HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/24/2012 - RegularApril 24, 2012
243
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the fourth Tuesday and the second
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of April 2012. Audio and video recordings of
this meeting will be held on file for a minimum of five (5) years in the office of the Clerk
to the Board of Supervisors.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
taken.
Chairman Flora called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The roll call was
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Richard C. Flora; Supervisors Michael W. Altizer,
Joseph B. "Butch" Church and Eddie "Ed" Elswick
MEMBERS ABSENT: Charlotte A. Moore
STAFF PRESENT: B. Clayton Goodman III, County Administrator; Diane D.
Hyatt, Assistant County Administrator; Daniel R. O'Donnell,
Assistant County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney, County
Attorney; Teresa H. Hall, Director of Public Information and
Deborah C. Jacks, Clerk to the Board
IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES
The invocation was given by Reverend Barbara Gill of the St. John AME
Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Observance and proclamation of Thursday, April 26, 2012, as
National Arbor Day in Roanoke County (Doug Blount, Director
of Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Lindsay Blankenship,
Greenway Planner)
In attendance for this proclamation were Carol Underwood, Arbor Day
Chairman, Valley Beautiful; Ellen Brown, Valley Beautiful Foundation, who explained
her foundation; Bob Boeren, Forester with the Virginia Department of Forestry. Each
� WIA
April 24, 2012
Supervisor offered their thanks for their service.
IN RE: BRIEFINGS
1. Briefing on the status of 5915 Gardner Drive (Joel Baker, Building
Commissioner)
Mr. Baker briefed the Board on the work that has been completed at 5915
Gardner Drive.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Request to approve the Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV -3)
budget for fiscal year 2012 -2013 (Elaine Bays- Murphy, Cable
Access Director)
A- 042412 -1
Ms. Bays- Murphy outlined the RVTV -3 budget. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Altizer moved to approve the staff recommendation. The motion carried by
the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Flora, Elswick, Church
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance approving the lease of the residential dwelling at Camp
Roanoke (Tax Map No. 83.00- 01 -16) in the Catawba Magisterial
District owned by the Board of Supervisors (Doug Blount,
Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism)
Mr. Blount explained this was the first reading of an ordinance to approve
the lease of the residential dwelling at Camp Roanoke. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Church moved to approve the first reading and establish the second reading
and public hearing for May 8, 2012. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
April 24, 2012 245
2. Ordinance authorizing the granting of a non - exclusive ten (10)
foot wide easement to Lumos Networks on property owned by the
Roanoke County Board of Supervisors (Tax Map No. 027.13 -04-
01.00) for the purpose of an underground communications
system (Anne Marie Green, Director of General Services)
Ms. Green explained the first reading of this ordinance. There was no
discussion. Supervisor Flora moved to approve the first reading and established the
second reading and public hearing for May 8, 2012. The motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Flora, Elswick, Church
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
1. Resolution approving and adopting the recommendation of the
Roanoke County Bonding Committee declaring the developer Al
M. Cooper Construction, Inc. of Belfair Heights, to be in default
and to authorize officials of Roanoke County to exercise its rights
under the developer's site development agreement and the
accompanying site development letter of credit (Tarek Moneir,
Deputy Director of Planning)
Mr. Moneir outlined the request for a public hearing and adoption of
resolution and gave a brief historical summation. He advised the Board had approved
the request for public hearing on April 10, 2012. Chairman Flora opened and closed the
public hearing with no speakers in attendance. There was no discussion.
RESOLUTION 042412 -2 APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE ROANOKE COUNTY BONDING
COMMITTEE DECLARING THE DEVELOPER AL M. COOPER
CONSTRUCTION, INC. OF BELFAIR HEIGHTS (LOCATED
ALONG BUCK MOUNTAIN ROAD IN THE CAVE SPRING
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT), TO BE IN DEFAULT AND TO
AUTHORIZE OFFICIALS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO EXERCISE
ITS RIGHTS UNDER THE "DEVELOPER'S SITE
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT" AND THE ACCOMPANYING
SITE DEVELOPMENT LETTER OF CREDIT
246 April 24, 2012
WHEREAS, Al M. Cooper Construction, Inc., a Virginia corporation (hereafter
"Developer"), as developers of Belfair Heights (formerly Buck Mountain Patio Homes) in
the Cave Spring Magisterial District of Roanoke County, on or about October 12, 2005,
and July 26, 2007, entered into a Land Subdivider's Agreement with the County of
Roanoke and provided an irrevocable Letter of Credit issued by FNB (currently known
and referred to as StellarOne) in the amount of $192,629 to insure the construction,
completion and maintenance of improvements to the land in connection with the
development of Belfair Heights; and
WHEREAS, Developer has partially complied with its legal responsibilities
under the Land Subdivider's Agreement and Roanoke County officials have authorized
multiple partial releases but a balance of $47,890.05 remains on deposit with StellarOne
to secure the completion of the requirements under the Land Subdivider's Agreement;
and
WHEREAS, Al M. Cooper Construction, Inc. has failed to substantially comply
with its legal responsibilities under the aforesaid Land Subdivider's Agreement and a
balance of $47,890.05 remains in an Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit deposit with
StellarOne to secure the completion of the requirement under this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the remaining tasks to be performed in order to comply with the Al
M. Cooper Construction, Inc. Land Subdivider's Agreement include, but may not be
limited to, the work required to bring the roads in this development into a condition to be
accepted by the Virginia Department of Transportation into the secondary system of
highways; and
WHEREAS, the Bonding Committee for Roanoke County meeting on March 26,
2012, at the Roanoke County Administration Building considered the documentation as
to the status of this subdivision project and voted to recommend that the Board of
Supervisors schedule a public hearing on April 24, 2012, to consider declaring the
Developer to be in default and that the County take all necessary actions to collect the
outstanding surety proceeds in order to complete this development; and,
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on April 24, 2012, after notice to the
Developer and StellarOne, to consider the recommendation of the Bonding Committee
and to receive proposals from the Developer and StellarOne.
NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That Al M. Cooper Construction, Inc. is legally bound into the Board of
Supervisors of the County of Roanoke, Virginia, in accordance with the Land
Subdivider's Agreement, dated October 12, 2005, for the construction and
maintenance of certain physical subdivision improvements in accordance with
the plans for Belfair Heights (formerly Buck Mountain Patio Homes) dated
September 9, 2005, and July 26, 2007, and all subsequent revisions thereof as
approved by the County of Roanoke.
2. That Al M. Cooper Construction, Inc. has failed to substantially complete the
improvements as required by the aforesaid Agreement and that the anticipated
April 24, 2012 247
cost for completion of said improvements is equal to or less than the sum of
Forty -Seven Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety Dollars ($47,890.05).
3. That the Bonding Committee for Roanoke County has recommended that Al M.
Cooper Construction, Inc. be declared in default under the terms of its Land
Subdivider's Agreement, dated October 12, 2005, and that Roanoke County
exercise its legal rights and responsibilities to obtain the security remaining and
being held for the County's benefit.
4. That Al M. Cooper Construction, Inc. is hereby determined and declared to be in
default for its failure to substantially and adequately complete the requirements
imposed upon it by the aforesaid Land Subdivider's Agreement.
5. That StellarOne has executed and entered into an Irrevocable standby Letter of
Credit No. 265, executed July 26, 2007, as surety for Al M. Cooper Construction,
Inc. for Belfair Heights, on which the remaining balance is Forty -Seven Thousand
Eight Hundred and Ninety Dollars ($47,890.05).
6. That the officials and staff of Roanoke County are hereby authorized, on behalf
of the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, to draw upon the
aforesaid Irrevocable standby Letter of Credit No. 265 for all funds secured
thereby for the County of Roanoke as beneficiary and to take all actions, legal or
otherwise, to enforce the legal rights and responsibilities of the Board of
Supervisors in connection with the development of Belfair Heights by Al M.
Cooper Construction, Inc.
7. That the County Administrator, the Director of the Department of Community
Development, his staff and agents, and the Office of the County Attorney, are
hereby authorized to take such action, including the initiation and pursuit of such
legal proceedings, as may be necessary to fully assert and defend the rights and
obligations of Roanoke County in this regard.
8. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from the date of its adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. The petition of the Western Virginia Water Authority to obtain a
Special Use Permit for a broadcasting tower approximately 120
feet in height in an AG -3, Agricultural /Rural Preserve, District on
0.121 acre, located at 2857 Summit Ridge Road, Hollins
Magisterial District (B. Clayton Goodman III, County
Administrator)
248 April 24, 2012
The special use permit request was withdrawn by Mr. Gary Robertson,
Executive Director, Water Operations of the Western Virginia Water Authority. He
advised they would continue to look for an alternate site and the system would have
ninety -eight percent coverage for this area.
Chairman Flora confirmed with Mr. Mahoney, County Attorney that a
verbal withdrawal was sufficient.
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 042412 -3 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM J- 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 April 24,
2012, 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 6 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes — March 20, 2012
2. Request to appropriate $12,376.40 to the Clerk of the Circuit Court from the
Commonwealth of Virginia for fiscal year 2011/2012
3. Confirmation of appointment to the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission
4. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Lois E. Jenkins, Account Representative, upon her
retirement after more than eighteen (18) years of service
5. Request to accept and appropriate funds in the amount of $5,139 to the
Roanoke County Public Schools
On motion of Supervisor Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
A- 042412 -3.a
A- 042412 -3.b
April 24, 2012 249
RESOLUTION 042412 -3.c EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO LOIS E. JENKINS, ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE, UPON
HER RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN EIGHTEEN (18)
YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Lois E. Jenkins was hired on September 7, 1993, and has worked
as an Account Representative during her tenure with Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Jenkins retired on March 31, 2012, after more than eighteen
(18) years of devoted, faithful and expert service with the County; and
WHEREAS, during her time serving Roanoke County, Ms. Jenkins was
responsible for providing excellent customer service to those departments to which she
was assigned; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Jenkins was also responsible for promptly and accurately
processing payments to County vendors, employees and citizens; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Jenkins processed payments for but not limited to Fire and
Rescue, Parks, Recreation and Tourism, General Services, Sheriff, County Jail, all
Court units, various utility payments and Social Services; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Jenkins was also responsible for payments for the
Commonwealth Attorney and the Registrar; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Jenkins processed month end transfers and journal entries.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of
the citizens of Roanoke County to LOIS E. JENKINS for eighteen (18) years and seven
(7) months 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 roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
A- 042412.3. d
IN RE: CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
The following citizens spoke:
250 April 24, 2012
Lynda LaPrade of 5509 Will Carter Lane stated since she last spoke two weeks
ago, three more local governments have dropped ICLEI membership, so she guessed
the question of will Roanoke County be the last in the country is still pertinent. The UN
RIO -20 conference is in June. This is from ICLEI's website: "2012 marks the 20
anniversary of the Earth Summit... the birthplace of Local Agenda 21 initiated by ICLEI."
They go on to say "ICLEI is strongly involved in the RIO -20 process... acting as a co-
organizing partner." What are the goals of RIO -20? Among their preparatory material
are these comments: More than $2.1 trillion a year in wealth transfers from rich
countries to poorer ones, in the name of fostering "green infrastructure," "climate
adaptation" and other "green economy" measures. By 2020 new carbon taxes for
industrialized countries that could cost about $250 billion a year, or 0.6 percent of Gross
Domestic Product, Other environmental taxes are mentioned but not specified. One of
the two themes of this conference is "the institutional framework for sustainable
development" (sometimes known as global environmental governance.) The
international head of ICLEI in Bonn, Germany... where our reports are sent... wrote a
paper discussing why we need a UN based governing body to enforce these goals.
RIO -20 goes on to say: "Transforming the global economy will require action locally
(e.g., through land use planning), at the national level (e.g., through energy -use
regulations) and at the international level (e.g., through technology diffusion) ". It
involves "profound changes in economic systems, in production and consumption
patterns and a major transformation in public policymaking." It will also require "a
serious rethinking of lifestyles in developed countries." China is touted as a great
example of what can be done. You said the UN has no power and can do nothing. Are
you still sure about that? In your resolution to join ICLEI, you agreed to support their
goals. Are these socialistic goals with "world governance" really what you want to say
Roanoke County supports? You want to spend our tax dollars being a member of and
having staff work for this organization. It has nothing to do with protecting the
environment and everything to do with taking local authority and placing more of it with
the UN. We can protect our environment. Rethink your decision and get out of ICLEI
before this conference. If not, you will have agreed to all they endorse, and we, the
people of this County find that offensive.
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Altizer moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
April 24, 2012 251
1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance
2. Capital Reserves
3. Reserve for Board Contingency
4. Treasurer's Statement of Accountability per Investment and
Portfolio Policy as of March 31, 2012
5. Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of March 31, 2012
6. Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and
Encumbrances as of March 31, 2012
7. Accounts Paid —March 31, 2012
8. Quarterly Reports — Community Development Activities
At 3:51 p.m. Chairman Flora recessed to the fourth floor for work session.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session on the 2012 -2013 budget development:
(a) Presentation of proposed fiscal year 2012 -2013 budget (B.
Clayton Goodman III, County Administrator; W. Brent
Robertson, Director of Management and Budget)
The work session was held from 4:09 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Mr. Goodman went through
the highlights of his message regarding the budget by stating staff was following the
guidelines of the Board, which included no increase in tax rates, minimal direct service
impacts to the citizens, maintain the County's commitment to education and public
safety and avoided layoffs to existing personnel to the extent possible. Basically, staff
has continued level funding to the schools; having been working with VRS offset, with
the five percent (5 %) increase funded at no cost to the employee; recommended a three
percent (3 %) salary increase for County employees that Mr. Goodman feels is greatly
warranted due to the cutting of operational budgets and have attempted to maintain
level service impacts. Mr. Goodman stated he felt the employees had stepped up and
done a really good job with the demands that are now being placed on them. Staff has
reorganized several departments, shifted work and looked at doing things differently.
During previous work sessions service level impacts have been discussed with regard
to General Services. The first one deals with the "freeloader ", which is currently a no
cost to the citizens. He recommends a new "payloader", which will be eligible Monday
through Thursday and Friday through Monday morning will be $100 per rental. Second
item would be to discontinue allowing our citizens the ability to discharge at the transfer
station at no charge, which would result in a $90,000 savings. The other two
jurisdictions, allow them to do so and Mr. Goodman does not recommend this change.
The final change was to townhomes and condos; whereby the County assists with trash
252 April 24, 2012
pickup where County trucks cannot go on sight. Mr. Goodman does not recommend
this change. A couple of other items are regarding the three agencies, the Convention
Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission and the Roanoke
Regional Partnership (Partnership). He advised he recommends the two percent (2 %)
increase in funding over a three -year period, which will be an additional $39,200 for a
total of $201,600. One note, staff is projecting a decrease in the occupancy tax
revenue. He also recommends fully funding the Greenway with $34,400 and the
Regional Partnership of $174,456, which is only $700 above what the Board
recommended.
Supervisor Church referenced page nine (9) with regard to the CVB and
inquired if the amount was in addition to bumping up the tax two percent (2 %)? Mr.
Goodman responded in the negative stating what staff was using was the existing two
of the five percent (2 of the 5 %). There was action by the Board back in the December
to petition the General Assembly, which is not part of the budget process and is a totally
separate issue and would require a public hearing. Staff has advised representatives of
the hotel industry that the Board would bring them back to be involved in the process.
Mr. Goodman reiterated this is a totally separate issue.
Supervisor Altizer stated with regard to the Partnership, he guessed they
were raising a lot of private funding. He stated staff is recommending an additional
$39,200 to the CVB, how does staff measure the CVC, especially with occupancy tax
collections being down? If they continue to go down and we continue to give $39,200,
is there a check and balance somewhere or an expectation if the County is increasing
something then there is something in return for that investment. Mr. Goodman advised
he is fortunate to represent the Board on the CVB along with Doug Blount, and
participated in the employment of the new aggressive director, Landon Howard, who
understands there has to be an outcome for the County somewhere in the future. He
stated he knew it could not happen immediately, but plans must be in place. It has also
been discussed by the hotel industry; there needs to be some sort of accountability.
Currently, Roanoke County spends about $1.3 million and many of our competitors
double to triple that, but Landon needs some additional funding to do an expanded
marketing program and Mr. Goodman stated he could assure the Board as long as he
represents the Board on the CVB, there will be checks and balances. An annual report
will be provided from the CVB showing how things are going. He stated he thinks it is
going to take some time, but Mr. Howard has already started some new programs, one
of which he invites travel writers here and articles have been written to promote the area
Mr. Altizer stated he just wanted to make sure that everyone understands
it is results oriented and expected. There has to be something that shows people are
coming in and using our hotels in Roanoke County; that revenue for occupancy nights is
increasing.
Chairman Flora inquired if we can identify how much the County spends
on tourism. Mr. Goodman stated staff can approximate it and provide. Supervisor Flora
stated the reason he is asking is because it is kind of a "catch 22" because the
April 24, 2012 253
legislation that authorized the County to have a five percent (5 %) lodging tax also said
that anything over three percent (3 %) has to be spend on tourism. Two (2) cents out of
the five (5) has to be spent on tourism or you have to lower the tax rate, which means
based on staff's projection of $700,000, the County should be spending $280,000 a
year on tourism. Mr. Goodman advised the last time he looked at the number it was
well over $300,000. Supervisor Flora stated it might be educational for the Board to
know how much the County is spending in -house plus what is being proposed and see
how that compares to the minimum of $280,000. He stated he is not promoting one
way or the other, but to quantify the payback, whether tourism or partnership, it is just
really difficult. If you increase your lodging tax, tax revenue goes up and could be
credited to a whole host of things. Mr. Goodman stated they are utilizing the strengths
of all of us in the valley and when put together with a regional approach, he thinks there
is a stronger message that gets sent out to visitors. Supervisor Flora stated he does not
have a problem with a regional approach to economic development as long as the two
agencies that are doing it are treating all the partners fairly. He stated he was at the
Regional Partnership's presentation last night and the one thing they are touting is
outdoor living and the Blue Ridge Marathon. The Blue Ridge Marathon starts and ends
in downtown Roanoke so who benefits from the Blue Ridge Marathon, downtown
Roanoke. He advised this has been done before. He reiterated his concern is to make
sure that the people the staff is allowing to invest the County's money is treating
Roanoke County as an equal partner in the whole process. Mr. Goodman advised
some of the benefits of the outdoor branding that the Partnership has established is that
it helped us to recruit some of our recent prospects, although the County did not land
these prospects it helped us as a region to bring those prospects into the area.
Supervisor Elswick stated he agreed with both Chairman Flora's and Mr.
Goodman's comments. He stated his disappointment in the brochures, even though the
Parkway, Blue Ridge and outdoor activity is being emphasized the photographs on the
front of the brochure is of someone buying bread. The County has waterfalls, rivers,
lots of outdoor scenes that should be on that pamphlet and he is very disappointed that
indoor, everyday kind of activities are shown as the photographs for the front and
should be showing the waterfalls and the other outdoor activities that are possible in
Roanoke County. In Roanoke County the one asset that absolutely must be developed
in some way to attract tourists is Explore Park. He stated he still does not see any great
effort in making that into something to bring a lot of people to the area. If there is
anything that would benefit the County, it is a flood of people coming to Explore Park,
which is right next to the Parkway, next to the river and such a tremendous asset, totally
not used to the extent it ought to be. He would like to see some of these organizations
that are pursuing making the area more tourist attractive come up with some
recommendations for Explore Park than what we have seen so far. Mr. Goodman
responded with regard to the Partnership, he knows that Pete Eshelman has had
several events in Explore Park. Supervisor Elswick stated it could be a major attraction
that would cause people to travel two hundred miles. Mr. Goodman advised that would
254 April 24, 2012
mean Explore Park would need an investment of funds to provide amenities within the
park and he has been unwilling to fund those things in Explore Park at this time. It
needs to be reevaluated. The Board needs to sit down with staff. Supervisor Elswick
stated apparently the County received $50 million and nothing happened. We received
$50 million for Greenways and we raised $30 plus million for a Taubman Center and yet
we have a 1,100 acre most natural asset in the whole area not being utilized.
Supervisor Church advised there has been a study and have looked at putting up to
$500,000 a year and no one wants to take full ownership. The State will not let us have
it as there is more than meets the eye. It is just a huge, big bear not just a piece of
land. The Virginia Recreational Authority is really the true owner and it has been a
political nightmare for years. Mr. Goodman stated it has been a challenging opportunity
to use the huge asset, and Supervisor Elswick is correct it is a huge asset to this
community. It is his understanding this Board does not want the State to sell it and
wants to keep it in its fashion. The Authority has been working on it, but the County has
not been heavily involved. The County is involved in the day -to -day operations, as we
provide funds to keep it going, but nothing to any large scale. He suggested that the
Board sit down with the Authority in some type of work session after the budget is done
and map the future of Explore Park. Supervisor Church stated it was a constant
financial drain. Supervisor Elswick stated he did not think anyone on the Board has the
imagination and expertise to try to decide, all we can do it throw money it at. The Board
cannot decide what to do with it; it should be turned over to Doug Blount and Landon
Howard and knowledgeable people from the Parkway. Let them go talk to the owners
of Explore Park because those are the kind of people who are going to come up with
the ideas. Supervisor Altizer stated he has sat in on a lot of work sessions that Explore
set up for people to talk, business people, investors and all types of people who have an
interest and when you go through that you understand you have a beautiful piece of
property, but it is going to take private investment. Explore has a plan, every plan has
to come with money attached. It is not going to be $100,000 here or a half a million
dollars there. For example, to get the Greenway from the waste water plant to the first
pull off going into Explore Park is going to cost approximately $4 million, just to do a
greenway. Things can happen in Explore and if things are done right towards investors
who might want to go out there, it is a beautiful setting for a Park, just like Douthat State
Park, it just has a river instead of a lake, but it is going to take somebody to build
cabins, infrastructure and somebody to put a little grill in and a little convenience store.
It is a great asset; quite frankly Larry Vandermatten has the plan. He spent over $2
million to develop the plan, but his plan shows nothing different other than by scale of
what needs to be done out there and it all comes down to the bottom line of money.
Until the private sector is willing to go out and do something out there, he does not know
if you will ever see anymore than what you have.
Mr. Goodman concluded by saying the public hearing will be scheduled for
May 22, 2012 with the adoption on June 12, 2012. So, there is plenty of opportunity at
the May 8 t " meeting to discuss further. Staff will be checking all the numbers from the
April 24, 2012 255
General Assembly as soon as they are received. It will not affect the bottom line. By
law, the budget has to be adopted by June 30, 2012. Supervisor Altizer stated he felt
this was not a rough outline, but a concise outline of what it is. Mr. Goodman
responded some of the numbers needed to be refined and double checked. Supervisor
Elswick commented it does not sound as bad as it could have with Mr. Goodman
responding this Board and previous Boards and previous staff have worked more than
ten years on trying to strengthen the financial position of Roanoke County. Ten to
twelve years ago the Board established a plan and made the decision to strengthen the
financial position of Roanoke County, which is why there is over $20 million in the
unappropriated fund balance that allows the County to pay its bills without borrowing
money. He stated he has worked for communities where they had to borrow money to
pay their bills and pay payroll, which is not a good picture. This Board stated they
would not operate that way many years ago and corresponding Boards have continued
to support. Secondly, the Board established certain financial goals and objectives that
have been implemented, which is why Roanoke County has a strong rating. This did
not happen overnight; it happened because the Board and staff at the time said this is
where we are going and the Board supported it throughout the whole process over
twelve to fifteen years. In a few years, there will be a fully funded CIP program that will
have $10 million to spend on capital. He further added he did not think there was
another locality in the area that would be able to say that. In this budget is another
$300,000, which is our contribution and have asked the schools to put in $300,000,
which staff believes is there. There has been a lot of hard work over the years that has
gotten us to the point that Supervisor Elswick said we have the ability to deal with
difficulty; there is some elasticity in our budget. An example of this is where the other
jurisdictions are raising their real estate rates.
Supervisor Church asked with regard to the additional requests, unfunded,
there is $1.8 million that jumps out; out of the entire $2.1 million, $1.8 is for Fire and
Rescue. Mr. Goodman stated he has encouraged the Directors to present a budget that
represents their needs. This represents the various positions. Chief Burch explained
that due to not hiring any career staff the last several years which represents the
positions in the five -year plan to date. Supervisor Church stated that the Police
Department did not do the same and maybe they do not need to. Mr. Goodman stated
those positions are what Fire and Rescue needs to continue moving forward with the
five -year program.
Supervisor Altizer commented when you add personnel in it does not take
long to get to a million dollars. When times were good people were added and when
times are tough we do what we have to do. He stated he is very proud Roanoke County
can go through a budget like it just went through, like it went through for four years;
never had a real estate tax increase during the entire time; virtually have not cut
services to the citizens of Roanoke County. This year alone other surrounding counties
are having to go through for various reasons real estate tax increases, BPOL increases,
personal property increases. Roanoke County has taken about a $1 million hit in loss of
256 April 24, 2012
revenue in real estate taxes. The last budget time, people looked like they had been
beat with a stick, yet they come on back through and go through the last budget cycle
and cut about $1.2 million. He looks at revenue from four years ago, and today is $7.2
million less, but we are still continuing to do business, minimizing those things affecting
our citizens and continue to move forward. Roanoke County has redone schools,
upgraded libraries, build a garage; has come a long way. The bottom line as he has
said many times before no matter how good or how bad you are it is related to people.
It is the people behind the scenes that make do year in and year out, they cut, they
grumble, they say they cannot cut anymore but find another $10,000 here and another
$20,000 there. The Board makes decisions and state what they would like to see
happen and ninety -nine times out of one hundred, staff delivers. When looking at what
has to be done with VRS and holding our people harmless on that, it means 5.75% and
he fully supports. He also fully supports a three percent raise on top of that because of
what has been done all through the hard times, it is about people and keeping good
people and doing the things that have to be done. It is real easy to do things and be
heroes in good times, but it is during bad times that people really step up to the plate
and do what is right not for their department, but what is right for Roanoke County as a
whole. He added he feels Roanoke County has been given a gift, somewhat this year
with the way the State and the Governor did VRS and received a reprieve, which will
enable the salary increase. He stated he is not so sure that it might be another two or
three years before there is an opportunity to give another one. If we are going to be
able to retrain and recruit, we cannot compete with the private sector, but at least match
what the localities are doing around us. He feels Roanoke County is at a disadvantage
in recruiting police officers, fire fighters, correction personnel, deputy sheriffs, etc. We
are coming down the home stretch and this is an opportunity to thank each and
everyone for what they have done and quite frankly what you might have to do in the
coming years.
Supervisor Elswick stated he agreed with what Supervisor Altizer had to
say and having worked in industry and comparing the capability, the creativity, business
management expertise of the County employees he thoroughly supports what
Supervisor Altizer has to say. They are an excellent bunch of people and the Board
really appreciates everybody working to keep expenses down and not asking for things
which maybe would be nice to have, but putting them off until maybe things improve.
He thanked everyone involved in the work to get this budget and others together.
Supervisor Church stated one comment he has received from Salem City
Council and Roanoke City council, "where are you guys hiding all your money." "How
can you be building schools, and buildings, etc when we are cutting back? Where are
you hiding your money ?" It is noticed by surrounding governments; it makes others
take notice and makes them wonder. We have not increased taxes and in his twelve
years, taxes have gone down three or four times; that is hard to believe.
Chairman Flora stated back three or four years ago whenever we started
seeing the beginning of the slide, he made the comment, "Tough times are when you
April 24, 2012 257
correct the mistakes you made when times were good." Over the past three or four
years that is exactly what has happened. The biggest hits came from education. Over
the past five years, the Commonwealth of Virginia has reduced its funding to education
by $400 million. The localities have had to make do and have had to raise taxes. It is
not just to schools; look at what they have done to the Police Department, Sheriff's
Department, Constitutional Officers. Roanoke County is now funding about one
hundred percent (100 %) of the office expenses for the Commissioner and the
Treasurer; most of their employees. The State used to pay two thirds of the
Constitutional Officers salary and fifty percent (50 %) of all the employees and seventy -
five percent (75 %) of their offices. As far as raises are concerned, you are going to
hear people out there in the public who do not give a flip if County employees have a
job, much less a raise. They would like to dismantle governments and take it down to
zero as long as it does not affect their own program. You just cannot continue to expect
people to continue to pile more on, more on, more on and not get something in return.
Next year, we do not know what is going to happen. If the indicators continue to go the
way they are going, we are probably going to be out of the hole, but there is a lot going
on around the world that could change that in a heartbeat. He stated he thinks the
future looks better than it had for several years; everyone just needs to keep their
fingers crossed and hope it continues to improve. Staff has done an excellent job and
thinks the schools have been greatly cooperative. Staff has done a wonderful job. He
echoed what the other supervisors have already said; we have some wonderful
employees, incredibly dedicated and deserve everything we can do for them.
Chairman Flora called the meeting back into open session at 7:00 p.m.
with all Supervisors present accept Supervisor Moore.
IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Resolution of congratulations to the Cave Spring High School
Girls Volleyball Team for winning the Virginia High School League
(VHSL) Group AA State Competition
In attendance for this recognition were Cave Spring High School Principal
Steve Spangler, Assistant Coach Mark Tanis and the girls volleyball champions. All
supervisors offered their congratulations.
RESOLUTION 042412 -4 OF CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
CAVE SPRING HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM FOR
WINNING THE STATE GROUP AA CHAMPIONSHIP
WHEREAS, team sports are an important part of the curriculum at schools in
Roanoke County, teaching cooperation, sportsmanship and athletic skill; and
258 April 24, 2012
WHEREAS, the Cave Spring High School Volleyball Team won the State Group
AA Championship on November 19, 2011, with a victory over Jamestown High School
in three straight games (25 -14, 25 -19, 25 -22); and
WHEREAS, the Knights won the River Ridge District and Region IV
Championships and finished the season with a record of 29 wins and 3 losses; and
WHEREAS, Morgan Shannon was named First Team All -State and the AA
Player of the Year and Shannon Craighead was named First Team All-State; and
WHEREAS, the Knights are coached by Tamalyn Tanis and Assistant Coaches
Mark Tanis, Jenna Burnop, Maggie Wagner and Caitlyn Long.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, does hereby extend its sincere congratulations to the
members of the CAVE SPRING HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM: Shannon
Craighead, Sarah Smith, Erin Holsinger, Kelli Long, Annice Link, Kendall Scott,
Lauren Sledd, Alyssa McKinley, Lauren Sigmon, Morgan Shannon, Kelsey Sine,
Kallie Wilkes and Olivia Sass for their athletic ability, their commitment and their team
spirit; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors extends its best
wishes to the members of the team, the coaches, and the school in their future
endeavors.
On motion of Supervisor Elswick to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
2. Resolution of congratulations to the Cave Spring High School
Academic Team for winning the 2011 -2012 State AA Scholastic
Bowl Competition
In attendance for this recognition were Cave Spring High School Principal
Steve Spangler, Coach Bob Powers and the Academic Team. All supervisors offered
their congratulations.
RESOLUTION 042412 -5 OF CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
CAVE SPRING HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLASTIC BOWL TEAM FOR
WINNING THE STATE GROUP AA CHAMPIONSHIP
WHEREAS, the Cave Spring High School Scholastic Bowl Team won the State
Group AA Championship on February 25, 2012, with a victory over Christiansburg with
a 270 -150 victory for its first State championship; and
April 24, 2012 259
WHEREAS, the Scholastic Bowl can be described as a Team Jeopardy contest,
with four person- squads competing to answer questions on literature, social sciences,
science, arts and popular culture. Matches consists of two (2) fifteen (15) question
tossup rounds separated by a twenty (20) question directed - question round where team
members can discuss possible answers; and
WHEREAS, this was Cave Spring's fifth trip to the final tournament in six years;
no other team has appeared more often; and
WHEREAS, the Knights are coached by Bob Powers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, does hereby extend its sincere congratulations to the
members of the CAVE SPRING HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLASTIC BOWL TEAM:
Madelyn Burton, James Cole, McKennon Flint, Jerry Huang, Laura Powell, Anna
Smith, Brett Smith, Troy Von Beck and Michael Zhang for their academic ability,
their commitment and their team spirit; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors extends its best
wishes to the members of the team, the coach, and the school in their future endeavors.
On motion of Supervisor Elswick to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
3. Resolution of congratulations to the Cave Spring High School
Girls 200 Freestyle Relay Team for winning the 2012 Virginia High
School League (VHSL) Group AA State Competition
In attendance for this recognition were Cave Spring High School Principal
Steve Spangler, Coach Andy Huray and members of the Team. All supervisors offered
their congratulations.
RESOLUTION 042412 -6 OF CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CAVE
SPRING HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS 200 FREESTYLE RELAY TEAM
FOR WINNING THE 2012 VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE
(VHSL) STATE GROUP AA CHAMPIONSHIP
WHEREAS, team sports are an important part of the curriculum at schools in
Roanoke County teaching cooperation, sportsmanship and athletic skill; and
WHEREAS, the Cave Spring High School Girls 200 Freestyle Relay Swim Team
won the 2012 Virginia High School League State Group AA Championship on February
11 , 2012, at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center with a time of 1:37.12; and
260 April 24, 2012
WHEREAS, the winning time set a Virginia State record; and
WHEREAS, the Knights are coached by Andy Huray.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia does hereby extend its sincere congratulations to the
members of the CAVE SPRING HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS 200 FREESTYLE RELAY
SWIM TEAM: Hailey Bivens, Lauren Cowher, Jacqueline Crawford and Maggie
Harman for winning the 2012 VHSL State Group AA Championship; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors extends its best
wishes to the members of the team, the coaches and the school in their future
endeavors.
On motion of Supervisor Elswick to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
4. Certificate of Recognition for the following Cave Spring High
School students:
a. Certificate of recognition to Jacob Siar, for winning the
Virginia Group AA State Championship in the 200 Individual
Medley and 100 Backstroke in Swimming
b. Certificate of recognition to Cody Seymour for winning the
Virginia Group AA State Championship in the 3200 Meter Run
in Indoor Track
c. Certificate of recognition to Katie Fortner for winning the
Virginia Group AA State Championship in the 1,000 Meter Run
in Indoor Track
d. Certificate of recognition to Sam Wright for being named the
Virginia Preps First Team All State and Group AA All State
Offensive Player of the Year in Football
In attendance for these recognitions were Principal Steven Spangler,
Coaches Huray, McGuire and Fulton along with each student recognized. All
supervisors offered their congratulations.
April 24, 2012 261
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
1. Public hearing and adoption of resolution approving the
Secondary Roads System Six -Year Improvement Plan for fiscal
years 2013 through 2018 and the construction priority list for
fiscal year 2013 (David Holladay, Planning Administrator)
Mr. Holladay outlined the resolution approving the six -year improvement
plan and explained the plan was reviewed in detail at the April 10, 2012, work session.
There were no citizens to speak under this public hearing. There was no discussion.
Chairman Flora commented it appears to take at least twenty (20) years to get what
used to get done in six (6).
RESOLUTION 042412 -7 APPROVING THE SECONDARY SIX -
YEAR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2013
THROUGH 2018 AND THE CONSTRUCTION PRIORITY LIST
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013
WHEREAS, Sections 33.1 -23 and 33.1 -23.4 of the Code of Virginia (1950, as
amended) provides the opportunity for Roanoke County to work with the Virginia
Department of Transportation in developing a Secondary Six -Year Road Improvement
Plan; and
WHEREAS, this Board had previously agreed to assist in the preparation of the
Secondary Six -Year Road Improvement Plan, in accordance with Virginia Department
of Transportation policies and procedures; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing which was duly advertised on the proposed
Secondary Six -Year Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2013 -2018 and Construction
Priority List for fiscal year 2013 was held on April 24, 2012, to receive comments and
recommendations on Roanoke County's Secondary Six -Year Road Improvement Plan
for fiscal years 2013 -2018 as well as the Construction Priority List for fiscal year 2013;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors does
hereby approve the Secondary Six -Year Road Improvement Plan for Roanoke County
for fiscal years 2013 -2018;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors does also hereby
approve the Construction Priority List for Fiscal Year 2013;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution duly attested to be
forthwith forwarded to the Virginia Department of Transportation Salem Residency
Office along with a duly attested copy of the proposed Roanoke County Secondary Six -
Year Road Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2013 -2018 by the Clerk to the Board.
On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
262 April 24, 2012
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SECOND READINGS OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance authorizing the vacation of a 15 feet wide public utility
easement as shown on the plat of Section 1, Sugarloaf Highlands
of record in Plat Book 7 at page 43 in the Roanoke County Circuit
Court Clerk's Office, said public utility easement being located off
Elbert Drive between Lots 8 and 9 (now re- subdivided and shown
as Lot 9A on a plat of record in Plat Book 16 at page 142 in the
above mentioned Clerk's Office), Windsor Hills Magisterial District
(Tarek Moneir, Deputy Director of Development)
Mr. Moneir outlined the need for the ordinance and notes there were no
changes from the first reading. There were no citizens to speak on this issue. There
was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 042412 -8 AUTHORIZING THE VACATION OF A 15
FEET WIDE PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT AS SHOWN ON THE
PLAT OF SECTION 1, SUGARLOAF HIGHLANDS OF RECORD
IN PLAT BOOK 7 AT PAGE 43 IN THE ROANOKE COUNTY
CIRCUIT COURT CLERK'S OFFICE, SAID PUBLIC UTILITY
EASEMENT BEING LOCATED OFF ELBERT DRIVE BETWEEN
LOTS 8 AND 9 (NOW RE- SUBDIVIDED AND SHOWN AS LOT
9A ON A PLAT OF RECORD IN PLAT BOOK 16 AT PAGE 142
IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED CLERK'S OFFICE), WINDSOR
HILLS MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the plat of Sugarloaf Highlands recorded in the Clerk's Office of the
Circuit Court of Roanoke County, Virginia, in Plat Book 7, page 43, established a 15'
wide public utility easement between Lots 8 and 9 (Tax Map #s 76.05 -02 -24 and 76.05-
02-23) which lots have been re- subdivided and shown as Lot 9A as shown on a
"Boundary survey and resubdivision for Walter J. Baumoel, Jr. and Sue G. Baumoel" on
a plat of record in Plat Book 16 at page 142, located on Elbert Drive; and
WHEREAS, the area designated and set aside for the above mentioned public
utility easement has never been utilized as such; and
WHEREAS, the property owner of Lot 9A has requested the vacation of this
unused public utility easement because it splits the property and limits the flexibility of
developing the land to its full potential; and
April 24, 2012 263
WHEREAS, the above described 15' public utility easement is more clearly
indicated as "15' PUE" on Lot 9A on a drawing dated April 10, 2012, prepared by
Roanoke County Department of Community Development and attached hereto as
Attachment III; and
WHEREAS, no other property owner will be affected by the vacation of this public
utility easement; and
WHEREAS, this vacation will not involve any cost to the County and the affected
County departments and public utilities have raised no objection; and
WHEREAS, notice has been given as required by Section 15.2 -2204 of the Code
of Virginia (1950, as amended); and
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That pursuant to the provisions of Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County
Charter, the acquisition and disposition of real estate can be authorized only by
ordinance. A first reading of this ordinance was held on April 10, 2012, and a second
reading and public hearing of this ordinance was held on April 24, 2012.
2. That pursuant to the provisions of Section 16.01 of the Roanoke County
Charter, the subject real estate (192 feet long 15 feet wide public utility easement as
shown on plat of Sugarloaf Highlands recorded in Plat Book 7, page 43) is hereby
declared to be surplus and the nature of the interests in real estate renders it
unavailable for other public use.
3. That this public utility easement, being designated and shown as "15'
PUE" on Attachment III attached hereto, said PUE being located on Lot 9A, in the
Windsor Hills Magisterial District of the County of Roanoke, be, and hereby is, vacated
pursuant to Section 15.2 -2272 of the Code of Virginia,1950, as amended.
4. That all costs and expenses associated herewith, including but not limited to
publication, survey and recordation costs, shall be the responsibility of the Petitioner.
5. That the County Administrator, or any Assistant County Administrator, is
hereby authorized to execute such documents and take such actions as may be
necessary to accomplish the provisions of this ordinance, all of which shall be on form
approved by the County Attorney.
6. That this ordinance shall be effective on and from the date of its adoption, and
a certified copy of this ordinance shall be recorded in the Clerk's Office of the Circuit
Court of Roanoke County, Virginia, in accordance with Section 15.2 -2272 of the Code of
Virginia (1950, as amended).
On motion of Supervisor Elswick to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Supervisor Moore
264 April 24, 2012
IN RE: CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
The following citizens spoke.
Mr. Noah Tickle of 1603 Frosty Lane in Salem, Virginia stated people are waking
up to the dishonesty and collusion, enough so that the powers- that -be, the NGOs and
the global elite, are having to rename things to try to hide them again. Consider this
quote from J. Gary Lawrence, a planner for the city of Seattle, and an advisor to the
President's Council for Sustainable Development: "Participating in a UN advocated
planning process would very likely bring out many ... who would actively work to defeat
any elected official... undertaking Local Agenda 21. So we will call our process
something else, such as "comprehensive planning," "growth management," or "smart
growth." Do you see what I mean? Quotes from the UN's Our Common Future:
Sustainable Development involves "... a progressive transformation of the economy and
society, ... international interdependence redistribution of wealth, ... less material and
more equitable growth, ... ensuring a sustainable level of population, merging
environment and economics in decision making, ... and a new ethics that will include the
relationship between man and nature above all. Clearly there is more to Sustainable
Development than good stewardship of natural resources. Put that all together and it
equals what we so- called conspiracy theorists have been saying all along: this is a plan
to control every aspect of our lives, economic, environmental, spiritual, educational,
reproduction. The state will not only be in our pocketbooks and our bedrooms, but in our
schools and churches. They will decide what foods we can eat (food- sheds), if we can
have children, how much education each child will be allowed, how much space we can
inhabit, and what we will worship, Jehovah or Gaia or something else entirely. As of late
there is monkeying around with genetics to develop a vaccine which can destroy our
belief in GOD. Wonder if soon they will include that in our annual flu shots. So how is Al
Gore's wrenching transformation going to transpire? There are five paths being used to
transform America from the land of the brave to the pen of the slave, they are: for the
rural areas it's the Wildlands Project.; for the cities it's smart growth; in business it's
Public /Private Partnerships; in government it's called stakeholder councils and non-
elected boards and regional government - or reinvented government; and in the schools
it is called No Child Left Behind.
Mr. Max Beyer of 242 Coachman Drive in Labellvue stated he wished to
speak on the proposed budget for next year. The overall budget as presented by the
County Administrator and staff indicates a $1.2 reduction in total budget for this year.
The County has made some hard decisions and is resisting the temptation to raise
taxes. However, there are some downsides. There is a $1.2 million reduction in the
agencies budget and despite the assertions of Administration, the community is
essential being maintained. There are many fee based services that have been
increased; Parks and Recreation and also in General Services. In addition, many areas
April 24, 2012 265
have sustained reductions and expenditures for capital projects, which have been
deferred, deferred equipment replacements, reducing working inventories and
decreasing maintenance in many areas of the County. This is a continuation of what
has been going on for the last two or three years during the recent years of fiscal
constraint and, of course, cannot be continued indefinitely. Personnel benefits is a cost
with a significant increase as the result of three things. First is the State mandated five
percent (5 %) salary increase associated with the VRS retirement increase. Second an
additional non - mandated increase to compensate employees from absorbing the
associated FICA tax. Third is an additional three percent (3 %) discretionary permanent
salary increase that has been presented to the Board. The justification for this three
percent (3 %) pay raise is as follows. First, the Supervisors asked for it; the inclusion
was made at the Board's direction. Second, it has been four years since the employees
have had an increase despite the fact there has been two interim bonuses and the
County picks up the annual increase in health care costs. Another factor is the self -
imposed, County policy that requires equity between School employee salaries and the
County. As a consequence, anything that happens to teachers, and they have a good
lobby, no one wants to appear to be teacher unfriendly, but the consequence of that
policy is that any increase or change in their salary is manifested in the County salaries.
Again, that is a self- imposed policy. Third, everyone else is doing it. Many other
localities are increasing the pay and following the same logic. Finally, justification is
made because the employees are loyal, dedicated workers and deserve it. But what
about taxpayers? Aren't taxpayers loyal and deserve a break and dedicated. Who is
looking out for them? Who is looking out for the taxpayer? What is in it for us? The
Board is the only body that can look out for us. We ask that the Board reconsider the
discretionary three percent (3 %) salary increase.
Ms. Susan Edwards of 4121 Givens Road in Salem, Virginia advised she
was delayed in arriving here this evening because VDOT is actually holding a hearing
this evening on the six -year plan at Northside High School. She stopped by there to
pick up a little bit of paperwork to try and look at some of the costs that VDOT is looking
at in their six -year plan and it provided her with a little bit of background on the one
subject she is coming before the Board about, followed by one slight comment if she
has time at the end. She stated she was here to talk to the Board about the
improvements to West Main Street in Roanoke County. It is a little more than two (2)
miles, the highway department tells us that this is just 2.188 miles and that one segment
of construction is costing the State $45, 370,000. This project was left on a shelf after
design for quite some time because there was no funding available to construct the
project. In the time that project sat on the shelf, the requirements in design have
changed and specifically they have changed to require incorporate the accommodation
for pedestrian traffic and bicycles. The plans as designed are under construction
thankfully, it is under construction, including a delay for some bid issues. The contractor
is well under construction, but the best time to make a change to those plans is while
construction is under way; not after construction is complete. What she would like to do
266 April 24, 2012
is ask the Board to work with VDOT to find funding to help add sidewalks on the north
side of the project and ask for paint striping and signage to accommodate shared bike
roadway. There is a considerable amount of road bike traffic in West County and while
they are making these travel lanes quite wide and there is a paved shoulder; there is
plenty of pavement. It is just marking the pavement and adding some signs to allow the
bike traffic to have improved safety in that little more than two (2) miles. So, if the Board
can work with VDOT and she is talking with them as well asking them to work with the
County on what can be done. During construction is the least costly time to make that
addition and change order. She stated she agreed with Max Beyer about looking at the
discretionary spending. She is a State employee; they are not getting pay increases
either. We got a pay increase to accommodate for the VRS, and she would also ask
the Board to look at ICLEI and the background behind that organization. It is not good
and she would like for the Board to look into that background, please.
Chairman Flora requested that Mr. Goodman contact VDOT. Supervisor
Church commented he agreed with Chairman Flora.
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Elswick stated he would like to ask that everyone who rides
bikes, especially on roads like Route 221, which is fairly dangerous for automobiles to
wear some reflective clothing or wear a flashing light on their bike because when you
come around a curve on Route 221 after dark and there is a bike in front of you with
dark clothing on, no lights on the bike, somebody will get hurt someday and two people
will be hurt, the one on the bike and the one driving the car. He stated he knows there
is not much the Board can do about putting signage up, it is a VDOT responsibility but
do ask everyone who wants to ride a bike on these dangerous roads; you have the right
to do that, but please protect yourself and protect the person who might hit you because
you are not wearing anything that might let people know where you are and where you
are going.
Supervisor Flora advised Ms. Moore was not feeling well and when she
described her symptoms, it clearly looked like the flue and his advice to her was stay at
home, protect her health and theirs too. There were a couple of things she wants him to
comment on. The first one has already been commented on. Ms. Moore stated with
regard to the Arbor Day proclamation, "This proclamation is near and dear to my heart.
I want to thank every group and every individual who worked so hard and is so
dedicated to improving our quality of life in Roanoke. We live in one of the most
beautiful places in the world and it is because of all of you who walk the walk every day
that helps keep it beautiful. Sometimes it is the small things that you do every day that
makes a huge difference in the long run."
Supervisor Altizer asked Mr. Goodman regarding the fact he has gotten a
few calls from citizens regarding the timetable when we hope to have a new Police
Chief on board and could he take a minute and talk about the timeline. Mr. Goodman
April 24, 2012 267
stated he has a meeting with the consultant who has been working with staff next
Monday. He will be presenting his preliminary report where he will recommend the top
ten of the sixty -five applications. He has conducted phone interviews, etc with many of
the candidates, not all, but many of them and that was the genesis of his report. Upon
receipt of the report, there will be an in -house committee of County employees and staff
reviewing those and we hope to set up interviews shortly thereafter within two weeks
and start the interview process. We anticipate interviewing between five and ten
individuals, depending on the applications. We hope to complete the interviews by the
end of May or the first part of June. We would like to make an offer to a candidate and
hopefully it will be accepted sometime the second or third week of June.
Supervisor Church commented we could use Mr. Beyer, Mr. Tickle and
Ms. Edwards in Washington. One fiasco after another; what is going on and who is
watching the henhouse: GSA, the General Services Administration where there is over
$800,000 taxpayer money on a convention where they had paid clowns, mind readers,
skits being played out, hot tubs, $44 per person breakfasts and it goes on and on. The
GSA lords over every piece of infrastructure the US government owns. They have no
idea what is where, how much for how long. One wasted department after another. It
needs to be reorganized and revamped and disbanded, to be honest. This was
preceded by Solyndra, $550 million more dollars of taxpayer money wasted. It went
bankrupt and the people that were upfront got the first choice of money from the
government, what is going on? Then lately we have the Secret Service compromised
with prostitutes in Columbia; again taxpayer money. They are there to protect the
President of the United States. That was proceeded by federal employees, a lot of you
may not know, who owe over $1 billion in unpaid taxes, federal employees who include
members of the postal service, the military, House and Senate staffers and even the
West Wing and there are bills trying to be enacted to stop this nonsense but staffers are
holding them up. What is going on? Billions of dollars. A report had been made every
year and not one director has come forward for reprimands. Everybody still has their
jobs. Could we do this at Roanoke County, I guess not. Citizens are here talking about
a three percent raise and he is not trying to belittle that but hundreds of billions of
dollars are going out the door everyday in Washington. Now, last night we find out that
student loans over the last thirty to forty years amounting to $36 billion will not have to
be repaid. Where is it going to? Taypayer money, we have to stop it somewhere. You
have a good beginning here, but we could use about $2 million in Washington. Thank
you for being here.
Supervisor Flora commented on what Supervisor Elswick said about
people riding bicycles at night. He stated he thinks a person rides a bicycle on a road
like Route 221 with dark clothing on after dark must have a death wish because that is
clearly not the smartest thing that you can do. The quote of the day, which is actually
the quote of yesterday, "Which is more important, should we worry about how Mitt
Romney spends his money or how President Obama spends out money."
W ON
April 24, 2012
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Flora adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.
SAmitted by: Approved by:
beborah C. J s Richard C. Flora
Clerk to the Board Chairman
k-J,