HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/27/2015 - RegularJanuary 27, 2015 45
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the fourth Tuesday and the second
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of January 2015. 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 an invocation was given by
Associate Pastor Rick Brown of Shenandoah Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance
was recited by all present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Peters called the meeting to order at 3-03 p.m. The roll call was
taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman P. Jason Peters, Supervisors Al Bedrosian,
Joseph B. "Butch" Church, Joseph P. McNamara and
Charlotte A. Moore
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Thomas C.
Gates,
County Administrator; Daniel R.
O'Donnell,
Assistant
County
Administrator; Richard
Caywood,
Assistant
County
Administrator- Paul M.
'7
Mahoney,
County
Attorney;
Amy Whittaker, Public
Information
Officer and
Deborah
C. Jacks, Deputy Clerk to
the Board
IN RE: BRIEFINGS
1. Briefing by the Roanoke Regional Partnership (Beth Doughty,
Executive Director; John Hull, Director of Market Intelligence)
Presentation was given. Ms. Doughy gave a brief overview and then
turned the meeting over to Mr. Hull who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
46 January 27, 2015
Supervisor Bedrosian inquired if there are differences between the
localities or are we pretty much the same. Mr. Hull responded that the measurements
were the metro region. Supervisor Bedrosian remarked that sometimes the strategies
between counties and cities are different. A lot of these numbers represent change.
Since we did not dip down then the rebound should be better. Ms. Doughty stated she
thinks the numbers are good and represent momentum.
Supervisor Church commented that it appears the numbers are better this
time. He added that he feels we need to keep the young people here or return here-,
thinks we need to capture the colleges.
Supervisor McNamara remarked there will be empty space downtown. He
asked if they had any guess on how long to reallocate or impact on cost of doing
business in downtown Roanoke. Ms. Doughty responded they do not get much call for
office space; greater demand for industrial space. She added that it may take a while to
fill, but on the other hand, not that much space around and it fills a niche. Economy
much more diversified.
Chairman Peters stated he was concerned about the growth. He noted
that fifty percent (50%) is age 55 and older. He felt the assets going to the children and
leave here because of where the jobs are. He commented that we should embrace our
colleges and find our niche. He added that NS leaving is a blow; well -paying jobs will
be a struggle to replace. He then asked the status of the Western Virginia Regional
Industrial Authority. Ms. Doughty advised they are completing their technical study and
then make decision on acquiring and developing the sites. She added that maybe by
June there may be substantive progress.
Supervisor Moore thanked the Commission and other who are trying to
bring jobs to the area.
Chairman Peters remarked jobs will be hard to achieve for a net gain and
becomes challenging when employers leave the market. Ms. Doughty stated there are
lots of opportunity and we just need to make a place people want to be.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
Resolution proceeding to the detailed design phase for the
construction of the Murray Run Stream Restoration Project under
the Public -Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act
(PPEA) of 2002 (Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Richard L.
Caywood, Assistant County Administrator)
Mr. Mahoney outlined the resolution. Mr. Caywood was in attendance to
answer any questions. There was no discussion.
RESOLUTION 012715-1 PROCEEDING TO THE DETAILED
DESIGN PHASE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MURRAY
January 27, 2015 47
RUN STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT UNDER THE PUBLIC-
PRIVATE EDUCATION FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
ACT (PPEA) OF 2002
WHEREAS, the Public -Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002
(PPEA) allows the Roanoke County to create a public-private partnership to develop
projects for public use; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution 051304-4 the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County adopted procedures for the implementation of the PPEA by Roanoke County-,
and
WHEREAS, by Resolutions 042506-3b and 092606-2.c the Board of Supervisors
of Roanoke County amended and readopted guidelines and procedures for the
implementation of the PPEA by Roanoke County-, and
WHEREAS, HHHUNT had submitted an unsolicited proposal under the
provisions of the PPEA to construct the Murray Run Stream Restoration Project- and
WHEREAS, by Resolution 092314-1 the Board of Supervisors of �oanoke
County accepted the HHHunt unsolicited proposal for publication and conceptual phase
consideration and it invited the submission of competing preliminary proposals; and
WHEREAS, no other person has submitted a proposal pursuant to these
procedures; and
WHEREAS, the County Administrator has reviewed this proposal and has
recommended to the Board of Supervisors that it proceed to review this proposal at the
detailed design phase.
1 . That there is a public need for the Murray Run Stream Restoration Project.
2. That it chooses to accept the HHHunt proposal for detailed Phase 2
proposal review pursuant to Section VI. B. of the County's procedures.
On motion of Supervisor Moore to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS AND FIRST READING OF
REZONING ORDINANCES - CONSENT AGENDA
1. The petition of Sheldon Henderson to rezone approximately
ninety (90) acres from R-11, Low Density Residential, District to
AG -3, Agricultural/Rural Preserve, District on property located at
3320 Harborwood Road, Catawba Magisterial District
Supervisor Church's motion to approve the first reading and to establish
the second reading and public hearing for February 24, 2015, was approved by the
EEO*
following vote-
January 27, 2015
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance accepting and appropriating grant funds in the amount
of $2,990,760 from the Federal Regional Surface Transportation
Program to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for
fiscal years 2014 and 2015 for the West Roanoke River Greenway
(Doug Blount, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Lindsay
Blankenship, Greenway Planner)
Mr. Blount outlined the request for the ordinance. Ms. Blankenship was in
attendance to answer any questions. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Church's motion to approve the first reading and to establish
the second reading and public hearing for February 24, 2015, was approved by the
following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
2. Ordinance accepting and appropriating grant funds in the amount
of $5,857,840 from the Federal Regional Surface Transportation
Program for fiscal years 2014, 2016 and 2017 to the Department of
Parks, Recreation and Tourism (Doug Blount, Director of Parks,
Recreation and Tourism; Lindsay Blankenship, Greenway
Planner)
Mr. Blount provided and overview of the ordinance. Ms. Blankenship was
in attendance to answer any questions. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Peters' motion to approve the first reading and to establish the
second reading and public hearing for February 24, 2015, was approved by the
following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
January 27, 2015 49
3. Ordinance accepting and appropriating grant funds in the amount
of $200,000 from the Virginia Department of Transportation for
fiscal year 2013-2014 MAP -21 Transportation Alternatives
Program for fiscal year 2014 and $50,000 of local matching funds
to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for the East
Roanoke River Greenway (Doug Blount, Director of Parks,
Recreation and Tourism; Lindsay Blankenship, Greenway
Planner)
Mr. Blount provided and overview of the ordinance. Ms. Blankenship was
in attendance to answer any questions. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Peters' motion to approve the first reading and to establish the
second reading and public hearing for February 24, 2015, was approved by the
following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 012715-2 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM - 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 January
27, 2015, designated as Item I - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 5 inclusive, as follows -
1 . Approval of minutes — November 18, 2014
2. Resolution of appreciation from the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors to
Polly Yeager, Recreation Programmer, upon her retirement after more than
twenty-nine (29) years of service
3. Resolution of appreciation from the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors to
Donald "Eddie" Ford, Parks Manager, upon his retirement after more than
thirty-three (33) years of service
4. Request to accept and allocate $18,322.50 to the Clerk of the Circuit Court
from the Commonwealth of Virginia for fiscal year 2014/2015
5. Request to accept two (2) donated K-9 ballistic vests valued at $1,900 from
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. for use by Police Department K -9s
50 January 27, 2015
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
RESOLUTION 012715-2.a EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO POLLY L. YEAGER, RECREATION PROGRAMMER, AFTER
MORE THAN TWENTY NINE (29) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Polly Yeager was hired on June 1, 1981 and served four (4) years
as a part-time Center Leader with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism-,
and
WHEREAS, Ms. Yeager was promoted to full time Recreation Programmer on
December 3, 1985 and served twenty nine (29) years at the Ogden Senior Citizens
Center, Walrond Park Senior Center and Brambleton Center; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Yeager retired on December 31, 2014 after more than twenty
nine (29) years and two (2) months of devoted, faithful and expert service with the
County- and
�;HEREAS, during her time serving the citizens of Roanoke County, Ms. Yeager
consistently focused her attention on providing the highest level of customer service
possible to those she served; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Yeager is to be commended for the positive impact her work
had, and continues to have, on the lives of countless citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of
the citizens of Roanoke County to POLLY L. YEAGER for more than twenty nine (29)
years and two (2) months of capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County-,
and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy
and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
January 27, 2015 51
RESOLUTION 012715-2.b EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO DONALD "EDDIE" FORD, PARKS MANAGER, UPON HIS
RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN THIRTY-THREE (33) YEARS
OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Mr. Ford was hired on August 24, 1981 and has worked for the
Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department during his tenure with Roanoke County-,
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ford retired on December 31, 2014, after thirty-three (33) years
and four (4) months of devoted, faithful, and exceptional service with the Roanoke
County- and
�;HEREAS, during his time serving County, Mr. Ford worked as a Recreation
Program Supervisor for the Craig Recreation Center developing and supervising
programs, activities and special events for citizens of all ages and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ford also served the County as Park Manager overseeing the
grounds maintenance for county buildings and parks, support for tournaments and
special events, and organized Parks response to County -wide emergencies and snow
removal at County facilities to ensure they remained safe and aesthetically pleasing for
the use and enjoyment by the citizens of Roanoke County and its visitors,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of
the citizens of Roanoke County to Donald "Eddie" Ford for thirty-three (33) years and
four (4) months of capable, loyal, and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a happy
and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
A -012715-2.c
A -012715-2.d
52
IN RE: REPORTS
January 27, 2015
Supervisor Moore moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion carried by the following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
1 . General Fund Unappropriated Balance
2. Capital Reserves
3. Reserve for Board Contingency
4. Outstanding Debt
5. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of
December 31, 2014
6. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and
Encumbrances as of December 31, 2014
7. Accounts Paid — December 31, 2014
8. Quarterly Report of 2015 fiscal year — Community Development
Activities
Chairman Peters called the meeting into recess for the afternoon session
at 3-53 p.m.
Chairman Peters called the evening meeting back into session at 7-00
no
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SECOND READINGS OF ORDINANCES
1. The petition of Morgan Ventures, LLC to obtain a Special Use
Permit for a broadcasting tower (cell tower) approximately 195
feet in height in a C-2, High Intensity Commercial, District on
approximately 1.00 acre, located at 4247 Bonsack Road, Vinton
Magisterial District (Postponed at the request of the petitioner)
Chairman Peters recognized Lori Foster who was in attendance to speak
on this issue.
Lori Foster of 4535 Red Barn Lane in Roanoke stated she was coming
before the Board to discuss the nearly twenty (20) story proposed cell tower in Bonsack.
She is speaking prior to the date so that she can encourage and welcome the Board to
visit her neighborhood and walk down her street. Please walk her neighbor's property
and her property and visualize where this two hundred (200) foot tower will be, twenty
(20) feet away from Mary and Richard James property line. In the morning, she and her
January 27, 2015 53
neighbors enjoy an unobstructed view of the sunrise lighting up Read Mountain across
Rt. 460. The people across Rt. 460 enjoy a similar view, unobstructed, of the Blue
Ridge Mountains. The 2005 Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan, specifically in
Chapter 7 addresses the view shed that she and her neighbors are taken with. It states
that all development should be sensitive to the preservation and protection of the view
sheds from the Bonsack Community. She stated she finds this interesting as it
addresses not the view from the Parkway, albeit important, but the views from the
neighborhoods and those living around it. It addresses the Villages of Bonsack
specifically, a site that made the Roanoke Valley Preservations Foundation's 2007 most
endangered list. It states that preserving the character of the Villages of Bonsack is
important as a critical resource to this community. This tower will forever degrade this
scenic view shed for the neighbors and for those who visit Bonsack. Why build a tower
that benefits so few and hurts so many. Finally, in Chapter 3, the Plan talks about
single-family neighborhoods being the most protected land use. It asks that we
preserve the stability of residential neighborhoods by discouraging the intrusion of
incompatible uses and it calls for you to protect the property values of all citizens such
as herself or her friends the James', who are again twenty (20) feet from this proposed
site. She stated she has read studies that such a tower will lower surrounding property
values. Morgan Ventures will argue against this, however, she knows as a homeowner
driving up to a potential home she may buy, seeing a tower twenty (20) feet from the
property line, she is not likely to get out of her car to look at this home and consider
buying it. She stated she thinks the Board can be the judge as to whether this will lower
the property value of at least the homes that are nearest to this site. Mr. Mangotti has
the right to ask you for permission for this tower and you have the right to deny it based
on these reasons. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 confirms this. The proposed
tower of two hundred (200) feet is taller than any surrounding structure with the
surrounding tree line at about sixty (60) feet. Morgan Ventures have tried to make this
aesthetically pleasing by making a monopole design. Whether green or monopole or
designed as tree, this will still far exceed the scenic tree line. Any attempt at stealth
design will fail. This will be a monstrous metal eye sore in the natural and historic view
shed of Bonsack. So, she welcomes the Board to her neighborhood. Please come
walk my land. See where the site is going to be placed. Consider bringing an AT&T
phone- she thinks they will be impressed by the coverage that you have in the 4G range
of abo�t three (3) bars in the area. When she takes her kids hiking and she looks from
Read Mountain in search of her home, the views are breathtaking and she asks that the
Board respect the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan and vote against this cell
tower in her neighborhood.
2. The petition of Roger and Deborah Rardin to rezone an
approximately 8.00 acre portion of an approximately 19.44 acre
parcel from 1-2, High Intensity Industrial, District to R-1, Low
Density Residential, District and to remove a proffered condition
54 January 27, 2015
from the 11.44 acre portion of the property zoned R-1, Low
Density Residential, District, located west of the Norfolk Southern
Railroad near the 5000 block of Poor Mountain Road and north of
Bydawyle Road, Catawba Magisterial District (Philip Thompson,
Deputy Director of Planning)
Mr. Thompson outlined the petition. Roger and Deborah Rardin were in
attendance to answer any questions. There were no changes from the first reading.
There was no discussion.
Chairman Peters opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this petition.
ORDINANCE 012715-3 REZONING AN APPROXIMATE 8.00
ACRE PORTION OF AN APPROXIMATELY 19.44 ACRE
PARCEL OF REAL ESTATE FROM 1-2, HIGH INTENSITY
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, TO R-1, LOW DENISTY RESIDENTIAL
DISTRICT, AND REMOVING A PROFFERED CONDITION FROM
THE 11.44 ACRE PORTION OF THE PROPERTY ZONED R-1,
LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT LOCATED IN THE 5000
BLOCK OF POOR MOUNTAIN ROAD AND NORTH OF
BYDAWYLE ROAD, CATAWBA MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT (TAX
MAP NO. 064.02-02-55.00-0000), UPON THE APPLICATION OF
ROGER AND DEBORAH RARDIN
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on December 9, 2014,
and the second reading and public hearing were held January 27, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Planning Commission held a public hearing on
this matter on January 6, 2015; and
WHEREAS, legal notice and advertisement has been provided as required by
law.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows -
1 . That the zoning classification of a certain tract of real estate containing
approximately 8.00 acres, as described herein, and located in the 5000 block of Poor
Mountain Road (portion of Tax Map No. 064.02-02-55.00-0000) in the Catawba
Magisterial District, is hereby changed from the zoning classification of 1-2, to the zoning
classification of R-1.
2. That this action is taken upon the application of Roger and Deborah
Rardin.
3. That by Ordinance 062502-4 the owner of the property voluntarily
proffered in writing the following condition which the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, accepted and which is being REMOVED-
January 27, 2015 55
(1) One dwelling shall be allowed on the property and when the
property line is adjusted, then the property line shall follow the
metes and bounds of the zoning line.
4. That said real estate is more fully described as follows -
BEGINNING at a large chestnut oak on the northern right-of-way
line of Bydawyle Road, this point is located N. 69 deg. 43' 04" W.
167.00 feet from a small maple, thence N. 13 deg. 45' 07" E.
1196.12 feet to an iron pin found, thence N. 69 deg. 55' 23" E.
894.47 feet to an iron pin found on the westerly right-of-way line of
Norfolk and Southern Railroad, thence with said right-of-way lines
S. 10 deg. 22' 31" E. 731.02 feet to an iron pin set, thence S. 80
deg. 13' 29" W. 539.98 feet to an iron pin found, thence S. 29 deg.
07' 29" W. 277.80 feet to an iron pin found, thence S. 54 deg. 47'
29" W. 720.59 feet to the Place of Beginning.
5. That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its
final passage. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this
ordinance be, and the same hereby are, repealed. The Zoning Administrator is directed
to amend the zoning district map to reflect the change in zoning classification authorized
by this ordinance.
On motion of Supervisor Church to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the
following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
The following citizen spoke.
Warren Coburn of 5669 Starkey Road stated if you are familiar with this it
is right beside of the new Friendship Rehab facility that they are constructing out there.
He has been having some slight problems. In the noise ordinance in definitions, it says
Noise disturbance means any sound which (a) endangers or injures the safety or health
of any person- (b) annoys or disturbs humans and which causes or tends to cause an
adverse psyckological or physiological effect on humans (he guesses that means
mental or physical); or (c) endangers or injures personal or real property. This has had
a really adverse effect on his wife and himself. These people are scheduling their
pours. They have scheduled seven (7) times, poured three (3) times. You never know
when they are going to pour. Last Monday and Tuesday, they started at 4-00 a.m. The
waiver was for 5-00 a.m. It is just ridiculous. He stated he really thinks the Board
should revoke this waiver for them. As far as he can see, they got this waiver because
56 January 27, 2015
of an economic hardship, but if you look at their reasons for this. Instead of starting at
7-00 a.m. and working, they start at 5-00 a.m. and are through at 4-30 p.m. in the
afternoon. He looks out his back kitchen window and he can see everything going on.
He can see what time they come and go. They are through at 4-30 p.m. in the
afternoon, all three (3) times. They said there was not going to be any health effects on
anybody. This is as close as from here to the back wall as it is to his back porch where
these people are coming and going. Last Monday at 4-00 a.m., they had semi, flat-bed
trucks bring their equipment in. They had their industrial type lights on, high illumination
lights. It is ridiculous. He thinks somebody needs to do something about it. He stated
he can give the Board the dates they poured, the dates when they haven't poured and
th
they are scheduled to pour in the morning. They were supposed to pour on the 16 ,
which was last Friday. It was a beautiful day, the prettiest day we have had all year.
They had to postpone it for some reason. Then they poured on the 1 9th and 20th . They
said it was going to be three (3) week intervals. The 1 9th and 20th are one day after
another. He just does not understand how this hardship can be put on his family.
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Bedrosian stated with regards to this issue that was just spoke
about, we did have a vote on that and he voted against it, but the Board voted for it. He
stated he would think we need to check into this. We day say 5-00 a.m. and that
seemed a little early, but that was what was agreed upon. So, they are doing this at
4-00 a.m. somebody needs to check on that and make sure that is not happening or will
not happen again. We did talk about intervals; several week intervals between each
one and he is hearing they have done it twice in a row. We need to check on that too
and make sure that does not become a regular habit with the four (4) remaining pours.
Unfortunately, he thought it was a little much when it came up, but the Board voted to
approve it. At least we can see they abide by what was stated at the time. He has a
few items to talk about. First of all, he wants to say the Supervisors all went on a
retreat. This is the first time they are back since that time. Time goes by so fast. He
wanted to mention a couple of things about it because he thinks it was a good
opportunity for all of the Board members to get together with the County Administrator
and the staff and talk about some things outside of the ordinary way in which we talk
about items in here. One of the big issues that we discussed there was about
communication; about how the Board deals with each and how we deal with bringing up
issues. He wants to make it clear on a couple of items because he thinks there are
some things that can be fixed and other things obviously it is just the way a
representative republic deals with issues and he thinks it is okay. One of the things we
talked about was communication between Board members and he thinks that is one of
those obvious ones. In any kind of relationship or people being together and working
through issues, you need good communication. He stated he thinks we do a good job
of that. We talk about issues. We bring them up. The one thing he does not want to
January 27, 2015 57
make any false hopes that even if you have all the greatest communication as we
discussed, it may be that you just disagree and it may be that you have heated
discussions up here even though you are communicating well, you still are going to
have those heated discussions because we talk about some very serious topics. He
wants to make sure that everybody realizes that it is okay to disagree with each other
on this Board; on the ways somebody is voting or the direction we are going. He
disagreed a lot, but that is okay. We do not want to stifle that. He thinks that is a good
thing to have and he thinks we need to do it in a cordial manner and he thinks they have
all done that. He appreciates the fact that we did the retreat. He thinks there are some
things to think about, but as we start a new year there are going to be items that we are
going to have issues on and that will be the way it goes and we will have to discuss at
the times they come up. He thinks we do and one important point is that this Board
needs to be cordial with each other and open and honest. The next thing that he wants
to talk about and it is interesting that the County Administrator had sent us an email
today about education. It is funny- it is one of the things he was going to talk about
today, the declining enrollment in �ducation mainly in rural area. It has been talked
about because the way employment is, they are moving to more urban areas so those
areas are getting a little bit higher enrollments in the schools than they have had all
along and area outside like Roanoke County have been declining in enrollment. As
most of you know, he and his wife homeschool their children and he goes to a church
that has a school attached to it, Roanoke Valley Christian School. He has always
looked at free market of education and he likes that free market of education, he thinks
it serves a great purpose coinciding with public education. He wanted to commend
Delegate David LaRock in the State legislature brought up an education savings
account. In fact, it is in the education subcommittee today; it may have failed or passed
he has not check on it. It was actually to provide and this is K-12, we do have it for
university education and higher education, but K-12 education to be able to put money
aside in savings accounts and for students to be able to use that money to go to the
school that they would like in K-12. Both sides would actually benefit because the
public education would not lose all of the money. A portion would be given to those who
wanted to do either home school or private education and some that would be left back
for public education. So, basically, the public education system would not have to
educate as many students, but would still be getting funding to do that. He thinks it
would help with a lot of things because in today's environment we have a lot of
classrooms that have too many children to the teacher, the ratio is too high and this
would alleviate some of that. In addition, when he looks at school construction, he
thinks it is unsustainable, i.e. the process of continuing to build $20 to $30 million
schools and he thinks we are going to come into a real problem. He thinks a better way
to do it is to start looking for free-market ways to have public education and private
complement each other so that we do not run into issues in the future. He can see this
happening quickly. Our budgets are always going to be squeezed with trying to find
money and going into debt to fund these construction projects. He thinks it is something
58 January 27, 2015
to look at and he thinks it was brought up well, even for people in the military that are
traveling around that want education, but are always up and moving. They would have
a savings account to education. People in at -risk areas or people with disabilities could
take their health savings account and go to a place that specializes in their disability,
which he thinks is a great idea. He stated he lives right next to the BRAC, which is for
autism students. It is a great idea to take that money and go into areas that specialize
in that kind of education. He just wanted to bring it up as it is going on right now in our
State legislature and he thinks is a great idea. Next, he wants to end with this. We
continue to talk about the reduction in the real estate tax rates. He thinks this year is
the year is to do it and wants to make sure that he continues to talk about it.
Assessments have gone up in 2015 and the way he looks at the government and the
economy. Government is going to be pulling $1.5 out of the private sector. Since
assessments are going up, taxes are going up, what you pay is going to go up. What
you will pay for taxes will go up to the tune of $1.5 million in Roanoke County. Since it
does not cost the County anything when assessments go up, we basically are getting a
windfall of $1.5 million. This is the right time to put that $1.5 million back to the citizens
and let them use it. It would be reducing tax rates by two (2) cents. He thinks it is the
appropriate time to do that. He thinks it is hard at times to reduce taxes because we
have projects that we are doing or things that need to be done, but even on this Board
he has sat here where we spend money that we really don't have to. He thinks it is a
very appropriate time. A lot of people are still struggling, going through tough times and
he thinks not taking the money and giving it back to businesses and residents is a great
idea and he also thinks it would be a great idea to show businesses out there that
Roanoke County is serious about attracting businesses by lowering taxes. It is a very
conservative idea- a Republican idea, he might add. When you lower taxes you
generate interest i� the economy. You generate business and that is good for all of us.
So, he thinks a lot of people in Roanoke County would agree with that idea, lower real
estate tax rates. The reality is that when you lower real estate tax rates this year by two
(2) cents, you are basically neutralizing. People in Roanoke County are not really
getting a benefit, what they would have paid by their assessments going up would be
kept by lowering the real estate tax rate. They will basically end up flat. If we don't do
that, the citizens of Roanoke County will actually be shelling out more money this year
than they did last year for the real estate taxes and that is tough to do in an economy
like we have right now. So, he would urge the Board to seriously consider as we get
ready to do our budget that we start with a two (2) cent tax rate reduction to help the
citizens of Roanoke County.
County Administrator Thomas Gates asked to be heard with respect to the
comments on Mr. Coburn's issue that he just raised. He has spoken to Mr. Coburn late
last week. He has heard his concerns specifically and he has asked staff to meet with
the construction company and make sure they are in fact compliant with all the terms
and conditions that were set forth in the variance that was provided by the Board. They
are also making sure that on those days when there is allowed pour that they meet the
January 27, 2015 59
condition of notification (three (3) days in advance of the pours) so we are making that
work.
Supervisor Church asked for some flexibility about the one issue. He thanked
Mr. Gates as he had been contacted by Mr. Coburn as well. All that he could say to him
was he could turn it over to you to check and see what requirements were being met. It
is not in his area, but we had something in writing and he was trying to help out. His
first issue is about a situation, Mr. Mahoney, about a year to a year and a half ago,
about papers being dropped off. We did not know if we could do anything about it.
There was a concern in North County particular for these papers or market drops, etc.
were being ignored by people and stay in the yards and curbing's and flushed down the
stormwater management system- a real disaster. Mr. Gates has taken a look and made
a contact. Angela Campbell is h�re from the Roanoke Times. He has some information
that particular citizens can make a phone call for a do not deliver contact information to
the customer service line and asked to be removed from the community delivery. He
really appreciated Ms. Campbell being here; he had no idea, but we appreciate it. Mr.
Gates had made contact with Ms. Campbell. Mr. Leonard is a citizen that has been
irritated with this and tried to help out.
Mr. Gates thanked the Roanoke Times for the response on this issue. There
is a process to remove your name from the list of those folks would receive these
advertisements, which is what they typically are. There is phone number that is
provided as well as an email address and citizens can contact the Roanoke Times and
they will remove their name and will not get the delivery of the flyers and the circulars.
So, that is helpful and he appreciates the fact that Ms. Campbell is here with us this
evening to address the issue specifically.
Supervisor Church also thanked Ms. Campbell and stated Mr. Leonard will be
watching and paying attention tonight. He has the information and we can make this a
workable situation.
Chairman Peters asked Mr. Church to read the number for the record.
Supervisor Church stated the number to call is 540-981-3211 and ask for the
non-delivery contact information or you can email customer(a)-roanoke.com. Second
item is a really great item. Yesterday, he had the honor, pleasure and joy of joining the
Glenvar State football champions on a bus trip to meet Governor McAuliffe in
Richmond. We had a great time. It did not start out too great because the first Abbot
bus could not quite make it up the first entry ramp on Interstate 81, which is about two
(2) miles the school. It could not go over twenty (20) mph, so we had to stop at Exit 150
and wait for another bus. It was blowing snow and going crazy, but everybody kept a
good mood- the kids were so excited as were the Coaches and administration from
Glenvar. H� stated he wanted to say a special thank you to Senator Edwards, Delegate
Rasoul, Delegate Greg Habeeb, Senator Ralph Smith and the Secretary of Education
Ann Holton greeted us and it was pouring down cold rain when they got off the bus and
had to walk a ways and go through security, but the Governor was quite gracious. He
took the time to shake hands and take photographs. We just had a blast and it will be
60 January 27, 2015
on the Governor's website; the team picture had to be taken indoors because it was
pouring down rain and snow. The kids were overjoyed and we told them that right now
they may not think much about this, but when they are twenty-five or thirty (25 or 30)
and their State championship ring, they will think back and being able to shake the
Governor's hand and being in the State capital where the oldest government in all the
United States started. We got to go into the Assembly floor and be recognized. It was
quite a treat for everyone involved. Congratulations again to Coach Kevin Clifford and
his staff at Glenvar. First ever State football championship with a record of 14 and 1
and they won in overtime. It was quite fitting; 12-13-14, December 13, 2014 was the
date of their championship in Salem Stadium. We are real proud of them and will have
another chance to bring them into this meeting as soon as we can work out the logistics
and honor them with certificates. Congratulations to Glenvar.
Supervisor McNamara stated he would like to thank Ms. Jacks, the Clerk
to the Board, as well as Richard Caywood, Assistant County Administrator. We
received a complaint over on Fleetwood in that area that because he was out of town,
before he even knew the complaint came in, they took action and evaluated the
situation and are trying to get some resolution. Thank them and the person who had
the concern so that we could address it. We did have a retreat a couple of weeks ago
now and thinks it was a great retreat and hopes it will set the tone for the Board as we
go forward this year. If he looks back a year ago versus this meeting. A year ago he
was traveling to the meeting from out of State and had some snow issue, a year ago not
this year. He ended up being routed around the airports and the best he could do was
get to Greensboro at 11 -30 a.m. Greensboro is about two (2) hours from Roanoke so
he got to Greensboro at around 11-30 a.m. and rented a car and drove up to the
meeting to get here by 1-30 to 2-00 pm time frame to have the meeting and compare
that meeting to this meeting. This meeting literally took an hour to prepare for- that is
how small the agenda was. Sometimes our meetings can take quite a bit of ti�e to be
properly prepared. The meeting this afternoon was an hour and one half and the
meeting tonight will be thirty (30) minutes. That meeting we had a naming policy for
County parks, a lengthy discussion on that, we talked about the reporting structure for
the Clerk, the talked about a Supervisor Code of Ethics. We talked about ICLEI. We
had a couple of work sessions. We had a couple of closed meetings; we talked about
some more stuff in the afternoon. We had someone in the audience calling a point of
order because they thought that was an appropriate thing to do. We finished around
10-30 p.m. and there was five or six (5 or 6) votes that were 3/2 throughout the day. So,
now a year later, he was out of state and he is trying to fly back for the meeting. He
was flying through Philadelphia. Philadelphia was closed; he never got to Philadelphia
and was able to route through Chicago. By the way, last year when he got to
Greensboro, none of his luggage went to Greensboro; he received two or three (2 or 3)
days later. This year he flew through Chicago and it was a little bit of inconvenience-,
about two to three (2 to 3) hours later than normal. Home, slept in his own bed,
prepared for the meeting. The Chairman has done a wonderful job and it is now 7-45
January 27, 2015 61
and he has a feeling he will be heading home. So, thank you very much, he looks
forward to continuing a wonderful year.
Chairman Peters thanked his Board members for the retreat; he did think it
was a good time. He thinks a lot of things were accomplished. He thanked Mr. Gates
for organizing that and having Ms. Dooley who came in to facilitate. He does want to
recognize that tomorrow morning the Walmart Neighborhood Store on Plantation will be
doing a grand opening/ribbon cutting at 7:30 a.m. Next, he would like to touch on the
comments of Beth Doughty. He does hope that Economic Development is something
that we will keep a close eye and focus on within this next year because as we were
reminded today and as he was talking with a reporter from the Roanoke Times. We lost
nearly 2,000 jobs last year in the valley and we are now twenty-seven (27) days into this
year and 500 jobs went out today and he hopes it will be the idea of this Board and of
our community to really focus on what we need to do. As he said earlier, we need to
find the niche that will keep those jobs coming in. Lastly, he stated he wanted to thank
the employees of Roanoke County; without their service we would not be accomplishing
very much. They do a great job day in and day out and he appreciates everything they
do and also want to thank his Board members for their participation tonight; he thought
they had a good day.
Supervisor McNamara stated he forgot to mention that it was the second -
most pages of any Board meeting we have had.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Peters adjourned the meeting at 7-34 p.m.
Sub itted by: Approved by -
P. Jaso Peters
Deborah C. Ja6KV i
Deputy Clerk to the Board ?Chair an
M
January 27, 2015
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