2/12/2008 - Regular
February 12, 2008
57
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
February 12, 2008
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 February 2008.
IN RE:
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Flora called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The roll call was
taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Richard C. Flora, Vice-Chairman Michael W.
Altizer, Supervisors Joseph B. "Butch" Church, Joseph P.
McNamara, Charlotte A. Moore
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney,
County Attorney; John M. Chambliss, Assistant County
Administrator; Dan O'Donnell, Assistant County
Administrator; Brenda J. Holton, Deputy Clerk to the Board;
Teresa Hamilton Hall, Public Information Officer
IN RE:
OPENING CEREMONIES
The invocation was given by Dr. Dave Peterson, First Baptist Church. The
Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
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February 12, 2008
REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF
AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Hodge requested that the following items be added to the agenda: (1)
Briefing by Rick Burch, Chief, Fire and Rescue, on the forest and brush fires. (2) A new
business item for confirmation of a resolution declaring a local emergency due to the
forest and brush fires, high winds, and electrical outages. It was the consensus of the
Board to add these items to the agenda.
Supervisor Church requested a closed meeting for members of the Board
only pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 (A) (1) discussion or
IN RE:
consideration of the employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance,
demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation of specific public officers. He advised that
there may be some information to divulge after the closed meeting. It was the
consensus of the Board to add the closed meeting.
BRIEFINGS
.b BriefinQ from Total Action AQainst Poverty (TAP) reQardinQ
current prOQrams and activities. (Ted Edlich. President)
Mr. Edlich expressed his appreciation to the Board for their service to the
community and their continued support of TAP which is the community action agency
serving the Roanoke Valley, Alleghany Highlands, Lexington, and Rockbridge. He
advised that last year through education, housing, counseling, and financial services,
TAP significantly improved the lives of 433 low-income Roanoke County citizens. He
IN RE:
February 12, 2008
59
advised that he had arranged to show a film which illustrates the opportunities which
were provided for the citizens by TAP with the Board's assistance. He advised that he
was distributing TAP's annual report for 2006/2007 which gives a more complete
explanation of their work, and a TAP umbrella to each of the Board members. He
requested that the Board members use the umbrellas to show their support of TAP and
to remember those who are without shelter in the United States and often in this
community. He advised that the Board will receive a report on homelessness prepared
by the Rescue Mission, TAP, Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, Mental Health
Association and others which contains specific recommendations for dealing with this
issue on a local and regional basis. He asked that the Board review the report and the
recommendations. A seven-minute film was shown at this time.
2. BriefinQ on the forest and brush fires. (Chief Richard Burch. Fire
and Rescue)
Chief Burch thanked the Board for the opportunity to provide a briefing on
the fires. He expressed appreciation to the career staff and volunteers of the Roanoke
County Fire and Rescue Department, and advised that their performance was second to
none in adverse conditions and at personal risks. He expressed appreciation to the
administrative staff that opened the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Sunday,
February 10, 2008, and advised that the EOC remains open at this time. He advised
that on Monday, February 11, there were approximately 30 people at the EOC to
support the field personnel and acknowledged that having sufficient support personnel
60
February 12, 2008
was essential to fighting the fire.
He displayed a map showing the boundaries of the fire, and advised that
the fire started on Sunday, February 10, at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Loch Haven
Road. He stated that this fire was one of many fires that afternoon and stated that
Sunday from approximately 11 :00 a.m. until midnight, the department handled 71
service calls. He expressed appreciation to the 9-1-1 dispatchers and advised that
during that same time period they handled approximately 500 non-emergency calls and
more than 500 emergency calls. He reported that the dispatchers processed all of
these calls in a professional manner. He pointed out the area on the map that burned
from Sunday until approximately 11 :00 a.m. Monday and advised that it extended from
Loch Haven Road to Plantation Road and Carvins Cove, and almost to Loch Haven
Lake. He also pointed out the area that burned Monday afternoon and was still burning
today at 11 :00 a.m. He pointed out the bulldozer line that was established to stop the
fire and stated that the fire jumped that line Monday night. He advised that the strategy
now is to establish another bulldozer line between the fire and the Carvins Cove Road
area in order to have a backfire. He stated that although the rain has provided some
help with the fire, the Virginia Department of Forestry advises that there must be at least
a half inch of steady rain to impact the fire. He advised that Sunday evening the fire
was burning very aggressively due to the high winds, and it was estimated that the
County had wind gusts at times up to approximately 75 miles per hour. He advised that
the fire fighting conditions were extreme and severe and when he left the EOC to
February 12, 2008
61
inspect the fire lines Sunday night, the smoke was so great you could only see a
glimpse of fire trucks parked in the driveways on Timberview Road. He advised that the
fire burned within five feet of some houses.
Chief Burch advised that on Sunday, staff responded to more than 71 calls
and at one point in time, every unit in the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department
was in service on some type of fire or emergency medical services call. He advised that
this was the first time in his career with the department that every unit in the County was
in use. He advised that they requested assistance from the Cities of Roanoke and
Salem but were informed that these localities were experiencing the same situation as
the County and could not help. He advised that knowing from experience that this fire
could burn for multiple days, he used the new statewide mutual aid program which
issued a request to every locality in the state for five additional engine companies to
help with the fire. He advised that at this time many of the County personnel had been
on the fire line for 36 hours or more and this was necessary due to a shortage of
manpower. He advised that some stations are currently operating at under staff
capacity because of the demands of the fire and the need to protect structures. He
advised that Roanoke City is currently staffing two County fire stations which include the
Clearbrook Station that is normally co-staffed with Roanoke City, and the Hollins Fire
Station. Chief Burch advised that the regional cooperation that the County has received
has been outstanding.
Chief Burch advised that on Sunday 200 people were involved with the
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February 12, 2008
fire, 75 people on Monday, and they have approximately 45 to 50 people working the
fire today. He advised that they were informed this afternoon that 58 personnel from the
National Guard are being briefed to provide relief for the County staff.
Chief Burch advised that the resources and cooperation both inside and
outside the County have been tremendous, and they certainly could not have fought the
fire without them. He advised that the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
training which was provided for the Board and staff proved to be beneficial. He advised
that even though the response to the previous fire which occurred approximately 18
months ago was good, the response was better this time because of the training that
had been provided. He thanked the Board for providing the new EOC which worked
extremely well. He advised that there being only one minor injury to a firefighter and no
civilian injuries could be attributed to many things including the equipment and
protective clothing that the Board made possible. He advised that the fire has burned
approximately 2,400 acres to date, and they have expended approximately 3,500
personnel hours in the first 48 hours of the fire. He reported that 4,000 to 5,000
personnel hours will be utilized before the fire is extinguished.
Chief Burch advised that the outside agencies assisting the County
included the following: City of Roanoke, City of Salem, Town of Vinton, Botetourt
County, Elliston Volunteer Fire Department, Montgomery County, Wise County,
Washington County, City of Norton, Town of Big Stone Gap, Augusta County, City of
Harrisonburg, Henry County, Craig County, Virginia Department of Forestry, and the
February 12, 2008
63
National Guard. He advised that in his entire career, he has never received nor
requested mutual aid from units located more than a hundred miles away, and he
thought it was truly amazing that the County received assistance from localities at that
distance. He stated that Supervisor Moore visited the site and Supervisor Altizer
furnished two meals for staff. He advised that he appreciated the Board's support and
conveyed that support to the personnel.
Chief Burch advised that they received outstanding support from the
Information Technology Department and that Gary Coleman, Community Development
Department, produced some outstanding maps for them to use in the field. He advised
that General Services, Community Development, Real Estate Valuation, the 9-1-1
Center, Police Department, Sheriff's Office, and staff from other departments provided
assistance at the EGC.
Chief Burch advised that firefighters saved 47 homes estimated to be
worth $1.25 million and not one house was scorched. He advised that the citizens who
live in the area have expressed their appreciation to County personnel for keeping their
homes safe. He advised that he could not say enough about County personnel and
how well they performed and continue to perform since the fire has not been
extinguished. He advised that they are unable to put a percentage on the containment
of the fire; however, they do have spot containment, and in the next few days, the
weather will have an impact on whether the fire will keep burning.
Supervisor Altizer advised that he was at the EOC twice yesterday and
64
February 12, 2008
everything was extremely well-organized. He advised that he also visited the command
post at the church yesterday and talked to some of the firefighters and was impressed
by their attitude of doing whatever it takes to control the fire. He advised that for this
many acres to burn without significant injuries and without property losses is a
testament to the training and dedication of the personnel. He commended Chief Burch
and all of the personnel involved for their assistance.
Supervisor Church asked Chief Burch to explain for the public the
meaning of EOC and where it is located. Chief Burch advised that EOC stands for
Emergency Operations Center; it is located in the new public safety building and
includes the technology to accomplish many things they could not do previously. He
advised that they include representatives from fire and rescue, police, public
information, and logistics at the EOC and they coordinate the requests from the field for
resources.
Supervisor Church advised that the EOC is located in a building that the
taxpayers paid for and which is a tremendous asset for the County. He advised that
when the EOC was located at Southview during the tire fire, it was a very cramped area,
and he feels that the new EOC is a benefit to the safety and lives of County citizens. He
advised that the public safety building is located on Cove Road. He advised that he
talked to Mr. Hodge after the fire began because he could not get home or come to the
EOC since the interstate was closed off Route 581. He expressed appreciation to all of
the people who assisted with the fire and especially the County's supporting
February 12, 2008
65
departments. He advised that he also wanted to thank Todd Burns, American Electric
Power, who with out-of-state assistance got the power turned back on Monday night in
his area, which exceeded the original expectations of power being off until Friday. He
advised that this accomplishment was greatly appreciated since there were some
situations where generators were needed to maintain medical assistance. He
expressed his appreciation to Chief Burch and advised that when something like this
happens, training and equipment comes into play. He asked that Chief Burch convey
his thanks to those involved with this event.
Chief Burch advised that Supervisor Church's comments reminded him
that he also wanted to thank the State Police and the Virginia Department of
Transportation for their cooperation and assistance during this event. He also reported
that Roanoke City opened the Roanoke Civic Center as an evacuation center for the
Roanoke Valley because of the power outages, and although he did not know if any
County citizens went there, it was available if needed.
Supervisor Moore expressed her appreciation to Chief Burch, the
firefighters, departmental staff, and all involved for the great job that they did. She
advised that she heard overwhelming responses from the citizens thanking County
personnel for protecting property and lives.
Supervisor McNamara advised that he tried to get as close to the fire as
he could without being in anyone's way. He advised that he was not surprised by the
excellent responses since the people who work in public safety want to help whether
66
February 12, 2008
they are from Roanoke County or the surrounding jurisdictions. He advised that
Roanoke County firefighters have provided assistance to other areas also, and he
asked Chief Burch to pass along his thanks to everyone concerned.
Supervisor Flora advised that he had the opportunity yesterday to visit the
EOC, and advised that it was very impressive and the cooperation among the people
and resources there were excellent. He advised that this was a unique fire and one of
the most dangerous types of fires because there is almost nothing you can do to fight
the fire without putting people's lives in jeopardy when winds are gusting 40 to 60 miles
per hour. He stated that the best thing that can be done is to keep the houses from
being burned and the County was successful in doing that. He advised that he
understood that one civilian vehicle was destroyed. He advised that all involved did a
fine job and he expressed his appreciation.
Chief Burch advised that when the invocation was being delivered today, it
reminded him that we need to also give thanks to the Lord. He advised that although
the County did some great things, some things happened which he could not explain
and he felt they were miracles. He advised that the staff gave briefings on the events
and the news media worked well with the County. He advised that the news media and
County staff provided updates on the fire on their websites, and he heard a number of
citizens remark that these updates were very beneficial. He expressed appreciation to
Teresa Hall, Public Information Officer, and Jennifer Conley-Sexton, Fire and Rescue
Department, for getting this information out to the public.
February 12, 2008
67
IN RE:
NEW BUSINESS
1.: Resolution confirmina the County Administrator's declaration of!
local emeraency due to forest and brush fires. hiah winds. and
electrical outaaes. (Elmer Hodae. County Administrator)
R-021208-1
Chairman Flora advised that this resolution was added to the agenda. He
reported that approval of the resolution is one of the requirements in the event that
some type of aid might be available if the Governor declares an emergency. There was
no discussion.
Supervisor Flora moved to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES:
Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara, Flora
NAYS:
None
RESOLUTION 021208-1 CONFIRMING THE COUNTY
ADMINISTRATOR'S DECLARATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY
DUE TO FOREST AND BRUSH FIRES, HIGH WINDS, AND
ELECTRICAL OUTAGES
WHEREAS, Virginia Code Section 44-146.21 provides that "in the event
the governing body cannot convene due to [a] disaster or other exigent circumstances,
the [local] director [of emergency services] . . . may declare the existence of a local
emergency, subject to confirmation by the governing body at its next regularly
scheduled meeting or at a special meeting within fourteen days of the declaration,
whichever occurs first; and
WHEREAS, in conformity with the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency
Services and Disaster Law of 2000 (Virginia Code Section 44-146.13 et seq.), the Board
of Supervisors by adoption of Resolution No. 111798-2, adopted an Emergency
Operations Plan for Roanoke County, and designated the County Administrator as the
Director of Emergency Services; and
68
February 12, 2008
WHEREAS, by virtue of the authority vested in him by Section 44-146.21,
the County Administrator, as the County's Director of Emergency Services, issued a
Declaration of Local Emergency on February 10, 2008, in response to forest and brush
fires, highs winds, and electrical outages.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA:
That pursuant to Virginia Code Section 44-146.21 Board of Supervisors
hereby ratifies and confirms the Declaration of Local Emergency issued by the County
Administrator, in his capacity as the County's Director of Emergency Services, on
February 10, 2008, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and is hereby
incorporated by reference.
On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara, Flora
NAYS: None
IN RE:
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. First readina of an ordinance authorizina the conveyance of
relocated utility easements to AEPCO. Verizon. and NTelos in
connection with road widenina improvements to Route 11/460.
Catawba Maaisterial District. (Paul Mahoney. County Attorney)
Mr. Mahoney advised that at the January 22, 2008, Board meeting, an
ordinance was approved to authorize the conveyance of three parcels of real estate
owned by the County to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Route 11/460 road
widening project. He advised that this ordinance authorizes the conveyance of those
easements to AEPCO, Verizon and NTelos that are currently located in the portions of
County properties being conveyed to the State Highway Department, and these
easements need to be relocated back onto the remaining County's properties. He
advised that the fire station parcel requires easements for AEPCO and Verizon while
February 12, 2008
69
the library parcel requires easements for AEPCO, Verizon, and NTelos. He advised
that this is the first reading of the ordinance which is part of the Route 11/460 road
widening project.
There was no discussion.
Supervisor Church moved to approve the first reading of the ordinance
and set the second reading for February 26, 2008. The motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
IN RE:
Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara, Flora
None
APPOINTMENTS
.1: Buildina Code Board of Adiustments and Appeals (Fire Code
Board of Appeals)
Chairman Flora advised that at the January 22, 2008, Board meeting,
Thomas Darnall was reappointed and confirmed after Mr. Darnall had advised the
Clerk's Office that he was willing to serve an additional four-year term. Chairman Flora
advised that after the January 22nd meeting, it was learned that Mr. Darnall resides in
Roanoke City and is not eligible to serve on a County Board.
Chairman Flora reported that Joel Baker, Building Commissioner, is
seeking candidates for the Board to consider for appointment. He requested that the
appointment be placed on the agenda for the next meeting and advised that a
nomination can be made by any Board member.
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February 12, 2008
Z. Leaaue of Older Americans = Advisory Council
Chairman Flora advised that the one-year term of Beverly Eyerly will
expire on March 31, 2008. He asked if the Clerk's Office had determined if Ms. Eyerly
wished to serve an additional term. Ms. Holton reported that the Clerk's Office had not
contacted Ms. Eyerly; however, she has served on this council for several years.
Chairman Flora requested that the appointment remain on the agenda, and advised that
a nomination can be made by any Board member.
3. Library Board (appointed ~ District)
Chairman Flora advised that the four-year term of Sheryl Ricci, Windsor
Hills Magisterial District, expired on December 31, 2007. He reported that Ms. Ricci had
informed the Library Board that she does not wish to be reappointed. Supervisor
McNamara advised that he had planned to make an appointment at this meeting;
however, he was unable to do so and will make an appointment at the Board's next
meeting.
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
R-021208-2, R-021208-2.a
Supervisor Altizer moved to adopt the consent resolution. The motion
carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara, Flora
NAYS: None
February 12, 2008
71
RESOLUTION 021208-2 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN CERTAIN
ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA
FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS ITEM 1- CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for February
12, 2008 designated as Item I - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 7 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes - September 20,2007, December 18, 2007, and January
22,2008
2. Resolution of appreciation to Jacqueline S. Bloxom, Commissioner of
Revenue's Office and Finance Department, upon her retirement after fifteen
years of service
3. Request from the Community Development Department to accept and
appropriate funds in the amount of $15,000 from the Western Virginia Water
Authority towards purchase of new topography maps of Roanoke County
4. Request from the Police Department to accept and appropriate grant funds in
the amount of $11,000 from the Division of Motor Vehicles
5. Requestfrom the Police Department to accept and appropriate grant funds in
the amount of $4,998 from the Department of Criminal Justice Services
6. Request from the schools to accept and appropriate grant funding and
contributions in the amount of $15,357.08
7. Request to revise policy for use of the Roanoke County Administration Center
Board Meeting Room
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 Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara, Flora
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 021208-2.a EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO JACQUELINE
S. BLOXOM, COMMISSIONER OF REVENUE'S OFFICE AND
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER
FIFTEEN YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Jacqueline S. Bloxom was employed by Roanoke County from
November 10, 1992, until June 4, 1996, and from July 8, 1996, until December 31,
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February 12, 2008
2007, where she held positions in both the Commissioner of Revenue's Office and
Department of Finance; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bloxom retired on January 1, 2008, as a Tax Clerk for the
Commissioner of Revenue's Office after fifteen years and one month of service to
Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure in the Commissioner of Revenue's Office, Ms.
Bloxom maintained the highest level of customer service and accuracy in the
assessment of personal property; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure in the Department of Finance, Ms. Bloxom
assisted in the processing of purchasing card statements and utility bills; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bloxom was a dedicated employee who always provided a high
level of service to customers while maintaining an outstanding quality of work; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bloxom, through her employment with Roanoke County, has
been instrumental in improving the quality of life and providing services to the citizens of
Roanoke County.
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 JACQUELINE S. BLOXOM for more than fifteen years of
capable, loyal, and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy
and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara, Flora
NAYS: None
INRE:
REPORTS
Supervisor McNamara moved to receive and file the following reports.
The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara, Flora
NAYS:
None
.1: General Fund Unappropriated Balance
2. Capital Reserves
3. Reserve for Board ContinQency
February 12, 2008
73
IN RE:
4. Telecommunications Tax Comparison Report
5. Statement of the Treasurer's Accountability per Investment and
Portfolio Policv as of January 31. 2008
REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Moore: She advised that a work session to review the Slate
Hill development has been scheduled for the April 8, 2008, Board meeting to allow
County staff, the Virginia Department of Transportation (YDGT), and the developer
adequate time to attend.
Supervisor Church: (1) He advised that he has relayed a concern to
Chief Burch. (2) He advised that he is working to schedule a couple of meetings at the
request of Leon Martin. (3) He requested that Arnold Covey, Director of Community
Development, assist him in rescheduling a meeting with R. L. Moran.
INRE:
CLOSED MEETING
At 3:45 p.m., Supervisor Flora moved to go into closed meeting pursuant
to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 (A) (29) discussion of the terms or scope of a
public contract involving the expenditure of public funds where discussion in open
session would adversely effect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the
County, namely the bond purchase agreement; Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 (A)
(5) discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an
existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the
business' or industry's interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the County, and
74
February 12, 2008
Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 (A) (1) discussion or consideration of the
employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries,
disciplining or resignation of specific public officers. The motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
IN RE:
Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara, Flora
None
WORK SESSIONS
~ Work session on budaet. (Elmer Hodae. County Administrator:
Diane Hvatt. Chief Financial Officer: Brent Robertson. Budaet
Director)
The work session was held from 4:00 p.m. until 4:50 p.m. County staff
who were present included the following: Elmer Hodge, County Administrator; Diane
Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer; Brent Robertson, Budget Director; Doug Chittum, Director
of Economic Development; Paul Mahoney, County Attorney; and John Chambliss,
Assistant County Administrator.
The following topics were discussed during the work session:
Ratina Aaencv Presentation: Ms. Hyatt advised that staff made a rating
agency presentation for general obligation and lease revenue bonds on January 15,
2008, to representatives from FitchRatings. She reviewed the various sections of the
report with the Board via a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Chittum provided details
concerning the economic section of the report. Ms. Hyatt advised that the County
February 12, 2008
75
received an AA rating for the general obligations bonds and an AA- rating for the lease
revenue bonds from Standard & Poor and FitchRatings. She advised that Moody's
would release their ratings closer to the bond sale.
Review budaet development calendar. Mr. Robertson advised that the
Capital Improvement Committee will meet later tonight, and the committee wants to
present their report at the February 26, 2008, Board meeting. He advised that Mr.
Hodge will begin meeting with the departments next week to discuss their budgets. Mr.
Robertson reviewed the dates scheduled during February through May for budget
developments.
Update on current General Assemblv status: impact on Roanoke
County: Mr. Robertson reviewed the schedule which he had prepared showing the
state revenues and the impact on the County. He advised that the Governor has
announced that the fiscal years 2008-2010 revenue estimates are being revised
downward and will be presented to the money committees in mid-February. He
reported that the following items from the Governor's budget will have an impact on the
County's budget: (1) does not include fiscal year 2008-2009 funding, partial year, for
Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority; (2) freezes 599 funding for law enforcement at
current (reduced) levels for fiscal years 2009 and 2010; (3) eliminates state allocation of
ABC profits and wine taxes for all cities and counties; and (4) increases general fund
spending on K-12 Education of $1.05 billion. He advised that the reductions to the
County's budget would be approximately $113,000 for fiscal year 2007-2008 and
76
February 12, 2008
$210,000 for fiscal year 2008-2009.
Mr. Hodge and Mr. Mahoney were asked to comment on their visit to
Richmond last week. Mr. Mahoney advised that many people were worried about the
results from the Governor's planning budget on February 15; however, the County does
not receive significant funds from the state, excluding education funding. He advised
that they heard that even though the state revenue projections may be revised
downward, the Governor has indicated that education funding will not be affected, and
schools are optimistic that they will receive more funds than last year. Mr. Mahoney
advised that the County will be impacted by the reduction in 599 funding as well as the
Homestead Exemption, which was not approved by the Senate, but is still alive in the
House.
In response to an inquiry, Mr. Chambliss advised that they are requesting
that the Governor's budget be amended for the operating cost of $1.46 million for the
regional jail and expenses from the Compensation Board. He advised that they are still
looking at the impact if this funding is not received and how they will be able to open the
jail on schedule. He advised that the construction contract calls for the jail to be
completed in March 2009. In response to Supervisor Altizer's inquiry, Mr. Mahoney
advised that the process to amend the Governor's budget is for the House Appropriation
and Senate Finance Committees to approve the amendment which is sent to the
Governor on March 8. He advised that it will be mid-April, after the Governor's veto
session, before the County will know if the funds for the jail were approved.
February 12, 2008
77
Mr. Hodge advised that he will meet with the County departments to
review their budgets and look for opportunities to reduce and set aside funds.
IN RE:
CLOSED MEETING
The closed meeting was held from 5:00 p.m. until 5:20 p.m.
IN RE:
CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
R-021208-3
At 5:20 p.m., Supervisor Church moved to adopt the certification
resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, Flora, McNamara
NAYS:
None
RESOLUTION 021208-3 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING WAS
HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened
a closed 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 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by
the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such closed 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 closed meeting which this
certification resolution applies, and
2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening
the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered by the Board of Supervisors
of Roanoke County, Virginia.
On motion of Supervisor Church to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Church, Altizer, McNamara, Flora
NAYS: None
78
February 12, 2008
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Flora adjourned the meeting at 5:20 p.m.
Submitted by:
Approved by:
~~#M~
Brenda J. olton, CMC
Deputy Clerk to the Board
7~~ L~
Richard C. Flora
Chairman