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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 PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY