6/12/2018 - Regular
June 12, 2018
235
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 June 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
Minister of Music Grant Frederick of Bonsack Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance
was recited by all present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Hooker called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. The roll call
was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Martha B. Hooker, Supervisors Phil C. North,
Joseph P. McNamara and P. Jason Peters
MEMBERS ABSENT: Supervisor George Assaid
STAFF PRESENT: Thomas C. Gates, County Administrator; Daniel R.
O’Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Richard
Caywood, Assistant County Administrator; Ruth Ellen
Kuhnel, County Attorney; Amy Whittaker, Public Information
Officer and Deborah C. Jacks, Chief Deputy Clerk to the
Board
IN RE: REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF
AGENDA ITEMS
Supervisor Peters ask to add a second New Business Items - Request to
transfer funds in the amount of $43,160 from Board Contingency to Roanoke County
Fire and Rescue and Police. There were no objections.
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236
IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County to O. Arnold Covey, Director of
Community Development, upon his retirement after more than
thirty-seven (37) years of service (Tarek Moneir, Acting Director of
Development Services)
Resolution was presented and read by the Chief Deputy Clerk to the
Board. All Supervisors offered their thanks and congratulations.
RESOLUTION 061218-1 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO O.
ARNOLD COVEY, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT, UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN
THIRTY-SEVEN (37) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Mr. Covey was employed by Roanoke County on March 24, 1981;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Covey retired on June 1, 2018, after thirty-seven (37) years and
two (2) months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Mr. Covey’s tenure with Roanoke County he has served as a
Civil Engineer, Development Review coordinator, Director of Development Review,
Director of Development and Inspections, Director of Engineering and Inspections and
Director of Community Development; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Covey has been instrumental in improving various development
proceeds and programs such as the building and development review and inspection
processes, Land Development Procedures, the creation of the County’s GIS; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Covey has played an integral role in the growth and
development of Roanoke County through various development projects, signification
capital projects and regional initiatives including but not limited to Smith Gap Regional
Landfill, Western Virginia Water Authority, Center for Research and Technology, South
Peak Development, Vinton Business Center, Valley Tech Park, Keagy Village, south
County Library, Public Safety Center, Fleet Service Center, Green Ridge Recreation
Center and Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, under Mr. Covey’s tenure several County-wide planning studies
have been completed including the 1985, 1998, and 2005 comprehensive plans, as well
as several corridor and area studies for Route 220, Route 221, Mount Pleasant, Hollins,
Vinton, Glenvar and 419; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens
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237
of Roanoke County to O. ARNOLD COVEY for more than thirty-seven (37) years of
talented, 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
McNamara and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
2. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County to George "Eddie" Chitwood, Fire
Captain, upon his retirement after twenty-eight (28) years of
service (Dustin Campbell, Deputy Chief of Fire and Rescue)
Resolution was presented and read by the Chief Deputy Clerk to the
Board. All Supervisors offered their thanks and congratulations.
RESOLUTION 061218-2 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO
GEORGE “EDDIE” CHITWOOD, FIRE CAPTAIN, UPON HIS
RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-EIGHT (28) YEARS OF
SERVICE
WHEREAS, Captain Chitwood was employed by Roanoke County on January 2,
1990; and
WHEREAS, Captain Chitwood retired on June 1, 2018, after twenty-eight years
and five months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Captain Chitwood’s tenure with the Fire and Rescue
Department, he has served as a Paramedic/Firefighter, Fire Lieutenant and Fire Captain
and served with professionalism and dedication in providing services to the citizens of
Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Captain Chitwood took special interest in and helped develop
departmental training programs related to foam firefighting; and
WHEREAS, Captain Chitwood was a subject matter expert for the Department
on vehicle extrication technology along with maintaining most all of the Department’s
extrication equipment or commonly referred to as the “Jaws of Life.”
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 Captain GEORGE “EDDIE” CHITWOOD for more than twenty-
eight years of capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
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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
North and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
2. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County to Jeffrey D. Yopp, Fire
Lieutenant, upon his retirement after twenty-eight (28) years of
service (Dustin Campbell, Deputy Chief of Fire and Rescue)
Resolution was presented and read by the Chief Deputy Clerk to the
Board. All Supervisors offered their thanks and congratulations.
RESOLUTION 061218-3 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO
JEFFREY D. YOPP, FIRE LIEUTENANT, UPON HIS
RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN TWENTY-EIGHT (28)
YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Yopp became a volunteer with the Bent Mountain Fire &
Rescue Squad in 1983, where he obtain certifications in Fire Suppression and
Emergency Medical Services. In 1990 obtain the highest emergency medical
certification by obtaining his National Registry Paramedic from the National Registry of
Paramedics & Emergency Medical Technicians; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Yopp was employed by Roanoke County on January 2,
1990; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Yopp retired on June 1, 2018, after twenty-eight years
and five months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Lieutenant Yopp’s tenure with the Fire and Rescue
Department, he has served as a Paramedic/Firefighter, Fire Lieutenant and Company
Officer; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Yopp served as one of the Honor Guard Team leaders
providing services at Regional, State and National events representing the Department
in a professional manner; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Yopp served with professionalism and dedication to the
citizens of Roanoke County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens
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239
of Roanoke County to Lieutenant JEFFREY D. YOPP for more than twenty-eight 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
McNamara and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Request to accept and allocate funds in the amount of $4,000
from the 2017 Mud Run from Roanoke Valley Detachment 426 of
the Marine Corps League to Camp Roanoke (Doug Blount,
Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism)
A-061218-4
Mr. Blount outlined the request. In attendance from the Marine Corp were
Commandant Michael Shepherd; Senior Vice Commandant, Roger Flippen and
Sergeant At Arms, Lloyd Holland.
On motion of Supervisor North to accept the funds, seconded by
Supervisor Peters and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
2. Request to transfer funds in the amount of $43,160 from Board
Contingency to Roanoke County Fire and Rescue and Police
(Supervisor P. Jason Peters)
A-061218-5
Supervisor Peters advised each year the Board has contingency funds
and Fire Rescue and Police have items not addressed in this year’s budget: ATV
vehicle (Vinton), $23,000, Personal gas monitors (10) each engine $5,000, police
department (8) radars, $15,260 for a total of $43,160. There was no discussion.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to transfer funds totaling $43,160 from
Board Contingency, seconded by Supervisor McNamara and carried by the following
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roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
1. Resolution approving Roanoke County's Secondary Road System
Six-year Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2019-2024 (David
Holladay, Planning Administrator)
Mr. Holladay outlined the request for resolution and introduced Brian
Blevins with VDOT.
Chairman Hooker opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this item.
RESOLUTION 061218-6 APPROVING THE SECONDARY SIX-
YEAR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2019
THROUGH 2024 AND THE CONSTRUCTION PRIORITY LIST
AND ESTIMATED ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
WHEREAS, Sections 33.2-331 of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended)
provides the opportunity for Roanoke County to work with the Virginia Department of
Transportation in developing a Secondary Six-Year Road Improvement Plan; and
WHEREAS, this Board had previously agreed to assist in the preparation of the
Secondary Six-Year Road Improvement Plan, in accordance with Virginia Department
of Transportation policies and procedures; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing which was duly advertised on the proposed
Secondary Six-Year Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2019-2024 and Construction
Priority List and Estimated Allocations for Fiscal Year 2019 was held on June 12, 2018,
to receive comments and recommendations on Roanoke County’s Secondary Six-Year
Road Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2019-2024 as well as the Construction Priority
List and Estimated Allocations for Fiscal Year 2019.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors does
hereby approve the Secondary Six-Year Road Improvement Plan for Roanoke County
for Fiscal Years 2019-2024;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors does also hereby
approve the Construction Priority List and Estimated Allocations for Fiscal Year 2019;
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution duly attested to be
forthwith forwarded to the Virginia Department of Transportation Salem Residency
Office along with a duly attested copy of the proposed Roanoke County Secondary Six-
Year Road Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2019-2024 by the Clerk to the Board.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance increasing the salaries of the members of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County pursuant to Section 3.07 of the
Roanoke County Charter and Section 15.2-1414.3 of the Code of
Virginia (Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, County Attorney)
Ms. Kuhnel advised no changes since first reading.
Chairman Hooker opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this item. There was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 061218-7 TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF THE
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE
COUNTY PURSUANT TO SECTION 3.07 OF THE ROANOKE
COUNTY CHARTER AND SECTION 15.2-1414.3 OF THE CODE
OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, Section 3.07 of the Charter of the County of Roanoke provides for
the compensation of members of the Board of Supervisors and the procedure for
increasing their salaries; and
WHEREAS, Section 15.2-1414.3 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended,
establishes the annual salaries of members of Boards of Supervisors within certain
population brackets; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, has
heretofore established the annual salaries of Board members at $17,425.20 by
Ordinance 062414-11 and further has established the additional annual compensation
for the Chairman for the Board to be $1,800 and for the Vice-Chairman of the Board to
be $1,200; and
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WHEREAS, this section provides that the maximum annual salaries therein
provided may be adjusted in any year by an inflation factor not to exceed five percent
(5%); and
WHEREAS, the first reading on this ordinance was held on May 22, 2018, while
public hearing and the second reading was held on June 12, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby ordained by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, that the annual salaries of members of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, are hereby increased by an inflation factor of
two percent (2%) pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.07 of the Roanoke County
Charter and Section 15.2-1414.3 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended. The new
annual salaries shall be $17,773.70 for members of the Board. In addition, the
Chairman of the Board will receive an additional annual sum of $1,800 and the Vice-
Chairman of the Board will receive an additional sum of $1,200.
This ordinance shall take effect on July 1, 2018.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the ordinance, seconded by
Supervisor Peters and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: Supervisor Hooker
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 061218-8 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM I- CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for June 12,
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 7 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes – April 10, 2018
2. Confirmation of appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals (District);
Economic Development Authority (District); Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Commission (District); Planning Commission (District); Roanoke Valley-
Alleghany Regional Commission (At-Large); Virginia's First Regional
Industrial Facility Authority (At-Large) and Western Virginia Water Authority
(At-Large)
June 12, 2018
243
3. Request to accept and allocate grant funds from the Division of Motor Vehicle
for Selective Enforcement- Alcohol/Drugs Grant in the amount of $69,495
4. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Troy A. Gray Jr., Fire Captain, upon his retirement after
thirty-one (31) years of service
5. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Christine S. Poindexter, Customer Service
Representative, upon her retirement after eight (8) years of service
6. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Debra Frances Robertson, Communications Officer II,
after more than twenty-nine (29) years of service
7. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Scott H. Smith, Police Officer-Commander-Vice Unit,
upon his retirement after twenty-six (26) years of service
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
A-061218-8.a
A-061218-8.b
RESOLUTION 061218-8.c EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO TROY A. GRAY, JR., FIRE CAPTAIN, UPON HIS
RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-ONE (31) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Captain Gray Jr. was employed by Roanoke County on July 1, 1986;
and
WHEREAS, Captain Gray Jr. retired on May 1, 2018, after thirty-one years and
ten months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Captain Gray Jr’s tenure with Fire and Rescue Department,
he has served as a Firefighter, Fire Lieutenant and Fire Captain and served with
professionalism and dedication in providing services to the citizens of Roanoke County;
and
WHEREAS, Captain Gray was an original member of the Roanoke County Fire
and Rescue Honor Guard and still represents the department as a member of the honor
guard; and
WHEREAS, Captain Gray has instructed countless classes not only in Roanoke
County but around the state as an adjunct instructor; and
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244
WHEREAS, Captain Gray served as a role model to new officers providing them
his wisdom and knowledge on the challenges of being a great Fire Officer.
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 Captain TROY A. GRAY JR. for more than thirty-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 resolution, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
RESOLUTION 061218-8.d EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO CHRISTINE S. POINDEXTER, CUSTOMBER SERVICE
REPRESENTATIVE, UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER EIGHT
(8) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Ms. Poindexter was employed by Roanoke County on February 8,
2010 on a Part-time basis and May 20, 2013 on a Full-time basis; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Poindexter retired on June 1, 2018, after eight years and four
months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Ms. Poindexter’s tenure with the General Services
Department, she has served as a Customer Service Representative and served with
professionalism and dedication in providing services to the citizens of Roanoke County;
WHEREAS, Ms. Poindexter served as the front line of citizen engagement and
assistance through her primary responsibility of answering the County’s main
information, Solid Waste and General Services phone lines.
WHEREAS, during Ms. Poindexter’s employment she also assisted Solid Waste
staff through regular communication utilizing the radio system and input of related
information into a database.
WHEREAS, 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 CHRISTINE S. POINDEXTER for
more than eight 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
McNamara and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
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AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
RESOLUTION 061218-8.e EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO DEBRA FRANCES ROBERTSON, COMMUNICATIONS
OFFICER II, UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-NINE
(29) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Debra Frances Robertson was hired on February 18, 1989, and has
worked as a Dispatcher, Communications Officer, Communications Training Officer ,
and a Lead Communications Officer during her tenure with Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Robertson will retire on June 1, 2018, after twenty-nine (29)
years of devoted, faithful and expert service with the County; and
WHEREAS, during her time serving Roanoke County, Ms. Robertson, who
began her career working for Roanoke City Communications before coming to the
County, has supported both citizens and first responders through fire, floods, and
earthquakes as the calm reassuring voice behind the radio and telephone. Ms.
Robertson has been a trainer and mentor to a whole new generation of
Communications Officers, participating in their selection and both classroom and on-
the-job training. Her knowledge and professionalism have been recognized by her
peers, police and fire; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of
the citizens of Roanoke County to Communications Officer DEBRA FRANCES
ROBERTSON for twenty-nine (29) 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
McNamara and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
June 12, 2018
246
RESOLUTION 061218-8.f EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO SCOTT H. SMITH, POLICE OFFICER-COMMANDER-VICE
UNIT, UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-SIX (26)
YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith was employed by Roanoke County on October 9, 1991;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith retired on June 1, 2018, after twenty-six years and eight
months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Mr. Smith’s tenure with the Police Department, he has served
in almost every Division in the Department while advancing through the ranks from
Police Officer to Detective, then to Sergeant, then Lieutenant, and, finally, to
Commander; and,
WHEREAS, as he advanced through the ranks, Mr. Smith protected the citizens
of the County and the Roanoke Valley while serving in Uniform Patrol, Criminal
Investigations Division, the Vice/Narcotics Unit - where he also served as a Task Force
Officer assigned to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s Roanoke Office, and
later to the Roanoke Valley Regional Drug Unit where he had the leading role in
establishing the Regional Drug Unit as an investigative body combining members from
the Police Departments of Roanoke County, the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, the
Town of Vinton, the Virginia State Police, and the federal Drug Enforcement
Administration as a team working together to target organized drug trafficking
organizations responsible for bringing illegal and dangerous drugs into the Roanoke
Valley; and,
WHEREAS, during his career, Mr. Smith also served in various administrative
functions including Assistant Director for the Roanoke County Criminal Justice
Academy, Grants Administrator, supervising the Professional Standards Unit, and
supervisor of the Services Division where he was instrumental in the transition of the
Police Department from its old offices on Peters Creek Road to the new Roanoke
County Public Safety Building on Cove Road.
WHEREAS, 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 SCOTT H. SMITH for more than
twenty-six 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
McNamara and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
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247
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor McNamara moved to receive and file the following reports.
The motion was seconded by Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves Report
2. Outstanding Debt Report
3. Statement of Treasurer’s Accountability per Investment and Portfolio
Policy as of April 30, 2018.
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor McNamara stated he wanted to touch on not only the
retirements that we discussed during our meeting today, two of 28 years and one of 31
years. There was also, on the consent agenda, a retirement of a communications
officer of 29 years, a police commander of 26 years. He looks at those with both
excitement; there is not worry. The folks that have retired have done such a good job for
the County and the County is such a great place to work; what they have created and left
there are great people behind them that are going to take up those spaces and it is a
testament to the more seasoned staff. There is great staff behind them too. We are very
fortunate and think we just have a great blend in Roanoke County. The second thing,
where he lives there was 7.4 inches of rain in 2 hours and 45 minutes and there was a
lot of people in a very small area that had a lot of water in basements, fences down,
sheds moved and a lot of inconvenience. There is almost no way any area of the County
or our Codes can prepare for 7 inches of rain in 2.5 hours. He is perplexed because we
continually come across these 100 year events, every year. If anybody is watching, we
do care. He knows the stormwater folks have been working continuously trying to
identify in order first structures that are potentially still in danger. Secondly, structures
that took significant water and thirdly structures that have been impacted on the exterior
from waters and streambeds that are no longer in their streambeds, etc. We are also
going to have a work session at the next meeting to explore that a little further. The third
thing that he just had to bring up, if you are watching this live, go out and vote. If you
want to vote republican, there is an opportunity to vote everywhere in Roanoke County.
June 12, 2018
248
thth
From the democratic perspective, there is the 6 and 9 district race. If you want to vote
republican or democrat, there is the opportunity so please go do it. The turnout has
been fairly light. He went 2.5 hours into the day at the busiest precinct and there had
been 28 votes cast. These primary vote are important because they will determine who
you can vote for in the fall. So, don’t wait for the fall. If you are watching this live, go
vote and if you are watching this as a replay you can vote next year. The nice thing
about Virginia is we have elections every single year, one of only two states that do that.
Fourth, there was an article in the paper about the free lunch program at four of the
County schools; it is offered in Roanoke City and the City of Salem. He saw a number of
Facebook posts talking about how great it was and it is great. He is not saying it is great,
but you have to stop and think about these things sometimes. They are funded by the
federal government. The federal government is $21 trillion in debt and now we are
offering free lunches at multiple schools throughout the valley that are not based on
need; they are for anybody who lives in Roanoke County, Roanoke City, City of Salem or
Mars, which is what he saw in the paper; come get a free lunch. He is not sure if this is
what as a nation is really what we want to be doing. Is this encouraging our businesses
that might want to sell a hamburger to somebody? Every time you read good news, just
stop and think. He is not trashing the program, but if you keep doing things all of a
sudden, governments provide everything then there is nothing for private sector. Think
about that. He does not want to end on a down note, but he has to question it.
Supervisor Peters commented he does not think he can add anything as
Supervisor McNamara said it all.
th
Supervisor North stated on June 7, he attending an update on the
Roanoke Regional Partnership, the focus on the 360 degree approach to economic
growth, which includes business investment, outdoor assets and talent solutions. One of
the targeted initiatives going forward that came out of that meeting, is a focus on the
brain drain, specifically talent attraction and retention. A committee made up of regional
business and local government leaders and higher educational leaders will be formed
this summer and we look forward to the reports on this Committee going forward in the
coming months. On a personal note, he would like to give a “shout-out” to Carolyn
Krisha, who is also retiring from Bonsack Baptist Church after 15 years in children’s
ministry and 15 years at a church in the City, for a total of 30 years. Unlike the
retirements we hear about today, she cannot leave until there is a replacement found.
So, they are celebrating her retirement, but she has agreed to stay on. The work that
she does is the work of more than just one person and on behalf of Supervisor Peters
and the Board shout-out congratulations on her retirement.
Supervisor Hooker stated she had a couple of items. The first is there is a
workshop being sponsored by Roanoke County, Roanoke City and Freedom First. The
name of the workshop is “Violence in the Workplace.” It is a free active shooter course.
The intensive course is designed to assist our business community in preventing,
planning and responding to workplace violence and active shooter incidents on
Thursday, August 23, 2018, from 8 to 12 p.m. at South County Library. The workshop is
June 12, 2018
249
free, but registration is required at ViolenceWorkshop2018.eventbright.com. For more
information, please feel free to contact our own Jessica Fintel in our Economic
Development Department. So, it sounds like a very worthwhile workshop. We also
wanted to remind all of our listeners and people in the audience today that the next
meeting has been changed from Tuesday, June 26, 2018 to Thursday, June 28, 2018.
IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
At 3:59 p.m., Supervisor Hooker moved to go into closed meeting
following the work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 A 8
Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding
specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel regarding
the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission. The motion was seconded by Supervisor
North carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
The closed session was held from 5:07 p.m. until 5:16 p.m.
At 4:00 p.m. Chairman Hooker recessed the meeting to the fourth floor for
work session and closed session.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to discuss with the Board of Supervisors whether
to 1) enact a tax exemption for the surviving spouses of certain
emergency services providers killed in the line of duty, and 2)
impose a moratorium on approval (by designation pursuant to
Section 58.1-3651 of the Code of Virginia) on new applications for
tax-exempt status (Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County
Attorney)
Ms. Kuhnel provided a brief overview and noted in 2016 Management and
Budget did a work session on the status quo of the tax-exempt policies in place. In that
work session, it went through the various tax-exempt categories of individuals,
properties, land use real estate by classification (churches) and real estate property tax
by designation. Or groups that chose time to go to the General Assembly (prior to 2003)
and after 2003, the General Assembly changed that requirement and put it in the laps of
the local governing bodies to make those decisions.
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250
It is a fairly narrow scope of what the local governing body can or cannot control, but
after that 2016 presentation, the County Attorney’s office, Peter Lubeck, who is our
primary contract with the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office and so he deals a lot
with them and the Treasurer’s office and a natural fit for him to start exploring what legal
tools are available if the Board decided to take action. For the past year and half, Peter
worked our local government association, list serve, and other localities codes and
seeing. It is not a problem associated only with Roanoke County and the results of
those efforts is what he will present today.
Mr. Lubeck thanked Chris Bever with Management and Budget, Billy
Driver with Real Estate, Natalie Wells in the Commissioner’s office and Rebecca Owens
with Finance for all their work on this. Mr. Lubeck then went through the PowerPoint
presentation.
Supervisor McNamara inquired if he was a disabled veteran and then lost
a leg on his farm, would that qualify under this with Mr. Lubeck responding in the
negative stating he would only receive disabilities while in the line of service.
Supervisor North asked what is an example for tax relief for the elderly.
Mr. Lubeck advised that would be further on in the presentation.
Supervisor McNamara asked if there was any projection (on the number of
disabled veterans or would it be impossible to project. Mr. Bever advised the elderly
and disabled is going down, which is tax relief. The trends in the numbers are there are
more disabled veterans. Rebecca Owens stated there seems to be a direct correlation
when the disability tax exemption went into play and they could not have both and had
to pick one or the other. Supervisor McNamara stated he felt that made sense.
Supervisor Peters asked if a person loses their spouse that lives in
Martinsville due to line of duty and then moves to Roanoke County would qualify with
Mr. Lubeck responding in the affirmative.
Supervisor McNamara asked what about a private ambulance company,
with Mr. Lubeck revising in the public sector only.
Supervisor North asked if this could be restricted to employees of
Roanoke County, with Mr. Lubeck advising there is a discretionary aspect, but believes
it goes to employees only.
Daniel R. O’Donnell, Assistant County Administrator, advised we would
need to check definition of line of duty; with Mr. Lubeck advising it was not included in
the definitions and Ms. Owens advising the State decides if line of duty.
Supervisor Hooker inquired in going back to the land use, what about
agritourism, as we have more and more options or possibilities for those types of uses
and that property is already in land use. How is that impacted or is it? Ms. Kuhnel
advised it is based on use and the problem is how you apportion it.
Mr. Lubeck advised there are no pending applications at this time and staff
felt a good time to bring forward to the Board.
June 12, 2018
251
Supervisor McNamara stated his concern that after 9-11, a fair number of
people moved down here. They are not strapped for cash, they have good pensions
and then we would be spreading the tax burden across our other citizens at their
benefit. We have not had any emergency services personnel. He likes the concept, but
is unsure.
Supervisor Peters stated his thought is about someone whose husband
was killed in the line of duty, but moved back to be close to her family and raise her
kids. What kind of circumstances would she be in to provide for her family? He does
not think there would be a flood of people moving into Roanoke County because of this.
Supervisor McNamara stated he did not think it would be a big amount of
money.
Ms. Kuhnel suggested both ordinances be done together.
It was the consensus of the Board to move forward on both of these items.
The work session was held from 4:11 p.m. until 4:51 p.m.
IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
At 5:16 p.m., Supervisor Hooker moved to return to open session and to
adopt the certification resolution.
RESOLUTION 061218-9 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING
WAS HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened
a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in
accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by
the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such closed meeting was
conducted in conformity with Virginia law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, hereby certifies that, to the best of each member’s
knowledge:
1. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting
requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting which this
certification resolution applies; and
2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening
the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
252 June 12, 2018
Peters and carried by the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Assaid
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Hooker adjourned the meeting at 5:17 p.m.
bmitted by: Approved by:
if/,4# .1 Itirdt '4 )11,(1Atike,—. 0 o 6 ivi_
- •orah C. Jr Martha B. Hooker
Chief Deputy erk to the Board Chairman