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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/27/2015 - RegularOctober 27, 2015 497 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 second regularly scheduled meeting of the month of October 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 moment of silence was observed. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER Chairman Peters called the meeting to order at 3-01 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman P. Jason Peters, Supervisors Al Bedrosian, Joseph B. "Butch" Church, Joseph P. McNamara and Charlotte A. Moore MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Thomas C. Gates, County Administrator; Daniel R. O'Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Richard Caywood, Assistant County Administrator- Paul M. '7 Mahoney, County Attorney; Amy Whittaker, Public Information Officer and Deborah C. Jacks, Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board IN RE: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS 1. Proclamation commemorating the fortieth (40th) consecutive Special Recreational Opportunities (SRO) Halloween Dance/Party (Charlotte Moore, Supervisor and Richard Evans) The Clerk read the proclamation. All Supervisors offered their thanks. 498 October 27, 2015 IN RE: BRIEFINGS 1. Briefing to update the Valley Pipeline (MVP) County Administrator) Board of Supervisors on the Mountain Filing (Richard L. Caywood, Assistant Mr. Caywood provided the briefing. Supervisor Church inquired if this was the original route with Mr. Caywood responding in the negative. Supervisor Church then asked about the amount of land needed for a compressor station. Mr. Caywood responded that it would require a hundred (100) -acre site, but at this point there is not one showing in Roanoke County. Briefing was given. Supervisor McNamara commented that staff has done an excellent job working on this, especially the work of the GIS. Supervisor Church and Supervisor Peters both thanked everyone for the work that has been done on this item. IN RE: NEW BUSINESS 1. Resolution supporting an application for $500,000 of matched transportation funding through the Virginia Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Revenue Sharing Program (David Holladay, Planning Administrator) Mr. Holladay outlined the resolution. Supervisor Church thanked everyone involved. Chairman Peters also thanked everyone and asked for getting the area from the Town of Vinton to the Parkway Bridge back on the list. RESOLUTION 102715-1 SUPPORTING AN APPLICATION FOR $500,000 OF MATCHED TRANSPORTATION FUNDING THROUGH THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017 REVENUE SHARING PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors reviewed the projects identified in the attached Roanoke County Revenue Sharing Program, Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Project List, Designation of Funds; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors desires to submit an application for an allocation of funds of up to $500,000 through the Virginia Department of Transportation fiscal year 2016-2017 Revenue Sharing Program - and WHEREAS, $500,000 of these funds are requested to fund the projects identified in the Roanoke County Revenue Sharing Program for fiscal year 2016-2017. October 27, 2015 499 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows - 1 . That the Board of Supervisors hereby supports this application for allocation of $500,000 through the Virginia Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Revenue Sharing Program. 2. If such funds are approved by the Commonwealth, the Board of Supervisors by separate action, will consider the required matching funding appropriation. On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote- AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters NAYS- None 2. Resolution adopting a Legislative Program for the 2016 session of the Virginia General Assembly and petitioning the General Assembly to favorably consider the topics and issues addressed herein (Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney) Mr. Mahoney outlined the request for resolution. Supervisor McNamara commented he thinks it is a good list and recommended that Board members go to Richmond and talk to the legislators for a great impact. He advised that he will be going to Richmond. RESOLUTION 102715-2 ADOPTING A LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM FOR THE 2016 SESSION OF THE VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND PETITIONING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO FAVORABLY CONSIDER THE TOPICS AND ISSUES ADDRESSED HEREIN WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, has identified major legislative issues of Statewide concern to be considered by the 2016 session of the Virginia General Assembly; and WHEREAS, the Board adopts this resolution as its Legislative Program for the 2016 session of the Virginia General Assembly. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that the following legislative initiatives are submitted for its legislative program for the 2016 session of the Virginia General Assembly for its favorable consideration and adoption. (1) The Board continues to be concerned about funding for public highways, including- 500 October 27, 2015 a. Restoring funds for the Revenue Sharing Program, so that local governments have a source of funds to address local road projects (as they did previously) in partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The Commonwealth Transportation Board has adopted a policy to reduce this funding source from $185 Million in fiscal year 2016 to $50 Million in fiscal year 2020. b. Supporting Commonwealth Transportation Board funding for specific highway projects- widening 1-81, improvements to S.R. 419, improvements to S.R. 220 and funding for 1-73. c. Supporting legislative direction to VDOT to maintain primary roads and urbanized entry corridors in Metropolitan Planning Organizations to the same standard required by local ordinances for the cutting of grass and weeds. This initiative would promote urban development areas for economic development and growth. (2) Workforce Training. a. State funding in the form of performance incentives for the completion of industry recognized credentials should be invested to lower the cost of training and instruction for students and enable community colleges to expand their capacity to meet this vital need of business, industry, and Virginia's economy. Using a performance-based funding model, community colleges should receive state funds for each student who successfully completes training at a community college through noncredit workforce training and then obtains — through a third -party validation process — an industry recognized -credential identified regionally as high demand by business and industry. b. Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding should be increased and better aligned with the needs of private employers; develop standard performance measures to ensure that the finding of programs support workforce development priorities; and evaluate which workforce development programs emphasize training and education opportunities that align with the needs of private employers. (3) Funding for replacing WINvote touchscreen voting machines. The State Board of Elections decertified these voting machines after the 2015 General Assembly session adjourned. This action compelled Roanoke County to appropriate $384,000 to replace one hundred and thirty six (136) voting machines. Request State funding to assist localities in acquiring new, certified voting machines. (4) Aid to the Commonwealth. It appears that the State generated a surplus of $427 Million for fiscal year 2015. However the State took in $30 Million from local governments in "aid to the Commonwealth", including $300,000 from Roanoke County. Before spending this surplus on other programs the General Assembly should return $30 Million to its local governments. October 27, 2015 501 (5) Eliminate the requirement for publishing legal notices in newspapers. Roanoke County spent over $18,000 in legal notice publication costs last year. Paid circulation of newspapers is dropping. More citizens are getting their information from the internet. (6) Amend Sec. 56-49.01to require the natural gas company to hold an advertised public hearing in each county, city and town that it intends to seek permission to inspect or survey property prior to mailing any notice of intent to enter said property. (7) Direct the Department of Environmental Quality to make available and to allocate sufficient resources to monitor and inspect the construction of any interstate natural gas pipelines and to enforce the Commonwealth's and federal government's water quality and erosion and sediment control statutes and regulations during the construction of interstate pipeline projects. (8) Local taxation authority. Provide Roanoke County with greater flexibility to address local control over local taxes, including authority to impose tobacco taxes like cities and towns, and to address inconsistency in the application of local sales taxes. (9) Police body cameras. Revise the Freedom of Information Act to include personal privacy protections for juveniles and individuals captured in these video recordings, to address storage and retention obligations of local governments, and to limit the access to these recordings to appropriate parties. (10) Amend the Stormwater Act to eliminate the inconsistency between it and the Erosion & Sediment Control Act. Read together these statutes require expensive stormwater compliance for the construction of an individual single-family, residential home. (11) Provide sufficient support for judicial administrative functions by funding existing deputy clerk positions. The General Assembly has failed to provide sufficient support for the staffing operations of the general district courts and juvenile and domestic relations courts. That the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors is directed to send an attested copy of this resolution to Governor McAuliffe, Senator John S. Edwards, Senator Ralph Smith, Delegate Greg Habeeb, Delegate Sam Rasoul, Delegate Chris Head, Stephanie Moon, Roanoke City Clerk; Members of the Roanoke City Council; Kevin S. Boggess, Clerk for Salem City Council- Members of the Salem City Council- Clerk for the Town of Vinton-, Members of the �/inton Town Council and the Roano7ke Valley -Alleghany Regional Commission, and the Virginia Association of Counties. On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote- AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters NAYS- None 502 October 27, 2015 IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 1. Resolution requesting the Commonwealth Transportation Board fund a Transportation Alternatives Project for the Friendship Lane/Carvins Creek Bridge Replacement Project in Roanoke County (Megan Cronise, Principal Planner) Ms. Cronise outlined the request for the resolution. Chairman Peters opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens speaking on this issue. There was no discussion. RESOLUTION 102715-3 REQUESTING THE COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD FUND A TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROJECT FOR THE FRIENDSHIP LANEXARVINS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA WHEREAS, in accordance with the Commonwealth Transportation Board construction allocation procedures, it is necessary that a request by resolution be received from the local government or state agency in order that the Virginia Department of Transportation accept a transportation alternatives project in Roanoke County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows - 1 . That the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors requests the Commonwealth Transportation Board to establish a project for the replacement of the Friendship Lane/Carvins Creek bridge to provide safe pedestrian and bicycle access to a future segment of the Tinker Creek Greenway. 2. That the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors hereby agrees to provide a minimum 20 percent of the total cost for planning and design, right of way, and construction of this project. 3. That the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors hereby agrees to enter into an agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide oversight that ensures the project is developed in accordance with all state and federal requirements for design, right of way acquisition, and construction of a federally funded transportation project. 4. That the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors will be responsible for maintenance, upkeep and operating costs of any facility constructed with Transportation Alternatives Program funds. 5. That if the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors subsequently elects to cancel this project the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors hereby agrees to October 27, 2015 503 reimburse the Virginia Department of Transportation for the total amount of costs expended by the Department through the date the Department is notified of such cancellation. The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors also agrees to repay any funds previously reimbursed that are later deemed ineligible by the Federal Highway Administration. On motion of Supervisor Bedrosian to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote- AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters NAYS- None IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES 1. Ordinance accepting and appropriating funds in the amount of $61,200 to the Roanoke County Public Schools from the Virginia Department of Education's 2015 School Security Equipment Grant for replacement of the Intercom/Clock System at William Byrd Middle School (Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance) Ms. Owens outlined the ordinance. There was no discussion. Supervisor Peters' motion to approve the first reading and to establish the second reading for November 10, 2015, was approved by the following vote- AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters NAYS- None 2. Ordinance accepting and appropriating $42,518.50 from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the purpose of locally administering the improvement of the drainage system at Tanglewood Drive and Hummingbird Lane, Cave Spring Magisterial District (Tarek Moneir, Deputy Director of Development) Mr. Moneir outlined the ordinance. There was no discussion. Supervisor Moore's motion to approve the first reading and to establish the second reading for November 10, 2015, was approved by the following vote- AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters NAYS- None 504 October 27, 2015 3. Ordinance amending Section 5-24 "Limitation on number kept per dwelling unit" of Chapter 5 "Animals and Fowl" of the Roanoke County Code to provide for an increase in the number of dogs permitted under a volunteer fostering program (Daniel R. O'Donnell, Assistant County Administrator) Mr. O'Donnell outlined the ordinance. Supervisor Church inquired if there were a lot of people willing to participate with Mr. O'Donnell responding this was a new program with seven (7) participants and would be expanding by two (2) Supervisor Church's motion to approve the first reading and to establish the second reading for November 10, 2015, was approved by the following vote- AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters NAYS- None IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES Ordinance accepting and appropriating grant funds in the amount of $627,482 from the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice to the Roanoke County Police Department for the fiscal year 2015-2016 Smart Policing Initiative (Jimmy Chapman, Assistant Chief of Police) Asst. Chief Chapman advised no changes from the first reading. There was no discussion. ORDINANCE 102715-4 ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $627,482 FROM THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO THE ROANOKE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 SMART POLICING INITIATIVE WHEREAS, the Office of Justice Programs awarded the Roanoke County Police Department funding under the Smart Policing Initiative- and WHEREAS, this grant will be a collaboraiive effort with George Mason University's Center for Evidence -Based Crime Policy and Intercept Youth Service, Inc. to develop and implement cost -effect interventions using evidence -based approaches to improve the lives of people with serious mental illness and the community in general-, and October 27, 2015 505 WHEREAS, this grant project period is three (3) years- and WHEREAS, the grant award does not require mat�hing funds from Roanoke County - WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter provides that funds be appropriated by ordinance; and WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on October 13, 2015, and the second reading was held on October 27, 2015. BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia as follows - 1 . That the sum of $627,482 is hereby appropriated from the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice to the Roanoke County Police Department; and 2. The funds are to be allocated for the Smart Policing Initiative; and 3. That the County Administrator or any Assistant County Administrator is authorized to execute such documents or agreements with George Mason University's Center for Evidence -Based Crime Policy and Intercept Youth Service, Inc. as may be necessary to accomplish the goals and purposes of this grant, all on form approved by the County Attorney. 4. That appropriation will not lapse at the end of the fiscal year, but shall remain appropriated until the completion of the project; and 5. That this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption. On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the following recorded vote- AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters NAYS- None 2. Ordinance accepting and appropriating funds in the amount of $31,883.27 to the Roanoke County Public Schools for various allocations (Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance) Ms. Owens advised there were no changes from the first reading. There was no discussion. ORDINANCE 102715-5 ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,883.27 TO THE ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR VARIOUS ALLOCATIONS WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Education allocates funds for school divisions for secondary Career and Technical Education equipment on an annual basis. Initial budget appropriation of $8,800 was appropriated with ordinance 052615-3. The Virginia Department of Education notified Roanoke County Public Schools that the 506 October 27, 2015 actual appropriation for this year is $22,311.22, which requires an additional supplemental appropriation of $13,511.22- and WHEREAS, the Virginia Depart�ent of Education notified Roanoke County Public Schools that they have been allocated $18,372.05 for certain Career and Technical Education (CTE) industry certification examinations, licensure tests and occupational competency assessments for students enrolled in CTE classes that are eligible for such examination. This requires an appropriation of $18,372.05- and WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter provides ihat funds be appropriated by ordinance; and WHEREAS, first reading of this ordinance was held on October 13, 2015, and the second reading was held on October 27, 2015. BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as follows - 1 . That the sum of $31,883.27 is hereby appropriated to the Roanoke County Public Schools- and 2. Tkat this ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of adoption. On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the following recorded vote- AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters NAYS- None IN RE: APPOINTMENTS 1. Parks Recreation and Tourism Advisory Commission (appointed by District) Supervisor McNamara recommend the appointment of Sunny Shah to a three-year term to expire June 30, 2018. Confirmation of this appointment was added to the Consent Agenda. IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTION 102715-6 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- October 27, 2015 507 That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for October 27, 2015, 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 3 inclusive, as follows - 1. Approval of minutes — September 16, 2015 2. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County to Richard D. Weekly, Youth Surveillance Officer (Court Services — Life Skills Mentoring Program, upon his retirement after more than nine (9) years of service 3. Confirmation of appointments to the Grievance Panel (At Large) 4. Request to approve the budget calendar for fiscal year 2016-2017 5. Confirmation of appointment to the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory Commission (by District) On motion of Supervisor Church to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote- AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters NAYS- None RESOLUTION 102715-6.a EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO RICHARD D. WEEKLY, YOUTH SURVEILLANCE OFFICER (COURT SERVICES — LIFE SKILLS MENTORING PROGRAM), UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN NINE (9) YEARS OF SERVICE WHEREAS, Richard D. Weekly was employed by Roanoke County on April 24, 2006, and has served as a Youth Surveillance Office in the Court Services — Life Kills Mentoring Program during his tenure with Court Services; and WHEREAS, Mr. Weekly retired on September 1, 2015, after nine (9) years and four (4) months of devoted, faithful and expert service to Roanoke County; and WHEREAS, Mr. Weekly, throughout his employment with Roanoke County, has been instrumental in improving the quality of life and providing services to the youth of Roanoke County; and WHEREAS, during Mr. Weekly's time serving the citizens of Roanoke County, he worked with hundreds of youth and their families, providing supervision and ensuring that both the youth and the community were safe. Mr. Weekly encouraged youth to make good choices and assisted them in creating obtainable goals in order for them to have positive outcomes while involved within the court system. He was a dedicated worker and enjoyed seeing the youth that he worked with go on to succeed in their lives. The youth that worked with Mr. Weekly would often come back to show him how he/she 508 October 27, 2015 had improved their lives and to share their success stories with him, often thanking him for his persistence and encouragement. WHEREAS, 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 RICHARD D. WEEKLY for more than nine (9) 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 Church to adopt the resolution, and carried by the following recorded vote- AYES- Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters NAYS- None A -102715-6.b A -102715-6.c A -102715-6.d 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 September 30, 2015 6. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of September 30, 2015 7. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and Encumbrances as of September 30, 2015 8. Accounts Paid — September 30, 2015 IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS Supervisor Moore invited everyone to come out to the parking lot near Firestone on October 29, 2015 at 10-00 a.m. for the second anti -litter campaign with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). We will have exciting announcements October 27, 2015 509 and giveaways. Please join us. Supervisor Bedrosian stated he wanted to discuss two items that he talks about at each meeting. First, he wants to make people aware of one of our partners, United Way of the Roanoke Valley and their continued help of Planned Parenthood. He stated he thinks it is important, because people may not hear every meeting. We partner with Planned Parenthood and they are directly responsible for the death of 900 babies right here in the Roanoke Valley. We think of these issues as national, but this is happening right here in the Roanoke Valley and the United Way of the Roanoke Valley is not like many of the United Ways. Only five percent (5%) of the United Ways give money to Planned Parenthood. It is unusual that our United Way gives money to Planned Parenthood, because only five percent (5%) do. So, he is going to be asking our County Attorney to assist him in a resolution for the next meeting that would ask the United Way to stop funding Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is an extreme group. All over the country people are asking government to stop funding Planned Parenthood. It seems like here in the Roanoke Valley we should ask for the same thing. He would like to put together a simple resolution that we could present at the next meeting. The other item he would like to talk about that he thinks is very important is the issue of education. In the past week or so, there was a rally outside this building about education and teachers pay. He is a person that likes to deal with the truth of a matter. We all may have different views on certain issues. We do on this Board. We debate, discuss and argue our views about things that that is great because that is what the system is about. He likes it when we deal with facts and the truth of the matter and we had some things that were stated that are just not true and he thinks the problem is when you let things go; you don't discuss them. Debate is good, but let's have a debate on the truth. We both know we have different sides and this is okay; that is what this whole system is about. He made a comment because he was listening to a school board debate and he realized that every time we talk about education in the County, it always goes to teacher pay and benefits. We never actually discuss education; what we are teaching our children. Why we are teaching our children certain things. The rules and regulations come from the State and the Federal government. We never talk about those things and how we could improve them- that does not cost any money. We go right to the issue of pay increases and since he j&ned the Board is has been insinuated that Roanoke County employees were not getting raises and again when he listens to teachers no one is getting a raise. Again, this is where he thinks we need to go back to the facts. We may have a difference of opinion as to whether a two percent (2%) raise or three percent (3%) raise is enough. That is one issue, but to actually say no one is getting a raise is a lie. He thinks we need to stop that. The media has their involvement in it and also groups, i.e. the School Board. Roanoke County does it as well. We never say that is not true. Since he has been on the Board and he knows this is true because employees have received two (2) increases. In fact, in the last four (4) years, teachers have received a three percent (3%), two percent (2%) and two point five percent (2.5%) increase. So there have been 510 October 27, 2015 increases. We just call it by another name. We day it is a cost of living increase, so it is not really a raise. It is a raise and again, he thinks it is fair to have a discussion on the merit of whether a two percent (2%) or three percent (3%) raise is enough; that is fair, but don't keep saying the same thing that teachers don't get raises. In addition, it was stated by the media and this is correct that the average entry level salary for a teacher is $36,000 and the average teacher pay in Roanoke County is $50,000. Again, you will people with protest signs saying you are crazy if you think the average teacher pay is $50,000. No, that is a fact. This is what is recorded. There is a verified salary document that you can get. It is what it is. It is $50,000 for an average salary and it is $36,000 for an entry level position. People don't want to listen or believe and they want to keep saying the same thing over again, that is not true, but it is. Teacher jobs are a ten (10) -month job and he look the painstaking tasks of going through the calendar of the County's schools. They have a calendar and looking at every date that was not being used for a parent teacher conference of something. He wants to make sure he is getting the facts right himself. He has actually asked our Administrator, Thomas Gates to have the School Board come in here so we could discuss these facts and put the truth out and that was not able to be done today. He is still asking for the November or December meeting. Let us know what the truth is. He went through and looked at the calendar for how many days teachers work and he thinks the salary is a fair salary. It may not be what you want, but everybody wants to make more money, but it is a fair salary. As he went through and looked at all the days that teachers work and he saw summer break. There are three months involved in their summer break, 77 days in the summer where there is not a parent/teacher conference, nothing. It is a totally available day to be off. There are 47 days, holidays and breaks, winter break, Christmas week, the spring break any day that did not have anything to do with teacher conferences, a day that was totally available for them to take off, 21 days in addition to their personal days and sick days. The only reason he brings this up is he has brought up on this Board many times when we are looking to increase our own salaries is that we have it pretty good up here. We have benefits that are good. You don't always have to make more money and ask for more money. We have it good and he just wants to say teachers have it good. Comparing the pay of Roanoke County teachers to private sector teachers, he thinks a lot of teachers would be surprised. The teachers in Roanoke County that are not in the government system make about 2/3 of what the highest Roanoke County teacher may make. So, he bring that up because as many of you know, he and his wife home school. There are many different options for education- home schooling, private schools and government schools. His wife and he do a lot to educate their own children. His wife does not work outside the home. She stays in the home to educate. Everybody has an option. Teachers have an option. They don't have to educate in our system. They don't have to educate at all. Being an educator is a very, very fulfilling job and he knows it because he educates his own children at home; he knows it is a fulfilling job. He just wants to make sure that when we discuss these issues in the future that we discuss the facts and only the facts and try October 27, 2015 511 to keep the emotion out of it. Every job that is done by a person in Roanoke County is an important job. Sometimes we try to elevate one job over the other, "oh, teachers jobs are more important than anybody else." No, everybody does an important job and he thinks everybody wants to be treated fairly and by saying that should we just give raises to this group. Well, you know, all the raises come from taxpayers. It was stated that the senior citizens on social security are getting no increase this year because inflation is so low. Fifty percent (50%) of wage earners in American earn $30,000 or less and seventy percent (70%) of wage earners over the last twelve (12) years have seen a flat income or declining income. Those are facts. So, he just wants to ask everybody to be patient, enjoy what you do and understand the truth of the matter and let's not continue to be agitators say things that are not true. He thinks it is very hard to solve a problem like that. Supervisor Church commented there was a young runner, which Ms. Moore can conform, was severely injured on Rt. 221 near Cave Spring. This is something that is very dear to him and he has been involved with Mr. Gates, Mr. Caywood, Mr. O'Donnell and the Chief of Police. We have too many people, neighbors that are exceeding speed limits in Roanoke County. There are cross country runners in his area that run through North County and West County and they do this routinely because it is very important for them to get out in the open spaces instead of going around the track. So, he wants to encourage the other Board members, he has already started with Chief Hall, to have meetings in the North and West counties to take a look at what we can do to curtail some of these speeders that are exceeding the posted 25 mph speed limit. He has gone out personally. There are night time drivers and whether they are the neighbors who live there or neighbors passing through. At nighttime without many street lights, they just blow through stop signs without stopping or even slowing down. We have citizens that are walking their dogs or with their children in their front yards. God forbid if something would happen. He encourages the full Board to take an active part in making the neighborhoods they serve as safe as possible. Supervisor Peters stated he has been given the green light before the meeting started that he can announce that the Vinton library will be opening November 18, 2015; that is official. Tagging along with what Mr. Church mentioned, there will be a lot of ghosts and goblins around the neighborhoods this weekend, so he wants to encourage everyone to be careful and observant of the little one who are having a good time. A couple of other things that he wants to touch on, first in regard to the School Board being here today or in November, he did not see the need because it has already been told that this Board will have a joint meeting in December where we will have an open forum and time to discuss items directly with the School Board. So, he did not see the need in having them here today. The next thing is inflation and just because the Federal government says it, does not mean anything. He is not sure who in Washington is buying gas and groceries and everything else to keep a household going. They always say no inflation excluding food and energy. He does not know about anyone else's household, but that is what his household runs off of. He stated he does 512 October 27, 2015 take exception to the only looking back four (4) years, whether it be our County employees or the School Board. The last four (4) years we have been paying the makeup game. As Mr. Gates presented several work sessions ago, if you look at the last ten (10) years our employees are barely being held harmless by inflation. If you look at the last ten (10) years through the recession and everything that has taken place and you look at that time frame, we are barely keeping with inflation. His last comment today is that as Chairman his number one priority has been economic development and clearing the path so that success is something that should be a priority to this whole Board and he believes it is. He thinks a bigger driver to economic development or one of the biggest is our schools and our partnership with our schools. Everyone wants better jobs. They want companies to come here and invest in our area and want a stronger business environment. Some talk about lower taxes as a talking point, but in order to do that we must educate and raise the bar when it comes to our children's education. So we have a well-trained workforce. For these companies to come here and set up shop we must have a well-trained workforce to do so that. So, he would like to say to our school system that he hopes we will keep our strong partnership. We had a Chair and Vice Chair meeting last week and it was probably one of the best meetings we have had with them, but hopes we will keep that strong partnership and support of our schools because he believes without the strong schools producing academically successful children, we will have little growth in the County. So, everybody please keep that in mind. At 4-10 pm Chairman Peters recessed to the fourth floor for work session. IN RE: WORK SESSIONS 1. Work session to discuss with the Board of Supervisors the Roanoke County Fleet Policy (Rob Light, Acting Director of General Services; Jimmy Lyon, Budget Manager) Work session was held from 4-26 pm until 5-15 pm. Mr. Light went through the first section of the PowerPoint explaining the guidelines as they relate to replacement to light-duty (under one (1) ton) equipment. Holly Raney, Budget Analyst, went through the numbers. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor McNamara questioned the need for Parks and Recreation stating it appears we would be replacing twice over ten years. Mr. Light explained this was an estimate because they do not have enough data at this point. Supervisor Peters commented with the longevity of cars, we are doing a much better job of servicing. One question, what are the 38 fire and rescue that are light duty. Mr. Light explained they were station vehicles and staff vehicles that get rotated down due to their policy, i.e. Fire Marshal vehicles and command staff vehicles. October 27, 2015 513 Supervisor Peters than inquired of the Police Department and why are we buying more when we seem to have enough. Mr. Light responded it is for a long-term for heavy fleet. Supervisor Peters then asked if it was necessary to have all these cars or can we reimburse employees. Thomas Gates, County Administrator commented that was an interesting question. This is the based on current fleet, staff will be looking at what is the correct fleet number. Supervisor Peters advised that is what he is looking for. He then asked if staff would bid ourselves or do a State bid with Mr. Light responding both. Richard Caywood, Assistant County Administrator remarked this would ultimately be more data driven. Mr. Gates added that they are working on gathering the data and noted we also get a better surplus price if we have all the necessary data to back everything up. Supervisor McNamara advised it is good to know where we are, $2 million in the hole even before the tax reduction. Why fund reserves on the front end when looking at four -years we will need $5 million over four (4) years. Mr. Gates explained staff is not asking to commit at this point, just showing the cost. He proposes showing a balanced CIP and to use our capital budget to fund vehicle replacements. Some portion will be funded with current revenues. Supervisor McNamara stated that over time it will probably be consistent year after year. Mr. Gates responded in the affirmative, but have a backlog heavy in the early years. Supervisor Peters asked if it had to be heavy in the front and can we smooth out over time. Mr. Gates advised staff can soften and make better decisions, but the challenge is the average age is eighteen (18) years. Supervisor Peters stated they should be able to smooth out the first three years. 2. Work session to discuss with the Board of Supervisors Stormwater Management funding (Jimmy Lyon, Budget Manager) Work session was held from 5-17 p.m. until 5-30 p.m. Mr. Lyon provided a PowerPoint presentation. Funding will be asked for in about the same amount as last year. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors. 3. Work session to discuss with the Board of Supervisors the first quarter fiscal 2015-2016 Revenues and Expenditures (Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance) Work session was held from 5-31 p.m. until 5-55 pm. Ms. Owens provided a PowerPoint presentation, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors. 514 October 27, 2015 IN RE: ADJOURNMENT Chairman Peters adjourned the meeting at 5:56 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: 49 / / / AA if - itte• / Deborah korfacks P. Jas. Peters Chief Dep y Clerk to the Board Chairman