HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/20/2015 - Regular1
Vinton Town Council
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
311 South Pollard Street
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
AGENDA
Consideration of:
A. 6:00 p.m. - WORK SESSION
1. Further briefing on the Priority Based Budget process for the FY2015-2016 budget.
B. 7:00 p.m. - ROLL CALL AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM
C. MOMENT OF SILENCE
D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U. S. FLAG
E. UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
F. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consider approval of minutes for the regular Council meeting of January 6, 2015.
G. AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, PRESENTATIONS
1. Officers of the Month for December 2014.
H. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND PETITIONS - This section is reserved for comments and
questions for issues not listed on the agenda.
I. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Consideration of public comments regarding a request by James Wright for a fifty
(50) foot wide by approximately one hundred and ninety (190) foot long
undeveloped portion of right-of-way, known as S. Pollard Street, and fifteen (15)
foot wide by one hundred seventy (170) foot long undeveloped alley located
between 101 and 105 Giles Avenue, Plat Book 1, Page 127, be closed, vacated,
and deeded to the adjoining property owners.
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Matthew S. Hare, Vice Mayor
I. Douglas Adams, Jr., Council Member
William “Wes” Nance, Council Member
Sabrina M. Weeks, Council Member
Vinton Municipal Building
311 South Pollard Street
Vinton, VA 24179
(540) 983-0607
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a. Open Public Hearing
• Report from Staff
• Receive public comments
• Council discussion and questions
b. Close Public Hearing
c. Council to consider adoption of Ordinance
J. TOWN ATTORNEY
K. TOWN MANAGER
UPDATE ON OLD BUSINESS
1. Vultures/3rd Street Dumpsters
2. Downtown Revitalization Project
3. Spot Blight Abatement Plan
L. MAYOR
M. REPORT OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
N. COUNCIL
O. ADJOURNMENT
NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMPLY WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. Reasonable
efforts 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.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY MEETING:
January 29, 2015 – 7:00 p.m. – Community Meeting regarding location options for Skate Park in
the Town limits – Vinton War Memorial, 814 Washington Avenue
NEXT TOWN COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETINGS:
February 2, 2015 – 5:30 p.m. – Finance Committee Meeting – Finance Conference Room
February 3, 2015 – 6:00 p.m. - Work Session followed by Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. – Council
Chambers
Meeting Date
January 20, 2015
Department
Administration
Issue
Further briefing on the Priority Based Budget process for the FY2015-2016 budget
Summary
Staff will provide a briefing on a new approach to evaluating and prioritizing the hundreds of
programs the town offers. Rather than having departments compared to each other and
determining who is most important, we are developing a process called Priority Based
Budgeting. This will break down every program the town offers and conducts to provide
services to our community and service area. These programs will be evaluated and prioritized
based on a series of measurements to determine their impact on our vision, goals, citizens
priorities, mandates, impact to number of citizens, and cost recovery ability of program. This
should provide a more comprehensive approach that is more objective in its comparison.
A presentation will be provided at the meeting on Tuesday evening.
Attachments
None
Recommendations
No action required
Town Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date
January 20, 2015
Department
Town Clerk
Issue
Consider approval of minutes for the regular Council meeting of January 6, 2015
Summary
None
Attachments
January 6, 2015 minutes
Recommendations
Motion to approve minutes
Town Council
Agenda Summary
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MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 P.M.
ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON
MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON,
VIRGINIA.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Matthew S. Hare, Vice Mayor
I. Douglas Adams, Jr.
William W. Nance
Sabrina M. Weeks
STAFF PRESENT: Christopher S. Lawrence, Town Manager
Theresa Fontana, Town Attorney
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
Ryan Spitzer, Assistant Town Manager
Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer
Ben Cook, Police Chief
Gary Woodson, Public Works Director
Chris Linkous, Fire/EMS Captain
Chad Helms, Lieutenant – Fire
Donna Collins, Human Resources Specialist
Joey Hiner, Public Works Assistant Director
The Mayor called the regular meeting to order at 7:00
p.m. The Town Clerk called the roll with Council Member
Adams, Council Member Nance, Council Member Weeks
and Mayor Grose present. Vice Mayor Hare was not
present for the roll call. After a Moment of Silence,
Council Member Weeks led the Pledge of Allegiance to
the U.S. Flag.
Roll call
Under upcoming community events/announcements,
Council Member Weeks commented on the success of
the New Year’s Eve Gala. She also announced a
Valentine Dance at the Woodland Place on February 14th
with the Band Tru Sol.
Council Member Nance made a motion to approve the
Consent Agenda as presented; the motion was seconded
by Council Member Weeks and carried by the following
vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0; Yeas (4) –
Adams, Nance, Weeks, Grose; Nays (0); Absent (1) -
Hare.
Approved minutes of regular
Council meeting of December 16,
2014
The next item for consideration was a Resolution
appropriating funds in the amount of $27,273.00 and
transferring funds in the amount of $4,379.60, for a total
amount of $31,652.60 for the purchase of a replacement
vehicle in the Police Department. Chief Cook commented
the Department has taken delivery of the new Ford Police
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Interceptor vehicle. There were some additional charges
to up fit the vehicle that were not available when he briefed
Council at their November 18th meeting. He is requesting
to use $4,379.60 out of the Asset Forfeiture Fund to cover
these charges. Council Member Nance expressed
appreciation to Chief Cook for finding the extra funds in his
Department’s budget. Council Member Nance then made
a motion to adopt the Resolution as presented; the
motion was seconded by Council Member Adams and
carried by the following roll call vote, with all members
voting: Vote 4-0; Yeas (4) – Adams, Nance, Weeks,
Grose; Nays (0); Absent (1) - Hare.
Adopted Resolution No. 2094
appropriating funds in the amount
of $27,273.00 and transferring
funds in the amount of $4,379.60,
for a total amount of $31,652.60
for the purchase of a replacement
vehicle in the Police Department
The next item on the agenda was to consider
adoption of a Resolution awarding a bid, authorizing the
Town Manager to execute a contract with F & S Building
Innovations, Inc. in the amount of $274,998.00 for the
construction and renovations to the existing Vinton Fire
House Station #2 and approving the appropriation of
funds for the design and construction administration,
building construction and furnishings.
The Town Manager began by commenting that the Town
contracted with Hill Studio in late Spring to do a feasibility
study to determine the best course of action from a
design standpoint. After several meetings, the final
design was put out to bid. A total of six bids were opened
on December 12th and the low bidder was F & S Building
Innovations, Inc. They have received good references
on this local contractor.
Vice Mayor Matt Hare arrived at the meeting at 7:12
pm.
The Town Manager next commented that the Resolution
for consideration is for a total of $315,000. The actual
construction cost is $274,998. However, he is also
requesting to appropriate $35,000 to cover the design
and construction administration and furnishings which are
estimated at $5,000. They are going to pursue possibly
getting some furnishings (if available) from the old William
Byrd High School.
The Town has an agreement with Roanoke County to
fund 50% of the project up to $300,000, which is
$150,000. As presented the total is $315,000. He has
discussed this with the Roanoke County Administrator
who has indicated that any additional funding from the
County would require Board approval. They are
recommending taking the final total cost once the project
is done to the County and would hope that they will cover
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the additional costs at 50%. The Town will fund all of the
costs up front and then the County will reimburse at the
end of the project.
The contract is drafted, but there are some minor items to
be worked out between our Town Attorney and the
contractor. The contract will be signed once it is
completed. The building permit is ready to be picked up
at Roanoke County and the target is to start construction
on January 19th. The contract states that the project is for
96 days, so basically, if we so choose, it provides for
liquidated damages if not completed on time.
The Town Manager expressed thanks to Chris Linkous
and Chad Helms, who were in the audience, for their
involvement in the entire process. He then commented
that Captain Linkous is now on a 24-hour shift and that
Lieutenant Helms will now be the one to oversee the
renovation project.
Council Member Adams made a motion to adopt the
Resolution as presented; the motion was seconded by
Council Member Weeks and carried by the following roll
call vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) –
Adams, Nance, Weeks, Hare, Grose; Nays (0).
Adopted Resolution No. 2095
awarding a bid, authorizing the
Town Manager to execute a
contract with F & S Building
Innovations, Inc. in the amount of
$274,998.00 for the construction
and renovations to the existing
Vinton Fire House Station #2 and
approving the appropriation of
funds for the design and
construction administration,
building construction and
furnishings
The next item on the agenda was a briefing
concerning a proposal by The Advancement Foundation
to create a business incubator in the top floor of the
Health Department Building located at 227 South Pollard
Street. The Town Manager commented that for several
years we have discussed various options for the Health
Department building. Annette Patterson, with The
Advancement Foundation, came to us and presented an
idea of a business incubator. Ms. Patterson will make a
presentation and then we would like to hear from Council
if this is something that would like for us to pursue.
Ms. Patterson began by having her staff that were
present, Samantha Lukasiewicz, Judy Wood and Karen
D’Angelo, introduce themselves. She then began a
PowerPoint presentation by first giving a background of
The Advancement Foundation and stating their mission
and values. In 2009, the Foundation became the
AmeriCorps Intermediary for Southwest Virginia and this
Fall they were awarded the AmeriCorps State position.
Since 2009, they have placed 100 AmeriCorps members
from all over the United States who want to do a year of
service. These members agree to live in poverty for a
year which gives us an opportunity to train these young
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people to be leaders in their community. A lot of our
AmeriCorps members who have come here end up
staying. These members have raised over $1.5 million
for community projects and have recruited 4,500
volunteers who have served 20,000 hours across
Southwest Virginia.
In 2007 the Charity Cottage Thrift Store was started to
have an earned income stream for five nonprofits –
Manna Ministries, West End Center, Project Access,
Katie’s Place and The Advancement Foundation. This
has allowed them to refine relationships with a lot of great
non-profits and they have learned a lot about how we can
impact change in a community. One of the things they
recognized was the need to break down barriers, so they
approached Roanoke City about using the Washington
Park pool for a swim program. They agreed and with
resources and volunteers provided by various businesses
and organizations, the program was started and the first
year they had 157 swimmers. The second year there
were 180. The program has been successful in removing
barriers.
Ms. Patterson next commented that the Foundation has
developed a strategic plan focus for 2015-2016. The key
strategies are to bring resources to our community,
develop target programs that increase citizens’ financial
assets, improve opportunity for success by harnessing
community knowledge, experience and expertise and
create a positive impact on the economic and civic
community. They next began doing research on
business incubators, talked with individuals who were key
in starting up incubators in their areas and personally
visited some.
Ms. Patterson next commented that according to the
Appalachian Prosperity report which is the blueprint for
Entrepreneurial Growth and Economic Prosperity in
Southwest Virginia, the components they have outlined
for successful business incubators cross sector
collaboration with government, business and civic
organizations; identifying shared goals; creativity by
engaging stakeholders; being action oriented and being
able to change as you go and measuring goals and
progress and communicating that effectively.
The top three reasons why shall businesses fail are lack
of planning, inexperience in business or insufficient
funding or excessive debt too early. What they are
proposing is really aimed at preventing those three
pitfalls. Their vision is for Vinton to provide big support
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for small business development. The Federal
Government has reported that 26 million small
businesses across the United States account for 70% of
all jobs.
Since doing this research, they have started working on a
plan for the program and have recruited entrepreneurs
and advisors. Their goal is to provide comprehensive
support, not just office space. They vision this Center as
positioning the Town as a forerunner in support of
entrepreneurial activity.
Mr. Spitzer had John Hull, who is the Director of Market
Intelligence for the Roanoke Regional Partnership, to run
some numbers. Mr. Hull provided information that based
on 50 entrepreneurs with their advisors and customers
having their offices here, having meetings and engaging
customers, they might eat lunch three times a week over
a 50-week work year. The estimated impact was about
$525,000 which would be supporting six jobs. This does
not include the jobs produced by the tenants themselves
or the businesses. The question is how can this be made
sustainable, productive and how can it impact the
community.
Successful small business development requires support
systems and The Advancement Foundation has proven
that it has a strong history of project development.
Currently, when they work with an entrepreneur, they do
a needs assessment, design a training plan, assign
mentors, create a business plan, look for community
resources they can utilize and ultimately help launch their
business.
Ms. Patterson next commented that the Town currently
has space in the upper level of the Health Department
building. They would need help from the Town by way of
utilities, phone, internet service and continued
maintenance of the facility. The in-kind value of this
would be approximately $28,000 based on what the rent
would be. The Foundation would provide staffing and
management and leverage its non-profit status for
sponsorships, donations and apply for grants. A letter of
intent has been sent for a 24-month grant called
Operation AmeriCorps which would be a significant
infusion of funds to get the program rolling. There are
other grant opportunities that they may be able to utilize
for the program. They would also help to create earned
income streams to support the program through rental
income and/or service fees.
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Ms. Patterson next showed a slide listing some of the
partners they have recruited for the program. On January
17th, they will be hosting an event called “The Gauntlet”.
This will be an opportunity for entrepreneurs to launch
their businesses publically and be judged. They will be
awarding grants and in-kind professional services. They
have also recruited over 35 specific advisors who have
been working with these entrepreneurs over the last six
months.
Ms. Patterson next reviewed their project goals for the
Center. She commented that in their research they have
also found that business incubators have the highest
percentage of success rate. Business incubators are
showing an 87% success rate with the individuals who
are going through their programs. In closing they want to
bring together all of the resources that can be leveraged
in the community to help individuals and our community
be successful.
The Mayor reiterated about the $28,000 contribution from
the Town that would be equivalent to rent for that
building. Ms. Patterson responded that the rent estimate
was $26,000 and they would need help with utilities and
general maintenance of the building.
The Town Manager commented that we have our full-
time tenant, the Health Department, that occupies the
entire lower level. Currently, we have extended the lease
of Alexander Films for another month. Alexander Films
has been a part of this conversation and they currently
have two more films under contract. They have asked for
office space if it is available and there is discussion on a
way to fit them in to this incubator system because they
are a small business.
The Town Manager next commented that we need to
know where Council stands from a policy standpoint.
Years ago we thought we should sell the building, but we
have kept. The idea has been to leverage the building
and this is one opportunity. We have shown the building
to a restaurant and they said it is really office space and
with the Health Department in the lower level, it would not
be a good fit.
Another question is do we want the building to be a profit
center to make money, to break even or to subsidize. We
have not put it on the public market, but we can do that.
The building generates $20,000 with its current
leaseholder and it is paid for, so we are not losing any
money. We are currently covering all of the utilities with
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this lease amount. If we move forward with the business
incubator, we would need to make some improvements.
Some of the grant opportunities provide construction
money and we are also going to look at our revolving loan
fund through our downtown grant.
Ms. Patterson commented that they should find out about
the Operation AmeriCorps grant in February. However,
the project is not contingent on getting that grant and
there are others they can apply for. They are in a
position to move forward if the Town is in that same
position.
Council Member Nance asked if the Operation
AmeriCorps grant is the one that could provide
construction assistance. Ms. Patterson responded yes.
Also, every year they have three or four groups that come
through and do projects. Last Spring, the Town
purchased paint and the Catholic Heart Work Camp
came in and painted the interior. This group is always
looking for projects to do.
The Mayor next commented that we see a lot of small
businesses come and go in the Town. One reason is
that we have several small buildings which attract small
businesses. However, a lot of times those are start-ups
and unfortunately most of them do not make it. He was
very impressed with Ms. Patterson’s presentation and the
high success rate of individuals that start out in a
business incubator. Hopefully some of those successful
start-ups will consider Vinton. Ms. Patterson commented
that they had a meeting with the Gauntlet participants to
go over last minute details for the event. They took a
poll as they read off the different services they might be
able to provide for them. If we do not create this Center,
we will still offer some of these services in the Charity
Cottage. When they asked who would be interested in
office space and services moving forward, all of them
raised their hand. They feel safe and they feel like they
have a team of people to walk with them.
Council Member Nance asked if a consensus of three
Council Members make this project occur or is this to
take things a step further and see what type of grants are
approved or not. The Town Manager said this is the
initial concept presentation and if there is an interest,
there will need to be a formal lease developed and a
business plan to be brought back to Council at a later
time. Also, we need to create an actual budget assigned
to each item to address if there will be a 100% subsidy
the first year and what the expectation will be beyond
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that. Ms. Patterson said they have developed a budget,
but they can work on it again to tighten it down as it
relates to utility costs and other items. The total project
would be $176,000 which includes our resources with
AmeriCorps members, and $28,611 from the Town.
Vice Mayor Hare commented this is a very interesting
concept and is there anyone else in the Roanoke Valley
doing something similar. Ms. Patterson responded that
one of their partners is the Small Business Development
Center in Roanoke City. They offer classes, but do not
offer what they are proposing to offer. They are really
committing to the entrepreneurs specifically. The Small
Business Development Center is more of an in and out
Center where people come in and take their business and
run with it. They are talking about developing
relationships and walking them as individuals into what
they need.
The Town Manager commented that some of the places
they visited like Co-Lab are more of a space-focused
center. They have a director that helps coordinate
everything, but basically they have space to rent. They
do not provide the comprehensive services side.
Mr. Spitzer commented that Marion has a program where
they have classes for six to eight months to train
businesses to develop a plan. Then they have something
like a Gauntlet where they pick the best one or two and
give them $500,000 of seed money to actually start up
their business in the downtown.
Vice Mayor Hare said it seems like the concept fits well
with our downtown plan. One concern is staff time and
what the Town staff involvement will be. Ms. Patterson
responded that the Foundation would do the program for
the Town with the Town supplying the space. We are not
asking for any staff time or advising time except to show
up when we have press releases and good things
happening. We have AmeriCorps members right now
who are focusing on this project. We would give updates
to Council from time to time.
Vice Mayor Hare then commented about having
community buy-in with the surrounding businesses and
neighbors. This is the exact same area where we
thought we had a great idea before and he does not want
the same issues with this concept. The Town Manager
commented that parking would become an issue if this
Center does well.
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Council Member Nance then commented that
information, conversations and being available is at the
forefront of making anything like this successful. He said
he was cautiously optimistic, but feels that the program is
very worthwhile and anything that helps the entrepreneur
is great. He is concerned about the up-front cost to the
Town because our present budget is already dipping into
our unallocated funds to the tune of over $100,000 to
break even. If we have renovations that are not covered
by grants, he would really need to see the numbers up
front.
Ms. Patterson commented since the painting has been
done, it is in great shape. As things come available to
them, they can make it work. They know this summer
there will be another group from Catholic Heart Work
Camp. No renovations have to happen right now to the
building and the HVAC was just replaced.
Council Member Weeks agreed it will be good to see
everything so Council can make a better decision. She
thinks it will be a great project and she is in support of it.
Council Member Adams said it is a wonderful idea and
helping entrepreneurs cannot do anything but bring
businesses in and help the Town. His only reservation is
with what length of lease we might sign for the building.
With what we are doing downtown with the renovations,
this building is not producing anything today, but it could
become more valuable and we might want to do
something that will make it sustain itself.
Ms. Patterson commented that if we were able to launch
the Center and it is bringing people into Town, is vibrant
and everything is clicking, would there be a first right of
refusal that they could purchase the building at a
reasonable market rate and continue what they are doing.
It would be an investment for the Foundation and would
be something they would consider.
Council gave a consensus to move forward with obtaining
more concrete information regarding the project and
report back to them at a later date.
The next item on the agenda was a briefing on the
budget process for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. The Town
Manager commented that our budget process starts in
January and goes through June with work sessions and
public meetings which are advertised. At Council’s
retreat in the Fall, they requested staff to do a cost of
service study in relation to the upcoming budget process.
We offer hundreds of services and in the end there is a
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priority to everything that we do, some having a higher
priority than others
As staff, we have been working on a priority-based
budget which will be presented at the next Council
meeting. This will identify every service we do and
indicate those that are mandated by us, some by the
State and some by the Federal government. Some
services cost a lot and some do not. Some services have
a lot of community value and are expensive, others are
not. We are going to try and rate these services based
on Council’s goals, the citizens’ survey that was done two
years ago and mandates. From a financial standpoint,
some services we provide have a good cost recovery,
some have an expectation of cost recovery that is not
very good and some we do not expect to recover costs
such as police services.
We have a good handle on our water and sewer system
and we have a good structure to that now. With the
general fund, we do not have good strong dedicated
revenue sources to fund capital investment. We have
operational demands such as our commitment to hire two
firefighters at a cost of $120,000. We are using $128,000
of our savings to balance this year’s budget and this is
not a long-term sustainable solution. We also need to
take care of our employees, our biggest asset, who have
had very minimal cost of living raises over the past six
years. We are getting behind competitive wise with our
neighboring localities.
The proposed Budget Calendar was included with the
agenda. Council sets the tax rates and there are
mandated advertising dates that we have to meet. If
Council chooses to make any changes to the real estate
tax or personal/business property tax rate or leave them
as they are, they need be advertised for Public Hearing
on March 17, 2015 in order to get the tax bills printed and
out in April. There are other taxes and fees that are not
so specifically assigned to an advertisement date and can
be handled throughout the budget process. We have
scheduled the first meeting in June to approve the
budget; however, you could approve it the second
meeting in June as long as we have an adopted balanced
budget by June 30, 2015.
The Town Manager commented that he will be giving an
update at the next meeting on the vultures problem and
the Downtown Grant project.
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Council Member Nance then commented that we are
discussing the vultures again due to a request from a
citizen in Gladetown. There has been prior discussion of
the dumpsters at 3rd Street being an attractive nuisance
that are bringing the vultures to that area. Last budget
year, it was decided not to remove them, but it seems
that now we are repurposing that area with a canoe
launch. He then asked how much longer do we want to
talk about it because he is ready to remove them.
The Mayor agreed that the dumpsters are attracting the
vultures which is a real detriment to the Town. Council
Member Adams said that the vultures are an issue, but
he feels there needs to be a way for the citizens to handle
that trash. When he visited the dumpster site during
Christmas, as he pulled up, the vultures moved away.
We know that the Regional Authority is not going to
change their hours and the Town Manager stated that
they are creating a more convenient drop-off center
where you do not have to drive onto the tipping floor, but
will be open the same hours.
The Mayor further commented that it is a convenience,
but it is an expense. When you add to the fact that it is
attracting the vultures, then in his opinion it is time for it to
go. Perhaps we need to see if there are other options to
still keep them, but help with the vulture problem.
Vice Mayor Hare commented that he assumes the cost of
services study will decide this item for Council. It is a
service that is used and there is a danger that if citizens
do not have a common place to dump their trash, they
might put their trash out three days early and then it
spreads throughout all the neighborhoods. We could
enforce our Code that requires trashcans, which we do
not enforce. He has had discussion with citizens
regarding the dumpsters from both sides of the issue. He
does want to get more information on some alternatives,
but we are dumping trash into a neighborhood that is
suffering because of it and he would not want that in his
neighborhood. Mr. Adams commented that he would like
to see if there are other alternatives to still provide the
service. The Town Manager commented that we can
look at other options and report back to Council.
Council Member Nance made comments concerning
the November Financial Report. Council Member Nance
commented that this report shows 112% over the
forecasted revenues. That is somewhat inflated based
on some accruals with some audit issues.
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The General Fund revenues are showing at 100% of the
projection with expenditures slightly behind at 92% which
is usually where we are at this time of year.
The Utility Fund is still doing well, showing revenues at
slightly above projection at 108%. The operating
expenditures are shown at 82% which is due to the large
repair on Washington Avenue that was paid out of other
line items. When we start tapping into those line items at
the year goes on, that percentage will move back up
closer to 100%.
The Town has received its gain sharing, which comes
once a year from Roanoke County. Last year we were
aggressive with our projection and because of some
firefighting expenses, our share was quite a bit lower.
We used a more conservation projection this year and
actually exceeded that. The projection of revenue in the
budget was $525,000 and that actually came in at
$549,000, so we are on the good side of that equation
approximately $24,000 more. Sales and meals tax are
both doing well and are making up for deficits in other
areas. One of those areas, the cigarette tax is still $9,000
less than it was at this point last year. Part of that is due
to the fact that we have one less shop selling cigarettes in
the Town and CVS stopped selling cigarettes and
returning their unused stamps to the Town for a refund of
approximately $4,000.
We will have the next Finance Committee meeting on
February 2nd and will take a very preliminary look at the
priority based budget as well as the December financial
report. We will also be looking at the War Memorial in
more detail. Council Member Nance made a motion to
adopt the Financial Report for November 2014 as
presented; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hare
and carried by the following vote, with all members
voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Adams, Nance, Weeks,
Hare, Grose; Nays (0).
Approved Financial Report for
November 2014
The Mayor commented about the year coming up and
the completion of a lot of projects in the Town. We do
have some challenges with the budget, but feels that we
will be able to work through the budget with our
professional staff and Finance Committee. He then
congratulated Council Member Weeks on her
engagement.
Comments from Council: Vice Mayor Hare apologized
for arriving late for the meeting. Council Member Nance
commented on the challenges of the budget and looks at
13
those as opportunities for the Town. He announced that
he will not be present for the February 17th meeting due
to the fact that he will be in the Tidewater area
participating in a Federal Jury Trial. After discussion
about conflicting schedules from other Council Members,
it was suggested that all Council Members send their
schedules to the Town Clerk. Council Member Adams
reported that EMS volunteers went from 983 calls in 2013
to 1,453 calls in 2014. This is the second number of
largest calls in the County. The Fire volunteers went from
179 calls to 246 calls. Cave Spring was first and then
Vinton.
Council Member Nance made a motion to adjourn the
meeting; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hare
and carried by the following vote, with all members
voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Adams, Nance, Weeks,
Hare, Grose; Nays (0) – None. The meeting was
adjourned at –8::58 p.m.
Meeting adjourned
APPROVED:
_________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
Meeting Date
January 20, 2015
Department
Police
Issue
Officers of the Month for December 2014
Summary
Sergeant Fabricio Drumond, Sergeant Gregory Quesinberry, Officer James Spence and Officer
Michael Giles were selected as Officers of the month for December and will be recognized at the
meeting
Attachments
Memo from Chief Cook
Recommendations
Read Memo
Town Council
Agenda Summary
1
Meeting Date
January 20, 2015
Department
Planning and Zoning
Issue
Consideration of public comments regarding a request by James Wright for a fifty (50) foot wide
by approximately one hundred and ninety (190) foot long undeveloped portion of right-of-way,
known as S. Pollard Street, and fifteen (15) foot wide by one hundred seventy (170) foot long
undeveloped alley located between 101 and 105 Giles Avenue, Plat Book 1, Page 127, be closed,
vacated, and deeded to the adjoining property owners.
Summary
The public hearing is to receive comments and make a decision on the Wrights’ request for a
fifty (50) foot wide by an approximately one hundred and ninety three (193) foot long
undeveloped portion of right-of-way, known as South Pollard Street, and fifteen (15) foot wide
by one hundred seventy (170) foot long undeveloped alley located between 101 and 105 Giles
Avenue, Plat Book 1, Page 127, be closed, vacated, and deeded to them and the adjoining
property owner.
Verizon has requested that a twenty-foot (20’) long by fifty-foot (50’) wide public utility
easement (PUE) on the vacated undeveloped portion of South Pollard Street be retained for
access of their facility.
Mr. James Wright has been inquiring about the possibility of vacating and closing the above-
mentioned undeveloped right-of-way and alley since 2011. In October 2014, Mr. Wright’s
surveyor submitted a plat showing the portions of the undeveloped right-of-way and alley to
be vacated.
The petitioners’ request was discussed at the work session of the Planning Commission on
November 13, 2014, and at the work session of the Town Council on December 16, 2014,
respectively. Additionally, another letter of notification was mailed on December 19, 2015, to
the adjoining property owners notifying them of the public hearings of the Planning
Town Council
Agenda Summary
2
Commission to be held on January 13, 2015, and Town Council to be held on January 20,
2015, respectively. To date, staff has not received any phone calls or correspondence
regarding the vacation request.
As required by State Code Sections 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2272, the legal notices for the public
hearings were advertised in The Vinton Messenger on December 25, 2014, and January 1,
2015.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on January 13, 2015, to receive public
comments regarding the vacation requests and voted unanimously recommend that Town
Council approve the vacation requests of said right-of-way and alley.
Attachments
Staff Memorandum with attachments
Ordinance
Recommendations
Motion to adopt Ordinance
1
TO: Vinton Town Council
Vinton Planning Commission
FROM: Anita J. McMillan, Planning and Zoning Director
DATE: January 6, 2014
SUBJECT: Closing and Vacation Request of an Undeveloped Portion of South Pollard Street
and Undeveloped Alley between 101 and 105 Giles Avenue
ISSUE/PURPOSE
A public hearing of the Planning Commission on January 13, 2015, and Town Council on
January 20, 2015 concerning a request of Mr. James Wright for a fifty (50) foot wide by an
approximately one hundred and ninety three (193) foot long undeveloped portion of right-of-
way, known as South Pollard Street, and fifteen (15) foot wide by one hundred seventy (170)
foot long undeveloped alley located between 101 and 105 Giles Avenue, Plat Book 1, Page 127,
be closed, vacated, and deeded to the adjoining property owners.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY
Mr. James Wright has been inquiring the possibility of vacating and closing the above-
mentioned undeveloped right-of-way and alley since 2011. In October 2014, Mr. Wright’s
surveyor submitted a plat showing the portions of the undeveloped right-of-way and alley to
be vacated.
On November 3, 2014, a meeting was held with Chris Lawrence, Theresa Fontana, Anita
McMillan, Gary Woodson, and Joey Hiner to discuss the vacation request plat submitted by
Mr. Douglas Meredith, a surveyor/engineer with LMW, P.C., retained by Mr. Wright.
Subsequent emails between the Town Attorney and Mr. Meredith, indicated the portion of
South Pollard Street was created as part of the subdivision as shown in Plat Book 1, Page 127,
therefore, the whole 50 foot wide by 170 foot long undeveloped portion of South Pollard
Street to be closed and vacated will be deeded to Mr. Wright instead of being split and
divided to the adjoining property owners.
On November 13, 2014, the Vinton Planning Commission held a work session to discuss Mr.
James and Mrs. Frances Wright’s vacations request. On December 16, 2014, the Town
Council was briefed by Staff regarding the vacations request. The Planning Commission and
Town Council asked for Staff to proceed with the necessary paperwork for the vacation
request in order for a public hearing to be held in January 2015 by the Planning Commission
for the vacation request.
On November 18, 2014, a notification letter along with an aerial map regarding the vacation
request was emailed to American Appalachian Power, Cox Communications, Roanoke Gas
Company, Verizon, and Vinton Public Works Department. All of the utility companies, except
2
Verizon, do not have any facilities in the said right-of-way and alley and do not have a problem
for these right-of-way and alley to be vacated. Verizon does not have a problem for the portion
of South Pollard Street to be vacated, but requested that a twenty-foot (20’) long by fifty-foot
(50’) wide public utility easement (PUE) as shown in the plat prepared by LMW, P.C. be
retained for access of their facility.
On November 24, 2014, a notification letter and an aerial map of the right-of-way and alley to be
vacated were mailed to the adjoining property owners. Additionally, a notification letter was
mailed to the adjoining property owners on December 19, 2014 notifying them the dates of the
public hearing to be held by the Planning Commission and Town Council. To date, Staff has not
received any phone calls or correspondence regarding the vacation request.
As required by State Code Sections 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2272, the legal notice of the public
hearing of the Planning Commission and Town Council on the right-of-way and alley vacations
request was advertised in The Vinton Messenger on December 25, 2014, and January 1, 2015,
respectively.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Notification letter to the Adjoining Property Owners.
2. An aerial map showing the above-mentioned undeveloped portion of right-of-way and
the undeveloped alley between 101 and 105 Giles Avenue.
1
ORDINANCE NO.
AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY,
JANUARY 20, 2015, AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON
MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA.
AN ORDINANCE permanently abandoning, vacating, and deeding certain undeveloped portions
of public right-of-ways, as more particularly described hereinafter.
WHEREAS, James M. and Frances L. Wright, owners of Lot 4 and Lot 5, Block 2 Map of John
Franklin; and Lot 6 and Lot 7, Glade Land Company #2, filed an application to the Council of the Town
of Vinton, Virginia, in accordance with the law, requesting that the Council permanently abandon, vacate,
discontinue and deed the undeveloped portions of the public right-of-ways described hereinafter; and
WHEREAS, on November 18, 2014, a notification letter was mailed by the Town Planning and
Zoning Department to American Electric Power (AEP), Cox Communications, Roanoke Gas Company,
Verizon, and Vinton Public Works Department inquiring if said companies have utilities in the said
undeveloped portions of public right-of-ways; and
WHEREAS, on November 24, 2014, Verizon notified staff that they have a facility in the
undeveloped portion of S. Pollard Street and requested that a twenty-foot (20’) long by fifty-foot (50’)
wide public utility easement (PUE) to be retained if the said portion is to be abandoned, vacated,
discontinued, and deeded to the adjoining property owners; and
WHEREAS, on November 24, and December 19, 2014, notification letters was mailed by the
Town Planning and Zoning Department to the adjoining property owners of said portions of public right-
of-ways; and
WHEREAS, work sessions were held to discuss the Petitioners’ request by the Planning
Commission on November 13, 2014 and by the Town Council on December 16, respectively; and
WHEREAS, public hearings were held on such application by the Planning Commission on
January 13, 2015 and Town Council on January 20, 2015, respectively, after due and timely notice
pursuant to the provisions of Sections 15.2-2272 and 15.2-2204 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as
amended, at which hearing all parties in interest and citizens were afforded an opportunity to be heard on
such application; and
WHEREAS, it appears from the foregoing that the land proprietors affected by the requested
closing of the subject portions of public right-of-ways have been properly notified; and
WHEREAS, from all of the foregoing, the Council considers that no irreparable harm will result
to any individual or to the public from permanently abandoning, vacating, and deeding such undeveloped
portions of public right-of-ways.
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Vinton, Virginia, that the
undeveloped portions of the public right-of-ways situated in the Town of Vinton, Virginia; and more
particularly described as follows:
2
A fifty (50) foot wide by approximately one hundred and ninety three (193) foot long
undeveloped portion of right-of-way, known as South Pollard Street, and fifteen (15) foot
wide by one hundred seventy (170) foot long undeveloped alley located between 101 and
105 Giles Avenue, Plat Book 1, Page 127,
be, and are hereby permanently abandoned, vacated, and deeded, and that all rights and interests of the
public in and to the same be, and hereby are released insofar as the Council of the Town of Vinton is
empowered so to do with respect to the portions of undeveloped right-of-ways, and reserving in the said
undeveloped portion of South Pollard Street, a twenty-foot (20’) long by fifty-foot (50’) wide public
utility easement (PUE), as shown on the “Plat of Survey Showing the New Property Lines and Vacated
Property Lines”, dated December 17, 2014, and prepared by LMW, P.C., recorded herewith, to the Town
of Vinton and any utility company or public authority, including, specifically, without limitation,
providers to or for the public of cable television, electricity, natural gas or telephone service, sanitary
sewer and water, and for the related facilities, together with the right of ingress and egress for the
construction or maintenance of such utility facilities, such to include the right to remove, without the
payment of compensation or damages of any kind to the owner, any landscaping, fences, shrubbery,
driveways, structures or any other encroachments on or over the easement which impede access for
construction or maintenance purposes at the time such work is undertaken.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the applicants shall, upon meeting all other conditions of
the granting of the application, deliver to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the County of Roanoke,
Virginia, a certified copy of this ordinance for recordation where deeds are recorded in such Clerk’s
Office, indexing the same in the name of the Town of Vinton, Virginia, as Grantor, and in the name of the
Petitioners, and the names of any other parties in interest who may so request, as Grantees, and pay such
fees and charges as are required by the Clerk to effect such recordation.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the applicant shall, upon a certified copy of this ordinance
being recorded by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the County of Roanoke, Virginia, where deeds are
recorded in such Clerk’s Office, file with the Town Manager of the Town of Vinton, Virginia, the Clerk’s
receipt, demonstrating that such recordation has occurred.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon passage.
This ordinance adopted on motion made by Council Member ____________________ and
seconded by Council Member ____________________, with the following votes recorded:
AYES:
NAYS:
APPROVED:
______________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
Meeting Date
January 20, 2015
Department
Administration
Issue
Update on Vultures/3rd Street Dumpsters
Summary
A staff committee has met and discussed the difficulties we are having with roosting vultures at
the 3rd Street Public Works lot and surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, the dumpsters have
been evaluated as part of our goal to improve the aesthetics to this service area and future
blueway boat launch location. Lieutenant Mark Vaught and Gary Woodson, Public Works
Director, will present the issues and solutions the committee has developed.
Attachments
None
Recommendations
Evaluate options and provide feedback to staff at Council meeting
Town Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date
January 20, 2015
Department
Administration
Issue
Update on Downtown Revitalization Project
Summary
As we hit the downtown revitalization construction phase, schedules become vitally important as
they relate to all that goes on in our community, specifically downtown. Additionally, we are
committed to getting these important project investments done right. Several factors have led
staff to recommend requesting a nine-month extension to our downtown project to complete
major construction aspects. Ryan Spitzer, Assistant Town Manager, will brief Council on
details of each aspect of the project and schedule expectations.
Attachments
Extension letter to DHCD
Recommendations
No action required
Town Council
Agenda Summary
January 20, 2015
Ms. Lisa Atkinson, Deputy Director of Community Development
Department of Housing and
Community Development
600 East Main Street Center, Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23219
Project: Vinton Downtown Revitalization Project #12-31
Dear Ms. Atkinson,
Please accept this request for an extension of the Vinton Downtown Revitalization Block Grant Project.
With a March 2015 deadline nearing the Town requests a nine month extension period to complete grant
requirements.
Several factors contributed to the Towns decision to ask for this extension. Delays noted include bidding
out of the streetlight project, Farmers’ Market design and Façade Improvements.
The Town, along with its architecture firm Hill Studio, first decided to bid out the downtown streetlight
project and road work improvements at Washington Ave/Pollard St. at the same time to capture expected
economies of scope. However, it turned out that the projects were so different that the only bid received
was for $700,000; the entire grant award. It took several months to restructure the bid package to split up
the projects and re-bid the streetlight project. When bids were received for the streetlights it was at a cost
of $118,000, which was the original estimate in the budget. This delay added several months to the
project. The Town is evaluating how to complete the Washington Ave/Pollard St. improvements within
the estimated budget because the road is a heavily traveled four lane road with over 30,000 vehicles
traveling on it. With the traffic control aspect being the most costly the Town would like to include the
intersection paving in the Town’s spring paving cycle when we can package the project with other paving
projects.
A second delay is the design of the Farmers’ Market. The Market is located in an area that is used heavily
by Town events and festivals during the spring and summer months. These events bring many people to
downtown Vinton and provide a crucial lifeline to the downtown businesses and restaurants. Due to this
and because it is the goal of the CDBG program to improve downtowns, it was decided to delay the
Market project to the end of this past summer or winter 2015 when events did not take place. The Town
was on track to have the Farmers Market Improvements completed before the festival season, and the
deadline, but deciding on the design with the public and the Town Council has proven to be a longer
process than anticipated. The Council is conscientious about what will work the best for the space for its
future use.
Town of Vinton
311 S. Pollard Street Vinton, VA 24179 Phone (540) 983-0607 Fax (540) 983-0626
Page Two
January 20, 2015
The Façade project has also been delayed slightly because the area was designated a historic area by DHR
and had to be designed to 1950 standards. A majority of the buildings that were selected for the grant
have owners that are not tenants of the buildings and live outside of Vinton. This has made coordination
between the Town, Architect and owner difficult and slightly more time consuming that it should be.
These issues are being resolved and the project is continuing to move forward. The streetlights are being
installed and are almost complete and the new branding initiative has taken off. We have seen a renewed
interest in Vinton’s Downtown Revitalization Project from the community and others. We believe that at
the end of this project the downtown area will become revitalized and a destination for people to come for
events, shopping and dining.
We wish to thank you and staff at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for
your continued support to our town and community.
Sincerely,
Christopher S. Lawrence, Town Manager
Town of Vinton
cc: Beverley Coleman
Ryan Spitzer
Ashleigh Marshall
Meeting Date
January 20, 2015
Department
Administration
Issue
Update on Spot Blight Abatement Plan
Summary
Since this past summer, staff has been working on five blighted properties that we believe have
met the blight threshold. These properties have been evaluated by a cross-departmental staff
team including the Building Inspector and Fire Marshal's office from Roanoke County. They
each have common problems but are at different stages of remediation depending on the
participation of the property owner. Karla Turman of our Planning Department has provided a
written update on each property and our next steps towards improving the blighted status.
Attachments
Memo - 123 Gus Nicks Blvd
Memo - 830 South Pollard St
Memo - 308B 9th St
Memo - 530 North Blair St
Memo - 1323 Hardy Road
Recommendations
Staff to continue pursuit of compliance and remediation of blighted properties
Town Council
Agenda Summary
SPOT BLIGHT ABATEMENT PLAN
Date: January 12, 2015
To: Christopher Lawrence, Town Manager
Vinton Town Council
Cc: Anita McMillan, Planning & Zoning Director
Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer
Chris Linkous, Captain, Fire & EMS
Ben Cook, Chief of Police
Gary Woodson, Public Works Director
Morgan Yates, Roanoke County/Vinton Building Official
Brian Simmons, Roanoke County/Vinton Fire Marshal
Elizabeth Dillon, Town Attorney
Community Blight Abatement Team (COMBAT)
From: Karla Turman
Re: 123 Gus Nicks Boulevard, Tax Map #60.16-1-3
Zoned CB Central Business District
BACKGROUND:
On August 5, 2014, the Community Blight Abatement Team (COMBAT) met to determine if the
property referenced above would be considered blighted under Section 14-142(a), Article V Spot
Blight Abatement, Chapter 14 Buildings and Building Regulations, of the Vinton Town Code. The
term “blighted property” means any individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or
improvement that endangers the public’s health, safety, or welfare because the structure or
improvement upon the property is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and
safety standards, or any structure or improvement previously designated as blighted under the
process of determination of “spot blight”.
During the meeting, it was determined that the property (1) has been vacant for more than one (1)
year, (2) is no longer maintained for useful occupancy, (3) is dilapidated, (4) has been the subject of
Karla D. Turman Associate Planner/Code Enforcement Officer
Town of Vinton
311 S. Pollard Street Vinton, VA 24179 Phone (540) 983-0605 Fax (540) 983-0621
1/12/15 Spot Blight Abatement Plan for 123 Gus Nicks Boulevard Page | 2
nuisance abatement actions undertaken by the town or county of Roanoke, and (5) is in such
deleterious condition that it is deemed detrimental to the safety, health or welfare of the community.
Specific conditions that exist on the property include, but are not limited to:
(1) The grass, weeds, and foreign growth have not been maintained on the property. The
overgrowth has begun to grow in to the structure;
(2) There has been a collapse of either interior or exterior structural elements, such as floors,
walls, roofs, porches, decks and similar appendages;
(3) There are broken or unsecured windows and broken or unsecured doors, entryways, or exits.
Adequate precautions to prevent the use of or access to the property by trespassers have not
been taken. The Vinton Police Department has responded to numerous complaints of
transients inside of the house due to it not being secured;
(4) The roof is broken unsecured or in disrepair;
(5) There is rotting of exterior siding, roofing, or sheathing exposing structural members to the
weather;
(6) There is excessive litter or debris on the property or in the vacant structure;
(7) There are damaged, dead or fallen trees or limbs on the property;
(8) There is peeling or deteriorated paint on the house;
(9) The property has been deemed a fire hazard by the Roanoke County Fire Marshal;
(10) A large dumpster was placed on the property in December, 2013, in which trash has been
placed. The dumpster is not covered, and the trash is not being disposed of in a timely
manner.
On August 20, 2014, staff mailed a letter to the property owner stating that the property had been
declared a blighted/nuisance property. The letter, mailed via certified and first-class mail,
outlined the violations and stated that the property owner had thirty (30) days in which to submit
an abatement plan to the town for consideration. As of the date of this memo, the property
owner has made no contact with the town staff.
SUMMARY:
On August 5, 2014, COMBAT determined that the property is blighted pursuant to Section 14-
142(a), Article V Spot Blight Abatement, Chapter 14 Buildings and Building Regulations, of the
Vinton Town Code, and Section 36-49:1:1 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. Based upon
this determination:
• The Town of Vinton Code Enforcement Officer notified the owner via certified and first-
class mail. The notice afforded the property owner the opportunity to respond and remedy
1/12/15 Spot Blight Abatement Plan for 123 Gus Nicks Boulevard Page | 3
the blighted condition. The owner failed to respond with a plan to cure the blighted
condition.
• A title search was performed, indicating no problems with the title.
• The Town of Vinton proposes to remedy the blight in accordance with Section 14-142(a),
Article V Spot Blight Abatement, Chapter 14 Buildings and Building Regulations, of the
Vinton Town Code. The proposed remedy is to demolish the structure and clear the
property of materials and vegetation.
• On December 4, 2014, staff faxed and/or emailed three (3) companies, requesting quotes for
the demolition of the structure on this property. These quotes do not include the testing
for/removal of asbestos.
Fiscal Impacts:
• Staff requested quotes from three (3) companies regarding the demolition of the structure
and clearing of the property. The quotes do not include asbestos testing and/or removal.
Two responses were received, and are as follows:
o L & S Plumbing and Excavating, Inc. $ 11,000
o Plunkett & Son Excavating. $ 37,800
• Estimate from F & R, Inc. for an asbestos survey: $ 1,000
• Outstanding monies due to the Town and to the County of Roanoke:
o Real Estate Taxes (TOV): ….. $ 5.17
o Title Search Lien (TOV): $ 275.00
$ 280.17
Next Steps:
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in March, 2015, after which they will make a
recommendation to Vinton Town Council in regards to adopting an ordinance to declare the
property blighted and to accept or deny the spot blight abatement plan. Vinton Town Council will
then hold a public hearing whether to adopt an ordinance to declare the property blighted, as well as
to accept the abatement plan submitted by staff. For the Planning Commission and Town Council
public hearings, a legal notice will be advertised and adjoining property owners will be notified of
the public hearings.
1/12/15 Spot Blight Abatement Plan for 123 Gus Nicks Boulevard Page | 4
The owner of the property shall be billed for the cost of blight abatement, including administrative
costs. If the owner fails to pay the cost of the abatement within thirty (30) days from the date of the
billing, the Treasurer of the Town of Vinton may collect these costs by a manner provided by law
for collection of local taxes, and a lien may be recorded among the land records of the Town of
Vinton and Roanoke County to recover the Town’s costs and expenses.
SPOT BLIGHT ABATEMENT PLAN
Date: January 12, 2015
To: Christopher Lawrence, Town Manager
Cc: Anita McMillan, Planning & Zoning Director
Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer
Chris Linkous, Captain, Fire & EMS
Ben Cook, Chief of Police
Gary Woodson, Public Works Director
Morgan Yates, Roanoke County/Vinton Building Official
Brian Simmons, Roanoke County/Vinton Fire Marshal
Elizabeth Dillon, Town Attorney
Community Blight Abatement Team (COMBAT)
From: Karla Turman
Re: 830 S. Pollard Street, Tax Map #60.19-4-4
Zoned R-2 Residential District
BACKGROUND:
On August 5, 2014, the Community Blight Abatement Team (COMBAT) met to determine if the
property referenced above would be considered blighted under Section 14-142(a), Article V Spot
Blight Abatement, Chapter 14 Buildings and Building Regulations, of the Vinton Town Code. The
term “blighted property” means any individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or
improvement that endangers the public’s health, safety, or welfare because the structure or
improvement upon the property is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and
safety standards, or any structure or improvement previously designated as blighted under the
process of determination of “spot blight”.
During the meeting, it was determined that the property (1) has been vacant for more than one (1)
year, (2) is no longer maintained for useful occupancy, (3) is dilapidated, (4) has been the subject of
nuisance abatement actions undertaken by the town or county of Roanoke, and (5) is in such
deleterious condition that it is deemed detrimental to the safety, health or welfare of the community.
Karla D. Turman Associate Planner/Code Enforcement Officer
Town of Vinton
311 S. Pollard Street Vinton, VA 24179 Phone (540) 983-0605 Fax (540) 983-0621
1/12/15 Spot Blight Abatement Plan for 830 S. Pollard Street Page | 2
Specific conditions that exist on the property include, but are not limited to:
(1) The grass, weeds, and foreign growth have not been maintained on the property;
(2) There has been a collapse of either interior or exterior structural elements, such as floors,
walls, roofs, porches, decks and similar appendages;
(3) A portion of the house is being held up by a temporary support;
(4) Portions of the back of the house are collapsing;
(5) There are broken or unsecured windows and broken or unsecured doors, entryways, or exits.
Adequate precautions to prevent the use of or access to the property by trespassers have not
been taken;
(6) The roof is in disrepair and/or in danger of collapsing;
(7) There is rotting of exterior siding, roofing, or sheathing exposing structural members to the
weather;
(8) There are damaged, dead or fallen trees or limbs on the property;
(9) The service line from the AEP pole to the house is being held up by a rope. This needs to be
brought to the attention of AEP so that they can disconnect the service line;
(10) The property has been deemed a fire hazard by the Roanoke County Fire Marshal.
On August 20, 2014, staff mailed a letter to the estate of the property owner stating that the
property had been declared a blighted/nuisance property. The letter, mailed via certified and
first-class mail, outlined the violations and stated that the property owner had thirty (30) days in
which to submit an abatement plan to the town for consideration. As of the date of this memo,
no one from the estate of the property owner has made contact with the town staff regarding an
abatement plan.
SUMMARY:
On August 5, 2014, COMBAT determined that the property is blighted pursuant to Section 14-
142(a), Article V Spot Blight Abatement, Chapter 14 Buildings and Building Regulations, of the
Vinton Town Code, and Section 36-49:1:1 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. Based upon
this determination:
• The Town of Vinton Code Enforcement Officer notified the owner/heir via certified and
first-class mail. The notice afforded the property owner the opportunity to respond and
remedy the blighted condition. The owner failed to respond with a plan to cure the blighted
condition.
• During the title search, it was determined that there may be additional heirs to the property.
A letter was mailed via first-class mail to each of the possible heirs at their last known
1/12/15 Spot Blight Abatement Plan for 830 S. Pollard Street Page | 3
address. Two letters were returned undeliverable, and there was no response from the other
heirs.
• The Town of Vinton proposes to remedy the blight in accordance with Section 14-142(a),
Article V Spot Blight Abatement, Chapter 14 Buildings and Building Regulations, of the
Vinton Town Code. The proposed remedy is to demolish the structure and clear the
property of materials and vegetation.
• On December 4, 2014, staff faxed and/or emailed three (3) companies, requesting quotes for
the demolition of the structure on this property. These quotes do not include the testing
for/removal of asbestos.
Fiscal Impacts:
• Staff requested quotes from three (3) companies regarding the demolition of the structure
and clearing of the property. The quotes do not include asbestos testing and/or removal.
Two responses were received, and are as follows:
1. L & S Plumbing and Excavating, Inc. $ 5,000
2. Plunkett & Son Excavating. $ 30,800
• Estimate from F & R, Inc. for an asbestos survey: $ 850
• Outstanding monies due to the Town and to the County of Roanoke:
1. Real Estate Taxes (TOV): $ 48.70
2. Mowing Liens: (TOV) : $ 297.00
3. Title Search Lien (TOV): $1,080.00
4. Real Estate Taxes (County): $ 972.04
$2,397.74
Next Steps:
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in March, 2015, after which they will make a
recommendation to Vinton Town Council in regards to adopting an ordinance to declare the
property blighted and to accept or deny the spot blight abatement plan. Vinton Town Council will
then hold a public hearing whether to adopt an ordinance to declare the property blighted, as well as
to accept the abatement plan submitted by staff. For the Planning Commission and Town Council
public hearings, a legal notice will be advertised and adjoining property owners will be notified of
the public hearings.
1/12/15 Spot Blight Abatement Plan for 830 S. Pollard Street Page | 4
The owner/heir of the property shall be billed for the cost of blight abatement, including
administrative costs. If the owner fails to pay the cost of the abatement within thirty (30) days from
the date of the billing, the Treasurer of the Town of Vinton may collect these costs by a manner
provided by law for collection of local taxes, and a lien may be recorded among the land records of
the Town of Vinton and Roanoke County to recover the Town’s costs and expenses.
Date: January 12, 2015
To: Christopher Lawrence, Town Manager
Vinton Town Council
Cc: Anita McMillan, Planning & Zoning Director
Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer
Chris Linkous, Captain, Fire & EMS
Ben Cook, Chief of Police
Gary Woodson, Public Works Director
Morgan Yates, Roanoke County/Vinton Building Official
Brian Simmons, Roanoke County/Vinton Fire Marshal
Elizabeth Dillon, Town Attorney
Community Blight Abatement Team (COMBAT)
From: Karla Turman
Re: Blighted Property
530 N. Blair Street, Tax Map #60.12-5-2
Zoned R-1 Residential District
On August 5, 2014, the Community Blight Abatement Team (COMBAT) met to determine if the
property referenced above would be considered blighted under Section 14-142(a), Article V Spot
Blight Abatement, Chapter 14 Buildings and Building Regulations, of the Vinton Town Code. The
term “blighted property” means any individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or
improvement that endangers the public’s health, safety, or welfare because the structure or
improvement upon the property is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and
safety standards, or any structure or improvement previously designated as blighted under the
process of determination of “spot blight”.
During the meeting, it was determined that the property (1) has been vacant for more than one (1)
year, (2) is no longer maintained for useful occupancy, (3) is dilapidated, (4) has been the subject of
nuisance abatement actions undertaken by the town or county of Roanoke, and (5) is in such
deleterious condition that it is deemed detrimental to the safety, health or welfare of the community.
Karla D. Turman Associate Planner/Code Enforcement Officer
Town of Vinton
311 S. Pollard Street Vinton, VA 24179 Phone (540) 983-0605 Fax (540) 983-0621
1/12/15 Spot Blight Abatement Plan for 530 N. Blair Street Page | 2
Specific conditions that exist on the property include, but are not limited to:
(1) The grass, weeds, and foreign growth have not been maintained on the property;
(2) There has been a collapse of either interior or exterior structural elements, such as floors,
walls, roofs, porches, decks and similar appendages;
(3) The back wall of the house is collapsing;
(4) There are broken or unsecured windows and broken or unsecured doors, entryways, or exits.
Adequate precautions to prevent the use of or access to the property by trespassers have not
been taken;
(5) There are damaged, dead or fallen trees or limbs on the property;
(6) The property has been deemed a fire hazard by the Roanoke County Fire Marshal.
On August 20, 2014, staff mailed a letter to the property owner stating that the property had been
declared a blighted/nuisance property. The letter, mailed via certified and first-class mail,
outlined the violations and stated that the property owner had thirty (30) days in which to submit
an abatement plan to the town for consideration.
On September 19, 2014, a letter was received from the property owners, stating that they were
under contract to sell the property. That sale fell through; however, the Town worked with them
since they were actively pursuing a buyer for the property. On December 23, 2014, Greenway
Construction purchased this property. Prior to the purchase, the Town assured Mr. Greenway
that we would work with him regarding a timeframe for him to abate the blight on the property.
The case will remain active until the blight is abated.
Date: January 12, 2015
To: Christopher Lawrence, Town Manager
Vinton Town Council
Cc: Anita McMillan, Planning & Zoning Director
Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer
Chris Linkous, Captain, Fire & EMS
Ben Cook, Chief of Police
Gary Woodson, Public Works Director
Morgan Yates, Roanoke County/Vinton Building Official
Brian Simmons, Roanoke County/Vinton Fire Marshal
Elizabeth Dillon, Town Attorney
Community Blight Abatement Team (COMBAT)
From: Karla Turman
Re: Blighted Property
1323 Hardy Road, Tax Map #61.18-4-3
Zoned RB Residential Business District
On August 5, 2014, the Community Blight Abatement Team (COMBAT) met to determine if the
property referenced above would be considered blighted under Section 14-142(a), Article V Spot
Blight Abatement, Chapter 14 Buildings and Building Regulations, of the Vinton Town Code. The
term “blighted property” means any individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or
improvement that endangers the public’s health, safety, or welfare because the structure or
improvement upon the property is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and
safety standards, or any structure or improvement previously designated as blighted under the
process of determination of “spot blight”.
During the meeting, it was determined that the property (1) has been vacant for more than one (1)
year, (2) is no longer maintained for useful occupancy, (3) is dilapidated, (4) has been the subject of
nuisance abatement actions undertaken by the town or county of Roanoke, and (5) is in such
deleterious condition that it is deemed detrimental to the safety, health or welfare of the community.
Karla D. Turman Associate Planner/Code Enforcement Officer
Town of Vinton
311 S. Pollard Street Vinton, VA 24179 Phone (540) 983-0605 Fax (540) 983-0621
1/12/15 Spot Blight Abatement Plan for 1323 Hardy Road Page | 2
Specific conditions that exist on the property include, but are not limited to:
(1) The grass, weeds, and foreign growth have not been maintained on the property;
(2) There are broken or unsecured windows and broken or unsecured doors, entryways, or exits.
Adequate precautions to prevent the use of or access to the property by trespassers have not
been taken;
(3) There is rotting of exterior siding, roofing, or sheathing exposing structural members to the
weather;
(4) The property has been deemed a fire hazard by the Roanoke County Fire Marshal.
On August 20, 2014, staff mailed a letter to the property owner stating that the property had been
declared a blighted/nuisance property. The letter, mailed via certified and first-class mail,
outlined the violations and stated that the property owner had thirty (30) days in which to submit
an abatement plan to the town for consideration.
On September 25, 2014, a letter was received from the property owners, stating that the structure
on the property would be demolished within ninety (90) days. A demolition permit was obtained
from Roanoke County on October 22, 2014. The owners are in the process of demolishing the
structure.
Meeting Date
January 20, 2015
Department
Council
Issue
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Summary
The Public Safety Committee met on January 15, 2015. Council Member Doug Adams will give
a brief report on their meeting.
Attachments
January 15, 2015 minutes
Recommendations
No action required.
Town Council
Agenda Summary
MINUTES OF
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015 -3:30 PM
TOV CONFERENCE ROOM
In attendance:
Vice Mayor Matt Hare
Council Member Doug Adams
Ben Cook, Police Chief
Chris Linkous, Fire/EMS Captain
Chad Helms, Lieutenant – Fire
Chief Richard Oakes
Chief Tom Philpott
Chief Richard Burch, RCFRD)
Deputy Chief Dustin Campbell, (RCFRD)
Dan O'Donnell, Assistant County Administrator-Roanoke County
Jason Peters, Chairman, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors
Meeting was called to order at 3:32 pm by Council Member Adams.
24 hour transition
Chief Philpott: Patient transfer - ALS or BLS. Chief Burch has met with station Captains and
discussed allowing the most appropriate level of provider handle patient care.
Council Member Adams: Staffing medic truck vs fire truck. Temporarily, the third career staff
member will respond to whatever incident that presents itself if not needed on the original call.
Deputy Chief Campbell: Apparatus protocol based on call type. Protocols agreed upon in November
are still in effect; career medic truck will always be the priority for staffing and won't be responding to
calls for a fire unit outside of Vinton's first due area if not specifically requested.
Building renovations update
Council Member Adams: Contract done, pre-construction meeting held earlier today and construction
is in the interior color and decor phase. Contractors scheduled to begin on January 19th.
Council Member Adams: Reports positive reception to new career staff and some initial concerns are
being addressed. Chief Oakes also reports that the volunteer fire staff is working well with career
staff and thanked Roanoke County Fire and Rescue personnel for their assistance and support.
Comments: Many comments made concerning the positive interaction between the volunteers and
career staff and all have the same goal of improving service delivery.
Meeting adjourned at 4:19 pm
Minutes prepared by Benjamin L. Cook
01/15/2015; 4:26pm