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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/11/1991 - Regular June 11, 1991 440 Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Roanoke County Administration Center 3738 Brambleton Avenue S. w. Roanoke, Virginia 24018 June 11, 1991 The Roanoke County 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 June, 1991. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman McGraw called the meeting to order at 3:06 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman steven A. McGraw, Supervisors Lee B. Eddy, Bob L. Johnson, Richard W. Robers MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chairman Harry C. Nickens (arrived at 3:10 p.m. ) STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Mary H. Allen, Clerk to the Board; John R. Hubbard, Assistant County Administrator, John M. Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator, Don M. Myers, Assistant County Administrator, IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES The invocation was given by the Reverend Charles W. Easley, Jr., st. Mark's Lutheran Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. " 44 1 June 11, 1991 IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS ~ Resolution of Appreciation to Minor Keffer for his service to the communi tv. R-61191-1 Mr. Keffer was not present to receive the resolution but sent word that he appreciated the recognition. Supervisor Eddy moved to adopt the resolution. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None RESOLUTION 61191-1 OF APPRECIATION TO MINOR E. KEFFER FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN ROANOKE COUNTY WHEREAS, Minor E. Keffer has been a lifelong resident of the Catawba community in Roanoke County; and WHEREAS, in 1941 he purchased the Catawba Mercantile, a community landmark which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and was responsible for ensuring that a post office remained in Catawba by providing the building, the water and the electricity; and' WHEREAS, he served as a member of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, representing the Catawba Magisterial District from 1948 to 1967; and WHEREAS, other community service included assisting the black community in getting electric services in the 1930's, serving on a citizen's committee that inspected the old courthouse and recommended expansion, and serving on the building committee for " ~, June 11, 1991 442 Lht:: 5cllt::m Civic Center. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Minor Keffer for his many years of devoted service to the residents of Roanoke County. FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors offers its congratulations to Mr. Keffer upon the 50th anniversary of the Catawba Mercantile. On motion of Supervisor Eddy, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, McGraw, Johnson, Nickens, Robers NAYS: None ~ Resolution of Appreciation uPon the retirement of Samuel W. Crews. R-61191-2 Mr. Crews was present to accept the resolution Supervisor Eddy moved to adopt the resolution. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None RESOLUTION 61191-2 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO SAMUEL W. CREWS FOR ELEVEN YEARS AND SEVEN MONTHS OF SERVICE TO ROANOKE COUNTY WHEREAS, Samuel W. Crews was first employed on November 5, 1979, as a Part-Time Account Clerk II in Finance, and became a Full-Time Account Clerk on July 1, 1980; and " 44 3 June 11, 1991 WHEREAS, Samuel W. Crews has also served as an Account Clerk II for utility Billing, Account Clerk II for the Treasurer, Account Clerk II for the Commissioner of Revenue, and as a Business Ordinance Inspector; and WHEREAS, many times during his employment with Roanoke County, Samuel W. Crews in his capacity as an ordained minister provided inspiration to many by his invocations at Board Meetings; and WHEREAS, Samuel W. Crews, through his employment with Roanoke County, has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for its citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens of Roanoke County to SAMUEL W. CREWS for eleven years and seven months of capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County. FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy, restful, and productive retirement. On motion of Supervisor Eddy to adopt resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw NAYS: None ~ Recoqnition of County employees ~ Diane Hvatt for receipt of Excellence in Financial Reportinq for Comprehensive Annual Financial Reoort. " June 11, 1991 444 Finance Director Diane Hyatt was present and accepted the award from Chairman McGraw. ~ Reta Busher for receipt of Distinquished BUdqet Presentation for the Annual BUdqet. Director of Management and Budget Reta Busher was present and accepted the award from Chairman McGraw. ~ Brent Robertson for receivinq his desiqnation as a certified PUblic Accountant. Brent Robertson was presented to be recognized. IN RE: NEW BUSINESS ~ Approval of aqreement with Appalachian Power Comoany for the purchase of electricity. A-61191-3 County Attorney Paul Mahoney reported that the new Public Authority Agreement with Appalachian Power Company will control the electricity rates for a three-year period from July 1, 1990 until June 30, 1993. This agreement will result in a credit to localities of the difference between the old rates and the new rates for the period between July 1990 and November 1990. Supervisor Eddy asked to see the comparison between the old rates and new rates, and Mr. Mahoney responded that he would give him that information. Supervisor Nickens moved to accept the agreement. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. " 445 June 11, 1991 NAYS: None ~ Approval of Aqreement with Certified Medical Representative Institute. Inc. for fee in lieu of Real Estate taxes. A-61191-4 This agreement is a result of approval by the Board of IDA bonds for CMRI, Inc., a non-profit entity. The fee in lieu of real estate taxes equals 20% of the current assessed value of the property. There was no discussion. Supervisor Nickens moved to approve the agreement. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None ~ Request from Roanoke County Firefiqhters Association for payroll deduction of dues. A:,Z,1191-5 Supervisor Johnson advised that he requested that this item be placed on the agenda because he did not agree with the County Ad!rrinistrator's decision to deny the Firefighters Association the use of payroll deduction for their dues. He asked that the Board oVHr:;,oide the County Administrator's decision. Supervisors Eddy and McGraw both stated they felt this should be '~~i administrative matter. Supervisor Johnson also asked for direction on the Board's authority to place items on the agenda. Chairman McGraw suggested " June 11, 1991 446 -------< that they con~ac~ nlm It there lS any problem in placing an item on the agenda. Supervisor Johnson moved to grant the request of the Firefighters Association for payroll deduction of dues. The motion was defeated by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Robers, Johnson NAYS: Supervisors Eddy, Nickens, McGraw IN RE: REQUESTS FOR WORK SESSIONS ~ Request for Work Session on June 25, 1991 to discuss water lines for new water system. Supervisor Nickens advised that he would be out of town during the June 25 meeting and asked that the work session be held over until July 9. Supervisor Johnson moved to set the work session for June 25 and that it be continued to July 9, 1991. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None G. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES ~ Ordinance authorizinq an increase in the utility Service Tax and addinq Water Service as a taxable utility service. Assistant County Administrator John Hubbard reviewed the history of the Spring Hollow Reservoir Project. Finance Director Diane Hyatt presented the financial plan for " 44 7 June 11, 1991 - funding the project and outlined the changes to the water rates and connection fees. She advised that the rates will increase 35% the first year and 10% for the following four years. The utility tax rate will be increased from 6% to 12% of the first $15.00 of residential service and $5,000 of commercial service. Supervisor Eddy pointed out a minor modification to the ordinance and Mr. Mahoney advised he would make the change. Supervisor Eddy asked if any excess funds would be earmarked for capital projects. Ms. Hyatt responded that the intent of the Board in 1985 was that the funds would be used only for capital or debt service. Supervisor Johnson moved to approve first reading with the minor modification suggested by Supervisor Eddy, and with an effective date of September 1, 1991. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None ~ Ordinance amendinq the Roanoke County Code by amendinq and reenactinq Section 22-82. Rates and Fees of Chapter 12. Water by providinq procedures for an increase in water service rates and connection fees. Supervisor Eddy asked that the Board consider his proposed alternate rate structure. He expressed concern about the increased connection fee and the effect on economic development. He asked whether the Board could adopt future rate increases. Mr. Mahoney " June 11, 1991 448 l. t::::¡puIld~d that !uture ljoaras COU.La change the fee structure whenever they choose, but the governing body would still be responsible for paying off the revenue bond. Supervisor Eddy moved to defer action until the completed rate and feasibility study is received from the consultants. Supervisor Nickens offered a substitute motion to approve first reading of the ordinance. Supervisor Eddy asked to present a statement prior to the vote and requested that his comments be included in the minutes. "Mr. Chairman, in the mid 1980' s a committee that included representation from all the Roanoke Valley governments recommended that a side-stream reservoir at Spring Hollow in western Roanoke County was the best choice for a new water source to supply the future needs of the region. This recommendation was made after the committee evaluated many different possibilities. In 1986, County voters approved a $15 million General Obligation Bond issue to finance the County portion of the proposed Spring Hollow dam and reservoir. About this same time, the Board of Supervisors increased water rates and connection fees significantly to a level calculated to generate the revenue needed to build and operate the associated treatment plant, transmission lines and storage facilities. This was all done with the expectation that Roanoke and Salem would jointly contribute 40% of the reservoir cost, and that the County's share would be $16 million. At that time payment of debt service on $16 million in bonds was estimated to equal six cents of the County's real estate " 449 June 11, 1991 - tax rate or $30 per year for the owner of a $50,000 house. Since that time, five years ago, Roanoke and Salem have declined to participate in the project, and the estimated costs have increased dramatically. Now, the first phase of the project, to include a 23 million-gallon-per-day (MGD) reservoir, an 8 MGD treatment plant, a transmission line from the treatment plant to the southwest urban area of Roanoke County, and some local storage tanks is estimated to cost more than $72 million. Debt service on this amount is planned to be paid by the taxpayers and water users of Roanoke County alone, excluding Vinton. Today, the Board of Supervisors is being asked to approve a water rate and fee structure that, over the next few years, will double the rates and fees set in 1986. The increased cost to the average homeowner will be over $200 per year, on top of the water rates and fees set in 1986. I have several serious concerns regarding this project and the associated costs: First, the County citizens are being asked to pay water rates and fees that are drastically more than those expected when the project was launched in 1986. Second, no comprehensive study has been made of possible less- expensive alternative sources of water for Roanoke County since our neighboring jurisdictions pulled out and the costs escalated to such a dramatic level. Cursory studies were conducted of obtaining water from Smith Mountain Lake or the James River, but these sources were concluded to be less cost-effective. I believe a new, " June 11, 1991 45 0 - :::>t::l. .1.UU::¡, .iIldependent stuay or a.L ~ernatl ves should be conducted before the Spring Hollow project passes the "point of no return". Thirdly, the original purpose of a new water supply was to serve the needs and to promote economic development in the entire Roanoke Valley. That concept was abandoned during the consolidation discussions and afterwards. I think the Spring Hollow project should be deferred until we make at least one more serious attempt to approach the Valley's future water needs on a truly regional basis. Fourth, I have questions over the specific rate and fee structure that the Board is being asked to approve. I am not convinced the consultant and staff have evaluated or given the Board any realistic alternatives to consider. For these reasons, Mr. Chairman, I plan to vote "No" on the first reading of the proposed ordinance to increase water rates and fees. Thank you." Supervisor Nickens's substitute motion to approve first reading of the ordinance was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Supervisors Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. Supervisor Eddy ~ Ordinance vacatinq an existinq 12 foot pUblic utility and drainaqe easement located on Lot 4, Block 5. Section 1. Hidden Valley Homes SUbdivision. upon petition of Ronald B. Smith. " 45 1 June 11, 1991 Supervisor Nickens moved to approve first reading of the ordinance. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None .L. Ordinances amendinq the Roanoke County Code reqardinq Recyclinq and the purchase of recycled paper. ~ Ordinance amendinq Chapter 20. "Solid Waste." of the Roanoke County Code by the addition of a new article III. "Recyclinq" by providinq for certain recyclinq reports. ~ Ordinance amendinq Chapter 17 of the Roanoke County Code by the addition of a new Section providinq for a preference for the purchase of recycled paper or paper products. Mr. Hodge advised that he is setting a work session on the Solid Waste Plan for June 25, 1991. Supervisor Nickens asked that approval of the ordinances and plan be continued to July 9, 1991 because he will be out of town and will not be able to attend the June 25 meeting. Mr. Hodge advised that the Solid Waste Plan must be approved and submitted to the State by July 1, 1991. Supervisor Robers moved to approve first reading of the ordinances and set a work session for June 25, 1991. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, McGraw. NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Supervisor Nickens ~ Ordinance authorizinq conveyance of Riqhts-of-Way " June 11, 1991 452 in t101~J.ns communJ.ty Development Pro;ect Botetourt County for acceptance by VDOT. There was no discussion of this ordinance and no one was to present to speak. Supervisor Johnson moved to approve first reading of the ordinance. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None ~ ordinance amendinq the Roanoke County Code by amendinq Section 12-8. Adoption of State Law of Article I of Chapter 12. Motor Vehicles and Traffic. There was no discussion of this ordinance and no one was present to speak. Supervisor Robers moved to approve first reading of the ordinance. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None h Ordinance authorizinq the dedication of Vinyard Park Drive to the City of Roanoke and the execution of a new aqreement with the City concerninq Vinyard Park Drive. There was no discussion of this ordinance and no one was present to speak. Supervisor Nickens moved to approve first reading of the " 45 3 June 11, 1991 ordinance. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None IN RE: APPOINTMENTS ~ Roanoke Valley Reqional Solid Waste Manaqement Board Supervisor Nickens nominated John Hubbard to serve another four-year term expiring July 31, 1995. IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA R-61191-6 Supervisor Johnson moved to approve the Consent Agenda with Item 5 removed for discussion. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None Supervisor Eddy moved to approve Item 5 contingent upon receipt of the necessary insurance documents. The motion was carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw. NAYS: None Supervisor Nickens asked the County Attorney to investigate why Roanoke County must approve Fireworks Permits for the Town of vinton. RESOLUTION 61191-6 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS ITEM J - CONSENT AGENDA " June 11, 1991 45 4 - У IT RESULV~U DY ~ne ~oara ot supervlsors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: 1. that the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for June 11, 1991, designated as Item J - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1 through 5 inclusive, as follows: 1. Confirmation of Committee Appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission, Virginia Western Community College Board, and Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee. 2. Acceptance of Sanitary Sewer Facilities serving sink Sewer Extension. 3. Acceptance of Buckwood Trail into the Virginia Department of Transportation Secondary System. 4. Acceptance of Fairway View Trail into the Virginia Department of Transportation Secondary System. 5. Approval of Fireworks Permit for the Town of Vinton. 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 Johnson with Item 5 removed for a separate vote, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, McGraw, Johnson, Nickens, Robers NAYS: None Item 5 approved upon motion of Supervisor Johnson contingent " 45 5 June 11, 1991 upon receipt of insurance documents, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, McGraw, Johnson, Nickens, Robers NAYS: None RESOLUTION 61191-6.c REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF BUCKWOOD TRAIL INTO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEM BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: 1. That this matter came this day to be heard upon the proceedings herein, and upon the application of Buckwood Trail, from the intersection of Route 864 to the cUl-de-sac, for a distance of 0.32 mile to be accepted and made a part of the Secondary System of State Highways under Section 33.1-229 of the Virginia State Code. 2. That it appears to the Board that drainage easements and a fifty (50) foot right-of-way for said road have heretofore been dedicated by virtue of a certain map known as Buckhorn Wood Subdivision which map was recorded in Plat Book 12, Page 34, of the records of the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court of Roanoke County, Virginia, on November 14, 1989 and that by reason of the recordation of said map no report from a Board of Viewers, nor consent or donation of right-of-way from the abutting property owners is necessary. The Board hereby guarantees said right-of- way for drainage. " June 11, 1991 45 6 ~ . That said roaéi known as ~uckwooa Tral1 and WhlCh is shown on a certain sketch accompanying this Resolution, be, and the same is hereby established as a public road to become a part of the state Secondary System of Highways in Roanoke County, only from and after notification of official acceptance of said street or highway by the Virginia Department of Transportation. On motion of Supervisor Johnson to adopt resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw NAYS: None RESOLUTION 61191-6.d REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF FAIRWAY VIEW TRAIL INTO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEM BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows: 1. That this matter came this day to be heard upon the proceedings herein, and upon the application of Fairway View Trail from the intersection of Fairway Estates Drive (Route 1380) to the cul-de-sac for a distance of 0.60 miles to be accepted and made a part of the Secondary System of State Highways under Section 33.1- 229 of the Virginia State Code. 2. That it appears to the Board that drainage easements and a fifty (50) foot right-of-way for said road have heretofore been dedicated by virtue of a certain maps known as Fairway Forest Estates, Section 1 & 2 Subdivision which maps were recorded in Plat Book 11, Page 41, and Plat Book 10, Page 122, of the records " 45 7 June 11, 1991 of the Clerk's Off ice of the Circuit Court of Roanoke County, Virginia, on January 15, 1987 and January 14, 1988 and that by reason of the recordation of said map no report from a Board of Viewers, nor consent or donation of right-of-way from the abutting property owners is necessary. The Board hereby guarantees said right-of-way for drainage. 3. That said road known as Fairway View Trail and which is shown on a certain sketch accompanying this Resolution, be, and the same is hereby established as a public road to become a part of the state Secondary System of Highways in Roanoke County, only from and after notification of official acceptance of said street or highway by the Virginia Department of Transportation. On motion of Supervisor Johnson to adopt resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Supervisors Eddy, Robers, Johnson, Nickens, McGraw NAYS: None IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS Supervisor Nickens asked County Administrator Elmer Hodge to work with youth who do not live or attend school in Roanoke County, and are no longer permitted to play youth athletics in the County. Supervisor McGraw announced that there will be a meeting of the VACo/VML Task Force on July 2 in Richmond. IN RE: REPORTS Supervisor Johnson moved to receive and file the " June 11, 1991 45 8 following reports. Tne mO~10n carrled by a unanlmous voice vote. 1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance 2. Board Contingency Fund IN RE: WORK SESSIONS ~ Capital Improvement Proqram county Administrator Elmer Hodge reported that he would like to adopt the Capital Improvement Program for future planning purposes. He stated that he felt the format is not as important as the process and the proj ects , and asked the Board to set priorities or eliminate the projects. He advised that the Capital Improvement Program should be adopted before going to bond counsel. Supervisor Nickens responded that the first priority should be to maintain what the County has now. Supervisor Eddy disagreed and stated he felt that maintenance should not be included in the CIP. School Superintendent Bayes Wilson was present and advised that they need to apply for literary loans now because it would be at least two years before they could get the money. The School Board could not afford to finance literary loans before then because of the current debt service. Supervisor McGraw asked about the deadline for placing a bond referendum on the ballot. Mr. Mahoney responded that action must be taken sixty days prior to Election Day. The Board would need to take action at the first or second meeting in August. Following further discussion, there was board consensus to set " 45 9 June 11, 1991 - another work session for July 9, 1991. The County Administrator was directed to bring back the debt retirement schedule, priorities, costs of salaries, available revenue and alternative funding sources. ~ Parks & Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Carpenter introduced William Skelton and Vince Joyce of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. Mr . Skelton reviewed the work of the Commission in gathering information on the Senior citizens Center and reported that they took two surveys. Mr. Joyce presented the results of the surveys taken in 1989 and 1991. He advised that the senior citizen population will double by the year 2003. They are currently utilizing the Ogdon Center and six satellite operations for their senior citizen activities. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission recommends replacement of the Ogden Senior citizens Center and would like to visit those who use the other centers to find out what they want. Supervisor McGraw suggested a regional approach with participation by other jurisdictions and was advised that the Commission supported that concept. Supervisor Nickens expressed concern that if the possibility of a new center is taken to the citizens, it may raise false expectations. There was board consensus to support the Commission conducting a survey of the other senior citizens groups to ascertain their future needs, and that they explore the possibility of merging " June 11, 1991 46 0 - - act:i"vit:Ü~s with uLht::l. lUl,.;cll yuv~rnments. IN RE: ADJOURNMENT At 6:50 p.m., Supervisor Nickens moved to adjourn. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote. ~~q¿~ even A. McGraw, Cnalrman " - "