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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/4/2017 - Regular1 Vinton Town Council Regular Meeting Council Chambers 311 South Pollard Street Tuesday, April 4, 2017 AGENDA Consideration of: A. 7:00 p.m. - ROLL CALL AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM B. MOMENT OF SILENCE C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U. S. FLAG D. UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS E. REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF AGENDA ITEMS F. CONSENT AGENDA G. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS 1. Annual update from the Roanoke Regional Partnership – Beth Doughty 2. Proclamations: a. Arbor Day b. Local Government Education Week c. National Service Day of Recognition d. National Child Abuse Prevention Month e. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week H. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND PETITIONS - This section is reserved for comments and questions for issues not listed on the agenda. Matthew S. Hare, Vice Mayor Keith N. Liles, Council Member Sabrina McCarty, Council Member Janet Scheid, Council Member 311 South Pollard Street Vinton, VA 24179 (540) 983-0607 2 I. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Consideration of public comments regarding setting of the real estate, personal property and machinery and tools tax rates for calendar year 2017. a. Open Public Hearing • Report from Staff – Anne Cantrell • Receive public comments • Council discussion and questions b. Close Public Hearing c. Consider adoption of an Ordinance setting the real estate tax rate for calendar year 2017 d. Consider adoption of an Ordinance setting the personal property tax rate for calendar year 2017 J. TOWN ATTORNEY K. ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION 1. Consider adoption of a Resolution setting the allocation percentage for Personal Property Tax Relief in the Town of Vinton for the 2017 tax year - Anne Cantrell 2. Consider adoption of a Resolution authorizing the Town of Vinton to participate in the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s National Hidden Heroes Campaign – Barry Thompson L. BRIEFING 1. Overview of Town Manager’s Recommended Budget – Barry Thompson and Anne Cantrell M. TOWN MANAGER N. MAYOR 1. Consider nominations for the 2017 VML Policy Committees O. COUNCIL P. ADJOURNMENT NEXT TOWN COUNCIL/COMMITTEE MEETINGS: April 4, 2017 – 5:30 p.m. – GFWC Woman’s Club of Vinton/Police Department placement of pinwheel garden – Municipal Building April 10, 2017 – 3:00 p.m. – Finance/Budget Team Committee Meeting – Administrative Conference Room April 18, 2017 – 7:00 p.m. – Council Meeting – Council Chambers NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMPLY WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. will be made to provide assistance or special arrangements to qualified individuals with disabilities in order to participate in or attend Town Council meetings. Please call (540) 983-0607 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date so that proper arrangements may be made. Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Administration Issue Annual update from the Roanoke Regional Partnership Summary Beth Doughty, Executive Director, will be at the meeting to give the annual update on behalf of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. Attachments None Recommendations No action required Town Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Planning and Zoning Department Issue Proclamation – Arbor Day Summary The Town of Vinton has been designated as a Tree City USA for the past 15 years. In order to retain the Tree City USA designation, the Town is required to hold an Arbor Day Celebration, along with tree plantings and tree education outreach each year. Staff has been responsible for securing Virginia Department of Forestry grant funding each year, including this year (16 years), by submitting a grant request to Valley Beautiful Foundation, Inc., Clean Valley Council, and most recently Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) with the Town providing the required matching funds. These funds have enabled the Town to plant trees on public properties, including the elementary schools in Vinton, Wolf Creek Greenway, M.A. Banks Park, and on the grounds of Vinton Public Works, Vinton War Memorial, Vinton Municipal Building, and the Craig Avenue Recreation Center. For this year’s 2017 Arbor Day Celebration, the event will be celebrated in conjunction with Children Program at the Vinton Downtown Branch Library at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude with the tree planting at the Vinton History Museum. The event will be held on Thursday, April 13th beginning at 10:00 a.m. Five white Dogwood trees will be planted on history museum grounds. Attachments 1. Invitation to the Town of Vinton’s Arbor Day Celebration Event. 2. Town of Vinton’s 2017 Arbor Day Proclamation Recommendations Present Proclamation Town Council Agenda Summary You are Cordially Invited to Attend the Town of Vinton's Arbor Day Celebration on Thursday, April 13, 2017. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. at the Vinton Downtown Branch Library 300 S. Pollard St., and will conclude at 10:45 a.m. at the Vinton History Museum, 210 E. Jackson Avenue, Vinton. For more information, call (540) 983-0605. PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and WHEREAS, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska; and WHEREAS, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and WHEREAS, trees are a renewable source giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products; and WHEREAS, trees in our town increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community; and WHEREAS, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bradley E. Grose, Mayor of the Town of Vinton, and on behalf of Town Council and all our citizens, do hereby proclaim April 13, 2017 as ARBOR DAY in the Town of Vinton, and urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the hearts and promote the well-being of this and future generations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Vinton, Virginia to be affixed on this 4th of April, 2017. _____________________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Administration Issue Proclamation – Local Government Education Week Summary The 2012 General Assembly adopted House Joint Resolution #93 proclaiming the first week of April as Local Government Education week in honor of the founding of the Council-Manager form of government in Staunton, Virginia, in 1908. The Civic Engagement Committee of the VLGMA has developed tools for students regarding good community building work and the services provided at the local level to increase awareness of career opportunities in local government and to help strengthen knowledge of local government management/public service as a vital part of our democracy. As part of this effort, each locality’s governing body has been asked to adopt a proclamation honoring this week. Staff is working with the principal of William Byrd High School and the government classes this year to offer the students an opportunity to attend our Council meeting and learn about local government for extra credit. Next year, staff plans to work with the school to provide a shadowing program for Council and Staff as part of local government education week. Attachments Proclamation Recommendations Present Proclamation Town Council Agenda Summary PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, since the colonial period, the Commonwealth of Virginia has closely held the institutions of local government; and WHEREAS, local governments throughout the Commonwealth provide valuable services to the citizens of the communities they serve; and WHEREAS, citizen services such as, law enforcement, public health and safety, recreational opportunities, and educating local children, are most often delivered at the local level; and WHEREAS, in recognition of the work performed by local governments, the Virginia General Assembly, on February 29, 2012, designated the first week in April as Local Government Education Week in Virginia; and WHEREAS, April 2, 1908 was the creation of the Council-Manager form of government in the City of Staunton thereby making the first week in April appropriate for this designation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bradley E. Grose, Mayor of the Town of Vinton, and on behalf of Town Council and all our citizens, do hereby proclaim April 1, 2017 to April 7, 2017, as LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION WEEK and that the Town will partner with the local schools to promote civic education and engagement in an effort to educate citizens about their local government, strengthen the sense of community, and engage the next generation of local government managers. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Vinton, Virginia to be affixed on this 4th day of April, 2017. ____________________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Administration Issue Proclamation – National Service Recognition Day Summary The nation’s mayors and county officials are increasingly turning to national service as a cost- effective strategy to address local challenges. By unleashing the power of citizens, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have a positive and lasting impact – making our cities and counties better places to live. To spotlight the impact of national service and thank those who serve, mayors and country officials will participate in the fifth-annual Mayor and County Recognition Day for National Service on April 4, 2017. Attachments Proclamation Recommendations Present Proclamation Town Council Agenda Summary PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, because service to others is a hallmark of the American character, and central to how we meet our challenges, the nation’s mayors are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to meet community needs; and WHEREAS, national service participants address the most pressing challenges facing our communities, from mentoring youth, teaching ESL to immigrant learners, providing financial education to low-income populations, raising funds for economic development projects, and securing volunteers for health and human service nonprofits; and WHEREAS, national service expands economic opportunity by creating more sustainable, resilient communities and providing education, career skills, and leadership abilities for those who serve; and WHEREAS, AmeriCorps VISTA and State Members currently serve at 11 nonprofits in the Roanoke Valley that are vital to our economic and social well-being which helps to increase the impact of the organizations they serve with, both through their direct service and by recruiting and managing millions of additional volunteers; and WHEREAS, national service represents a unique public-private partnership that invests in community solutions and leverages non-federal resources to strengthen community impact and increase the return on taxpayer dollars whose participants demonstrate commitment, dedication, and patriotism by making an intensive commitment to service, a commitment that remains with them in their future endeavors; and WHEREAS, the Corporation for National and Community Service shares a priority with mayors nationwide to engage citizens, improve lives, and strengthen communities; and is joining with the National League of Cities, City of Service, and mayors across the country to recognize the impact of service on the Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service on April 4, 2017. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bradley E. Grose, Mayor of the Town of Vinton and on behalf of Town Council and all our citizens do hereby proclaim April 4, 2017, as NATIONAL SERvICE RECOgNITION D Ay, and encourage residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our town, to thank those who serve; and to find ways to give back to their communities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Vinton, Virginia to be affixed on this 4th day of April, 2017. ____________________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Administration Issue Proclamation – National Child Abuse Prevention Month Summary The GFWC Woman’s Club of Vinton in conjunction with the Police Department will again be planting pinwheels in the flower garden in front of the Municipal Building to promote the month of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This will take place on Tuesday, April 4th, at 5:00 p.m., just prior to the Council Meeting. A member of the Woman’s Club will be present at the meeting to make brief comments and receive the Proclamation. Attachments Proclamation Recommendations Present Proclamation Town Council Agenda Summary PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the health and safety of all citizens is important to the prosperity and well-being of our families and communities; and WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resource and will shape the future of the Vinton community; and WHEREAS, child abuse is considered to be one of our nation’s most serious public health problems, and the majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable in an engaged and supportive community; and WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and how we can we prevent it, because prevention remains the best defense for our children; and WHEREAS, displaying pinwheels during the month of April will serve as a positive reminder that together we can prevent child abuse and neglect and keep our children safe; and WHEREAS, the partnership between the General Federation of Women’s Clubs – Vinton Women’s Club and the Vinton Police Department have worked together to raise awareness and promote the prevention of child abuse in our community. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bradley E. Grose, Mayor of the Town of Vinton, and on behalf of Town Council and all our citizens, do hereby recognize the month of April 2017 as NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in the Town of Vinton and call upon all citizens of the Town of Vinton and surrounding areas to work together to prevent child abuse. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Vinton, Virginia to be affixed on this 4th day of April, 2017. __________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Administration Issue Proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Summary The week of April 9 through April 15 has been declared "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America. The Town of Vinton would like to recognize the Communications Officers of the Roanoke County Emergency Communications Center, who serve the Town of Vinton and Roanoke County faithfully and professionally with a proclamation for their service. Attachments Proclamation Recommendations Present Proclamation Town Council Agenda Summary PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the week of April 9 through 15, 2017, has been declared "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America; and WHEREAS, the President of the United States issued a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and WHEREAS, problems of crime, fire and other disasters touch and affect all segments of our society, and if unabated, can undermine and erode both moral and economic strengths of our community; and WHEREAS, men and women are engaged in the operation of emergency response systems for the Town of Vinton; and WHEREAS, these professionals are responsible for responding to stressful telephone calls from the general public for police, fire, and emergency medical assistance, and for calmly and professionally dispatching appropriate assistance to help save the lives and property of our citizens; and WHEREAS, our Communications Officers daily serve the public in countless ways without recognition by the beneficiaries of their services. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bradley E. Grose, Mayor of the Town of Vinton, and on behalf of Town Council and all our citizens, do hereby proclaim April 9-15, 2017 as NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK in the Town of Vinton, and call upon the citizens of the Town of Vinton to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Vinton, Virginia to be affixed on this 4th of April, 2017. Bradley E. Grose, Mayor 1 Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Finance Issue Consideration of public comments regarding setting of the real estate, personal property and machinery and tools tax rates for calendar year 2017. Summary Section 58.1-3321 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, requires that certain notices be published and a public hearing be held when the annual real estate assessment less new construction results in an increase of 1% or more. The Town of Vinton’s real estate assessment less new construction has increased by approximately .93% for the calendar year 2017. A summary of the preliminary assessed values and corresponding tax levies are shown below: Assessed Values: Year 2017 $ 467,013,600 Year 2016 - 461,728,300 Total Increase $ 5,285,300 Year 2017 $ 467,013,600 Less New Construction - 979,800 Net Assessed Value 466,033,800 Year 2016 - 461,728,300 Net Increase $ 4,305,500 Tax Levy: Year 2017 $ 326,910 Year 2016 323,210 Increase $ 3,700 Assessment Increase (Less New Construction) - .0093 or .93% Town Council Agenda Summary 2 Even though the Town’s Assessment less new construction only increased by .93%, an advertisement was placed in the Vinton Messenger for a public hearing at the April 4, 2017 Council Meeting in order to set the tax rates. The current rate is $.07 per $100.00 of assessed value. No change is being recommended for calendar year 2017. The current personal property tax rate is $1.00 per $100.00 of the assessed evaluation of all personal property excepting there from household furnishings, and 50% or $.50 per $100.00 of the assessed valuation of one motor vehicle owned and regularly used by a disabled veteran, subject to certain qualifications. No change is being recommended for calendar year 2017. Attachments Ordinance setting the real estate tax rates Ordinance setting the personal property tax rates Recommendations Conduct Public Hearing Motion to adopt Ordinance setting real estate tax rate Motion to adopt Ordinance setting personal property tax rate ORDINANCE NO. AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL, HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017, AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA AN ORDINANCE to provide for the annual levy on real estate in the Town of Vinton, Virginia. WHEREAS, it is desirable of the Town of Vinton to collect real estate taxes semi-annually by June 5th and December 5th; and WHEREAS, the annual levy is necessary to provide for the daily operation of various municipal departments of the Town of Vinton, and thus avoid creating an emergency. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Vinton that the tax levy for the calendar year 2017 on all real property and improvements shall be as follows: "All Real Estate shall be assessed at 100% of fair market value, local levy of SEVEN CENTS ($.07) per ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00) of the assessed value for the calendar year 2016." BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that a copy of this Ordinance be immediately forwarded by the Town Clerk to the Commissioner of Revenue for Roanoke County/Town of Vinton, and to the Finance Director/Town Treasurer of the Town of Vinton. This Ordinance adopted on motion made by Council Member ________________, seconded by Council Member ____________________, with the following votes recorded: AYES: NAYS: APPROVED: ______________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk ORDINANCE NO. AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL, HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017, AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA AN ORDINANCE to provide for the annual levy on all personal property in the Town of Vinton, Virginia, and to provide for the annual levy on the classification of vehicles owned by disabled veterans, pursuant to § 58.1-3506 of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended, and by the adoption of Ordinance No. 594 dated August 17, 1993 by the Vinton Town Council. WHEREAS, it is desirable of the Town of Vinton to collect personal property taxes by May 31, 2017; and WHEREAS, the annual levy is necessary to provide for the daily operation of various municipal departments of the Town of Vinton, and thus avoid creating an emergency. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Vinton that a tax levy for the calendar year 2017 shall be one dollar ($1.00) per one hundred dollars ($100.00) of the assessed valuation of all personal property excepting therefrom household furnishings; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Vinton that a tax levy for the calendar year 2017 shall be fifty percent (50%) or fifty cents ($.50) per one hundred dollars ($100.00) of the assessed valuation of one motor vehicle owned and regularly used by a disabled veteran, subject to certain qualifications; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that a copy of this Ordinance be immediately forwarded by the Town Clerk to the Commissioner of Revenue for Roanoke County/Town of Vinton, and to the Finance Director/Town Treasurer of the Town of Vinton. This Ordinance adopted on motion made by Council Member ______________, seconded by Council Member _________________, with the following votes recorded: AYES: NAYS: APPROVED: ______________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Finance Issue Consider adoption of a Resolution setting the allocation percentage for Personal Property Tax Relief in the Town of Vinton for the 2017 tax year. Summary The Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA or the Act) of 1998 established a statewide program to provide relief to owners of personal use motor vehicles. The 1998 Act envisioned a five year phase-in of relief expressed as a percentage of the bill related to the first $20,000 of personal use vehicle value. Costs soared and percentage was frozen at 70% since 2001. In 2004 and 2005, additional legislation was passed to amend the original Act. This legislation capped PPTRA at $950 million for all Virginia localities for Tax Years 2006 and beyond. PPTRA funds are allocated to individual localities based on each government’s pro rata share of Tax Year 2004 payments from the Commonwealth. The Town’s share of the $950 million is $203,096. In order to put these changes into effect, the Town Council adopted an Ordinance that set the framework for the implementation and administration of the 2004-2005 changes to the Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) of 1998. This ordinance was adopted on December 6, 2005. The Town uses The PPTRA Allocation Model developed by the State to calculate the effective reimbursement rate. This model uses historical trends and a five year rolling average to calculate the effective reimbursement rate. This same methodology for calculating the rate is used by many of our neighboring localities. In 2017, once again the County Finance staff computed the effective reimbursement rate based upon the PPTRA allocation model. The percentage is similar to those localities that are ready to adopt their resolutions. The rate for the Town of Vinton is 59.70%. Attachments Resolution Recommendations Motion to adopt Resolution Town Council Agenda Summary 1 RESOLUTION NO. AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL, HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017, AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA A RESOLUTION setting the allocation percentage for Personal Property Tax Relief in the Town of Vinton for the 2017 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, a qualifying vehicle with a taxable situs within the Town commencing January 1, 2017, shall receive personal property tax relief; and WHEREAS, this Resolution is adopted pursuant to Vinton Code § 86-58 enacted by the Council of the Town of Vinton on December 6, 2005. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF VINTON, 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 59.70% tax relief. 3. That qualifying personal use vehicles valued at $20,001 or more shall only receive 59.70% tax relief on the first $20,000 of value. 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 the Town of Vinton by the Commonwealth of Virginia. 6. That entitlement to personal property tax relief for qualifying vehicles for tax year 2005 and all prior tax years shall expire on September 1, 2006, or when the state funding for tax relief is exhausted or depleted. Supplemental assessments for tax years 2005 and prior that are made on or after September 1, 2006 shall be deemed ‘non-qualifying’ for 2 purposes of state tax relief and the local share due from the taxpayer shall represent 100% of the assessed personal property tax. This resolution shall be effective from and after the date of its adoption. This resolution adopted on motion made by Council Member _______________, seconded by Council Member _________________, with the following votes recorded: AYES: NAYS: APPROVED: __________________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________________ Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Administration Issue Consider adoption of a Resolution authorizing the Town of Vinton to participate in the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s National Hidden Heroes Campaign. Summary The Mayor was contacted by Council Member Bill Bestpitch of Roanoke City requesting that the Town consider participating in this Campaign. If approved by Council, Mr. Bestpitch plans to contact John Carlin at WSLS-10 and ask for his help in publicizing our efforts. Mr. Bestpitch has been working with John Miller from the Stonewall Jackson Chapter of the Association of the US Army and for the last three years with Wendi Schultz from the County, Kathy Murphy from Salem, and Mary Beth Layman from Vinton on the Roanoke Valley municipal Vietnam Commemoration Committee. Council was briefed on this matter at their March 21, 2017 meeting. Attachments Resolution Recommendations Motion to adopt Resolution Town Council Agenda Summary 1 RESOLUTION NO. AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017 AT 7:00 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA 24179. WHEREAS, the series of wars in which our nation has been engaged over time, since World War II, has resulted in 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers who are parents, spouses, siblings and friends, caring for those wounded, ill or injured who have served our nation, as documented by the 2014 Rand study commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation; and WHEREAS, the daily tasks of these military and veterans caregivers can include bathing, feeding, dressing, and caring for the grievous injuries of wounded warriors, administering medications, providing emotional support, caring for the family and the home, and working outside the home to earn essential income; and WHEREAS, the nation provides multi-faceted support to our wounded, ill and injured veterans and service members through public, private and philanthropic resources, but their caregivers receive little support or acknowledgement; and WHEREAS, most military and veteran caregivers consider the challenging work they do as simply carrying out their civic and patriotic duty, without realizing they are, in fact, caregivers, and do not identify themselves as such; and WHEREAS, an alarming number of military and veteran caregivers, according to research, are suffering numerous debilitating mental, physical and emotional effects as a result of their caregiving duties; and WHEREAS, the Town of Vinton desires to recognize and support those who are serving in these vital roles in our own community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Vinton Town Council that the Town of Vinton: a. be designated as a military and veteran caregiver supportive town; b. will seek to identify military and veteran caregivers residing in our Town; c. will work to ensure that our government, organizations, employers and non- profits are aware of the unique challenges of military and veteran caregivers and are encouraged to create supportive environments and opportunities for assistance; d. will plan an observance each year to honor and recognize the City's military and veteran caregivers in partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's National Hidden Heroes campaign; e. will encourage all who care for and support veterans and service members to extend that support to their caregivers; and 2 f. designates the Town Manager or his designee to serve as point of contact, for the public or private sector, for citizens and organizations wanting to offer support, and caregivers who need that support. This Resolution was adopted on motion made by _________________, seconded by _____________________, with the following votes recorded: AYES: NAYS: APPROVED: ____________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor ATTEST: Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Administration Issue Overview of Town Manager’s Recommended Budget Summary The Town Manager and Treasurer/Finance Director will present the overview of the recommended budget that was delivered to Council on Friday, March 31, 2017. The FY2017-2018 proposed budget will be placed in the Town’s Dropbox and on the Town’s website on Monday, April 3, 2017. Attachments None Recommendations No action required Town Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date April 4, 2017 Department Town Clerk Issue Consider nominations for the 2017 VML Policy Committees Summary The Virginia Municipal League is accepting nominations for its 2017 Policy Committees. A description of the Policy Committee process is attached, along with our 2016 list. This information must be submitted to VML no later than Friday, April 14, 2017. Attachments 2017 VML Policy Committee Information 2016 List Recommendations Motion to nominate and approve committee assignments Town Council Agenda Summary March 13, 2017 To: VML Full-Member Key Officials; Council and Board Clerks From: Kim Winn, Executive Director Subject: 2017 VML Policy Committee Nominations The Virginia Municipal League welcomes your nominations for the 2017 policy committees. Accompanying this memo is a description of the committee process and a nominations form. Please return your locality’s nominations form by April 14. If your community has a May election, you may submit a revised form after your elections. Please observe the following guidelines with your nominations:  Only governing body members and appointed officials (i.e., employees of the local government) are eligible to serve.  You may nominate two people to a committee; if two are nominated, at least one should be a governing body member.  Individuals may serve on only one committee a year.  Please return your nominations form by April 14. Policy committees traditionally meet in late July in the Richmond area; committee meeting dates and times will be forwarded to you once they are confirmed. Please call or email Janet Areson at VML (804-523-8522; jareson@vml.org) if you have any questions about the appointment process. Attachments 1 VML’s Legislative and Policy Committee Process Each year the Virginia Municipal League develops two separate documents -- a legislative program and a compilation of policy statements -- through a process that involves the Legislative Committee and six separate policy committees. The Legislative Committee is responsible for developing the legislative program, but it may also rely on input from the policy committees to do so. The policy committees develop broad policy statements, in addition to submitting specific legislative recommendations for consideration by the Legislative Committee. Legislative Committee What is the role of the Legislative Committee? The Legislative Committee is responsible for considering and developing positions on existing or proposed state and federal legislation or regulations, and urging the enactment or amendment of, or opposition to, such legislation or regulations. How is the Legislative Committee appointed? VML’s Constitution spells out the composition of the Legislative Committee. The committee consists of 24 individuals holding local elective or appointed positions, all appointed by VML’s President. Of the 24 members, 12 must be representatives of cities and urban counties with populations in excess of 35,000, six must be representatives of cities and urban counties with populations of 35,000 or less, and six must represent towns. What is included in VML’s Legislative Program? The legislative program adopted by the Legislative Committee reflects specific legislative objectives that VML hopes to achieve during the upcoming legislative session. It is subject to the approval of VML’s membership at the annual conference. What is the relationship between the legislative committee and VML’s policy committees? The Legislative Committee meets prior to the policy committees to identify issues that it would like the committees to consider for potential inclusion in the league’s legislative program. It meets again after the policy committees have met to consider their recommendations. Policy Committees What is the role of the policy committees? Policy committees receive briefings on select statewide issues, consider possible changes to the policy statement, and develop legislative recommendations for the Legislative Committee to consider. How are policy committees appointed? Policy committee membership consists of elected and appointed officials of full-member local governments. Nomination information is sent in the spring to each locality, and each local government determines which of its officials will be nominated for each of the six policy committees. Each local government may nominate up to two people per policy committee, at least one of whom must be an elected official. 2 What are the benefits of serving on a policy committee? VML policy committees offer members an opportunity to learn about current and emerging statewide issues that affect local governments, to develop through policy statements the broad philosophical framework that guides the league, and to network with local officials with similar policy interests. How many policy committees are there? There are six policy committees: community and economic development, environmental quality, finance, general laws, human development and education, and transportation. What issues does each policy committee cover? • Community & Economic Development: Authority, administration, and funding of local governments to manage a full range of community and economic development issues, including business development and retention, international competitiveness, infrastructure development and investment, planning, land use and zoning, blight, enterprise zones, housing, workforce development and historic preservation. • Environmental Quality: Natural resources and the authority of local governments to manage the environment, including water resources and quality, solid and hazardous waste management, air quality and the Chesapeake Bay. • Finance: Powers, organization and administration of local government financing, including taxing authority, debt financing, state aid to local governments and federal policies affecting local finance issues. • General Laws: Powers, duties, responsibilities, organization and administration of local governments, including state-local and inter-local relations, conflicts-of-interest, freedom-of- information, information management and personnel, telecommunications, utilities and law enforcement, jails and courts issues. • Human Development and Education: Management and funding of social services, prek-12 education, health, behavioral health, juvenile justice, recreation, rehabilitation and aging. • Transportation: Development, maintenance, and funding of a comprehensive land, sea and air transportation system for the Commonwealth, and federal, state and local roles in the provision and regulation of transportation. What is a policy statement? Each policy committee develops a policy statement that covers issues in its respective area. The policy statement expresses the agreement of VML’s membership on matters of interest to local governments. The statement generally addresses broad, long-term, philosophical positions. The VML membership approves the policy statements at its annual meeting. How do policy statements differ from VML’s legislative program? Policy statements are general in nature. They reflect local governments’ positions on a range of issues. The Legislative Program is more specific and immediate. It is limited to legislative positions that VML expects to lobby on during the upcoming legislative session. VML 2016 Policy Committee Nominations Please return this form by April 15 to Joni Terry at VML, P.O. Box 12164, Richmond, VA 23241; Fax 804/343-3758; email: jterry@vml.org Community & Economic Development Name & Title: Keith Liles, Council Member Name & Title: Richard W. Peters, Assistant Town Manager/Director of Economic Development Environmental Quality Name & Title: Janet Scheid, Council Member Name & Title: Anita McMillan, Planning & Zoning Director Finance Name & Title: Matthew S. Hare, Vice Mayor Name & Title: Barry W. Thompson, Interim Town Manager, Finance Director/Treasurer General Laws Name & Title: Thomas L. Foster, Police Chief Name & Title: Barry W. Thompson, Interim Town Manager, Finance Director/Treasurer Human Development & Education Name & Title: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Name & Title: Donna Collins, Human Resources Director Transportation Name & Title: Sabrina McCarty, Council Member Name & Title: Joey Hiner, Acting Public Works Director Signed: _______________________________________Locality: Town of Vinton (Mayor/Chair, or Manager/Administrator)