HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/20/2014 - Regular1
Vinton Town Council
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
311 South Pollard Street
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
AGENDA
Consideration of:
A. 6:00 p.m. - WORK SESSION
1. Final review and discussion of the proposed FY2014-2015 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 Special Budget Work Session of April 10,
2014.
2. Consider approval of minutes for the regular Council meeting of April 15, 2014.
3. Consider approval of minutes for the Special Budget Work Session of April 29,
2014.
G. AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, PRESENTATIONS
1. Officer of the Month for April 2014 – Master Police Officer Scott Hurt
2. Proclamation for Click It or Ticket
3. Proclamation for National Emergency Services Week
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
William “Wes” Nance, Vice Mayor
I. Douglas Adams, Jr., Council Member
Robert R. Altice, Council Member
Matthew S. Hare, Council Member
Vinton Municipal Building
311 South Pollard Street
Vinton, VA 24179
(540) 983-0607
2
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Consideration of public comments on a request to revise Water and Wastewater
Fees and Charges Schedule by an increase of 8.9 percent for FY2014-2015 and an
increase of 8.9 percent for FY2015-2016, pursuant to authority granted by Virginia
Code §§ 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119 and 15.2-2122, according to the Vinton Town Code,
Chapter 24, Utilities, Section 94-22 Fees and charges for water service and Section
94-74, Fees and charges for wastewater service.
a. Open Public Hearing
• Report from Staff
• Receive public comments
• Council discussion and questions
b. Close Public Hearing
d. Action to be taken on June 3, 2014
2. Consideration of public comments regarding the proposed FY2014-2015 Town of
Vinton Budget.
a. Open Public Hearing
• Report from Staff
• Receive public comments
• Council discussion and questions
b. Close Public Hearing
c. Action to be taken on June 3, 2014
I. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND PETITIONS - This section is reserved for comments and
questions for issues not listed on the agenda.
J. TOWN ATTORNEY
K. TOWN MANAGER
ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION
1. Consider adoption of a Resolution approving the updated Emergency Operations
Plan for the Town of Vinton.
2. Consider adoption of an Ordinance repealing the Vinton Town Code Chapter 15,
Stormwater Management, Chapter 15.1, Erosion and Sediment Control and Steep
Slope Development and Chapter 15.3, Storm Sewer System Illicit Discharge and
adopting a new Chapter 79, Stormwater Management.
UPDATE ON OLD BUSINESS
L. FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR MARCH AND APRIL 2014
M. MAYOR
N. COUNCIL
O. ADJOURNMENT
3
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:
June 2, 2014 – 5:30 p.m. – Finance Committee Meeting – Finance Department Conference Room
June 3, 2014 – 6:00 p.m. – Work Session followed by Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. – Council
Chambers
Meeting Date
May 20, 2014
Department
Administration
Issues
Final review and discussion of the proposed FY2014-2015 budget
Summary
None
Attachments
None
Recommendations
No action required
Town Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date
May 20, 2014
Department
Town Clerk
Issues
1. Consider approval of minutes for the Special Budget Work Session of April 10, 2014.
2. Consider approval of minutes for the regular Council meeting of April 15, 2014.
3. Consider approval of minutes for the Special Budget Work Session of April 29, 2014.
Summary
None
Attachments
April 10, 2014 minutes
April 15, 2014 minutes
April 29, 2014 minutes
Recommendations
Motion to approve minutes
Town Council
Agenda Summary
1
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL WORK SESSION OF VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 8:30 A.M.
ON THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014, AT THE VINTON WAR MEMORIAL, 814 WASHINGTON
AVENUE, VINTON, VIRGINIA.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
William W. Nance, Vice Mayor
I. Douglas Adams, Jr.
Robert R. Altice
Matthew S. Hare
STAFF PRESENT: Christopher S. Lawrence, Town Manager
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
Ryan Spitzer, Assistant to the Town Manager
Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer
Kevin Kipp, War Memorial Facilities Manager
Ben Cook, Police Chief
April Alterio, Administrative Services, Police
Anita McMillan, Planning & Zoning Director
Gary Woodson, Public Works Director
Chris Linkous, Fire & EMS Captain
Mary Beth Layman, Special Programs Director
The Mayor called the work session to order at 8:40 a.m. to hear budget presentations by the
Town Manager and Town staff. The Town Manager began with some opening comments and
announced that he and Mr. Thompson would have to leave the work session around 10:30 a.m. to
attend a Regional Center for Animal Control & Protection Board meeting. They will return after that
meeting.
The Town Manager began with his Power Point presentation by commenting on budget priorities.
These are maintaining core services with minimal reductions, developing funding plan for a five-
year capital improvement program, maintaining competitive employee benefits and compensation
and a focus on Economic Development and implementation of the downtown revitalization
initiative.
The proposed budget is a total of $12,007,886, with General Fund being $8,557,951 and Water
and Sewer Fund being $3,449,935. The proposal is to maintain our current tax rates and the next
two slides shown were a graph showing a breakdown of the General Fund revenues and a listing
of those items by category. General fund expenditures are predominately made up of Public
Works and Public Safety. Community Development is the other large area which includes the
downtown project CDBG grant.
The budget shows an 8.23% increase which is comprised of the CDBG Grant for the downtown
project in the amount of $675,000 along with an RSTP grant in the amount of $89,900 for the
Walnut Street improvement project. The funding of capital items included is $38,400. Milling and
paving accounts for $229,535 in the General Fund and $40,000 in the Utility Fund for a total of
$269,535. Regarding electricity and fuel costs, there has been a consistent increase in these
areas. Also, we have our contributions to the Volunteer Fire and EMS of $32,600.00
Our annual payment for the joint venture with the County for the Library is included again in the
amount of $50,000. This is the fourth of five payments of $50,000. After five years, this will
increase to around $63,000 for an additional five years which includes interest.
Community/Organization Contributions were included as well as contributions to joint local
government services.
2
The Town Manager next commented that our health insurance increased by 8.6%. The proposal is
to offer the same two plans again this year, but next year one of the goals will be to re-evaluate our
current plans because the costs keep going up and the Town keeps taking on more of those costs
even though the employees are also paying a percentage. Because there are no proposed raises
in the budget, we did try to hold the costs down for the employee with no increase from last year,
but did increase the employee plus one or family coverage costs.
We always try to maintain promoting professional development and tuition reimbursement. There
has been a decrease in tuition reimbursement this past year, but any employee who desires to go
to school can apply for this reimbursement. Mr. Hare asked how much do we promote this
reimbursement and the response was that we do not promote as a whole, but department heads
know of the reimbursement policy. Mr. Adams asked about the qualifications for the
reimbursement and the Town Manager responded that the classes eligible for reimbursement must
be towards a degree and has to relate to their current position.
The other big increase this year was our VRS of $130,000. The new VRS hybrid plan that went
into effect for all new, non-vested employees on January 1, 2014 should save localities some
money over time. However, most of the employees in the Town are all VRS Plan 1 and 2. Every
two years we get an actuarial valuation. Two years ago we chose the lower rate so our increase is
more this year. We were again offered to pay the lower of the two this year, but we put the
higher rate in this proposed budget.
Regarding capital improvement, three key projects were identified to be critical and funded in this
budget. The Walnut Avenue Corridor VDOT project, which is our two percent share of the bridge,
and our 8th Street intersection. The dump truck with hook lift and a dump body that we have
delayed in this year’s budget is also included and designed as a five-year lease with a payment of
$25,800. If we are going to keep the pool open, it has to be maintained. They are going to drain
it this year and patch, but it needs to be painted at a cost of $7,800 next year.
A fourth CIP item is replacing an ambulance. September is the grant cycle and this will replace our
third ambulance, a 2006 model with 100,000 miles. Mr. Hare asked if we lose the second
ambulance during the day as proposed with the new 24-hour fire coverage, would we need this
vehicle. The Town Manager responded that with the grant cycle you apply in September, receive
the funds (if awarded) in January and it takes about four to six months to build an ambulance. By
July of 2016, according to the plan, we will have two ambulances. We have another meeting
tomorrow and we certainly hope and desire that the second ambulance will still be in service. The
Volunteers have also offered to be the cost share for this ambulance.
Vice Mayor Nance asked about the other CIP items from this year that were put on hold. The
Town Manager responded that the speed trailer was contingent on grant funds, which we did not
receive. The traffic and minor transportation improvements that are critical will get absorbed into
our operating budget based on priorities. The renovation to the Fire House was the other major
one and we still have $38,000 earmarked for this year plus we will be using fund balance to
complete. The City Works software has been placed in the Water and Sewer fund.
The Town Manager continued by commenting that rather than proposing to raise taxes, he
believes our fund balance is healthy enough to use to balance the budget. This will allow us
another year to prioritize and strategize how best to fund Public Safety and our capital needs.
Also, operating needs and costs of living for our employees are increasing. We have given small
raises along the way, but we are going to have to look at competitive salaries to retain and recruit
3
highly qualified employees. A slide was next shown with a breakdown of the Community
Contributions and Joint Local Government Services was provided in the proposed budget.
The Utility Fund is at $3,449,935 and all but $14,000 is rate-funded. The expenditures are fairly
even with water and wastewater both at 30%. Under administration, the cost allocation covers
some of the staff in other departments such as Finance and the Town Manager’s Office. The
Public Works Department also re-allocated some of their employees to the fund most appropriate
for their current job duties. The only change to the bottom line is the proposed rate increase.
Mr. Hare asked where the profit was and the response was that it has been spent. Mr. Hare then
commented that we did a rate increase to start building up fund balance and we are just spending
it. The Town Manager commented that at the end of this year, we will start building up that fund
reserve. Mr. Hare next commented that in the proposed budget we are planning on spending it all
and he does not want to start shifting the general fund problems back onto the water fund again.
The Town Manager stated that what is proposed is an 8.9% increase for the next two years and
then we would go out and get more debt to pay for big projects. Right now we are building the
opportunity to pay for that. This year we are spending it on three capital projects that in theory are
one time projects.
We only have a 0.60% increase in the proposed budget. But we spent $100,000 this year out of
fund balance to buy the generators. So, we increased our budget $100,000 and when you
compare it to this new budget, they are almost about the same. We do not propose any increase
in water and sewer system development fees. There was an increase of $69,731 which is a 19%
rate increase from the Western Virginia Water Authority which was retroactive to July 2013. We
have sent a letter to the Water Authority to ask them to look at a different cycle for those costs so
that we can better plan for any increased costs in the future.
Regarding the rate increase, we had an 8.7% last year and 8.9% is proposed for the next two
years. We propose to advertise the Public Hearing for the rate increase for the next two years.
Mr. Hare commented that need to do a better job of advertising these rates because he has heard
complaints. Barry Thompson commented that the Town Manager designed a very good brochure
last year which went to every water customer and some customers commented that it was the best
information they had received. We can update that brochure and send it out again.
The last point was to highlight the CIP based on Davenport’s rate study. The City Works software
is all in the water and sewer fund now. Other items are the hand-held meter reading device
upgrade. As we replace water meters they will be wireless and as we work through new water
projects, the meters will be replaced with wireless ones, The replacement of the waterline on
Southampton is included which is all of the town houses.
In response to a question, Mr. Thompson responded that we currently have around 120 wireless
meters on the commercial side. Those were done first because of safety issues and the fact that
the meter readers had to go inside some of them to get the readings. He plans to do a pilot
program in the Midway neighborhood this year. Once we get some pilot areas going and see the
benefits, his plan is to come back to Council and discuss incorporating some funds into the next
bond proposal. Also, there is a potential revenue factor in replacing the meters because some of
them are 35 years old. Mr. Adams asked about the battery life in these meters and the response
was between 20 and 25 years.
4
The last three CIP items were Phase 2 of the Jefferson and Cleveland waterline, the design and
replacement of sewer main on Blandford and the replacement of the waterline on Southampton
Drive.
The next presentation was by Kevin Kipp on behalf of the War Memorial. The key
department goals provided in the proposed budget remain very consistent with what has been
done over the past year. The budget reflects an increase of $42,453 which represents
contracted re-sale items and funds that we are paying out. On the actual expenditure side, we
are down about $10,000 over last year.
Mr. Hare asked with the services being offered to try to get business in with the pass-through
items, when we do we get to the point that we can add a percentage to the packages for the
time spent. Mr. Kipp responded that staff has made a significant investment of time, but he
does not feel that they are there yet. The market has to respond a little more to what they are
doing and they have to promote the value in a stronger sense, but there are items in the budget
that will help them get to that point. For example, they are selling weddings during the prime
season of April through October at about an 8-10% increase over the past five years of sales
because of the infrastructure that is now available. Mr. Hare asked if on the War Memorial
summary, could Mr. Thompson drop the revenues at the top and then calculate the subsidy at
the bottom to show that the subsidy will go down by $5,500.
Mr. Hare asked about the credit card fees. Mr. Thompson responded that currently the credit
card payments are with different entities. He is getting a proposal from a firm that can
incorporate all pieces of the operation into one file and feed it into our general ledger. Mr. Hare
commented that hopefully we will be able to get a reduced rate with having a larger volume.
Vice Mayor Nance asked what is the likely revenue for this year and the response was close,
within $10,000. Mr. Kipp said he forecasted it at $205,000 and after taking out $42,000 in
contract sales, that would put us in the mid $170,000 range this year.
The Town Manager commented that one strategic, critical item that has always been missing is
a hotel in town that could service individuals who use the War Memorial. As we look at
economic development as a whole and this facility as to what Kevin and his staff can do
business wise, he thinks a hotel is a very strategic conversation piece. Mr. Kipp stated we
have tremendous resources with a lot of independent hoteliers in the region and we are
connected with them through the Virginia’s Blue Ridge Hospitality Association and the Roanoke
Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Following the War Memorial presentation, Council took a short recess.
The next presentation was given by Ben Cook on behalf of the Police Department. He
began with a review of the key department goals. This is the year for the re-accreditation which
starts in September. Other goals are to conduct a Business Police Academy for the local
businesses and to continue the basic Citizens Police Academy. They will continue to search for
grants to try and obtain a new speed trailer/message board for traffic safety.
Regarding enhancing the school liaison program, there has been very good reception from the
two schools. Mike Byrd and Mike Caldwell have been visiting both elementary schools and
interacting with students frequently. Officer Byrd has also been mentoring some of the trouble
students and is initiating “My Little Me”, a program which allows officers to adopt a child at the
school that may need a parental figure. Another key goal is to develop a patrol strategy for the
Greenway. After hearing a presentation from Anita McMillan, we realized that if something
5
happens on the Greenway, we do not have a lot of ways to get in there. We are looking at
possibly getting some type of ATV so that we can use it for regular patrol as well as a search or
rescue. Mr. Adams asked if he was considering an ATV that you could put a stretcher on if it
was needed. Chief Cook responded that initially, we want to get an Officer in there on patrol.
However, we have looked at some ATVs that have a tow hitch behind them where we can pull a
stretcher behind to get out. The last goal related to analyzing traffic and crime data for more
effective patrolling.
Chief Cook continued with significant budget increases of $5,100 in maintenance service
contracts. This relates to an increase in the Roanoke County radio usage fee and an increase
in the RACJIN fee, which is the data sharing among the Roanoke Valley agencies and beyond.
The CAD Software maintenance fee was increased to add a CAD IP function which allows CAD
to be viewed on all computers including iPads. We realized the need for this service after the
snow event in January and Roanoke County dispatch being unable to get calls to us in time
because of the extreme volume. Another increase was in firearms and ammo of $3,000, which
is mostly to replace Tasers with newer models and to reduce the number from six to four.
Meeting expenses of $500 and telephone charges of $3,000 were also increased. Relating to
telephone charges, Chief Cook commented that the video magistrate system was just converted
from Verizon to Cox Cable for a savings of $3,000 a year. We were paying $320 a month for
phone lines to power the system and Cox Cable’s charge is much less. Mr. Hare commented
that essentially the Police budget is increasing $90,000 with most of it being in medical and
retirement. Chief Cook next commented that travel and training was decreased by $2,500,
other equipment by $4,100 and gas, oil and grease by $5,000.
In consideration for future budget planning, Chief Cook commented that salaries for police
officers in surrounding jurisdictions are increasing and we need to remain competitive. We do
invest thousands of dollars into hiring, equipping and training our officers. Mr. Hare asked how
much we spend to recruit, hire and maintain an officer. Chief Cook did not have that
information, but he would research it and report back to Council. Mr. Hare commented that he
would like to also compare all of our benefits to other jurisdictions to see if we are really losing
that competitive edge.
Vice Mayor Nance asked what was the initial training cost at the Cardinal Academy compared to
the continuing law enforcement training. Chief Cook responded that they spend around $9,000
a year just in dues to be a part of the Academy and each class averages about $250-350. Mr.
Nance then commented that our stagnant revenue has obviously had an impact on our capital
improvement investment and we are also starting to see the squeeze on our public safety. It is
going to be difficult to make the hires that we are talking about with 24-hour fire. He assumed
that Chief Cook’s number one concern is officer retention and being competitive with a budget
that is having to stay basically flat. Chief Cook responded yes to which Mr. Nance asked what
was his number two priority. He responded with a school resource officer and someone to work
with domestic violence.
Mr. Hare asked about improvements to the Police Department that have been done over the
past few years. Chief Cook responded that another evidence cell was created. The evidence
processing room is small, but functional. The conference room is complete except for installing
a high-band radio, but it still serves as a small scale emergency operation center. The facility is
old and we need a new building at some point. One thought would be the old library. As far as
location it would be perfect, but unfortunately it is as old as this building and a lot of renovations
would have to be made. It is also a key piece of real estate for the town in future planning for
maybe a hotel or something else.
6
Vice Mayor Nance commented on the reduction in the fines and forfeitures revenue and what is
causing this reduction because court costs are not going down. Chief Cook commented that our
tickets are down and when the economy starting going down, the Judges starting showing more
sympathy on individuals and in lieu of fines, they were being assigned community service or some
type of referral program.
In the Animal Control budget, the RCACP debt service was transferred to another part of the
budget in the amount of $69,590. A new line item was added for $1,500 to pay for veterinary
services.
The next presentation was by Anita McMillan on behalf of the Planning & Zoning
Department. One key department goal is to continue to partner with Roanoke County and Roanoke
City regarding the Virginia Stormwater Management Program implementation, the MS-4 Permit
new requirements and the Upper Roanoke River TMDL implementation plan. We are trying to get
the City of Salem to partner with us as well. Another goal is to update the Comprehensive Plan
which was last amended in February 2010. We are required to review and amend our Plan every
five years which will be due again in 2015. Our Zoning Ordinance, which was adopted in 1995, we
have been doing piece-mill, but we would like to update it as well. However, with only two staff and
my obligation with stormwater, it will have to be set as a matter of priority.
Vice Mayor Nance commented that Council on several occasions has talked about reforming the
zoning ordinance in a more pro-business way. With the revitalization of what is happening
downtown, this is the window of opportunity to re-address the downtown area and maybe the town
as a whole. It seems that we need to prepare our zoning ordinance to make it consistent with the
vision of what we want for that portion of downtown. Ms. McMillan commented that our current
ordinance is very traditional. For example, we have minimum parking requirements which is
sometimes difficult for business owners to meet. A suggested change is to state a maximum
instead of a minimum. Another suggestion is to do design guidelines as recommendations. Ms.
McMillan further commented that the process begins with a lot of research and comparisons and
usually takes from 18 months to two years. Even if we hire a consultant, we still have to do a lot of
the preliminary work ourselves. Mr. Adams commented that the zoning ordinance regarding signs
keeps coming up and he thinks it needs to be re-addressed. Other comments and suggestions
were made regarding our current sign ordinance.
A final key goal is to continue to work on the Community Rating System program requirements and
a submittal for the Town rate to be reduced from Level 10 to Level 9 to help lower the cost of flood
insurance for our residents and businesses. The Roanoke County flood engineer has been
reviewing our plans and we in the process of developing a formal Memorandum of Understanding.
The Building Code requires that properties in flood-prone areas be reviewed as part of any building
development. If we get the MOU in place, we should be able to take credit for whatever Roanoke
County is doing for their CRS. They have been a CRS community since early 1995 and are a
Level 8 now. Roanoke City is Level 7.
Ms. McMillan continued with the significant budget highlights. There is a $5,000 increase for the
SVMP local implementation, the MOUs with Roanoke County to review our stormwater
requirements and for additional requirements with the MS-4 permitting. An increase of $1,000 is
for continued maintenance of the Wolf Creek Greenway. The last increase is for the 3rd Street
boat/canoe launch improvement of $3,500.00. Ms. McMillan indicated she did apply for the
Foundation for Roanoke Valley grant, but did receive it. If we are to do everything, it would cost
around $7,000. The $3,500 is to cover the basic items needed to meet our insurance requirements
if we are to open the existing launch to the public. The launch has been included on the map of the
Blue Ridge Blueways. The concept is to provide four parking spaces because Public Works uses
7
the area for parking during the week. Jack Cranwell would like to work on the launch for his Eagle
Scout project and indicated he would also come up with the funding. Mr. Hare commented that
he sees the $3,500 for the canoe launch as being an investment for the Town.
Ms. McMillan gave an update on the Glade Creek Greenway. When we submitted the 50%
complete drawing to VDOT, they said we would have to have a crosswalk on Virginia Avenue to go
to the other side which would require additional costs for signalization. Now we are looking at
another option which is to go down under the Roanoke City bridge and looping into PFG where
there are steps. However, we have to make it ADA accessible. This is about $60,000 in additional
costs, which would require a 50% match and she is checking with the Greenway Commission to
see if there would be any funds available through the Pathfinders. We applied for the RSTP funds
for the sidewalk along Walnut Avenue and for the pedestrian bridge on Tinker Creek which is about
$2.2 million. If we do this with the $60,000 additional, we would not have to do the pedestrian
bridge.
Mr. Hare commented that it appears there is a resource issue in the department and to do any of
the key goals is going to eventually require additional staff. This may be a good topic for our
strategic retreat this fall.
The Work Session was recessed for lunch at 11:46 am.
The Work Session reconvened at 12:30 p.m. The next presentation was by Gary
Woodson on behalf of the Public Works Department. Mr. Woodson first commented that
there were around 50 goals provided in the proposed budget that the department was able to
accomplish this year, and then he read a new mission statement that has been created for the
department. He commented on his first slide which showed photos of some of those
accomplishments.
There were 18 key departmental goals that were identified. Mr. Woodson commented on three
of the key goals, the first being to purchase and implement an Asset Management Program
which is the City Works. This program will enable the department to better manage and budget
for the Town’s infrastructure assets, to help track work orders, special project management and
inspections along with assisting in mapping of GIS layers. This program is also compatible with
Roanoke County.
A second goal relates to alley, roadway and street construction and maintenance. Mr. Woodson
commented that we are waiting for a report from a roadway management consultant. This
report will be brought back to Council at a later time and will give a scoring of the condition of
our roadways. Additional comments were made on street signs and the milling and paving
project on the east side of Virginia Avenue that will be completed in a few weeks.
Regarding infrastructure improvements, they are currently working on the Jefferson Avenue
project and expect to have the design plans in the next few weeks. Once the plans are
received, they will be sent out for bid to see what the construction costs are. We will then
access what we can do internally. The second phase to do Cleveland has been placed in this
proposed budget. The Southampton water system upgrades and Blandford Avenue sewer
main design and replacement were also mentioned.
The Mayor asked about the Southampton water upgrade and Mr. Woodson responded that
$20,000 has been budgeted to replace 1,000 feet of two-inch galvanized pipe with two-inch
HTPE pipe. There are 40 units with one-inch service lines and five values will also be replaced.
We have a very high report of breakages in that area, but what prompted this project was a call
8
that they are getting ready to resurface their parking lot and they wanted to coordinate with the
Town.
Mr. Woodson commented in response to a question regarding the report that will be forthcoming
from the roadway maintenance consultant mentioned earlier. There will be some funds left from
this fiscal year for roadway maintenance and he would like to present what this report shows the
town’s roadway systems look like now and then prioritize the rest of this year’s money. For the
next fiscal year, it will also help to prioritize what is important from Council’s perspective and
also from a structural standpoint. The Town Manager commented that the Public Works
Committee will also be reviewing the report.
Mr. Woodson next commented on the significant budget highlights. The Public Works
Administration account shows an increase of $2,850 with the substantial increase being in
contractual services and janitorial/inventory supplies. The increases are actually transfers from
the Building and Maintenance account in the General Fund for janitorial services and supplies to
better reflect those expenses incurred just for the Public Works facility. Some of the items
shown are a reflection of a five percent decrease.
Under Maintenance, Highway, Streets and Bridges, there is an increase of $5,350. All line
items under this account except Capital Outlay show a decrease. The significant decrease in
the VDOT-Walnut Avenue Corridor line item relates to an over-budget for that item. The
increase in Capital Outlay is the other $4,800 of the Walnut Corridor improvements and the
hook-lift and dump body which is a carry-over from this year’s budget and is for the first year’s
lease.
In response to a question regarding Special Training, Mr. Woodson commented that he tries to
not cut this fund. With the volume of promotions that we have had within the organization, the
training is very essential for these employees.
Mr. Woodson corrected the slide for the 200.4105 account by indicating that is actually the snow
and ice removal account and a decrease of $1,000 is recommended. We are going into the
Spring with a full storage of salt. This year our snow removal program was redesigned and it
helped to save on labor and product, but gave the same basic level of service to the community.
Mr. Nance asked if the new program worked to the detriment of our employees regarding
overtime that they were used to getting and Mr. Woodson responded yes. However, we gave
a better level of service, were more effective and better utilized the funds. He further
commented on the way the program was handled this past season. Rather than have
employees standing around waiting for the snow, they were scheduled to come in as necessary
as the temperatures dictated.
In the traffic signs, street lights line item a net reduction of $2,200 is proposed which is a five
percent reduction. Some of the intersections that are scheduled for work under the CIP, the
traffic signs and street lights will hopefully be covered as part of those projects.
The next account is the Refuse Collection Account. The first slide on this account shows a
savings of $10,307 if the Third Street Dumpster Service is eliminated. The Town Manager
commented that the Roanoke Resource Authority is building a separate residential trash facility
on their site. He would recommend that we not eliminate our dumpster service until this one
opens. In evaluating what are our core services, he would like for Council to consider
eliminating this service since there is an option now for a comparable service for our citizens.
Mr. Adams commented that the issue is the hours that the Resource Authority will be open. Mr.
Woodson next commented that the site for the proposed canoe launch is near the dumpster
9
site. The other refuse collection line items show a total decrease of $1,500. Contractual
services was decreased $2,000 and gas, oil, grease, antifreeze was decreased $7,000. An
increase of $8,000 in the regional landfill charges is due to an increase to $48 per ton, which is
around a 2.3% increase.
Mr. Nance wanted to clarify that the current proposed budget eliminates the Third Street
Dumpster Service and if Council decided to continue that service, the $10,307 in savings would
have to be put back into the budget. The Town Manager commented that was correct. The
Mayor asked if we decided to eliminate this service and later found out that it had a significant
impact to our citizens, are there plans to restore that lot or leave it as is. Mr. Woodson
responded that his first step would be to put a temporary construction fence along the parking
area and lock it down to limit that access. Signage would be placed to give instructions on the
hours and operations of the Transfer Station and perhaps an explanation of why the service was
discontinued. We would leave everything in place until such time we are confident it will not be
open again or we decided to do something different with this particular piece of property.
Council commented on the hours that the Transfer Station is open on Saturday and would like
to suggest that they have longer hours on Saturday.
Mr. Woodson commented that he skipped the street and road cleaning line item which is the
street sweeper. When the sweeper is operational we are receiving VDOT maintenance funds,
so we want to keep it running all we can. The sweeper is over 10 years old. The pieces of
equipment that are the most in need for Public Works are the street sweeper, the bulk truck and
the trash trucks. These items will be next big ticket items that will need to be replaced. The
Town Manager responded to a comment regarding the street sweeper being used for
stormwater by stating that it is our best and highest stormwater credit. Mr. Hare asked the
price for a new sweeper and the Town Manager commented approximately $190,000.
In the recycling budget, there is a $250 decrease. The contractual services line item has an
increase of $1,150 because we now pay to recycle primarily for plastic and cans. Mr. Hare
stated that he commends the Town and Council for the recycling program. Mr. Woodson further
commented that his staff is in the process of putting together their annual recycling report for the
State. We are getting poor responses from the businesses and industries, so we have to make
calls to get the numbers that we need for the report. The State requires a 25% recycle rate and
we are typically in the mid-60 range. When Cycle Systems was in the area, we were paid for
the items we recycle. Now, the Town pays the new company, RDS, for everything we recycle
and they are the only one in Town. The Town Manager commented that RDS takes a lot more
recyclables than Cycle Systems did. We could recycle more items, but we would pay more.
The question would be could we pick up more recycling at a cheaper rate than paying $48 a ton
to take to the landfill.
Mr. Woodson continued with the water and wastewater accounts. The Administrative budget
shows an increase of $56,900 with the bulk of that being in the capital outlay of $54,000. This is
for the CityWorks asset management software and for hand-held meter readers. As we put in
new meters or replace old meters, we are replacing them with radio-read meters.
Under water systems maintenance, there is a $120,000 increase which is completely capital
outlay. The maintenance and repair of buildings line item has now been broken into ten
separate accounts to assist in capturing individual well costs. This will help us to see which
wells are costing us the most in maintenance and repair. The $120,000 in the capital outlay is
relative to the Jefferson and the Cleveland Avenue waterlines and the Southampton Drive
waterline.
10
In the wastewater system maintenance, there is an increase of $111,531. The bulk of this
increase is $69,731 for our costs to the W ater Authority, a 19.2% increase. Mr. Hare asked if
our report from Davenport included this increase and the Town Manager responded no. Mr.
Hare then commented it might be worth looking into the impact of this $70,000 against the 8.9%
increase and should the increase be more. The Town Manager then commented that we now
know and have budgeted for the fact that the 8.9% rate increase does not equate to an 8.9%
revenue increase, it is forecasted to about 3.4% in revenue. Mr. Woodson continued by
commenting that he also broke out the maintenance and repair buildings line item in the
wastewater budget into three accounts to assist in capturing individual sewer station costs.
The capital outlay increase of $50,000 is for the Blandford Avenue project to replace 650 feet of
eight inch sanitary sewer line which is approximately 26 feet deep. This will require a piece of
equipment and a large enough trench box. Since we can only go about 8 to 12 feet with our
equipment, it will probably be done by a contractor.
The next presentation was by Chris Linkous on behalf of the Fire/EMS Department. He
began by reviewing the key department goals. The first is to develop a funding agreement with
Roanoke County along with an EMS grant to replace the 2006 M-23. It currently has 90,000
miles on it. Others related to getting the new Rehab 2 equipped and put into service, focus on
key building systems for the Crew Hall and purchase a new Thermal Imaging Camera to replace
the current one that is ten years old on Engine 2. The First Aid Crew desires to recruit at least
five new members and the Fire Department wants to try and recruit at least ten more volunteers.
Another item is to start looking at renovating or demolishing and rebuilding the Fire Department.
The last goal was to try and develop a funding agreement with Roanoke County to replace
Ladder 2. Mr. Hare asked with the 24-hour fire coverage plan, would they be able to man the
Ladder 2 truck. The response was not for at least a year.
Mr. Linkous commented on significant budget highlights. The increase in the salaries and
wages of $62,500 is for a new employee for the 24-hour shift plus the cost for a promotion for a
Lieutenant. The overtime budget increased by $15,000 to cover additional overtime for 24-hour
shift cycles. Contract services increased by $7,850 which represents $2,500 for maintenance
on the HVAC system, $3,200 for physicals for eight firefighters and some slight increases in
other current contracts.
The water and sewer line item increased to account for more staff and volunteers staying in the
building around the clock and an increase of $1,500 in other equipment to replace the 10-year
old ice machine. The approximate cost of $3,452 is to replace the cuber plus the charge for
labor and the delivery charge.
Mr. Adams asked about the grant expenses. Mr. Linkous responded that this line item is the Aid
to Locality funds that the Department gets from the State each year. We are averaging $20,500
every year that we can use for specific items. If we do not use the funds, they roll over. Now
we are at $52,000. Hopefully they can be used toward the purchase of a Ladder truck, fire
truck or other similar equipment.
Mr. Adams asked about the fee for transport and trying to get more detail of how they come up
with the number for our reimbursement. He would still like for the Town to get a report that
breaks it down. Mr. Linkous responded that he had spoken with Chief Simon and asked for a
more detailed report. Chief Simon told him that a more detailed report could not be furnished
because it is automated from the billing company and the way they bill is not by the ambulance
or the unit number, they bill by the patient name and if it is ALS or BLS. Such a report would
have to be created manually. Mr. Adams then commented that somewhere there has to be a
report that shows how much money the Town gets and how they come up with that. The
11
amount of calls that the Vinton station is running is going up, but the dollars are going down.
Mr. Linkous commented that there are more patient refusals and Medicaid will do everything it
can to get out of paying a bill. If it is dispatched BLS and the BLS truck goes, Medicaid has
gotten to the point they will not pay the bill if they determine the patient could have been
transported by other means. Mr. Adams responded back that the report should show that
Medicaid refused to pay a particular bill.
The last presentation was by Mary Beth Layman on behalf of the Special Programs
Department. She began with a slide showing her key department goals and commented on a
new goal to help plan and implement Vietnam Veterans Commemorative events in conjunction
with other localities and committee. Last June, the Town became a partner member in the
Vietnam Veterans Commemoration and an event was held in the Town. There is included in
the proposed budget an amount to sponsor the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall and we have the
responsibility of holding two events a year. The Mayor serves as a Committee member. Ms.
Layman commented that she will fully support the new “In Vinton” branding, and the Downtown
Revitalization Grant program. She will continue to work with other organizations to facilitate
other events in the Town and continue to organize and conduct events at the Farmers’ Market.
Significant budget increases highlighted were contractual services with an increase of $5,322
which includes increased costs in cleaning of the Farmers’ Market, the increase of the fireworks
as well as the sponsorship for the Vietnam Memorial mentioned previously. Electrical services
had a slight increase for the Farmers’ Market. Materials and supplies showed no change, but
Ms. Layman commented that they are looking at transitioning some of the Christmas
decorations to LED replacement bulbs at they can. It takes about 25 bulbs per decoration and
there are around 36 decorations.
Dues and subscriptions increased by $110 to join the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber for “In
Vinton” marketing and branding and the Farmers’ Market budget increased by $1,500 which is
used for SNAP pass through and grants/donations.
Ms. Layman next commented that the Veterans Monument is now on the Town’s insurance, but
a transfer of ownership needs to be completed. The Committee is currently working on the
donor plaques and hopefully they will be placed this summer. This is approximately a $12,000
project and this will deplete most of the funds. The Committee next will focus on an endowment
fund. The cost of $3,919.50 for a security system for the Monument and the War Memorial
was cut from the proposed budget. This cost would be shared 50% with the War Memorial and
if there are no repairs on the monument, she suggested we tap into the repair money and
purchase this system. The Vision Committee also supports this request.
Ms. Layman next commented on key goals for the swimming pool. She indicated that she is
struggling with the volunteer groups this year and gave an update. Under significant budget
highlights, the salaries and wages may increase due to pre-season cleaning duties by in-house
staff. The seasonal contract pool technician ended his contract last year which accounts for
the $3,135 decrease in the contractual services line item. The funds under Special Projects for
the pool were cut, but the volunteers and patrons have stated that the pool needs some type of
amenity. She mentioned a turbo twister slide that runs around $2,877 or a basketball goal that
runs around $700. In capital outlay, the $7,800 is to purchase the paint for the interior for the
pool. She hopes to have the labor provided by the Roanoke County inmates.
The key goals for the Senior Citizens program are to have the exterior of the Senior Center
painted and in-house cleaning/painting of the ceiling grid and replacement of ceiling tiles,
conduct a customer survey and organize and implement new activities and classes. Significant
12
budget highlights were in the maintenance service contract of $505, maintenance and repair to
building of $1,508 to purchase the ceiling tiles and exterior painting of Senior Center as
previously mentioned. Janitorial/inventory supply was reduced by $800 which represents a
savings by having our janitorial service purchase our items and replacement of equipment was
decreased by $600.
The Town Manager commented that one item for consideration in the future is an upgrade to
the kitchen for the Senior Center to make it more aesthetic and inviting for a building that is
rented three and four days every week. Ms. Layman also commented that the exterior painting
had to be delayed last year because of having to replace the HVAC, but the painting is planned
for this year. Also, last year the roof was painted.
The Town Manager asked if any Council Member had any other comments. The Mayor
commented on the request from Mr. Stanley at a prior Council meeting that the Town purchase
trashcans for the citizens. The Town Manager also commented that when we are ready to
purchase a new trash truck, it would be the time to consider a more automated type of truck,
perhaps a rear loading truck. The Town is too dense to use the one-arm bandit type of truck.
Mr. Hare said that Mr. Stanley’s biggest problem is not having uniform trashcans, but that we
need to better enforce our Town Code regarding trash being placed in cans.
The Mayor also commented on the organization in the Valley called “Rebuilding Together”.
They have done some work in the Town and would like to be considered for any contribution as
we go through our budget process. He also asked about the unappropriated fund balance and
suggested that it is time for Council to decide what is a good safety net that we should not touch
unless there is a dire emergency. Then the other unappropriated funds would be those funds
that we could use for capital improvement items or other items that Council finds appropriate. .
The Town Manager commented that on the April 29, 2014 budget work session, he and Mr.
Thompson can bring a formal presentation to Council an update on our fund balance, the GFOA
recommendations and our recommendation based on cash flow and other factors.
The Work Session was adjourned at 4:21 p.m.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
1
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 6:00 P.M.
ON TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2014, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON
MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON,
VIRGINIA.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
William W. Nance, Vice Mayor
I. Douglas Adams, Jr.
Robert R. Altice
Matthew S. Hare
STAFF PRESENT: Christopher S. Lawrence, Town Manager
Theresa Fontana, Town Attorney
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
Ryan Spitzer, Assistant to the Town Manager
Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer
Anita McMillan, Planning & Zoning Director
Ben Cook, Police Chief
Gary Woodson, Public Works Director
Karla Turman, Associate Planner/Code Enforcement Officer
Joey Hiner, Assistant Public Works Director
Chris Linkous, Fire/EMS Captain
Chad Helms, Lieutenant-Fire
John Hobbs-Lieutenant-EMS
Richard Oakes, Volunteer Fire Chief
PLANNING COMMISSION David R. Jones
MEMBERS PRESENT: Paul R. Mason
William E. Booth
Dawn M. Michelson
PLANNING COMMISSION
MEMBER ABSENT: Robert A. Patterson
The Mayor called the work session to order at 6:00
p.m. to hear budget presentations from departments.
Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer began by
commenting that his overall budget is down 9.51% with his
operating budget being reduced by 12.26%. We have
completed most of the goals that were set for the FY2013-
2014 budget year. He then began with his Power Point
presentation by first reviewing his key department goals
for the upcoming fiscal year. The first key goal is to
implement an on-line Employee Resource Center. This
would allow employees to be able to access pay
information and historical pay information as well as leave
accrual and balance information on-line.
An RFP is being developed for our electronic payment
methods to ascertain the best rates. This would move
them under one provider to allow staff to process
payments and update the subsidiary and general ledger,
which is currently done manually, in the most efficient
manner.
2
The third key goal is to improve the animal tag system to
streamline the process to register animals and to comply
with state requirements for validating vaccination records.
Most of this process is currently done manually, but we
have found a system that is relatively inexpensive. It will
automate all the letters and the registrations.
Significant budget highlights showed a decrease in part-
time salaries of $6,200 to only use part-time help during
peak time only. He would like to use $2,500 to hire an
intern again this year during the summer to do some
further work on the Accounting Manual.
This was the year he should have gone out to RFP for our
independent auditor. However, he wanted to get several
of the comments cleared from our audit and also allow the
Accounting Manager to get through a full year of
operation. He was able to negotiate with our current
auditor, Brown Edwards, to do it one more year at the
same price as last year and he was able to reduce that
line item by $220. The Maintenance Services was
reduced by $6,000 which represents network services for
the ACS. The merchandise for resale was reduced
$3,500, one reason being that he is going to use a new
vendor for the cigarette tax stamps that will be less
expensive. A reduction of $1,500 in the bank service
charges represents a savings in transaction fees that we
were paying.
The Town Manager next presented the Human
Resources budget. The key goals are to access needs
and facilitate training opportunities for employee growth
and development, complete revisions of the Town’s
Employee Handbook, monitor and ensure compliance with
the changes in the Federal and State laws and regulations
and support the Town’s employees and managers through
the interpretation and application of policies and
procedures.
In terms of significant budget highlights, anytime we have
a vacancy, it is our expectation that we review the
vacancy, what is the future need, are we meeting the
demands required and do we want to change anything.
His recommendation is rather than hiring a department
level position is to restructure the position down to a
Generalist position with a starting salary range of $37-
40,000. This position would report to the Assistant Town
Manager. Ryan Spitzer is currently our Assistant to the
Town Manager, but he is recommending that he be
promoted to the Assistant Town Manager.
During this transition period, we are working with Business
Solutions, a local company that offers human resources
3
consulting. They work with some of our other local
governments and they are assisting us with our open
enrollment for our insurance. We are also considering
contracting out our Cobra benefits. We have reduced the
special training line item by $3,000.
Regarding the reduction in the tuition reimbursement by
$3,000 in prior years, we have spent as much as $8,000 in
tuition reimbursement. However, we know that today we
do not have as many employees currently in the college
curriculum. There were five or six that recently graduated
and we feel that even with this reduction, we will have
enough in the coming year to cover any needed
reimbursement.
Ryan Spitzer next presented the Economic Development
budget by reviewing the key department goals. The
Downtown Grant has to be completed by the end of the
year. We hope to begin this July with the first actual
bidding for the street lights and the Washington/Pollard
intersection. He plans to work with the Chamber of
Commerce to create some type of strategy to help with
economic development and fostering our downtown
businesses and to create a map of Town quadrants to
specifically look at unique economic development
opportunities for each quadrant.
Significant budget highlights were a $5,000 increase in
contractual services for payment to the Vinton Chamber
which will be supported by a written plan to establish some
benchmarks for the funding. The CDBG related
expenditures line item was increased $32,000 which is our
match for part of the grant related to the former Steve’s
garage lot. The CDBG Match expenditures increased
$675,000. He estimates we will spend $25,000 this
budget year on design services.
The Walnut Avenue improvements increase is the RSTP
grant we received for $100,000. This line item was
included in Economic Development because Mr. Spitzer is
the project manager, but it will probably be moved to street
maintenance as a special project.
Vice Mayor Nance asked about the negotiations with the
Vinton Chamber for the additional $5,000. The Town
Manager responded that there will be a draft of a contract
for Council to review in May and then approve at a future
meeting.
Mr. Spitzer continued with Public Transportation budget
which has increased every year. We pay for four
services, the Metro Bus, the S.T.A.R, JARC and New
Freedom Rides. Because we have the Metro service, we
are mandated to have the other three services. He then
4
explained the formula that is used to figure the costs for
the Metro service in the Town based on 32 trips per day.
The cost for the S.T.A.R. is based on trips and we pay
75%. The Town pays for all of the JARC and New
Freedom rides. In response to a question regarding our
service on the Board, Mr. Spitzer commented that his term
will begin for the Town on July 1, 2014 and he will serve
for two years. Mr. Hare commented on the future plans
of the public transportation system and the fact that the
cost keeps going up. He is pleased that Mr. Spitzer will be
on the Board this upcoming fiscal year.
Regarding the Vinton Business Center budget, all costs
are shared 50/50 with Roanoke County which costs are
associated with electricity and landscaping. The Center is
a Planned Technology District. In response to a question
from Mr. Hare, the Town Manager responded that the
Center is on all lists showing available properties. Mr.
Spitzer commented that the main restrictions are the size
of the lots and not having a shell building.
The Town Manager recommended that Council
continue the rest of the work session to the end of the
meeting. The Work Session ended at 6:55 p.m. and
Council took a recess.
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 Altice, Council Member Hare,
Vice Mayor Nance, and Mayor Grose present. Anita
McMillan called the roll of the Planning Commission with
William E. Booth, Paul R. Mason, Dawn M. Michelson and
David Jones present. Robert A. Patterson was absent.
After a Moment of Silence, Mr. Altice led the Pledge of
Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.
Roll Call for Town Council and
the Vinton Planning Commission
Under upcoming community events/announcements,
Mr. Adams announced the Mother’s Day Brunch at the
War Memorial on May 11th; May 17th is the Arbor Day
Celebration at the Craig Center and the Dogwood Festival
is April 23-27 with the Parade on Saturday. The Vinton
Relay for Life is on May 2nd at William Byrd High School
and the Vinton Food and Wine Festival is on May 17th at
the War Memorial. The Mayor added that the Chamber of
Commerce has a ribbon cutting at Blaze’s Engine Repair
on April 18th. Mr. Hare encouraged everyone to vote on
May 6th. The Mayor also mentioned that the same day of
the Food and Wine Festival is the Mannathon which is a
fund raiser to support the Manna Ministries.
Vice Mayor Nance read a letter from Chief Cook
naming Officer Michael Byrd as Officer for the Month for
March 2014.
5
The next on the agenda was a proclamation for Arbor
Day. Mr. Hare read the proclamation. The next item was
a proclamation for National Drinking Water Week. Vice
Mayor Nance read the proclamation.
The final presentation was a proclamation for National
Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Chief Cook
made comments and introduced Bill Hunter, the Director of
Communications and the IT Department of Roanoke
County who expressed thanks to Council for this
recognition and recognized members of his staff that were
present. Mr. Adams read the proclamation and then
personally thanked Mr. Hunter and his staff for what they
do.
Vice Mayor Nance commented on the arrival of Officer
Byrd and congratulated him on being Officer of the Month.
The next item on the agenda was a Joint Public
Hearing with the Vinton Planning Commission to receive
public comments regarding the repeal of Division 11, FO
Floodplain Overlay District, Sections 4-56 through 4-61, of
Article IV, District Regulations, of Appendix B, Zoning, and
the repeal of Chapter 42, Floods, of the Town Code in
their entirety and the adoption of Division 13, FO
Floodplain Overlay District, Sections 4-65 through 4-73, of
Article IV, District Regulations, of Appendix B, Zoning for
the purpose of enacting comprehensive changes to the
Town’s current floodplain overlay district regulations as
recommended and required by the Virginia Department of
Conservation and Recreation acting on behalf of and in
cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
Karla Turman commented that on March 4, 2014, she
updated Council on amendments to the Floodplain
Ordinance that are being required for the Town to continue
being a part of the National Flood Insurance Program. In
preparing for the Public Hearing, it was brought to the
attention of staff that Chapter 42, Floods, of the Town
Code needed to be repealed and this is also a part of the
Public Hearing.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m. Chris
Elliott of 108 7th Street, commented regarding her
experience with FEMA when she lost her home in 1985
and the increase of her flood insurance premium from
$200 to almost $1,000 with a $2,000 deductible on
building only and $2,000 deductible on contents. She also
had another claim with FEMA in 1992. Margie Burden of
322 8th Street also made comments regarding the increase
of her flood insurance premium. When the policy was
taken out in 2007 it was $650 and the bill just received
increased from $1,100 to $1,333. Her policy is for exterior
Public Hearing opened
6
only with a $2,000 deductible. She was a participant in
the TAP Program and received a $20,000 GEO-thermal
furnace, but she cannot insure the furnace with these
rates. It also makes it difficult to try and sell property in
the area because of the requirement to have flood
insurance.
Vice Mayor Nance commented that when Council had a
work session on the amendments to the Floodplain
ordinance, they were told by the FEMA representative that
if we do not make these changes, no one will be able to
get flood insurance. Mr. Altice commented that we need
to write a letter to our Congressman and express our
concerns.
Hearing no further comments, the Public Hearing was
closed at 7:38 p.m.
Dave Jones, on the Planning Commission, commented
that his plant, Southern States, was flooded in 1985, in
1992 and then the 4th of July last year. He said that the
company purchased property in Salem and anticipated
moving, but did not move because of the costs involved.
The Town Manager at that time was very helpful in
keeping them in Town and there are 41 jobs in Vinton
today because they are still here. The bill for their flood
insurance premium was really a shock, but they cannot
afford to run a business without it. He indicated it would
be nice to express our concerns to our legislators, but
FEMA is self-insured and what do you do. Mr. Jones
further commented regarding the mobile home park on
Cedar Avenue. The residents are at extreme risk because
they sit right on Tinker and Glade and if their mobile home
is more than 50% damaged, it will not be replaced by the
new FEMA regulations. He is not sure that those
residents understand that, but he is not sure how much
more can be done to get the word out.
The Mayor asked for a recommendation from the Planning
Commission. Mr. Booth made a motion to recommend the
adoption of the two Ordinances as presented; the motion
was seconded by Ms. Michelson, and carried by the
following roll call vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0-
1; Yeas (4) – Mason, Booth, Michelson, Jones; ; Nays (0);
Absent (1) - Patterson.
Vice Mayor Nance made a motion to adopt the Ordinance
repealing Division 11, FO Floodplain Overlay District,
Sections 4-56 through 4-61, of Article IV, District
Regulations, of Appendix B, Zoning, and adopting Division
13, FO Floodplain Overlay District, Sections 4-65 through
4-73, of Article IV, District Regulations, of Appendix B,
Zoning, as presented; the motion was seconded by Mr.
Hare, and carried by the following roll call vote, with all
Public Hearing closed
Recommendation by Vinton
Planning Commission to adopt
the two Ordinances
Adopted Ordinance No. 949
repealing Division 11, FO
Floodplain Overlay District,
Sections 4-56 through 4-61, of
Article IV, District Regulations, of
Appendix B, Zoning, and
adopting Division 13, FO
Floodplain Overlay District,
7
members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Adams, Altice,
Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0).
Mr. Altice and Mr. Booth stated that we do need to send
letters to our legislators regarding the concerns expressed
from our citizens on the increases in their flood insurance
premiums.
Mr. Adams made a motion to adopt the Ordinance
repealing Chapter 42, Floods as presented; the motion
was seconded by Mr. Altice, and carried by the following
roll call vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5)
– Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0).
Mr. Booth made a motion for the Vinton Planning
Commission to be adjourned from the meeting; the motion
was seconded by Mr. Jones and carried by the following
vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0-1; Yeas (4) –
Mason, Booth, Michelson, Jones; Nays (0); Absent (1) -
Patterson. The Vinton Planning Commission adjourned
from the meeting at 7:53 p.m.
Vice Mayor Nance commented on the work session that
Council had several months ago regarding the Community
Rating System. Council declined at that time to take any
action because of the minimal effect it was going to have
on the policy holders. After the comments from our
citizens tonight and the potential rise in rates as what has
been forecasted, he would ask that Council find a way to
re-address that issue. Anita McMillan responded that we
should be able to get additional points toward our CRS by
adopting the new Floodplain Ordinance and working with
Roanoke County to create a Memorandum of
Understanding setting forth in writing that they will
continue to review our site plans for floodplain properties.
Hopefully this will allow us to drop to a Level nine which
will create a five percent reduction. Roanoke County is at
Level eight and Roanoke City is at Level seven.
Sections 4-65 through 4-73, of
Article IV, District Regulations, of
Appendix B, Zoning
Adopted Ordinance No. 950
repealing Chapter 42, Floods
Vinton Planning Commission
adjourned from the meeting
The next item on the agenda was a Public Hearing to
receive comments concerning amendments to Division 4,
Accessory Buildings and Temporary Buildings, Section 5-
17.2, Temporary Family Health Care Structures., of Article
V, Supplementary Regulations, of Appendix B, Zoning, of
the Town Code. Karla Turman commented that at a work
session on March 18th, Council was briefed on the General
Assembly’s required amendments to the Zoning
Ordinance regarding temporary health care structures.
The amendments are to clarify some definitions, to
increase the number of days allowed to remove the
structure once the need is no longer there from 30 days to
60 days and to clarify who can live in the structure. After
the staff report, the Mayor opened the Public Hearing at
7:56 pm.
Public Hearing opened
8
Hearing no comments, the Public Hearing was closed at
7:57 p.m.
Vice Mayor Nance reiterated for the audience that this
amendment to our Code is to bring it in compliance with
some amendments that have been made at the State level
and that Council had previously been briefed on this at a
prior work session.
Mr. Adams made a motion to adopt the Ordinance
amending Division 4, Accessory Buildings and Temporary
Buildings, Section 5-17.2, Temporary Family Health Care
Structures., of Article V, Supplementary Regulations, of
Appendix B, Zoning, of the Town Code, as presented; the
motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Nance, and carried
by the following roll call vote, with all members voting:
Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose;
Nays (0).
Hearing no comments, the Public
Hearing was closed
Adopted Ordinance No. 951
amending Division 4, Accessory
Buildings and Temporary
Buildings, Section 5-17.2,
Temporary Family Health Care
Structures., of Article V,
Supplementary Regulations, of
Appendix B, Zoning, of the Town
Code
The next item for consideration was a Resolution
appropriating funds in the amount of $613.70 for the
receipt of a check received for scrap metal property. The
Town Manager commented that our Public Works
Department processes scrap metal and sells it to the scrap
yard. The funds received are appropriated back to the
Department’s operating budget. Vice Mayor Nance made
a motion to adopt the Resolution as presented; the motion
was seconded by Mr. Altice and carried by the following
roll call vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5)
– Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0).
Adopted Resolution No. 2059
appropriating funds in the amount
of $613.70 for the receipt of a
check received for scrap metal
property
The next item was to consider adoption of a
Resolution approving the 2014-2015 operating budget of
the Roanoke Valley Resource. Dan Miles, Chief Executive
Officer, began by commenting that the budget for the
2014-2015 year is $8.5 million. This year as in the past
seven years, the revenues are balanced with the use of
the contingency reserve fund. This year they will be using
$456,000 from the contingency to balance the budget.
They are supporting the tipping fee about $3 per ton by
using the contingency fund. This budget does include a
$1 per ton increase in the municipal tipping fee from $47
per ton to $48 per ton. Effectively, every $1 per ton on
the tipping fee equates to $0.10 per household per month
for the service area. So, for the $47 per ton that they are
currently charging means $4.70 per month per resident for
disposing of garbage. The rate increase will now mean
$4.80 per month.
They are looking at increasing their service component by
constructing a residential service area that will be separate
from the commercial service area. This will also reduce
a liability factor for us by taking the residential traffic off of
the tipping floor. This area will have covered containers
9
where residents can unload their items during any type of
weather. This will be safer for our residential customers,
but will also speed up the process for our commercial and
municipal customers as well. They are looking to add an
additional employee for this area. The request for bids
should go out within the next two months and they are
hopeful to be able to start construction this Summer and
open sometime in the Fall.
Mr. Adams asked if the Authority had ever considered
having the Center opened longer on Saturday. We have a
dumpster area here in Town that fills up quickly because
usually when someone is cleaning up around their
property, it is not until the afternoon when they finish up
and the Center is closed. Mr. Miles stated that the hours
are 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. He said they
would love to extend their hours, but it would require them
to add more staff. There are currently five equipment
operators at the Transfer Station and one lead operator.
Even with adding the additional employee to operate the
new residential area that will only allow us to operate
Monday through Friday and with the part-time Saturday
hours. Every one of their operators that works on
Saturday is working overtime and that is going with
staggered shifts Monday through Friday.
Mr. Miles further commented that if it is the desire of
Council for him to go back to his Board and solicit their
opinion and their desire to look at what it would take to
staff extended hours on Saturday, he will be glad to do
that and make a report back. Mr. Hare asked about
shifting the hours on Saturday, instead of doing 8:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m., how about opening later. He will discuss
that with his Board and get some feedback from his
employees on what the issues might be with staggering
the Saturday hours. He does know that they have some
commercial customers that tend to come in early on
Saturday mornings that service supermarkets and
restaurants.
Mr. Altice asked if they had to sell bonds to do the new
area and Mr. Miles responded they are paying cash.
VDOT is going to be widening Hollins Road in front of the
Transfer Station and are going to be taking about two
acres of our entrance. We negotiated a settlement with
VDOT to sell those two acres of property and that cash
from the settlement will go towards this residential service
area. Mr. Hare commented that the Resource Authority
offers a great service and that a town as small as Vinton
can be a part of such an Authority is very valuable.
Mr. Hare made a motion to adopt the Resolution as
presented, with one correction; the motion was seconded
by Mr. Altice, and carried by the following roll call vote,
Adopted Resolution No. 2060
approving the 2014-2015
10
with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Adams,
Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0).
operating budget of the Roanoke
Valley Resource
The next item was to consider items relating to 24-
hour Fire/EMS services. The Town Manager commented
that hopefully this is the final presentation to proceed with
the 24-hour Fire/EMS services. The issue that we have
been discussing for months is the need for additional
career staff to supplement our fire volunteers, specifically
during the evening and weekend hours. This request has
been primarily generated through Roanoke City due to
their having to respond to an increasing number of calls in
Vinton and East Roanoke County as well as the Bonsack
and Mountain Pleasant areas.
We developed a committee and have worked through a
number of meetings focused on service levels as well as
renovations. Within the constraints that we felt we had to
work within, the proposal was to add a 24-hour fire truck
and in doing so we would eliminate the second medic
truck for one year. The commitment would be for next
year to add more staff, to have the fire truck and two
ambulances every day of the week through a combination
of Town, County, career staff and volunteers. The
concern of eliminating the second medic truck was that it
did not seem to give us the level of service that we have
come to expect nor want to lose.
The Committee met again on April 11th along with the
Mayor and Mr. Adams, Supervisor Peters, all of the
Chiefs, Administrators and Assistant Administrators. The
new proposal is a two-phase implementation with Phase 1
beginning July 2014. The County has already hired two
additional firefighter/EMTs, who are currently in the
academy and will start July 14th. To resolve the second
medic truck issue, Roanoke County will hire additional
part-time employees to staff during the day, Monday
through Friday to run the second medic truck. The Town
will commit to paying 50% of those expenses which we
estimate will be about $40,000, but the County would take
the lead on hiring probably 20 part-time people to cover all
the hours and meet the needs, but work only 29 hours to
state within the limits of the Affordable Care Act. This will
allow us to have one 24-hour fire truck, one medic truck for
24 hours and to maintain a medic truck part-time Monday
through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The volunteers will
cover the evening hours. The ladder truck will not be in
service during this time, but Roanoke City or the three
ladder trucks in Roanoke County will be able to respond.
Phase 2 is proposed to be implemented in July of 2016.
That proposal will have the 24-hour fire truck and 24-hour
medic truck. The second medic truck would go back to
full-time career staff, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday
11
through Friday. Volunteers would continue to staff the
additional fire truck in the evening and the ladder truck.
The First Aid Crew will continue at their level with one
medic truck or at times they may be running two. This will
require five additional full-time career staff and Roanoke
County proposes to hire three and we will hire two.
The Town Manager next focused on the renovations
aspect. The Committee recommends adding a new bunk
room in the Fire House to allow for ten career staff. We
need six, but we decided to renovate once to allow for any
expansion in the future. The career day room, bunk room
and kitchen on the second floor will be renovated. The 2nd
floor bathrooms will be renovated to meet ADA
compliance. Also, an additional washer/dryer hook-up will
be installed and renovations to the bathrooms and locker
rooms on the first floor. The building will be repainted and
conversion of the existing day room to an office for the
Captains and Lieutenants. The estimated cost is
$125,000 which will be shared 50/50 between the Town
and County.
The request of Council tonight is a general consensus to
proceed with the formal construction process for the
renovations. The formal action will be adoption of the
budget which includes the funding for Phase 1 and the
other action will be for Council to approve the construction
contract at a future meeting.
In closing, the Town Manager commented that the
financial demands for implementing Phase 2, which
requires the Town to hire two additional career
firefighters/EMTs at the cost of approximately $130,000 in
the FY2015-2016 budget. There will need to be a
consideration of either an increase in taxes or cuts. For
example, a $0.03 increase in our real estate taxes would
generate approximately $132,000.
The Mayor commented on the meeting and how obvious it
was that everyone present was determined to do what was
best for the citizens in the Town and East Roanoke
County.
Vice Mayor Nance next commented that he appreciated
everyone who had a part in coming up with this alternative
proposal to re-address the situation Council had
concerning the loss of the second medic truck. He then
asked how this changes the budget that Council is
considering at this time. The Town Manager responded
that based on the new recommendation, we will not have
to hire a new person in July and we will use those funds to
hire part-time people to staff the second medic truck.
This proposal will give us a little more flexibility because
the cost of hiring a new person was around $60,000 and
12
our share of the part-time employees will be around
$40,000. Also, on the revenue side, we had lowered our
revenue projection by $30,000 for the loss of transport
reimbursement fees. If we keep the second medic truck,
we should be able to add back at least $15,000. In
response to a question about changing the proposed
budget in this regard, the Town Manager stated he would
not change it.
Vice Mayor Nance then asked about the timing of the
renovations and what budget would that most likely come
from. The Town Manager responded that we will start the
renovations this year and we have $38,000 appropriated in
our current budget. Once we have a final construction
cost, it will be paid by the Town and then reimbursed by
the County, probably in the next fiscal year’s budget.
Mr. Adams commented that he is very pleased with the
new recommendation that has been presented to Council
and he appreciates everyone that had a part in the last
meeting and all the previous meetings.
Mr. Hare asked about the HVAC system in the Fire House
and the Town Manager commented they will look at an
HVAC unit just for the bunk room, the day room and the
kitchen side. Mr. Altice asked what the City said about
the Town not manning the ladder truck. The Town
Manager indicated that the City was very upfront that they
would respond when needed with their ladder truck.
Mr. Hare asked if the new bunk room would be on the
window side or the dark side. The Town Manager
responded on the dark side because it works best for the
building and if it is put on the window side, it will affect the
community room.
Vice Mayor Nance commented that with insurance,
retirement and fixed costs that are constantly increasing
that we do not have any discretion over, there are going to
have to be serious conversations with the public to begin
concerning next year’s budget. If there is going to have to
be some form of increased revenue, we will have to re-
examine what our core services are. This Council is
absolutely in agreement that public safety is a core service
that we will not undermine and that we will adequately
fund. There are other services that we will have to look at.
Council gave a consensus to proceed with Phase 1 to
provide 24-hour fire coverage and renovations to the Fire
Department building.
Supervisor Jason Peters commented from the audience
that he was very glad that this worked out the way it did.
Richard Oakes commented that everyone is happy that we
Council gave a consensus to
proceed with Phase 1 to provide
24-hour fire coverage and
renovations to the Fire
Department building
13
have a plan and are headed in the right direction. On the
volunteer side, their goal is to put a lot of effort in recruiting
new members and to make this the strongest department
in the Roanoke Valley.
Under briefing, the item related to an overview of the
Town Manager’s Recommended Budget. The Town
Manager first commented that this presentation was given
to Council at their April 10, 2014 special budget work
session, but he wanted to review it again briefly during a
regular Council meeting. The budget priorities were to
maintain core services with minimal reductions, develop
funding for a five-year capital improvement program,
maintain competitive employee benefits and compensation
and maintain focus on economic development and
implementation of the Downtown Revitalization initiative.
The budget is $12 million divided between two funds,
General and Water and Sewer. The General Fund
maintains the current tax assessments. Public Safety and
Public Works are the predominate areas of our budget
expenditures.
The budget is 8.23% over the current budget, but this is
not a dramatic increase in revenue. Most of that comes
from the $675,000 CDBG Grant funds for the Downtown
project and $89,900 in RSTP funds for the Walnut Street
sidewalk improvements. Minimal funding of required
capital is $38,400 and milling and paving is in the amount
of $269,535. There is an increase in electricity and fuel
expenses and the contributions to our Volunteer Fire and
EMS in the amount of $32,600. Our annual payment to
Roanoke County for the library land purchase is included
in the amount of $50,000 as well as
community/organization contributions of $17,800 and joint
local government services of $44,240.
The Town Manager next commented that the health
insurance increased 8.6% and our VRS was a $130,000
increase to the budget. Mr. Hare commented that this is
funding the retirement at the level we should be. In
previous years we took the option of funding it at a lower
percentage. We have promised this benefit to our
employees and it has to be there.
The three items to fund are the Walnut Avenue corridor
improvements, the hook lift and dump body under a five-
year lease and the painting of the pool interior. We do
need to purchase a new ambulance and the First Aid Crew
has offered to pay 25% and the County pays 25% if we
are successful with getting the grant that will pay the other
50%.
To balance the budget, the proposal is to use some of the
14
fund balance and we will present a more in-depth fund
balance at our Special Budget Work Session on April 29th.
The Utility Fund is $3.4 million and the real key is that it
looks like a 0.60% increase, but that is due to the fact that
we used fund balance to buy generators this year. The
budget does reflect an 8.9% rate increase effective July 1,
2014 and proposes another 8.9% rate increase effective
July 2, 2015, which stays with our three-year financial plan
to put us in a better position both with capital investment
with new bonds, with operating capital and with fund
balance. Part of that increase went to cover a 19% rate
increase from the Water Authority for water and
wastewater treatment which was not anticipated.
Now that we are starting to have more funds in the Utility
Fund, we are continuing to invest in the system by
purchasing asset management software, wireless reading
devices so we can reduce our labor needs in reading
meters and then the Phase 2 part of the Jefferson and
Cleveland waterline, the design and replacement of the
sewer main on Blandford Avenue and the replacement of
the waterline on Southampton Drive.
The Town Manager closed by commenting that Council
will have a Special budget work session on April 29th. The
Public Hearing for the budget will be advertised to be held
on May 20th and action to adopt the budget will be
scheduled for June 3rd if recommended by Council.
Notices will also go out about the water and wastewater
rate increases.
The next item was to consider nominations for the 2014
VML Policy Committees. After comments from the Mayor,
Vice Mayor Nance made a motion to accept the
nominations from the 2013 slate as follows – Community &
Economic Development – Mr. Adams and Christopher
Lawrence; Environmental Quality – Mayor Grose and
Anita McMillan; Finance – Mr. Hare and Barry Thompson;
General Laws – Vice Mayor Nance and Transportation –
Mr. Altice and Gary Woodson. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Adams and carried by the following vote, with all
members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Adams, Altice,
Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0).
Approved nominations for the
VML 2014 Policy Committees
Comments from Council: Vice Mayor Nance
apologized for missing the Volunteer Fire Department’s
installation of officers banquet held recently. He also
commented on the Vinton Museum ceremony held this
past Saturday. Mr. Altice expressed appreciation for all
the patch work that Public Works is doing around Town
and he is hearing a lot of good comments. Mr. Adams
made comments regarding the Junior ROTC Military Ball
at Thrasher Church that he and the Mayor attended on
15
Friday night and the Vinton Museum ceremony.
The Town Manager asked if Council would want him to
present his department’s budget before the meeting is
adjourned. The Council’s part of the budget can be
reviewed at the work session on April 29th.
The Town Manager reviewed his department’s goals of
focusing on economic development and downtown
revitalization, infrastructure investment, staff development
and volunteer partnerships. Also, another key goal is to
facilitate and engage Council and the community to
develop a long-term financial plan to ensure financial
stability of the Town through operations and capital
investment.
Significant budget highlights is the recommendation to
promote the Assistant to the Town Manager to the
Assistant Town Manager and adding additional
responsibilities relating to human resources functions.
Most of the Building and Grounds budget is managed
through the Town Manager’s Department. The decrease
in contractual services of $4,100 represents the janitorial
services for the Public Works facility. This amount was
transferred and prorated between the Public Works
General Fund and the Utility Fund. The Maintenance
Service Contract increased by $4,295 which represents a
new $1,200 annual payment to Roanoke County IT for our
new virtual server along with a new annual charge of
$1,653.75 for the Civic Plus website hosting fee. A
decrease of $2,718 was made in the Maintenance and
Repair Building line item and an increase in the
maintenance of landscape increased by $1,000, which
reflects a transfer from the beautification projects line item.
Electrical services were decreased by $3,000 and postage
was increased by $1,000. The decrease in the
janitorial/inventory supplies of $1,700 was again a transfer
and proration between the Public Works General Fund
and the Utility Fund.
The Town Manager in closing commented that the only
real change to Council’s budget is the line item for
volunteer appreciation. Every election year we budget
$2,500 and every non-election year that amount is
removed from the budget. The recommendation is that
every year we move this amount between the election line
item and the volunteer appreciation line item.
Mr. Hare made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the
motion was seconded by Mr. Adams and carried by the
following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5)
– Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0) – None.
Meeting adjourned
16
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
1
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL WORK SESSION OF VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 6:00
P.M. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON
MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
William W. Nance, Vice Mayor
I. Douglas Adams, Jr.
Robert R. Altice
Matthew S. Hare
STAFF PRESENT: Christopher S. Lawrence, Town Manager
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
Ryan Spitzer, Assistant to the Town Manager
Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer
Gary Woodson, Public Works Director
The Mayor called the work session to order at 6:10 p.m. The Town Manager first
commented that he created a list of topics based on some items that he was aware of and his
conversations with members of Council prior to the meeting. This is an opportunity for Council
to discuss in which direction they would like to proceed or any changes they would direct staff
to make.
The first item of discussion was a review of the fund balance. A part of the proposed
budget is to use $130,000 of the unreserved fund balance and staff wants to be sure that
Council is comfortable with that. Also, there is a proposal to have a Capital Reserve
Designated Account. Every time when we have discussion about major improvements,
there is this feeling that the fund balance is our emergency fund. In this regard, Barry
Thompson has prepared a spreadsheet showing our fund balance over the past 15 years
and he will run through the history of the fund balance and then the Town Manager
indicated he would discuss the capital reserve idea.
Mr. Thompson commented that the balance in 1999 was right before the Town took on the
downtown improvements which were mainly done in 2001 and 2002. Basically from 1999
to 2010, there was a restricted portion of the fund balance and an unassigned portion. The
unassigned was the portion that Council could appropriate to fund any project within the
General Fund. If it was restricted that was either bond money, purchase orders that were in
place at that time or other reserves that were required to cover obligations of the Town.
During that time period the amounts that were in the millions were usually bond money that
Council had obligated for capital projects or programs.
The amounts in 2001, 2002 and 2003 were a combination of purchase orders and the
downtown program. In 2004, the amount was purchase orders in December and the bond
funds for the War Memorial project. In 2005 through 2007, those amounts were the bond
monies for the Fire and EMS Building and also for the War Memorial building. In 2008
through 2010, those were purchase orders that were outstanding. In 2011, you see the
terms non-spendable and restricted. This was a change in the way that the CAFR had to
be written. Non-spendable deals with the way that we have to show the inventories and the
pre-paids and the restricted would be funds such as the ATF monies and those types of
funds. In 2013 that is the ATF money and the $50,000 that we had received for the
Greenway program.
2
Vice Mayor Nance asked where we are right now and Mr. Thompson responded that
without during a full closing of the books, which we normally will do at the close of the fiscal
year, we are planning on using part of the fund balance to balance the budget this year.
We have programmed about $128,000.
Another revenue item in the budget is the para-mutual tax of $15,000. Mr. Thompson does
not believe these funds will be received because of what is going on at the OTB. Along
with admissions taxes, he feels that we need to reduce the revenue by $18,000 in this
budget year.
Mr. Hare commented that we had $3.3 million in cash or investments at the end of
February. Mr. Thompson responded that he did not want to confuse the issue because
fund balance is the paper balance and the cash balance is represented on a different
spreadsheet. Based on that, he began commenting on the Cash Investment History.
Beginning with June of 2010, there were cash and investments of $2,402,537. In June
2011, we ended with $2,634,783, which was a net gain of about $232,246. In June 2012,
we ended with $3,335,615 and that was a net gain of about $700,833 over 2011. Our cash
and investments after the decline in the economy have been moving forward in the right
direction.
In 2013, it was $3,991,330, which was another gain of $655,714. The spreadsheet shows
this fiscal year broken down month by month beginning in July 2013 through April 2014. It
varies from month to month until we get to the end of the year because we use some of the
funds and then replace them. Mr. Thompson indicated he felt very confident that we would
be back to the June 2013 balance by the end of this fiscal year. The difference shown in
the cash and investments is primarily when we have to pay our debt services and it takes a
while to build it back up. After reviewing the Cash Investment History, Mr. Thompson
responded to Mr. Nance’s question that he feels we will end up close to where we did last
year. As far as the fund balance, he feels that it will probably be down around $200,000
from where it was in 2013.
Mr. Thompson next commented that he spoke with John Aldridge about the fund balance
and he does have a Memo from the GFOA with their recommendation of having two
months of operating funds for the reserve. The Town Manager commented that two
months would be around $1.3 million based on our current budget. We recommend that
we not do anything less than $2 million. Mr. Thompson further commented that if Council
decided to reserve part of this money for capital improvements, it can be done by
Resolution and through a policy establishing guidelines. If for some reason Council felt that
the designated funds needed to be re-examined or if the funds were needed back into the
operating side of the budget, the decision could be reversed by another Resolution.
The Mayor commented it appears that the fund balance at the end of this fiscal year will be
around $2.9 million. He asked if Council decided to set aside the $2 million, would this $2
million be an emergency fund and also a fund that he would use for operating or would his
operating still be in the reserve fund. Mr. Thompson responded that based on the needs of
the operating budget, he moves funds back and forth between the general checking
account and the investment account which would come from the $2 million undesignated.
3
The Mayor then commented that theoretically at the end of this fiscal year, Council could
decide to leave $2 million as undesignated funds and then still have $900,000 in the
reserve fund.
Mr. Thompson next commented that Council may want to think in terms of this year starting
with $300,000 and each year increasing that amount so we can see how it performs and if it
is the right thing to do. The Mayor said it would be helpful to have an amount set aside.
Mr. Thompson stated that we need to set some guidelines and the funds will be designated
in the audit as reserved and we can label these funds as to what they are for. Mr. Hare
commented that perhaps we do not want to use the $2 million figure, but set a policy that
we desire to keep a two or three month operating fund. Mr. Thompson said that each year
we will want to analyze the budget and see what we want that number to be. Mr. Nance
said that since the GFOA is suggesting two months, that we make it at three months, not
just the minimum. The Mayor then asked if Council is interested in developing this capital
reserve fund, can we direct our staff to proceed with developing the policy and bringing it
back to Council for their consideration. The Town Manager commented that the Finance
Committee can work on the policy at their next meeting.
The Mayor then asked about an update on the business license receipts and Mr. Thompson
responded they are above our budgeted numbers this year. He is very pleased with the
growth this year and it shows that positive things are happening in the town. When he sees
that the retail and professional services are up $50-60,000 over last year that is an
economic indicator to him.
The next item for discussion related to the water and sewer rate Increases. The
Town Manager commented the proposal is a two-year proposal, an 8.9% increase for the
next two fiscal years. Currently there is very little fund balance in the Water and Sewer
fund, only around $100,000. We have stabilized the operating account and now we are
building up reserve and continuing to invest in capital. No more bonds are proposed for this
year, but the second fiscal year (FY2015-2016) would have a proposal to go out for bonds.
We had the rate increase from the Western Virginia Water Authority that amounted to
approximately $70,000, which we did not take into account when Davenport developed our
rate increase cycle. From a notification standpoint, the Messenger did an article recently
on the increases and a notice will be included on the water bill that will go out this Thursday
and Friday. Our website will have an explanation and a brochure explaining what projects
we are doing. Mr. Nance commented that this is consistent with the study that was
presented to Council last year. We are trying to catch up on investments in the
infrastructure that have not been made in the past.
Mr. Hare asked if we were going to make the rate increase effective July 1st and the Town
Manager responded yes. Mr. Hare then commented that he thought there was some
discussion about making it effective January 1st. The Town Manager commented that staff
can show Council different numbers. The proposal is July 1st for this year and Council
could implement the second 8.9% increase in January the following year. December
would actually be the better month because you will realize a full six months of revenue.
When we go out for bonds again, the bonding agencies are going to look to make sure we
have approved and have a confidence level of our rate structure to pay for those bonds as
well. Even with the increase, our rates are still less than the Water Authority.
4
The Town Manager further commented that we currently bill bi-monthly. Going to monthly
billing is a consideration for the future and the more we switch our meters to wireless, the
easier it would be to monthly billing. Mr. Thompson commented that the mailing expense
would double with monthly billing. Mr. Hare stated that e-billing could be an option in the
future as well.
The third item related to the recommendation of eliminating the 3rd Street Town
Dumpster Services. The Town Manager commented that if Council wants to keep this
service, we need to put $10,000 back in the budget. If Council decides to eliminate the
service, we would not eliminate it until the new residential area at the Resource Authority is
fully operational.
Mr. Adams commented that the hours of the Resource Authority will stay the same even
though they will have a separate residential area. If we do eliminate our dumpster service,
we still need to ask the Resource Authority to consider changing their hours to stay open
later on Saturday. The Town Manager indicated that he will bring the matter up at the next
Authority Board meeting in May.
Mr. Altice commented that he believes the individuals using the dumpster will not haul it to
the Resource Authority. Mr. Adams commented as well that if the service is eliminated it
will have to be patrolled for the first few months. Mr. Altice indicated he does not think we
should do away with it. Mr. Hare commented that at first he was in favor of eliminating the
service. However, he does not know the impact of the service and feels it is a bad idea to
eliminate something when he does not have enough information. The end consequences
could be bad and he would prefer to deal with the topic in the upcoming strategic planning.
Mr. Nance made comments concerning the ability of Council to make more serious cuts in
services in the future if they are not willing to cut this service. Mr. Adams further
commented that he is in favor of keeping the service. He does not have an answer to
where Council will come up with needed funds in the future. If there is an education factor
or we can change something with the Resource Authority to make it available, it is a mile
away and you can change a habit. The Mayor commented that he would be in favor of a
pilot program. If he had to make a decision tonight, he would keep the service.
Gary Woodson suggested that they put up a temporary construction fence along the front
and over the weekend have an employee man the area from 8 to 5. That employee could
see who is coming in and collect information. Also, when the site closes, it will allow us to
see if materials are being left out in front of the fence or being dumped on the sides of the
road. This can be done for a short period of time and then we can report back to Council as
to what effect it has. The investment is that it will cost a little more for a two-month period
to staff the site. During this time, we can also provide information about the Resource
Authority site. The Town Manager commented that it is not only about savings of $10,000.
The dumpsters attract the vultures in that area and there is a safety issue involved because
the employees have to get into the actual dumpsters to sort the items. Based on Council’s
comments, he will put it back into the budget, but he would like to proceed with the pilot
program to gather additional information.
The fourth item for discussion related to the Community Organization Funding
Requests. The Town Manager commented that he does not have a strong opinion on any
of the organizations. However, he knows that the Bank On program has been a source of
discussion. With regard to the donation to the Mountain View Human Spay/Neuter, it is
recommended that the $500 contribution be used as a coupon system. This allows any
5
citizen of Vinton to go to the Vinton Veterinarian Clinic with a $25 coupon or go to Mountain
View. Mr. Thompson would like to change the wording to the RCACP Coupon Program.
All other items listed are level funded.
The Bank On program was a new expense in the middle of the budget last year. It is based
on a calendar year and we are paid through December 2014. Mr. Nance does not think
we should use taxpayers’ funds for the Bank On program. The funds are going to United
Way to help promote entities which are much bigger than this town and taxpayers’ funds
should not be used for educational purposes for people spending their own money. Mr.
Hare and Mr. Altice agreed with Mr. Nance.
The Town Manager further commented that the Needy Family program is cash, but $400 of
the contribution comes from a piece of property that the town rents from Southern States.
Mr. Hare asked how much in total are we giving to the Chamber and the response was an
additional $5,000 that would be tied to marketing, recruitment and advertising of business
and the community as a whole is in the Economic Development budget. That is in addition
to the $9,000 listed under community contributions. The Town Clerk commented that the
Roanoke Valley CATV-Channel 3 amount is $15,921 for the Town’s contribution this year.
The Mayor reiterated that the changes to be made to this list are to eliminate the
contribution to Bank On and rename Mountain View Human Spay/Neuter to the RCACP
Coupon Program.
The fifth item for discussion related to the subsidies for War Memorial and Pool. Mr.
Hare asked for a quick update regarding the War Memorial and Mr. Thompson provided
Council with an analysis of revenues, expenses and forecasts for FY2013-2014.
Mr. Altice asked if there was enough interest from the churches to keep the pool open and
the Town Manager responded that it is this year. However, this is the first in three years
that the Town will have to supplement the volunteers with our lifeguards to keep open a
reasonable concession area. All the Wednesday night dinners are covered, but it is the
daytime concessions that have taken a hit. Mr. Nance commented that we cannot expect
this type of partnership between the Town and the churches to continue forever and
perhaps the difficulty in obtaining those partners should indicate to us that we need to re-
evaluate.
The Town Manager commented that last year’s subsidy to the pool was around $35,700.
We have the month of June when the pool opens plus some preparation costs and it will be
very close this coming year. Next year’s budget provides in the spring of 2015 to spend
$7,800 to completely repaint the inside of the pool and the lifespan of that painting is about
five to seven years.
Mr. Thompson commented regarding the War Memorial’s subsidy. Last year it was
$96,000 and this year is $69,798. The War Memorial is showing revenues year-to-date of
$162,973 compared to last year of $85,914. Mr. Hare expressed concern that we will hit a
ceiling because the next budget year does not get much better. Council agreed during our
strategic retreat last time that we wanted to give the War Memorial a couple of years to see
if the new plan is working. We need to decide what our goal will be as Council, is it to get
our subsidy under $50,000 or zero and maybe we need to define that goal. Mr. Hare
further commented that it will be good to have discussion about this at our strategic
6
planning retreat to make sure we are all on board and if we want to make any changes.
Mr. Kipp should have the feedback from us and get our direction.
The sixth item for discussion related to the para-mutual tax revenue forecast. The
Town Manager commented that Mr. Thompson covered this during the fund balance review
and it was his recommendation to reduce the revenue by $18,000 in the proposed budget.
The Mayor commented that we have to find new revenue sources. Mr. Hare commented
that just as the Town Manager mentioned in the last meeting, a $0.03 increase in the real
estate tax would just pay for the two new Fire/EMS employees and would not help with the
fact that we are underfunding the roads and all the other capital items.
The Mayor then commented that he is not referring to taxes although it would have to be
part of the consideration. He does not think we will be able to enhance our revenues
through taxes enough to keep our services at this level and it is obvious that we cannot
save enough money to pay those increases, costs of services and the infrastructure repairs.
It has to come from increased revenue sources and we are going to have to make some
bold moves to attract new businesses to Town or we will see some drastic cuts in services.
Mr. Nance asked if one of those items would be a re-assessment of our zoning ordinances
and so forth, especially in the downtown area where we are putting in the public investment
and infrastructure and the amenities. The Mayor stated that if we are talking about
rezoning issues that will help us attract businesses he feels it is part of it. He thinks we are
going to have to think outside the box and find ways to attract people and do things that
maybe a Town would not normally do. We are going to have to be very, very aggressive.
The Town Manager stated in closing that he wants to make sure that Council agrees to go
ahead and advertise the Public Hearing for the budget for May 20th at 7:00 p.m. Typically,
Council would receive any comments at that time, have their deliberations and schedule the
adoption of the budget for June 3rd, if they are ready. If not, there would be one more
meeting to adopt the budget before July 1st. We will also advertise the Public Hearing on
the water and wastewater rates for the next two fiscal years for May 20th. Council gave
their consensus to advertise for the two Public Hearings.
The Work Session was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
Meeting Date
May 20, 2014
Department
Police
Issue
Officer of the Month for April 2014 - Master Police Officer Scott Hurt
Summary
MPO Scott Hurt was selected as Officer of the month for April and will be recognized at the
meeting
Attachments
Memo from Chief Cook
Recommendations
Read Memo
Town Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date
May 20, 2014
Department
Police
Issue
Proclamation - Click It or Ticket
Summary
During this week each year, we observe Click It or Ticket, National Emergency Services Week
and Public Works Week. Click It or Ticket reminds and urges our citizens to always wear seat
belts when driving or riding on our roadways.
Attachment
Proclamation
Recommendations
Read Proclamation
Town Council
Agenda Summary
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the safety and security of the citizens of the Town of Vinton and surrounding areas are vitally important; and
WHEREAS, a large percentage of our citizens regularly drive or ride in motor vehicles on our roadways; and
WHEREAS, the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 12,546 lives in 2010; and
WHEREAS, regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and to reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes; and
WHEREAS, the use of seat belts is supported by the laws of the Town of Vinton; and
WHEREAS, May 19 through June 1, 2014, has been selected as the national Click It or Ticket mobilization enforcement period; and
WHEREAS, across the country law enforcement officers will actively be participating in the mobilization to ensure all motor vehicle occupants are buckled up day and night to reduce the risk of injury and death caused in traffic crashes; and
WHEREAS, increased enforcement of seat belt laws coupled with publicity has proven to be an effective method to increase seat belt use rates and decrease fatal crashes.
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 and announce May 19, 2014 to June 1, 2014, as the Click It
or Ticket Mobilization in the Town of Vinton, and urge all citizens to always wear seat belts when driving or riding on our roadways.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Vinton, Virginia to be affixed on this 20th day of May, 2014.
____________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Meeting Date
May 20, 2014
Department
Fire
Issue
Proclamation - National Emergency Services Week
Summary
National Emergency 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: Dedicated For Life.”
WheReAs, this is the 40th anniversary of EMS Week.
WheReAs, National Emergency Medical Services Week 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.”
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 a vital public service; in 2011 there was 31,368,740 nationwide EMS responses and of those responses, there was 22,651,921 EMS transports
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
WheReAs, access to quality emergency treatment significantly improves the survivability and even recovery rate of those who have suffer sudden illness or injury; 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 18, 2014 to May 24, 2014 as “NATIONAL eMeRgeNCy 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 20th day of May, 2014.
____________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
1
Meeting Date
May 20, 2014
Department
Administration
Issue
Consideration of public comments on a request to revise Water and Wastewater Fees and
Charges Schedule by an increase of 8.9 percent for FY2014-2015 and an increase of 8.9 percent
for FY2015-2016, pursuant to authority granted by Virginia Code §§ 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119 and
15.2-2122, according to the Vinton Town Code, Chapter 24, Utilities, Section 94-22 Fees and
charges for water service and Section 94-74, Fees and charges for wastewater service.
Summary
In 2012-2013, the town hired Davenport & Co. to complete a study evaluating our water and
wastewater system. The study aimed to create a five-year plan for operations and capital
investment. The capital investment plan was developed through engineering studies, financial
advisors, and staff evaluation of priorities based on age, failure incidents, fire suppression
supply, and economic development opportunities. The plan also identifies major systems that
are identified for replacement or major repairs in years 6-10, but does not go into any detail this
far out.
The major projects funded as proposed are as follows:
1. Meter Reading wireless radio technology implementation - $14,000
2. Cityworks Asset Management software - $40,000
3. Design and Construction Jefferson & Cleveland Ave water line Phase 2 - $100,000
4. Design and Replacement of Sewer Main on Blandford Ave - $50,000
5. Replacement of Waterlines – Southampton Drive – 20,000
Additionally, to support the efforts to transition to a wireless meter program, all new meters
installed for new construction or replacement will include the wireless technology. As proposed
the new fee for purchase of this type of meter is $310.00 for 5/8-inch. Larger sizes above 1-inch
are priced at time of request due to market price changes.
Town Council
Agenda Summary
2
The major projects funded previously are as follows:
1. Western Virginia Water Authority – Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements
related to the disinfection capacity of the plant.
2. Glade/Tinker Wastewater Interceptor Line Improvements
3. Design and Replacement of water lines in the Cleveland/Jefferson/Jackson Ave.
neighborhood east of downtown.
4. Equipment Replacement – a 5-year lease proposal is recommended to replace four
pick-up truck service vehicles and one backhoe.
These projects were funded through a 20-year term for projects 1-3 and a 5-year lease structure
for project 4. A bond in the amount of $2,000,000 was secured in June 2013 and funded through
an 8.7% rate increase.
Attachments
None
Recommendations
Conduct Public Hearing, action to be taken on June 3, 2014
1
Meeting Date
May 20, 2014
Department
Administration
Issue
Consideration of public comments regarding the proposed FY2014-2015 Town of Vinton Budget.
Summary
The FY2014-2015 annual budget is the culmination of months’ worth of staff work developing and
managing our services and revenues to provide the expected and needed services for the community. The
budget document is one of the most important policies established by Council to convey to staff and the
community priorities, levels of services, and investment in the community.
The budget document includes a great deal of information which is intended to explain what and why of
government services provided by the Town of Vinton.
The General Fund Budget is recommended to use $128,144 of unreserved fund balance. This is
recommended rather than a proposed tax increase to fund $38,400 for capital and $89,744 for operating
expenses. The major cuts over the past five years have been to the capital projects funding as well as
elimination of specific full-time and part-time positions in the Police and Public Works Departments. The
town facilities and equipment are aging and our buildings not only need to be maintained but are going to
require significant investment over the next 5-10 years to major mechanical systems and roofs.
Additionally, major equipment such as dump trucks, fire trucks, and similar items need to be replaced in
the next five years.
Capital Improvement Program:
The CIP is intended to be a five year plan for building, equipment, and major purchases for the town.
Approximately $2,944,146 worth of needs were identified and submitted by departments for the
FY2014/2015 budget year. The proposed budget includes funding of only $38,400 in the General Fund
of these needs and it defers the remaining projects to future years. The following projects are included the
budget for funding:
1. Walnut Avenue Corridor 4,800
2. Replace Dumptruck with hooklift & dump body (5-yr lease) 25,800
3. Painting of Pool Interior 7,800
Total General Fund 38,400
Town Council
Agenda Summary
2
Capital improvement projects funded in the Utility Fund were in the amount of $224,000. The projects
included:
1. Cityworks Asset Management 40,000
2. Handheld Meter Reading Device Upgrade 14,000
3. Design & Construct Jefferson & Cleveland Ave Waterline 100,000
4. Design & Replacement of Sewer Main on Blandford Ave 50,000
5. Replacement of Water Line –Southampton Drive 20,000
Total Utility Fund 224,000
Additional projects continue in the Utility fund which resulted from the issuance of our 2013 Series GO
Capital Improvement Bonds and the adopting of the Cost of Service Study. The town’s partnership
contribution of approximately $939,785 as part of the overall $17,087,000 Western Virginia Water
Authority wastewater treatment plant upgrades is progressing. Design work is also beginning on the
Cleveland/Jefferson/Jackson Avenues water project. Equipment that was designated for lease purchases
through the bond has been purchased for the Public Works Fleet.
Water and Sewer Fund:
The maintenance, operations, and investment in our water and sewer system are a fundamental
government service. We have recognized the significant needs in our aging utility system and diligently
work to keep it functioning. However, in the upcoming 10-15 years, significant investment will be
required to replace water and sewer lines, pump stations, and equipment. The Proposed FY2014/2015
budget as presented is balanced. A comprehensive rate structure analysis was presented to Council in
January 2013. Council adopted as part of the FY 2013/2014 Budget an 8.7% water and sewer rate
increase. As part of the Cost of Service Study an 8.9% rate increase in water and sewer rates is proposed
for both FY 2014/15 and FY 2015/16 which will provide funding for infrastructure needs, capital needs
and reserve funds needed in the Utility Fund.
Attachments
None
Recommendations
Conduct Public Hearing, action to be taken on June 3, 2014
Meeting Date
May 20, 2014
Department
Emergency Services
Issue
Consider adoption of a Resolution approving the updated Emergency Operations Plan for the Town
of Vinton.
Summary
The Virginia Department of Emergency Services (VDEM) requires a locality that chooses to
have an emergency services program, to have an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that is
approved by the governing body of that locality. The EOP is required to be re-approved by the
governing body every four years.
The plan that has been reviewed and updated from the 2010 approved EOP was presented to
Council at their May 6, 2014 meeting. This is now ready for formal approval by Council.
Attachments
Emergency Operations Plan
Resolution
Recommendations
Motion to adopt Resolution
Town Council
Agenda Summary
RESOLUTION NO.
AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 PM
ON TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON
MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON,
VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Vinton Town Council recognizes the need to prepare for, respond to, and
recover from natural and man-made disasters, and has a responsibility to provide
for the safety and well-being of its citizens and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management requires an updated
Emergency Operations Plan be adopted by the Town of Vinton every four years, and
the plan adopted in 2010 has been completely reformatted and updated; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vinton has established and appointed a Director of Emergency Services
and a Coordinator of Emergency Services, who are tasked and authorized to
maintain and revise as necessary this document over the next four (4) year period;
and
WHEREAS, upon adoption by Town Council, the newly revised plan will be in full effect at the
time of adoption.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Vinton Town Council does hereby adopt the
updated Emergency Operations Plan dated June 2014 and grants it full operational authority.
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 20, 2014
Department
Planning and Zoning
Issue
Consider adoption of an Ordinance repealing the Vinton Town Code Chapter 15, Stormwater Management, Chapter 15.1,
Erosion and Sediment Control and Steep Slope Development and Chapter 15.3, Storm Sewer System Illicit Discharge and
adopting a new Chapter 79, Stormwater Management
Summary
By July 1, 2014, the Town, like the rest of the MS4s localities, will have to enforce the new SWM regulations and will
also become the VSMP Authority. Becoming the local VSMP Authority will result in the need for an amended SWM
Ordinance and Storm Sewer System Illicit Discharge Ordinance to be adopted by May 15, 2014, to align with the new
VSMP regulations. Staff has been working with Roanoke County Engineering Division personnel in the development
of the SWM and illicit discharge ordinances.
A proposed ordinance to repeal Chapter 15, Stormwater Management, 15.1, Erosion and Sediment Control and Steep
Slope Development, and Chapter 15.3, Storm Sewer System Illicit Discharge is attached. It should be noted that
currently Chapter 15 Stormwater Management is structured to only reference Roanoke County’s code. However, staff
is recommending the Town adopt its own complete set of Stormwater Management codes in conformance with the
DEQ standards and mirroring Roanoke County. Ultimately the town is responsible for enforcement of these codes and
works through an agreement with Roanoke County to share staff to review and inspect site plans and field conditions
for conformance. In the past, the town adopted the county code by reference thereby not having to amend the code
when there were changes. In the future, to establish clarity that we are independent and take ownership of
enforcement, the code in its entirety should be adopted by Town Council. This will require future amendments as the
state code changes, however, it will keep the town current and in the forefront of stormwater management policies and
practices.
It should also be noted that the proposed ordinance does not include a stormwater utility fee. The operational
implementation and capital investment to meet the requirements set forth by DEQ will require additional investment.
How the town invests in these improvements will require additional public engagement, education, and deliberation
over the next year or two.
Attachments
Ordinance
Recommendations
Motion to adopt ordinance
Town Council
Agenda Summary
1
ORDINANCE NO.
AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL, HELD ON
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014, AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE
VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON,
VIRGINIA.
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING VINTON TOWN CODE CHAPTER 15,
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, CHAPTER 15.1, EROSION AND SEDIMENT
CONTROL AND STEEP SLOPE DEVELOPMENT, AND CHAPTER 15.3, STORM
SEWER SYSTEM ILLICIT DISCHARGE, AND ADOPTING A NEW CHAPTER OF
THE VINTON TOWN CODE ENTITLED CHAPTER 79, STORMWATER
MANAGEMENT
WHEREAS, the Vinton Town Council finds that the uncontrolled discharge of pollutants to its
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) has an adverse impact upon the
water quality of the receiving waters; and
WHEREAS, amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly known as the
Clean Water Act, established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Program, which requires permits for discharges from regulated
municipal separate storm sewer systems into the waters of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promulgated
regulations implementing the NPDES program, and the EPA has authorized the
Commonwealth of Virginia to issue NPDES permits under the Virginia Pollutant
Discharge and Elimination System (VPDES) permit system; and
WHEREAS, the VPDES regulations for stormwater discharges require Town of Vinton to
control the contribution of pollutants to its regulated MS4 by prohibiting illicit
discharges, and to inspect, monitor, and enforce the prohibitions of illicit
discharges to its regulated MS4; and
WHEREAS, the Town Planning and Zoning Staff has been working with County of Roanoke
Engineering Division Staff in developing the guidelines and regulations for the
storm sewer system illicit discharges ordinance to meet the new VSMP
regulations; and
WHEREAS, by July 1, 2014, the Town, like the rest of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) localities, will have to enforce the new Virginia Stormwater
Management Program (VSMP) regulations and will also become the VSMP
Authority; and
WHEREAS, on April 1, 2014, the Vinton Town Council met in work session with Town staff
to review the proposed ordinance.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Vinton that
Chapter 15, Stormwater Management, Chapter 15.1, Erosion and Sediment Control and Steep
Slope Development, and Chapter 15.3, Illicit Discharge of the Vinton Town Code are hereby
2
repealed in their entirety and shall be replaced by Chapter 79, Stormwater Management, which is
hereby adopted and enacted as follows:
CHAPTER 79
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The Town of Vinton finds that inadequate management of stormwater runoff from land-
disturbing activities and development in watersheds increases flood flows and velocities, erodes
and/or silts stream channels, pollutes water, overloads existing drainage facilities, undermines
floodplain management in downstream communities, reduces groundwater recharge, and
threatens public safety. More specifically, surface water runoff can carry pollutants into
receiving waters. The Roanoke River and many of its tributaries inside the Town are listed as
impaired waters by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Many future problems can be avoided through proper stormwater management, and the Town is
dedicated to preventing the damaging effects that uncontrolled stormwater may present. The
lands and waters of Town of Vinton are valuable natural resources that need to be protected. The
Town finds that it is in the public interest to establish a stormwater management program.
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 62.1-44.15:27, this ordinance is part of an initiative to integrate the
Town’s stormwater management requirements with the Town’s erosion and sediment control
(Chapter 35) and floodplain management (Appendix B. Zoning Ordinance, Article IV, Division
13. Section 4-65-Section 4-73) requirements into a unified stormwater program. The unified
stormwater program is intended to facilitate the submission and approval of plans, issuance of
permits, payment of fees, and coordination of inspection and enforcement activities into a more
convenient and efficient manner for both the Town of Vinton and those responsible for
compliance with these programs.
ARTICLE I. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
Division 1. General Provisions
Sec. 79-1. Title and Authority
A. This ordinance shall be known as the “Stormwater Management Ordinance of the Town
of Vinton, Virginia.”
B. Pursuant to § 62.1-44.15:27 of the Code of Virginia, the Town of Vinton hereby
establishes a Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) for land-disturbing
activities and adopts the applicable Regulations that specify standards and specifications
for VSMPs promulgated by the State Water Control Board (State Board) for the purposes
set out in Section 79.2 of this ordinance. The Town of Vinton hereby designates the
Town Manager as the Administrator of its Virginia Stormwater Management Program.
3
Sec. 79-2. Purpose
The purpose of this ordinance is to promote and protect the general health, safety, and welfare of
the citizens of the Town and to protect property, state waters, stream channels, and other natural
resources from the potential harm of unmanaged stormwater, and to establish requirements
whereby stormwater is managed to protect water quality and downstream property owners.
This ordinance provides the framework for the administration, implementation, and enforcement
of the provisions of the Virginia Stormwater Management Act (VSMA) and delineates the
procedures and requirements to be followed in connection with the permits issued by the
Administrator.
Sec. 79-3. Applicability
A. Except as provided herein, no person may engage in any land-disturbing activity until a
permit has been issued by the Administrator in accordance with the provisions of this
ordinance.
B. A stormwater management plan, or an agreement in lieu of a stormwater management
plan, shall be reviewed and approved by the Administrator prior to permit issuance.
C. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this ordinance, the following activities are
exempt, unless otherwise required by federal law:
1. Permitted surface or deep mining operations and projects, or oil and gas
operations and projects conducted under the provisions of Title 45.1;
2. Clearing of lands specifically for agricultural purposes and the management,
tilling, planting, or harvesting of agricultural, horticultural, or forest crops,
livestock feedlot operations, or as additionally set forth by the State Water
Control Board in regulations, including engineering operations as follows:
construction of terraces ,terrace outlets, check dams, desilting basins, dikes,
ponds, ditches, strip cropping, lister furrowing, contour cultivating, contour
furrowing, land drainage, and land irrigation; however, this exception shall not
apply to harvesting of forest crops unless the area on which harvesting occurs is
reforested artificially or naturally in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 11
(§ 10.1-1100 et seq.) or is converted to bona fide agricultural or improved pasture
use, as described in subsection B of § 10.1-1163 of Article 9 of Chapter 11 of
Title 10.1 of the Code of Virginia;
3. Single-family residences separately built and disturbing less than one acre and not
part of a larger common plan of development or sale, including additions or
modifications to existing single-family residential structures;
4. Other land disturbing activities that disturb less than one acre of land area, except
land disturbing activities that are part of a larger common plan of development or
sale that is one acre or greater of disturbance;
5. Discharges to a sanitary sewer or a combined sewer system;
4
6. Activities under a state or federal reclamation program to return an abandoned
property to an agricultural or open land use;
7. Routine maintenance that is performed to maintain the original line and grade,
hydraulic capacity, or original construction of the project. The paving of an
existing road with a compacted or impervious surface and reestablishment of
existing associated ditches and shoulders shall be deemed routine maintenance
performed in accordance with this subsection; and
8. Conducting land-disturbing activities in response to a public emergency where the
related work requires immediate authorization to avoid imminent endangerment
to human health or the environment. In such situations, the Administrator shall be
advised of the disturbance within seven days of commencing the land-disturbing
activity and compliance with the administrative requirements of subsection A is
required within 30 days of commencing the land-disturbing activity.
Sec. 79-4. Compatibility with Other Requirements
This ordinance is not intended to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any other ordinance, rule or
regulation, stature, or other provision of law. The requirements of this ordinance should be
considered minimum requirements, and where any provision of this ordinance imposes
restrictions different from those imposed by any other ordinance, rule or regulation, or other
provision of law, whichever provisions are more restrictive or impose higher protective standards
for human health or the environment shall apply.
Sec. 79-5. Severability
If the provisions of any article, section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of this
ordinance shall be judged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such order of judgment
shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of any article, section, subsection, paragraph,
subdivision or clause of this ordinance.
Sec. 79-6. Stormwater Management Technical Criteria for Regulated Land Disturbing
Activities
The Town hereby adopts the technical criteria for regulated land-disturbing activities set forth in
Part IIB of the Regulations, as amended, expressly to include 9VAC25-870-62 [applicability];
9VAC25-870-63 [water quality design criteria requirements]; 9VAC25-870-65 [water quality
compliance]; 9VAC25-870-66 [water quantity]; 9VAC25-870-69 [offsite compliance options];
9VAC25-870-72 [design storms and hydrologic methods; 9VAC25-870-74 [stormwater
harvesting]; 9VAC25-870-76 [linear development projects]; 9VAC25-870-85 [stormwater
management impoundment structures or facilities]; and 9VAC25-870-92 [comprehensive
stormwater management plans], which shall apply to all land disturbing activities regulated
pursuant to this ordinance, except as expressly set forth in Section 79-7 of this ordinance.
Sec. 79-7. Stormwater Management Technical Criteria for Regulated Land Disturbing
Activities: Grandfathered Projects and Projects Subject to the Provisions of
`9VAC25-870-47B, as Amended
5
A. The Town hereby adopts the technical criteria for regulated land-disturbing activities set
forth in Part IIC of the Regulations, as amended, expressly to include 9VAC25-870-93
[definitions]; 9VAC25-870-94 [applicability]; 9VAC25-870-95 [general]; 9VAC25-870-
96 [water quality]; 9VAC25-870-97 [stream channel erosion]; 9VAC25-870-98
[flooding]; and 9VAC25-870-99 [regional (watershed-wide) stormwater management
plans], which shall only apply to all land disturbing activities regulated pursuant to this
section.
B. Any land-disturbing activity shall be considered grandfathered and shall be subject to the
Part II C technical criteria of the Regulations, provided:
1. A proffered or conditional zoning plan, zoning with a plan of development,
preliminary or final subdivision plat, preliminary or final site plan, or any
document determined by the locality to be equivalent thereto (i) was approved by
the locality prior to July 1, 2012, (ii) provided a layout as defined in 9VAC25-
870-10 and section 23-2, (iii) will comply with the Part II C technical criteria of
the VSMP Regulation, and (iv) has not been subsequently modified or amended
in a manner resulting in an increase in the amount of phosphorus leaving each
point of discharge, and such that there is no increase in the volume or rate of
runoff;
2. A state permit has not been issued prior to July 1, 2014; and
3. Land disturbance did not commence prior to July 1, 2014.
C. Town, state, and federal projects shall be considered grandfathered and shall be subject to
the Part II C technical requirements of the Regulations, provided:
1. There has been an obligation of Town, state, or federal funding, in whole or in
part, prior to July 1, 2012, or the Department has approved a stormwater
management plan prior to July 1, 2012;
2. A state permit has not been issued prior to July 1, 2014; and
3. Land disturbance did not commence prior to July 1, 2014.
D. Land disturbing activities grandfathered under subsections B and C of this section shall
remain subject to the Part II C technical criteria of the Regulations for one additional
state permit cycle. After such time, portions of the project not under construction shall
become subject to the technical criteria in effect at that time.
E. In cases where governmental bonding or public debt financing has been issued for a
project prior to July 1, 2012, such project shall be subject to the technical requirements of
the Part II C technical criteria of the Regulations.
F. Land disturbing activities that obtain general permit coverage or commence land
disturbance prior to July 1, 2014, shall be conducted in accordance with the Part II C
technical criteria of the Regulations and Town of Vinton’s local stormwater management
requirements that were in effect at the time of receiving general permit coverage or
commencing land disturbance. Such projects shall remain subject to these requirements
6
for an additional two general permit cycles, if general permit coverage is maintained.
After that time, portions of the project, not under construction, shall become subject to
the technical criteria in effect at that time.
G. An operator may choose to decline grandfather status and to instead comply with the
technical requirements of Section 79-6 of this ordinance. Nothing in this section shall
preclude an operator from constructing to a more stringent standard at his discretion.
Sec. 79-8. Stormwater Management Design Manual
A. The Town of Vinton will utilize the policies, criteria and information contained within
the County of Roanoke Stormwater Management Design Manual for proper
implementation of the requirements of this ordinance.
B. The Town of Vinton/County of Roanoke Stormwater Management Design Manual may
be updated and revised from time to time. The Administrator shall recommend any
updates, supplements, or modifications of the County Stormwater Management Design
Manual subject to the authorization and approval by the Vinton Town Council and
Roanoke County Board of Supervisors by resolution.
Sec. 79-9. Town Right of Entry
A. The Administrator and/or duly authorized employees, agents, or representatives of the
Town, bearing proper credentials and identification, may, at any reasonable times and
under reasonable circumstance, enter any establishment or upon any property, public or
private, which has a VSMP permit or a maintenance agreement, for the purpose of
enforcing this ordinance, including, but not limited to:
1. Obtaining information or conducting surveys or investigations;
2. Taking samples of discharges;
3. Inspecting monitoring equipment;
4. Inspecting and copying documents relevant to the enforcement of this ordinance;
5. Initiating or maintaining appropriate actions which are required by the permit
conditions associated with a land-disturbing activity when a permittee, after
proper notice, has failed to take acceptable action within the time specified;
6. Inspecting stormwater management facilities or other BMPs or to initiate or
maintain appropriate actions which are required to restore proper stormwater
management facility or other BMP operation when a land owner, after proper
notice, has failed to take acceptable action within the time specified;
7. And such other items as may be deemed necessary for the enforcement of this
ordinance.
B. If the Administrator and/or his/her duly authorized agent has cause to believe an activity
regulated under this ordinance is occurring without a VSMP permit, or if the person in
7
charge of the property refuses to allow the Administrator and/or his/her duly authorized
agent to enter in accordance with subsection A, then the Administrator and/or his/her
duly authorized agent may present sworn testimony to a magistrate or court of competent
jurisdiction and request the issuance of an inspection warrant to enter the property for the
purpose of making such inspection and investigation. The Administrator and/or his/her
duly authorized agent shall make a reasonable effort to obtain consent from the owner or
person in charge of the property prior to seeking the issuance of an inspection warrant
under this section.
Sec. 79-10–79-15. Reserved.
Division 2. Definitions
In addition to the definitions set forth in 9VAC25-870-10 of the Virginia Stormwater
Management Regulations, as amended, which are expressly adopted and incorporated herein by
reference, the following words and terms used in this ordinance have the following meanings,
unless otherwise specified herein. Where definitions differ, those incorporated herein shall have
precedence.
“Administrator” means the VSMP authority responsible for administering the VSMP on behalf
of the Town of Vinton. The Administrator shall be the Town Manager and/or any duly
authorized agent of the Town Manager, or the person designated by the Town Manager to
administer this ordinance on behalf of the Town.
"Agreement in lieu of a Stormwater Management Plan" means a contract between the VSMP
authority and the owner or permittee that specifies methods that shall be implemented to comply
with the requirements of a VSMP for the construction of a single-family residence; such contract
may be executed by the VSMP authority in lieu of a stormwater management plan.
“Applicant” means any person submitting an application for a permit or requesting issuance of a
permit under this Ordinance.
“Best Management Practice or BMP” means schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices,
including a structural or nonstructural practice, maintenance procedures, and other management
practices to prevent or reduce the pollution of surface waters and groundwater systems from the
impacts of land-disturbing activities.
“Clean Water Act or CWA” means the federal Clean Water Act (33 United States Code 1251
et seq.), formerly referred to as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or Federal Water
Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, Public Law 92-500, as amended by Public Law 95-
217, Public Law 95-576, Public Law 96-483, and Public Law 97-117, or any subsequent
revisions thereto.
“Common plan of development or sale” means a contiguous area where separate and distinct
construction activities may be taking place at different times on different schedules.
"Control measure" means any best management practice or other method used to prevent or
reduce the discharge of pollutants to surface waters.
“County” means the County of Roanoke, Virginia.
8
“Department” means the Department of Environmental Quality.
“Development” means land disturbance and the resulting landform associated with the
construction of residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, recreation, transportation or
utility facilities or structures or the clearing of land for non-agricultural or non-silvicultural
purposes.
“Executed Development Agreements” means documents that are executed by the applicant and
Town that implements the various sureties.
“Fee in lieu” means a payment of money to the Town for the use of a regional stormwater
management facility in place of meeting all or part of the stormwater performance standards
required by this Ordinance on the site.
"General permit" means the state permit titled GENERAL PERMIT FOR DISCHARGES OF
STORMWATER FROM CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES found in Part XIV (9VAC25-880-1
et seq.) of the Regulations authorizing a category of discharges under the CWA and the Act
within a geographical area of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“Illicit discharge” means any discharge to a municipal separate storm sewer that is not
composed entirely of stormwater, except discharges pursuant to a VPDES or VSMP permit
(other than the VSMP permit for discharges from the municipal separate storm sewer),
discharges resulting from firefighting activities, and discharges identified by and in compliance
with 9VAC25-870-400 D 2 c (3).
“Land disturbance” or “Land-disturbing activity” means a manmade change to the land
surface that potentially changes its runoff characteristics including any clearing, grading, or
excavation, except that the term shall not include those exemptions specified in Section 23-1.3 of
this Ordinance.
“Layout” means a conceptual drawing sufficient to provide for the specified stormwater
management facilities required at the time of approval.
"Minor modification" means an amendment to an existing general permit before its expiration
not requiring extensive review and evaluation including, but not limited to, changes in EPA
promulgated test protocols, increasing monitoring frequency requirements, changes in sampling
locations, and changes to compliance dates within the overall compliance schedules. A minor
general permit modification or amendment does not substantially alter permit conditions,
substantially increase or decrease the amount of surface water impacts, increase the size of the
operation, or reduce the capacity of the facility to protect human health or the environment.
"Municipal separate storm sewer" means a conveyance or system of conveyances otherwise
known as a municipal separate storm sewer system or "MS4," including roads with drainage
systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm
drains:
1. Owned or operated by Town of Vinton;
2. Designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater;
3. That is not a combined sewer; and
4. That is not part of a publicly owned treatment works.
9
“Municipal separate storm sewer system” or “MS4” means all municipal separate storm
sewers that are located within the Town’s limits.
“Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Management Program” or “MS4 Program” means a
management program covering the duration of a permit for a municipal separate storm sewer
system that includes a comprehensive planning process that involves public participation and
intergovernmental coordination, to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent
practicable, to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of
the CWA and regulations and the Act and attendant regulations, using management practices,
control techniques, and system design and engineering methods, and such other provisions that
are appropriate.
“Off-site facility” means a stormwater management measure located outside the subject
property boundary described in the permit application for land-disturbing activity.
“Operator” means the owner or operator of any facility or activity subject to regulation under
this Ordinance.
“Permit or VSMP Authority Permit” means an approval to conduct a land disturbing activity
issued by the Administrator for the initiation of a land-disturbing activity, in accordance with this
Ordinance, which may only be issued after evidence of general permit coverage has been
provided by the Department of Environmental Quality.
“Permittee” means the person to whom the VSMP Authority permit is issued.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, association, joint venture, public
or private or municipal corporation, trust, estate, commission, board, public or private institution,
utility, cooperative, county, city, town or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth, any
interstate or governmental body, or any other legal entity, or any agent or employee of any such
person.
“Regional stormwater management facility” or “Regional facility” means a facility or series
of facilities designed to control some or all of the adverse impacts from stormwater runoff from
two or more parcels or lots, located in the same watershed, although only portions of the area
may experience development.
“Regulations” means the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit
Regulations, 9VAC25-870-10 et seq., as amended.
“Site” means the land or water area where any facility or land-disturbing activity is physically
located or conducted, including adjacent land used or preserved in connection with the facility or
land-disturbing activity.
“State” means the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“State Board” means the State Water Control Board.
“State Permit” means an approval to conduct a land-disturbing activity issued by the State
Board in the form of a state stormwater individual permit or coverage issued under a state
10
general permit or an approval issued by the State Board for stormwater discharges from an MS4.
Under these state permits, the Commonwealth imposes and enforces requirements pursuant to
the federal Clean Water Act and regulations, the Virginia Stormwater Management Act and the
Regulations.
“State Water Control Law” means Chapter 3.1 (§62.1-44.2 et seq.) of Title 62.1 of the Code of
Virginia (1950), as amended.
“State waters” means all water, on the surface and under the ground, wholly or partially within
or bordering the Commonwealth or within its jurisdiction, including wetlands.
“Stormwater” means precipitation that is discharged across the land surface or through
conveyances to one or more waterways and that may include stormwater runoff, snow melt
runoff, and surface runoff and drainage.
“Stormwater facility maintenance agreement” means a legally binding agreement between the
owner of a property and the Town of Vinton regarding long-term maintenance of stormwater
management facilities.
“Stormwater Management Facility” or “SWMF” means a device that controls stormwater
runoff and changes the characteristics of that runoff including, but not limited to, the volume,
rate of flow, quality, the period of release, or the velocity of flow.
“Stormwater management plan” means a document(s) containing material for describing
methods for complying with the requirements of Section 79-20 of this Ordinance.
“Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan” or “SWPPP” means a document that is prepared in
accordance with good engineering practices and that identifies potential sources of pollutants that
may reasonably be expected to affect the quality of stormwater discharges from the construction
site, and otherwise meets the requirements of this Ordinance. In addition, the document shall
identify and require the implementation of control measures, and shall include, but not be limited
to the inclusion of, or the incorporation by reference of, an approved erosion and sediment
control plan, an approved stormwater management plan, and a pollution prevention plan.
“Subdivision” means the division of a parcel of land into two (2) or more parcels of any size by
the establishment of new boundaries lines or by the adjustment, relocation, or vacation of
existing boundary lines, for the purpose whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership or
building development. A subdivision includes all changes in street or lot lines, and any portion
of any such subdivision previously recorded in which building development or street creation
occurs, or is required, subsequent to such recordation. The transfer of ownership of land to the
Commonwealth of Virginia or a political subdivision thereof and the division of lands by court
order or decree shall not be deemed a subdivision as otherwise herein defined.
“Total Maximum Daily Load” or “TMDL” means the sum of the individual wasteload
allocations for point sources, load allocations for nonpoint sources, natural background loading
and a margin of safety. TMDLs can be expressed in terms of either mass per time, toxicity, or
other appropriate measures. The TMDL process provides for point versus nonpoint source trade-
offs.
“Town” means the incorporated Town of Vinton.
11
“Virginia Stormwater Management Act” or “Act” means Article 2.3 (§ 62.1-44.15:24 et seq.)
of Chapter3.1 of Title 62.1 of the Code of Virginia.
“Virginia Stormwater BMP Clearinghouse website” means a website that contains detailed
design standards and specifications for control measures that may be used in Virginia to comply
with the requirements of the Virginia Stormwater Management Act and associated regulations.
“Virginia Stormwater Management Program” or “VSMP” means a program approved by
the State Board after September 13, 2011, that has been established by a locality to manage the
quality and quantity of runoff resulting from land-disturbing activities and shall include such
items as local ordinances, rules, permit requirements, annual standards and specifications,
policies and guidelines, technical materials, and requirements for plan review, inspection, and
enforcement, where authorized in this Ordinance, and evaluation consistent with the
requirements of this Ordinance and associated regulations.
“Virginia Stormwater Management Program authority” or VSMP authority” means an
authority approved by the State Board after September 13, 2011, to operate a Virginia
Stormwater Management Program. For the purpose of this Ordinance, Town of Vinton is the
VSMP Authority.
Division 3. Program Permit Procedures and Requirements
Sec. 79-16. Permit Required
A. No grading, building, or other local permit will be issued for a property until a VSMP
authority permit has been issued by the Administrator, unless the activity is specifically
exempted from VSMP permitting by this Ordinance.
B. No VSMP authority permit will be issued unless and until the permit application and
attendant materials and supporting documentation demonstrate that all land clearing,
construction, disturbance, land development and drainage will be done according to the
requirements of this Ordinance, including an approved erosion and sediment control plan;
and an approved stormwater management plan or an executed agreement in lieu of a
stormwater management plan.
C. No VSMP authority permit will be issued without the general permit registration
statement except that construction activity involving a single-family detached residential
structure, within or outside of a common plan of development or sale does not require a
permit registration statement. Construction activities involving a single-family detached
residential structure, within or outside of a common plan of development or sale, shall
comply with the requirements of the General Permit.
Sec. 79-17. Permit Application Contents
A. Unless specifically exempted by this Ordinance, any land owner or operator desiring a
permit for a land disturbance activity shall submit to the Town and County a permit
application on a form provided by the Town for that purpose. Permit applications shall
comply with the requirements contained within the Town/County Stormwater
Management Design Manual that is available from the Town of Vinton Department of
12
Planning and Zoning and/or Roanoke County Department of Community Development
Office.
B. No VSMP authority permit shall be issued by the Administrator, until the following items
have been submitted to and approved by the Administrator as prescribed herein.
1. A permit application that includes a fully-executed general permit registration
statement, except that construction activity involving a single-family detached
residential structure, within or outside of a common plan of development or sale
does not require a permit registration statement;
2. An erosion and sediment control plan approved in accordance with the Town
Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance [Chapter 35] and County Erosion and
Sediment Control Ordinance [Chapter 8.1];
3. A stormwater management plan, or agreement in lieu of a stormwater
management plan, that meets the requirements of Section 79-20;
4. Maintenance agreement in accordance with Section 79-22;
5. Performance bonds in accordance with Section 79-23;
6. Fees in accordance with Section 79-24; and,
7. Executed Development Agreements.
C. Pursuant to § 62.1-44.15:40 of the Code of Virginia, the Administrator may require every
VSMP authority permit applicant or permittee, or any such person subject to VSMP
authority permit requirements under this Ordinance, to furnish, when requested, such
application materials, plans, specifications, and other pertinent information as may be
necessary to determine the effect of the permittee’s discharge on the quality of state
waters, or such other information as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this
Ordinance.
Sec. 79-18. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans
A. The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) required by the general permit, shall
comply with the requirements set forth in 9VAC25-870-54 and shall also comply with
the requirements and general information set forth in Section 9VAC25-880-70, Section II
[stormwater pollution prevention plan] of the general permit.
The SWPPP shall include:
1. An approved erosion and sediment control plan;
2. An approved stormwater management plan, or agreement in lieu of a stormwater
management plan;
3. A pollution prevention plan for regulated land disturbing activities; and
13
4. Description of any additional control measures necessary to address a TMDL.
B. The SWPPP shall be amended, by the operator, whenever there is a change in design,
construction, operation, or maintenance that has a significant effect on the discharge of
pollutants to state waters, which is not addressed by the existing SWPPP.
C. The SWPPP shall be maintained at a central location onsite. If an onsite location is
unavailable, notice of the SWPPP's location must be posted near the main entrance at the
construction site. Operators shall make the SWPPP available for public and Town review
in accordance with Section II of the general permit, either electronically or in hard copy.
Sec. 79-19. Pollution Prevention Plans
A. A Pollution Prevention Plan, required by 9VAC25-870-56, shall be developed,
implemented, and updated as necessary and must detail the design, installation,
implementation, and maintenance of effective pollution prevention measures to minimize
the discharge of pollutants.
B. At a minimum, such measures must be designed, installed, implemented, and maintained
to:
1. Minimize the discharge of pollutants from equipment and vehicle washing, wheel
wash water, and other wash waters. Wash waters must be treated in a sediment
basin or alternative control that provides equivalent or better treatment prior to
discharge;
2. Minimize the exposure of all materials, including, but not limited to building
materials, building products, construction wastes, trash, landscape materials,
fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, detergents, sanitary waste, and other materials
present on the site to precipitation and to stormwater; and
3. Minimize the discharge of pollutants from spills and leaks and implement
chemical spill and leak prevention and response procedures.
B. The pollution prevention plan shall include effective best management practices to
prohibit the following discharges:
1. Wastewater from washout of concrete, unless managed by an appropriate control;
2. Wastewater from washout and cleanout of stucco, paint, form release oils, curing
compounds, and other construction materials;
3. Fuels, oils, or other pollutants used in vehicle and equipment operation and
maintenance; and
4. Soaps or solvents used in vehicle and equipment washing.
C. The pollution prevention plan shall prohibit discharges from dewatering activities,
including discharges from dewatering of trenches and excavations, unless managed by
appropriate controls.
14
Sec. 79-20. Stormwater Management Plans
A. No application for land-disturbing activity will be approved unless it includes a
stormwater management plan or agreement in lieu of a stormwater management plan, as
required by this Ordinance, detailing how runoff and associated water quality impacts
resulting from the activity will be controlled or managed.
B. Submittal, review, approval, and resubmittal of stormwater management plans, and
agreements in lieu of stormwater management plans shall comply with the requirements
set forth in this Ordinance and the Town/County Stormwater Management Design
Manual.
C. The stormwater management plan shall apply the stormwater management technical
criteria set forth in Section 79-6 of this Ordinance to the entire land-disturbing activity.
Individual lots in new residential, commercial, or industrial developments shall not be
considered to be separate land-disturbing activities.
D. A stormwater management plan that is approved for a residential, commercial, or
industrial subdivision shall govern the development of the individual parcels, including
those parcels developed under subsequent owners
E. The stormwater management plan must consider all sources of surface runoff and all
sources of subsurface and groundwater flows converted to surface runoff.
F. If an operator intends to meet the water quality and/or quantity requirements set forth in
9VAC25-870-63 or 9VAC25-870-66 through the use of off-site compliance options,
where applicable, then a letter of availability from the off-site provider must be included.
Approved off-site options must achieve the necessary nutrient reductions prior to the
commencement of the applicant's land-disturbing activity except as otherwise allowed by
§62.1-44.15:35 of the Code of Virginia.
G. Elements of the stormwater management plans that include activities regulated under
Chapter 4 (§54.1-400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia shall be appropriately
sealed and signed by a professional registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant
to Article 1 (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.
H. Where a stormwater management plan is required, a construction record drawing for
permanent stormwater management facilities shall be submitted to the Administrator and
approved prior to the release of bonds. The construction record drawing shall be
appropriately sealed and signed by a professional registered in the Commonwealth,
certifying that the stormwater management facilities have been constructed in compliance
with the approved plan. Stormwater management facilities include all storm drain
structures, storm drain pipes, culverts, open channels, BMPs, and all other facilities used
to convey, control, or treat stormwater runoff.
I. The stormwater management plan shall include the following information:
15
1. Information on the type and location of stormwater discharges; information on the
features to which stormwater is being discharged including surface waters or karst
features, if present, and the pre-development and post-development drainage
areas;
2. Contact information including the name, address, and telephone number of the
owner and the tax reference number and parcel number of the property or
properties affected;
3. A narrative that includes a description of current site conditions and final site
conditions;
4. A general description of the proposed stormwater management facilities and the
mechanism through which the facilities will be operated and maintained after
construction is complete;
5. Information on the proposed stormwater management facilities, including:
i. The type of facilities;
ii. Location, including geographic coordinates;
iii. Acres treated; and
iv. Surface area, volume, depth, and width of facilities, if applicable;
v. The surface waters or karst features, if present, into which the facility will
discharge ;and
vi. The Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) into which the facilities drain.
6. Hydrologic and hydraulic computations, including runoff characteristics;
7. Documentation and calculations verifying compliance with the water quality and
quantity requirements.
8. A map or maps of the site that depicts the topography of the site and includes:
i. All contributing drainage areas;
ii. Existing streams, ponds, culverts, ditches, wetlands, other water bodies,
and floodplains;
iii. Soil types, geologic formations if karst features are present in the area,
forest cover, and other vegetative areas;
iv. Current land use, including existing structures, roads, and locations of
known utilities and easements;
v. Sufficient information (such as grades) on adjoining parcels to assess the
impacts of stormwater from the site on these parcels;
vi. The limits of clearing and grading, and the proposed drainage patterns on
the site;
vii. Proposed buildings, roads, parking areas, utilities, and stormwater
management facilities; and
viii. Proposed land use with tabulation of the percentage of surface area to be
adapted to various uses, including but not limited to planned locations of
utilities, roads, and easements.
16
J. An agreement in lieu of stormwater management plan shall conform to the Regulations
and the County Stormwater Management Design Manual.
Sec. 79-21. Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plans and Regional Stormwater
Management Facilities
A. The Town may develop comprehensive stormwater management plans in accordance
with 9VAC25-870-92 as a means to more effectively and efficiently address water
quality objectives, quantity objectives, or both; through the implementation of regional
stormwater management facilities.
B. Once a comprehensive stormwater management plan is adopted by the Town and
approved by the Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, it is
enforceable under this Ordinance.
C. Stormwater management plans for land disturbing activities located in areas that have a
comprehensive stormwater management plan, adopted by the Town and approved by the
Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, shall comply with the
requirements of the comprehensive stormwater management plan.
D. If a proposed regulated land-disturbing activity is located in a watershed that has a
regional stormwater management facility currently constructed, and if the regional
stormwater management facility is in accordance with a comprehensive stormwater
management plan, the Town shall have the option to require the payment of a fee-in-lieu
of providing a portion or all of the proposed regulated land-disturbing activities
stormwater management requirements. The fee-in-lieu shall be based on the reasonable
proportion of stormwater impacts from the proposed regulated land-disturbing activity
compared to the total stormwater impacts that the regional stormwater management
facility is designed to mitigate, multiplied by the total estimated project costs. The
reasonable proportion of project costs shall be solely determined by the Town. Project
costs include, but are not limited to, the costs of land, professional services for
investigations, studies, design, environmental permitting, surveying, construction phase
services, legal services, and construction. Project costs may also include Town staff costs
for project development, design, construction, permitting, oversight, or other project
activities; and other direct costs. Project costs shall also include the present value of the
estimated operation and maintenance costs for the next 20 years, if the Town is
responsible for the regional stormwater management facility’s operation and
maintenance.
E. The Town and any other party(ies) may mutually agree to share the costs of a regional
stormwater management facility, in the absence of a comprehensive stormwater
management plan. The fee-in-lieu shall be based on project costs apportioned to each
party in reasonable proportion of each party’s contribution to the total stormwater
impacts that the regional stormwater management facility is designed to mitigate, as
mutually negotiated.
Sec. 79-22. Stormwater Management Facility Maintenance Agreements
17
A. Maintenance of all stormwater management facilities shall be ensured through the
creation of a formal maintenance agreement that is executed by the property owner and
submitted prior to plan approval and recorded by the Town in the County land records
prior to permit termination. The maintenance agreement shall be binding on all
subsequent property owners.
B. The property owner of the site shall execute an access easement agreement, prior to plan
approval, to provide for access to stormwater management facilities at reasonable times
for periodic inspection by the Town, or their contractor or agent, to ensure that the
facility is maintained in proper working condition to meet design standards and any other
provisions established by this Ordinance. The easement agreement shall be recorded in
the County land records by the Town and it shall be binding on all subsequent property
owners.
C. A stormwater management facility that serves more than one parcel shall be located on its
own, separate parcel. The land owners of each parcel served by the stormwater
management facility shall be jointly and severally responsible for the maintenance of the
stormwater management facility through a formal maintenance agreement with the Town.
D. Responsibility for the operation and maintenance of stormwater management facilities,
unless assumed by a governmental agency, shall remain with the property owner and
shall pass to any successor or owner. If portions of the land are to be sold, legally binding
arrangements, acceptable to the Town, shall be made to pass the responsibility to
successors in title. These arrangements shall designate for each land owner, governmental
agency, or other legally established entity to be permanently responsible for maintenance.
E. As part of the maintenance agreement, a schedule shall be developed identifying
anticipated routine maintenance, to be performed by the property owner, needed for
proper function of the stormwater management facility. The maintenance agreement shall
also include a schedule for periodic inspections, to be performed by the property owner,
to ensure proper performance of the facility between scheduled routine maintenance
activities, and it shall require repairs when needed for proper function of the SWMF. The
maintenance agreement shall require that the property owner document routine
maintenance, repair, and periodic inspection activities, maintain said documentation for
five (5)years, and submit said documentation to the Town, if requested.
F. The maintenance agreement shall also include "failure to maintain" provisions. In the
event that maintenance or repair is neglected, or the stormwater management facility
becomes a danger to public health, safety, or the environment, the Town reserves the
authority to perform the necessary maintenance or repair work and to recover the costs
from the property owner. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to mean that the
Town has the responsibility to maintain privately-owned SWMFs.
G. Prior to the release of the performance security or bond, the developer shall either (1)
transfer the maintenance responsibilities of the stormwater management facilities to a
Home Owners Association or (2) provide the Town with a maintenance security.
1. Requirements for Transfer of Maintenance Responsibilities to the Home Owners
Association (HOA):
18
i. Submission of acceptable record drawings.
ii. Acceptable final inspection of the stormwater management facility by the
Town or their contractor or agent.
iii. Transfer of the necessary property to the HOA.
iv. Organize and hold a meeting attended by the developer, the Town, the
County, and members of the HOA. Provide evidence to the Town that
each member of the HOA was provided prior notice of the meeting. The
meeting shall be held at a place and time convenient for members of the
HOA.
v. Provide a copy of the recorded documents establishing the Home Owners
Association to the Town.
vi. Provide the Town with evidence that the Home Owners Association is
funded. Minimum funding shall be based on the following schedule:
1-20 lots = $1,000
21-50 lots = $1,500
51 and over = $1500 + $30 per lot over 50
2. Requirements for Posting Maintenance Security.
i. The Town shall require a maintenance guaranty in the amount of twenty
(20%) percent of the construction costs of the stormwater management
facility.
ii. The maintenance security shall contain forfeiture provisions for failure,
after proper notice, to complete work within the time specified, or to
initiate or maintain appropriate actions which may be required of the
permittee in accordance with the approved stormwater management plan.
iii. If the Town takes such action upon such failure by the permittee, the
Town may collect from the permittee the difference should the amount of
the reasonable cost of such action exceed the amount of the security held.
iv. The maintenance agreement and security will be the responsibility of the
permittee or owner until such time as the permittee or owner provides the
Town with the necessary requirements for Transfer of Maintenance
Responsibilities to the Home Owners Association as outlined above in (1).
Sec. 79-23. Performance Securities
A. The Town may, at its discretion, require the submittal of a performance security or bond
with surety, cash escrow, letter of credit, or other acceptable legal arrangement, all of
which shall be in a form approved by the Town, prior to plan approval, in order to ensure
that the stormwater practices are installed by the permittee, as required by the approved
stormwater management plan.
B. Until July 1, 2017, the amount of the performance security shall be the total estimated
construction cost of the storm drainage systems and stormwater management facilities
approved under the permit, plus 10% contingency. After July 1, 2017, the amount of the
performance security shall be the total estimated construction cost of the storm drainage
systems and stormwater management facilities approved under the permit, plus 25%
contingency. The amount of contingency is in accordance with Title 15.2, Chapter 22,
Article 41 (§ 15.2-2241 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.
19
C. The performance security shall contain forfeiture provisions for failure, after proper
notice, to complete work within the time specified, or to initiate or maintain appropriate
actions which may be required of the permittee in accordance with the approved
stormwater management plan.
D. If the Town takes such action upon such failure by the permittee, the Town may collect
from the permittee the difference should the amount of the reasonable cost of such action
exceed the amount of the security held.
E. Within 60 days of the completion of the requirements of the permit conditions, including
request for permit termination by the operator, such bond, cash escrow, letter of credit, or
other legal arrangement, or the unexpended or unobligated portion thereof, will be
refunded to the permittee or terminated.
Sec. 79-24. Fees
A. Fees to cover costs associated with implementation of a VSMP related to land disturbing
activities and issuance of general permit coverage and VSMP authority permits shall be
imposed in accordance with the appropriate fee schedule established, updated and revised
from time to time by the Vinton Town Council by resolution. VSMP costs include Town
costs associated with stormwater management plan review, VSMP registration statement
review, permit issuance, state-coverage verification, inspections, reporting, and
compliance activities associated with land-disturbing activities, as well as state program
oversight costs.
B. Fees for providing coverage under the General Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from
Construction Activities shall be imposed in accordance with the appropriate fee schedule
established, updated and revised from time to time by the Vinton Town Council by
resolution. Fifty percent (50%) of the total fee shall be paid by the applicant at the time
that a stormwater management plan, or agreement in lieu of a stormwater management
plan, is submitted for review. The remaining total fee is to be paid by the applicant prior
to issuance of coverage under the General Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from
Construction Activities.
C. When a site or sites has been purchased for development within a previously permitted
common plan of development or sale, the applicant shall be subject to fees in accordance
with the disturbed acreage of their site or sites according to the fee schedule established,
revised and updated from time to time by the Vinton Town Council by resolution.
D. Fees for the modification or transfer of registration statements from the general permit
issued by the State Board shall be imposed in accordance with the fee schedule
established, revised and updated from time to time by the Vinton Town Council by
resolution. If the permit modifications result in changes to stormwater management plans
that require additional review by the Town and County, such reviews shall be subject to
the fee schedule established by the Vinton Town Council, as amended. The fee assessed
shall be based on the total disturbed acreage of the site. In addition to the general permit
modification fee, modifications resulting in an increase in total disturbed acreage shall
pay the difference in the initial permit fee paid and the permit fee that would have applied
20
for the total disturbed acreage in accordance with the fee schedule established, revised
and updated from time to time by the Vinton Town Council by resolution.
E. General permit maintenance fees: Annual permit maintenance fees required by 9VAC25-
870-830 shall be imposed in accordance with the fee schedule established, revised and
updated from time to time by the Vinton Town Council by resolution, including fees
imposed on expired general permits that have been administratively continued. With
respect to the general permit, these fees shall apply until the permit coverage is
terminated. General permit coverage maintenance fees, for permits issued in a previous
calendar year, shall be paid by April 1st of each year that it is in effect. No permit will be
reissued or automatically continued without payment of the required fee. General permit
coverage maintenance fees shall be applied until a Notice of Termination is effective.
F. Persons whose coverage under the general permit has been revoked shall apply to the
Department for an Individual Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from Construction
Activities.
G. No permit application fees will be assessed to:
1. Permittees who request minor modifications to permits as defined in Section 23-2
of this Ordinance. Permit modifications at the request of the permittee resulting in
changes to stormwater management plans that require additional review by the
Administrator shall not be exempt pursuant to this section.
2. Permittees whose permits are modified or amended at the initiative of the
Department or Administrator, excluding errors in the registration statement
identified by the Administrator or errors related to the acreage of the site.
H. All incomplete payments will be deemed as nonpayments, and the applicant shall be
notified of any incomplete payments. Interest may be charged for late payments at the
underpayment rate set forth in §58.1-15 of the Code of Virginia and is calculated on a
monthly basis at the applicable periodic rate. A 10% late payment fee shall be charged to
any delinquent (over 90 days past due) account. The Town shall be entitled to all
remedies available under the Code of Virginia in collecting any past due amount.
I. In addition to the fees contained on the fee schedule established, revised and updated by
the Vinton Town Council by resolution the Town may collect convenience fees
associated with processing credit card payments.
Sec. 79-25. Permit Application Procedure
A. Permit applications and the stormwater management plan, or agreement in lieu of a
stormwater management plan, shall include all of the information required by this
Ordinance and the Town/County Stormwater Management Design Manual.
B. No VSMP authority permit shall be issued until the maintenance agreement required in
Section 79-22 is approved, performance securities required in Section 79-23 have been
submitted and accepted, and fees required to be paid, pursuant to Section 79-24, are
received.
21
C. All applications will be processed in accordance with procedures set forth below and in
the Town/County Stormwater Management Design Manual.
1. The Administrator shall determine the completeness of a plan in accordance with
Section 79-17 of this Ordinance and shall notify the applicant, in writing, of such
determination, within 15 calendar days of receipt. If the plan is deemed to be
incomplete, the above written notification will contain the reasons the plan is
deemed incomplete.
2. The Administrator shall have an additional 60 calendar days from the date of the
communication of completeness to review the plan, except that if a determination
of completeness is not made within the time prescribed above, then plan shall be
deemed complete and the Administrator shall have 60 calendar days from the date
of submission to review the plan.
3. The Administrator shall review any plan that has been previously disapproved,
within 45 calendar days of the date of resubmission.
4. During the review period, the plan shall be approved or disapproved and the
decision communicated in writing to the applicant or his/her designated agent. If
the plan is not approved, the reasons for not approving the plan shall be provided
in writing. Approval or denial shall be based on the plan’s compliance with the
requirements of this Ordinance.
5. If a plan meeting all requirements of this Ordinance is submitted and no action is
taken within the time provided above, the plan shall be deemed approved.
D. Approved stormwater management plans may be modified, as follows:
1. Modification to an approved stormwater management plan shall be allowed only
after review and written approval by the Administrator. The Administrator shall
have 60 calendar days to respond in writing either approving or disapproving such
request.
2. The Administrator may require that an approved stormwater management plan be
amended, within a time prescribed by the Administrator, to address any
deficiencies noted during inspection.
E. The Administrator shall require the submission of a construction record drawing for
permanent stormwater management facilities.
Division 4. Exceptions to Stormwater Management Requirements
A. The Administrator may grant exceptions to the technical requirements of Part II B or Part
II C of the Regulations, provided that (i) the exception is the minimum necessary to
afford relief, (ii) reasonable and appropriate conditions are imposed so that the intent of
the Act and this Ordinance are preserved, (iii) granting the exception will not confer any
special privileges that are denied in other similar circumstances, and (iv) exception
requests are not based upon conditions or circumstances that are self-imposed or self-
22
created. Economic hardship alone is not sufficient reason to grant an exception from the
requirements of this Ordinance.
1. Exceptions to the requirement that the land-disturbing activity obtain the required
VSMP authority permit shall not be given by the Administrator, nor shall the
Administrator approve the use of a BMP not found on the Virginia Stormwater
BMP Clearinghouse Website, unless it is duly approved by the Director of
Environmental Quality.
2. Exceptions to requirements for phosphorus reductions shall not be allowed unless
offsite options otherwise permitted pursuant to 9VAC25-870-69 have been
considered and found not available.
3. Nothing in this section shall preclude an operator from constructing to a more
stringent standard at their discretion.
B. The Administrator may grant an exception from provisions contained in the County
Stormwater Management Design Manual when not reasonably achievable, provided that
acceptable mitigation measures are provided.
C. Requests for an exception to the stormwater technical requirements shall be submitted in
writing to the Administrator.
Division 5. Property Owner Responsibilities for Drainage Ways
A. Drainage ways consist of natural watercourses, storm sewers, gutters, manmade channels,
and other natural or manmade drainage paths.
B. Every person owning property through which a drainage way passes, or such person’s
lessee, shall keep and maintain that part of the drainage way within the property free of
trash, debris, yard wastes, and other obstacles that could pollute, contaminate, or
significantly retard the flow of water.
C. No person shall sweep, wash, or otherwise place dirt, trash, debris, yard wastes, or other
materials in drainage ways where they could be picked up and carried off the person’s
property by stormwater runoff.
D. The property owner or such person’s lessee shall maintain healthy vegetation to protect
the drainage way from excessive erosion during storm events. Particular care shall be
taken to maintain healthy bank vegetation along watercourses.
Division 6. Construction Inspection
Sec. 79-26. Notice of Construction Commencement
The permittee shall notify the Town in advance before the commencement of land disturbing
activities. In addition, the permittee shall notify the Town in advance of construction of critical
components of a stormwater management facility.
Sec. 79-27. Periodic Construction Inspection
23
A. The Administrator and/or his/her authorized agent shall periodically inspect the land-
disturbing activity during construction for:
1. Compliance with the approved erosion and sediment control plan;
2. Compliance with the approved stormwater management plan, or executed
agreement in lieu of a stormwater management plan;
3. Development, updating, implementation with the pollution prevention plan;
4. Development and implementation of any additional control measures necessary to
address a TMDL.
B. If the Town inspections find any violations, the permittee shall be notified in writing of
the nature of the violation and the required corrective actions. No additional construction
or land-disturbing activity in the area of the violation shall proceed until any violations
are corrected and all work previously completed has received approval from the Town
and County. The permittee is responsible for maintenance and repair for all stormwater
management facilities during construction.
C. The person responsible for implementing the approved plan is required to provide
adequate inspection monitoring and reports to ensure compliance with the approved plan,
to determine whether the measures required in the plan provide effective stormwater
management and to allow the registered professional to certify the record documents in
accordance with Section 79-20. All permittee inspections shall be documented and
written reports prepared that contain the following information:
1. The date and location of the permittee inspection;
2. Whether construction is in compliance with the approved stormwater
management plan;
3. Variations from the approved construction specifications;
4. Corrective actions that have been taken to correct previous violations;
5. Any violations that exist; and.
6. The name and signature of the person who performed the inspection.
Permittee inspection documentation shall be organized chronologically and be stored
with the SWPPP.
D. If the Town and County determine that there is a failure to comply with the plan, notice
shall be served upon the permittee or person responsible for carrying out the plan in
accordance with Article IX of this Ordinance.
Sec. 79-28. Final Inspection and Record Documentation
24
A. The permittee shall submit record drawings and supporting documentation for all
stormwater management facility and storm drainage system associated with the project
before final Town and County inspection. Record drawings and supporting documents
shall comply with the requirements contained in the Town/County Stormwater
Management Design Manual.
B. Receipt of record drawings and supporting documentation, final inspection and approval
by the Town and County, execution and recordation of maintenance agreement, and
permit termination is required before the release of performance securities.
C. If it is determined from the record drawings, or inspections, that the storm drainage
systems and the stormwater management facilities have not been constructed in
accordance with the approved stormwater management plan, then corrective action will
be taken to comply with the approved Plan or the permittee shall provide studies and
information required by the Town and County to demonstrate that the constructed system
will function equivalent to the approved Stormwater Management Plan, and that all
regulatory requirements are met.
Division 7. Post-Construction Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of Stormwater
Management Facilities
Sec. 79-29. Maintenance Inspections of Stormwater Management Facilities
A. Following the completion and acceptance of construction, the property owner is
responsible for the maintenance and repair of stormwater structures and stormwater
management facilities. The property owner shall ensure that proper maintenance and
repair of stormwater structures and stormwater management facilities occur and that
periodic inspection, maintenance, and repair are performed so that the structures and
facilities operate properly. All inspection, maintenance, and repair activities, performed
by the property owner shall be documented. Documentation shall be submitted to the
Town, if requested.
B. Stormwater structures and stormwater management facilities that have recorded
stormwater facility maintenance agreements shall be operated, inspected, maintained and
repaired in conformance with the applicable performance requirements contained in the
approved stormwater facility maintenance agreement.
C. Existing stormwater structures and stormwater management facilities that do not have a
recorded stormwater facility maintenance agreement shall be operated, inspected,
maintained and repaired as required for proper operation of the structures and facilities.
Following are the minimum requirements for stormwater structures and stormwater
management facilities that do not have a recorded stormwater facility maintenance
agreement:
1. Stormwater structures and stormwater management facilities shall be inspected,
by the property owner, after significant rainfall events that cause localized
flooding, and at least annually.
2. All structures and slopes shall be kept in a safe condition.
25
3. The stormwater management facility shall be kept clear of grass clippings, cut
brush, and other debris.
4. All pipes and structures shall be kept clean and clear of debris that could decrease
flow capacity.
5. Sediment and silt that washes into stormwater management facilities shall be
removed and properly disposed of when the sediment and silt builds up to the
point that they adversely impact the facility’s proper operation.
6. Trees and other woody plants shall be cut and removed from embankment slopes
annually.
7. Trees and woody plants shall be cut and removed from non-embankment areas of
a stormwater management facility as needed to avoid buildup of debris in the
facility and to avoid a nuisance. Periodic cutting and brush removal shall occur at
a frequency of at least once in three years.
8. Landscaping and grass cover shall be maintained for proper operation and erosion
control. Replace landscaping as required. Repair erosion and replace grass cover
as required.
D. In addition to the inspections performed by the property owner, the Town and/or County
will periodically inspect stormwater management facilities. In the event that the
stormwater management facility has not been maintained and/or becomes a danger to
public safety, public health, or the environment, the Town shall notify the property owner
by registered or certified mail. The notice shall specify the measures needed to comply
and shall specify the time within which such measures shall be completed. If the
responsible party fails or refuses to correct the violation, the Town, after reasonable
notice, may correct a violation of the design standards or maintenance needs by
performing all necessary work to place the facility in proper working condition, and
recover the costs from the property owner.
E. If stormwater management facility inspection requires entry into a confined space, or
special equipment or training, then the Town may hire licensed professionals to perform
the inspection, or it may require the property owner to hire a licensed professional to
perform the inspection. The cost for any licensed professionals to perform the required
inspection shall be paid by or recovered from the owner.
F. The Town and/or County will conduct post-construction inspections of stormwater
management facilities pursuant to the Town’s developed, and State Board’s approved
inspection program and will inspect each stormwater management facility at least once
every five (5) years.
Sec. 79-30. Records of Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair
A. Property owners responsible for the operation and maintenance of stormwater
management facilities shall make records of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs,
and shall retain the records for at least five (5) years.
26
B. Upon request from the Town, property owners shall provide copies of records
documenting property owner inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
Sec. 79-31 –79-35. Reserved.
Division 8. Hearings and Appeals
Sec. 79-36. Hearings
A. Any permit applicant or permittee, or person subject to the requirements of this
Ordinance, who is aggrieved by any action, of the Town in approving or disapproving
any plans required by this Ordinance, or by any enforcement action taken pursuant to
Article IX, shall have the right to request, in writing, a hearing to the Town Manager or
his/her designee provided a petition requesting such hearing is filed with the
Administrator within 30 days after notice of such action is given by the Administrator.
B. The hearing shall be held provided that the Town Manager and the aggrieved party has at
least thirty (30) days prior notice.
C. A verbatim record of the proceedings of such hearings shall be taken and filed with the
Vinton Town Council. Depositions may be taken and read as in actions at law.
D. The Town Manager, shall have power to issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum,
and at the request of any party shall issue such subpoenas. The failure of any witness
without legal excuse to appear or to testify or to produce documents shall be acted upon
by the Town Manager whose actions may include the procurement of an order of
enforcement from the Roanoke County Circuit Court. Witnesses who are subpoenaed
shall receive the same fees and reimbursement for mileage as in civil actions.
E. During its review, the Town Manager shall consider evidence presented by all parties.
After considering the evidence, the Town Manager’s decision shall be final.
Sec. 79-37. Appeals
Final decisions of the Town Manager, under this Ordinance, shall be subject to judicial review
by the Roanoke County Circuit Court, provided an appeal is filed within thirty (30) days from
the date of any written decision adversely affecting the rights, duties, or privileges of any permit
applicant, permittee, or person subject to any enforcement action under this Ordinance.
Division 9. Enforcement and Penalties
Sec. 79-38. Violations
Any land-disturbance activity that is commenced or is conducted contrary to this Ordinance or
the approved plans or agreements and permit, may be subject to the enforcement actions outlined
in this section and the Virginia Stormwater Management Act.
Sec. 79-39. Notice of Violation
27
A. If the Administrator determines that there is a failure to comply with the VSMP authority
permit conditions, notice shall be served upon the permittee or person responsible for
carrying out the permit conditions by any of the following: verbal warnings and
inspection reports, notices of corrective action, consent special orders, and notices to
comply.
B. Written notices shall be served by registered or certified mail to the address specified in
the permit application or by delivery at the site of the development activities to the agent
or employee supervising such activities.
C. If there is no permittee, the notices shall be issued to the property owner.
D. The notice of violation shall contain:
1. The name and address of the permittee, or if there is no permittee, the property
owner;
2. The address when available or a description of the building, structure, or land
upon which the violation is occurring;
3. A statement specifying the nature of the violation;
4. A description of the remedial measures necessary to bring the land-disturbing
activity into compliance with this Ordinance and a time schedule for the
completion of such remedial action;
5. A statement of the penalty or penalties that may be assessed against the person to
whom the notice of violation is directed;
6. A statement that the determination of violation may be appealed by filing a
written notice of appeal within 30 days of service of notice of violation.
Sec. 79-40. Stop Work Orders
A. If a permittee fails to comply with a notice issued in accordance with Section 79-39
within the time specified, the Administrator may issue an order requiring the owner,
permittee, person responsible for carrying out an approved plan, or the person conducting
the land-disturbing activities without an approved plan or required permit to cease all
construction land-disturbing activities until the violation of the permit has ceased, or an
approved plan and required permits are obtained, and specified corrective measures have
been completed.
B. However, if the Administrator finds that any such violation presents an imminent and
substantial danger of causing harmful stormwater runoff impacts to its MS4 system or
waters within the watersheds of the Commonwealth, it may issue, without advance notice
or hearing, an emergency order directing such person to cease immediately all land-
disturbing activities on the site and shall provide an opportunity for a hearing, after
reasonable notice as to the time and place thereof, to such person, to affirm, modify,
amend, or cancel such emergency order. If a person who has been issued an order is not
28
complying with the terms thereof, the Administrator may request the County Attorney to
institute a proceeding for an injunction, mandamus, or other appropriate remedy.
C. This “stop work order” shall be in effect until the County confirms that the land-
disturbing activity is in compliance with the requirements of this Ordinance and the
violation has been satisfactorily addressed. Upon failure to comply within the time
specified, the permit may be revoked and the applicant shall be deemed to be in violation
of this article and upon conviction shall be subject to the penalties provided by this
Ordinance.
Sec. 79-41 Civil and Criminal Penalties
A. Any person violating or failing, neglecting, or refusing to obey any rule, regulation,
ordinance, order, approved standard or specification, or any permit condition issued by
the Administrator may be compelled in a proceeding instituted in the Roanoke County
Circuit Court to obey same and to comply therewith by injunction, mandamus, or other
appropriate remedy.
B. Any person who violates any provision of this Ordinance or who fails, neglects, or
refuses to comply with any order of the Administrator, shall be subject to a civil penalty
not to exceed $32,500 for each violation within the discretion of the court. Each day of
violation of each requirement shall constitute a separate offense.
C. Violations for which a penalty may be imposed under this Subsection include, but are not
limited to the following:
1. No state permit registration;
2. No SWPPP;
3. Incomplete SWPPP;
4. SWPPP not available for review;
5. No approved erosion and sediment control plan;
6. Failure to install stormwater BMPs or erosion and sediment controls;
7. Stormwater BMPs or erosion and sediment controls improperly installed or
maintained;
8. Operational deficiencies;
9. Failure to conduct required inspections;
10. Incomplete, improper, or missed inspections; and
11. Discharges not in compliance with the requirements of Section 9VAC25-880-70
of the general permit.
29
D. The Administrator may issue a summons for collection of the civil penalty and the action
may be prosecuted in the appropriate court.
E. In imposing a civil penalty pursuant to this Subsection, the court may consider the degree
of harm caused by the violation and also the economic benefit to the violator from
noncompliance.
F. Any civil penalties assessed by a court as a result of a summons issued by the Town shall
be paid into the Town treasury to be used for the purpose of minimizing, preventing,
managing, or mitigating pollution of the waters of the Town and abating environmental
pollution therein in such manner as the court may, by order, direct.
G. With the consent of any person who has violated or failed, neglected or refused to obey
this Ordinance or any condition of a permit, the Town may provide, in an order issued by
the Town against such person, for the payment of civil charges for violations in specific
sums, not to exceed the limit specified in subdivision B of this section. Such civil
charges shall be instead of any appropriate civil penalty which could be imposed under
subdivision B.
H. Notwithstanding any other civil or equitable remedy provided by this Section or by law,
any person who willfully or negligently violates any provision of the Ordinance, any
order of the Administrator, any condition of a permit, or any order of a court shall, be
guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by confinement in jail for not more than 12 months
or a fine of not more than $2,500, or both.
Sec. 79-42. Restoration of Lands
A. Any violator may be required to restore land to its undisturbed condition or in accordance
with a notice of violation, stop work order, or permit requirements.
B. In the event that restoration is not undertaken within a reasonable time after notice, the
Town may take necessary corrective action, the cost of which shall be covered by the
performance security, or become a lien upon the property until paid, or both.
Sec. 79-43. Holds on Certificate of Occupancy
Final certificates of occupancy may not be granted until corrections have been made in
accordance with the approved plans, notices of violation, stop work order, or permit
requirements, and accepted by the Town and County.
ARTICLE II. EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL AND STEEP SLOPE
DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 79-44. Title, purpose and authority.
This chapter shall be known as the "Erosion and Sediment Control and Steep Slope Development
Ordinance of the Town of Vinton, Virginia." The purpose of this chapter is to conserve the land,
water, air and other natural resources of the county by establishing requirements for the control
of erosion and sedimentation, and by establishing requirements for development of steep slopes,
and by establishing procedures whereby these requirements shall be administered and enforced.
30
This Chapter is authorized by the Code of Virginia, title 10.1, chapter 5, article 4 (§ 10.1-560 et
seq.), known as the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law.
Sec. 79-45. Applicability of chapter in town.
The provisions of this chapter shall be applicable within the corporate limits of the town.
Administrative procedures and review fees may be established to accommodate the review of
plans for development located within the town.
(Ord. No. 847, 4-3-2007)
Sec. 79-46. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
“Agreement in lieu of a plan” means a contract between the plan-approving authority and the
owner which specifies conservation measures which must be implemented in all construction
disturbing between 2,500 square feet and 5,000 square feet and/or 250 to 500 cubic yards; this
contract may be executed by the plan-approving authority in lieu of a formal site plan.
“Applicant” means any person submitting an erosion and sediment control plan for approval or
requesting the issuance of a permit, when required, authorizing land-disturbing activities to
commence.
“Board” means the state soil and water conservation board.
“Certified inspector” means an employee or agent of a program authority who holds a
certificate of competence from the board in the area of project inspection.
“Certified plan reviewer” means an employee or agent of a program authority who:
1. Holds a certificate of competence from the board in the area of plan review;
2. Is licensed as a professional engineer, architect, certified landscape architect or
land surveyor pursuant to article 1 (Code of Virginia, § 54.1-400 et seq.) of
chapter 4 of title 54.1.
“Certified program administrator” means an employee or agent of a program authority who
holds a certificate of competence from the board in the area of program administration.
“Clearing” means any activity which removes the vegetative ground cover including, but not
limited to, root mat removal or top soil removal.
“Conservation plan”, “erosion and sediment control plan” or “plan” means a document
containing material for the conservation of soil and water resources of a unit or group of units of
land. It may include appropriate maps, an appropriate soil and water plan inventory, and
management information with needed interpretations and a record of decisions contributing to
conservation treatment. The plan shall contain all major conservation decisions to assure that the
entire unit or units of land will be so treated to achieve the conservation objectives.
“County” means the County of Roanoke.
31
“Denuded” means a term applied to land that has been physically disturbed and no longer
supports vegetative cover.
“Department” means the department of conservation and recreation.
“Development” means a tract of land developed or to be developed as a single unit under single
ownership or unified control which is to be used for any business or industrial purpose or is to
contain three or more residential dwelling units.
“Director” means the director of community development or his assignee.
“District” or “soil and water conservation district” refers to the Blue Ridge Soil and Water
Conservation District.
“Dormant” refers to denuded land that is not actively being brought to a desired grade or
condition.
“Erosion impact area” means an area of land not associated with current land disturbing
activity but subject to persistent soil erosion resulting in the delivery of sediment onto
neighboring properties or into state waters. This definition shall not apply to any lot or parcel of
land of 10,000 square feet or less used for residential purposes.
“Excavating” means any digging, scooping or other methods of removing earth materials.
“Filling” means any depositing or stockpiling of earth materials.
“Geotechnical report” means a report provided at the applicant's expense, prepared and
stamped by a professional engineer, that communicates site conditions, and recommends design
and construction methods.
1. The geotechnical report shall include any or all of the following basic
information, as determined by the professional engineer:
a. Summary of all subsurface exploration data, including subsurface soil
profile, exploration logs, laboratory or in situ test results, and ground
water information;
b. Interpretation and analysis of the subsurface data;
c. Specific engineering recommendations for design;
d. Discussion of conditions for solution of anticipated problems; and
e. Recommended geotechnical special provisions.
2. For guidance in investigating site conditions and preparing geotechnical reports,
the professional engineer may refer to all applicable sections of: "Checklist and
Guidelines for Review of Geotechnical Reports and Preliminary Plans and
Specifications", US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway
Administration Publication No. FHWA ED-88-053, as amended.
3. The geotechnical report shall be submitted to the plan-approving authority and
included in site development files prior to issuance of a land disturbing permit.
32
“Grading” means any excavating or filling of earth material or any combination thereof,
including the land in its excavated or filled conditions.
“Land-disturbing activity” means any land change which may result in soil erosion from water
or wind and the movement of sediments into state waters or onto lands in the commonwealth,
including, but not limited to, clearing, grading, excavating, transporting and filling of land,
except that the term shall not include:
1. Minor land-disturbing activities such as home gardens and individual home
landscaping, repairs and maintenance work;
2. Individual service connections;
3. Installation, maintenance, or repairs of any underground public utility lines when
such activity occurs on an existing hard-surfaced road, street or sidewalk provided
such land-disturbing activity is confined to the area of the road, street or sidewalk
which is hard-surfaced;
4. Septic tank lines or drainage fields unless included in an overall plan for land-
disturbing activity relating to construction of the building to be served by the
septic tank system;
5. Surface or deep mining;
6. Exploration or drilling for oil and gas including the well site, roads, feeder lines,
and off-site disposal areas;
7. Tilling, planting, or harvesting of agricultural, horticultural, or forest crops, or
livestock feedlot operations; including engineering operations as follows:
construction of terraces, terrace outlets, check dams, desilting basins, dikes,
ponds, ditches, strip cropping, lister furrowing, contour cultivating, contour
furrowing, land drainage, and land irrigation; however, this exception shall not
apply to harvesting of forest crops unless the area on which harvesting occurs is
reforested artificially or naturally in accordance with the provisions of chapter 11
(Code of Virginia § 10.1-1100 et seq.) of this title or is converted to bona fide
agricultural or improved pasture use as described in subsection B of Code of
Virginia § 10.1-1163;
8. Repair or rebuilding of the tracks, rights-of-way, bridges, communication
facilities and other related structures and facilities of a railroad company;
9. Agricultural engineering operations including but not limited to the construction
of terraces, terrace outlets, check dams, desilting basins, dikes, ponds not required
to comply with the Dam Safety Act, article 2 (§ 10.1-604 et seq.) of chapter 6 of
the Code of Virginia, ditches, strip cropping, lister furrowing, contour cultivating,
contour furrowing, land drainage, and land irrigation;
10. Disturbed land areas for all uses of less than 2,500 square feet and/or less than
250 cubic yards in size;
11. Installation of fence and sign posts or telephone and electric poles and other kinds
of posts or poles;
12. Emergency work to protect life, limb or property, and emergency repairs;
provided that if the land- disturbing activity would have required an approved
erosion and sediment control plan, if the activity were not an emergency, then the
land area disturbed shall be shaped and stabilized in accordance with the
requirements of the plan-approving authority.
33
“Land disturbing permit” means a permit issued by the county for the clearing, filling,
excavating, grading, transporting of land or for any combination thereof or for any purpose set
forth herein.
“Local erosion and sediment control program” or “program” means an outline of the
various methods employed by the county to regulate land-disturbing activities and thereby
minimize erosion and sedimentation in compliance with the state program and may include such
items as local ordinances, policies and guidelines, technical materials, inspection, enforcement,
and evaluation.
“Owner” means the owner or owners of the freehold of the premises or lesser estate therein, a
mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, trustee, lessee or other
person, firm or corporation in control of a property.
“Permittee” means the person to whom the permit authorizing land-disturbing activities is
issued or the person who certifies that the approved erosion and sediment control plan will be
followed.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, association, joint venture, public or private
corporation, trust, estate, commission, board, public or private institution, utility, cooperative,
county, city, town or other political subdivision of the commonwealth, any interstate body, or
any other legal entity.
“Plan-approving authority” means the department of community development which is
responsible for determining the adequacy of a conservation plan submitted for land-disturbing
activities on a unit or units of lands and for approving plans.
“Post-development” refers to conditions that may be reasonably expected or anticipated to exist
after completion of the land development activity on a specific site or tract of land.
“Pre-development” refers to conditions at the time the erosion and sediment control plan is
submitted to the plan-approving authority. Where phased development or plan approval occurs
(preliminary grading, roads and utilities, etc.), the existing conditions at the time the erosion and
sediment control plan for the initial phase is submitted for approval shall establish pre-
development conditions.
“Program authority” means the county which has adopted a soil erosion and sediment control
program approved by the board.
“Responsible land disturber” means an individual from the project or development team, who
will be in charge of and responsible for carrying out a land-disturbing activity covered by an
approved plan or agreement in lieu of a plan, who:
1. Holds a responsible land disturber certificate of competence;
2. Holds a current certificate of competence from the board in the areas of combined
administration, program administration, inspection or plan review;
3. Holds a current contractor certificate of competence for erosion and sediment
control; or
34
4. Is licensed in state as a professional engineer, architect, certified landscape
architect or land surveyor pursuant to article 1 (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) of chapter 4 of
title 54.1.
“Single-family residence” means a noncommercial dwelling that is occupied exclusively by one
family.
“Steep slope” means a slope greater than 3:1, or 33.3 percent.
“Stabilized” means an area that can be expected to withstand normal exposure to atmospheric
conditions without incurring erosion damage.
“State waters” means all waters on the surface and under the ground wholly or partially within
or bordering the commonwealth or within its jurisdictions.
“Tow” means the incorporated Town of Vinton.
“Transporting” means any moving of earth materials from one place to another place other than
such movement incidental to grading, when such movement results in destroying the vegetative
ground cover either by tracking or the buildup of earth materials to the extent that erosion and
sedimentation will result from the soil or earth materials over which such transporting occurs.
Sec. 79-47. Administration of chapter in conjunction with subdivision and zoning
ordinances.
This chapter shall be administered, where applicable, in conjunction with the county's
subdivision and zoning ordinances wherein such apply to the development and subdivision of
land within the county or where such apply to development on previously subdivided land within
the county.
Sec. 79-48. Local erosion and sediment control program.
A. Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 10.1-562, the county hereby adopts the regulations,
references, guidelines, standards and specifications promulgated by the state soil and
water conservation board and those more stringent local stormwater management criteria
which the county board of supervisors, may adopt by resolution and incorporate into the
manual of regulations and policies entitled "Design and Construction Standards Manual"
for the effective control of soil erosion and sediment deposition to prevent the
unreasonable degradation of properties, stream channels, waters and other natural
resources. Said regulations, references, guidelines, standards and specifications for
erosion and sediment control are included in but not limited to the "Virginia Erosion and
Sediment Control Regulations" and the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control
Handbook, as amended.
B. The county hereby designates the director of community development or his assignee as
the plan-approving authority.
C. The program and regulations provided for in this chapter shall be made available for
public inspection at the office of the department of community development.
35
D. Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 10.1-561.1, an erosion control plan shall not be approved
until it is reviewed by a certified plan reviewer. Inspections of land-disturbing activities
shall be conducted by a certified inspector. The erosion control program of the county
shall contain a certified program administrator, a certified plan reviewer, and a certified
inspector, who may be the same person.
Sec. 79-49. Regulated land-disturbing activities; submission and approval of plans;
contents of plans.
A. Except as provided herein, no person may engage in any land-disturbing activity until he
or she has submitted to the department of community development an erosion and
sediment control plan for the land-disturbing activity and such plan has been approved by
the plan-approving authority. Where land-disturbing activities involve lands under the
jurisdiction of more than one local control program, an erosion and sediment control
plan, at the option of the applicant, may be submitted to the board for review and
approval rather than to each jurisdiction concerned.
1. Where the land-disturbing activity results in between 2,500 square feet and 5,000
square feet and/or 250 to 500 cubic yards of disturbed area, an "agreement in lieu
of a plan" may be substituted for an erosion and sediment control plan if executed
by the plan-approving authority.
2. Where the land-disturbing activity results in between 5,000 square feet and
10,000 square feet and/or 500 to 750 cubic yards of disturbed area, either a plot
plan prepared by a certified responsible land disturber or an engineered plan
prepared by a professional engineer showing the erosion and sediment control
measures must be submitted and executed by the plan-approving authority. A
certified responsible land disturber must be named.
3. Where the land-disturbing activity results in 10,000 square feet or more and/or
750 cubic yards or more of disturbed area, an erosion and sediment control plan
must be submitted which has been prepared by a professional engineer. For
disturbed areas of less than 10,000 square feet, refer to the chart below to
determine requirements for the site.
Square Feet And/Or Cubic
Yards
Requirements
2,500 0 Exempt from E&S Plan; *building permit plot plan required
2,500—5,000 250—
500
"Agreement in Lieu" of a plan; permit fee; *building permit plot plan required
5,000—10,000 500—
750
Certified RLD, *building permit plot plan by a certified RLD or a P.E.; permit
fee
10,000 >750 RLD, Erosion and sediment control plan prepared by a P.E.; agreement; surety;
36
*building permit plot plan, if required by the building commissioner
B. *Refer to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for Building Permit Plot Plan
Requirements.
C. If lots in a subdivision are sold to another owner, that person is responsible for obtaining
a certified responsible land disturber and submitting a plot plan for each lot to obtain an
erosion and sediment control permit.
D. The standards contained with the "Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations,"
and The Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook and those more stringent local
stormwater management criteria which the board of supervisors of the county, may adopt
by resolution and incorporate into the manual of regulations and policies entitled "Design
and Construction Standards Manual" are to be used by the applicant when making a
submittal under the provisions of this chapter and in the preparation of an erosion and
sediment control plan. In cases where one standard conflicts with another, the more
stringent applies. The plan approving authority, in considering the adequacy of a
submitted plan, shall be guided by the same standards, regulations and guidelines. The
plan approving authority may waive or modify any of the regulations that are deemed
inappropriate or too restrictive for site conditions by granting a variance under the
conditions noted in 4VAC50-30-50 of the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control
Regulations.
E. The plan approving authority shall grant written approval within 45 days of the receipt of
the plan, if it is determined that the plan meets the requirements of the local control
program, and if the person responsible for carrying out the plan certifies that he or she
will properly perform the erosion and sediment control measures included in the plan and
will conform to the provisions of this chapter.
When the plan is determined to be inadequate, written notice of disapproval stating the specific
reasons for disapproval shall be communicated to the applicant within 45 days. The notice shall
specify the modifications, terms and conditions that will permit approval of the plan. If no action
is taken by the plan-approving authority within the time specified above, the plan shall be
deemed approved and the person authorized to proceed with the proposed activity.
F. Responsible land disturber requirement. As a prerequisite to engaging in the land-
disturbing activities shown on the approved plan, the person responsible for carrying out
the plan shall provide the name of an individual holding a certificate of competence, to
the program authority, as provided by section 10.1-561, of the Virginia Erosion and
Sediment Control Law, who will be in charge of and responsible for carrying out the
land-disturbing activity (the responsible land disturber). Failure to provide the name of an
individual holding a certificate of competence prior to engaging in land-disturbing
activities may result in revocation of the approval of the plan and the person responsible
for carrying out the plan shall be subject to the penalties provided in this chapter.
However, the plan-approving authority may waive the certificate of competence for an
"agreement in lieu of a plan" for construction of a single-family residence meeting the
requirements in 15.21-3 of this chapter. If a violation occurs during the land-disturbing activity,
37
then the person responsible for carrying out the "agreement in lieu of a plan" shall correct the
violation and provide the name of an individual holding a certificate of competence, as provided
by section 10.1-561 of the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law. Failure to provide the
name of an individual holding a certificate of competence shall be a violation of this chapter and
may result in penalties provided in this chapter.
G. An approved plan may be changed by the plan approving authority when:
1. The inspection reveals that the plan is inadequate to satisfy applicable regulations;
or
2. The person responsible for carrying out the plan finds that because of changed
circumstances or for other reasons the approved plan cannot be effectively carried
out, and proposed amendments to the plan, consistent with the requirements of
this chapter, are agreed to by the plan approving authority and the person
responsible for carrying out the plan.
H. In order to prevent further erosion, the county may require approval of a conservation
plan for any land identified in the local program as an erosion impact area.
I. When land-disturbing activity will be required of a contractor performing construction
work pursuant to a construction contract, the preparation, submission, and approval of an
erosion control plan shall be the responsibility of the owner.
J. Electric, natural gas and telephone utility companies, interstate and intrastate natural gas
pipeline companies and railroad companies shall file general erosion and sediment
control specifications annually with the Board for review and written comments. The
specifications shall apply to:
1. Construction, installation or maintenance of electric transmission, natural gas and
telephone utility lines, and pipelines; and
2. Construction of the tracks, rights-of-way, bridges, communication facilities and
other related structures and facilities of the railroad company.
Individual approval of separate projects within subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection is not
necessary when board approved specifications are followed, however, projects included in
subdivisions (1) and (2) must comply with board approved specifications. Projects not included
in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection shall comply with the requirements of the county
erosion and sediment control ordinance.
The board shall have 60 days in which to approve the specifications. If no action is taken by the
board within 60 days, the specifications shall be deemed approved. The board shall have the
authority to enforce approved specifications.
K. State agency projects are exempt from the provisions of this chapter, pursuant to Code of
Virginia, § 10.1-564.
L. If the grade of a site is more than 33.3 percent, refer to the International Building Code
for steep slope development requirements.
38
M. Cut slopes or fill slopes shall not be greater than 2:1 (horizontal:vertical), unless a
geotechnical report is provided for the proposed slopes.
N. Cut slopes or fill slopes shall not be greater than 25 vertical feet in height, unless a
geotechnical report is provided for the proposed slopes. Cut slopes or fill slopes less than
or equal to 3:1 (horizontal:vertical) may exceed 25 vertical feet in height and shall not
require a geotechnical report.
O. For any cut slopes or fill slopes greater than or equal to 2:1 (horizontal:vertical) and
greater than or equal to 25 vertical feet in height, as-built plans showing that the finished
geometry is in substantial conformity with the design shall be provided to the plan-
approving authority.
P. Fill materials, compaction methods and density specifications shall be indicated on the
site development plans. Fill areas intended to support structures shall also be indicated on
the site development plans. Compaction test results (per VDOT standards) shall be
submitted to the plan approving authority.
Q. Development plans for all new subdivisions shall show proposed lot grades to ensure
positive drainage.
Sec. 79-50. Permits; fees; bonding; etc.
A. Agencies authorized under any other law to issue grading, building, or other permits for
activities involving land-disturbing activities may not issue any such permit unless the
applicant submits with his application an approved erosion and sediment control plan and
certification that the plan will be followed.
B. No person shall engage in any land-disturbing activity until he has acquired a land-
disturbing permit, unless the proposed land-disturbing activity is specifically exempt
from the provisions of this chapter, and has paid the fees and posted the required bond.
C. Fees. An applicant requesting permission to begin land-disturbing activity pursuant to
this article shall pay the following fees to cover the administrative expense of review,
permitting, and inspection.
Square Feet And/Or Cubic
Yards
Fees Cap Requirement
<2,500 <250 $0.00 None
2,500—5,000 250—500 $25.00 In lieu of agreement
5,000— 500—750 $50.00 Responsible land disturber
39
10,000
>10,000 >750 $100.00 + $100/disturbed acre
or portion
$500.00 Certified inspector for project
>10,000 >750 $100.00 + $100/disturbed acre
or portion
No certified inspector for
project
D. Bond. All applicants for permits shall provide to the county a performance bond, cash
escrow, or an irrevocable letter of credit acceptable to the director of community
development or his assignee, to ensure that measures could be taken by the county at the
applicant's expense should the applicant fail, after proper notice, within the time specified
to initiate or maintain appropriate conservation measures required of him as a result of his
land-disturbing activity. Should it be necessary for the county to take such conservation
action, the county may collect from the applicant any costs in excess of the amount of the
surety held.
Within 60 days of adequate stabilization and completion of all other site requirements, as
determined by the director of community development or his assignee, such bond, cash escrow
or letter of credit, or the unexpended or unobligated portion thereof shall be either refunded to
the applicant or terminated.
E. These requirements are in addition to all other provisions relating to the issuance of
permits and are not intended to otherwise affect the requirements for such permits.
Sec. 79-51. Monitoring, reports, and inspections.
A. The county may require the person responsible for carrying out the plan and/or the
responsible land disturber to monitor and maintain the land-disturbing activity. The
responsible land disturber will maintain records of these inspections and maintenance, to
ensure compliance with the approved plan and to determine whether the measures
required in the plan are effective in controlling erosion and sedimentation.
B. The department of community development shall periodically inspect the land-disturbing
activity as required under the state program to ensure compliance with the approved plan
and to determine whether the measures required in the plan are effective in controlling
erosion and sedimentation. The owner, permittee, or person responsible for carrying out
the plan shall be given notice of the inspection. If the director of community development
or his assignee determines that there is a failure to comply with the plan or if the plan is
determined to be inadequate, notice shall be served upon the permittee, person
responsible for carrying out the plan or the responsible land disturber by registered or
certified mail to the address specified in the permit application or in the plan certification,
or by delivery at the site of the land-disturbing activities to the agent or employee
supervising such activities.
40
The notice shall specify the measures needed to comply with the plan and shall specify the time
within which such measures shall be completed. Upon failure to comply within the specified
time, the permit may be revoked and the permittee shall be deemed to be in violation of this
chapter and, upon conviction, shall be subject to the penalties provided by this chapter.
C. Upon determination of a violation of this chapter, the director of community development
or his assignee may, in conjunction with or subsequent to a notice to comply as specified
in this chapter, issue an order requiring that all or part of the land-disturbing activities
permitted on the site be stopped until the specified corrective measures have been taken.
If land-disturbing activities have commenced without an approved plan or proper permits, the
director of community development or his assignee may, in conjunction with or subsequent to a
notice to comply as specified in this chapter, issue an order requiring that all of the land-
disturbing and/or construction activities be stopped until an approved plan or any required
permits are obtained. Failure to comply will result in civil penalties as outlined in section 15.1-9
of this chapter.
Where the alleged noncompliance is causing or is in imminent danger of causing harmful erosion
of lands or sediment deposition in waters within the watersheds of the commonwealth, or where
the land-disturbing activities have commenced without an approved plan or any required permits,
such an order may be issued without regard to whether the permittee has been issued a notice to
comply as specified in this chapter. Otherwise, such an order may be issued only after the
permittee has failed to comply with such a notice to comply. The order shall be served in the
same manner as a notice to comply, and shall remain in effect for a period of seven days from the
date of service pending application by the enforcing authority or permit holder for appropriate
relief to the circuit court.
If the alleged violator has not obtained an approved plan or any required permits within seven
days from the date of service of the order, the director of community development or his
assignee may issue an order to the owner requiring that all construction and other work on the
site, other than corrective measures, be stopped until an approved plan and any required permits
have been obtained. Such an order shall be served upon the owner by registered or certified mail
to the address specified in the permit application or the land records of the county.
The owner may appeal the issuance of an order to the circuit court of the county. Any person
violating or failing, neglecting or refusing to obey an order issued by the director of community
development or his assignee may be compelled in a proceeding instituted in the circuit court of
the county to obey same and to comply therewith by injunction, mandamus or other appropriate
remedy. Upon completion and approval of corrective action or obtaining an approved plan or any
required permits, the order shall immediately be lifted. Nothing in this section shall prevent the
director of community development or his assignee from taking any other action authorized by
this chapter.
Sec. 79-52. Penalties, injunctions, and other legal actions.
A. Violators of this chapter shall be guilty of a class I misdemeanor.
B. Civil penalties:
41
1. A civil penalty in the amount listed on the schedule below shall be assessed for
each violation of the respective offenses:
a. Commencement of land disturbing activity without an approved plan as
provided in section 8.6-1 shall be $1,000.00/day.
b. Vegetative measures—Failure to comply with items (1), (2) and (3) of the
minimum standards shall be $100.00/violation/day.
c. Structural measures—Failure to comply with items (2), (4), (9), (10), (11),
(15) and (17) of the minimum standards shall be $100.00/violation/day.
d. Watercourse measures—Failure to comply with items (12), (13) and (15)
of the minimum standards shall be $100.00/violation/day.
e. Underground utility measures—Failure to comply with item (16)a. and/or
c. shall be $100.00/violation/day.
f. Failure to obey a stop work order shall be $100.00/day.
g. Failure to stop work when permit revoked $100.00/day.
2. Each day during which the violation is found to have existed shall constitute a
separate offense. However, in no event shall a series of specified violations
arising from the same operative set of facts result in civil penalties which exceed a
total of $3,000.00, except that a series of violations arising from the
commencement of land-disturbing activities without an approved plan for any site
shall not result in civil penalties which exceed a total of $10,000.00. The
assessment of civil penalties according to this schedule shall be in lieu of criminal
sanctions and shall preclude the prosecution of such violation as a misdemeanor
under subsection (a) of this section.
C. The director of community development or his assignee may apply to the circuit court of
the county to enjoin a violation or a threatened violation of this chapter, without the
necessity of showing that an adequate remedy at law does not exist.
D. In addition to any criminal penalties provided under this chapter, any person who violates
any provision of this chapter may be liable to the county in a civil action for damages.
E. Civil penalty enumerated. Without limiting the remedies which may be obtained in this
section, any person violating or failing, neglecting, or refusing to obey any injunction,
mandamus or other remedy obtained pursuant to this section shall be subject, in the
discretion of the court, to a civil penalty not to exceed $2,000.00 for each violation. A
civil action for such violation or failure may be brought by the county. Any civil penalties
assessed by a court shall be paid into the treasury of the county, except that where the
violator is the locality itself, or its agent, the court shall direct the penalty to be paid into
the state treasury.
F. With the consent of any person who has violated or failed, neglected or refused to obey
any regulation or condition of a permit or any provision of this chapter, the county may
provide for the payment of civil charges for violations in specific sums, not to exceed the
limit specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section. Such civil charges shall be instead of
any appropriate civil penalty which could be imposed under subsection (b) or (e).
G. The county's attorney shall, upon request of the county or the permit issuing authority,
take legal action to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
42
H. Compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be prima facie evidence in any legal
or equitable proceeding for damages caused by erosion, siltation or sedimentation that all
requirements of law have been met, and the complaining party must show negligence in
order to recover any damages.
Sec. 79-53. Appeals and judicial review.
Any applicant under the provision of this chapter who is aggrieved by any action of the county or
its agent in disapproving plans submitted pursuant to this chapter shall have the right to apply for
and receive a review of such action by the county board of supervisors. In reviewing the agent's
actions, the board of supervisors shall consider evidence and opinions presented by the aggrieved
applicant and agent. After considering the evidence and opinions, the board of supervisors'
decision shall be final, subject only to review by the circuit court of the county. Any applicant
who seeks an appeal hearing before the board of supervisors shall be heard at the next regularly
scheduled board of supervisors' public hearing provided that the board of supervisors and other
involved parties have at least 30 days prior notice.
Final decisions of the county under this chapter shall be subject to review by the county circuit
court, provided an appeal is filed within 30 days from the date of any written decision adversely
affecting the rights, duties, or privileges of the person engaging in or proposing to engage in
land-disturbing activities.
Sec. 79-54. Civil violations, summons, generally.
A. The director shall prepare an appropriate erosion and sediment control civil violation
summons for use in enforcing the provisions of this chapter.
B. Any inspector of the plan approving authority charged with enforcing this chapter shall
serve upon any owner or permittee in violation of this chapter, a summons notifying the
owner or permittee of said violation. If unable to serve the owner or permittee in person,
the inspector may notify by summons an owner or permittee committing or suffering the
existence of a violation by certified, return receipt requested mail, of the infraction. The
county sheriff's office may also deliver the summons. The summons shall contain the
following information:
1. The name and address of the person charged.
2. The nature of the violation and chapter provision(s) being violated.
3. The location, date, and time that the violation occurred, or was observed.
4. The amount of the civil penalty assessed for the violation.
5. The manner, location, and time that the civil penalty may be paid to the county.
6. The right of the recipient of the summons to elect to stand trial for the infraction
and the date of such trial.
C. The summons shall provide that any person summoned for a violation may, within five
days of actual receipt of the summons or, within ten days from the date of mailing of the
summons, elect to pay the civil penalty by making an appearance in person, or in writing
by mail to the county treasurer's office and, by such appearance, may enter a waiver of
trial, admit liability, and pay the civil penalty established for the violation charged and
provide that a signature to an admission of liability shall have the same force and effect
43
as a judgment in court; however, an admission shall not be deemed a criminal conviction
for any purpose.
D. If a person charged with a violation does not elect to enter a waiver of trial and admit
liability, the county shall cause the sheriff of county to serve the summons on the person
charged in the manner prescribed by law. The violation shall be tried in general district
court in the same manner and with the same right of appeal as provided for in title 8.01 of
the Code of Virginia. In any trial for a scheduled violation authorized by this section, it
shall be the burden of the county to show the liability of the violator by the
preponderance of the evidence. Any admission of liability, or finding of liability shall not
be a criminal conviction for any purpose.
E. The remedies provided for in this section are cumulative, and are not exclusive and,
except as provided above, shall be in addition to any other remedies by law.
F. The owner or permittee may pay the civil penalty to the treasurer prior to the trial date,
provided he also pays necessary court costs in addition to the civil penalty.
G. Within the time period prescribed in (c), above, the owner or permittee, may contest the
violation by presenting it to the director, who shall certify the contest in writing, on an
appropriate form, to the general district court.
H. Failure to pay the civil penalty, or to contest the violation, within the time period
prescribed in (C), above, shall result in the immediate issuance of a stop work order and the
revocation of the permit, if any.
ARTICLE III. ILLICIT DISCHARGE
Division 1. General Provisions
Sec. 79-55. Title and Authority
A. This ordinance shall be known as the “Illicit Discharge Ordinance of the Town of Vinton,
Virginia.”
B. This ordinance establishes the Town’s illicit discharge program that regulates non-
stormwater discharges to its regulated MS4, consistent with state regulations promulgated
pursuant to the law.
C. The Town of Vinton hereby designates the Town Manager as the Administrator of the
illicit discharge program.
Sec. 79-56. Purpose
The purpose of this ordinance is to promote the general health, safety, and welfare of the citizens
of the Town by protecting property and state waters through the prohibition of illicit discharges
of non-stormwater within the Town’s regulated MS4 area; subject to certain exceptions.
Sec. 79-57. Applicability
44
This ordinance is applicable to any non-stormwater discharge that enters, or has the potential of
entering, the Town’s regulated MS4 area.
Sec. 79-58. Compatibility with Other Requirements
This ordinance is not intended to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any other ordinance, rule or
regulation, stature, or other provision of law. The requirements of this ordinance shall be
considered minimum requirements, and where any provision of this ordinance imposes
restrictions different from those imposed by any other ordinance, rule or regulation, or other
provision of law, whichever provisions are more restrictive or impose higher protective standards
for human health or the environment shall apply.
Sec. 79-59. Severability
If the provisions of any article, section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of this
ordinance shall be judged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such order of judgment
shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of any article, section, subsection, paragraph,
subdivision or clause of this ordinance.
Sec. 79-60 - 79-65. Reserved
Division 2. Definitions
The following words and terms as used in this ordinance shall have the following meanings,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
“Administrator” means the position responsible for administering the illicit discharge program
on behalf of the Town of Vinton. The Administrator shall be the Town Manager or his/her
designee.
“Best Management Practice or BMP” means schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices,
including both structural or non-structural practices, maintenance procedures, and other
management practices to prevent or reduce the pollution of surface waters and groundwater
systems from the impacts of land-disturbing activities.
“Clean Water Act or CWA” means the federal Clean Water Act (33 United States Code 1251
et seq.), formerly referred to as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or Federal Water
Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, Public Law 92-500, as amended by Public Law 95-
217, Public Law 95-576, Public Law 96-483, and Public Law 97-117, or any subsequent
revisions thereto.
"Control measure" means any best management practice or other method used to prevent or
reduce the discharge of pollutants to surface waters.
“County” means the County of Roanoke, Virginia.
“Department” means the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
45
“Discharge” means to dispose, deposit, spill, pour, inject, dump, pump, leak, or place by any
means, or that which is disposed, deposited, spilled, poured, injected, dumped, pumped, leaked,
or placed by any means.
“Illicit discharge” means any discharge to the Town’s MS4 that is not composed entirely of
stormwater, except discharges pursuant to a VPDES or VSMP permit (other than the VSMP
permit for discharges from the MS4), discharges resulting from firefighting activities, and
discharges identified by and in compliance with 9VAC25-870-400 D 2 c (3).
"Municipal separate storm sewer" means a conveyance or system of conveyances otherwise
known as a municipal separate storm sewer system or "MS4," including roads with drainage
systems, municipal streets, catch basins, drop inlets, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels,
storm drainage pipes, or other drainage structures:
1. Owned or operated by Town of Vinton;
2. Designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater;
3. That is not a combined sewer; and
4. That is not part of a publicly owned treatment works (POTW).
“Municipal separate storm sewer system” or “MS4” means all municipal separate storm
sewers that are located within the Town of Vinton.
“National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System” (NPDES) means the federal program for
issuing, modifying, revoking, reissuing, terminating, monitoring, and enforcing permits, and
imposing and enforcing pre-treatment requirements under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
“Person” means any individual, firm, organization, partnership, association, organization or
other entity, including governmental entities, or any combination thereof, or any agent or
employee of any such entity.
“State waters” means all water, on the surface and under the ground, wholly or partially within
or bordering the Commonwealth or within its jurisdiction, including wetlands.
“Stormwater” means precipitation that is discharged across the land surface or through
conveyances to one or more waterways, which may include rainfall runoff, snow melt runoff,
and surface runoff and drainage.
“Town” means Town of Vinton, Virginia.
“Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System” (VPDES) means the program issued by
the Commonwealth of Virginia for imposing and enforcing pre-treatment requirements pursuant
to the Clean Water Act (CWA).
“Virginia Stormwater Management Program” (VSMP) means a program approved by the
State Board after September 13, 2011, that has been established by a locality to manage the
quality and quantity of runoff resulting from land-disturbing activities, which shall include such
items as local ordinances, rules, permit requirements, annual standards and specifications,
policies and guidelines, technical materials, and requirements for plan review, inspection,
enforcement, where authorized in this article, and evaluation consistent with the requirements of
this article and associated regulations.
46
Division 3. Prohibited Discharges
A. It shall be unlawful and a violation of this ordinance to allow any discharge that is not
composed entirely of stormwater, except as described in subsection C below, that enters,
or has the potential of entering, the MS4.
B. Illicit discharges include, but are not limited to:
1. Discharging, or causing or allowing to be discharged, sewage, industrial wastes,
yard wastes, or other wastes, into the storm sewer system, or any component
thereof, or onto driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, the ground, or any other areas
draining to the storm sewer system.
2. Connecting, or causing or allowing connection of any sanitary sewer to the storm
sewer system, including any sanitary sewer connected to the storm sewer as of the
date of the adoption of this ordinance.
3. Connecting, or causing or allowing any connection to the storm sewer system,
without a valid VSMP, VPDES, or NPDES permit, any structure that conveys any
liquid other than stormwater or discharges listed in subsection C, including, but
not limited to, pipes, drains, sanitary sewer lines, washing machine drains, or
floor drains.
4. Prohibitions 2 and 3 listed in this subsection expressly include, without
limitations, illicit connections made in the past, regardless of whether the
connection was permissible under law or practices applicable or prevailing at the
time of the connection.
5. Throwing, placing, or depositing, or causing to be thrown, placed, or deposited in
the storm sewer system anything that impedes or interferes with the free flow of
stormwater therein, or adversely affects water quality.
C. The following non-stormwater discharges are allowable under this ordinance:
1. Discharges or flows covered by a separate individual or general VPDES or VSMP
permit for non-stormwater discharges;
2. Individual non-stormwater discharges or flows that have been identified in writing
by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality as de minimis discharges
that are not significant sources of pollutants to state waters and do not require a
VPDES permit;
3. Non-stormwater discharges or flows as listed in the following categories, unless
they are identified by the Administrator or Virginia Water Control Board, as
significant contributors of pollutants.
a. Water line flushing;
b. Landscape irrigation;
c. Diverted stream flows or rising groundwater;
47
d. Uncontaminated ground water infiltration;
e. Uncontaminated pumped groundwater;
f. Discharges from potable water sources;
g. Foundation drains;
h. Air conditioning condensate;
i. Irrigation water;
j. Springs;
k. Water from crawl space pumps;
l. Footing drains;
m. Lawn watering;
n. Individual residential car washing;
o. Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands;
p. Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges;
q. Street wash water; and
r. Firefighting activities
4. The discharge of material resulting from a spill that is necessary to prevent loss of
life, personal injury, or severe property damage. The responsible party shall take
all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any adverse effect on human health or
the environment. This provision does not transfer liability for the spill itself from
the party(ies) responsible for the spill, nor relieve the party(ies) responsible for a
spill from the reporting requirements of 40 CFR Part117 and 40 CRF Part 302
(2001).
D. In the event any of the activities listed in sub-paragraph C.3. of this section are found to
be a significant contributor of pollutants to be discharged into the MS4, the Administrator
shall so notify the person performing such activities, and shall order that such activities
be ceased or be conducted in such a manner as to avoid the discharge of pollutants into
the MS4. The failure to comply with any such order shall constitute a violation of the
provisions of this ordinance.
Division 4. Inspections and Monitoring
A. The Administrator and/or his/her authorized agent shall have the authority to carry out all
inspections and monitoring procedures necessary to determine compliance and/or
noncompliance with this ordinance, and to enforce the requirements of this ordinance.
B. The Administrator and/or his/her authorized agent shall have the authority, at his/her sole
discretion, to require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) from any person
whose property discharges, or has the potential to discharge, to the MS4.
C. The Administrator and/or his/her duly authorized employees, agents, or representatives of
the Town, bearing proper credentials and identification, shall be authorized to enter any
public property or to request entry into private property at any reasonable time for the
purpose of enforcing this ordinance, including, but not limited to taking samples of
discharges, inspecting monitoring equipment, inspecting and copying documents relevant
to the enforcement of this ordinance, and such other items as may be deemed necessary
for the enforcement of this ordinance.
48
If the person in charge of the property refuses to allow the Administrator and/or his/her
authorized agent to enter in accordance with subsection C, then the Administrator and/or
his/her authorized agent may present sworn testimony to a magistrate or court of
competent jurisdiction and request the issuance of an inspection warrant to enter the
property for the purpose of making such inspections and investigations. The
Administrator and/or his/her authorized agent shall make a reasonable effort to obtain
consent from the owner or person in charge of the property prior to seeking the issuance
of an inspection warrant under this section.
D. The Administrator and/or his/her authorized agent shall have the authority to require any
person responsible for a discharge to the MS4 to document that such discharge meets and
is in compliance with the requirements of this ordinance. This includes, but is not limited
to, the ability of the Administrator and/or his/her authorized agent to require such person
to provide monitoring reports, test results, and such other matters as may be deemed
necessary to show that such discharge is in compliance with the requirements of this
ordinance. The cost of any required documentation shall be the responsibility of the
person responsible for the discharge.
E. The failure of any person to comply with any of the requirements of this section shall
constitute a violation of this ordinance.
Division 5. Enforcement and Penalties
A. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class
I misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is subject to punishment by a fine of not more than
two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) per violation per day and confinement in
jail for not more than twelve (12) months, either or both.
B. Each day during which a violation of this ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed
a separate and distinct violation of this ordinance.
C. Any person who commits any of the acts prohibited by this ordinance or violates any of
the provisions of this ordinance shall be liable to the Town for all costs of testing,
containment, cleanup, abatement, removal, disposal, and any other related costs or
expenses that the Town may incur in connection with the enforcement of this ordinance
and/or the prohibition and/or correction of a violation of this ordinance.
D. The Administrator and/or his/her authorized agent may bring legal action to enjoin a
violation of this ordinance and the existence of any other remedy shall be no defense to
any such action.
E. In addition to any of the remedies set forth above, the Administrator and/or his/her
authorized agent may seek to impose, or have imposed by the appropriate authority, any
of the remedies provided for by § 62.1-44.15:48, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended,
which are incorporated herein by reference.
F. In any court action that may result from enforcement of this ordinance, a judge hearing
the case may direct the person responsible for the violation or the property owner to
correct the violation and each day that the violation continues shall constitute a separate
violation of this ordinance.
49
G. Any person who knowingly makes any false statements, representations, or certifications
in any record, report, or other document, either filed or requested pursuant to this
ordinance, or who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any
monitoring device or method required or used by the administrator and/or his/her
authorized agent under this ordinance in monitoring discharges, shall be guilty of a
violation of this ordinance.
H. The remedies set forth in this section shall be cumulative, not exclusive, and it shall be no
defense to any action that one (1) or more of the remedies set forth in this section has
been sought or granted.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this Ordinance shall become effective July 1, 2014.
This Ordinance adopted on motion made by Council Member , seconded by
Council Member , with the following votes recorded:
AYES:
NAYS:
APPROVED:
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
ATTEST:
Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk
Meeting Date
May 20, 2014
Department
Finance/Treasurer
Issue
Financial Reports for periods ending March 31, 2014 and April 30, 2014
Summary
The Financial Reports for the periods ending March 31, 2014 and April 30, 2014 have been
placed in the Town’s Dropbox and on the Town’s Website. The Finance Committee will meet
on Monday, June 2, 2014 at 5:30 pm to discuss this report and will make a presentation to
Council.
Attachments
March 31, 2014 Financial Report
April 30, 2014 Financial Report
Recommendations
Motion to approve the March 31, 2014 and April 30, 2014 Financial Reports
Town Council
Agenda Summary