HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/7/1999 - Special
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June 7.1999
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Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
June 7, 1999
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, met this day at the
Commonwealth Building, 210 Church Avenue, Roanoke, VA, this being the second
Mondayand an adjourned meeting from May 27, 1999 for the purpose of a joint meeting
with the Roanoke City Council.
IN RE:
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by the Reverend Nelson Harris, member of the
Roanoke City Council. Lunch followed.
IN RE:
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Johnson and Mayor David Bowers called the meeting to order at
12:45 p.m. The roll call was taken for the Board of Supervisors.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Bob L. Johnson, Vice Chairman Harry C. Nickens,
Supervisors H. Odell "Fuzzy" Minnix, Joseph P. McNamara
MEMBERS ABSENT: Supervisor Fenton F. "Spike" Harrison
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June 7, 1999
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STAFF PRESENT:
Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney,
County Attorney; Mary H. Allen, Clerk; John M. Chambliss,
Assistant County Administrator; Don C. Myers, Assistant
County Administrator; Anne Marie Green, Director, Community
Relations; Diane Hyatt, Finance Director; Pete Haislip, Director
of Parks and Recreation, George Simpson, Assistant Director
of Community Development; Deborah Pitts, Assistant Director
of Recreation; Joyce Waugh, Assistant Director of Economic
Development
Mayor Bowers announced that Roanoke City Council was already in session.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor David Bowers, Vice Mayor Nelson Harris,
Council Members Linda Wyatt, Carroll Swain,
Alvin Hudson, William White and James Trout.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None
ROANOKE CITY STAFF PRESENT: James D. Ritchie, Acting City Manager; Diane S.
Akers, Acting Assistant City Manager; William
Parsons, Acting City Attorney; Mary F. Parker,
City Clerk; James D. Grisso, Director of
Finance; Robert H. Bird, Municipal Auditor;
William N. Claytor, Director of Real Estate
Valuation; William F. Clark, Director of Public
Works; Kit B. Kiser; Director of Utilities and
Operations; Glenn D. Radcliffe; Director of
Human Development; George C. Snead,
Director of Public Safety; John Coates, Manager
of Parks and Recreation; Victor C. Garber,
Supêrintendent of Recreation.
IN RE:
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1., Discussion with reaard to increased fundina fortourism. (Mavor
Bowers)
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June 7,1999
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Mayor Bowers noted that the City was raising the motel tax to increase their
revenue. He suggested that Roanoke Valley governments look at ways to market the area
better and direct more money to tourism. The Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors
Bureau Executive Director David Kjolhede advised that Roanoke, Roanoke County and
Salem increased their funding to the organization this year. He announced they received
$80,000 in state grant funding and described the Virginia Tourism grant fund.
2. Review of the Reaional Stormwater Manaaement Droaram.
(Georae SimDson. Roanoke County Assistant Director of
Community DeveloDment)
Mr. Simpson updated both governing bodies on the regional stormwater plan
which was completed in the fall of 1997, and approved by both the City and the County.
He also briefed the Board and Council on Project Impact, explaining that 75% of the
funding is from federal grant money, and that funding varies from year to year. He advised
that the Citizens Advisory Committee, appointed by both localities, would like some
direction from the Board and Council on how to proceed.
3. UDdate on the joint Skateboard Park. (John Coates. Roanoke City
Manaaer of Parks and Recreation: Pete HaisliD. Roanoke County
Director of Parks and Recreation)
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Mr. Coates reported that the opening ceremony was April 26, and both Mayor
Bowers and Chairman Johnson were present. The first skate jam will be held June 12 and
there will be music and exhibitions. Mr. Coates advised that there are usually 30 to 40
people at the park, and it has already received regional and national recognition.
4. Results of the Teen Center Survey. (Deborah Pitts. Roanoke
County Assistant Director of Recreation: Vjc Garber, Roanoke
City SUDerjntendent of Recreation)
Director of Parks and Recreation Pete Haislip reported that the committee
worked with the entire City and County community and held a teen forum hosted by
Virginia Western Community College. A consultant was hired and 50 groups were
identified for input. Eighty-nine teens participated in the survey.
Mr. Garber advised that the survey of teens indicated that they did not want
a teen center in downtown Roanoke but offered other suggestions for teen activities
including an amusement park, a water park and improved marketing of the current
programs. The teens also recommended consideration of regional comprehensive multi-
purpose recreation facilities for all ages on each side of the Roanoke Valley.
5. UDdate on the joint 800 MHZ Radio System. (John Chambliss.
Roanoke County Assistant County Administrator: ChiD Snead.
Roanoke City Director of Public Safety)
Mr. Snead reported that the joint radio system works; it is on schedule; and
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it is within budget. He briefed the governing bodies on the history of the project which was
approved in 1997 at a cost of $8 million. He advised that the Roanoke City and Roanoke
County fire and rescue departments are now on the joint system. The Police departments
will join the system next, followed by public works and other departments.
Mr. Chambliss advised that the Town of Vinton, the airport and Salem Fire
Department are also now on the radio system. In response to questions concerning Y2K
compatibility, Mr. Snead advised that the system is completely compliant according to the
vendor. He also reported that a regional group of public safety officials are continuing to
meet to work on other joint opportunities.
6. ReDort on the Reaional Refuse Collection ProDosal. (Don Mvers,
Roanoke County Assjstant County Administrator)
Mr. Myers reported that in 1995, a team was formed to explore areas to
reduce expenses and regional refuse collection was investigated. At that time action was
postponed because of the differences in the two collection systems. However, with the
implementation of automated collection in the City, the team is meeting again and looking
at the pros and cons of regional refuse collection. The team has been discussing
proposed levels of service and cost comparisons between the current method and
proposed regional collection. Mr. Myers advised that the team will continue meeting and
will bring back a recommendation to both governing bodies.
7. Briefina on the Blue Ridae Parkway InterDretation Center.
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(Elmer C. Hodae. Roanoke County Adminjstrator)
Roanoke County Assistant Director of Economic Development Joyce Waugh
briefed the Board and Council on plans for the Blue Ridge Parkway Interpretation Center.
The Center will be located near Explore Park off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and will house
workshops, galleries and an auditorium. The facility will be 7,000 to 10,000 square feet,
and it is expected to break ground in the fall.
8. Djscussion with regard to water conservation. (Council
Member Hudson)
Acting City Manager James Ritchie updated both governing bodies on the
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drought conditions at Carvins Cove Reservoir and emphasized that the City is not yet in
a crisis situation. The reservoir is currently 20.75 feet low. The City began voluntary
conservation measures when the reservoir was 17 feet low. At 22 feet they will begin to
buy water from the City of Salem. At 24 feet low, they anticipate a 6 months supply will
remain and they will begin mandatory conservation, and at 30 feet low, sanctions will be
imposed. Mr. Ritchie advised that the City and County staffs have been meeting and
exploring opportunities for assistance and he expressed appreciation to Mr. Hodge and
his staff. He emphasized that the City will not cut off water to North Lakes in the County.
Board chairman Johnson reported that he has discussed the water situation with Mayor
Bowers and Council member Wyatt, and he assured those present that as long as the
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County has water at Spring Hollow Reservoir, the city will also have water. He suggested
that this was a good time for the two localities to consider the possibility of a joint water
authority. Mayor Bowers again thanked the County Board and staff for their willingness
to assist in the water shortage.
IN RE:
RECESS (Roanoke City Council):
At 1 :50 p.m. Mayor Bowers declared the meeting ofthe Roanoke City Council
in recess until 2:00 p.m., in the City Council Chamber, 215 Church Avenue, S. W.
IN RE:
ADJOURNMENT (Board of Supervisors):
At 1 :50 p.m., Chairman Johnson declared the meeting of the Board of
Supervisors adjourned.
Submitted by:
Approved by:
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Mary H. Allen, CMC/AAE
Clerk to the Board
Bob L. John n, Chairman
Roanoke Co ty Board of Supervisors
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