorized and approved.
2. 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 forms approved by
the County Attorney.
5. That this ordinance shall be effective on and from the date of its adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Radford to adopt the ordinance, seconded by
Supervisor North, the motion was carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 040919-10 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM J- 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 April 9,
2019, designated as Item J - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 5 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes – January 8, 2019; January 22, 2019
2. Observance and Proclamation of Friday, April 12, 2019 as National Arbor Day
in Roanoke County
April 9, 2019
150
3. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Jeanette B. Lowe, Customer Services Representative for
the Department of Social Services, upon her retirement after more than ten
(10) years of service
4. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Jeanie A. Seay, Resource Coordinator for the
Department of Social Services, upon her retirement after more than six (6)
years of service
5. Confirmation of appointment to the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory
Commission (appointed by District)
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Assaid and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
A-040919-10.a
RESOLUTION 040919-10.b EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO JEANETTE B. LOWE, CUSTOMER SERVICE
REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL
SERVICES, UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN TEN
(10) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Jeanette B. Lowe was employed by Roanoke County on June 16,
2008; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Lowe retired on April 1, 2019, after ten (10) years and ten (10)
months of devoted and faithful service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Ms. Lowe’s tenure, she served in the capacity of Customer
Service Representative in the Department of Social Services and has acted with
professionalism and dedication in providing services to the citizens of Roanoke County;
and
WHEREAS, Ms. Lowe has functioned on the front lines at the department,
assisting citizens with questions and directing inquiries to the appropriate team. Ms.
Lowe has been an integral part of the administrative team at the Department first in the
records management area and often as a front desk receptionist always patient and
professional in her demeanor; and
WHEREAS, the majority of her tenure has been functioning as the primary
switchboard operator, answering multiple lines while juggling both internal and external
customers, showing compassion and dedication to the citizens of Roanoke County; and
April 9, 2019
151
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 Jeanette B. Lowe for more than ten (10) 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 resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Assaid and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 040919-10.c EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO JEANIE
SEAY, RESOURCE COORDINATOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL SERVICES, UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN
SIX YEARS (6) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Jeanie A. Seay was employed by Roanoke County on May 1, 2012;
and
WHEREAS, Ms. Seay will retire on April 1, 2019, after six (6) years and eleven
(11) months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Ms. Seay’s tenure, she has served as a Resource
Coordinator in the Department of Social Services and has served with professionalism
and dedication in providing services to the citizens of Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Seay trained fifteen (15) separate cohorts of foster families over
the past six (6) years of service; greatly increasing the quality and quantity of local
foster homes in our locality; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Seay has continuously developed the State of Virginia DSS’s
foster parent training curricula from its last update in 2009; adding crucial components
on Trauma, Attachment and atypical Child Development; significantly improving the
quality of training and the sustainability of locally-approved foster homes; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Seay was instrumental in the design and creation of innovative
best practice specialist positions focusing on Kinship Practice and Resource
Recruitment that are now used as models for similar positions created to meet evolving
needs across our region; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Seay was a valuable component of the Department’s efforts to
reduce CSA expenditures on congregate care and Therapeutic Foster Care placements
by approving and utilizing well-trained local foster homes to meet placement needs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens
April 9, 2019
152
of Roanoke County to JEANIE A. SEAY for more than six (6) 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 resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Assaid and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
A-040919-10.d
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Peters moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion was seconded by Supervisor Radford and carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves Report
2. Outstanding Debt Report
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Radford stated he wanted to let everyone know he attended
his first Western Virginia Jail Authority Meeting earlier this week. It was actually his first
visit to the regional jail; quite a facility they have there. Also, last week he met with the
Roanoke Valley Allegheny-Regional Commission one of the presenters was VHDA, who
gave a presentation entitled “Programs that support housing, mixed-use development.”
The information was interesting in terms of housing strategies that are being utilized
around the State.
Supervisor North stated last week he attended, along with others in the
region, The Transportation Planning Organization and the Allegheny Regional
Commission. The Commission passed a unanimous vote with all the regional
representatives, including cities and counties around the area to earmark $7 million of
federal funds toward improvements to Rt. 419 and Rt. 220, converging diamond
concept, which we will hear more about in the future and on behalf of Roanoke County,
he thanked all the unanimous support on that committee.
April 9, 2019
153
th
At 3:43 p.m. Chairman North recessed to the 4 floor for work sessions.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to review with the Board of Supervisors the County
Administrator's Proposed Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Operating
Budget (Daniel R. O'Donnell, County Administrator; Laurie
Gearheart, Acting Director of Finance; Christopher R. Bever,
Director of Management and Budget)
County Administrator O’Donnell gave an overview and turned the work
session over to Mr. Chris Bever who provided a PowerPoint presentation. First
functional budget team was Public Safety. There was no discussion. Next, Mr. Bever
reviewed the Community Services functional budget team.
Supervisor Hooker asked how does the number change from page 20 and
page 18 for General Services Solid Waste. Mr. Bever advised the number on page 18
is the entire budget, page 20 is just one line within the budget.
Supervisor North reiterated that is does not include the $2 a ton that is
proposed, with Mr. Bever responding in the affirmative, staff did not have the
information when the budget was proposed.
Supervisor North stated going back to the 195 (Page 20), what is the cost
to run the recycling program. Mr. Bever responded if you account for the personnel and
the other things it is about $130,000. Supervisor North stated so the cost as gone from
$5 to $53 a net ton, with Mr. Bever responding in the affirmative. Supervisor North
stated it was because the bottom fell out of the recycling market. So, it is being offered
because the citizens offer it.
The next functional budget team was Internal Services. There was no
discussion.
Under Human Services Functional Budget, Supervisor Peters inquired
under CORTRAN, what is the timeframe for the RFP with Mr. Bever responding that
staff is currently behind the scenes on that issue and he is not sure when the RFP will
be out, but hopes that it will be sometime soon.
County Administrator O’Donnell thanked all the departments for their work
with the budget for minimal service level impacts. With regard for outside agency
contributions, Supervisor Peters asked for a list of contractual agreements and when
they are up for renewal. Supervisor North added all of the Board does not understand
the terms, the escalations and there is a clause that says we can revisit them with 60
days’ notice. Mr. Bever advised he would update one that was done for a prior budget
and send out with a Budget Memo. Supervisor Peters stated he thought the only one
that has an increase is Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
April 9, 2019
154
Supervisor North stated Sister Cities was coming to visit April 10, 2019,
we have not had the program in years. He has been updated on the past and that
might be something that he brings back to the next meeting. He will share with the
Board what he learns from the meeting. He added that he is glad to see that we are
going to fund the Williamson Road Business Association, which has a new director
which he and Mr. O’Donnell are meeting with on April 10, 2019. He is also glad to see
the funding for the Prevention Council because they are doing a lot in the community,
going around to the different high schools, especially in light of the “Dope Sick” book
that was written.
Supervisor North also commented on the chamber, we need them but
seems to have different allocation on different chambers.
Mr. Bever advised he would put out a budget memo and direct the outside
agencies to that memo to see if there are any changes and what they are. There is also
another public hearing scheduled for May 14, 2019, if they want to address the Board.
Supervisor North advised budget staff to hold off for right now because
they have not decided about Sister Cities and there is going to be some more dialog,
which could affect some of this.
Mr. Bever advised there was one more work session scheduled to talk
about all the other general funds, fee class, etc. There are some fees that are proposed
in the budget document, but want to go over with the Board so you are aware of those.
Any follow-up items as necessary. The next public hearing is scheduled for May 14,
2019, which is the first reading of the budget ordinances and the second reading is
scheduled for May 28, 2019.
Supervisor Radford stated he wanted to bring up the BPOL fees, but his
realtor friends are voicing some equitable and fairness for the BPOL tax. He has
individuals who have moved their licenses from Roanoke County to Botetourt County.
They have left because they were comparing our rate of 5.8% to Botetourt County’s
2.8%. They are also incensed about the business property tax on their signs, their
lockboxes, and other items that they use in their trade. The biggest concern that he has
been hearing is that they are being lumped into professional services with the doctors,
lawyers, engineers. He was told their average gross receipts is $40,000 a year. So, it
is a big thing for them. The couple that moved away saved about $1,200. Supervisor
North had talked about raising the level $125,000 to $135,000. He wanted to see where
we were. Supervisor North stated Mr. Bever had done a several budget memo’s one
going from $125,000 to $144,999 with an impact of $52,000 and then going from
$125,000 to $134,999, which has an impact of $31,063 and then one going from
$125,000 to $149,999, which has an impact of $60,864. He stated he felt some of the
Board looked at the $134,999 threshold. Ms. Hooker stated she feels this is a work in
process, a work in motion, and would like to move in that direction. It was consensus to
go to the $134,999 threshold.
April 9, 2019
155
Supervisor North commented that our employees, who are our most
valuable asset, are paid less than inflation for the last ten (10) years. We are below
inflation by 5.34%. One budget memo indicated if you move the needle from 2.5% to
2.75%, we would need to look for $140,000 more and if we moved is to 3%, it would
cost $280,000 on average. On average, .25% is not a great deal of money, but it raises
it just slightly and on the average it was $122 per employee on the median. It is the
consensus of the Board to see if you can find the funds. He felt it would mean a lot to
the employees to know they got closer to 3% than 2.5%. It is slight above what inflation
is supposed to be later this year. We need to gain ground and we are not going to
unless we take small steps to get there. Mr. O’Donnell stated he felt we would be able
to do that, and the other piece is healthcare costs going up. He has been monitoring the
State and this year, all schools are getting a bigger percentage. The surrounding
jurisdictions are ranging from 2% to 3.5%.
Supervisor Peters advised we cannot hold ourselves accountable for what
other Boards. He does agree with Supervisor North. Would it be possible to get it to
3%? Mr. O’Donnell felt it would be hard to do. We will discuss at the next work
session.
Supervisor North stated if we have to, there is Board Contingency Fund,
which Supervisor Peters agreed stating it is $50,000 that we hardly ever use.
Mr. O’Donnell reminded the Board that they have the RVRA fees to come
up with as well.
Mr. Bever reiterated the following, BPOL will change, which will be about
$31,000 in lost revenues, RVRA, tipping increase, which is $60,000 and the additional
quarter percent on compensation would be $140,000.
The work session was held from 4:04 pm until 4:57 p.m.
The Board took a short recess.
2. Work session with the Town of Vinton and Roanoke County to
review a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (Daniel R.
O'Donnell, County Administrator; Rebecca Owens, Assistant
County Administrator; Barry Thompson, Town Manager and Anne
Cantrell, Director of Finance/Treasurer)
In attendance from the Town of Vinton were all of the Town Council, Barry
Thompson and Anne Cantrell.
At 5:34 p.m. Chairman North called the meeting back into session. Ms.
Owens provided a PowerPoint Presentation. There was no discussion.
April 9, 2019
156
Mr. O’Donnell thanked everyone for working through the agreement with
the Town of Vinton. Mayor Gross echoed Mr. O’Donnell’s comments. He reiterated the
partnership working with the MOU and stated it was a shining example of good
intentions for the benefit of the community. He thanked both Roanoke County staff and
his staff from Vinton.
The work session was held from 5:34 p.m. until 5:55 p.m.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of
Understanding between Roanoke County and the Town of Vinton
(Rebecca Owens, Assistant County Administrator)
RESOLUTION 040919-11 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE TOWN OF
VINTON
WHEREAS, Roanoke County and the Town of Vinton entered into a Gain
Sharing Agreement dated November 2, 1999, to provide for the sharing of certain local
tax revenues and the sharing of the costs of certain public services; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to memorialize certain agreements and
understandings they have made concerning the disposition of certain assets, the
sharing of certain revenues, the payment of certain debts, and the provision of public
services; and
WHEREAS, both parties employ a fiscal year that commences on July 1 of a
given year and ends on June 30 of the subsequent year (“fiscal year”); and
WHEREAS, Roanoke County and the Town have agreed to a Memorandum of
Understanding and the Board of Supervisors needs to authorize the County
Administrator to execute the same, with an effective date of July 1, 2019 and
terminating on June 30, 2027.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS,
AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Memorandum of Understanding is hereby approved in a form
substantially similar to the one presented to the Board of Supervisors and approved by
the County Attorney.
2. The County Administrator is hereby authorized, for and on behalf of the
County, to execute and then deliver the Memorandum of Understanding and any other
necessary documents in furtherance of the same.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
April 9, 2019 1 57
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
The same resolution was adopted by the Town of Vinton on motion made by
Councilman Stovall and seconded by Councilwoman Shied with unanimous roll-called
vote.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman North adjourned the meeting at 6:03 p.m.
bm. ted by: Approved by:
A / • � S..
(1/(77(74
Deborah C. a -hil C. North
Chief Deputy rk to the Board Chairman
April 9, 2019
158
PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY