HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/23/2019 - Regular
July 23, 2019
281
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 first
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of July 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, a moment of silence was
observed. 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; Peter S. Lubeck, Senior
Assistant 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. Resolution congratulating the William Byrd High School Softball
Team for winning the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 4
Championship (Phil C. North, Chairman of the Board of
Supervisors)
The Clerk read the resolution.
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RESOLUTION 072319-1 CONGRATULATING THE WILLIAM
BYRD HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE
VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE (VHSL) CLASS 4
CHAMPIONSHIP
WHEREAS, team sports are an important part of the curriculum at schools in
Roanoke County, teaching cooperation, sportsmanship and athletic skill; and
WHEREAS, the WILLIAM BRYD HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL team was the first
State champions for Softball in school history; and
WHEREAS, the WILLIAM BYRD TERRIERS finished their season with an
outstanding overall record of 20 wins and 6 losses; and
WHEREAS, the WILLIAM BYRD TERRIERS earned their trip to a State
championship game by winning the semifinal game by defeating Great Bridge by a
score of 3 to 2; and
WHEREAS, the WILLIAM BYRD TERRIERS won their first State title in school
history by defeating Woodgrove by a score of 3 to 2; and
WHEREAS, the TERRIERS have been under the dedicated leadership of Head
Coach Greg Barton for the last 12 years; he is assisted by coaches Mike Andrews, Eric
Thomas, Scott Whitehead, Cassie Brammer, Todd Maxey, Allen Wood and Melissa
Vaughan
WHEREAS, Coach Greg Barton was named both VHSL State and Region 4D
Coach of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Megan Grant was named both VHSL and Region 4D Player of the
year and Region 4D First Team; and
WHEREAS, Sydney Burton and Jada Karnes were named VHSL First Team All-
State and Region 4D First Team;
WHEREAS, Lexi Powell was named Region 4D First and Second Team; and
WHEREAS, Erin Courtemanche and Bri Hodges were named to Region 4D
second team; and
WHEREAS, Morgan Webb was named Region 4D Honorable Mention.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia does hereby extend its sincere congratulations to the
members of the WILLIAM BRYD HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM: Keely Hoal,
Maddy Tuck, Lexi Powell, Erin Courtemanche, Sydney Burton, Logan Pakela, Morgan
Webb, Megan Grant, Jada Karnes, Bri Hodges, Morgan Icard, Rachel Cruff, Hallie Cox
and Carson Wood; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors extends its best
wishes to the members of the team, the coaches and the school in their future
endeavors.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
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AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
2. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of
Supervisors to Ricky Akers, Refuse Collector, upon his retirement
after thirty-seven (37) years of service (Rob Light, Director of
General Services)
The Clerk read the resolution.
RESOLUTION 072319-2 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO
RICKY AKERS, REFUSE COLLECTOR, UPON HIS
RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-SEVEN (37) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Ricky Akers was employed by Roanoke County on June 22; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Akers retired on July 1, 2019 after thirty-seven (37) years of
devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Akers, through his employment with Roanoke County, has been
instrumental in improving the quality of life and providing services to the citizens of
Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, throughout Mr. Akers’ career with Roanoke County, he worked
diligently to maintain the cleanliness of his routes. His fellow employees found him to
be pleasant and hardworking and always willing to go the extra mile. In addition to his
normal collection duties, Mr. Akers served as the backup collector for our physically
challenged customers. This is a highly sensitive service and Mr. Akers performed it with
the utmost respect and professionalism.
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 RICKY AKERS for thirty-seven (37) 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 Assaid to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
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3. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County to Anne Marie Green, Director of
Human Resources, upon her retirement after more than thirty (30)
years of service (Daniel R. O'Donnell, County Administrator)
The Clerk read the resolution.
RESOLUTION 072319-3 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO
ANNE MARIE GREEN, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES,
UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN THIRTY (30)
YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Anne Marie Green was employed by Roanoke County on February
1, 1989; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Green retired on July 1, 2019, after thirty (30) years and five (5)
months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during Ms. Green’s tenure with Roanoke County, Anne Marie has
served as Public Information Officer, Director of Community Relations, Director of
General Services, Special Assistant to the County Administrator; and Director of Human
Resources; and
WHEREAS, as Public Information Officer and Director of Community Relations,
Ms. Green served actively in the VLGMA Polish Exchange Program, successfully
obtained an All American City Award, provided administration support for the Spring
Hollow Reservoir, Smith Gap Landfill, Consolidation Referendum, Police Department
Referendum, two General Obligation Bond Referendums, coordination of multiple
County Government Days at Tanglewood Mall, Student Government Days, and
Christmas Tree Lightings, and was instrumental in the creation of Roanoke Valley
Television; and
WHEREAS, as Director of General Services, Ms. Green spearheaded the
renovation of the former Salem Office Supply Building for use by Court Services and the
Roanoke County Sheriff’s Office Administration Staff; planned and provided oversight
for the construction of a new Fleet Service Center in partnership with the Western
Virginia Water Authority to adequately provide maintenance services to the County fleet,
worked with County departments to update the Fleet Replacement Policy, served as
Chairman of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority for several years and coordinated
the addition of the City of Salem to that Authority; and led the department through
economic downturns without sacrificing services to Roanoke County citizens; and
WHEREAS, as Director of Human Resources, Ms. Green instituted the Special
Merit Awards which rewarded Roanoke County employees for exceptional service,
reinstated the tuition reimbursement program for employees, created a scholarship for
the Virginia Tech Government Certificate Program, provided guidance to the Regional
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Center for Animal Care and Protection through the Fiscal Affairs Committee; and served
as President for the Salem/Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Green, has demonstrated responsible and ethical stewardship
of public funds for the benefit of Roanoke County citizens and provided an example of
consistent and exemplary leadership to Roanoke County employees throughout her
career.
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 ANNE MARIE GREEN for more than thirty (30) 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 North to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
1. Resolution incorporating the 419 Town Center Plan into the
Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan (Philip Thompson, Acting
Director of Planning)
Mr. Thompson provided a PowerPoint presentation. Supervisor North
asked, for the record, how many businesses were contacted. Mr. Thompson responded
170; there was a mailing and staff tried to speak to all. Generally, it was accepted; most
businesses see the potential of this corridor.
Supervisor Assaid stated he has clarification questions for Mr. Lubeck. By
the adoption of this plan amendment, is the Board committing itself or the County to
provide the public infrastructure improvements shown in the plan amendment? Mr.
Lubeck advised that each localities is required by the Code of Virginia to have a
comprehensive plan to act as a guide for future development. The general rule is that
comprehensive plans serve as a guide for future development. There is special
treatment given to certain public infrastructure improvements such as roads and other
public utilities and while there is no affirmative obligation to fund any of these public
infrastructure improvements, if there are improvements proposed to be constructed,
they must be in substantial conformance with what is the plan or the plan must be
amended.
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Supervisor Assaid then asked for the people who actually own property
and do not share the County’s vision for their land and want to develop their property,
will they be required to obtain special permission from the Planning Commission and
the Board to develop the property. Mr. Lubeck stated that they are not required to share
in the vision. If the Plan is adopted, we would welcome them to share in that vision.
The second point is what Mr. Thompson just highlighted, there would be a series of
steps that would need to happen. One of those steps would foreseeably be
amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and with changes to the Zoning Ordinance, the
Board would play an important role in determining what changes are made, when and
how the implementation is carried out. To answer the question, yes, if there are
changes made to the Zoning Ordinance, which would disallow certain uses that are
desired by developers or would require them to come and get special permission from
the Board.
Chairman North opened the public hearing with the following citizens to
speak:
Steve Grammer of 4902 Grandin Road stated when you are looking at the
Rt. 419 plans you need to be sure that everything is ADA accessible. He still does not
understand where you are getting the money to do these plans when you constantly say
there is no money in the budget to help the disabled. Also, if you have evening events,
does it go against disability rights due to the fact we cannot attend because you will not
allow money to extend transportation nor work with the City so that people with
disabilities can go to the events and have a life like yours.
John Webster of 4576 Shrewsbury County thanked the Board for the
opportunity to speak. It is a great plan and he will quote Sir Anthony Hopkins, “Be bold
and mighty forces will come to your aid.” First, some commentary in terms of
sustainability in the plan. It is a good GI presentation in terms of green infrastructure; it
goes down to the flower boxes and it goes to plazas and parks within the residential
complexes, but it is lacking in two things. One in terms of sustainability for the residents
to have a sustainable garden. There are no gardens mentioned in here whether
vegetable, flower or butterfly. Second, in our changing world there are no provisions
within the plan for electric vehicles. Facilities service accommodations, that is what is
going to propel the Valley forward is electrical vehicles. The plan is absent unless it is
covered in young adults 38% in terms of addressing college students. We saw in the
paper last week or two weeks ago that Virginia Tech had to rent motels for their college
students. The plan should address our student population in terms of college students,
which within this SMSA, which is a little term for statistical metropolitan area to
accommodate our college students. You have an opportunity here to address this on a
Blacksburg/Roanoke basis. Timeline presents over 20 to 30 years. He would hope that
the first residential complex is in place so that when he downsizes, he can be one of the
first residents.
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Also, with regard to the timeline, he recommends that you accelerate the residential part
of the timeline as well as the retail and the transportation part. He has worked within
major projects like this for the last 50 years and it is a challenge, but it can be done to
do everything at once. Finally, one minor point, in terms of your sequence of events,
you always want to build the garages first. You always need the relief value to have the
ability to park as things are going on. Finally, he is thinking of the Board; let me refer
back to the NW territory ordinance of 1777, he does not see in the plan provisions for
governmental services. There are plans for trails and public spaces, but there are no
plans for parks, governmental facilities for representation of government in there. He
thinks as you go forward you will need to consider yourselves in that plan. It goes a
long way for the citizens of Roanoke County to have somebody to walk with. If you
concentrate all those people here; to literally say, “I am going to talk to a representative
and I am going to walk. I am not going to be in my car, I simply am going to walk to my
representative.
Barbara Durek of 2607 Rosalind Avenue thanked the Board for their
comments. We talked about Virginia Western as a wonderful conduit to this plan. She
is President of Roanoke City Neighborhood Neighbors in South Roanoke. Our southern
border is contiguous to the South County line. She thanks the Board very much for the
Roanoke Imagine 419 planning process. So many of us were able to voice our
thoughts and be part of the decision making. The consultants were fantastic in
educating us to the possibilities of what can happen right here in Roanoke County. She
believes in “C” works, communication, consideration, coordination, cooperation and
connectivity. Connectivity is in the plan. She asked the Board to continue walking and
bicycling options for the people of Roanoke County. We talk about being overweight
and obese and some of us join health clubs and some us choose not to. We can
provide a community that allows the contact and connection between all of us. You
have done a fantastic job. Thank you Board of Supervisors, Roanoke County
Administration and Planning staff for initiating this visionary process. Job well done.
Brian Power of 5216 Fox Ridge in the Cave Spring District stated he is
also a business owner in the 419 Corridor, just a little bit out of the study area. He
would first like to acknowledge and encourage the Board to vote to approve this plan
and to start moving forward with it. He would like to further encourage the leadership of
the County, both currently and in the future to work not only with our amazing
professional staff, but also with our residents with their wealth of knowledge. To simply
not let the Reimage 419 Plan be an opportunity recognition at the tax payers’ expense,
but to capitalize on the opportunities at hand that the County has researched and
discussed for over two years now. He truly believes that we have amazing amount of
potential in the 419 corridor; the potential that for far too long we have left floundering
for one reason or another.
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He hopes today’s vote goes to solidify not only the Reimagine 419 Plan, but also to
solidify a new mindset for the County; one in which we do not have to be okay with the
status quo, but rather one in which we can embrace the potential and once again be a
leader in the region fostering new business, jobs, growth and new opportunities not only
for us sitting in this room today, but for our children and grandchildren to come back to
Roanoke in the future. Thank you all very much for what you have done so far and is
looking forward to seeing it come to fruition.
Landon Smith of 5359 Doe Run Road stated he just wanted say that he
too is excited about what has been discussed about the 419 redevelopment plan except
for one part of it and that is the ridges. It looks like it is going to change a lot in terms of
the geography and topography, basically in his back yard. From what he is seeing, the
potential for rezoning from R-3 to R-4, multilevel apartments that would really change a
lot for the neighbor, in terms of not just noise, air pollution, visual pollution and loss of
property values on that side of the neighborhood. Obviously, this is a proposal and not
the absolute of what it is going to be, but from what he can tell, there is going to be
some significant changes that would affect multiple people on the North side of Hunting
Hills, himself included and he just wants to suggest potentially not changing an area that
is heavily wooded and currently not overly developed into a new R-4 zone, multilevel
apartments. Do consider the potential for people in multi-use housing within the city
center itself. Individuals potentially want to live on top of businesses rather than in the
periphery and not have to walk to drive significant distances. Again, he loves most of
what has been discussed about the plan, but there are those issues he wants everyone
to consider before moving forward, especially with rezoning issues.
Joyce Waugh, President and CEO of the Roanoke Regional Chamber.
She lives at 3522 Holland Drive. Her husband might say she lives at 210 South
Jefferson Street because she is there a lot and she is President of the Chamber. At the
Roanoke Regional Chamber it is our mission to promote, stimulate and improve
business by promoting public policies that strengthen our overall business climate. We
are proud of the relationship that we enjoy with the business community and local
government, which has been proven to be effective in fostering economic development
and also addressing community needs and cultivating strong regional partnerships with
neighboring localities. The Reimagine 419 Plan represents an important opportunity for
the County and for our region as a whole. According to the plan, this section of 419
between US 220 and Franklin Road and Starkey is the third busiest section in the
Roanoke Valley. She thinks most of us can attest to that. The area being considered in
the plan is highly visible and traveled by residents and visitors every day and it holds an
immense amount of potential for economic development. As the plans move forward
with the vision for Rt. 419 Town Center, the County’s role in infrastructure and
investment will be critical, with a particular focus on stormwater and surface
transportation. Our current systems are at over capacity and meaningful upgrades will
be needed in order to meet the growth needs for the future and development.
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The Reimagine 419 Town Center Plan will rely largely on private investment and it is
important that local processes and policies reflect a welcoming business environment
and would encourage the County to work very closely with existing as well as future
businesses throughout this process to encourage an appropriate regulatory framework
and be prepared to deploy strategic economic tools to attract development as well. The
Virginia’s Blue Ridge region continues to position itself as the best region to live, work
and invest and the Reimagine 419 Plan represents the type of vision that we need to
attract and retain businesses and a positive, strong workforce. Right now, it is just a
plan, a vision, and it will take hard work on the part of our elected leaders, business
leaders, civic leaders as well as neighborhood leaders to make it a reality. The
Chamber supports initiatives that will lead to investment and jobs, economic activity and
look forward to working with our private and public partners to promote growth and
development in the Rt. 419 corridor.
Mr. Thompson address the issues brought forward. Steven Grammer
spoke at the Planning Commission, obviously infrastructure improvements will seek
funds through State and Federal revenues and try to maximize the use of our local
monies to do that. This is where the transportation funds are coming from. Another
point that Mr. Grammer made at the Planning Commission and the other gentleman
were about apartments for college students or potential multi-family housing as part of
this. The concept is to price this affordability. We don’t discuss that in the plan, just
discuss the desire to have multi-family housing. The recognition of Virginia Tech and
the Fralin Biomedical Center down Franklin Road and making that connection to Rt. 419
is critical. With regard to community gardens, there is nothing that indicates that cannot
be a part. We talked about gathering spaces or community spaces being a part of
individual sites. There are open and gathering spaces. We would want to address as
we move forward with implementation of the plan.
Supervisor Radford stated with regard to building height that we have right
now on the books, if we want to go above three or four stories do we have to get a
special use permit with Mr. Thompson stating it depends on where you are. We allow
multi-family housing in C-2. There is a practical standpoint if you built up to a certain
size, parking comes into play. Supervisor Radford stated one of the speakers
mentioned area for governmental services. When we were doing the planning, did we
ever calculate or think about that. Mr. Thompson responded they considered office use
could be part of that, technically, this building is part of it so government services are in
it. As development happens, it does create some new situations, i.e. fire and rescue
and what equipment might be necessary. The development of Friendship off Starkey
Road, is that better served with the existing Cave Spring. We have had conversations
with Chief Simon and what is the best way to serve that. We have talked about the
impact to schools. You would need to review on a development by development basis
and see what the impacts are and address those as development occurs. It is hard to
predict when that development will happen.
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Supervisor Peters thanked Mr. Thompson and his staff for working on this
so diligently over the last three years. A lot of this started in 2015 and sees a former
Board member, Charlotte Moore in the audience today. Tanglewood Mall has been a
concern of many people through the valley for quite some time as it has slowly
diminished further and further. The question stared with, “What would a Town Center
look like?” One of the things he talked about was the Peninsula Town Center in
Hampton and it seemed to grow from there. He is looking forward to supporting this. It
is a gateway coming into Roanoke, not only Roanoke County, but Roanoke City as well.
We need to put this vision in place so we do have a blueprint moving forward.
Supervisor North stated he would add to Supervisor Peters comments by
stating the vitality of this area is absolutely critical to the welcoming of new people,
especially in the Franklin Biomedical Center, some 800 people in the next five (5) years.
We need to be prepared for that in the County as well as the City is probably
considering the same thing. As we heard when we met with Fralin, they look for good
schools, good shopping areas and good residences and he hopes this is a step in the
right direction to meet the needs of the future of Roanoke County and the region.
Supervisor Hooker commented she thinks we can all agree that we can
better utilize this corridor and the capacity exists for additional development or
redevelopment. The principles that you stated were well done. There are definitely
catalyst sites that can be focused on. The thing that helps her through this process is
that we will be revisiting, reevaluating and conditions will change. So, she looks at it as
something that is fluid, flexible and as conditions changes, we will look at it again.
Appreciates Mr. Thompson’s good work.
Supervisor North thanked Supervisor Assaid for working on the project
with VDOT.
Supervisor Assaid stated he is not in favor of adopting the proposed 419
Town Plan as drafted. He is concerned with the level of detail that is included in the
Plan. The Plan creates a vivid picture, but is it realistic to believe that the Town Center
will develop exactly as proposed? There will be foreseeable conflict between the
specific details in the plan and what is actually built. He is concerned with the potential
effects of County citizens. While there has been much effort on the part of the County
staff to engage County citizens to create the vision of the Town Center, there appears to
be a degree of public confusion about the nature of the Plan. He fears that many
citizens do not understand the County’s role in what the County can promise and
achieve and what it cannot. He is concerned with the potential effects on property
owners and developers; people who actually own property may not share the County’s
vision for the land they own. As zoning amendments are adopted to implement the
plan, certain uses that are allowed today may only be allowed with special permission
from the Board. This could discourage rather than promote economic development.
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He is concerned how we get from here to there. Throughout this process, it has been
emphasized that the plan is for future development. While it might be the first step
toward desirable economic development, he does not feel confident that we have
outlined a clear and realistic implementation strategy.
RESOLUTION 072319-4 RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF AN
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR
ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA: INCORPORATING THE
REVISED DRAFT (DATED NOVEMBER 27, 2018) 419 TOWN
CENTER PLAN
WHEREAS, § 15.2-2223 of the Code of Virginia requires that every
jurisdiction shall adopt a comprehensive plan for the physical development of their
jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, it is proposed that the Comprehensive Plan be amended to
incorporate the Revised Draft 419 Town Center Plan (dated November 27, 2018) into the
Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the
proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan on March 5, 2019, after posting,
advertisement and notices as required by § 15.2-2225 and § 15.2-2204 of the Code of
Virginia; and
WHEREAS, following the public hearing on this matter, the Planning
Commission allowed a 30-day public comment period on the Revised Draft Plan; and
WHEREAS, at the Commission’s April 16, 2019 and May 21, 2019
meetings, the Commission reviewed comments on and potential amendments to the
Revised Draft Plan and subsequently recommended that the Board amend the County’s
Comprehensive Plan by adopting and incorporating the Revised Draft 419 Town Center
Plan. The Planning Commission accordingly certified its recommendation to the Board,
pursuant to § 15.2-2225 of the Code of Virginia, and posted the Revised Draft Plan on its
website for public review; and
WHEREAS, following a public hearing with notice as required by § 15.2-2226
and § 15.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia, the Board duly considered the Revised Draft
419 Town Center Plan.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows:
1) The Comprehensive Plan is hereby amended by incorporating the
Revised Draft 419 Town Center Plan, dated November 27, 2018, as
amended, into the Comprehensive Plan.
2) That this Resolution is effective from and after July 23, 2019.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
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AYES: Supervisors Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: Supervisor Assaid
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance authorizing the granting of temporary and permanent
easements to the Town of Vinton on property owned by the
County of Roanoke (Tax Map No. 060.11-04-17.00.0000) for the
purpose of completing the Glade Creek Greenway Phase 2 project
(Doug Blount, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism)
Mr. Blount outlined the request for ordinance.
Supervisor North asked if the RCCC scoreboard is the one Mr. Blount
referred to with Mr. Blount advising in the affirmative.
Supervisor Peters’ motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading and public hearing for August 27, 2019, was seconded by Supervisor Assaid
and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisor Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance approving the purchase of +/- 3.26 acres located on
Hollins Road (Tax Map No. 039.05-02-01.01), Hollins Magisterial
District (Rob Light, Director of General Services)
Mr. Light outlined the request for ordinance and advised there were no
changes since the first reading held on June 25, 2019.
Chairman North opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this item.
ORDINANCE 072319-5 APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF +/-
3.26 ACRES LOCATED ON HOLLINS ROAD (TAX MAP NO.
039.05-02-01.01), HOLLINS MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Ron Kessinger, LLC (the “Owners”) are the owners of +/- 3.26 acres
located on Hollins Road in Roanoke County, Virginia, County of Roanoke Tax Parcel
No. 039.05-02-01.01, in the Hollins Magisterial District; and
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WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County has determined that it
is in the public interest to acquire this property adjacent to other properties owned by
the County, including the Fleet Service Center; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors and the Owners negotiated a contract with
a contract price of $280,000, $2,000 of which was paid for a First Right of Refusal and a
$5,000 deposit at the signing of the contract with the remaining $273,000 to be paid in
cash at the closing with funds from the Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Improvement Plan
budget; and
WHEREAS, the contract provides the County with a sixty (60) day due diligence
period (Inspection Period) for surveys, inspections, surface and subsurface
explorations, tests, and other site evaluations and analyses; and
WHEREAS, the contract provides the County with thirty (30) days after the end of
the Inspection Period for title examination and survey; and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter directs that the
acquisition and conveyance of real estate interests be accomplished by ordinance; the
first reading of this ordinance to be held on June 25, 2019; and the second reading and
public hearing to be held on July 23, 2019.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That the acquisition of the +/- 3.26 acres of real estate located on Hollins
Road in Roanoke County, Virginia, the Hollins Magisterial District (Tax Map
No. 039.05-02-01.01) is hereby authorized and approved at the purchase
price of $ 280,000.
2. Funding for the purchase is available for use in the Public Service Center
Replacement Capital Improvement Plan project for Fiscal Year 2019-20.
3. That the County Administrator or Assistant County Administrator are hereby
authorized to execute such documents, including but not limited to the initial
contract and any other incidental documents required for closing and take
such actions on behalf of Roanoke County in this matter as are necessary to
accomplish the acquisition of this real estate, all of which shall be approved
as to form by the County Attorney.
4. That this ordinance is to be in full force and effect upon its passage.
On motion of Supervisor North to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance approving the purchase of +/- 2.01 acres located on
Hollins Road (Tax Map No. 039.05-02-02.00), Hollins Magisterial
District (Rob Light, Director of General Services)
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294
Mr. Light outlined the request for ordinance and advised there were no
changes since the first reading on June 25, 2019.
Chairman North opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this item.
ORDINANCE 072319-6 APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF +/-
2.01 ACRES LOCATED AT 5305 HOLLINS ROAD (TAX MAP
NO. 039.05-02-02.00), HOLLINS MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT
WHEREAS, BERK, LLC (the “Owners”) are the owners of +/- 2.01 acres located
at 5305 Hollins Road in Roanoke County, Virginia, County of Roanoke Tax Parcel No.
039.05-02-02.00, in the Hollins Magisterial District; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County has determined that it
is in the public interest to acquire this property adjacent to the Fleet Service Center; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors and the Owners negotiated a contract with
a contract price of $720,000, $2,000 of which was paid for a First Right of Refusal and a
$5,000 deposit at the signing of the contract, with the remaining $713,000 to be paid in
cash at the closing with funds from the Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Improvement Plan
budget; and
WHEREAS, the contract provides the County with a sixty (60) day due diligence
period (Inspection Period) for surveys, inspections, surface and subsurface
explorations, tests, and other site evaluations and analyses; and
WHEREAS, the contract provides the County with thirty (30) days after the end of
the Inspection Period for title examination and survey; and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter directs that the
acquisition and conveyance of real estate interests be accomplished by ordinance; the
first reading of this ordinance to be held on June 25, 2019; and the second reading to
be held on July 23, 2019.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That the acquisition of the +/- 2.01 acres of real estate located at 5305 Hollins
Road in Roanoke County, Virginia, the Hollins Magisterial District (Tax Map
No. 039.05-02-02.00) is hereby authorized and approved at the purchase
price of $ 720,000.
2. Funding for the purchase is available for use in the Public Service Center
Replacement Capital Improvement Plan project for Fiscal Year 2019-20.
3. That the County Administrator or Assistant County Administrator are hereby
authorized to execute such documents, including but not limited to the initial
contract and any other incidental documents required for closing and take
such actions on behalf of Roanoke County in this matter as are necessary to
accomplish the acquisition of this real estate, all of which shall be approved
as to form by the County Attorney.
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295
4. That this ordinance is to be in full force and effect upon its passage.
On motion of Supervisor North to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
3. The petition of Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc. to
amend the special use permit conditions associated with the
operation of a camp on property zoned AG-3S, Agricultural/Rural
Preserve, District with a special use permit, on 63.12 acres,
located at 5488 Yellow Mountain Road, Cave Spring Magisterial
District (Philip Thompson, Acting Director of Planning)
Mr. Thompson outlined the request for special use permit.
Chairman North opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this item.
Audrey Hawkins, Chair of the Property Committee of the Virginia Girl
Scouts Skyline Board of Directors and Nicki Williams, CEO of the Council thanked the
Board for the opportunity to speak.
ORDINANCE 072319-7 GRANTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
SPECIAL USE PERMIT CONDITIONS IN AN AG-3S
(AGRICULTURAL/RURAL PRESERVE) DISTRICT ASSOCIATED
WITH THE OPERATION OF A CAMP LOCATED AT 5488
YELLOW MOUNTAIN ROAD (TAX MAP NOS. 099.00-02-06.02-
0000 AND 099.00-02-06.03-0000), IN THE CAVE SPRING
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT
WHEREAS, since 2007, the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc. has
operated a camp under special use permit conditions at 5488 Yellow Mountain Road
(Tax Map Nos. 099.00-02-06.02-0000 and 099.00-02-06.03-0000), totaling 63.12 acres
in the Cave Spring Magisterial District; and
WHEREAS, the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc., desires to adjust the
concept plan to reflect the 2019 interest of the membership and do away with the
phase-in plan, and has petitioned to amend the existing special use permit; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Planning Commission held a public hearing on
this matter on May 21, 2109 and subsequently recommended approval of the amended
special use permit, with conditions; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on June 25, 2019, and
the second reading and public hearing were held on July 23, 2019; and
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296
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. The Board finds that the granting of an amendment to the existing special
use permit for the property located at 5488 Yellow Mountain Road (Tax Map
Nos. 099.00-02-06.02-0000 and 099.00-02-06.03-0000), totaling 63.12 acres
in the Cave Spring 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, and with official County policies adopted in relation thereto,
including the stated purposes of the zoning ordinance.
b. The proposed use will have a minimum adverse impact on the
surrounding neighborhood and community; the Planning Commission
has evaluated adverse use with consideration to items such as, but not
limited to, traffic congestion, noise, lights, dust, drainage, water quality,
odor, fumes and vibrations.
c. In considering impacts, the Planning Commission has given due
regard to the timing of the operation, site design, access, screening,
and other matters which might be regulated to mitigate adverse impact.
2. The Board grants the request to amend the special use permit conditions to
amend the special use permit conditions for the property located at 5488
Yellow Mountain Road (Tax Map Nos. 099.00-02-06.02-0000 and 099.00-02-
06.03-0000), totaling 63.12 acres in the Cave Spring Magisterial District; all
prior conditions shall be revoked and replaced with the following:
a. The property shall be developed in general conformance with the
Concept Plan of the Program Center dated April 30, 2019, prepared by
the Property Committee of the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council,
Inc.
b. Signage shall be limited to a monument style sign not to exceed eight
(8) feet in height.
c. Any free-standing light poles with fixtures shall not exceed ten (10) feet
in height and shall be down lit or shielded.
3. That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its final passage.
On motion of Supervisor Assaid to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
July 23, 2019
297
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 072319-8 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM H- 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 July 23,
2019, designated as Item H - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 8 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes – May 28, 2019; June 12, 2019
2. Resolution supporting increased funding for the National Park System
3. Request to accept and appropriate the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Grant funds in the amount of $64,375 to the Roanoke County
Police Department for the Roanoke Valley Regional Drug Unit
4. Request to accept and allocate grant funds in the amount of $231,000 for one
ambulance from the Virginia Department of Health (VDOH)
5. Request to accept and allocate funds in the amount of $344.23 to the Clerk of
the Circuit Court from the Commonwealth of Virginia
6. Request to accept and allocate grant funds in the amount of $99,448.96 from
the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services for the "Four-For-Life"
distribution
7. Resolution requesting acceptance of Tula Drive of St. Clair Gardens
Subdivision into the Virginia Department of Transportation System
8. Confirmation of appointment to the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning
Organization
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 072319-8.a SUPPORTING INCREASED FUNDING
FOR THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
WHEREAS, America's National Park System is a living testament to our citizens'
valor, our nation's hardships, our victories, and our traditions as Americans, and has
been called "America's Best Idea;" and
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298
WHEREAS, the National Park System preserves the diversity, culture, and
heritage of all Americans, and serves as a living classroom for future generations; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service currently manages more than 400
nationally significant sites and an invaluable collection of more than 75,000 natural and
cultural assets that span 84 million acres across all 50 states, the District of Columbia,
and several U.S. territories and insular areas, including 22 park units in the
Commonwealth of Virginia which contribute an estimated $1.4 billion and over 15,000
jobs to the Commonwealth’s economy; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service's mission is to "to conserve the scenery,
the natural and historic assets, and the wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment
of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the
enjoyment of future generations”; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service has the obligation to preserve our nation's
history; promote access to national parks for all citizens; stimulate revenue to sustain
itself and nearby communities; educate the public about America's natural, cultural and
historical resources; and provide safe facilities and environments to enjoy these
resources; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service estimates a deferred maintenance
backlog of $11.9 billion, including over $1 billion in Virginia alone, and includes repairs
to aging historical structures, trails, sewers, drainage, thousands of miles of roads,
bridges, tunnels, and other vital infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Booker T. Washington National
Monument are both located within the Roanoke Valley–Alleghany region and face
maintenance needs related to roads, stream erosion, trail maintenance, structural
repairs to buildings and countless other needs related to preventative maintenance to
ensure that visitors will continue to come to these important National Parks; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, 22.7 thousand park visitors spent an estimated $1.3 million
in the region while visiting Booker T Washington National Monument. These
expenditures supported a total of 19 jobs, $567 thousand in labor income, $969
thousand in value added, and $1.7 million in economic output in communities around
Booker T Washington National Monument; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, 14.7 million park visitors spent an estimated $1.1 billion in
communities while visiting Blue Ridge Parkway. These expenditures supported a total of
15.9 thousand jobs, $430 million in labor income, $734 million in value added, and $1.3
billion in economic output in communities surrounding Blue Ridge Parkway; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of Congress to maintain America's national
parks to ensure our natural places and our history are preserved and documented for
future generations, and for the adjacent communities that rely on the direct and indirect
economic benefits generated by visits to national park sites; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives has legislation under
consideration (S. 500 and H.R. 1225 – known as the Restore our Parks and Public
Lands Act), which will establish, fund, and provide for the use of amounts in a National
July 23, 2019
299
Park Service and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund to address the maintenance
backlog of the National Park Service, and for other purposes;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Roanoke County Board of
Supervisors strongly encourages members of the Senate and the House of
Representatives to support S. 500 and H.R. 1225, which will help to create a reliable,
predictable stream of resources to address deferred maintenance needs in America's
National Park System.
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-072319-8.b
A-072319-8.c
A-072319-8.d
A-072319-8.e
RESOLUTION 072319-8.f REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF
TULA DRIVE OF ST. CLAIR GARDENS SUBDIVISION INTO THE
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (VDOT)
SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the street described on the attached VDOT Form AM-4.3, fully
incorporated herein by reference, is shown on a plat recorded in the Clerk's Office of the
Circuit Court of Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, the representative for the Virginia Department of Transportation has
advised this Board that the street meets the requirements established by the Virginia
Department of Transportation’s Subdivision Street Requirements; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this Board requests the Virginia
Department of Transportation to add the street described on the attached Additions
Form AM-4.3 to the secondary system of State highways, pursuant to §33.2-705 of the
Code of Virginia, and the Department's Subdivision Street Requirements, after receiving
a copy of this resolution and all outstanding fees and documents required of the
developer, whichever occurs last in time; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board guarantees a clear and unrestricted
right-of-way, as described, and any necessary easements for cuts, fills and drainage;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be
forwarded to the Residency Administrator for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
July 23, 2019
300
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-072319-8.g
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Peters moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion was seconded by Supervisor North 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
3. Accounts Paid – June 30, 2019
4. Statement of Treasurer’s Accountability per Investment and Portfolio
Policy as of June 30, 2019
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Radford stated he participated in the Bent Mountain
Community Center Summer Feast this past week-end. They have made great use of
the former school; likes the things they are doing up there. It was a full day from 2:30
p.m. until 9:00 p.m. listening to bands, food vendors, etc. It is great to see the
community get involved in that event and thought they did very well.
Supervisor North thanked everyone for coming out.
Chairman North recessed to the South County Library at 4:27 p.m. for
work session and closed session.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work Session with Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Board
(RVRA), Roanoke County Planning Commission and Roanoke
County Board of Supervisors to review the Special Use Permit
Amendment and Working Group Analysis and Recommendations
(Jim Guynn, Attorney, Guynn, Waddell, Carroll & Lockaby, PC;
Bob Bengtson, Chairman, Working Group, RVRA)
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301
Chairman North called the meeting back into open session at 5:30 p.m.
In attendance from the Planning Commission were Wayne Bower, Troy
Henderson, Rick James, and James Woltz. Paul Mahoney was absent.
In attendance from the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority were, Mike
Tyler, Joey Hiner, Daniel Webb, Jeffrey Powell, Bobby Edwards, Dan Miles, Peggy
Bishop, Jim Guynn, and Tim Martin.
Mr. O’Donnell provided a brief overview.
Jim Guynn, Counsel for the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority provided
the PowerPoint presentation concerning the special use permit.
Supervisor Hooker stated there is some concern that our current SUP has
details that are not really necessary to the process. She stated that she thought it
would be interesting, at a future date, to have some of the details that may not be
perceived as important or helpful to the process, maybe in a separate document. She
advised it is her understanding of a special needs permit is that its something that
needs special recognition that gives additional assurances to the citizens. What details
are not important? She would just like to see them and see how they are defined. She
feels like a special use permit is just that, special circumstances that need another look,
need to have some special care. She would like to see those details and why they are
potentially not necessary.
Planning Commission Woltz indicated the other issue would be the
underlying zoning and how they would relate to the special use permit. It would be
good to know what the other issues are.
Mr. Philip Thompson, Acting Director of Planning, stated he wanted to
clarify some things. The 89, 91 and 93 issues are that it refers to a document. We
have had this issue on other zoning matters, where you refer to or reference a
document and that document becomes part of the zoning action. Thus, if you make a
change to the document, you have to go through the process, CRT incorporating
covenants is a similar situation. From an ease of use standpoint, there are permitting
procedures in that document. Our suggestion would be to remove the reference to the
document, take the permanent conditions that are in that document and put them as
part of the ordinance adopted as a special use permit. Therefore, you have one
ordinance that outlines what the conditions are. In addition, they will need to add the
eight (8) acres as well. Mr. Guynn added that it made it more transparent.
Planning Commissioner Woltz inquired about the expected life of the
landfill; with Mr. Miles advising they have 1200 acres that they own, 855 acres would be
included in the SUP. We currently have a Part A and a Part B permit issued under DEQ
and with the land that is currently fully permitted, 40 years. For the remaining land, the
permits could be issued through DEQ to actually exceed 100 years. Mr. Woltz
commented so as this document is drawn, we need to look at a long life span.
Supervisor Peters asked who maintains the rail with Mr. Miles advises
they do.
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Supervisor North stated having worked for the railroad, cost components
of risk, maintenance of track are always included in the economic analysis. If you didn’t
you may want to consider in the future. Perhaps you can answer if that was taken into
account in the proposal you have today. Mr. Miles responded they did not specifically
address that in the negotiations, but what they did negotiate was the price per pull at the
time. In fiscal year 2018, we were paying a certain amount for each gondola that was
pulled. We were anticipating a rate increase in fiscal year 2019 in the neighborhood of
16% based on the rail cost adjustment factor. What we negotiated with Norfolk
Southern was a lower rate that would not be in that 16% to 17%, so that we would save
money on the price per pull and afford things like the rail maintenance contract, which
will be right around $100,000 for the maintenance contract with what we negotiated with
the gondolas. We dropped about $200,000 per year off the transportation contract.
Mr. Bengtson provided and overview of the Work Group Analysis and
Recommendations. The working group was tasked with what transportation option is
RVRA’s best long-term solution to continue providing service in the future.
Supervisor Hooker asked with regard to the trucking only option and
something happens with the Interstate option and an accident near that point, what
happens then. Will the trucks go on Bradshaw then? Mr. Bengstson advised they
would stay and wait on the Interstate. Supervisor Hooker asked about a fourth option,
rail rollers where you take the containers and potentially put them back on the railroad
also. Has that been considered one of the options? Mr. Bengston stated they initially
looked at some alternative, competitive rail service to see if there was a private line that
might be doable in this instance. The working group determined that was not a
reasonable option to pursue. Mr. Miles advised the working group did not take that
methodology into consideration for several reasons. They were not aware at that point
in time, but in looking at the link that was sent to him regarding that particular service,
he would have inherent concerns. Rail-runner methodology is piggy-backing your
trailers onto a shuttle system and you are getting one trip per day for hauling those
trailers back and forth from the landfill versus trucking where you are going to get
multiple trips for each of those trailers. You would need trailers to handle your daily,
maximum capacity, which is 1600 tons and would equate to 80 trailers. Supervisor
Hooker asked how many do we currently have with Mr. Miles responding 50; you have
to have double that because you are only taking one load out one day and unloaded
and not returned until the next day, so that would be 160 trailers in order to
accommodate the maximum daily quantity. When you look at just the sheer numbers,
80 trailers back to back. They are fifty foot trailers or 4,000 feet, not counting the shuttle
trailer that is in between them, 4,000 feet is 4/5’s of a mile. We do not have that kind of
track. He is not aware of any solid-waste provider that is using that method.
Mr. O’Donnell stated we have four years left in the existing contract, so
there is time to explore these options.
Supervisor Hooker stated at some point, she would like to see more about
that as an option.
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303
Supervisor North asked how many trailer are you going to need with the
hybrid option, with Mr. Miles advising 15 trailers to haul from the Salem Transfer Station
back to the Roanoke station. Then under the hybrid option, reloaded back into the
shipping containers and placed on a flat car and the flat car would haul everything to the
Smith Gap Landfill. Supervisor North asked how many containers on a flat car, with Mr.
Miles advising 4.
Mr. Bengston continued with the presentation.
Supervisor Hooker asked to see the background on the numbers and how
the calculations were done.
Supervisor North asked with regard to the tipper overhaul, he heard $1.25
million for a tipper overhaul. Has the tipper overhaul costs come down. Mr. Miles
stated when the working group was putting the numbers together, it was $1.25 million
for the components to be fabricated and manufactured for the overhaul. There was
another $500,000 for the transport that would occur during the tipper overhaul. So, that
is how that number was derived. In reality, the number is now closer to $2 million
because the components were being done under duress so the costs are actually
higher.
RVRA Member Webb questioned some of the capital costs. Mr. Miles
stated the $19.5 million plus the $7.3 million were for comparative prices and a little
higher than the original estimate, also keeping in mind when the original estimate was
being put together, they were not engineering costs. Under the hybrid option, is $16
million and some of that component included building a side-spur at the Salem Transfer
Station and that was excluded from the $12.8 million as it was determined that we might
be able to work around that.
Supervisor North asked if the additional cost of four (4) gondolas was not
included in the analysis last year; with Mr. Miles advising they were included. Mr.
Bengston advised that was part of the $900,000 with the traffic station and four (4)
gondolas.
Mr. Bengston then went through maintenance and facilities.
Planning Commission Member Woltz asked if the tipper could not accept
tractor-trailer waste during normal operations was because it would be too crowded with
Mr. Bengston responding in the affirmative.
RVRA Member Tim Martin stated he believed there is more than a moral
commitment to not haul trash on Bradshaw Road. Mr. Bengston responded Mr. Martin’s
comments were duly noted.
Supervisor North asked if any of these numbers include fuel surcharges
and are you experiencing any today. Mr. Miles advised they were not included. With
trucking, the fuel surcharge would about three (3) points. The rail surcharge is about ½
point. Supervisor North added it is so variable.
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Planning Commission Member Woltz asked with the cost to convert have
you looked at the cost to convert to pressed gas with Mr. Miles advising he has looked
at and you do not want to convert; you want to use OEM. Mr. Woltz stated with the
trucking option, would they buy the trucks with Mr. Miles stating they would contract.
Mr. Bengston commented that the trucking option was recommended to
the Authority.
Mr. O’Donnell provided the next steps and commented we need to take
our time. He noted that they have reached out to Norfolk Southern.
RVRA Chairman Hiner commented that the Special Use Permit is the
most important at this stage. They are committed to taking the trucking option.
Planning Commissioner Woltz commented that most of us are trying to
understand the options. Is the right-of-way currently owned by RVRA; with Mr.
Bengston responding in the affirmative. Is there plenty of width with Mr. Miles
responding 24 ft. and the grade is good because it was rail grade. Mr. Woltz asked
what was the cost to remove tracks with Mr. Miles responding they would pay us for the
track. The common thread is you need the special use permit.
Mr. O’Donnell stated the cost of transporting trash if the road is
constructed via landfill to New River is part of the pro-forma they have developed and
contemplates no trash trucks on Bradshaw Road during construction.
Supervisor Radford asked what they anticipate the tipping fees to be if we
go to trucking versus rail. He is a user for his commercial business. Mr. Miles advised
at the end of five (5) years, we would be projecting the tipping fee at $60.25 per ton for
the municipal tipping fee; right now it is $53.50. The projection for fiscal 2024 would be
about $10 a ton more than what it is today both commercial and municipal. If you look
at converting over to trucking, in that same time frame, in the first year trucking would
be about $2 a ton less and by the end of the twenty-five (25) year term period, the
trucking be approximately $17 to $18 per ton less. This is based on a snapshot in time
based on today.
Supervisor Hooker commented we respect the good work of the working
group and appreciates this informative session and looks forward to more. She thinks
for her in representing her citizens in that district, she just needs to know more. So, she
respects what the working group came up with, however, she is looking forward to
receiving the detail and financials that she can use to explain to her citizens better than
she can right now. She appreciates their patience and your work. We all want the
same thing and that is to have reliable trash service for our citizens.
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Supervisor North thanked everyone for the informative session. A lot of
questions were answered in the last few days. This thing has a lot of moving parts to it
when you look at three different modes. It seems like there is a pretty detailed analysis,
but like everything, things change over time and he certainly wished them well in their
discussions to look at that hybrid, because that is the standard in the industry and it may
work and it may not. If he heard correctly, you are saying that the futuristic price of the
tipping fee for the local governments could go down significantly. Mr. Miles responded
in the negative, that is not what he said. He stated the differential is in that $17 to $20
per ton range and a lot of that has to do with waste volume.
Planning Commissioner Rick James asked Mr. Miles to expand on the last
comment on page 24 of the recommendations of the working group. “Any significant
loss of commercial customers is expected to have a spiraling effect.” Obviously, there
have been some things contemplated. What have you factored in as assumptions that
might happen? Mr. Miles responded they are looking at a snapshot in time. When the
working group was meeting, they knew that Botetourt County was coming in and putting
a transfer station in Botetourt County. So, we knew that we would be losing Botetourt
County. So, those numbers were factored into the equation for the cost projections, but
what is still unknown is that if the rates continue to escalate and go up, how much waste
are we driving out of our system from the commercial haulers because right now we are
charging our commercial haulers $61.50 per ton. So, charging them $61.50 per ton we
know is the number that commercial haulers can start hauling out of our area and take
their garbage to a less expensive location and that is why County waste is putting a
transfer station in Botetourt because they want to take their garbage to their own landfill
that they are going to be building in Cumberland County and that is just the start of it. If
we lose waste and have to start charging the rates that should be charged then we will
well exceed that $60 per ton number. When we start driving more commercial waste
out of our system, the only way we can make up for that is to raise rates. If we raise
rates more, that is going to cause more garbage to leave the system by the commercial
haulers and that is the spiraling effect. What you will have is the municipal members
having the only garbage in town coming to the Resource Authority’s operation. Right
now, the commercial haulers are 50% of our waste, so double your rates. Mr. James
asked if the proforma assumes any loss. Mr. Miles responded they have assumed the
loss that we know is there, but additional loss we have not.
Supervisor North asked in today’s dollars what is the estimate to put the
road in with Mr. Miles responding $5 million. Is that net of what you get from the rail or
just the cost. Mr. Miles stated it is just the cost of the road. The rail we considered at a
free charge. They negated the revenue in exchange for a quick removal.
The work session was held from 5:30 p.m. until 6:40 p.m.
IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
306 July 23, 2019
At 6:40 p.m., Supervisor North moved to go into closed meeting following
the work session pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 A 1. Discussion,
consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment,
appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of
specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; namely the County
Attorney
The motion was seconded by Supervisor Assaid and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
The closed session was held from 6:54 p.m. until 7:39 p.m.
IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
At 7:39 p.m., Supervisor North moved to return to open session and adopt
the certification resolution.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman North adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
bm' ed by: Approved by:
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-, r,dDeborah C. :c PNorth
Chief Deputy C - to the Board Chairman