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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: August 27, 2019 312 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. August 27, 2019 313 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. August 27, 2019 314 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. August 27, 2019 315 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 August 27, 2019 316 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. August 27, 2019 317 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. August 27, 2019 318 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 August 27, 2019 319 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. August 27, 2019 320 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 August 27, 2019 321 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 August 27, 2019 322 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: August 27, 2019 323 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 August 27, 2019 324 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. August 27, 2019 325 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. August 27, 2019 326 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. August 27, 2019 327 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. August 27, 2019 328 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. August 27, 2019 329 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 August 27, 2019 330 PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY