1/27/2018 - Special
January 27, 2018
45
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 a special meeting to hold a Board of
Supervisors’ Retreat. Audio 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: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Hooker called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. The roll call was
taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Martha B. Hooker, Supervisors George G. Assaid, Phil
C. North, Joseph P. McNamara and P. Jason Peters
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Thomas C. Gates, County Administrator; Daniel R. O’Donnell,
Assistant County Administrator; Richard Caywood, Assistant
County Administrator; Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, County Attorney; Amy
Whittaker, Public Information Officer and Deborah C. Jacks,
Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board
IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES
Chairman Hooker offered a welcome.
Mr. Gates gave a brief overview.
IN RE: REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF
AGENDA ITEMS
There were none.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Results of the recent Citizen Survey (Dr. Harry Wilson, Roanoke
College)
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Dr. Wilson provided a PowerPoint presentation with the results. A copy of this
presentation is on file in the Office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors. He indicated
that everyone should be pleased with the results.
2. Linking the County's Community Strategic Plan and Organizational
Strategic Plan with the budget development process (Christopher R.
Bever, Director, Management and Budget)
Mr. Bever provided a PowerPoint presentation; a copy of the presentation is
on file in the office of the Clerk to the Board. Note: Presentation was put together before
the results of the survey were in.
Supervisor McNamara reminded that we needed to budget for the additional
firefighters that we received the grant so the hit is not all at one time. Mr. Peters stated he
thought the Board had agreed to do so over three years.
Supervisor McNamara commented it might be time to look at joint-stations.
The landscape has changed and the two localities that we might work with are strapped for
cash. Revisit before looking at new stations.
Supervisor Peters stated we could look at in a different way, not necessarily
joint-stations.
Mr. Gates added we would need to look at growth patterns and expected
growth patterns, which will assist in working with neighboring jurisdictions and should be
open to integrate.
Supervisor Peters advised we would probably need less equipment.
Supervisor McNamara added part of recycling is an education issue. People
have no concept of the amount of recycling that we do subsequent to the pickup.
Supervisor North commented that was a topic he heard a lot of during his
campaign.
Supervisor Peters suggested more drop-off points, i.e. fire stations.
Ms. Hooker added with regard to outdoor amenities and environmental
stewardship. With the Appalachian Trail, McAfee’s Knob, etc. we need to be aware of the
litter associated with tourists and have a plan.
Supervisor North thanked Parks, Recreation and Tourism for what they do with
the recreational clubs.
Chairman Hooker recessed at 10:51 a.m. for a 15 minute break and called the
meeting back into session at 11:05 a.m.
3. Planning for Economic Growth (Philip Thompson, Deputy Director of
Planning)
Mr. Thompson provided a PowerPoint presentation; a copy of which is on file
in the office of the Clerk to the Board.
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Supervisor Peters asked if there were any agricultural areas that can be
brought into a commercial, industrial, etc. Mr. Thompson stated there were some, but the
multipurpose areas can be used to expand.
Supervisor North inquired where the parking would be in these new areas
(Oak Grove and Hollins). Mr. Thompson responded behind the buildings to start with
surface and go to structure parking. Mr. Thompson also stated this is where transit comes
into the equation. Standards will need to be reviewed.
Mr. Thompson explained how staff would be getting the schools involved in the
planning process.
Supervisor Assaid asked if cost feasibility will be a part of the process as The
students will be adults when these are implemented with Mr. Thompson responding in the
affirmative.
Supervisor Assaid commented he is not familiar with the area and asked for
some landmarks with Supervisor Peters advising Chick-fil-A and Walmart in Bonsack.
Supervisor Assaid asked if there were any transportation development
associated with Challenger Avenue. Mr. Caywood responded not a lot, has been identified
as a priority congested corridor but has not advanced into any project development. Mr.
Thompson advised Roanoke City has some plans for turning into three lanes.
Supervisor Assaid inquired as to the number of vehicles per day with Mr.
Thompson responding it is the third highest in the County and cannot overstate the value of
coordinated signals.
Supervisor North inquired as to cost of the consultants with Mr. Thompson
advising staff would handle Hollins and Oak Grove and only Challenger Avenue would
require outside consultants.
Chairman Hooker stated she had made note of a couple of items. One is to
utilize the schools and one of the challenges for planning is that engagement piece, but you
seem to have ready engagement and ready interest; loves that idea that you are engaging
them in the process. Other departments are looking at “bringing the classroom to work
problems and come up with solution.” Mr. Thompson mentioned they were looking at taping
into Blackboard (schools messaging system); career expos in the spring where seniors
present projects. Oak Grove Park design could possibly be a part of that and the value you
then get the parents to the meeting.
Supervisor Hooker then commented about our plans in general; she and
Supervisor Peters look fondly at the planning process and really appreciates its value.
Something that could be helpful with the plans as they are brought forward is to help
educate us on how the planning process leads to the success. She stated she felt we need
to see that connection more clearly. When we put the plan in place it is not to be onerous to
the development, but to help lead us to the success we want and then to kind of celebrate
the successes together. We need to be hearing more about that. She wants to make sure
that we are all on the same page where plans help our growth.
Mr. Thompson referenced the greenways and the fact that it would not be
where it is today without a plan, a refocused plan.
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Mr. Gates stated the point is excellent and we can again do a better job of
communicating the consequence of some of the planning work and the Greenways is a
great example of that.
Supervisor Peters commented with regard to the schools, he really likes
involving the kids in schools. He believes it gives more ownership and feels if they have a
part of what is going on it will make them want to stay in the area.
Supervisor Hooker stated she loves the thought of an elementary child being
involved in the process and coming back later and stating, “I helped with that.”
Mr. Thompson stated they had a presentation with the schools and asked what
will it take to get you involved. One of the things was Saturday and the other was to bring
the activity to the schools. They are already there and that is what they are trying to
coordinate with the teachers.
Supervisor Assaid commented that he did not to be a naysayer, but as this
children get older, their priorities change.
Mr. Thompson stated they will be a stakeholder and they are trying to get their
voice as part of the process.
Supervisor North noted their creativity level is highest in those years; we get
less creative as we get older.
Mr. Caywood updated the Board on traffic counts. The highest volume in the
County is 419, which is right at 46,000 vehicles a day and Challenger in the County ranges
from roughly 31,000 at the Botetourt line to somewhere between 37,000 and 43,000 as you
approach the City line. So, they are very similar.
The meeting was recessed for 15 minutes.
4. 21st Century Libraries (Shari Henry, Director of Library Services)
Ms. Henry provided a PowerPoint presentation; including some videos.
Supervisor Mr. Assaid stated there are a lot of programs and activities that
occur at the Brambleton Center. Could some of these programs be relocated to the libraries
around the valley in the County and get more people interested in those programs. They
have to come to Brambleton Avenue and if you are all the way out in Vinton, it is quite a trek
to get there as well as if you are all the way out in Glenvar. The other thing, is there any
way to do a Growler bar. It would get him and others to the library. Ms. Henry stated they
have had several meetings with Libraries and Parks at the Brambleton Center discussing
exactly what you are talking about and what that could look like and what that should look
like and some easy things that might be low-hanging fruit to start, i.e. Camp Roanoke folks
were looking at doing some things at Glenvar. They are down to what that might look like
from a meeting room space and other practical considerations. As far as the Growler bar,
more and more libraries are doing that. This is being thought about because that is what
young people want.
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Supervisor North inquired what is a realistic future library model and would
hope the Hollins library could be a benchmark for libraries in the future. He does not think
you have to build a TaqMahal to have a great place. It is how you use the space to
accomplish more. In the future, he feels that might be the case because of the technology
piece of the puzzle.
Supervisor McNamara added that the Salem library with Parkway Brewing in
the summer. He added when you look at “the next big thing”. Twenty to thirty years ago,
the way you talked did not exist in government. It did not even exist in Virginia. He thinks
where we have come as a County and rapid forward, especially in the last few years from a,
“How can we reinvent ourselves and how can we meet the needs going forward. How can
we do things differently?” He added that he could sum up the presentation in, “What is our
next.” It is really refreshing to hear that kind of thought process. He appreciates it.
Supervisor Hooker stated she sees libraries as spaces for the community.
Whatever that community wants it to be, which is a shifting matter. With her being in the
Glenvar community and coming here to this building is not always practical. It is a great
meeting space for her so she meets there routinely with her constituents and really
appreciates it. She sees it more and more as an educational subset of the schools. In all of
the scenarios and the pictures you focused on there was nothing about books. There were
no books or few. Not long ago, we toured a library on Liberty’s campus. It is massive and
there is a huge coffee shop. All the books are stored in the basement and retrieved
electronically. There are no bookshelves. It is a different concept and thinks it is the
evolving thing that you have helped us focus on with this presentation and she really
appreciates it. She added that she loved the idea of these being spaces for early-minded
entrepreneurs looking for resources and coaching on next steps; what are the next steps.
For example, prior to the “Gauntlet”. Those steps are exciting and would really be a great
thing. Really appreciates the presentation.
Supervisor North stated it is more than a library it is library/community center.
For example one of this constituents was talking about the library and how they went over
there and booked a meeting. They wanted to have more frequent meetings on a regular
basis and they were told they could only book it for half a year and now a whole year. There
are people looking to use that because it is a good site to bring people together for
meetings. It is more than books. He need asked Ms. Henry what was the oldest library in
the Arlington system (which she came from before Roanoke County)? Ms. Henry
responded she believed Cherrydale, which was opened in 1961 and renovated in 1993.
Mr. Gates commented that we are very fortunate that as we have brought new
libraries on, they have been well understanding of the community role they play that does
beyond the traditional model. They are built to be that and Ms. Henry has raised a number
of examples where we can develop upon and use those spaces in different ways and
continue to meet the evolving needs of our citizens and make sure that those spaces
continue to be relevant in our community.
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5. Board of Supervisor Discussion
Supervisor Assaid stated he runs into Greg Habeeb often and he has asked
for a meeting with the Board more often; Roanoke City is doing it and maybe we can have
joint meetings.
Supervisor North provided a presentation and advised there were three parts.
First on Economic Development, he has a couple of ideas. These are handing questions
and do not need to get resolved today. Could the EDA and staff team up and facilitate
touch-base round table discussions with the areas large and small businesses, especially
small businesses. Perhaps several large businesses could team up and form ambassador
team that is made up of perhaps a staff member, an EDA member and a Supervisor that
could join in and have a speaker and provide a 50,000 ft. view of what is going on in
Roanoke County and what we are thinking about and then ask how their business is doing
and provide dialog as to what their company’s view is in the next 12, 18, 24 months,
especially since tax cuts have been initiated that has freed up cash flow. At the end of the
day, if you don’t walk away with anything definite you build rapport and are proactive so if
something comes up down the road, those folks are going to know that Roanoke County is
interested because they came to see them at the location. If you only get 4 out of the top 8
companies you are sowing seeds and are being proactive. He next commented that we
don’t have lots of land like other folk, so we have to think outside the box. He is willing to be
involved.
Mr. Gates commented that our Economic Development staff does a good
measure of meeting with businesses and asking those very questions. What has been
missing from perhaps those conversations and we would be delighted to change tact is the
direct involvement of Supervisors. He thinks we can and have been engaging business
leader on any number of fronts, but there is real value in having members of the Board who
ultimately make decisions on virtually all of the significant direction of the County hear some
of the things that staff hears and communicate to the businesses your interest in them. So,
if that is possible for you and he knows the level of commitment has to vary amongst the
Board members because of work obligations, etc. but if that is possible, staff would be
delighted to make that work as best they can for their schedules. He added that he thinks it
would be well received in the community and a positive experience for the Board to hear
about not just what the business interests are going forward, but also they view the County
and the way we can continue to shape our direction.
Supervisor Peters stated he would very much support, but these
conversations are taking place now but the Board is not hearing about what is coming back
from those meetings. If there are challenges that they have with the County. As those
communications do take place with our businesses out there, the Board would get to hear
the results as well. This will enable the Board to know what challenges are out there and
possibly change our strategies going forward.
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Supervisor North then stated with regard to Capital Projects and we say
something is going to cost $20 million, the first thing you think of is that is a lot of money and
how are we going to do it. If you challenge that $20 million, maybe you don’t need $20
million; maybe the needs there would only cost $13, you can focus on the wants
downstream. You need to challenge the number and ask yourself do we really need that
and if you do, you have vetted it out. The challenge going forth is we have fixed dollars and
there is only so much we can do with fixed dollars and we have to prioritize them. Focusing
on any capital project and emphasizing the needs and wants to him is just prudent and
conservative. Using the library as an example, he very much hopes we can get the library
open and thinks we will in the future and hopes that helps the community and the students
with laptops that need computer access, but let us challenge ourselves with this. We don’t
have to answer these questions today. What would we estimate is a realistic cost for one
day in the future having a new library? We have put a number in the plan and he does not
know how it was calculates and if we could address that later on. What he would like to see
is to take a “back of the envelope” estimate. He used to do these estimates and came
within 4% of the forecast every time. It is a simple science. What would a new land site
cost be for x acres to build the library of the future. He does not know what the square
footage would be because he does not believe it needs to be as big as some we have
today. Secondly, what would be the estimated offset of land if we elect to build it someplace
else? Then, what is that cost for that new library, what are other areas doing. It is a shared
resource and is the highest growth area in the Hollins district. Do we share costs with close
municipalities on the future library or a library of the future. Botetourt uses Hollins
approximately 13% and probably Roanoke City. He is just leaving these questions out there
because partnerships are more than economic development. They are for building fire
stations and libraries. Basically just throwing questions to think about as we move forward.
Supervisor McNamara stated that he did want to touch base on our debt payment reserve
fund and our policies related to that. So, he would like to talk about the Roanoke County
financial policies and his intent is not to poke a stick in the eye of the policies. He personally
think the policies should not be adopted as they rest and rather follow policies far more
similar to the policies we were following several years ago. He actually touched base with
what Supervisor North said earlier. (Provided outline to the Board and media, a copy of
which is on file in the office of the Clerk.) In talking specifically about the school’s debt
payment reserve fund, it started in the late 90’s. In fiscal 2005-2006, we changed the
formula a little bit and started incrementally adding to that fund so that by fiscal year 2014-
2015, we had a fully funded capital program. We were putting $8.4 million in annually and
that was to be funded forever. The reason it funds $10 million in borrowing on an annual
basis forever when we are putting in $8.4 million is because there were also some economic
development drop off funds, $1.6 and $500,000 on another. At the end of the day, we
continue with that policy and we are going to have $10 million for schools or County every
single year forever, without going into operating dollars. So, when we have 30 plus school
buildings and however many County buildings, you are going to need to do something pretty
much every year. He added that three years ago, we basically stopped contributing to that
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fund. It was fully funded at $10 million, but we stopped the incremental contribution to that
fund. We also then took $1 million out of the fund from the schools perspective and the
County perspective so our $8.4 became $6.4 million, which was out to maintenance
projects. He understands the school had a severe maintenance shortfall. From the County
perspective that may have helped the County, but it is hard to say because we were funding
maintenance in a different fashion because simultaneous to taking that out, we also stopped
using our year-end monies and also the way we budgeted. So we did not have the year-end
monies that were previously allocated to major and minor capital. At the end of the day,
using 6% as a discount factor going forward, if we take $10 million a year and do not do
anything different, we are going to run out of money in fiscal year 2028/2019. When we
have Boards ten years of creating something to allow it to go away after it has already
created. Think of the decisions that Boards had to make when granted our revenues are not
rising greatly, but revenues were falling for several years and they continued to make a
priority to do this capital program and he thinks we should hold very steady to a concept of
$10 million annually. The current suggested financial policy limits us and controls us only to
the extent of other policies, which limit debt to 3% of assesses value or 10% total debt
carrying costs. He personally is not satisfied with that and thinks it is a major policy change
that as a Board we need to get our hands around and either say we are fine with it or we are
not fine with it, but thinks it has been a fabulous program and know we have disagreements
and he is not suggesting that staff is right or wrong. This is a way to do things that in his
opinion is pretty effective. He added that he thinks we also have an issue. Once upon a
time we had a Blue Ribbon Commission that created an objective list of wants (not needs)
and think from the schools perspective have really gone through and addressed that first
commission that is now 20 years old. There is not to his knowledge or has been shared with
him an objective, needs based analysis from the schools going forward. He thinks from a
prudent, financial perspective, we should expect and demand that. He also thinks from a
prudent, financial perspective we should demand that from the County facilities. His
recommendation is that we basically hold our borrowing to $10 million. So, we have no
borrowing for a public service center in this fiscal year, in his opinion. We hold because our
next borrowing is next fiscal year. The public service center might not be perfect, but it has
worked for the last 30 years and thinks it can work for another year. If we are not going to
hold ourselves to that standard, how are we going to expect the schools to hold themselves
to that standard? There is going to be bad decisions and bad spending because of policies
that are being created by governing bodies and he thinks we have very good policies as
they relate to the schools and thinks it makes us more efficient and more effective as a
County government as a whole. His suggestion is to have the schools and County do a
complete facilities assessment and rebenchmark where we are from our debt payment
reserve fund, taking into account the past three or four years, which was the last time he
saw a report and taking into consideration is 6% the right discount factor. Then, we can
have a proper discussion on are we putting enough money into that fund to generate the
draws that we want going forward. If not, what is our multi-year plan to get money back into
that account? We can then determine is $10 million annual borrowing sufficient or should it
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be a different number. He personally thinks that $10 million is probably sufficient, but let’s
look at what the results say. Another thing, when you have those results it will tell us. When
we borrow $10 million, that is not $10 of capital projects, that is the borrowing and the
discipline of the project and we can then have that proper level. In a nutshell, as it relates to
the County/School debt payment reserve fund, leave as it exists, follow it and have complete
facility studies down on the County and Schools sides and thinks the year-end surpluses
from this year apply revenue savings and cost savings and revenue excesses based on
Board discretion and forget about the policies as they relate to major and minor capital for
this year and next year after the study, revisit and decide if we want to follow or not follow
going forward. He has another couple of minor things relative to change in the reserve fund
policy and CSA. If we don’t come up with discussion on that in his opinion of the Board and
the capability of providing is going to be gone over time and we are going to be the ones to
watch it go down.
Supervisor Assaid stated he was going to agree and disagree with Supervisor
McNamara. The schools, unlike the County, had a recent, independent facilities
assessment and are getting ready to do another one on the athletic facilities. He thinks that
the idea of a Blue Ribbon Commission has a lot of bias because of the citizens who are on it
and representing their communities. So, he would recommend in lieu of the Blue Ribbon
Commission that both the County and the Schools obtain an unbiased and independent,
professional evaluation of all the facilities that we have. The evaluations will identify the
needs of the County instead of the wants of the individual politicians or catering to special
interest groups or the vocal minority which we tend to cater to often. He thinks that part of
the assessment, both the County and the schools, if it is unbiased and independent, he
believes there would be recommendations made to combine or close facilities, if need be. It
would certainly reduce operating costs. There may not be any out there that need to be
closed, but you never know. We have heard from libraries as great community centers,
what else can we do with those centers? You could even expand to pick up some of these
other needs that we have for our community. He does not think we should do anymore
borrowing (Cave Spring will be done in November) until we get these studies back; until they
are prioritized and we can make good fiscal decisions (because we don’t have a lot of
money that we are dealing with). If we borrow it, we have to pay it back and is in agreement
with Supervisor McNamara and continue with the $20 million every two years for the schools
and the $10 million in the third year for the County for borrowing.
Supervisor McNamara stated that is our policy now and the question is are we
going to follow it.
Supervisor Assaid stated we need to strictly adhere to it. The schools CIP, he
can attest to follow that model exactly. He agrees with Supervisor McNamara going
forward, leveraging $10 million a year
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Supervisor Hooker stated she agreed with what Supervisor McNamara had
stated and added we do need to adhere to it. Her only question would be with the $10
million and it is still the right number, let’s put a caveat in there for that. Let’s do some
research and look at it again. Additionally, look at the 70-30% and make sure we are still on
track with that. She added she feels if we do an adequate assessment on the facilities we
will know if that is the right number, but we can still take a look at that too.
Supervisor Assaid commented that is what the studies will tell us, as long as
they are objective.
Supervisor McNamara stated he really thinks an objective study will bring (as it
has been talked about looking at things through a political lens and making our life easier)
not make our life easier, but it makes us better stewards because if there is going to be
jockeying going on from the school side to get this or that project, you have to get three
people buying in and so you are going to have more projects than you really needed. Then
it has to come to the Board of Supervisors and you have to jockey to get three people on the
Board of Supervisors and you will throw in something to get that third vote and then what
was a $10 million project has turned into a $14 or $18 million project and just having the
discipline and an objective study also makes it a lot easier to vote for something in Glenvar
because he knows in this year he has something coming for him. We are taking care of all
of our County residents. As long as three people on the Board at any given point in time
follow it and believe that philosophy we will make good decisions for the County. He
believes we will have five people that believe that philosophy now, whether that is the case
two years from now or four years from now, who knows, but at least we have something in
place.
Supervisor Peters stated his question is are we so focused on buildings? Are
we going to spend all this time doing other research and asking for this study? He knows
we need an analysis on buildings at both the schools and the County. At the same time, all
this time will pass by messing around with this study and not do anything and let an
economic uptick pass us by? We are not doing any investment in infrastructure. We are not
doing any partnerships whether it is a Hollins Town Center. We are not doing anything to
increase economic development; that is his concern. We can talk about buildings all day
long, but where is the discussion about the direction from this Board to Tom Gates and the
rest of the County staff as to what we want to see. All of us, including Mr. North, were
involved in Strategic Plan passed in 2016. What have we really done to implement that
plan? Citizens gave us clear direction about how to implement that plan and what they are
looking for. What are we doing other than backing up and talking about all these other
things rather than moving forward. His greatest concern now, pick up any paper you want
and whether you like Congress or not it does not make any difference. The fact is we are in
an economic upturn and are we willing to sit on our hands for the next two to three years
waiting on studies, debating this or that and let that pass us by?
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Meanwhile, we have all sat here and said we want to do something to focus on economic
development; we want to talk about how to retain our young people. We want to do all
these things, but where is the conversation on the flip side; where are we doing those
things; where we are showing that we are trying to make this the best community to retain
our young people? He does not have qualms about what you just said, but that is the piece
of that conversation that concerns him and not putting in the rest of it.
Supervisor Assiad stated that he felt everyone would agree with him on that,
but the one misconception though is there is not a lot of time to spend on these studies.
The 30 school facilities were done in three months. They were totally assessed in three
months and there were a lot of documents that came out of that. The other piece to it, the
infrastructure and however we are going to support economic development also needs to be
a part of our CIP.
Supervisor Peters commented that Supervisor Assaid is exactly right. Tom
and staff do a great job presenting to us these wonderful reports of a ten-year CIP that is
balanced. Again, we need a public service center but at the same time there is nothing in
the infrastructure to support Reimagine 419. We have new buyers for Tanglewood Mall.
Are we doing anything to help that relationship along? What about the Hollins Library, ware
we doing to move that project along. Five years from now we will have missed the upturn.
Additionally everyone talked about expanding the commercial base.
Supervisor Assiad remarked it takes a long time to get to milestones in a
project.
Supervisor Assaid commented that Reimage 419 is a huge project and there
may be smaller areas that can be done quicker. He added we have to have willing private
sector participants. We don’t know what Economic Development is going behind the
scenes. Until they are willing to come to the table and offer something that staff is willing to
bring to the Board.
Supervisor Peters commented that brings us back to the point that the Board
should be hearing what the conversations are.
Supervisor Assaid stated the Board could instruct Administration to provide
periodic updates in closed session. He thinks it would be beneficial to all.
Supervisor Hooker commented the Board wants to be willing partners; how
can we help with this process and more education is probably a good thing.
Supervisor Peters inquired what if something comes up “outside the box.” If
something comes up he wants to know about it. He wants the opportunity to say no.
Supervisor McNamara stated this is a philosophy that we have to give staff
direction. He does not think it is stopping Economic Development. It is just a different
philosophy. It has worked well for us.
Supervisor Peters stated he has a concern we do things waiting on the State,
regional, etc. What businesses would want to be here that compliments Roanoke County?
What about we decide what we want to see and have Economic Development go after
them. Are we getting the best return on investments?
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Supervisor North stated we don’t have any industrial development land sites
and we win when they develop. Everything is not dim and grim. He stated the Economic
Development Department is the most effective in the whole area.
Supervisor Assaid commented on an email that Mr. Gates had distributed to
the Board that he would like the Chairman to discuss with Mr. Gates and said, “We should
consider investing in development strategies that support the creation of community
amenities like small business development, work force development efforts.” He would like
to see a briefing or a work session because he thinks it is important enough to hear more
about it, probably a briefing.
Supervisor Peters commented the other thing we should look at ways to
support RAMP, the Gauntlet; what are we doing to help foster these relationships?
Supervisor North added the dialog is good and feels we are heading in the
right direction. We need to be prudent with the dollars, lend a helping hand to other
departments. He stated he was in agreement with Supervisor McNamara; if it worked in the
past it can work in the future. Inflation this year is going to be more, but we are on a rise, we
are going to be challenged.
Supervisor Hooker stated she had talked to several business leaders, just like
we had the citizen survey, we should be happy that our citizens are happy. We should do
something similar, five questions survey to business leaders, a health check and include
one of the Board members in the process then have a conversation. She believes we will
gain insight; need to tap into the knowledge base and get feedback.
Mr. Gates commented he appreciates the conversation. Assessment makes
sense; we should be assessing on what our future needs to be versus current.
Supervisor Assaid cautioned we would be putting bias into the assessment.
Mr. Gates stated it would be worked out with the scope with Supervisor Assaid
commenting there should be justification to having the independent stating whether a
building should be closed. He added that no one will ever hear him argue against fiscal
constrant and accountability. Policies have been active in doing so. We are in an
exceptionally good financial condition, which is a testament to policy and financial staff. We
must manage resources well and we do. He cautioned about finding a remedy or strategy
that you would insist upon until we flush out more conversation about what our strategy
should be. He also stated Supervisor Peters makes an excellent point. You have to be open
to making that kind of investment. If you have constrained yourself, the result will be
missing opportunity or against the policy.
Mr. Gates added before you take a specific position, let us have a further
conversation about Economic Development and show you in real terms what it would look
like.
It was the consensus of the Board to revisit at the next work session.
January 27, 2018 57
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Hooker adjourned the meeting at 2:18 p.m.
ub itted by: Approved by:
12/ At4 , 6k€A
Deborah C. Jar Martha B. Hooker
Chief Deputy - to the Board Chairman
January 27, 2018
58
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