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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Actions 01-09-95 JtMtg JOINT MEETING ROANOKE CITY COUNCIl. ROANOKI~. COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1995 12:30 P.M. HIGHI.AND PARK LEARNING CENTER MAGNET SCHOOL - LIBRARY AGENDA 2. 3. 4. Dw WELCOME. LUNCH. ROLL CALL. OPENING REMARKS: David A. Bowers, Mayor, City of Roanoke. H. Odell Minnix, Chair, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS: A. Update on Explore Park. Dr. M. Rupert Cutler, Executive Director. Request for an update on affordable housing in Roanoke County. Mayor Bowers. Request for an update by Roanoke County on ridgeline protection. Mayor Bowers. Impact of the Governor's tax proposals on Roanoke City and Roanoke County. Mr. Herbert and Mr. Hodge. Regional consideration of a small business incubator. Mr. McCadden. Regional consideration of an athletic/skating rink practice facility. Mr. McCadden. Go Status report on areas of cooperation. Mr. Herbert and Mr. Hodge. Update on the Towers Pen'in Study. Mr. Herbert and Mr. Hodge. Update on the Greenways Corridor Study. Hodge. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: Adjournment. Mr. Herbert and Mr. DAVID A. BOWERS Mayor CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 2[5 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 452 Roanoke, Virginia 24011~1594 Telephone: (703) 981-2444 January 5, 1995 The Honorable Vice-Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Pursuant to Section 10, Meetings of Council, of the Roanoke City Charter, I am calling a special meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke on Monday, January 9, 1995, at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Library at the Highland Park Learning Center Magnet School, 1212 Fifth Street, S. W. The Council will meet with the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors to discuss matters of mutual interest and concern. Lunch will be served prior to the meeting. Best personal regards. Sincerely, David A. Bowers Mayor DAB: sm Eno. pc: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager James D. Ritchie, Assistant City Manager Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Mary F. Parker, City Clerk Willard N. Claytor, Director of Real Estate Valuation Robert H. Bird, Municipal Auditor CITY OF ROANOKE COUNTY OF ROANOK~ CITY OF SALEM TOWN OF VINTON January 11, 1995 The Honorable George Allen Governor of Virginia Governor's Office State Capitol, Third Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 Dear Governor Allen: On Monday, January 9, 1995, the Members of the Roanoke City Council and the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors held a joint speciai meeting. A considerable amount of discussion centered around the Governor's proposed amendments to the 1995-96 State budget and its potential impact on all Roanoke Vailey governments. Because of our grave concern over the long term effects of the proposed budget amendments on all Roanoke Vailey jurisdictions, we would like to extend an invitation for you and any members of your administrative staff that you deem appropriate to visit the Roanoke Valley so that we may share our concerns in greater detail. We would propose that our meeting be held sometime within the next 30 days. We hope that you will give favorable consideration to our request and look forward to receiving your response as soon as possible. Sincerely, City of Roanoke Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Charles R. Hill, Mayor Town of Vinton Update on Virginia's Explore Park By M. Rupert Cutler, Executive Director Prepared for Presentation to the Roanoke County-Roanoke City Coordination Meeting Highland Park Elementary School, Jan. 9, lgg5 First, I would like to thank the leaders of both the county and the city for their staunch support of Virginia's Explore Park, the valley's new outdoor living history museum and nature center project on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Roanoke River. We need you to focus today on one issue in particular with regard to Explore, and that is the lease of a right-of-way across the old landfill property for the Explore Park spur road, slated for construction beginning this year. You need to agree on this lease language in the next 30 to 60 days, or the project may be seriously delayed and the Explore Park project's viability seriously affected. As you know, the 1,300-acre park, administered by the governor-appointed Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority, was opened to the public on July 2 of last year. And even though it was open only on weekends and Mondays and was closed for the season on October 31, the park attracted over 20,000 paying guests in its first season. At this rate, and because the park will be better known, we may count some 50,000 visitors in 1995. The second season begins on April 1. Explore's mission is two-fold. As a living history museum, wilderness recreation area and zoo, Explore aims to become western Virginia's major tourist destination attraction, eventually attracting over one million visitors a year. As a state-of-the-art learning and conference center, Explore seeks recognition as a national center for environmental education curriculum design, in-service training and environmental conflict resolution. Currently, the living history program is being implemented through the park's Blue Ridge Settlement, a carefully reconstructed group of 18th and early 19th century farm and school buildings moved to the park from a radius of about 50 miles around Roanoke. Costumed interpreters stationed at each building-- representing the occupations of farmer, blacksmith, musician, Native American, free African American, etc.--explain how people lived in the Roanoke Valley 150 years ago. The teaching program at this site and on the park's several miles of nature trails has served over 15,000 area schoolchildren already. Our plans call for the completion this winter of a blacksmith/wheelwright shop, a free African American's home, and a spring house in the Settlement, to be ready for use in April. During the year we hope to begin reconstruction in the Settlement of the Mountain Union Church and the Brugh Tavern from Botetourt County. The church will be available for Sunday services and weddings, and the tavern will be a Home Place-type restaurant. We also hope to begin construction of a campus of four educational buildings located between the main parking lot and the Blue Ridge Settlement, beginning with a kindergarten-through-12th grade laboratory and classroom building. Whether the pace of our capital-construction fundraising for these and other facilities (such as the Indian village and the 1750s fort) continues at the present strong rate or slows drastically depends to a large extent on how the Virginia General Assembly responds to Governor Allen's proposal to cut in half Explore's current state appropriation for operating support. If his proposed $200,000 reduction in our operating budget stands--that's more than one-fifth of our budget-- it will be difficult to keep the park open. Clearly, what happens in Richmond this month and next will influence the decisions of our private funding sources, who are waiting in the wings to see how Explore Park fares in the budget process before making major investments in the project. We have received over $6 million in private support over the past ten years, but the flow of private grants to Explore could be drastically hurt if we have to mothball the park this year. We would appreciate it very much if you all would communicate concern about the governor's budget recommendation for Explore to both the governor and the General Assembly. I have copies for you of my testimony to a joint legislative committee on the budget which contains the details regarding the potential impact of the governor's proposal on the park, for your background information. A second matter of concern to us is the question of precisely where a major new National Park Service-administered tourist regional information center should be built on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Roanoke Valley. The Park Service identified one site it preferred during the environmental impact assessment of the Roanoke River Parkway (parkway spur to Explore) project. That site is on land south of the Roanoke River owned by Mr. Al Hammond. The NPS still is on record in favor of that site. We at Explore Park would prefer to see such a facility built on the parkway spur about to be constructed between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Explore Park, probably at the site of the bailer building on landfill property and about to be torn down. This would require no additional land acquisition or another exit off the Parkway. We would appreciate it very much if the county and city would come to a consensus on this question and forward their joint recommendation to Representative Goodlatte, who has indicated that he will seek federal funds for such a visitor center once the local powers that be have agreed on where it should be built. Meanwhile, we have a temporary regional information center facility at the entrance to Explore Park--in a trailer loaned by J. M. Turner Construction Co.-- which can be staffed with volunteers and used for this purpose. We really need Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitor Bureau support for this program; I cannot assign an Explore Park staffmember to this task on a full-time basis. I don't have enough people to do that. The most important issue before us vis-a-vis Explore is the parkway spur leas.e issue. For background 1 will distribute to you a letter to Rep. Goodlatte from the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, who states in his December 19, lgg4 communication that "concurrence [on right-of-way acquisition] had not been received from all three agencies". This landfill issue must be resolved immediately, or all we have fought for to bring the Explore Park project to fruition will be in jeopardy. For information on just why there has been a delay in reaching a consensus among the three governments on this matter, I think I had better refer you to their attorneys. I understand there has been discussion of a means of resolving the matter involving the transfer of authority over the landfill from the three governments to the landfill authority, with the landfill authority executing the lease to the Department of the Interior. Ladies and gentlemen, we at Explore Park urge you to do whatever it takes to resolve this parkway spur landfill right-of-way question promptly. Only those who have struggled for a decade on behalf of the Explore project can fully comprehend the urgency of this matter. We are on the cusp of success at Explore, but the project still is in its infancy, in the delivery room or the intensive care unit, and needs all the help it can get to survive, grow, and succeed to become something all of us can be proud of. Thank you for your attention and your help. Testimony on Virginia's Explore Park By M. Rupert Cutler, Executive Director Prepared for Presentation to the Virginia General Assembly Joint Senate-House Hearing On the Governor's Proposed State Budget Verona, Virginia, January 4, 1995 Mr. Chairman, members of the General Assembly, ladies and gentlemen: I am Rupert Cutler, a resident of Roanoke and the Executive Director of Virginia's Explore Park. Thank you for this opportunity to state our case for state support. The governor's proposed state budget includes a 50 percent reduction in state operating support for V .... ~rglnia s Explore Park in the next fiscal year--a cut of $200,000 or one-fifth of our operating budget. Explore Park respectfully requests your help to maintain its $400,000-per-year allocation in the state budget to keep Explore on its current, positive development trajectory. Explore Park is a newly born and fragile institution but is on its way toward accomplishing its twin goals of becoming western Virginia's major tourist destination attraction (as a living history park and zoo) and a nationally recognized center of excellence in environmental education, in-service training and conflict resolution. Given support, it eventually will attract as many visitors as Colonial Williamsburg and the North Carolina Zoo--a million or more a year. Those tourist visitors will help "keep western Virginia green" with the dollars they spend here. A decade of hard work by farsighted Roanoke Valley leaders has resulted in the dedication of some 30 million dollars from both public and private sources to the sustainable economic development and education project on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke and Bedford counties called Virginia's Explore Park. This includes funds to design and build a two-mile access road from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Explore Park called the Roanoke River Parkway, construction of which will begin this summer and be completed in 1997. Last July this 1,300-acre living history and wilderness recreation park was opened to the public, on weekends and Mondays, to rave reviews. Over 20,000 visitors from ail over the Nation and the wor]d--a third of them Blue Ridge Parkway travellers--paid their way into Explore between July 2 and October 31 to enjoy our well-interpreted outdoor living history museum of local 18th and early 19th century farm and school buildings moved to the site--the so-called "Blue Ridge Settlement"-- and to hike on the park's several miles of self-guiding nature trails along the Roanoke River and its tributaries. We will re-open Explore Park on April 1 and expect to welcome some 50,000 paying visitors this season. Explore's regional information center staff will direct thousands of footloose, well-to-do parkway travellers to other attractions and businesses in the Roanoke Valley and throughout western Virginia. Since ] 99! over ! 5,000 schoolchildren have accompanied their teachers to Explore Park on educational field trips to see and understand their cultural and environmental heritage. Fundraising for additional Explore Park capital construction projects, to increase its appeal as a major tourist destination attraction and its value as a learning center (including a historic church and a ! 790 stagecoach inn, both from Botetourt County, and a four-building education campus with modern classrooms and laboratories) is on a roll: We have received written and oral pledges totalling about one and a half million dollars toward the construction of these future Explore Park facilities. The governing bodies of both Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke have made generous grants to Explore's operating fund and have contributed important in-kind support as well. The private sector, in perhaps an unparalleled example of a public-private partnership, has contributed over six million dollars to Explore to date. Much more private money will be forthcoming, but .only if the financial stability of the Explore Park project is not in doubt. Two thirds of Explore Park's million-dollar budget goes for personnel; a living history museum is a labor-intensive endeavor. Explore's staffmembers, like those of any educational institution, are of two kinds: administrative and teaching (our costumed interpreters at each of our historic buildings are in fact history teachers). The balance of our budget provides for maintenance and repair of those historic buildings, utilities, advertising, and repayment of loans and notes. Our administrative staff is minimal. My salary as park director does not come from public funds; it is underwritten by two private national foundations headquartered in northern Virginia and Pennsylvania. I have an executive assistant, a development assistant, a bookkeeper, and a part-time business manager (consultant). The education staff makes up the balance of our payroll. To lay them off is to cut the heart out of our tourist-attracting and learning center capability. A living history park without costumed interpreters to show visitors what life was like here ] 50 years ago is an empty shell. Explore Park has been through a long gestation period--nine years, in fact. Now it is open and growing. Public acceptance and support is clearly evident. Explore Park has its finances in order now and is at the brink of success. Money- making ventures such as a museum store and a high-quality restaurant are planned to help the project become partially self-sufficient. But a major blow to its operating budget now will severely cripple our infant project. If the governor's budget recommendation for Explore stands, I will have the following options: (1) lay off most of our education (interpreter) staff on July I and close the park to the public, in effect "mothballing" the project until sufficient funding materializes to restaff and reopen the park; (2) increase the price of admission to the park, lay off most of our interpreters, keep the park open, and provide visitors with a less-than-satisfactory experience, leading to negative publicity for the project; or (3) try to obtain additional financial support locally, from the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, and other nearby local governments and school systems, to make up the $200,000 difference created by halved state support, an option I'm not optimistic will "fly." We can live with the same percentage cut in our state support that state agencies, such as the science and fine arts museums in Richmond and the natural history museum in Martinsville, are slated to receive. I understand some $30 million in state funds are earmarked for the science and fine arts museums in Richmond while comparable institutions in western Virginia are facing extinction. Please do what you can to continue the current, already-appropriated level of state operating support for Explore Park for the 1995-96 fiscal year. For the lack of $200,000 a $30 million state investment is at risk. We in turn will do our best to make your investment pay large dividends as a regional economic development project. Explore Park is described as a part of a $500 million capital injection "booster shot" for Virginia tourism in the January 1995 number of Virqinia Business magazine. The.article calls Explore Park "the Roanoke Valley's main draw" and concludes: "Tourism development is hard work, but Virginia's abundance of new attractions should make it a little easier. And tourism officials emphasize that the payoff can be huge. Travelers, tourists and convention goers spent $9 billion in Virginia in ]99;3 .... That number can only climb.., as the number of convention and tourist sites increase. Localities are realizing that's where the real future lies. Where are you going to get your business;) Where is the economy going to be~ Where are you going to put your money for development~ In manufacturing~ In industry~ Ho, it's going to be in tourism." Virginia's Explore Park is such a tourism-based economic development investment opportunity. Thank you for your attention. Revised 1/5/95 Office of the City Manager December 29, 1994 Honorable Mayor David A. Bowers and Members of Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Subject: Preliminary Information on the Fiscal Year 1995-96 State Budget Dear Mayor and Members of Council: I am writing to provide you preliminary information on the Fiscal Year 1995-96 State budget and its potential impact on the City of Roanoke. The information presented is our best estimate at the present time. The highlights of the Governor's amendments affecting local governments are as follows: Business, Professional and OccuDati0nal Licens~ Ta, x.. Governor Allen has proposed elimination of this tax over a five year period. In Fiscal Year 1995-96, the rollback would be 10% of the current tax base and the anticipated 4% in annual growth, or approximately $884,640 in Roanoke City revenues. This impacts both the City Administration ($562,454) and the City Schools ($322,186), since the Schools receive 36.42% of local tax revenues. To offset this revenue loss, a state appropriation is proposed. This appropriation would equal approximately $815,496 for Roanoke, leaving a funding gap of $69,144. This gap could continue to grow in future years. Social Services - Elimination of"Non-Emerzencv" General Relief Assistance; This is a non-mandated program, funded with 62.5% state dollars and 37.5% local dollars. During the previous fiscal year, total net expenditures for this program were $287,000 ($179,375 in state fi~nding and $107,625 in local funding). Even with the elimination of funding, the services are needed and localities will be pressed to use local dollars to cover this need. H~ 599 Fundinn for Law Enforcement: This amendment reduces the law enforcement funding another $5.9 million in the second year of the biennium. This is in addition to the current biennial reductions of $4.3 million already made by the 1994 legislature. During the budget process for the current year, the City of Roanoke faced budget cuts for law enforcement of $271,$96. This funding was subsequently restored for Fiscal Year 1994-95. For FY 1995-96, only a portion of the funding was restored, leaving a potential shortfall of $177,144. With the current budget amendments, the additional reduction could be as much as $243,058, brin~inff the total reduction Room 364 Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W, Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1591 (703) 98~-2333 in funding to $420,202. This does not appear consistent with the Governor's theme about the need for public safety expenditures. Constitutional OfficerS - Sheriff: The Governor's budget includes the $24.9 million in funding for fringe benefits for constitutional officers. If SB 560 (an increase in sheriffs fees, first proposed last year) does not pass, there will be a $24.9 million hole in the revenue side of the budget. This shortfall would most likely be passed on to localities. This potential revenue loss for Roanoke could approach $670,000. Constitutional Officers - Commi**iongrs of Revenue and Treasurers: Budget includes a proposal to fund only the cost of services provided n b half fthe rate by the local Commissioners of Revenue and Treasurers. Localities would have to pick up these unfunded costs or reduce the services in the offces of these officers. This cost could be in the range of $150,000 for each constitutional office. In addition to state budget reductions, there are federal items that could have an immediate impact on the City budget. This includes a reduction nf $190,020 in the operating a~sist~nee funds for the Greater Roanoke Transit Company (GRTC). To make news worse, we believe the federal funding could be completely eliminated in future years, creating a minimun~ of a $954,624 funding gap, in addition to the subsidy the City already provides. Mr. Steve . ~ Mancuso, General Manager of GRTC, will brief Council on Monday, January 9, 1995 concernm~r this issue. Along with state and federal issues, there are issues facing us at the local level. These issues include: O funding for increased operating costs of the expanded Jail facility, including the local share of funding of fifoJ one additional personnel ($400,000); O funding for increased operating costs due to the upcoming J'uvenile Detention Home expansion ($162,000); o increased landfill tipping fees ($450,000); o City share of subsidy for the Roanoke Conference Center ($175,000); funding for Emergency Medical Services and expansion of the First Responder Program (cost at this point not clearly identified; need for fee increase recognized); 0 need to maintain a level of public safety service through an enhanced E-911 system (which will require additional funding through an increase in the E-911 telephone surcharge); O o postal rate increase ($38,000); and funding for a federally mandated drug-testing program for drivers of commercial vehicles ($25,000). These are the issues that we know of at this time. Again, this information is preliminary and will be updated as details become available. The state issues will be decided in the General Assembly; however, the local issues are also tied to General Assembly action. Reduction in state funded programs translates to fewer dollars available for the provision of City services. I know that other cultural agencies and human service organizations which typically receive City funding are also seeing state funding reductions. These reductions impact Fiscal Year 1995-96 and beyond. It is important that we reduce expectations about what local governments should provide. This communication is for your information only. As I learn more about the specific impacts on Roanoke City, I will keep you informed. Respectfully Submitted, W. Robert Herbert . City Manager Attachment cc: Diane $. Akers, Budget Administrator William F. Clark, Director of Public Works Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. G-fisso, Director of Finance Jesse A. HaH, Deputy Director of Finance E. Wayne Harris, Superintendent of Roanoke City Schools Barry L. Key, Manager, Management and Budget · Kit B. Kiser, Director of Utilities and Operations Mary F. Parker, City Clerk Glenn D. Radcliffe, Director of Human Development .Tames D. Ritchie, Assistant City Manager George C. Snead, .Tr., Director of Public Safety City c~f Roanoke Potential Budget Issues Budget Issue Business, Professional and Occupational License Tax (Eliminated over a five year period) Potential Budget Reduction FY 1995-96 $884,460 (City $562,454; Schools $332,186) Social Services-Reduction of 'Non-Emergency' $179,375 General Relief Assistance HB 599 Funding for Law Enforcement $420,202 Constitutional Officers - Sheriff Not a recommended reduction; does require a revenue enhancement at the state level. Constitutional Officers Commissioners of Revenue Treasurer !::~ ~ i i::~i :.i ii :.:::.?:iii::i:.i~i~i ::::::::::::::::::::::: i!i ;:i:: iii ii:: i::i iii i:? ;:!i !i ::ii ii! ::i:: iii ::i:: !ii ::i:: iii ::i;:?:!iii?:!i!::i::ii!:?:iii::! ;:~i::!::?:i:.!~i;:ii ii~ ii ii~i::i::i;:!~ i;::¢i ;:?: !~ iii ::i!~iiii ii ill ili ?:i ili ?:i iil iii ::?: :: ..... ~:~:~:~:~: :~:! ::::::::::: ::::: :: :::::::::::::::::::: :::::::: b::~::::::.~ ::::::: ::::::~::::::::::: · ~ ...~.L~...:.L.L~ ............. i~.~ ............... ~.. ,.,~LL....L,~ Greater Roanoke Transit Company :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :~:::~2;:::~;;:; :.;::: : : :: : :::: ~::~?~: '::~::~:::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Increased Operating Costs for Jail Expansion $150,000 $150,000 $190,020 $400,000 Increased Operating Costs for Juvenile Detention Home $162,000 Expansion Landfill Tipping Fees $450,000 Roanoke Conference Center (City Share) $175,000 Emergency Medical Services/First Responder Program iNot Identified at this time) Public Safety - Enhanced E-911 System (Not Identified at this time) Postal Rate Increase $ 38,000 Drug Testing Program (Federally Mandated) $ 25,000 $3,224,057 analysis as of 01/09/95 '1 County of Summary of Govarnor'a Proposed Budget County FY94-95 Budget Police: HB 599 Funding $597.550 Sheriff-Cam and Confinement: Per Diem Housing of state Inmates 739,000 Reduction of current per diem rate of $8/day by 20% to $6.40/day and reimbursing locality in a block grant format based on pdor yem's inmate population. Treasurer:. Elimination of funding for "non state" functions 150,000 Commi~ionar of Revenue: Elimination of funding for 'non state" functions 150,000 Conetitutlonal Offlcam Eliminate reimbursements for fringe benefits 310,000 Sheriff's fees-C~vd Process (local fee submilted to state, then reimbursed to locality) * No fee structure has been proposed at this time. The assumptkm at present is that fees will fund amount needed for CO's fringe benefits. Ttti~ may or may not be a co~mct assumption. NOTE: The Governor has proposed funding fringe benefits for Constitutional Officers if SB 560 (Sheriffs fees) passe~. If SB 560 does not pass, there will be a $24.9 million hole in the revenue side of the budget. BPOL Tax Revanuea: FY95.g6 Phase-out (Year 1)-VACO estimate FY95-96 State Reimbursement GovamoCa FY9S-96 Propom~l Change $506,949 ($90,601) 591,200 (147,800) 100,000 (50,000) 100,000 (50,000) 0 (310,000) 0 310,000 310,000 (248,000) 246,000 TOTAL Known Reductlon~ in Proposed State Revanuse _ ($338,401) Ttte Govemor's proposed budget has a significant impact on programs in vadous health, community and human sewica agencies. The fiscal impact to the County of Roanoke and to the individual agencies has not been ascertained et this time. Many of the proposed reductions in funding do not affect the County directly; yet, the County supports the activities and programs of these entities through reimbursements and contributions. Reductions in funding of these programs will affect services provided to citizens of Roanoke County. Sogial Sewica~: -Eliminate non-emergency portion of General Relief program. -Increase funds for child day care for ADC recipients. -Reduce administrative allocations to localities. -Increase funds for employment services program for ADC recipients. * The actual fiscal impact of these changes will be determined by the extent of 'welfare reform" passed by the General Assembly. 01/09/9508:32 AM financa~x~:li~revenue~tetrevl.wk4 analysis as of 01/09/95 County of Roanoke Summary of Govemor'a Proposed Budget FY¶ 995-96 Health Deparl~tent: -Eliminate funding for pm-school development centers for children with leaming disebilitlen and behavioral disorders. -Reduce funds used to provide treatment and medicines to indigent acutely ill adults. -Eliminate Medicaid program that provides health services for 13-18 year olds. -Reduce funds for central office support to local health departn~nts. -Reduce state funding for cooperative health budget by 2%. -Reduce funds for Virginia Health Care Foundation. -Reduce funds for AIDS grant,,. Community Service Boarde: -Reduce state funding by $6 million. This reduction could cause state to lose $3 million in federal funding. (Locelly-Blue Ridge Community Services) Depending on which specific programs are targeted, loss of federal funds could significantly impact services provided locally (due to leveraging of local and state funds). Community Action Agen¢iaa: -Eliminate state funding of $2.1 million statewide. Total Action Against Poverty -Reduction in funding for Community Outreach, Youth Service,,, Literacy, Employment Training, Project Disooven/(Dept. of Education), etc. Youth Haven I1: -Reduce funding for juvenile block grant by $1.0 million. Note: Loss of state revenue would cause an increase in per diem rates charged by Youth Haven II to residents of the program. VPI Extormion Service: -Reduce funds by $7.3 million. Proposal has targeted the elimination of 197 positions ststewide. Local Ices would be equivalent to loss of two positions. Explore -Reduce state funding 50%. TotM ~timat~d range of etate reducttoce in health and human eawlce funding for program ttmt provide aarvlce$ to Roanoke County cltizeoa 01/09/9508:32 AM flnnnce~budgst~revenue~statrevl.wk4 RK~ ~O~RD SUP~RYISORS TEL:?03-772-2195 03'95 9~56 No.O0! P.O! G SUPERVISORS TEL:705-?72-2193 Jan 03'95 9:56 No.O0! P.02 ~UPERVISORS TEL:?O$-772-2195 3an 05'95 9:57 No.O01P.O$ .... ~ -uM~u ~U~ERVISORS TEL:703-?72-2193 Jan 0~'95 9:57 No.O01P.04 RKE BOARD SUPERVISORS TEL:?O$-??2-2193 3an 03'95 9~58 No,O0~ P.05 ~KE 80ARD SUPERVISORS TEL:?O$-7?2-2igb Jan 0~'95 9:59 No.O01P.07 RK£ BORRD SUPERgZSORS TEL:?07-772-2195 3an 05'95 9:59 No.O0! P.09 RKE BOARD SUPERVISORS TEL:?O$-??2-219~ Jan 0~'95 10:00 No.O01P.IO -IND. XMT JOL~BNAL- *~.~ DATE JAN-OS-1995 ~*~ TIME DATE/TIME -- JAN-05-lgg5 JOURNAL No. = 10 COMM. RESULT -- OK PAGE(S) = 005 DURATION = 00:03' 10 FILE No. -- MODE = TRANSMISSION DESTINATION -- 9??22195 RECE I UED I D RESOLUTION = STD 703 772 2193 -CITY CLERK'S OFFICE - - **~*** - ?03 224 3145- Mary, I am attaching copy of the agenda for the joint meeting of the Roanoke City Council/Roanoke County Board of Supervisors to be held on Monday, January 9, 1995, at 12: 30 p. m., at the Highland Park Learning Center Magnet School - Library. If you should have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Sandi Eakin. Thank you, Stephanie MARY F. PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Chucch Avenue, S.W. Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (703) 981-2541 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk October 25, 1994 The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Pursuant to our previous discussions, please note the following luncheon meetings on your calendar: December 12, 1994 12:30 p.m. Social Services Conference Room Room 306, Municipal North Roanoke City Council/Roanoke City School Board/the City's Delegation to the 1995 Session of the General Assembly to discuss the proposed 1995 Legislative Program for the City of Roanoke. January 9, 1995 12:30 p.m. Location: Pending Roanoke City Council/Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Quarterly Luncheon Meeting. With warmest personal regards, I am Sincerely, Mary rker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP: sm pc: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager James D. Ritchie, Assistant City Manager James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney Willard N. Claytor, Director of Real Estate Valuation Robert H. Bird, Municipal Auditor CITY OF ROANOKE DATE: January 2, 1995 TO: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager FROM: Mary F. Parker, City Clerk Bob, for your review in connection with ~reparing an agenda for the meeting of City Council and the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, I am attaching copy of minutes and the agenda for the last meeting which was held on Monday, September 12, 1994. Please let me know your thoughts in connection with the agenda items for the upcoming meeting to be held on Monday, January 9, 1995, in the Library at Highland Park Elementary School. MFP: sm ~,nc. MARY F. PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (703) 981-2541 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk November 23, 1994 The Honorable Lee B. Eddy, Chairman and Members of the Roanoke County Beard of Supervisors P. O. Box 29800 Reanoke, Virginia 24018-0798 Dear Members of the Beard: The Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council look forward to meeting with you on Monday, January 9, 1995, at 12:30 p.m., in the Library at Highland Park Learning Center Magnet School, 1212 Fifth Street, S. W. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss rotters of mutual interest and concern. With best wishes for a happy holiday season, I am Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP: sm po: Elmer C. Hodge, County Adminl=trator, Roanoke County, P. O. Box 29800, Roanoke, Virginia 24018-0798 Mary H. Alien, Clerk, Roanoke County Board of Supervtsora, P. O. Box 29800, Roanoke, VirLdntn 24018-0798 MARY F. PARKER, CMC/AAE Cily Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (703) 981-2541 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk November 23, 1994 The Honorable Lee B. Eddy, Chairman and Members of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors P. O. Box 29800 Roanoke, Virginia 24018-0798 Dear Members of the Board: The Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council look forward to meeting with you on Monday, January 9, 1995, at 12:30 p.m., in the Library at Highland Park Learning Center Magnet School, 1212 Fifth Street, S. W. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss matters of mutual interest and concern. With best wishes for a happy holiday season, I am ~~ ~. ~Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP: sm pc: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator, Roanoke County, P. O. Box 29800, Roanoke, Virginia 24018-0798 Mary H. Allen, Clerk, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, P. O. Box 29800, Roanoke, Virginia 24018-0798 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL --- ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS January9,1995 1:00 p.m. A joint informal meeting of the Roanoke City Council and the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors was called to order on Monday, January 9, 1995, at 1:00 p.m., in the Library of the Highland Park Learning Center Magnet School, with Mayor David A. Bowers and Chairman H. Odell Minnix presiding. ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: John S. Edwards, Delvis O. McCadden, John H. Parrott, Linda F. Wyatt and Mayor David A. Bowers ................ 5. ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Elizabeth T. Bowles and William White, Sr. ......................................................................................... 2. ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Bob L. Johnson, Harry C. Nickens, Lee B. Eddy, Edward G. Kohinke and Chairman H. Odell Minnix ............................................................................................ 5. ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ABSENT: None ................ 0. OTHERS PRESENT REPRESENTING ROANOKE CITY: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager; James D. Ritchie, Sr., Assistant City Manager; Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr., City Attomey; James D. Gdsso, Director of Finance; Mary F. Parker, City Clerk; Robert H. Bird, Municipal Auditor; Willard N. Claytor, Director of Real Estate Valuation; and Kit B. Kiser, Director of Utilities and Operations. OTHERS PRESENT REPRESENTING ROANOKE COUNTY: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; John M. Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Don C. Myers, Assistant County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Diane D. Hyatt, Director of Finance; Mary H. Allen, Clerk to the Board of Supervisors; Terrance Harrington, County Planning Director; and Joyce W. Waugh, Economic Development Specialist. OTHERS PRESENT: M. Rupert Cutler, Executive Director, Virginia's Explore Park. Following lunch, the Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m., and welcomed Roanoke County officials. UPDATE ON EXPLORE PARK: Dr. M. Rupert Cutler, Executive Director, Virginia's Explore Park, expressed appreciation to officials of Roanoke County and Roanoke City for their support of Explore Park, and called attention to the need to focus on the terms of the lease for right-of-way across the old landfill property in the vicinity of the Blue Ridge Parkway. He advised that for some time, Explore Park has been working on a Blue Ridge Parkway Spur Road to come across the landfill, across Explore Park to the current location of the ticket booth, and noted that funds have been appropriated since 1988 ($12 million Federal and $:~ million State) to design and build the parkway. He explained that formerly, the road was to be called the Roanoke River Parkway which would have come from Vinton, along the river to Hardy's Ford, however, the concept was too expensive and too harsh on the environment, and as a result, current discussions center around less than two miles of the parkway to Explore Park, or a parkway similar to the Mill Mountain Spur/Roanoke Mountain Spur. He noted that the Virginia Department of Transportation has purchased two tracts of private land, that junked cars have been removed from the Andrews property, and the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority, the entity that administers the Explore project, has donated the right-of-way across Explore Park; therefore, the outstanding issue now appears to be the terms of the lease. Dr. Cutler advised that the mission of Explore Park is two-fold: (1) to become western Virginia's major tourist destination attraction serving as a living history museum, wilderness and recreation area, and (2) to become a national center for environmental education. He referred to certain budget concerns effecting Explore Park, advising that action taken at the General Assembly level in the upcoming two months will influence the decisions of private funding sources who are waiting to see how Explore Park will fare in the budget process before committing to major investments in the project. He called attention to Governor Allen's proposal to cut in half Explore's current State appropriation for operating support, advising that if his proposed $200,000.00 reduction in the current budget is approved, which would represent more than one-fifth of Explore's budget, it will be difficult to keep Explore Park open; therefore, he requested that elected officials communicate their concern about the Govemor's proposed budget recommendation relative to Explore to both the Govemor and to City and County representatives to the General Assembly. He presented copy of his testimony before the Virginia Assembly Joint Senate-House Headng on the Governor's proposed State budget which contains details regarding the potential impact of the Governor's proposal on Explore Park. Dr. Cutler called attention to another matter of concern in regard to the location of the new National Park Service administered tourist regional information center, which is to be constructed on the Blue Ridge Parkway. He advised that the National Park Service identified one site during the environmental impact assessment of the Roanoke River Parkway, which is land owned by Al Hammond, and the National Park Service is still on record in favor of that site. However, he explained that Explore officials would prefer that the regional information center be constructed on what is now the landfill near the bailer building, or closer to the parkway on the Andrews property at a location that is on the route to Explore Park that does not require construction of another exit off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and on land that is currently publicly owned. He noted that Representative Robert Goodlatte is waiting to receive a statement from Roanoke City and Roanoke County as to where the localities would prefer that the multi-million dollar information center be constructed, following which he has offered to seek Federal funds. He advised that the Shenandoah Valley Tourism Association, the Blue Ridge Parkway Association and other economic development groups realize the need for a regional information center for tourist information along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Roanoke Valley, and called attention to a temporary regional information center at the entrance to Explore Park which can be staffed with volunteers, however, assistance is needed from the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau to support the program inasmuch as Explore Park does not have sufficient staff to assign the task on a full-time basis. In summary, Dr. Cutler stated that the most important matter before Roanoke City and Roanoke County in regard to Explore Park is the parkway spur lease issue, and requested that the landfill issue be resolved as soon as possible to prevent jeopardizing accomplishments to date of Explore Park. Dr. Nickens advised that five locations were identified by the National Park Service for the regional information center, the number one location being the Hammond property as noted by Dr. Cutler; that in December 1992, the Board of Supervisors requested a change in the recommended decision and endorsed a site on the south side of the river at a location in conjunction with the landfill to be a part of Explore Park and the spur road; and in response to its request, Roanoke County received a letter from the National Park Service stating that it had concerns about the relocation to the south side of the river, however, the County has yet to receive specific objections from the Park Service. The Mayor inquired of the City Manager and/or the City Attorney if Council has taken specific action on the location of the regional information center; whereupon, it was the consensus of Council that the City Attorney would prepare the proper measure for action by Council at a later date endorsing the location on the south side of the river. In regard to State funding, the Mayor inquired if additional funds are requested for Explore Park in the City's 1995 Legislative Program; whereupon, the City Attorney advised that for years, the City has had an ongoing request for funds for Explore Park in its Legislative Programs. REQUEST FOR AN UPDATE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ROANOKE COUNTY: The Mayor advised that at the last quarterly meeting on September 12, 1994, the issue of housing in Roanoke County under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity was discussed; whereupon, Mr. Hodge stated that last week, Roanoke County received a communication from William S. Hubard, President, Habitat for Humanity, advising that five acres of land in Roanoke County have been donated to Habitat for Humanity on which the organization would like to construct houses. He stated that the matter will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for appropriate action in the near future. Mr. Johnson advised that housing is a private sector venture, and the Federal Government has basically gotten out of public housing. He stated that if the two governing bodies are discussing new construction, citizens will have to receive special considerations, and called attention to tap fees alone which are $3,600.00 for water and sewer service. He noted that the issue is complicated and both governments need to address certain difficult questions, one of which might be to determine if the water and sewer tap fee could be rolled into a special formula similar to what the localities do when they are trying to attract a new industry. REQUEST FORAN UPDATE BY ROANOKE COUNTY ON RIDGELINE PROTECTION: The Mayor advised that ridgeline protection was also discussed at the last quarterly meeting in September, and Roanoke City continues to be interested in plans to protect the Valley's ridgeline. Mr. Hodge stated that Roanoke County's approach to ridgeline protection is to include the matter as a part of a project that is being addressed by a group known as Coalition for the Parkway, which is composed of Roanoke County staff and certain developers that previously worked on protection of viewsheds. He explained that a hands-on program will be conducted later this month by Carlton Abbott and David Hill with certain developers to address the question of how property could be developed in harmony with the parkway, along with ridgeline-protection and slopes that protect the parkway. He explained that former Congressman Jim Olin has worked with Roanoke County and was instrumental in setting up the meeting. Mr. Herbert advised that since ridgeline protection also includes southern Botetourt, and portions of Bedford County, Roanoke County, the City of Salem and others, the suggestion was previously made that the proper entity to address the matter may be the Fifth Planning District Commission. There was discussion in regard to including ridgeline protection and greenways in the same study; whereupon, Mr. Johnson expressed concern about combining the two topics, and advised that he believes in his lifetime there will be a greenway project. He questioned whether the localities have sufficient funds in their budgets to purchase all of the necessary viewsheds in order to prevent citizens from constitutionally building on their own properties. He suggested that ridgeline protection and greenways should be studied, however, something should be done during this calendar year with regard to the issue of greenways. Mr. Eddy stated that the matters of greenways and ridgeline protection are regional issues; whereupon, Mr. Herbert advised that Roanoke City Council has appropriated funds for professional assistance, if necessary, and the City will work with Roanoke County and others through the open space study to be conducted by the Fifth Planning District Commission. The Mayor addressed the importance of joint meetings between the City and County School Boards and the City and County Planning Commissions, and spoke in support of the City and the County Planning Commissions jointly discussing the issues of greenways and ridgeline protection. IMPACT OF THE GOVERNOR'S TAX PROPOSALS ON ROANOKE CITY AND ROANOKE COUNTY: Mr. Herbert advised that during the last week in December, a briefing paper was sent to Council which essentially pointed out that the City could see a figure approaching $2.5 million in direct reductions as a result of the Governor's tax proposals; that various budget proposals/reductions continue to filter down from the Govemor's Office; and he has been advised by staff of the Virginia Municipal League that the format for the State's budget has completely changed to the extent that some members of the legislature have expressed some difficulty in understanding the contents of the State's budget. He stated that of great concern is the fear that the General Assembly could act and only until localities begin to receive reimbursements will they completely understand the impact of the proposed reductions. He noted that much of what localities are seeing at the State level can be expected at the Federal level as well as in terms of how the Federal Government will re-prioritize or reallocate funds, viz: the City could lose State and Federal funding of approximately $200,000.00 for this year for the Greater Roanoke Transit Company, and in year two, it could expect to lose another $440,000.00 and very quickly filter down to zero on what is now approximately a million dollar appropriation in terms of operating subsidy. He explained that in the City's case, he is concerned not only about year one, but years two through five as well; and on the national level, there could be a seven-year budget cycle to implement some of the programs. He expressed concern that the average citizen who is the recipient of these types of services will not realize the full impact of the reductions until sometime after July 1, at which time they will come to City Council or to the Board of Supervisors since the General Assembly will not be in session and inquire as to why the Council and the Board allowed this to happen at the State level. Mr. Hodge presented a handout summarizing the effect of the Governor's proposed 1995-96 budget reductions on Roanoke County, advising that known reductions to Roanoke County in proposed State revenues total $338,401.00, and the total estimated range of State reductions in health and human service funding for programs that provide services to Roanoke County citizens is between $770,000.00 - $1,220,000.00. He advised that he has never seen the Virginia Municipal League or The Virginia Association of Counties and Towns in such a panic, that they are pleading with localities to disseminate the necessary information to their constituents because legislators are saying that they have not heard from local citizens, and it is imperative that the localities send the proper message to area legislators. There was discussion in regard to how the localities might educated citizens as to the severity of the Governor's proposed budget cuts in which the following observations were made; viz: localities need to take a strong stand, this is only the "tip of the iceberg" and localities have yet to see all that will happen, the entire process will place added financial responsibility on local governments while making finances at the State level look good, and a joint resolution should be adopted by City Council and the Board of Supervisors expressing opposition to the Governor's budget proposal. The Mayor suggested that the two administrators highlight various departments of Roanoke City and Roanoke County governments that would have to be closed or decrease services as a result of the proposed budget cuts, and that one day be set aside in the Roanoke Valley to demonstrate to the citizens what would happen if they could not apply for certain services that are ordinarily provided by the City and the County on a daily basis. The Mayor also suggested that the Governor and area legislators be invited to a joint meeting within the next 30 days with the Roanoke City Council and the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors to discuss the effects of the proposed budget cuts. The observation was made that other Roanoke Valley local governments might like to be included in the invitation to the Governor; whereupon, it was the consensus of the Council and the Board that the two Clerk's would draft a communication extending the invitation to the Governor to be signed by the Mayor and/or Chairperson of those localities wishing to participate in the meeting. (The invitation to the Governor was extended pursuant to communication under date of January 11, 1995, by the Mayor and/or Chairperson of the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, the Town of Vinton, and the City of Salem.) REGIONAL CONSIDERATION OF A SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATOR: Mr. McCadden requested that the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors consider participating in a study regarding a regional approach to a small business incubator; whereupon, it was agreed that City staff would fax pertinent information to Roanoke County officials for consideration. REGIONAL CONSIDERATION OF AN ATHLETIC/SKATING RINK PRACTICE FACILITY: In the interest of time, Mr. McCadden withdrew the item. STATUS REPORT ON AREAS OF COOPERATION: Mr. Hodge referred to a document under date of May 27, 1994, listing areas of cooperation between Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Salem, Vinton, Botetourt and certain other localities. (For full text, see document on file in the City Clerk's Office.) UPDATE ON TOWERS PERRIN STUDY: Mr. Herbert advised that representatives of Towers Perrin have met with all of the localities participating in the study, with the exception of the City of Roanoke, and a meeting will be held with City officials later this week, with a report to localities within 45 days. UPDATE ON THE GREENWAYS CORRIDOR STUDY: Mr. Herbert advised that the City is moving forward with the open space study to be prepared by the Fifth Planning District Commission, and City Council appropriated $31,000.00 for the project which may be used to enhance the study if outside professional assistance is needed. TRANSIT: Vice-Mayor Edwards expressed concern with regard to proposed budget cuts over a five year period in the area of public transit, and pointed out that mass transit is increasingly becoming a County matter as well as a City matter and should be addressed as a cooperative venture in the future. Mr. Eddy suggested that the Fifth Planning District Commission undertake a study in regard to public transit. There being no further business, the Mayor and Chairman declared the joint informal meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: Mary F. Parker David A. Bowers City Clerk Mayor