HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Actions 04-11-94MCCADDEN
31947
REGULAR WEEKLY SESSION
ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL
April 11, 1994
7:30 p.m.
AGENDA FOR THE COUNCIL
Call to Order
Roll Call.Council Member Harvey was
absent.
The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Robert L. Alderman,
Pastor, Shenandoah Baptist Church.
The Pledge of AHegiance to the Flag of the United States of America
was led by Mayor David A. Bowers.
Welcome. Mayor Bowers.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Public hearing on the request of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and William
Hunt Staples, et al., that a .6636-acre and a .8091-acre portion of a
tract of land containing 62.5379 acres, adjacent to Interstate 581 and
the terminus of Broad Street, N. W., identified as Official Tax No.
®
2250101, be rezoned from LM, Light Manufacturing District,
and RS-3, Residential Single Family District, to C-2, General
Commercial District, subject to certain conditions proffered by
the petitioners. James F. Douthat and T. L. Plunkett, Attorneys.
Continued until the regular meeting of Council on Monday, May 2,
1994, at 2:00 p.m., or as soon thereaft~ as the mam~ may be heard.
CONSENT AGENDA
C-1
C-2
C-3
(APPROVED 6--0)
ALL MATI'ERS LISTED UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA ARE
CONSIDERED TO BE ROUTINE BY THE MAYOR AND
MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL AND WILL BE ENACTED BY
ONE MOTION IN THE FORM, OR FORMS, LISTED BEI.OW.
THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THE ITEMS.
IF DISCUSSION IS DESIRED, THE ITEM WILL BE REMOVED
FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERF. D
SEPARATELY.
Minutes of the regular meetings of Council held on Monday,
February 7, 1994, Monday, February 14, 1994, Tuesday, February 22, 1994,
and Monday, February 28, 1994.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Dispense with the reading thereof, and
approve as recorded.
Annual Report of the Architectural Review Board for 1993.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file.
A report of the City Manager with regard to the status of Countryside
Estates.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file.
2
REGULAR AGENDA
3. I-II~.ARING OF CITIZF?.NS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS:
None.
4. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: None.
5. REPORTS OF OFFICERS:
a. CITY MANAGER:
BRIEFINGS: None.
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:
A report recommending that the City Code be amended to
provide for waiver of any and all permit fees for maintenance
and minor remodeling performed by City employees on City
property.
Adopted Ordinance No. 31947-041194. (6-0)
A report with regard to funding for data communication
equipment.
Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 31948-041194. (6-0)
A report recommending acceptance of an Emergency Shelter
Grants Program grant award, in the amount of $61,000.00, from
the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and
appropriation of funds in connection therewith.
Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 31949--041194 and Resolution
No. 31950-041194. (6-0)
6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: None.
3
7. UNFINISHF. D BUSINESS: None.
8. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION
ORDINANCES AND RF~SOLUTIONS:
OF
Ordinance No. 31943, on second reading, amending and reordaining
the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, by enacting a
new Section 20-33.2, Same - Requirements for operation; obtaining,
license plate, tag or decal a condition precedent to discharge of
violation, of Chapter 20, Motor Vehicles, to provide authorization for
regional enforcement of vehicle decal ordinances and authorizing an
agreement with other regional governments to effectuate such
enforcement.
Adopted Ordinance No. 31943-041194. (6-0)
9. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Inquiries and/or comments by the Mayor and Members of City
Council.
Vacancies on various authorities, boards, commissions and committees
appointed by Council.
10. OTHER HF. ARINGS OF CITIZENS:
Dr. Paula C. Willis, 3835 Darlington Road, S. W., addressed the Enterprise
Communities Program.
4
MARY F. PARI~_.~
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
April 13, 1994
File #51
James F. Douthat, Attorney
Woods, Rogers and Hazlegrove
P. O. Box 14125
Roanoke, Virginia 24038-4125
T. L. Plunkett, Jr., Attorney
Plunkett and Logan
305 First Street, S. W., Suite 300
Roanoke, Virginia 24011
Gentlemen:
A public hearing was held by the Council of the City of Roanoke on Monday,
April 11, 1994, at 7:30 p.m., on the request of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and William
Hunt Staples, et al., that a .6636-acre and a .8091-acre portion of a tract of land
containing 62.5379 acres, adjacent to Interstate 581 and the terminus of Broad
Street, N. W., identified as Official Tax No. 2250101, be rezoned from LM, Light
Manufacturing District, and RS-3, Residential Single Family District, to C-2,
General Commercial District, subject to certain conditions proffered by the
petitioners.
On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the public hearing was continued until the
regular meeting of Council on Monday, May 2, 1994, at 2:00 p.m., or as soon
thereafter as the matter may be heard.
Sincerely, 2~
Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE
City Clerk
MFP: sm
po:
Trustees of Valleyview Wesleyan Church, 2302 Oakland Boulevard, N. W.,
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
Mr. John J. Showalter and Ms. Cleo S. Nolley, 3914 Greenland Avenue, N. W.,
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne C. Bowman, 3908 Greenland Avenue, N. W., Roanoke,
Virginia 24012
James F. Douthat, Attorney
T. L. Plunkett, Attorney
April 13, 1994
Page 2
Ms. Norma J. Ridenhour and Ms. Augusta J. Dillon, 3902 Greenland Avenue,
N. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24012
Ms. Belva Perrine and Mr. Harlin Perrine, 3836 Greenland Avenue, N. W.
Roanoke, Virginia 24012 '
Mr. and Mrs. Billy D. Creger, 3822 Greenland Avenue, N. W., Roanoke,
Virginia 24012
Ms. Sofia R. Dominguez, 3810 Greenland Avenue, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia
24012
Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. Atalla, 3802 Greenland Avenue, N. W., Roanoke,
Virginia 24012
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Noftsinger, 3730 Greenland Avenue, N.W. Roanoke,
Virginia 24012 '
Mr. and Mrs. Randolph M. Mann, 3724 Greeniand Avenue, N. W., Roanoke,
Virginia 24012
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Gibbs, 3710 Greenland Avenue, N. W. Roanoke,
Virginia 24012 '
Ms. Norma Findley Ramsey Cabaniss, 261 Locust Street, Tax Department,
Hartford, Connecticut 06114
Ms. Anne Foster, 2322 Oakland Boulevard, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24012
Ms. Sarah Crawford, 3534 Courtland Road, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24012
W. Robert Herbert, City Manager
Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney
Steven J. Talevi, Assistant City Attorney
Willard N. Claytor, Director of Real Estate Valuation
William F. Clark, Director of Public Works
Kit B. Kiser, Director of Utilities and Operations
Charles M. Huffine, City Engineer
Ronald H. Miller, Building Commissioner
John R. Marlles, Agent, City Planning Commission
Evelyn D. Dorsey, Acting Zoning Administrator
WallMart Calculations DRAFT page I
Members of City Council
Municipal Building
215 Church Avenue
Roanoke, VA 2401 l
May 17, 1994
Honorable Members of Council;
Herein is presented an analysis of a typical development decision in Roanoke, along with
recommendations which should improve the likelihood of accomplishing Roanoke's
Commercial Development Objectives along with prosperity and a high quality of life for all.
The proposed Wal-Mart Superstore is used to demonstrate:
· A simple cost-benefit and economic impact forecast incorporating a few large hidden cost
items, and using the results of related studiesI. The bottom line: Roanoke is forecast to lose
more than 600 net jobs, and $266,000 annually from its municipal budget as a result of Wal-
Mart's arrival (see Appendix I)2.
· A "win-win" alternative proposal, favoring Wal-Mart, the City, and the Citizens using the
Comprehensive Development Plan (the current Roanoke Vision statement) as a guide for
negotiations, specifically the Commercial Development Objectives. With clever strategies, it is
even possible to turn the municipal budget loss into a profit for the City of Roanoke (See
Appendix III).
· A pro-active strategy for the City and the Citizens which increases the likelihood of
accomplishing the Comprehensive Plan while achieving prosperity and a high quality of life for
all (See Appendices IV and V).
Got a lemon? Make lemonade. City Council faces tough decisions every day and
attempts to make the best out of many difficult situations. For this we are grateful. We hope in
the future that the Council will more closely use the Comprehensive Plan as a development
guideline, as we have entrusted you to do. Also, please take the time necessary to research
well eveR major development decision, considering its impacts and alternatives; Roanoke's
economy is stable, and a decision made in haste may easily compromise that stability. Finally,
be pm-active. Consider future trends--avoid being seduced by easy, conventional, or high-
profile but short-sighted solutions to local concerns3. See Appendix VII.
Times are changing. To preserve the precious things we still possess, 1 hope we will, too.
Sincerely yours,
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D., E.E., M.S., Optics, B.S., Physics
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Physics 3835 Darlintzion Rd. SW
Roanoke, VA 24018 703/774-8039
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT page I
WAL-MART CALCULATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1
APPENDIX I: TABLE OF COSTS, HIDDEN COSTS, BENEFITS ................... 3
APPENDIX II: DO IOWA STUDIES APPLY TO ROANOKE? ........................ 4
APPENDIX III: TURNING A LOSS INTO A PROFIT ................................. 5
APPENDIX IV: A PRO-ACTIVE RESPONSE ............................................ 6
Citizen Rights of Initiative and Referendum ........................................ 7
APPENDIX V: THE LONG VIEW .......................................................... 8
APPENDIX VI: REFERENCES ............................................................. 9
Section 2
APPENDIX VII: ATTACHMENTS ......................................................... 1
Wal-Mart Should Come on Our Terms, Not at Our Expense .....................
Letter to the Editor ..................................................................... 3
The Problem With Paving .............................................................
A Positive Alternative ..................................................................
Making Zoning Work .................................................................. 4
UGBs: The Antidote to Sonoma County's Growth Battles ...................... 4
Sustainable Development: Prosperity Without Growth ...........................
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Physics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Rtmnoke, VA 24018 703/7'74-81)39
Wal-Mart Calculations
APPENDIX h
DRAFT September 14, 1995: Section 1, Page 2
TABLE OF COSTS, HIDDEN COSTS, BENEFITS
Pr(~jection (¢' E('ono~nic bnpact4
Annual Cost of Sen'ices Provided
(e.g., utilities, roads, water, sewer, trash)s
Annual Competing Retail Sales Tax Loss6
Annual Local Income Tax Loss7.
ANNUAL LOSS SUBTOTAL:
Local Retail Sales Tax Revenues~:
Property Taxes';:
ANNUAL LOCAL TAX REVENUES
FROM WAL-MART, SUBTOTAL:
ANNUAL LOSS OF SPENDABLE
MUNICIPAL REVENUES, TOTAL:
($ 273,000)
($ 415,000)
($ 317.000)
($1,005,000)
$ 600,000
$ 139.000
$ 739,000
($ 266,000)
...................... plus ......................
Strengthens Employment Base'.>
No. 611 Net Jobs Will Be Lost~°.
(450 added - 1061 lost)
In Accord With the Comprehensive Development Plan (Roanoke Vision '857)?
No. The Development's Impact Will Be Counter to All Commercial
Development Objectives in Roanoke Vision '85I~.
(See footnote for list and explanation)
Does It Have To Be This Way'?
No. Pro-Active, Pro-Vision Options Exist.
Even With Wal-Mart.
(But finger-crossing alone won't make it happen. See Appendices III. IV and V.)
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optic*,, B.S. Ph) sic- 18t5 Dadingtoi~ Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT September 13, 1995; Section 1, Page 3
APPENDIX II: DO IOWA STUDIES12 APPLY TO ROANOKE?
1. Iowa Average Annual Retail Sales per Wal-Martl3:
2. City of Roanoke Annual Retail Sales (±10%)14:
$36,000,000.
$960,000,000.
Roanoke's Retail Sales Volume is 27 times larger than that of the Iowa studies, and the study
results must be handled accordingly. In particular, the following special assumptions apply:
1. A Wal-Mart in Roanoke grossing $13 million annually would raise local sales by $4
million and would shift $9 million in sales from competing stores to that Wal-Mart, as
reported in the Iowa studies.
2. A Wal-Mart in Roanoke grossing $60 million, as predicted for the proposed Superstore,
would raise local sales by $18.4 million and would shift $41.5 million from competing
stores to the new Wal-Mart15. Although this represents a small (4.3%) drop in
surrounding retail sales, it has a profound impact.
Other assumptions also apply, including:
1. Local Sales Tax is I% of Gross Sales.
2. Municipal Property Tax is 1.23% of the $11.3 million projected property value.
3. No interchange is constructed or funded by the City.
4. The Wal-Mart Superstore will employ 450 persons at SS/hr for 40 hours per week. This
is an assumption favorable to Wal-Mart; according to the Massachusetts study, more than
half work part-time rather than 40 hours per week.
5. The surrounding job pool will decrease by 1061 jobs per $60 million in gross sales. This
job pool drop is in proportion to, and is a direct result of, Competing Sales Lost to the
new Superstore16.
The ripple effect of 1061 jobs lost in the existing economic infrastructure will be
incorporated as an effective Local Income Tax Loss of $ - 317,000; 5% on full-time job
earnings at $5/hr}?. The actual impact is probably much larger.
7. The lost jobs are assumed to have earned $5/hr for 40 hours per week, equal~he Wal-
Mart jobs. This assumption is favorable to Wal-Mart; the Massachusetts study indicated
that the destroyed jobs are actually higher-paying.
8. Cost of Services Provided is calculated from Local Revenue Received and mean averages
for the Cost of Services Provided per Dollar of Local Revenue Received. For this
calculation, l will use the result $2.70 in Local Revenue Received per Dollar of Services
Provided for Industrial and Commercial Development, as reported in an American
Farmland Trust study~8. This result is consistent with the results of similar studies
across the nation. Local Revenue Received is calculated from Property and Sales Taxes.
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Physics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT May 17, t994: Section 1. Page 4
APPENDIX III: TURNING A LOSS INTO A PROFIT
THE PROBLEMS
1. The fiscal stability of the City of Roanoke is undermined by the proposal. At least
$266,000 of taxpayer funds will be spent or lost in excess of Revenues Received. for the store;
2. There exists strong residential opposition to the Superstore: as of May 2, 1994,
approximately 300 residents of the Round Hill area had signed a petition to this effect19.
3. The Wal-Mart's effects elsewhere indicate a potential conflict20 with the Roanoke Vision
'85 Commercial Development Objectives (Roanoke Vision: Comprehensive Develo?ment Plan
Jbr Roanoke, Virginia 1985-2005, p. 50). This document is a legally adopted advisoO'
agreement between the Citizens of Roanoke and the City of Roanoke. The Objectives are:
a. Encourage continuing growth of downtown as an office, commercial and cultural center.
b. Encourage the growth of tourism in Roanoke.
c. Encourage revitalization or creation of neighborhood centers.
d. Discourage new strip commercial, speculative multibuilding office parks, land use conflicts.
In the state wide studies of lowa and Massachusetts communities, Wal-Mart's arrival was
followed by downtown closures and permanent vacancies la and c), the creation of new strip
mall complexes nearby rd) and unpredictedly high levels of traffic congestion (deterrents to
tourism: b), and loss of retail sales in competing shops (stores in neighborhood centers are
compromised: c). The impact of Wal-Mart on Roanoke is completely opposed to Roanoke's
Commercial Development Objectives.
A WIN-WIN SOLUTION
Negotiate a site for the Wal-Mart Superstore in one, or several, downtown sites. Consider
even breaking up departments into separate store-sites, as is done with the Parisian mega-
outdoor supply store Au Vieux Campeur, which offers five to ten shops in a two to three-block
area in Paris' historic 5th arrondisement. Use UGB's (see #2, below) to reinforce this effort.
A PROFITABLE SOLUTION--up to $438,00021! May be applied at any time to enhance
future quality of life.
!. Encourage tourism by donating land for an "Open Space" program sufficient to preserve
Roanoke's viewsheds: its scenic, marketable natural and pastoral setting. "Sufficient"
means these viewsheds are preserved even when all other available land is built to capacity.
2. Encourage both downtown and neighborhood center revitalization by using the Open
Space for Urban Growth Boandaries (UGB's)22: this directs growth into existing centers:
3. Encourage neighborhood center creation/revitalization and the local tourist industry by
creating a greenways program with linked networks of pedestrian trails, nature trails and
bike paths, supporting the local (foot and bike) traffic necessary for vital neighborhood centers:
4. Discourage new strip commercial developments and enconrage neighborhood center
revitalization (also reduce congestion) by UGB's plus Open Space, by offering free shuttle
limos between the Superstore and neighborhood centers (and also by using HOV23 lanes).
5. meet with concerned citizens to develop an acceptable alternative. A note to this
effect has already been mailed to Messrs. Knibb, Douthat, and Waltham et al.
(Mailed before April 22, 1994. Hearing May 2. 1994. No response at all as of May 17. 1994)
Paula C. Willi& Ph.D.E.E.. M.S. Optics, B,S. Physics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT September 13, 1995: Section 1, Page 5
APPENDIX IV: A PRO-ACTIVE RESPONSE
Protecting Roanoke's Investments
The Citizens and the City of Roanoke have invested themselves heavily in Roanoke's Vision
and in its reputation as a Pro-Business, Scenic location with a high Quality of Life. Yet, day
by day, development decisions are slowly undermining both the reputation and the Vision of
Roanoke, as is illustrated in the Wal-Mart proposal discussed herein.
Because the Comprehensive Plan is a legal document of declared objectives and purposes,
under Dillon's Rule24, the Citizens, acting through the City, may exercise whatever powers are
necessary to accomplish those objects and purposes. It is essential that Citizens learn to use
that power.
Here are a few strategies toward that end:
I. Stronger Declaration of Objectives in the Comprehensive Plan. Most of the
Commercial Development Objectives begin with the words "Encourage..." in the 1985
Comprehensive Plan. This means that the City need only pay lip service to the Objective, and
its obligations to the Comprehensive Plan are satisfied. If the City and Citizens are sincere
about achieving those ends, it is essential that they state them more definitively, using, for
example, "Accomplish..." instead of "Encourage...".
Stronger zoning practices are also important. See attached article, "Making Zoning Work''es.
2. Hold the City Accountable for accomplishing the Comprehensive Development
Plan, or for failures thereof. Review upcoming proposals well in advance of any decision.
Identify and work with whomever is responsible for submitting a cost-benefit analysis or
assessment of agreement with the Comprehensive Plan. Know the person to whom they are
accountable: it may be necessary to go over their heads from time to time. Remember that one
group's interpretation (e.g., the City and the Citizens) of the agenda will differ from another's;
if we want to accomplish something, we'll have to pursue it ourselves.
3. More Effective Citizen Participation. If the City staff isn't carrying out their
assigned and entrusted tasks, then it is up to Citizens to see that they either correct themselves
or be replaced. In most communities, this requires an ongoing Community Planning (to initiate
proposals) and/or Watchdog group--a group of Citizens who monitor local decisions to ensure
that they benefit citizens and are consistent with broad policy objectives, rather than narrow
special interests26. Strategies for such community planning groups appear in the attached
article "Sidebar: Good News from the Front Lines of Community Planning", by Ben Read27.
3. Don't Be Afraid To Petition, to Apply Powers As Necessary Under
Dillon~s Ruling, or to Call in Legal Help. The government derives its power explicitly
from the people, so the people's wishes carry legal weight. But if gathering the tens of
thousands of signatures necessary to carry a majority of the voting populace is too much work,
then work instead for Citizen Rights of Initiative and Referendum (See next page).
4. Specific Programs Which Might Benefit the Roanoke Valley include: Urban
Growth Boundaries (See article attached),~ an Open Space Program, and Limited Allocation
of Building Permits (e.g., with the city's building permits awarded on a competitive basis
according to certain desirable features, and numbering no more than (say), 200 per year, 150
of which will be used in the downtown area).
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Ph,xsics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT September 13, 1995: Section 1, Page 6
Citizen Rights of Initiative and Referendum29
Clear Citizen Pr~werx are Nec'eYxa~3, .fi~r Se(f-Sqfficienc3,. Particular?.tbr the Poor
· The Time is Right. Citizen Rights of Initiative and Referendum are essential to the
self-sufficiency of distressed communities, as explained below. The Clinton Administration.
through its Enterprise Communities Program, has pledged to help change state law in order to
empower distressed and poor inner-city communities in achieving self-sufficiency.
· Growth's costs most heavily borne by the poor. While certain individuals will
benefit from growth (as distinguished from development:m), and therefore will promote it, the
multiple burdens of growth fall on society, and most heavily, many believe, on the poor.
The burdens take the form of.' tax hikes from revenue shortfalls; public program cats: quality
of life loss: increased disparity in real wages, plus an increasing real cost of living for the poor:
decreased resilience in handling economic and social stresses: unstable communities: and
compromised personal health and stressed and degraded natural and social
environments,3~.32,33.34. Moreover, poor neighborhoods, more than any other economic
class, require stability (i.e., strictly limited demolition of homes and businesses) and
interdep, endence for self~sufficiency. The time frame for "stability" is more than one
generanon. Interdependence, for the poor, requires connected neighborhoods. For example,
when major roads35,3~ dissect neighborhoods and isolate people in the name of growth and
progress, they undermine self-sufficiency.
Because growing communities tend to be unstable, both physically and economically,
uncontrolled growth tends to be particularly damaging to the self-sufficiency of the poor. That
is, the costs of growth progressively undermine community strength, from the bottom up.
When the poor and powerless speak, it is wise to listen. Initiative and Referendum will enable
them to speak more effectively.
· Hardship is Incomprehensible by the Middle and Upper Classes. The depth.
extent, and the lack of resilience intrinsic to poverty-driven hardship cannot be understood by
those who have not experienced it. And the burdens of growth are similarly inconceivable.
· Lower Class is Unable to Represent Itself. A complicating factor is the lack of
time, education and political experience, which severely limits the ability of the poor to fully
participate in a political system which requires organized, effective lobbying techniques, in
which the "rules of the game" are not clear--unlike the roles of Initiative and Referendum.
· Present System Unconstitutional. Under the present system, the entire lower class
is systematically not represented in governmental decisions promoting growth; that is, the
Commonwealth of Virginia is exercising class discrimination in political representation. This
system is archaic, unacceptable, unsustainable, and unconstitutional.
· Necessary Tools for Self-Sufficiency. For the reasons cited above, that decline is
felt first by the poor. Hence any long-term self-sufficiency requires the full participation of the
poorest and most powerless. To give citizens full voice, it is essential that they be empowered
to the greatest extent possible, with, for example, understandable rules for participation and
success. Citizen Rights of Initiative and Referendum offer clear rules for participation.
· Therefore, the Enterprise Commulfities of the City of Roanoke request and require the
Commonwealth of Virginia to "reinvent government" by awarding Citizen Rights of Initiative
and Referendum in order to realize their plans for sustainable self-sufficiency.
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E.. M.S. Optics, B.$. Pr)sics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT September 13, 1995: Section 1, Page 7
APPENDIX V: THE LONG VIEW.
Sm'ruinable Development Priorities
If the Citizens of Roanoke, and the City of Roanoke, are sincere abont the rare and
remarkable goals expressed in the Vision process as well as in the New Century Council then
both the Citizens and the City of Roanoke must pursue a correspondingly rare and remarkable
course of actions toward this desirable and commendable end of Sustainable Development.
Priorities for Sustainable Development (as recommended by the Rocky Mountain Institute.7)
1. Developmental Efficiency (Plugging the Leaks in energy, money or other
resources); to ensure efficient, Sustainable Development of local resources, continue
examining the bottom line. The "bottom line" includes Finances, the Comprehensive
Plan, and Quality of Life. Sustainable Development maximizes long-term prosperity and
healthfia
2. Increase Support of Existing Business, to sustain the existing economic
infrastructure39.
3. Encourage New Local Business, e.g. via entrepreneur training programs such as
SCORE, Junior/Senior Achievement, and internships with existing small businesses. In
particular, forward-looking businesses favoring the natural environment and utilizing
altemative resources have recently seen astonishing successes~).
These Principles are used by the Small Business Administration and the Department of
Energy4L and have been used with great success by communities seeking development
solutions that are sustainable. Being independent of local economic conditions, they can
provide a strong, stable economic base, should the City and the Citizens choose to pnrsue this
Program. From the economically secure and powerful position which would result from the
application of these Principles, Roanoke would be well-positioned to make unpressured,
rational decisions on whether to expand, and on whether to continue recruiting outside
businesses.
It is of paratnoant importance to remember that the order of events strongly influences the end
result. Roanoke's stated goals include a strong, diversified economy, a high quality of life,
and the preservation of the local natural environment. To maximize Roanoke's future
economic strength and sustainability, it is essential to avoid "Slash and Barn"
development, that is, development which destroys natural and historical resources. Once
destroyed, Roanoke's potentially marketable natural and historic resources are forever gone,
and her potential for future prosperity is reduced.
The Vision of the City and the Citizens of Roauoke is still within our grasp. But realization of
that Vision requires commitment, and a sustained effort by both the City and the Citizens alike.
If Roanoke does not control growth, then growth will donbtless control Roanoke.
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Phssics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal Mart Calculations DRAFT September 13, 1995: Section 1, Page 8
APPENDIX VI: REFERENCES
IThis package should be sufficient to guide a basic cost bcnclit estimate which includes some ol those costs
not usuall5 considered. Elecausc of the statistical(,, costl5 naau-e of gr, m th. a regular examinalion of
dcx clopmcnt's hidden costs is essential to controlling both muuicipal expenditures (i.e., per-capita taxes) and
QuailU of Life. In a community as complex and interconnected as Roanoke, other costs and benefits may also
justifiably be include. Herein I haxe sought to include those cas5' to estimate and hopefully also those which are
largest. These calculations and projections are intended onl5 as indicators of futura trends.
2This ts a surprising but realistic forecast, being particularly likely in thc case that the City takes none of the
constructive actions described in Appendices IlI-V. This is largely because Wad-Mart's low prices attract
shoppers Irom other stores whose higher prices and higher overhead pay taxes as well as salaries.
Thc model, calculations, and assumptions am explained on the following pages. Appendix Il examines the
applicability of the Ioxxa studies to Roanoke, making appropriate extensions to rcllcct Roanoke's large Retail
Sales Volume.
3For example, a new 1-581 interchange near Vulley Viexv Mall may improve airport (translx)rtanon) access
and promote airtx~rt growth, but it also plDsicadly limits thc x m'y grtm th it seeks lo promote while
simultaneously paving over farmland, an increasingly important, and threatened, resource which could instead be
used for the benefit of the neighborhood and for its touristic draw. (American Fanmland Trust studies in Virginia
show that the state's most fertile areas are also those with the highest rates of population growth, and the most
rapid conversion into roads and non-agricultural developments). See Appendix VII, especiadly "Thc Problem
with Pax lng" and "A BcUcr Altcrnatix c."
Citizens wishing to contribute to 1-581 interchange/decisions should contact Bob Herbert, Roanoke City
Manager. Thc City Manager's office is now beginning with plans for this interchange and has indicated some
openness to working with interested parties. Ask to be put on the mailing list for 1-581-Valley View Mall
interchange communications.
4In the Table. parentheses indicate a loss or expense. In the Footnotes, a negative sign," -" indicates a It)ss
or expense. All rounding and approximation ~s in WaI-Marl's favor. When not stated, figm-es quoted are from
the review article "Wal-Mart Should Come On Our Terms, Not At Our Expense" by D. Mcadoxx s. l'he Huron,
15'onomv Newsletter, Sept. 1993.
This l:5'ojection includes thc fixc largest cllbcti,.c debits and credits expected from a Wad-Mart development
having $(4) million gross sales. Man5' costs, and man}' consequences, are not inclnded in this cadcu]ation, as
indicatcdabovc. Othcrcostsandconscqucnccsincludc: thc uncxpcctcd costs of traffic congcstion, asa~ciated
time delays and accidents, incrett,~ed pollution, increased ll/×~d risk, the continuing demoralizatk)n ol the p~×~r and
IX~werlass, whether the5' be: those who lost thcirjobs; those who xxill decide not to start a business because ot
>'et another confirmation of the City's fax oritism tov, ard outside businesses, exen to the point of undermining
existing business: those x~ho protestod this actkm xtithout success: or those who bear most of Ihese burdens of
growth such as this. Certainly this list is incomplete.
5Annual Cost of Scrx ices Prox idcd {$ - 273,01×} = - $ 273,333) = Local Tax Rcvcnucs from Wal-Mart
f$738.0(~)) + Local Rex cnuc Reccix cd per Dollar of Scrxiccs Pro~ ideal li>r lndustriad/Commercial use 152.70/$l.
Figtircs calculated using data I rom American Farmland Trust smd.x [Lamllinex. Sept. '93, p.O}.
(~Annual Competing Retail Sales Tax Loss ($ - 415,(XX) = - 5 - 415,385) = Roanoke Tax Rate ( 1~7~ ) x
'~lmual Competing Retail Sales Loss per $13 million Wal-Mart gross sales ($9 million/S13 million; Irom Ionia
studies) x (Gross Sales anticipated lor this Wal-Mart ($(4) million). Figures are taken from the statc-u idc
ecom)mic imlaaCt sludies (See Appendix VII, W~tI Mttrl Shonhl...) and from Wad-Mart's snbmitted earmngs
[olecast l;.u ibis Supcrstom.
Paula C. Willis. Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Oplics, 13.S. Ph.~sics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT September 13. 1995; Section 1~ Page 9
This rcprcscnls a linear cxtensi{m o1' kma state wide stud3 results to Roanoke's economy, a reasonable
estimate based on thc sma}l size of this k)ss compared to Roanoke's total Retail Sales Volnme. 59 million is
only 1.3% of Roam~ke City Tt~tal Taxable Sales of probable Wal-Mart prtxlucts, ~$692 million IBr Feb. 1,
1993 to Jan. 31. 1994. based on ['igures kindly given the author from Linde Bass of thc City of Rt~am>kc's
Economic Development Office.
7Annual Ltx2al Incomc Tax Loss ($ - 317,0tX)) = (~ $ - 317,720) = Approximate Income Tax Rate (5%) x
Houfl.x Income ($5/hr) x Hours Worked per Annum (40 hr/wk x 52 wk/yr) x [Jobs Added (450) - Jobs Lt)st
( [06l)~. Figures am taken from the state-wide economic impact studies (Appendix VII). Justification I2)r this
approach lollows:
1061 jobs are calculated as explained in item 5 ol' Appendix II: 1061 = 230 + 13 x 60. This figure assumes
that jobs will be eliminated in direct proportion to Wal-Mart's anticipated gross sales. Annual Local Income
Tax Loss of 5% represents the "Ripple Efl~ct" o1' massive layoffs or hiring. The direct effect on an individual,
thc actual wage earned, is s,,)me 20 times greater than this Income Tax figure, and represents an increase or
decrease in spending capacity. "Annual Local Income Tax Loss" represents individual and community economic
x itality after thc Superstorc's arrival.
8Local Retail Sales Tax Rex cnues ($600,(XX)) = Local Sales Tax (1%) x Local Sales Anticipated ($60
miIlionl. Local Sales Anticipated figure from submitted Wal-Mart report including estimate of gross earnings.
9property Taxes ($I39,(XX) = - $138.990) = Property Tax Ratc in Roanoke ($I.23/$I00.(X) = 1.23%) x
Anticipated Assessed Property Value ($11.3 million). Local Sales Anticipated figure from submitted Wal-Mart
report including estimate of gross eamings.
l(~obs Lost (1061) = Jobs Lost per average Wal-Mart (230 in Massachusctts)+ Gross Salcs per ax erage Wal-
Mart {$13 million in Iowa) x Gross Anticipated Sales, this Wal-Mart ($60 million). It is assumed that
Competing Sales Lost are in proportion to Wal-Mart's Gross Sa}cs.
! IThe Roanoke Vision '85 Commercial Dcx clopment Objectives, as listed on pagc 50 of Roanoke Vision:
Comprehensive Deeelopmenl Platt fi~r Roa.o~'e, Vit~ittia 1985 2005, are:
I. Encourage continuing grtmth of dox~ ntown a.s an o[ficc, commercial and cultural center.
2. Encourage thc growth of tourism in Roanoke.
3. Encourage mxita]ization or creation of ncighborhocxl centers.
4. Discourage nc',', slrip commercial, speculali~, c multibuilding ol'ficc parks, land usc conflict~.
Il' lhc impact of neu, Wal-Mart stores m Iowa and Massachuselts is any indication, thc proposcd Wal-Mart
will oppose each one of these Objcctix cs, as I'ollows. Thc stud3 results arc followed by the number
corresponding to the Commcrcml Development Objective which is undermined.
[n thc stata-widc studies ol km'a and Massachusctts communities, WaI-Mart's arrival w~s I'o}k)wed by
downtown clt~ures and permanent vecancics (,gl and #3), the creation of new strip mall complexes near~)v and
unprcdictcdly high Icxcls ,.~1' Irallic congestion, a dctcrrcnt to tourists (tourism, #2; and strip commercial f#3),
and loss of retail salcs in competing shops (neighborhcx)d centers, #3). This indicatcs that thc impact ol Wal-
Mart on Rc~.mokc is direct[_3 at odds ,~x ith thc Commercial Dc,, clopmcnt Objectives.
Roanoke Vision '85, or, more prccisels, Roanoke Vision: Comprehenxive Development Plan fi~r Rounol~e,
Vt'rgiuiu 19&5-2005, is a legal documcnt prepared by thc Citizens of Roanoke and the City of Roanoke, and is
to bc uscd in good faith b5 thc Cit.,,' lot advisory purposes in dcxclopment decisions. When a proposed
dc'~ eh)pmcnt docs not meet~ for example, an5 ol Iht Commercial Dc', clopmcnl Objccti'~cs stated (m page 50.
then appro,, al of this dcx clopmcnt is not ad; iscd.
II has been obscB'cd m Roanoke that nnadviscd developments, tinder this criterion, are often approved. This is
a pl-t)blcm which should command thc attention and action of concerned citizens, for it involves thc luturc of
their Cily. While adherence Io thc Compmhcnsive Plan is not obligatory, legal plx)tcctit)n of the objects and
purposes declared in the Compmhcnsix e Plan does exist il necessary, as described below.
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Physics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT September 13, 1995: Section 1, Page 10
Should thc objcct,~ and pnrposcs declared in thc tcgall3 adopted Comprehcnsix c Plan proxc impossible to
accomplish without the exercise of certain municipal powers, then the City is granted those pawcrs necessary to
accomplish these ot~iectives, under the Dilhm Ruling. It is important to emphasize that powers granted are
those necessary *- not just convement -- to accomplish the declared objects and purposes, and that any rea,sonabl~
doubt denies such powers.
Thc Comprehensix c Plan, up to now, has been little followed. If thc Citizens of Rtmnokc, and the City of
Roanoke, are sincere about the objects and purposes described in the Comprebensivc Plan, it is essential/hat
they do ,.,,'hat is necessary to accomplish thc. se objects and purposes. See Appendix IV.
12"Wal-Mart Should Come On Our Terms, Not At Our Expense" by D. Meadows, lhe Httman Li'onomv
News'letter, Sept. 1993. Questions or commcnt~ about this Wal-Mart study may also bc addressed to Ed Lvtwak
of the CarD'ing Capacity Network, 1325 G Street NW, Suite I(XB; Wash'ingtt;n, D.C. 20005~3104. Phohe 1-
800-466-4866. for other information, contact Constance Beaumont, National Trust for Historic Preservation,
1785 Massachusetts Ave, NW; Washington, D.C. 20036. The Trust reportedly has knts of clippings and records
nl the Wal-Mart fights nationwide.
13Average Sampled Community Retail Salcs ($36,000,0(X)l = Retail Sales in Dollars/Retail Sales in Per
Cent ($36 million / 1()0~7, ) = Retail Sales Lost in Dollars/Retail Sales Lost in Per Cent ($9,0(X),(×X)/25q().
14Figure calculated using sales volume figures kindly given by Roanoke Cit,,' Off icc of Economic
Deve ( pment's Linda Bass, using ' ' '
1993- 94 To al Taxable Sales, m nush )se ca egor es not app tcab e to Wa -
Mart (e.g., hotels, motor vehicles, dental supplies).
15Competing Retail Sales Loss ($ - 41.5 million) = Annual Competing Retail Sales Loss per $13 million
Wal-Mart gross sales ($9 million/$13 million;/'rom Iowa studies) x (Gross Sales anticipated for this Wal-Mart
($60 million). This is a linear approximation and is reasonable duc to the small percentage drops involved.
16Jobs Lost (1061) = Jobs Lost per Wal-Mart (230 in Massachusetts) + Gross Sales per Wal-Mart ($[3
million in Iowa) x Gross Anticipated Sales, this Wal-Mart ($6(/million). It is assumed that Competing Sales
W
Lost are in proportion to al-Mart s Gross Sales.
17Lena Income Tax Loss ($ - 317,0(XI) = El'l~:ctive Income Tax Item Jobs Added ($234,tXX)) + Effcctix c
Income Tax Imm Jobs Destro, cd ($ - 551,000).
Effcctix e lncomc Tax from Jobs Added ($234.0(Xl) = Income Tax Rate (5(J) x Annual Income ($5/hr x 40
hr/xx k x 52 wk/sr) x .h)bs Added (450).
Effective Income Tax from Jobs Destroyed ($ - 551,(X)0 = - $ - 551,720) = Income Tax Rate (SG) x Annual
Income ($5/hr x 40 hr/wk x 52 xx k/3 r) x Jobs Destroyed ( - }061).
18American Farm and Truss td3 'cpi rtcd m lxt,dlinex Sept. '93, p.6.
19Mrs. Ann Foster, personal commumcat~on, Ma',, 1994..Address: 2322 Oakland Bix& NW, Roanoke, VA.
20Statement based on results of studies in Iox,.a and Massachusetts ("kVal-Ma't Shot d Ct lie On Our Terms,
Not At Our Expense" by D. Meadows, The H. man 15'o.otnv New~leller, Sept. 1903).
2lit ts asstuned that thc declared stratcgms, il' nil 1;:~[1o,.,. cd, ,.,. ill be sullicicnt to c{iulinatc, or at least t,.~
minimize, local sales losses ") n c tapering stores Maximum Annual Proceeds ($438 tX)0) = L )ca Ta~,
Re: cnues from Wal-Mart ($324,000) + Hidden Costs ($114.000). Notc that this time Hidden Costs arc credits.
rather Ih~.tn debits!.
P:.mla C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Physics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT September 13, 1995: Section 1~ Page 11
Local Tax Re~ cnucs l'rom Wal-Mart ($324,0(X)) = Retail Sales Taxes ($185,000) + Annual Propcrt,~ Taxes
($139.000). Retail Sales Taxes (5185.0fX)) = Local Sales Tax Rate (l~J) + Retail Sales ($18.5 milli/m = 560
million less $41.5 now staving ~n competing retail stores, rather than being spenl at Wal-Mart). Annual
Property Taxes IS 139,(XX)) = Assessed Property Value lantic~pated $11.3 millionl x Property Tax Rate I 1.23tJ
Hidden Costs ($ 114,0(XJ) = Annual Cost of Serx ices Prox ided ($ - 120,0(X)) + Competing Retail Sales Tax
Lt)s'~ ($0) + Local Income Tax Loss (50) + Local Income Tax Gain (5234,0{Y0). (No losses Irom competing
stores)
Annual Cost of Serx ices Provided ($ - 120,0(X)) = I~cal Tax Rm, enues from Wal-Mart ($324,(×)0) + Local
Revenue Receix ed per Dollar of Sen ices Provided Ii)r Industrial/Commercial use ($2.70/$)
Local Income Tax Gain ($234,000) = Approximate Income Tax (SrJ) x Annual Income ($5/hr x 40 hr/wk x
52 xx k/st) x Jobs Added (450). Annual Proceeds (Loss) Subtotal = Annual Proceeds flosses) Subtotal
($323,0~Y0) + Annual Local Tax Revenues From Wal-Mart, Subtotal ($114,000) - Annual Competing Retail
Sales Tax Loss (SOL This is the quantified "Ripple Effect," Assessed as 5% Local Income Tax Revenue.
22Urban Grox~th Boundaries have been succcsslully (and pro-actively) used in Calilk)rnia, New Jersey,
Colorado, and other gtates to encourage continued downtmx n x itality, to preserve Open Space, and to ~lash thc
frequent controversies and conflicts regularly arising as conseB ation interests clash with pro-growth intercsts~
~Htgh Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes promntc car-lx×~ling and, il' used by bikcs as ~cll, alternative modes
of transportation.
'}4 '
"D~llon s rule was written during a time of extreme municipal corruption. It therefore limits the freedoms of
local gmemments. Thc author often hears "can't do that--Dillon's rule" or the like fn)m municipal officials
defending a non-aggrcss~x c approach to realizing thc Comprchcnsi: c Plan. Yet Dillon's rule authorizes wluttever
power~ are nece.s~s(tCy to accomplish the objects and purposes declared in, for example, the Comprehensive Plan.
That ts to sa.,,', Dillon's rule authorizes as much prover as it denies. Why, then, do go'~crnmcnt leaders act
helpless? Perhaps thc~x arc sullering from "Learned Helplessness", discussed below.
Literall5, Dillon'~ rule reads:
[t is a general and undisputed proposition of lau that a municipal corporation possesses and uan exercise thc
lollowing pou ers, and m) others: first, those grained in express words: second, those necessarily or Ihirh'
nnpbcd in or incident to thc powers expressly granted: third, those essential to the accomplishment
declared objects and purposes of the corp{~ratmn--not simply conx enicnt, but indispensable. Any lair,
reasonable, substantial doubt concerning thc existence o[ power is rcsoh cd by the courts against thc
c~rpomtion, and thc IX)~x cr is denied.
Source: John F. Dillon, Commentaries o./he Law (4/'Mtt.ici!~al ('orpontlioitt, 5th Ed, pp 448-50.
Publisher. Boston: Little, Broxxn. and Company. 1911.
"Learned Helplessness" is a psschologJcal phcnomcn(m noted in rats when their efforts hast st) often met
dclcat that they m) longer even attempt to escape from a difficult or painful situation. Perhaps our legislators
arc sul[ering lrom Learned Helplessness. left o'~cr I'ronl 191 I. It is time for Citizens to nick up the ball and
kccp runmng. Thc Code ol Virgmm states that the government's poxx cr is derived cntireiy Irom the people.
Let's usc It to get where xxe xxant to go. One uay to usc tt is by circulating a petition xxith a specific end
supported b). the Comprchcnsi~ c Plan. Or xxc can adJUst thc wording ol the Comprehcnsixe plan ObjectiYes and
then supp~wl thc legal imocation of Dillon's Ruling to accomplish the declared objects. For example:
C{msJdcr C{~mmcrcml DcxclopmcntObjectixc#[: Encourage continuing growth ofdox~ntown as an t,l'ficc,
commercial and culltlra} center, For lhe last lc/x )'ears, downto~l n x acancics hmo been fairly stable. There ix no
Paula C. Willis. Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Ph?~ics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT September 13, 1995; Section 1, Page 12
measurable and definitive Objecti;e. A more dcfmitive object/x c: "Realize continuing groxxth el downtown as
an off'ice, commereial and cultural center, measnrcd by Iix c-) car m cragcs of x acancy rates."
Dillon's Rule ;~ould bc ire'eked as Ik)llo~s. Thc costs lo thc City el de;eloping a lacilit3 on open land arc in
general much lox;er than thc cosIs of rcnm ating, shoring up, crc., an cxtsting do;; ntown Ihcility. This
economic ~mbalance drives growth to the pcripher,,, el an existing municipality. In order to accomplish the
declared object of continued downtown gro;vth, therelt)re, the City must ,.)1 fset this inherent imbalance by
exercising those restrictions necessary *~not just con'~cnicnt-- to direct such dcvclopment deux nu)xx n.
One specific action appropriate to this demonstr'atcd need n. ould be thc weighted allocation of building
permits, by thc with a minimum of three-quarters of all permits granted each calendar month to be effective
within a one-mile ~uare area defining "downtown."
I pro[x)se Ihat the Citizens el Roanoke begin circulating a petition to Ihis el'feel, wilh a target of 4J),(X)0
registered voter signatures. In thc process of gathenng thc petitions necessary to exercise this power, the
citizens ~.x ill learn about issues, about real and hidden costs and benelits and, through their signatures,
demonstrate their ~idcspmad supl:xm for this objcctP, e of the Comprehensive Plan.
2$Hiehlb, hts of "Makiug Zoning W,,~rk" (Developtneots, July~ 1993, page 15):
Have a Plan:
Be Clear;
Maintain the Minimum:
Think Regionally;
Stick to thc Plan;
Lock it in;
Build Alliances: and
Enforcement is Eve~'thing.
26A fledgling watchdog group snch as this ts just being organized. Regioual contact pcrs,,m: Da;id Sligh,
7917 Bradshaw Rd., Sa[em, VA 24153 (703) 384-7165. Besides mondoring and perhaps publicly commenting
on development activity, thc group would also lobby [hr pro-citizen interest candidates, and. il' Ix3th resources
and need exist, educate trod mobilize concerned citizens ti) effectively influence those activities, sponsor and
promote dcvcl,,~pmental initiati'~cs of particular boner it to citizens, and organize [nnd-ralsin[~ activities as
nccessal3 t(} accomplish those mdtati,.cs.
?Ben Rcad is an activist from Kelly Wyoming, ~xorkmg on planning issues for the Jackson Hole Alliance
I'~ r Responsible Pkmning, Strategic highlights of "Sidebar: G{×*d Ne~s From the Front Lines of Community
Planning" (to appear in High Country New;):
Anal?c and Pre;~ent thc Real Costs o1' Growth;
Usc thc Best Naluml Re'~onrccs and Mapping Technologies:
Hire lhe Righl Consultam;
L(~k Candidly at lhe Biases of Local Counsel;
Sin5 on the Ollbnsixe:
Find Legal Reprcscntati~m if Push Comes I~ Shin e:
Stick to the Schedule:
Paula C, Willis, Ph.D.E.E.. 5,'18. Oplic,,, B.S. Physics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRA~, i september 13, 1995; Section 1, Page 13
· Identify and Sapport Sustainable Local Economics;
· O~ganize a Communriy Roundtable; and
· Pre-empt thc Wise Usc Movement.
28"UGBs: The Antidote to Sonoma County's Growth Baltics" by Jim Sayer, Envirot,nental hnpac!
Reporter, Jan./Feb. 1993, p. i. Address: P.O. Box 1834. Sebastopol, CA 95473.
29A Virginia group is now ~xorking to win Citizcn Rights of Initiatixc and Relk~rcndum. The group name
and address were unfortunately not available at the time this document x~as printed. For more information.
contact Ed Lytwak of Can3'ing Capacity Network. 1-800-466-4866.
3°Here, "growth" is taken to mean expansion, whether in the size of a community, through, for exmnple,
construction of buildings, roads, and utility networks. "Development" includes thc creation of jobs and an
increase in business acuvity.
tn general thc argument fi~r growth promotion is that growth is good for society. This is the Charles Wilson
argument: "What is gtxy-.t for thc coantQ' is gotxl for General Motors and vice versa." Quote ['rom Yates, B.,
Ihe Decline and Fall q[the Atneritwt~ Automobile Ittdustry (Empire Books, NYC, 1983), p. 123.
In reality, while certain indix iduals do benefit from growth, society must bear the burden of gro~th's costs.
Moreover, this burden rests most heavily upon the poor. This ~s in part because thc pt×~r are not positioned m
benefit from growth, and therefore have no resources to offset the costs of growth.
The costs of groxuh am man5'. They appear in the higher per-capita taxes needed to pa5' for the 'added
infmstructure~ or. or in the public program cuts necessary when the taxpayers refuse to hear of further tax hikes.
Because thc pcx~r depend in many cases on these public programs, it is they who pay most dearly for program
cuts. Gmwth's costs appear in a more stressed, Ih. stet-paced life a.s competition increases; in loss of the ~nse of
community, a.~ people have less time to relax with one another; in a widening income gap between rich and
p{×)r, evident cxcn to, day in the United States, as competing companies seek to maintain their edge by cutting
wages where possible, }'et by keeping those most valuable top employees, with high wages where necessary; in
higher crime rates, as thc pt×)r struggle to make ends meet; in higher levels of pollution in thc air and water
(water being the morc critical, as it ~s mom limited); in construction which dcsm)ys thc natural and historic
backdrop ;alued by residents; and so on. While mouey may flow in faster, it also Ilows out faster; cost ol
lixing rises as rents increase, reflecting higher ax cragc incomes. In all of these, while the rich can cover the
options.
Regarding thc common pursnit of .~FowIh in communities, there is a general belief that growth is essential to
Pa5' thc costs of growth. Yet it is a national trend for per-capita taxes to increase with community size, and
with rap~O gross th rates, according to national Census reports. Increasing per-capita taxes with size means that
ihcac is no city si¢.c ~'~ x~ hich glt)wth ~educcs taxes (see Appendix V for inc~eaMngly p~)pulm alternative it~utc,s
In Virginia, the size-dependent trend is vcq' strong, ;;ith the exception of fast-growing Falls Chumh, which
was #1 in per-capita rex cnues in the 1989-90 fiscal year: Falls Church is a not-~ cry-populous city on the 1-495
Beltway around D.C. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the Commonwealth. Apparently the high
per-cap, la taxes associated with rapid growth result lmm a pile-up of inh~astructure expansion costs. The Cit5 ol
Rotmoke. on the other hand. llzk,~ one ol the [owcsl per-capita tax rates of major ctties m Virginia. It also has
Excn on state lex els. growth opportunities am cx idently seized regardless of cost. Recent electoral revolts
against high taxes have happened not in the stagnant backwaters of development, but in the fastesbgrow~ng
states in America: California and Florida. Cald'omia. thc lirst casualty (Pro[x)situm 13), ha'; had the longest
Panla C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics. B.S. Physics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT September 13, 1995; Section 1. Page 14
and most c(msistent hislor.~ of rapid industrial and population grtm th of an5 state in the nation. California is a
primar) example of a case in which thc citizem' u,ere /ore'ed to pay ever htgher la.res to.finance the deslrllclJon
their environtnenl. Tile revolt shook off some ol the taxes, but came t(x~ late to save the enviromnent.
Calif~rnia is follo~ ed by Florida, in b~th grox~th rate and in the next state-level taxpayer revolt. Roanoke's
groxx th, like that of Calilk~rnia and Florida, is destro3 lng her em ironmcnt, her most marketed and, to man5
ms,dents, her most ~ alucd commodity.
And Virginia's own push Ik)r growth is reflective of a national attitudc promoting thc most rapid growth
possible. 1-73, an intemtate o£ questionable necessity to Virginia, and to Roanoke, is an example. This is the
same development ethic which is now destroying the tropical rainforest, and severely compromising
biextiversity. While starving people in underdeveloped countries simply cannot al'lk}rd to think about
em'ironmental preservation or long-term sustainabilits, Virginia has no such excuse. We in the United States
have the resources necessary to set ourselves tip for krug-term success. Yet our own "slash-and-bum"
del clopmcnt ethic has set an example now being Ibllo~led in thc tropics and elsewhere, despite the Ih. ct that
proven, mom sustainable options cxmt (Please sec Appendix Vt.
It is quitc possible R)r R(mnokc to bc smarter than average about her growth dccisions. Because of her slow
growth rotes, in principle, the City has adequate time Ii) study each growth proposal, and to suggest cost-
cll~ctivc, beneficial, and equitable modificamms, il' appropoute. Yet. judging lrom a 5.9% annual risc m City
expenditures since 1983 (i.e., cxpenditm-es double e~ ers. 13 years), growth-related revenue shortfalls are common
e',en in slow-growing Roanoke. (See Appendix I for a calculation predicting one specdic upcoming shortlall
from commercial growth. Residential developments, et×), are well km/wn [or revenue shortfalls.)
Incrca.singly across thc nation, states, cities and towns are controlling growth, allowing only cost-effeclix e
growl th (such as high-density but ',dst) high-quality residential developments, lvhich are much less costly than
quarter-acre-per residence developments), making growth pa,,,' IBr itself (with, for example, excise taxes), and
even creating jobs and stimulating business activity v, ithout growth, that is, without infrastructure expansion,
in both large and small commumties, with both declining and grolxing economics. Please sec Appendix V.
3 IThrcatened public programs include social justice and aid programs h~r thc p(×>r and cldcrly such as We[fare,
Social Security, and possibl5 cx cn Headstart or Education.
Rex cnuc shortfalls from the hidden costs of growth arc empirically evident in thc increase of per-capita taxes
with cie3 size and rate of growth, in general, and by this calculation, in particular. An increase of per capita
taxes with city size means Ihat there is no city size Ior which growth reduces taxcs. In Virginia. this size-
dependent trend is brokcn most notably by small but last-growing Falls Church, which was #1 in per capita
rex cnucs in thc 1989-90 fiscal .x car; Falls Church is a cie3 on the 1-495 Bclm a~, around D.C., and is one of thc
fustest-growing communities tn thc state. Thc Cie3 ol Roanoke, on thc other hand, has one of the lowest per-
capita tax rates of major cities in Virginia. It also [las ()Itc ~31' Ihc l(m cst ratcs of grox~ th.
lu l'act, the pattern of growth-driven losses holds across thc nation. Citizen rcvohs against high taxes in
California (Prolx)sitiou }3) and in Florida txzcurrcd in the two fastest-growing states of the U.S.
Judging from a 5.9~J annual rise in City cxpenditurcs since 1983 (i.e.. expenditures double ex cr.x 13 .,,'ears),
grtm th-related revenue shortlSlls arc common in Roanoke. Such shortfalls arc well-recognized for residential
del elopments. But we can be smarter than a~ cragc at:xmt our development decisions, and we can make gro',x Ih
pa5 for itself.
32This increased disparity in real wages is clearly ex idcnt in thc 20 3car krug xx idening ol thc Income gap
bemecn rich and [x/or (According to Federal Rcserxe Chairman Alan Grccnspan Apr. 7. It,'94). Because
businesses must pa) taxes twice, once in sales and once through income taxes, it pusses on thc load to thc least
cnt~cal :md thc least powerful working group: thc p(×n' and thc uneducated. Even the EPA has recently admitted
to discriminating against thc poor.
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E.. M.S. Optics, B.S. Phssics 3835 Darlmgton Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT May 17, 19941 Section 1, Page 15
33As quantificd examples ol the financial burdcns ol growth to taxpasers and ratcpaycrs, consider thc initial
and annual hidden costs of a newly constrtlcted residence. Burdens. in terms of future obligations, include, but
are m)t limited to. the lollowing: nmv residences must have new scht×)ls for thc children 158,000 per residence);
new roads, or road improvements ($5,0lX) per home); and new electric generating capacity for the homes ($4,(X)1)
per residence). This $17,0(X) long-tc~m obligation per home must be paid lot by the community, whether *,'ia
tax hikes, tx)nd referendums, or cuts in public programs. Education is thc single largest and most vulnerable
item on Roanoke City's budget, and is often thc target of such cuB~ These burdens do not include the ddTicult-
to-quantify lowered quality of life, the increased bus?ness and loss of time and energy to build and sustain our
ncightx)rhoods and families, and the degradation of Roanoke's potential lot long-term, sustainable, business
opportunities.
In fact, outright purchase of open space is usually cheaper than the cost of development. For example, the
City ol Boulder saved its taxpayers $8 million by purchasing 997 acres of open space instead of developing the
land as housing, in 1992. Aside from the mom than $17,(XX) for infrastructure (capital) costs, there was also a
$3.0(X) annual shortlall in ongoing costs. The capital costs included only schools, roads and electricity, and the
ongoing costs only schcx~ls and roads. Average housing density ttssumcd was one-quarter acre per home (Source:
()pen Space nr Houses: (?o.~ to Bonlder Residents. City of Boulder Open Space/Real Estate Department); and
$4(XX) of plant imestment for electncily generation (Mu~ticipal Mythology, Prof. Allen Bartlett, 303-492 7016,
Universit3 ol Colorado at Boulder, 1981)).
And ongoing rex enue shortlhlls increase with acreage per home, as our own derek)per Len Bt×me, who
consistently promotes denser housing, well knows: of homes with fi~e acres each, revenue shortfalls were three
times those of homes with approximately one-quarter acre each, according to a study using actual county-level
data (American Farmland Trust study: Densi(v-Reluted Public Costs in Loudoun County, Virginia).
We, the Citizens of Roanoke City. are paying Ik)r the destruction of our cnx ironment and the degradation of
our children's future. If history is any indication, this will continue either until we pro-actively control growth
and adopt a nexx paradigm for prosperity, or until we become miserable enough to stop it without benefit ol a
new paradigm.
34Thc blow is doubly grievous ~hcn the growth sacrifices agricultural land, wtx)dland or some other part of
our natural or historic backdrop. But the decisions invol'~cd am not cas3'. Roanoke's Honorable Maynr Daxid
Bowers, m an cf fort to meet the rising costs of growth, is promoting thc development of agricultural land into
residences by eliminating thc tax break on agricultural land. Yet a carclul kx)k at the long-range hidden costs
show tens ol thousands ol dollars per acre ~n sa~ ings by purchasing and preserving open space rather than
de~ eloping thc land. EascmcnLs xx ould save tar mom, with or ~ ithout a tax break. (Oi)en Space or Ho,scs:
Cos/x to Boulder Residellls, and Properlr l~txes altd Services, City ol Bonldcr Open Space/Real Estate
Department Director Jim Crain: 3(B-441-3440). Commercial and Industrial expansion is costly as aell,
leading to per-capita tax hikes, according to other research studies. Yet our lcadem seem to lose reason when
laced with the quick fix of short-term credits.
Along these lines, congratulations to City Manager Bob Herbert this .,,ear Ibr keeping taxes in linc. It would
be interesting to know whether it was done xia a }ohS-term approach or a short-term approach to controlling
costs.
Some of the long-term costs of growth haxe been presented atx~x c; thc short-term rewards to gm~ th include
the excitement ol closing a contract, the immediate llov~ ol re~ cnues to the city and increase in economic
aclixit5 as certain businesses begin construcmm projects, and so on. Such beucfits come to individuals: the
costs ol grou. th arc paid by society, and, according to some, thc Ix×~r pay most dem'ly. (See lbr example "The
Tragedy, of the Commons," by G. Hardin, m Science. Vol. 162, p. 1243-1248: Albert Bartlett's article.
R~flecliott.¥ on "Susminnbilitv"; Hermann Daly's book, l"or the ¢*otnttlo. ¢iood. Exen thc EPA has admitted to
discriminating against thc poor). Thc anticipated effect is the "trickle doun" phenomenon. In realit3, the hidden
cosls ol growth, thc traditional approach to economic success, leads to thc tax hikes and program cuts seen ttxlay
across the country, and particularly in thc I5stest-growing cities and states, such as Falls Church, Virginia; and
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Physics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT May 17, 1994-; Section 1, Page 16
the states of California and Florida, the Past-growing objects of recent taxpayer revolts (Proposition 13). The
community, like an impregnated mother abandoned by her husband, must bear the burden of the growth, long
alier the pleasures of conception are finished.
Hence one expects an increasing gap in cost of living and income between rich and poor, if, ~ claimed alx)ve,
it is thc rich and middle-class who benefit from growth, and the poor who pay the costs. This is indeed the case;
homelessness increased dramatically during the Reagan administration a mst of the "trickle-down" theoD'.
Additionally, the income gap between rich and poor has been increasing for the last 20 yearn. (Statement in an
address by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Gmenspan in an address to the Federal Reserve Board Apr. 7. 1994,
as reported in the Roanoke Times and World News on APril 8, 1994).
35The Enterprise Communities Program is explicit in its description of projects which damage inner-city self-
sufficiency. As one of our own inner-city black leaders has expressed, in a poor community, "5~ur social
service is your neighborhood". Cited "past mistakes in urban development" are those things which compromise
that neighborhood.
The list presented is suggestive of the widening of Wells Ave, the renovation of Hotel Roanoke, the Civic
Center development, the extension of 2nd Street, and the channelization of the Roanoke River. To continue
with these projects is to repeat our past errors (as listed in the Housing and Urban Development Strategic
Planning brochure):
· created poor investment opportunities by investing in individual development projects and not in their
neighborhood settings;
· destroyed community history and identity by tearing down buildings and scattering local institutions;
,, isolated different housing types, income groups, and their family support systems;
· demolished buildings that produced unwanted "no man's landsn and separated people rather than building a
sense of community;
· allowed lifeless streets and single-use zones without 24-hour activity;
· permitted lYecways and major rt~tcLs to dissect neighborhoods and isolate people;
· dispersed civic facilities and destroyed the structure and focus of once vibrant neighborhoods and
communities;
· displaced smail local businesses and stores; and
· damaged natural lands and destroyed trees, plant life, watenvays, and other environmental systcms.
36It is sobering to realize that the City of Roanoke is, apparently unintentionally, continuing to actively
undermine the long-term economic viability (i.e., self-sufficiency) of its own communities. Aside from the
Wal-Mart project discussed in this document, thc self-sufficiency of several hopel~l Enterprise Community
neighborh~xls will be further undermined should the City pursue its proposed Second Street project (permitting
a major road or freeway to dissect a neighborhood and isolate people). Other damaging projects have already
commenced (Wells Street, lk~r the same reason), and have been proposed (the poor investment opportunity
created by investing in a downtown convention center, or a major sports center, for example, and not in the
neighborhood setting).
37Rocky Mountain Institute (303-927-3851; RMI, 1739 Snowmass Creek Road, Snowmass, CO 81654-
9199), as described in Suslaittable Developmenl: Prosperity Withott! Growth, by Michael Kinsley, Economic
Renewal Program Director.
38A high Quality of Life will inspire tourists to visit. More importantly, investment in that Quality of Life
will inspire talented, far-sighted individuals to $Ia.¥ and ~larl bus'ine.¥~'3' here. Investment in Quality of Life
includes, most importantly, investment in local citizens, via. for example:
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Physics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
Wal-Mart Calculations DRAFT May 17, 1994; Section 1, Page t7
(ar citizen powers of initiative and referendum, so that the poor and powerless, those who pay
disproportionately the costs of Growth, can act most effectively to protect that very Quality of Life which is
most threatened by Growth, and
(b) public education on effective participation in local government, priced according to ability to pay.
Investment in Quality of Life. for other communities, has meant Open Space Programs, Urban Growth
Boundaries, and limitations in building heights, number and location of new building permits, competitively
granted, with awards according to a point-based system, considering energy efficiency, design, and use of
alternative transportation and alternative energy sources.
39Roanoke's strong and diverse small business base has helped her survive bigger blows than this one by
Wal-Mart as pointed out by John Jennings of the Small Business Development Center in Roanoke (Roanoke
Times and World-News, April 7, 1994, page S9). Efforts such as the Virginia Economic Bridge (VEB)
Initiative, headed by Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, promoting existing, primarily small, businesses have yielded exciting
results, and should be expanded and diversified. By enhancing this native strength, she'll have the capacity to
nde out this storm, and future storms as well.
It is in,resting that the VEB Initiative has noted the lagging economic development and the lower costs of
doing business in Southwest Virginia, compared to urbanized Northern Virginia (NOVA). That is, we am less
developed and cheaper than NOVA. Forbes has noted a converse pattern on a national level--cities with higher
populations have higher costs of doing business (January 1994, cover article). Hopefully the VEB Initiative
will help us to separate the wheat from the chaff, and to have development without increased costs.
4°To illustmm the magnitude of support for "green" businesses, I offer three examples. First, Deja Shoes, of
Seattle, Washington: this company manufactures shoes from completely reused and recycled materials. It has
been in existence for nvo years, since April 199'2, and has spent nothing on advertising, founder Julie Lewis told
me recently. Yet Deja Shoes has received the equivalent of $52 million in advertising, in newspaper and journal
articles as well as in celebrity entertainment spots.
Second is Linda Bavaro, the founder of one-year-old Global Green. Ms. Bavaro tells me she has received
similar very strong support, and is being courted and supported by such big names us Walt Disney and Ted
Turner Enterprises, among others. Global Green, of Atlanta, Georgia, manufactures everyday and fine fabric
from discarded plastic drink bottles. The two young businesswomen are united in their message: the field is
wide open and ready for entrepreneurial talent.
The third example is the recently considered mandate that all government vehicles us~ alternative fuels, such
as ethanol (1992 Annual Energy Ontlook With Prq]ectiotb' to 2010). The Roanoke area is in a unique position
to benefit from such a mandate; her moonshiners have developed world-class talent in efficient, low-impact
ethanol production (Nearby Franklin County is locally known as "moonshine capitol of the world"). Roanoke
has the talent and the I,,mal interest in alternative entrepreneurial ventures; now is the time to develop it.
4 lThe SBA and the DOE use workbt×)ks and casebooks of the Rocky Mountain Institute's Economic
Renewal Prog~-am. Therein, these principles form the hasis of a self-help technique for sustainable economic
development. These techniques may be used both by growing and by declining communities. For more
infocmation, contact the Rocky Mountain Institute (303-927-3851; RMI. 1739 Snowmass Creek Road,
Snowmass, CO 81654-9199) and ask for Snstainable Development: Prosperity Without Growth, by Michael
Kinsley. Economic Renewal Program Director.
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D.E.E., M.S. Optics, B.S. Physics 3835 Darlington Rd. SW
APPENDIX VII: ATTACHMENTS
Wal-Mart Should Come on Our Terms, Not at Our Expense
The company didn't even identify itself in its initial communications with city officials. For
months we only knew that a "giant retail project" might come to our already overbuilt traffic-
jammed commercial strip on Route 12A.
Despite the company's coyness, we guessed it was Wal-mart, which is spreading out of the
south like kudzu vine. In just 10 years Wal-Mart has overtaken Sears and Kmart as the nation's
largest discount retailer, with annual sales of $44 billion and about 150 new stores a year. We
have watched Wal-Marts creep toward us up the New Hampshire side of Connecticut River,
luring Vermont customers without having to face Vermont's tough land-use laws.
When we finally found out it was indeed Wal-Mart knocking at our door, chills went down
the backs of businesses and citizens.
Why?
For one thing, Wal-Mart kills off local competitors. In Iowa the average Wal-Mart grosses
$13 million a year and increases total area sales by $4 million, which means it takes $9 million
worth of business from existing stores. Within three or four years of a WaI-Mart's arrival, retail
sales within a 20 mile radius go down by 25 percent; 20 to 50 miles away, sales go down 10
percent.
A Massachusetts study says a typical Wal-Mart adds 140 jobs and destroys 230 higher-
paying jobs. One reason Wal-Mart is price-competitive is that it keeps labor costs to a minimum.
Aside from a few managers, who usually come in from outside, it uses people mainly to stack
merchandise, ring up sales and wash floors. More than half of them work part-time and receive
no benefits.
According to studies from places where WaI-Marts have arrived, here are some other effects.
Despite public investments in restoring downtown business districts, vacancies increase. Rents
drop, and the remaining enterprises pay lower wages and taxes. Competing chain stores in
existing malls leave and are not replaced. While downtowns die off, strip developments in non-
competing business boom around the Wal-Mart. Traffic there increases much more than
predicted on the bahs of the Wal-Mart alone.
Fewer merchandising profits circulate within the community. Wal-Mart profits go to
Arkansas. Wal-Mart handles most of its insurance, legal services and banking at its
headquarters, too.
That's why businesses are unenthusiastic about the arrival of a Wal-Mart. My neighbors are
upset for reasons that are more personal and profonnd. They are worried about uglineq*, hassle,
noise, traffic and growth. About the decline of neighborliness. About local control; About
purposes of community beyond the making and spending of money. And aho#l[ tho fact that
institutional bigness means, despite Sam Walton's down-home appeal, human heartlessness.
Sam Walton is dead. Wal-Mart is no longer one man's dream and accomplishment; it's a $44
billion gorilla that knows how to handle local officials, starting with not revealing its name.
There are consultants who go around lecturing to panicked merchants, telling them how to
survive After Wal-Mart. I can save everyone a lot of money by revealing the essence of their
message: Sell what Wal-Mart doesn't. Citizens are looking for advice not about how to survive
After Wal~Mart, but how to keep it from coming, or at least how to be sure it comes on the
community's terms, and not at the community's expense.
Appendix VII: Attachments DRAFT COPY
Wal-Mart Should Come On Our Terms...
September 13, 1995; Page 2
This behemoth on our doorstep, threatening to slurp up in one swallow most of the growth
potential of our community, to tilt business and traffic heavily in its direction and to laugh all the
way to the Arkansas bank, has exposed our vulnerability. Them are no laws against institutional
heartlessness. Outcompeting other businesses is the American way of life. Around here we
have given away much of the control we could have. We never passed land-use laws like
Vermont's. The area Wal-Mart wants to occupy is already zoned commercial and already a
mess. Our impact fees are a joke. We have talked about a traffic plan for years, but only talked.
So what can we do?
We can lean hard on the traffic problem. Let's see -- assuming a Wal-Mart induced
commuting delay of 15 minutes a day, 250 days a year, and billing at $20 an hour, that comes to
$1,250 per commuter per year. For doctors and lawyers who can charge $200 an hour, it's
$12,500 per year. We'll take it in the form of personal checks, thanks, with a surcharge for air
pollution, pain, suffering and ugliness. Either that or we need serious engineering and road
building before the big store comes in. The big store, which will cause and benefit from the
traffic, should pay for the road-building, from studies through construction.
Maybe the best weapon citizens have is Sam Walton's own statement: "If some community,
for whatever reason, doesn't want us in there, we aren't interested in going in and creating a
fuss." People who think a Wal-Mart or any other development will degrade their community
shouldn't just grouse to themselves. They should get together, attend planning meetings, speak
up, write letters, sound off. It can make a difference.
It would make even more of a difference to realize that not all kinds of growth are necessarily
good. What grows, where, and how fast, should be decided democratically in an open,
foresighted process of regional planning.
[From the Human Economy Newsletter (HEN), Vol. 14, No. 4, Dec. '93. The author. Donella Meadows, lives in
Plainfield, New Hampshire and is an adjunct professor of environmental studies at Dartmouth College. This
column originally appeared in the Valley News, Plainfield, NH on June 12, 1993. This column was sent to the
HEN by the People-Centered Development Forum.l
Appendix VII: Attachments DRAFT September 13, 1995; Section 2, Page 3
Letter to the Editor
Roanoke Times and World News, April l, 1994:
Dear Editor,
A Wal-Mart is proposed near Valley View.
Studies show Wal-Mart damages local economies (From "Wal-Mart Should Come On Our
Terms, Not At Our Expense"; D. Meadows, The Human Economyl, Dec. 1993. Figures are
state averages):
· LOCAL BUSINESSES SUFFER. Iowa: total sales of all retail stores within 25
miles drop 25% within 3 to 4 years.
· ECONOMIC DRAIN. Iowa: Wal-Marts gross $13 million annually. Increases in
total area sales are $4 million -- the community loses $9 million.
· DECREASE IN JOBS, MUNICIPAL REVENUES. Massachusetts: Wal-
Mart adds 140 jobs and eliminates 230 higher-paying jobs.
Wal-Mart still wants Roanoke to sweeten the deal.
I suggest sweetening in the other direction. Wal-Mart, offer Roanoke 10,000 acres of prime
real estate, to be used for nature trails, bike paths and fishing sites.
Well-paying jobs lost? Make the land in a continuous belt around the city, to limit further
expensive sprawl and to channel resources into our troubled inner city.
Minus $9 million? Construct a network of paths and bikeways, reaching within walking
distance of every resident.
25% retail sales drop? Add frequent shuttles between major business/shopping areas.
Maybe, after that, we'll talk. Public hearing April 11.
Sincerely Yours,
Paula C. Willis, Ph.D., E.E., M.S., Optics, B.S., Physics
P.S. Allow me to point out that in general, the most successful communities are those in
which the citizens most easily influence local development. An alternative to Wal-Mart is
described in "Putting the Community Back into Community Retail" (A. Achimore, Aug. 1993,
Urban Land2).
I For reprints, contact: The Human Economy Center, Box 14, Department o1' Economics, Mankato State
University, Mankato, MN 56001. Questions about Wal-Mart studies may also be addressed to Ed Lytwak of
the Carrying Capacity Network, 1325 G Street NW, Suite 1003; Washington, D.C. 20005-3104. Phone 1-
2For reprints, contact: the Urban Land Institute. 625 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004-2390.
Appendix VI: Attachments DRAFT September 13, 1995; Section 2, Page 4
Photocopied articles:
The Problem With Paving1
A Positive Alternative2
Making Zoning Work3
UGBs: The Antidote to Sonoma County's Growth Battles4
Sustainable Development: Prosperity Without Growth5
t"The Problem With Paving": Fact Sheet ,gl I'rom thc Alliance lbr a Paving Moratorium: Jan Lundberg,
APM; POB 4347; Arcata, CA, Ecotopia 95521 (707) 826-7775. Coordinator of L/.:cal Chapters: Bob Mueller,
Rt. I, Box 250, Staunton, VA 24401 (703) 885-6983.
2"A Positive Alternative": Fact Sheet g2 from the Alliance tbr a Paving Moratorium: Jan Lundberg, APM;
POB 4347; Arcata, CA, Ecotopia 95521 (707) 826-7775. Coordinator of Local Chapters: Bob Mueller, Rt. 1,
Box 250. Staunton. VA 24401 (703) 885-6983,
3"Making Zoning Work"; Developmeuts, July, 1993, page 15. Developments is a publication o1' the
National Growth Management Leadership Project (NGMLP). NGMLP's mission is m advcate new state and
regional solutions to managing growth through education, research and leadership development. Virginia
affiliates of the NGMLP Network are: Piedmont Env. Council; 28-C Main St.; Warrenton, VA 22186.
44"UGBs: The Antidote to Sonoma County's Growth Battles" by Jim Sayer, Em,ironmental Impact
Reporter, Jan./Feb. 1993, p. I. Address: P.O. Box 1834, Sebasmpol, CA 95473.
5Rocky Mountain Institute (303-9°-7-3851; RMI, 1739 Snowma.ss Creek Road, Snowmass. CO 81654-
9t99). ~¢uslaiuable Development: Prosperity [Vithout Growth is by Michael Kinsley, RMI Economic Renewal
Program Director.
MINUTES CONSIDERED AT THIS COUNCIL MEETING
MAY BE REVIEWED ON LINE IN THE "OFFICIAL MINUTES" FOLDER,
OR AT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
(: [ T '?
'94 ~,P~!-5 P?'2g
Roanoke City Architectural Review Board
April 11, 1994
Mayor David A. Bowers
and Members of City Council
Roanoke, Virginia
Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council:
SUBJECT: Annual Report of Architectural Review Board
Enclosed for your information is the 1993 Annual Report of the Roanoke City Architectural
Review Board.
The City's historic districts continue to be successful encouraging quality investment in Roanoke.
Roanoke's City Market has shown economic and cultural prosperity over the years because of City
Council's commitment to preservat on and architectural excellence. Last year the dilapidated former
Wright Furniture building on Campbell Avenue was comp etely rehabilitated for two commercial
businesses and three upper-story apartments with the assistance of the City's CDBG historic building
facade grant program. Another building at 123 Campbell Avenue was substantially rehabilitated
through the same program; plans for restoring the old Shenandoah Hotel at the corner of Williamson
Road and Campbell Avenue are on the horizon.
The same prosperity is evident in the neighborhoods of Old Southwest, Mountain View, and Hurt
Park. Last year, there were several major rehabilitation projects in the Southwest Historic District.
Prominent projects included the restoration for offices of the Boxley house at the corner of Washington
Avenue and Franklin Road and the McNelis mansion at 1729 Patterson Avenue. In addition, two new
office buildings were approved for construction and three new affordable single family homes.
The Architectural Review Board continues to work with Downtown Roanoke, Inc. and Old
Southwest, Inc. in resolving design issues and in achieving long-term goals for the districts. Detailed
Architectural Design Guidelines will soon be available to assist historic district property owners in
developing their properties and working with the ARB. Roanoke's historic districts can continue to be
a model for the city in promoting quality development, sensitive rehabilitation, and diversified housing.
On behalf of the Board, I thank you for your continued support. Because of your support and
the dedication of our citizens and businesses, Roanoke is recognized nationally for its downtown and
neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Room 162 Municipal Building
Sincerely,
~_.. L. Whitwell
Chairman
215 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, Virginia 24011
(703) 981-2344
Roanoke City
Architectural Review Board
1993 Annual Report
Roanoke, Virginia
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
The Architectural Review Board
Purpose
Members
Attendance
Summary of 1993 Action
1993 Certificates of Appropriateness
1
1
2
3
3
4
THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
The Architectural Review Board is comprised of seven members who are appointed by City Council
and serve voluntarily, to ensure the preservation, protection, and enhancement of buildings, structures, and
landmarks in the City's historic districts. The purpose of the Board is as follows:
1. To assist the governing body in administering the City's historic ordinances.
2. To review new construction, modifications, and demolition in the historic districts.
To preserve, protect, and encourage appropriate rehabilitation of the City's
designated historic, architetural and cultural resources.
To recommend for historic landmark status and historic district protection,
significant historic, architectural and cultural landmarks, structures and buildings in
the City of Roanoke.
5. To provide architectural expertise to City Council and the administration when requested.
Members of the Architectural Review Board are required to have expertise or an interest in historic
preservation. Two members must be registered architects and one member is required to be selected from
the City Planning Commission. The remaining four members are selected at large.
In 1993, the Board members were:
W. L. Whitwell, Chairman.
Kenneth L. Motley, Vice Chairman -
Richard L. Meagher
John Will Creasy
(te,m ended April, 1993)
Donald C. Harwood
(appointed May, 1993)
Timothy L. Jamieson
Richard L. Jones
Robert B. Manetta
Architectural Historian
Professor of Art at Hollins College
Author of The Architectural Heritage of the Roanoke Valley
Registered Architect
President/CEO Motley Associates
Retired Architect
Retired partner, Wells, Meagher & McManama, AIA
Artist
Registered Architect
Hill Studio, PC
Registered Architect
Vice President, Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern
Member Roanoke City Planning Commission
Registered Architect
Partner, Jones & Jones Associates, Architects
Associate General Counsel, Carilion
Interest in historic preservation
BOARD MEMBER ATYENDANCE - 1993
Board Member
John W. Creasy
Donald Harwood
Timothy L. Jamieson
Richard Jones
Robert Manetta
Richard L. Meagher
Kenneth L. Motley
W. L. Whitwell
No. of Meetings Attended
3 of 4
5 of 8
6 of 12
11 of 12
12 of 12
10 of 12
8 of 12
12 of 12
SUMMARY OF 1993 ACTIONS
Total Applications Reviewed: H-1 Applications Reviewed:
H-2 Applications Reviewed:
Total Applications Approved:
Total Applications Denied:
Total Applications Appealed:
Total number of meetings held:
58
13
45
57
1
0
12
Total Applications Reviewed, 1992 48
ROANOKE CITY ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS - 1993
CA NO. CA DATE APPLICANT LOCATION DISTRICT REQUEST ACTION TAKEN
93-001 1/14/93 Mark C. Kary 507 Mountain Avenue, SW H-2 Removal of front porch, Approval
concrete slab
~3.002 1/14/93 Edward H. Brewer, Jr. 529 Allison Avenue, SW H-2 Moving door and window Approval
934)03 I/14/93 City of Roanoke Highland Park H-2 Relocation of fountain Approved
93-004 2/11/93 Phillip Bane 421 Elm Avenue, SW H-2 Rehab of building Approval
93-4305 2/11/93 The Roanoke Valley Trouble 404 Elm Avenue, SW H-2 Handicap mmp and Approval
Center, Inc. exterior modifications
93-006 2/11/93 VA Mills Cotton Products 505 6th Street, SW H-2 Removal of smokestack Approval
93-007 3111193 J.C. Bradford & Co. 202-208 Jefferson Street, SE H-I Sign Approval
934108 4/8/93 Nancy H. MiIne 425 Allison Avenue, SW H-2 Privacy fence Approval
934)09 4/8/93 House Unique Galleria 112 Market Street, SE H-1 Sign and awning Approval
93-O10 4/8/93 Clarence Kerr 401 Woods Avenue, SW H-2 Greenhouse window Approval
93411 418193 ! aura S. Saul 609 Allison Avenue, SW H-2 Picket fence/gate Approval
934)12 4/8/93 Roanoke Valley Convention and 114 Market Street, SE H-I Banner Approval
Visitors Bureau
93413 4/8/93 Jack V. Altizer 324 Washington Avenue, SW H-2 Rehab of bldg., parking, Approval
addition
93-014 4/8/93 Professional Therapies of comer Maple and Third, SW H-2 New building Approval
Roanoke, Inc.
93.015 5/13/93 Phillip Bane 421 Elm Avenue, SW H-2 Roof replacement Approval
(slate to shingle)
93416 $/13/93 Professional Therapies of comer Maple and Third, SW H~2 New building (edditional Approval
Roanoke, Inc. details)
93417 5/13/93 Arthur B. Crash, III 424 Elm Avenue, SW H-2 Rehab of building Approval
CA DATE CA DATE APPLICANT LOCATION DISTRICT REQUEST ACTION TAKEN
93-018 5/13/93 Joy Isrig 601 Woods Avenue, SW H-2 Privacy fence Approval
93-019 5/13/93 Al Greene 419 Walnut Avenue, SW H-2 Picket fence, entrance Approval
overhang
93-020 5/13/93 Bruce Brenner 113 and 109 Norfolk Avenue, H-I Painting/handicap ramp Approval.
SW
93-021 5/13/93 Dwayne Thomas and Susan 431 King George Avenue, SW H-2 Privacy fence Approval
Abe Guynn
93-022 6/10/93 Frank P. Wooding 415 Day Avenue, SW H~2 Rehab of building Approval
93-023 6/10/93 R.N. Richer 415 Allison Avenue, SW H-2 Entrance overhang Approval
93-024 6/10/93 Phyllis A. Johnson 426 Woods Avenue, SW H-2 Privacy fence Approval
93-025 6/10/93 Bonnie B. Cobb 1615A Patterson Avenue, SW H-2 Shutters/brick steps Certificate Not
Issued
93-026 6/10/93 Naomi Whitlock 358 Allison Avenue, SW H-2 cover hidden gutters Approval
replace porch roof
(tin to shingle)
93-027 6/10/93 Phillip N. Morgan 626 Walnut Avenue, SW H-2 Privacy fence, brick wall Approval
w/gate
93-028 7/8/93 J.T. White 618 Elm Avenue, SW H-2 Picket fence Approval
93-029 7/8/93 Steven Hartman 120 Campbell Avenue, SE H-I Awning Approval
93-030 7/8/93 Sherman Chisom Riverside Boulevard, SW H-2 3 new houses Approval
93-031 7/8/93 A~hur B. Crush, III 424 Elm Avenue, SW H-2 Rehab of building Approval
(additional details)
93-032 7/8/93 Relish Realty 118 Campbell Avenue, SE H-I Rehab of building Approval
93-033 8/12/93 Relish Realty 118 Campbell Avenue, SE H-I Rehab of building Approval
93-034 8/12/93 Richard S. Winstead 1729 Patterson Avenue, SW H-2 Rehab of building Approval
CA NO. CA DATE APPLICANT LOCATION DISTRICT REQUEST ACTION TAKEN
93-035 8/12/93 Clarence Kerr 405 Woods Avenue, SW H-2 Roof replacement (tin to Approval
shingle); gutters
93-036 8/12/93 David Saunders 107-109 Second Street, SE H-I Rehab of building Approval
93-037 8/12/93 Steve Hartman 120 Campbell Avenue, SE H-I Screen door Approval.
93-038 9/9/93 Sam Putney 113 Norfolk Avenue, SW H- 1 Signs Approval
93-039 9/9/93 James Ford 303 Washington Avenue, SW H-2 New addition Approval
93-O40 9/9/93 R. Schaefer Oglesby 521 Bluff Avenue, SW H-2 Rehab of buildings Approval
93-041 9/9/93 Allright Roanoke Parking, Inc. 117~123 Salem Avenue, SE H-1 Sigu/meter box Approval
93-042 9/9/93 First Union Bank 10 S. Jefferson Street H-1 Sign Approval
93-043 10/14/93 Highland Park l~aming Center 1212 5th Street, SW H-2 Sign Approval
93-044 10/14/93 Brian K. Woodford 608 Elm Avenue, SW H-2 Privacy fence Approval
93-045 10/14/93 The Roanoke Valley Trouble 404 Elm Avenue, SW H-2 Handicap romp Approval
Center
93-046 10/14/93 Steven Knapp 1211 4th Street, SW H-2 New windows, door, Approval
stoop
934)47 10/14/94 C & D Associates 1401 3rd Street, SW H-2 Dumpster enclosure Approval
934)48 11/11/93 Robert Szathmary 123 Campbell Avenue, SE H-I Awning/door Approval
934149 11/11/93 Community Hospital 902 S. Jefferson Street H-2 Sign Approval
93-050 11/11/93 J.T. White 618 Elm Avenue, SW H-2 Roof replacement Approval
(tin to shingle)
93-051 11 / 11/93 George R. Bristol 370 Highland Avenue, SW H-2 Fence Approval
93-052 11 / 11/93 ' Image Advertising 1302 Second Street, SW H-2 Window replacement Approval
93-053 12/9/93 Lawrence Fenzel 1133 Second Street, SW H-2 Porch/handicap ramp Approval
CA NO. CA DATE APPLICANT LOCATION DISTRICT REQUEST ACTION TAKEN
93-054 12/9/93 Bob Hall and Nick Eades 510 Marshall Avenue, SW H-2 Demolition of building Approval
93-055 12/9/93 Richard Winstead 1729 Patterson Avenue, SW H-2 Vinyl over stucco; Approval
remove door
93-056 12/9/93 Herbert H. Smith, II 368 Walnut Avenue, SW H-2 New front porch Approval'
93-057 12/9/93 Pediatric Associates comer Franklin and Woods, SW H-2 New building Approval
93-058 12/9/93 A B Properties Affiliated 1OO9 First Street, SW H-2 Handicap ramp Approval
Services, Inc.
Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
Roanoke, Virginia
April 11, 1994
SUBJECT: Countryside Estates
Dear Mayor and Members of Council:
On January 3, 1994, City Council declined a request to support financing by the Virginia
Housing Development Authority for the sale and remodeling Countryside Estates, to be undertaken by
Castle Development Corporation of Richmond. The principal concern of Council at that time was that
the financing would require all units in the 108-unit development to be occupied by residents at or
below 60% median income for fifteen years.
After Council's action in early January, City staff continued discussions with Castle
Development Corporation to try to find a means whereby the sale and improvement of the property
could be undertaken on terms more acceptable to the City. Ultimately, those efforts were
unsuccessful.
In February, the U. S. Bankruptcy Court for this district approved a contract of sale of this
property to another party. It appears this sale will occur this spring, with the developer expecting to
make moderate improvements to the vacated units currently unrentable, and to improve others as
vacancies occur over an extended period of time. These arrangements will require no subsidized
funds from any source, nor City approval or comment. The buyer intends to rent the units at market
rates and to try to maintain an economic mix in the project.
Because of the action of City Council on this matter in January and the attention it received
subsequently, I felt this update to Council would be appropriate.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding this matter.
Respectfully submitted,
City Manager
WRH:rs
City Attorney
Director of Finance
Director of Public Works
Building Commissioner
Chief of Planning
Chief of Economic Development
Housing Development Coordinator
MARY F. PARKER
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
April 13, 1994
File #24-32-166-183-184
W. Robert Herbert
City Manager
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Mr. Herbert:
I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 31947-041194 amending and reordaining
subsection (c) of Section 7-14, Permit and inspection fees, of Article II, Building
Code, of Chapter 7, Building Regulations, of the Code of the City of Roanoke
(1979), as amended, to provide for waiver of all permit fees for maintenance and
minor remodeling performed by City employees on City property. Ordinance No.
31947-041194 was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting
held on Monday, April 11, 1994.
Sincerely,
Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE
City Clerk
MFP: sm
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The Honorable Kenneth E. Trabue, Chief Judge, Circuit Court
The Honorable G. O. Clemens, Judge, Circuit Court
The Honorable Roy B. Willett, Judge, Circuit Court
The Honorable Diane M. Strickland, Judge, Circuit Court
The Honorable Clifford R. Weckstein, Judge, Circuit Court
The Honorable Joseph M. Clarke, II, Chief Judge, Juvenile and Domestic
Relations District Court
The Honorable Philip Trompeter, Judge, Juvenile and Domestic Relations
District Court
The Honorable John B. Ferguson, Judge, Juveuile and Domestic Relations
District Court
Wo Robert Herbert
April l3, 1994
Page 2
pc:
The Honorable Edward S. Kidd, Jr., Chief Judge, General District Court
The Honorable Julian H. Raney, Jr., Judge, General District Court
The Honorable Richard C. Pattisall, Judge, Genera] District Court
The Honorable Donald S. Caldwe]l, Commonwealth's Attorney
The Honorable Arthur B. Crush, III, Clerk, Circuit Court
Patsy Bussey, Clerk, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Ronald Albright, Clerk, General District Court
Bobby D. Casey, Office of the Magistrate
Clayne M. Calhoun, Law Librarian
Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney
James D. Grisso, Director of Finance
William F. Clark, Director, Public Works
Ronald H. Miller, Building Commissioner
Nelson M. Jackson, Manager, Building Maintenance and Custodial Services
Dolores C. Daniels, Assistant to the City Manager for Community
Relations
Raymond F. Leven, Public Defender, Suite 4B, Southwest Virginia
Building, Roanoke, Virginia 24011
Evelyn Jefferson, Vice President - Supplements, Municipal Code
Corporation, P. O. Box 2235, TaIlahassee, Florida 32304
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA,
The llth day of April, 1994.
No. 31947-041194.
AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining subsection (c) of Sec.
7-14, Permit and inspection fees, of Article II, Buildinq Code, of
Chapter 7, Buildinq Requlations, of the Code of the City of Roanoke
(1979), as amended, to provide for waiver of all permit fees for
maintenance and minor remodeling performed by City employees on
City property; and providing for an emergency.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that:
1. Sec. 7-14, Permit and inspection fees, of Article II,
Buildinq Code, of Chapter 7, Bulldinq Regulations, of the Code of
the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, is hereby amended and
reordained to read and provide as follows:
Sec.
7-14. Permit and inspection fees.
The preceding subsections notwithstanding,
(c) no fee
for the inspection or reinspection of an elevator in a
building owned by the City of Roanoke shall be due or
payable; no permit fee for maintenance and minor
remodeling performed by city employees on city property
shall be due or payable.
2. In order to provide for the usual daily operation of the
municipal government, an emergency is deemed to exist, and this
ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage.
ATTEST:
City Clerk.
'94
Roanoke, Virginia
Aprilll~ 1994
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Members of City Council:
Subject:
Change City Code that would
allow City Departments to
be issued "No Fee" Permits
for Maintenance Projects
I. Background
Building Maintenance Department performs repairs and
remodeling work in City Buildings that often require
building and related permits. Until recently, Building
Maintenance has routinely obtained "No Fee" permits.
Building Inspections Department issues permits and
requires fees to be paid in accordance with Uniform
Statewide Building Code (USBC) Section 104.2. "A
permit shall not be issued until the fees prescribed
by the local government have been paid to the author-
ized agency of the jurisdiction, nor shall an amendment
to a permit be approved until any additional fee has
been paid. The local government may authorize delayed
payment of fees."
City Council establishes fees for Permits.- City
Code 7-14 - Permit and Inspection Fees:
(a)
The fees for permits, inspections and reinspection
required by the building code adopted by this
article shall be in such amounts as are prescribed
from time to time, by the City Council.
PAGE 2
II. Current Situation
Building Maintenance Department performing work on City
properties, must acquire and pay for all Permits from
budgeted operating funds.
III. Issues
Ao
Funding has not been included in general operating
accounts for Permits.
Bo
Timeliness of work. Building Inspection Department can
not accept a City Purchase Order for permits. City
departments do not operate with cash; therefore
start of job is delayed.
IV. Alternatives
Ao
City Council waive all Permit fees for maintenance
and minor remodeling performed by City employees on
City property.
1. Funding would not be an issue.
o
Timeliness would not be an issue as permits could
be issued by the Building Inspection Department on
the date of request. Appropriate inspections
would still be performed.
Bo
City Council not waive all Permit fees for maintenance
and minor remodeling performed by City employees on
City property.
Funding would remain an issue. Fees for permits
would be drawn from operating funds, reducing the
amount of work that can be accomplished.
o
Timeliness would remain an issue. Permits can not
be issued until requisitions are written and
processed so a check may be obtained to pay for
permits, delaying start of work.
PAGE 3
V. Recommendation
Ao
Council approve Alternative "A", thus amending the City
Code to provide for the waiver of any and all Permit
fees for maintenance and minor remodeling performed by
City employees on City property.
W~Robert Herbert
Ci'~y Manager
pc:
Director of Finance
City Attorney
Management & Budget
Director of Public Works
MARY F. PARKER
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
April 13, 1994
File #1-45-60-184-301-467-472-497
James D. Grisso
Director of Finance
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Mr. Grisso:
I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 31948-041194 amending and reordaining certain
sections of the 1993-94 City Information Systems Appropriations, providing for the
transfer of $54,863.00 from Retained Earnings - Unrestricted to Capital Outlay -
Other Equipment, in connection with procurement of data communications and work
station equipment to be used in the City Information Systems Department for
enhanced computerization of City and School employee payrolis and leave time.
Ordinance No. 31948-041194 was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a
regular meeting held on Monday, April 11, 1994.
Sincerely,
Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE
City Clerk
MFP: sm
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pc:
W. Robert Herbert, City Manager
William F. Clark, Director, Public Works
Archie W. Harrington, Manager, City Information Systems
Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations
Glenn D. Radcliffe, Director, Human Development
Kenneth S. Cronin, Personnel Manager
D. Darwin Roupe, Manager, General Services
E. Wayne Harris, Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools
June S. Nolley, Clerk of the Roanoke City School Board
Diane S. Akers, Budget Administrator, Office of Management and
Budget
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
The llth day of April, 1994.
No. 31948-041194.
AN ORDINANCE to amend and reordain certain sections of the
1993-94 City Information Systems Appropriations, and providing for
an emergency.
WHEREAS, for the usual daily operation of the Municipal
Government of the
exist.
THEREFORE,
City of Roanoke, an emergency is declared to
BE IT ORDAINED by the
Roanoke that certain sections of the 1993-94 City
Systems Appropriations, be, and the same are hereby,
reordained to read as follows, in part:
Council of the City of
Information
amended and
&DmroDriations
Capital Outlay
Capital Outlay
$ 281,897
281,897
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings - Unrestricted (2) ................
1,061,443
1) Other Equipment
2) Retained
Earnings -
Unrestricted
(013-052-1602-9015) $ 54,863
(013-3336) ( 54,863)
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that, an emergency existing,
Ordinance shall be in effect from its passage.
ATTEST:
this
City Clerk.
Roanoke, Virginia
April 11, 1994
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Members of Council:
Subject: Fund Appropriations for Data Communication Equipment
P_ayJZQ~ for City and School employees have been computerized
for over 20 years.
Recording of Employee leave time and exceptional payroll data for
payroll has been and remains a cumbersome, manual proGess.
C. ~ of payroll data remains a centralized function.
~, items which cost less than $15,000, will be
procured through the competitive bid process in accordance with
the Procurement Section of the Code of the City of Roanoke.
Ao
Decentralization of payroll data entry_ is in the development stage
and nearing completion. This project was initiated with the approval
of the City's information Technology Committee approximately two
years ago. One phase of this project is to connect all City
departments to the mainframe computer.
Employee leave records in an electronic form with decentralized
access are needed to provide management information and current
information for employee leave balances.
C°
Certain Deeartments are not connected to the City's mainframe
computer. Decentralized access for all Departments will provide
data access to existing systems, such as payroll, accounting and
budget, as well as future systems such as City wide billing and
electronic mail.
Fund Appropriations
Page 2
II1.
A. Payroll Systems im,3rovements are needed:
1. Timeliness and efficiency of recording employee payroll data.
· ' ' of electronic payroll data is needed for
future use for employee leave studies and analysis.
Access to the host computer is needed by all departments to
accomplish the decentralization of payroll time entry and
provide access to other data systems.
Council appropriate $54.863 to City Information Systems
Department for procurement of data communications and work
station equipment as listed on Attachment "A" of this report.
Need - Items requested are necessary for implementation of
the Time Entry Project.
~ - Designated Funds are available in City
Information Systems Prior Year Retained Earnings Account
to provide for the purchase of requested items.
B. Do not appropriate Funds
Need - The Time Entry project and associated payroll
improvements will not be fully implemented·
2. F~- Designated Funds would not be expended
under this alternative.
Fund Appropriations
Page 3
Council concur with Alternative "A" - appropriate $54,863 from City
Information Systems Fund PriorYear Retained Earnings to Account
013-052-1602-9015 for the procurement of data communications
and work station equipment as listed on Attachment "A".
City Manager
Director of Financ~
WRH/JDG:s
Attachment
Attachment "A"
Page 4
Communications and Work Station Equioment
21 - PC 3270 Adapters and Software
6 - Multi-Protocol Adapters
6 - Personal Communications Software
8 - Modems
I - Remote Terminal Controller
3 - Multiplexers
1 - Local Control Unit
1 - IBM 3174-1R Upgrade
2 - 100' Rolls of Coax Cable
8 - Telephone Drop Installations
Coax Connectors and Miscellaneous Hardware
$14,217
1,512
1,632
21,176
2,716
1,818
9,500
636
700
656
300
TOTAL $54.863
MARY F. PA~KE~
City Clerk
CITY OF ROANOKE
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456
Roanoke, Virginia 2,~011
Telephone: (703) 981
SANDRA H. EAKIN
Deputy City Clerk
April 13, 1994
File #72-178-236
W. Robert Herbert
City Manager
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Mr. Herbert:
I am attaching copy of Resolution No. 31950-041194 accepting an offer of certain
Emergency Shelter Grants Program funds made to the City by the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development, under date of March 21, 1994, in the
amount of $61,000.00, to be used for operation and maintenance of facilities for the
Roanoke area homeless population, upon certain terms, provisions and conditions.
Resolution No. 31950-041194 was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a
regular meeting held on Monday, April 11, 1994.
Additional attested copies of the abovereferenced resolution are attached for your
transmittal, along with the executed Grant Agreement, to the Richmond Area Office
of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Sincerely,
Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE
City Clerk
MFP:sm
Eric.
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Neva H. Smith, Executive Director, City of Roanoke Redevelopment
and Housing Authority, 2624 Salem Turnpike, N.W. Roanoke, Virginia
24017 '
Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney
James D. Grisso, Director of Finance
Glenn D. RadcLiffe, Director, Human Development
Corinne B. Gott, Manager, Social Services
Donna S. Norvelle, Human Resources Coordinator
Charles A. Harlow, Acting Grants Monitoring Administrator
Diane S. Akers, Budget Administrator, Office of Management and
Budget
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA,
The llth day of April, 1994.
No. 31950-041194.
A RESOLUTION accepting an offer of a certain Emergency Shelter
Grants Program funds (ESGP) made to the City by the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development; and authorizing
execution of the aforesaid grant agreement and related documents,
on behalf of the City, to comply with the terms and conditions and
requirements of said Department pertaining thereto.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as
follows:
1. The City of Roanoke does hereby accept the offer made to
said City by the United States of America, Department of Housing
and Urban Development, under date of March 21, 1994, of a grant of
Federal funds under Subtitle B of Title IV of the Stewart B.
McKtnney Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 11301 (1988), as
amended, and other provisions of federal laws and regulations,
amounting for Operation and
to $61,000.00 in funding to be used
maintenance of facilities for the Roanoke area homeless population,
upon all of the terms, provisions and conditions set out in the
Grant Agreement - Local Government Grantee, Emergency Shelter
Grants Program (the "Grant Agreement"), a copy of the Grant
Agreement is attached to the Council report dated April 11, 1994
and expressly incorporated herein by reference.
2. The City Manager, or the Assistant City Manager, be and
is hereby authorized and directed to execute, for and on behalf of
the City, written acceptance of the City on the proper forms,
thereby agreeing on behalf of the City, to comply with the terms
and conditions of the Grant Agreement, applicable law and
regulations and all requirements of the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development, now or hereafter in effect,
pertaining to the assistance provided.
3. Upon execution of the City's acceptance of said offer and
execution of the Grant Agreement, the original and one copy of the
Grant Agreement shall be forthwith forwarded to the Richmond Area
Office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, together
with attested copies of this resolution. One executed copy of the
Grant Agreement shall be retained by the City Clerk, for the City.
ATTEST:
City Clerk.
MARY F. PARKER
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
April 13, 1994
File #60-72-178-236
James D. Grisso
Director of Finance
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Mr. Grisso:
I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 31949-041194 amending and reordaining certain
sections of the 1993-94 Grant Fund Appropriations, providing for appropriation of
$61,000.00, in connection with acceptance of an Emergency Shelter Grants Program
grant award from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be
used for operation and maintenance of facilities for the Roanoke area homeless
population. Ordinance No. 31949-041194 was adopted by the Council of the City of
Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, April 11, 1994.
Sincerely,
Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE
City Clerk
MFP: sm
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pc:
W. Robert Herbert, City Manager
Glenn D. Radcliffe, Director, Human Development
Corinne B. Gott, Manager, Social Services
Donna S. Norvelle, Human Resources Coordinator
Charles A. Harlow, Acting Grants Monitoring Administrator
Diane S. Akers, Budget Administrator, Office of Management and
Budget
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
The llth day of April, 1994.
No. 31949-041194.
AN ORDINANCE to amend and reordain certain sections of the
1993-94 Grant Fund Appropriations, and providing for an emergency.
WHEREAS, for the usual daily operation of the Municipal
City of Roanoke, an emergency is declared to
Government of the
exist.
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of
Roanoke that certain sections of the 1993-94 Grant Fund
Appropriations, be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained
to read as follows, in part:
& ro iations
Health and Welfare
Emergency Shelter Grant - FY94
$ 1,803,007
(1) .................... 61,000
~evenue
Health and Welfare
Emergency Shelter Grant - FY94
(2) ................
1,803,007
61,000
1) Operating
Expenditures
2) Federal Grant
Receipts
(035-054-5170-2210) $ 61,000
(035-035--1234-7161) 61,000
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that, an emergency existing, this
Ordinance shall be in effect from its passage.
ATTEST:
City Clerk.
Honorable Mayor, and Members of Council
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia
April 11, 1994
Dear Members of Council:
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANTS PROGRAM GRANT AWARD ALLOCATION
BACKGROUND
A.
For the past seven years, City Council has accepted
Emergency Shelter Grants Program grant awards allocated
under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act from
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to
provide services to the homeless.
City appropriated the funds from all seven grant awards to
an Emergency Shelter Resource Fund enabling local non-profit
organizations to apply for financial support to improve and/
or maintain the quality of shelter facilities and services.
Council concurred with the funding recommendations submitted
by the City Manager's Committee on Homelessness. The
Emergency Shelter Grant awards received since 1987 totaled
$202,500 and were distributed to the following agencies:
Total Action Against Poverty
Roanoke Area Ministries
TRUST
$97,082
$60,294
$45,124
II. CURRENT SITUATION
FY 1994 Emergency Shelter Grants Program appropriations were
significantly increased nationally from 1993 levels,
resulting in an increase in the City's share from $28,000 to
$61,000.
An Emergency Shelter Grants Program grant allocation of
$61~000 has been awarded to the City of Roanoke by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
These funds, allocated under the Department of Housing and
Urban Development - Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance
Act~ must be used to provide assistance to the homeless or
those at risk of becoming homeless.
The City's Emergency Shelter Resource Fund will provide the
avenue for distributing these funds to private, non-profit
agencies who have the capacity to provide services for the
homeless.
City will invite applications from these providers to ensure
the most cost beneficial use of the funds.
The City Manager's Committee on Homelessness will review
proDosals and advise the City Manager on which proposals to
recommend to City Council for funding.
III. ISSUES
A. Impact on Services in the City.
B. Cost to the City.
C. Timing.
IV. AL'r~NATIVES
Authorize the City Manager to accept the Emergency Shelter
Grants Program grant award of $61,000 from the U.S. Depart-
ment of Housing and Urban Development and appropriate funds
to an account to be established in the Grant Fund by the
Director of Finance and increase the revenue estimate in the
Grant Fund.
Impact on Services in the City would be positive,
through the provision of additional funds to be used for
the operation and maintenance of facilities and services
available to the area's homeless population and those at
risk of becoming homeless.
2. Cost to the City would be nothing since no additional
City funds are required.
Timing is important in order to assure that the grant
award is not recovered and reallocated by the Department
of Housing and Urban Development. Funds must be
obligated within 180 days of March 21, 1994 (by
September 17, 1994).
B. Do not authorize the City Manager to accept the Emergency
Shelter Grants Program grant award.
Impact on Services in the City could be negative if
assistance for the operation and maintenance of shelter
facilities is not available from other sources.
2
Cost to the City would be the loss of a valuable source
of funds for the community, and possible increased
demand on other funds for providing services to homeless
persons.
3. Timing would not be an issue.
RECO~ENDATION
It is recommended that City Council adopt Alternative A which
would:
Authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement and
related documents (see attached) accepting the FY 1994
Emergency Shelter Grants Program grant award.
Appropriate $61,000 for the Emergency Shelter Grants Program
to an account to be established in the Grant Fund by the
Director of Finance and increase the revenue estimate in the
Grant Fund.
Respectfully submitted,
W.~Robert Herbert ~ +
City Manager
WRH:LSS
cc:
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
Director of Finance
Director of Human Development
Acting Grants Monitoring Administrator
Human Development Coordinator
GRANT AGREEMENT - LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTEE
EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANTS PROGRAM
This Grant Agreement is made by and between the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the City of
Roanoke, the Grantee.
The grant which is the subject of this Agreement is authorized by
Subtitle B of Title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance
Act, 42 U.S.C. 11301 (1988), as amended (the "Act"). The grant is
further subject to the statutory program amendments made by Section
832(b), (c), (d), and (e)(1) and (2) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National
Affordable Housing Act, Pub. L. 101-625, and to HUD's regulations at
24 CFR Part 576, as now in effect and as may be amended from time to
time, which are incorporated as part of this Agreement.
Also incorporated as part of this Agreement are the application,
and the certifications submitted to the Secretary by the applicant..
The Grantee further certifies that it is following a current housing
affordability strategy which has been approved by HUD.
In reliance upon the application and certifications, the
Secretary agrees, upon execution of the Grant Agreement, to provide
the Grantee grant funds in the amount provided in the enclosed HUD
Funding Approval form, which constitutes a part of this Agreement.
The grant is made subject to any special conditions in the Funding
Approval form.
The Grantee agrees to comply with all applicable laws and
regulations in distributing funds provided under this Grant Agreement
and to accept responsibility for ensuring compliance by subrecipient
entities to which it makes funding assistance hereunder available.
The Grantee further agrees to comply with the provisions of the
environmental requirements of 24 CFR Part 58 as applicable under
Section 104(g) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974
with respect to funds provided under this Grant Agreement.
2
This Grant Agreement is hereby executed by the Parties on the
dates set forth below their respective signatures, as follows:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
~Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
( Signature ) (Grantee)
Manager
(Title)
W. Robert Herbert
(Signature)
City Manager
(Date) (Title)
(Date)
** Note: The National Affordability Housing Act established separate
caps for supportive services and homeless prevention that must not
exceed 30 percent each. A waiver may be granted by HUD of the cap on
· essential services. The statutory change made by Section 1402(e) of
the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-
550,approved October 28,1992) permits up to 10 percent of the amount
received to be used for staff costs. With this change, up to ten (10)
percent of a grantee's ESG grant allocation may be spent on staff
costs involved with operations related to emergency shelter. Staff
costs associated with maintenance or security continue to be eligible
and are not counted towards the ten percent cap. Waivers of the
statutory caps on amounts for homeless prevention, staff costs for
operations, and administration are not permitted.
MARY F. PARKER
City Clerk
CITY OF ROANOKE
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456
Roanoke, Virginia 2s,011
Telephone: (703) 981-2541
SANDRA H. EAKIN
Deputy City Clerk
April 13, 1994
File #24-34-106-163-175
W. Robert Herbert
City Manager
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Mr. Herbert:
I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 31943-041194 amending and reordaining the
Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, by enacting a new Section 20-33.2,
Same -Requirements for operation5 obtaining license plate, tag or decal a condition
precedent to discharge of violation of Chapter 20, Motor Vehicles, to provide
authorization for regional enforcement of vehicle decal ordinances and authorizing
an agreement with other regional governments to effectuate such enforcement,
effective June 1, 1994. Ordinance No. 31943-041194 was adopted by the Council of
the City of Roanoke on first reading on Monday, April 4, 1994, also adopted by the
Council on second reading on Monday, April 11, 1994.
Sincerely,
City Clerk
CMC/AAE
MFP: sm
Ene.
pc:
Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator, County of Roanoke, P. O. 29800,
Roanoke, Virginia 24018-0798
Randolph M. Smith, City Manager, City of Salem, P. O. Box 869, Salem,
Virginia 24153
B. Clayton Goodman, III, Town Manager, Town of Vinton, P. O. Box 338,
Vinton, Virginia 24179
The Honorable Kenneth E. Trabue, Chief Judge, Circuit Court
The Honorable G. O. Clemens, Judge, Circuit Court
W. Robert Herbert
April 13, 1994
Page 2
The Honorable Roy B. Willett, Judge, Circuit Court
The Honorable Diane M. Strickland, Judge, Circuit Court
The Honorable Clifford R. Weckstein, Judge, Circuit Court
The Honorable Joseph M. Clarke, II, Chief Judge, Juvenile and Domestic
Relations District Court
The Honorable Philip Trompeter, Judge, Juvenile and Domestic Relations
District Court
The Honorable
District Court
The Honorable
The Honorable
The Honorable
The Honorable
The Honorable
The Honorable
The Honorable
John B. Ferguson, Judge, Juvenile and Domestic Relations
Edward S. Kidd, Jr., Chief Judge, General District Court
Julian H. Raney, Jr., Judge, General District Court
Richard C. Pattisall, Judge, General District Court
Donald S. Caldwell, Commonwealth's Attorney
Arthur B. Crush, III, Clerk, Circuit Court
Marsha Compton Fielder, Commissioner of Revenue
Gordon E. Peters, City Treasurer
Patsy Bussey, Clerk, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Ronald Albright, Clerk, General District Court
Bobby D. Casey, Office of the Magistrate
Clayne M. Calhoun, Law Librarian
Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney
James D. Grisso, Director of Finance
George C. Snead, Jr., Director, Public Safety
M. David Hooper, Police Chief
Dolores C. Daniels, Assistant to the City Manager for Community
Relations
Raymond F. Leven, Public Defender, Suite 4B, Southwest Virginia
Building, Roanoke, Virginia 24011
Evelyn Jefferson, Vice President - Supplements, Municipal Code
Corporation, P. O. Box 2235, Tallahassee, Florida 32304
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA,
The llth day of April, 1994.
No. 31943-041194.
AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining the Code of the City of
Roanoke (1979), as amended, by enacting a new S20-33.2, Same
Requirements for operation~ obtaining license plated tag or decal
a condition precedent to discharge of violation of Chapter 20,
Motor Vehicles~ to provide authorization for regional enforcement
of vehicle decal ordinances and authorizing an agreement with other
regional governments to effectuate such enforcement.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that:
1. The Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, is
hereby amended and reordained by the addition of the following new
S20-33.2, Same - Requirements for operation; obtaining license
plate~ tag or decal a condition precedent to discharge of violation
of Chapter 20, Motor Vehicles:
Sec. 20-33.2 Same - Requirements for operation; obtaining
license plated tag or decal a condition president to
discharge of violation
(a)
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor
vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, from a situs
jurisdiction which is a party to a regional enforcement
compact with the City, on any street, highway, road or
other travelled way in the City unless a valid local
license decal issued by the appropriate situs
jurisdiction of such vehicle is displayed thereon as
required by the law of such situs locality. The fact
that the current license tax of the situs jurisdiction
has been paid on such vehicle shall not bar prosecution
for a violation of this section.
Any violation of this section may not be discharged by
payment of a fine except upon presentation of
satisfactory evidence that the required license plate,
tag or decal herein required has been obtained. Any fine
paid under this section shall be deposited to the credit
of the general fund of the City of Roanoke, and no
accounting need be made thereof to the situs jurisdiction
of such vehicle.
2. The City Manager and the Clerk are hereby authorized to
execute and attest, respectively, an agreement with the County of
Roanoke, City of Salem and Town of Vinton, to provide for
enforcement of the local motor vehicle license requirements of such
other localities pursuant to S46.2-752(K), Code of Virginia,
(1950), as amended.
3. This ordinance shall be effective on and after June 1,
1994.
ATTEST:
City Clerk.
April 4, 1994
The Honorable David A. Bowers
and Members of City Council
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of Council:
SUBJECT: Regional Enforcement of Decal Ordinance
I am recommending for your consideration and approval the
adoption of a Regional Compact for inter-jurisdictional
enforcement of vehicle decal ordinances and the accompanying
amendments to our City Code. I believe this proposal will have a
positive effect on uniform enforcement of our own decal ordinance
and improve our revenue collection in the same area.
The ordinance before you for consideration, as prepared by
our City Attorney, requires that any person charged with failing
to have a city decal must present satisfactory evidence that a
decal has been purchased prior to the discharge of the case.
More simply stated, a resident of the City cited for an invalid
decal in the County, Salem, or Vinton cannot satisfy the charge
by simply paying the fine; he must also obtain the City decal and
pay all personal property taxes which are due.
W. Robert Herbert
City Manager
WRH/GCS/hw
cc:
City Attorney
Director of Finance
Director of Public Safety
Roanoke, Virginia
April 4, 1994
Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor
and Members of Council
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Members of Council:
Subject: Regional Enforcement of Decal Ordinance
I. Back~
The Virginia General Assembly during its 1993 Session amended Section 46.2-
752, Code of Virginia, to permit formation of regional compacts for reciprocal
enforcement of vehicle license decal requirements.
The Director of Public Safety, Police Chief, Commissioner of Revenue, and City
Treasurer, working with their counterparts from Roanoke County, City of Salem,
and Town of Vinton, with the assistance of corresponding legal offices, have
developed a proposed regional compact. (attached)
C. City Council was informed of this effort by my letter of January 24, 1994.
II. Current Situation:
A police officer in either of the named jurisdictions does not have the authority
to cite residents from another jurisdiction if a decal ordinance violation is
observed outside of their host government boundaries.
III. Issues:
A. Legality
B. Effective enforcement
C. Eauity
IV. Alternatives:
Enter into a regional compact with Roanoke County, City of Salem and Town of
Vinton, and enact the companion ordinances necessary for enforcement of the
regional compact enabling police officers in the City of Roanoke to enforce
ordinances of compact members and vice versa.
Honorable Mayor and Members of Council
Regional Enforcement of Decal Ordinance
Page 2
1. Legal issue would be resolved,
Effectiveness of law enforcement would be enhanced since officers of each
jurisdiction would have extended jurisdictional boundaries for the purpose
of enforcing decal ordinances.
Eouity_ would be increased since persons who attempt to avoid purchase
of decals or payment of personal property taxes would be more likely to
pay their fair share since the jurisdiction issuing the summons would
receive the fine and cost penalties and the home jurisdiction would collect
the decal cost and related local taxes prior to court disposition of charges.
WRH:MDH:mr
Do not enact a regional compact with Roanoke County, City of Salem, and the
Town of Vinton for reciprocal enforcement of vehicle license decal requirements.
Legal requirements would be unchanged.
Effectiveness of enforcement would not change.
o
Equity of enforcement and share of financial responsibility would not be
achieved.
R oo~dation is that Alternative A be enacted and the appropriate ordinances and
authorizations enabling enforcement of the compact.
Respectfully submitted,
W. Robert Herbert
City Manager
ROANOKE VA!.I.EY REGIONAL COMPACT FOR
ENFORCEMENT OF VEHICLE DECAL ORDINANCES
This REGIONAL COMPACT FOR THE INTER JURISDICTIONAL
ENFORCEMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE DECAL ORDINANCES is entered into this
day of ,1994, by and between the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, the County
of Roanoke and the Town of Vinton;
WITNESSETH
THAT, WHEREAS, the General Assembly of Virginia has amended § 46.2-752 to
specifically authorize two or more counties, cities or towns to enter into compacts for the
regional enforcement of local motor vehicle licensing requirements; and
WHEREAS, each of the jurisdictions entering into this Regional Compact has duly
adopted an ordinance in substantially identical form to authorize its chief administrator to
execute this compact and to' provide the legal authorization for each of the other
jurisdictions to enforce its local motor vehicle licensing requirements in the same manner
as their own.
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned jurisdictions agree to the following:
1. The law enforcement officers of each jurisdiction shall be authorized to
enforce the motor vehicle licensing and decal requirements of every other
participating jurisdiction in the same manner and with the same force of law
as its own motor vehicle licensing and decal requirements.
2. An~, parking ticket or uniform traffic summons issued by a jurisdiction's law
enforcement officers to the owner or operator who is in violation of the local
licensing requirements of the vehicle's situs shall be enforced in accordance
with the procedural requirements of the jurisdiction issuing such ticket or
summons and in the appropriate court of that jurisdiction. All fines or court
costs paid or collected in connection with the enforcement of such ticket or
summons shall be credited to the account of the issuing jurisdiction and no
accounting need be made thereof to the jurisdiction of the vehicle's situs.
No parking ticket or uniform traffic summons issued for a violation of the
local licensing or decal requirements of any of these jurisdictions shall be
discharged until satisfactory evidence has been produced to the appropriate
Treasurer or court officer indicating that the required license has been
obtained from the jurisdiction of the vehicle's situs and until full payment of
the requisite fines and court costs, if applicable, have been made.
............. t~ ......... ~ ......... ° ........................ ' "~' ........................ ~1 .......... ~ ~
~it!~j~'~2~iii~t[~ The participating jurisdictions agree to use their best efforts
to agree on an annual basis to a standard color or background for the local
motor vehicle licensing decal required by their respective ordinances.
However, in the event one or more of the jurisdictions which are a party to
this Compact are unwilling to agree to such standard color or background for
their, local decal for any one year, this Compact shall remain in full force and
effect for such jurisdiction and the law enforcement officers of the other
participating jurisdictions are fully authorized to continue to enforce the motor
vehicle licensing and decal requirements of all parties to this Compact.
2
WITNESS the following signatures on behalf of the indicated jurisdictions as
indication of the authorization and agreement of each participating governing body to the
terms of this Compact.
for the City of Roanoke
Date
for the City of Salem
Date
for the County of Roanoke
Date
for the Town of Vinton
Date