HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/28/2015 - RegularApril 28, 2015 203
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 April 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 Pastor
Joe Cobb of the Metropolitan Community Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited
by all present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Peters called the meeting to order at 3-02 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 on "Rally for Road Safety" (Howard B. Hall, Chief of
Police; Tim Wyatt, Sergeant)
Before the agenda item, Chief Hall gave a brief update on the lockdown
earlier at Cave Spring Elementary School.
204 April 28, 2015
Chief Hall explained this is all about public safety on the roads.
Also in attendance was Wendi Schultz, Event Coordinators Parks and
Recreation and Sergeant Tim Wyatt.
Supervisor Moore thanked Chief Hall, Sgt. Wyatt and Ms. Schultz for
holding the event and advised Ride Solutions would be providing helmets for the
children, while they lasted.
2. Briefing to update the Board of Supervisors on the Roanoke
County Pipeline Advisory Committee (PAC) (Richard L. Caywood,
Assistant County Administrator; David Perry, Chairman, Roanoke
County Pipeline Advisory Committee; Paul M. Mahoney, County
Attorney)
Mr. Caywood, Mr. Mahoney, and Mr. Perry provided a briefing by
PowerPoint presentation.
Chairman Peters asked with regard to the noise from the compression
stations, is there a decibel level with Mr. Caywood advising he would see if staff can
obtain- just knows it is very loud. He indicated that MVP was seeking one hundred
(100) �cre sites, of which they would only develop ten (10) acres with the surrounding
land as buffer. In his research, he indicated in more urban areas, they put them in an
enclosed building to provide sound proofing because the noise level is similar to a
diesel locomotive engine.
Supervisor Church thanked Mr. Perry and recognized Louise Garman and
Roberta Bondurant for coming. He then provided a brief history of what has happened
to date.
Supervisor McNamara asked if the recent filing had a compressor station
in Roanoke County. Mr. Caywood stated there is a lot of confusion and advised there
are two currently on the map. In the first filings, they were in Elliston and now in
Montgomery County, which is the preferred location. They are calling it the Swan
Station. There are two alternative dots on the map in Northern Catawba in the Gravel
Hill Road Area. When asked for more information. MVP responded that they are
exploring multiple options. Supervisor McNamara asked if the recommendations from
the Committee were voted on. There were no objections to forwarding the
recommendations to the Board. He then asked Mr. Mahoney if the Board can direct
staff to act on these recommendations or do we need to vote on a motion. Mr.
Mahoney responded that he would suggest that the Board ask staff to prepare a motion
in order to build a record and put something together for the next meeting. This would
be one more document as far as the FERC process. The problem is the public hearing
is May 5, 2015. He advised they would need direction from the Board.
Supervisor McNamara asked why one of the recommendations could not
be if there is to be a compression station in Roanoke County that it be housed internal
in a building. Mr. Caywood advised he felt that was an excellent suggestion and added
April 28, 2015 205
he would take back to the committee as he felt there would be more recommendations
regarding the compressor. Supervisor McNamara stated with regard to bringing in
outside staff, it would in his opinion when you have an engaged legal team that has
been involved with this for the last three to five months, he does not know if you are
going to find that same team sitting on a shelf in Roanoke. So, you would have to go
elsewhere and it is his preference to use our engaged staff.
Supervisor Peters then asked if the compressor stations need one
hundred (100) acres, with Mr. Caywood advising that is what they indicated verbally is a
preferred size of parcel. Supervisor Peters then asked how many one hundred acre
parcels we have. Mr. Caywood stated we have quite a few parcels, but which ones
would be suitable for that type of development. Supervisor Peters commented he would
rather use one hundred acre parcels for economic development.
Supervisor Church then asked Mr. Mahoney if the Board can move to
proceed with the steps that the Committee recommended by adding an item. With
respect to the May 5, 2015, meeting coming up, he stated he feels it would be
appropriate with Mr. Mahoney advising it could be done. Supervisor Church stated we
should at least get the steps in place that the committee has worked on.
Supervisor Peters asked for clarification from Mr. Mahoney and asked if
he needs time to get the resolution together. Mr. Mahoney advised he could have by
the evening session. This resolution would mimic the PowerPoint presentation if that is
the pleasure of the Board. It would require unanimous consent to add to the agenda.
He stated the only concern that he has is that there are other elements involved in
terms of not just retaining outside legal counsel, but what Mr. Caywood and he have
been talking to Mr. Gates about is more about finding some professional expertise that
can assist staff more in responding to the environmental assessment.
Chairman Peters advised he understands where Supervisor Church is
going, however, he wants to make sure it is done right. Mr. Caywood advised the first
two recommendations are the ones that have no cost associated and are time critical.
Supervisor Peters moved to add this resolution to the agenda as item P;
the resolution described earlier by Mr. Caywood.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked if the motion is for a ninety (90) day extension
one more meeting in Roanoke County. Mr. Caywood confirmed. The motion to add the
item to the evening agenda carried by the following recorded vote-
AYIES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYIES- None
3. Briefing to discuss supplemental grass mowing (Richard L.
Caywood, Assistant County Administrator)
Mr. Caywood provided the briefing.
206 April 28, 2015
Supervisor Bedrosian stated he had asked for this to be brought forth
because he has been "screaming" about it for a long time now just because of the
visuals that are created. When we talk about three (3) mowings, i\s that for everywhere
in the County three (3) times? Mr. Caywood advised that fortunately with regard to
Route 419, there was a citizen who volunteers to supplement what VDOT does and
VDOT has the option and will occasionally mow more than three (3) times a year, i.e. an
extremely wet year, if there is a particular safety issues and sometimes on a complaint
basis.
Supervisor Bedrosian then inquired besides a citizen mowing, are VDOT
mowings consistent throughout Roanoke County with Mr. Caywood advising in the
affirmative. The same contractor does the whole County. Supervisor Bedrosian stated
so the first mowing of VDOT would be the end of May with Mr. Caywood responding in
the affirmative. Supervisor Bedrosian stated already on Peters Creek Road there is
three-foot high grass in the median strips. We always talk about economic development
and making Roanoke beautiful and he is just thinking unless everybody is blind, we
need to do something and do something immediately. It is such a contrast to the
Roanoke City line. He does not require it manicured, but at least looking like we are
civilized community. Once you get tall grass, you get more cigarette butts, more
garbage that is thrown into the tall grass and when they do cut it the garbage goes
everywhere. It just creates a monster of a problem and he has made the comment
many times before. He lives in a community where they all pay a fee to have one thing
done and that is cut the grass. He looks to the County to keep our County looking
beautiful; it is a very simple thing to do. For some reason we push it off to VDOT
because it is VDOT's responsibility and say it is okay for Roanoke County to look like
this. He advised he would like the Board to look toward our contingency fund to use
some of that money in every single area of Roanoke County and that as Supervisors we
can look at an area and say, this looks terrible and as the entrance point into my
community they would like to get this cut. He stated he would like to see something put
together so we can all vote on this. He would like to see something put together for the
next meeting.
Supervisor Moore recognized Mike Ruth, the Shoe Doctor, who mows
from Tanglewood Mall all the way to the Salem line, picks up trash and does an
incredible job. Also, Roanoke County has an "Adopt" program that Roanoke County will
put a sign up for them. It is also is another way that we can recognize our businesses.
The inmates pick up trash and also some mowing too. She stated it is unfortunate that
VDOT has been cut back. Every area in Roanoke County has the same issue. The
City has their own mowing system. If there is a safety issue and you call VDOT, they
will come out immediately and mow that area.
Supervisor Church commented Supervisor Bedrosian has a good point.
He thinks all of the Board wants to have their area clean. Mr. Ruth does a wonderful
job. He suggested that staff could make an approach to having the inmates handle. He
further added that Mr. Caywood can call VDOT and see what is going on. Mr. Caywood
April 28, 2015 207
advised staff has raised the concerns over mowing many, many times. The CTB has
established some statewide mowing standards they are trying to mow to. He thinks the
simple answer is VIDOT does not intend to comply with what Roanoke City provides.
Their standard answer is they plan to do three (3) times a year. Supervisor Church then
asked Mr. Caywood to pursue the inmate solution with the Sheriff.
Supervisor McNamara congratulated Ms. Moore for taking the initiative
and has done an excellent job in getting people involved. VIDOT is doing the best they
can; State legislature says it is sufficient. He added that he is not sure we should be
stepping in. The budget has additional inmate crew and could be utilized. Our budget
also includes $500,000 for revenue sharing. If we continue to take over for the State,
we will have to increase taxes. If you don't like the median, come up with a solution like
Ms. Moore did or call your State legislature and why they cut the mowing back. The
State never cuts taxes and reduces service levels; redirect the conversation to the
State.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated we already have $12,000 in the budget to
keep the County clean. To tell all private citizens to do this after they already pay taxes
is not right. These are public parcels. He is not asking to take anything over. It is just a
stop gap to get a couple of areas; a couple of thousand dollars is what it is. It is not a
big deal while we have the conversations to fix the problem. Visitors coming in and
seeing the high grass get wrong impression. Can anybody look at this and not see what
is going on.
Chairman Peters commented $28,000 is not one-time money. He further
added the State is not going to change what they are doing. He has spoken with the
Sheriff about a second inmate crew and advised that this budget may allow us to take
care of.
Mr. Caywood advised it is his recommendation to come back with logistics
to using inmates for this service.
Supervisor Church stated once we take over something from VIDOT, they
are not going to reciprocate. We need to find a solution that is not doing what VIDOT
should be done. We need to find some way to clean this up.
Supervisor McNamara stated if you look at the Board report, can he
explain the sentence, "Staff has obtained information regarding VIDOT's contract for the
services. Currently, VIDOT pays $1,071 per mowing." Mr. Caywood stated there is an
omission in the Board report and this number was specific to Peters Creek Road
because that is how the question came to us originally. Supervisor McNamara stated
he wanted to make sure that everyone understood we are not talking about $1,000
three (3) times year. We are talking $30,000-$35,000 three times a year.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated staff keeps saying VIDOT is not doing their
job, but apparently VIDOT says their job is three (3) times a year. Roanoke County
needs to look at it that VIDOT says it is three (3) times a year and Roanoke County
needs to be doing something. VIDOT is doing theirjob.
208 April 28, 2015
Chairman Peters commented they are mowing three (3) times a year so
they are doing their job.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated it is not abdicating their responsibility, but
Roanoke County needs to look at it and say is it enough for our town. Do we like the
way it looks; do you think this is good. If not, that is where our money should be spent.
Chairman Peters announced he had missed two speakers regarding the
MVP briefing and allowed them to speak at this time.
Noah Tickle of the Catawba Magisterial District since 1956. First, he
would like to know why the discussion about the pipeline is happening. He thinks he is
remembering the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors having a resolution against the
pipeline; maybe he read something that was not there. This is really not so much, it is
environment, noise. This is more about property rights that is in the Bill of Rights,
Amendment No. 4. That right is a right to property and is of the Bill of Rights in the
Constitution. It is a violation under that, constitutional violation, to be on people's
property and we should not forget that. Government will tell you otherwise; just that part
of it. At the last meeting, the Pipeline Committee, he was able to address the
Committee and would like to do so here to express his concerns for the safety of this
pipeline because it is approximately forty-two inches and referenced a lady in the
audience that has a crosscut example of forty-two (42) inches. He has some
engineering background on hydraulics. From what he is hearing, it has 3,000 pounds
pressure. Let me tell you that is a lot of pressure. This is forty-two inches in volume
through the pipeline. It is an explosion and has happened so many times causing great
harm. How many of you know that also he is railroad connected and he is now here not
representing the railroad, speaking for himself. He is early retired eleven (11) years and
civically active. His question is from now on why would ever build a pipeline when in
fact the railroad tank cars have been in service for approximately one hundred and fifty-
five (155) years and has been doing that for all that time transporting all gas, oil and
other natural resources and have always been doing that. The railroad has great
resources to do so and lots of track mileage to move any and all gas and other natural
resources by rail. If no one believes that, go down to the main line on the railroad, have
a look, get out your stop watch and look to see how much distant areas between trains
that are passing by goods and resources to their destination and has always done that
for one hundred and fifty-five (155) years. So, why not use that resource instead of
creating all of these invasions for property owners, God-given inalienable right. That is
what it is. Pipelines are not needed; railroads can do this. They are ready twenty-
four/seven (24/7) daily. Why continue building ways of transport of natural resources
causing great harm to our economy by investing in duplication after duplication ways to
transport natural resources.
Betty Kelly advised her assistant is Frankie Garman and has no speaking
part in this today. Ms. Kelly stated she is from the Catawba District of Roanoke County.
She is very disturbed by the EQT/NextEra Mountain Valley Pipeline. It is proposed to
go through Roanoke and surrounding counties so she is concerned about the whole
April 28, 2015 209
area, actually all of Virginia. First she was a NIMBY, but now she is everywhere. So, a
forty-two inch pipeline (showed an example to the Board). Would you like that next to
your house? If it goes through, it will be fifty (50) feet from her neighbor's house. Do
you think we can trust these people? They have been doing a lot of things not so
kosher about the procedures, putting notices, not certified mail, but putting them on
people's businesses, calling older citizens, maybe even saying, "Hey, we would like to
you use the edge of your property." Their property is very small. They are using scare
tactics and she really does not like it. She asked the representative from MVP at the
Virginia Western Community College forum for the source and content of this pipe, what
is going to be used. He could not answer that. She stated she hopes it is not
Styrofoam, and not from China. It seems to her that if you are managing a project of
this magnitude, you would know this before submitting your request to build it. She
added that she knows the Board has heard a lot of concerns and she will probably say
what you have heard many times. We are concerned about lower property values. She
has heard as much as thirty percent (30%) and it is going to decrease tourism and
people coming into the area because people come here for the Greenways (we have a
wonderful system), the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, etc. The pipeline
will ruin some of these entities. Gosh, more jobs, everybody says good economic
development. Really? What is the truth? The surveyors that she spoke to in Catawba
are from Michigan. So we are getting specialists from out of town and there will be very
few jobs left if it is allowed to go through. Maybe monitoring by drones or something -
we are not even sure about that because everything seems to be very secretive. So Z
are not sure about anything with these people. We are more worried about damages to
water supplies, especially all our streams and wells, damage to structure and
foundations and they will not guarantee to compensate landowners; we have already
talked to them about that. We have heard about the course geology in Roanoke
County. According to the Virginia geological survey 2002 to 2013 the area effected is
mostly limestone cave. There are eight -one (81) documented caves in Roanoke County
and some undocumented that her neighbors told her about and there are newer
sinkholes in Roanoke County alone. Some of these caves are in Catawba and in an
adjoining County. Murder Hole is in Botetourt County, but that is another well-known
cave in our area. Let's get on a personal level. As she was walking in her woods today,
which is part of the original homestead of Louise Garman's family she thought about
what her five (5) grandchildren would be losing- the quiet sights and sounds of the
season with their grandparents, birds chirping, all the animals we see, wildflowers, box
turtles, deer, etc. Salamanders love it. This property is her children's inheritance and
this is who she is. Why her family and other residents' lands should be sacrificed for the
profit of a few especially since the gas is not for local use. It is her understanding that
there are no contracts. Thank the Board for allowing her to speak and to having the
PAC. She then gave a brief demonstration of what she considered a gas leak.
210 April 28, 2015
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Request to approve the Cable Television budget for fiscal year
2015-2016 (Elaine Bays -Murphy, Cable Access Director)
A-042815-1
Ms. Bays -Murphy provided an overview of the budget. There was no
discussion. Supervisor Church thanked Ms. Bays for the work they do.
On motion of Supervisor Church to adopt the Cable Television budget for
fiscal year 2015-2016, the motion carried by the following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYES- None
2. Request to adopt the Roanoke County School budget for the
fiscal year 2015-2016 (Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance; David
Wymer, Chairman, Roanoke County School Board; Dr. Lorraine
Lange, Superintendent of Schools and Penny Hodge, Assistant
Superintendent of Finance, Roanoke County Schools)
A-042815-2
Ms. Owens gave brief overview; then turned over to Dr. Lange who
provided the report. Dr. Lange commented that she appreciates the cooperative effort
with the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Wymer commended the finance staff of both the
County and School.
Supervisor Church recognized Jerry Canada, another School Board
member and commended Dr. Lange on her leadership and Mr. Wymer for his service.
Supervisor Bedrosian commented that he disagrees with the methodology
of the school funding formula and would like to see another funding mechanism. He
commented that he appreciated their work.
Supervisor Moore thanked everyone involved in working on the budget.
Chairman Peters thanked Dr. Lange and Mr. Wymer for all they have done
for the County school system.
On motion of Supervisor Moore to adopt the Roanoke County public
school budget for fiscal year 2015-2016, the motion carried by the following recorded
vote -
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYES- Supervisor Bedrosian
April 28, 2015
NMI
IN RE: REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS AND FIRST READING OF
REZONING ORDINANCES - CONSENT AGENDA
1 . The petition of PEG Bandwidth to amend a Special Use Permit
condition to allow for the addition of a microwave antenna to an
existing broadcasting tower in an AG -1S, Agricultural/Rural Low
Density, District with Special Use permit and AV,
Agricultural/Village Center, District on approximately 35.85 acres,
located at 6224 Franklin Road, Cave Spring Magisterial District
Supervisor Moore's motion to approve the first reading and to establish
the second reading and public hearing for May 26, 2015, was approved by the following
vote -
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
2. The petition of The Branch Family LLC to obtain a special use
permit for equipment sales and rentals in a C -2C, High Intensity
Commercial, District, with conditions on an approximately 1.516
acre lot, located near 5130 Peters Creek Road, Catawba
Magisterial District
Supervisor Church's motion to approve the first reading and to establish
the second reading and public hearing for May 26, 2015, was approved by the following
vote -
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance accepting and appropriating funds in the amount of
$278,950 and approving a Comprehensive Agreement with
HHHunt for the design and construction of the Murray Run
stream Restoration Project UNDER THE Public -Private Education
Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA) of 2002 (Tarek Moneir,
Deputy Director of Development; Paul Mahoney, County Attorney)
212 April 28, 2015
Mr. Moneir outlined the need for the ordinance.
Supervisor McNamara commented that he wanted to put in simple terms
what is going here because it could become somewhat complicated. Stormwater
Manager deals with both quantity of our runoff as well as quality. Various and large
governments and cities have implemented fees to try to address both quality and
quantity of stormwater run-off. What staff has done, to their credit, is utilize state dollars
to generate stormmwater dollars. This is unique as it is addressing stormwater
management without using citizen tax dollars. He stated he thinks it is a great program.
Supervisor Moore's motion to approve the first reading and to establish
the second reading on May 12, 105 was approved by the following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
2. Ordinance accepting and appropriating $24,000 from the Virginia
Department of Education to Roanoke County Public Schools for
the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Teacher Recruitment and Retention Incentive Initial and
Continuing Awards (Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance)
Ms. Owens outlined the need for the ordinance; outside of the normal
budget process and advised no matching funds were required.
Supervisor Moore's motion to approve the first reading and to establish
the second reading on May 12, 105 was approved by the following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 042815-3 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-
April 28, 2015 213
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for December
10, 2013, 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 4 inclusive, as follows -
1 . Approval of minutes — March 24, 2015
2. Resolution accepting Old Mill Plantation Drive, Nandina Drive, Grape Holly
Lane, Willow Leaf Circle and Burkwood Circle into the Virginia Department of
Transportation Secondary System
3. Resolution granting a waiver to the American Cancer Society and Relay for
Life of Vinton under Section 13-23 of the Roanoke County Code to the
provisions of the County's Noise Ordinance, Article 11. Noise of Chapter 13.
Offenses -Miscellaneous, Vinton Magisterial District
4. Request to accept and allocate grant funds in the amount $7,234.26 from the
Commonwealth of Virginia to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for fiscal year
2014/2015
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
RESOLUTION 042815-3.a ACCEPTING OLD MILL PLANTATION
DRIVE, NANDINA DRIVE, GRAPE HOLLY LANE, WILLOW LEAF
CIRCLE AND BURKWOOD CIRCLE INTO THE VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECONDARY SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the streets described on the attached Addition Form AM -4.3, fully
incorporated herein by reference, are shown on plats recorded in the Clerk's Office of
the Circuit Court of Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, the representative for the Virginia Department of Transportation has
advised this Board that the street(s) meet the requirements established by the Virginia
Department of Transportation's Subdivision Street Requirements; and
WHEREAS, the County and the Virginia Department of Transportation have
entered into an agreement on March 9, 1999 for comprehensive stormwater detention,
which applies to this request for addition.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this Board requests the Virginia
Department of Transportation to add the street(s) described on the attached Additions
Form AM -4.3 to the secondary system of state highways, pursuant to §33.1-229, Code
of Virginia, and the Department's Subdivision Street Requirements, after receiving a
copy of this resolution and all outstanding fees and documents required of the
developer, whichever occurs last in time; and
214 April 28, 2015
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board guarantees a clear and unrestricted
right-of-way, as described, and any necessary easements for cuts, fills and drainage-,
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded
to the Residency Administrator for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
RESOLUTION 042815-3.b GRANTING A WAIVER TO THE
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AND RELAY FOR LIFE OF
VINTON UNDER SECTION 13-23 OF THE ROANOKE COUNTY
CODE TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE COUNTY'S NOISE
ORDINANCE, ARTICLE 111. "NOISE" OF CHAPTER 13.
"OFFENSES -MISCELLANEOUS"
WHEREAS, Relay For Life of Vinton, a fundraiser for the American Cancer
Society, will be holding its annual overnight Relay For Life event at William Byrd High
School for the Town of Vinton, Roanoke County, and the general public on Friday, May
1, 2015, from 5-00 p.m. to Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 7-00 a.m.; and
WHEREAS, Relay for Life is held overnight to represent the journey of a cancer
patient, and stress that cancer continues to exist even when the sun has set. In order to
accommodate this atmosphere and bring the community together in the fight against
cancer, American Cancer Society and Relay For Life of Vinton are requesting a waiver
of the Roanoke County noise ordinance from 5-00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2015, to 7-00
a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Section 13-23 of the Roanoke County Code establishes certain
standards for the Board of Supervisors to grant waivers from the provision of the
Roanoke County noise ordinance to avoid undue hardship upon consideration of certain
factors set forth in sub -section (b) of Section 13-23 and after making certain alternative
findings.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows -
1 . That the provisions of Section 13-21. Specific acts as noise, sub -section
(5) and Section 13-20. General prohibition of Article 11. Noise be waived from 5-00 p.m.,
May 1, 2015, to 7-00 a.m., May 2, 2015.
2. That this waiver is granted specifically to The American Cancer Society
and Relay for Life of Vinton for the Relay for Life fundraiser at William Byrd High School
on May 1-2, 2015.
April 28, 2015
215
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
A -042815-3.c
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
5. Treasurer's Statement of Accountability per Investment and
Portfolio Policy as of March 31, 2015
6. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of
March 31, 2015
7. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and
Encumbrances as of March 31, 2015
8. Accounts Paid — March 31, 2015
Chairman Peters recessed to the fourth floor for work session.
IN RE: WORK SESSION
1. Work session to discuss proposed Operating and Capital budgets
for fiscal year 2015-2016 and fiscal year 2016-2025 Capital
Improvement Plan (Thomas C. Gates, County Administrator; W.
Brent Robertson, Director of Management and Budget)
This work session started at 5-20 pm and ended at 6-12 pm.
Mr. Gates opened the work session and called for questions. Supervisor
McNamara questioned the social services position. Supervisor Peters asked if they
were dictated to us by the State. Patience O'Brien, Deputy Director of Social Services
stated they had submitted a request in 2009 based on increased needs and the position
216 April 28, 2015
is State funded. Supervisor Church commented this was a critical position paid by the
State.
Supervisor McNamara then stated with regard to the County Auditor, it
should be shared with the Roanoke County Public Schools and should have dotted line
responsibility to the Audit Committee. He added that he cannot support the additional
positions for the Treasurer's office and Commissioner of the Revenue.
Supervisor Peters stated that staff needed to save positions that will be
need for Fire and Rescue, i.e. Mt. Pleasant.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked with regard to Fire and Rescue there were
five for one location. Is everybody else okay other than Cave Spring? Mr. Gates
explained there were staff issues around the County. Supervisor Bedrosian asked what
is the issue with Supervisor Peters responding response time. They are constantly
pulling resources from other areas of the County. Mr. Gates stated staff would be
reallocated as needed.
Supervisor McNamara indicated Cave Spring was the last station that
does not have ALS.
Supervisor Bedosian commented on the revenue growth of $5 million and
Mr. Gates explained the actual numbers with regard to revenue.
Supervisor Moore asked Mr. Gates to explain the three new positions. Mr.
Gates responded they would be for BPOL audits for the Commissioner of the
Revenue's office and delinquent taxes for the Treasurer's office. The intent is for the
cost to be offset by the actions of the auditors. If you eliminate the positions, the
revenue would need to be reduced.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked about the three library positions. Mr. Gates
responded two positions go from part time to full time and the other position is for the
Vinton Library.
Supervisor Church inquired about Sunday library opening hours. M r.
Gates advised $46,000 was added and is on a part-time basis.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked about the litter campaign. Mr. Gates
responded the ongoing cost of that program was added to the budget.
Supervisor Peters stated there was no addition of police officers but the
budget was increased by $500,000. Mr. Gates explained the change in dollars for
public safety is to reflect the pay changes they received last year and have been
allocated so you can see the actual cost. Also in 2016, numbers reflect the second
portion of skill based pay.
Mr. Gates commented the Sheriff's position increase is for the second
work crew.
Supervisor Bedrosian commented that he did not appreciate not having
the presentation in the Board's hands while he was giving it. He would appreciate his
changing in the future.
April 28, 2015 217
Supervisor Bedrosian asked if we could come up with user friendly
explanation for the school calculation with Mr. Gates responding in the affirmative.
Supervisor McNamara commented that minor capital will be used for
capital replacement and we will be budgeting personnel at it occurs. We will not have
any expenditure savings and no minor capital county fund.
Supervisor Peters inquired where were we going to pay for the $400,000
for voting machines. Mr. McNamara advised we should count by hand. Mr. Gates
advised there are fund balances available if they are needed. He is letting the
discussion play out and will not need until November, which provides ample time to get
machines in and training. Staff will identify and bring back to the Board if necessary.
Mr. Gates then explained the change from last year regarding salary and
turnover being funded at ninety-eight percent (98%).
Supervisor Church inquired regarding the increase in the Administration
budget. Mr. Gates responded $10,000 were projects for Mr. Caywood's special
projects, i.e. survey work, bus lot, etc. There is also $80,000 for the addition of the
outside auditors. Mr. Gates advised he does not want an outside auditor, wants his
own. He wants the audit position to report to him.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked why the auditor position would not report to
the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Gates explained the Board would not know what to
charge the auditor to do, he would have a better work plan.
Supervisor McNamara stated the Audit Committee should be two
members representing the Board, two members representing the Schools and three
outside. Day to day they should report to the County Administrator and
Chairman Peters called the evening session back to order at 7-00 p.m.
IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND
AWARDS
1. Proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2015 to be Asthma
Awareness Month in Roanoke County (Regina Rackow, President
of the Greater Roanoke Valley Asthma and Air Quality Coalition)
The Clerk read the proclamation. Ms. Rackow gave a brief overview.
Supervisors Church and Moore thanked Ms. Rackow for attending.
2. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County to Kenneth Broughman, Police
Community Services Officer 11, upon his retirement after more
than sixteen (16) years of service (Howard B. Hall, Chief of Police)
218 April 28, 2015
The Deputy Clerk read the resolution. All Supervisors offered their
congratulations.
RESOLUTION 042815-4 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO
KENNETH BROUGHMAN, POLICE COMMUNITY SERVICES
OFFCER 11, UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN
SIXTEEN (16) YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Kenneth Broughman was employed by Roanoke County on July 25,
1998; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Broughman retired on February 1, 2015, after sixteen (16) years
and six (6) months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Broughman, through his employment with Roanoke County, has
been instrumental in improving the quality of life and providing services to the citizens of
Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, throughout Mr. Broughman's tenure with Roanoke County, he
served as a Community Services Officer and developed many improvements to the
animal control function of Roanoke County. He also served as a Firearms Instructor
and was instrumental in improvements at the Roanoke County Firing Range.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of the citizens
of Roanoke County to KENNETH BROUGHMAN for more than sixteen (16) years of
capable, loyal, and dedicated service to Roanoke County- and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does expres� its best wishes for a happy
and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING
1. Public hearing on the proposed budget fiscal year 2015-2016
operating budget and the fiscal year 2016-2025 Capital
Improvements Program (W. Brent Robertson, Director of
Management and Budget)
Mr. Robertson gave a brief overview.
Before he opened the public hearing on the budget, Chairman Peters
April 28, 2015 219
stated a lot of people have been wondering about the Board not taking its two
installments of $10 million over the next two years and what effect that will have on the
County's finances over the next two (2) years and how it will affect our debt serving for
the next two years and how that reduces our debt and asked Rebecca Owens to
provide an overview of the debt reduction.
Ms. Owens stated just to recap at the last meeting when Mr. Gates
reviewed his County Administrator budget one of the items that we reviewed with the
Board was a new focus for the County in taking a look at a ten (10) -year CIP Plan that
would be covering us form 2016 through 2025 with it being a ten-year plan but asking
the Board to focus and approve a one-year budget, which would be 2015-2016 budget.
Ms. Owens provided a PowerPoint presentation. In 2015-2016 year, as was discussed
with the Board several weeks ago, that we would really just focus on capital
maintenance of existing projects and not any real new construction and we would fund
all of that through existing cash that we have. We would not be issuing any new debt.
This would be the case for not only fiscal 2015-2016, but also in 2016-2017. Any
projected capital projects would be funded through cash. We do have proposed debt
issuances in the later years, because it is a capital plan there are projects in the later
years. This would be in keeping with the plan the Board has approved in the past. We
do have a joint funding plan with the Schools that basically allows for us to issue up to
$10 million, if needed, each year for projects. At June 30, 2015, we will have
outstanding debt in the neighborhood of $190.6 million with payments totaling $13.7
million bringing the ending balance down to $177 million. In two years, that debt will
actually come down to $163.4 million. You will also see the activity that matches up
with the proposed capital plan. There are proposed bond issuances to match up with
the borrowings in the various years several years out. Ms. Owens then reviewed the
Outstanding Projected Debt Comparison slide.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated Supervisor McNamara offered at the last
meeting that we would do away with two years of debt. In 2015-2016 we would not take
$10 million or 2016-2017. When he adds up all the numbers, if he is reading it correctly,
over the next seven (7) years if we had taken out $10 million a year, we would have
borrowed $70 million. When he adds up $24 million, $14.8 million, $10 million, $10
million and $11 million, he gets $78 million. So, did we save $20 million or did we just
postpone. Ms. Owens responded in the plan that is before the Board, what staff has
done is to match the debt up with the projects that are outlined and planned. So, where
our old plan would have in a ten-year period, $100 million, what this plan does is not
utilize the full $100 million, but does utilize $94.8 of debt.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated in the immediate future over the next seven
(7) years, it is identical. This is why he thinks it is dangerous to talk about debt when we
are talking about taxes. The citizens of Roanoke County missed out on getting a refund
and now we are adding $70 million in debt over seven (7) years just like we would have.
Supervisor Peters commented, "Only if we spend it." Supervisor Bedrosian asked,
"When has the government ever refunded debt."
220 April 28, 2015
Supervisor McNamara stated he thinks we are missing the point. The
point is we are at $191 million in debt, two years from now we will be at $163 million in
debt, which is $28 million. This is fifteen percent (15%) of our current debt and is a
significant reduction. When you look at the outlying years, especially if you look at the
school sides, there are just numbers plugged in there. There is no seven, eight or ten
(7, 8 or 10) year capital improvement program on either the County side or the School
side right now. This is something that the Schools will need to modify and come to
terms with, as well as the County, but when all is said and done we need to focus on
what is it doing right now, today. It is significant and he does not see how we can
discount the significance of dropping fifteen percent (15%) of ourtotal debt in a two-year
period in our capital structure.
Supervisor Church asked Ms. Owens if there was some debt retirement
calculated in. Ms. Owens responded the summary was taking the debt at the beginning
of the year and factoring in what principal payments we would be making in a year,
realizing that yes there are certain years we are paying off certain issuances and that
may be why you are seeing some fluctuation. Most of our debt is twenty (20) -year debt
and many of the school bonds especially that are being paid off.
Supervisor Peters asked Ms. Owens if the Board chose to, would it be
penalized to pay down debt at a faster rate. Ms. Owens advised there are only certain
debts that the County has that we are eligible to pay off early. This building, DSS
building, literary loans, but other outstanding debt that we have like the lease revenue
bonds and the Virginia Public School Authority Bonds are not structured in such a way
to allow for us to pay extra or early. There is a certain period of time that we have to
hold on to those and then we have an opportunity to refunds, but they are not structured
in that way.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked what the percentage was out of the $190 that
we can write off early. Ms. Owens stated she felt it is less than $3 million.
Supervisor Church then asked in the last several years we have done
some substantial refundings with Ms. Owens responding in the affirmative. She advised
there is one she is looking at currently to look at for potential savings.
Chairman Peters then opened and closed the public hearing with the
following citizens speaking -
Brian Velkoff of the Cave Spring Magisterial District stated he would try
and keep this brief as the Board looked like they have had a very long day. First, he
congratulated the Board for taking the step of not issuing any new debt for 2015-2016;
he stated he thinks it is an important step in handling this situation that we have gotten
ourselves into. Inevitably when you do resume issuing debt for projects that are going
to come up, he would urge the Board to use General Obligation Bonds. We are
spending $400,000 on voting machines anyway so why not public referendums as
opposed to the revenue lease agreements, which take that power away from the
people. In going over the capital improvement projects, which is a phenomenal piece of
reading, he cannot help but notice an issue that seems to be not getting enough
April 28, 2015 221
attention, which is the 15% commercial base that the County currently has. He would
recommend cutting the business and professional license tax to compete with Roanoke
City and Salem to get more business here. The 3.6% of revenue that generates he
stated he thinks would be offset by increased sales and meals tax. Generally, most
people like to shop, eat and do their stuff near their jobs and appointments. We have
way too much vacant commercial office space, commercial space and retail space. He
sees it every day on Starkey, Brambleton and Electric Road- "for lease", "for lease, " for
lease." It is not good and it is not good for any type of economic growth. It is very
important to project a strong economic sense. People drive through our main areas to
see if business is booming there. He also urged the Board to look in-house for any and
all work that can be done instead of contracting it out. He is seeing $521,000 paving
projects, a fire station, here, public service building. Whenever possible, he was in the
military and had heavy vehicles that destroyed pavement and when the pavement got
wrecked, all the privates repaved. It is not that difficult for County employees as part of
their jobs particularly engineering. It is not fun but you can save a lot of money by doing
it in-house like that. The other thing he noticed was personnel. There are plans to add
one person to the Commissioner of the Revenue and two additional employees to the
Treasurer's office. The reasoning is it would be paid for with additional revenues. He
would really urge not to do that as it is putting the cart before the horse. It is better to
have the money come in then hire the personnel to do it. By earmarking money for
personnel, you get the revenue (that may not materialize). It is not a sensible plan.
Lynda LaPrade stated she would like to thank the Board, Administrator
and Budget management team for making these proposed budget documents easier to
understand than some have previously been. Also, you are to be commended for
putting all the information online quickly with a place the citizens can readily comment
and send in. The long-term planning that is beginning to take shape is important in
these times of economic uncertainty. In examining that document, the first thing to be
noted is that revenue has increased, but more importantly expenditure increases
matched or exceeded that growth. While we do have some catching up to do in
maintaining what we have. The mentality of government eating up any possible
personal savings to the taxpayers is evident. Staff and administration will always have
ways to spend more money, it is available. You, our Board, are our safeguard to pay
down debt and to decrease our taxes. On page 38, we learn that more than one half of
the revenue is from real estate taxes with projected increases for 2016. You mention in
this report that inflation outpaces growth and this leads to, "an effective reduction of
departmental purchasing power." She would remind the Board that this also leads to a
reduction of purchasing power for your taxpayers. The backs of taxpayers are only so
strong and she would hope future planning would include a tax reduction and real estate
valuation every other year to benefit the citizens who pay the taxes. Some specific
concerns, she like Mr. Velkoff is concerned about hiring the two additional people for
delinquent tax collection, yet this percentage has been decreasing since 2011 and is
only 3.71 percent of the total tax levy. Is that justified? The library Sunday hours was a
222 April 28, 2015
one-time plan last year with a determination to be made whether it was worthwhile to be
continued. Has a cost benefit evaluation been done? Or, was this just automatically
added. These are questions that citizens want to know. We are interested; we do care.
To approve this proposed operating budget, the Board needs to look very carefully at
any additional funds that have been requested. She reminds the Board of the
organizational chart on page five. The citizens of Roanoke County are at the top. Make
sure that you know and approve of every dollar spent. The Board members will be held
accountable by these people at the top for your decisions.
RoxAnne Christley stated Roanoke County is currently going in the wrong
direction with the proposed two point six percent (2.6%) budget increase of $11.5
million. We have all read about the proposed tax and fee proposals that Roanoke City
is now considering because they cannot manage a budget. She points that out
because one again we have a budget proposal larger than the last budget and that begs
the question of when will this pattern stop. The General Assembly has mandated a one
point five percent increase in teacher salaries. Is this deserved? Considering the work
load that public school teachers face, the work they have to do on their own time and
often out of their own pocket, she says they absolutely deserve it. The common
practice of the Board of Supervisors has to make pay raises across the Board in
accordance with what the General Assembly mandates for teachers and or State
employees. This current budget proposal is giving all County employees one percent
over the General Assembly mandates for teachers alone. The State is spending part of
its raise for teachers and she has no objection to that. For this Board though to
arbitrarily add an additional one percent salary increase to every County employee over
and above that mandated for teachers is the issue. She would also like to add that
every taxpayer in Roanoke County would love to get a two and one half percent
increase in their paycheck, but that is not happening.
Noah Tickle stated he is the Catawba magisterial District representative of
the Roanoke County group Common Sense. He is not speaking for that group, but
speaking strictly for himself. His comments were an encouragement of being
constructive. That group may love their taxes, we do not. He just likes the name of the
group, Common Sense, please. So tax assessments have gone up, taxes have not
increased, so it is said. Well, well, well, how does that work? Well, the way he
understands it, if tax assessments go up so also taxes go up. So how can it be said
that taxes are not going up? Why or how could that be said. That makes no common
sense, how can there be growth when in fact taxes are anti -growth. Also how will
Roanoke County ever decrease taxes to make Roanoke County attractive to people that
will live here by increasing assessments thus taxes. Increasing assessments then
behind that of course raises taxes this seems to indicate. Folks will never want to live
here. I am not saying that five hundred jobs leaving has anything to do with that, but
sobering to think about. In fact, they will live elsewhere as they are doing now. Even
residents are moving out to other counties where taxes are cheaper. In fact, he does
not doubt that many of the Roanoke County governance staff live outside Roanoke
April 28, 2015 223
County to keep their taxes lower while working here for income. That money goes
outside the County line. He does not know about anyone else, common sense please.
No one seems to care; no one seems to understand that no matter how taxes are
increased, residents will figure it out one way or the other. For instance, he has a friend
in Tennessee that owns twice the land that he does. It is a farm, his is mountain line
and his taxes are 1/6 th of his. To make Roanoke County more attractive you have to
lower taxes. People will observe that and want to move here that in turn will increase
the tax base, thus creating greater revenue to manage/run the County the way it should
be. This makes perfect sense to him, duah, right. Does any of the staff care? Is any of
the staff concerned enough to do something about it or just keep it the way it has
always been? More taxes, more taxes, please tell him how that is going to work.
Hidden pots of money around full of money, he can understand some of that. How
about let's get out of debt, go into the back and decrease taxes bringing in more
residents to increase the tax base thus increasing tax revenues not to mention paying
out millions of taxpayer money in interest toward the debt is not good governance for
Roanoke County residents. Bankers love that. We do not. Taking taxpayer money to
pay interest, let's get that. Let's do lower taxes, please. Let's get in the black looking
good for stability, setting an example for other governments in and around.
Virginia Hardin of 3104 Winterberry Square stated she understands that
our new County Administrator is being paid $177,000. She stated she has been out of
the work force for a few years, so she is not up to date on current salaries, but she was
surprised. She further added that she understands that a $4,400 raise is being
considered for him. She advised a lot of us would love to receive a raise like that. How
about waiting until he's been here for longer, before giving him a raise. If you have
$4,400 in spare cash, how about spending that on paying down the County's debt.
Supervisor Church asked Mr. Gates based on the talk this evening, the $5
million increase versus what we heard upstairs. Mr. Gates responded the amount of
growth in fiscal 2016 is $4.6 million. Of that $4.6 million, about $1.1 million are State
DSS funds that pass through us. Typically, we would do these as supplemental
appropriations during the course of the year, but this year, we are putting it in the
budget up front because we know eventually we will receive those monies. They are
non -local tax supported dollars that come from the State. About $766,000 of part of the
$4.6 million is part of the agreement with Ardagh, for their investment in the County. It
is revenue to us and we also have to make the expenditure and return that money back
to them to meet the three-year, $2.3 million incentive agreement provided to them. The
balance of the $4.6 million is in the neighborhood of $2.4 million is growth in the budget
from this year to last year. Supervisor Church stated so the reality is $2.4 million. Mr.
Gates stated $2.6 million.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated to add to this did last year's budget have any
of these items. Mr. Gates stated Ardugh was new to this year's budget as is the DSS.
As you recall, a supplemental appropriation was brought forward for the current fiscal
year of about $1 million to add monies that we had received from the State for the DSS
224 April 28, 2015
operation. Rather than doing it supplementally, we have put it into the budget as we
start. Should we go back to last year's budget and see if there are some things we
should have subtracted. Mr. Gates stated he did not know what was included in last
year's budget. There are always adds and subtractions from any budget. The point
that he is making, of the increase how much of that comes from tax supported dollars.
Supervisor Peters advised we went back to last year and did the same
thing, it is probably more than $174. Supervisor Bedrosian asked staff to see if this
could be done. If you start changing the setting, it gets a lot of people confused as to
what is the real number. Citizens are concerning about how big is government growing.
If government is not really growing that is great. If government is growing, he thinks it is
good to keep ourselves consistent on how we are looking at numbers.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution petitioning the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to hold an additional scoping public hearing in
Roanoke County and to extend the public comment period during
the scoping phase for the Mountain Valley Pipeline Project (Paul
M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Richard Caywood)
Resolution discussed and requested at afternoon session.
RESOLUTION 042815-5 PETITIONING THE FEDERAL ENERGY
REGULATORY COMMISSION TO HOLD AN ADDITIONAL
SCOPING PUBLIC HEARING IN ROANOKE COUNTY AND TO
EXTEND THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD DURING THE
SCOPING PHASE FOR THE MOUNTAIN VALLEY PIPELINE
PROJECT
WHEREAS, the pipeline known as the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) and is
expected to transport a natural gas supply from the Marcellus and Utica regions to
various Southeast United States markets; and
WHEREAS, the MVP is governed by the United States Natural Gas Act, which
requires a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); and
WHEREAS, the FERC process is our region's most viable avenue for influencing
the MVP project; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the document that will
be the basis of the FERC's decision-making regarding the project; and
WHEREAS, FERC has provided four (4) public hearings in sparsely populated
areas of West Virginia, but only two in Virginia; and
April 28, 2015 225
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley and New River Valley have by far the greatest
population density along the MVP corridor at well over 300,000; yet our region has only
been provided one (1) hearing by FERC; and
WHEREAS, given that other FERC hearings in Virginia have ended before all
citizens have been able to speak; and
WHEREAS, while the northern portion of the MVP corridor has been fixed for
some time, there has been and continues to be changes to the southern portion of the
corridor directly affecting our region; and
WHEREAS, the proposed locations for the compressor station in our region is
not well defined in Montgomery County and the potential Roanoke County locations
have not been defined at all other than vague mile marker locations; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Pipeline Advisory Committee (PAC) on April
277 2015, voted to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that an additional scoping
public hearing be held in Roanoke County and that the public comment period during
the scoping phase be extended.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows -
1 . That the Board hereby petitions the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to hold an additional scoping public hearing in Roanoke County.
2. That the Board further requests a ninety (90) -day extension of the public
comment period during the scoping phase, which is due to expire on June 16, 2015, to
allow for additional public study and comment regarding the newly -identified alternative
routes along the southern portion of the corridor.
3. That the Clerk to the Board forthwith send a certified copy of this
Resolution to Senator Mark Warner, Senator Timothy Kaine, Representative Bob
Goodlatte, Representative Morgan Griffith and Norman C. Bay, Chairman of the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
Supervisor Church commended staff for taking care of the resolution in
such a timely fashion.
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Bedrosian stated he thinks it is an important and good time-,
thinks the budget talks are good. It is good to challenge each other. He thinks that
everybody is just trying to get to the truth as to what is actually getting done and thinks it
is a good thing. For those that watch on television, he thinks they are listening to good
226 April 28, 2015
questions. He loves to be challenged himself and to know exactly what is going on. He
looks at the fact that we get elected by the people and are protectors of the people's
resources. So we have us and the government, County Administration, and they are
supposed to check and balance each other; make sure that each one of us is doing the
right thing. He thinks that is why they are here. He enjoys the process. It is important
that every citizen realizes that when we spend money, we are not making it (we are not
producing it.) There is nothing we do to sell to make money. Basically, the money
comes from taxpayers. Basically, he has always tried to narrow it down to what exactly
it is. Basically, every million dollars that we spend is basically $50 from the taxpayer in
a household of four (4). If we did not spend that money, we could give it back to you.
We could spread out that $1 million over 90,000 people and that is where everybody
would get $11 or $12, or an average family of four would get back $50. When we spend
$180 million, basically that is $2,000 per person; and with a family of four that is $8,000
of your families' money. It is reasonable to do that, some money, because we have to
run the government and do the things that we do. Here is a comparison. He lives in a
development and he gives his dues every year and with those dues they collect and
they do the basic terms for our development; cut the grass, trim things and make sure it
looks good. They do not give money to people that are having a hard time as that is his
job to help somebody out. The money that we collect, pays for things. His expectation
of government is you pay taxes and you do the basic things. This year, if our spending
is going up and we have had numbers from $3 million to $5 million, whatever it is, we
should look at that increase of every million dollars will be removing $50 from your
family. So, if it is $5 million we are spending, you are basically taking out of a family of
four $250. This is why he thinks it is hard for families to get ahead. You think you are
doing well and then you find out you do not have the money anymore. Where is it
going? It is kind of creeping out of your pocket- government is one area and there are
other areas that do that also. But, it is very imp�rtant, it is up to the people to come like
you have done tonight and speak your words that you speak about keeping more of
your money, keeping government small. It is important. On this side of it, government
will spend every penny you have. There are so many things that government can
spend money on that if you gave it to them, they would spend it. We have so many
needs in government; millions, millions of dollars that are waiting to be spent. It is the
citizens who have to say no. You have to limit government. Someone made a
comment that taxes are anti -growth and he totally believes that. You can look at the
federal government, state governments and localities. Taxes always stall growth. The
more you can remove taxes frees people to spend their money and it rejuvenates. It is
a Ronald Reagan thing. It really does rejuvenate things. Let's go back to the debt. We
were very enlightened tonight. This is one of those things we are told we are going to
remove $10 million for the next two (2) years and everybody thinks we are removing
$20 million in debt. We are just catching up after that. We are not spending $10 million
in 2015-2016 and we are not spending $10 million in 2016-2017, but in 2018 we are
spending $24 million. In 2019 we are spending $15 million, so it is just catching up.
April 28, 2015 227
You have to be very careful about this. We need to be disciplined so that we don't
spend money. When we don't go into debt we really aren't going into debt. It is not that
we are going to catch up in two (2) years and spend twice what we would have spent
before and that is very dangerous to him. He makes a point about this debt a lot
because debt has interest with it; average interest payments we pay every year is $8
million. $8 million of interest payments alone, not debt service, just the interest portion
of the debt service, which is a lot of money. A lot of money that we could be doing good
things with, but we have to have a plan for getting out of debt, not just managing it. We
are not just managing a credit card and that is a terrible way to operate because you
can pay the bill. We need to get out of debt and then we will have some real freedom
and can do some things that are right to do.
Supervisor Church stated he had three items. A few days ago, he was at
a really neat ribbon cutting event, Apptech Solutions up on Daughtery Road. This is a
company we are getting from Roanoke City from Peters Creek Road with a potential of
adding one hundred (100) new jobs, cutting edge technology, thermoplastic wastewater
treatment systems. They are on the edge of an unknown; unbelievable the systems
they have are thirteen to fifteen feet in diameter. You can walk inside one; it is
unbelievable what they can do. The contracts they have coming up is military and other
companies across the country. We are excited about that; again the potential of one
hundred (100) new jobs. A few days after that he was really honored to go to the
Golden Halo Awards where we honor those in Social Services and other fields that take
care of children in need. The court appointed council that helps those who really need
some help. It was at the Jefferson Center, Grace McGowan was selected from
Roanoke County. Mr. Gates was there as well as a couple of other administrators. It
was a grand event and is really what life and service is all about in our own Roanoke
Valley. These are people who go out of their way, above and beyond the call of duty.
Their hearts, souls and hours are poured into helping people. So it was great to sit down
with the people and talk, give a hug and be proud of each other. The last thing he
wants to say is something on a sad note. As you know, he is dear to Carol Willoughby
who lives in Windsor Hills and is the founder of St. Francis Service Dogs some years
ago with "two nickels" and that is all she had. She had a vision to find a way to help
others. It has become an international organization. It is unbelievable what they do to
the people who don't have a chance. The cost is over $25,000 to train one dog,
$25,000. They are given to the recipients. These animals, he knows because he has
been in their home because she is not doing well, to look out and see the hearts and
souls of the people that these animals have touched. He commented over a year ago
at a Board meeting that these animals are able to detect a seizure in a child before it
happens; life-saving minutes. They take children who are lonely and unaccepted and
instantly they are accepted. There is nothing that lights up a room for a child more than
an animal, especially a golden retriever, poodles or whatever mix they have. To a child,
especially one that has a hard time, these are an instant conversation piece. It makes
the child that is effected feel like they are part of the group. Now, they are helping our
228 April 28, 2015
veterans coming back with trauma in the military. So, if you get a chance, please help
any way you can. Roanoke County does some, but they have given back millions that
you cannot put a dollar sign on. Carol Willoughby is solely responsible, she is in
Windsor Hills and has congenital arthritis since she was twenty years old and a lady
who wanted to come across and take part in daily life and county life and not sit at home
but to get out and be a part.
Supervisor Peters stated Supervisor Bedrosian eluded to the first two
years and after that we are going to start piling the debt back on. Everyone needs to
understand that we changed our Administrator with putting forth a plan, a ten-year plan
and he has laid that out. He has served for the last seven years in government starting
with the CIP Board and as Supervisor Church has eluded to earlier this year just
because something is on that CIP Capital Improvement Plan does not mean it is always
funded. We have had this discussion about Social Services. Just because it is laid out
there does not mean we are going to fund it. Our concentration he believes is small
steps. He proposed the two-year plan because he believes it is where we need to start.
He feels sure we could have found something to borrow money and build. He does
believe we need to take those small steps. It does not mean that in year three we are
going to bust it wide open and start spending money like wild people. We are going in
accordance with the plan that was set forth before. There are actually things to be done
in these first two years, but by our vote pushed them off. He thinks we need to take the
steps as they come to us not make it look like we are putting it off for a couple of years.
Secondly, he recognized our Fire and Rescue Department again over in Hollins we had
a structure fire, an incident off the Roanoke River Bridge that was in the newspaper
about a week or so ago and to our Police Department. As we look at what is going on
in Baltimore as we sit here safe, thinks our hearts need to go to the people in Nepal
from the earthquake. Folks, we have it good. He commended all the public safety staff
for keeping us save. You may not always like the price tag of government, but we have
some wonderful employees and he is honored to work with them and serve our citizens
the way that we do.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Peters adjourned the meeting at 8-09 p.m.
Submitted by:
Deborah C. Ja00
Deputy Clerk tffthe Board
Approved by -
P. J —fi Pete s
s
Cha�irgan