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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Actions 09-12-94 JSRKE BOARD SUPERt'ISORS TEL:703-??2-2193 Sep O:S'9~ 13:5~ No.O0~ P.02 JOINT MEETING ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ROANOKE crrY COUNCIL MONDAY, SEIr~MBER 12, 1994 12:00 NOON ROANOKE VALLEY ~URCE ALrrHo~ MEEITNG ROOM OPENING CEREMONIES 1. Roll Call Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Roanoke City Council I. Lee B. Eddy, Chair, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors 2. David A, Bowers, Mayor, Roanoke City Council LUNCHFX)N DISCUSSION OF SUGGEFrED AGENDA ITEMS ESTABLL.~dMENT OF ADDITIONAL ITEMS Ridgeline Protection Affordable Housing Expanded Public Transportation Sewage Treatment Plant Roanoke Regional Airport Commission Membership MARY F. PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 Telephone: (703) 981-2541 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk September 9, 1994 The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: For your information, I am enclosing copy of a proposed agenda that was faxed to me on Thursday afternoon from the Clerk of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors in connection with the joint luncheon meeting of Council and the Board to be held on Monday, September 12 at 12:00 noon, in the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Conference Room. With kindest personal regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. ~r, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP: sm Eno. pc: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance MARY F. PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 240 ! 1 Telephone: (703) 981-2541 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk August 25, 1994 The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Pursuant to our earlier telephone conversations, this will confirm a joint luncheon meeting of the Roanoke City Council and the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors on Monday, September 12 at 12:00 noon, at the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Office, 1020 Hollins Road, N. E. With Mr. Herbert's assistance, I have arranged for a van to transport the Members of Council and staff to the meeting location. With warmest personal regards, I am Si ncerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP: sm W. Robert Herbert, City Manager James D. Ritchie, Assistant City Manager Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance 1 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS September 12, 1994 12:45 p.m. A joint meeting of the Roanoke City Council and the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors was called to order on Monday, September 12, 1994, at 12:45 p.m., in the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Conference Room, 1020 Hollins Road, N. E., with Mayor David A. Bowers and Chairman Lee B. Eddy presiding. ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Elizabeth T. Bowles, John S. Edwards, John H. Parrott, William White, Sr., and Mayor DavidA. Bowers 6. ABSENT: Council Member Delvis O. McCadden ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Edward G. Kohinke, Sr., Bob L. Johnson, H. Odell Minnix, Harry C. Nickens and Chairman Lee B. Eddy --5. ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: W. Robert Herbert, Roanoke City Manager; Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., Roanoke City Attorney; James D. Grisso, Roanoke City Director of Finance; Mary F. Parker, Roanoke City Clerk; Elmer C. Hodge, Roanoke County Administrator; paul H. Mahoney, Roanoke County Attorney; Diane D. Hyatt, Roanoke County Finance Director; and Mary H. Allen, Clerk to the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. Chairman Eddy welcomed Roanoke City officials and noted that it was symbolic that the meeting was being held at a facility that came about as the result of joint efforts by Roanoke City and Roanoke County. He called attention to a recent election in Roanoke City which resulted in certain new members to the Roanoke City Council, and some of the members of the Board of Supervisors were of the opinion that it would be appropriate for the two bodies to discuss mutual ideas/suggestions that could be addressed in the future. He added that the Board of Supervisors has extended similar invitations to officials of the City of Salem, Botetourt County and the Town of Vinton. He called attention to a solid history of joint efforts between Roanoke City and Roanoke County, such as the library system reciprocal agreement, the solid waste disposal agreement, the sewage treatment contract, participation in the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership, a cable television franchise, and regional activity in connection with the Tour-du-Pont. He expressed appreciation to Roanoke City officials for helping to celebrate various County activities, one of which was the Spring Hollow Reservoir Project. He advised that persons involved in local government recognize that they have certain responsibilities to their constituents and what happens in one jurisdiction often affects other Roanoke Valley jurisdictions. He noted that all persons in attendance live in the Roanoke Valley and should take joint responsibility for what happens in the community. On behalf of the Members of Roanoke City Council and City staff, Mayor Bowers expressed appreciation to the Board of Supervisors and Board staff for hosting the joint meeting. He expressed Mr. McCadden's regrets at not being present due to a work related situation beyond his control. He stated that Roanoke City is desirous of a continuing working relationship with Roanoke County to discuss cooperative efforts, and called attention to meetings in which he participated during the past year with Mr. Minnix, Mr. Herbert, and Mr. Hodge to discuss various areas of interest, and spoke in support of continuing such dialogue because citizens of the Roanoke Valley want the two governing bodies to communicate. On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, he extended an invitation to the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors to be the City's guest at the next joint meeting. Dr. Nickens called attention to the election of new Members to City Council, as well as new Members to the Board of Supervisors and inquired if it would be in order for the two administrators to compile a document listing those projects, along with a brief summary, in which Roanoke City and Roanoke County have cooperated; whereupon, Mr. Herbert advised that he would work with Mr. Hodge to update the list which is currently in the preparation stage. Chairman Eddy referred to other potential items for discussion, such as ridgeline protection, affordable housing, expanded public transportation, sewage treatment plant, and Roanoke Regional Airport Commission membership, and stated that his concept of the meeting would be that it should not include "nuts and bolts" discussion of any one issue, but to briefly discuss the items to determine if there is any interest in joint pursuit. In addition to the abovelisted items, he inquired if there were other items to be discussed; whereupon, Dr. Nickens advised that along with ridgeline protection should be the topic of the river corridor because Roanoke Valley officials should be concerned with the greenway along the river. He referred to efforts over the past years in regard to flood reduction, working in concert with the Federal Government and the Environmental Protection Agency, and noted that Roanoke County has been concerned with agricultural uses and chemicals applied to the land, as well as encroaching development. 3 Chairman Eddy called attention to a Board of Supervisors workshop scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 1994, with regard to the Roanoke River Corridor Study with the Fifth Planning District Commission and others in attendance to review a program designed to help protect the Roanoke River extending from Montgomery County to Bedford County. Chairman Eddy added tourism development to the discussion list, advising that tourism is an item of interest to Roanoke City as well as to Roanoke County. Mr. White advised that before addressing certain of the items listed on the agenda, the two governing bodies should discuss some of the more difficult issues. He pointed out that Roanoke City provides funding for certain programs that benefit the entire Roanoke Valley, but the City does not always receive the level of cooperation that it should, and specifically referred to social service programs for which Roanoke City appropriates substantial funding. He added that if the two bodies deal in specifics today, he was not of the opinion that any progress would be made, and stated that he was in favor of cooperation, but the two governing bodies should first begin to address the more difficult issues. Chairman Eddy asked Mr. Hodge and Mr. Herbert to comment on the Towers Perrin study; whereupon, Mr. Hodge advised that for approximately a year the two localities have worked on a regionalization study to be funded in the amount of $15,000.00 from the localities and $15,000.00 from the business community. He added that last week, administrators agreed upon a scope of work/agreement to be executed with Towers Perrin, and the consultant plans to commence the study by early October, with completion in approximately 60 days. He pointed out that a number of items on today's agenda are also topics that the Towers Perrin study will address. Chairman Eddy clarified that the concept of the regionalization study was suggested by Delegate C. Richard Cranwell, and if Roanoke City and Roanoke County could agree on certain joint services, there could be certain financial compensation from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Herbert pointed out that there is no specific list of topics to be addressed, and all topics will be open for review by the consultant unless otherwise instructed by a local government. Mr. Johnson advised that this is a process that can work if the two governing bodies will cooperate. He stated that Roanoke City deals with certain issues that are different from those that 4 Roanoke County citizens and elected leaders contend with because Roanoke City serves a different constituent. He added that he favors ridgeline protection, but all persons should be prepared to pay the price. Mr. Parrott suggested that the two planning staffs should be instructed to identify those potential areas where ridgeline protection is necessary. He advised that not only is ridgeline protection necessary, but the protection of historic sites as well, and historic sites in need of protection should have been identified as far back as 25 years. Mr. Kohinke stated that there is only so much that can be done with regard to ridgeline protection; whereupon, he requested a clarification. Chairman Eddy advised that the object is to try to restrict development on the tops of ridges, and called attention to a situation where there might be an apartment complex on the top of a mountain that would detract from the overall beauty and effectiveness of the site. Mayor Bowers advised that all citizens have a great appreciation for Roanoke's beautiful mountains, that there is only one mountain in the City of Roanoke, Mill Mountain, and much of that area is preserved as a park. He stated that ridgeline protection is an interesting topic because it involves citizens of and visitors to all Roanoke Valley localities who want to be able to enjoy the view of the mountains, and added that it is interesting to note that from many different locations in Roanoke, one can see different views of the mountains. He stated that the citizens of the Roanoke Valley expect their governments to be environmentally sensitive, and concurred with Mr. Parrott in his views regarding pro-active efforts because the localities do not want to wait until another issue comes up along the Blue Ridge Parkway where there might be an infringement on the viewshed or an eyesore on the mountain. He added that both Roanoke City and Roanoke County citizens want their elected officials to be conscious of the viewsheds and to protect them accordingly. He called attention to financial issues involved in ridgeline protection and advised that this is the time and the place to begin to address those issues. Chairman Eddy advised that ridgeline protection also ties in with economic development because tourists visit the area to enjoy the mountain views and those persons who are looking to establish businesses or homes in the area will be influenced by the attractiveness of the surroundings. In regard to the subject of affordable housing, Chairman Eddy advised that sometimes it is made to appear that Roanoke County has not done its part, and called attention to a report of the Enterprise Foundation on the topic of affordable housing; however, he noted that not a great deal of progress has been made as a result of the report. He stated that affordable housing is an important subject for which Roanoke County has a certain responsibility and needs to address, but as of this date, no good ideas have surfaced as to how to proceed. Mayor Bowers called attention to a recent conversation with a representative of Habitat for Humanity in which it was pointed out that all of Habitat's houses have been constructed within the limits of the City of Roanoke. He stated that Roanoke City has infill development but submitted that Roanoke County, the City of Salem and the Town of Vinton likewise have infill development. He called attention to the worthwhile services performed by Habitat for Humanity, which is a Christian based organization that constructs needed affordable housing for disadvantaged families, and challenged Roanoke County officials to help Habitat for Humanity to locate appropriate sites within the confines of Roanoke County. Dr. Nickens advised that Roanoke County officials reviewed the matter and attempted to find a use for the Leisure Life Center located across from Tinker Court School where there was sufficient space for six, eight and nine unit apartments, and Mr. Hodge pointed out that Roanoke County specified to Total Action Against Poverty that the facility should be used for housing needs rather than for office space. Additionally, he stated that Roanoke County has precluded the replacement of older manufactured homes which will make available more affordable housing in the County. Mr. Johnson made the observation that the Leisure Life Center property is a "drop in the bucket", that Roanoke County has not done its part, and it is time for everyone in the County to make that admission. He stated that development has been driven out of Roanoke County through no malicious intent, but it is a big prospect when a locality must construct a reservoir by itself, that a $42 million upgrade in the Sewage Treatment Plant is a large expenditure, and the citizens of Bent Mountain do not expect to fund the improvements because they do not receive sewage service, therefore, those who receive the service must fund it. He stated that affordable housing will have to take place on infill routes. Mayor Bowers called attention to a great deal of discussion over the past few years with regard to the magnet effect, particularly in Virginia cities, advising that because public transportation is available in the City of Roanoke and because Roanoke City haS the only public housing authority in western Virginia, the poor, the elderly and the disadvantaged are attracted to the City of Roanoke where social services, health care, mental health care, transportation, affordable housing, schools, etc., are provided, thus leading to a concentration of minorities and the disadvantaged. He expressed concern that the issue of fair housing for minorities and the disadvantaged should extend throughout the entire Roanoke Valley. He added that the Members of City Council have requested that the City Manager study the matter of development of upper income housing in the City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority has been requested to consider the development of a high rise apartment in downtown Roanoke. At this point, 1:20 p.m., Mr. White left the meeting. In regard to public transportation, Chairman Eddy advised that as a member of the Fifth Planning District Commission, he hears reports on the need to expand public transportation, particularly in the north Roanoke County area. Mayor Bowers advised that because there are many working people in the Roanoke community who depend on the public transit service during the late evening hours, City Council voted to extend transit service until 8:30 p.m., and the City would welcome Roanoke County in its efforts to expand public transportation. Dr. Nickens referred to a study that was completed by Roanoke County which revealed that the County could have paid Yellow Cab Company less money to transport County residents than Roanoke County subsidized Valley Metro, and questioned whether it would be cost effective to extend public transit service to north Roanoke County. Chairman Eddy advised that public housing should receive further review, and Ms. Wyatt called attention to educational issues that need to be dealt with. From the standpoint of a school teacher, she stated that there is a great deal of difference between the teaching day of a Roanoke City teacher compared to a Roanoke County teacher. She stated that there are difficult issues to be addressed, such as social service needs because Roanoke City deals with the issue of poverty, while Roanoke County has not been faced with that dilemma and the two bodies should discuss concrete issues of concern. Dr. Nickens called attention to social service programs in Roanoke County and advised that for a number of years he served on the Roanoke County Social Services Board. He stated that Roanoke County's economic family household income tends to be larger than Roanoke City's, however, Roanoke County has the same needs but not in proportion to the size of the population served by Roanoke City. 7 Upon question by Mr. Minnix as to how the two governing bodies should proceed with the ideas/suggestions that were discussed during the meeting, Chairman Eddy suggested that the two administrators review the minutes of the meeting and submit recommendations as to the best way to pursue the suggestions for discussion at the next quarterly meeting of the two bodies. Mr. Edwards referred to an article that appeared in the League of Older Americans Newsletter written by Susan Williams, Executive Director, in regard to promoting the Roanoke Valley as a retirement mecca, and advised that there are many retirement communities in the City and in the County. He made the observation that more older citizens reside in the Roanoke Valley per capita than any other region in the state. He referred to the need for an indoor multi-sport athletic field house, and suggested that Roanoke City and Roanoke County join efforts to make the facility a reality for the entire Roanoke Valley. Mrs. Bowles advised that the two governing bodies cannot accomplish all of the items that were discussed at one time; whereupon, she suggested that the items under consideration be prioritized and that the governing bodies deal first with those items that effect the largest segment of citizens. Chairman Eddy expanded on Mrs. Bowles statement by suggesting that those items that are easiest to accomplish be addressed first, followed by the more difficult issues. In regard to the sewage treatment agreement, Chairman Eddy advised that on August 25, 1994, the Board of Supervisors received the latest version of the agreement from the City Attorney and the Board will meet on September 13, 1994, to address the matter in an effort to move the issue forward as expeditiously as possible. In connection with Roanoke Regional Airport Commission membership, Chairman Eddy advised that Roanoke County was pleased to learn that Roanoke City appointed Claude D. Smith as a Commissioner and the Board would like to see more citizen involvement, thus Roanoke County intends to take appropriate action in the near future. In regard to tourism, Mayor Bowers advised that Roanoke City citizens will have the opportunity to vote on a $23 million bond issue in the November 1994 election, with ten per cent of the funds to be allocated to the tourism industry. He added that it is hoped that Roanoke County will give special consideration as the City moves forward and join the City of Roanoke in convincing the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Governor, and the General Assembly that the Virginia Museum of Transportation is a state museum and should be funded accordingly by the Commonwealth. He pointed out that over the years, Roanoke County has been a leader in the development of Explore Park. 8 Mr. Johnson advised that tourism is a godsend, but not a panacea, and the closest that the area could come to a panacea would be to provide meaningful jobs; whereupon, he spoke in support of the two municipalities acquiring land somewhere between the Roanoke Valley and Blacksburg in concert with Montgomery County and pool the necessary resources in order to bring the Roanoke Valley localities into the twenty-first century, thereby placing the Roanoke Valley in a position to compete with the States of Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina in attracting businesses to the southwestern part of Virginia. Chairman Eddy advised that the area has a remarkable resource in the Blue Ridge Parkway and there should be more effort to lure travellers off of the Parkway and into the Roanoke Valley, and even though efforts to persuade the Parkway Service to construct a Visitor's Center in the area have been unsuccessful, such a facility would benefit the entire region, therefore, if outside assistance is not available, it would behoove the localities to cause the facility to be constructed. Mayor Bowers requested that the Clerks of Roanoke County and Roanoke City confer with their respective governing bodies to establish a date and hour for the next quarterly meeting to be held prior to the holiday season, with the City of Roanoke serving as host. There being no further business, the Mayor and the Chairman declared the joint meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: Mary F. Parker City Clerk ~. Bowers Mayor