1/24/2023 - Regular - DRAFT
January 24, 2023
31
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second 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: 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 Hooker called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The roll call
was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Martha B. Hooker; Supervisors Paul M. Mahoney,
Phil C. North, P. Jason Peters 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: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Resolution of appreciation to Paul M. Mahoney for his service as
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in 2022 (Martha B. Hooker,
Chair of the Board of Supervisors)
Recognition was given.
RESOLUTION 012423-1 OF APPRECIATION TO PAUL M.
MAHONEY FOR HIS SERVICE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
OF SUPERVISORS IN 2022
January 24, 2023
32
WHEREAS, Paul M. Mahoney served as Chairman of the Roanoke County
Board of Supervisors during 2022; and
WHEREAS, during Mr. Mahoney’s term as Chairman, the County achieved a
variety of accomplishments, including:
19 new business expansions and announcements, with $190 million in
new investments and over 550 jobs created
The $15 million Carilion Children's expansion at Tanglewood adding new
psychiatry and behavioral medicine outpatient services
Announced a new $11 million Lowe's distribution center in ValleyTech
Park
Announced with Governor Youngkin the North American Specialty
Laminations manufacturing project in the Cave Spring area
The opening of the two-story, 16,000 sq. ft. Fallowater Square office
building near Tanglewood
The opening of Lewis Gale's second freestanding ER in the Bonsack area
Announced the 30,000 sq. ft. Southern Team Hyundai expansion in the
Hollins area
The expansion of Wurth Revcar Fasteners to the former Home Shopping
Network building
The opening of the new AEP office and substation in the Center for
Research and Technology
Three new hotel projects; the Wood Spring Suites on Peter's Creek Road,
the Springhill Suites by Marriott in Hollins, and the Edgebrook Park mixed-
use commercial and residential community.
Recognition by the National Association of Counties, the International
Economic Development Council, the Southern Economic Development
Council and the Virginia Economic Developer's association with
achievement awards for the Reimagine 419 plan.
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes Chairman Mahoney’s contribution to the
economic growth in Roanoke County throughout his term; and
WHEREAS, Chairman Mahoney emphasized sound financial strategies and
practices and promoted regional projects and initiatives to benefit all the residents of the
Roanoke Valley.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, does hereby extend its deepest appreciation to PAUL M.
MAHONEY for his collaborative and steady leadership of the Board of Supervisors as
Chairman during 2022 and for his belief in democracy and championing of citizen
participation in local government.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
January 24, 2023
33
AYES: Supervisors Peters, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Supervisor Mahoney
2. Recognition of Roanoke County Staff from December 22 and 23,
2022 Weather Event (Doug Blount, Assistant County
Administrator)
Mr. Blount recognized the following individuals who were involved in the
weather event. Dustin Campbell, Deputy Chief, Toby Martin, Deputy Chief, Chris
Linkous, Battalion Chief, Charlie Rucker, Battalion Chief, Ashley King, General Services
Director, Josh Campbell, Facilities Manager, Doug Padgett Facilities Supervisor, Kevin
Rider, Building Maintenance Technician II, Roger Rose, Building Maintenance
Technician I, Jim Blanton, Library Services Director, Toni Cox, Assistant Director, Allen
Hayes, Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director, Marcia Dougherty, Recreation
Superintendent, Eric Kohler, Parks Administrator, Charlie Bisecker, Recreation Program
Supervisor; David Jordan, MEO I, Amy Whittaker, Public Information Officer, Gray
Craig, Public Information Manager, Jimmy Chapman, Assist Chief
All Supervisors offered their thanks.
3. Recognition of Roanoke County employees recognized in the
Roanoker magazine as the 40 under 40 young professionals
(Richard L. Caywood, County Administrator)
The following individuals were introduced and recognized by their
Supervisor: Jessica Beemer, Chad Beheler, Alexander Jones, and Jacquelyn Persiani.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution requesting the Commonwealth Transportation Board
fund a Demonstration Project Assistance grant in fiscal years
2024 and 2025 for shuttle service to the National Park Service's
McAfee Knob Trailhead Parking Lot, Catawba Magisterial District
(Megan G. Cronise, Assistant Director of Planning)
Ms. Cronise outlined the request for resolution.
January 24, 2023
34
Supervisor Hooker commented this is the most photographed spot in all of
the Appalachian Trail and is included in our branding for Roanoke County and it is a
beautiful hike. How were the stops determined? Ms. Cronise advised she and Paula
Benke, CORTRAN Program Coordinator met with a large group of stakeholders from
adjacent jurisdictions. We then obtained data from the 2022 McAfee shuttle. We used
that data to confirm what we found last time and found that the real peak in hikers is
form March through November. From there staff talked to VDOT. There was no further
discussion.
RESOLUTION 012423-2 REQUESTING THE COMMONWEALTH
TRANSPORTATION BOARD FUND A DEMONSTRATION
PROJECT ASSISTANCE GRANT IN FISCAL YEARS 2024 AND
2025 FOR SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THE NATIONAL PARK
SERVICE’S MCAFEE KNOB TRAILHEAD PARKING LOT IN THE
CATAWBA MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public
Transportation (DRPT) Transit and Commuter Assistance Grant Application Manual, the
Board of Supervisors must commit to providing local match funds as part of the
Demonstration Project Assistance grant application and this commitment may be
established through a resolution; and
WHEREAS, the proposed shuttle service to the National Park Service’s McAfee
Knob Trailhead Parking Lot meets the goals of the Demonstration Project Assistance
grant by offering a creative approach in determining a new travel market for public
transportation, as well as by improving the utilization and productivity of an existing
public transportation service with a connection to the Smart Way and Virginia Breeze
bus routes at the I-81 Exit 140 Park and Ride; and
WHEREAS, the proposed shuttle service is included as part of Recommendation
1.Z. in the Roanoke Valley Transit Vision Plan, which was approved by the Roanoke
Valley Transportation Planning Organization on September 22, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the proposed shuttle service was studied by the National Park
Service in the February 2021 Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Triple Crown Area
Transit Feasibility Study.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors requests that the
Commonwealth Transportation Board provide funding for a DRPT Demonstration
Project Assistance grant in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 for shuttle service to the National
Park Service's McAfee Knob Trailhead Parking Lot in the Catawba Magisterial District.
2. That the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors hereby commits to
provide up to twenty percent (20%) matching contribution for this project.
January 24, 2023
35
3. That the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors hereby grants authority for
the County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator or Assistant County
Administrator, or his designee, to execute project agreements for an approved
Demonstration Project Assistance grant for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
On motion of Supervisor North to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS AND FIRST READING OF
REZONING ORDINANCES - CONSENT AGENDA
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance accepting and appropriating $250,000 to the fiscal year
2022-2023 Roanoke County Public Schools Capital Fund and re-
allocating $65,000 from the Minor Capital Reserves for the Virginia
Department of Education Security Equipment Grant (Susan
Peterson, Director of Finance for Roanoke County Public Schools)
Ms. Peterson outlined the request for ordinance.
Supervisor Mahoney asked if this grant is allowing the School Board to
move security up to a higher level for all the schools or just these three schools. Ms.
Peterson responded school implemented the new radio phones and these three school
needed a little bit of help with this. There was no further discussion.
Supervisor Peters’ motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for February 14, 2023 was seconded by Supervisor Mahoney and approved by
the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 012423-3 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM G- CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
January 24, 2023
36
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for January
24, 2023, designated as Item G - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 8 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes – September 28, 2022
2. 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 (Second Reading)
3. 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 (Second Reading)
4. 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 (Second Reading)
5. Ordinance accepting $350,000 from the Virginia Department of Environmental
Quality and appropriating such funds, along with a $350,000 local match, for
Phase 2 of the steam Restoration of Wolf Creek, Vinton Magisterial District
(Second Reading)
6. Confirmation of appointment to the Court Community Correction Alcohol
Safety Action Program (ASAP), Roanoke Regional Airport Commission;
Virginia's First Regional Industrial Facility Authority
7. The petition of Cellco Partnership DBA Verizon Wireless to amend a proffer
condition and to obtain a special use permit for a broadcasting tower
approximately 124 feet in height on approximately 4.81 acres of land zoned
C-2C, High Intensity Commercial District with conditions located at 2918
Peters Creek Road, Catawba Magisterial District (First Reading and request
for Public Hearing and Second Reading)
8. The petition of Engineering Concepts, Inc. to obtain a special use permit for a
water tank (major utility service) approximately 42 feet in height located on
approximately 1.82 acres of land zoned AG-3, Agricultural/Rural Preserve
District, located in the 2600 block of Summit Ridge Road, Hollins Magisterial
District (First Reading and request for Public Hearing and Second
Reading)
On motion of Supervisor Mahoney to adopt the resolution, seconded by
Supervisor Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
January 24, 2023
37
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
ORDINANCE 012423-3.a 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
WHEREAS, Roanoke County desires to construct segments of the Roanoke
River Greenway between Montgomery County and Franklin County to complete the
backbone of the Roanoke Valley greenway system; and
WHEREAS, in April 2015, Roanoke County, in coordination with the Roanoke
Valley Greenway Commission, the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority and the
National Park Service, submitted a request to the Eastern Federal Lands Highway
Division (EFLHD) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway
Administration for Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) funds for the Eastern
Section of the Roanoke River Greenway proposed between the Blue Ridge Parkway
and Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, funding was awarded in July 2016 and the Board of Supervisors
accepted and appropriated this funding on February 28, 2017;
WHEREAS, a funding deficit was identified and a supplemental funding request
was made to EFLHD in May 2022; and
WHEREAS, supplemental funding was awarded in November 2022; 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 January 10, 2023,
and the second reading of this ordinance was held on January 24, 2023.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia
as follows:
1. That the sum of $800,000 is hereby accepted from the FLAP Program and
appropriated to the Grant Fund for the Department of Parks,
Recreation and Tourism for Fiscal Years 2023-2024; and
2. Roanoke County hereby commits to provide a twenty percent (20%)
matching contribution for this project in the amount of $200,000, which may
be in the form of cash, private contributions, donations of goods and
services, and land value; and
January 24, 2023
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3. The funds are to be allocated to the Roanoke River Greenway from the
Blue Ridge Parkway to Explore Park for final engineering, environmental
permitting, right-of-way acquisition and construction; and
4. That appropriations designated for the Roanoke River Greenway Project
will not lapse at the end of the fiscal year, but shall remain appropriated
until the completion of the project. FLAP funds are subject to
deallocation if not expended within four years of allocation; and
5. That Roanoke County will be responsible for maintenance and operating
costs of any improvement / facility constructed with Federal Lands Access
Program (FLAP) funds unless other arrangements have been made with
the Department; and
6. That Roanoke County hereby agrees to continue fulfilling the project
administration agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation to
provide the necessary oversight to ensure the project is developed in
accordance with all state and federal requirements for design, right of way
acquisition and construction of a federally funded transportation project; and
7. That if Roanoke County subsequently elects to cancel this project Roanoke
County hereby agrees to reimburse the Virginia Department of
Transportation for the total amount of costs expended by the Department
through the date the Department is notified of such cancellation. Roanoke
County also agrees to repay any funds previously reimbursed that are later
deemed ineligible by the Federal Highway Administration.
8. That the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors hereby grants authority for
the County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator or Assistant County
Administrator to execute project agreements.
9. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Mahoney to adopt the ordinance, seconded by
Supervisor Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
ORDINANCE 012423-3.b ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING
TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES SET-ASIDE PROGRAM
GRANT FUNDS 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
WHEREAS, Roanoke County desires to construct segments of the Roanoke
River Greenway between Montgomery County and Franklin County complete the
backbone of the Roanoke Valley greenway system; and
January 24, 2023
39
WHEREAS, Roanoke County submitted grant applications for Transportation
Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside Program funding to construct the East Roanoke River
Greenway Crossing of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2017 and in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke County was awarded TA Set-Aside Program funding in
2018 and 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors accepted and appropriated the awarded
TA Set-Aside Program funding on May 28, 2019, and on May 11, 2021; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization
awarded Roanoke County additional Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program
funding for fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2024; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke County received $70,114 in Transportation Alternatives
Set-Aside Program grant funding through the Virginia Department of Transportation
(VDOT), which provides eighty percent (80%) funding; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke County agrees to provide $17,529 as a twenty percent
(20%) local match from the VDOT Revenue Sharing Program CIP account; 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 January 10, 2023, and
the second reading was held on January 24, 2023.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That the sum of $70,114 is accepted from the TA Set-Aside Program and
appropriated to the Grant Fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation
and Tourism for the purpose of the East Roanoke River Greenway
Crossing of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
2. The sum of $17,529 shall be allocated, as a local match, to the Grant
Fund.
3. That the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors hereby grants authority for
the County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator or Assistant
County Administrator to execute project agreements.
4. That this ordinance shall take effect upon its adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Mahoney to adopt the ordinance, seconded by
Supervisor Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
January 24, 2023
40
ORDINANCE 012423-3.c ACCEPTING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT
OF $118,326 FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, AND
APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS FOR THE ADDITON OF SIX (6)
FULL-TIME EQUIVALENTS IN THE SALEM/ ROANOKE
COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2022-2023
WHEREAS, a work session was held with the Board of Supervisors at the
Board’s December 13, 2022, meeting to discuss the staffing needs for the Salem/
Roanoke County Department of Social Services (DSS); during the work session, the
Board reviewed the need for additional DSS staff due to the rapidly increasing workload
of the department; and
WHEREAS it is proposed that six additional full-time equivalents (FTEs) be hired
during March 2023, and that the positions will again be requested and funded through
the upcoming fiscal year 2023-2024 budget process; and
WHEREAS, the cost of these positions for the current fiscal year is $139,207. Of
this amount, the County will receive $118,326 from the Commonwealth of Virginia; the
remaining $20,881 will be paid out of the budgeted operating funds already allocated to
DSS in the current year from operational savings.
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on January 10, 2023, and
the second reading was held on January 24, 2023.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, that funds in the amount of $118,326 from the Commonwealth of
Virginia are hereby accepted and appropriated to the general fund for allocation to the
Salem/Roanoke County Department of Social Services.
On motion of Supervisor Mahoney to adopt the resolution, seconded by
Supervisor Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
ORDINANCE 012423-3.d ACCEPTING $350,000 FROM THE
VIRGINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND
APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS, ALONG WITH A $350,000
LOCAL MATCH, FOR PHASE 2 OF THE STREAM
RESTORATION OF WOLF CREEK, VINTON MAGISTERIAL
DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Roanoke County has an obligation under its Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit to reduce discharges of sediment to the Roanoke
River in order to meet its Waste Load Allocation; and
January 24, 2023
41
WHEREAS, the County has previously made stream improvements to Wolf
Creek, in Goode Park (“Phase 1” of the needed improvements); and
WHEREAS, in order to continue making improvements to Wolf Creek, staff
applied for a stormwater local assistance fund (SLAF) grant from the Virginia
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to complete another stream restoration
project (“Phase 2”) on Wolf Creek between Spring Grove Drive and Tulip Lane; and
WHEREAS, Phase 2 of the Wolf Creek Stream Restoration project was selected
by DEQ for a grant in the amount of $350,000, with a local match of $350,000, for a
total grant amount of $700,000; and
WHEREAS, the estimated project cost is $700,000, excluding staff time for
administration; and
WHEREAS, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)-
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) best management practice (BMP)
Construction program funds, which are appropriated as a part of the Capital
Improvement Program, will be used for the required 50% local match in the amount of
$350,000; 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 January 10, 2023, and
the second reading was held on January 24, 2023.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That the sum of $350,000 is hereby accepted and appropriated to the
Grant Fund.
2. That the County’s matching sum of $350,000 be reallocated from the
Capital Fund to the Grant Fund.
3. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Mahoney to adopt the resolution, seconded by
Supervisor Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
A-012423-3.e
A-012423-3.f
A-012423-3.g
IN RE: CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. William Skaff of 4815 Farmington Place Court provided the following
statement, “In a democratic republic, elected officials are supposed to vote after they
are elected according to the preferences of the electorate. They were elected because
January 24, 2023
42
their approach to governance, and their platforms and views, corresponded most to the
positions of the majority of the voting public. Voting according to constituent preferences
is especially important at the local level, when the public’s wishes can be clearly
ascertained, particularly with decisions that affect their home life, especially when their
position is supported by sound reasoning and solid evidence. While elected officials
may, at times, need to rely upon their judgement, the basis of that judgement should still
be the wishes of the people. Despite holding government office, they are one of us, and
not immune from accountability, which is the point of democracy in the first place. In
short, elected representatives should be responsible to the voters. This did not happen
in the Barnett Rezoning Hearing, in relation to the proposed grocery store properties.
Seventeen citizens commented cogently opposing the rezoning; the only one who
spoke in favor lives in Roanoke City. One could easily expand the number of objections
by counting cars traveling Old Cave Spring Road and Cave Spring Lane on any given
day. Although citizens made their wishes clear, three Supervisors voted in favor of the
Rezoning Application. We applaud then Supervisor Hooker and Supervisor North who
had the civic mindedness and foresight to vote against. Surely Supervisor Radford of
the Windsor Hills Magistrate should also have opposed the project, given the express
preference of his constituents. At the Barnett Rezoning Hearing, then Chairman
Mahoney revealed: “The Board of Supervisors bears some responsibility in all of this,
when we decided a couple of years ago to acquire the property from VDOT. We knew
what that site was like. We did it intentionally, because we hoped or assumed or thought
that this would be some kind of new commercial development, whatever it was. If we
decide not to go forward, then we should have never made that decision. . . . If it was a
mistake, then it was a mistake that this Board made when we initially acquired the
property from the Commonwealth of Virginia.” What immediately comes to mind is that
acquiring the property was not a mistake. It freed the site for development. Selling the
property to a commercial rather than a residential developer is a mistake. This could
easily have been corrected by voting against the commercial development, as two
Supervisors did, and then offering the land to residential developers through an open
solicitation. But there is something profoundly disturbing here. The Board, according to
Supervisor Mahoney, targeted this site for commercial development years before
holding a hearing on the necessary rezoning to learn of citizens preferences through
comment. The Board worked against residential development from the start, in essence
colluding with commercial developers as a special interest, and working against the
residents themselves. By what process did the County government decide to sell this
land to the Barnett grocery store? The public trust has been broken. It cannot easily be
repaired. The grocery store, in all of its permanent brick and mortar glory, will be a
perpetual symbol of government betrayal here in Roanoke County. And all of that traffic
queuing and stacking on Old Cave Spring Road—whom the majority thought
negligible—will give residents ample time and opportunity to contemplate this grand
mistake, and who is responsible for it.”
January 24, 2023
43
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor North moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion was seconded by Supervisor Radford and carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Supervisors Peters, Mahoney, North, Radford, Hooker
NAYS: None
1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves Report
2. Outstanding Debt Report
3. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of
January 31, 2023
4. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and
Encumbrances as of January 31, 2023
5. Accounts Paid - January 31, 2023
rd
Chairman Hooker recessed to the 3 floor at 4:01 p.m.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to review with the Board of Supervisors fiscal year
2022-2023 mid-year revenues and expenditures and fiscal year
2023-2024 budget issues (Laurie Gearheart, Director of Finance
and Management Services; Steve Elliott, Budget Manager)
Rebecca Owens provided overview and turned the meeting over to Steve
Elliott who reviewed the mid-year revenues. Laurie Gearheart provided the
expenditures.
Supervisor Mahoney inquired if the sales tax number reflect Christmas
sales with Mr. Elliott responding the numbers are two (2) months behind. He indicated
by March of every year, we have the majority.
Staff recommend a proposed budget amendment; it was the consensus of
the Board to move forward with the amendment.
The work session was held from 4:17 p.m. until 4:40 p.m.
Chairman Hooker called the meeting back into session at 7:00 p.m.
January 24, 2023
44
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SECOND READINGS OF ORDINANCES
1. The petition of Greg and Amanda Speiran to obtain a special use
permit to operate a short-term rental on approximately 0.1608
acre on land zoned R-1 (Low Density Residential), located at 3113
Fleetwood Avenue (Tax map no. 077.06-02-06.00-0000), Windsor
Hills Magisterial District (Philip Thompson, Director of Planning)
Mr. Thompson outlined the request for the special use permit. Mr. Greg
Speiran, petitioner, outlined his goals for this property. There was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 012423-4 GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO
GREG AND AMANDA SPEIRAN TO OPERATE A SHORT-TERM
RENTAL ON APPROXIMATELY 0.1608 ACRE ON PROPERTY
ZONED R-1 (LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) DISTRICT,
LOCATED AT 3113 FLEETWOOD AVENUE (TAX MAP NO:
077.06.02-0600-0000), WINDSOR HILLS MAGISTERIAL
DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Greg and Amanda Speiran have filed a petition for a special use
permit to operate a short-term rental on property zoned R-1 (Low Density Residential
District) containing approximately 0.1608 acre, located at 3113 Fleetwood Avenue, in
the Windsor Hills Magisterial District; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Planning Commission held a public hearing on
this matter on January 3, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Planning Commission recommends approval of
the petition; 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 24, 2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. The Board finds that the proposed special use meets the requirements of
Section 30-19-1 of the Roanoke County Code and that the proposed special use
conforms 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 use is 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 permit is hereby approved, with the condition that the
number of overnight guests shall not exceed six (6) people.
4. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its final
passage.
January 24, 2023
45
On motion of Supervisor Radford 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: CITIZEN COMMENTS
Bruce Love of 2776 Bobolink Lane stated, “I live in the Cave Spring
Magisterial District; homeowner at 2776 Boba Lake Lane. That's in Roanoke, Virginia
here in Cave Spring area. And I'm here to address the Board out of concerns for the
recent proposed assessments and the real property taxes, specifically the millage rate. I
understand the real estate valuation process as do you, and I'm not questioning that,
but if you look at our... I'm going to back up a little bit to what is going on nationally. Our
federal government, because of its policies, whether it be energy, domestic or foreign,
has created a severe amount of inflation that creates an undue burden on the average
individual, not only in our community but nationwide. And so, your constituents, the
residents of Cave Spring and other magisterial districts are having to make hard choices
between healthcare, the cost of fuel, the energy heating their home, and now with the
proposed assessments even keeping their homes or their residences. And so, the
federal policies are not going to change and I assume you are all astute and educated
and that you realize that our country, Roanoke County at some point is in for some very
difficult economic times. The proposed assessments are about seven times of what we
would normally expect to see, okay? And so, it's a windfall to the county and I
understand you have unfunded capital projects and other issues, but by the same
token, with the residents, it's an undue burden. And so, I'm here to respectfully ask that
in this ongoing process of public hearings in dealing with the proposed assessments
that you seriously consider a reduction in the millage rate as you have in the past here
historically because as the county grows, there are more properties, there is more
revenue. The millage rate has historically gone down and I think for the benefit of the
residents of Roanoke County, I ask that you please give that serious consideration.”
Jeannine Johnson of 3452 Meadowlark Road stated, “I'm here this
evening to encourage you to step in and reduce the proposed increase for 2023's real
estate assessments. I agree with what Mr. Love was saying. As I'm sure many of your
voters and your separate districts would also. With this ongoing inflation and recession
looming over us, this proposed increase will not help your voters during these hard
times. If anything, it will put more of a hardship on them. My personal proposed rate of
change has more than doubled from last year's increase of 7.01% to the 2023's
proposal of 18.53%. And I know taxes usually go up and not down, and what I'm worried
about is another doubling in my real estate assessment of next year. Will it be 37.06% if
we continue with the rate changes as they're going on right now. With these
January 24, 2023
46
astronomical increases, you are allowing our homes to become more of a liability than
an asset. I personally did not get an 18.53% increase in pay, as I'm sure neither did any
of you. So why the jump and tax increase? In a time when necessities like food, gas,
and electricity have gone through the roof, why allow this unnecessary increase to
happen? You as a board have the power to go in and change the millage rate to reflect
the ever-increasing inflation rate and not allow a computer-generated statistic to govern
your voter's payments and put unnecessary burdens on them. I encourage each and
every one of you to do your due diligence and reducing these proposed millage rates.
Thank you for your time.”
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor North stated he just some comments about our visit last week
in Richmond. On Wednesday and Thursday, January 18th and 19th, County staff and
Supervisors team visited the general assembly to lobby for County legislative priorities.
We were first introduced by Delegate McNamara on the house floor. He, by the way,
promoted Madeline Sefcik in title in his introduction, and I'll leave it up for Mr. Caywood
to explain that. We attended the finance house committee where Delegate McNamara
presented his tax relief bills, especially the one dealing with raising the standard
deduction in Virginia tax structure. By the way, I understand that passed the House
today, so we will see where that lands in the Senate. All of our teams split up and visited
all 37 members of the education committees in the Senate and the House for support
for additional school construction funding and scoring for the grants both which are
budget amendments of which $1.3 million in addition to the $1.2 million for the grant
structure, which was approved last year for a total pot of $2.5 million is up for approval.
He thanked Madeline Sefcik for coordinating this so that we all had our task to perform
and did it efficiently. I don't think we got any calls saying what's this all about? So that's
a good sign. We later met with Delegate Rasoul on the topic of hospital continuum care.
He has a budget item for $147 million that's in the appropriations budget for review. We
later met with Delegate Austin, Vice Chair of Appropriations Committee, to express our
thanks for the economic development $500,000 grant for the Woodhaven 100-acre site.
In addition, we discussed I-81 funding, airport expansion, and as well as career and
technical school funding, all of which are budget amendments that have to clear the
assembly. Upon return on Friday, he followed up with the Regional Commission's efforts
to answer the governor's question on the 10-year economic benefit analysis for future
airport expansion. The answer was delivered Monday. He was pleased to say that Vice
Chairman Austin can review it and pass it on to the governor if he agrees. With that
said, Supervisor Hooker and Supervisor Mahoney will add more in their comments later
on.
Supervisor Mahoney advised he hast wo comments. Number one, he
thanked Mr. Love and Ms. Johnson for coming out tonight. He wanted them to know
January 24, 2023
47
that the phone has been ringing off the hook in Cave Spring on the same issues that
you've raised. And I've received many, many emails. We, on the Board, are struggling
with how to address our citizen's legitimate concerns and I hope that we might be able
to come up with a solution that will help many of us. With respect to Mr. North's
comments, he thanked Mr. Lubeck and Ms. Sefcik. They really prepared us well for
speaking with our delegates and senators in Richmond. You may recall that one of our
legislative priorities was to provide for civil penalties for certain violations as opposed to
criminal violations. We were unsuccessful in securing any support for that initiative with
our local legislators. However, while we were in Richmond in one of the county city's
town's subcommittee meetings, Delegate Tata. She is from Virginia Beach. She had a
similar bill that Virginia Beach City Council also was requesting with respect to civil
penalties. He was able to speak in support of that. Mr. Lubeck was able to provide her
and her staff and the city attorney's office in Virginia Beach with some of the information
and research he had done. To date, I met with Mr. Lubeck this afternoon before our
Board meeting. I cannot report to the board any further action on that draft legislation. It
did pass the subcommittee. I'm not sure when it will make it to the full committee, but at
least one of our additional legislative initiatives is progressing. So that's good news.
Supervisor Radford stated that he too wanted to applaud Ms. Hooker and
Mr. North and Mr. Mahoney for going to the legislation, taking your time to go up and do
that. The three of you all going up, taking your time to do that along with staff. That is
important for the legislators to see us face to face, hand to hand, talk about the issues;
very important. He is appreciative of you and so are the residents of Roanoke County
because you're pushing for them to make things a lot better. Second comment, I too
want to thank Mr. Love and Ms. Johnson for telling us about the real estate assessment.
We are a little conflicted, but we are going to address it some way. Two Fridays ago,
when you got everything in your mail. I had a Friday morning breakfast with a resident in
my district and he just told me his assessment went up 22%, so he topped yours. But
when I went back and looked at the value of the new assessment, the assessment was
still $50,000 to $60,000 below what he could get for the house. If he put that house on
the market today, he could sell it like that. So, we still have a little bit of pent-up demand
for housing, but it is a huge jump in values and it hurts our pocketbook. You're right, we
are dealing with uncertainty. Some say we are going to have recession, some say we
are in a recession. So, we have to be prepared for that. But what we do know is it costs
more for eggs, milk, and gas right now. So those are things that are taxing our budget,
especially the residents that are on fixed incomes. We hear you loud and clear. I thank
you for that message. One more thing, just thank you all again for the continued prayers
for my mother who is continuing to heal very well and rehabbing from her heart surgery.
Thank you.
Supervisor Peters also thanked Mr. Love and Ms. Johnson for coming out
tonight. He works in the public every day. My office is accessible to everyone every day.
But I'll say this, I liked your comment about the capital projects. When I went into these
budget sessions for the last nine years, I guess, there are two groups that he truly tries
January 24, 2023
48
to always look out for. One is the citizens who put me in the seat, but also, it's our
employees because he has the greatest respect for our employees, our public safety,
and everyone who keeps the County going. And while the assessments, I'll be honest
and I tell you I don't disagree with them, mine went up 11% because he knows what the
market value is on the properties, however, he thinks it is time that we adjust the tax
rate. He is committed to that. He has made known to several of my Board members
because we have already put into place our capital plans. We have been working with
the schools on capital plans. He doesn’t think because we want the newer and greater
and the bigger because extra money is there that should absorb all that money that is
coming in. So, he thinks it is time that we have given back to our citizens. We have, for
the last several years, had huge budget surpluses at the end of the year and thinks we
owe it back to our citizens now. We did our part last year with personal property. When
personal property came out, we could have benefited $12 million from that, but we
adjusted our personal property down. So, it was in line with where it was the year prior.
We did that to look after our citizens. But I think on the real estate side, while we may be
in a somewhat of a recession, we're not going to see a 2008 again. He thinks real estate
evaluation is probably here to stay. They may flatten a little bit and we need to take a
long-term look at that and then how we adjust our tax rates accordingly. I think Mr.
North has commented a number of times through the years. We are one of the highest
taxed counties in this Commonwealth of Virginia. I personally like to get out of that
bracket.
Supervisor Hooker stated she just has a couple of comments. First, we
did have a great trip to Richmond and she appreciates her fellow Board members with
all the work that they did and putting together the plan of attack as we went in and
talked to our friends. She feels like we had a great united front in our message. The
legislative agenda card was fantastic, and I think our message was clear. I really
appreciate staff and their work in putting it all together. That was huge and appreciate
your support for that. Next, she gave a shout-out to Mr. Jeff Childress, who works in the
assessor's office. Apparently, he does the assessments for the Catawba District and I
had one of my citizens who contacted me just to say how good he was in explaining the
process because everyone is on edge right now and there is a lot of emotion associated
with it. They still don't like it, don't get me wrong. But they were so appreciative of his
time and effort and explanation and education on the whole process. And I'm really
appreciative to Mr. Childress for that. Thank you for your commentary. We are hearing
from a lot of citizens and she appreciates you coming tonight and expressing that
commentary. We all hear that message routinely and we have a task in front of us that
we will have to address and we want to be good to our citizens. It's because of you that
we're here and we want to represent you well.
January 24, 2023
49
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Hooker adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.
Submitted by: Approved by:
________________________ ___________________________________
Deborah C. Jacks Martha B. Hooker
Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board Chairman
January 24, 2023
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