HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/5/2015 - Regular1
Vinton Town Council
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
311 South Pollard Street
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
AGENDA
Consideration of:
A. 6:00 p.m. - WORK SESSION
1. Further review and discussion of the proposed 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 meeting of April 7, 2015.
G. AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation – Asthma Awareness Month
2. Proclamation – National Police Officers Week
3. Proclamation – Public Works Week
4. Proclamation – National Emergency Medical Services Week
5. Annual update by W ayne Strickland, Executive Director, on behalf of the Roanoke
Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.
H. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND PETITIONS - This section is reserved for comments and
questions for issues not listed on the agenda.
I. TOWN ATTORNEY
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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J. TOWN MANAGER
ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION
1. Consider adoption of a Resolution approving the 2015-2016 operating budget for the
Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee.
2. Consider adoption of a Resolution awarding a bid and authorizing the Town Manager to
execute a contract with Mid-Atlantic Waste Systems in the amount of $133,099.00 for a
new Hooklift Truck with Dump Body and to apply for lease financing through VML/VACo
for said purchase.
BRIEFING
1. Briefing on the HVAC systems for the Municipal Building and Fire Department Building.
K. MAYOR
L. COUNCIL
1. Appointments to Boards/Commissions/Committees
M. 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.
NEXT TOWN COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEETINGS/EVENTS:
May 11, 2015 – 5:30 p.m. – Finance Committee Meeting – Finance Conference Room
May 19, 2015 – 6:00 p.m. - Work Session followed by Regular Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. – Council
Chambers
Meeting Date
May 5, 2015
Department
Administration
Issue
Further review and discussion of the proposed FY2015-2016 budget
Summary
None
Attachment
None
Recommendations
No action required
Town Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date
May 5, 2015
Department
Town Clerk
Issue
Consider approval of minutes for the regular Council meeting of April 7, 2015.
Summary
None
Attachments
April 7, 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 6:00 P.M.
ON TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 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
Ben Cook, Police Chief
Donna Collins, Human Resources Specialist
Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer
Joey Hiner, Public Works Assistant Director
The Mayor called the work session to order at 6:00
p.m. for the annual update by Beth Doughty, Executive
Director for the Roanoke Regional Partnership. Ms.
Doughty first commented that business attraction is more
than half of what the Partnership does and the other parts
are asset development, image building and market
intelligence. She then began her Power Point
presentation and commented with regard to business
attraction that overall files that were opened on projects
and providing information assistance were both up 10%.
With regard to the Partnership serving as the
Administrator for the Western Virginia Regional Industrial
Facility Authority, a study was completed in the last
month identifying potential large industrial sites, which will
affect our future business attraction effort.
There were 713 jobs created in 2014 with an investment
of $72 million, most of which were represented by
expansions of existing companies. This was the second
highest announcement of jobs in the last five years with
overall annual economic impact of $249 million.
Ms. Doughty next commented about the relocation of the
Norfolk Southern offices and that the Partnership has
been able to meet with more than 50 site and location
consultants in person since the initial announcement.
Also, a summary was created of lay-offs and cut-backs
that demonstrate the workforce that is potentially
available and sent that out to more than 100 of those
consultants as well as our partners through the Virginia
Economic Development Partnership. This has generated
a lot of interest and has brought two or three new office-
type projects. Skilled workforce and real estate are really
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critical particularly for manufacturing where we suffer
from a lack of large industrial sites and available
buildings.
Ms. Doughty next commented on economic prosperity
indicators that give a summary of trends in the market.
They looked at peer communities, Lynchburg,
Chattanooga, Winston-Salem, Spartanburg, Fort Wayne
and Asheville, which are selected on size, character and
demographics. The categories in comparison were gross
metro product, income growth, income level,
employment, prosperity, health security, asset
appreciation, job growth, population growth.
With regard to capita personal income, Roanoke is above
the national average, but our growth comes in retirement
payments and investment income. This is a sign of an
aging population that will impact the skilled workforce in
the future. Roanoke’s median household income
(adjusted for cost of living) is $52,569 which is slightly
above the national average.
Roanoke had the highest rate of employment of all the
peer communities and the lowest poverty rate. However,
the rate of poverty has increased from 2011 to 2013.
Another gauge of prosperity is insurance coverage and
this statistic is based in 2013 when insurance coverage
was not yet mandated and Roanoke was above the
national average.
With regard to asset appreciation, Roanoke scored at 75
because of lower home prices based on slower housing
recovery out of the recession as well as slow population
and demographic growth. Job growth ties in with
population growth and we need to be concerned about
Roanoke’s score of 47 because the workforce has begun
to retire and will continue in insignificant numbers. Ms.
Doughty commented that one of the most important
conversations that we can have as a region are about
attracting and retaining young talent in this region. Based
on all of these categories, Roanoke scored an economic
performance index of 94, with Asheville scoring 104 and
Spartanburg scoring 119.
Ms. Doughty continued by stating that we have to
continue to find ways to attract new talent and new
people to this region. We have to create places where
people want to be and how we differentiate our region
and our individual communities from the competition is
clearly important. The Greenway and Explore Park are
so important as well as the focus on the outdoors
because they appeal to the millennial audience. We must
continue to build the infrastructure that supports business
attraction such as large industrial sites.
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In closing, Ms. Doughty commented that a tool we have
not taken advantage of, but we should base on the
information that has been presented, is the fact that we
have 25 colleges and universities in a 60 mile radius.
Even if we look at the colleges and universities in a 35
mile radius, that is a huge asset to us in the ability to
attract and retain young people. We need a coordinated
and comprehensive strategy which will be really important
to our future economic development success.
The next work session item was the annual update by
Liz Belcher, Greenway Coordinator for the Roanoke
Valley Greenway Commission. Ms. Belcher began with
her Power Point presentation and first commented that
her job was reclassified in 2014 which brought the
Greenway budget for 2016 to $94,220. The Town’s
percentage of the total is $3,520, which is $165 more
than last year.
Several grants have been given to Vinton in the 2014-
2015 fiscal year. They were the Glade Creek Revenue
Sharing Match of $12,500 from the Greenway
Commission/ Pathfinders and $20,000 from the Roanoke
County EDA. A DGIF $10,000 grant and an $11,500
grant from AEP were awarded for the Tinker Creek
Blueway as well as $1,459,500 RSTP funds for the Tinker
Creek Pedestrian Bridge which will come in FY2017-
2018.
The priority project for several years has been the
Roanoke River Greenway. On the west end, the
Greenhill Park section opened in 2008 and the next
section in the County is under design. The location of
this section has been difficult, but they have settled on a
site and are in the process of doing an environmental
compliance. In 2014 Salem completed a section and is
now designing the next bridge that will get built. Another
project is Salem is designing a bridge widening at
Apperson near the Sheets at 419 and they have an RFP
out to build a sidewalk up to Lewis Gale and to the
shopping center.
The next part in Roanoke City is currently under
construction from the Salem line to Aerial Way. They
hope to have an RFP go out in early fall for the next piece
that goes through the railroad yard. The section from the
City line to Explore Park will be on the south side of the
river because of the railroad being on the north side.
The County will be applying for a FLAP Grant to build this
section.
Some major projects that have been completed are the
new bridge that was built on the Hanging Rock Battlefield
Trail, the only Civil War trail. Salem has been focusing
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on amenities such as recycling bins and pet dispensers.
The City of Roanoke opened another piece of Lick Run
which is Countryside Park and is working on art projects
and historic interpretive markers.
The Pathfinders group has been working in the Valley as
well as Franklin County and at Natural Bridge. For the
second year in a row, they won the State Cox Conserves
Hero Award of $10,000. They also continue to help with
special events, training session for the volunteers, Gallop
for the Greenways and in the Fall they assisted with a
Mobile Workshop for VDOT’s statewide conference.
Also, they worked with the Wilderness 50th Anniversary
and sponsored the canoe trip.
Ms. Belcher next commented that this was the year the
Greenways became tourism because she has never seen
so much publicity that touts the Greenways and the
reasons to come to the Valley. She expressed thanks to
Vinton for their support and all they are doing toward the
Greenways.
Council Member Adams arrived at 6:30 p.m.
The last work session item was an update by Carl
Palmer, General Manager for the Greater Roanoke
Transit Company d/b/a Valley Metro. Mr. Palmer first
introduced Stephanie Giles, Valley Metro’s Director of
Financing, and Sherman Stovall, Assistant City Manager
for Roanoke, who were in the audience.
Mr. Palmer began with his Power Point presentation by
first commenting on the transit services provided by
Valley Metro and the annual ridership for FY2014 was
2,436,543. The next slide showed the GRTC funding
structure of 33% from federal resources, 23% from local
governments, 23% from revenue or passengers and 17%
from the state. The GRTC budget for FY2015 is $9.3
million with Vinton’s sharing being 1.4%.
In terms of Vinton’s fixed route ridership from 2009
through FY2014, it peaked in FY2012, but went back to
an average of 61-62,000. The FY2014 ridership
represented 2.4% of Valley Metro’s rides. The STAR
ridership over that same period steadily increased from a
low of 2,487 to a high of 4,918. STAR has an active
passenger list of 217 that have been certified to use this
service from the Town of Vinton. The cost per ride
increased 13.3% from 2009 to 2014.
In terms of subsidy from Vinton, this was pretty flat from
2009 to 2012. It took a leap in 2013 and leveled off again
in 2014. This is based on the relationship between
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ridership and revenue that offsets the net subsidy. The
ridership fell off in 2013 compared to 2012 for the Town
of Vinton. When you take into account the rising cost of
doing business escalating from year to year and if we do
not realize a reasonable level of revenue based on
ridership, then the subsidy takes a hit. On the other
hand, the ridership for the STAR service did increase
from 2012 to 2013.
Vice Mayor Hare asked the correlation between ridership
and the costs. In 2011, we went from 69,000 riders in
2011 and we paid in $79,000. Then it jumped up to
77,000 in 2012 and we paid $85,000. Mr. Palmer asked
for clarification of the question to which Mr. Hare
responded that the subsidy went up because ridership
went down. So, if ridership was up, why would the
subsidy not go down. Mr. Palmer said it would go down
depending on the actual impact of the costs. The cost
for providing the service does not necessarily track
specifically with the level of ridership on a percentage
basis. The 23% that we receive from the localities does
not change. However, many times the federal and state
support that we receive is not constant each year. If
either of those two factors falls off as to the actual dollars
received in a specific year and our costs still go up, even
though our ridership incrementally increases, this is not
enough to erase or neutralize the increase in our costs.
Council Member Adams asked if Valley Metro recognizes
any fuel costs, should the localities possibly see a
savings for the coming year. Mr. Palmer responded yes.
Mr. Palmer continued by commenting that factors relating
to inflationary costs are the increase in expenses related
to labor and benefits, materials and supplies and rising
costs of providing the ADA complimentary service.
With regard to the STAR Route, there are people with
mobility limitations that have to rely on this service and
take multiple trips per day. The difference between the
fixed route and the STAR route is that it does not have
the density to generate and keep that service at an
efficient operating level. The costs on a fixed route are
set each year and the miles to operate stay the same.
On the STAR route, if the number of eligible riders
increases, those miles incrementally go up because you
are providing a service from curb to curb, essentially door
to door. The history of this service has never been on par
with the fixed route, it has always been two, three or four
times the cost per trip that you would see in fixed route.
All of this is anchored in the regulations that drive how the
service has to be provided because these individuals
have the right to travel as much as they want and we are
required by law to provide a comparable parallel
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paratransit service for those people who are not able to
do the fixed route.
Mr. Palmer next commented on cost mitigation strategies.
The first is a fixed price benefit contract relating to health
care insurance for the employees. They go out for bid
each year and the competitive environment helps keep
that cost under reasonable control from year to year and
is factored into the overall costs to operate. Fuel cost is
by a fixed price contract. They have undertaken an
initiative to look at the spacing of the bus stops which is
important when it comes to the stop and start and
consumption of fuel for the buses. They have also
purchased nine mini-hybrid buses which are full-size, but
have a cooling system driven by an electronic system
with a bank of fans as opposed to hydraulics which
consumes more fuel to cool the bus.
The current RADAR contract has been restructured as a
cost allocation model. Before the allocation was on a
passenger per trip basis and as each trip went up, the
cost went up and was very difficult to control. Now,
RADAR takes all of its contracts and all of the miles and
gives a fixed price based on our percentage of the miles
that we anticipate operating in a specific year. The cost
that comes to us is based on that percentage. There is a
fixed amount for each year with a list of items that go into
that annual cost. The good news is that we know what
we are dealing with in terms of costs from year to year.
Mr. Palmer next commented that they are also going to
be looking at certification eligibility determination. Now,
they give the individual an application, they fill it out and
take to a physician who certifies that this person cannot
negotiate fixed route service on his or her own. He
knows of other bus systems that have the applications
reviewed by another medical professional even to the
extent of essentially putting the individual through a
regime to see what their capabilities and limitations are.
The plan is to purge all of their files and recertify
individuals over the next fiscal year. There may be some
individuals who were certified some years ago on a
temporary basis and we need to see if their condition still
exists or if we can place them into a training program to
use fixed route service. They have not been staffed in
the past to handle this, but possibly they can hire an
independent agency that is accustomed to and
understands the physical limitations of people with
disabilities to review the applications to make certain that
we are asking the right kind of questions to get at this
person’s ability to use fixed route service or not. They will
make the final decision, but this will give them more
information to make an informed decision.
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Council Member Adams asked if there were any
limitations to where the STAR route can take a person
and Mr. Palmer responded that under federal regulations,
they have to provide service to anyone whose origin or
destination is within three quarters of a mile of a fixed
route and there are no limitations.
Mr. Palmer next commented on a comparison table for
ADA services which showed Blacksburg Transit at $39.27
per trip, Lynchburg at $37.00 per trip and Valley Metro at
$19.49 per trip. The comparison of fixed route is $1.82,
$2.36 and $2.80, respectively. Their costs compared to
the other two have to do with the competitive environment
in which they are contracted for these services.
Lynchburg services are operated in-house by the transit
service itself, so labor and benefit packages are a
tremendous driver in terms of that costs and the same for
Blacksburg Transit which is a system in part of the City of
Blacksburg.
Another item for consideration is coordination with local
stakeholders/jurisdictions to improve access to fixed route
service via infrastructure improvements such as
sidewalks, curb cuts and pedestrian amenities. This is a
long term project, but there needs to be a relationship
between fixed route service, bus stop locations and
having access. As a part of recertifying individuals who
should be on fixed route service, they need to be able to
access the fixed route.
In closing, Mr. Palmer commented that on average there
are between 9 and 10 passengers in a bus from the
beginning to the end of a route. Some routes are more
robust such as Williamson Road and Orange Avenue.
There has been no fare increase since 2007. The ADA
Complimentary Service Program for FY2014 was $1.2
million. Council Member Nance asked the average
ridership number for the Town and Mr. Palmer responded
that he could provide that information. Mr. Nance was
also interested to see if there are particular times or
portions of the route that are less populated than others.
Mr. Nance further commented that the current program is
becoming where it is not sustainable for the Town. Mr.
Palmer commented that Mr. Nance had a point, but what
they are dealing with on the other hand are the regulatory
requirements that are tied to providing this service. Mr.
Nance next commented that the regulations that Valley
Metro has to deal with are stopping the ability for the
service to be efficient and at the same time, the Town is
being stuck with a bill that is growing and we have no
ability to control.
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Mr. Palmer commented that they are trying to stay within
the regulations and at the same time manage the costs
that will have some significance of sustainability over
time. But the regulations were never driven by financial
considerations.
The Mayor expressed appreciation to Mr. Palmer for his
presentation. This Council is very involved in this budget
process and this cost has our attention and is becoming a
bigger burden for us. As the baby boomers get older
and need to rely on these services, it will become an
even bigger problem and we may come to a point that as
a Town we can no longer afford this service.
Sherman Stovall, Assistant City Manager for Roanoke,
addressed Council and commented that the City shares
the same concerns about the costs of public
transportation. He meets with Mr. Palmer and his staff
monthly and the City has the same budgetary challenges
that the Town has. Mr. Stovall further commented that
he believes everything has been done to run the system
as efficiently as possible and to manage the expenses.
He does understand the questions about the STAR route
and he feels that if they were able to get more control
over the cost they would be able to deliver a more
efficient service. They will make themselves available to
meet with Council at any time or answer any questions.
The Town Manager commented that now the Town and
the City of Salem rotate a position on the GRTC Board
every two years and Ryan Spitzer is currently serving in
that position for the Town.
The Mayor called the regular meeting to order at 7:25
p.m. The Town Clerk called the roll with Council Member
Adams, Council Member Nance, Council Member Weeks,
Vice Mayor Hare and Mayor Grose present. After a
Moment of Silence, Council Member Adams led the
Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.
Roll call
Under upcoming community events/announcements,
Council Member Weeks mentioned the Dogwood Festival
that starts on April 22nd. Vice Mayor Hare reminded
everyone of Clean Valley Day this Saturday.
Under awards, recognitions and presentations, the
first item was a Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention
Month. Council Member Weeks read the Proclamation.
After comments by Mary Kay Brown, President of the
GFWC Woman’s Club of Vinton, regarding the pinwheel
garden that was planted in front of the Municipal Building
prior to the meeting, she was presented the
Proclamation.
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The next recognition was a Proclamation for National
Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Council
Member Nance read the Proclamation. Chief Cook
introduced Susan Slough, Assistant Director of
Communications, and Aleta Coleman, Chief of
Emergency Commissions for Roanoke County and made
comments. Ms. Slough expressed thanks for the
recognition and that it is pleasure for the County to serve
the Town and was presented with the Proclamation.
The last recognition was a Proclamation for Mayor’s
Day of Recognition for National Service. Mayor Grose
read the Proclamation and presented it to Samantha
Lukasiewicz with The Advancement Foundation.
Under citizens’ comments and petitions, Spencer
Hanshaw of East Virginia Avenue addressed Council
concerning the water pressure on his street and Pine
Street and presented a list of other residents that have
been affected. He commented that when he contacted
Public Works after the reduction in the water pressure he
was told that the area had too much pressure which was
affecting showerheads and hot water tanks. His pressure
had been the same for 28 years. Another reason given
by Public Works for the low pressure was the lines, but
he had replaced his lines several years ago. He has
gone from being able to take a shower and run the
washing machine at the same time to only a stream of
water in the shower while running the washing machine.
Mr. Hanshaw next commented that some residents have
been told that there is a problem with the line from the
meter to their house and they are discussing replacing
their lines and he has told them that is not the problem.
He requested that Council see if at least some of the
water pressure could be restored.
The Mayor made comments and directed the Town
Manager to investigate the matter and make a report
back to Council. Council Member Nance stated he would
like to have a report back at the next Council meeting, but
if the matter can be resolved in a shorter time period, staff
should do that. The Town Manager commented that staff
would take a look at the situation.
The next item on the agenda was to consider
adoption of a Resolution authorizing the Town Manager
to execute a Lease Agreement with The Advancement
Foundation for the upper level of the Health Department
Building located at 227 South Pollard Street, Vinton,
Virginia, for a business incubator. Ryan Spitzer began
by commenting that last month Annette Patterson
appeared before Council and gave a brief overview of the
proposal to use the top floor of the Health Department
building to create a business incubator. Since that
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meeting, she has met with surrounding business owners
to assist in some small modifications inside the building
and has also talked with Ed Walker and some other
entrepreneurs within the City who would be willing to
coach new entrepreneurs in the space. She has also
met with some other financial, legal and accounting
people to get a business plan started and provide some
classes. She has ten committed individuals who would
like to either lease an office or be able to use the
conference room, computers and fax machines that will
be provided.
Mr. Spitzer next commented that the individuals who rent
space will be charged, but those charges will go back into
the cost of running the space. The utilities will be
covered by the Town and we are trying to do VOIP
service to the building. Our return for investment by
using VOIP is two years rather than using Verizon or Cox
to supply the service.
The commitments made as part of the Lease agreement
are provided in Section 2. F. such as providing five paid
positions and 30 professional advisors, looking for
businesses that mix with our business loss summary as
part of our economic restructuring. A Skills-Based
Volunteer Bank will be done that will map the assets that
our Town has to provide services to these entrepreneurs.
This will be not only while they are a part of the incubator
but afterwards so we can have a long-term commitment
to them and hopefully encourage them to stay one or two
years in our downtown spaces. The hurdle in starting a
new business is surviving the first six months to a year
and failing because they do not have a good grasp on the
financial, accounting and business plan aspects.
Most of the language in this Lease is standard and similar
to the one we had with The Advancement Foundation
and Rowe furniture and also with Alexander Films other
than a few suggested changes by the Town Attorney
which are not substantive changes.
Vice Mayor Hare commented on the section referring to
taxes and assessments and asked who would own any
improvements that would be made to the building and the
Town Manager responded that the Town would.
However, any business would have to have a business
license and be responsible for any taxable tool or
machinery applicable to their business. Mr. Spitzer
commented that the goal is to get a business into the
incubator for one to one and a half years and then get
them out into the Town somewhere.
In response to comments by Vice Mayor Hare regarding
maintenance and inspection, the Town Attorney
commented that the Town would have to maintain the
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property so it is habitable. The Town Manager
commented that we have always fully maintained the
building because of the Health Department being in the
lower level.
Council Member Adams commented that he saw in the
newspaper about the old Memorial Hospital building in
downtown Roanoke and are they doing the same type of
thing with that building. Mr. Spitzer responded that they
are planning to do high-tech start-ups in that building
which will be more computer based app development for
iPhones. The Town Manager said it will be similar in
philosophy of an incubator, but they are tailoring it for a
certain clientele.
Vice Mayor Hare made a motion to adopt the Resolution
as presented; the motion was seconded by Council
Member Nance 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. 2102
authorizing the Town Manager to
execute a Lease Agreement with
The Advancement Foundation for
the upper level of the Health
Department Building located at
227 South Pollard Street, Vinton,
Virginia, for a business incubator
The next item on the agenda was to consider
adoption of a Resolution authorizing the renewal of the
Town of Vinton Employees’ group health insurance
coverage with The Local Choice Program for the contract
year July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. Donna Collins,
Human Resources Specialist, first commented that there
is no premium increase for this contract year. The two
current policies, Key Expanded and Key 500, will be
offered again with some changes.
The Behavioral Analysis annual plan year limit of $35,000
has been lifted. The dental benefits next year will be
unbundled and employees will have the option of
remaining with the comprehensive coverage or choosing
preventative care which will be at a lower cost, covers
routine oral exams and cleanings twice a year, x-rays,
sealants and fluoride for children with no-copays.
Ms. Collins next commented that out-of-pocket
maximums have changed and there will now be a four-
tier structure for prescription drugs. Council Member
Nance asked what are the employees saying about their
coverage and Ms. Collins responded that the employees
are very satisfied with their medical insurance. Council
Member Adams made a motion to adopt the Resolution
as presented; the motion was seconded by Council
Member Weeks 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. 2013
authorizing the renewal of the
Town of Vinton Employees’ group
health insurance coverage with
The Local Choice Program for the
contract year July 1, 2015 through
June 30, 2016
The next item on the agenda was the overview of the
Town Manager’s recommended budget for FY 2015-
2016. The Town Manager began his Power Point
presentation by commenting that the proposed budget
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was delivered to Council on Friday and posted to the
website. He stated the four budget priorities of the
$12,658,190 budget which is made up of $9,040,040 in
the General Fund and $3,618,150 in the Utility Fund.
The General Fund revenues are based on the increased
real estate tax to $.07 per $100 of assessed value along
with other taxes which are recommended to remain the
same. The business percentage of total revenue for FY
2016 will be $3,378,849 or 37.38%.
The breakdown of the total expenditures by accounts was
shown. Vice Mayor Hare asked about the “transfers”
category showing $72,785 and Barry Thompson
responded that is the 2% raise is which is a non-
departmental account. If approved by Council, this
amount will be allocated to each department. The Utility
Fund also has approximately $16,000 included for part of
the 2% raise. The Mayor commented that all members of
Council are in favor of the employees receiving a 2%
raise, but they have elected to be excluded.
The overall budget is a 5.53% increase over last year or
$473,820 and includes the increased costs for 24-hour
fire services as well as general inflationary cost increases
and other projects such as the Walnut Street
Improvement RSTP Grant, CDBG Grant for Downtown
and the VDOT Revenue Sharing for the Glade Creek
project.
The Town Manager next commented that the budget also
includes funding of capital items in the amount of
$61,500, most of which is a capital reserve appropriation.
Milling and paving has been increased to $345,438,
which is $75,913 more than FY2015. The extra $.01
increase in the real estate tax was put into the milling and
paving. In response to a question by Vice Mayor Hare,
Barry Thompson commented that the General Fund
paving was increased by $48,000 which is the extra $.01.
The Town Manager then clarified that the real estate tax
increase was $180,000. Of that, $120,000 went to fund
the two new firefighters, $48,000 went to paving and the
$12,000 balance went into the general fund, not to a
specific fund.
The electricity and fuel expenses were maintained and
contributions to the Volunteer Fire and EMS were kept at
$32,600.
This is our fifth year of our $50,000 payment on our 10-
year payment cycle with Roanoke County to purchase the
property for the new library. The next five years the price
will increase to $55,000 plus interest. We budgeted
$675,000 for the Downtown Revitalization project, which
13
should be completed in December and continued our
Façade Grant program with $3,000. The Community/
Organization contributions of $15,750 and Joint Local
Government Services of $48,105 are provided in detail in
the proposed budget.
The Town Manager next commented that the health
insurance was covered in depth by Ms. Collins and we
maintained professional development and training for our
team members.
The CIP includes gateway enhancements of $5,000 to
begin working toward improving our gateways into the
Town. Roanoke County will be applying for a grant to
replace the Medic 23 vehicle and we have included
$45,000 in the CIP for the Town’s share. Also, included
is $7,500 to replace zero-turn lawn mowers and the
Walnut Avenue Corridor Improvement Project of $4,000.
This corridor is our top project on the VDOT six-year plan
and relates to the 8th Street intersection at Southern
States. We continue to pay into that account as well as
VDOT until the funds come available in 2019.
Barry Thompson commented that he needed to make a
correction relating to the $12,000 from the real estate tax
increase that he indicated went into the General Fund
operating budget. This amount went into the CIP.
With regard to the additional funding for the two
firefighters to fully implement the 24 hour fire coverage,
the Town Manager commented that one firefighter has
been hired and started work today. Roanoke County has
hired five new firefighters who have gone through the
Academy and after two-weeks of field training will be
ready to work. On June 6th, those five employees will be
assigned to our station. If we cannot get our second
firefighter hired by June 6th, we will use some overtime to
get us through the first few weeks of the hiring process.
Council Member Adams asked the current date for
completion of the renovations and the Town Manager
responded May 15th. We are trying to schedule a ribbon
cutting either June 3rd of 4th to focus on the service
enhancement and the renovations.
The Town Manager next commented one area
recommended for a reduction in service is to close the
swimming pool after the 2015 season. Vice Mayor Hare
commented that since the pool budget has part of the
salary of a full-time staff member, we will not save the
total $40,000 by closing the pool. The Town Manager
commented that if Council approves closing the pool, we
will need to discuss demolition expenses.
14
The next recommended reduction is in overtime in the
Police Department and one area is with the K9 Unit. It
does not mean that they necessarily have to get rid of the
K9 Unit, but they need to balance, budget and operate
the department so they do not have to spend so much in
overtime. The challenge for the Chief is to reduce the
amount of overtime and they are going to have to do that
through some scheduling and keeping their staff turn-over
rate down. Another area is reduction in expenses at the
War Memorial and looking at the current business plan
and what the expectations are.
Also, we are evaluating the bulk/brush and recycling
schedules to see if there are some efficiencies that will
help with an aging fleet such as reducing the frequency.
However, we need to be conscious of the fact that by
removing the 3rd Street dumpsters we may have more
trash and bulk items set out at the curb. A part-time
position was eliminated in the Finance Department and
there were other general reductions based on historic
trends and tightening the belt across the board between
all departments. Other slides showed the debt service of
the General Fund and the breakdown of Community
Contributions and Joint Local Government Services.
The Utility Fund is $3,618,150 which includes the 8.9%
rate increase based on the action from last June of a two-
year rate increase. The debt service of $715,459 is
included in the expenditures which is 21%. There is a
4.88% increase over the FY2014-2015 budget of
$168,000 which is predominately the rate increase.
There is no proposed increase in water and sewer
system development fees or installation/inspection fees
this year.
This year our cost for the Wastewater Treatment plant
went down by $69,731 which is a 2% decrease. The
inflow and infiltration line item was increased by $10,000
to allow for small projects. The CIP in the Utility Fund of
$317,000 includes meter reading system upgrade of
$25,000 and the design and construction of the next
Phase of the Jefferson-Cleveland waterlines project of
$75,000. Also, included is $40,000 to purchase
deployable leak detectors and correlating equipment to
help pinpoint actual breaks which will save in road cuts
and road maintenance as well as labor and equipment.
The water line replacement for the Mason Road/Bexhill
Drive at $15,000 and Niagara Village Apartments of
$12,000 in included. The Blandford Avenue design and
replacement of sewer main at $150,000 will be done by a
contractor because the line is 20-26 feet underground.
The Town Manager concluded by commenting that a
whole-day work session is scheduled for April 16th at the
15
War Memorial for departments to give their presentations.
Another work session will be held on April 21st. To meet
our advertising requirements, we will need authorization
at that meeting to advertise the budget. Another work
session will be at the May 5th regular Council meeting and
May 19th will tentatively be the actual Public Hearing.
Council can formally approve the budget at the June 2nd
meeting, but could wait until the June 16th meeting.
Some additional budget work sessions can be scheduled
if Council so desires.
The Mayor commented on the Arbor Day Celebration at
W. E. Cundiff on April 2nd and the Town Manager added
that this is the 18th year of the Town being a Tree City
community. Also, he and the Town Manager also attended
the retirement reception for Chief Burch of Roanoke
County. He also mentioned the Vietnam Combat Art
Display at Hollins College.
The next item was to consider nominations for the
2015 VML Policy Committees. After comments from the
Mayor, Vice Mayor Nance made a motion to accept the
nominations from the 2014 slate as follows – Community &
Economic Development – Council Member Adams and
Christopher Lawrence; Environmental Quality – Mayor
Grose and Anita McMillan; Finance – Vice Mayor Hare and
Barry Thompson; General Laws – Council Member Nance
and Transportation – Council Member Weeks and Gary
Woodson. The motion was seconded by Council Members
Adams and carried by the following vote, with all members
voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Adams, Nance, Weeks,
Hare, Grose; Nays (0).
Approved nominations for the
2015 VML Policy Committees
Comments from Council Members: Council Member
Adams commented that the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club
along with the Town has committed to clean up the Glade
Town Cemetery as an on-going project.
Vice Mayor Hare made a motion to adjourn the
regular meeting; the motion was seconded by Council
Member Adams 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 9:24 p.m.
Meeting adjourned
APPROVED:
________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
Meeting Date
May 5, 2015
Department
Administration
Issue
Proclamation – Asthma Awareness Month
Summary
Stuart Tousman, Asthma Coalition Committee Member, will be present at the meeting to accept
this Proclamation
Attachments
Proclamation
Recommendations
Read Proclamation
Town Council
Agenda Summary
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, asthma has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, affecting almost 26 million people, including children and adults; and
WHEREAS, about 8 percent of all adults and 10 percent of school-age children have asthma; and
WHEREAS, asthma is one of the leading causes of chronic illness, childhood hospitalizations and school absenteeism, accounting for nearly 10.5 million missed school days nationally each year; and
WHEREAS, the cost of hospitalizations and emergency room visits for asthma in Virginia is over $135 million a year; and
WHEREAS, research and literature demonstrate that asthma-related hospitalizations and deaths are preventable with public awareness and asthma education to improve the knowledge of Virginians and healthcare professionals; and
WHEREAS, the Greater Roanoke Valley Asthma and Air Quality Coalition supports asthma management and control, public awareness, and education in order to enable the communities to identify and reduce their exposures to environmental triggers in homes, schools, and places of employment so they can decrease asthma episodes and risk of death.
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 May 2015 as “ASTHMA
AWARENESS MONTH” in the Town of Vinton and call upon all citizens of the Town of Vinton and surrounding areas to work together to support asthma management and control.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Vinton, Virginia to be affixed on this 5th day of May, 2015.
____________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Meeting Date
May 5, 2015
Department
Police Department
Issue
Proclamation for National Police Week
Summary
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy declared May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. We would like to recognize our law enforcement officers that serve the Town with a proclamation which recognizes National Police Week.
Attachments
Proclamation
Recommendations
Read Proclamation
Town Council
Agenda Summary
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Congress and President of the United States have designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which it falls as Police Week; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Vinton Police Department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the citizens of the Town of Vinton; and
WHEREAS, it is important that all citizens know and understand the problems, duties and responsibilities of their police department, and that members of our police department recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence or disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation; and
WHEREAS, the Vinton Police Department has grown to be a modern and scientific law enforcement agency and provides a vital public service.
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 May 10, 2015 to May 16, 2015 as “NATIONAL
POLICE WEEK” in the Town of Vinton and call upon all citizens of the Town of Vinton and surrounding areas that are served by the Vinton Police Department to observe this week and to join Town Council in recognizing officers for their faithful and loyal devotion to duty and dedicated service to their community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Vinton, Virginia to be affixed on this 5th day of May, 2015.
____________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Meeting Date
May 5, 2015
Department
Public Works
Issue
Proclamation - Public Works Week
Summary
The American Public Works Association advocates the recognition and celebration of Public
Works Week in all cities, counties, and towns across the U.S.
This year marks the fifty-fifth year of celebration. The Week calls attention to the importance of
public works in community life. Well maintained infrastructure, streets, stormwater collection,
water distribution, wastewater collection, traffic signals & signage; and effective services such as
administration, snow removal, refuse collection, recycling, automotive & construction equipment
maintenance are all vital to neighborhood quality of life and to the economic well being of the
Town.
The Week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often-unsung heroes of our society--the
professionals who serve the public good every day, and often at night and on weekends, under all
weather conditions with quiet dedication.
The theme of this year’s celebration is, “Community Begins Here". This theme speaks to the
essential nature of Public Works services in support of everyday quality of life. Public Works
allows the world as we know it to be in our community, 8,000 in the Town and another 5,000 in
our East Roanoke County utility service area.
Traditionally, the week is recognized by proclamations from the U. S. Senate, U.S. House, and
Governor of Virginia. This will be the ninth year of celebration in the Town of Vinton.
Attachments
Proclamation
Recommendations
Read and present Proclamation
Town Council
Agenda Summary
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Public Works services provided in the Town are an integral part of our citizens,
institutions, businesses, and industries everyday lives and well-being; and
WHEREAS, public support of the importance of effective and efficient Public Works services
such as street maintenance, sidewalk repair, solid waste collection, recycling,
traffic signal & sign maintenance, snow & ice removal, stormwater collection,
water production & distribution, and wastewater collection improves morale and
performance of Public Works staff; and
WHEREAS, the health, safety, economic growth, and quality of life in our Town greatly
depend on these vital Public Works services; and
WHEREAS, Public Works staff also provide critical response capabilities, experience, and
support in times of emergency; and
WHEREAS, the efficiency of the qualified and dedicated people who staff Public Works is
positively influenced by the citizens’ attitude and understanding of the important
services the staff provides.
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 May 17, 2015 to May 23, 2015 as “PubLIC
WORkS WEEk” in the Town of Vinton.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Vinton, Virginia to be affixed on this 5th day of May, 2015.
____________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Meeting Date
May 5, 2015
Department
Fire
Issue
Proclamation - National Emergency Medical Services Week
Summary
National Emergency Medical Services Week urges our citizens to recognize the value and
accomplishments of all of our Emergency Services personnel and to support the many public
safety activities and efforts of the Town’s emergency services.
Attachment
Proclamation
Recommendations
Read Proclamation
Town Council
Agenda Summary
PROCLAMATION
WheReAs, this year’s theme for National Emergency Medical Services Week is “EMS Strong”; and
WheReAs, this is the 41st anniversary of National Emergency Medical Services Week which brings together the local communities and emergency medical providers to announce safety & respect those who dedicate their time and energy to provide the day in/day out lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line”; and
WheReAs, the Town of Vinton is devoted to ensuring the safety and security of all those citizens living in and visiting our town; and
WheReAs, Emergency Medical Services is much more than a simple ride to the emergency room. It is a complex system of coordinated response and swift emergency medical care that involves numerous people as well as agencies; and
WheReAs, EMS is an intricate system, and each component of this system has an essential role to perform as part of a coordinated and seamless system of emergency care; and
WheReAs, the members of Emergency Medical Services teams are highly trained and ready to provide lifesaving treatment to those in need around the clock, 365 days a year A comprehensive EMS system is ready every day for every type of emergency; and
WheReAs, the Emergency Medical Services system consist of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, educators, and administrators; and
WheReAs, the members of Emergency Medical Services teams, whether career or volunteer, partake in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to develop their lifesaving skills; and
WheReAs, it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of Emergency Medical Service Community by designating National Emergency Medical Services Week.
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 May 17, 2015 to May 23, 2015 as “NATIONAL eMeRgeNCy MeDICAL seRvICes Week” in the Town of Vinton and I urge all the people of the Town of Vinton to support the many public safety activities and efforts of the Town’s emergency services.
IN WITNess WheReOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Vinton, Virginia to be affixed on this 5th day of May, 2015.
____________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Meeting Date
May 5, 2015
Department
Administration
Issue
Annual update by Wayne Strickland, Executive Director, on behalf of the Roanoke Valley-
Alleghany Regional Commission
Summary
Wayne Strickland, Executive Director, will be at the meeting to give the annual update on behalf
of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.
Attachments
None
Recommendations
No action required
Town Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date
May 5, 2015
Department
Administration
Issue
Consider adoption of a Resolution approving the 2015-2016 operating budget for the Roanoke
Valley Regional Cable Television Committee.
Summary
The annual operating budget of the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television must be
submitted for approval by each of the governing bodies after approval by the RVTV Committee.
Elaine Bays-Murphy will be present at the meeting to make comments and answer any questions.
Attachments
Letter
RVTV Operating Budget-FY2016
Resolution
Recommendations
Motion to adopt Resolution
Town Council
Agenda Summary
May 5, 2015
Mayo r Bradle y E . Gros e
and Member s of Vinto n Tow n Counci l
Vinton , Virgini a
Subject : 2015-201 6 RVT V Budge t
Dea r Mayo r Gros e and Member s of Tow n Council :
Roanok e Valle y Television, RVTV-3 Cox Cable, was created in 1992 as an agreement between
the Tow n of Vinton , Roanok e County , and Roanok e City , to for m a Governmen t & Educationa l
Acces s Station .
RVTV-3 is governe d by the Roanok e Valle y Regiona l Cabl e Televisio n Committee , whic h
include s representative s fro m th e thre e localities . Th e Tow n o f Vinto n is represente d b y Mr .
Dou g Adams , Mr . Chri s Lawrence , & Ms . Mar y Bet h Layman .
On Apri l 1 , 2015 , th e Roanok e Valle y Regiona l Cabl e Televisio n Committe e approve d th e
RVT V Operatin g Budge t for Fisca l Yea r 2015-201 6 (attached ) in th e amoun t o f $394,047. Thi s
is a $3,98 1 decreas e of the curren t 2014/201 5 budget .
Fundin g fo r RVT V is provide d by th e thre e loca l government s an d is base d o n th e proportio n of
Cox Customer s locate d in eac h jurisdiction . The Tow n of Vinton's shar e of th e FY 2015-201 6
Operatin g Budge t is fou r percen t (4%) or $15,762.
Video s produce d fo r th e Tow n o f Vinto n in 201 4 included :
• Vinto n Dogwoo d Festiva l PSA
• Vinto n Brandin g Presentatio n
• Vinton/Roanok e Count y Librar y Groun d Breakin g
• Vinto n Histor y Museu m Anniversar y
• Vinto n Arbo r Day Celebratio n
• Vinto n Firs t Aid Cre w 75 Anniversar y
• Vinto n Firs t Aid Crew PSA
• Vinto n Firs t Aid Cre w Recruitmen t Vide o
• Walnu t Bridg e Ribbon-Cuttin g
• "Where are you Bobb y Browning " Fil m
• Stat e of the Tow n Addres s
RVT V programmin g reache s 43,70 8 household s on Co x Cable , Channe l 3. Programmin g is
poste d to the RVT V website and socia l medi a sources . Additionally , programmin g is poste d the
Town's websit e and Faceboo k page .
Th e approximat e rat e for vide o productio n in the privat e secto r is $1,500 pe r finishe d minute .
Th e productio n valu e fo r video s produce d fo r th e Tow n i s $198,750 .
Mayo r Bradle y E. Grose and Member s of Vinto n Tow n Counci l
Ma y 5, 201 5 "
Pag e Two
The Roanok e Valle y Regiona l Cabl e Televisio n Committe e recommend s approva l of the fisca l
yea r 2015-201 6 operatin g budget . I am please d to respon d to an y question s or comment s yo u
ma y hav e wit h regar d to the propose d budget .
Sincerely ,
Elain e Bays-Murph y
Cabl e Acces s Directo r
Roanok e Valle y Televisio n
Attachmen t
Cc: Chri s Lawrence , Tow n Manage r
Rya n Spitzer , Assistan t Tow n Manager/Economi c Developmen t
Mar y Bet h Layman , Specia l Program s Directo r
Barr y Thompson , Financ e Director/Treasure r
Susa n Johnson, Executiv e Assistant/Tow n Cler k
Rober t Leftwich , Chair , Regiona l Cabl e Televisio n Committe e
1
To: Roanoke Regional Cable Television Committee
From: Elaine Bays-Murphy, Director of Cable Access
Date: April 1, 2015
Re: FY 2015-2016 Operating Budget Proposal
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Roanoke Valley Television, RVTV Channel 3, is a Government & Educational Access Station, serving the
City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, the Town of Vinton and their respective school systems. RVTV-3 was
created in 1992 as an agreement between the three localities to form a Government & Educational Access
Station.
The operational budget for RVTV is provided by the three local governments, and it is funded through the
Virginia Communications Sales and Use Tax Revenue paid by Cox Communications (Attachment Page 5).
The RVTV budget amount paid by each locality is based on the proportion of Cox Customers located in each
jurisdiction.
For calendar year 2014, Cox Communications paid to the Commonwealth a total of $2,400,603.03. The
Commonwealth paid the three localities their appropriate share. Amounts do not represent the adjusted
amount paid by the Commonwealth to the localities.
City of Roanoke: $1,199,452.51
County of Roanoke: $1,096,353.95
Town of Vinton: $104,796.57
Total: $2,400,603.03 VA Communications Sales & Use Tax Revenue
RVTV has five full-time staff members. RVTV-3 produces Original Videos, Monthly Television Shows, and
covers LIVE Government Meetings.
Roanoke Valley Television produced the following in 2014:
• 98 Original Television Shows
(12) Inside Roanoke, (12) Roanoke County Today, (12) Spotlight On City Schools, (12) Accent
Excellence, (4) Roanoke County Business Partners, (4) Recreation Television, (3) BizRoanoke
(12) Libraries Happenings
• 58 Regular Government Meetings
(24) Regular Roanoke City Council, (22) Regular Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, (12) City
Council Briefings
• 56 Original Video Productions
( List of Video Productions on Attachment Pages 6 & 7)
Additionally, Roanoke Valley Television covered numerous Special Events including Ground Breakings,
Dedication Ceremonies and News Conferences.
The approximate rate for video production work in the private sector is $1,500 per finished minute. The
approximate RVTV Production Value for TV Shows & Video Productions is $3,312,000.
(Total value does not include Government Meetings).
2
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
RVTV-3 Programming is uploaded to the RVTV Website & Social Media Sources.
Website www.rvtv.org
YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/RoanokeValleyTV
Facebook Page www.facebook.com/roanokevalleytelevision
Twitter www.twitter.com/RoanokeValleyTV
Additionally, RVTV-3 Programming is uploaded to the Websites & Social Media Sources
for Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Town of Vinton & their School Systems.
3
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed FY2015/2016 Operating Budget request is $394,047. This is a $3,981 decrease of the
current 2014/2015 budget.
The proposed budget includes a 2% salary increase if approved by the Board of Supervisors.
The budget includes an estimated 5% Health Insurance increase and a 2% Dental Insurance increase.
The budget includes closed captioning services for Roanoke City Council & Roanoke County Board of
Supervisors meetings.
The proposed $394,047 is approximately 16% of the $2,400,603.03 paid by Cox Communications
for the VA Communications Sales & Use Tax. Amounts do not represent the adjusted amount paid
by the Commonwealth to the localities.
City of Roanoke: $1,199,452.51
Roanoke County: $1,096,353.95
Town of Vinton: $104,796.57
Total: $2,400,603.03
The Operational Budget for RVTV is provided by the three localities based on the proportion of Cox Customers
located in each jurisdiction.
Cox calculates the percentage of subscribers (December 31, 2014) in each locality as follows:
(2013 number of subscribers in parenthesis)
Locality Subscribers Percentage
City 22,542 (23,373) 52% (52%)
County 19,292 (19,954) 44% (44%)
Vinton 1,874 (1,960) 4% (4%)
Total 43,708 (45,287) 100% (100%)
Based on the above percentages, each member’s contribution to the FY2015/2016 budget of $394,047
is:
2014/2015 Budget 2015/2016 Budget
City $206,975 $204,904
County $175,132 $173,381
Vinton $15,921 $15,762
Total $398,028 $394,047
*In addition to the City’s share of the above budget of $394,047, the City will also pay $2,136 for closed
captioning for City Council Briefings.
4
ATTACHMENTS:
RVTV Proposed 2015 – 2016 Budget
2014-2015 Budget Proposed Remaining
2015 - 2016 Balance (12/31/14)
1010 Regular (Actual 209,200 + 2%) 214,048.00 213,384.00 107,506.66
2100 FICA (7.65%) 16,375.00 16,324.00 8,065.85
2200 Retirement – VRS (11.12%) 23,802.00 23,728.00 8,876.74
2202 Deferred Comp Match (650 x 3) 1,950.00 1,950.00 775.00
2300 Group Health Insurance 41,945.00 40,570.00 22,012.11
(Actual $38,638 + 5%)
2310 Group Dental Insurance (2,204 +2%) 2,175.00 2,248.00 1,157.99
2400 VRS Life (1.32%) 2,825.00 2,817.00 1,328.43
2500 Long Term Disability Insurance 673.00 678.00 466.00
2750 VRS Retiree Health Credit 525.00 608.00 202.94
3013 Professional Services – Other 27,500.00 22,526.00 17,237.47
(Closed Captioning $22,250, Security System $276)
3013A CC – City Council Briefings * City Only
3204 Repairs Vehicles (By Garage) 300.00 300.00 166.25
3209 Repairs (Other Equipment) 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00
3305 Maintenance Service Contracts 2,204.00 3,125.00 1,940.00
(Telephone $550 Website $2,575)
5210 Postage 50.00 50.00 47.68
5230 Telephone 3,400.00 4,230.00 1,252.58
5233 Internet & Adobe Cloud 1,390.00 1,990.00 696.40
5235 Cellular Phones (2 Smart Phones) 1,200.00 1,200.00 149.60
5305 Motor Vehicle Insurance 1,250.00 1,342.00 -40.00
5308 General Liability Insurance 2,840.00 3,187.00 -245.00
5420 Lease/Rent of Buildings 43,818.00 45,132.00 22,126.14
(8 x $3,723.77 4 x $3,835.48)
5501 Travel (Mileage) 100.00 100.00 66.40
5520 Dinner Meetings & Luncheons 150.00 150.00 150.00
5801 Dues & Association Membership 308.00 308.00 00.00
(Public Relations Society of America)
6010 Office Supplies – General 500.00 500.00 287.10
6013 Small Equipment & Supplies 2,000.00 2,000.00 1,048.32
6014 Video Supplies 4,000.00 3,000.00 3,620.31
6080 Gas, Oil & Grease 1,500.00 1,400.00 1,090.47
6091 Tires,Tubes & Parts 200.00 200.00 113.94
Total $398,028.00 $394,047.00 199,952.46 (49.76)
*In addition to the City’s share of the above budget of $394,047, the City will also pay $2,136
for closed captioning for City Council Briefings. RVTV expended 99.79% of the 2013/2014 Budget.
5
RVTV Financial Report
Current Account Balances as of December 31, 2014
273200 (Operating Budget) .................................................................$199,952.46
273450 ( Cox Cable Capital Grant) ......................................................$982,858.11
(Balance includes accrued interest.)
273500 (Operating Surplus) .................................................................$35,335.09
($15,000 Minimum Balance to be maintained in the account)
Account 273500 (Operating Surplus) represents the unused funds from the Operating Budget since 1992.
RVTV does not lose these funds at the end of the fiscal year, rather they are rolled over into this savings
account.
2014 Virginia Communications Sales and Use Tax Revenue
Paid by Cox Communications to the
Commonwealth of Virginia for the Benefit
of the City of Roanoke, County of Roanoke, and Town of Vinton
Starting on January 1, 2007, the Virginia Communications Sales and Use Tax Act of 2006 (Va. Code 58.1-645
et seq.) required Cox Communications, as well as other cable television providers, to pay a five percent (5%)
sales or use tax to the Commonwealth of Virginia in place of paying franchise fees to the localities, including
the City of Roanoke, County of Roanoke, and Town of Vinton. Under the Act, the Commonwealth pays the
amount of revenues it receives from cable television providers, like Cox, to the localities.
For the calendar year 2014, Cox Communications paid to the Commonwealth of Virginia a total of
$2,400,603.03. The Commonwealth of Virginia paid to the three localities the appropriate share of this total
amount as a replacement amount for the franchise fees. Amounts do not represent the adjusted amount paid by
the Commonwealth to the localities.
City of Roanoke: $1,199,452.51
Roanoke County: $1,096,353.95
Town of Vinton: $104,796.57
Total: $2,400,603.03
6
RVTV 2014 Edited Video Productions
Title Client Length
Blue Ridge Kite Festival PSA Roanoke County :30
Explore Open House PSA Roanoke County :30
Criminal Justice Academy Ground Breaking Roanoke County 7:30
Police Self Defense Class Roanoke City 5:00
Dogwood Festival PSA Town of Vinton :30
Vinton Branding Presentation Town of Vinton 40:00
Vinton Library Ground Breaking Town of Vinton 14:00
Vinton History Museum Anniversary Town of Vinton 16:00
Vinton Arbor Day Celebration Town of Vinton 13:00
Sheryl Crow Announcement Roanoke City 4:30
Project Lifesaver Training Roanoke City 3:30
CVB Annual Meeting Roanoke City 30:00
(2) Bullying PSAs Roanoke City Schools :30 each
Click It or Ticket Press Conference Roanoke County 4:00
(2) Click It or Ticket PSAs Roanoke County :30 each
GIS Website PSA Roanoke County :30
Stormwater Management PSA Roanoke County :30
Solarize Roanoke Press Conference Roanoke City 8:00
Canstruction SWVA PSA Roanoke City :30
State of the City Roanoke City 30:00
Wasena Mural Dedication Roanoke City 4:00
West End Revitalization PSA Roanoke City :30
Traffic Safety PSA Roanoke City :30
Bike Safety Video Roanoke City/Roanoke County 4:00
Goodwill Hollins Grand Opening Roanoke County 14:00
Green Hill Highland Games PSA Roanoke County :30
Vinton First Aid Crew 75th Anniversary Town of Vinton 3:30
Walnut Bridge Ribbon-Cutting Town of Vinton 3:30
Pedestrian Safety Video Roanoke City 3:00
GTO Press Conference Roanoke City 9:00
Main Library Grand Opening Roanoke City 9:00
7
RVTV 2014 Edited Video Productions
Title Client Length
Bike Safety Press Conference Roanoke City/Roanoke County 13:00
Youth Summit Video Roanoke City 3:30
Parks & Arts Announcement Roanoke City 9:00
VH-1 Save the Music Press Conference Roanoke City Schools 15:00
Ardagh Group Grand Opening Roanoke County 17:00
County Library PSA Roanoke County :30
(3) RCACP PSAs Roanoke County :30 each
County Administrator Announcement Roanoke County 7:00
State of the County Roanoke County 39:00
“Where are you Bobby Browning” Film Town of Vinton 5:00
State of the Town Town of Vinton 30:00
Vinton First Aid Crew Recruitment Town of Vinton 6:30
Tons of Fun PSA Roanoke County :30
Criminal Justice Academy Dedication Roanoke County 24:00
Walmart Neighborhood Market Opening Roanoke County 8:00
School Superintendent Announcement Roanoke County Schools 15:00
(2) Lead-Safe PSAs Roanoke City :30 each
Leadership College PSA Roanoke City :30
Roanoke 100 Miler Roanoke City :60
Snow Removal Video Roanoke City 3:30
Highland Park Playground Ribbon-Cutting Roanoke City 7:00
Rain Barrel PSA City/County/Town :30
Total Minutes Produced 528:30
2014 Total Video Productions
Total Productions City of Roanoke Roanoke County Town of Vinton
127 61 55 11
Percentage 48% 43% 9%
RESOLUTION NO
AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY,
MAY 5, 2015, AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON
MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA 24179
WHEREAS, the Town of Vinton, along with Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke pursuant
to ordinance, have established the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee, in part to
assist with the development of educational channels and governmental access cable programming;
and
WHEREAS, each member jurisdiction annually approves the operating budget prepared by the
Cable TV Government Access Director and recommended by the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable
Television Committee for operation of the cable access Channel 3.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Vinton Town Council does hereby approve
the 2015-2016 operating budget for Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee in the
amount of $394,047, of which Vinton’s allocation based on subscribers is four percent (4%), or the
amount of $15,762 of the total budget.
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
May 5, 2015
Department
Public Works
Issue
Consider adoption of a Resolution awarding a bid and authorizing the Town Manager to execute
a contract with Mid-Atlantic Waste Systems in the amount of $133,099.00 for a new Hooklift
Truck with Dump Body and to apply for lease financing through VML/VACo for said purchase.
Summary
The Public Works Department currently has a 1997 International Dump Truck that has exceeded its
useful life. The Department was authorized to advertise for bid for the purchase of a new Hooklift
Truck and Dump Body. The invitation to bid was posted and Public Works received only one bid
from Mid-Atlantic Waste Systems in the amount of $133,099.00 for a 2016 Freightliner M2/
Ampliroll System AL100S.
We will be applying for lease financing through the VML/VACo for this purchase.
Attachments
Resolution
Recommendations
Motion to adopt Resolution
Town Council
Agenda Summary
RESOLUTION NO.
AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY,
May 5, 2015 AT 7:00 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL
BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA 24179.
WHEREAS, the Public Works Department currently has a 1997 International Dump Truck that
has exceeded its useful life and the Town recognizes the importance of obtaining
equipment needed to perform work throughout the Town; and
WHEREAS, the Department solicited quotes for a Hooklift Truck with Dump Body as a
replacement from competitive vendors and received only one bid from Mid-Atlantic
Waste Systems, Salem, Virginia with a quote of $133,099.00 for a 2016 Freightliner
M2/Ampliroll AL100S Hooklift Truck with Dump Body; and
WHEREAS, the funds for said purchase will be secured through the VML/VACo financing
program for a lease purchase of said Hooklift Truck with Dump Body.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Vinton Town Council does hereby grant a
contract to Mid-Atlantic Waste Systems in the amount of $133,099.00 and hereby authorizes the
Town Manager to execute the contract and any other necessary documents and to apply for lease
financing through VML/VACo for said purchase.
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
May 5, 2015
Department
Administration
Issue
Briefing on the HVAC systems for the Municipal Building and Fire Department Building
Summary
None
Attachment
None
Recommendations
No action required
Town Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date
May 5, 2015
Department
Council
Issues
Appointments to Boards/Commissions/Committees
Summary
Council Member Sabrina Weeks has submitted her resignation as a member of the
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee. Her unexpired term was for three
years ending June 30, 2017. Council Member Doug Adams has been contacted and he is willing
to complete Ms. Weeks’ unexpired term on said Committee.
Attachments
None
Recommendations
Motion to appoint Doug Adams to an unexpired term on the CEDS Committee ending June 30,
2017
Town Council
Agenda Summary