HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/10/2014 - RegularJune 10, 2014 455
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 June 2014. 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: OPENING CEREMONIES
Before the meeting was called to order a moment of silence was held.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman McNamara called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. The roll call
was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Joseph P. McNamara, Supervisors Al Bedrosian,
Joseph B. "Butch" Church, Charlotte A. Moore and P. Jason
Peters
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: B. Clayton Goodman III, County Administrator; Daniel R.
O'Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Richard
Caywood, Assistant County Administrator; Paul M.
Mahoney, County Attorney; and Deborah C. Jacks, Deputy
Clerk to the Board
IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Recognition of Roanoke County Police Department's 2013 annual
awards (Howard B. Hall, Chief of Police)
Recognition was given. In attendance were Officer Tim Nicely; Detective
Eric Chidester; Mia Nguyen, Budget Specialist; Jeff Johnston, Fire and Rescue; Lester
Harmon (Civilan) works in the garage.
All Supervisors offered their congratulations and thanks.
456 June 10, 2014
2. Recognition of Assistant Chief, Ralph C. Mason, for forty (40)
years of service to Roanoke (Howard B. Hall, Chief of Police)
Recognition was given. Ms. Vicki Mason also in attendance All
Supervisors offered their thanks.
IN RE: BRIEFINGS
1. Briefing: Comparison of invocation policy to recent U. S. Supreme
Court decision (Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney)
Mr. Mahoney provided the Board with the briefing. He noted the existing
policy is okay, basically there are no errors. He advised he is of the option that we do
not need a policy, just hold a moment of silence.
Chairman McNamara advised further discussion on this would be held
under agenda item E.3. Supervisor Church called a point of order stating that item E -3
was a housekeeping item and discussion should be held under this item.
Chairman McNamara stated discussion on the prayer policy should be
held under item E.3. Supervisor Church advised there were only two items to be
discussed under item E.3.
Chairman McNamara then approved for discussion to be held.
Supervisor Church advised he had discussed the two items with Mr.
Richard Mast counsel from Liberty and was advised the two items were housekeeping
items. Supervisor Church then advised he takes exception to Mr. Mahoney's
suggestion to put this under Proclamation or Recognitions. Mr. Mahoney advised they
were not in disagreement and advised what the court was looking at identifying
invocation under the ceremonial portion of a governing body's agenda. Supervisor
Church advised that Richard Mast has concurred with putting it back where it was
before. The other item was to get someone locally to give the invocation.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated when he hears all this legal verbiage it is very
difficult to understand sometimes exactly what we are saying and he thinks a lot of
people feel that way in our Country. Usually when we put a policy in place, it does
seem like we are doing it to protect us from someone suing us. Is that correct? Mr.
Mahoney responded the Board is doing that for several reasons. First, it is defensive to
protect yourself, but secondly it is to give guidance and direction to either the Board or
to staff to implement the policies and procedures. Thirdly, Roanoke County had a policy
prior to November 2013, it just was not written down, but you still had a course of action.
The advantage of having something in writing is that it memorializes it.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated how would we get in trouble if we just opened
and if people wanted to pray came and prayed and we did not exclude anybody and we
could eliminate six or seven pages. Mr. Mahoney stated he thinks you can. Mr.
Mahoney stated that you would have to add you cannot go out and denigrate or
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prophesize or disparage any other religious or non - religious faith. This is a nice
statement state of policy, but what do you want the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk to do.
You should have a policy to give staff some direction. What if for example he is the
Clerk and he is an atheist and people call up and say they want to pray and I say, no.
Have I violated the Board's policy? Under this policy you have directed me as Clerk or
some other County official what to do and how to act and to bureaucratically implement
the action of the Board; he thinks you are going to need something. It is more than the
Board saying we welcome everybody. Supervisor Bedrosian stated there is nothing to
prevent the Clerk from doing this now and she would be violating it either way. When
he looks at this prayer issue, he listened to Supervisor Church and thinks the issue is
that everybody looks at prayer differently. He thinks we have gone off the beaten path a
little bit on this whole prayer issue and it has become a ritual. He stated he thinks when
the founding of our nation started, it was not about a ritual, it was praying to our Lord to
give us guidance in what we do and how we do things. This may be foreign to a lot of
people today because we have been teaching something different. When he was sworn
in, he put his hand on the Bible and he swore to uphold the Constitution of the United
States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia. When he looks at the law, it says
"Congress shall make no law (assuming no policy or ordinance) respecting religion or
the practice thereof." We have gone from that to five or six pages on just that. We are
creating law about a practice of our faith or religion. He is attuned to it enough over the
last month or so, everybody has many different views of prayer. His thought is if you
look around Roanoke and you drive a mile in any direction, the place is filled with
churches and other places of worship, but ninety -five percent (95 %) churches. We
have a heritage of religious express in our country, you cannot deny that and it has
been mainly Christian. As I talk to people, one group wants to remove prayer altogether
and that would deeply sadden him because he thinks prayer is more than a ritual.
There are others that want to force someone like himself to invite one of everybody so
we can show how representative we are of the world's religions, which he thinks
infringes upon someone's freedom of religion. We have so many people that think we
need to separate this government body from all religious expression; and this is
becoming a prevailing view in America. It is written in the Constitution that we need to
separate these two and we cannot intertwine them. When he talks to students, he
always tells them that it is true that it is in the Constitution; separation of church and
state, just not in our constitution. We protect churches from government, but we never
protect government from religious influence. We just ought to invite people to come in
pray; if you want to pray in Roanoke County just call. Don't expect that everybody is
going to stand up when you pray and just leave it at that. We are doing something that
we really do not need to do and the other thing is when we reference other states, not to
degrade, etc. Is somebody going to be watching for this? Are we actually going to
enforce that? If we are not going to enforce it, why have it.
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IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Request to transfer previously appropriated funds to open one or
more libraries on Sundays (Diana Rosapepe, Director of Library
Services)
A- 061014 -1
Ms. Rosapepe outlined the request. She indicated only headquarters was
originally open when school was in session and were the busiest hours of the work
week. The library was closed due to budget cuts. It is staff's recommendation to start
in September 2014.
Supervisor Moore moved to appropriate funding of up to $86,172 to be
used to open the South County, Vinton, Glenvar and Hollins libraries from 1 to 5 every
Sunday for twelve months per year, except holidays beginning September 7, 2014.
Supervisor Church stated in looking at this report, one could come to the
conclusion that the Libraries requested this and asked Ms. Rosapepe if she requested
this. Ms. Rosapepe advised they were asked for the information and we did provide the
information. She added this was not her request. Supervisor Church stated at our last
meeting, this item was going to be attached to our budget. He did not think it was the
proper way to do it. People need to have a chance to take a look at. Contrary to what
was talked about on May 27t ", we have a situation that is not just a small item, not just a
bump in the road. It needs to be looked at, we did receive and the Chairman made
comments at the end of the meeting. We all did get an email, detailing cost. However,
we get emails every day of this world about grass, special use permits, and cost of
whatever. Normally, if it requires action we normally get an email stating this will be on
the next agenda for a vote; that was not mentioned at all. For those of you keeping up
with the General Assembly, they still do not have a budget. Supervisor Church then
asked Mr. Goodman what the impact would be if they do not reach a budget agreement
by July 1, 2014. Mr. Goodman advised if they do not reach an agreement the County is
basically on its own. We are not sure exactly because it has never happened before.
The Governor may have some authority under the Constitution of Virginia to set
priorities for police, etc. He really does not know. The way he has been looking at is
that if not approved we would be on our own until the budget is approved. Supervisor
Church stated he agrees and uncertainty is the word with Mr. Goodman responding in
the affirmative. Supervisor Church stated right now we are looking at unknowns
regarding our financial situation; we have dodged the bullet on rates regarding
stormwater management, but we do not have money to burn, even though we
miraculously found $90,000, which bothered him. He supported libraries, but there is a
time and place. He added he had only received two replies from citizens; both of which
said no for Glenvar. Additionally, now we find out that training will need to be dealt with,
none of this was mentioned or thought about on May 27, 2014, and we are now into
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September. He has to ask himself; are we sending the wrong message to the people
we represent. So, he is not in favor of including Glenvar and if and when the people in
Glenvar, Northside, and Catawba area ask for this, he will be happy to bring it back.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked what other government departments are
open on Sunday. Mr. Goodman advised Police, Fire and Rescue and we also have
people working in the 911 Communication Center and we do have people working for
parks and recreation because there are facilities open on Sunday, i.e. ball fields and we
do have people collecting trash throughout the weekend so our fields can be kept clean
for weekend use. If there is an emergency, all hands would be on board. Supervisor
Bedrosian advised he is old fashioned on this, but anytime we start opening this up on
Sunday, he thinks it crowds out everything. Sunday is a time of rest, let people in the
County stay at home and not work on Sunday and let families do stuff together on
Sundays. The first things that pops up in his mind is this is just another item that we are
putting on Sundays, really. It is not like it is an emergency. Is the library really an
emergency that we have to have open? Are people that eager to get a book, no, that is
not what it is. It is computers and internet. It is not like there is nothing available. Any
time that we add something, we try to expand it and he is a little resistant to that
because he sees it happening all the time. Libraries are open six (6) days a week. We
have libraries all over and we now have these glamorous libraries. Isn't this enough, we
can save ourselves $80,000 and if we need additional funds, we can get some more.
We have a lot of priority items. He then asked Mr. Goodman if this is the highest priority
item when you look at Roanoke County.
Chairman McNamara halted discussion stating this would be Mr.
Goodman's opinion. Supervisor Bedrosian stated as the County Administrator he
prioritizes things. Chairman McNamara reiterated that this was an inappropriate
question. Supervisor Bedrosian asked how do we get anything done when we do not
prioritize. In government, we have to prioritize and that is the question. Chairman
McNamara stated that is this Board's job to prioritize. It is staff's job to implement the
priorities.
Supervisor Peters stated he would like to add this is probably one of the
biggest requests that he has had since he has been on the Board, because not
everybody has the access. They can go to McDonald's, but without equipment, they
cannot do the work they need. He advised he is not opposed to this. He understands
being cautious, but he would be okay making it subject to a budget coming out of
Richmond, if that is the concern of this Board. He reiterated this has been one of the
loudest issues he has heard since being on this Board.
Supervisor Moore stated there are a lot of citizens who do not have
internet capabilities during school and outside of school. There are businesses who go
and do research for their firm. There are online college courses that students are
taking. They would use the libraries on Sundays. Libraries are not like they used to be
when you go check a book out and go home. It is more of a social atmosphere. It is a
place where families can meet and do their homework together, study or do research on
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line. We have two (2) beautiful new libraries and one on the way, under construction,
and we built these libraries for our citizens so they could use them and she thinks with
opening four (4) central locations, it would give every citizen an opportunity to have a
central location to use the library. Under the direction of the Supervisors for Hollins and
Catawba, she amended her motion to delete Glenvar and Hollins libraries and just open
South County and Vinton.
Chairman McNamara stated fortunately or unfortunately, he works on
Sundays and it is one of his busiest days of the year. He is in retail, libraries, in some
respects, are in retail. It does not seem logical to me to be closed on the busiest hours
when there is the most need and demand. There are people who have trouble getting
to libraries during the week. Interestingly, he has laptops at home, he has internet at
home, but was in a library this Sunday; it was one of our neighboring jurisdictions, but
he had an issue at one of his stores and he needed to get online, preferably in a nice
environment like a library to try and order an ice machine. There is a lot of reasons that
he thinks this is a good proposal. He does not see the sense in opening libraries, if
there is not a need for them to be opened. So, he supports the motion from the
Supervisor from Cave Spring.
Supervisor Peters stated he would like to add the same thing; he has had
a lot of issues in his area regarding the libraries because we have a lot of folks in Vinton
and East County that have to go to Salem on Sundays because that the only time Mom
or Dad can be with the children. The libraries are there as alluded to, they were heavily
used on Sundays.
Supervisor Church stated he will not support this and is curious as to why
Mr. Purdy thinks this is so funny. It is really odd when you see looks from an unbiased
press to look and stare and make obvious faces. It is out of line; thinks it borders on
ridiculous. With that being said, and make no mistake about it, this is not the first time
this has happened; it has happened many times and it is his problem, not his, and will
not influence his vote. His point is that he has had zero people ask. He has no problem
with Supervisor Moore's amended motion; he cannot support it because the people that
he represents do not have the need. So, why should he spend $17,422 of their money
if they do not want it? Tell him what he should do. The only two that contacted him
were not in favor. Everybody knows how he feels about libraries, but priority wise we
are sending the wrong message and cannot support this.
Supervisor Bedrosian commented it is interesting how quickly a
conversation veers off what it is really about. The reality is if we offer anything as
County government, people will take it. Why not? He has gone through this so many
times. A walking path, yes we want it. Bicycle trail, yes we want it. Of course,
everybody wants everything. So to sit up here and say well people need it. If you open
it, he thinks they will come. He thinks it is the role, at least the role he is trying to have
as County Supervisor is to say, let's look at priorities and say, "wait a minute." A month
ago we were scraping together pennies to make a budget work and now miraculously,
we have enough to do a "nice to have" but not an "absolute priority ". He just viewed it
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as this is $100,000 here and it will probably be by the time we get to it and another
$100,000 is how we get into the trouble we get into because we keep tacking on and we
do not prioritize and look at it and say, "it is absolutely necessary." If this was our last
$80,000, is this where it would be put? This is how he looks at things, because he is
spending someone else's money. He agrees, if you do the libraries and open them on
Sundays you are going to attract people to the libraries. Why wouldn't they go, but
there is a responsibility on our part to say, we have to curtail some of this money we are
spending. There are so many other projects that need to be done.
Supervisor Moore reiterated it is important that we open these libraries for
our citizens because they will go, they will have social time and a lot of people work six
(6) days a week.
Supervisor Moore moved to approve the staff recommendation for fifty -two
(52) weeks a year for two libraries, main and Vinton starting in September. The motion
carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: Supervisors Bedrosian, Church
2. Request to move work sessions from Training Room on the
fourth floor to Board of Supervisors Chambers on the first floor
of the Roanoke County Administration Center (RCAC) (B. Clayton
Goodman III, County Administrator)
I_QOZS IG C 1p+
Mr. Goodman outlined the request and then deferred to Supervisor
Church.
Supervisor Church stated Mr. Goodman was correct, he had said on the
air, no television, no extra costs, no extra anything except the citizens would be able to
hear and see who is speaking, understand what is being said, have a comfortable seat
with a comfortable recliner in it, would be able to come and go to the rest room freely
with no disturbance to anyone and feel like a part of our government. Now, on the
fourth floor, there are from six to eight (6 to 8) chairs available. For those of you who
have been up there, you have to climb over kneecaps, feet just to sit down. Staff
occupies most of it. Mr. Goodman has been directed by some Board members to
rearrange the room and he said to him the last time, have you made it larger and his
answer is no, you cannot make the room larger. This, again, is something that services
our people. He cannot imagine and he has thought about this a lot, why there would be
any reason that we would not want to do this. Supervisor Church then moved approval
of this request. He stated he has asked for this informally, at least four or five times. It
is time for the citizens to have a chance to hear a proper motion on the air on the
record.
462 June 10, 2014
Supervisor Moore stated she thinks our work sessions are very informal
and we can have discussions with staff. We show PowerPoints and have open
discussions. She thinks it would limit our ability if we had it down here to have that
informal discussion back and forth because staff would have to come to the podium in
order to be heard. They would not be able to speak. They would not feel it was an
informal setting. She likes that setting we have upstairs and our citizens have an
opportunity to speak whenever we have a public hearing. We always bring the
information forward in these informal discussions with our staff. They bring issues to us
that we just talk about in a very informal setting. She likes the ways we have it now
upstairs and does not support the motion.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked how many seats are upstairs with Mr.
Goodman responding there is seating around the table, which is very limited for the five
Board members and typically we have three that sit directly across from the Board and
typically people will not sit on the side. Around the table, you are talking about
approximately ten to eleven (10 to 11). We also have three people sitting behind us,
press and other employees. He thinks there is twenty (20) unless we rearrange and we
can get a few more chairs and have an additional ten to twenty (10 to 20). Supervisor
Bedrosian stated it would be pretty crowded. He has seen it. So approximately thirty
(30) that includes department heads that attend. Many department heads attend the
meeting. Supervisor Bedrosian then asked how many department heads with Mr.
Goodman advising ten (10). In addition to the five (5) supervisors and staff, so out of
the thirty (30) we take up easily twenty (20). So, you have ten seats for citizens.
Technology wise, factual not opinion, is there anything we cannot do here that we can
do upstairs. Mr. Goodman responded stating no, and on the fourth floor, there are no
mikes. We do have the ability to record the audio, which we have here. We also have
the ability here to do PowerPoints, we can use the screens. Typically, we provide the
Board with copies at the work session. The PowerPoints are mainly for the audience.
What would be the biggest setback from doing it here with Mr. Goodman responding the
biggest thing and it is a question of policy, if you move it here would you have pressure
on you to video tape or show it in the future that would be up to the Board. The fact that
work sessions are advertised they are not recorded. We do audio. Supervisor
Bedrosian stated upstairs we could have pressure to audiotape. Is that the only
obstacle? Mr. Goodman stated downstairs will be a more formal process. He advised
he has worked in other locations where work sessions were held in different areas. It all
depends on the elected officials; it is a policy decision. In regard to that, it is less formal
upstairs, it can be informal down here but we will not know until we try it. Supervisor
Bedrosian then stated could he make a suggestion that we try it, give it a six or three
month time period and try it. There is no cost to change it and if it really does not work,
we would just go back.
Chairman McNamara stated Supervisor Bedrosian would amend the
motion or ask Supervisor Church to withdraw his motion.
Supervisor Bedrosian amended the motion to have a trial period for three
June 10, 2014 463
months and see how it works.
Supervisor Peters stated he had several concerns and have had a couple
of conversations by phone today. He has been on the Board for six months now and
prior to that he served as a Planning Commissioner. Everything that we see on the
Planning Commission comes to this Board. During that time, when we held our work
sessions upstairs, we were going through a lot of maps, wind energy that we would not
be able to do down here. We have not experienced that yet, but that is one of his
concerns. The second concern that he has is there are about fifty (50) seats up there
and we do have so many staff people there that are not engaged in the items that are
on our work session. The staff either needs to sit on the back row or move closer
inward so the citizens that are there could fill the seats by the door. To date, he has
only counted eleven citizens, but you are correct, they have had to jump over people to
get in the back corner, which is where our staff people need to be instead of our
citizens. It is more of an informal time for us to openly discuss with staff concerns or
priorities. We could also look at removing two of the tables, we have double tables and
why couldn't we remove some of those tables and give more room in those rows up
there. He is just going by his past experiences up there.
Chairman McNamara stated the idea of a work session is to get around
tables and you work. He does not think when we are in this environment we are up on
a pedestal, on the dais, everyone else is down and that is not a collegial, working
together work session type of environment. He stated he thinks if you talk to staff, staff
is far more comfortable and he has talked to them. Staff will do whatever the Board
decides and will do it in a very professional manner and be very supportive, but if you
talk to them he thinks their preference would be to keep the work sessions upstairs. It is
his preference to keep the work session upstairs because he thinks the informal
approach that we use in our work sessions are very productive and moving through
work sessions and accomplishing things. He does not want anything that might
influence that. When we talk about the staff that attends the work sessions, we certainly
do not want to leave staff with the impression that we do not want you at the work
sessions. Staff attend the work sessions; the vast majority of staff are exempt positions.
They are not receiving overtime; comp time. Our work sessions are generally after
normal business hours. Staff is committing their time and their resources to be there if
there are items they can provide light on. He personally would like to thank staff for
their involvement. We have had work sessions up there a minimum for the last sixteen
years. There has been a few times they have been crowded, but the vast majority of
times, we do not issues. If we did have issues, we could remove two tables fairly easily
and provide some additional seating. He is not sure what we are going to accomplish.
He would prefer work sessions where everybody is sitting on the same level working on
a solution and not where he is sitting up at a higher level than anybody he is working
with to resolve solutions.
Supervisor Church stated what he is hearing and what is real he is having
a problem connecting the two. Those of you who come to the Board meetings, he does
464 June 10, 2014
not think they would feel that the Board feels more superior at 3:00 p.m. than we would
be at 5:00 p.m. Is he missing something? We are going to be working for the citizens
no matter what time of the day it is. He stated he needs to talk about some items being
brought up, because there is still not a valid reason to not do this. Maps, we can put
tables, we can put maps, we can do anything we want to do down here. He is not going
to challenge the number of chairs, but he can tell you one thing. Since he has been
asking to have work sessions in the Board room, he has been counting staff; 17, 18 and
how many did presentations, one or two (1 or 2). Do we want to include staff, sure, they
are there and no disrespect and they are having a snack like we are and if we come
down here, we will still have a soda and some pretzels. Should that intimidate you? He
does not think so. Here is what is being left out, we do not work to please staff. No
disrespect, we work to please 96,000 people and that is who we work for. If staff has to
make a few changes, so be it. Years ago, we had a lot of citizens in there and they
complained to him. "This is ridiculous." "You don't want us here." "You are making it
impossible for us to hear what is going on." After a while, when you have to trip over,
step over, etc. Is it worth it? They want us to be involved in the government, but they
are making it so that we cannot be comfortable. You have a steel chair up there with a
tiny bit of cloth on it. Your "fanny" would be hurting you in twenty minutes. His point is
that you are going to be uncomfortable, but more importantly, the people who make
presentations to the Board. Let me show you what they see and hear (Supervisor
Church turns around). Did anybody hear what he said when he turned his back? That
is what they see and hear upstairs and that is what they are complaining about. In work
session, we talk without asking permission, he thinks if nothing else a microphone for
people who are hearing impaired. What are we really doing here? He stated it makes
him feel like that we really don't want you coming a lot. He apologized and stated he
does not know of any other way to digest this. PowerPoints, we can do that. Maps, we
can do that. Informal, we can take our ties off and no coat on. No matter how you set
that room up there, the people that matter the most cannot hear what is going on. Who
said what? We are making it impossible for the people to feel a part of what is going on.
Why would elected officials want to do that; he does not know of a reason. He does not
have a problem with trying it for ninety (90) days, but would like to have a problem with
trying it forever. Additionally, we have had work sessions down here several times.
One time, the room was full when we were dealing with real estate. The place was
packed and the people were never more comfortable, understanding of what was being
said. Staff can deal with it; the citizens are the bosses. It is a shame we don't have one
hundred (100) people come and stand where Mr. Goodman is and tell us. Apathy runs
all over this Country. We have arguments here for $80,000 and the federal government
for $1 billion and nobody picks up the phone, go figure. He stated he cannot see one
reason that would hold a half of cup of water, except we might want to do something
that we want to do. He advised he is more comfortable upstairs, but he is not working
for himself. He wants the citizens to benefit all they can from the Board's discussion.
Because, most of the time, the things we discuss up there whether it is budget, maps it
June 10, 2014 465
comes downstairs in a couple of weeks for a formal week. So, it is really critical. It is
not some good old work session that does not matter. Most items that are discussed up
there do matter. So, if this thing is defeated, you need to ask yourself, are you really
wanted? There is no cost, there is no video. He advised he would help bring down a
table or two. You can go to the bathroom when you want you. If you get a call from
your family, nobody is going to see you leaving. Go, come back. Upstairs is a major
event to try and leave the room. He is sorry, we are guilty of making it so uncomfortable
for the citizens upstairs, that you should be throwing tomatoes because it is not right.
What are we asking? To include you, make your comfortable, let you hear and see.
We are up on the dais, so what. He would sit right down there with you. He can give
you an answer for every simple drawback. We can handle everything we need to right
here. The Chairman asked me to stop so I am stopping.
Supervisor Peters stated Supervisor Church as made the comment
several times, "If it is not broke, don't fix it." He guessed his question goes back to the
informal arrangement we have up there that allows anybody to drink a bottle of water
that they cannot do in here. Today, he has counted eleven (11) citizens. He has had
one complaint and is having a hard time seeing where it is broke. He has enough
history serving in other parts of the County that he questions a lot why we would move it
here when it has served a very valuable service there.
Supervisor Church requested clarification of the motion.
On Supervisor Bedrosian's motion to move work sessions from Training
Room on the fourth floor to Board of Supervisors Chambers on the first floor of the
Roanoke County Administration Center (RCAC) for a three month trial period, the
motion failed with the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Bedrosian, Church
NAYES: Supervisors Moore, Peters, McNamara
3. Resolution amending Resolution 111312 -3 establishing a policy
regarding opening invocations before meetings of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County (Paul M. Mahoney, County
Attorney)
Mr. Mahoney outlined the changes to the resolution. Supervisor Church
added the County of Bedford to the jurisdictions to receive a letter from the Clerk asking
for religious leaders to give the opening invocation.
Supervisor Church stated previously to 2012 where was the invocation; he
stated he thought the Chairman would read the introduction, roll call was taken and the
next item would be the invocation. Is that not where it was for many, many years. Mr.
Mahoney advised he could not answer yes or no, it was part of the opening ceremonies.
Supervisor Church stated he is simply trying to clarify; and all he is asking for is for it to
be right back following the roll call. It is not a ceremony; it is an actual invocation and
466 June 10, 2014
that is the intent. If we put it in proclamations would be doing a disservice to the
invocation itself. He stated he is not addressing any other item; simply housekeeping
and nothing more and nothing less. This is his intent and somewhere we did not
connect. For the life of him, he cannot see a problem with this. Supervisor Church then
moved approve with the amended language to not change it to any other place,
following the roll call. Supervisor Church then asked the Clerk where the invocation
was prior to 2012. Ms. Jacks responded that it was part of the opening ceremonies, i.e.
Item A, which is opening ceremonies, then roll call, invocation, pledge of allegiance.
Supervisor Church stated he is asking for it to be right back to where it was done ever
since he has been on this Board. The other item is reduce the radius around where the
location is located. These are two housekeeping items. Supervisor Church then asked
Mr. Mahoney why he included all of the other information. Mr. Mahoney stated he
wanted to show the Board the full resolution.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated he has some clarification questions too. His
thoughts were that since this was the first time we were actually talking about the prayer
policy that we would talk about and then maybe two weeks from now have a public
hearing whereby people could put their opinions on it because no one has actually
given their opinion from the public at all on what we are doing or what we are talking
about. It seems to him that we should have that. He likes the two new items, he does
not know if it should be limited to those and maybe there are some other things. The
other thing as we are adding counties, i.e. Bedford, what happens to Botetourt? It
seems to him that we are a Roanoke County Board that people from Roanoke County
whether they live in Roanoke County or Pastors in Roanoke County should have the
first priority. It seems to him this is their County and we should always fill up with folks
from those Counties. Then, if there were other folks and we did not have anybody, then
someone could invite them. He advised this is unclear. He would like to put that up for
discussion on Botetourt, we are moving outside of Roanoke County and just selecting
certain counties that are going to be added. Is that a problem? Mr. Mahoney stated we
are talking two different things. First, when the Clerk or the Deputy Clerk sends out
invitation letters, how wide do you want that mailing to be? Secondly, even if you
restrict the invitation letter to certain named localities, and for example if you excluded
Botetourt and a minister from Botetourt and called up the Clerk or the Deputy Clerk and
says he would like to get on the list, we would not turn that person away. The only
function of the limitation is just to ease the job of the Clerk or the Deputy Clerk in terms
of mailing the invitation letters. We have reduced the radius to a smaller number.
Supervisor Bedrosian then asked is it required somewhere or is it Roanoke County's
regulations with Mr. Mahoney's responding it is Roanoke County. So, if it went back to
default, there are probably two to three hundred churches in Roanoke County itself.
Why don't we just send to Roanoke County and if anyone else wants to come they can.
Why are we making it harder on ourselves? We are Roanoke County. It does not make
any sense. If someone from across the State calls, we are going to put them on. The
other issue is when you hit the gavel; is that the first thing the Chairman does? Mr.
June 10, 2014 467
Mahoney responded the Chairman calls the meeting to order by banging the gavel.
Supervisor Bedrosian then asked is that not the start of the meeting with Mr. Mahoney
advising in the affirmative. Supervisor Bedrosian then stated don't we do that anyway.
So, do we do prayer and then the gavel, with Supervisor Peters responding in the
affirmative.
Supervisor Moore stated back in 2012, this Board and she thinks she and
Mr. Church were both here, worked very hard and spent a lot of time on structuring the
prayer policy so that it would be fair to every citizen and to every religion. She stated
she does think there would be more issues if we called the roll and then offered the
prayer. The Chairman always asks out of courtesy if anyone would like to stand and
thinks it was said earlier if it is brought back into the meeting that may cause an issue
with Mr. Mahoney responding in the affirmative. Supervisor Moore stated Mr. Mahoney
had recommended that the Chairman not do that. She advises she has no problem with
the radius in sending out the letter. She stated she thinks we should keep it the way
that it is. It offers the same thing to our citizens. The entire meeting is televised, so that
Pastor or whomever comes and says the invocation does get to promote their religion
and also we have the prayer. So, short of a moment of silence, she does not
recommend changing it and moving it back into the meeting.
Supervisor Peters offered a substitute motion to lay it on the table. Mr.
Mahoney has offered the Board a lot of things tonight and he would like to have more
detail and discussion. By laying it on the table and extending to a work session, we can
go through this policy. He stated he does have a lot of concerns that he will voice.
First, he was not here in 2012 and knows Ms. Moore and Mr. Church were here. He
wants to make sure that legally we are doing what we need to do. He wants to make
sure that all the is are dotted and the is are crossed because the last thing he wants to
do is something that would cause any of our taxpayers to waste a penny on frivolous
lawsuits. So, he would like to lay it on the table until there is more clarity from Mr.
Mahoney.
Chairman McNamara stated from a clarification standpoint a motion to lay
on the table is not debatable and is immediately actionable. If a motion is laid on the
table, it can be removed from the table and action taken on it by any member of the
Board that has the floor at any subsequent meeting.
Supervisor Church asked Mr. Mahoney if we covered all the legality.
Chairman McNamara stated this motion was not debatable.
Supervisor Church inquired if the audience could see what was doing on.
Chairman McNamara advised Supervisor Church he was out of order with
Supervisor Church responding the Chairman was out of order.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked for clarification and what we are doing now is
the two items that were brought up, we are not going to vote on those and this goes on
the table and the Chairman just stated at another time it can be brought back up.
Chairman McNamara stated a motion to lay on the table is not a debatable motion. If in
fact it is approved by roll call vote, then that motion is on the table. It can be removed
468 June 10, 2014
from the table by any member of the Board that has the floor at any subsequent
meeting. Supervisor Bedrosian then inquired the motion is to lay it on the table, which
means what exactly. Chairman McNamara stated there would be no further discussion
relative to this item at this Board meeting. If you vote yes, you are supporting the
motion to lay this item on the table and if you vote no, you are saying no we do not want
to lay this on the table.
Supervisor Peters stated what he is requesting is that we lay this motion
on the table to review the entire policy at a work session.
Chairman McNamara advised this was two separate issues. The request
for work session can be made at the appropriate time.
Supervisor Church stated to lay this item on the table is just to delay the
issue. A request for work session cannot be done at this time. Chairman McNamara
the motion before the Board was to lay the item on the table.
The motion to lay this item on the table was approved by the following
vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: Supervisors Bedrosian, Church.
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance appropriating the 2014 -2015 refund savings of the
Virginia Resources Authority 2014 Spring Pool in the amount of
$482,595.13 (Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance)
Ms. Owens outlined the ordinance.
Chairman McNamara advised the total amount of savings is a little over $1
million and the savings in one particular year is $482,000. Ms. Owens responded the
savings in the 2014 -2015 year is $482,595.13. Chairman McNamara stated so you
would appropriate that savings to the financial systems project. The remaining years
savings, which ranges from a high of $57,000 to $250 and putting into a capital
maintenance account. Ms. Owens responded we have an existing maintenance
account that we budget annually $325,000 that we could add the amounts to the
existing account. Ms. Owens advised she was advised today that we already have a
capital building maintenance account already established in the capital account and we
do put annually $325,574 in that account so we could easily add through the budget
process each year these amounts as they become available and add funding to that.
Certainly, this is not enough to accomplish all the capital needs that the County has, but
would be some funding in addition to what we are putting in. Chairman McNamara
stated the concern he has is that the capital maintenance should have an ongoing
revenue stream of funds. While this sort of is an ongoing stream, it is an irregular and
very small stream. The second part of it is that it is so small, it is probably not going to
June 10, 2014 469
make a huge difference one way or the other. This does not solve our capital
maintenance issue in and of itself. Chairman McNamara then moved to approve the
staff recommendation to appropriate the 2014 -2015 savings in the amount of
$482,595.13 to the Integrated Financial System Project and through the annual budget
process appropriate the remaining years of annual savings to a newly established
capital maintenance account to begin to address the County's long -term maintenance
needs.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated for clarification the savings is $482,000 now
and $600,000 of savings over twenty (20) years. Ms. Owens stated it is over the
remaining nineteen (19) years. Alternative 2 is to apply to debt and he thinks that
sounds like a good idea. Basically, it is a windfall, we were not expecting it and we can
accomplish the financial system and still have extra money and put that toward the debt.
As of June 1, 2014, what is our debt? Ms. Owens stated about $180 million.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated and we will add $20 million for Glenvar. Ms. Owens stated
it will be added in the fall of fiscal 2014/2015. So, one of the options is putting $500,000
towards our debt, option #2.
Chairman McNamara then withdrew his option and advised Supervisor
Bedrosian to have a primary motion. He advised he would not have a problem
supporting either option. He stated he thinks the $57,000 is insignificant as far as
building maintenance is concerned.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated if we do not do this now, when would we ever
put money toward the debt in Roanoke County. Supervisor Bedorisian moved to
approve the staff recommendation to appropriate the 2014 -2015 savings in the amount
of $482,595.13 towards the financial system and the remaining years of annual savings
towards the outstanding debt.
Supervisor Moore stated she thinks it is really important to maintain our
buildings and our equipment because we do not maintain them now at a smaller cost,
the costs will go up every year and the more that we do not maintain them, the worse
condition they are in. She stated she thinks it is really important for us to sustain our
equipment and put that additional funding into maintaining it.
Supervisor Peters stated we have had long conversations after this in the
past and it has been in the CIP budget, but how important is the financial system project
to the time in which it needs to be funded. Ms. Owens stated they have actually
reached critical levels. Staff has been planning during the past year and working on the
business processes, developing and working on the Request for Proposal (RFP),
dedicating staff to the project. What has happened is they have been on the same
financial system and it contains our purchasing, accounting, budget and our fixed asset
system for about the last twenty -five (25) years. There are very few companies
remaining on that platform. We are running into challenges on the actual hardware
platform that we are running on even for our IT to support. We have been planning for
this for quite some time and piece mealing the funding together. Supervisor Peters then
asked if this motion were to move forward, how long will it take for us to require the
470 June 10, 2014
money to get this system done. He stated he understands that it will take three or four
(3 or 4) years to put a system in. Ms. Owens responded they have put the requests for
proposals out, recognizing it probably is a nine (9) month process. We do anticipate
getting those back this summer, evaluating those, begin the demonstrations and
interviews, so staff is looking at the spring of next year before they would actually make
an award to a vendor. They would really like to have the funding in place in the very
near future. The schools have already put in their amount; if we move forward and
dedicate these 2014 -2015 savings, then that would result in the County coming up with
the balance of $1.5 million, which we have available in the minor capital for that project.
We are looking at this being more than likely a three to four (3 to 4) year project to
phase it in, do the implementation and do it right.
Supervisor Peters stated if he understands correctly, alternative one
(appropriate the 2014 -2015 savings in the amount of $482,595.13 towards the County's
outstanding debt that allows for early payoff and through the annual budget process
appropriate the remaining years of annual savings towards the outstanding debt) is not
really relevant. Ms. Owens stated the Board would have to approve the staff
recommendation in order to move forward and use those funds for the financial project.
If we do not go with alternative one, then she will be coming back to the Board and
needing more than the $1.5 million. The total cost of the project is $4.5 million.
Chairman McNamara stated he would like to clarify the support he had for
alternative two (appropriate the 2014 -2015 savings in the amount of $482,595.13
towards the County's outstanding debt that allows for early payoff and through the
annual budget process appropriate the remaining years of annual savings towards the
outstanding debt.) He advised he misinterpreted. When he looked at alternative two, he
was interpreting $482,000 still going to the financial system, but the remaining annual
amount rather than a new or existing capital maintenance account, but toward the debt.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated the $482,495.13 would be going toward the
financial system and the remainder to debt.
Chairman McNamara stated the motion on the floor is not alternative two.
(appropriate the 2014 -2015 savings in the amount of $482,595.13 towards the County's
outstanding debt that allows for early payoff and through the annual budget process
appropriate the remaining years of annual savings towards the outstanding debt) but a
blend of the two. The motion is to appropriate the 2014 -2015 savings in the amount of
$482,595.13 towards the financial system and appropriate the remaining years of
annual savings towards the outstanding debt. He stated he would support this for two
reasons. First, we cannot get any more than $482,595.13 toward the financial system
because that is all the money that is available in the time frame that you need the
financial system. So, the question is the remaining flows. They are irregular and tiny.
So, to think we are doing something by establishing a building maintenance funds with
$250 on one of the years or $1,100 in another year is not really addressing the issue.
He stated he thinks it makes sense as we did not expect the money, the money came in
as a result of changes in the interest rates and it makes sense to use it to lower debt.
June 10, 2014 471
Supervisor Bedrosian asked for clarification in that the County would be
receiving $600,000 over the remaining nineteen (19) years or $30,000 or so. Ms.
Owens responded in the affirmative stating in the first couple of years it would be
$57,000 for about five or six (5 or 6) years and then $40,000 and then it dwindles way
down. His thought is that money is applied to the debt; that is the motion. Ms. Owens
stated there were three debts that are eligible to be paid extra on. She has identified a
capital lease obligation, one of our energy projects, that has one of the higher interest
rates so she would be looking to actually apply the funds to that one most likely first and
then the literary loans outstanding have the next highest interest rate at three percent
(3 %).
Supervisor Bedrosian reiterated that his motion is to apply the
$482,595.13 to the financial system and nowhere on there is the remainder to be
applied to debt. Supervisor Peters advised it is a blended motion.
Chairman McNamara advised there is no requirement for it to be in the
Board Report to make it a motion.
Supervisor Moore stated that our highest interest rate was three percent
(3 %) (Ms. Owens advised 3.99 %), which is a really low interest rate and she knows we
have had a lot of discussion over the past few months about maintenance on buildings,
equipment etc. Even we have $1,100 or $250 each year to go into a fund for
maintenance would be a start where we could build on that and use that money for
small maintenance rather than paying off a low interest rate loan.
The motion to appropriate the 2014 -2015 savings in the amount of
$482,595.13 towards the financial system and the remaining years of annual savings
towards the outstanding debt and hold the second reading on June 22, 2014, was
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Bedrosian, Church, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: Supervisor Moore
2. Ordinance to increase the salaries of the members of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County pursuant to Section 3.07 of the
Roanoke County Charter and Section 15.2- 1414.3 of the Code of
Virginia (Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney)
Mr. Mahoney outlined the request.
Supervisor Church commented that citizens think we make a different
amount of income. He stated he is the lowest wage earner on this Board; outside of
Roanoke County he is the poorest of the group. He stated if he votes for this it is going
to be $341 divided by twenty -six (26) paychecks $13.12 gross, $9.83 clear and that will
not cover the health insurance increase. Who needs it; he votes no.
Supervisor Moore stated in looking at this long term, not the extra one -half
(1/2) gallon of gas that we may be able to buy with this, if we have Board members ten
472 June 10, 2014
to fifteen (10 to 15) years from now and we never give raises or increases, we are going
to end up with people not wanting to serve our citizens because the cost is going to be
so low they cannot afford to do it financially. She advised that is the reason she would
vote for it so that we can have a slow increase.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated he is going to vote no on this. The question
he has is that he finds is unbelievable that a group of people that ran for office of their
own free will and wants to be a public servant can vote themselves a raise. How is that
even possibly legal? Congress does it for the next term. He just finds Board members
voting themselves a raise is really bad news and does not sound like the right thing to
do. Is there no alternative to this? Has it always been that way? Mr. Mahoney
responded the provisions in the County Code are granted by the General Assembly in
1986. In the State code there are a variety of different statutory provisions that deal
with how local government bodies can increase salaries. There are different rules
whether you are a city versus a county. It is totally legal and this is the process. There
are other states that their legislatures and Congress have different rules with respect to
this kind of topic. The General Assembly granted this kind of power to Board of
Supervisors if you follow the procedural steps.
Supervisor Church inquired if he remembered the former Chairman, Mr.
Altizer, who said that he did not think it was right and wanted to vote no and he did and
if passed, he wanted it to go to charity but we could not do that. He agrees with him.
The County is not better off than last year. The former Chairman stated he was not
going to vote for this and Supervisor Church stated he concurs. If we want to give it to
the Salvation Army we will have to do it ourselves.
Chairman McNamara stated the gentlemen from Catawba said it works
out to be $341 and whatever per week. It is not enough to buy a loaf of bread. He
stated he did not think the $341 is significant, the significant issue is this Board has a
history, at least over the last sixteen (16) years matched the raises to the County. It
does not do bonuses, market adjustments. He stated he thinks somewhere down the
road if you do not on an annual basis do raises in line with what is occurring in the
marketplace somewhere down the road he thinks you are going to artificially restrict
participation; maybe not, but he thinks the County will. He thinks that is the bigger cost
to the citizens of Roanoke County than paying the wages as they occur over time. You
will also run into the same type of thing with the City when you delay, delay, and delay.
Then you have fifteen to twenty percent (15% to 20 %) raises, etc. During my prior term
on the Board and was asked in the campaign how many times he voted to raise his
salary and the answer was exactly the same amount of time he voted to raise
everybody else's salary. He thinks this is appropriate. During his prior term on the
Board he believes it was a unanimous vote.
Supervisor McNamara moved to approve the first reading and set the
second reading and public hearing for June 24, 2014. The motion carried by the
following recorded vote:
June 10, 2014
473
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: Supervisors Bedrosian, Church
3. Ordinance accepting and appropriating funds in the amount of
$783,700 to the Department of Social Services from the Virginia
Department of Social Services for fiscal year 2013 -2014 (Joyce
Earl, Director of Social Services; Jimmy Lyon, Business Process
and Management Analyst)
Mr. Lyon outlined the ordinance. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Church moved to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for June 24, 2014. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: None
At 5:28 p.m. Chairman McNamara recessed for five minutes. Meeting
called back into session at 5:40 p.m.
IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance accepting and appropriating funds in the amount of
$70,909 from Roanoke City and Salem City to the Roanoke County
Fire and Rescue Department for the completion of capital projects
at the Roanoke Valley Regional Fire /EMS Training Center (Richard
E. Burch, Jr., Chief of Fire and Rescue)
Joey Stump, Division Chief advised there were no changes from the first
reading. There was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 061014 -2 ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,909 FROM ROANOKE CITY
AND SALEM CITY TO THE FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT
FOR THE COMPLETION OF CAPITAL PROJECTS AT THE
ROANOKE VALLEY REGIONAL FIRE /EMS TRAINING
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley Regional Fire /EMS Training Center is jointly
operated on funding contributed by Roanoke County, Roanoke City, City of Salem and
the Town of Vinton on a percentage basis; and
WHEREAS, the facility is in need of capital maintenance and equipment
replacements totaling $136,364; and
474 June 10, 2014
WHEREAS, Roanoke County and the Town of Vinton paid their contribution to
the project in a prior fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke City's share is $60,000 and Salem City's share is $10,909;
and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter provides that funds be
appropriated by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, first reading of this ordinance was held on May 27, 2014, and the
second reading was held on June 10, 2014.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That the sum of $60,000 is hereby accepted and appropriated from
Roanoke City to the Fire and Rescue Department OCA 487700 -0451; and
2. That the sum of $10,909 is hereby accepted and appropriated from Salem
City to the Fire and Rescue Department OCA 487700 -0496; and
3. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance accepting and appropriating funds in the amount of
$18,534 to the Clerk of the Circuit Court from the Commonwealth
of Virginia for fiscal year 2013/2014 (Rebecca Owens, Director of
Finance)
Ms. Owens advised there were no changes from the first reading. There
was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 061014 -3 APPROPRIATING $18,534 TO CLERK
OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF
VIRGINIA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013/2014 FOR TECHNOLOGY
TRUST FUNDS
WHEREAS, Technology Trust Funds, which represents fees collected by the
Roanoke County Circuit Court Clerk's office, have been received from the State in the
amount of $18,534; and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter provides that funds be
appropriated by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, first reading of this ordinance was held on May 27, 2014, and the
second reading was held on June 10, 2014.
June 10, 2014 475
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That the sum of $18,534 is hereby appropriated to the Clerk of the Circuit
Court and be earmarked for the purpose of maintenance and postage needs into
10287 -5850 in the amount of $16,760.89 and 331000 -5210 in the amount of $1,773.11.
2. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
1. Resolution approving the Secondary Roads System Six -Year
Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2015 through 2020, and the
Construction Priority List and estimated allocations for fiscal year
2015 (Arnold Covey, Director of Community Development)
Mr. Covey outlined the request for the resolution. Chairman McNamara
open and closed the public hearing with no citizens to speak on this resolution.
Chairman McNamara commented conditions are very different than it was ten (10)
years ago. He further added it behooves the Board to understand how this works.
RESOLUTION 061014 -4 APPROVING THE SECONDARY SIX -
YEAR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2015
THROUGH 2020 AND THE CONSTRUCTION PRIORITY LIST
AND ESTIMATED ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015
WHEREAS, Sections 33.1 -70.1 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 2015 -2020 and Construction
Priority List and Estimated Allocations for fiscal year 2015 was held on June 10, 2014
to receive comments and recommendations on Roanoke County's Secondary Six -Year
Road Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2015 -2020 as well as the Construction Priority
List and Estimated Allocations for fiscal year 2015;
476 June 10, 2014
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 2015 -2020;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors does also hereby
approve the Construction Priority List and Estimated Allocations for fiscal year 2015;
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 2015 -2020 by the Clerk to the Board.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 061014 -5 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 June 10,
2014, 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 4 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes —April 22, 2014
2. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Drema A. Campbell, Library Services, upon her
retirement after more than forty -five (45) years of service
3. Reappointment of Special Assistant for Legislative Relations; authorization to
continue an agreement and transfer of previously appropriated funds in the
amount of $32,400 for fiscal year 2014/2015
4. Confirmation of appointment to the Virginia Western Community College
Board and the Western Virginia Water Authority
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: None
June 10, 2014 477
RESOLUTION 061014 -5.a EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO DREMA A. CAMPBELL, LIBRARY SERVICES, UPON HER
RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN FORTY -FIVE (45) YEARS
OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Drema A. Campbell was first employed by the Roanoke County
Department of Finance on September 16, 1968, and transferred to Library Services in
1987; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Campbell retired from Roanoke County on May 31, 2014 as
Library Department Budget Specialist, after forty -five (45) years and eight (8) months of
service; and
WHEREAS, when Ms. Campbell began her tenure in the Library, she was
expected to perform only basic financial tasks but soon elevated the position to become
an essential partner in every aspect of business operations, program support, and
customer service; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Campbell worked diligently throughout her career to save
County funds and ensure they were leveraged to provide maximum impact; and
WHEREAS, during her four and one -half decades of employment, Ms. Campbell
demonstrated a consistent level of excellence in performance and a selfless
commitment to service that are both unprecedented and unlikely to be surpassed; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Campbell, through her employment with Roanoke County has
been instrumental in improving the quality of life its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens
of Roanoke County to DREMA A. CAMPBELL for forty -five years of capable, loyal and
dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy
and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: None
A- 061014 -5.b
A- 061014 -5.c
IN RE: CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Peters commented the request for public hearings and work sessions
478 June 10, 2014
is not on the agenda. Chairman McNamara stated the opportunity is in Reports and
Inquiries of Board members for work sessions. This was done when we revised our
rules and procedures, but the opportunity still exists.
Isabel Kase stated she lives in Hunting Hills and has lived there for forty -
three (43) years and before she forgets, she was talking to those out smoking cigarettes
and they said something she never thought of. They said prayer should be before
anything and then anybody who wants to pray can come before the meeting and pray.
She thought to herself that is brilliant and wanted to throw that out as a thought. She
stated she was here when the Hindu prayed and he prayed in Hindu. She had no idea
what he was saying and went on and on in Hindu. He said a few words in English, she
picked up a few words here and there because of his accent it was hard to understand.
All she heard was peace to the mountains, peace to the oceans and she would like to
know why he was invited when less than one percent (1 %) of this area is Hindu and she
would like to know why he was invited and who invited him. She stated he needs an
interpreter, an impartial interpreter, so that we know what he is saying. Suppose a
Christian came in and spoke in tongue. We would not know what they were saying.
Hindu's have many gods and she felt like she did not have a choice, she was told to
stand and she stood and the young man beside her did not stand and she then realized
she did not have to stand so she sat back down. In Exodus 20 in the Bible, God's word,
says we shall have no other gods and she felt like by her standing she was honoring
another god and she had to repent. That is the first of the Ten Commandments, "You
shall have no other gods before me." She thinks it would be better to say, "All who care
to join us in the Lord's prayer or whatever." Our Country was founded on the Bible. It
was written by our creator and he is only living God; all the other ones you can find their
gravesites. Jesus rose from the dead and lives in the hearts of all believers. He lives
today, he is alive. We have turned our backs on the Lord and we are no longer a
blessed nature. God's word says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
Psalms 33 -12. She stated she believes we are still a Christian nature, but we are no
longer a blessed nation. She added that she grew up in the 1940's and 1950's and this
nation was blessed. We had Bible reading every day; different people got to read the
Bible. We had the Lord's Prayer, we had the Ten Commandments; we had no guns, no
violence. The experts today are saying, "wonder why all this violence." Wakey, wakey,
you took the Ten Commandments down, it might have influenced somebody. The Ten
Commandments state, "Thou shall not kill." Hopefully, it would influence somebody.
We have just spiraled downward. She has watched our County spiral downward ever
send they took prayer out of the schools and it was one woman that did that, an atheist,
Madeline O'Hare, and strangely her son is now a strong Christian. She stated she
loves her Country and her God. She was a navy wife for thirty (30) years and she
believes in this Country and would like to see it get back to what it used to be when we
were a blessed nation because God was our Lord. She then stated she thought the
Board was going to do the Serenity Prayer, what happened to that idea? Somebody
told her that the Board was going to say the Serenity Prayer in place of other prayers.
June 10, 2014 479
Chairman McNamara advised Ms. Kase could touch base with Board members outside
of the meeting. No other gods — Had to repent. No other gods before. All who care to
join us. The Teen Creed says that we have to stand for something or we will fall for
anything and she stated she thinks we are falling for anything in this politically correct
stuff. One other thing, what used to be moral issues has now moved into the
government. The government should not be deciding about prayer; should be a moral
issue. In the first Webster's dictionary, most of the definitions came from the Bible. This
Country was founded on God's word.
Chairman McNamara then explained the lighting system.
Linda LaPrade stated she is from the Cave Spring District. She stated an
informed and involved citizenry should be goal of every government. We see more and
more Roanoke County citizens watching meetings, asking questions and expressing
concern and this is a good thing for the Board and a wonderful thing for our County.
Today, the Board has the chance to show them that you wanted them to be informed
and involved and you did not choose to take that even on a trial basis to see if the work
sessions would work in this room. So, we will continue. Will we be able to hear, she
does not know. Will we be comfortable, she does not know, but it is the Board's
responsibility to see that we are informed. So, she comes before the Board asking for
one other thing. She would like to see the Citizen Comments section moved to before
the new business items for several reasons. The public hearing allows the citizens to
comment at the appropriate time for that particular agenda item. The Board will hear
the citizen's comments before you discuss it and before you make a decision and that is
certainly appropriate. But, there are many items that are not up for public hearing.
There are many items that hold the residents interest and yet, why should they make
plans to come and speak when you have already made your decision. This practice
discourages citizen participation and it shows a government not as open as it should be
to citizen input. One never knows how long these meetings will last, as you see today,
and we see quite frequently. A citizen who wishes to speak might get off work for an
hour to come and speak to an issue of concern, but they might not be able to be here as
you have seen tonight until 5:30, 6:00, and 7:00 p.m. or longer. Show concern for your
citizens. You are our elected officials, but it is our government. Part of your job is to
listen to Roanoke County citizens. Moving the comments towards the beginning of the
meeting is one way for you to show that you want to hear what we have to say before
you discuss it and before you make a decision. You want our involvement and you
want our input that is vital to the Board and it is vital to this county.
Ron Roop of 1431 West Ruritan Road stated as you may remember
during the May 27, 2014, Board meeting you were presented with a petition signed by
140 plus citizens requesting denial of Chick- fil -A's application for a special use permit to
build a restaurant at the intersection of West Ruritan Road and Rt. 460. We did not try
and canvass the whole area, but did get a good cross section of people who used West
Ruritan and ninety -six percent (96 %) of the individuals canvassed signed the petition.
During the meeting, it was suggested that the citizens and Chick -fil -A representatives
480 June 10, 2014
get together to see if differences could be ironed out. After the meeting, Mike Agee,
Chick- fil -A's consulting engineer from Mattern and Craig asked him if he would be
willing to discuss the issues and he replied in the affirmative provided that Chick -fil -A
had something new to offer regarding the intersection safe site distance and traffic
congestion issues. The meeting was held at the site on June 2, 2014. Attendees
included Supervisors Bedrosian and Peters, Philip Thompson, and another lady from
Planning, Michael Agee and Gary Rouse representing Chick- fil -A, Brian Blevins from
VDOT and several concerned citizens. Mr. Peters made several good suggestions to
alleviate some of the traffic burden on West Ruritan including an entrance between A
Cleaner World and the proposed restaurant and possibly a right -hand, turn lane from Rt.
460 onto Trail Drive. The suggested entrance was summarily rejected by Gary Rouse,
Chick- fil -A's site engineer and the right -hand, turn lane on Trail Drive would not meet
VDOT specifications according to VDOT engineer, Brian Blevins. Philip Thompson
suggested consideration of a revenue sharing plan whereby the County would share the
expense of lowering West Ruritan to meet the 390 feet mandated slope site distance.
Mr. Bedrosian stated the site distance issue was an existing issue for any commercial
business wanting to build on the site and the County may be able to prove the $125,000
share of the $250,000 cost estimate provided by Chick- fil -A. The citizens understood
the road would be modified prior to the opening of this restaurant and our understanding
was confirmed in the attached June 3, 2014, email to Mr. Bedrosian with a notation that
Chick -fil -A noted exclusions in their $250,000 estimate did not cover. Also included in
the email was our understanding that exiting on West Ruritan would be redesigned to
provide for a near perpendicular approach from the parking lot to West Ruritan prior to
vehicles exiting in order for motorists to see South -bound approaching vehicles on West
Ruritan without having to turn their head past the normal sixty -five to seventy (65 to 70)
degree range of motion measured from looking straight ahead. In as much as Chick -fil-
A flatly rejected reasonable alternatives suggested by Mr. Peters and offered nothing
new and after seeing the 2015 funding for only one (1) numbered road project out of
several projects already in the queue, it appears the modification of West Ruritan will
not coincide with Chick- fil -A's opening but is years down the road, if ever, which places
people's lives in danger on day one of the opening and is unacceptable. We do not feel
the County weighs the gravity of the safety issues facing the citizens, disruptions to their
daily lives and devastation to real estate values nearly as much as its appetite for
revenue. You may get your wish that it will look like Williamson Road, but your loss of
revenue from real estate devaluations for a hundred homes in the community will not be
offset by a couple of drive thrus.
Mr. Karkenny stated he wanted to expand on what Mr. Roop was saying
and this is, he believes, our last public address to the Board before making the decision
at the end of the month. Mainly, safety is our number one priority, not the funds that
might be generated or stolen from the City, which is what we understood is probably the
major motivation for the restaurant being granted. More than two waivers, three safety
waivers were granted from the State. In speaking to the other citizens, safety is our
June 10, 2014 481
number one concern. When speaking to the VDOT Representative and the Chick -fil -A
Representative, just like Mr. Roop said, there was not much new that they would waiver
with any of their decisions or any of their plans. Basically, they are going to do what
they like, we do not believe they are making any attempt to meet with the citizens'
concerns. If they are not going to meet the citizens' concerns, it is going to pay in the
long run. It is going to cost. What we are worried about is the cost of our safety, our
lives. The traffic is not and the road conditions have been deteriorating on this road for
many years and this is something we hope that you will consider. Again, like Mr. Roop
said, the coincidences of the upgrades to the road probably would not meet with the
opening of the restaurant and in that case, we would hope that the speed limit would be
reduced if they are moving forward. At 35 mph, people are going in excess of 35 mph
as a standard all the way up to where the road changes to 25 mph. It seems, again,
that this a safety issue that we should be able to bring up in the future, but bear in mind
this is something that everyone he spoke to was their number one priority. He stated he
does not know if he can expand on much that Mr. Roop said. Strong opposition to
safety waivers was what he gathered from the people he spoke to in this community
and it is amazing that anyone you speak to right away will object, "what is this and why
so many." Again, if you would take the time to consider that strongly, this is our hope.
Tim Amos of 1929 Summerfield Drive stated his concerns about the
project that is being talked about, Chick -fil -A is the road coming in off Rt. 460. The
entrance at Rt. 460 West are turning left off of Rt. 460 East and the traffic coming in and
out of this new Chick -fil -A will have West Ruritan backed up and it is going to put the
traffic back out into the intersection of Rt. 460 and that is going to cause a lot of
concerns for motoring public. The other concern is the waiver of the site distance. He
had the misfortune of working in inclimate weather for the railroad. He always got called
out in the middle of the night when snow was on the road and that road, down the hill,
down the grade, that descending grade is treacherous to say the least any time there is
snow on there. If you put fifty (50) people turning in, turning left, trying to get out, road
backed up, traffic coming down, not abiding by the speed limit, we are going to get in
trouble and we are going to have some accidents and some fatalities. So, if you would,
we are not saying no to Chick- fil -A, there are other locations at Kroger that would be an
ideal location with better non - residential traffic to obtain access in and out of that facility.
He thinks that would be a better choice. Not that we are against Chick- fil -A, we are
thinking about the safety of all residents on West Ruritan Road.
482 June 10, 2014
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Moore moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, Peters, Moore
NAYS: None
1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance
2. Capital Reserves
3. Reserve for Board Contingency
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Bedrosian stated he would like to discuss a couple of items
that were brought up by our citizens, which is why it is great to have citizens speak.
One mentioned a comment about Citizen Comments being at the beginning of the
meeting and he would like to put that to discuss at the next time we meet. He stated
that days like today, you can really feel that impact because we had long meetings and
there is a lot of material. He thinks we do have some flexibility in that and that maybe
on these types of days we really need to let citizens speak because they speak on
issues we are actually going to be voting on. Today, there were several speaking about
prayer and it was already two (2) hours old on that issue because we had already talked
about it and moved on from that. So, he thinks that really is important and he does not
think that would really disrupt the way we conduct business. The other issue is the
actual prayer issue. It is interesting tonight. This is an issue, obviously, this is not the
first time this issue has ever come up in our County, in the State or the Country; it is an
ongoing issue even from the time this Country was founded. If you read history, there
were issues, there were conflicts about that because we were living a very oppressive
Country that wanted basically a church that controlled everybody and we do not want
that. We do not want the church dictating to people. People want freedoms. He
understands that, but tonight we had to table the resolution because we could not even
vote on the fact of having prayer in our meetings. He thought, we have come a long
way that we cannot even do that because we are in fear that somebody is going to sue
us. He stated he thought back as one of our citizens also made a comment that we
have tried this experiment before where we just make it so unbearable that people just
say, "You know what, let's stop having prayer." We tried that experiment in our schools
in 1962 or so, early 1960's we tried that and it did not work out well and it is still not
working out well. We praise our schools all the times here, but there are problems.
There are problems in our schools and thinks a big part of that is that students,
teachers, in fact he spoke about this very issue about a week ago at a school here in
Roanoke County and we have an issue with that. We really do as a community need to
June 10, 2014 483
resolve it and it is going to take the citizens that say no more of this. We want our
communities back and we do not want to be afraid anymore. It is amazing to him as he
puts up the topic why don't we just say, people come and pray and not have all these
rules and regulations on things. We cannot though because we are fearful. We need to
pray about that. We need things to change so that we can have meetings like this, fifty
years ago, people had meetings like this and no one ever thought we would come to
this time and we are here now where we are just fearful. He stated he hopes we can
turn it around. Other than that, he thinks we had a good meeting tonight. He advised
he wished we would reconsider bringing these work sessions down here again. We
could not pass that, but he does like this openness and even today, it got long and
people could get up, stretch and walk out. We just do not have that. All the other
disadvantages people thought about us sitting up high and the people were low, he
thinks this is just a nice format. It is actually more informal in this room because people
can get up and move about than it really is upstairs. We need to find ways we can
accommodate the people we work for. His final comment is on the libraries. He knows
we passed that today, and he thinks when he was listening to the comment today it
brought up a bigger issue for him that he jotted down. We are in the mode where we
just want, it seems like, government to handle everything for everybody. He knows
there are a lot of great comments and they are all true, but that is really his role as a
Supervisor to provide for everybody's needs. We are to provide for a certain amount of
needs of the people for the community, but is it every instance. We have passed
alcohol consumption in the libraries and rec. centers. Then, we have gone to opening
up on Sundays. We just keep on doing all these things; expanding the role of what he
thinks government should be and it should be limited or we get into the issues that we
get into higher debt, real estate taxes and always trying to work out the budgets and
make them work whereby if we did not do all of these things and we limited our role, he
thinks it would be more profitable for all of us. Thank everyone for coming out and
appreciate those hanging out to the very end.
Supervisor Church stated he too wanted to thank the people that came
out; a lot left because of what we were talking about. They got tired and feel like what is
the use. They walked out four or five (4 or 5) at a time. In no particular order, let's talk
about the prayer. During our discussion today, one of the supervisors said, "Let's leave
it the way it is." The reason it is the way it is because a two - person organization,
Freedom from Religion in Wisconsin complained. So, we had an invocation that worked
fine until they approached us legally so we jumped through all the legal hoops; not
wanting to, he was here when we had the closed session, work session derecho storm
that cut the power, etc. We were literally forced into acting like the prayer is not
important; have it before the meeting, let's not talk about Jesus. These were the things
and he is not satisfied with it, he feels like the Board was coerced into something that
the majority of this valley is not. He asked if he is off the chart here? A couple of things
we need to do is to wake up citizens. We need to fill this place. You saw today some
very disappointing things happen and if you look at them on the surface, it is not against
484 June 10, 2014
a supervisor here or there. It turned around to the citizens. Today, was not multi - million
dollar votes. It was about having you comfortable, having you sit down here where you
can relax and enjoy your government that you are the employers of and letting you
speak. These are not rocket science items. They don't cost millions of dollars. We
have a simple two item to revert back to the prayer, which we had been doing for fifty -
eight (58) years; he has been here fifteen (15) and it was wonderful. Nobody went out
of their way, they did not do anything wrong, nothing that anybody cared about. Now,
all of a sudden, Freedom from Religion, boom. There are things going on and he did
when a few came up to him, not from his district by the way, and started talking to me
during the break, and asked, "is he out in left field ?, is he imagining things ?, is he
seeing things wrong, if so, please tell him." The response was, "no, you are right on the
button and we are tired of it." Well you need to come and tell this Board because since
January of 2014, not in his history has he seen such lockstep, and that is what it
amounts to, voting on issues that boggle your mind. He is sorry, that is just a fact. To
bear him out, our meetings are online. Sit at your home and pull them up on your
computer and look at them since January of 2014. Go back the year before, go back
randomly. Take a look and see if you do not notice the demeanor. See if you don't
notice that the atmosphere is totally different, respect or lack thereof or whatever.
Genuine concern to work for a resolution. Instead of saying, three votes, no. Take a
look at March 25t ", look at it intently, it is going to take you a while. Take a look and ask
yourself the question. You saw me do something that some of you have not been here
and he will do it once again. The gentleman sitting in the green shirt, Roanoke Times,
the articles that he puts in the paper. Sometimes you wonder what meeting he was at.
Take a look tomorrow and see what kind of disparaging remarks he will make about
yours truly and whatever the events are that do not agree with their thinking. He has let
this pass for four or five meetings where an issue will go against his particular vote and
look at there and see grinning from ear to ear. He stated he has given him a pass for
three or four meetings, two or three months. Today was in the end of it. Totally out of
line for a writer, he cannot do anything to him. They have been trying for ten (10) years.
He does not care if he writes the whole front page; it cannot hurt him. Just be honest,
tell the transparent truth. Don't have agendas and he told him one other meeting, that
he buys ink by the barrelful, he does not care. People like yourselves need to take a
stand. Cancel your subscription; that will get their attention quickly. Don't read it
because it is a joke. He has mentioned before, those that are new here, if you see in
there, "Butch Church did not return a call" that is the truth. He does not talk to them at
all. As of today, he will make the request to not ever call him again because he is not
going to take the call. He advised Mr. Purdy that he went way over the line today and it
is not his imagination, he has been told by other people in previous meetings that it has
happened. He saw it and let it go. Go back to prayer, if you keep letting things go then
the next thing you know is that you have to hold your hands behind you for handcuffs
when you come in here. Letting things go can get to a point of no return. Earlier this
year in the Roanoke Times, it was reported (does not know if was true or not) that this
June 10, 2014 485
was the biggest circus in time. He had a talk with the Supervisor and said he did not
think that should be said, but guess what, after today's actions he tends to agree with
him. That is a sad thing for him to say because what you see hear defies all logic, all
reason. Never has he ever had, never in fifteen (15) years, do you think this is the first
time he has been on the downside of a vote, he has been down 4 -1, 3 -2, whatever on
issues all over the County. He has never gone and run over people's toys; it is part of
life. It does not mean we have to like it. It does not mean you have to quit trying to be
transparent. It does not mean you have to take it and never say a word because you
are on the two votes side. No. He represents 18,500 people just like the other Board
members do and he is going to fight for them. He commented he is not the lone ranger,
he has had staff members, employees, being here the longest they call him from phone
at night so they won't have the phone number from the County. They tell him, they
don't like this, you were right, it is not just him and he is finding it our more and more
each week. Employees, staffers, directors, but they cannot say it to anybody else, they
would not dare. Ask yourself, what is going on? Supervisor Church then asked Mr.
Goodman asked if director attending work sessions, do they get comp time. Mr.
Goodman responded if they are non - discretionary, which mean they can take some
time off, but they do not get full credit for. So, they do get time, which Mr. Goodman
responded in the affirmative. To the ladies, don't apologize for speaking here or for
going over the limit. This Board has had people go over the limit sometimes four or five
minutes. We work for you; we are your employees and that is the bottom line. He
would ask that they not quit coming. The only way you are going to change things is for
each one of you that feels even the remote way that he does, get yourself some citizens
and come to this meeting and let us hear you. Chairman McNamara then asked Mr.
Church to wrap up his comment. Supervisor Church commented there is not a limit on
Board member comments. He has the floor. You cannot interrupt a sitting member
speaking; and he is not starting war here. Make sure that you do take the time to come
and be involved, because you are the only ones that can effect change.
Supervisor Peters stated he wanted to first request a work session to
discuss the whole prayer policy because there has been this accusation made that
there is a hidden agenda, whatever. The fact is that he did speak to Supervisor
Bedrosian this afternoon and other board members and there seems to be a lot of
clarification that needs to be made. He does not feel like we can do it all successful
here and that is why he would like to see it done during the Board meeting. He stated
he is a strong supporter of prayer; it is not about getting rid of it, but it is his job because
he does work for the citizens that he makes sure that he is putting the citizens in the
position that they are not in jeopardy of losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in a
legal issue, but at the same time maintain the integrity of us keeping a prayer in our
meeting for our citizens. Again, there are a lot of accusations about the votes, well the
bottom line is he does answer to his constituents; that is the bottom line and all the
spectacles can be made about the libraries, but he has had more calls than any other
issue in Vinton, Mt. Pleasant asking him if we could get the libraries open on Sunday;
486 June 10, 2014
and that is how he learned that Salem has libraries open on Sunday. He does not use
the library, his wife and children do, but he could not tell when the last time he was in
one. He does work for his citizens. This is not a hidden agenda and does hope that the
Supervisor from Catawba will all work on having genuine respect for both ourselves and
the members of our community. One last thing, he is very appreciative of Mr. Roop and
all the folks from the West Ruritan area and Mr. Bedrosian. They have spent a lot of
time; that is what it is all about and that is what he enjoys doing probably more than
anything else is spending time with citizens, hearing their comments and concerns and
see if we can find a way to address them. He does not know where Mr. Bedrosian
stands on the revenue sharing agreement, but he does not think that is something we
are looking at long term. We are trying to devise a plan to make it all happen at the
same time or very close together. This is something that he and Mr. Bedrosian met with
during the last week and will continue to work on.
Supervisor Moore stated she had the honor to attend this past weekend to
attend the fallen firefighter's memorial service in Richmond. It was a very moving
service that honored four (4) fallen firefighters from Virginia who gave their lives
dedicating their lives to saving ours. She would like to thank all of the firefighters, EMS
personnel and their families for what they do in serving our community. We can go to
sleep at night and know that we have people we can call if we need them.
Supervisor McNamara stated he has just a few comments. Once again,
the Board is getting into points of order and it is unfortunate at our meetings. He would
encourage everybody to read. First of all if you don't respect the person sitting in the
position of the Chair that we respect the position of the Chair. Secondly, that if we are
going to question decisions of the Chair that we read our Board Rules of Organization
and Procedures and understand what they say. The most recent was the amount of
minutes that we passed last week, Section 2 -115 (c), which states a Board member
may speak no longer then ten (10) minutes on any motion, reports and inquiries unless
he or she obtains consent of two /thirds of the Board. So, again it is not his hope or role
to continue to revisit the Board's Rules of Organizational Procedures, but it is incumbent
upon him as Chairman to follow the rules of procedures that we ourselves have voted
on to govern our meetings.
IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
At 6:28 p.m., Supervisor McNamara moved to go into closed meeting
following the work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2 -3711 A .1. To
discuss and consider the employment, appointment and resignation of specific public
officers, appointees, or employees, namely the County Administrator and Section 2.2-
3711.A.1. To discuss and consider the performance of specific public officers or
employees, namely the County Attorney and Section 2.2- 3711.A.29. To discuss the
award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds and discussion of
the terms or scope of such contract, namely, a proposal for a project under the Public-
June 10, 2014 487
Private Educational Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 for a stream restoration
project, where discussion in open session would adversely affect the bargaining position
or negotiating strategy of the County and Section 2.2- 3711 -A.29. Discussion of the
terms or scope of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds where
discussion in open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating
strategy of the County, namely, the performance agreement with English Construction
Company, Inc.
The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: None
The closed session was held from 6:45 p.m. p.m. until 7:10 p.m. and from
8:15 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
At 6:29 p.m. Chairman McNamara recessed to the 4t" floor for work
session and closed meeting.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to discuss proposed Facility naming guidelines
(Doug Blount, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism)
In attendance for this work session were Troy Kincer, Chairman of the
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory Commission; David Linden, North Roanoke
Recreation Club and Doug Blount, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Mr.
Blount outlined the guidelines to provide parameters with naming guidelines and with
checks and balances reasonable to name someone that is still alive.
Chairman McNamara inquired what would happen if there is a "fall from
grace" with Mr. Blount reviewing the renaming clause.
Supervisor Peters commented he wanted to make sure the individuals are
Roanoke County personnel only. Mr. Linden advised the vetting process should take
care of.
Supervisor Moore stated the Board of Supervisors would be making the
final decision; she does not want to make the decisions with regard to volunteers. Mr.
Linden explained that is why other jurisdictions have a very simple policy.
Supervisor Church then provided an overview of Bobby Ragland and that
this process started because of him and feels this is a little bit overkill.
Mr. Blount advised recommendations would be made twice a year; just
because you receive does not mean they need to be acted upon.
Supervisor Peters suggested an annual basis.
488 June 10, 2014
Chairman McNamara advised that it is his recommendation that the Board
of Supervisors approve anything other than community funded and put on as a
resolution.
It was the consensus of the Board to make the necessary changes and
bring back to the Board in open session on June 24, 2014 for final action.
The work session was held from 7:20 p.m. until 7:38 p.m.
2. Work session to discuss the Virginia Retirement System
(Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance)
In attendance for this work session were: Rebecca Owens, Director of
Finance and Anita Hassell, Manager of Human Resources.
Mr. Owens and Ms. Hassell provided an overview of the Virginia
Retirement System (VRS) retirement benefits. Discussion was held between the
different Plan levels, which are based on years of service at the time the plans were
implemented.
The work session was held from 7:39 p.m. until 7:50 p.m.
3. Work session to discuss ICLEI and RCCLEAR (B. Clayton
Goodman III, County Administrator)
In attendance for this work session were B. Clayton Goodman III, County
Administrator, Anne Marie Green, Director of General Services, Jesse Freedman and
Janet Scheid, members of RCCLEAR.
Mr. Goodman emphasized his thought was that RCCLEAR would be a
non - County committee and wanted the Board to have a discussion to advise staff how
to proceed. We are moving forward without ICLEI per instruction from the Board. Staff
wants clear direction.
Chairman McNamara asked Supervisor Moore to outline where
RCCLEAR stands with regard to operating as an outside organization.
Supervisor Peters stated he had requested a work session as well felt
they should have a "seat at the table" in a different form, i.e. in planning and future
development issues. He knows this would require new bylaws, etc.
Mr. Goodman asked with regard to building codes, does he want it to be
mandatory; more than the State requires? Mr. Peters stated he was going to lean on
Supervisor Moore and Philip Thompson, Deputy Director of Planning. We have Slate
Hill going on, more condos being built and right now we are doing nothing. Mr.
Goodman asked if this would be mandatory or advisory. Supervisor Peters responded
advisory. Chairman McNamara advised you could have economic incentives and Mr.
Freedman advised there were some tax incentives.
June 10, 2014 489
Supervisor Church stated he thought that years ago, it was determined
that RCCLEAR was clean air and water, but not connected to Roanoke County with Mr.
Goodman advising that was his understanding as well.
Supervisor Moore advised RCCLEAR was adhering to ICLEI guidelines;
after December 31, 2014, we will no longer be a member of ICLEI. RCCLEAR's
mission was to measure CO2 in the air, reduce it by three percent (3 %) a year for the
next twenty (20) years. The Board does not support that; they do not believe in climate
change or global warming. So she has received direction as well as RCCLEAR that the
Board will not support them. They will have no financial support; no support of any kind.
She advised she can get the software free and she was hoping they could continue their
mission, but without Board or financial support, the mission and the bylaws we are
doing now can no longer continue. These people volunteer hundreds upon hundreds of
hours doing what ICLEI has instructed. With regard to what Supervisor Peters has
suggested, she has advised she has supported and would love to see a green iniative,
but that is a planning department and building code issue. She thinks without talking to
the Homeowners Association, they are going to have real issues. No one else on the
Board since she has been here has supported mandatory regulations that even meet
State requirements much less exceed them. She advised she understands where
Supervisor Peters is coming from and would love to see. We need to do that as Board
Policy and Community Development needs to work on that.
Supervisor Peters advised he is more concerned about the businesses
versus homes because that is where the problems are.
Janet Scheid advised that was not RCCLEAR's mission and there is an
entire department on the second floor that can do that if that is the Board direction. A
committee of volunteers can have no influence.
Supervisor Peters stated he also has an Economic Development Authority
(EDA), which is a group of volunteers, but they help businesses as well.
Chairman McNamara asked why RCCLEAR cannot exist outside of the
Board? Supervisor Moore stated the volunteers will make it work because we care
about Roanoke County and Roanoke City is way beyond us and doing great things.
They have the support of their council. These citizens who are volunteering their time to
make us more efficient, to reduce our CO2, which is our mission would have to obtain a
501 c(3), which would cost money, we do not have any funding at all. If we were part of
the Board, they could apply for grants.
Supervisor Peters inquired why is it just about CO2. Supervisor Moore
stated that is the mission and what the bylaws state. Supervisor Peters stated if the
bylaws were changed then we could get other energy grants.
Supervisor Church stated the United States produces six percent (6 %) of
the world's pollution.
Ms. Green stated RCCLEAR exists only to belong to ICLEI; that is it's only
function. If we no longer belong to ICLEI, RCCLEAR no longer has a function. They
will have no staff assistance.
490 June 10, 2014
Supervisor Peters stated take the CO2 out of it and you could still have a
"seat at the table ", help make things more efficient. Helping Roanoke County is more
than just CO2.
Supervisor Bedrosian advised the purpose of RCCLEAR is to develop a
climate, action plan. The logical thing to do is to terminate the name RCLEAR and
create something else. Have Mr. Mahoney draw up some new bylaws based on clean
air and clean water.
Mr. Freedman advised the majority of the members have agreed that if
you pull out the climate change part, they do not have any interest in serving. There are
other groups working on clean air and water and they do not want to be redundant.
It was the consensus of the Board to disband RCCLEAR under the
Consent Agenda at the next meeting of the Board on June 24, 2014.
The work session was held from 7:50 p.m. until 8:10 p.m.
IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
At 9:00 p.m., Supervisor McNamara moved to return to open session and
to adopt the certification resolution.
RESOLUTION 061014 -6 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING
WAS HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened
a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in
accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.2 -3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by
the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such closed meeting was
conducted in conformity with Virginia law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's
knowledge:
1. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting
requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting which this
certification resolution applies; and
2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening
the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, Peters, McNamara
NAYS: None
June 10, 2014
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman McNamara adjourned the meeting at 9:01 p.m.
itted by: Approved by:
491
I
Deborah C. J c s o ph P. McNamara
Deputy Clerk to a Board drman
492
June 10, 2014
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