4/10/2018 - Regular
April 10, 2018
143
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second Tuesday and the first
regularly scheduled meeting of the month of April 2018. 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 an invocation was given by
Campus Pastor John Sharp of Fellowship Community Church. The Pledge of
Allegiance was recited by all present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Hooker called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.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: PROCLAMATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
1. Recognition of Department of Social Services employee, Angie
Wooten, recipient of the 2018 Golden Halo Award (Shannon
Brabham, Assistant Director of Social Services)
Recognition was given.
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2. Proclamation declaring April 8-14, 2018, as National Public Safety
Telecommunicators Week in the County of Roanoke (Bill Hunter,
Director of Communications and Information Technology)
The Clerk read the proclamation.
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution setting the allocation percentage for Personal
Property Tax Relief in Roanoke County for the 2018 tax year
(Laurie Gearheart, Assistant Director of Finance)
Ms. Gearheart outlined the need for the resolution. There was no
discussion.
RESOLUTION 041018-1 SETTING THE ALLOCATION
PERCENTAGE FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF IN
ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE 2018 TAX YEAR
WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 58.1-3524
(C) (2) and Section 58.1-3912 (E) of the Code of Virginia, as amended by Chapter 1 of
the Acts of Assembly and as set forth in item 503.E (Personal Property Tax Relief
Program or “PPTRA”) of Chapter 951 of the 2005 Acts of Assembly and qualifying
vehicle with a taxable situs within the County commencing January 1, 2018, shall
receive personal property tax relief; and,
WHEREAS, this Resolution is adopted pursuant to Ordinance 122005-10
adopted by the Board of Supervisors on December 20, 2005.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA, as follows:
1. That tax relief shall be allocated so as to eliminate personal property taxation
for qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $1,000 or less.
2. That qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $1,001-$20,000 will be eligible
for 55.97% tax relief.
3. That qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $20,001 or more shall only
receive 55.97% tax relief on the first $20,000 of value; and
4. That all other vehicles which do not meet the definition of qualifying (for
example, including but not limited to, business use vehicles, farm use vehicles, motor
homes, etc.) will not be eligible for any form of tax relief under this program.
5. That the percentages applied to the categories of qualifying personal use
vehicles are estimated fully to use all available PPTRA funds allocated to Roanoke
County by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
6. That this Resolution shall be effective from and after the date of its adoption.
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On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Assaid, the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
2. Resolution approving the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission
budget for fiscal year 2018-2019 (Tim Bradshaw, A.A.E., Executive
Director, Roanoke Regional Airport Commission)
Mr. Bradshaw outlined the proposed budget; flat waiting daily on response
from grant. He noted there were several items in capital; shifting focus on land side
improvements and a new rental car facility.
Supervisor McNamara inquired about the debt service being a zero. Mr.
Bradshaw advised the bonds have not been drawn yet. There was no further
discussion
RESOLUTION 041018-2 APPROVING THE ROANOKE
REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION BUDGET FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2018-2019
WHEREAS, Section 24.B of the Regional Airport Commission Act and Section
17.(a) of the contract between the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, and the Roanoke
Regional Airport Commission provides that the Commission shall prepare and submit its
operating budget for the forthcoming year to the Board of Supervisors of the County and
City Council of the City; and
WHEREAS, by report dated March 27, 2018, a copy of which is on file in the
office of the Clerk of the Board, the Executive Director of the Roanoke Regional Airport
Commission has submitted a request that the County approve the fiscal year 2018-2019
budget of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia that the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget and proposed capital
expenditures for the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission as set forth in the March
27, 2018, report of the Commission Executive Director, a copy of which is incorporated
by reference herein, is hereby APPROVED, and the County Administrator and the Clerk
are authorized to execute and attest, respectively, on behalf of the County, any
documentation, in form approved by the County Attorney, necessary to evidence said
approval.
On motion of Supervisor North to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
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146
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
3. Resolution approving the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority
(RVRA) budget for 2018-2019 (Daniel D. Miles, P.E., Chief
Executive Officer, Roanoke Valley Resource Authority)
Mr. Miles outlined the proposed budget; reduction from current fiscal
(1.9%) year, $2.00 per ton tipping fee increase.
Supervisor North stated he had a statement to read before any questions
were asked. In reference to item P.3 and Sunday’s article in the Roanoke Times, he
wants to address any concerns raised by those articles with a suggestion of a conflict of
interest. He is a retired Norfolk Southern employee and receive a pension from the
retirement fund for life. It is a flat pension. Although my pension cannot fluctuate due to
any actions he takes either for or against the railroad’s interest and he receives no
benefit from the RVRA’s contractual relationship with Norfolk Southern and he wishes to
remove all doubt and avoid any appearance of inappropriately by not voting today on
the operating budget, which includes a small percentage paid to Norfolk Southern for
services. Supervisor North then stated he would abstain and would not participate in the
discussion.
Supervisor Hooker stated she has a similar statement with a different
outcome. Since the Roanoke Times raised the issue of her owning stock in an article
on Sunday, she wants to clarify for our citizens and she and her husband hold Norfolk
Southern stock managed in a brokerage account, which she declared on her disclosure
forms. We do not receive dividends of $5,000 a year, which is the amount the State
code sets for a person having a personal interest. The RVRA contracts with Norfolk
Southern, not the County. The Board of Supervisors and herself do not receive any
personal gain from the Authority’s relationship with Norfolk Southern so she is declaring
that she can participate in this transaction fairly, objectively and in the public interest
and will be voting.
Supervisor Hooker stated she had one comment and that is overall the
changes in the tipping fees over the previous 25 years have actually been fairly minimal
and it looks like they started out about $50 and now with the $2 increase will only be at
$51.50. She is looking forward to the County continuing our regional efforts with the
City of Roanoke, City of Salem and Town of Vinton.
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Supervisor McNamara stated in the proposed budget there was a
proposed transfer of $1.3 million for contingency. What is that being used for, one-time
money or ongoing expenses? There is not transfer from the contingency other than
$21,161. Supervisor McNamara referenced page 36. Mr. Miles explained when they
originally started the budget and before they did any modification with tipping fee
increases, we were looking at using $1.3 million in contingency to balance the budget.
At our last Board meeting, in the adoption of the budget, they made modifications to the
budget that eliminated that $1.3 contingency so that was an error that did not get
corrected.
Supervisor McNamara stated he was not aware of the corrections. The
revenue went down and it looks like Salem is down almost 20%. What is the reason for
Salem being down 20%? Mr. Miles explained this is the first full year for Salem in the
system and it was because of the reduction in the grinding of their wood waste. When
the system first started up, Salem would bring all of their wood waste through the
system and the original budget included those tonnages that are now not coming into
the system.
Supervisor McNamara stated at some point he would like to copy of the
balance sheet that reflect debt.
RESOLUTION 041018-3 APPROVING THE ROANOKE VALLEY
RESOURCE AUTHORITY BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019
WHEREAS, Section 5.9 of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Members Use
Agreement provides that the Authority shall prepare and submit its operating budget for
the forthcoming fiscal year to the Board of Supervisors of the County, the City Council of
the City of Roanoke and the Town Council of the Town of Vinton; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Executive Officer of the Roanoke Valley Resource
Authority has submitted the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget of the Roanoke Valley
Resource Authority for approval.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA that the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget for the
Roanoke Valley Resource Authority, is hereby approved, and the County Administrator
and the Clerk are authorized to execute and attest respectively, on behalf of the County,
any documentation, in form by the County Attorney, necessary to evidence said
approval.
On motion of Supervisor North to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Supervisor North
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IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance authorizing the relocation of the polling place for
Precinct 306 – Garst Mill pursuant to § 24.2-306, 307 and 310 of
the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended (Anna Cloeter, Registrar)
There were no changes since the first reading on March 27, 2018.
Chairman Hooker opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens to
speak on this item. There was no discussion.
ORDINANCE 041018-4 AUTHORIZING THE RELOCATION OF
THE POLLING PLACE FOR PRECINCT 306 – GARST MILL
PURSUANT TO SECTION 24.2-306, 24.2-307 AND 24.2-310 OF
THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, AS AMENDED
WHEREAS, Sections 24.2-306, 24.2-307 and 24.2-310 of the Code of Virginia
(1950), as amended, authorize the governing body of each county to establish the
polling place for each precinct in that jurisdiction by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Roanoke County, as well as the election officials, will
be better served by the relocation of the Precinct 306-Garst Mill; and
WHEREAS, the election officials have determined that the proposed polling place
will provide more space for voting equipment, higher security to assure citizen and
equipment safety, additional and more convenient parking and better accessibility for
citizens for all future elections; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on March 27, 2018, and
the second reading of this ordinance and public hearing were held on April 10, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That the relocation of the following polling place be and is hereby
approved as follows:
(1) Garst Mill Precinct 306 polling place in the Cave Spring Magisterial
District be relocated from the Cave Spring Rescue Station at 3206
Valley Forge Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia 24018 to Room 16 of The
Brambleton Center at 3738 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia
24018; and
2. That the General Registrar for the County of Roanoke, Virginia is
hereby authorized to take all measures necessary to comply with
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Virginia law and regulations regarding a change in a polling precinct
and for reasonable notification to the voters of this change in their
respective polling location.
3. That the County Administrator and the General Registrar are hereby
authorized and directed to take such others actions as may be
necessary to accomplish the intent of this ordinance.
4. That this ordinance shall take effect immediately.
On motion of Supervisor Assaid to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, Hooker, McNamara, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING
1. Public hearing for citizen comments on the Proposed Fiscal Year
2018-2019 Operating Budget and the Proposed Fiscal Year 2019-
2028 Capital Improvement Program (Christopher R. Bever,
Director of Management and Budget)
Chairman Hooker opened the public hearing and the following spoke:
Mary Jo Fostie stated she was here on behalf of Roanoke Valley Sister
Cities to request that the Board would once again help us with funding. The mission of
Roanoke Valley Sister Cities is to foster and encourage mutual understanding,
friendship and peace through cultural, medical, economic, educational and professional
exchanges between people of the Roanoke Valley and the citizens of our seven (7)
sister cities on four (4) continents. She has provided the Board with a flyer and would
like to note some of the points that she would bring up. Their programs and exchanges
effect Roanoke County residents. Once of the most recent exchanges that we have
had is Roanoke artists, Max Mitchell, who took a trip to Opole, Poland and participated
in the plein air workshop. Roanoke Valley Sister Cities paid for his ticket and he had a
wonderful experience representing Roanoke Valley Sister Cities at this plein air
workshop as well as Roanoke County. His picture is in the flyer. Other activities that
Roanoke County residents participated vary from the Lunar New Year celebration at the
Taubman to picnics and dinners that we host in Roanoke County Parks and restaurants.
Other exchanges and delegations that we have sent: two delegations this year to Opole
th
to celebrate their 800 anniversary and to establish an exchange with Carilion School of
Medicine. We also just recently had a party that involved the Opole community as well.
She would like to call the attention also to the sheet and what is posted on your website.
Roanoke County entered into a partnership with Opole, Poland on November 30,
29914. Opole and the County became sister cities to create an exchange of culture and
social information for the enrichment of both communities.
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Additionally, it provided both communities to gain a new perspective and insights into
the inter-workings of local government in a different country. We would like to continue
working with Opole, Poland and would really appreciate the Board’s help with financing
these exchanges and she also made a note that they are asking for $1,600 and that
would help pay for another artist to go to Opole, Poland and to sponsor the polka band
or to send a delegation to or receive one from Opole, Poland.
Katie Zawacki stated she is representing Roanoke Valley Points of Diversity and
our mission is to promote inclusion of all citizens of the Roanoke Valley so we can reach
full inclusion of all representation in the Roanoke Valley. She came to the County last
year to speak with Mr. O’Donnell about our mission and that we had been running
dialogue circles throughout the community including many Roanoke County residents to
help people get to know people who are different from them, whom they don’t usually
encounter in their daily lives; believing that dialog is the first step to create better
understanding. We are encouraged by their meetings here and provided our dialogue
circles called study circles for the Human Resources Department over the summer and
they run two hours a week for four weeks discussing individual differences, groups that
we belong to, what stereotyping does with groups, obstacles to full inclusion and
promoting ideas or ways to provide more events that more people can be included in
the activities in Roanoke County. So, she was encouraged by this and submitted a
proposal to fund one of our major programs. We are a program of the Virginia Center
for Inclusive Communities; a non-profit. Our job is to establish their programming here
in the Roanoke Valley. They have chapters in Tidewater Peninsula, Richmond and
Lynchburg, but we have not had the advantage of their program in the Roanoke Valley.
She has been involved with this type of organization since about 2000. They have a
summer program called Connections. Last year, Roanoke County sent a delegation of
5 students to Connections camp and it is held right near us at the 4-H Center at Smith
Mountain Lake. What we asked for in our proposal was the money to sponsor a contest
between the different Schools and the winning high school, either an essay, photo,
demonstration or presentation contest (whatever they choose to do) and our Board
would judge the winner of the contest and would like to have the $2 thousand to send
the whole team to camp. It is a residential camp, Monday through Friday, all meals and
transportation are provided and would like to tell you that it is the premiere teen
leadership program in the country. It is associated with the Federation of Other
Leadership Programs and it focuses on reducing prejudice and teaching kids ways to
gain skills so they can be leaders in their Schools. We would really like to get this
interest going so that the Roanoke Valley and Roanoke County Schools in particular
could take advantage of this program that other parts of the State have.
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Kevin Bohan stated he was in replace of Jo Lynn with the Roanoke Area
Ministries. He is the President of the Board of Directors for Roanoke Area Ministries
and is here this afternoon to respectfully request that Roanoke County reinstate the
funding that has been provided for our Roanoke Area Ministries in the past. Just a little
bit of background in what we do at Roanoke Area Ministries, we provide some
emergency financial assistance to residents within the Roanoke Valley including
Roanoke County in basically four different areas to help with life-saving medications, to
help pay rent or mortgage payments where there is a need, also for utilities and also
any deposits that may be required for getting into an apartment or housing or utilities as
well. The Roanoke Area Ministries is really one of the few that provides this financial
assistance here within the Roanoke Valley. Last year, in 2017, we were actually able to
assist 212 Roanoke County residents with some of the funding needs they required to
the tune of about $15,000 and some change. Prior to 2017 up to 2016, Roanoke
County had been providing some funding for us, which we were able to put into the pot
to help these folks. What we received in those years just previous to 2017 was roughly
$1,500 a year. Basically that is 10% of what we have been able to provide in
assistance to those citizens of Roanoke County. Every year, the Department of Social
Services in Roanoke County refers numerous people to Roanoke Area Ministries to
help with these funding situation and so we are here today to respectfully request that
funding be restored. It is only 10% of what we have done for Roanoke County, but
every little bit helps and certainly appreciate what has been done in the past and would
like to continue the partnership with Roanoke County as we have had.
Angie Chewning stated she is the Executive Director of the Vinton
Chamber of Commerce and is here on behalf of the Chamber. We appreciate the
support Roanoke County has given us over the years; we are forever grateful for it and
we recently received the proposed budget and realized there was reduction in grant
funding for the Chamber. The Vinton Chamber serves as the liaison between the
businesses and the citizens of Vinton. We act as a cheerleader for what is happening in
the Town and the surrounding areas and that is only of the things with the Vinton area.
We don’t just have to be in Vinton. We support all of our area in the valley, so we are
very active in all the things that are happening in Roanoke County and East Roanoke
County and we want to help the mission and the direction we are going. So, we have
helped market, advertise and support all the businesses in Roanoke County, especially
East Roanoke County, but we are in Bonsack, Hollins and everywhere. Our Chamber
membership is not just Vinton businesses; we have a lot from all over the area. It does
not matter how big or small the businesses are. We want to support them, we want to
help them grow, help them publicize what they have going on as well as all the projects
that are going on, William Byrd High School, Roland E. Cook, the upcoming opening
hopefully of Macado’s soon, we get asked almost every day when Macado’s is coming
and we support things like the Gauntlet, where supporters of the Gauntlet were given
Chamber membership for the past four years, so we are a big supporter as well.
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Last year, we moved the Vinton Wine and Food Festival to Explore Park to promote
what is going on down there. We had over 1,500 visitors there and does not include the
vendors that were from all over the State as well as the volunteers that we have. Many
of these people have never been to Explore Park in any shape or form and that was
really neat for them to get to see that in that light. With all the excitement going on
about Explore Park, we are excited to be in close proximity to that and help promote
whatever is happening in that area as well. We pride ourselves for putting on a lot of
festivals, concerts, etc. She provide the Board with a magnet to show all that we have
going on. All of our events, we not only promote in Vinton for folks to come, but outside
of Vinton to see what is happening in Vinton; what we have going on: our shopping, our
living, we want people in Vinton to eat, shop, play in Vinton. So, we reach over about
50,000 people each year with our events including the Fall Festival, the Christmas
parade. We are there to market Vinton, the area around us as well as what we have
happening in Vinton. So, we appreciate what the Board has done for us. We know that
every dollar counts and it certainly does with us as a non-profit. So, you will reconsider
our proposed funding and again thank you for your consideration and for all you have
done for us.
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF TAX RATES
1. Public hearing for citizen comments on the following items:
Calendar Year 2018 Real Estate, Personal Property and Machinery
and Tools Tax Rates (Christopher R. Bever, Director, Management
and Budget)
Chairman Hooker opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers
on this agenda item.
1. Request to adopt the following tax rates:
(a) Order setting the tax rate on Real Estate in the County of
Roanoke for the calendar year 2018
ORDER 041018-5 SETTING THE TAX RATE ON REAL ESTATE
SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR
2018
BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that
the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2018, and ending December
31, 2018, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $1.09 per one hundred dollars of
assessed valuation on all taxable real estate and mobile homes classified by Sections
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153
58.1-3200, 58.1-3201, 58.1-3506.A.8, and 58.1-3506.B of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as
amended, situate in Roanoke County.
On motion of Supervisor McNamara to adopt the order, seconded by Supervisor
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
(b) Order setting the tax levy on Personal Property situate in the
County of Roanoke for the calendar year 2018
ORDER 041018-6 SETTING THE TAX LEVY ON PERSONAL
PROPERTY SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE
CALENDAR YEAR 2018
BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2018, and
ending December 31, 2018, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $3.50 per one
hundred dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable, tangible personal property,
excluding that class of personal property generally designated as machinery and tools
as set forth in Section 58.1-3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and
excluding all those classes of household goods and personal effects as are defined in
Sections 58.1-3504 and 58.1-3505 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, but
including the property separately classified by Sections 58.1-3500, 58.1-3501, 58.1-
3502, 58.1-3506 in the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, of public service
corporations based upon the assessed value thereof fixed by the State Corporation
Commission and duly certified.
2. That there be, and hereby is, established as a separate class of personal
property in Roanoke County those items of personal property set forth in Section 58.1-
3506 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and adopted by Ordinance No.
121592-11, and generally designated as Motor Vehicles for Disabled Veterans.
3. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2018, and
ending December 31, 2018, be, and hereby is, set at fifty (50%) percent of the tax rate
established in paragraph 1 for the taxable, tangible personal property as herein
established as a separate classification for tax purposes and as more fully defined by
Section 58.1-3506 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally designated
as Motor Vehicles for Disabled Veterans.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the order, seconded by Supervisor
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
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154
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
(c) Order setting the tax levy on a classification of personal
property - Machinery and Tools - situate in Roanoke County
for the calendar year 2018 (Christopher R. Bever, Director of
Management and Budget)
Supervisor Peters stated the Board has been acting to reduce over the
last few years by $0.05. Supervisor McNamara stated he wanted to do something with
BPOL. There was no further discussion.
ORDER 041018-7 SETTING THE TAX LEVY ON A
CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY - MACHINERY
AND TOOLS - SITUATE IN ROANOKE COUNTY FOR THE
CALENDAR YEAR 2018
BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
1. That there be, and hereby is, established as a separate class of personal
property in Roanoke County those items of personal property set forth in Section 58.1-
3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally designated as machinery
and tools.
2. That the levy for the twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2018, and
ending December 31, 2018, be, and hereby is, set for a tax rate of $2.85 per one
hundred dollars of assessed valuation on all taxable, tangible personal property as
herein established as a separate classification for tax purposes and as more fully
defined by Section 58.1-3507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and generally
designated as machinery and tools.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the order, seconded by Supervisor
North and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 041018-8 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM J- CONSENT AGENDA
April 10, 2018
155
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 April 10,
2018, designated as Item J - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 3 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes – February 13, 2018
2. Confirmation of appointment to the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission
3. Observance and Proclamation of Friday, April 27, 2018 as National Arbor Day
in Roanoke County
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
North, the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
A-041018-8.a
A-041018-8.b
IN RE: CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Bonnie Law from Boones Mill, VA stated she is here once again to talk
about EQT, the parent company of Mountain Valley Pipeline relating some additional
financial and legal concerns involving this company. She is not a stockbroker so she is
not here to give anyone market advise about EQT stock, but it was well over $100 a
share in October of 2014 when the Mountain Valley Pipeline project was first
announced. This stock has been on a continual downhill slide for the last 3 ½ years. It
closed yesterday at a little over $46. It is simply off a cliff and the following information
could be some of the contributing factors as to why. EQT is one of two gas companies
who has been embroiled in litigation in 7 counties in SW Virginia, who claim through
nonpayment or underpayment of taxes owed to them. These counties are Dickinson
County, Wise County, Buchanan County, Tazewell County, Lee County, Scott County
and Russell County. Not one, not two, but 7 different counties in SW Virginia. This has
been going on for close to a 5-10 year period in some of these counties. EQT is also
being sued by 3 different Federal class-action cases for non-payment to landowners in
far SW Virginia regarding royalty check payments on fracked gas wells in that region.
These cases are currently pending in the US Federal Court in Abington, Virginia and
there are thousands and thousands of landowners in these cases initially. She hates to
say this, but thinks Wall Street has already done the homework for you. They already
know that MVP is a bad bet. They are a bad business model; poorly managed, off
target, have highly questionable end-user contracts, bleeding cash, poorly structured
with layer upon layer of subcontractors who simply dodge responsibility and financial
April 10, 2018
156
accountability to land owners in this area. She currently holds a Business
Administration degree from the University of Richmond; and has two financial industry
licenses at this point and multiple insurance licenses. So, this information is maybe a
little bit more passionate to her than others in the audience, so she appreciates the time
to comment today. It is simply her opinion that you are dealing with tax-dodging, royalty
cheating, criminal trespassing, and repeated convicted environmental polluters. You
have a responsibility to make business decisions for this County and that is on you.
MVP proposed tax money may sound good upfront, but she feels there is a bad risk and
a bad environment. Beware of this systemic, legal problems being the epitome of this
company’s corporate culture. Buyer beware any mitigation or treatment plans that they
may propose to you.
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Peters moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion was seconded by Supervisor McNamara and carried by the following recorded
vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves Report
2. Outstanding Debt Report
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor McNamara stated we heard some folks talking about outside
agency funding. A couple, Sister Cities, Points of Diversity, he did not notice them being
on the list. Did they go through the proper procedures? (Mr. Peters stated they were on
the list and Supervisor McNamara stated he missed them). He wished the Vinton people
were still here, because he knows they went down by $200, but Salem Roanoke County
went down $750, but we also went into the Advancement Foundation to try to offset
some of those business development type of opportunities. The other comment he has
to Ms. Law, you say we need to make good business decisions relative to MVP, we are
charged with making good business decisions in the County. He is somewhat
perplexed. What business decisions have we made relative to MVP or will we be making
in the future; that is not something that we are controlling nor do we make any decisions.
We make decisions on Court rulings and to enforce laws. So, to some degree we can
appreciate your analysis and thank you for your time with that, but that is not something
in our bailiwick in things that we do or have control over. Thank you very much for
sharing with us.
April 10, 2018
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Supervisor Peters stated he would touch on outside agencies as well. He
continues to have heartburn with the fact that we do cut agencies that are our
cheerleaders. Mr. McNamara alluded to the Roanoke Salem Chamber, the Vinton
Chamber, the Williamson Road Association and what they do in our community as we
continue to talk about economic development, but those are the drivers within the
communities where businesses are setting up and helping get the word out. He for one
does not agree with decrease the funding to those and thinks the Board should
reevaluate them. It was nice to recognize some of our employees today; who do a
spectacular job and to all our employees in Roanoke, thank you for what you do.
Supervisor North stated just to echo, the Williamson Road Area Business
Association, Wendy Jones called him and spoke to him, he thought she was going to be
here today, was concerned about the reduced funding because there are five
restaurants along with Hollins area that participate in Restaurant Week and the
Williamson Road Area Business Association advertising and uses some of the funding
that we give them to advertise Restaurant Week, which helps these businesses attract
customers and generates economic impact. So, it was a reduced amount from last year,
$150 and last year was $1,000. On their behalf, he would like to make mention as the
gentleman from Vinton, reconsider and reinstate that amount of money. On some good
news on events in the community, on March 22, 2018, he attended the Transportation
Planning Organization’s new committee member’s orientation. On March 29, 2018, he
attended the Fire and Emergency Medical Services graduation for the class of 2022 and
the new 13 firefighters for Roanoke County. Best wishes as they begin their new
assignments. On March 29, 2018, he toured the Greenways of the Hollins area with
County staff and lastly on April 4, 2018, attended the awards ceremony for Roanoke
County police.
Supervisor Hooker stated she would end with some commentary from
Economic Development. There is another seminar, the 2018 Spring Career and Lifestyle
Fair, Tuesday, May 1, 2018, from 9:00 until 1:30 p.m. It is at the Berglund Special
Events Center and it is free. Those who should attend would be recent college
graduates, job seeks, those interested in local lifestyle opportunities and individuals
seeking job opportunities. There are over 75 organizations who will be represented
offering opportunities for individuals who live, work and play in the Roanoke region.
st
Please keep that in mind for Tuesday, May 1 from 9:00 until 1:30 p.m.
IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
At 3:59 p.m. p.m., Supervisor Hooker moved to go into closed meeting
following the work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 A A.1,
Personnel matter, namely performance evaluations of the County Administrator and
County Attorney. The motion was seconded by Supervisor McNamara and carried by
the following recorded vote:
April 10, 2018
158
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
The closed session was held from 5:57 p.m. until 9:20 p.m.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to review with the Board of Supervisors the
Proposed Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Operating Budget (Thomas C.
Gates, County Administrator; Rebecca E. Owens, Director of
Finance; Christopher R. Bever, Director of Management and
Budget)
Mr. Gates gave a brief introduction and turned the meeting over to Ms.
Owens and Mr. Bever.
Supervisor McNamara commented we get beat up on debt all the time.
Why don’t we have two lines: one would be debt repayment; which no one can be
upset about and the other can be debt interest rather than lumping it together of that
$0.09, probably $0.06 is debt repayment and $0.03 is interest. People will look at it
and say, “You can drop $0.09 if you get rid of all the debt.” No, not really, it would drop
$0.03. Mr. Bever responded staff could certainly do that with Mr. McNamara
responding that it would be wonderful for next year.
Supervisor McNamara inquired with regard to Solid Waste, does it
include the money that goes to the landfill. So, for $4.8 million out of $190 million, we
take everybody’s trash away, including all of their other stuff. Mr. Bever responded in
the affirmative and stated they should be congratulated.
Supervisor North inquired about the Board of Supervisors reduction with
Mr. Bever advising the Chief Deputy Clerk and the County Attorney sharing a position.
Supervisor North inquired about the Registrar with Mr. Bever advising a
number of the supplies that the Board of Elections used to pay for no longer provide
and also a true-up of part-time costs associated with having an election. Supervisor
North then asked if they were required to pay at non County-owned facilities or was it
gratis. Mr. Bever advised he did not know for sure, but would find out and advise.
Supervisor McNamara inquired about disabled veterans and if it goes to
zero or is it capped on the principle property they are living in. He knows that for the
elderly it is capped. Ms. Nancy Horn, Commissioner of the Revenue advised it is at
100%. They pay no real estate taxes.
Supervisor North advised with regard to the Children’s Service Act, he
knows we cannot do anything about it now, but thinks it is time we sit down with our
legislators that represent this area in Richmond and bring them up-to-date on how this
impacts Roanoke County. It is getting out of control; we cannot keep on funding this
April 10, 2018
159
without sooner or later having a tax increase or cutting other services. He would like a
placeholder this fall when they are getting ready to go back to Richmond and sit down
and give them a presentation, work session, etc. Ms. Kuhnel, County Attorney
responded staff had done that in 2018 and all the legislators are very aware of this very
complex issue and one of our legislative liaisons, Sue Rowland, will speak to the Board
in May. They are very aware of this issue. Mr. Bever added that staff is very aware of
this issue and has been working with the Schools for creative solutions.
Supervisor Assaid asked what is the total of all of the proposed fees with
Mr. Bever responding $86,750.
Mr. Bever then asked the Board for any more budget adjustments. There
were none.
Supervisor Hooker inquired about the increase tipping fees and
difference numbers. Mr. Bever responded they are basically an estimate and monitor
throughout the year.
Supervisor McNamara stated we have talked about business license and
thinks it is a good budget and the vast majority is well thought out and well presented.
There is a feeling on this Board, please correct him if he is wrong, we would like to do
something with the BPOL tax; specifically look at raising the $50 flat fee up to
$125,000, which takes $61,000 out of our budget and would appreciate staff to come
up with an offset. Mr. Bever advised that comes out of the revenue sharing formula; an
estimate of $24,000 or $25,000 would be associated with the reduction in the Schools
transfer, which means on the County side we would need $36,000 or $37,000.
Supervisor McNamara suggested that since we have already agreed with the Schools
budget, we absorb this year and we will get back next year.
Supervisor Assaid commented if we make an adjustment for that request,
it should go through revenue sharing plan.
Supervisor McNamara stated that is fine, he thought we were not able to
change at this point.
Mr. Bever reiterated that it is the consensus of the Board to raise the
threshold of gross receipts from $100,000 to $125,000, which will reduce your BPOL
taxes by $61,000 and that will be factored into the revenue sharing formula. He
advised he will work with the County Attorney’s office for two readings and a public
hearing to raise that and they will build the budget based on that. There were no
objections. Supervisor McNamara commented some of the fastest growing counties
had the threshold at $200,000. He thinks it helps when deciding to locate a business
and sends the right message.
Supervisor Hooker advised she had received an email from the Schools
regarding questions about how the revenue sharing was formulated and had a
suggestion to look at that again.
Ms. Owens advised that the revenue sharing formula, the transfer
amount, would increase their funding $570,208. As part of that, it does include the
April 10, 2018
160
money that we share in the CSA costs. One of the portions of the amount we included
was $525,000, which was money that we had from year-end from last year that we
actually put to CSA reserves and included it in the formula because the Schools had
always shared in the CSA costs. We have a request from the School Board basically
asking to pull that amount of the formula and to allow the Schools basically contribute
their portion of that from their capital reserves. They would like to share in that, but not
run through the formula so that it does not adjust the base. If the Board approves that
they do that, then the net impact to the County would be additional expense and need
to see what we could cut additionally.
Supervisor Peters asked why capital money. Supervisor McNamara
stated it was one-time money that we took from capital. Mr. Bever advised the
financial policies will allow them to do that, so they have requested to do that in
advance. Supervisor McNamara stated the County put $525,000 so they are going to
give us $262,000 back. So, they want and actually from the County, staff says it
impacts us $220,000, which is one-time money. When we took the $525,000 out it
was recurring money, we would have put that back next year. Mr. Bever stated is it a
one-time adjustment because it was one-time funding. Supervisor McNamara stated it
is a timing issue, but if you give rid of the timing issue in actuality the Schools are
paying more because we are only transferring 42%. He stated he is not sure he is
following. Mr. Bever advised the way we do CSA, staff working with staff, when we
needed to increase the budget last year, we put in $660,000. So each side would do
half and it is in the revenue sharing formula, which is ongoing money. The question is,
of the $525,000, one-time fund balance and we have essentially contributed an extra
$525,000 than the Schools has and we are supposed to share costs according to the
formula. So, we put the $525,000 into the formula because that is revenue that is one-
time money. Really, you have $660,000 plus $750,000 that we added this year, which
is $1.4 million in recurring revenue that is going to stay in that formula until we can
solve the problem. With regard to the cost of not putting the $525,000 is $221,000.
Supervisor McNamara stated let’s stop talking about the $375,000, and the $750,000
and the $660,000 because that is confusing the whole issue. Let’s talk just about the
$575,000. We had money left over back in July and we said we are going to take our
leftover money and shore up this fund and by the way Schools, we have always shared
this 50/50 so we are going to need to get this money back from you. The Schools are
saying you used your year-end money to shore up this fund, which was against policy
at the time and you are going to change the policy so that we can do this in the future,
can we just write you a check from our leftover money from last year for $262,000. So,
if it is good enough for us, why is it not good enough for them? Ms. Owens stated she
had the conversation with Ms. Hodge about what the Schools would like to do.
Supervisor McNamara stated he was not sure it created a $220,000 budget whole if
they are going to write us a check for $262,000. Mr. Bever responded the $262,000
will go into the CSA fund. Supervisor McNamara stated why we cannot put $575,000,
while cannot we take the Schools $262,000 into CSA and take our $262,000 into the
April 10, 2018
161
budget. Mr. Bever responded because you are already projecting to be $400,000
short. Supervisor McNamara stated that is a different project. Let’s simplify the
discussion. The simplified discussion is we put this money into the account with our
year-end funds. They say, can you reimburse us for our half with our year-end money
rather than running it through the formula. Mr. Bever stated staff understands what
they want to do. Why does it create a $220,000 budget whole; it should create a
surplus of $30,000? Mr. Bever replied you would take $262,500 out of CSA and move
it over to the operating budget. Since the money is already over there in the fund, we
could just reduce the transfer, just as long as we are all aware that there is CSA issues
that we have to deal with. Supervisor McNamara added those issue are there whether
we do this or not; they are not related.
Supervisor Assaid then asked Mr. Bever to explain what Supervisor
McNamara is saying. Mr. Bever stated there are going to be issues in CSA no matter
what, so this is just a matter of how big the issue is going to be. What happens to the
other $262,500 that we put in there already, which is one-time money? Mr. Bever
stated he believes what Supervisor McNamara is proposing and how staff would
execute is instead of transferring $750,000 to the CSA fund this year, we would
transfer $750,000 minus $262,500. Supervisor Assaid stated if that is what he is
saying, the MOU between the County Board and the School Board is new revenue, not
old revenue, so none of that goes through the funding formula so he would disagree.
Supervisor McNamara reiterated what was said previously. Supervisor Assaid stated
we are taking one-time money and putting it into an operating budget and thinks that
does not make sense and we need to make an adjustment. Supervisor McNamara
stated that was another topic entirely. Why would we have one-time money go into
that budget?
Mr. Gates advised CSA is complicated in itself. Let’s let staff work
through the mechanics and bring back to the Board at the next work session and we
will address questions and concerns at that time. Supervisor McNamara stated he felt
there would be other one-time funds, including debt service. Mr. Bever reiterated that
the Board wanted staff to essentially take that $525,000 out of the formula calculation
and that will take the Schools revenue sharing number from $572 and we will add
$221,336 to that and they will transfer $262,000. Supervisor McNamara stated if the
money gets added back next year, staff needs to get this hashed out. He does not
understand why the Schools are so interested in it. Supervisor Assaid stated one-time
is operating money. Supervisor McNamara stated but if it is added back next year, it
becomes operating money. As long as it gets added back and someone does not
forget. It is purely a timing issue. Ms. Owens stated she thinks the concern is to be
reset each year and since Ms. Hodge is retiring and people forget. Supervisor Assaid
stated his concern is that we follow the MOU and the terms of the MOU because it is
between two Boards, not staff. Anytime that staff is making changes without the
approval of both Boards, is not policy. Mr. Bever stated now it will be part of the policy
and we could address that upfront. Supervisor Assaid asked Ms. Kuhnel are policies
April 10, 2018
162
stronger than the MOU and the MOU goes away once the policy has been approved
by the Board. Ms. Kuhnel advised most of the policies are adopted by resolution and it
is the passage by resolution that gives it the legitimacy from an action of the Board.
You can always have policies that are not enacted by resolution, but it is not an official
act of the Board. Supervisor Assaid stated these policies will be and the MOU will be
superseded by the financial policies. Ms. Kuhnel stated you could certainly add the
language in there that these policies replace any former action on the same subject.
Supervisor North asked what do they want to do with this money; is there
a specific need. Ms. Owens stated that in the meetings that she has attended, School
Board has approved a budget and based it on estimations because they do not have a
final State budget. So, when they actually presented to the School Board, they had a
list of three or four items that if they get any more money from the State then these
would be their priorities. CSA funds, supplemental funding are that she knows of.
They are scheduled to present their budget to the Board of Supervisors on May 8,
2018.
Supervisor Assaid inquired as to what percentage this Board is over as to
what is required by law. He thinks we are at 204%. Ms. Owens responded that she
did not bring that information with her, however, she had seen a PowerPoint slide that
stated it was in excess of 200%. Supervisor Assaid commented that it is significant
how well the Schools are funded by this Board. On one of the budget memos, Mr.
Bever showed resource officers for $600,000 that are not included and is something
else this Board provides, as well as the borrowing.
Supervisor North pointed out these are added values. Ms. Owens
advised in the Finance area, accounts payable, payroll, etc. are also provided.
Supervisor Peters requested re-evaluation of the three agencies he
mentioned in the Board room (chamber contributions.) He would like to go back to the
staff recommendations for the Roanoke-Salem Chamber, Vinton Chamber and the
Williamson Road Area Business Association. He thinks it is less than $1,500. They all
add value to our areas.
Supervisor North stated he was in agreement and would like to see the
Williamson Area Business Association go back to what it was last year; only $150
more.
Supervisor McNamara stated it is small enough that he is not going to get
excited about it, but feels we are opening ourselves up. We have three this year and
as soon as we make this change, next year we are going to have 10 and after that 20.
It was the consensus of the Board to go back to the staff
recommendation on the Vinton Chamber and the Williamson Road Area Business
Association. The Roanoke-Salem Chamber was not effected for a total of $850.
The final item was the review of Financial Policies; it was the consensus
of the Board to move forward with the changes presented.
The work session was held from 4:15 p.m. until 5:39 p.m.
April 10, 2018 163
IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
At 9:20 p.m., Supervisor Hooker moved to return to open session and
adopt the certification resolution.
RESOLUTION 041018-9 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING
WAS HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened
a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in
accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by
the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such closed meeting was
conducted in conformity with Virginia law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's
knowledge:
1. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting
requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting which this
certification resolution applies; and
2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening
the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
McNamara, the motion was approved by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Assaid, North, McNamara, Peters, Hooker
NAYS: None
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Hooker adjourned the meeting at 9:21 p.m.
. emitted by: Approved by:
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April 10, 2018
164
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