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