HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/12/2015 - RegularMay 12, 2015 229
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday and the first
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of May 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 Dr.
Robert G. Moore 111, Senior Pastor of Bonsack Baptist Church. The Pledge of
Allegiance was recited by all present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Peters called the meeting to order at 3-05 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: NEW BUSINESS
1. Request to transfer funds in the amount of $18,910 from Board
Contingency for the June 9, 2015, Republican Primary Election
(Judith Stokes, Registrar)
A-051215-1
230 May 12, 2015
Ms. Stokes outlined the request. Supervisor Church asked if Ms. Stokes
has heard anything regarding the new voting machines. Ms. Stokes advised the State
has no funds and does not expect to hear anything from the State.
Supervisor McNamara inquired how many precincts would be effected
with Ms. Stokes advising nineteen out of thirty-two (19 out of 32.) She advised this was
requested by an incumbent candidate. Supervisor McNamara stated there should be a
policy if the major parties both decide to nominate by method other than a primary, then
we will reimburse them or not charge them for the use of the County facility.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked if the machines being used in June were the
same equipment. Ms. Stokes advised the Electoral Board voted optical scan ballot, i.e.
hand counted as they expect a low turnout. The $18,000 is labor, advertisement,
election officials, ballots printed, purchase ballot bags.
On motion of Supervisor Church to transfer funds in the amount of
$18,910 from Board Contingency for the June 9, 2015, Republican Primary Election, the
motion carried by the following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYES- None
2. Request to transfer funds in the amount of $6,546 from Board
Contingency for the Appalachian Power Company (APCo)
negotiations (Anne Marie Green, Acting Director of Human
Resources)
A-051215-2
Ms. Green outlined the request. Supervisor Church stated going on our
own would cost more with Ms. Green responding in the affirmative.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to transfer funds in the amount of $6,546
from Board Contingency for the Appalachian Power Company (APCo) negotiations, the
motion carried by the following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYES- None
3. Resolution requesting the Commonwealth Transportation Board
to name the bridge on Route 221 in recognition of the Harris
Family and to erect signage in recognition of the Harris Family
and to transfer funds in the amount of $1,000 from Board
Contingency to pay all costs for the signs (Paul M. Mahoney,
County Attorney)
May 12, 2015 231
Mr. Mahoney outlined the request for the resolution as requested by
Supervisor McNamara.
Supervisor McNamara provided background advising that the request
originated with the Back Creek Civic League. The naming of bridges is common in
Salem and Roanoke City, but not Roanoke County. He indicated every time we change
Rt. 220, the Harris family gives up more land. The sign would be on both North and
South sides, the "Harris Bridge".
Supervisors Church and Bedrosian commented they were in agreement.
RESOLUTION 051215-3 REQUESTING THE COMMONWEALTH
TRANSPORTATION BOARD (CTB) TO NAME THE BRIDGE ON
ROUTE 221 IN RECOGNITION OF THE HARRIS FAMILY AND
TO ERECT SIGNAGE IN RECOGNITION OF THE HARRIS
FAMILY AND TO TRANSFER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,000 FROM BOARD CONTINGENCY FOR CALL COSTS OF
THE SIGNS
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, has received
a request from the Back Creek Civic League, Inc. to name one of the newly constructed
bridges on Route 221 in recognition of the Harris Family- and
WHEREAS, the Back Creek Civic League, Inc. �nd the Board hereby finds that
the Harris family provided assistance to many motorists over the years as a result of
accidents or other vehicular difficulties in the dangerous curve known as the "Harris
Curve"- and
�IHEREAS, under Section 33.2-213 of the Code of Virginia the Commonwealth
Transportation Board can name a bridge, highway or interchange to honor a deceased
person upon a request from a local governing body, and that such request includes a
commitment that the local government will pay all costs for the signs-- and
WHEREAS, the sign size, exact location, color, font and �ther display details
shall be within the discretion of the Virginia Department of Transportation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows -
1 ) That the Commonwealth Transportation Board and the Virginia Department of
Transportation (VDOT) are hereby requested to name one of the newly
constructed bridges on Route 221 near the "Harris Curve" in recognition of the
"Harris Family" and to erect signage in and along the public right-of-way of Route
221 in Roanoke County.
2) That Roanoke County shall pay all costs for the fabrication and installation of
signs for this naming. That County staff is directed to use the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices as a guide in selecting text for the proposed signs in
coordination with the Back Creek Civic League, Inc. VDOT retains discretion in
the selection of sign size, exact location, color, font and other display details.
232 May 12, 2015
3) That the Board hereby authorizes the expenditure of an amount not to exceed
$1,000 from Board Contingency to pay all costs for the signs.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara 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: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance to appropriate funds for the fiscal year 2015-2016
budget and approval of the Classification Plan for fiscal year
2015-2016 (W. Brent Robertson, Director of Management and
Budget)
Mr. Robertson outlined the ordinance. Supervisor McNamara inquired
about the general fund unappropriated balance policy that was approved by the Board.
Mr. Gates advised the amount is a part of this year's budget.
Supervisor Church inquired what precipitated the change and why. Mr.
Gates explained the 2015/2016 presumes the funds appropriated are the correct
amounts needed to operate. Any unexpended funds are rolled over. Instead of using
that as a budget technique, the monies are allocated as part of the budget. The funds
at the end of this year will go into one-time capital.
Supervisor Peters commented staff is basically making it a line item in the
new budget.
Supervisor McNamara stated Mr. Gates is assuming increased revenues
and if there are not growing revenues you would need to reduce expenditures
somewhere else.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked about the policy regarding the eleven
percent. Mr. Gates responded the policy states that each year the unappropriated fund
balance is to be eleven percent in reserve. The policy is still in place.
Supervisor McNamara's motion to approve the first reading and to
establish the second reading for May 26, 2015, was approved by the following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
Supervisor Bedrosian commented with his vote that he is strongly
opposed to the budget. He is in the minority in his view of this budget. His vote today is
to move forward to the second reading but no intent to approve the budget.
May 12, 2015
233
2. Ordinance to approve Intergovernmental Agreement between the
County of Roanoke, the City of Roanoke and the County of
Franklin for a Joint Public Safety Radio System known as the
Roanoke Valley Radio System (Bill Hunter, Director of
Communications and Information Technology; Ruth Ellen Kuhnel,
Senior Assistant County Attorney)
Mr. Hunter outlined the need for the ordinance. Chairman Peters
commented this will be a great benefit.
Supervisor Peters' motion to approve the first reading and to establish the
second reading for May 26, 2015, was approved by the following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
3. Ordinance approving a lease amendment agreement for the
Tinker Mountain Tower site (Rob Light, Acting Director of General
Services; Susan Slough, Assistant Director of Communications)
Mr. Light outlined the need for the ordinance. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Peters' motion to approve the first reading and to establish the
second reading for May 26, 2015, was approved by the following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
4. Ordinance accepting and appropriating a Stormwater
Management (SWM) Program fee in the amount of $14,904 from
the Department of Environmental Quality to the Department of
Community Development's minor capital National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) account for stormwater
permit fees collected from local projects prior to July 1, 2014
(Tarek Moneir, Deputy Director of Development)
Mr. Moneir outlined the request for the ordinance. There was no
discussion.
Supervisor Church's motion to approve the first reading and to establish
the second reading for May 26, 2015, was approved by the following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
234 May 12, 2015
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
1. Public hearing and adoption of a resolution approving the
reorganization and expansion of the Western Virginia Water
Authority by providing that Botetourt County join the Authority,
and approving and authorizing the execution of a Second
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Western
Virginia Water Authority to accomplish such joiner (Paul M.
Mahoney, County Attorney)
In attendance from the Water Authority to answer any questions were,
Michael McEvoy, Executive Director, Wastewater; Mr. Davis, citizen representative and
Gary Robertson, Executive Director, Water Operations. In addition, Kathleen Guzzi,
County Administrator from Botetourt County was in attendance
Mr. Mahoney outlined the request and explained the need for an
appointment for the appointee with the expiring term.
Supervisor McNamara asked about the assets being brought to the table
and the differentiated rate structure for five (5) years. He asked for an explanation.
Mr. Robertson stated the Botetourt County Utility System will be deeded
over to the Authority to own and operate and has an approximate value of $19 million.
The Authority will also be absorbing the utility debt associated with that system,
approximately $9 million, which results in a net value of $10 million. There are
approximately 1,200 water customers and 2,500 sewer customers that are served by
that system. In addition, Botetourt County will be providing $1.2 million in cash to help
with future improvements and also the County water customers will pay a higher rate
than the customers in Roanoke and Roanoke County for a five-year period. The
differential is worth approximately $1 million. So, they feel like this is a fair arrangement
for the services and the capacity they will be given.
Supervisor Church welcomed Ms. Guzzi and asked about the
infrastructure. Mr. McEvoy stated the area that is primarily not served by Carvin's Cove
now but will be is the Greenfield system, which is actually new approximately ten to
twelve years old. These are all new lines. The area around Exit 150 and back towards
Bonsack is already getting its water from Carvins Cove. The stretch along Rt. 11 has
been replaced within the five or six years. There are some areas around Exit 150 that
will be replaced with the new interchange. The biggest challenge over the next few
years will be the new subdivisions that will require upgrades. The Fee structure on the
water rates will be a higher rate for Botetourt County for a five-year period, however,
that rate is capped and will not change. At the end of the five-year period, there will be
a three-year transition period on those rates, likely going down because those rates are
higher than the Roanoke area rates. On sewer, Botetourt County has been a member
of the wastewater treatment system since the late 1980's. They have always
May 12, 2015 235
contributed to the regional water pollution control plant. They probably have the newest
sewer infrastructure than any of the localities in the valley. The sewer rates for
Botetourt County will be the same as the Roanoke area rates, which is slightly less than
they are paying now, approximately five cents per month.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated so there will be no effect on Roanoke County
rates, with Mr. McEvoy stating the cash flow in Botetourt County is possible so there will
be no effect on Roanoke County rates. This is about efficiencies and a long-term water
option for Botetourt County. There is no impact to Roanoke County.
Ms. Guzzi provided a briefing. She stated the Authority brings efficiency,
water quality and the ability to be a part of a regional initiative.
Chairman Peters opened the public hearing with no citizens speaking on
this item. Supervisor Church then continued the public hearing and resolution until May
26, 2015, in order to hold a closed session to consider the County appointment to the
Authority.
Supervisor McNamara inquired if it would be any assistance to go back
into open session following the closed session this evening. Mr. Mahoney responded it
does not make a difference, but would suggest for public transparency to wait until the
next meeting.
On Supervisor Church's motion to continue the public hearing and
resolution until May 26, 2015, the motion was approved by the following vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
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)
Mr. Moneir outlined the request for the ordinance. There was no
discussion.
Chairman Peters opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this item.
Supervisor Moore thanked everyone involved in the project.
236 May 12, 2015
ORDINANCE 051215-4 ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $278,950 AND APPROVING A
COMPREHENSVIE 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
WHEREAS, on September 9, 2014, Roanoke County received an unsolicited
proposal under the Virginia Public -Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act
("PPEA") for the stream restoration of Murray Run (the "Project")- and
WHEREAS, this Project will be designed and c�nstructed to restore
approximately 1,460 linear feet of Murray Run, a perennial tributary of the Roanoke
River located in southwestern Roanoke County, to stabilize the existing eroded stream
and to reduce nutrient and sediment loading to the watershed in accordance with the
County's application for a Stormwater Local Assistance Grant from the Department of
Environmental Quality; and
WHEREAS, on September 23, 2014, the Board adopted resolution R-092314-1
accepting for review this proposal and announcing that it would simultaneously consider
competing proposals; however, no other proposals were received; and
WHEREAS, on January 27, 2015, the Board adopted a Resolution authorizing
the development and submittal of a detailed design phase proposal for this Project; and
WHEREAS, the County accepted the unsolicited proposal for consideration, and
after exhaustive review, determined in writing that proceeding with the procurement that
was the subject of the proposal using competitive negotiation procedures was
advantageous to the County and the public based upon probable scope, complexity,
urgency of the Project, risk sharing and added value, and/or economic benefit from the
Project- and
��HEREAS, the County determined that the project is a qualifying project that
serves the public purpose of the PPEA and is in the public interest to pursue; and
WHEREAS, the County has received a preliminary commitment of $278,950
pursuant to the Department of Environmental Quality Stormwater Local Assistance
Fund grant program; and
WHEREAS, that based upon HHHunt's proposal, estimated price and
presentation, the County has selected HHHunt for entry into a comprehensive
agreement for the Project, and the County and HHHunt wish to enter into this
Comprehensive Agreement for the Project; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on April 28, 2015, and
the second reading and public hearing was held on May 12, 2015.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, By the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows-
May 12, 2015 237
1 . That the Comprehensive Agreement between Roanoke County and HHHunt
Roanoke, LLC is hereby approved.
2. That HHHunt will pay to the County the matching funds for the Stormwater
Local Assistance Fund grant, and the County will use said matching grant
funds to pay for completed work on the Project. The County accepts and
appropriates the matching grant funds in the amount of $278,950 from
HHHunt for this Project.
3. That the County Administrator, or Assistant County Administrator, is
authorized to execute the Comprehensive Agreement and such other
documents and take such actions on behalf of Roanoke County as are
necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Project, all of which shall be
upon form approved by the County Attorney. The form of the Comprehensive
Agreement presented to the Board is hereby approved with such completions,
omissions, insertions and changes as the County Administrator may approve,
whose approval shall be evidenced conclusively by the execution and delivery
thereof, all of which shall be approved as to form by the County Attorney.
4. That this Ordinance shall be effective from and after its adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Moore to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. 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 advised there were no changes from the first reading. There
was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 051215-5 ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING
$24,000 FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
TO ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHMATICS
(STEM) TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
INCENTIVE INITIAL AND CONTINUING AWARDS
238 May 12, 2015
WHEREAS, The Virginia Department of Education funds the Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Teacher Recruitment and
Retention Incentive Continuing Awards; and
WHEREAS, The Virginia Department of Education has awarded continuing
incentive awards totaling $24,000 to eligible recipients; and
WHEREAS, two (2) Roanoke County teachers who received the initial award in
2012-2013 school year have been selected to receive the retention bonus in 2014-2015
school year; and
WHEREAS, twelve (12) Roanoke County teachers who received the initial award
in the 2013-2014 school year have been selected to receive the continuing incentive in
2014-2015 school year; and
WHEREAS, two (2) Roanoke County teachers were selected to receive the initial
award in 2014-2015 school year; and
WHEREAS, The Virginia Department of Education recognizes that the teacher
will be eligible to receive the award after completing a second year of teaching in an
assigned qualifying STEM subject and receive a satisfactory performance evaluation-,
and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter provides that funds be
appropriated by ordinance- and
WHEREAS, first re�ding of this ordinance was held on April 28, 2015, and the
second reading was held on May 12, 2015.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows -
1 . That the sum of $24,000 is hereby accepted and appropriated to the
Roanoke County School Board for the continuing incentive from the Virginia Department
of Education.
2. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Church to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the
following roll call and recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 051215-6 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM K- CONSENT AGENDA
May 12, 2015 239
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows -
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for May 12,
2015, designated as Item K - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 2 inclusive, as follows -
1. Approval of minutes —April 14, 2015; April 21, 2015
2. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County to Charles M. Wilson, Firefighter/EMT, upon his retirement
after more than thirty (30) years of service
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 051215-6.a EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
TO CHARLES M. WILSON, FIREFIGHTER/EMT, UPON HIS
RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN THIRTY (30) YEARS OF
SERVICE
WHEREAS, Charles M. Wilson was employed by Roanoke County Fire and
Rescue as a Firefighter on September 17, 1984; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson retired on May 1, 2015, after thirty (30) years and five (5)
months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson throughout 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, Mr. Wilson's was highly respected amongst his peers and provided
countless hours of mentoring new employees; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson used his knowledge of small engine mechanics to help
maintain Department equipment at a huge savings and was one of the first in-house
maintenance programs created; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson was a caring individual to both citizens and fellow
employees by providing compassion and support above the normal expectations of his
job-,
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 CHARLES M. WILSON for more than thirty (30) years of
capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
240 May 12, 2015
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express 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: CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Noah Tickle of Catawba Magisterial District and representative of
Common Sense. About the taxes, sooner we are going to have to stop these increases,
no matter how they are done. We are going to have to be financially responsible. Stop
the credit card mentality and become physically and morally responsible. Governance
does need to be financed, but not the way it is continuing to go off the rails and into an
entertainment industrial complex. Landowners, taxpayers do not deserve that. Our
forbearers came here to get away from those kingdoms in their homeland European
Communities. Now look and see what we have; the same thing that started the
American Revolution. Taxed to death. In fact, he thinks he will ask his family to let that
be his epitaph. It not quite like that now, but it needs to stop right now. He is serious;
we need to think about this real hard. This is serious for the state of our republic.
Natives to this area are leaving and moving elsewhere trying to get some relief. At
every turn, governance "tax punishes" everything we do. He got an email the other day
and take out less than two "Jacksons", near $5.00 in tax. Put a new roof on your house
and you are assessed more. You own an old lovely farm and put vinyl siding on; you
are taxed hundreds more because you avoid painting. Add a little asphalt slab for your
car, now you have won the new "rain" tax. Tax punished on every turn. Stop and think
about what we are doing and do not tax salivate on every turn. All of this mentality is
anti -growth. While governance sits and whines about no growth. Does not the left hand
know what the right hand is doing any longer? Are we now just a bunch of spoiled
rotten brats and do not know when to cut the credit card up. He will just go and throw
himself into the area here. He does not intend to live anywhere else and that is why he
is here. I am on family land now owned since 1956 standing with banana peels under
each foot. If real estate never increased again and he is still breathing twenty (20)
years from now. If possible, he will have paid Roanoke County governance taxes
another $120,000 just to be allowed to live here. It is just "ole mountain land" as they
say. I say, when I cross my bridge it is like going into another world to him.
May 12, 2015 241
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 Report
5. Proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2015 to be Guillain-
Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating
Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Awareness Month
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Moore congratulated Don Reid, one of our Parks and
Recreation employees. He was given an award this morning from the Regional
Commission because of his leadership in alternative transportation. He rides his bicycle
to work every day, fourteen (14) miles even in the winter time and bad weather. She
then reminded everyone of the Rally for Road Safety this weekend at Tanglewood Mall.
It will be in the parking lot beside Firestone from 10-3. There will be lots of events for
the entire family. There will be helmet give a ways for the children, while they last. If
you have children bring your children and their bikes and their helmets will be fitted.
There will be a rodeo for the kids so they can be taught safe practice in riding on the
street.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated the big thing on his mind is the budget that
we will be voting on in two weeks. Tonight we voted on the first reading of it. He is very
opposed, had press conferences and talked to everyone he can because he is very
opposed to it because of the size of it. Every year it gets bigger and bigger. There
comes a time when your budgets get bigger and bigger and taxes are paying for this.
We do not make money on our own- it has to come from somewhere. It is an interesting
reality check to see Roanoke City �aised their real estate tax rates, its meal tax rates-,
we are heading in the same direction. We are going a little slower behind them, but one
day we are going to have to do that. It is just the reality of things and he has always
thought it is better to catch this issues before they become a major problem and you
have to start doing things like that. Our form of government is the best government in
the world, representative republic. So, the will of the five people on this Board is what
the vote is. The people in Roanoke County vote for the five Board members. So, how
the five people on this Board vote is supposedly the will of Roanoke County and if the
242 May 12, 2015
people of Roanoke County say nothing, then the five on this Board vote a certain way.
He will not be able to vote for this budget because it goes against everything he
believes in in terms of a fiscal putting your house in order way. We talk a lot about that
on this Board. We talk about how we are going to make cuts and every year we just
keep moving up, up and up. We also had a plan to cut debt and we saw two weeks ago
at the Board meeting that we are not really cutting the debt- we are postponing the debt.
So, we don't really have a plan to do away with debt in lioanoke County. So, he just
wants the people of Roanoke County to realize that is a reality. It is a reality he is very
uncomfortable with and that is why it may seem he is always at odds with our Board.
He does not believe in that reality. He thinks it is a dangerous reality. He does not live
in that reality in his home and that is why the light is shown on him and he sees thinks
very differently and getting totally out of debt is the way to do it. Living within our fiscal
means is the way to do it. Actually living under what you can afford is the best way- not
always up to the edge. Two weeks and the final vote is made. The question is d� the
Roanoke County citizens really care and this is one thing that really does affect your life
and he has mentioned it before that he always tries to break things down to a very basic
level because he is a simple person and if all the money that we spend in Roanoke
County is really from the citizens, whether it is residential or business. It is really all the
same. If you tax a business they pass on that cost, so the bottom line is that it does not
matter whether it is a business tax or whatever, it is the citizen of Roanoke County who
pays for it, pretty much the case. All taxes really boil down or pushed down to the
citizens. Every million dollar that we spend on this Board is like removing $50 from an
average family of four (4). It does not sound like a lot of money, $50, but multiple that
by $180 million, and it does become a big deal after a while. It is a lot of money. We in
the County and the citizens need to think whether it is the right amount of money and
that is why he goes back to the point that he has his point of view, but it is the will of this
Board based on how citizens vote that is going to make that determination. In two
weeks, we will make that determination. He is just trying to warn the citizens. You
cannot keep growing, growing and do not think it will affect you. We are growing the
budget this year by $5 million. The average family will see about $250 less of
purchasing power in their own wallets because we are increasing our spending by $5
million. Every million is like $50 from a family of five. The family of five that is watching
him right now will feel that there is a little less money in their pocket. It is true because
we have taken it with the increase in our budget. He thinks it is the most important thing
that this Board does is doing the budget and in two weeks we will vote on it and please
voice your concerns to your Supervisors. This is the way we run our government. The
majority wins. If you do not get yourself engaged and you feel like you are part of the
minority, then you need to voice your opinion.
Supervisor Church asked Mr. Gates and Mr. Caywood in his travels in
every corner of his district, the same question comes up about this proposed Mountain
Valley Pipeline. The question is that no one seems to have an answer for is can our
real estate assessor's office or something in that direction determine the taxable
May 12, 2015 243
revenue on the physical pipe. The gas is not ours. The question is out there and the
MVP organization will tell you economic benefit, tax revenue. Well he is not ready to
just accept it as fact just because they say it. So, is it possible to take a look? Mr.
Gates stated in order to be clear is he asking about whether or not we can determine
the taxes on the pipe. Supervisor Church asked Mr. Mahoney if that is the only thing we
can tax. Mr. Mahoney responded our understanding at this point is that the local real
estate assessors do not have a role in allocating the value. It is our understanding that
the State Corporation Commission does that kind of assessment and based on that
assessment, some dollars will go back to the locality. This is similar to what the State
Corporation Commission does for example with electric utility assets. The same with
the railroad assets. He indicated that is staffs belief and they are still trying to pursue
that to get certainty, but they are about eight percent (80%) certain right now.
Supervisor Church asked staff to keep chasing that elusive target because it is a
question on a lot of people's minds as to an estimation, an approximation of what could
be any possible tax revenues or generation that would leave the footprint on the pipeline
in Roanoke County. Please put your heads together because he promised to ask the
question.
Supervisor McNamara stated he had one quick statement. We talk about
the budget- it is an exciting time of year because it lays out our blueprint for the coming
year and �hat our priorities are. It is the collective best guess of the elected leaders
that are the priorities of our citizens. We do that and establish our budget with many,
many dedicated people from the County. Many who have expertise in the finance and
budgeting far beyond our levels of expertise. He takes exception to Roanoke City's
raising their tax rates and we are right behind them raising rates. The best he can
figure is the budget we are going to adopt lowers tax rates; it does not raise the tax rate,
it lowers the tax rate. To the best of his knowledge and he is real familiar with the Board
for the last sixteen years we have not raised the real estate tax rate. We have lowered
it three times in that period that he is aware of. We can talk about that there is more
money this year than last year. He would take exception to the $5 million quote. There
is more money than last year, but that is not raising the taxes. Without getting into a
long economics discussion on the real value of money, inflation and purchasing power.
To say we are raising the tax rate because our real estate tax rate valuations are going
up one point for six percent (1.46%) compared to last year on existing property when
the cost of living index is up two point two percent (2.2%), he has a hard time agreeing
with that statement. Similarly, for three or four out of the past seven years when the
real estate assessments went down, he did not hear anyone saying we were cutting
their taxes. If we are raising taxes now, we evidently have been cutting taxes in the
declining market and if you look at it from a real perspective and take the cost level out
of the equation, real estate tax rates are about the same or below where they were six
or seven (6 or 7) years ago. Actually, he thinks the nominal rate is below where it was
six or seven (6 or 7) years ago and when factored in for inflation it is probably eight or
nine percent (8 or 9%) below where it was six (6) years ago. So, there are a lot of
244 May 12, 2015
numbers being thrown around. He would suggest that we rely on experts and experts
are your Fitch's of the world, Standard and Poor's and some of your different rating
agencies, i.e. Moody's. With that in mind, he would be interested if it is something the
finance staff can do without a tremendous work ethic, if they can, if there is a chart fairly
accessible from Fitch's, Moody's, one of them, he would be interested in knowing the
number of counties in Virginia, the number of cities in Virginia or localities. So whatever
it is between cities and counties, he would be interested to know how many have a
higher financial rating than the County. His guess is that the County would be rated
very, very high. He also does know that about a year ago when there was an analysis
of the ten (10) fastest growing counties, which are some of the stronger financial
counties, we had a lower per capita debt and we also had a lower debt based on
percentage of assessed value. So, if we compared the ten slowest growing and
declining counties, they had lower debt. So, he is not making a correlation, but the
correlation that we have debt is negative. On the surface it is negative, but under
further evaluation and intense inspection, it does not reveal a problem in Roanoke
County in his opinion.
Supervisor Peters stated we need a reality check. He has listened to
pieces of things that have been said. No matter who you are, if you are in Roanoke
County, you are enjoying the amenities of Roanoke County. He keeps hearing, if taxes
were lower, business would be booming. He cannot help but think that his home is
about three (3) miles from the Bedford County line; their tax rate is $0.53 per hundred
and if that correlation is true, he should not be able to get into Bedford County because
it would be so jam packed with businesses he would not know what to do. But it is
obvious that the people in Roanoke County, who work here, they live here, they shop
here, they enjoy having their trash picked up, they enjoy having our Police Department,
they enjoy living in a safe community and he says that because there has been a lot of
talk about what can we do to cut. One of the things that has been said would be to cut
the Police Department. He made this statement last time and he thought it was very
interesting as we have all sat and watched the dynamics of the last few weeks with
Baltimore. The only way that you can say you are willing to get rid of the Police
Department, is that you feel safe. He guarantees you would not ask for it to go away
because you feel safe. He takes exception and if Board members are reading their
emails, it came out yesterday that the budget is $2.5 million more than it was last year.
He has said this before and will continue to say it, he does not care what you are
buying- he does not care if you are buying a police car, a fire truck, you cannot buy
sometking for the same price that you bought it five (5) years ago. Try it in your own
life; he encourages you to do and if you put it off let me know. The cost of doing what
we do will continue to go up. There is a lot of discussion about the new positions in our
budget. He stated he is not for all of them, but one that he takes exception to and he
sat in that chair last year and said he wants to see it and he still wants to see it is an
internal auditor. He thinks it is desperately needed in this County. He fully supports it
because that will keep us from getting into situations that may become sticky and it
May 12, 2015 245
blows his mind and does not mind saying it publically that it blows his mind that we do
not have one. As far as the debt issue, he hates to sound like a broken record, but he is
going to say it again. The proposal that was made to cut our debt over the next two
years, we have asked our County Administrator to put forth a ten-year plan. We, as a
Board, asked him to do that and he did. There is nothing beyond the two -years that we
are obligated to fund. We are not obligated to fund any of that, it is up to this Board to
decide. This Board is serious about debt. We have the full authority to do that, but he
wanted to begin the ball rolling. When we did that, it was to put the brakes on for the
first two (2) years and show it can be managed. To take a step further, anyone that
takes the Capital Improvement Plan as a bible blows his mind. The County
Administrator is doing what this Board requested him to do. He does want to echo what
Supervisor McNamara said that is was a small decrease in taxes, but we had put forth a
decrease this for our businesses and he made mention of it then that it is something
that the County can continue in years ahead because he does believe in our
businesses. He will support our businesses and whatever we can do to lift the burden
from those businesses, he wants to continue to do that.
IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
At 4-25 p.m., Supervisor Peters moved to go into closed meeting following
the work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 A 1, personnel,
namely discussion concerning an appointment to the Western Virginia Water Authority.
The motion carried by the following recorded vote-
AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS- None
The closed session was held from 5-50 p.m. until 6-05 p.m.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
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)
Mr. Gates went through proposed budget amendments. He advised that
he did not include any supplemental funding for the Virginia Department of
Transportation. Supervisor McNamara questioned the additional clerk's position. Mr.
Gates advised this was not an additional position as it has already been there, however
the funds were removed. Mr. Gates also advised that he felt the need for an additional
clerk because there is only one person to handle the Clerk's responsibilities.
246 May 12, 2015
Supervisor Peters questioned the additional Economic Development
position. Mr. Gates advised that the funds were there, but the position was not. This
would be for existing business outreach. Supervisor Peters advised he was not in
agreement with the Commission of the Revenue's and Treasurer addition staff. He
asked if resources could be reallocated.
Supervisor McNamara stated with regard to the Treasurer's position, we
should hire outside on a fee basis on collected funds. He advised these positions do not
need to be County employees. He further added that some of these funds were just not
collectible and does not see the need for these positions to be added.
Supervisor Peters also advised that more public safety personnel are
needed and will be needed.
Supervisor Church inquired about the contribution list and asked if there
were duplications. Mr. Gates asked that the Board give him time to reshape the
process. He indicated that staff does not have a comprehensive idea of what they are
doing and have not asked them to identify the ways their operations are supporting the
County. He advised he would like to spend time with the City of Roanoke and City of
Salem and do a comprehensive approach. Supervisor Church advised he has not been
here long enough, but they do come and explain.
Supervisor Bedrosian questioned the ethics parameters of doing business
in the County. Are there ethical issues with having business relationships with any of
these agencies if we give them money? The question was brought up to him about
Virginia Western Community College, where someone from the County government will
teach a class and make money from teaching and we give them money. His question is
if everything is in place that would make it so we don't do that for those of us in
business, i.e. banking, restaurant, grounds keeping that we are not having any
relationships businesswise with these agencies we give money to and does not become
an issue.
Supervisor Peters commented with regard to Virginia Western, we give to
CCAP, which is tuition. Supervisor Bedrosian is talking about the non -contractual
amount.
Mr. Gates stated he believes Supervisor Bedrosian is drawing the line with
what is legal and what is ethical. It has more to do with the individuals having the ability
to influence the amount of money that one of these organizations receive is also
deriving some benefit of that organization. He does not know of any examples.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated so the Board should not be voting on any of
these agencies that we do any kind of business with. Mr. Gates advised legally there is
not a problem. Supervisor Bedrosian stated the Commonwealth Games is one, should
any of us do anything for them, i.e. landscaping, selling at the Games.
Ruth Ellen Kuhenel, Assistant Senior County Attorney advised this is
governed with the Conflict of Interest statutes.
Mr. Gates advised staff is looking at providing ethical training for
employees as a whole and he would be happy to do so for the Board.
May 12, 2015 247
Supervisor McNamara advised if cash is freed up from the elimination of
positions, the legislative liaison should be within the County Attorney's budget.
Mr. Gates advised that some additional charges were to reduce Board
Contingency to $50,000 and he has added $20,000 to Voter Registration for primaries.
It was consensus of the Board to remove the additional Commissioner of
the Revenue and Treasurer positions and amend the budget accordingly.
The work session was held from 4A2 p.m. until 5-11 p.m.
2. Work session to discuss debt refunding opportunity (Rebecca
Owens, Director of Finance)
Ms. Owens went through a PowerPoint presentation explaining the debt
refunding opportunity and the alternatives. VRA, which would be level savings annually -
fifty percent will go to the schools. General Obligation Refunding would generate th�
most savings. And take advantage of our bond ratings. Would require a public
referendum and significant staff time. Supervisor McNamara commented he felt this
was a bad idea and there is no understanding in the marketplace. The final option,
which staff is recommending would be Lease Revenue Bonds. Chairman Peters asked
if instead of the years remaining could it be shortened, which would be no savings but
reduce the debt quicker.
It was the consensus of the Board to go forward with the lease revenue
bonds, but requested that Ms. Owens look into shortening the term.
Work session was held from 5:12 pm until 5-32 pm
IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
At 6.-05 p.m., Supervisor Peters moved to return to open session and
adopt the certification resolution.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Peters adjourned the meeting at 6:06 p.m.
m mifted by: Approved by:
i ed b '
Y*
orah C. J c P. Ja on Peters
Deputy kClerk to the Board Chairman
May 12, 2015
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