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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