HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/8/2015 - Regular
December 8, 2015
541
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day atthe
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday and the only
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of December 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, a 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 3:00 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.
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. Resolution expressing the appreciation of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County to Paul M. Mahoney, County
Attorney, upon his retirement after more than thirty-one (31) years
of service
The Clerk read the resolution. All Supervisors offered their thanks and
congratulations.
December 8, 2015
542
RESOLUTION 120815-1 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ROANOKE COUNTY TO
PAUL M. MAHONEY, COUNTY ATTORNEY UPON THIS
RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN THIRTY (31) YEARS OF
SERVICE
WHEREAS, Paul M. Mahoney was named County Attorney on June 15, 1984,
and served knowledgably and capably in that capacity for thirty-one years and six
months, until his retirement on December 1, 2015; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Mahoney also served as Acting County Administrator for a six-
month period during his tenure at Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mahoney played an integral role in the growth and development
of Roanoke County as it undertook numerous significant projects, including the
establishment of Roanoke County’s Spring Hollow Reservoir, recodification of the
Roanoke County Code of Ordinances, guidance of legislation through the Virginia
General Assembly that granted the Roanoke County Charter in 1986, establishment of
the Roanoke County Police Department, and negotiation of the long-term lease of
Virginia’s Explore Park; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mahoney also represented the best interests of Roanoke County
as various regional issues arose, such as annexation proceedings with the City of
Salem or discussions with the City of Roanoke concerning possible consolidation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mahoney was instrumental in negotiating many of the multi-
jurisdictional projects and agreements now in place, namely siting of the Smith Gap
Landfill and formation of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority; creation of the
Western Virginia Water Authority; merger of the Vinton and Roanoke County 9-1-1
Centers; and a partnership agreement with Franklin and Montgomery counties and the
City of Salem to construct and operate the Western Virginia Regional Jail; and
WHEREAS, working closely with many County department directors and staff,
Mr. Mahoney crafted numerous inter-jurisdictional agreements with the Town of Vinton,
the cities of Salem and Roanoke, and the counties of Franklin and Montgomery;
negotiated all public-private partnerships and corresponding performance agreements
as well as economic development performance agreements; and represented Roanoke
County in the establishment of the South Peak Community Development Authority; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke County was ably represented by Mr. Mahoney during
challenging times, as in the federally mandated remediation of the Dixie Caverns
Landfill, an Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site, and in the aftermath of the
Keeling Tire Fire, which was the largest tire fire in Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mahoney has adroitly guided the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County through many complex and charged issues, such as public prayer at
government meetings, eminent domain, and amendments to the Conflict of Interest Act
and the Freedom of Information Act and, in the process, has become recognized for his
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expertise in interpreting and using Robert’s Rules of Order for parliamentary procedure;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mahoney has worked effectively and collegially with a wide
spectrum of Boards of Supervisors, comprising twenty-two different individuals with
often diverse philosophies, and is also well known and highly respected by the leaders
and employees of local jurisdictions, as well as numerous state and federal legislators;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mahoney is held in the highest regard by Roanoke County staff,
who have valued his steady leadership, wise counsel, open door policy, and, most
importantly, his caring attitude about Roanoke County and his fellow employees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, expresses its deepest appreciation and the appreciation of
the employees of Roanoke County to Paul M. Mahoney for his selfless, loyal, and
dedicated commitment to public service as Roanoke County Attorney for thirty-one
years and six months; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors expresses its best wishes to Mr. Mahoney
and his family for a happy and fulfilling 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
2. Resolution of appreciation to Joseph B. “Butch” Church for his
service as a member of the Board of Supervisors from 2000
through 2015
The Clerk read the resolution and all Supervisors offered their thanks.
RESOLUTION 120815-2 OF APPRECIATION TO JOSEPH B.
“BUTCH” CHURCH FOR HIS SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FROM 2000 THROUGH 2015
WHEREAS, Joseph B. “Butch” Church was first elected to represent the
Catawba Magisterial District on the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County in 1999
and served in that capacity through December 31, 2015; and
WHEREAS, during his sixteen (16) years as a member of the Board, Supervisor
Church served with professionalism and dedication, working on behalf of the people of
his district and all citizens of Roanoke County; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as a member of the Board, Supervisor Church
always put his citizens first and served with zeal and dedication, working on behalf of
the people of his district and all citizens of Roanoke County with his steadfast
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determination to return every phone call and reply to every email that was sent to him;
and
WHEREAS, Supervisor Church participated on various committees on behalf of
Roanoke County, including the Social Services Advisory Board, Roanoke Valley
Television, School Construction Committee, Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facilities
Authority (alternate) and Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority (alternate).
WHEREAS, Supervisor Church’s leadership skills were recognized by his fellow
Board members when he was chosen to serve as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors
in the years 2002, 2010 and 2011; and
WHEREAS, in the course of Mr. Church’s tenure with Roanoke County, he
helped bring to fruition the following: the formulation of a joint funding agreement with
the School Board that provided a funding stream for capital improvement projects,
renovation of Glenvar Middle School, Glenvar High School, Northside High School, new
Masons Cove Elementary School, New Public Safety Center in his district, new Glenvar
Library, Completion of Route 11/460 in West County, State Championship signs at
Northside High School and Glenvar High School for the first time in each school’s
history, new Regional Fire and Rescue Training center in his district, responded to
citizens’ request for help and prevented the closing of Fort Lewis Elementary School
two different times in a 5-year period, fought for and was instrumental in keeping prayer
in Board of Supervisor meetings during the challenges that occurred in 2012, as an
advocate for tax payers, helped reduce the tax rate on three (3) different occasions with
no tax rate increases in his sixteen (16)-years of service, proposed and passed
resolution for aid in freezing the taxes for elderly and disabled citizens, as Chairman
three (3) times, was a strong advocate for citizens’ involvement in Board meetings by
allowing citizens the most opportunities to speak and be recognized in meetings, was a
strong believer that local government truly belongs to the citizens and therefore strived
for openness and transparency in all county business, and truly believed that honesty
and accountability is most important in serving the citizens of Roanoke County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, expresses its deepest appreciation and that of the citizens of
JOSEPH B. “BUTCH” CHURCH
Roanoke County to for his commitment to public
service, dedication to the welfare of his fellow citizens, and thoughtful leadership while a
member of the Board of Supervisors; and
FURTHER, the Board of Supervisors congratulates Supervisor Church at the
conclusion of his term of office and wish him continued success in future endeavors.
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Supervisor Church
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IN RE: BRIEFINGS
1. Briefing with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to
update the Board of Supervisors on snow removal (Dan Collins,
Residency Administrator for VDOT)
Mr. Collins provided the briefing.
Supervisor Church commented that he feels the improvements will help.
Supervisor McNamara commented that he thinks it is great to evaluate
protocols.
Supervisor Moore thanked Mr. Collins for all that he does.
Chairman Peters commented he appreciates what they do.
2. Briefing to discuss with the Board of Supervisors the 2016 Real
Estate Reassessment, Regional Economic Conditions, and Fiscal
Impacts related to Real Estate Assessments and Tax Policies
(William E. “Billy” Driver, Director of Real Estate; Jill Loope,
Director of Economic Development; Rebecca Owens, Director of
Finance; and Christopher Bever, Director of the Office of
Management and Budget)
Briefing was given. Mr. Bever advised numbers were trending in the right
direction. Mr. Driver advised there was an overall 1.46% increase year over year.
Supervisor McNamara inquired if foreclosure numbers were in total sales.
Mr. Bever responded in the affirmative.
Supervisor Church inquired if a penny was still the equivalent of $800,000
with Mr. Bever responding in the affirmative. Ms. Owens outlined the tax policy
implications.
Supervisor McNamara asked after taking new construction out of the
numbers, what would the average home increase. Mr. Bever stated that he would
obtain this information and advise the Board at a later date.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution to establish a Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee
(BFAC(Thomas C. Gates, County Administrator)
)
Mr. Gates outlined the need for the changes to the Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP) Committee.
Supervisor Bedrosian asked if it would be possible to keep both. Mr.
Gates explained he felt it is more complicated and more work for the average citizen.
Supervisor Bedrosian then asked if this would keep citizens from getting involved. Mr.
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Gates responded he would like to educate the public on how public finance works; how
it is very difficult to understand validity from a financing perspective, needs greater
context.
Supervisor Church stated we talked about input from the citizens and that
they are a very unbiased group. How does that come into play with this new resolution?
Mr. Gates stated it does not change. There is a draft charter that suggests, five by
district, five at-large and an ex-officio member. Their role would be to continue to offer
their thoughts on what should be funded. Subsequent to Mr. Gates recommendation,
they are free to provide additional input. Supervisor Church stated in the past we have
used a tier system. Is this going to change to administration making the final decision?
Mr. Gates stated he has a responsibility to recommend the most viable projects. The
process will be the same as last year.
Supervisor McNamara commented that he hopes this will work, but does
not think it will but is willing to give it a chance.
Supervisor Peters commented he once served on the CIP and thinks it will
be beneficial.
RESOLUTION 120815-3 TO ESTABLISH A BUDGET AND
FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors of Roanoke Virginia
recognizes the need for an expanded role of County citizens to provide input on County
budget and fiscal affairs and policies; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke County has a responsibility to create a transparent budget
process with citizen involvement; and
WHEREAS, the current Capital Improvement Program Committee historically
dealt with only the Capital Budget and did not provide input on the Operating Budget or
fiscal policies; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors recognizes the need to
replace the Capital Improvement Program Committee with an advisory group to provide
input on all County budget and fiscal affairs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Roanoke County Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke Virginia, the creation of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs
Committee and the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee Charter is officially adopted;
and
FURTHER, that the County Administrator is tasked with identifying Roanoke
County citizens for consideration and appointment by the Board of Supervisors to serve
on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee.
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On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the resolution, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: Supervisor Bedrosian
2. Request to authorize the County Administrator to execute an
Agreement with Virginia Western Community College Educational
Foundation, Inc., for participation in the Community College
Access Program (CCAP) (Thomas C. Gates, County
Administrator)
A-120815-4
Mr. Gates introduced Dr. Angela Falconetti from Virginia Western to
answer any questions. He advised the only change would include private and home
schooled students.
Supervisor Peters advised he was in support. He inquired if the County
can designate where to funds go. Mr. Gates responded this construct does not cover
that. He indicated that Virginia Western is working to identify where the necessary skills
are needed.
Supervisor McNamara commented he feels $125,000 serves the need for
Roanoke County and asked if the County’s investment goes into a pool with Ms.
Falconetti advising no, only goes toward Roanoke County students. Supervisor
McNamara asked what percentage of need are we meeting, with Ms. Falconetti
advising we are almost meeting all the needs. Supervisor McNamara advised he
supports the program, but not the way it is administered. Program does not cover
books. He indicated that lower incomes are receiving federal dollars and thinks we
could take this a step further and cover at seventy-five percent (75%) and the remaining
twenty-five percent (25%) get aid from the federal government.
Supervisor Peters inquired if private and home schooled students will
make the numbers works, with Ms. Falconetti advising in the negative.
Supervisor Bedrosian stated he does not feel this is a role of government
and especially funding only one college.
Supervisor Church commented he feels this fills a void and his only
concern is other colleges.
Supervisor Moore thanked Ms. Falconetti for offering the program.
On motion of Supervisor Moore to approve the staff recommendation to
execute an Agreement with Virginia Western Community College Educational
Foundation, Inc., for participation in the Community College Access Program (CCAP),
and carried by the following recorded vote:
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548
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: Supervisor Bedrosian
IN RE: REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS AND FIRST READING OF
REZONING ORDINANCES - CONSENT AGENDA
1. The petition of Drew Patterson (Verizon Wireless Agent) to obtain
a Special Use Permit for a broadcasting tower (cell tower)
approximately 199 feet in height in a I-1, Low Intensity Industrial,
District on approximately 64.62 acres, located at 7014 Old
Mountain Road, Hollins Magisterial District
Supervisor Bedrosian’s motion to approve the first reading and to
establish the second reading for January 26, 2016, was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
1. Resolution pursuant to Title 25, Section 15.2-1903, 15.2-1904 and
15.2-1905 and Chapter 3 of Title 25.1 of the Code of Virginia (1950,
as amended) concerning the acquisition of and immediate right of
entry to a 0.029 acre temporary construction easement and a
0.025 acre permanent utility easement on Plantation Road in
Roanoke County and identified on the Roanoke County land
records as Tax Map No. 027.06-04-06.00-0000 being owned by
7860 Plantation Road Holdings LLC (Megan Cronise, Principal
Planner) (Postponed at the request of Staff)
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. The petition of State Central Bank to amend the proffered
conditions and Planning and Design documents for Loblolly Mill.
The Loblolly Mill Planned Residential Development is located on
Sterling Road and is approximately 104.4 acres in size, Vinton
Magisterial District (Philip Thompson, Deputy Director of
Planning) (Postponed at the request of the petitioner)
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2. Ordinance to accept the conveyance of unimproved real estate,
drainage easements, and quitclaims of right, title and interest in
and to property known as Harmony Lane to the Board of
Supervisors for the improvement of Harmony Lane and to
authorize the addition thereof to the State secondary system of
highways, Windsor Hills Magisterial District(David Holladay,
Planning Administrator)
Mr. Holladay outlined the request. Chairman Peters opened and closed
the public hearing with no citizens to speak on this item. There was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 120815-5 TO ACCEPT THE CONVEYANCE OF
UNIMPROVED REAL ESTATE, DRAINAGE EASEMENTS, AND
QUITCLAIMS OF RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST IN AND TO
PROPERTY KNOWN AS HARMONY LANE TO THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF HARMONY LANE
AND TO AUTHORIZE THE ADDITION THEREOF TO THE STATE
SECONDARY SYSTEM OF HIGHWAYS, WINDSOR
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the acceptance of Harmony Lane into the state secondary system of
highways under the Rural Addition Program is funded in partnership with the Virginia
Department of Transportation (VDOT); and
WHEREAS, eight land owners have donated portions of their property to
Roanoke County for additional right-of-way and drainage easements to improve
Harmony Lane and to bring it up to VDOT standards; and
WHEREAS, Charles F. and Anna Pauley Faggart; Mark A. and Marilyn J.
Edwards; Mark W. and Beth Z. Tamaro; David B. Trail; Steve D. and Michelle Lynn
Conner; Carolyn W. and Stephen V. Robbins; Ray C. and Susan B. Childress; and Fred
R. Mowles have freely and voluntarily entered into deeds to the Board of Supervisors of
the County of Roanoke, Virginia, to allow the Board of Supervisors to obtain ownership
of each property for purposes of road construction upon approval of this ordinance and
recordation of a deed; and
WHEREAS, Section 18.04 of the Roanoke County Charter directs that the
acquisition and conveyance of real estate interests to the County of Roanoke be
accomplished by ordinance; the first reading of this ordinance was held on November
10, 2015, and the second reading and public hearing was held on December 8, 2015.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That the following donations from Charles F. and Anna Pauley Faggart be
and hereby are accepted:
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Donation of 0.0047 acre of Roanoke County Tax Map No. 95.02-01-34.00 as
shown on the exhibit attached hereto as “Exhibit A”; being a portion of the
property conveyed to Charles F. & Anna Pauley Faggart by deed dated June
29, 1998, of record in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court for the County of
Roanoke, Virginia, Deed Book 1599, page 804.
Quitclaim of 0.4840 acre portion of the 50 foot prescriptive easement adjacent
to Roanoke County Tax Map No. 95.02-01-34.00 as shown on the exhibit
attached hereto as “Exhibit A”; being a portion of the property conveyed by
Lewis A. and Eliza A. Mowles for the purpose of ingress and egress by deed
dated April 2, 1980 of record in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court for the County
of Roanoke, Virginia, Deed Book 1143, page 50.
Donation of 0.0092 acre of Roanoke County Tax Map No. 95.02-01-34.00 as
shown on the exhibit attached hereto as “Exhibit A” for the purpose of a 20’
Drainage Easement; being a portion of the property conveyed to Charles F. &
Anna Pauley Faggart by deed dated June 29, 1998 of record in the Clerk’s
Office, Circuit Court for the County of Roanoke, Virginia, Deed Book 1599,
page 804.
2. That the following donation of Mark A. & Marilyn J. Edwards be, and
hereby is accepted:
Quitclaim of 0.0288 acre portion of the 50 foot prescriptive easement adjacent
to Roanoke County Tax Map No. 85.04-02-26.00 as shown on the exhibit
attached hereto as “Exhibit A”; being a portion of the property conveyed by
Lewis A. and Eliza A. Mowles for the purpose of ingress and egress by deed
dated April 2, 1980 of record in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court for the County
of Roanoke, Virginia, Deed Book 1143, page 50.
3. That the following donations of Mark W. & Beth Z. Tamaro be, and hereby
are accepted:
Donation of 0.0070 acre of Roanoke County Tax Map No. 95.02-01-12.06 as
shown on the exhibit attached hereto as “Exhibit A”; being a portion of the
property conveyed to Mark W. & Beth Z. Tamaro by deed dated August 22,
2001 of record in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court for the County of Roanoke,
Virginia, Deed Book 1717, page 583.
Quitclaim of 0.0361 acre portion of the 50 foot prescriptive easement adjacent
to Roanoke County Tax Map No. 95.02-01-12.06 as shown on the exhibit
attached hereto as “Exhibit A”; being a portion of the property conveyed by
Lewis A. and Eliza A. Mowles for the purpose of ingress and egress by deed
dated April 2, 1980 of record in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court for the County
of Roanoke, Virginia, Deed Book 1143, page 50.
4. That the following donations from David B. Trail be, and hereby are
accepted:
Donation of 0.0954 acre of Roanoke County Tax Map No. 95.02-01-33.00 as
shown on the exhibit attached hereto as “Exhibit A”; being a portion of the
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property conveyed to David B. Trail by deed dated June 3, 1993 of record in
the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court for the County of Roanoke, Virginia, Deed
Book 1405, page 5.
Quitclaim of 0.2999 acre portion of the 50 foot prescriptive easement adjacent
to Roanoke County Tax Map No. 95.02-01-33.00 as shown on the exhibit
attached hereto as “Exhibit D”; being a portion of the property conveyed by
Lewis A. and Eliza A. Mowles for the purpose of ingress and egress by deed
dated April 2, 1980 of record in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court for the County
of Roanoke, Virginia, Deed Book 1143, page 50.
5. That the following donation from Steve D. & Michelle Lynn Conner be, and
hereby is accepted:
Quitclaim of 0.1657 acre portion of the 50 foot prescriptive easement adjacent
to Roanoke County Tax Map No. 95.02-01-32.00 as shown on the exhibit
attached hereto as “Exhibit A”; being a portion of the property conveyed by
Lewis A. and Eliza A. Mowles for the purpose of ingress and egress by deed
dated April 2, 1980 of record in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court for the County
of Roanoke, Virginia, Deed Book 1429, page 398.
6. That the following donations from Carolyn W. & Stephen V. Robbins be,
and hereby are accepted:
Donation of 0.0247 acre of Roanoke County Tax Map No. 95.02-02-58.00 as
shown on the exhibit attached hereto as “Exhibit A” for the purpose of a 20’
Drainage Easement; being a portion of the property conveyed to Carolyn W.
& Stephen V. Robins by deed dated June 18, 2003 of record in the Clerk’s
Office, Circuit Court for the County of Roanoke, Virginia, Instru. # 200314731.
7. That the following donation from Ray C. & Susan B. Childress be, and
hereby is accepted:
Donation of 0.0247 acre of Roanoke County Tax Map No. 95.02-02-58.00 as
shown on the exhibit attached hereto as “Exhibit A” for the purpose of a 20’
Drainage Easement; being a portion of the property conveyed to Carolyn W.
& Stephen V. Robins by deed dated June 18, 2003 of record in the Clerk’s
Office, Circuit Court for the County of Roanoke, Virginia, Instru. # 200314731.
8. That the following donation from Fred R. Mowles be, and hereby is
accepted:
Quitclaim and donation of all that certain parcel of land, together with any
improvements thereon, rights incident thereto, and appurtenances
thereunto belonging, situate in the Windsor Hills Magisterial District of
Roanoke County, Virginia, shown and designated as “Existing 50’
Prescriptive Easement (D.B. 1143 PG. 50) to be acquired” further
designated as “Harmony Lane” upon the exhibit dated September 22,
2015 made by the Roanoke County Department of Community
Development, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and by reference
incorporated herein.
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9. That the addition and improvement of Harmony Lane to the Secondary
System of State Highways of the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Rural Road
Addition program is hereby requested upon the conveyance and recordation of the
deeds from the above described land owners to the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia.
10. That the County Administrator or Assistant County Administrator are
hereby authorized to execute such documents and take such actions on behalf of
Roanoke County in this matter as are necessary to accomplish the donation of this real
estate, all of which shall be approved as to form by the County Attorney.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the ordinance, and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Moore, Bedrosian, Church, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance repealing Ordinance 121989-13 and adopting a new
ordinance requiring the filing of a Disclosure Statement of
Economic Interests and other specified information pursuant to
Section 2.2-3115.A of the Code of Virginia (Ruth Ellen Kuhnel,
County Attorney)
Ms. Kuhnel outlined the request for the ordinance. The only change was
the addition of Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority, which was
inadvertently overlooked. There was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 120815-6 REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 121989-
13 AND ADOPTING A NEW ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE
FILING OF A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC
INTERESTS AND OTHER SPECIFIED INFORMATION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3115.A OF THE CODE OF
VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, on December 19, 1989, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, adopted Ordinance No. 121989-13 requiring disclosure of personal
and financial interests of certain County officers, officials, and employees pursuant to
the provisions of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act; and
WHEREAS, said Act has been amended by the 2014 and 2015 Virginia General
Assembly which enacted the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act; and
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WHEREAS, this ordinance repeals and reenacts Ordinance No. 121989-13 and
adopts a new ordinance to conform with the revised State Code; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on November 10, 2015,
and the second reading of this ordinance was held on December 8, 2015
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that
Ordinance 121989-13 is hereby repealed. Further, a new ordinance requiring the filing
of a disclosure statement of economic interests and other specified information pursuant
to Section 2.2-3115.A of the Code of Virginia be adopted as follows:
1. That in addition to the members of the Board of Supervisors and the
Constitutional Officers of Roanoke County, Virginia, the following persons occupying
certain positions of trust appointed by the Board of Supervisors and such other persons
employed by the County be, and they hereby are, designated and directed to file as a
condition of assuming office or employment or continuing in such position to file a
disclosure statement of their personal interests and such other information as is
specified on the form set forth in Section 2.2-3117 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as
amended, and shall thereafter file such a statement semiannually on or before
December 15 for the preceding six-month period complete through the last day of
October and by June 15 for the preceding six-month period complete through the last
day of April, to-wit;
County Administrator
County Attorney
Assistant County Administrators
Director of Economic Development
Chief Financial Officer
Internal Auditor
Persons appointed to the Community Policy and Management Team (as provided in
Section 2.2-5205)
2. Members appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the following boards,
commissions, or authorities shall file, as a condition of assuming office, a disclosure
form of their personal interests, and such other information as is specified on the form
set forth in Section 2.2-3118 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and thereafter
shall file such form annually on or before December 15:
Roanoke County Economic Development Authority
Roanoke County Planning Commission
Roanoke Regional Airport Commission
Roanoke Valley Resource Authority
Western Virginia Water Authority
South Peak Community Development Authority
Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority
Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority
Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority
Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facilities Authority
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3. In addition to any disclosure required by sub-sections 1 and 2 of this
ordinance, members of the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, real estate
assessors, and the County Administrator shall make annual disclosures of all of their
interests in real estate located in Roanoke County. This disclosure shall include any
business in which such persons own an interest, or from which income is received, if the
primary purpose of the business is to own, develop or derive compensation through the
sale, exchange or development of real estate in the county. Such disclosure shall be
filed as a condition to assuming office or employment, and thereafter shall be filed
annually on or before December 15.
4. That the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors shall cause the forms
hereinabove mentioned to be distributed to the designated individuals at least twenty
(20) days prior to the filing deadline. Such disclosure forms shall be filed and
maintained as public records for five (5) years in the office of the Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors of Roanoke County. Such forms shall be made public no later than six (6)
weeks after filing.
5. The effective date of this ordinance shall be January 1, 2016.
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: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 120815-7 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM K- CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for December
8, 2015, designated as Item K - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 5 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes – October 13, 2015
2. Confirmation of appointments to the Library Board (by District), Roanoke
Valley Resource Authority (at-Large) and Western Virginia Regional Jail
Authority (at Large)
3. Confirmation of appointment to the Community Policy and Management
Team (CPMT)
4. Resolution accepting three (3) parcels of Harmony Lane, Windsor Magisterial
December 8, 2015
555
District, into the Virginia Department of Transportation Secondary Road
System
5. Request to update the budget calendar for fiscal year 2016-2017
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-120815-7.a
A-120815-7.b
RESOLUTION 120815-7.c ACCEPTTING THREE (3) PARCELS
OF HARMONY LANE, WINDSOR MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT,
INTO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the street described below currently serves at least three (3) families
and was established prior to July 1, 1992, at which time it was used by motor vehicles
as a public access; and
WHEREAS, the County has determined its subdivision ordinance satisfies
subsection B of §33.2-336, Code of Virginia, and is therefore eligible to make qualifying
additions to the secondary system of state highways maintained by the Virginia
Department of Transportation and fund necessary improvements as set out therein,
except as otherwise prohibited by subsection B of §33.2-336, Code of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, after examining the ownership of all property abutting this street,
including the deeds and related plats, this Board finds no restriction on the use of public
funds for improving of the road; and
WHEREAS, after examining the ownership of all property abutting this street, this
Board finds that speculative interest does not exist; and
WHEREAS, this Board has identified immediately available funding to make
improvements required to qualify the street for addition to the aforesaid secondary
system of state highways, based on the Department's cost estimate of $ 219,531.40.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, pursuant to §33.2-336, Code of
Virginia, this Board requests the following street be added to the secondary system of
state highways maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation and hereby
guarantees the right-of-way of the street to be clear, unencumbered and unrestricted,
which right of way guarantee shall including any necessary easements required for cuts,
fills, and drainage:
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556
Name of
Subdivision: Map of Survey Lewis A. Mowles
Name of
Harmony Lane
Street:
From: Bent Mountain Road, Rte. 221
To: Proposed cul-de-sac Length: 0.35 miles
Guaranteed
Right-of-Way
50 feet + (R/W Width Varies)
Width:
_________________________________________________________
Right of Way
___________ or
Instrument
Instrument #: 201109122 - 201109135 (3 Deeds Total)
Reference
and Date Recorded: 09/20/2011
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board requests the Virginia Department of
Transportation to improve said street to the prescribed minimum standards, funding said
improvements with the following funds;
Source of Funds Amount
Roanoke County Secondary Six Year State Funds $ 219,531.19
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board agrees to reimburse, within 45-days of
receiving an invoice, all costs that the Virginia Department of Transportation incurs to
relocate existing utilities within the right of way that are discovered during the course of
and in conflict with the construction, drawing such funds from resources other than
those administered by the Department; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Board agrees to reimburse, within forty-five
(45)-days of receiving an invoice, all costs that the Virginia Department of
Transportation incurs in the construction of necessary improvements to the road that
are over and above the estimated cost of improvements or to otherwise identify an
eligible source of funds administered by the Department to cover such costs; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded
to the Residency Administrator of the Virginia Department of Transportation.
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
December 8, 2015
557
A-120815-7.d
IN RE: CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
The following citizens spoke:
Dale Thompson stated he lives at 1515 West Ruritan Road in Roanoke
and is retired and a business owner. He stated he is here today to talk about
transparency, which he hates the word. It has already been overused. You could play
corporate bingo with it. He would rather talk about active engagement with the citizens
and the electorate of Roanoke County. You are very rarely going to see him. He is not
going to promise that he is never going to stand up and talk about a specific issue, but
you will hear him talk about the Board’s accountability as Supervisors to the citizens of
Roanoke County. He is a Hollins District citizen and he appreciates Supervisor
Bedrosian’s outreach to his district. So, he has town hall meetings, he has an email
address, he walks into his McDonald’s just as each of you talk to your citizens. He
really does appreciate that. He has a personal email blast that he sends out to folks
within his district. He has been walking up and down the roads trying to get the opinion
of the people within his district. He would like to encourage the Board to do the exact
same thing. So, his rhetorical questions are since he knows he cannot have a
discussion, if you are not already will you hold regular town hall meetings. He assumes
that some of you do. He would like to be invited to those even though he is just in the
Hollins District, he thinks every Roanoke County resident should have an opportunity to
go to any of the districts town hall meetings. If you are not already, will you solicit
opinions from at least your district residents, if not the entire County? Mr. Bedrosian is
real good about asking what the citizens think about a particular issue. He has news
conferences, which citizens can go and listen to his opinion. He would like all of those
opinions to be much more upfront and available to the citizens rather than expecting
that everybody is going to come to the Board meetings or watch it on television. If you
aren’t already, would you solicit those opinions from everybody because he thinks
sometimes part of the problem he has with the Board is that each district is looking at
their own residents, which he understands, but most residents out in the County are not
looking at just the district, they are a Roanoke County resident. We are going to have at
least one new Board member and maybe two new members. He would be hopeful that
the Board would be more giving of your opinions in whatever way you can possibly do
that and he will assure the Board that a lot of his citizen friends and he will be watching.
December 8, 2015
558
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. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of
October 31, 2015
6. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and
Encumbrances as of October 31, 2015
7. Accounts Paid – October 31, 2015
8. Treasurer’s Statement of Accountability per Investment and
Portfolio Policy as of October 31, 2015
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Bedrosian stated this past Sunday he was actually invited on a
news program, WDBJ, to talk about a couple of things. They invited and choose the
topics, very diverse topics, United Way and Parenthood on one side and the budget on
the other side. There were a couple of things that came out of that he wanted to share.
He hopes this does not offend people what he has put on the screen (Picture of an eight
(8) week old fetus). The reason that he put that up there is because during this
presentation he was asked about the whole United Way, Planned Parenthood thing and
why it meant so much to him and why does he keep bringing it up. He responded that it
means a lot to a lot of citizens. He lives in the Hollins area and he finds it a very strong,
pro-life area. When he puts something out about pro-life, he gets a lot of comments
about it. It is important. It is important to people all over the Country and as he always
tells people everything around the country is local because you do not live in the country
as a general area, but you live here in Roanoke County. So, everything is local. People
are concerned about this issue and we got onto the topic about Planned Parenthood
and why there seemed to be an uproar when these videos came out and body parts
were discussed. The anchor, Chris Hurst, immediately stopped him and told him that
we cannot use that word and he has to call it “fetal tissue” or something. It dawned on
him that we have this divide in America. He has it, there is a divide, but you know what
right here on the screen is science. You can take out any of your philosophical views,
your Christian views, your non-Christian views, etc. This is science, an eight-week old
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559
baby, science. It is not Al Bedrosian saying it, it is science. Statistics show that most
abortions are ten to twelve (10-12) weeks, so older than this. It is hard for him and he
apologizes to anybody if you are offended. It is hard for him to call this “fetal tissue.” It
goes against his sense of knowledge, his child. If he showed his children this picture,
they would immediately say it is a baby, they would not go into all the verbiage. This is
why he thinks it is important that United Way stop its relationship with Planned
Parenthood because this is what Planned Parenthood does. It snuffs out this life and to
him, all the videos about body parts, they are body parts as he can see fingers just from
where he is sitting and he does not have very good eyes. There is arm, a leg, a head,
an ear, maybe not totally developed, but it is real, not a blob. He just cannot deny that it
is not a human being. It dawned on him while he was talked to Chris Hurst that he was
so adamant to not want to say it was a human being and body parts, it had to be some
“tissue” because it made everybody feel better. He just needed to bring that up. He
thinks he was wrong. It is a human being. So, it is important to him and he brought up
a resolution last week for us to ask United Way to stop its partnership with Planned
Parenthood. It got tabled. He thinks there is a little confusion. To anyone who read the
resolution, it was not about us performing abortions, Planned Parenthood does.
Roanoke County does not perform abortions. It wasn’t to stop our relationship with
United Way, even, it was not part of the resolution. It was simply to ask United Way to
stop their partnership with Planned Parenthood. To him, that is not outrageous. United
Way stopped its relationship with the Boy Scouts several years ago due to homosexual
leaders. They would not allow homosexual Boy Scout leaders at that time and so
United Way stopped their relationship with them. There was enough pressure put on
them and they stopped. He thinks that is what this is about. Stop your relationship with
them. This is not a good thing. So, that was tabled and he would like to work on a
resolution, he will be working on a resolution for our first meeting to either untable it,
take it off the table and actually have a vote on it. He is not demanding that it be done.
He realizes there are five (5) supervisors and he just wants it voted on. If we cannot
untable it, take it off the table, then he will ask to sever our relationship with United Way.
The next thing he wants to talk about is the budget. At the very end of the show, we
switched over to the budget and his questions to him were, “you keep voting against the
budget every time it comes up.” He responded he was elected to hold the line,
budgetary constraints, budgetary restraint; that is what we are here to do. He said he
brought up an issue that is always brought up; needs. The needs are great, we need to
buy a rescue truck, etc. He gets it; he totally understands. Anybody with a household
totally understands. It is not that you don’t need things, but you have to prioritize. So,
maybe this time we need a truck, so then we don’t doing something on the other side.
So, we keep our budget tight. If they keep going up $4 to $5 million a year, before long
it is real money and you can end up $20, $30, $40 million over a ten-year period and the
budget increases. It is tough. When budgets increase, it is very hard to go back down
and becomes a problem. He wants to make a point and this is why it is important for
him to say it. It is not that we cannot do things, it is that we have to prioritize our
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560
spending; that is the keep word. It is like every household. He just had to get a new
furnace for $4,500, so he has to reprioritize. He cannot keep his life going the way it is
and just keep spending money more than he has because that causes problems. So,
going into budget time, he wants to bring it up because he is not against this or that. He
is against going into debt so much. He is not for not doing things, it just has to be
balanced on the other side; maybe we don’t do this. Let’s use technology to reduce that
cost over here. Maybe don’t hire more people. If we are going to have an attrition of
fifty (50) people a year, which is roughly what we have, don’t hire all fifty (50) back.
Start reducing employment and keep things contained. He thinks that is important. The
final thing is that he wants to thank Hollins Fire and Rescue. He came home yesterday
and his wife and he were out and his two daughters were in the house and told him to
go upstairs because it smells like smoke. Sure enough, no flames but looking around
sure enough something is going on and it smelled electrical. There was a haze of
smoke. In fact, he was talking to our County Administrator, Tom Gates, at that exact
time. He immediately shut down the furnace and immediately called 911; he knew
something was wrong and they came over and were extremely, extremely professional,
decked out because they were ready for flames and jumping out of windows. It wasn’t
that, but it is interesting to note that two-weeks ago he had a thorough checkup and
something just slipped the eye. Something melted, it smolders is what it does and goes
through your ducts of the house. He just wanted to say thank you; they did such a great
job and very professional, asking the right questions and averted something that could
have been bigger and he is so thankful that he came home in time. Again, thank you,
he left a thing of chocolate chip cookies that his wife made on his way over and hope
they enjoy.
Supervisor McNamara stated first with regard to Parks and Rec, the
Christmas tree lighting, great job. Again, not things we have to do as a County, but we
choose to do them as a County because it improves the quality of life for our citizens. It
was very nice; it was very well done. If anybody gets over by the South County Library,
the tree is probably forty to fifty foot (40-50’). It looks real nice. He wants to wish
everybody a happy holiday season, Merry Christmas. Congratulations to Ms. Kuhnel on
her first meetings. We are certainly looking forward to working with her in the coming
year. We talked a little bit during the meeting today about creating an external group
that is going to look at both finance as well as capital planning. He stated all you need
to do is look at Mr. Driver’s presentation and when you look at our primary revenue
source, which is real estate, and you look over at the last seven or eight (7 or 8) years
and your change in real estate values over a cumulative year period is probably close to
zero. He does not that but is eyeballing the chart. This year the change in existing real
estate appears to be somewhere in the .6 percent range. Our major revenue source is
looking at a .6% change into next year over this year. Granted there is some new
construction so that will increase that, but new construction puts new demands on
service. Then you combine those fun facts with something he saw earlier that said the
unemployment rates is going to drop by .2% and is also dropping in other places and
December 8, 2015
561
that is going to crease wage pressure and he saw something that suggested wage
pressure would be somewhere in the 1.8 to 2.5% range next year. So, if we want to
meet market demands and run like a business, businesses react to market demands
and market pressures we need to find somewhere roughly 2% when our primary
revenue source is going up .5%. Or, we decide that we prioritize. He commented he
can look back over the last ten (10) years on the Board and we have prioritized in Public
Safety, so where we have increased the most positions are the very positions that went
to the gentleman from Hollins house yesterday; Fire and Rescue. By far, they have had
the largest increase in positions over the ten (10) years of Roanoke County. He stated
he thinks if you put all those facts together and not to turn into a Scrooge, we are going
to have to really rethink how we are structured going forward. He thinks that is going to
require as a Board that we make some significant policy changes as it relates to capital
versus operating. Or, we are going to see significant impacts in our service deliveries.
We did that a little bit this year, but thinks we have another round of that coming up. It
is going to require a lot of though and a lot of hard work for our new board member or
members. We are going to have to spend a lot of time working with this next year. He
thinks we have a great staff to help us through that, but thinks that is something we
have to do. Looking at the past as an indication of the future is something that we need
to do.
Supervisor Moore stated she would just like to take a moment to thank all
of our employees for their hard work and dedication to what they do. It is what they do
on a daily basis that makes our government run smoothly. She wished everyone a
Merry Christmas, Quanza, Hanukah.
Supervisor Church stated he appreciated going out of turn and any extra
time that he does not think he will need. From his heart, there are many lives in his
sixteen (16) years sitting in the audience and home. We have been through a lot of
different times together. During his tenure, he has been through two and one half or
three different administrations from top to bottom. Before he forgets, Ruth Ellen Kuhnel,
he wishes the best of luck. Paul Mahoney will not be far so you can give him a phone
call or whatever to do what you need to do, but does not think she will need it based on
the good job she has done. He wants to thank the many people in this room and those
sitting at their computers, thank you to those people. He does not want to call them the
chief laborers, but those are the ones that are making everything the Board does run
smoothly. The Clerks and the Finance Department and the Accounting Department and
General Services, Fire and Rescue, HR, every department we have. The ones that are
there on a daily basis, open to close, a lot of times do not get recognition. He wants to
say he recognizes them. He knows our Board appreciates these people even though
we may not mention their names. This is something, Mr. Gates, somewhere down the
road, we can never can thank you enough. He did not plan to say this, but Mr. Gates,
we do not have a Police presence today. Is there a reason for that? Mr. Gates
responded not that he is aware of. He hopes not, everybody that has been awake and
alive over the past two weeks knows what is going on in our world. There has been talk
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562
in the past about whether we did or did not need a Police presence in our Board
meeting room. He strongly did encourage this some years ago. It is not for protection
of the Board members, we have a lot of citizens here and sometimes are room is filled
up and unfortunately in this world, you cannot take anything for granted. So, he would
encourage future Boards to continue that uniform as the first line of defense if God
forbid if something were to happen. Today is his last meeting as a sitting Board
member; officially December 31, 2015. As he mentioned earlier, some days it feel that
the time has gone by like a jet airplane and other times it seems like it is just still like
you have clicked your remote control. Lately he has had time to reflect on his service to
citizens of Roanoke County, especially those in Northside, Glenvar and Catawba. Basic
math since he has been elected, we have had 352 meetings and counting the
numerous other events, the count is well over 400. This is a large number of times to
publically and officially represent the people that you work for and cast votes that
directly affect their daily life. He has said this publically many times, he considers
holding public office a sacred trust; he truly believes that. The citizens in Roanoke
County do not expect any of us to be perfect, but they do expect our all-out effort to give
them our best effort in representing them. Being able to say, “I am sorry, I made a boo
boo”, there is nothing wrong with that. Being totally candid, there are times he has been
so overjoyed with the progress of Roanoke County, he could jump up and down. There
are other times it is a struggle that we go back and forth and seems to be no logic, no
rhyme or reasons and he will ask himself, “why?” Sometimes that is never answered,
the why is just never there. He does know one thing, Roanoke County is in great
shape. The employees that he spoke about, many in the room, thank you for your
guidance. When you walk in the doors as a new Supervisor you just don’t start
functioning. You don’t even know what hallway to go into sometimes. For those of you
that go back with him sixteen years and made themselves available after 5:00 p.m. and
before 8:00 a.m, nights, and weekends; he has never been turned down for any help
from anybody in the County and that means a lot. He has been able to go out and ride
with our Police and Rescue people; they are critical to us. We all know that. It is
sometimes we don’t think about on a regular basis. He thinks the occurrences in the
United States of America and across the waters is making us all take another look at
government and what is going on and what is not going on. He thanked this
Administration, Tom Gates, Richard Caywood and Dan O’Donnell, even though two of
have not been here that long, he hopes they will be here many years. He has told
Richard Caywood because of the pipeline situation, he has been a front man and has
done an excellent job as viewed by the citizens in his area; it is not his opinion, it is
hundreds of people, you are appreciated. Dan O’Donnell, you have always been a
mainstay. You have gone through Public Safety buildings and events and projects and
project manager and come in under budget and on time; that is important. We have a
new employee, Mr. Bever, hopes that he has great success and is sorry that they did
not have much time together. It is a great piece of work to grow and further your
professional endeavors. It takes many dedicated people to run an efficient County
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government and he really thinks that Roanoke County is one of the best, if not the best,
in the entire Roanoke Valley. He thanked his fellow Board members. To Charlotte, first
of all best of luck in your recount. Secondly, thank you for your friendship and your time
to talk, you and Joe. We don’t always agree on things, but we have handled ourselves
and taken care of County business. He does not think we lose sight of what is going on.
Thank you both for your years of service to the County and in helping him out. To Al
and Jason, the new Board members, they may be here forever. Good for you if you
are. He thinks they both have good direction. Great job as Chairman, from his heart,
everything went smooth, and you have done a great job. Mainly from his perspective
you really reached out to the people. When they come, they don’t expect miracles but
thinks it is good the way you have handled making sure they have time to speak and
that sometimes A does not have to come before B and thinks being flexible means a lot
to the people. Obviously, he thinks he can look around in this area and see some
physical items, roads, buildings, schools that have occurred during his time of service.
What you cannot see are the hundreds of citizens that he has come to know, come to
have a deep and lasting relationship. You can always tell your friends when you are
lying unconscious or laying face down in the dirt, because your friends are going to be
the first ones to come over and say let me help you. This is true in life, whether County
government of anywhere; your neighborhood, your family. Your true friends do not care
how much money you have or what kind of car you drive or how you speak or what
degree you have on the wall. They care about your heart and your mind and how you
feel about your fellow citizens and fellow man or woman. So, in closing, he does realize
that God has other plans for him, he does not know, not yet. He knows that he is going
to take care of him. In the control room, if you would, a request from Supervisor
Church, focus in on the four words above our dais, if you would. He would like to ask
the citizens to zoom in on that where you can display the words clearly, “In God We
Trust.” It may sound mundane to some people, but he is honored to be a part of have
those four simple words displayed prominently in Roanoke County. He thinks what is
wrong with our country is that we have forgotten those words. Lastly, he knows we are
not supposed to do this on the air, but most of you know he is looking for a job. If you
know of one and want a good person, hard worker, give him a call. Merry Christmas
and not Merry Holiday, but Merry Christmas to each of you. Thank you for the
opportunity to serve you and work with you for sixteen years. He made himself a
promise that he came in with a smile and his head high and is going to leave here with
that. Asked God to bless everyone and Mr. Gates he would like a brief meeting after
adjournment.
th
Supervisor Peters stated as many of you know on November 18, the new
Vinton library opened its doors and has been a huge success. He has strategically
place himself there in the morning, afternoon and evening and good thing he did not
have to go in because there were no parking spots available. It has been a great
success in the town and so far has been loved by all. He made mention of this earlier,
he and Mr. Gates when to a legislative luncheon yesterday and it highlighted the need
564 December 8, 2015
we have from an educational standpoint and he looks forward to a new year with our
schools. We need to make sure that we are providing our children with the education
they need because not everyone is college bound and we do need skilled labor. People
that can work on machines and diesel engines and those sorts of things. We need to
make that available to them and do what we can in our schools to provide that type of
education. He does look forward to making that a topic in the New Year with our
schools. This is his last meeting as Chairman for the year and does want to thank the
Board, the citizens and the employees of the County. He believes a lot has been
accomplished this year, whether it has been the budget realignment as we have looked
at short-term reduction of our debt, which the majority of this Board did vote back in May
of this year not to take a $10 million draw in the next ten years and if his figures are
correct, it will reduce our debt by $32 million by the end of next year, which is a
significant decrease. There are a lot of changes in Roanoke County; transition this year
from a new Fire Chief to a new Attorney, Internal Auditor, Budget Director, HR Director.
We have a lot of new faces, County Administrator almost made it a new face this year,
but there were a lot of changes this year and thinks they are good changes and is
looking forward to 2016. He thinks it is a year and he has said publically before, he
thinks 2016 is our year to really put forth and effort for economic development and work
with our economic development team to do a lot of great things in 2016. As he has
ended the majority of his meeting, if not all, thanking the employees not only as a
County, but our schools, our teacher who educate our children. None of this would be
possible without you, he knows that and wants them to know as he closes out this
meeting how much he appreciates everything you do to keep us safe and to keep our
County running smoothly. Merry Christmas and a wonder New Year. Be safe and we
will see you next year.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Peters adjourned the meeting at 5:17 p.m.
: bmitted by: Approved by:
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Deborah C. r s P. Jas n Peters
Chief Deput Clerk to the Board Chairman