7/13/2004 - Regular
July 13, 2004
583
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
July 13, 2004
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day atthe
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday and the first
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of July, 2004.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Flora called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. The roll call was
taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Richard C. Flora, Vice-Chairman Michael W.
Altizer, Supervisors Joseph B. “Butch” Church, Joseph
McNamara, Michael A. Wray
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
STAFF PRESENT:
Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney,
County Attorney; John M. Chambliss, Assistant County
Administrator; Dan O’Donnell, Assistant County
Administrator; Diane S. Childers, Clerk to the Board; Teresa
Hamilton Hall, Public Information Officer
IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES
The invocation was given by John M. Chambliss, Assistant County
Administrator. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
IN RE: REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF
AGENDA ITEMS
July 13, 2004
584
Chairman Flora advised that Item J-4, request to approve the Police Driver
Training Center Agreement, was being removed from the consent agenda and added as
Item E-2, new business. There was a consensus to approve the change.
IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Recognition of H. Odell “Fuzzy” Minnix for his years of public
service as recorded in the Congressional Record
The Congressional Record was read by Jill Watson, Constituent Services
Representative for Senator Allen, and presented to Mr. Minnix.
2. Resolution of appreciation to Ralph K. Smith, former Mayor of the
City of Roanoke, for services to the Roanoke Valley
R-071304-1
Chairman Flora presented the resolution of appreciation to Mr. Smith.
Supervisor Flora moved to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 071304-1 OF APPRECIATION TO RALPH K. SMITH,
FORMER MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, FOR SERVICES TO
THE ROANOKE VALLEY
WHEREAS, Ralph K. Smith was elected as Mayor of the City of Roanoke
in May 2000 for a four-year term commencing July 1, 2000; and
WHEREAS, during that period, Mayor Smith consistently worked for the
good of the Roanoke Valley by making regional cooperation one of his top priorities;
and
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WHEREAS, Mayor Smith promoted a close working relationship with
Roanoke County officials, making the goal of cooperation a reality; and
WHEREAS, these efforts allowed for the formation of the Western Virginia
Water Authority, the first water authority in Virginia created from two existing entities to
treat, deliver and administer water and wastewater for the benefit of the citizens of both
localities; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Smith initiated the Regional Leadership Summit of
elected officials and administrators, a group that continues to meet quarterly to establish
and support regional goals; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Smith has been a strong advocate for improved air
service for the Roanoke Valley, economic development, quality education, and fiscal
responsibility; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Smith has generously given of his time to support and
participate in numerous civic and community organizations, as well as to serve on
various committees and boards; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Smith has been a good friend and neighbor to the
citizens of Roanoke County, and his enthusiasm and commitment to the Roanoke
Valley will be missed as he retires as Mayor of the City of Roanoke.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of its citizens
RALPH K. SMITH
to for his service to the City of Roanoke, and for his dedication to
maintaining a high quality of life for the people of the Roanoke Valley; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for
continued success to Mr. Smith in his future endeavors.
On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
3. Resolution of appreciation to Gary L. Robertson for his service as
Utility Director for Roanoke County
R-071304-2
Chairman Flora presented the resolution of appreciation to Mr. Robertson.
Supervisor Flora moved to adopt the resolution. The motion carried by the
following recorded vote:
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AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 071304-2 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO GARY L.
ROBERTSONFOR HIS YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE AS UTILITY
DIRECTOR FOR ROANOKE COUNTY
WHEREAS, Gary L. Robertson began his career with the County of
Roanoke in 1981 when he was hired as a Utility Engineer; he was subsequently
promoted to the positions of Civil Engineer, Engineering Project Coordinator,
Engineering Project Manager, and Assistant Director of Utilities; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Robertson was appointed as the Director of Utilities for
the County of Roanoke in1994, at which time he assumed responsibility for the
completion of Spring Hollow Reservoir; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as Director, Mr. Robertson was known for
his ability to establish excellent working relationships and for the development of an
outstanding staff within the Utility Department; and
WHEREAS, in his capacity as Utility Director, Mr. Robertson was
instrumental in the decision to interconnect water lines between the County of Roanoke
and the City of Roanoke; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Robertson was a key participant in the creation of the
Western Virginia Water Authority, the first water authority in Virginia created from two
existing entities to treat, deliver and administer water and wastewater for the benefit of
the citizens of both localities; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Robertson was appointed as the Director of Water
Operations of the Western Virginia Water Authority in July 2004; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Robertson has been a good friend and neighbor to the
citizens of Roanoke County and the Roanoke Valley, and his enthusiasm, dedication,
and commitment will be missed by his colleagues as he moves forward with his new
responsibilities with the Western Virginia Water Authority.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, on its own behalf and on behalf of the citizens of Roanoke
GARY L. ROBERTSON
County, does hereby extend its sincere appreciation to for his
years of service to the residents of Roanoke County and for his dedication to
maintaining the high quality of life for all of the people of the Roanoke Valley; and
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors does
hereby extend its sincere best wishes to Mr. Robertson for continued success in his
future endeavors.
On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
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587
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
4. Certificate of recognition to the Information Technology
Department for placing first in the Top-10 Digital Counties Survey
for county governments in the population category of 150,000 –
249,999
Chairman Flora presented the certificate of recognition to Elaine Carver,
Director of Information Technology.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Request to approve an amendment to the Roanoke Valley Library
Consortium automation contract. (Diana Rosapepe, Director of
Library Services)
A-071304-3
Ms. Rosapepe advised that when the consortium contract was initiated in
1990, it included Roanoke City, the City of Salem, and Roanoke County. In 1998, the
contract was amended to include Botetourt County as a member of the consortium.
She stated that the consortium reviews the contract on an ongoing basis and has
recently concluded that some of the factors in the cost sharing formula, which
determines how costs are apportioned, have become out of date, are no longer as
relevant as they should be, or are weighted incorrectly with respect to assigning costs.
Currently cost sharing is apportioned according to the number of branch libraries and
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circulation, and this method has worked against the County due to its high circulation
and number of branch libraries. As a result, Roanoke County typically pays 46-50% of
the automation system costs. Ms. Rosapepe reported that last year, the County’s
portion of the costs totaled $65,000 for hardware, software, and shared salaries. The
major change proposed in the new formula is to discount the weight of circulation since
it is felt that this does not have as substantial an impact on system resources as
previously thought. This portion of the formula has been reduced from 50% to 30% and
should have a positive impact for Roanoke County that will reduce costs by 2-3% per
year. This would have represented a savings in the current year of approximately
$1,300. In addition, this will slow future increases since the County’s circulation
continues to rise. Ms. Rosapepe advised that the other change is minor and deals with
the role of the library advisory committee, which is made up of the directors of the
Information Technology departments, library directors, and the automation coordinator.
The committee has requested to become an ad hoc committee and assume a more
advisory role. Ms. Rosapepe advised that Roanoke City, the City of Salem, and
Botetourt County have already approved the amendment to the agreement and if
approved by the Board of Supervisors, it will take effect on July 1, 2005.
There was no discussion on this item.
Supervisor McNamara moved to approve staff recommendation, authorize
the County Administrator to execute the amendment to the contract. The motion carried
by the following recorded vote:
July 13, 2004
589
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
2. Request to approve Police Driver Training Center agreement.
(Ray Lavinder, Chief of Police)
R-071304-4
Chief Lavinder reported that a police driver training center was recently
constructed in a joint venture between the County of Roanoke and the City of
Roanoke. The County Attorney’s staff drafted an agreement with the City of
Roanoke, and authorization is being requested from the Board to execute the
agreement. In addition, it is requested that any monies appropriated by the City of
Roanoke for this purpose be appropriated into a construction account set up by
Diane Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer.
Supervisor Flora questioned whether the appropriation is part of the
resolution. Mr. Hodge advised that staff is requesting appropriation of the funds as
part of this action. He stated that Chief Lavinder advanced the money for the
construction phase of the project, and at this time the Police Department budget
needs to be reimbursed by the City of Roanoke for the funds expended. He advised
that Ms. Hyatt will ensure that the funds are appropriated to the proper accounts.
Supervisor Wray questioned what was the projected cost for the driver
training center. Chief Lavinder advised that it was approximately $553,000.
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Supervisor Wray moved to approve staff recommendation, approve the
agreement and authorize the appropriation of funds from the City of Roanoke. The
motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 071304-4 APPROVING DRIVER TRAINING CENTER
AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Police Department has constructed a facility
on County-owned property at the former Dixie Caverns Landfill in order to teach law
enforcement officers how to safely operate motor vehicles in both emergency and non-
emergency situations; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Roanoke Police Department wishes to participate as an
equal partner in this Driver Training Center by paying one-half of the costs directly
incurred by the Roanoke County Police Department in its construction of this facility
since 2002; and
WHEREAS, the County and City Police Departments have agreed upon a cost of
the construction and improvements to this Police Driver Training Facility as not to
exceed $575,000.00, and have jointly negotiated and developed a Memorandum of
Agreement for each party’s participation in this facility; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Roanoke, Virginia, has approved this
Memorandum of Agreement and the Roanoke County Police Department has requested
approval of this Agreement by the Board of Supervisors;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA, as follows:
Memorandum of Agreement for a Police Driver Training Facility
1. That the ,
rd
dated the 23 day of June, 2004, between Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke,
for the joint and equal construction and operation of a newly constructed Driver Training
Facility on property owned by Roanoke County at the Dixie Caverns Landfill property is
approved and ratified on behalf of the County of Roanoke, Virginia.
2. That the County Administrator is authorized and directed to execute this
Memorandum of Agreement for a Police Driver Training Facility
, all upon such form
as may be approved by the County Attorney. This resolution shall be effective as of the
date of its adoption.
3. That the funds received from Roanoke City according to this agreement are
appropriated to the Police Driver Training Facility.
July 13, 2004
591
On motion of Supervisor Wray to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
IN RE: APPOINTMENTS
1. Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) for Fire & Rescue
Supervisor Flora nominated Craig Sheets to complete the unexpired
portion of Phil Wilmott's term. This term will expire on January 1, 2006. He requested
that confirmation of this appointment be added to the consent agenda.
2. Social Services Advisory Board (Appointed by District)
Supervisor Altizer nominated Douglas Forbes, Vinton Magisterial District,
to serve an additional four-year term which will expire on August 1, 2008. He requested
that confirmation of this appointment be added to the consent agenda.
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
R-071304-5, R-071305-5.b; R-071304-5.c; R-071304-5.d; R-071304-5.e
Supervisor Flora moved to adopt the consent resolution with Item J-4
removed. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 071304-5 APPROVING AND CONCURRING
IN CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED
AS ITEM J - CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
July 13, 2004
592
1. That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for July 13,
2004, designated as Item J - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 6, inclusive, as follows:
1. Confirmation of committee appointments to the Social Services Advisory
Board (Appointed by District) and Length of Service Awards Program
(LOSAP) for Fire and Rescue
2. Request to accept Overlook Parkway, Vista Parkway, and Windridge Parkway
into the Virginia Department of Transportation Secondary Road System
3. Resolutions of appreciation upon the retirements of:
(a) Lewis S. Poage, Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department, after thirty
years of service
(b) Janet H. Obenchain, Sheriff’s Office, after twenty-three years of service
(c) after fifteen years of service
Mary J. Spangler, Utility Department,
4. Request to approve Police Driver Training Center agreement
5. Request to approve a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $243,166
to the fiscal year 2003-04 school budget to reflect the receipt of the state
compensation supplement
6. Request to adopt a resolution supporting the utilization of Industrial Access
Railroad Track Funds
That the Clerk to the Board is hereby authorized and directed where required by
law to set forth upon any of said items the separate vote tabulation for any such item
pursuant to this resolution.
On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution with Item J-4 removed, and
carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION _071304-5.b_ REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF OVERLOOK
PARKWAY, VISTA PARKWAY, AND WINDRIDGE PARKWAY INTO THE
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECONDARY SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the street described on the attached Addition Form SR-5(A), 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 Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation
has advised this Board the streets meet the requirements established by the
Subdivision Street Requirements of the Virginia Department of Transportation,
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,
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593
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this Board requests the Virginia
Department of Transportation to add the streets described on the attached Additions
Form SR-5(A) to the secondary system of state highways, pursuant to §33.1-229, Code
of Virginia, and the Department’s Subdivision Street Requirements, and
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 resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Moved by: Supervisor Flora
Seconded by: None Required
Yeas: Supervisors, McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
Nays: None
RESOLUTION 071304-5.c EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY UPON THE
RETIREMENT OF LEWIS S. POAGE, GENERAL SERVICES
DEPARTMENT, AFTER THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Lewis S. Poage was first employed by Roanoke County on
July 1, 1974, as an Animal Control Officer; and later worked in the Parks, Recreation
and Tourism Department as a Motor Equipment Operator; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Poage retired from Roanoke County on July 1, 2004, after
thirty years of service; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Poage, through his employment with Roanoke County,
has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for its citizens through his tireless
animal control efforts and in the maintenance of parks and recreation facilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of
LEWIS S. POAGE
the citizens of Roanoke County to for thirty years of capable, loyal
and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a
happy and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 071304-5.d EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY
UPON THE RETIREMENT OF JANET H. OBENCHAIN,
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SHERIFF’S OFFICE, AFTER TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF
SERVICE
WHEREAS, Janet H. Obenchain was first employed by Roanoke County
on September 16, 1980, as a Deputy Sheriff in the Sheriff’s Office; and was later
promoted to Corrections Corporal; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Obenchain was later transferred to Court Services
and worked as a Court Bailiff and served Civil Process; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Obenchain retired from Roanoke County on July 1,
2004, after twenty-three years and ten months years of service; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Obenchain, through her employment with Roanoke
County, has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of
JANET H. OBENCHAIN
the citizens of Roanoke County to for more than twenty-three
years of capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a
happy and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION 071304-5.e EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY UPON THE
RETIREMENT OF MARY J. SPANGLER, UTILITY DEPARTMENT,
AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Mary J. Spangler was first employed by Roanoke County on
May 31, 1989, as a Secretary in the Utility Department and later served as Utility Office
Coordinator; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Spangler retired from Roanoke County as an Office
Support Specialist in the Utility Department on July 1, 2004, after fifteen years and one
month of service; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Spangler was respected by her peers and well known for
her patience and willingness to help others; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Spangler, through her employment with Roanoke County,
has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of
MARY J. SPANGLER
the citizens of Roanoke County to for more than fifteen years of
capable, loyal and dedicated service to Roanoke County; and
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595
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors does express its best wishes for a
happy and productive retirement.
On motion of Supervisor Flora to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Altizer moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
1. General Fund Unappropriated Balance
2. Capital Fund Unappropriated Balance
3. Board Contingency Fund
4. Future Capital Projects
5. Report from VDOT of changes to the secondary road system in
May 2004
6. Statement of Treasurer’s accountability per investment and
portfolio policy as of June 30, 2004
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Church: He advised that he has been called by numerous
citizens asking him to comment on the Board's action on June 22, and he declined to do
so. He stated that he trusts that in the future, procedures will be totally above board.
Supervisor Wray: (1) He advised that he had received a letter
congratulating Anne Marie Green and her staff for their efforts with refuse collection. He
July 13, 2004
596
commended the staff for their efforts. (2) He thanked Teresa Hall for her handling of the
media relations following an accident in the Cave Spring District last week. He also
extended appreciation to the Police Department for their actions.
Supervisor Altizer: (1) He recognized the Utility Department employees in
Roanoke County and Roanoke City. He stated that the bringing together of the water
authority for all citizens was an enormous undertaking that required a lot of time and
effort by the employees. He expressed appreciation to the employees who committed
their time without regard for how they would be affected.
IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
At 5:35 p.m., Chairman Flora moved to go into closed meeting following
the work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 A (5) discussion
concerning prospective businesses or industries where no previous announcements
have been made; Section 2.2-3711 A (3) discussion or consideration of the disposition
of publicly held property, namely the Mercy House Cemetery; Section 2.2-3711 A (3)
discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purposes,
namely the new Public Safety Center; Section 2.2-3711 A (7) consultation with legal
counsel and briefings by staff members pertaining to probable litigation involving the
Court Services Building. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
July 13, 2004
597
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to review the current Fire and Rescue Department
personnel allocations and to provide an update on call statistics.
(Rick Burch, Chief of Fire and Rescue)
The work session was held from 4:26 p.m. until 5:16 p.m.
Chief Burch presented a PowerPoint presentation which outlined the
personnel allocation and call statistics for Fire and Rescue. He advised that Phase I of
the staffing improvement plan, implemented in April 2001, added 20
paramedic/firefighter personnel, provided 24 hour ALS coverage from four locations,
and established the goal of providing ALS services to 80% of the County within six
minutes. This goal was achieved in 2002. Phase II was implemented in November
2001 and added 15 paramedic/firefighter personnel, provided emergency placement of
four over-hires at Mason’s Cove (24 hour ALS), provided the Clearbrook cooperative
agreement with Roanoke City, and the fee for ambulance transport was approved and
implemented. Phase III was completed in January 2004 and provided for permanent
placement of four Mason’s Cove 24-hour staff, placement of three staff at the Catawba
station, and three staff at the Hollins station.
Chief Burch reviewed the levels of staffing and hours of coverage at each
station and provided statistics on the number of incidents for fire and EMS calls. In
addition, average EMS unit response times were presented for each station, as well as
response times for incidents when the first due units were not available.
July 13, 2004
598
Supervisor McNamara requested information regarding the total number
of incidents, as well as the total number of EMS calls received.
Mr. Hodge advised that Roanoke City will need to replace their station #10
within the next two years due to the requirement that it be dedicated to serving the
Roanoke Regional Airport. There was discussion regarding a joint venture with
Roanoke City to build a fire station that would serve the City and help relieve the strain
on the Hollins station in Roanoke County.
It was the consensus of the Board that staff should continue discussions
with Roanoke City regarding a joint station in the Hollins area.
2. Work session to discuss a regional library program. (Elmer C.
Hodge, County Administrator)
The work session was held from 5:16 p.m. until 5:34 p.m. Staff present
included: Diana Rosapepe, Director of Libraries, and the following members of the
Library Board: Josie Eyer, Chair, Phyllis Amos, and Sheryl Ricci.
Chairman Flora stated that the purpose of the work session was to
determine whether there was interest in pursuing a merger of the administrative
functions of the Roanoke City and Roanoke County library system, with each locality
retaining ownership of and maintenance responsibilities for their own facilities.
Ms. Rosapepe advised that she and Diane Hyatt have been attending
committee meetings to discuss the possible merger. She stated that the library systems
July 13, 2004
599
currently share software, but the information technology (IT) component remains
separate. She noted that it has been 11 years since the last County library project.
Mr. Hodge noted the needs of the County libraries, as outlined in the
capital improvement program (CIP). He stated that there is some merit to considering
the merger, but emphasized the capital funding and circulation needs that exist in the
County.
Ms. Rosapepe reported that the major benefits to merging the systems
may have already been accomplished, and the main challenge will be trying to merge
different ideologies. She stated that the steering committee approach has been to
maintain individual libraries as opposed to consolidating into regional libraries, and she
noted that the County currently has approximately $15 million in needed CIP
improvements.
Supervisor McNamara recommended that the criteria for evaluating the
merger be customer service, cost savings, and joint projects. Supervisor Altizer
recommended that potential benefits be identified prior to moving forward with a project
of this nature.
There was a consensus to have Ms. Rosapepe and Ms. Hyatt meet with
their counterparts in Roanoke City to determine the possible scope of the project and to
identify the potential benefits to Roanoke County citizens.
IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
The closed meeting was held from 5:40 p.m. until 5:58 p.m.
600
July 13, 2004
INRE:
CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
At 5:58 p.m., Supervisor Wray moved to return to open session and adopt
the certification resolution. The motion carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES:
Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS:
None
RESOLUTION 071304-6 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING WAS
HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened
a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in
accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by
the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such closed meeting was
conducted in conformity with Virginia law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, hereby certifies that, to the best of each members
knowledge:
1. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting
requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting which this
certification resolution applies, and
2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening
the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia.
On motion of Supervisor Wray to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors McNamara, Church, Wray, Altizer, Flora
NAYS: None
INRE:
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Flora adjourned the meeting at 5:59 p.m.
]mitted by:
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Diane S. Childers
Clerk to the Board
Approved by:
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Richard C. Flora
Chairman