HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/27/2003 - Special
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Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
February 27, 2003
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke Regional Training Center, 1220 Kessler Mill Road, Salem, Virginia, this being
an adjourned meeting from February 25, 2003 for the purpose of a joint meeting with
the City of Roanoke to discuss the formation of a Regional Water and Sewer Authority.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ralph Smith called the meeting to order for the City of Roanoke at
10:25 a.m. The roll call was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Ralph K. Smith, Vice-Mayor C. Nelson Harris, Council
Members William H. Carder, William D. Bestpitch, M. Rupert
Cutler, Alfred T. Dowe, Jr., Linda F. Wyatt
STAFF PRESENT:
Darlene L. Burcham, City Manager; William M. Hackworth,
City Attorney; Mike McEvoy, Director of Utilities; Jesse Hall,
Director of Finance; Christopher L. Slone, Director of
Communications
Chairman McNamara called the meeting to order for the County of
Roanoke at 10:26 a.m. The roll call was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Joseph McNamara, Vice-Chairman Richard C.
Flora, Supervisors Michael W. Altizer, Joseph B. “Butch”
Church
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Supervisor H. Odell “Fuzzy” Minnix
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STAFF PRESENT:
Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney,
County Attorney; Diane S. Childers, Clerk to the Board; Dan
O’Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Diane D. Hyatt,
Chief Financial Officer; Gary Robertson, Director of Utilities
IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES
The invocation was given by Council Member Nelson T. Harris, Pastor,
Virginia Heights Baptist Church. Chairman McNamara and Mayor Smith offered
welcoming remarks, and both extended their appreciation to staff members for their
efforts in bringing the localities to this point in the negotiations. Special thanks were
extended to John Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of Roanoke Gas Company, for the
assistance he provided with regard to rate analysis.
IN RE: REPORT ON REGIONAL WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
The report was presented by Gary Robertson, Roanoke County Utility
Director, and Mike McEvoy, Roanoke City Utility Director. Mr. Robertson stated that it
was not a coincidence that the Regional Training Center was chosen as the location for
this meeting. He noted that the regional accomplishments made by the Fire and
Rescue Department at the training center, the joint staffing of the Clearbrook station,
and the radio system are accomplishments which the two localities wish to continue to
build upon. Mr. Robertson indicated that discussions regarding the formation of a Water
Authority or regional cooperation on a water supply have been ongoing for more than 30
years.
Mr. Robertson stated that in 2002, City and County staff were directed to
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pursue the possibility of a Regional Water Authority. During these meetings, a number
of different scenarios were considered including a contract amendment between the
City and County, the possibility of a Wholesale Authority which would combine water
sources but keep distribution systems separate, and a full service Authority which would
combine not only sources but also transmission, distribution, and administration. Mr.
Robertson noted that in reviewing these possibilities, it became clear that any
discussion of a Water Authority should also be expanded to include wastewater. Mr.
Robertson stated that staffs for the City and County are recommending the formation of
a full service Water and Wastewater Authority based on three principles:
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Equal representation between the City and County
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The assets of both the City and County should be pooled
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Equalization of rates between the City and County
Mr. Robertson extended his appreciation to members of City Council and
the Board of Supervisors for the support they have extended to staff during these
discussions.
Mr. McEvoy stated that the City is recommending that a full service Water
and Wastewater Authority be formed. This would include supply, treatment,
transmission and distribution of water for the citizens of both localities, as well as the
collection and treatment of wastewater. Functions such as meter reading, billing, and
account services would also be incorporated. Staff is recommending, as one of the
guiding principles, that an independent governing board be established to oversee the
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Authority. The Authority would consist of equal representation from both localities.
Staff believes that there are significant efficiencies to be gained which will benefit the
customers. Examples of these efficiencies include: shared personnel and equipment;
combined management of the water reservoirs for maximum yield; joint meter reading
and billing operations; consistent operating policies (such as levels of treatment,
combined purchasing, drought management, and development review); and better
planning and design for future improvements to yield more efficient service delivery,
saving time and money by not duplicating solutions to the same problems. In addition,
financial stability will result from combining the two systems, which is important in a
capital intensive industry such as utilities. Strong utility systems can also be helpful in
promoting economic development. Other benefits of combining systems include
equalization of rates, customers will gain redundancy during short-term emergencies as
well as during droughts, and the replacement of older infrastructure will be facilitated, as
well as the construction of new facilities in areas not currently served by utilities.
Mr. McEvoy noted that while the County and City are currently the only
participating localities, the Authority will be structured to allow other jurisdictions to join
in the future. He indicated that all of the items mentioned apply to both water and
wastewater services. He also noted that, specifically with regard to water, a stronger
more stable water supply is created for both localities by providing assets, maximizing
existing facilities, and making additional interconnections. Water plant expansions can
be deferred through efficient use of existing facilities and when construction of future
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large water supply projects becomes necessary, the Roanoke Valley will be well
positioned to undertake such a project.
Mr. Robertson stated that in many ways, wastewater could be interpreted
as being the starting point for consideration of an Authority. He noted that Roanoke
County, Roanoke City, City of Salem, Town of Vinton, and Botetourt County already
share a single wastewater treatment facility and joint interceptor lines. The formation of
an Authority further solidifies that arrangement and makes planning for future
improvements easier and less controversial. The drought caused much of the attention
to be focused on the water issue. As discussions continued regarding the formation of
a Regional Water Authority, it became clear that wastewater needed to be included as
part of this plan.
Mr. Robertson reported that Roanoke County currently has a contract
arrangement with the City of Roanoke for wastewater treatment. As a result of
requirements from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), as well as a desire
for additional capacity, the third change to this contract in less than 10 years will soon
be executed. The forming of an Authority between Roanoke County and Roanoke City
providing for shared ownership removes the uncertainty involved with renegotiating a
contract for wastewater services in the future and also provides increased leverage for
permitting with government agencies.
Mr. Robertson stated that both the County and City utility departments
share personnel, billing, equipment, and administration between water and sewer. It
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was not logical to separate these operations and place only one in an Authority. To
gain the maximum benefits in terms of efficiency and cost savings necessitates that
wastewater be included in the Regional Authority.
Mr. McEvoy indicated that the next step in the process is the approval by
both localities of a resolution endorsing the creation of a Regional Water and
Wastewater Authority. The resolution is based on three principles: (1) Equal
representation on an independent governing board. (2) Pooled assets of both localities
utility systems. (3) Equalization of rates. Mr. McEvoy stated that the members of City
Council and the Board of Supervisors are being asked to authorize staff to prepare the
necessary contracts, documents and studies for the formation of a Regional Water and
Wastewater Authority. Staff will present this information to the governing localities
within 60 days.
Mayor Smith congratulated Mr. Robertson and Mr. McEvoy for the efforts
in bringing the localities to this point in the formation of an Authority.
IN RE: RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution endorsing the creation of a regional water and
wastewater authority, and authorizing the County Administrator,
Director of Utilities and County Attorney to proceed with
developing an agreement and plan to create such an authority.
(Paul Mahoney, County Attorney – County of Roanoke)
R-022703-1
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Mr. Mahoney reported that the resolution endorses the creation of a
Regional Water and Wastewater Authority based upon the principles previously outlined
by Mr. Robertson and Mr. McEvoy. Mr. Mahoney indicated that the resolution
establishes an aggressive directive that staff returns to the Board in a short period of
time for acceptance of the agreements and documents to begin the implementation of
this process. Mr. Mahoney recommended approval of the resolution.
Supervisor McNamara moved to adopt the resolution. The motion carried
by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Flora, Church, Altizer, McNamara
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix
Supervisor Church stated that he was very pleased at the action being
taken today, and indicated that the choice to allow staff to handle the negotiations
between the two localities was a wise one. He stated that it is a testament to the
determination of both localities to pursue a Regional Authority that this agreement is
proceeding despite the fact that we are no longer facing a drought situation. He noted
the increased level of regional cooperation that exists today, and stated that a combined
Authority will be an economic development asset for the area.
Supervisor McNamara commended both governing bodies for allowing the
staff to handle the negotiations, and stated that we are one valley, one citizenry, and
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one economic development unit. He indicated that this action is a tremendous step
forward in this regard.
RESOLUTION 022703-1 ENDORSING THE CREATION OF A
REGIONAL WATER AND WASTEWATER AUTHORITY, AND
AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, DIRECTOR OF
UTLITIES AND COUNTY ATTORNEY TO PROCEED WITH
DEVELOPING AN AGREEMENT AND PLAN TO CREATE SUCH AN
AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, the recent drought and the need to expand and upgrade the
wastewater treatment facility currently serving the Roanoke Valley have focused the
need for a regional approach to the provision of water and wastewater services;
WHEREAS, after extensive discussions, representatives of the City of Roanoke
and the County of Roanoke have concluded that a “full service” water and wastewater
authority would be the best vehicle for ensuring the citizens of their localities the most
reliable means of providing water and wastewater treatment at the lowest cost and best
rate for customers, as well as providing the best service; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Water and Sewer Authorities Act, §§15.2-1500, et seq.,
Code of Virginia (the “Act”), provides full authority for the City and the County to create
an independent authority that would be responsible for the supply, treatment,
distribution and transmission of water and the collection and treatment of wastewater;
and
WHEREAS, the City and the County desire to proceed to create such an
authority, guided by the following principles:
1. That the assets and liabilities of the City and of the County water and
wastewater utilities would be merged into one full service authority created pursuant to
the Act, to be responsible for the supply, treatment, distribution and transmission of
water and the collection and treatment of wastewater.
2. In establishing and operating such an authority:
a. Both localities would have equal representation on the
authority’s governing body.
b. The assets and liabilities of the City and of the County utility
systems would be pooled.
c. Over a mutually agreeable period of time, the water and
wastewater treatment rates of the City and the County will be equalized.
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3. The City and the County will endeavor to reach agreement within the next
sixty (60) days on an agreement and plan to accomplish the above, which
agreement shall provide for creating an authority within the next twelve (12) months
and include a schedule for implementing the various steps to be undertaken to
create a combined water and wastewater system; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Roanoke and the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County desire to memorialize the above by the adoption of concurrent
resolutions, and to authorize their respective staffs to proceed with developing a plan to
create such an authority.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County as follows:
1. The Board hereby endorses the principles stated above regarding the
creation of a regional water and wastewater authority.
2. The Board hereby authorizes the County Administrator, the Director of
Utilities, and the County Attorney to proceed to negotiate with the City within the next
sixty (60) days, if possible, the terms and conditions of an appropriate agreement and
plan to create such an authority within the next twelve (12) months; such agreement to
be subject to the approval of the respective governing bodies.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Flora, Church, Altizer, McNamara
ABSENT: Supervisor Minnix
NAYS: None
2. Resolution endorsing the creation of a regional water and
wastewater authority, and authorizing the City Manager, Director
of Finance and City Attorney to proceed with developing an
agreement and plan to create such an authority. (William M.
Hackworth, City Attorney – City of Roanoke)
Council Member Bestpitch stated that it is appropriate that the agreement
is being signed when both reservoirs are full and the localities are not in a time of crisis.
He voiced his support for the two localities working together, and stated that he hopes
this will lead to examining other areas for potential cooperation.
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Council Member Harris expressed his appreciation to the staff members
who have handled these negotiations. He stated that this is a great day for the
Roanoke Valley and an atmosphere of regional cooperation has been cultivated. He
stated that this is an action that the business leadership and citizens can be proud of,
and that will set in motion improvements that will benefit future generations. He noted
that allowing the staff to handle this issue has proven to be a valid approach.
Council Member Carder extended his appreciation to the staff and stated
that this is a big step forward in viewing the Roanoke Valley as a whole rather than as
separate constituencies. He expressed his desire to see this trend continue in other
areas such as regional land use planning, transportation, view shed protection, and
economic development.
Council Member Wyatt noted that in the past, there was much political
posturing and efforts at regional cooperation proved unsuccessful. She stated that she
is honored to be part of this action today which demonstrates that the members of the
City Council and Board of Supervisors are “statespersons” and not “politicians”. She
commended both localities for their cooperation and stated that the citizens will benefit
from this action.
Council Member Cutler thanked the staff for their excellent work and
commended them for the inclusion of a provision in the resolution which will allow other
jurisdictions to join in and expand the mission of the Authority to include, among other
issues, stormwater management.
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Mayor Smith recognized Ms. Burcham and Mr. Hodge for comments. Ms.
Burcham stated that it was her desire to remain quiet today and indicated that it was
City Council’s day. She stated that she was pleased to be present to share in the
events of this day. Mr. Hodge stated that leadership and the expectation for excellence
originates with the Board and City Council. They set the standard and are, accordingly,
the ones who deserve the credit. He stated that much work remains to be completed.
He indicated that this effort was undertaken with the expectation that it would be a small
step toward regional cooperation, and that the City and County are fortunate to be
participants in this process.
Council Member Cutler moved to adopt the resolution. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. The motion carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Carder, Cutler, Dowe, Harris, Wyatt, Smith
NAYS: None
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman McNamara and Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 10:57
a.m.
Submitted by: Approved by:
________________________ ________________________
Diane S. Childers Joseph P. McNamara
Clerk to the Board Chairman
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