HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/10/2015 - RegularMarch 10, 2015 119
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday and the first
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of March 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 a moment of silence was observed
as Pastor Carter was unable to attend. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all
present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Peters called the meeting to order at 3-01 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: REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF
AGENDA ITEMS
Chairman Peters requested that an additional briefing be added to update
the Board of Supervisors on No Refusal DUI Checkpoints by Chief of Police Howard B.
Hall. There were no objections.
120 March 10, 2015
IN RE: BRIEFINGS
1. Briefing to update the Board of Supervisors on the Roanoke
Regional Airport Commission (Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director;
W. William Gust, Roanoke County appointee)
A PowerPoint presentation was shown to the Board by Mr. Bradshaw, the
new Executive Director of the Commission. Mr. Gust was also in attendance to answer
any additional questions. A copy of the presentation is on file in the office of the Clerk
to the Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated it is cheaper as mentioned to fly from
Greensboro or Charlotte or somewhere else, Washington DC, even. So, if you remove
business, which is roughly forty percent (40%). It's cheaper to do it that way. If we
remove business which is roughly forty percent, which is a hard one to overcome. If you
have a family. I have seven people in my family. $700. That's the biggest nut on the
personal travel is the cost.
Mr. Bradshaw responded that the question people need to ask themselves
is "Are you really saving money when you include your gas and hotel." Mr. Bedrosian
stated he is not a fan of subsidizing businesses and have they looked at having
businesses contribute for example the Berglund Center. Mr. Bradshaw stated as he
had mentioned earlier they are looking at having a VIP Lounge provided by
contributions from businesses. He further added he is also not in favor of subsidies and
the type of support he would like to have would be a letter of support.
Supervisor Church welcomed Mr. Bradshaw back to Roanoke. He added
he felt it was a positive move to put McAllister's in the airport. He understands our
mountains create some safety challenges.
Chairman Peters is a huge supporter of the Airport. What do we need to
do to increase our business. We need access to highways, rail, land and airports.
2. Briefing to update the Board of Supervisors on No Refusal DUI
Checkpoints (Howard B. Hall, Chief of Police)
Chief Hall provided the briefing to the Board. He outlined the procedures
when arrested for DUI, no change, informed of obligations If refused to comply, the
magistrate reviews and decides whether or not to issue the search warrant. If the
search warrant is issued, Sheriff's office medical staff will draw the blood. Lab will
provide results to the Commonwealth Attorney. Talking about in the hope of deterring-,
primary purpose. He stated it sends a clear message, they will take all lawful steps.
Law enforcement is trying to encourage people not to participate in unlawful behavior
Supervisor Church stated citizens are questioning why, what, when and where.
Do you have to advise the public about checkpoints? Chief Hall advised they do not
advertise the times or where. They will stop every car, unless traffic backs up and see if
March 10, 2015 121
the driver's license appears valid. If there appears to be any problem, the vehicle is
pulled to the side.
Supervisor Moore thanked Chief Hall for providing the briefing; applauds
for thinking out of the box.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated he thought there were good points being
made. Are we doing "no refusal" at the checkpoints? Chief Hall explained they will be
enforcing this around the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Supervisor Bedrosian asked
what is different from a year ago. The only difference is that under the new way, they
will be able to provide evidence in Court.
Supervisor McNamara inquired what are the penalties between impaired
driving relative to conviction for refusal. Chief Hall advised a DUI is a Class I
misdemeanor and first refusal is a civil penalty; second refusal is a Class 11
misdemeanor. Supervisor McNamara then asked what is the time frame, with Chief
Hall advising three (3) hours after arrest.
Supervisor Church asked if refusal to take the test is a one-year
revocation of driver's license, with Chief Hall explaining that would be an administrative
penalty which is attached from the Department of Motor Vehicles and a criminal charge
for refusal.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked with all the media, what does this do on top
of everything else, with Chief Hall responding it is one more step for repeat offenders
and provides the necessary evidence.
Chairman Peters thanked Chief Hall for the briefing explaining the ultimate
goal is to stop what people are doing. He asked that in the future, please let the Board
know ahead of time.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution establishing an advisory citizen committee known as
the Roanoke County "Pipeline Advisory Committee" (PAC)
regarding the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline (Richard L.
Caywood, Assistant County Administrator; Philip Thompson,
Deputy Director of Planning)
Mr. Caywood outlined the resolution establishing the committee and
appointing members.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked if Roanoke County could just state that we
would not approve any permits for MVP on land that was being used under eminent
domain? Could Roanoke County not issue permits? Let's say they go ahead and his
whole issue has been that any business doesn't have a right without consent. The
whole eminent domain issue. Could Roanoke County say we are not going to approve
any permits for this property? This was a question that was brought up to me and he
started thinking about it. Do we have a right to approve or not approve a permit?
122 March 10, 2015
Mr. Mahoney responded stating it sounds arbitrary and capricious because the County
has to verify that the entity had satisfied all the regulatory and statutory requirements for
a permit.
Supervisor Bedrosian then asked even if declared eminent domain by a
for-profit business, which is illegal from his understanding in the State of Virginia. Mr.
Mahoney advised it is not illegal. He does not see how the County can deny someone
a legitimate right to a permit.
Supervisor Peters asked if this has been approved by the Federal
government, do we even have a right to that point even if we wanted to say no with Mr.
Mahoney responding he did not believe so. If he has a property, which is an easement
and satisfies all the requirements, you would have to issue a permit. Mr. Mahoney
responded he does not see how government can deny a permit that is "legal" in all
these respects.
Supervisor Church stated he did not want to get bogged down in time. He
noted there was a Seminar through Virginia Western Community College, and while that
was going on properties were being tagged in Catawba.
Supervisor McNamara referenced the proposed resolution and asked if
the names the Board was providing would fill in the blanks with Mr. Caywood
responding that is the discretion of the Board. Supervisor McNamara then stated he
hoped the motion would include all three names under the Civic League category.
Chairman Peters then opened the floor for citizen comments. The
following citizens spoke.
Dale Thompson of 1515 West Ruritan Road in Roanoke. He stated he is
here to talk a little bit about the citizen input into both the pipeline committee as well as
generally your outreach to the community citizens. One of the things that he has been
very, very happy with is the fact that the website that we've created as a County has a
tremendous amount of information that he can gather that can be pushed to me through
e-mail and through my cellphone, and he thinks that's great. He thinks that's wonderful.
The committee that we are setting up for the pipeline he would like to very much
encourage you to make sure that it's balanced so we have people that are for the
pipeline and against the pipeline or at least are agnostic as he is. It's not in my
backyard, his situation would be different if it were running through my backyard
because it's that type of project. One of the things he would like to commend is that the
first line in the proposal that you guys will be voting on talks about the committee being
a conduit, which whoever came up with conduit for the pipeline committee, that's great.
That was an inside joke. It said "information conduit to and from the citizens of Roanoke
County." He wants to make sure that the "from" is primary. It's great if these people sit
and talk they get the inside information and they push it out to the citizens but there is a
lot of citizens who are interested in this pipeline, whether it's in their own backyard or
not. He would ask that the committee concentrate on the outreach to the citizens and to
get the input as in every discussion that you guys have whether it's the budget or
whether it's a new library or whether it's a pipeline. We need to be better at getting more
March 10, 2015 123
people in the room. Okay, we've got 90,000 citizens and we very rarely have a person in
the room that is not directly related to every issue. Somewhere along the line we have
to get better at that. Lastly, the fact that the pipeline committee is probably going to be
approved tonight, he thinks it's a wonderful thing. He would love to have them as their
primary responsibility to get as much input from the citizens. If they just push
information out to me, that doesn't provide to me what he needs.
Noah Ticke of 1603 Frosty Lane in Salem, Virginia and a Catawba
resident since 1956 and Roanoke valley resident since 1954. He is glad to be back
here. He has been sick and run down off and on from running back and forth from the
legislature in Richmond for the last three (3) months. This first part is about the taxes.
When will we ever get to the tea that means tax enough already. Assessments mailed
out already that leads to tax increase. There are elderly residents receiving just a few
hundred dollars for retirement. Own their home perhaps a few CD's or stocks laying
around giving them a bit of secure feeling. Because of that, they will have tax increase
throughout eternity. What a tax tyranny. Just because they have a few dollars and
something of no value these days. How about we never raise taxes ever again. How
about we train ourselves to operate with a fixed, balanced budget and stop paying
interest on County debt with taxpayer money while bragging about it. How about we
have some old-time, tightwad common sense. If it's a great tax base wanted, then do
that. Folks up North are snow birding further down South. As they flap their wings
south to avoid tax tyranny, they look for less taxes. Many are landing here already.
More taxes will not help. Then too we have this ugly pipeline erecting its huge, ugly
head in our midst. I'm not near those areas, however common sense dictates why do
we need another pipeline ever again. The railroad or gas tank car rail pipeline has been
in daily service for 155 years and can do much more. They would love the business.
Also, how intelligent is it to drink the Kool-Aid as one map shows to run a pipeline near
an upgrade and parallel into Spring Hollow Reservoir. That could affect potable water to
those involved. He prays that some day before he takes his last breath God will allow
me to live long enough to actually see some sort of patriotic governance.
RESOLUTION 031015-1 ESTABLISHING AN ADVISORY
COMMITTEE KNOWN AS THE ROANOKE COUNTY "PIPELINE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE" (PAC) REGARDING THE PROPOSED
MOUNTAIN VALLEY PIPELINE
WHEREAS, Roanoke County is committed to involving its citizens in the
development of projects and processes that impact their quality of life; and
WHEREAS, in September of 2014, Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, a joint venture
partnership between affiliates of EQT Corporation and NextEra Energy, Inc.,
(MVP/EQT) contacted Roanoke County about consideration of a portion of Roanoke
County for a possible corridor for a natural gas pipeline; and
124 March 10, 2015
WHEREAS, citizens along the proposed route have received notifications that
MVP/EQT would like access to their property to look at the feasibility of the route- and
WHEREAS, on December 9, 2014, the County Board of Supervisors p�ssed a
resolution expressing its opposition to the construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline
within Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, on February 4, 2015, County was notified that an alternate route
was under consideration for the proposed natural gas pipeline; and
WHEREAS, the County has no regulatory role in the approval process as it is
controlled by the federal government through the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC); and
WHEREAS, Section 18.02 of the County Charter provides that the Board of
Supervisors may establish such advisory boards and commissions as it deems
necessary for the purposes of advising the Board and the County Administrator; and
WHEREAS, in order to evaluate the best response to this proposed natural gas
pipeline, the Board of Supervisors will form the Pipeline Advisory Committee (PAC) to
provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to assist both the Board in its review of the
potential benefits of the pipeline as well as potential impacts to citizens, businesses and
natural resources within the County.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows -
1 . That there is hereby established an advisory committee known as the
"Pipeline Advisory Committee" (PAC).
2. That Roanoke County staff will work with the PAC to achieve the following
objectives-
• Serve as an information conduit to/from citizens and County staff for
information regarding the pipeline project
• Assist in the review of Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
materials and make recommendations for comments back to the
FERC.
• Advise the Board on specific actions that the County may wish to
pursue relative to the project including its status as a potential
"Intervener'.
• Make recommendations for route modifications or other technical
changes to the proposed project
• If the project moves forward within Roanoke County; assist in ensuring
permit compliance during the construction process.
3. That the PAC is an advisory committee; committee recommendations may
be accepted, rejected or accepted with modifications by the Board.
4. That the PAC will be appointed by the Board of Supervisors and
composed of representatives of key stakeholders from across a broad spectrum of
community interests. The Board hereby appoints the following individuals to the PAC-
March 10, 2015 125
Max Beyer, Roberta Bondurant, Louise Garman, Deedie Kagey, Ann Rogers, Dan
Miles, Keith Garman, Robert Guiles, Steve Hanes, A. J. Phillips, Jim Woltz, Joyce
Waugh, Sean Horne, David C. Perry, Gary Robertson and Aaron Ruby.
5. That the roles and responsibilities of County staff are as follows-
• Provide adequate background information to allow participation
• Provide overviews/presentations on the key issues
• Facilitate and act as a resource for the main discussion and breakout
sessions
• Identify ways in which stakeholder recommendations have influenced
the study process
6. That the roles and responsibilities of the PAC members are as follows-
• Review materials presented
• Identify key concerns and issues
• Provide and present input, advice and feedback on pertinent issues
• Explore potential areas of agreement around key issues
• Provide advice on the most effective manner of involving the general
public at key points in the project
• Participate in all meetings
7. That this Resolution shall be effective immediately.
On motion of Supervisor Church to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance appropriating $1,000,000 from the Minor Capital
Account for the purchase of four (4) automated solid waste
vehicles (Anne Marie Green, Director of General Services)
Ms. Green outlined the need for the vehicles.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated the issue is that not that we don't need them,
it should be in the budget and not coming from the minor capital account. He does not
understand why the department never puts it in their budget. He then asked how many
of the thirteen (13) are used daily with Ms. Green responding nine (9). She stated she
did come in with the request during budget time last year, but it was discussed to take
from minor capital.
Mr. Gates advised he is also concerned about the funding required to
provide this equipment. He advised that the Board would be discussing during work
126 March 10, 2015
session to talk about equipment replacement because staff needs to be sure there is a
consistent stream of funds available to replace these pieces of equipment when they
are in need of replacement and he shares that concern.
Supervisor Bedrosian responded that his concern is that budgets keep
going up.
Supervisor Church commented the balance in the Minor Capital account is
$2.6 million.
Supervisor McNamara stated over the past years things have been
stripped out and the trash trucks have never been in the budget. He stated he thinks
this is an appropriate source of funds. Capital seems to be a reasonable place to fill this
need. It would not be appropriate to revamp the entire fleet because we would run into
an issue nine (9) years from now and thinks four (4) out of thirteen is okay.
Chairman Peters stated we have put these things off since 2008. These
are issues that will impact our citizens. These are things we have to address, i.e. fire
trucks, trash trucks. These should be an automatic replacement, but knows that when
funding was not there, we could not do it. We have to be very conscious of that in the
future because whether it is a fire truck, trash truck or police car, these are things that
we have to have.
Supervisor McNamara's motion to approve the first reading and to
establish the second reading and public hearing for March 24, 2015, was approved by
the following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance accepting and appropriating funds in the amount of
$1,186,156 from the Commonwealth of Virginia to the Department
of Social Services budget for fiscal year 2014-2015 for assistance
programs (W. Brent Robertson, Director of Management and
Budget; Joyce Earl, Director of Social Services)
Mr. Robertson advised there were no changes from first reading.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked when the Federal and State government
provides money for social services does all the money just go to Roanoke County
citizens? He advised he is asking due to illegal immigration. Ms. Earl responded you
have to be residing in our locality to receive, however, there is one program that could
possibly go to a non -US citizen, if we bring a child into foster care. We do not have any
in foster care at the present time.
Supervisor Church commented the localities that are served are Roanoke
County, City of Salem and the Town of Vinton.
March 10, 2015 127
ORDINANCE 031015-2 ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,186,156 FROM THE
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL SERVICES BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015
FOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
WHEREAS, The Department of Social Services receives, throughout the year,
additional appropriations for public assistance and services delivery. For 2014-2015, the
Department of Social Services will receive additional funding from the Virginia
Department of Social Services in the amount of $886,156 for assistance programs. The
department will also receive $300,000 for administrative costs; 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 February 24, 2015, and
the second reading was held on March 10, 2015.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows -
1 . That the sum of $1,186,156 is hereby appropriated from the
Commonwealth of Virginia to the Department of Social Services budget for fiscal year
2014-2015 for assistance programs.
2. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
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: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 031015-3 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM I- CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows -
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for March 10,
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 2 inclusive, as follows -
1. Approval of minutes — January 27, 2015; February 10, 2015
128 March 10, 2015
2. Confirmation of appointment to the Social Services Advisory Commission
(appointed by District)
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
A -031015-3a
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, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance
2. Capital Reserves
3. Reserve for Board Contingency
4. Outstanding Debt
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Moore congratulated Magnets USA for their upcoming grand
opening on March 18, 2015, in the Town of Vinton. Please try to join them at 1 -00 p.m.
in Vinton at 703 Third Street for their ribbon cutting. She also thanked the Brambleton
Avenue Association for their ongoing work and supporting each other. She thanked
Megan Cronise, Doug Blount, Philip Thompson, Melinda Cox and Tammy Wood for
supporting and helping to organize those meetings; they are monthly meetings and a lot
of work and effort goes into them. She also thanked Economic Development and our
Police Department for working together to provide a series of workshops on domestic
violence in the workplace. It protects our community and helps them to be better
prepared when and if there is an emergency.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated first of all he would like to thank all the people
that spoke today. He really appreciates citizens when they come up and speak
because we always learn something, something we did not know before. This is your
government. It is the government of the people, so it is important that people come out.
If you don't like speaking, that is fine, but just to be here to watch what your supervisors
March 10, 2015 129
are doing. You need to hold all of us accountable- he thinks that is very important. As
you know around budget time, it is important for hi� to continue to talk about the fact of
our debt and increased budget. These are two things that are very, very important to
him. The reason they are is that he was brought up a different way. He is 53 years old,
but at times he feels like he is 75 or 80, like he should be a great grandfather talking to
his children. He feels like he is a relatively young guy, but he believes in only spending
what you have. This was instilled in him by his Dad. He is not bragging on himself, but
he is 53 years old and does not have a house payment or a car payment or any
payments. It wasn't easy and he gives all the credit to his parents for just telling me that
is way you do things- there was no other option. Unfortunately in today's society, there
are thousands of otker options that can get everybody into debt and we lose sight of
what our priorities should be. He is going to sound like a broken record, but maybe that
is his roll on this Board for the next four (4) years to sound like a broken records- to
keep our budgets tight. In fact, it should not be increasing. When he looks at his home
and the way we spend money, sometimes it is very tough at home and we are not doing
the things we should be able to do, so we don't do them because we need to live within
our means. In Roanoke County, we have $190 million worth of debt, which is the debt
that we sit on. He is not talking about the money we are spending on this budget. It is
the money we are sitting on that is debt. It is like a credit card. It is debt that we pay
interest on every year and it tears him up. Maybe it is a difficult thing to appreciate, but
he hates paying interest. It is such wasted money, it really is. It is totally wasted
money. It seems like if we have to borrow money, you have to pay it off as quickly as
you can so that you don't pay this interest again because it does nothing. There is one
interesting thing about not having debt. When you have money, it is yours, it is cash. It
really makes you think about the priorities and where you should spend it, but when you
get into a mode of debt spending, you don't have that keen sense anymore because
you can do twenty (20) things. You just borrow a little bit and you can do anything you
want. You just pile up debt and you can still do anything you want. When you are not
willing to go into debt, it makes you really think about what is important. If you have ten
(10) items, you can't do all ten (10). You do one of them. Maybe it is a time gone by,
he does not know. He is still trying to figure out himself. Is that a time that has just
gone by- no one thinks like that anymore. In the County, we do not have a plan to get
out of d�bt. We have a plan to manage debt and that is two (2) different things. So,
you will see me against all these budgets that we have and the debt because it is
against his nature and he does not want to change his nature on what he thinks is right
and wrong in terms of spending money. What makes it even worse is that it is not even
our money. It is one thing if he was spending his own money to go into debt, but he is
spending the people's money. We are all spending the people's money here and we
are going into debt. We are maintaining the debt that we have. We are at the point
where we are maintaining this big debt. The interest rates are very low now; wait until
they start going up and we have gotten into this habit of borrowing money to do things.
We are in big trouble. Now is the time, now really is the time to get out of debt, pay
130 March 10, 2015
yourself off because you can chunk away at that interest very quickly because it is low.
He needs to warn the people. Nothing will change unless the citizens, maybe those
who are watching today just get up and say no more of this. We cannot do it. We have
made an agreement with government to pay taxes, but that is all the money we should
spend- no more of this debt spending. Spend what you have. In regard to the trash
trucks: this is one of those conflicting things. It is very important to do, but now it goes
off the budget and becomes this thing that we are spending money that is not really a
budgeted item. In years past, we were not disciplined enough to say we need to put
$100,000 each year on your budget. You may have to do away with something else,
but you need to have a little bit of money every year so that we don't have to come to a
point where we now need a million dollars. This is an issue and he thinks as Board
members, we need to become very disciplined about it. He does not see that
happening. He just does not see that happening. He feels that we are going to be
voting for another budget that is more than last year's budget, which was more than the
year before's budget. He thinks it is dangerous. He thanked those that attended. He
appreciates them coming out and those that are watching.
Supervisor Church stated he looks forward to the work session on the
budget; it could be half the night, who knows how long it will be. He advised for those
that do not know, this is his favorite time of the year, March Madness. Basketball is
what he has been used to all his life. If he would have each game played without ever
missing any, he will try to find some sleep, West Coast, East Coast, it does not matter.
So, on the basketball note, he wishes good luck to the Northside Vikings. They still
have a couple or three games to play, but best of luck to the Vikings. We have some
great local talent in our schools for sports in Roanoke County. There was a community
meeting that he attended Friday night and he is quite sure the date was February 27 th -
thanks to all that came out. For those who have not been up in the beautiful Catawb�
Valley, it was held at the Beliveau Winery. This is the first time he has been to it. It was
quite and adventure, the last mile, hard ice, no paved road. He said to himself, "what
am I doing and how will I get there." He also thought there would only be twenty (20)
people there. Well, there was over two hundred (200). It was unbelievable that many
people came out on such a cold, brutal night. He purposely waited another hour so he
would not be stuck in that March madness going down that hill in the vehicle. What we
had there were concerned citizens. We had people there from all sides. We had Craig
County people, Montgomery County, Roanoke County and different boards that are
involved in it. But the fact that they recognize that this is coming toward Virginia and he
personally, the power of eminent domain, never vote for it and never will. He takes it
personally that it would have to be life or death for a group of people, but unfortunately,
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is in total control of this decision making
process. All we can do is what we are doing, stand up as a community and make sure
that our people are aware. As he mentioned earlier, even during the seminar that was
attended by people for and against the pipeline, it was a little shocking to him because
he is trying to get his furnace fixed and could not attend and is getting calls from citizens
March 10, 2015 131
saying that they had tags hung on the gates of their property for the right-of-way
acquisition. It is a little unnerving, it was a little bit odd. He thinks that is what has
rubbed our Board wrong. We had the commission here in front of us asking logical
questions. What about a novel item of coming to the local governing body first and they
said they would and they have not. This is going to be a long drawn out process. He
hopes that the citizens, like the gentleman mentioned early, communicate with each
other. Not just a one way communicate, but back and forth and make sure everyone is
heard.
Supervisor McNamara thanked the folks who have volunteered to serve
on the Pipeline Committee. It is going to take some time. Hopefully, it will be very
rewarding process. It may be a frustrating process as it unfolds, but he thinks it is a
good step; very appropriate approach to make sure that we keep an avenue of
communication open, which we have had difficulties with.
Chairman Peters stated Ms. Moore has already talked about Magnets
USA, which will be opening their new shop in Vinton. He is looking forward to the
budget process. We have a lot of things to deal with. He does not think there is anyone
on this Board who could not say we can cut taxes, but at the same time, you cannot cut
taxes and cut debt. We have got to decide what takes priority along with all the issues
that are facing us that we have pushed out many, many years.
Chairman Peters commented further that he has found it very interesting
in talking with people, emails, etc. how we need to do this and that. His response and
he will openly say this, once you acquire all the information that we have, if we are not
doing it right, show me a plan. He is willing to look at anything, but he is digesting what
is in front of the Board and what we are going to be dealing with over at least the next
year.
Chairman Peters recessed to the fourth floor at 4:48 p.m.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to discuss budget development for fiscal year
2015/2016 to review County fleet and heavy equipment status (W.
Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget)
In attendance for this work session was Thomas Gates, County Administrator-,
Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget; Rebecca Owens, Director of
Finance- Daniel R. O'Donnell and Anne Mare Green, Director of General Services. The
work se�sion was held from 5-06 p.m. until 5-41 p.m.
Mr. Gates outlined the work session and Brent Robertson went through a
PowerPoint presentation, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board
of Supervisors.
Supervisor Peters inquired of the seventy-five (75) non -emergency vehicles
(Social Services, some Fire and Rescue, Administration, Real Estate, Police
132 March 10, 2015
Administration) if they were just sitting around. Ms. Green responded that these
vehicles are used on a daily basis. Chief Burch's vehicle is not considered an
emergency vehicle, but Chief Hall's is.
Supervisor Bedrosian inquired as to the history and inquired if we are as
efficient as we can be because budgets will expand. Mr. Gates advised as long as we
continue to do the services, we have to take care of.
Mr. O'Donnell advised even when there was funding, there was no formal
plan on how to replace. The funds were allocated in the budget, but it was taken away
during the recession.
Mr. Gates commented that you cannot continue the same services without
replacement plans.
Supervisor McNamara commented you could change the criteria to
change the percentages.
Mr. Gates advised collectively we need to do a better job on planning and
process so that we are not surprised.
Supervisor McNamara commented we could change what we do with our
year-end policies.
2. Work session to discuss budget development for fiscal year
2015/2016 regarding delivery of services for Internal Services and
Human Services (W. Brent Robertson, Director of Management
and Budget)
In attendance for this work session was Thomas Gates, County
Administrator, Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget, Rebecca Owens,
Director of Finance Doug Blount, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Anne
Marie Green, Director of General Services. The work session was held from 6-29 p.m.
until 7-30 p.m.
Mr. Gates provided an explanation of internal services and advised the
Chair of each group will present their budgets.
Ms. Owens gave the PowerPoint presentation on Internal Services.
Chairman Peters stressed the importance of a succession plan. M r.
Gates advised education and leadership development were two items that were cut
during the recession.
Ms. Green provided the information on the Glenvar Library, which
Supervisor Bedrosian had requested at a prior meeting. The cost per square foot has
gone down from $37 to $19, but there is an increase for a one-year period. $53,465
versus $27,967.
March 10, 2015
133
Supervisor McNamara commented he felt this was a great way to prepare
the budget, with the impact to the citizens. He added that he felt staff should hold off on
the voting machines as they may be funded next year. He also added that with regard
to workers compensation, the County is self-insured and has increased due to heart and
lung presumption.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated part time went up twenty percent (20%), did
the total go up. Ms. Owens replied that she would have to obtain that information for
Supervisor Bedrosian.
Mr. Blount gave an overview on the Green Ridge Recreation Center.
IN RE- ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Peters adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. to the Joint Meeting
with the Roanoke County Public School Board to be held at the Roanoke County
Administration Center at 6-00 p.m. on March 11, 2015.
Suon)ifted by:
Deborah C. Aks/
Deputy Clerk tdAe Board
Approved by -
P. Jas n Peters
Chairman
134
March 10, 2015
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