10/9/2007 - Regular
October 9, 2007
921
Former Roanoke County Public Safety Center
3568 Peters Creek Road
Roanoke, Virginia 24019
October 9,2007
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
former Roanoke County Public Safety Center, this being the second Tuesday and the
first regularly scheduled meeting of the month of October, 2007.
INRE:
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman McNamara called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The roll call
was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Joseph P. McNamara, Supervisors Michael W.
Altizer, Joseph B. "Butch" Church, Michael A. Wray
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice-Chairman Richard C. Flora
STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney,
County Attorney; Brenda J. Holton, Deputy Clerk to the
Board; Diane D. Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer; Teresa
Hamilton Hall, Public Information Officer
INRE:
OPENING CEREMONIES
The invocation was given by Pastor Barry Shaffer, First Wesleyan Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
INRE:
PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1: Certificates of recoanition to the followina members of the
Glenvar Hiah School Softball Team for beina named to the All
State First Team:
922
October 9, 2007
{!l Meredith Bucklev: and
1!ll Kellev Knoebel
Chairman McNamara presented certificates of recognition to Ms. Buckley
and Ms. Knoebel who were accompanied by family members. Also attending were
Marion Roark, Chair, School Board; Dr. Lorraine Lange, School Superintendent; and
Spike Harrison, GHS Softball Coach.
2. Recoanition of the Purchasina Division for receivina the
Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the
National Purchasina Institute
Chairman McNamara recognized the following members of the
Purchasing Division for receiving the award: Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance;
Diane Childers, Finance Manager of Operations; Don Karnes, Contracts and Major
Projects Specialist; Kay Johnston and Marcha Powell, Buyers; and Jan Killgore,
Program Support Specialist. Ms. Childers advised that Pat Chockley, Purchasing
Supervisor; was unable to attend.
3. Recoanition of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department and
staff for winnina five State Awards at the 2007 Virainia Recreation
and Parks Society annual conference
Chairman McNamara recognized Marcus Ordonez, Assistant Director of
Recreation, and members of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department as follows:
Dave Weir, Special Services Manager; Mandi Smith, Therapeutic Recreation
October 9, 2007
923
Supervisor; Kari Benson, Recreation Programmer; Evan Barnett, Therapeutic
Recreation Programmer; Gray Craig, Web Content Manager; and Mark Courtright,
Assistant Director of Parks.
Mr. Ordonez advised that the Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Department
won the following State awards: (1) Best New Program - Therapeutic Recreation
Services Mingle; (2) Best New Professional - Amanda (Mandi) Smith; (3) Best
Promotional Effort Circular/Flyer - Camp Roanoke Brochure; (4) Best Promotional Effort
- Therapeutic Recreation Service, 30th Year Celebration Program Guide; and (5) Best
New Special Event - US Challenge.
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
.1: First readina of an ordinance authorizina the vacation of! 30 foot
access and water line easement located upon portions of
Samuel's Gate Subdivision. Section No. 16. and crossina
Crumpacker Drive and Tolman Circle as shown on the plat of
property of E & W Community Development Corporation. and the
relocation and vacation of ! 30 foot access easement located
upon remainina portion of property of E & W Community
Development Corporation. located in the Hollins Maaisterial
District. (Joseph Obenshain. Senior Assistant County Attorney)
Mr. Mahoney advised that this was the first reading of an ordinance and if
approved by the Board, the second reading and public hearing will be held on October
924 October 9, 2007
23, 2007. He advised that F & W Community Development Corporation has requested
the vacation of a 30 foot access and water line easement which is necessary to reach a
water tank in the area. He advised that Mr. Obenshain, and staff from the Community
Development Department and County Attorney's office have discussed this request with
the Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) , and it has been determined that the
WVWA has no objections to approving the request. He advised that the access and
water line easement will be vacated and at the same time, there will be conveyance of a
new relocated access and water line easement. He advised that there were several
maps provided in the agenda packet for the Board's review. He requested that the
Board approve the first reading of the ordinance.
There was no discussion of this item.
Supervisor McNamara moved to approve the first reading and set the
second reading and public hearing for October 23, 2007. The motion carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Flora
October 9, 2007
925
APPOINTMENTS
1. Capital Improvement Proaram (CIP) Review Committee j'appointed
~ district)
Chairman McNamara advised that the following one-year terms expired on
August 31, 2007: (a) King Harvey, Catawba District; (b) James T. Anderson, Cave
Spring District (Mr. Anderson has advised that he does not wish to serve an additional
term), and (c) Brian Garber, Windsor Hills District.
2. Clean Vallev Council
Chairman McNamara advised that the two-year term of Dennis "Chip"
Harris expired on June 30, 2007. He reported that at the September 25, 2007, Board
meeting, the Clerk was directed to contact Mr. Harris to determine if he was willing to
serve an additional term. He advised that since Mr. Harris has indicated that he desires
INRE:
to serve an additional term, confirmation of his appointment has been placed on the
consent agenda.
3. Grievance Panel
Chairman McNamara advised that the three-year term of Lee Blair will
expire on October 10,2007.
4. Western Virainia Water Authority Board of Directors
Chairman McNamara advised that the three-year term of Elmer C. Hodge
expired on June 30, 2007. He reported that after the initial three-year terms, the terms
of appointments were extended to four years by the WVVVA.
926
October 9, 2007
Chairman McNamara advised that this appointment was discussed in
closed session at the Board meeting on September 25, 2007. He reported that it was
the consensus of the Board that Gray Goldsmith be appointed effective December 1,
2007, to serve a four-year term which will expire June 30, 2011, and that Mr. Hodge be
directed to attend the WVWA meetings until Mr. Goldsmith's term is effective. He stated
that confirmation of Mr. Goldsmith's appointment has been placed on the consent
agenda.
INRE:
CONSENT AGENDA
R-1 00907 -1; R-1 00907 -1.d; R-1 00907 -1.e; R-1 00907 -1.f
Supervisor Altizer moved to adopt the consent resolution. The motion
carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Flora
RESOLUTION 100907-1 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 October 9,
2007, 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 6 inclusive, as follows:
October 9, 2007
927
1. Designation of voting delegate to the Virginia Association of Counties 01ACo)
conference to be held November 11-13, 2007.
2. Confirmation of committee appointments
3. Request from the schools to appropriate funds from the Virginia Department
of Education in the amount of $10,403.28 to the Career and Technical
Education Budget
4. Resolution of appreciation to Sharon Brown Doetsch, Police Department,
upon her retirement after twenty-five years of service
5. Acceptance of an extension to Brahma Road into the Virginia Department of
Transportation Secondary Road System
6. Approval of resolution endorsing the candidacy of Richard C. Flora to serve
as the Region 11 representative on the Virginia Association of Counties
Board of Directors
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 Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Flora
RESOLUTION 100907-1.d EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO SHARON
BROWN DOETSCH, POLICE DEPARTMENT, UPON HER
RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Sharon Brown Doetsch was employed by Roanoke County on
September 1, 1982, as a Communications Office in the Sheriffs Office; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Doetsch was retained by the Police Department when law
enforcement functions were separated in 1990, serving as Clerk, Lead Communications
Officer, and Communications Trainer; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Doetsch retired from Roanoke County on October 1, 2007, as
Communications Officer III, after twenty-five years of service; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Doetsch was an outstanding dispatcher and was always willing
to share her extensive knowledge with fellow workers in her capacity as a trainer; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Doetsch, through her 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 SHARON BROWN DOETSCH for twenty-five years of capable,
loyal, and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
928
October 9, 2007
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 Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Flora
RESOLUTION 100907 -1.e REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF AN
EXTENSION TO BRAHMA ROAD INTO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION SECONDARY SYSTEM.
WHEREAS, the streets described on the attached Addition Form LA-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 representative for the Virginia Department of Transportation has
advised this Board that the street(s) meet the requirements established by the Virginia
Department of Transportation's Subdivision Street Requirements, and
WHEREAS, the County and the Virginia Department of Transportation have
entered into an agreement on March 9, 1999 for comprehensive stormwater detention
which applies to this request for addition,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this Board requests the Virginia
Department of Transportation to add the street(s) described on the attached Additions
Form LA-5(A) to the secondary system of state highways, pursuant to 933.1-229, Code
of Virginia, and the Department's Subdivision Street Requirements, after receiving a
copy of this resolution and all outstanding fees and documents required of the
developer, whichever occurs last in time.
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 Residency Administrator for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Moved by: Supervisor Altizer
Seconded by: None Required
Yeas: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara
Nays: None
Absent: Supervisor Flora
October 9, 2007
929
RESOLUTION 100907-1.f ENDORSING THE CANDIDACY OF
RICHARD C. FLORA TO SERVE AS THE REGION 11
REPRESENTATIVE ON THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WHEREAS, the Virginia Association of Counties 01ACo) Board of Directors will
consider nominations at the VACo annual meeting in November 2007 for the Region 11
representative; and
WHEREAS, Region 11 includes the Counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Giles,
and Roanoke; and
WHEREAS, Wendy Wingo, member of the Botetourt County Board of
Supervisors, who has capably represented Region 11 for several years has advised that
she is not seeking re-election; and
WHEREAS, Richard C. Flora is a long-time and experienced member of the
Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, recognized for his extensive background of
governmental affairs and well-known for his ability to network with neighboring localities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, fully endorses Richard C. Flora's candidacy for the position
of Region 11 representative to the Virginia Association of Counties Board of Directors;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors hereby directs the
Roanoke County Administrator to forward a copy of this resolution to the Board of
Supervisors in the Region 11 localities and encourages their support of Richard C.
Flora's election to the Virginia Association of Counties Board of Directors.
On motion of Supervisor Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Flora
IN RE:
REPORTS
Supervisor McNamara moved to receive and file the following reports.
The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Flora
930
October 9, 2007
IN RE:
~ General Fund Unappropriated Balance
2. Capital Reserves
3. Reserve for Board ContinQency
4. Telecommunications Tax Comparison Report
5. Proclamations siQned.Qy the Chairman
6. Statement of the Treasurer's accountability per investment and
Portfolio policy as of September 30. 2007
CLOSED MEETING
At 3:55 p.m., Supervisor McNamara moved to go into closed meeting
following the work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711.A (30)
discussion of the award of a public contract with the Economic Development Authority
and English Construction involving the expenditure of public funds and discussion of the
terms or scope of such contract, namely, a performance agreement for the development
of a new business park, where discussion in open session would adversely effect the
bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the County. The motion carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Flora
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
October 9, 2007
931
Supervisor Wrav: (1) He requested that Mr. Hodge find out why Buck
Mountain Road is being paved in sections. (2) He advised that he is still getting calls
from citizens about vehicles parking on Stable Road and asked Mr. Hodge to review this
situation. Mr. Hodge advised that this had been reviewed before and State Code allows
commercial vehicles that are loading or unloading to park on a state road. Mr. Hodge
advised that he does not believe the State would be willing to change that provision;
however, he could request that the automotive business remind their delivery trucks to
use their parking lot rather than Stable Road which is not very wide, and in this way
resolve the issue. (3) He advised that he received a letter from the Virginia Department
of Transportation (VDOT) concerning the closure of Boones Chapel Road on or about
June 11, 2008, for the bridge replacement, and reopen again around August 19, 2008.
He requested that Mr. Hodge ensure that VDOT or the County notifies the citizens in the
area of this closure in adequate time so that they can make alternate plans. (4) He
advised that he presented a proclamation on behalf of the Board to the National
Association of Mental Illness declaring the week of October 7 through 13, 2007, as
Mental Illness Awareness Week. (5) He advised that he attended the open house at the
Public Safety Center on Saturday which he felt was a great event. He complimented
Mr. Hodge because the citizens he spoke with felt this was their building and they were
very pleased to be able to tour the building. Mr. Hodge advised that the attendance was
estimated at approximately 500 people, and expressed appreciation to the Board for the
ability to construct the building which is important to the citizens. (6) He advised that he
932 October 9, 2007
participated in the Fall Waterways Cleanup at Wasena Park on Saturday, and there
were 55 different teams with over 500 volunteers involved at 15 County sites. He
expressed appreciation to Mark Courtright, Assistant Director of Parks, for his
assistance in coordinating the event. (7) He requested that Mr. Hodge ask Arnold
Covey, Director of Community Development, to contact him concerning road issues.
Supervisor Church: (1) He advised that he attended the grand opening
of the Vinton War Memorial Saturday and he felt it was very fitting to dedicate the
building to honor veterans. He advised all of those involved with the Vinton War
Memorial that it was a great afternoon. (2) He requested an update from Mr. Hodge on
The Cellar situation. Mr. Hodge advised that they are making progress and have
worked out a plan which will hopefully resolve the issue. Mr. Hodge advised that they
are waiting to hear from the other parties at this point. (3) He advised that it comes up
about this time every year but citizens have inquired how the Board sets the
assessments. He advised that assessments are the responsibility of the Department of
Taxation and the Board sets the tax rates. (4) He advised that it has been reported to
him that a candidate for the Board of Supervisors has contacted the Police Department
about missing signs and made statements to police officers to the effect that they need
to find these signs or they will not receive a pay raise. He advised that he has talked
with the Board unanimously and they are proud of the Police Department. He advised
that this Board unanimously agrees that they do not want the Police Department or
anyone else in the County put in a compromising position, and it is understandable that
October 9, 2007
933
no one wants to speak about it. He advised that he has given this information to the
media. He stated that this kind of thing cannot go on and that no one should approach
police officers individually or the Police Department in an attempt to tell them what to
do. He advised that the Police Department works for the citizens of Roanoke County,
and that the officers have been identified to the media. He advised that Mr. Custer is
the person who has done this and such actions should cease immediately.
Supervisor Altizer: (1) He advised that he has had difficulty hearing
speakers during the meeting, especially staff, and requested that the level of volume in
the room be reviewed. (2) He advised that the opening of the Vinton War Memorial was
a great occasion. He advised that this was an expensive project for the Town of Vinton
and citizens, and he commended the Town Council for making the bold decision to
renovate the memorial which will be added benefit to everyone in the Valley. (3) He
advised that he attended the open house for the Public Safety Center, and he
commended everyone involved for coordinating such a wonderful event. He
recommended that this open house be held each year and reported that all of the
citizens he spoke with were pleased with the facility and the educational opportunities
offered.
INRE:
CLOSED MEETING
The closed meeting was held from 4:00 p.m. until 4:20 p.m.
934
October 9, 2007
INRE:
WORK SESSIONS
.1: Work session to discuss current status of capital improvement
proiects. (Brent Robertson. Director of Manaaement and Budaet)
The work session was held from 4:30 p.m. until 5:40 p.m.
Staff present included the following: Elmer C. Hodge, County
Administrator; Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget; Paul Mahoney,
County Attorney; and Diane Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Hodge advised that staff intends to cover the following topics during
the work session: (1) Agenda items for the joint meeting with the Planning Commission;
(2) Current status of capital improvement projects; (3) Presentation of preliminary plans
for the North County Fire Station; (4) Preparation for proceeding with financing plan for
capital projects; (5) Update on proposed Real Estate "Homestead Exemption"; and (6)
Impact on the County of proposed Governor's budget cuts.
Mr. Hodge advised that the Board is scheduled to hold a joint meeting with
the Planning Commission on October 16, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. He advised that the
agenda items would include an update of the Route 220 Corridor Study, discussion of
Planned Residential District (PRO) zoning, and draft standards for private roads. He
advised that an additional item on the agenda for the Planning Commission would be
the 2007 Update to the Greenway Conceptual Plan.
Mr. Robertson advised that the Capital Project Status Report now includes
information concerning the funding sources for the following projects: (1) 800 MHz
October 9, 2007
935
Public Safety Radio Upgrade; (2) Multigenerational Center (New Business Park); (3)
North County Fire Station; (4) New County Garage: (5) South County Library; (6) North
County Business Park Infrastructure; and (7) Water Line Extension. He stated that no
major changes were made to the projects although an additional design meeting was
held regarding the multigenerational recreation center.
Chief Burch displayed the site plan and rendering of the proposed North
County Fire Station. He advised that when the project was initially approved and
architectural and engineering work began, a planning committee was formed of fire
service personnel, and he is very pleased with their progress on this project. Chief
Burch advised that the station will have two entrances off Hershberger Road with the
bays being placed at the rear of the building to keep the noise away from the
Hershberger House. He advised that he met with Ms. Pruitt, and while she was pleased
with the exterior rendering of the station, she commented that she wanted the station to
be located as far away from the historic Hershberger House as possible. Chief Burch
advised that the approximately nine acre site was very challenging to develop, and he
felt the station was placed in the best possible location.
Chief Burch advised that Earl Shumate and Mike Woolwine from Hughes
Associates Architects were present. Chief Burch, Mr. Shumate and Mr. Woolwine
responded to inquiries concerning the choice of site, placement of the station, building
materials and facade, expansion possibilities, parking, the need for 15,000 square feet,
and public uses of the facility.
936
October 9, 2007
In response to Supervisor Church's inquiry, Chief Burch advised that
closing the Hollins Fire Station was never anticipated when planning the new facility.
Chief Burch advised that the Hollins Station, the busiest station in the County handling
30 percent of the calls, will become the second busiest station when the new facility is
opened. He advised that the new North County Fire Station is expected to become the
fifth busiest station.
Supervisor Altizer inquired if VDOT might decide not to rebuild the John
Richardson Bridge and also vacate John Richardson Road which is located behind the
station. Mr. Hodge advised that he has discussed the bridge and John Richardson
Road with VDOT; however, this subject is in the early stages of discussion, and he
advised that he would provide information to the Board at a later date. Mr. Hodge also
stated that community input should be sought from those citizens who live in the area.
Supervisor Altizer advised that this road was on the six-year plan and this might be an
allocation that could be reprioritized. Chief Burch advised that closing the road would
not affect the new fire station.
Chief Burch advised that soil borings are being conducted now on the site
and bids are being prepared. He reported that the bids should be sent out in January
2008, construction will begin in March or April 2008, and the station should be
completed by January 2009. He advised that this is a very aggressive construction
schedule.
October 9, 2007
937
Ms. Hyatt advised that the Board has formally approved and appropriated
funds for the multigenerational recreation center and the radio system capital projects;
however, they have not taken action on appropriating funds for the County Garage,
South County Library, or North County Fire Station. She advised that all of the projects
are within the budgets previously reviewed with the Board and that the project
managers are committed to staying within those budgets. She advised that she would
place action items on the agenda at the next meeting which would appropriate monies
to the remaining three projects with the revenue source being either the bond revenues
or identified existing funds, and also seek approval of a resolution to direct staff to move
forward with preparations for the bond sale. She advised that after conversations with
the County's financial advisors, staff thought it would be beneficial to prepare the bond
issue now so they would be ready for a December 2007 or Spring 2008 sale depending
upon favorable interest rates.
Ms. Hyatt advised that the County bond issue of $58 million is large
enough to attract favorable attention in the bond market. She reported that interest
rates are projected at 5.5 percent; however, current interest rates are 4.7 percent, and
staff desires the flexibility to sell the bonds when the interest rates are most favorable.
It was the consensus of the Board that Ms. Hyatt bring back at the next meeting action
items to appropriate funding for the three capital projects and authorize staff to prepare
the bond issue. Supervisor McNamara inquired if Ms. Hyatt would be requesting
938
October 9, 2007
approval of three resolutions or one, and upon her response that she could do it either
way, he suggested one resolution be prepared.
Mr. Robertson advised that the Homestead Exemption legislation was
introduced last year and promoted by Governor Kaine. He advised that he, Billy Driver,
Director of Real Estate Valuation, and Mr. Mahoney met recently to discuss the
legislation and reported that Ms. Hyatt has estimated that it would cost the County
approximately $13 million to implement the 20 percent Homestead Exemption which is
a local option.
Mr. Mahoney advised that the Homestead Exemption legislation was
promoted by Governor Kaine, Speaker Powell and Senator Rerras. He advised that this
is an amendment to the Virginia Constitution and certain actions must occur in order to
amend the constitution. He reported that the General Assembly (GA) has to adopt the
language of the amendment; there must be an intervening general election; and the GA
must adopt the same language the following year. Mr. Mahoney advised that the
Homestead Exemption was adopted by the 2007 GA; there is a general election in
2007; and if it is adopted by the 2008 GA, the question of amending the Virginia
Constitution will be on the ballot in November 2008. He stated that if the legislation is
then adopted by the 2009 GA, it would be effective July 1, 2009. He quoted the
language of the amendment: liThe General Assembly by general law may allow the
governing body of any county or city or town to exempt or partially exempt from real
property taxation or provide for the deferral of real property taxes within such restrictions
October 9, 2007
939
or upon such conditions as may be prescribed by the governing body by ordinance of
up to twenty percent of the value of residential or farm property that is designed for
continuous habitation and is occupied as the primary dwelling of the individual owners."
Mr. Mahoney advised that staff estimates that if the 20 percent exemption
were implemented, the impact would be approximately $13 million or about 16.2 percent
of the total real estate tax levy in Roanoke County. He stated that the ratio in the
County is 86 percent residential property and 14 percent commercial and industrial. Mr.
Mahoney advised that he could not determine at this time whether the provision in the
constitution would be self-executing or whether the 2009 GA would have to adopt
legislation in the tax code. He advised that he would assume that the GA would pass
legislation concerning the rules and procedures for implementation. He advised that if
the 20 percent is implemented in the County, it could have a significant impact on the
smaller commercial, business and industrial tax base. He advised that the County's
increase in assessments has been one-half to one-third of what other parts of the State
have faced, and he believes that this amendment is driven by what is going on with the
real estate economy in Northern and Tidewater Virginia. He advised that there are
many questions about this initiative; however, the legislation is being brought forward
and there will be strong pressure on localities by citizens to implement the exemption.
Mr. Mahoney suggested that the Board and staff discuss this issue with
Eldon James, Legislative Liaison, and the other officials at the Virginia Association of
940
October 9, 2007
Counties (VACo) Conference in November. Mr. Mahoney advised that the VACo Draft
Legislative Program contains support for this amendment.
Supervisor McNamara advised that using Mr. Mahoney's figures, the
County would have 92 percent to 93 percent owner occupied real estate which would
receive the benefit of the exemption while 7 percent of the non-commercial and 15
percent to 18 percent commercial would be disadvantaged. He advised that
implementing the Homestead Exemption in Roanoke County would not be advisable;
however, implementation in counties where the tax base is at least 30 to 50 percent
commercial might be a way to place more of the tax burden upon the commercial
interests.
Mr. Robertson advised that there is a $640 million projected shortfall for
the state budget for fiscal year 2008. He advised that the County would receive
reductions in funds of $110,000 as follows: (1) Board of Elections $3,000; (2) Library
grants $8,000; and (3) 599 Local Law Enforcement Funding $100,000. He advised that
there is a mandate that funding for staff positions for Constitutional Officers, excluding
the Sheriffs Office and Commonwealth's Attorney, will not be reimbursed until they
remain vacant for ninety days. He advised that aid to education is held harmless at this
point; however, the state is shifting $8.8 million of literacy loan funds to the teacher
retirement contribution. He advised that Steve Jordan, Social Services, has reported
that his department may be affected by the shortfall because unallocated funds may not
be available in December, and the County could get to higher matching funds earlier
October 9, 2007
941
than in the past. Mr. Robertson advised that the impact on the County of the shortfall in
the state budget is an on-going issue, and staff will keep the Board informed.
2. Work session on Fire Code Amendments. (Paul Mahonev. County
Attornev: Rick Burch. Chief of Fire and Rescue)
The work session was held from 5:40 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
County staff present included the following: Paul M. Mahoney, County
Attorney; and Rick Burch, Chief, Fire and Rescue. Gary Robertson, Director of Water
Operations, Western Virginia Water Authority ryvvwA) was also present.
Mr. Mahoney advised that this is a follow up to the work session on July
10, 2007, concerning a series of fire code amendments. He provided the following
information to answer the Board's questions concerning the following issues bought up
at the previous work session: (1) Less than 2 percent (40) of the over 2000 fire
hydrants in the County fail to meet the 500 gallons per minute (GPM) standard for
single-family residential property, and more than half of those exceed 250 GPM. Fifteen
are at 494 GPM or better. A fire hydrant requires a 6 inch water line and 98 percent of
the lines in the County meet that standard. (2) With respect to commercial and
industrial property the situation is also good with limited problems in the Williamson
Road area. (3) It is anticipated that the WVWA's five year Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) of $3.6 million will address many of the problem areas. He advised that
he had discussed these issues with Mr. Robertson who was present to provide
information as necessary.
942
October 9, 2007
Mr. Mahoney advised that he provided a draft ordinance for the Board's
review to adopt policies concerning the requirements for fire hydrants, flow of water to
these fire hydrants, and apparatus access roads. He advised that private fire hydrants
should be inspected and tested regularly but there are issues of liability. He requested
feed back from the Board and there was discussion concerning the responsibility of the
County and \NVWA concerning private fire hydrants. It was the Board's suggestion that
the owners of private fire hydrants could be given the option of having the County test
the hydrants upon a waiver of liability or the owner could provide documentation to the
County that the hydrants had been tested.
Mr. Robertson advised that of the 40 fire hydrants with less then 500
GPM, half of these are included in the \NVWA CIP, and some of the hydrants would be
difficult to fix because of elevation issues; however, he stated that some water flow is
better than none. In response to Mr. Hodge's inquiry, Mr. Robertson advised that the
proposed ordinance would not adversely affect the \NVWA.
Supervisor Altizer inquired if the ordinance would also include the Town of
Vinton and upon affirmation from Mr. Mahoney that it would, he requested that a
meeting be held with town officials and staff to review the impact on the town. Mr.
Mahoney advised that he would review the ordinance as requested with the Town of
Vinton and bring the ordinance back to the Board for approval with the option as
expressed by the Board for testing private fire hydrants.
October 9, 2007
943
INRE:
CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
R-1 009()17-2
At 6:00 p.m., Supervisor McNamara moved to return to open session and
adopt the certification resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara
NAYS:
None
ABSENT:
Supervisor Flora
RESOLUTION 100907-2 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING WAS
HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
VVHEREAS, 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
VVHEREAS, 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
conductE~d 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
knowled!~e:
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 c1osE~d meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Wray, Church, Altizer, McNamara
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Flora
944
October 9, 2007
INRE:
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman McNamara adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m. with Supervisor
Flora absent to Tuesday, October 16, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of a joint work
session with the Planning Commission, in the Fourth Floor Training Room, Roanoke
County Administration Center, 5204 Bernard Drive, Roanoke, VA.
Submitted by:
Approved by:
~~.~
Brenda J. olton, CMC
Deputy Clerk to the Board
M~