HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/8/2022 - Regular - DRAFT
March 8, 2022
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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 first regularly scheduled meeting
of the month of March 2022. 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 Mahoney called the meeting to order at p.m. The roll call was
taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Paul M. Mahoney; Supervisors P. Jason Peters,
Martha B. Hooker, Phil C. North and David F. Radford
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Richard L. Caywood, County Administrator; Rebecca
Owens, Deputy County Administrator; Doug Blount,
Assistant County Administrator; Peter S. Lubeck, County
Attorney; Amy Whittaker, Public Information Officer and
Deborah C. Jacks, Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board
IN RE: BRIEFINGS
1. Briefing to discuss with the Board of Supervisors the County
Administrator's Proposed Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating
Budget Richard L. Caywood, County Administrator and (Laurie
Gearheart, Director of Finance and Management Services)
Mr. Caywood and Ms. Gearheart provided a PowerPoint presentation, a
copy of which is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board. Mr. Caywood indicated
that rapid inflation growth has caused home value and personal property to rise,
increasing our revenues, while the cost of providing service has correspondingly
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increased our expenditures. The proposed budget is up approximately 9% year over
year.
Supervisor Mahoney noted we have fuel cost increases in several areas,
i.e. Waste Management, Parks and Recreation and Police and Fire and Rescue. Mr.
Caywood this is correct and we will continue to monitor. Supervisor Mahoney stated so
we can expect to see increases.
Supervisor North asked if we have received the budget for RVRA, Ms.
Gearheart responded in the negative stating they have told us an increase of $1.50 in
tipping fees. Supervisor Hooker asked why the increase with Ms. Gearheart responding
they have not gotten into that, but it is due to rising costs, salaries and inflation in the
items they use to provide services. They have also done a lot of changes with regard to
their infrastructure. Supervisor Peters asked if that was not paid for through the debt
issuance. Ms. Gearheart responded in the affirmative advising there are still operating
costs ongoing that are related to maintaining the road. Supervisor North added they will
have increased gas prices as they are now trucking.
Supervisor Hooker asked if the funds allocated for the expansion of
recycling will be enough. Ms. Gearheart advised a work session has been schedule to
review this with the Board.
Supervisor Radford with regard to the investing in our children’s future
slide, you indicated that the amount to our Community College is an increase. Ms.
Gearheart responded in the affirmative stating we currently pay $150,000 to Virginia
Western for the CCAP Program and we are proposing to increase that by $75,000 to
reach $250,000. Supervisor Radford asked with regard to the turf maintenance, is that
for us to help maintain the Schools. Ms. Gearheart responded staff is currently working
on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County and the Schools.
Currently, we have an agreement with Bogle field, which is at Cave Spring Middle
School and both the County and the Schools both put in $5,000 to help build up funds
for repairs and possible replacement in the future. However, they have added two (2)
additional turf fields; one at Glenvar and one is at William Byrd High. So we are working
on a new MOU to include those as well and work on a joint funding. Supervisor Radford
stated if would certainly be nice if citizens could enjoy those turf fields that they lock up.
He runs and he is always around Cave Spring Middle School and he knows we want
Parks and Recreation and the Schools to use it, but there are times that citizens should
be able to go in there and exercise, etc. Mr. Caywood responded staff will reach out to
the Schools and explore more and report back.
Supervisor Peters stated he had two (2) points for clarification. So, under
CCAP, we are currently paying $150,000 with Ms. Gearheart responding in the
affirmative. This would take us to $225,000. The second question, why are we paying
for school fields, if it is for school usage? Ms. Gearheart responded our Parks and
Recreation do use those fields for the youth programs.
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Supervisor North noted with this increase we will be meeting our full
requirement. Supervisor Peters stated he has spoken to some folks at Virginia Western
and in his time on the Board, he does not know that they have ever received a report
that told us we are not meeting our obligation. Virginia Western advised the report was
being sent to Roanoke County. He does not know where it goes, but the Board needs
to know we are not meeting those obligations because ultimately, it is hurting our kids
that we are wanting to advance. We need to know yearly where we stand. Ms.
Gearheart advised she has not seen a report, but there were emails exchanged with
staff at Virginia Western outlining the need and the shortfall.
Supervisor Hooker stated she would like to see a follow-up of those
students being successful and how it is helping those students.
Supervisor Mahoney noted he is optimistic that the General Assembly will
meet their deadlines, however, if they do not our budget adoption date may need to
move.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution requesting adjustment of the CORTRAN program
minimum age requirement from age 70 to age 65 (Paula Benke,
CORTRAN Program Coordinator)
Ms. Benke outlined the request for resolution. Supervisor North asked
with the anticipated reduction in the age to 65, has any thought been given to what
impact that is going to have with Ms. Benke responding we are averaging 41 rides per
day and if we add 10 rides, we can still sustain. There was no further discussion.
RESOLUTION 030822-1 REQUESTING ADJUSTMENT OF THE
CORTRAN PROGRAM MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT FROM
AGE 70 TO AGE 65
WHEREAS, the County of Roanoke Transportation (CORTRAN) program was
established in 1985 in order to help County residents remain in their homes and
independent with curb-to-curb transportation from their homes to destinations within
Roanoke County, the City of Roanoke, the City of Salem and the Town of Vinton; and
WHEREAS, the CORTRAN program is currently structured so that Roanoke
County residents are eligible to use the service if they are either 70 years of age or
better, or if they have a disability; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke County has applied for grant funding through the
Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to
leverage and maximize County funds for the CORTRAN program; and
WHEREAS, by reducing the CORTRAN eligible age from 70 to 65, additional
funding may be available from DRPT.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. The eligible age for the CORTRAN program is changed from age 70 to
age 65.
2. That the program eligibility change shall take effect on October 1, 2022.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Hooker, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance accepting and appropriating $5,157,837.51 in
additional grants for Roanoke County Public Schools (Susan
Peterson, Director of Finance - Roanoke County Public Schools)
Ms. Peterson outlined the request for ordinance.
Supervisor Mahoney asked with regard to the dollars that are spread out
over several years, when those funds are appropriated by the County to the Schools, do
they carryover or do they need to be appropriated in the subsequent year. Ms.
Peterson responded they are a part of the carryover at the end of the year. There was
no further discussion.
Supervisor North’s motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for March 22, 2022, was seconded by Supervisor Hooker and approved by the
following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Hooker, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance reapportioning the representation in the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, by altering the
boundaries of the election districts, establishing voting precincts
therefor, incorporating a map showing the boundaries of said
districts and precincts, designating new polling places for certain
precincts, and providing for an effective date of this ordinance
(Peter S. Lubeck, County Attorney)
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Also in attendance are Anna Cloeter, County Registrar, Kelly Dooley, GIS
Analysis, and Philip Thompson, Director of Planning. Mr. Lubeck provided an overview.
Ms. Kelly Dooley went through the PowerPoint presentation breaking down each
district.
Supervisor North inquire if you send this so you send this into the Attorney
general's office when would it be effective with Mr. Lubeck responding If they fail to act it
is deemed effective within 60 days. Supervisor North stated so say it's submitted March
23rd it's possible it's effective May 23, 2022. Mr. Lubeck responded in the affirmative.
Supervisor North stated we would be hoping they would act more quickly than with Mr.
Lubeck advising it is possible. Supervisor North then asked we talked about changing
the voting precincts. Is that something we do on our own with Ms. Dooley explaining
they are include in the last exhibit. Mr. Lubeck advised Supervisor North has made
another suggestion with a boundary and we will look into.
Supervisor Hooker asked if these changes would need to start over with a
new first reading, with Supervisor Mahoney explaining these are minor changes, which
would not require us to start over; we are allowed to make minor changes between first
and second readings.
Supervisor Radford’s motion to approve the first reading and set the
second reading for March 22, 2022, was seconded by Supervisor Hooker and approved
by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Hooker, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance accepting funds in the amount of $34,000 from
Roanoke Valley Guns and Hoses Hockey, LLC, and appropriating
the funds to Roanoke County's Fee Class Fund to be used for
constructing a playground at Explore Park (Doug Blount,
Assistant County Administrator)
Mr. Blount advised no changes since first reading. There was no
discussion.
ORDINANCE 030822-2 ACCEPTING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT
OF $34,000 FROM ROANOKE VALLEY GUNS AND HOSES
HOCKEY, LLC AND APPROPRIATING THE FUNDS TO
ROANOKE COUNTY’S FEE CLASS FUND TO BE USED FOR
CONSTRUCTING A PLAYGROUND AT EXPLORE PARK
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WHEREAS, Roanoke Valley Guns and Hoses Hockey, Inc. is a non-profit
organization that hosts an annual hockey game between fire and rescue and law
enforcement personnel from the Roanoke Valley; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke Valley Guns and Hoses Hockey, Inc. donates the
proceeds from their events to different causes in the Roanoke Valley; and
WHEREAS, this year, Roanoke Valley Guns and Hoses Hockey, Inc. has teamed
up with Friends of the Blue Ridge in order to raise funds for an inclusive and destination
playground located at Explore Park in Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke Valley Guns and Hoses Hockey, Inc. wishes to donate
$34,000 to Roanoke County for the purpose of constructing an inclusive and destination
playground at Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors approved an Adventure Plan
for Explore Park in 2016, which identified the need for such a playground at Explore
Park; and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter provides that funds be
appropriated by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on February 22, 2022
and the second reading was held on March 8, 2022; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That the sum of $34,000 is hereby accepted and appropriated to the
General Fund for the purpose of constructing a playground at Explore
Park; and
2. This ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Hooker, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance accepting and appropriating funds in the amount of
$500 from an anonymous donor for the County of Roanoke Fire &
Rescue Department (C. Travis Griffith, Chief of Fire and Rescue)
Chief Griffith advised no changes since the first reading. There was no
discussion.
ORDINANCE 030822-3 ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $500 FROM AN ANONYMOUS
DONOR FOR THE COUNTY OF ROANOKE FIRE & RESCUE
DEPARTMENT
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WHEREAS, a citizen of the Clearbrook area has donated $500 to the Fire &
Rescue Department to show his appreciation for services provided by Clearbrook
Station #7; and
WHEREAS, the funds received will be allocated to purchase rescue equipment to
be housed at Clearbrook Station No. 7; and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter provides that funds be
appropriated by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on February 22, 2022,
and the second reading was held on March 8, 2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That the sum of $500 made available to the Roanoke County Fire &
Rescue Department is accepted and appropriated to the general fund.
2. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Hooker, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
3. Ordinance accepting and appropriating funds in the amount of
$107.71 from Mr. Michael A. Wray for the County of Roanoke Fire
& Rescue Department (C. Travis Griffith, Chief of Fire and Rescue)
Chief Griffith advised no changes since the first reading. There was no
discussion.
ORDINANCE 030822-4 ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $107.71 FROM MR. MICHAEL A.
WRAY FOR THE COUNTY OF ROANOKE FIRE & RESCUE
DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, Mr. Michael A. Wray, a citizen of the Clearbrook area, has donated
$107.71 to the Fire and Rescue Department; and
WHEREAS, the funds received will be allocated to purchase EMS equipment at
Clearbrook Station No. 7; and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter provides that funds be
appropriated by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on February 22, 2022,
and the second reading was held on March 8, 2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
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1. That the sum of $107.71 made available to the Roanoke County Fire &
Rescue Department is accepted and appropriated to the general fund.
2. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Radford to adopt the ordinance, seconded by
Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Hooker, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 030822-5 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM H- CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for March 8,
2022, designated as Item H - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 4 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes – November 3, 2021; November 5, 2021
2. Request to accept donation of a K9 ballistic vest and dog leash from Spikes
K9 fund totaling $3,794
3. Request to accept and allocate funds in the amount of $3,000 from the
Virginia Information Technology Agency for the Public Safety Answering
Points (PSAP) Educational Grant Program
4. Confirmation of appointments to the Grievance Panel (At-Large)
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Hooker, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
A-030822-5.a
A-030822.5.b
A-030822-5.c
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IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Hooker moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion was seconded by Supervisor Mahoney and carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Hooker, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves Report
2. Outstanding Debt Report
3. Proclamation signed by the Chairman – Multiple Sclerosis Education
and Awareness Month
4. Resolution #440 of the Western Virginia Water Authority thanking
Daniel R. O’Donnell for his service as a Director of the Authority
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Radford advised VDOT is conducting a survey focusing on Rt.
410-Electric Road between Keagy Road at TMIC and Bower Road near Member One
Federal Credit Union. This survey is to get requests and input for potential
recommendations to address operational and safety issues in that area, many of which
have been identified through the recent Oak Grove Center Plan. The survey can be
st
taken online at VAProjectPipeline.org. It opened March 1 and closes on March 15,
2022. We are in a different world than we were when we met two (2) weeks ago with
the conflict over in Europe. He started watching in shock and then as it has proceeded,
he has gotten more angry and mad at the situation. He feels helpless on a local level.
We are always taking about thinking globally, but act locally. He is just spellbound
about what he can do and other than pray for Ukraine. It tears at his heart that we are
going through this right now. Ask for peace in that part of the world and wish it would
stop.
Supervisor Peters stated he had two (2) things that he wanted staff to look
at and report back to the Board. As we look across many of our committee that we
appoint, we have ten (10) people that serve on our EDA. If we could look at what it
would look like if we brought back to five (5), which is one per district, which would
mirror what we do for the Planning Commission and everything else. Secondly, when
we were going through the budget earlier, we were talking about an individual making
$30,000 a year, who would get a five percent (5%) raise, but when you look at their
insurance, the raise falls to 4.35%. The truth of the matter is while we have inflation,
they say is around seven percent (7%), he would argue that it is more like 12% because
when the Federal government gives us that number, they always say the inflation rate is
minus energy and good. He does not know about other households, but he knows his
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and he has a 13 year old who loves to eat. Most of his money goes toward food and
energy and if we calculated that the number would be closer to 12%. If we are going to
give a five percent (5%) rate, he would like to see the employee get the full five percent
(5%). So if there is a way that we can look at absorbing all the health insurance cost,
he would strongly encourage and support. Mr. Caywood advised staff would be happy
to look at that.
Supervisor Hooker stated she thinks Supervisor Peter’s idea about
absorbing the health insurance cots is a great suggestion. She added we have another
Glenvar High School team, officially two (2) teams that need to be recognized: the
swim team and the track team. She will be contacting the Clerk’s office and coaches to
see if we can coordinate. She gave a shout out to her cohort with the School Board,
Brent Hudson, appreciated that he has reached out to our Board and has been making
appointments and trying to understand what both sides go through. Thank you.
Supervisor North stated one item that is near and dear to his heart is
school construction funding program. The Senate voted 38-1 to approve the House
plan. Senator Hanger voted against it. Senator Hanger has another idea, but won’t
share it until next year. The House voted unanimously 100-0 to support House Bill 563,
which was sponsored by Delegate O’Quinn of Washington County near Bristol and is
the Deputy Majority Leader. It would award matching grants on a competitive-like basis
and based upon poor building conditions, like our Burton Center. Commitment to pay in
order to fund the construction of new public buildings at the local school divisions. It is
finally something that is coming together and is good to hear. There will be two tiers of
the program. Tier one would give rebates up to 30% of total principal costs up to $1
billion in school construction projects. Tier two will give interest free loans up to $1
billion in school construction projects based on the 2021 VPSA Bond insurance rate.
This has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and once it comes out of
conference, hopefully will become law and the Governor will sign something so we can
have a tool in our toolbox. He has spoken to staff and asked them to follow this closely
so we can find out what the steps are. It could help us get some money. We certainly
cannot let an opportunity like that slip away. In the Roanoke Valley TPO world, there
have been discussions on Smart-Scale projects in round five (5) coming up. There
have been three out of the four projects that have been recommended and they are
Roanoke County projects. One is West Main Street sidewalks, the pedestrian crossing
improvements on both Rt. 419 and Plantation-Hershberger intersections and pedestrian
improvements on Williamson Road between Plymouth Drive to Dent Road and
Clubhouse Drive as that continues on down Williamson Road. In the Roanoke Valley-
Allegany Regional Commission, there have been projects submitted and approved.
One of which is Roanoke County US Rt. 11-460 at Dow Hollow Road intersection
improvement; we will keep you posted as those go through the Smart-Scale process.
Supervisor Mahoney stated last Friday night, he and wife has the
opportunity to watch the Cave Spring boys’ basketball team defeat the Flying Floccus of
Savannah. Unfortunately, last night he was not able to attend the semi-final game when
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Cave Spring defeated Northside 58-56, so Thursday at the Siegel Center the Cave
Spring boys will be playing for a State Championship in their district and he believes
they are playing Petersburg. He wished the Cave Spring basketball team luck. Finally,
this is a very light meeting and is the calm before the storm. Buckle up, the next few
months we will be having long meetings, lots of public hearings and maybe a roomful of
citizens. Thursday, from 5 until 7 p.m., and asked Mr. Thompson to remind everyone.
Mr. Thompson advised this Thursday, we have a consultant on Board helping us with
implementation of the Rt. 419 Plan. We are looking at design guidelines. Open house
from 5 until 7 p.m. at South County Library. Once that is done, our intent is put the
materials and information online and give people two weeks to comment. Once we
have the information, we will be working with our consultants and it is our intent to come
back to the Board with a joint work session with the Planning Commission to go over
those details.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Mahoney adjourned the meeting at 4:27 p.m.
Submitted by: Approved by:
________________________ ___________________________________
Deborah C. Jacks Paul M. Mahoney
Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board Chairman
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