3/12/2013 - RegularMarch 12, 2013 83
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 second Tuesday and the first
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of March 2013. 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 3:04 p.m. The roll call was
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Michael W. Altizer; Supervisors Joseph B. "Butch"
Church, Eddie "Ed" Elswick, Richard C. Flora and Charlotte
A. Moore
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: B. Clayton Goodman III, 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
Before the meeting was called to order Pastor Stephen R. Lamb of Grace
and Truth Baptist Church gave the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited
by all present.
IN RE: REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF
AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. B. Clayton Goodman III, County Administrator requested that the
following two consent items be removed from the Consent Agenda and moved under
New Business: Request to approve the health insurance rates for 2013 -2014; Request
to approve the dental rates for 2013 -2014 There were no objections.
IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
•
March 12, 2013
1. Recognition of the Fire and Rescue Department for receiving the
Governor's Outstanding Fire Service Award for Excellence in Fire
and Life Safety Public Education (Richard E. Burch, Jr., Chief of
Fire and Rescue)
Chief Burch and Chief Simon outlined the recognition. All Supervisors
offered their congratulations.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Roanoke County support for the Regional Economic Task Force
(B. Clayton Goodman III, County Administrator)
A- 031213 -1
Mr. Goodman explained the request. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Altizer moved to approve the staff recommendation to appropriate these
funds. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
2. Resolution to the Virginia Department of Transportation,
commenting on the 1 -81 Corridor Improvement Study, Tier 2
Environmental Assessment (David Holladay, Planning
Administrator)
discussion.
Mr. Holladay explained the request for resolution. There was no
RESOLUTION 031213 -2 TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION COMMENTING ON THE INTERSTATE 81
CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT STUDY, TIER 2 ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT
WHEREAS, in October 2012, the Virginia Department of Transportation initiated
a Tier 2 Environmental Assessment for proposed improvements to Interstate 81 (1 -81)
from Exit 118 in the Town of Christiansburg to Exit 143 in Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, the Tier 2 Environmental Assessment is a second stage of
environmental analysis that began with the 2007 Tier 1 Environmental Impact
Statement for the entire 1 -81 corridor in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and
March 12, 2013 85
WHEREAS, the concept advanced with the Tier 2 Environmental Assessment
includes the addition of not more than two (2) general purpose lanes in both the
northbound and southbound direction within the twenty -five (25) -mile study area; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors reviewed the Tier 2 Environmental
Assessment in a work session on February 26, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the proposed improvements to 1 -81 will improve safety, enhance
travel opportunities and increase the potential for economic growth around the Roanoke
Valley; and
WHEREAS, the proposed improvements to 1 -81 will result in impacts upon the
citizens of Roanoke County, and upon the provision of public services by County
government.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That the Board supports the project to improve traffic flow, increase
capacity and enhance interstate access via Interstate 81 within Roanoke
County.
2. That, from 1998 through 2006, Roanoke County has commented on
planned improvements to 1 -81, through a letter from the Chairman of the
Board, and adopted resolutions, and those communications are
transmitted with this resolution.
3. That the Board has particular interest in location and design of
improvements in the vicinity of Exit 132, especially with respect to Route
778, Glenmary Drive, which provides access to the Roanoke County
Center for Research and Technology.
4. That the Board has interest in the location and design of improvements to
all interstate exits, with respect to impacts to homes and businesses, and
the provision of emergency services.
5. That the Board requests the evaluation of the potential for emergency
vehicle locked gate access ramps at the Route 643, Daugherty Road
overpass.
6. That the Board prefers lane additions be located to the inside of the
northbound and southbound lanes where feasible, to minimize impacts to
homes and businesses.
7. That the Board requests that impacts of the proposed Norfolk Southern
Intermodal Facility be considered in the location and design of facilities.
8. That the Board requests evaluation of potential improvements to the park
and ride facility adjacent to Exit 140, and a review of all potential park and
ride facility locations throughout the project.
9. That the Board requests evaluation of potential bicycle and pedestrian
accommodations in all new or reconstructed overpasses and
underpasses, as well as other primary and secondary highways within the
86 March 12, 2013
study corridor.
10. That the Board requests that VDOT and County staff continue to meet
throughout the Tier 2 Environmental Assessment, to address specific
issues already noted and other issues that arise prior to the location public
hearing.
11. That the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors is directed to mail a certified
copy of this Resolution to VDOT Environmental Division, VDOT Salem
District Administrator, Commonwealth Transportation Board
On motion of Supervisor Church to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
3. Request to approve the health insurance rates for 2013 -2014
(Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance)
A- 031213 -3
Ms. Owens explained the request. Mr. Goodman explained he pulled from
the Consent Agenda to make sure that the Board was aware that Roanoke County will
be picking up the rates; due to no increases in the budget for 2013 -2014.
Supervisor Church commented that the Board has tried to compensate its
employees when the funds are available and thanked Ms. Owens for coming up with an
alternative plan.
Supervisor Flora asked if it would be picked up out of the health care
reserves with Ms. Owens responding in the affirmative. Ms. Owens indicated staff
would schedule a future work session to discuss the reserves. Supervisor Flora asked
if the reserves are excess premium accumulated from both the County and the
employees with Ms. Owens responding in the affirmative.
Supervisor Elswick commented the reserves are primarily the County's
excess reserves. He stated the County cannot continue to cover forever; employees
should be aware that the "Affordable Health Care Act" is making costs go up.
Chairman Altizer asked if the projected amount is $156,829 with Mr.
Goodman responding in the affirmative. Chairman Altizer moved to approve the staff
recommendation to appropriate these funds. The motion carried by the following
recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
A copy of the health plan rates for 2013 -2014 is on file in the office of the
March 12, 2013 87
Clerk to the Board of Supervisors.
4. Request to approve the dental rates for 2013 -2014 (Rebecca
Owens, Director of Finance)
A- 031213 -4
Ms. Owens explained the request. Mr. Goodman advised the reason for
the move to new business is the same as for the health and medical rates.
Supervisor Church asked if the annual benefit changed with Ms. Owens
advising the routine cleanings would no longer be included in the annual benefit.
Supervisor Church moved to approve the staff recommendation to
appropriate these funds. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
A copy of the dental rates for 2013 -2014 is on file in the office of the Clerk
to the Board of Supervisors.
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance authorizing the transfer of title to the real estate in the
Center for Research and Technology from the Roanoke County
Board of Supervisors to the Roanoke County Economic
Development Authority (Jill Loope, Acting Director of Economic
Development)
Ms. Loope explained the need for the ordinance. Chairman Altizer
allowed Mr. Max Beyer to speak on this issue.
Mr. Max Beyer at 2402 Coachman Drive stated he would ask the Board to
reconsider the ordinance to transfer title of this property. The current procedure
provides for Board control over this property in order for the Board and County citizens
and for the power to exercise oversight over the County's property transactions. By
intent, it is designed to slightly slow the process of government involvement in
development projects so that the Board and citizens can ascertain whether or not the
proposed action is prudent. It requires two official readings over a two -week period and
even this process can be compressed into one reading under critical circumstances.
The process is now as it should be in his opinion. This staff requested initiative is
designed to make their work more efficient and that is their job; to do their job with the
maximum amount of efficiency. Although this Board has interest in efficiency, it also
has, in his opinion, a different and higher calling and that is the preservation of citizen
88 March 12, 2013
control and power and interest in making decisions. It is by its very nature the
democratic process; it is methodical and requires close scrutiny of its decisions so that
all important aspects can be ascertained and considered by all the relevant authorities.
For example, although the staff can be expected to do a good job vetting, a citizen may
know of additional information about the company in question that is germane and
essential. Although the Board does have the final say in any economic development
agreement, by eliminating this important step the process is further down the road,
additional time and costs have been incurred and those facts, which may provide undue
weight to the Board's decision at a later date. He would submit, in his opinion, if the
Board would ask the staff if they could get along without this measure, they would have
to say yes. Again, he is asking that this action be disapproved for the benefit of the
County citizens.
Supervisor Church inquired of Mr. Mahoney does this in any way
jeopardize the County's control over this CRT. Mr. Mahoney stated he did not believe it
does as there are several safeguards: the Board always has been a party to any
performance agreement with an Economic Development process and are typically
three -party agreements; the Board through its appointment power controls the
Economic Development Authority and third Ms. Loope acts as the Secretary and he
acts as the attorney for the Authority. It does help expedite the process. Supervisor
Church also advised of the Design Review Team which is made up of citizens and one
adjacent landowner who owns approximately 1,200 acres. Ms. Loope advised she has
spoken with the Design Review Team. He understands from the recent work session
on this issue that the County could potentially be in an adverse position with a prospect
due to extra time for finalization. Ms. Loope agreed with Supervisor Church and noted it
tends to make the County more competitive.
On motion of Supervisor Church to approve the first reading and to hold
the second reading and public hearing on March 26, 2013, the motion was carried by
the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance approving a regional agreement between the Roanoke
Valley Convention and Visitor's Bureau, the City of Roanoke, the
City of Salem and the County of Roanoke (Paul M. Mahoney,
County Attorney)
Mr. Mahoney explained the need for the ordinance and summarized
several key elements of the agreement. Mr. B. Clayton Goodman III, County
Administrator explained this was a regional approach and will be brought forward with
the City of Salem and the City of Roanoke.
Supervisor Church explained this tax increase is for people outside the
March 12, 2013 89
area, not citizens. He commented he is looking forward to bringing in more people to
the area.
Supervisor Elswick stated he applauded the effort to increase tourism and
commented Explore Park needs to be expanded and could be made our most attractive
asset.
Mr. Wilmer and Mr. Howard of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau both
thanked the Board for their support and Mr. Howard commended Mr. Mahoney and Mr.
Goodman for their work on this agreement.
On motion of Supervisor Church to approve the first reading and to hold
the second reading and public hearing on March 26, 2013, the motion was carried by
the following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
3. Ordinance authorizing the granting of an electric utility easement
to Appalachian Power (AEP) on property owned by the Roanoke
County Board of Supervisors (Tax Map No. 097.05 -01- 01.00 -0000)
for the purpose of an underground electric power line to Starkey
Park ball field #7 at 6461 Merriman Road, Cave Spring Magisterial
District (Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney)
Mr. Mahoney explained the need for the ordinance. There was no
discussion.
On motion of Supervisor Moore to approve the first reading and to hold the
second reading and public hearing on March 26, 2013, the motion was carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
IN RE: APPOINTMENTS
1. Roanoke County Community Leaders Environmental Action
Roundtable (RCCLEAR) (appointed by District)
Jim Gray who represents the Windsor Hills Magisterial District has
resigned. Supervisor Ed Elswick has recommended the appointment of Mike Leigh to fill
the unexpired three -year term, which will expire on August 31, 2015. Confirmation has
been placed on the Consent Agenda
90 March 12, 2013
2. Roanoke County Economic Development Authority (EDA)
(appointed by District)
Supervisor Moore has recommended the appointment of Steve Anderson
to represent the Cave Spring Magisterial District for a four -year term to expire
September 26, 2017. Confirmation has been placed on the Consent Agenda.
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 031213 -5 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM H- 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 March 12,
2013, designated as Item H - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 5 inclusive, as follows:
1. Request to accept and appropriate $9,320.58 for Roanoke County Schools for
the Mentor Teacher Grant
2. Confirmation of appointment to the Roanoke County Community Leaders
Environmental Action Roundtable (RCCLEAR) (appointed by District)
Roanoke County Economic Development Authority (EDA) (appointed by
District)
4
3 Requ to approve the health iranG 201'2_201
v�c�. lth i
cam�rrr.�a e rates f
i - arT �T 2013 2014
4 .Req lest to approve the dental rates f 20134
5. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Judith S. Prettyman, Office Support Specialist, upon her
retirement after more than ten (10) years of service
On motion of Supervisor Altizer to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
IN RE: REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Request for public hearing on the adoption of tax rates for
calendar year 2013 on March 26, 2013 (W. Brent Robertson,
Director of Management and Budget)
March 12, 2013 91
A- 031213 -6
Mr. Robertson explained the request. Supervisor Church inquired when
the last increase was done with Mr. Robertson advising not within the last twenty -two
(22) years. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Altizer moved to approve the staff recommendation to
appropriate these funds. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Flora, Church, Elswick, Altizer
NAYS: None
IN RE: CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
The following citizens spoke.
Mr. Noah Tickle of 1603 Frosty Lane in Salem, Virginia stated more than
500 scientists have published evidence refuting the current man -made global warming
scare, according to a new analysis of peer- reviewed literature by the Hudson Institute.
Another assessment supports one that revealed carbon dioxide levels were largely
irrelevant to global warming. Those results prompted Reid Bryson, founding chairman
of the Department of Meteorology at the University of Wisconsin, to quip, "You can go
outside and spit and have the same effect as doubling carbon dioxide." The newest
analysis was released by Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Dennis Avery, who said of the
SOD scientists who have refuted at least one element of the global warming scare, The
others have huge government grants to cook the books to scare the average person
into believing mankind is destroying planet Earth. More than 300 have found evidence
that a natural moderate 1,500 -year climate cycle has produced more than a dozen
global warmings similar to the current circumstances since the last Ice Age and that
such warmings are linked to variations in the sun's irradiance. All the while our sun is
traveling through outer space at approximately 486,000 mph taking with it several
planets. This is a very variable event we are part of spoiled silliness would have us
believe they are in control. This data and the list of scientists make a mockery of recent
claims that "a scientific consensus" blames humans as the primary cause of global
temperature increases since 1850." Senior Fellow Dennis Avery said "Two thousand
years of published human histories say that the warm periods were good for people It
was the harsh, unstable Dark Ages and Little Ice Age that brought bigger storms,
untimely frost, widespread famine and plagues of disease," he said Other researchers
have found evidence that sea levels are failing to rise, storms and droughts are
becoming fewer and milder and human deaths will be reduced with warming because
cold kills twice the number of people as heat. Another result was that corals, trees,
birds, mammals "and" "butterflies" are "adapting well" to the routine reality of changing
92 March 12, 2013
climate, the analysis said so. Why should we continue funding the International Council
of Local Environmental Initiatives --- ICLEI? Don't wait until later. De -fund ICLEI now.
Ms. Susan Edwards of 4121 Givens in Salem, Virginia stated she lives in
the Glenvar Catawba Magisterial District of the County. She advised she had a few
comments to bring to the Board today. First regarding the planning and future
improvements on Interstate 81, she requested staff include accommodation for
pedestrian traffic as well as bicycle in the replacement of the overpasses as they move
forward, especially in the Glenvar area. Interstate 81 divides our community,
particularly the schools from most of the public facilities such as the library and access
to Main Street, which is in the process of being upgraded at this time. Currently, we do
not have very good access; the bridges over the interstate there are very narrow and if
we could make accommodation in planning to provide for pedestrian traffic and bicycles,
we would appreciate it. She commended Chairman Altizer and the Board on the effort
to initiate regional cooperation on economic development. This is very important and as
you will hear a little bit later in the Livable Roanoke presentation is that economic
development is such an important thing to our community and the subsequent impact of
bringing new industry or any kind of business to our region helps to provide tax base as
well as the ability for our communities to find employment and we have a wonderful
region so she would like to commend the Board for that. Lastly, she stated she wanted
to caution the Board in the course of participating in the Livable Roanoke effort and in
your later discussion today on cultural, tourism and other agencies. It is important that
we keep in mind as a government body that even though there are a lot of things you
will hear from the survey on Livable Roanoke as concerns of our community; concerns
of the wider Roanoke Valley. The number one thing they will show you (hold up sheet)
is jobs and the economy. It is important that the government plays a role in that and we
have an important role in fostering regional cooperation, but at the same time there are
certain elements that are going to be presented that have more to do with philanthropy
and are not part of the core responsibility of government and she urged the Board to
use caution in listening to those concerns of our community and specifically when you
look at the request that you are going to discuss as a separate item in your work
session on cultural, tourism and other agencies, specifically she noted that there was
almost $500,000 to the Convention and Visitors Bureau of funding and yet we just heard
a presentation from them approving the five to seven percent (5 to 7 %) transient
occupancy tax and we are going to increase on top of that transient occupancy tax. We
are going to give them a chunk more money; every dollar that the Board agrees to
spend is more money that has to be taken from other pots of the County's budget and
she just wants to encourage you to look at those requests carefully in light of not
everything that somebody wants money for is part of the core responsibility of local
government.
Mr. Bill Gregory of 3312 Pamlico Drive in Roanoke, Virginia stated as you
known the Partnership for a Livable Roanoke Valley will be presenting to the Board at a
work session following this meeting. The Partnership for a Livable Roanoke Valley
March 12, 2013 93
(PLRV) is an arm of the Roanoke Valley Allegheny Regional Commission, which serves
several counties and cities in the region. The Partnership wishes to leave you with a
fuzzy feeling; fuzzy feelings about the new plan they are developing called the Livable
Roanoke Valley Plan. He stated that he believes most of this or some of it is "a wolf in
sheep's clothing." If you believe in individual property rights and have issues with UN
Agenda 21 and the continuing redistribution of wealth from our County to other counties
and cities in the RVARC region. This plan closely resembles plans just like it that just
so happen to be popping up in many other regional commissions across the Country.
The most notable template for these new regionalism style plans in the Country is the
One Bay Area Plan out in the San Francisco Bay area; their regional commission is
called ABAG and their plan is a few or more years farther ahead of ours in
development. The masses in that region have awoken a little too late to its
stranglehold. He stated he knows the Livable Roanoke Valley Plan will be every bit of
the One Bay Area Plan because he has personally spoken to the One Bay Area Plan
opposition leader, whose name is Heather Gas. He explained to her the vision of the
Roanoke Valley Livability Plan and its development currently. She tells him the current
development stage of the Livable Roanoke Valley Plan is exactly what the development
of the One Bay Area Plan looked like a few years ago. In order to get a full
understanding at just how outraged the recently awoken citizens in the ABAG region
about the One Bay Area Plan you must watch their angry protests on YouTube. Type
the following into the YouTube search engine, One Bay Area Plan and Citizens for a
sample. If implemented it will adversely affect property rights and individual liberties in
that region. He advised if he can provide the Board with Ms. Gas's contact information,
if so desired. The PLRV's presentation to the Board during the work session today is
the first step towards what they hope will be your future; fully buying into their Livability
Plan. It has been carefully crafted with help from some of the usual local UN Agenda 21
stakeholder representatives such as a Dr. Christopolus, Roanoke Valley Cool Cities
Coalition and the Western Virginia Land Trust. The PLRV is likely doing the same sales
job in other counties and cities in this jurisdiction. All he can say is "you have been
warned."
Ms. Janet Scheid of 1453 Wolf Creek Drive in Vinton Virginia stated she
the current chair of the Board appointed volunteer group called RCCLEAR. The last
time she spoke to the Board, she provided the Board with some information on a project
RCCLEAR is working on with the Roanoke County Schools and specifically with the
Student Advisory Council. Today, she would like to update the Board on that project.
RCCLEAR is sponsoring a green contest this year for all Roanoke County schools in
honor of Earth Day in April. The Energetic Ideas Contest will begin next month and the
theme this year is "Lights Out." Students will be submitting original pieces of art in any
of six (6) areas: dance, film production, literature, musical composition, photography
and visual arts. The students, particularly those in grade schools are very excited about
the contest. Entries will be judged in April and winners announced in May. Winners will
be presented with Certificate and prizes and once again they hope to do this at the May
94 March 12, 2013
Board meeting. Also, in honor of Earth Day, RCCLEAR will have a booth at Earth Day
on April 20 She is also pleased to announce that RCCLEAR has been able to bring
on a volunteer intern to help with RCCLEAR projects.
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Flora moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Altizer, Church, Elswick, Flora
NAYS: None
1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance
2. Capital Reserves
3. Reserve for Board Contingency
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
At 4:03 p.m. Chairman Altizer recessed to the 4 th floor for work session.
1. Work session to discuss the Partnership for a Livable Roanoke
Valley (Jake Gilmer, Partnership for a Livable Roanoke Valley)
Mr. Jake Gilmer from the Partnership for a Livable Roanoke Valley gave a
PowerPoint presentation, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board
of Supervisors.
The work session was held from 4:24 p.m. until 4:48 p.m.
2. Work session to discuss fiscal year 2013 -2014 budget
development (B. Clayton Goodman III, County Administrator and
W. Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget.)
Mr. Roberson provided the Board with a PowerPoint presentation, a copy
of which is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Robertson
advised the most recemt review of revenues indicates a deficit of approximately
$200,000 in the current fiscal year, but explained that department savings would easily
cover the shortfall. Mr. Robertson explained that the revenue numbers presented would
very likely change. Additionally, the State budget has not yet been adopted and if
approved it could add $645,000 to Roanoke County's revenue projections. He indicated
that staff has not been asked to cut their budgets at the present time. The schedule for
the rest of the budget cycle is as follows:
March 12, 2013 95
March 19, 2013
Health and Human Services Agencies Requests
March 26, 2013
Public hearing and adoption of tax rates
April 9, 2013
County Administrator's proposed Budget
April 23, 2013
Public hearing on proposed Budget
May 14, 2013
First reading of appropriation ordinance
May 28, 2013
Second reading of appropriation ordinance and
adoption of budget
The work session was held from 4:49 until 5:11 p.m.
3. Work session on proposed Vinton Library A &E costs and project
budget (Daniel R. O'Donnell, Assistant County Administrator)
In attendance for this work session were Daniel R. O'Donnell, Assistant
County Administrator; B. Clayton Goodman III, County Administrator; Mayor of Vinton
Brad Grose; Ann Tripp, Hollins Branch Librarian; Rob Light, Purchasing Manager;
Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance and Diana Rosapepe, Director of Library Services.
Mr. O'Donnell first brought the Board of Supervisors up to date on the
selection of the A &E firm for the design of the proposed Vinton Library, and how the
previously appropriated $567,900 will be utilized to get the project ready for bid should
the Board choose to move forward to construction. Supervisor Elswick inquired if it
would be a package design that staff could turn over to construction companies to bid
on. Mr. Goodman explained yes, but we could not bid it because there is no money in
Phase 1. Mr. Goodman explained no contract has been awarded to date. Ms.
Rosapepe explained the experience of HBM, the potential A &E firm. Supervisor Elswick
stated he feels it is a shame we are building three libraries, the same A &E on all of
them, no local jobs created other than a small amount; it gets to him and makes him feel
ashamed, that our emphasis on creating jobs in the area is not producing results if we
are going outside when we have tons of them in the valley. Mr. O'Donnell stated HBM
did partner with Hill Studios, which is a local firm. Supervisor Flora stated there is a
State code provision that allows if everything is equal, you can select a Virginia firm
over an out -of -state firm. Statutorily everything is set out very clear on how the
selection is made. It is based on qualifications and experience and whoever has the
most experience and the most qualifications should rise to the top; they want you to hire
the best firm for the job. Ms. Rosapepe advised most of the construction is local and
not a lot of jobs are the actual A &E.
Mr. O'Donnell then explained that staff would like to waive an expensive full
value engineering study in favor of a less costly and effective peer review of the design
and turned the session over to Rob Light who explained the policy. It was the
consensus of the Board to waive the full study and add to the agenda on March 26,
2013 under the Consent Agenda.
96 March 12, 2013
Finally staff presented the complete project budget as all cost items in the
budget have been identified. Mr. O'Donnell explained staff is contemplating three public
meetings, the first large public meeting will be targeted for April 18, 2013 and there will
be public input at the front end and once the schematic design has been completed,
another public meeting will be held for comment and then the detailed design will be
presented to the public at the third public meeting. This is the same process that was
used in Glenvar. Mr. O'Donnell stated that they contemplate a ten -month design period.
If the Board goes forward it would probably start in August in order to get the funds for a
demolition in September. There will be a fourteen (14) month construction. Mr.
Goodman advised that the demolition is tentatively scheduled for September but the
Board should be aware that the lessee has the option for a third year starting August 1,
2013; subject to relocating the tenant. Mr. O'Donnell then advised the anticipated
completion date would be the winter /spring of 2015. Mr. O'Donnell then turned the
meeting over to Ms. Owens to discuss financing. Ms. Owens advised the numbers are
for planning purposes in the case the Board wanted to move forward with the project.
The estimate of cost is $9 million. If doing a bond issue there would be bond issue
costs of $150,000. Funding source suggestions are $1.5 million leftover from the South
County Library project; $200,000 remaining from the Merriman roundabout could be
reallocated, agreement with the Town of Vinton of $377,000, lease with Mr. Dunman
through June of 2013 of $86,250, major capital account has $938,161 and this project is
one that is intended for these funds and $730,189 million from minor capital account.
This brings staff to $3.8 million in cash towards the project, which is viewed very
favorably. This would leave the County to bond for $4,750,000. The County does have
a joint County /School capital plan and we do have the opportunity as part of that plan to
issue debt and that is how we would be able to accomplish this. Ms. Owens
commented she has run all of these scenarios through all of the debt ratios with the
proposed issuance that those will all stay well within our limit and as a part of that plan it
does give us the funds to pay the principal and interest payments related to that debt.
Again, she reiterated this information is for planning purposes and understands there
will be work session that will be held the second meeting in April to really review other
capital projects. Staff will give the Board some opportunity and flexibility to look at those
projects and determine the priorities and in addition to the $4.7 million would also have
the opportunity to bond another $12 to $13 million to accomplish any other projects that
the Board requests. Because interest rates are at such a historic low, our model has
been based on a six (6) percent interest rate and rates are now between three and
three and one half percent (3 to 3 % %).
Supervisor Elswick asked if all of that would bring the County up to 225 in
borrowing with Ms. Owens responding that issuance would bring the County up to
$2,200 and the County is currently at $2,104.
Supervisor Elswick asked how can the County do this in August; does it
not have to wait until Election Day? Mr. Goodman advised that would only apply under
a general obligation, which requires a referendum and that would be a Board decision.
March 12, 2013 97
The August timeframe would be under a revenue lease bond. Supervisor Elswick said it
should not make much difference as there is only a couple of month's difference.
Chairman Altizer asked what the election has to do with it with Mr. Goodman explaining
he is referring to a general obligation bond. Ms. Owens advised the only comment she
would make is the concern with the market and how volatile it is and the interest rates.
Supervisor Elswick stated but to go forward in August means you have to do a
designated lease revenue bond and in his opinion it does not quality as a lease revenue
bond; neither did the Recreation Center, the Public Safety Center. He stated he thinks
this time it needs to be a general obligation bond. Ms. Owens stated the other thing she
would add we have borrowed before from the Virginia Resource Authority and we did
that for our Public Safety Center; they are looking at having a summer issuance and so
it would give us another borrowing opportunity should the Board chose to do so. Mr.
Goodman stated it is his understanding that the Board can make a decision and the
Vinton Library would be eligible as it would be very similar to South County Library.
Supervisor Church asked in the CIP list for years 2011 through 2013
where did this project rank. Mr. O'Donnell stated it is in the top tier. Supervisor Church
stated he believed it was not in the top ten and his question is in years 2013 -2017 it is
ranked number 7. He stated he loves libraries, but he has to be a good steward of
taxpayer funds. When he looks back at 2011, the CIP project was for $6.1 million; now
we are at $9.2 million. Could someone explain how staff could increase a project that
has not been started fifty -two percent (52 %)? Mr. O'Donnell explained the construction
costs have gone up.
Chairman Altizer stated if you go back and look at the history of the
project, the $6.1 million was based on a remodeling of the existing building.
Supervisor Church stated he did not understand why we were going
forward and with the money mentioned there versus some of the other projects. We
have a CIP Committee based on citizens that the Board has appointed. Are we just
going to abolish that and if so why have it; what is happening. We have been following
that guideline for years. Glenvar stayed number one for several years. We need to be
consistent with taxpayer money. We were just given a budget review that things are not
going to be as good as we thought.
Supervisor Moore stated she feels this is a destination place, not just a
building; it is an economic development situation. It is totally different than just building
a library. There is a lot of economic growth here.
Supervisor Church stated with all due respect, the Glenvar library is a
designation place as well; it is the hub of a community. Route 11/460 is just now being
completed.
Supervisor Moore stated but it is already there, this is an opportunity.
Chairman Altizer stated we have varied from the CIP plan before. At one
point in time the Mt. Pleasant Library was the number one library to be done five years
ago. We built the Glenvar library and he voted against it. He voted against it because
of the timing of the budget. We are out of the budget and to infer that we are in a bad
98 March 12, 2013
budget time, we actually got improved budget numbers. He stated he will sit here and
argue that it is more than a library in downtown; it is revitalization, an economic
development project. So there are differences and he thinks the differences in the
prices is in square footage. It is the third highest turnover library in the Roanoke County
system.
Supervisor Church stated he knows the circulation numbers are not
accurate with regard to Glenvar because of the Salem library. He stated he is not
saying don't build the Vinton library, but we have to be realistic. He just does see
putting $9 million in when it is something we can do for a little bit less and do other
projects that have been waiting in the wings for a long time.
Supervisor Altizer stated he commended Supervisor Church for building a
15,000 square foot library because it was built for the future; growth and that is what
20,000 square feet is doing with Vinton. It is going to continue to grow, and we all know
when we spend this kind of money on this kind of project they do not get revisited again
for thirty (30) years, if then.
Mr. O'Donnell stated one of the differences is the cost of demolition of the
building versus the small building that Glenvar had. The differences in the site costs are
substantial because you have a large, paved area that is going to have substantial
drainage issues. Glenvar was almost a green field. Also the square footage costs have
gone up.
Supervisor Elswick stated he thought construction costs were done and
that is why we saved so much money on South County. Mr. O'Donnell stated they are
starting to go back up. Supervisor Elswick stated the Vinton library is going to be built,
but he wants to never, ever again have the County avoid asking citizens for approval.
He does not want lease revenue bonds, he wants them general obligation bonds and it
is not going to affect the schedule and the people will approve that because all
communities know that libraries are the focus and the citizens in that community value
their libraries more than any other facility there. So, why don't we try to come up with
also taking care of social services? If there is a difficult place to work in this County it
has to be Social Services and CIP made that number one, so let's just do them both.
Chairman Altizer stated he did not disagree with doing them both, the
problem is finding a location to do it.
Mr. O'Donnell explained there would be a work session on April 23, 2013
to discuss social services.
Supervisor Church commented that Chairman Altizer stated we are
looking to the future and that is true, but try to look within reason. It is all relative to
where you are. The work session was held from 5:12 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
1. Work session on Roanoke County's Stormwater Management
Ordinance (Tarek Moneir, Deputy Director of Development
Services)
March 12, 2013 gg
In attendance for this work session were Arnold Covey, Director of
Community Development; Tarek Moneir, Deputy Director of Development Services and
David Henderson, County Engineer. Staff went through a brief PowerPoint
presentation, a copy is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board and asked for
consensus to move forward with the draft ordinance, which is the minimum
requirements and advising it is a draft, and explain outstanding issues and is a work in
process. Supervisor Altizer requested that a copy of the draft ordinance be provided to
all Board members. The work session was held from 6:12 p.m. until 6:28 p.m.
IN RE: FUNDING REQUESTS
Chairman Altizer advised that this time had been set aside for Cultural,
Tourism and Other Agencies to submit funding requests to the board for the fiscal year
2013 -2014 budget. The agencies were called to speak in alphabetical order from Z to
A.
Representatives from nineteen (19) agencies addressed the Board to
request funding. A list of representatives is on file in the Clerk to the Board of
Supervisors office.
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Church congratulated the Richfield Community for their
opening last week for the new rehabilitation center. It is a new innovation technique. It
gives people who are rehabilitating from surgery and short -term rehabilitation a new
way to do things. It is a most friendly atmosphere and he wishes them all the success
in the world.
Supervisor Elswick stated he wanted to let people know that finally the
Bent Mountain Community Center will open on March 23 at 6:00 p.m. You might need
to check back with him as that might not be the exact time. So everybody is welcome;
we will have a little music and introduce people to the facility.
Supervisor Flora stated he wanted to congratulate our neighbors for
bringing home both the girls and boys basketball State championship; Salem. We
would like for it to have been William Byrd, but that is the way it goes; maybe next year.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Flora adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m. to a special meeting to
be held on March 19, 2013, at 6:00 p.m.
100
Submitted by:
. - .. 0110 .,�
Clerk to the Board
March 12, 2013
Approved by:
Michael W. Altizer
Chairman of the Board