HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/27/2019 - Regular
August 27, 2019
311
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 second
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of 2017. 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 3:00 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, Acting
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. Recognition of Virginia Association of Counties 2019
Achievement Awards (Dean Lynch, Executive Director, Virginia
Association of Counties)
Recognition of Library Services:
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Recognition was given. In attendance for this recognition were Shari
Henry, Director of Library Services; Toni Cox, Assistant Director of Library Services;
Michael Hibben, Senior Branch Librarian; Caitin Gills, Administrative and Marketing
Manager; Adrian Whicker, Administrative Librarian; Josh Maness, Technology Services
Coordinator; Alan Hale, Assistant Reference Librarian and Sarah Rodgers, Divisional
Librarian.
Recognition of the Public Schools Planning Workshop:
Philip Thompson, Acting Director of Planning; Dr. Rhonda Stegall and
Barry Trent from Roanoke County Public Schools, Wayne Leftwich and Katherine Gray
from the City of Roanoke; Megan Cronise, Principal Planner; Bailey Howard-DuBois,
Planner II and Cecile Newcombe, Planner II were in attendance for the recognition. Alex
Jones was not in attendance.
2. Recognition of Sage Beddingfield for her actions on June 20,
2019, at Splash Valley Waterpark (Doug Blount, Director of Parks,
Recreation and Tourism)
Recognition was given.
3. Roanoke County recognized as StormReady Community by the
National Weather Service (Stephen G. Simon, Chief of Fire and
Rescue)
Recognition was given. In attendance for this recognition were Phil Hysell,
National Weather Services – Blacksburg; Mike Guzo, Virginia Department of
Emergency Manager- Region 6 Chief; Chris Linkous, Battalion Chief Roanoke County
Fire and Rescue; Chris Dean, Captain, Roanoke County Fire and Rescue and Travis
Griffith, Deputy Chief, Roanoke County Fire and Rescue
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution establishing an ad hoc committee known as the
Roanoke County Complete Count Committee charged with
ensuring all Roanoke County residents participate in the 2020
Census (Toni Cox, Assistant Director of Library Services)
Toni Cox provided information on the request for resolution. A PowerPoint
presentation was given, which is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board of
Supervisors.
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Supervisor North asked what was the targeted number with Ms. Cox
responding everyone. There was no further discussion.
RESOLUTION 082719-1 ESTABLISHING AN AD HOC
COMMITTEE KNOWN AS THE ROANOKE COUNTY COMPLETE
COUNT CENSUS CHARGED WITH ENSURING ALL ROANOKE
COUNTY RESIDENT PARTICIPATE IN THE 2020 CENSUS
WHEREAS, the U.S. Census Bureau is required by the United States
Constitution to conduct a count of all persons; and
WHEREAS, the Census count requires extensive work, and the Census Bureau
requires partners at the State and local level to insure a complete and accurate count;
and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Complete Count Committee will bring together
a cross section of community members who will utilize their local knowledge and
expertise to reach out to all persons of our community; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors wishes to establish a Complete Count
Committee charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all County residents
participate in the year 2020 Census.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA THAT:
1. There is hereby established an ad hoc committee known as the Roanoke County
Complete Count Committee (“Committee”).
2. The Board of Supervisors will appoint a Chair of the Committee and its initial
members with the balance of the Committee and the Subcommittees appointed
by the County Administrator in consultation with the Committee Chair.
3. The Committee shall consist of at least 15 members representing a broad cross
section of Roanoke County’s population. It is particularly important that the
Committee have strong representation from civic associations, community-based
organizations, the business community and organizations that serve the
population that is most likely to be undercounted.
4. The function of the Committee shall be as follows:
a. Establish a list of groups that will be targeted for priority attention in an
effort to encourage their members to be counted in the year 2020 Census;
b. Develop a program to encourage participation in the year 2020 Census by
the public generally, and by the target groups in particular;
5. The Committee is empowered to adopt rules regarding procedure and other
matters so long as the same are not inconsistent with the County Code including,
but not limited to, the establishment of Subcommittees through which it may carry
on its functions and purposes.
6. The Committee shall prepare a brief report upon completion of its activities and
submit the report to the Board of Supervisors.
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7. The Committee shall sunset upon completion of its activities in 2020.
a. Committee Chair: Toni Cox, Assistant Director of Library Services
b. Valerie A. Brown, Executive Director, Williamson Road Area Business
Association
c. Brian Clingenpeel, Community Outreach Coordinator, Fire and Rescue
d. Anne-Marie Green, Director, Council of Community Services
e. Melissa Hine, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Housing and
Residence Life, Hollins University
f. Bailey Howard-DuBois, Planner II, Community Development
g. Chuck Lionberger, Community Relations Specialist, Roanoke County
Public Schools
h. Nathan McClung, Principal Planner, Town of Vinton
i. Anita McMillan, Director, Town of Vinton Planning and Zoning
j. Cecile Newcomb, Planner II, Community Development
k. Joanna Spar, Assistant Director of Benefits, Social Services
l. Barry Thompson, Vinton Town Manager
m. Philip Thompson, Acting Director of Planning, Community Development
n. Amy Whittaker, Public Information Officer
o. Anethia Zerfoss, CPC, Medicaid Specialist Friendship Manor
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
2. Resolution accepting and approving recommended changes to
the Comprehensive Financial Policy (Laurie Gearheart, Acting
Director of Finance)
Ms. Gearheart outlined the request for resolution. There was no
discussion.
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RESOLUTION 082719-2 ACCEPTING AND APPROVING
RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE COMPREHENSIVE
FINANCIAL POLICY
WHEREAS, the County adopted a Comprehensive Financial Policy effective July
1, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the policy is to be reviewed and any changes recommended
annually;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That under Section 4 Item 10 wording has been added to specifically address
year end allocations for revenues above budget and expenditures under
budget for General Government; and
2. That under Section 7 Item 3 the dates have been changed to remove fiscal
year 2019 (Schools) and add fiscal year 2029 (County); and
3. That under Section 9 Item 4 minor wording changes have been made to
clarify the issuance of lease revenue bonds; and
4. That under Section 13 Item 3 wording has been added to state rules may be
changed or amended by resolution of the Board of Supervisors; and
5. The effective date of the Comprehensive Financial Policy has been changed
from July 1, 2018 to July 1, 2019
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
IN RE: REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS AND FIRST READING OF
REZONING ORDINANCES - CONSENT AGENDA
1. The petition of Donald and Elaine Kepple to rezone approximately 4.6
acres from I-2, High Intensity Industrial, District to AR,
Agricultural/Residential, District for the construction of single family
dwelling, located at 6121 Peaceful Drive, Catawba Magisterial District
Supervisor Hooker’s motion to approve the first reading and set the
second reading and public hearing for September 24, 2019, was seconded by
Supervisor North and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisor Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
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IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Roanoke,
Virginia approving the lease financing of various capital projects
for the County and authorizing the leasing of certain County-
owned property, the execution and delivery of a prime lease and a
local lease acquisition agreement and finance lease and other
related actions (Laurie Gearheart, Acting Director of Finance)
Ms. Gearheart outlined the request for the ordinance. There was no
discussion.
Supervisor Radford’s motion to approve the first reading and set the
second reading for September 10, 2019, was seconded by Supervisor Peters and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisor Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: Supervisor Assaid
2. Ordinance dissolving lease agreement with Reba Farm Inn, LLC
to provide equestrian services at Explore Park (Doug Blount,
Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism)
Mr. Blount outlined the request for the ordinance. Supervisor Hooker
commented she was disappointed having to do this. Supervisor North asked if they
could be invited back with Mr. Blount responding in the affirmative. There was no
additional discussion.
Supervisor Peters’ motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for September 10, 2019, was seconded by Supervisor Hooker and approved by
the following vote:
AYES: Supervisor Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
3. Ordinance appropriating funds in the amount of $46,801 from the
Commonwealth of Virginia Compensation Board for the County of
Roanoke Commonwealth's Attorney and adding a new Senior
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney position to the County's
Classification and Pay Plan (Rebecca Owens, Assistant County
Administrator; Aaron Lavinder, Acting Commonwealth Attorney)
Mr. Lavinder outlined the request for ordinance. There was no discussion.
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Supervisor Peters’ motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for September 10, 2019, was seconded by Supervisor North and approved by
the following vote:
AYES: Supervisor Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: Supervisor Assaid
4. Ordinance Amending Appendix A (the Roanoke County Zoning
Ordinance), Article I (General Provisions), Article III (District
Regulations), Article IV (Use and Design Standards), Article V
(Development Standards) of the Roanoke County Code (Philip
Thompson, Acting Director of Planning)
Mr. Thompson outlined the request for ordinance and the changes
indicated. Supervisor Radford stated in regards to the letter that we have in the packet
on Lois Lane, that property is for residential use, but is zoned C-2, correct? Mr.
Thompson responded in the negative stating there were two things. This question
came up regarding Hollins Road. As you know, when Lindor Trucking came through
and got the rezoning to I-1, the adjacent property, there is actually a flag lot. The flag lot
is zoned R-2. Across from Lois Lane are two lots or four lots that are zoned C-2. So,
the adjacent zoning is R-2. The buffer requirement would not go away for the
development of that property, because it is a flag lot that comes all the way to Hollins
Road. Ms. Stevens also asked another question. There are sixteen (16) properties that
are zoned R-1 on Hollins Road, eight (8) are by Lois Lane and none of them touch C-2,
so it does not effect it and the other ones are down by Planation Road. There is one
property down there that has I-1, I-2, split zoned and actually went through a rezoning
process to have it. There is a house on one of the property, but the house is vacant.
He understands Ms. Stevens requirement, but again feels when looking at it on its face,
should there by a buffer between C-2 and I-1, when you have similar uses. Her
question is if you have a residence on C-2 property, which is a separate question,
should that property be zoned C-2. Supervisor Radford inquired if the flag lot ever go
rezoned to C-2 and let’s assume Lindor or whomever maintains that rezoning and
nothing occurs to those other properties that are residential C-2, they could mow down
all those trees and there would be no buffer between those residential homes across
that flag lot across from Lois Lane. Mr. Thompson advised correct, but you would
review the review the rezoning as part of that process. The answer is yes. Supervisor
Radford stated so we would have to look at that rezoning and it would not be by right.
Mr. Thompson responded in the affirmative. He added if you understand the
regulations that we have, it would be when you are coming in, it is between I-1 and C-2;
it is a timing situation. If I am coming in to develop and require a buffer then it is the
property that is zoned I-1 that has the requirement, not C-2.
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Supervisor North asked about the house that is vacant and if it was
occupied and the owner petitioned a rezoning because it is residential now. Would that
make the buffer to them considered by the Planning Commission? Mr. Thompson
advised in the negative stating you would be rezoning the property from I-1 to R-2. If
you are trying to rezone the part that is current I-1, where the house is located. You can
always ask for buffering as part of the rezoning process.
Supervisor Peters’ motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for September 10, 2019, was seconded by Supervisor Hooker 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 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)
Chairman North opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this agenda item.
ORDINANCE 082719-3 AUTHORIZING THE GRANTING OF
PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY EASEMENTS TO THE TOWN
OF VINTON ON PROPERTY OWNED BY THE COUNTY OF
ROANOKE (TAX MAP NO. 60.11-04-17.00-0000) FOR THE
PURPOSE OF COMPLETING THE GLADE CREEK GREENWAY
PHASE 2 PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Glade Creek Greenway is identified in the 2018 update to the
Roanoke Valley Greenway Plan, endorsed by the Cities of Roanoke and Salem,
Counties of Roanoke and Botetourt, and the Town of Vinton, as a future bicycle and
pedestrian trail linking the Roanoke River Greenway to the Blue Ridge Parkway; and
WHEREAS, the Glade Creek Greenway is an important recreational amenity for
the Town of Vinton and Roanoke County that will provide residents with connectivity to
the existing Tinker Creek and Roanoke River Greenways, as well as Vineyard and
Gearhart Parks; and
WHEREAS, Phase 2 of the Glade Creek Greenway is a ten feet (10’) wide,
shared use trail beginning at Walnut Avenue in the Town of Vinton and ending at Gus
Nicks Boulevard; and
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WHEREAS, on April 12, 2016 the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County
(hereinafter referred to as "County") granted an eighty foot (80’) greenway easement on
Tax Map No. 60.11-04-17.00-0000 located at 156 Highland Road for Phase 2 of the
Glade Creek Greenway Project, as recorded in Roanoke County Circuit Court
Instrument No. 201604318; and
WHEREAS, the Town has requested and it is proposed that the County approve
additional permanent and temporary easements across the subject property located at
156 Highland Road (Tax Map No. 60.11-04-17.00-0000) to complete Phase 2 of the
Glade Creek Greenway Project; 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 was held on July 23, 2019, and the second reading and
public hearing was held on August 27, 2019.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. The conveyance of the following easements (which are all located at 156
Highland Road (Tax Map No. 60.11-04-17.00-0000)) to the Town of Vinton is
hereby approved:
a. A PERMANENT GREENWAY EASEMENT, consisting of 15,073 square
feet (0.346 acre), more or less, for the Town of Vinton to construct,
improve, operate, inspect, use, monitor, maintain, repair, or replace a
Public Access Trail, including a parking lot.
b. A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT, consisting of
approximately 1196 square feet, (0.027 acre).
c. A PERMANENT DRAINAGE EASEMENT, consisting of approximately
100 square feet, (0.002 acre), for the Town of Vinton to construct, install,
improve, operate, inspect, use, maintain, and repair or replace a drainage
facility, together with related improvements, together with the right of
ingress and egress thereto from a public road.
d. A PERMANENT DRAINAGE EASEMENT, consisting of 381 square feet,
(0.009 acre), more or less, for the Town of Vinton to construct, install,
improve, operate, inspect, use, maintain, and repair or replace a drainage
facility, together with related improvements, together with the right of
ingress and egress thereto from a public road.
2. That the County Administrator, or Assistant County Administrators, any of whom
may act, is authorized to execute, deliver and record the deeds, and any other
documents on behalf of the County and to take all such further action as deemed
necessary or desirable in connection with this project. The form of the deed is
hereby approved with such completions, omissions, insertions, and changes as
the County Administrator may approve, whose approval shall be evidenced
conclusively by the execution and delivery thereof, all of which shall be approved
as to form by the County Attorney.
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3. That this ordinance is in full force and effect from and after the date of its
adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 082719-4 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM J- CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for August 27,
2019, designated as Item J - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 8 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes – June 25, 2019; June 29, 2019; July 9, 2019; July 23, 2019;
August 1, 2019 and August 6, 2019
2. Request to accept and allocate grant funds in the amount of $94,900 from the
Department of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of Selective Enforcement
3. Confirmation of appointment to the Court Community Corrections Alcohol Safety
Action Program Policy Board (At-Large); Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Advisory Commission (At-Large); Virginia Western Community College Board of
Directors (At-Large) and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge (At-Large)
4. Donation of Surplus Microfilm Reader and Printer to the Vinton Historical Society
and History Museum
5. Request to accept and allocate grant funds in the amount of $145,725 from the
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Virginia Victim Witness Fund
6. Request for the Police Department to accept and allocate a donation in the
amount of $21,136 from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Inc. for the purchase of
equipment for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team
7. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County to Andrew Maslich, Deputy Sheriff-Court Services-Sheriff's Office, upon
his retirement after more than twenty-four (24) years of service
8. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County to Brian L. Weeks, Fire Captain, upon his retirement after more than
twenty (20) years of service
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On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
A-082719-4.a
A-082719-4.b
A-082719-4.c
A-082719-4.d
A-082719-4.e
RESOLUTION 082719-4.f EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO ANDREW MASLICH, DEPUTY SHERIFF-COURT SERVICES,
UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN TWENTY-FOUR
(24) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Andrew Maslich was employed by Roanoke County on July 25,
1994; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Maslich retired on August 1, 2019, after twenty-four (24) years
and five (5) months of faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Maslich, 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. Maslich’s tenure with Roanoke County, he has
served as a Deputy Sheriff-Care/Confinement, Deputy Sheriff-Court Services, and
Deputy Sheriff-Civil Process; and
WHEREAS, during Mr. Maslich’s time serving the citizens of Roanoke County, he
did so with exceptional dedication and determination to ensure that he provided the
highest level of service possible. Mr. Maslich served as a mentor to many new Deputy
Sheriffs in every facet of his job. His experience and knowledge provided a strong
foundation for these new employees to grow and excel in their careers. He has an
everyday pleasant attitude and a genuine concern for the well-being of anyone he
comes in contact with. Mr. Maslich will be missed by his colleagues and leaves behind
a magnificent legacy of well-deserved respect and outstanding service;
WHEREAS, Mr. Maslich plans on continuing his career in law enforcement, he
has secured a position as a campus safety officer for Roanoke College. His vast
experience will serve him well in this new endeavor and his colleagues wish him the
best in this new position.
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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of Roanoke County to ANDREW MASLICH for more than twenty-four (24) 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
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 082719-4.g EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO BRIAN L. WEEKS, FIRE CAPTAIN, UPON HIS RETIREMENT
AFTER MORE THAN TWENTY (20) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Brian L. Weeks was employed by Roanoke County on July 12,
1999; and
WHEREAS, Captain Weeks retired on August 1, 2019, after twenty (20) years
and one (1) month of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Captain Weeks, 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 Captain Weeks’ tenure with Roanoke County, he was an
active member of the Roanoke County peer support team, which assisted personnel in
dealing with traumatic situations, stressful events, and critical incident stress
debriefings.
WHEREAS, Captain Weeks was a member of the Roanoke County Wildland Fire
team and participated in training and mitigation of wildland fire incidents.
WHEREAS, during his tenure Captain Weeks was a respected and valued
incident commander in the fire and rescue system. He assisted other jurisdictions with
training on incident command and was active in developing new accountability boards
for the fire and rescue department.
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 BRIAN L. WEEKS for more than twenty (20) 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
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
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AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
IN RE: CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. William Skaff of 4815 Farmington Place Court, Roanoke, Virginia
provided prepared comments. “The local news media have reported that the Economic
Development and Planning Departments have about 12 future town centers in mind.
Thus, the Board will undoubtedly be voting again to initiate or facilitate density
development. Today I will discuss political consequences. Andrew Yang, a Democrat
running for his party’s 2020 presidential nomination, has proposed the American Mall
Act, whereby shopping centers nationwide would be transformed into high-density
residential areas. Why is a Democrat pushing new density development across the
country? Consider the 2016 presidential election in terms of densely populated areas:
New York City voted 81 percent for Hilary Clinton, Boston 85 percent, Philadelphia 84
percent, Baltimore 88 percent, Chicago 84 percent, Denver 80 percent, San Francisco
90 percent. Closer to home, the city of Richmond voted 84 percent for Clinton,
Charlottesville 86 percent, Roanoke City 60 percent. Northern Virginia, the epitome of
town center density development, went 68 percent for Clinton. Arlington, Fairfax,
Loudon, and Prince William Counties and the independent cities they contain consist of
merely 3 percent of Virginia’s square miles but 30 percent of its population. As a result,
the Commonwealth’s tally was 50 percent for a victorious Clinton. Why do densely
populated areas vote overwhelmingly Democrat? Because they contain both wealthy
and economically depressed areas. Democrat give-away programs promise the poor
prosperity—though this has never materialized. Simultaneously, the rich want these
government programs in order to appease the poor, with the rest of the country paying
for them. This is opposed to the free market approach of increased employment
opportunities through economic expansion from limited government, which is happening
now. By contrast, Roanoke County gave Hilary Clinton only 34 percent of its vote. So,
what will the County get in return for density development that will justify this urban, and
political, transformation? The Economic Development Department says that Reimagine
419, for example, will contribute to economic development. Yet, it is difficult to believe
that additional residential building density will appreciably generate commerce, or that
retail will move into ground floors when it is not moving into Tanglewood Mall now—
unless by commerce we mean the one-time, short-lived boost from creating projects for
local developers. Densely populated areas teach us that there are two kinds of
downtowns: rich and poor. If 419 is our downtown, and if the Berglund Performing Arts
Center and the Taubman Museum of Art do not move to Tanglewood Mall, then our
downtown will be economically depressed, an inner city that we deliberately built.
Reimagine 419 will become low-income housing, as prices fall when people discover
that they can get better housing for comparable dollars, or less, anywhere else in the
County. Then Reimagine 419 will truly be an “opportunity zone” as defined by the Tax
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Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a distressed low-income area. \[Election data from The New
York Times Web site\]”
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Hooker moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion was seconded by Supervisor North and was carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves
2. Outstanding Debt Report
3. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of July
31, 2019
4. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and
Encumbrances as of July 31, 2019
5. Accounts Paid – July 31, 2019
6. Proclamation signed by the Chairman - Gladetown Reunion Days
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Hooker stated she has some residents from the Catawba area
that mentioned to her if there was anything she could do to help publicize the Thirteenth
Annual Roanoke Valley Hunters for the Hungry Sportsman’s Banquet, sponsored by
Sportsman’s Warehouse and Hunters for the Hungry and the Moose Family Center.
This is on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. and it at the Roanoke Moose
Lodge on Catawba Valley Drive. They can give you more details; it is a worthy cause.
Supervisor North stated he had a letter that he would like to share that he
received, “Dear Chairman North and Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, I am
honored to congratulate you and your community on the Tree City USA recognition
for 2018. You should be proud to have received this important distinction from the
Arbor Day Foundation. I commend the hard work and dedication required to earn this
recognition, and I know you will continue working to improve Roanoke County. This is
an excellent representation of our larger community of Southwest Virginia. Again,
please accept my most sincere congratulations. May you continue to be successful in
all that you do, Sincerely yours, H. Morgan Griffith, Member of Congress” Thank you
Mr. Griffith for those comments.
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IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
At 4:10 p.m., Supervisor North moved to go into closed meeting following
the work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711.A.3 Discussion or
consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purpose, or of the disposition
of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely
affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, namely real
estate located on Penn Forest Blvd. Supervisor Hooker seconded the motion.
The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
th
At 4:11 p.m. Chairman North recessed to the 4 floor for work session and
closed meeting.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to review Emergency Preparedness and the
Emergency Operations Plan with the Board of Supervisors
(Stephen G. Simon, Chief of Fire and Rescue)
Mr. O’Donnell gave brief overview and turned the meeting over to Steve
Simon.
Chief Steve Simon provided a PowerPoint presentation and reviewed the
Plan.
Supervisor Radford asked about the event in May of 2018 with the number
of inches of rain. Chief Simon advised this was an isolated incident and did not meet
the threshold.
The work session was held from 4:29 p.m. until 5:25 p.m.
2. Work session to review Broadband with the Board of Supervisors
(Rebecca Owens, Assistant County Administrator; Bill Hunter,
Director of Communications and Information Technology and
Gary Larrowe, County Administrator for Botetourt County)
Also in attendance for this work session was Frank Smith from the
Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority
Mr. O’Donnell provided the overview and turned the meeting over to
Rebecca Owens who started the PowerPoint presentation and then turned the meeting
over to Frank Smith, who provided a brief overview as well.
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Mr. O’Donnell introduced Jeff Merritt from Cox Communications.
Mr. Larrowe reviewed slides 5 and 6 and talked about the survey they did
and ended up with a 70/30 split, 70% served and 30% unserved. Supervisor Hooker
inquired if they already knew it was that percentage or did you discover that or confirm
with the survey. Mr. Larrowe stated they did not know the exact numbers. We need to
know to have that information to move forward with any of the funding opportunities that
you have. Supervisor Hooker asked how they surveyed. Mr. Larrowe advised one of
the things they did was to work with Frank Smith with the Broadband Authority to obtain
the first survey. He does not know that is the best way, you could probably do it
yourself. They did not have the staff, expertise or resources that we had to do that, so
they hired the Broadband Authority for the initial survey and then ended up looking at
that and then the Broadband Commission decided we needed to dig deeper and one of
the other things they needed to do was to bring everyone together who has any
knowledge, any interest, any resources associated with broadband and bring together
for a summit and they did, approximately 100 people attended. This enabled them to be
connected to some high level personnel who is now our consultant as a part-time
employee to help us identify and drill down the survey and identifying a strategy for the
future. We mapped it out address by address and then from that point, they came up
with six areas (5 to start and then a sub area.) From that area 1 and 2, was the CBEC
area and they used the data to verify their grant, their application program and then our
part-time employee ended up helping them write the proposal. Supervisor North asked
how long did the process take? Mr. Larrowe responded six to eight months of work,
after the survey. Supervisor North asked if the survey was census based. Mr. Larrowe
stated they contacted individuals and also, sometimes things are available, but people
do not want to pay for them. You actually have to have a double or triple check
because it may actually be available.
Mr. O’Donnell stated the survey is different from an “attitude” survey
where you can get 5% and extrapolate. So, you have to get everybody; much more
labor intensive.
Supervisor North inquired about the $200,000, was that 20% of the total
cost. Mr. Larrowe responded that was more than the 20%. The minimum is 20%. He
was speaking with someone lately who indicated the real number is about 35% this
year. Mr. Larrowe stated they were at 31%, if he remembered correctly. Craig Electric
put $2 million into it themselves.
Mr. O’Donnell stated they have a number of providers; how do you
prioritize and how do you make the competition fair for those who want to use some of
your money? Mr. Larrowe advised they prioritized there six areas and then solicited for
those areas and opened it up. Mr. O’Donnell then asked how they budget with all the
unknowns. Mr. Larrowe advised it is very difficult. Basically, they figured what a cost
per home might be in up being in that area. Mr. O’Donnell stated so you get back to the
data and who is not served and a cost per house.
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Supervisor North asked if they were close on their numbers, Mr. Larrowe
advised “time will tell.”
Supervisor Hooker stated when prioritized the zones and putting together
a strategic plan on what your priorities were, were you looking at density and projecting
growth to have it available there or were you also looking at where economic
development could be occurring. Mr. Larrowe advised all of those were matrixes and
part of that was projecting a take rate in an area, because you do not want to build miles
of fiber and no one pick it up. Demographics has something to do with that as well.
Supervisor North asked if the students at the high schools were issued lap
tops, with Mr. Larrowe advising in the affirmative. Supervisor North then added that
basically they are going about this in a stair step fashion with Mr. Larrowe responding in
the affirmative.
Supervisor North asked about a timeline from the time you solicit to the
time you receive with Mr. Larrowe responding approximately a year. Mr. Smith advised
they are thinking about changed it to 24 months.
Supervisor Peters asked about being a co-sponsor. Mr. O’Donnell
advised it would be a private provider and Broadband is ineligible, they are specifically
excluded. Supervisor Peters asked how does the Broadband Authority help us reach
these goals? Mr. Smith advised that the laws right now restrict Broadband Authorities
from being able to participate. So, there is an effort to be able to have full and open
competition. Secondly, we can in cooperation with the local localities and be the prime
on it and have them work with us. We have the ability to partner with Roanoke County
and then serve as the dual prime and then the provider can come in and work with that
so that the funds can be disbursed both to the County and/or the Broadband Authority
as the oversight.
Supervisor North asked what it cost to do the survey with Mr. Larrowe
responding approximately $35,000, but you probably have a lot of the resources in
house that they did not have. Mr. Bill Hunter advised they got a quote of $45,000.
Mr. O’Donnell stated the RFP should be crafted that does things in steps
in order to speed up the process.
Mr. Hunter stated that we could use County staff as an option to conduct
their own survey, map our own results. We have a GIS team that has already finished a
public safety answering point grant with the streets mapped, the center lines mapped,
the addresses mapped and feels the County is in good position to start and he is under
the opinion that there are a lot of options out there, but he is under the opinion that one
of those options is Roanoke County can do this. There would be training from the
consultant and a team would be put together, himself, a business system analyst, GIS,
and a faceman from the PIO.
Supervisor North asked about a timeframe with Mr. Hunter advising he did
not know yet. The consultant’s schedule is too full to be our consultant, but not too full
to come meet with the team and share what she has learned and then be available after
that for questions.
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Mr. O’Donnell reinforced that you have to do competitive procurement.
Mr. Hunter advised it would probably be in the early October timeframe.
Supervisor Hooker commented she is in favor of the survey and making
things happen as quickly as possible. There are citizens who are suffering without this.
They have businesses in their home. Does not think as a negative. Supervisors
Peters, North and Radford were in agreement.
Supervisor Assaid commented we are talking about government subsidy
and that to him is not right. He would say that you do pick where you live and feels
there are people here that would like free healthcare. There is a president that you can
vote for next year if you want to. He is certainly not for this. Supervisor North
commented he feels we can learn in-house with the tools we have. The cost should be
miniscule initially to do the survey in-house. Supervisor Assaid stated look at the bigger
picture. We did Reimagine 419, and we knew where that was going to go no matter
who agreed with it and who didn’t and got too far along. This has nothing to do with the
Broadband Authority, correct, provided services to residential properties. Supervisor
Hooker stated it could potentially. Supervisor Assaid stated he would never have
supported the Broadband Authority because that was one of the things that was pointed
out that it would not be for residential properties. He won’t be on the Board when you
make this decision to subsidize broadband, but that was something that was presented
to us, voted on that it would not be for residential purposes and he would not have
supported if he thought that was the direction it was going to go. Supervisor North
commented the key is that they are looking at grants. Supervisor Assaid replied that it
is still government subsidy. Supervisor North stated it is, but the majority is grants. We
are not using Roanoke County except for a 20% match and other sundry uses that goes
along with it. Supervisor Assaid advised that is still government subsidy; taxpayer
money. You asked my opinion, and he gave it. We don’t need to debate it. Supervisor
North stated we would do that outside the meeting. Supervisor Assaid stated it would
be done on the dais. Supervisor North stated there was consensus of the Board to
move forward.
Mr. Hunter stated that he would like to add to Supervisor Assaid’s point is
that he keeps hearing these urban legends about dark fiber buried in the ground and
dark fiber that is up in the Catawba area that was originally put in for something else
and perhaps what you are going to do is not subsidize anything, but identify potential
providers who are already in the area that are unaware of any customer base that might
be interested in those services.
The work session was held from 5:35 p.m. until 6:28 p.m.
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IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
At 7:13 p.m., Supervisor North moved to return to open session and adopt
the certification resolution.
RESOLUTION 082719-5 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 North to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, Radford, Peters, North
NAYS: None
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman North adjourned the meeting at 7:14 p.m.
b tted by: Approved by:
/,/
Deborah C. J. ,r hil C. orth
Chief Deputy •(r'rk to the Board Chairman
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