HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/8/1991 - Special
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.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,
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June 8, 1991
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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.
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June 8, 1991
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(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
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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.
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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.
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