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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/8/1991 - Special 43 ~ =:J .T1Ul.e 8, 1991 Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Roanoke County Administration Center 3738 Brambleton Avenue S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24018 June 8, 1991 The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, met this day at the Roanoke County Hollins Branch Library, this being an adjourned meeting from May 28, 1991 for the purpose of a Strategic Planning Session. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman McGraw called the meeting to order at 7:55 a.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Steven A. McGraw, Vice Chairman Harry C. Nickens, Supervisors Lee B. Eddy, Bob L. Johnson MEMBERS ABSENT: Supervisor Richard W. Robers (arrived at 1:00 p.m. ) STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Mary H. Allen, Clerk to the Board IN RE: VIEWING OF VIDEO The Board members viewed the video "What's Hot in Hampton", describing the new management style at the City of Hampton, .f' 436 June 8, 1991 - ¡== :- Virginia. County Administrator Elmer Hodge explained that Roanoke County is preparing to adopt a similar type of management structure. IN RE: STRATEGIC PLANNING Mr. Hodge asked the Board member to identify changes in County government which they felt would improve its effectiveness. They identified the following areas of concern: (1) Elimination of the counterproductive "we-they" attitude, i.e. between county-schools, county-city, staff-public, staff- Board. (2) Improvement of communication with citizens: (a) proactive not reactive; (b) "nuts and bolts" response to complaints; (c) good attitude is important. (3) Offer alternative solutions to problems. (4) Create a better work environment, i.e. plan to improve the current situation. (5) More supportive attitude between: (a) staff; (b) department heads; (c) board and staff; (d) board, staff and public. (6) Institute comprehensive planning with a commitment to implementation. IN RE: BUILDING AN IMAGE Mr. Hodge asked what steps could be taken to create a better image of Roanoke County. The Board made the following suggestions: (1) Improve and enhance public media efforts. (2) Create a Speakers Bureau (3) Institute a stronger public information program. ,. June 8, 1991 43i - (4) Create and direct positive news stories (5) Look for the story and sell it. IN RE: REGIONAL COOPERATION The Board members discussed specific issues such as water and landfill that could be addressed through regional cooperation versus general planning types of projects. Following discussion, there was Board consensus that Chairman McGraw would write Dr. James McComas, President of VPI&SU and Delegate Richard Cranwell and ask their assistance in setting up a meeting with other Roanoke Valley governing bodies to discuss issues such as long range planning, state funding losses, tourism, and sponsorship of major athletic events. IN RE: OTHER ISSUES: 1. Jobs and Neiahborhoods: There was Board consensus that the zoning ordinance should interpret a philosophy towards increasing industry. It should be more customer/building oriented and flexible but with high standards. Greater use of neighborhood and community meetings was emphasized, as was protection of land for future commercial use. 2. Privatization: Mr. Hodge reported that a committee is studying various privatization options and will report back to the Board in June. 3. Staff Reoraanization: Mr. Hodge, County Attorney Paul Mahoney and Clerk Mary Allen updated the Board on the structure reorganization of County staff. Mr. Hodge explained that the Assistant County Administrators will not have direct line " 438 June 8, 1991 responsibility, but will serve as project managers and departments will be given greater authority and responsibility. There was general support for the concept. 4. Communications: Following discussion on the evaluation forms used to evaluate the performance of the County Administrator and County Attorney, the Board directed Mr. Hodge to use the form suggested by Supervisor Eddy, refined to include comment sections. Mr. Hodge will present the modified evaluation forms to the Board in July. Mr. Hodge asked for direction on how to handle requests from Board members for studies. Following discussion, there was board consensus that the Board members should police themselves and that Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Hodge would be responsible for informing the board members of the time necessary to handle such requests. 5. Bond Referendum: There was no consensus to go forward with a bond referendum at this time. .6. Resource Authori tv: Supervisor Robers suggested that there be one regional resource authority for water, sewer and landfill. There was board consensus not to act on this until Dr. McComas and Delegate Cranwell set up a regional meeting to discuss more general issues. 7. Tax structure: There was general agreement to lobby the General Assembly to include in the County charter authority for Roanoke County to tax tobacco. There was no Board support for an ordinance that would freeze personal property tax rates for the elderly. " 43 Q JUDe 8, 1~ 8. Hotel Roanoke: Supervisor McGraw recommended putting the question of County funding of the project before the citizens in a bond referendum. 9. Dixie Caverns and stormwater utilitv: Mr. Mahoney updated the board members on these issues. 10. UDcomina Elections: Mr. Hodge asked for board direction on requests for information from candidates. They advised that he should use his own discretion, depending upon the time and cost involved. IN RE: ADJOURNMENT At 3: 00 p.m., Supervisor Johnson moved to adjourn. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote. ~~0~~ :" :"