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8/13/1996 - Regular August 13, 1996 559 - - Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 August 13, 1996 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke county, Virginia, met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday, and the first regularly scheduled meeting of the month of August, 1996. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Bob L. Johnson, Vice Chairman Harry C. Nickens, Supervisors Lee B. Eddy, Fenton F. "Spike" Harrison, H. Odell "Fuzzy" Minnix MEMBERS ABSENT: None 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 IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES The invocation was given by Mr. F. Douglas Sweetenberg, Sheriff's Office. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all -56Ð August 13, 1996 - present. REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Hodge added introduction of visitors from Opole, Poland, and Supervisor Nickens added an Executive Session Item regarding potential litigation. IN RE: IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS, AND AWARDS h Recognition of the 23rd District Court Service Unit for winning the National council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges' award for Most unique and Innovative Program. Chairman Johnson presented a certificate of Recognition to Director Of Court Services Michael Lazzuri and Substance Abuse Counselor Sandy Alderson, who accepted the award at an annual conference in Vail, Colorado. ~ Recognition of local government officials from Opole. Poland. Mr. Hodge introduced elected officials Ewa Gajek, Grazyna Wojtalska-Kuysk and Ewa Olszewska who are visiting the Roanoke Valley from Opole, Poland. They were presented with honorary certif icates of ci tizenship from Board Chairman Johnson. August 13, 1996 5~ - IN RE: BRIEFINGS ~ Results of the 1996 citizen satisfaction Survey. (Anne Marie Green. community Relations Director) Ms. Green reported that this was the third survey sponsored by the County and was conducted by Martin Associates. The results were outstanding and very similar to the two previous surveys. The grades improved and departments received 3 A-'s, 11 B+'s, 7 B's, 2 B-'s and 3 C+'s. The highest ranked services were fire, rescue and libraries, followed by the police department. The three lowest were Planning and Zoning, road maintenance, and the Commissioner of the Revenue. In recognition of their high marks, Library Director Spencer Watts introduced his staff and Fire and Rescue Chief Rick Burch introduced Chief Tommy Fuqua and his staff. Ms. Green advised that focus groups will be established to study the departments with low grades. Supervisor Eddy suggested doing the next survey at a different time of the year in order to receive more responses. IN RE: NEW BUSINESS ~ Request from commission to committee to the Fifth Planning District establish a Regional steering examine provisions of the 1996 Regional competitiveness Act. (Rick Morse. Public policy Intern) " -______~..._62_- __..:-=-....:_~_::.~_...::..___ August 13,1996 -..- - ".-" -,- _.__.~---- _~______._____.__.__"._. u. .._ . - R-081396-1 Rick Morse, a public policy intern from Brigham Young uni versi ty , presented the report. He advised that in 1995, Roanoke County participated in the Urban Partnership, formed to promote efficiency in local government through regional cooperative efforts with monetary incentives. A proposal was developed and forwarded to the General Assembly for authorization and funding. The General Assembly approved the proposal and established a fund of $3 million to be used throughout the state. Mr. Morse reported that the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is the agency that determines how partnerships become qualified. The Fifth Planing District commission (Fifth PDC) has offered to be the local coordinating agency for this effort. They are also requesting the appointment of an elected official and the chief administrative official to serve on the steering committee. staff recommended that the Board adopt a resolution supporting the Fifth PDC as the coordinating agency and appoint members to serve on the committee. Supervisor Eddy moved to adopt the resolution. The motion was amended by Supervisor Nickens to appoint Supervisor Eddy and Mr. Hodge to the Steering Committee. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None August 13, 1996 563 RESOLUTION 081396-1 IN SUPPORT OF THE FIFTH PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION'S ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE PROCESS FOR DEVELOPING A REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE 1996 REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS ACT. WHEREAS, Chapter 26.3 of the Title 15.1 of the Code of virginia (the Regional Competitiveness Act of 1996) calls for the creation of regional partnerships; and WHEREAS, the regional partnerships created by the Regional Competitiveness Act are to be based on planning district boundaries; and WHEREAS, each regional partnership is to develop a regional strategic economic development plan that identifies the critical issues of economic competitiveness for its region; and WHEREAS, each regional partnership shall issue an annual report describing the region I s progress with respect to median family income and job creation and its progress in addressing the critical issues of economic competitiveness identified in the regional strategic economic development plan; and WHEREAS, each regional partnership shall identify existing and proposed joint activities between and among the governments of the region; and WHEREAS, the Fifth Planning District commission is an association of the cities of Clifton Forge, covington, Roanoke and Salem; the Counties of Allegheny, Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke; and the Town of Vinton; and WHEREAS, the Fifth Planning District Commission has encouraged local governments to work together for their mutual benefit and the benefit of the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS, the Fifth Planning District has carried out a variety of programs to improve the economic competitiveness of the region including the preparation of overall economic development plans; and WHEREAS, the Fifth Planning monitors and reports on major trends and region and maintains a familiarity with joint activities within the region; and District Commission conditions within the existing and proposed WHEREAS, the Fifth Planning District Commission has expressed a willingness to coordinate the creation of a regional 564 August 13, 1996 - partnership in the District, and has allocated staff time for coordination and administration; and WHEREAS, the regional partnerships created by the Regional Competitiveness Act are to be approved by the local governing bodies of the region. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Roanoke County Board of supervisors expresses its support of the Fifth Planning District commission in establishing a regional steering committee to define the process of developing a regional partnership for the District and to identify and address key areas of interest to the various localities. On motion of Supervisor Eddy to adopt the resolution, amended by Supervisor Nickens to appoint supervisor Lee Eddy and County Administrator Elmer Hodge to the Steering committee, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None .2....L Request from' Dixon contracting. Inc. to appeal denial of request to withdraw bid for the Fort Lewis Sub-Main/West Main street Sub-Main/Glenvar East Sanitary Sewer project. (Joseph Obenshain, Sr. Assistant County Attorney) A-081396-2 This issue is related to a bid by Dixon contracting which was lower than the next lowest bid by $108,852.25. The bids were opened on July 17. On July 18, Dixon contracting delivered a letter to Procurement claiming clerical mistakes in their bid for the project and requestd that they be allowed to withdraw their bid without forfeiting their bond. County staff felt that their request did not fall within the requirements of clerical errors as outlined in the Code, and denied the request. Dixon August 13,1996 565 - contracting then appealed the denial. Mr. Kevin Blair, attorney representing Wayne Dixon, was present. He explained that Mr. Dixon came back from a trip out of the country and hurriedly prepared his bid, and as a result, mistakes were made. He presented a document outlining the bid and the mistakes made by Mr. Dixon. supervisor Nickens questioned whether this should be discussed in executive session or in work session to allow the Board members time to review the document. Mr. Hodge also expressed concern about receiving information that staff did not have an opportunity to review. He suggested referring the issue back to staff until the next meeting. Following discussion, it was decided to postpone action until later in the meeting to allow staff to meet with the attorney and review the document. Following approval of Reports on the agenda, this issue was again brought before the Board. There was additional discussion on what constitutes a clerical error in a bid. Supervisor Nickens pointed out that Dixon contracting can withdraw their bid, and forfeit $16,000 in bid bond penalty, but they are requesting that they be allowed to withdraw because of a clerical error, for which the bid bond would not be forfeited. Supervisor Harrison moved to deny the appeal to withdraw bid. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None 566 August 13, 1996 - - h Submission to the FCC of subscriber complaints regarding the cable programming service tier rates of Cox Cable Roanoke. (Joe Obenshain. Sr. Assistant county Attorney) Mr. Obenshain reported that recent changes in Federal communications commission (FCC) regulations have removed the ability of individual cable consumers to file complaints directly with the FCC to raise objections to rate increases for the cable programming services tier. Cox Communications announced increases in their rates for cable customers effective March 1, 1996. A cable customer has 90 days to file a complaint regarding the rates and at least two customers must file complaints to review an increase in the rates. Roanoke County has received complaints from two citizens requesting a review of the Cox Cable increased rates. Mr. Obenshain advised that Cox Communications has submitted a response setting forth its reasons why no complaint should be forwarded to the FCC. The County has also received an opinion from its outside legal counsel for cable television issues that Cox Communications are wi thin the rate range permitted by FCC regulations. staff recommended that the Board decline to file a rate complaint with the FCC and rely on the review of rate increases conducted by outside legal counsel. It was the consensus of the Board to take no action, August 13,1996 56'- therefore declining to submit the complaints to the FCC. ~ Request to appropriate funds to VML/VACo for County share of assessment for American Electric Power Negotiations. (Amber Buckowsky. Roanoke county Intern) A-081396-3 Ms. Buckowsky, a Red Cross volunteer intern, advised that the VML/VACo Appalachian Power Company, now known as American Electric Power (AEP) steering Committee, was established to negotiate reduced electric services charges with AEP for the local governments. Roanoke County's current contract was approved in 1994 and expired July 30, 1996. AEP has proposed a new three-year contract with rates frozen at their present level. Due to the costs of consultants, legal fees and other expenses, each local government is asked to contribute its share of the cost which is determined by its proportionate use of electricity. Roanoke County's fee assessment is $9,735. Staff recommended approval to pay the negotiating fee from the Board Contingency Fund. Supervisor Nickens requested that the funding not come from the Board contingency Fund but should be funded from the existing budget. Supervisor Minnix moved to approve the $9,735 expenditure and that Mr. Hodge is to find the necessary funds to cover the fee. The motion carried by the following recorded 568 August 13, 1996 - - vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None IN RE: REQUESTS FOR WORK SESSIONS Mr. Hodge suggested scheduling a work session in September with American Electric Power. IN RE: REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS ~ Request for public hearing on september 24. 1996 to amend the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Charter and Member Use Agreement to permit the Authori ty to engage in solid waste collection. (william Rand. General Services Director) Mr. Rand reported that before amendments can be made to the Resource Authority Articles of Incorporation and Member Use Agreement, the city of Roanoke, Town of vinton and County of Roanoke must hold a public hearing. In response to a question from Supervisor Eddy, Mr. Rand explained that this public hearing was only to amend the documents and not to proceed with solid waste collection by the Resource Authority. Supervisor Minnix moved to set the public hearing for September 24, 1996. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson August 13,1996 ~._.- .-- ,~. 569 -- ~ _. -~~- " 4__,'~____'___"_·~' NAYS: None IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES ~ Ordinance authorizing the conveyance of a 10 foot gas line easement to Roanoke Gas company across a portion of the Public Service Center. (William Rand General Services Director) Mr. Rand reported that Roanoke Gas Company has requested an easement across a portion of the Kessler Mill Public Service Center to extend gas service to an area not presently serviced. The proposed easement would not affect any operation at Kessler Mill either current or future, and would run through an unpaved parking area. Departments housed in the Service Centér have been contacted and they are unopposed. supervisor Eddy noted that the Board report indicated a 20 foot easement but the ordinance listed a 10 foot easement. Property Manager John Willey explained that 10 feet was a permanent easement and 10 feet was a temporary easement. supervisor Harrison moved to approve the first reading with changes to make the easement consistent to be made to the ordinance by the second reading on August 27, 1996. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None 570 August 13, 1996 c=:: IN RE: APPOINTMENTS ~ Grievance Panel Ms. Allen was asked to contact Vince Reynolds about his willingness to serve another term. ~ Industrial Development Authority Supervisor Johnson nominated J. Richard Cranwell to serve another four year term which will expire September 26, 2000. h Metropolitan Transportation District Study Committee Ms. Allen was asked to report back to the Board when the Roanoke City Council makes their appointments. IN RE: CONSENT RESOLUTION R-081396-4. R-081396-4.c supervisor Nickens moved to adopt the Consent Resolution after discussion of Item 2 and correction to Item 1. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None RESOLUTION 081396-4 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS ITEM L - CONSENT AGENDA BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: 1. that the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for August 13, 1996 designated as Item L - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and concurred in as to each August 13, 1996 ~71 -~---- - item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1 through 4, inclusive, as follows: 1. Approval of Minutes - June 11, 1996, June 25, 1996, July 9, 1996 (Joint Meeting with Roanoke city Council), July 9, 1996 (regular meeting) 2. Confirmation of committee appointment to the Social Services Advisory Board. 3. Request from the Sheriff's Department to accept and appropriate the Adul t Literacy and Basic Education Program grant. 4. Request for acceptance of Lost Drive and Lost View Lane into the Virginia Department of Transportation Secondary system. 2. That the Clerk to the Board is hereby authorized and directed where required by law to set forth upon any of said items the separate vote tabulation for any such item pursuant to this resolution. On motion of Supervisor Nickens to adopt the Consent Resolution after discussion of Item 3 and correction to Item 1, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None RESOLUTION 081396-4.c REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF LOST DRIVE AND LOST VIEW LANE INTO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECONDARY SYSTEM WHEREAS, the streets described on the attached Additions Form SR-5(a), fully incorporated herein by reference, are shown on plats recorded in the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court of Roanoke County, and WHEREAS, the Resident Engineer for the virginia Department of Transportation has advised this Board the streets meet the requirements established by the Subdivision Street Requirements of the Virginia Department of Transportation, and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this Board requests the Virginia Department of Transportation to add the streets described on the attached Additions Form SR-5(A) to the secondary system of state highways, pursuant to §33.1-229, Code of Virginia, and the Department's Subdivision Street Requirements, and 572 August 13, 1996 - BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board guarantees a clear and unrestricted right-of-way, as described, and any necessary easements for cuts, fills and drainage, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Resident engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation. Recorded Vote: Moved By: Supervisor Nickens Yeas: Supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson Nays: None IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS supervisor Nickens: (1) He announced that the Orvis Company will be bringing five programs to the Planned Commercial Development on the Hammond property. Supervisor Eddy: (1) He asked what action had been taken regarding an employee incentive plan. Mr. Hodge advised that the ISOP team will develop guidelines for the program and it will be brought back to the Board within 45 days (September 24, 1996) . (2) He asked about a policy for contributing to athletic teams going to national competitions. Mr. Hodge will bring a proposed policy back in several months that will also include non-athletic competitions. (3) He received a copy of the newsletter that was sent to the civic leagues and committees, and asked about the purpose of the newsletter. Mr. Hodge responded that this is a result of quarterly meetings with civic leagues and will inform them on County issues. Ms. Green presented the distribution list. (4) He asked about negotiations for the sewage treatment plant upgrade. utility Director Gary Robertson --"'-~ -~~- ~.-. - August 13, 1996 ~ ----,-;._~.~-----..._---~ _._.._-----,~-_.~_.-,-~~ --_.~_.--_........_~~~.,-~,,-------~~----.,--- updated the Board about the project. (5) He requested an update from the staff on concerns regarding the new swimming pool ordinance. Mr. Hodge responded that he knew of no complaints but would check with the Health Department and report back. ( 6) He announced that there was an illegal sign and banner at the McDonald's at Oak Grove Plaza that has not yet been removed. Supervisor Minnix: He suggested that the Board consider locating a firing range in South Roanoke County or Franklin County that would be include all localities (counties, cities and towns) adjacent to Roanoke County. He suggested that a committee be established to study a joint firing range with the ultimate goal of a regional police department. Mr. Hodge will work with the other localities to evaluate potential sites. supervisor Harrison: (1) He has received calls from residents on Timberview road concerning Roanoke City's plan for a firing range at Carvins Cove and requested that the City and County restudy the issue. (2) He expressed appreciation for setting a work session with American Electric Power to discuss the proposed 745KV transmission line. (3) He brought back charcoal from upstate New York for Tim Gubala, a former resident of that area. Supervisor Johnson: (1) He reminded the Board members about the planning retreat on August 24 and 25. (2) He expressed ongoing concern about the conditions of the median strips when compared to Salem and Roanoke City. supervisor Nickens again 574 August 13, 1996 asked staff to contact the City of Lynchburg to see how they conduct their mowing and beautification efforts. Mr. Hodge described current plans for beautification and mowing. ( 3 ) He received correspondence from the Blue Ridge Parkway that they have received letters of support to declare the Blue Ridge Parkway an All American Road. IN RE: REPORTS Supervisor Minnix moved to receive and file the following reports. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote. ÅL General Fund unappropriated Balance ~ capital Fund Unappropriated Balance h Board contingency Fund ~ status Report on Dixie Caverns ~ Acknowledgment from VDOT of the acceptance of roads in the Secondary system in July 1996. ~ Update on private property SSE/R Program 2L Status Report on the comprehensive Plan IN RE: RECEPTION TO MEET ROANOKE COUNTY'S NEW DEPARTMENT HEADS The Board held a brief recess to attend a reception and meet the County's new department heads, Joseph Sgroi, Director of Human Resources, craig Hatmaker, Director of Management Information services, Richard Burch, Fire and Rescue Chief and Diane st. John, Registrar (who was unable to attend). August 13, 1996 .~_ ..,._ .__~ _.~._... _.~. "_~___"""_'_M ____'..,__ ....... ---_._---_.._-_._.~-,~-~-~-_...._---~---"--_.~._,._----_.~---~ .-- ~._. . .~._.,-' --... - _ ..___.____ _ ~_C_._" .._ _~ _ ~_ _. __ 575 IN RE: WORK SESSION ~ Cable Television issues AL 1996 Telecommunications Act Joseph Obenshain, Senior Assistant County Attorney, advised the Board that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 will have significant implications for Roanoke County and will affect cable television, personal communication services which are similar to cellular phone services, restrictions to dishes and towers in the zoning ordinance, and telephone competition and service. He explained that the regulations are still being written. supervisor Eddy noted that Counties had no authority at the present time to require franchises for the operation of telecommunications related businesses except for cable TV, and suggested that inclusion of counties be added the our VACo legislative proposals. Mr. Obenshain was advised to keep the Board informed on regulations being prepared. Jh. Status report on Cox Cable BPOL Tax Mr. Hodge presented a chart showing comparisons of local utilities and what their tax liabilities were. Following discussion, Mr. Hodge was asked to bring back a chart with more detailed information including dollars. supervisor Nickens requested that staff check on short-term rental for video stores such as Blockbuster. Mr. Hodge was also requested to get more information on the Cox Cable settlement of BPOL taxes with 576 August 13, 1996 - - Roanoke city. ~ Future programming options for RVTV Community Relations Director Anne Marie Green explained that RVTV has two full-time and two part-time staff as of July 1. She presented a list of productions that RVTV handled during 1995. The RVTV staff is currently responsible for three monthly programs, the Board of Supervisors Meetings, and City Council meetings, and has only 36 hours left each month for other productions. They also need to have at least one person at the studio for programming. Following discussion, Supervisors Johnson and Eddy suggested that a study be done on hiring additional staff for þ RVTV which would result in expanded productions and programming. IN RE: OTHER DISCUSSION There was a general discussion on road improvements at major interchanges with Director of Engineering and Inspections Arnold Covey. IN RE: EXECUTIVE SESSION At 7:15 p.m., Supervisor Minnix moved to go into Executive Session following the reception and work session pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.1-344 A.(5) discussion concerning a prospective business or industry; (7) potential litigation. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: August 13, 1996 577 AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None IN RE: CERTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION R-081396-5 Supervisor Minnix moved that the Board came out of Executive Session at 8:00 p.m. and adopt the certification Resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson NAYS: None RESOLUTION 081396-5 CERTIFYING EXECUTIVE MEETING· WAS HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA WHEREAS, the Board of supervisors of Roanoke County, virginia has convened an executive 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 2.1-344.1 of the Code of virginia requires a certification by the Board of supervisors of Roanoke County, virginia, that such executive 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 members knowledge: 1. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by virginia law were discussed in the executive meeting which this certification resolution applies, and 2. only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, virginia. On motion of Supervisor Minnix to adopt the 578- August 13. 1996 - Certification Resolution, and vote: AYES: NAYS: carried by the following recorded Supervisors Eddy, Minnix, Harrison, Nickens, Johnson None IN RE: ADJOURNMENT At 8:01 p. m. , Chairman Johnson declared the meeting adjourned to Saturday, August 24, 1996, at 4:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn-Tanglewood for the purpose of a planning retreat. Submitted by, Approved by, n?~ ;;t..,/. a..¿¿~~ Mary H. Allen, CMC Clerk to the Board