1/10/2023 - Regular - DRAFT
January 10, 2023
1
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 January 2023. 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: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Mahoney called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m. The roll call
was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Paul M. Mahoney; Supervisors Martha B. Hooker,
P. Jason Peters, Phil C. North and David R. 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: ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY BOARD
1. Election of Officers
a. Chairman
Supervisor North nominated Supervisor Hooker to serve as Chairman,
which was seconded by Supervisor Radford.
Supervisor Hooker was elected by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Hooker, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
January 10, 2023
2
b. Vice Chairman
Supervisor Peters nominated Supervisor Mahoney to serve as Vice
Chairman, which was seconded by Supervisor North.
Supervisor North was elected by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Hooker, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
Chairman Hooker recessed the meeting at 2:05 P.M.
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.
Chairman Hooker called the meeting back into order at 3:04 p.m. All
Supervisors were in attendance.
IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County to Howard B. Hall, Chief of
Police, upon his retirement after more than ten (10) years of
service (Richard L. Caywood, County Administrator)
The resolution was read by the Clerk. Each Supervisor offered their
thanks and congratulations.
RESOLUTION 011023-1 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO
HOWARD B. HALL, CHIEF OF POLICE, UPON HIS
RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN TEN (10) YEARS OF
SERVICE
WHEREAS, Howard B. Hall was employed by Roanoke County on August 12,
2012; and
WHEREAS, Chief Hall retired on January 1, 2023, after ten (10) years and five
(5) months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
January 10, 2023
3
WHEREAS, Chief Hall received the J. Stannard Baker award for Lifetime
Achievement in Traffic Safety in 2012. Chief Hall was accepted into the Evidence Based
Policing Hall of Fame in 2019. He was the President of the Virginia Association of
Chiefs of Police in 2019 and 2020. He was the Chairperson of the Washington/
Baltimore HIDTA Executive Board in 2020. He was the President of the Blue Ridge
Association of Chiefs of Police in 2019 and 2020. Chief Hall was Chairperson of
Roanoke VASAP Board of Directors 2019-2022.; and
WHEREAS, Chief Hall, 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 Chief Hall’s tenure with Roanoke County, he led the
Roanoke County Police Department in accomplishing the construction of the Roanoke
County Criminal Justice Academy, implementing data driven/evidence-based
approaches to police operations. Under Chief Hall’s leadership, The Police Department
collaborated with George Mason University’s Center for Evidenced Based Crime Policy
on two (2) research projects related to response to persons in crisis, and the Police
Department worked closely with Roanoke County Public Schools to enhance security,
prevention and response to school-based incidents. The Roanoke County Police
Department implemented the Roanoke Regional Drug Unit as a part of the
Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. The Roanoke County Police
Department enhanced officer safety and wellness through improved training, peer
support, a Chaplain program and instituted annual wellness checks. Chief Hall was
instrumental in the implementation of a step pay plan for sworn personnel to enhance
retention and provide a career-long compensation path. Under Chief Hall’s direction, we
made numerous enhancements to equipment and facilities including a new substation,
mobile command post, evidence/hostage negotiations vehicle, swat robot and firearms
range improvements.
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 HOWARD B. HALL for more than ten (10) 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 Hooker to approve the resolution seconded by
Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
January 10, 2023
4
2. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County to Ralph Charles Mason,
Assistant Chief of Police, upon his retirement after more than
forty-eight (48) years of service (Howard B. Hall, retired Chief of
Police)
The resolution was read by the Clerk. Each Supervisor offered their
thanks and congratulations.
RESOLUTION 011023-2 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO
RALPH CHARLES MASON, ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE,
UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN FORTY-EIGHT
(48) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Chuck Mason was employed by Roanoke County on June 1, 1974;
and
WHEREAS, Assistant Chief Mason retired on January 1, 2023, after forty-eight
(48) years and seven (7) months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke
County; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Chief Mason, through his employment with Roanoke
County, has served as a Dispatcher with the Sheriff’s Office (June 1, 1974 through April
30, 1978; Police Officer (Sheriff’s Office) (May 1, 1978 through February 29, 1984);
Deputy Sheriff – Corporal (Sheriff’s Office) (March 1, 1984 through April 19, 1985);
Deputy Sheriff – Criminal Investigator (Sheriff’s Office) (April 20, 1985 through June 8,
1990); Deputy Sheriff- (June 9, 1990- June 30, 1990) Sergeant Police Officer –
Sergeant (Police) (July 1,1990, through March 15, 2002); Police Officer – Lieutenant-
Uniform (Police) March 16, 2002 through August 29, 2003); Police Officer – Lieutenant
– Criminal Division (Police) (August 30, 2003 through March 31, 2013) Acting Chief of
Police (November 1, 2011 through March 31, 2013) and Assistant Chief of Police
March 31, 2013 until his retirement has been instrumental in improving the quality of life
and providing services to the citizens of Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, throughout Assistant Chief Mason’s tenure with Roanoke County, he
investigated major narcotics cases and complex criminal investigations. He was later
tasked with expanding the narcotics unit as the Vice/ Narcotics Sergeant. He oversaw
the expansion of Roanoke Counties K-9 program both as a Sergeant and later as an
Assistant Chief. Assistant Chief Mason was the Lieutenant assigned to the criminal
investigation unit for 8 years. During this time, he oversaw homicide, sexual assault,
robbery, and various other major investigations including a homicide and missing
juvenile case that traversed the entire country in 2010. He was an academy instructor,
January 10, 2023
5
and he is an Adjunct Professor at both Ferrum College and Radford University.
Assistant Chief Mason’s long standing and well-developed knowledge in the area of
police work especially in complex investigations over the past 48 years has been a
great asset to our officers and citizens. More recently Assistant Chief Mason oversaw
the development of the Field Force Program as well as developing the law enforcement
response to matters involving the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Assistant Chief Mason was
the operations Assistant Chief and oversaw the implementation of the Chief’s Data
Driven Approaches to Crime and Safety initiative before more recently taking over as
the Administrative Assistant Chief and overseeing the budget, Professional Standards
Unit, and Services Division.
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 RALPH “Chuck” MASON for more than forty-eight (48) 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 approve the resolution seconded by
Supervisor Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: BRIEFINGS
1. Briefing to discuss with the Board of Supervisors the 2023 Real
Estate Assessment (Kenneth Fay, Director of Real Estate)
Briefing was given.
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDIANCES
1. Ordinance accepting and appropriating Federal Lands Access
Program funds in the amount of $800,000 from the Eastern
Federal Lands Highway Division of the U.S. Department of
Transportation Federal Highway Administration for the Roanoke
River Greenway from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Explore Park,
Vinton Magisterial District (Megan G. Cronise, Assistant Director
of Planning)
Ms. Cronise outlined the request for ordinance. There was no discussion.
January 10, 2023
6
Supervisor Peters’ motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for January 24, 2023, was seconded by Supervisor North and approved by the
following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance accepting and appropriating Transportation
Alternatives Set-Aside Program Grant Funds from the Virginia
Department of Transportation in the amount of $70,114 for the
East Roanoke River Greenway crossing of the Blue Ridge
Parkway along Highland Road (State Route 618), Vinton
Magisterial District (Megan G. Cronise, Assistant Director of
Planning)
Ms. Cronise outlined the request for ordinance. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Peters’ motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for January 24, 2023, was seconded by Supervisor North and approved by the
following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. The petition of Panda Storage Rentals and Sales to obtain a
special use permit for equipment sales and rentals and a special
use permit for mini-warehouse on approximately 4.82 acres on
land zoned C-2, High Intensity Commercial District, located in the
5300 block of West Main Street and the 5400 block of Pleasant
Run Drive, Catawba Magisterial District (Philip Thompson,
Director of Planning)
Mr. Thompson outlined the request for special use permit.
Supervisor Hooker stated she have just a couple of questions and it's
regarding the general standards and a quick question regarding the buffer. Buffer's
intent is to help protect any adjoining owner from what may be going on that parcel. A
ten-foot (10’) planting strip shall be provided adjacent to any public street right of way on
the backside of the property. How can this-be used to help mitigate the visibility for the
neighbors behind Panda Storage and Rental. I'm concerned that that 30-foot buffer may
January 10, 2023
7
not be adequate and I'd like to hear your input. Mr. Thompson responded there's some
conversation about that during the Planning Commission hearing. Obviously between
C2, so there's different buffers, so there's a different buffer along the frontage. There'll
be a 10-foot buffer along Pleasant Run Drive and then, there's the 30-foot buffer that's
being proposed where the C2 and the R1 above, which is on the western side property
line. Again, it has the vegetation associated with that which was shown. There’re trees
that are planted. It's a 30-foot width. There's typically a six-foot screening associated
with that and with stacking obviously of the containers of 20 feet, that might be higher
than what a six-foot screening would allow for initially. Obviously with a special use
permit, and we reiterated this to the Planning Commission. In the approval process, the
Planning Commission can recommend and the Board can adopt conditions to mitigate
any impacts. There is an option, but that's our general standard is a six-foot buffer
between C2 and R1. It could be a 30- or 40-foot buffer planting of the large evergreen
trees or the decorous trees are six foot at planting.
Supervisor North stated so when you have large in your presentation,
that's six-foot (6”) trees. Six-foot planted when you install them, according to our
landscaping ordinance, they're six foot at planting. Mr. Thompson responded when you
stack the containers up to 20, actually they're eight foot each, so it's 16. So, it's going to
take a tree to grow one foot a year for 10 years before it's covers up the view shed in
the buffer area. Supervisor North then asked when the term evergreen is used, what is
your definition of evergreen? Mr. Thompson responded an evergreen is a tree that
doesn't lose its leaves. So deciduous will lose their leaves during the portion of the year.
Evergreen's always green, i.e. Leyland Cypress, White Pine, those are the type of
evergreen trees that typically are used by most developers when we require evergreen
plantings.
Supervisor Mahoney asked who are the principal individuals with Mr.
Thompson advising he would introduce. Supervisor Mahoney than asked how can we
restrict or limit access off Pleasant Run Road. Mr. Thompson responded they are
proposing is to have it gated. The intent or what was expressed during the Plan
Commission meeting is that would be that entrance would be available nine to five and
after it would be then closed at that point. There will be the reader gates that would
allow people for the mini warehouse if you want to come in and have access with the
gates. So, you'd punch in a code that would allow you to have access. That would be
allowed only on the 11460 side.
Mr. David Goodman, petitioner and Andrew Lumsden, Lumsden and
Associates address some concerns that has been expressed to them.
Supervisor Mahoney asked if he is the sole owner with Mr. Goodman
stating he owns with his wife. There has no other property except for rental property.
January 10, 2023
8
Supervisor Hooker opened the public hearing with the following citizens to
speak:
James Weeks, Jr. of 5928 Viewpoint Avenue stated, “He has been there
for over 28 years. And I am stringently opposed to the location of the Panda Storage
Facility at the land in Glenvar. However, experience has shown me that this is probably
something that we're going to have to accept, that you've probably already made up
your mind to approve this zoning request. But yet no one in the area wants it. I
personally went around to 80 residents in the area and have 67 signatures on a petition
and opposition to this project. The 13 other people I contacted were basically apathetic.
They had nothing to say one way or another, they didn't care. But under the
circumstances and given the conditions, I'm willing to accept whatever decision the
board makes, but I'm also saying that I'm resigned to that fact. And in doing so, I'd like
for you to consider at least one modification to the site development plan. Eliminate the
Pleasant Run entrance. It's superfluous, it's not necessary. There are 350 feet of
frontage on the property on the 4 60 11 size, which would be more than able to
accommodate two entrances. In doing so, you're going to eliminate the safety issue,
which I'll get to in a minute. And the second thing is a degradation of the road. That's
already a for surface and I challenge the planning commission's figures to about 800
cars on that road a day. I've lived there almost 30 years and if I see a car on that road, it
is surprising to me and I have a farm there and I'm there every day. So, if you eliminate
the entrance, it cuts down the traffic. It helps from degrading the road any further than
what it is. And if any of you have ever been out to that area, it is a nightmare to get off a
Pleasant Run onto four 60, turning left towards Dixie Caverns between three or five
o'clock in the afternoon. If the chief of police were here, I tell them, put more officers out
there because I've been there and seen three accidents at Pleasant Run right there on
the south entrance. No one was killed, but it was serious injuries. So, my point is I'll
accept the Panda storage facility there, but please get rid of the safety issue with the
tractor trailers because they're 53-foot-long, they're hard to maneuver and it's a
nightmare to get them on traffic. And in closing, I just simply say that it's become an
issue for me that this is not a situation of if in an accident is going to occur, especially on
Dixie Caverns, it's going to happen. And when it does, I can only hope and pray that
there's no fatalities. But I will tell you, and I'll look you straight in the eye, the blood of
the injured people are going to be on your hands because this is a time that you can
rectify the situation and fix it by either eliminating the Pleasant Run entrance or just
denying the zoning request altogether.”
D. Conner of 5925 Viewpoint Avenue, Salem, VA stated, “I'm going to start
out with, what is a nuisance lawsuit? When a business enterprise, even though lawful
becomes obnoxious to occupants of neighborhood dwellings and render the enjoyment
of structures uncomfortable. What is the definition of bias? Prejudice and favor or
January 10, 2023
9
against one thanked person or group compared with another, usually in a way
considered unfair. Nuisance Panda Storage, one owner, one employee wants to locate
backside Pleasant Run. We have 93 houses there. We are going to have 25 new
houses built and there's no less than 200 cars that have no way to exit their property,
but Pleasant Run. Now they exit onto 55 mile an hour traffic. Also, Boone and Tractor
uses the back gates to Pleasant Run and they use them all the time. Just yesterday
they were wide open again. The video did not really show the area very well at all
because you can throw a rock where the bus stop is into the middle part of Pleasant
Run, where Panda Storage is going to be. In other words, we have houses and a bus
stop directly across from the location of Panda Storage onto Pleasant Run again. So, in
other words, right in the middle of our neighborhood, right in the middle, the front of the
entire neighborhood will be Panda Storage. Two residents who have built new houses
right next to Panda have already stated this company will affect their livelihood, their
jobs because they need to sleep. How can anyone be quiet, moving into storage
buildings with U-Hauls or moving trailers, campers or boats, et cetera will have all kinds
of problems with noise, lighting, safety, dirt and traffic. And all of our properties are
going to go down immediately and yet Panda will reap benefits to people while offering
absolutely nothing to our neighborhood. Bias. The meeting should have been for the
people not at three o'clock in the afternoon when everybody's working. Also, I have
three minutes. I'm 70 years old, paid property taxes for 50 years. I have three minutes to
defend my property. And also, why are these intrusive companies able to locate in less
wealthy areas? The planning Commission must think our neighborhood doesn't count,
are they would've never sent this through. I have serious questions whether they even
drove the property. And the reason I say this is because somebody from the committee
actually said, I'm familiar with that area. And someone else said, yes, there are a few
houses here. Glenvar is a beautiful area, but it's filled with numerous industrial eye
sores. Please try and help us. Panda needs to locate in an area that doesn't affect so
many residents in such negative ways.”
Shirley Trumble Chitham of 5872 Viewpoint Avenue stated, “I'm starting
with a letter I sent to the board of Supervisor that is dated eight February of 2022, where
I questioned the rationale of putting facilities in our neighborhoods in West County that
are not being supported by additional infrastructure, Lowe's Distribution Center,
particularly the lack of safety provisions, places a shop, eat bank or conduct any kind of
personal business. Not one supervisor responded to my communication pertaining to
Panda Storage and rental space, special use application I even gave many concerns
about neighborhood drivers and school best safety, appropriate placement of these
facilities and industrial parks, the already existing runoff problem and the lack of
substructure to support heavy vehicles and lack of buffer zone on Pleasant Run Drive,
lighting noise concerns to the planning commission that were all dismissed as non-
consequential. It was also very disheartening to hear two of the members of the
January 10, 2023
10
planning commission show personal bias for the project by asking questions of the
applicant that would support their personal construction business. It was inappropriate
and sent a message to us that this was a done deal to support the business interest of
people that do not live here, especially one that creates zero jobs for anyone in the
area, but a disruption to those who reside there, which is a flip-flop on your philosophy
of job creation. This was a time of citizen input, not doing business from the bench.
Another question I have is of compliance. Compliance by neighboring Boone Tractor.
Often referencing this report has been sketchy at best according to Bill Richardson,
County Planner. It was a requirement in the first reading that they have opaque fencing,
but left it up with a second reading, say they don't have to comply. In the record and
planning commission meeting in this agenda, there's a discrepancy in what we agreed
upon. There was no mention to the upgrades of the buffer zone on Pleasant Run Drive
as we agreed upon. And there was no reference, as agreed upon, until his presentation
that the back gate would only be used by him. The applicant's pictures were skewed
and not current at all. Was there ever a need study done for this type of facility in our
neighborhood? It was noted in the Greenway development study in VDOT's comments
that this section of four 60 would be a passageway to Green Hill Park and beyond.
Once again, you're missing the opportunity to spice up this drab kind of ugly
representation of Roanoke County that gets a lot of exposure from out-of-town travelers
when frequently forced off 81. This plot would be better utilized as a safe picnic respite
area from 81 a parking place for the Greenway, a walking track. Hey, a pickle ball court,
something for us to do out there. There's nothing for us to do. It's kind of ironic that
property assessments coming out today. Have you already put our neighborhood on the
list for reassessments if this is passed as a lot of homeowners are of retirement age and
need to know the true value of their most important investment in tax fairly or should we
wait until we know what else is in store for West County soon and fast as Mr.
Henderson slyly alluded to?”
Lloyd Statzer of 5959 Viewpoint Avenue, Salem, Virginia stated, “I'm 71
years old. I've lived in this community almost all my life except for 10 years after I got
married and then I come back and built my home in 79 when I built my home there was
15 homes on Viewpoint. There were 13 homes older than mine. This is a well-
established, quiet, friendly neighborhood. We don't feel that Panda fits in into our
neighborhood. The zoning I know is zoned for industrial, but if you'll look on the prints,
the house directly in front of, and you can see it in the pictures I gave you, is completely
surrounded with a fence. That house is over 60 years old and has been residential. The
house directly to the right, which don't show in the pictures, has been there over 60
years. The house is directly in front of across the road, have been there 70 years. So,
you can see we're well established. We're a quiet community. I figure with the zoning
committee approving this, that the board's going to approve this in it. But I'm ask asking
for three restrictions. The first one, no Gate, they put on Pleasant Run. There’re six
January 10, 2023
11
houses on Scenic Drive. There's over 50 houses in Broadview, which is a closer end of
Pleasant Run, but everybody that gets on the interstate, travels the full distance of
Pleasant Run. There's 15 houses on Viewpoint Avenue or Excess Viewpoint Avenue
and there's 25 view homes to be built in a subdivision directly across from this. Now if
you'll notice in the pictures of Boone, I know this has no bearing on Boone, but I want
you to look at the pictures. Up until recently they only came halfway down that hill. It
wasn't noticeable from the road. I mean you could turn your head and look at it, but now
it's right up against the road. It's an eyesore. It looks like a junkyard. My problem is, I'm
praying this Panda is just going to add to it. It's going to look like we live in an industrial
center. I mean, how would you like for your family or friends to come to your home and
feel like they're driving through an industrial center? The road we've had experience
with them building this subdivision with tractor trailers carrying equipment. There's not
enough room. The tractor trailer, people think their half is in the middle. There's been
several times that I've had to pull over in the grass to let them get by. Not long ago I was
headed from Dixie caverns going east 55 mile an hour speed limit. People run 70. I had
to stop completely in the road to make a right-hand turn because the truck was sitting
there in the entrance blocking the entrance, the Pleasant Run. We don't need that.
There's going to be an accident happen. Last spring, on the other end of the Pleasant
Run, I was back ended, waiting to turn across the road. My truck was in shop over a
month, over $12,000 worth of damage. Just luckily no one was hurt. So, we don't need
any of this extra on Pleasant Run. My second point that I want to make is there's
nothing set for the planning of the front border. If you'll look at the picture I show you
with coming down Pleasant Run, you can see the field. When we come down that road,
if Panda comes in, we're not going to see anything except containers. I'm asking that
the full line, full frontage on Front Avenue be covered with trees tall enough to block
this. They say through containers or eight feet tall where once you stack one, they're
asking for a limit that's 16 feet tall. That's something we're riding down the road looking
directly into, from the house is across the road. There's nothing but storage buildings.
So, I'm asking for the be set that the trees are high enough to block the view of this. Not
only will it block the side of it'll block the sound because the sound comes up on our hill.
And the third thing, it'll keep down on the dust in our community, and last, I don't know if
you know the board knows, but in the late seventies, they had a plating place, a
hundred yards, caddy cornered where this is at. That plating place came in under our
grandfather clause. Within two years they completely destroyed the water table in our
community. Cyanide was found in the wells, not just a little, but it was enough to where
the people could smell it and actually turn the wells brown. This went as far as across
460, on the other side. They had to bring a superfund in federal government to clean up
the area. Not only that, the wells were condemned. We had wells in our yards. We can't
use, we had to hook on public water. That's a bill that we have to pay every month that
we shouldn't have had to pay. They completely destroyed it. They had to come back in
January 10, 2023
12
and redo everything. Okay. My third restriction is I'm asking for no explosives,
flammables or toxic materials to be stored on this property. We've already had enough
damage in our neighborhood. I'm asking you, please give us some protection. I mean
we don't deserve to drive down the road and see what we're seeing at Boone's now with
another one like this. We need that barrier. I appreciate you listening.”
Chairman Hooker closed the public hearing.
Supervisor Radford asked if these citizens know about the buffer? Has
that been explained to them? Mr. Thompson responded from what he understood from
the last gentleman, part of it is orientation where they're coming from driving down the
road, and the way I understand it is the property, this property is higher at 11460 and
slopes down towards Pleasant Run. So, they're coming down the road coming towards
Pleasant Run and therefore they're looking up at that hill. There’re three buffers, right?
The frontage on 11460, the frontage on Pleasant Run, there's just a 10-foot buffer
requirement with certain plantings. It's not going to really probably hide but so much. But
there will be a fence. Imagine it's a chain link fence around the property. The buffer is
really along the western property line because it is between the two zoning districts
between C2 and R1. So, about two thirds of that Western property line probably would
have either a 40-foot buffer or a 30-foot buffer. Their concern or the concerns that he
heard from them is they would like to have a more beefed-up buffer, taller trees maybe.
Obviously, they talked about the access off of Pleasant Run Drive as well. We
mentioned this to the planning commission and to you as well. As part of the process,
you can put conditions on the approval that could deal with impacts. So, if you want
taller trees, you only, you want to eliminate the access that's all possible as part of the
special use process.
Supervisor Mahoney questioned based on the staff report, just for his
clarification, there are certain general standards for many warehouses and thinks under
prohibited uses under 6E storage of flammable, highly combustible, explosive or
hazardous materials prohibited. Mr. Thompson confirmed.
Supervisor Peters questioned if it was only a ten (10)-foot buffer on the
back side of the property with Mr. Thompson responding in the affirmative. Supervisor
Peters stated so when we were referring to a 30-foot buffer, we are talking about that
one side with Mr. Thompson responding in the affirmative. Supervisor Peters then
advised he cannot support if it continues with the access to Pleasant Run and given the
concerns, we may need to evaluate a great buffer on the back end.
Supervisor Hooker advised even with the larger buffer, the whole issue of
the land, they're still going to be seeing some of this property and it's unfortunate that an
existing neighbor has raised enough concerns with their use of their facility and their
grounds that there's concern and I believe valid concern.
Supervisor North commented it does not sound like that back entrance is
going to be used that much anyways, so he does not think we should allow that to
January 10, 2023
13
continue. It seems to be a big concern of the citizens he has heard from and definitely
think that you're going to need some taller trees. But there's one thing that wasn't
mentioned, the fencing on that side that we're talking about putting the buffer, he does
not know whether putting slats in some of the fence line so you don't see through the
fence and therefore you don't see the containers as much. These are used on ball
fields.
Supervisor Hooker commented some of this is coming from the fact that
your existing potential neighbor is causing some of this trepidation and they don't know
you and they don't know what you will do or won't do and it's unfortunate. In looking at
the site plan, there's a notation on the front of the property where it says that there is
room for in the right-of-way for planting. So, there was some conversation about the
Greenway potential and was wondering if any of that was taken into consideration in the
lay of the site plan. The petitioner responded there should be plenty of room for the
Greenway to come through there. Next, there is a lot of concern about the height of
trees, not really adequately working as a buffer and for taller trees. She asked the
petitioner to speak to that point. The petitioner responded, “I live in South Run and
there's a power line behind my house. And we built the house in 2002 and I planted
evergreen trees, six-foot evergreen trees. Now they're well above the power lines that
grow more than a foot a year. If you fertilize them, they'll grow two foot a year or more.
The ordinance for C2 for the maximum height is 45 feet. I believe I have agreed to only
stack the containers two high. So, in the future, that may be a drawback to my business,
but I'm agreeing to do that. If a hospital came in here and wanted to buy this property,
they wouldn't need to get an exception properly. They would need a rear entrance to get
in there. So why would you take away a rear entrance for someone like myself if you
would give it to somebody else that didn't need an exception?”
Supervisor Radford asked for confirmation if one of these per permitted
uses came on post office, public assembly, general office, medical office laboratories,
can they by right exit on the Pleasant Run Drive? Mr. Thompson responded they would
have to get a permit from VDOT, but they would not have to come before this Board.
Supervisor Mahoney commented he agrees with the concerns expressed with respect
to utilizing large trucks, delivering containers on Pleasant Run Drive. At the same time,
he is concerned that in so many other situations we try to encourage, or we want to
have multiple accesses to a piece of property to a facility, if nothing else for an
emergency use. If there's a blockage out on the main road, don't you want to have an
alternative use, or an alternative access point? He thought at one time we had a
condition where we limited a use, like solely for emergency access.
Supervisor Radford commented that one of the citizens brought up having
two entrances on 460, there's enough room there.
January 10, 2023
14
Supervisor Mahoney added his other concern is the 10-foot strip that runs
along Pleasant Run Drive, Supervisor Hooker raised the point of maybe expanding that.
The concern he would have is would that adversely impact the proposed storm water
facility? He does not want to intrude on that. It seems to me the primary concern is more
a visual barrier, with Supervisor Hooker confirming. Supervisor Mahoney added
whether it's 10-feet wide or 30-feet wide. He just wouldn't want to adversely affect the
storm water facility location. From listening to the gentleman from Lumsden, that
appears to be the preferred location, based upon topography, of where you would put a
storm water facility. I think one of the citizens did make some comments with respect to
storm water problems. That seems to be a good solution to that aspect of the problem,
so expanding by 30 feet; what kind of impact would that have on the storm water
facility? Fire Chief Griffin advised it could still work; we just shift everything internal.
Supervisor Radford asked Chief Griffin, is it beneficial to have an access
in the rear of the property? Chief Griffin responded on a property like that it’s going to be
Rt. 460. Our trucks aren't going to use Pleasant Run; would be an absolute last resort.
There was no further discussion.
ORDINANCE 011023-3 GRANTING SPECIAL USE PERMITS TO
PANDA STORAGE RENTALS AND SALES FOR EQUIPMENT
SALES AND RENTALS AND FOR MINI-WAREHOUSE USE ON
APPROXIMATELY 4.82 ACRES ON LAND ZONED C-2 (HIGH
INTENSITY COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT, LOCATED IN THE 5300
BLOCK OF WEST MAIN STREET AND THE 5400 BLOCK OF
PLEASANT RUN DRIVE (ROANOKE COUNTY TAX MAP NO:
064.01-03-06.00-0000), IN THE CATAWBA MAGISTERIAL
DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Panda Storage Rentals and Sales has filed a petition for special use
permits to operate equipment sales and rentals and for mini-warehouse use on
approximately 4.82 acres on property zoned C-2 (High Intensity Commercial) District,
located in the 5300 block of West Main Street and the 5400 block of Pleasant Run Drive
(Roanoke County Tax Map No: 064.01-03-06.00-0000) (the “Property”), in the Catawba
Magisterial District; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on November 9, 2022,
and the second reading and public hearing were held on January 10, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Planning Commission held a public hearing on
this matter on December 20, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Planning Commission recommends approval of
the petition to obtain special use permits, with certain conditions; and
January 10, 2023
15
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. The Board finds that the proposed special uses meet the requirements of
Section 30-19-1 of the Roanoke County Code and that the proposed special uses
conform with the standards set forth in article IV, use and design standards of the
Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance.
2. The Board further finds that the proposed special uses are in
conformance with the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan, and will have a minimum
adverse impact on the surrounding neighborhood and community.
3. The special use permits are hereby approved, with the following
conditions:
a. As to the special use permit for equipment sales and rentals:
i. The site shall be developed in general conformance with
the concept plan prepared by Lumsden Associates, P.C.,
dated October 19, 2022, subject to any changes required
during the comprehensive site plan review process.
ii. On-site storage containers shall not be stacked more
than two (2) containers high and shall not exceed 20 feet
in height.
iii. There shall be no ingress or egress onto the Property
from Pleasant Run Drive.
iv. In addition to the applicable buffer-yard provisions set
forth in the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance, the
vegetative buffer yard along Pleasant Run Drive shall be
expanded to thirty (30) feet in width (Type C Buffer –
Option 2), and shall be planted with Leyland Cypress
trees, 6 feet tall above ground at planting, instead of
large deciduous trees.
v. In addition to the applicable buffer-yard provisions set
forth in the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance, the
vegetative buffer yard (Type C Buffer – option 2) along
the western boundary of the Property (adjacent to
Roanoke County tax parcels 064.01-03-07.01-0000 and
064.01-03-08.00-0000) shall be planted with Leyland
cypress trees, 6 feet tall above ground at planting,
instead of large deciduous trees.
b. As to the special use permit for mini-warehouse use:
i. The site shall be developed in general conformance with
the concept plan prepared by Lumsden Associates, P.C.,
January 10, 2023
16
dated October 19, 2022, subject to any changes required
during the comprehensive site plan review process.
ii. There shall be no ingress or egress onto the Property
from Pleasant Run Drive.
iii. In addition to the applicable buffer-yard provisions set
forth in the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance, the
vegetative buffer yard along Pleasant Run Drive shall be
expanded to thirty (30) feet in width (Type C Buffer –
Option 2), and shall be planted with Leyland cypress
trees, 6 feet tall above ground at planting, instead of
large deciduous trees.
iv. In addition to the applicable buffer-yard provisions set
forth in the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance, the
vegetative buffer yard (Type C Buffer – option 2) along
the western boundary of the Property (adjacent to
Roanoke County tax parcels 064.01-03-07.01-0000 and
064.01-03-08.00-0000) shall be planted with Leyland
cypress trees, 6 feet tall above ground at planting,
instead of large deciduous trees.
4. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its final
passage. The Zoning Administrator is directed to amend the zoning district map to
reflect the change in zoning classification authorized by this ordinance.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to approve the ordinance, seconded by
Supervisor North and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
Supervisor Hooker held a recess from 5:09 p.m. until 5:15 p.m.
2. Ordinance amending Article II (Definitions and Use Types), Article
III (District Regulations), and Article IV (Use and Design
Standards) of the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance regarding
halfway houses (Philip Thompson, Director of Planning)
Mr. Thompson outlined the request for ordinance.
Chairman Hooker opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens
to speak on this agenda item. There was no discussion.
January 10, 2023
17
ORDINANCE 011023-4 AMENDING ARTICLE II (DEFINITIONS
AND USE TYPES), ARTICLE III (DISTRICT REGULATIONS),
AND ARTICLE IV (USE AND DESIGN STANDARDS) OF THE
ROANOKE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE REGARDING
HALFWAY HOUSES
WHEREAS, on July 26, 2022, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution
directing the Planning Commission to examine the zoning ordinance of Roanoke County
and to review and make recommendations regarding the regulation of halfway houses;
and
WHERAS, planning staff has worked with the Planning Commission and other
County staff on proposed amendments to the County’s Zoning Ordinance pertaining to
regulation of halfway houses; and
WHEREAS, planning staff and the Planning Commission propose amendments
to the zoning ordinance of Roanoke County regarding the regulation of halfway houses;
and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments would amend the definition of halfway
house, change the operation of a halfway house from a special use to a permitted use
in the AV (Agricultural/Village Center) and C-2 (High Intensity Commercial) Districts,
add the operation of a halfway house as a permitted use in the C-1 (Low Intensity
Commercial), I-1 (Low Intensity Industrial), and I-2 (High Intensity Industrial) Districts,
add the operation of a halfway house as a special use in the R-1 (Low Density
Residential), R-2 (Medium Density Residential), R-3 (Medium Density Multi-Family
Residential), and R-4 (High Density Multi-Family Residential) Districts, and add use and
design standards for halfway houses in Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, on December 6, 2022, after proper notice, the Roanoke County
Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Zoning
Ordinance and recommended said amendments to the Board of Supervisors for
adoption; and
WHEREAS, public necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning
practice are valid public purposes for such recommendations by the Planning
Commission and action by the Board of Supervisors; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on December 13, 2022,
and the second reading and public hearing were held on January 10, 2023.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Roanoke County Board of
Supervisors as follows:
1. The Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended to read and
provide as follows:
ARTICLE II – DEFINITIONS AND USE TYPES
January 10, 2023
18
SEC. 30-29. USE TYPES; GENERALLY.
Sec. 30-29-3. Civic Use Types.
Halfway house: An establishment providing residential accommodations,
rehabilitation, counseling, and supervision to persons suffering from alcohol or drug
addiction or other similar disorders, or to persons re-entering society after being
released from a correctional facility or other institution, or to persons suffering from
similar disorders. This use may also provide rehabilitation counseling or other similar
services to such persons.
ARTICLE III – DISTRICT REGULATIONS
SEC. 30-36. AV AGRICULTURAL/VILLAGE CENTER DISTRICT.
Sec. 30-36-2. Permitted Uses.
(A) The following uses are permitted by right subject to all other applicable
requirements contained in this ordinance. An asterisk (*) indicates additional,
modified or more stringent standards as listed in article IV, use and design
standards, for those specific uses.
3. Civic Uses
Halfway House *
(B) The following uses are allowed only by special use permit pursuant to section 30-
19. An asterisk (*) indicates additional, modified or more stringent standards as
listed in article IV, use and design standards, for those specific uses.
3. Civic Uses
Halfway House
SEC. 30-41. R-1 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
Sec. 30-41-2. Permitted uses.
January 10, 2023
19
(B) The following uses are allowed only by special use permit pursuant to section 30-
19. An asterisk (*) indicates additional, modified or more stringent standards as
listed in article IV, use and design standards, for those specific uses.
2. Civic Uses
Halfway House *
SEC. 30-42. R-2 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
Sec. 30-42-2. Permitted Uses.
(B) The following uses are allowed only by special use permit pursuant to section 30-
19. An asterisk (*) indicates additional, modified or more stringent standards as
listed in article IV, use and design standards, for those specific uses.
2. Civic Uses
Halfway House *
SEC. 30-45. R-3 MEDIUM DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
Sec. 30-45-2. Permitted Uses.
(B) The following uses are allowed only by special use permit pursuant to section 30-
19. An asterisk (*) indicates additional, modified or more stringent standards as
listed in article IV, use and design standards, for those specific uses.
1. Civic Uses
Halfway House *
SEC. 30-46. R-4 HIGH DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
Sec. 30-46-2. Permitted Uses.
(B) The following uses are allowed only by special use permit pursuant to section 30-
19. An asterisk (*) indicates additional, modified or more stringent standards as
listed in article IV, use and design standards, for those specific uses.
January 10, 2023
20
1. Civic Uses
Halfway House *
SEC. 30-53. C-1 LOW INTENSITY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT.
Sec. 30-53-2. Permitted Uses.
(A) The following uses are permitted by right subject to all other applicable
requirements contained in this ordinance. An asterisk (*) indicates additional,
modified or more stringent standards as listed in article IV, use and design
standards, for those specific uses.
2. Civic Uses
Halfway House *
SEC. 30-54. C-2 HIGH INTENSITY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT.
Sec. 30-54-2. Permitted Uses.
(A) The following uses are permitted by right subject to all other applicable
requirements contained in this ordinance. An asterisk (*) indicates additional,
modified or more stringent standards as listed in article IV, use and design
standards, for those specific uses.
2. Civic Uses
Halfway House *
(B) The following uses are allowed only by special use permit pursuant to section 30-
19. An asterisk (*) indicates additional, modified or more stringent standards as
listed in article IV, use and design standards, for those specific uses.
1. Civic Uses
Halfway House
SEC. 30-61. I-1 LOW INTENSITY INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT.
January 10, 2023
21
Sec. 30-61-2. Permitted Uses.
(A) The following uses are permitted by right subject to all other applicable
requirements contained in this ordinance. An asterisk (*) indicates additional,
modified or more stringent standards as listed in article IV, use and design
standards, for those specific uses.
2. Civic Uses
Halfway House *
SEC. 30-62. I-2 HIGH INTENSITY INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT.
Sec. 30-62-2. Permitted Uses.
(A) The following uses are permitted by right subject to all other applicable
requirements contained in this ordinance. An asterisk (*) indicates additional,
modified or more stringent standards as listed in article IV, use and design
standards, for those specific uses.
2. Civic Uses
Halfway House *
ARTICLE IV – USE AND DESIGN STANDARDS
SEC. 30-83. CIVIC USES.
Sec. 30-83-6.5. Halfway House.
(A) General standards:
1. No halfway house shall be located within 500 feet of another halfway
house.
2. The applicant shall obtain a zoning permit prior to the occupation of a
halfway house. The zoning permit application shall include, but not be
limited to, the following information:
January 10, 2023
22
a. All relevant parcel information including tax map number, zoning
district, address, and magisterial district.
b. The applicant's name, address, and personal contact information.
c. The name, address, and personal contact information of the
authorized party responsible for resolving complaints, if different
from the applicant.
d. The structure layout of each floor of the halfway house.
e. The number of people residing in the halfway house and the
number of staff members working in the halfway house.
(B) In the AV district and all residential zoning districts:
1. The maximum number of people residing in the halfway house shall be
five (5) persons. Any counselors, support personnel, or other employees
that are present during nighttime hours (10:00 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following
day) shall be included in the maximum number of five (5) persons.
2. The halfway house shall be located on a parcel of land that is 5 acres or
greater in size.
2. That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Mahoney to approve the ordinance seconded by
Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING
1. Public hearing to receive citizen comments regarding proposed
amendments to the fiscal year 2022-2023 budget in accordance
with Code of Virginia Section 15.2-2507 (Laurie Gearheart,
Director of Finance and Management Services)
Ms. Gearheart outlined the request for public hearing.
January 10, 2023
23
Chairman Hooker opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this agenda item.
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 011023-5 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM I- 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 January
10, 2023, designated as Item I - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 7 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes – September 13, 2022
2. Ordinance accepting funds in the amount of $118,326 from the
Commonwealth of Virginia and appropriating such funds for the addition of six
(6) full-time equivalents in the Salem/Roanoke County Department of Social
Services for fiscal year 2022-2023 (First Reading of Ordinance)
3. Ordinance appropriating $61,460,835.43 from the Roanoke County Public
Schools' fiscal year 2021-2022 year-end funds to the fiscal year 2022-2023
Roanoke County Public Schools' Budget (Second Reading of Ordinance)
4. Ordinance accepting and appropriating a donation from the Friends of the
Roanoke County Public Library in the amount of $25,000 for use by the
Roanoke County Library Department (Second Reading of Ordinance)
5. Request to accept and allocate grant funds of $42,564 from the Virginia
Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for an Emergency
Management Performance Grant
6. Request to accept and allocate funds in the amount of $695.49 to the Clerk of
the Circuit Court from the Commonwealth of Virginia
7. Ordinance accepting and appropriating a Stormwater Local Assistance Fund
(SLAF) grant in the amount of $700,000 from the Virginia Department of
Environmental Quality (DEQ) and allocate $700,000 for the Stream
Restoration of Wolf Creek, Phase 2, Vinton Magisterial District (First
Reading of Ordinance)
On motion of Supervisor Peters to approve the resolution seconded by
Supervisor Mahoney and carried by the following recorded vote:
January 10, 2023
24
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
A-011023-5.a
ORDINANCE 011023-5.b APPROPRIATING $61,460,835.43
FROM THE ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ FISCAL
YEAR 2021-2022 YEAR-END FUNDS TO THE FISCAL YEAR
2022-2023 ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ BUDGET
WHEREAS, § 22.1-100 of the Code of Virginia states that at the end of each
fiscal year, all unexpended public-school funds that were derived from the funds of the
local governing body shall revert back to the governing body, and that it is within the
local governing body’s discretion whether to then re-appropriate such funds back to the
school budget for the next year; and
WHEREAS, Section 10, paragraph 6 of the County Board of Supervisors’
Comprehensive Financial Policy (dated October 19, 2021) sets forth purposes for which
such unexpended year-end funds may be re-appropriated; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County School Board, at their November 10, 2022
meeting, proposed that the Board of Supervisors re-appropriate unexpended fiscal year
2021-2022 year-end funds to the Schools’ fiscal year 2022-2023 budget in the amounts
and for the purposes set forth on the document entitled Roanoke County School Board
Year End Carryover Appropriation Request for June 30, 2022, and attached hereto as
Attachment A and;
WHEREAS, the School Board’s proposal is consistent with the Board of
Supervisors’ Comprehensive Financial Policy; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on December 13, 2022,
and the second reading was held on January 10, 2023.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, that the Roanoke County School Board’s unexpended fiscal year
2021-2022 year-end funds in the amount of $61,460,835,43 are appropriated to the
School Board’s fiscal year 2022-2023 budget, to be used as proposed for the purposes
as set forth on Attachment A.
On motion of Supervisor Mahoney to approve the ordinance, seconded by
Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
January 10, 2023
25
ORDINANCE 011023-5.c ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 FROM THE FRIENDS OF
THE ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR USE BY THE
ROANOKE COUNTY LIBRARY
WHEREAS, the Friends of the Roanoke County Public Library is a non-profit
fundraising group that advocates and supports library reading programs for all ages,
supporting the library’s Summer Reading Program since the organization formed in the
early 90s; and
WHEREAS, the Friends of the Roanoke County Library wishes to donate
$25,000 for use by the Library Department for their Summer Reading Program; 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 December 13, 2022,
and the second reading was held on January 10, 2023.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That the sum of $25,000 made available to the Roanoke County Public
Library 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 Peters to approve the ordinance, seconded by
Supervisor Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
A-011023-5.d
A-011023-5.e
A-011023-5.f
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Peters 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, Mahoney, North, Radford, Mahoney
NAYS: None
1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves Report
January 10, 2023
26
2. Outstanding Debt Report
3. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of
November 20, 2022
4. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and
Encumbrances as of November 30, 202
5. Accounts Paid - November 30, 2022
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Peters thanked Supervisor Mahoney for his leadership last
year and is looking forward to a great year.
Supervisor Hooker advised she visited the regional jail last week, and it
was very informative, very interesting. Superintendent Cox is commended for the job
that he's doing there. She appreciates the good work there. She then thanked
Supervisor Mahoney for an excellent year; appreciate your demeanor and the way that
you conduct business, and your leadership. We really appreciate what you did for us.
Thank you.
Supervisor North thanked staff who worked over Christmas during the
frigid winter weather and the remedy to the damage at Explore Park from the winds, so
that they could reopen. It was a dedicated team that addressed those issues, and got us
back up and going for the last four days. He and the rest of the board appreciated the
efforts. He thanked staff who compiled some data on our library system. This was one
of the most impressive displays of data that he has seen. When he asked to see it, not
only did he have the data, but it had some good pictures to go around with it. Just
remember that since you did such a good job this time, we expect to see an even better
pilot next time, but good work and thank you very much, for putting that together. In late
December, one of the last things we did on December 22nd was, then Chairman of the
school board, David Linden and Superintendent Nicely and he met with Delegate
Austin, Vice Chair of Appropriations, concerning two issues. One of them was request
for already appropriated funds to be moved into a new bucket just for CTE school
programs around the state, involving especially new construction applications, based on
workforce needs. We haven't heard back on that, but we also discussed the scoring
system, which is problematic on the grant program, for school construction.
Superintendent Nicely pointed out many concerns, and followed up with a letter to
Delegate Austin. Also, Delegate Austin asked a question concerning our debt per
capita, which he to be an interesting question. It's not one that's often asked. In fact,
many proforma financials don't keep it anymore, and so we were able to give that
information to him. A couple of notes about the governor's proposed amended budget,
that will affect this area, is they've got $200,000 requested to be used to study how to
January 10, 2023
27
increase capacity at the Roanoke Airport. There's also $500,000 from the general fund,
in the second year of the budget. That's being provided to study the use of a public-
private partnership to accelerate the completion of improvements to the Interstate 81
corridor. That's going to be interesting to see how that plays out, and when we visit
Delegate Austin, we may learn more on that. Lastly, he thanked Paul Mahoney, for his
leadership as our chair, over the past year. He knows that you're going to have to get
used to a little bit lighter workload, but you moved into the vice chair slot, so therefore
you won't go too far away. But thank you very much; appreciate you.
Supervisor Mahoney thanked the Board for their comments and
congratulated Supervisor Hooker on her election.
Supervisor Radford reiterated what Mr. North said about the weather and
what it did to Explore Park. We also had an incident up at the Bent Mountain Library
where we had a pipe freeze, water broke over and ruined a lot of material in that library.
Citizens are very fond of our library up there. We have, as of now, a satellite set up in
the community center. We're starting to work on that repair and we've informed the
insurance carrier. Okay, very good. We'll try to get that back, as quick as we can, for
those residents up there that really cherish that library. Also, as he has mentioned to
you before, they need an expansion area on there, so they can do more events.
Libraries are a very integral part in our community, and Bent Mountain is one of those
that they need more space for a lot of their gathering and culture events up there. Look
forward to seeing what we can do on that. A lot of you have been saying prayers for my
mother; he appreciates. It looks like they're going to release her on Friday, and she'll be
coming back to Roanoke, which will be a blessing. Then the hard part of the recovery
starts, as she just gets back to her normal life. Thank you so much. Everybody that
known about what my family went through in October, with the loss of my dad, and we
were dreading the most horrible thing with her. Thank the Lord she pulled out of it. On
the mend and she'll be back. Also, he congratulated Mr. Mahoney for “herding the cats
for a year,” and you did it, and you can now sit back and do a reelection campaign.
At 5:26 p.m., Supervisor Hooker moved to go into closed meeting following the
work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section Section 2.2-3711(a)(3), for
discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose,
where the discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position
or negotiation strategy of the public body. The subject property is located in the Cave
Spring Magisterial District. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Mahoney and
carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
The closed session was held from 5:36 p.m. until 6:55 p.m.
January 10, 2023
28
At 5:28 p.m. Chairman Hooker recessed to the third floor for work session
and closed session.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to discuss the real estate reassessment, Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) and other budget issues (Laurie
Gearheart, Director of Finance and Management Services)
Ms. Gearheart provided a powerpoint presentation.
Supervisor North asked if the higher costs were due to labor or materials.
George Assaid, Capital Projects Administration responded the increased costs were
due to both.
Supervisor Peters asked to see the fluctuations in real estate valuations
over the last twenty (20) years and also fluctuations in personal property over the last
twenty (20) years. Supervisor North asked for a trend line and average cumulative
growth added to the same data. Supervisor North then asked for staff to have a
financial advisor come in to a work session and give an economic update.
Ken Fay, Director of Real Estate Valuation provided a brief update on
letters going out and process on request for revaluations.
The work session was held from 5:42 p.m. until 6:20 p.m.
IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION 011023-6 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
January 10, 2023
29
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 Hooker to approve the resolution seconded by
Supervisor Mahoney and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Hooker adjourned the meeting at 6:47 p.m.
Submitted by: Approved by:
________________________ ___________________________________
Deborah C. Jacks Martha B. Hooker
Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board Chairman
January 10, 2023
30
PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY