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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Actions 02-03-97 ROANOKE CITY CO UNCIL REGULAR SESSION February 3, 1997 2:00p. m. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER AGENDA FOR THE COUNCIL 1. Call to Order =- Roll Call. Council Member Harris was absent. The Invocation was delivered by Mayor David A. Bowers. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Bowers. Welcome. Mayor Bowers. ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Roanoke City Council will hold Visioning Community Forums on the following dates: Tuesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m., Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall - Economy Thursday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m., Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall - Effective Government Saturday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m., Fitzpatrick Hail, The Jefferson Center - Education MEMBERS OF COUNCIL RECEIVE THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AND RELATED COMMUNICATIONS, REPORTS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS, ETC., ON THE THURSDAY PRIOR TO THE MONDAY COUNCIL MEETING TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT TIME FOR REVIEW OF INFORMATION. CITIZENS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OBTAINING A COPY OF ANY ITEM LISTED ON THE AGENDA MAY CONTACT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, ROOM 456. CONSENT AGENDA (APPROVED 6-0) ALL MATTERS LISTED UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ROUTINE BY THE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE MOTION. THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THE ITEMS. IF DISCUSSION IS DESIRED, THE ITEM WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERED SEPARATELY. C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 A communication from Mayor David A. Bowers requesting an Executive Session to discuss vacancies on various authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by Council, pursuant to Section 2.1-344 (A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concur in request for Council to convene in Executive Session. A report of the City Attorney requesting an Executive Session to discuss specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by counsel, specifically the terms and conditions of the settlement of a claim involving an insurance matter, pursuant to Section 2.1-344 (A)(7), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concur in request for Council to convene in File #25-132 Executive Session. A report of the City Manager transmitting recommendations with regard to the G-reenways Proposal. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concur in recommendations. Removed from Consent Agenda for separate discussion. (See Item C-3 on page 6.) A report of the City Manager with regard to goals of the Commonwealth Transportation Alliance. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file. File #20-77 Q alification of the following persons: Barbara Lashley as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission to fill the unexpired term of Janie P. Wheeler, resigned, ending June 30, 1999; and File 15-110-230 Gina B. Wilbum as a member of the Advisory Board of Human Development for a term ending November 30, 2000. File #15-72-110 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file. Council concurred in a report of the Assistant City Manager requesting an Executive Session to discuss the disposition of publicly held property in connection with a prospective business where no previous announcement has been made of the business' interest in locating in the community, specifically the possible conveyance of an interest in land for economic development purposes, pursuant to §2.1-344 (A)(5), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. File #2-132-200-207 REGULAR AGENDA A report of the City Manager transmitting recommendations with regard to the Greenways Proposal. Council concurred in the recommendation of the City Manager. The Mayor addressed the issue of turning Wiley Drive into a greenway by making Wiley Drive a one-way street, with one side reserved for biking, hiking, jogging, etc. The matter was referred to the City Manager for study, report and recommendation to Council. File #67-200-379-514 3. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: None. 4. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: None. 5. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: a. CITY MANAGER: None. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: A report recommending appropriation of $78,150.00 to the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology Addition/Property Account, representing land sale proceeds fi.om the sale of property to Or,ds Roanoke, Inc., for the purpose of business expansion in the RCIT. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 33250-020397. (6-0) File 02-60-207-450 A report with regard to formation of a Fifth Planning Regional Alliance pursuant to provisions of the 1996 Regional Competitiveness Act. Adopted Resolution No. 33251-020397. (6-0) File #72-110.137-200-326-412-450 A report recommending transfer of funds fi.om a Capital Account for design and related work for connection of the Tinker Creek interceptor siphon box, on the plant side of the river, to the headworks at the Water Pollution Control Plant. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 33252-020397. (6-0) File #2%60.468 A report recommending appropriation of $45,000.00 ii, om the 1996 General Obligation Bond proceeds to fired an en~neering contract with T. P. Parker & Son, Engineers & Surveyors, Ltd., for design of the Baker Street Drainage Project. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 33253-020397. (6-0) Council Member Swain inquired as to the number of pending storm drainage projects in the City, estimated cost broken down by projects, and timetable for completion. File #2%53-60-237-405-468.514 A report recommending award of a contract to BFI Waste Systems, Inc., to provide bulk container collection services, for a period of one year, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, at a cost of $24.88 per unit, per pick-up. Adopted Resolution No. 33254-020397. Wyatt voted no.) File 0144-253 (~-1, Vice-Mayor DIRECTOR OF FINANCE: A financial report for the month of December, 1996. Received and ~ed. File #1-10 CITY CLERK: A report advising of expiration of the three-year terms of office of Marilyn L. Curtis, Marsha W. Elhson, and John H. Saunders as Trustees of the Roanoke City School Board on June 30, 1997, and applications for the upcoming vacancies will be received in the City Clerk's Office until 5:00 p.m., on Monday, March 10, 1997. Received and filed. File # 110-467 A report requesting that Council concur in establishing specific dates for various actions required pursuant to the School Trustee selection process. Concurred in the request. The City Attorney was requested to prepare the proper measure recognizing the service of Ms. Marilyn L. Curtis as a Trustee of the Roanoke City School Board from May 2, 1988 to June 30, 1997. File 080-467 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: A report of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission recommending renewal of the current contract with Ticketmaster Mid-Atlantic, Inc., for five years to provide computerized ticketing service for the Roanoke Civic Center. James W. Stephens, Chairperson. Adopted Resolution No. 33255-020397. (6-0) File 0192 A report of the bid committee recommending award of a contract to Breakell, Inc., in the amount of $126,702.00, to construct a new (roof) cover over the entrance to the Exhibit Hall at the Civic Center; and transfer of funds in connection therewith. Council Member John H. Parrott, Chairperson. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 33256-020397 and Ordinance No. 33257-020397. (6-0) File tt60-192 Co A report of the Water Resources Committee recommending amendment of the Environmental Policy relating to Real Property Acquisition to provide for a semi-annual summary report to the Members of City Council for property right(s) acquisition(s) for which a complete environmental assessment is not performed. Vice-Mayor Linda F. Wyatt, Chairperson. Adopted Resolution No. 33258-020397. (6-0) File 11162-362-468 A report of the Water Resources Committee recommending execution of the appropriate document granting a new 2,243 SCl. ft. permanent drainage easement to the Virginia Depadment of Transportation across City-owned property at Coyner Springs in connection with development of the new Brooktield Subdivision. Vice-Mayor Linda F. Wyatt, Chairperson. Adopted Ordinance No. 33259 on first reading. (6-0) File 1120-27-28-77-166-468 A report of the Water Resources Committee recommending execution of Supplemental Lease Agreement No. 5 with the General Services Administration relating to lease of space in the Commonwealth of Vir~nia Building. Vice-Mayor Linda F. Wyatt, Chairperson. Adopted Ordinance No. 33260 on first reading. (6-0) File #468-524 A report of the Water Resources Committee recommending execution of a new contract with Quantum Medical Business Services, Inc., to provide EMS billing and collection services for a period of one year; and execution of a new lease agreement for space in the Municipal Building for a term of one year. Vice-Mayor Linda F. Wyatt, Chairperson. Adopted Resolution No. 33261-020397 and Ordinance No. 33262 on first readIng. (6-0) File #209-354-373-468 go A report of the Water Resources Committee recommending adoption of a policy with regard to wireless telecommunications facilities located on City property. Vice-Mayor Linda F. Wyatt, Chairperson. Adopted Resolution No. 33263-020397. (6-0) File #166-262-383-468 A report of the Water Resources Committee recommending approval of the Garden City Property/Relocation Program Acquisition Policy, purchase of certain properties, execution of the appropriate implementation documents; and appropriation of funds. Vice-Mayor Linda F. Wyatt, Chairperson. Adopted Budget OrdInance No. 33264-020397 and Ordinance No. 33265-020397. (6-0) File #60-165-166-188-237-468 A briefing by the City Manager with regard to the Garden City Property/Relocation Program Acquisition Policy. (15 minutes) File #165-166-188-237-468 H:'~AOENIDA.g'AFEIt~ACT ~ 0 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: Ordinance No. 33243, on second reading, amending and reordaining subsection (c) of Section 20-76, Parking spaces reserved for persons with ~, and subsection (c) of Section 20-81, Exemptions from certain rea_uh'ements of parking meter re_rotations, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, by limiting to four hours the time in which a vehicle displaying a disabled license tag or placard may be parked in a parking zone limited as to time or in a metered space without paying the required fee. Adopted Ordinance No. 33243-020397. (6-0) File #24-120-353 bo Ordinance No. 33247, on second reading, authorizing the alteration and closing, by barricade, of the easternmost terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S. W., near the rear entrance of Hidden Valley Junior High School. Adopted Ordinance No. 3324%020397. (6-0) File #467-514 Co A Resolution appointing a Director of the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, to fill the remaining portion of a four (4) year term on its Board of Directors. Adopted Resolution No. 33266-020397. (6-0) File #15-110-207 do A Resolution memor/alizing the late Junius A. Haskins, Jr., Member, Lynchburg City Council. Adopted Resolution No. 3326%020397. (6-0) File #80-132 H:~AG ENDA.B~,~..~3.ACT 1 1 9. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: ao bo Inquiries and/or comments by the Mayor and Members of City Council. Council Member White referred to a newspaper article which appeared in the Thursday, January 30 edition of the ]~loJiP~l~l~ listing Roanoke as the most segregateq. City in Virginia, and requested that the City Manager report to Council with regard to data/factors which were used to compile the national study. Council Member Swain requested that Council be apprised of any irregularities reported to the Fair Housing Board. File #11-178-227 Council Member Parrott requested that the matter of providing parking for persons residing in downtown Roanoke be referred to the City Manager for study, report and recommendation. He called attention to the practice of some localities of providing a sticker to be applied to the windshield of the vehicle. Vice-Mayor Wyatt asked that the City Manager explore the feasibility of providing parking in the City parking garages in downtown Roanoke. File #20-132-178-277 Council Member Swain addressed the issue of additional space needs of the Police Department, and requested a follow-up report from the City Manager on the feasibility of police substations. He called attention to the former Best Products building on Hershberger Road as a possible location. File #5-132 Vacancies on various authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by Council. H:IAG~DA.~?~I~.AGT 1 2 10. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: Ms. Katherine Glassbrenner, 5221 Medmont Circle, S. W., and Ms. Marianne Gandee, 3271 Allendale Street, S. W., spoke in opposition to reducing the real estate tax rate in view of the many outstanding needs of the City. File #66-79 CERTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION. (6-0) Reappointed Carolyn H. Coles as a member of the City Planning Commission for a term ending December 31, 2000. File #15-110-200 Reappointed Willard G. "Bill" Light as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term ending December 31, 1999. File #15-51-110 Adopted Resolution No. 33268-020397 authorizing settlement of a claim with Blue Cross and Blue Shield in connection with hospital discount credits between the City and Blue Cross. (6-0) File #58-501 A motion to expand the membership of the Mill Mountain Development Committee and to appoint Ms. Betty Field as an additional member was defeated by a 4-2 vote of the Council, Council Members White, Wyatt, Parrott, and Mayor Bowers voted no. File 015-67-110 DAVID A. BOWERS Mayor CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 452 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1594 Telephone: (540) 981-2444 Fax: (540) 853-1145 Februa~ 3,1997 The Honorable Vice-Mayor and Members of Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: I wish to request an Executive Session to discuss vacancies on various authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by Council, pursuant to Section 2.1-344 (A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Sincerely, David A. Bowers Mayor DAB:sm WILBURN C. DIBLING, JR. C[TY A~FOR NEY CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF CITY P~i~!ORNEY 464 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 215 CHURCH AVENUE, SW ROANOKE. VIRGINIA 24011-1595 · ELEPHONE: 540-853-2431 E MAIL: clt yat ty @Ici.roanoke. v a.us WILLIAM X PARSONS STEVEN J. TALEVI GLADYS L. YATES GARY E. TEGENKAMP A SSK~TA NT CITY ATI~ORNEYS February 3, 1997 The Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Re: Request for Executive Session Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of Council: This is to request that Council convene in Executive Session to discuss specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by counsel, specifically the terms and conditions of the settlement of a claim involving an insurance matter, pursuant to Section 2.1-344.A.7, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. With kindest personal regards, I am Since~rely your~jj / Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr. City Attorney WCD/lsc CC~ W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Mary F. Parker, City Clerk February 3, 1997 No. 97-110 The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Subject: Commonwealth Transportation Alliance Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of City Council: Virginia's continued economic vitality and high quality of life are dependent on an improved transportation system. A safe, convenient, efficient, cost-effective, multi-modal transportation network will promote and enhance domestic and international commerce and facilitate the movement of our citizens to work, school, recreation, and other activities. The Commonwealth Transportation Alliance is a broad-based coalition organized and coordinated by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Its membership includes business and trade associations, large and small businesses, local chambers of commerce, local governments, and citizens representing all regions of the Commonwealth, every sector of the Virginia economy, and every major transportation mode - including roads, public transit, air, rail and ports. The Commonwealth Transportation Alliance has the following goals: To educate citizens, the business community, and government leaders about the critical importance of transportation to the lives and livelihood of all Virginians and to the Commonwealth's capacity to compete for new and expanded business enterprise; To provide a forum for discussion and the development of consensus among those interested in improving Virginia's transportation; To complement the work of the Commission on the Future of Transportation in Virginia; To encourage and facilitate a deliberative, comprehensive, objective analysis of statewide transportation needs as well as a thorough and accurate assessment of the existing and projected revenue resources, from all sources available to meet those needs; Mayor Bowers & Members of Council No. 97-110 Page 2 February 3, 1996 To ensure full participation by citizens, businesses, and local governments in the determination of the adequacy of resources to meet needs and in any policy deliberations about additional revenues and funding mechanisms; To advocate public policies which will provide a transportation infrastructure sufficient to ensure and support a strong, vibrant economy and a high quality of life. The Commonwealth Transportation Alliance is recruiting associates, organizations, local governments, companies, and other interested entities to this coalition. The City of Roanoke is now in the process of joining this coalition and will be represented by our City Traffic Engineer, Mr. Bob Bengtson. Please note that there is no commitment for funds involved nor will the City be committed to any public policy position not specifically spelled out in their goal statement. Council can be assured that if this coalition takes a position regarding certain transportation issues, that such information will be brought to Council for its consideration. WRH/RKB/gpe copy: Respectfully submitted, W. Robert Herbert City Manager City Clerk City Attorney Director of Finance Director of Public Works Manager, Office of Management & Budget Traffic Engineer 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Cte~k February 10, 1997 File #15-110-230 Brook E. Dickson, Chairperson Roanoke Arts Commission 380 Highland Avenue, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Dear Ms. Dickson: This is to advise you that on January 24, 1997, Barbara Lashley qualified as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission to fill the unexpired term of Janie P. Wheeler, resigned, ending June 30, 1999. ~'""~ ~'0~'Sincerely, f~.,,,.j,,,~._._ Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk pc: Shiela Cuadrado, Secretary, Roanoke Arts Commission Sandra H. Eakin, Deputy City Clerk Oath or Affirmation of Office Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Roanoke, to-wit: I, Barbara Lashley, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission to fill the unexpired term of Janie P. Wheeler, resigned, ending June 30, 1999, according to the best of my ability. So help me God. Subscribed and sworn to before me this c~ day of ~/-~9~.7 ARTHUR B. CRUSH, III, CLERK , DEPUTY CLERK H:~G ENDA'~DECEMBER,2 MARY E 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Depuly Cit~, Clerk February 10, 1997 File #15-79-110 The Reverend Frank W. Feather, Chairperson Advisory Board of Human Development P. O. Box 6297 Roanoke, Virginia 24017 Dear Reverend Feather: This is to advise you that on January 22, 1997, Gina B. Wilburn qualified as a member of the Advisory Board of Human Development for a term ending November 30, 2000. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm pc: Glenn D. Radcliffe, Director, Human Development Glenna O. Ratcliffe, Secretary, Advisory Board of Human Development Sandra H. Eakin, Deputy City Clerk Oath or Affirmation of Office Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Roanoke, to-wit: I, Gina B. Wilbum, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as a member of the Advisory Board of Human Development for a term ending November 30, 2000, according to the best of my ability. So help me God. Subscribed and sworn to before me this~::~'~~---~997. ARTHUR B. CRUSH, III, CLERK H:'~AGEN DA.97~J^NUARY,6 February 3, 1997 The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of City Council: This is to request that Council convene in Executive Session to discuss the disposition of publicly held property in connection with a prospective business where no previous announcement has been made of the business' interest in locating in the community, specifically the possible conveyance of an interest in land for economic development purposes, pursuant to §2.1- 344(A)0) and §2.1-344(A)(5), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Sincerely, Ci~ Manager WRH/kdc Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandm H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File ~67-200-379-514 W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: Your report transmitting recommendations with regard to the Greenways Proposal, was before the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, Council concurred in the following recommendations: Forward the Roanoke Valley Greenway Plan to the Roanoke City Planning Commission for review and report; Refer the Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission to the City Manager and the City Attorney for preparation of a unified document to be signed by all participating governments; and Refer a resolution for funding of the Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator position to 1997-98 budget study. W. Robert Herbert, City Manager February 10, 1997 Page 2 The Mayor addressed the issue of turning Wiley Drive into a greenway by making Wiley Drive a one-way street, with one side reserved for biking, hiking, jogging, etc. The matter was referred to you for study, report and recommendation to Council. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm pc: Wayne G. Strickland, Executive Director, Fifth Planning District Commission, P. O. Box 2569, Roanoke, Virginia 24010 Lucy Ellett, Chairperson, Greenways Open Space Steering Committee, 3752 Brandon Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Elizabeth Belcher, Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator, P. O. Box 2569, Roanoke, Virginia 24010 Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance William F. Clark, Director, Public Works John R. Marlles, Chief, Planning and Community Development Martha P. Franklin, Secretary, City Planning Commission John W. Coates, Manager, Parks and Recreation/Grounds Maintenance Diane S. Akers, Budget Administrator, Office of Management and Budget Office of the City Manager February 3, 1997 The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia SUBJECT: Greenways Proposal Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of Council: Attached you will find a request by the Greenways Committee for City Council to adopt the following three items: The Conceptual Greenway Plan I recommend that this matter be forwarded to the Planning Commission for their review and comment, ultimately to be forwarded for action to Roanoke City Council. Interqovernmental Agreement establishin.q the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission - I recommend that we withhold action on this document until each individual government can work towards a unified single document that all governments would approve and sign. To this end, I have discussed this matter with Randy Smith, City Manager of Salem, as well as Elmer Hodge, County Administrator of Roanoke County. They are in agreement that the attorneys from each jurisdiction should work with their own clients to consolidate comments and provide a unified document for each locality to act on should there be favorable intent to do so. Resolution for Funding of the Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator Position - I recommend City Council simply refer this matter to budget study. Again, I have spoken with both the City of Salem and the County of Roanoke about their intentions to take similar actions. I would be pleased to answer any questions regarding the above recommendations which I will summarize. Roanoke Valley Greenway Plan: Forward to the Roanoke City Planning Commission for a review and report. Room 364 Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1591 (540) 981-2333 FAX (540) 224-3138 The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of City Council February 3, 1997 Page Two WRH/dh Attachment CC: The Intergovernmental Aqreement establishing the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission: Refer to the City Manager and City Attorney for preparing a unified document for all participating governments to sign. Resolution for Funding of the Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator Position: Refer to budget study. Respectfully, W. Robert Herbert City Manager Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Mary F. Parker, City Clerk William F. Clark, Director of Public Works John R. Marlles, Chief, Planning and Community Development Ms. Elizabeth Belcher, Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator, P.O. Box 2569, Roanoke, Virginia 24010 Mrs. Lucy Ellett, Chairman, Greenways Open Space Steering Committee, 3752 Brandon Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 ROANOKE VALLEY GREENWA YS STEERING COMMITTEE c/o Fifth Planning District Commission P.O. Box 2569, 313 Luck Avenue, SW Roanoke, Virginia 24010 540-343-4417 (Phone)540-343-4416 (Fax) planfive @ roanoke.infi.net (E-mail) January 24, 1997 Mr. W. Robert Herbert Roanoke City Manager 215 Church Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24011 Dear Mr. Herbert: I am pleased to present to you the recommendations of the Roanoke Valley Steering Committee for implementation of the greenway program. When established, the Steering Committee was charged with producing a greenway plan and d~eveloping recommendations for an organizational structure to implement the program. The Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan was completed in December 1995. The Steering Committee is now presenting as well its recommendations for organization and implementation of the greenways program. The Steering Committee recommends that each locality adopt three documents: 1) the Conceptual Plan, 2) an intergovernmental agreement establishing a Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission, and 3) a resolution for continued funding of the Greenways Coordinator position. Adoption of the Conceptual Plan will ensure its incorporation into your Comprehensive Plan and its consideration as other issues such as transportation planning and stormwater management are addressed. Establishment of the Greenway Commission as an appointed advisory board will continue the work of the Steering Committee, which was originally appointed for only one year, and will provide for intergovernmental coordination as a Valley-wide system of greenways is developed. The fiscal resolution requires Roanoke's annual budgeting to help pay for a regional coordinator, but assures that this cost would be reduced proportionately by any grants or donations received. I am enclosing copies of these documents for Mayor Bowers and members of City Council and the Planning Commission. While the Plan may necessitate some review or hearing, we hope the other two items can be put on the agenda for the February 3 City Council meeting. We appreciate the support of Roanoke's citizens, as recently demonstrated in the CIP workshop, as well as of the adminstration and elected officials. I look forward to completion of our pilot project up Mill Mountain and initiation of greenways to serve other sections of the City. SinCerely, Liz Belcher Greenways Coordinator ROANOKE VALLEY GREENWA YS STEERING COMMITTEE c/o Fifth Planning District Commission P.O. Box 2569, 313 Luck Avenue, SW Roanoke, Virginia 24010 540-343-4417 (Phone)540-343-4416 (Fax) planfive @ roanoke.infi.net (E-mail) January 24, 1997 Honorable Mayor and Members Roanoke City Council 215 Church Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24011 Dear Mayor Bowers and Council Members: In 1996 the Roanoke Valley Greenways Steering Committee moved from successful development of the Conceptual Greenway Plan to implementation of the greenway program. At~er selecting a pilot project, the Committee began addressing coordination among the four localities and establishment ora permanent organizational structure for regional planning and coordination of greenway construction and management. In the spring of 1996, at the request of the Steering Committee, the governing bodies of Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, and the Town of Vinton agreed to budget funds, allocated on the basis of population, to pay the expenses ofa Greenways Coordinator for FY 96/97. In August, Elizabeth Belcher was hired for this position and was physically and administratively placed as an employee of the Fifth Planning District Commission. She has proven to be a very effective coordinator. In November she sent to the four governing bodies a quarterly report showing accomplishments and progress toward the Steering Committee goals and objectives. At this time the Steering Committee would like to make its recommendation for a permanent organization that will promote and coordinate greenway development on a continuing basis. The Steering Committee proposes formation of a Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission, with three members appointed by each of the four governments and one appointed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The Commission would have the primary responsibility for advising, promoting and coordinating Valley-wide greenway development, but would not have the legal authority to accept or expend funds. A nonprofit friends group, which is already being organized and incorporated, would be able to receive and expend funds, and would be a resource separate and independent of the four governments to involve citizens in greenway planning, promotion, and maintenance. While these two organizations would assist with greenway coordination and development, the primary control ofgreenways within a jurisdiction would be the responsibility of that government. Page -2- The Steering Committee believes that the position of Greenways Coordinator should be retained, except that the person would now work for the permanent Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission rather than for the current Steering Committee, which would be terminated. Mrs. Belcher and the Fifth Planning District Commission are seeking funding for the position from foundations, grants, and other private sources. To date, they have filed applications for $136,710, of which $58,275 would, if received, cover the salary and expenses of the Greenways Coordinator. A list of these pending grants is included with the budget in this packet. Since grant, foundation, and donated receipts are apt to vary from year to year, the Steering Committee respectfully requests that each of the four governments fully budget funds for the Coordinator position each year with the understanding that monies received from other sources will reduce and offset any payments from the governments. We are optimistic that sufficient funds will be generated, so that little local government money will be required to pay for staff. We believe, however, that approaching the funding issue this way will ensure the ongoing services of a Greenways Coordinator and will result in a continuation of the significant greenway advances made to date in the Roanoke Valley. We present to you at this time three documents which we have developed to implement the greenway program and organizational structure. They are: 1) the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan, 2) an Intergovernmental Agreement Establishing the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission, and 3) a Resolution for Funding of the Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator Position. While we understand that adoption of the Plan might require review or hearings, we hope that you will be able to act expeditiously on the fiscal and commission agreements. These have been reviewed carefully by the Steering Committee and are critical to continuation of the greenway momentum and Valley-wide coordination. We feel that the greenway program is unusual in the Roanoke Valley in the tremendous support it has garnered from citizens, government staff, elected officials, and businesses and industries. The benefits ofeconomi~ development, transportation alternatives, flood reduction, environmental protection, wellness and fitness promotion, and recreation are ones which improve not only the quality of life but also the economic viability of the region. We appreciate your past and continued support of the greenway program. Since[ely, Lucy Ellett,~Chair Roanoke Valley Greenways Steering Committee cc: Members, Roanoke City Planning Commission INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING THE ROANOKE VALLEY GREENWAY COMMISSION A. PURPOSE The purpose of the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission, also known as Greenway Commission, is to promote and facilitate coordinated direction and guidance in the planning, development, and maintenance of a system of greenways throughout the Roanoke Valley. B. SCOPE This greenway system is intended to enhance the quality of life for Valley citizens and visitors and to: provide safe and efficient alternative transportation linkages between recreational sites, open spaces, residential area~, employment centers, educational and cultural facilities, and other activity centers; encourage citizen wellness and maintain environments which promote opportunities for recreation activities; · protect environmental assets and retain beneficial ecological habitats; maintain a contiguous urban forest ecosystem to reduce community wide environmental problems such as excessive storm water runoff, air quality degradation, water pollution, and urban climate change; promote an appreciation for the Valley's natural, historical and cultural resuu~ces- and its neighborhoods; protect and link significant remnants of the community's undeveloped open spaces, woodlands, and wetlands; and, enhance the Valley's appearance to encourage tourism, promote economic development, and improve the living environment for residents. C. CREATION The Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission is created, in accordance with Section 15.1-21 of the Code of Virginia as amended, upon execution of this agreement pursuant to ordinances approving this agreement adopted by the governing bodies of the City of Roanoke, the City of Salem, the County of Roanoke and the Town of Vinton. ! Janua~ 15,1997 D. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES The Commission shall have the following responsibilities and duties: To study the needs of the Roanoke Valley and the desires of the Valley residents as expressed in the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan, dated December 1995, as may be amended, and work to implement a coordinated system of greenways into each jurisdiction's planning efforts; To advise and inform the governing bodies and the citizens of the Valley of existing, planned~and potential opportunities for establishing greenways within the Valley; To make recommendations to the governing bodies relative to desirable federal, state, and local legislation concerning greenway programs and related activities; To investigate and recommend funding, grants, and/or donations of land, property or services from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the United States of America, their agencies, private citizens, corporations, institutions and others to promote, construct or maintain Greenways within the Roanoke Valley; To study and recommend uniform standards for the design and construction of greenways, including sign standards, to be employed Valley-wide; To actively pursue and promote public/private partnerships, work closely with the Western Virginia Land Trust and similar nonprofit organizations, and facilitate cooperation between Valley governments in developing, constructing and maintaining a system of greenways throughout the Valley; and, To coordinate the efforts of the federal, state and local jurisdictions in the Valley to create a Valley-wide system of greenway~ and trails that satisfy the needs of all the residents of the Valley, including those with special needs. MEMBERSHIP The Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission shall be composed of members, appointed as follows: Three (3) members from each of the participating political subdivisions to be appointed by the governing bodies, each for a term of three years, except for the initial appointments which are to be staggered for each representative as a one, a two and a three-year term as determined by the governing body. Each member must be a resident of the jurisdiction which he or she represents. Januaw 15,1997 One (1) member appointed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization of the Fifth Planning District Commission for a term of three years. In addition to the above members, the following individuals, or their designated representatives, shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the Greenway Commission: a. the chief planning official of each jurisdiction; b. the official responsible for parks and recreation from each jurisdiction; one representative of the nonprofit friends group established to support greenways; and, d. one representative of the Western Virginia Land Trust. A vacancy for the remainder of any term shall be filled by the governing body making the original appointment. _ The Commission may add ex-officio members, as appropriate, from interested organizations. The members of the Commission shall serve without pay. G. 1. 2. 3. MEETINGS The Commission shall hold regular meetings at least once per quarter each calendar year. All meetings and hearings of the Commission shall be open to the public except private meetings called pursuant to provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. Reasonable notice of the time and place ot ali regular and special meetings shall be given to the public. Meetings shall be called by the chairman or upon request of a majority of the members. The Commission shall adopt bylaws necessary to conduct the affairs of the Commission. OPERATING REVENUE The Commission will not operate as a fiscal agent. Funding for staff support to the Commission may be made available as appropriated and administered through an agreed-upon fiscal agent. Annual funding requests from the Commission shall be made by February 1 of each year to the member jurisdictions. 3 Januaw 15,1997 H. ADMINISTRATION An annual report shall be prepared and submitted to the governing body of each member jurisdiction each calendar year. The Commission may establish any committees necessary to fulfill the responsibilities and duties of the Commission. Any greenway coordinator or staff positions of the Commission approved by the governing bodies shall be funded on a pro rata basis, based on the latest population studies of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia. I. DURATION AND TERMINATION The agreement shall remain in force for a period of 12 years unless specifically extended or otherwise modified by action of the governing bodies of all member jurisdictions. A participating political subdivision may withdraw from this agreement by adoption of appropriate ordinance. J. AMENDMENTS This agreement may be amended only by approval by the governing bodies of each member jurisdiction. K. LIABILITY The participating political subdivisions agree to indemnify, keep and hold the members of the Commission and its staff free and harmless from any liability on account of any injury or damage of any type to any person or property growing out of performance of the duties and responsibilities imposed by this Agreement. In the event of any suit or proceeding brought against members of the Commission or its staff, the participating political subdivisions shall pay reasonable costs of defense. Any costs of the participating political subdivisions under this section shall be shared on a per capita basis as determined by the most recent population estimates of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia. 4 Janua~ 15,1997 RESOLUTION FOR FUNDING OF THE ROANOKE VALLEY GREENWAYS COORDINATOR POSITION Whereas the local governments of Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, and the Town of Vinton formed a Roanoke Valley Greenways Steering Committee in 1995 to work jointly for greenway development, and Whereas the four local governments fully funded the position of Greenways Coordinator for fiscal year 1996/97, with funds appropriated on a population basis, and Whereas the Steering Committee has recommended that the position of Greenways Coordinator be made permanent and that an intergovernmental Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission be formed to replace the Steering Committee, and Whereas the Greenways Coordinator has already sought and will continue to seek funds from sources other than the local governments to pay the related costs, and Whereas funds from other sources are apt to vary from time to time and the Steering Committee wishes to establish funding that will ensure the continued services of a Greenways Coordinator, and Whereas the current total annual cost for the salary and related expenses of the Greenways Coordinator is $60,000, Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Roanoke City Council agrees to budgeted annual funding for the position of Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator, with fund allocations prorated based on the respective populations as recorded by the I'geldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia, and with the understanding that funds will be actively sought by a permanent Greenways Commission and the Greenways Coordinator from foundations, grants, and private donations to be used to reduce and offset payments by the governing bodies for this purpose, and Be It Further Resolved that copies of this resolution will be transmitted to each of the other three local governments, the Fifth Planning District Commission and the chair of the Roanoke Valley Greenways Steering Committee. FUNDING REQUEST AND ALLOCATION FOR GREENWAYS COORDINATOR POSITION Funding Request Salary $27,500 Benefits 6,094 Overhead 10,219 Staff support 8,839 Direct costs 7,348 Total Budget Request: $60,000 Funding Allocation Prorated among the Localities, Using 1995 Population Estima!es of Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia Jurisdiction Population Estimate % Share $ Request Roanoke City 96,600 48% $28,800 Roanoke County 74,135 36% $21,600 Salem 24,200 12% $ 7,200 Vinton 7,665 4% $ 2,400 TOTALS 202,600 100% $60,000 Roanoke Valley Virginia Prepared For: the Roanoke Valley Greenways/Open Space Steering Committee, the Fifth Planning District Commission the City of Roanoke, the County of Roanoke, the City of Salem, and the Town of Vinton Prepared By: Greenways Incorporated December, 1995 Contents Document Summary ............................................................................... 1 Section 2: Top Ten Strategies for Success 1 Section 3: Benefits of Gteenways Section 4: Goals and Objectives/Strategies Section 5: Inventory and Analysis Section 6: Conceptual Greenway Route Plan Section 7: Getting the Gveenway Built Section 8: Greenway Maintenance and Management Section 9: Greenway Trail Design 1 2 4 4 4 5 5 Section 1: Introduction .............................................. 7 Section 2: Top Ten Strategies for Success ..................................................... 9 Section 3: Benefits of Greenways .................................................................. 13 3.1 Transportation Benefits 3.2 Economic Benefits 3.3 Health and Recreation Benefits 3.4 Cultural Benefits 3.5 Water Quality and Water Quantity Benefits 3.6 Air Quality Benefits 3.7 Plant and Animal Habitat Benefits 13 14 14 15 15 16 17 Section 4: Goals and Objectives ..................................................................... 19 4.1 Summary of Citizen input 19 4.2 Goals, Objectives, and Strategies 21 Section 5: Inventory ........................................................................................ 25 5.1 Historical Context of The Roanoke Valley 25 5.2 Previous Support for Greenway Planning 25 5.3 Existing Trails and Bicycle Facilities in the Valley 27 5.4 Potential Greenway Corridors 29 Section 6: Conceptual Greenway Route Plan .............................................. 33 6.1 Route Planning 33 6.2 Greenway Route Descriptions 34 6.3 Routes Not Shown On Map 41 6.4 Priorities for Route Development 42 Section 7: Getting the Greenway System Built .......................................... 45 7.1 Greenway Planning and Design 45 7.2 Finding Land for Gmenway Development 47 7.3 Sources of Funding for Greenway Projects 50 Section 8: Greenway Maintenance and Mnnagement ........................... 59 8.1 Liability/Risk Management 59 8.2 Safety and Security Considerations 59 8.3 Routine Maintenance 60 Section 9: Trail Design ................................................................................... 61 9.1 Trail Tread Design 61 9.2 Trail Tread Width 62 9.3 Design of the Trail Cross Section 63 9A Bridges and Boardwalks 64 9.5 Trail Intersections 64 9.6 Trail Signage 65 9.7 Site FumishLngs 66 9.8 Typical Trail Cost Estimates 66 Appendix ........................................................................................................... 67 Appendix A: 67 Appendix 8: 72 Appendix C: 76 ROA ~O~ YALLI~Y CONC~*I~fIIA L GIF'INWAY I'I*~N (f~l~ ~ ~~~ Acknowledgements The Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan was prepared under the direction of the Roanoke Valley Groenways/Open Space Steering Committee, in cooperation with the Fifth Planning District Commission, the City of Roanoke, the City of Salem, the Town of Vinton, and Roanoke County, Virginia. Inquiries should be directed to the: Fifth Planning District Commission PO Box 2569 Roanoke, Virginia 24010 (540) 343-4417 Project Consultant Greenways Incorporated 121 Edinburgh South, Suite 210 Cary, North Carolina 27511 (919) 380-0127 Assistance provided by the West Main Design Collaborative Members of the Roanoke Valley Greenways/Open Space Committee Lucy Ellett, Chair City of Roanoke John Marlles City of Roanoke Charles Blankenship Roanoke County Anita McMillan Town of Vinton Barbara Duerk City of Roanoke Ed Riley City of Salem Lee Eddy John Sell Fifth PDC Town of Vinton Brad Grose Town of Vinton Don Witt Roanoke County Butch Kelly Roanoke County Joe Yates City of Salem Document Summary The regional greenways planning effort began in earnest in December 1994 when the elected officials of the valley's four governments appointed representatives to serve on the RoanokeValley Greenwaya/Open Space Steering Committee; the group is staffed by the Fifth Planning District. Local governments also provided funding, on a per-capita basis, to hire a greenways specialist to assist the steering committee with a citizen-based greenways planning effort. The steering committee's activities have included: visiting greenway systems in Ra- leigh/Durham, North Carolina, and Knoxville, Tennessee; hiring Chuck Flink and his firm, Greenways Incorporated, as the consultant for the planning effort; conducting a series of three public workshops across the valley to obtain citizen input; working with the consultant to develop the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Plan; and selecting, from among several regional alternatives, the first greenway corridor for which ISTEA funds will be sought. (For a detailed chronology of the planning process, see Appendix A.) Section 2: Top Ten Strategies for Success Based on its experience working in communities across the United States, Greenways Incorporated, the consulting firm which helped the regional steering committee prepare the conceptual plan, sets forth 10 strategies as essential to the successful development of the Roanoke Valley greenway system. The strategies are: I. Establish a formal framework for on-going inter-governmental cooperation. 2. Promote and ensure private-sector involvement. 3. Create a non-governmental, citizen-based greenway advocacy organization. 4. Develop a Valley-wide network of on and off-road corridors linking major facilities and points of interest. 5. Incorporate bicycle (and, where feasible, pedestrian) accommodations when up- grading existing roads and building new roads. 6. Develop a highly visible, multi-jurisdictional pilot project. 7. Establish an on-going, regional program to preserve or acquire the use of property for greenways. 8. Institutionalize the greenway system by way of annual funding allocations by local governments for greenway development and maintenance. 9. Implement a regional greenway management and maintenance program. 10. Develop an on-going information and marketing program for the regional green- way system to ensure maximum usage and support by citizens as well as the realization of economic benefits. Section 3: Benefits of Greenways Investments in greenway systems pay off, directly and indirectly, through a variety of benefits realized by communities. ~flllal~lL[l~dl~[~: Greenways can link common destinations such as schools, commercial and employment centers, parks and libraries. Therefore, they can pro- vide alternative transportation routes which reduce or prevent congestion on high- ways and streets and the associated costs of expanding or developing infrastructure for motor vehicles. ~: In exchange for the costs of development and maintenance, green- way systems frequently produce a diversity of economic benefits including: in- creased tourism and recreation-related revenues; increased property values for homes and businesses located adjacant to greenways; and avoided costs for high- way expansion. Greunway systems also are a quality-of-life amenity considered important by many corporations seeking to expand or relocate. Health and recreation benefits: Greenway systems often link existing parks and play- grounds and provide a variety of opportunities for recreation and exercise to many, regardless of age and ability. 'l~pically, they are used by walkers, joggers and bi- cyclists and, based on terrain and trail design, the intensity of exercise can range from mild to strenuous. Excepting extremely rough terrain, greenway corridors can, and should, he designed to be accessible to those with physical limitations. (~.pltural and historic benefits: Greenways can provide opportunities for the enhance- ment of a region's culture (they are becoming the new "Main Street" in many communities) and the protection of its historic resources. Many of the Roanoke Valley's historic resources, in particular those related to its early settlement, are found along the Roanoke River and tributaries such as Tinker Creek. Water-oualitv and ouantitv benefits. Greenways can protect water quality by preserv- ing natural buffer areas beside streams and rivers which filter pollutants. They also can be used in stormwater management programs to prevent or minimize flooding and reduce prope~y damage by serving as storage areas for water during periods of heavy rain. Air-aualitv benefits: Greenways promote walking and bicycling and often link shop- ping and employment districts, schools, parks and libraries. Therefore, they provide alternatives to motor vehicle transportation which can figure significantly in con- trolling or reducing air-polluting emissions. Plant and animal-habitat benefits: All types of wildlife benefit from greenways, espe- cially in urban and suburban areas, because they provide corridors for access to food sources, water and habitat. In much the same way, greenways provide "gene-ways" for plant life. Section 4: Goals and Objectives/Strategies This section describes the citizen-based planning process used to develop the concep- tual greenway plan and contains the goals and objectives/strategies in their entirety. The goals and objectives/strategies for the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan ROA NOK~ VArnEY CONCEPTUAL GREENWAY IR'AN PAGE 2 are based on citizen input obtained at the series of three public workshops; these state- ments were reviewed and refined by the regional steering committee to ensure that the plan being presented to local officials is complete and comprehensive. The ~ states that greenways should be viewed as an alternative to motor vehicles as a means to access shopping areas, schools, work sites, parks and other important places in the Valley. ~ focus on integrating greenways into the community by connecting them with mass transit sites, widen- ing or modifying roads to accommodate bicycles and ensuring access to greenways for those with physical challenges. The ~ focuses on designing greenway corridors and programs to ensure the safety of users and those living and working nearby. Supporting ~ g~ address the establishment of effective law enforcement and emergency re- sponse programs, the prevention of problems, minimizing user conflicts and im- proving bicycle safety. The ~ states that the greenway system should be designed to serve both as a recreational/fitness resource and as a means of access to parks and other recreational opportunities. ~LZ~.~g~gl~ cite the need for a range of fitness activities, encourage the integration of greenways into area businesses' fit- ness programs and promote the use of fitness education to help Valley citizens emphasize wellness. The education goal focuses on providing the public with information about the ben- efits and uses of greenways and the area's natural and cultural history. Objectives/ strategies address a variety of education initiatives dealing with the environment, economic benefits, proper greenway use and conduct, historic resources and the use of greenways as learning laboratories for school and community groups. The economic develonment goal states that both costs and benefits should be consid- ered as the greenway system is being developed. Objectives/strategies deal with promoting tourism; maintaining greenways; utilizing easements, incentives, public rights-of-way and other approaches to promote and enable greenway development; documenting greenway benefits; and cultivating multiple sources of financial sup- port for greenways. The ~ identifies environmental benefits as a major focus of the green- way system and establishes as supporting g~gLZ~d~gl~gi~: stormwater man- agement and flood reduction; protection of stream corridors, vegetation and wild- life habitats; and reduction of non-point-source water pollution. The o~anization and oneration goal addresses the implementation of the regional conceptual greenway plan and the greenway system. Obiectives/strate~ies include: obtaining local government and citizen support; being responsive to citizen con- corns; establishing standards for the design, operation and maintenance of the sys- tem; ensuring the existence of an organizational structure to carry out regional planning, implementation and operation of the greenway system; establishing a non-profit organization to promote public support, raise funds and operate volun- teer programs; and selecting a pilot greenway corridor project and implementing it. Section 5: Inventory and Analysis This section has two components. The first catalogs earlier ~ directly or indirectly involving greenways and recreational trails. It also discusses existing trails and bicycle facilities in the Valley. In the second component, twes of corridors are described; these include railroad corridors and utility rights-of-way. Section 6: Conceptual Greenway Route Plan This section, along with Section 4 which contains goals and objectives/strategies, forms the backbone of the conceptual greenway plan. The public-input process used to iden- tify greenway linkages and rank corridors is described, l~talled information is pro- vided about each of w ' set out in the conceptual plan and map and several routes within the City of Roanoke which could not be shown on the map due to its scale are explained. The section concludes with a listing of the greenwav corridors recommended bv the Roanoke Valley Greenways/O~en Snace Steering Committee as starting points for greenway implementation. In determining which corridors to ~commend, the steering committee considered public input and preferences, information provided by the con- sultant, the insights they gained through greenway site visits and similar experiences and the porspectiyes and knowledge they brought with them to the commiRee (as bi- cyclists, teachers and hikers, for instance). The listing of recommended greenway corridors is (in no priority order): · The Roanoke River; · Mudlick Creek]Garst Mill; · The Blue Ridge Parkway (on-road and off-road facilities); · The Salem Rail Trail (Hanging Rock); · Tinker Creek; · Downtown Roanoke to Explore Park (via Mill Mountain); · A connection to the Appalachian Trail (via Carvins Cove); · Electric Road/Route 419 (on-road and off-road facilities); · Wolf Creek; · Stewartsville Road (Rt. 24) to the Blue Ridge Parkway; and · Connections to existing horse trails. Section 7: Getting the Greenway Built Implementing a greenway system is a long-term process during which the system is pieced together, literally, as each corridor is developed. This section proposes an imple- mentation schedule for the Roanoke Valley's regional greenway system and explains in detail the components and sub-parts of the implementation process. ROA NO K~ VA LLEY CONC~I*'rUA L GR~N'WAY PLA N (~ ~ ~(~~ PACE 4 Several sub-parts comprise the first implementation comnonent, txeenwav Dlannin? ~: feasibility studies, master planning and construction documentation. Find- ing land for t, reenwav develonment is the second component; easements, regulations and impact fees are among the approaches used and within each of those categories there are a variety of mechanisms. For instance, conservation easements, preservation easements and public-access easements offer landowners a range of options and incen- fives to provide land for greenway development. The third imnlementation component, sources of funding for greenwav proiocts is ex- amined in some depth. Local funds for greenway systems can be provided by way of bond referenda, General Fund appropriations and Capital Improvement Programs, green- way trust funds, private-soctur funds and other initiatives such as volunteer-assismnco and small-scale donation programs which give citizens opportunities to actually buy- in to greenway systems. Federal funding sources include the Intermodal Surface Trans- portation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) monies which are passed through and administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Symms National Recreation Trails Fund Act, the National Scenic Byways Program, various programs charged with pro- tecting public land and conserving natural resourcos and public works/community development programs. Some of the more prominent grant programs funded by private foundations are also identified. Section 8: Greenway Maintenance and Management A greenway maintenance and management plan is critical to the long-term success and viability of any greenway system and should be developed early in the greenway de- velopment process. A regional approach, to the extent it is feasible, is proposed for the Roanoke Valley greenway system. Techniques for addressing liability and risk management issues are discussed, as are ~ considerations and routin~. Section 9: Greenway Trail Design The final section of the plan provides technical information about a range of trail types, widths and surfaces; special structures, such as bridges and boardwalks; signage; and furnishings. Section 1: Introduction The Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan's study area includes the Cities of Roanoke & Salem, the Town of Vinton, and Roanoke County. This plan delineates proposed conceptual routes for a network of greenways throughout the four jurisdic- tions. It also addresses necessary policies, programs, and physical improvements needed to develop this network of greenways throughout the Valley. This plan addresses both off-road and on-road corridors, and makes recommendations for a trail system that would serve the needs of bicyclists, walkers, jog- gers, rollerbladers, horseback riders and hikers. This plan reflects the strong desire of local residents to ensure greater mobility and improve the quality of life in the region. The Roanoke Valley Concep- tual Greenway Plan is the result of growing grassroots support for greenway development among local citizens. Hundreds of Roanoke Valley residents demotmtrated their support during a series of three public workshops conducted during July and August of 1995. These residents, along with the Greenways/Open Space Steering Committee, provided detailed input that became the foundation for this Conceptual Plan. It is their collective vision that made this plan possible, and that vision will carry its implemen- tation into the 21st century. Section 2: Top Ten Strategies for Success A tremendous amount of work will be needed to achieve the greenway route network envisioned by the Conceptual Greenway Route Map. In order to fully implement the plan, success must occur both "on the ground" -- as indicated by miles constructed -- as well as at a programmatic level. Greenway programs such as on-going planning, education, marketing, maintenance and advocacy are essential components of a suc- cessful program. It is important to consider these elements during the early years of greenway development to ensure continued public in.est and safe and secure trails. The ten action statements below represent the most critical items that must be accom- plished in order to successfully develop the Roanoke Valley greenway system. These recommendations are based on successful techniques that other communities have used to get greenway systems on the ground. Some will be easier to accomplish than others - but all are necessary. Establish a framework for on-going inter-governmenCal cooperation to develop a regional greenway system through a permanent committee of interjurisdictional local staff. A successful greenway pwgram in the Roanoke Valley will be more likely if local staff are able to devote time for planning and coordination. In some communities, intergovernmental Greenway Commissions can provide not only a forum for staff involvement, but also a planning entity that can be charged with reviewing local greenway plans and on-going regional greenway planning. · Promote and ensure private sector involvement from all localities by means of organized partnerships. As fundraising efforts begin in earnest for greenways in the Roanoke Valley, it will be essential to identify private sector corporations and businesses that are willing to contribute land, funds, materials, or services for greenway development. By formally organizing public/private partnerships to develop greenways, local busi- nesses will be assured that their contributions are recognized · Create a non-governmental greenway advocacy organization that would in- clude citizens from all communities. Grass-roots support will be essential in order to keep the greenway movement going strong in the Roanoke Valley. A Citizan's Greenway Advocacy Group can provide local support that is critical during the early years of implementation. Local plan- ners will need community support for ordinance revisions, local Capital Improve- ments Program funding, and specific greenway projects. In other communities, greenway advocacy groups have formed to promote a particular project, and then have graduated to new projects as greenways are built. Develop an on-road and off-road network of trails through the Valley linking diverse land uses such as communities, parks, commercial areas, and natural The Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Map shows a network of facilities proposed throughout the Valley. These trails should be built to serve diverse users such as equestrians, walkers, bicyclists, rollet~oladers, cross-country skiers, joggers and mountain bicyclists. Incorporate bicycle and pedestrian accomodations on newly built and improved urban roads. Incorporate bicycle accomodations on other newly built and improved roads. Many oppoi~mnities exist to include bicycle and pedestrian facilities on roads that are already planned for widening, and on new roads that are planned in the Valley. It is far less expensive to include bicycle and pedestrian facilities as part of the construction process, rather than retrofitting these roads after construction is com- plete. Develop a highly visible multi-jurisdictional pilot project. A successful, well-used, and popular pilot project can be used to introduce the greenway concept to the general public in a positive way, and to garner general public support for continued greenway development. A multi-jurisdictional pilot project in the Valley would also help the region develop cooperative working re- lationships, as well as provide a guide to dealing with critical management issues for trails that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Establish a regional program of on-going greenway land acquisition through donations, easements combined with new sewer interceptors, and land pur- chase where necessary. Immediate action to preserve and acquire greenway land will be necessary in the Roanoke Valley, due to diminishing land resources in urban and suburban areas. Governmental agencies should be made aware of the opportunities to include green- way easements along with new sewer interceptors and rail corridors that are an- nounced for abandonment. Interagency assistance should be provided to ensure these opportunities aren't missed. Establish an annual allocation of local government funds for trail construction and maintenance. While federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities has provided a boost to greenway construction throughout the United States, these funds cannot be accessed without local matching funds. (]reenway funding should be a standard part of local fiscal budgets. In general, a diverse funding base should be pursued, in the event that federal funding is discontinued. ROANOK~ VALLI~Y CONCEPTUAL GR~IwAY [~n'AN (~ ~1~ ~(~~q~ PAGE 10 · Implement a multi-jurisdictional greenway maintenance and management program to promote a safe and Glean trail system. Maintenance and management issues should be resolved before greenways are built. · Develop a regional marketing program for the greenway system that includes promotional literatUre, maps, and tourist information. As the Roanoke Valley's greenway system begins to take shape, local governments. and community organizations should join together to market this system. Maps and brochures can be used not only to educate local citizens, but also to increase tourism PAGE II Section 3: Benefits of Greenways Greenways are not a new land use concept, having existed in the United States for more than 100 years. Greenways ave generally regarded as systems or networks of connected lands that ate protected, managed or developed to provide environmental protection, alternative transportation, Hood plain management, economic revitalization, and a rec- reation amenity. In the urban areas of the Roanoke Valley, greenways will be estab- lisbed along the last vestiges of undeveloped land, which include abandoned railroad corridors, streams, utility rights-of-way, and park lands. Many greenways are implemented by local communities to control flooding, improve water quality, protect wetlands, conserve habitat for wildlife, and buffer adjacent land uses. Greenways typically incorporate varying types and intensity of human use, in- cluding trails for passive recreation and alternative transportation, and Iow intensity park facilities, such as open play fields. They have also been shown to increase the value of adjacent private properties as an amenity to traditional forms of land develop- ment. These and other benefits of a Roanoke Valley greenway network are described below. 3.1 Transportation Benefits Gmenway corridors throughout the Roanoke Valley can serve as extensions of the road network, offering realistic and viable connections between origins and popular destina- tions such as work, schools, libraries, parks, shopping areas, tourist attractions, and others. Congested streets and highways are a familiar sight throughout the Roanoke Valley, despite a program of new roadway construction and roadway improvements. The Valley's roads are becoming more congested, and the congestion often mak~es public roads unsafe for alternate means of transportation. Greenways offer us the option to bicycle or walk, when few options otherwise exist. In past years, our communities have grown in a sprawling, suburban manner fueled by the capability of the automobile. Our nation has abandoned some traditional forms of transportation (such as passenger train service), and has been slow to improve other forms of mass transportation (bicycle networks, bus systems, local train service). In order to provide relief from congested streets and highways in the Roanoke Valley, we .should concentrate future transportation planning and development on providing a choice in mode of travel to local residents. These mode choices should offer the same benefits and appeal currently offered by the automobile: efficiency, safety, comfotL reliability and flexibility. Greenway corridors, if viewed as extensions of the roadway network, can serve as viable commuting and travel routes throughout the Roanoke Valley. Greenway based bike- ways and walkways are most effective for certain travel distances. National surveys by the Federal Highway Administration have shown that Americans are willing to walk as far as 2 miles to a destination, and bike as far as 5 miles. It is easily conceivable that destinations can be linked to multiple origins with a combination of off-road trails and on-road bicycle and pedestrian facilities. ROANOK~ VALLEY CONCEPTIJAL GREENWA¥ PLAN PAGE 13 C~ of Roanoke~ down~own Market 3.2 Economic Benefits Greenways offer numerous economic benefits to the Roanoke Valley including higher real property values, increased tourism and recreation related revenues, and cost sav- ings for public services. Greenways have been proven to raise the value of immediately adjacent properties by 5 to 20%. In a new development in Raleigh, North Carolina, new lots situated on greenways were priced $5000 higher than comparable lots off the green- way. Many home buyers and corporations are looking for real estate that provides direct access to public and private greenway systems. In many communities, homes situated adjacent to greenways sell for thousands of dollars more than similarly sized and priced lots across the street. Greenways are viewed as amenities by many residential, commercial and office park developers who, in turn, are l~tlizing higher rental values and prof- its. Additionally, greenways in the Roanoke Valley can also save local taxpayers significant public money by utilizing resource based strategies for managing community stormwater and ha7arcl mitiga- tion, thus placing into productive use landscapes that would not nor- mally be developable in a conventional manner. Tourism plays an important part in the economy of the Roanoke Valley and the development of greenways can work to enhance this industry. Tourism is currently ranked as the number one economic force in the world. In several states, regional areas, and localities throughout the nation, greenways have been specifically created to capture the tourism potential of a regional landscape or cultural des- tination. The State of Missouri, for example, spent $6 million to create the 200-mile KATY Trail, which, in its first full year of op- eration, generated travel and tourism expenditures of more than $6 million. Orange County, Florida spent $2 million to create the 16- mile West Orange Greenway, and expects to realize a complete retu~,n on its investment in the first year of operation through the economic revitalization of the small rural towns that lie along the trail's route. 3.3 Health and Recreation Benefits If greenways can encourage more people to walk or bike to short distance destinations, Valley residents will likely be more fit and healthy. The modern American life-style is becoming increasingly fast paced. Leisure time for the average citizen has actually decreased from the 1960's by almost 4 hours per week. We are working longer hours, and engage in activities that are less physical. As a society, we are also spending more of our time indoors. In 1987, the Presi ~t's Commission on Americans Outdoors released a report that profiled the mode~ ursuit of leisure and defined the current quality of life for many Americans. Lim~ access to outdoor resources was cited as a growing problem throughout the natic~tl. The Commission reconunended to President Reagan that a na- tional system of greenways could provide all Americans with access to linear open space resources close to where they live and work. ROANOKE VALLIry CONCEPTUAL GEItENwAY PLA Iq PAGE 14 The proposed greenway system for the Roanoke Val- ley would be developed to complement the community's existing parks and open space system. Trail systems could be developed not only for alterna- tive transportation, but also to serve as primary recre- ation and fitness resources. Many older Americans are asked by their doctors to walk at least two miles a day to maintain a healthy life-style. Greenways can offer safe off-road facilities for this prescriptive therapy. 3.4 Cultural Benefits Greenways can enhance the culture and protect many historic resources of the Roanoke Valley. Successful greenway projects across the United States have served as America's new "main street," where neighbors meet, children play, and community groups gather to celebrate. For cities and towns large and small, greenways have become a cultural asset and focal point for community activities. Some communities sponsor "Greenway Day" to celebrate the outdoors and local traditions. Various walking and running events are also held on greenways to support charity or extend traditional sporting events. Many environmental groups adopt segments of green- ways to sponsor Earth Day activities and Clean Sweep programs. Some greenways, like San Antonio's Riverwalk, are the focal point not only for community activities, but also for economic growth and prosperity. ~tctory Stadium The richness and diversity of the Roanoke Valley's historic resources are represented by numerous local National Register of Historic Places properties and historic districts. Many of these properties are found along the Roanoke River and within some of the stream corridors throughout the valley. Streams played a critical role in the early settlement and development of the Valley and greenways are a land use tool that can be utilized to further protect and enhance these historic resources. Greenways can also be a vehicle to provide controlled public access to important historic properties in a manner that allows preservation to continue. 3.5 Water Quality and Water Quantity Benefits Greenways often preserve wooded open spaces along creeks and streams which absorb flood waters and filter pollutants from stormwater. Flooding is a significant problem throughout the Roanoke Valley. A problem that continues to occur in the Valley is the encroachment of buildings and other Historic Home in Saletn ~ ~,~ ~](~~'q~.- ROANOKE VALLEY CONCEPTUAL GREENWAY PLAN PAGE 15 The Roanoke River land use development into flood prone areas. By designating flood plains as greenways, the encroachments can be better managed, and can be replaced with linear open space that serves as an ame- nity to local residents and businesses whose property lies adjacent to the green- way. implemented in the Valley, greenway lands OCCURS. As a flood control measure, greenway cor- ridors serve as a primary storage zone during periods of heavy rainfall. The pro- retted flood plain can also be used during non-flood periods for other activities, including recreation and transportation. In conjunction with existing stormwater management policies and programs can be established by development as it The expense associated with the establishment of the greenway system will be offset by the savings realized by every resident in reduced flood damage claims. Additionally, for those residents who are required to purchase flood insurance, implementation of a community-wide greenway system in the Roanoke Valley is likely to result in reduced rates. Greenway corridors also serve to improve the surface water quality of local streams, many of which, including sections of the Roanoke River, fall below acceptable stan- dards for recreational water contact. Currently, stormwater in the urban area is col- lected in pipes and eventually discharged into local streams and rivers. If more stormwater were allowed to flow overland though flood plain forests and wetlands, more pollutants would be removed. Cleaning the surface water in streams would ben- efit not only local residents, but also the numerous forms of wildlife that depend on streams for their habitat. 3.6 Air Quality Benefits Greenways as transportation conidors could serve to reduce traffic congestion and therefore improve the air we breath. The most prevalent source of air pollution in the Valley is automobile emissions. The highest concentrations of emissions are typically located in and around suburban shopping centers, and highway interchanges. Offering a viable transportation choice will encourage people to bicycle and walk more often, especially on short trips, thereby reducing congestion and auto emissions. The Roanoke Valley is able to meet air quality standards at present and has not been designated as a "non-attainment" area. However, because of the area's topography, weather inversions can trap man-made pollutants in the Valley, causing pollution con- cems at times. ROANOK~ VALLEY CONCEFTUAL GREF-NWAY FLAW PAGE 16 3.7 Plant and Animal Habitat Benefits Humans are not the only beneficiaries of greenway corridors. Many species of urban and rural wildlife also benefit from greenways. Most of the wildlife that we are familiar with today in our urban communities are known as "edge species." These mammals, birds, amphibians and insects have adapted to urbanizing landscapes and are develop- ing a harmonious relationship with urban residents. Greenway corridors can serve as a suitable habitat for many edge species wildlife. These corridors offer the necessary food source and, most importantly, access to water that is required by all wildlife. Additionally, greenway corridors in the Roanoke Valley could become the primary migratory corridor for terres- trial wildlife, serving to keep gene pools well inte- grated. Some wildlife biologists have extolled greenways as future "gene-ways" and determined that north-south migration routes are essential to maintaining healthy wildlife populations. Greenways can also serve as gene-ways for plant life. Plants migrate with changes in climate and habitat. Recently, several scientific studies have described the demise of the eastern North American forest; one of the culprits has been 200 years of intensive land use that fragmented important gene- ways. These gene-ways are often the rivers and stream corridors that have long served as transpor- tation routes for animals and humans. Greenways in the Roanoke Valley can be targeted as a primary habitat for many species of plants and animals. Pro- grams can be established to not only protect the valuable existing forested areas of the Valley, but also to reclaim and revegetate channelized streams in order to support better habitat. Tinker Creek near Hollins College (~ ~ ~C~-~ aOANOKE VALLEY CONCEPTUAL GREENWAY P~,N PAGE 17 Section 4: Goals and Objectives Public interest in a greenway system for the Roanoke Valley has been growing for some time. The concept of greenway development has been supported by many local plan- ning projects. This plan, however, represents the first effort to address a greenway system comprehensively. All localities within the Roanoke Valley have become coop- eratively involved in developing a greenway system that will work to link these juris- dictions. The development of goals, objectives and strategies to guide this cooperative effort has been a major part of this plan's preparation. The process of developing goals and objectives for the greenway system has allowed citizens and the Steering Committee to examine how they want the system to function and what they want it to provide for the community. The setting of goals and objectives involved three steps. At the first community workshop, citizens divided into small groups and "brainstormed" sets of goals and objectives. These were compiled and displayed on the wall. Citizens then voted for the goals and objectives considered to be the most important. After the meeting, the consultant further compiled the citizen responses (avoiding duplication, clarifying wording, etc.). They provided the results at the remaining community meet- ings and in the first draft of the plan. This draft was presented to the Steering Com- mittee which closely examined citizen input and further refined goals and objectives. 4.1 Summary of Citizen Input The citizens attendir~g the first community meeting were divided into groups and asked to "brainstorm" goals and objectives for each of six topics - transportation, safety, recreation/fitness, education, economics, and environment. After compilation of the small group results, the large group refined a set of goals and objectives. At subsequent workshops, a summary of these results was distributed and further citizen input was collected and incorporated. That is also reflected in the following to the extent possible. The community workshops were held on July 14, 1995 in Roanoke City, August 17, 1995 in Vinton, and August 30, 1995 in Salem. They utilized an interactive group process. Although input collected from citizens cannot represent an exhaustive listing of all potential greenway planning factors and concerns, it provides many examples of the types of things that Roanoke Valley residents consider important. For example, citizens noted the importance of including a variety of users on the greenways. They mentioned bicyclists, walkers, joggers, parents with baby carriages, rollerbladers, and horseback riders. They wanted the physically challenged to have access to at least part of the system also, although they noted that some trails would be oftbe "rougher" type that could not accommodate wheelchairs. They wanted greenway surfaces to vary - being paved in some places and unpaved elsewhere. Citizens stated that it may be difficult to decide exactly how each trail should be used. They wondered if horses would get along with bicyclists, noting that some trails (like the New River State Park Trail) allow horses and bicyclists on the same path. In other ~ ~/1~ ~~~ ROANOK~ VAIA~Y CONCF, PTUAL OREENWAY PLA N PAGE 19 localities, tbe.~ uses are separated. Similar questions arose on whether or not mllerblades would interfere with walkers. Ideas were offered on how all types of users could or should be accommodated on the greenway system. They stressed that greenways should be used both as recreational destinations and as ways to get to other recreation areas (both proposed and existing) in the community. They also listed the types of places that should be linked together by greenways - schools, libraries, parks, shopping areas, and work sites. They wanted people to be able to use greenways as alternatives to motor vehicle traffic. They wanted people to be able to use greenways to get to Valley Metro's Campbell Court (main bus station) and to bus stops. Citizens felt that both on-road and off-road trails are needed. For the on-road network, they wanted existing roads to be modified to allow for bicyclists and pedestrians. Many wanted new road construction to consider the needs of these users. They wanted the greenway network to stretch throughout the Roanoke Valley, into the downtown sec- tions, through the suburbs, and into the rural areas. For example, people noted the desire to hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the downtown farmers markets in Salem, Roanoke, and Vintou. Many citizen were aware of the economic benefits of greenways. Greenways could become new tourist attractions for the Valley, as well as connect the Valley's tourist attractions. Many people urged greenway linkages with the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Explore Park. Citizens described health benefits of greenways, both in the way increased open space contributes to improved air quality, and in the use of greenways for exercise and rec- reation. Many voiced an opinion that new businesses would come to the Roanoke Valley because of the increased quality of life that greenways can bring. These new businesses would become partners in the greenways program, using it with their corporate wellness programs. Citizens wanted greenways to be safe for both users and nearby residents. They sug- gested that police patrol greenways by horseback or bicycle. They noted that planners would need to make decisions about signs, lighting, hours of operation, and other se- curity concerns. This will be especially needed for sections of greenways that pass through residential neighborhoods. They stressed the need for greenway planners to work closely with property owners during the design phase to ensure that adjacent property owners' concerns are consid- ered. Citizens wanted to make sure that the environment is not degraded in any way by the development of greenways. They stressed the point that trails along the Roanoke River should result in less, rather than more, runoff and pollutants in the water. They noted the need for strict guidelines for environmentally sensitive trail development. Many suggested taking advantage of the opportunity to make new greenway trails whenever { ROANOK~ VALLEY CeNCF. iq'UALGEE, EI~IWAY PLANPAGE ~0 C~ ~1[ ~~4~w~ the ground is restabilized after routine replacements of sewer or other utility lines. Tinker Creek and the Garst Mill areas were given as examples of such opportunities. Many citizens proposed that greenways be used as outdoor learning laboratories for school students. Adults also could use greenways for various learning experiences. Along the greenways, displays can provide specific cultural and historical information. Citizens noted that greenways would provide ideal opportunities for teaching bicycle safety. 4.2 Goals, Objectives, and Strategies This section of the plan combines input of citizens, the consultant (Greenways Incor- porated), and members of Roanoke Valley Greenways/Open Space Steering Commit- tee. Steering Committee members attended citizen workshops in order to hear citizens' concerns in person. The Committee then reviewed the consultant's analysis of the citizen input as compiled in the first draft of the plan. Steering Committee members provided comments on the draft goals and objectives, which were then sent to a Technical Sub- Committee comprised of local staff planners and a Steering Committee representative. That sub-committee further refined the draft and returned it to the Steering Committee for final comment. The Technical Sub-Committee also drafted Organizational and Operational goals for review by the Steering Committee. Because some of the objec- tives that came out of the planning process also could be described as strategies, they are called Objectives/Strategies in the following statements. The following is a listing of goals, objectives, and strategies for greenway planning in the Roanoke Valley over the next decade. It is not in priority order. 4.21 Transportation Goal Provide corridors that bicyclists, pedestrians, and others can use to get from one place to another as an alternative to motor vehicle use. Objectives/Strategies: Provide greenways that connect schools, libraries, shopping centers, work sites, parks and other places in the community. Provide connections between mass transit sites and make arrangements for safe storage of greenway system users' bicycles (or other belongings) while they are using the transit system. Identify and make plans for existing roads that should be widened or otherwise modified to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians. Initiate Valley-wide design and installation standards to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian facilities on new roads and road improvement plans. Initiate design standards that are sensitive to the disabled in order to ensure oppor- tunities for a variety of users. 4.22 Safety Goal Design a greenway system that maximizes the safety of greenway system users and nearby property owners and neighborhoodsObjectives/Strategies: ROANOK~ VALI,k'~' CONCEPTUAL GREENWA¥ PLA N PAGE 21 · Establish integrated law enforcement and emergency response programs that ser- vice the needs of greenway system users and landowners. · Incorporate into the greenway management system appropriate safety and security strategies. · Design the greenway system to accommodate different activities (such as horse- back riding and bicycling) with a minimum of user-conflict. · Improve bicycle safety by implementing safety education programs in local schools and the community. 4.23 Recreational/Fitness Goals Design the greenway ~vstem as both a recreational resource and as public access to other recreational reso :cs, offering a full spectrum of recreation and exercise oppor- tunities. Objectives/Strategies: · Provide a greenway system that accommodates a variety of recreational activities. · Encourage businesses to establish and integrate use of greenways into corporate health and wellness programs. · Promote programs and facilities that provide opportunities for individual health related activities. · Make each greenway a stand-alone destination (as well as a link to other resources) by providing amenities such as benches, picnic areas, and workout stations. · Provide access to the Valley's existing and proposed recreation areas, such as local parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail. · Inform the public on how using the greenways can help citizens increase personal fitness and maintain healthy lifestyles. 4.24 Education Goal Educate the public about the need for and benefits of greenways, and educate the green- way system user about the area's natural and cultural history. Objectives/Strategies: · Educate the community on the importance of environmental conservation and res- toration ecology. · Develop a program of continuing education for elected officials, agency staff, developers, and engineers to define the latest technologies, design methodologies, and land use practices for managing the environment. Increase public awareness of the importance of the Roanoke River and its water- shed lands to the future of the Roanoke Valley. · Educate the public on the benefits and uses of greenways. Develop an out-reach education program to attract new users. · Educate property owners of the economic advantages of having a greenway on or near their property. · Educate greenway system users on proper greenway system etiquette that respects the rights of adjacent property owners and other greenway system users. · Use the greenway system as an outdoor Environmental Learning Lab for school and community use. · Provide historic information using trail markers along historically significant trail corridors. · Provide maps and literature on trail length, difficulty, restrictions, and amenities. 4.25 Economic Development Goal Address both the appropriate costs of implementing the greenway system (including land acquisition and capital improvements) and the benefits that will result from its creation. Objectives/Strategies: · Utilize the grecnway system as an economic development marketing tool for the Roanoke Valley. Use greenway linkages to complement and enhance tourist attractions. · Document economic benefits of greenways, such as increasing the value of land that lies contiguous to a greenway and the benefits to a new business locating in the Roanoke Valley. · Establish a mechanism to ensure continuing maintenance of the greenways, such as using volunteers to keep maintenance costs low and sta~ing an Adopt-A-Green- way program. · Utilize tax incentives, easements and other approaches to encourage individuals and businesses to donate land, funding, or materials. · Establish procedures for subdivision developers to provide donations of land or rights-of-way for greenway systems. · Utilize existing rights-of-way, utility corridors, and other features to lower instal- lation costs. Explore and obtain mutiple sources of funding for the greenways. 4.26 Environmental Goal Design a plan that preserves, promotes and enhances the Valley's environmental assets. Objectives/Strategies: Encourage localities to include greenways as a flood reduction strategy in the Roanoke ReGional Stormwater Management Plall. · Develop a valley-wide strategy for protecting natural stream corridors and other open space, plus a mitigation program for addressing resources that have been ad- versely altered by land development. · Promote greenways as an alternative transportation mode that can help reduce air pollution. · Utilize areas adjacent to greenways as natural areas that protect, maintain, or restore natural vegetation and aquatic and wildlife habitats. · Design greenways to reduce non-point source pollution in stormwater runoff. · Utilize greenways as buffer zones between developed areas and open spaces. 4.27 Organizational and Operational Goals Implement the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan on a regional level and proceed with future greenway system planning and implementation. Objectives/Strategies: · Obtain local government and citizen support for the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Oreenway Plan. · Respond to citizen concerns such as safety issues and user conflicts in the estab- lishment and operation of the greenway system. · Establish standards for the design, operation, and maintenance of the grcenway system. · Ensure that an organizational structure exists for regional planning, implementa- tion, and operation of gr~nways in the Roanoke Valley. · Establish a non-profit organization to launch a public awareness campaign, volun- teer programs and fundmising efforts. · Select a pilot greenway project and implement it. · Pursue implementation of other elements of the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Green- way Plan. VALLEY CONCEIq'IJA L GRF, ENWAY Iq,AN (~ ~ ~~ Section 5: Inventory As is common for growing urban areas throughout the country, the Roanoke Valley is experiencing the problems that often accompany this growth: increased traf~c conges- tion, diminishing air quality, and flooding in urbanized stream and river corridors. Poorly designed urban roadways and traffic congestion have made it difficult for local residents and visitors to bicycle and walk for fitness, recreation or transportation. On the main roadways that traverse the Roanoke Valley metropolitan area, bicyclists and pedestrians face a transpomafion system that is oriented almost completely to motor vehicle travel. There are many places where neighborhoods are not connected to nearby destinations with sidewalks. Residents are isolated in these neighborhoods. Many schools are also isolated because they are surrounded by high-speed 4-lane roadways, which have minimal provisions for pedestrian crossings, and no travel lanes for bi- cycles. 5.1: Historical Context of The Roanoke Valley The Roanoke Valley is known and loved for its rich history. Residents and visitors enjoy the cultural richness of the region on vacations as well as in everyday life. The region's natural resources and man-made historic features are important components of the Valley and should be protected and preserved whenever possible. During future design of Roanoke Valley trails, it will he important to identify and enhance these historical resources. 5.2: Previous Support for Greenway Planning Greenways are not a new concept for the Roanoke Valley. John Nolen in his Roanoke City Plans of 1907 and 1928 originated the idea. He called attention to the aesthetic and recreational possibilities along Tinker Creek and sounded an early call for its pres- ervation and incorporation into an open space plan for the city. Greenway development has been supported by other planning efforts in the Valley for quite some time. This Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan, however, represents the first comprehen- sive approach to greenway planning in the Valley. Support for this effort has been provided by several previous planning reports, which are outlined in thc following section. These descriptions are brief; should any additional information he needed from these documents, they can he located in the reference library at the Fifth Planning District Commission. DRAFT Virginia Outdoors Plan The draft version of the Virginia Outdoors Plan of 1994 by thc VA Department of Conservation and Recreation supports the dcveinpmcnt of greenways throughout the Commonwealth. This plan is currently being prepared by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. It describes the benefits greenways provide, including economic, environmental, transportation, fitness and others. This plan outlines meth- ods of organizing and planning greenway systems, and raising funds to build the trail systems. ROANOK~E YALLEY CONCEPTUAL GREF.4~WAY PLA N PAGE 25 The Virginia Outdoors P/an proposes several specific trail projects in the Roanoke Valley. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is identified as being in need of im- pwvement or protection in several locations. The plan also proposes a loop trail (called the "Roanoke Area Trail") which would link the Appalachian Trail to the urban area. A greenway system linking the Roanoke and Salem metro area is supported by this plan, although the plan does not identify potential routes. Plan for open space and greenways from the City of Roanolce '$ Comprehensive Vision plan Roanoke Valley Bikeway Plan The Roanoke Valley Bikeway P/an was prepared in 1991 by the Fifth Planning District Commission. This plan was written to assess the existing conditions for bicycling in the Roanoke Valley as well as to make plans to improve these conditions in the fiature. It makes recommendations for future roadway improvements to both new and realigned bike routes. The Bikeway Plan incorporates the con- cept of greenways as one element in a network of bicycle facilities throughout the Valley. The plan supports greenway development because of environ- mental factors such as flood water control, and rec- '~.~%.~- ognizes the economic advantages of greenways and ].'~ .~ rail-trails. -.? / Roanoke Vision Roanoke Vision is the comprehensive plan for the City of Roanoke, spanning the years between 1985 and 2005. This plan recommends greenway devel- opment in the chapter devoted to parks planning. The plan supports the development of a greenway along the Roanoke River, and encourages connec- tions to existing trails and parks. Included on the strategy map ~ potential greenway routes. Tinker Creek Conservation/Development Plan The 7~nker Creek Conservation/Development Plan, prepared in June 1992, is a comprehensive study on the histot~ and future of Tinker Creek. The study outlines all past research as well as actions plans that have been developed for this region. It cites the various historical features of the stream corridor, such as Masons Mill and Billy's Cabin, and stresses the importance of preserving them. It also outlines many important topics, including the environmental, ecological, and recreational fea- tures of the creek. The plan specifically encourages the development of a recreational greenway trail that would also function to control stormwater runoff and preserve for- ested areas. ROANOlU~ VALLIr Y CONe~XprlJAL GIt E~/~WAY PI'AN 4~ ~ ~~~ PAGE ~ Reconnaissance Survey of the Roanoke River Parkway Corridor The Reconnaissance Survey of the Roanoke River Parkway Corridor was prepared for the River Foundation by the National Parks Service. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the conditions and resources of the Roanoke River and its surroundings. The study's recommendations included the development of a greenway along the Roanoke River and led to the development of the Roanoke River Greenway Master Plan, de- scribed below. The Roanoke River Greenway Master Plan The Roanoke River Greenway Master P/an was prepared in 1988 for the River Foun- dation by Jones & Jones, and was the result of th~ assessments and suggestion included in the Reconnaissance Survey of the Roanoke River Parkway Corridor. This plan gives a deta~.'~ed account of the existing conditions of the Roanoke River Corridor. In this plan the river corridor is broken down into sections which are then examined on an indi- vidual basis. Each section outlines a different set of objectives tailored to that portion of the fiver. The Roanoke River Greenway Master Plan outlines many options for the development of a grecnway along the river. These options range from a parkway system which would allow vehicular traffic along the river corridor to a pathway system that would prohibit motor vehicle traffic. Roanoke River Corridor Plan The Roanoke River Corridor Plan was prepared in 1990 by Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects. This study is composed of two parts, the first of which dealt with flood reduction measures in the Roanoke River Valley, while the second part proposed a trail system within that corridor. The plan includes strategies to be implemented in the com- munity that would enhance the environment, aesthetics of the region, and the local economy. 5.3: Existing Trails and Bicycle Facilities in the Valley The Roanoke Valley includes many hiking and equestrian trails, as well as several paved asphalt trails within local parks. The hiking trails are located primarily in the hills that surround the Valley, and therefore they command outstanding views of the metro area. The following is a brief overview of the locations of several popular hiking trails in the region: The Appalachian Trail A section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes through the northern portion of the County, and has three different road way access points in that area. One can be found on Hwy 311 just east of Catawba Mt., and provides adequate parking. Two more access points exist on Hwy. 785 and Hwy. 624, but the only parking provided is room to pull off the road. Through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail are unlikely to journey into town on foot, since all three highways carry fast traffic and have no place for safe walking. ROANOKE YALL~'Y CONCEPTUAL G REENWAY PLAN PAGE 27 Trail Head near the Niagara Dam Blue Ridge Parkway Several loop-style hiking and horse trails are located along the Blue Ridge Parkway as it passes through Roanoke County. Some of these trails originate at scenic overlook parking areas, such as the network of trails that extends from the Parkway down to the Roanoke River near the bridge at Niagara Dam. The Chesmut Ridge overlook also connects to a series of hiking and equestrian loop trails. Aecoss to the trails located along the Parkway is primarily by automobile. The majority of people who use ~ trails park their automobiles or bicycles at the overlook parking lots, and take day-hikes along the trails. Bicycle access on the Parkway is generally limited to the bravest of cyclists, since there are no paved shoulders, many hills, and numerous curves with limited sight distance. There is no bicycle parking at overlooks. Equestrian Trails There has been extensive support and interest in incorporating an equesWian trail sys- tem with this greenway system. Members of the C,-reen Hill Equestrian Center, which is located in the westero portion of Roanoke County, have expressed their desire to somehow link the Center with the Carvins Cove area horse trails. This is described further in the next section of this document. Hanging Rock Trail dtu~ng construction On-Road Bicycle Routes There are two bicycle routes in the study area. One extends through the City of Salem and is 11.2 miles long. The other, a shorter route in Roanoke, is a loop that is approxi- mately three miles long. There are no special improvements along these roads to ac- commodate cyclists - i.e. no paved shoulders or wider ~ravel lanes. The bicycle route signage is minimal, and does not include information such as nearby destination points and mileage. These bicycle routes are primarily for recreational riding, since they do not connect to likely destination points for commuters. Multi-Use Trails and Greenways The Roanoke Valley's fa'st rail-trail is currently under construction in Salem. This trail extends along Kessler Mill Road from Hang- ing Rock to Branch Street in Salem (approximately 2 miles in length). This trail will likely serve both recreational and transpor- tation use, as it connects to several neighborhoods. The trail was funded through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, Transportation Enhancements Program of the Surface Transportation Program. Another trail is planned along a sewer easement near Garst Mill Park in Roanoke. This recreational trail was planned after sewer system improvements were installed. Except for these two trails in the planning and construction phases, ROANOKE YALLEY CONCEPTUAL GREF~NWAY PLAN PAGE there are no other paved greenway trails known to exist in the urban area of the Valley, except for several loop trails within local parks. 5.4: Potential Greenway Corridors There are numerous corridors of land within the Roanoke Valley that offer the potential to serve as trail corridors. These linear corridors will require much future research to determine their viability for trail uses. The predominant corridor types include aban- doned railroad corridors, power line easements, roadway rights-of-way, abandoned roadway corridors and river and stream corridors. In addition, there are many publicly and privately owned open space lands within the urban area that could be used for greenway development. As specific route planning occurs, it will be important to consider these public and private lands for greenway linkages. Railroad Corridors The Roanoke Valley has an active past in the railroad industry, and is still criss-cmssed by many active rail lines. Norfolk Southern Railroad lines stretch across the Valley linking Roanoke County, Salem, Roanoke, and Vinton. It is likely that some rail lines in the Valley will be abandoned in the future. Be- cause these corridors are often the last remaining traffic-free linear corridors in urban areas, abandoned rail lines present exciting opportunities for multi-use trails. It has become a national goal to protect these vital corridors from loss by using a provision and pro- cedure administered by the Interstate Commerce Commission to "railbank" these vital corridors. A legitimate and congressionally supported interim use for milbanldng is the development of recre- ational trails. Former rail corridors, the rail bed and bridges associated within these corridors are well suited to trail development. The grades are normally flat to slightly sloped, and the bridges, trestles and other support structures that lie within the corridor were developed to support heavy and frequent rail-car use. It should be noted that existing railroad corridors also make ideal trail settings because impact to native vegetation and soil has already taken place, and cross drainage of storm waters has also been successfully resolved. Railroad Corridor Some of the problems typically encountered with rail corridors include: title issues related to the possible use of the corridor (some titles may include rail use only); op- position from landowners to conversion to trail use; presence of toxic chemicals in the ballast, soil and surrounding vegetation; missing bridges, ballast and other facilities - removed as part of the rail operators salvage of the abandoned corridor. Each project ROANOKE VALL~;Y CONCEWruA L GREENWAY PLA N PAGE 29 must be evaluated on an individual basis to determine its feasibility as a viable rail-trail conversion. Monitoring railroad activity in the Roanoke Valley will be vitally important in the future. Low freight lines need to be identified and watched so that action may be taken quickly should they become abandoned. Virginia's State Rail Plan is a source of information on abandoned rail lines and low-use freight lines. Currently, according to the State Rail Plan, there are no lines considered abandoned or low freight in the Roanoke Valley area. However, the status of local lines could change in the future, depending on freight demand, and short-line railroads could also become abandoned with only a brief public notice to indicate their intent. Therefore, all railroad lines in the Valley should be pe- riodically monitored to determine their current status. Powerline Corridor Utility Easements/Rights-of-Way Utility easements in the Roanoke Valley include powerlines, which usually follow straight paths, and sewer and waterline easements, which are usually found along streams and rivers. In many cities across the country, utility easements and rights-of-way serve a dual use as trail corridors. In utility corridors where the land is owned by the utility company (termed a "right-of-way"), an agreement must be sought with that utility com- pany. If the utility corridor exists as an easement, the land is owned by individual property owners who must each be contacted for permission to develop a greenway. Greenways are more difficult to establish in utility easements, particularly where these easements extend through residential areas, due to property owners' concerns about loss of privacy and crime. This method of greenway development in resi- dential areas is often far easier to implement in later years of greenway development when greenways have already been established and are widely popular among residents. Corridors of this type require careful coordination with utility companies and adjacent land owners. Landowner and utility company liability and risk management should also be thoroughly resolved before this type of corridor is accepted for trail development. Additionally, the issue of electromagnetic fields and their effects on trail users should be considered for each corridor of this type. An excellent reference publica- tion on this subject is "Trails on Electric Utility Lands: A Model of Public-Private Parmershin," which was produced jointly by American Trails and the Edison Electric Institute. A copy of this publication is available from American Trails (see appendix for address). Road Rights-of-Way In urban areas, greenway systems inevitably connect to the existing street system. In many cases, local streets are the only linear corridors available for bicycle and pedes- trian use. Therefore, the most successful greenway systems across the country combine off-read trails with an extensive on-road system of bicycle facilities and sidewalks. This typo of network best suits the needs of people who bicycle and walk for transpor- tation reasons, since all major destination points connect directly to the street system. Some advantages of this approach include availability of publicly owned land, presence of graded shoulder, ease of access and use, eSl~Cially by cyclists, and familiarity with the street system. Disadvantages include proximity to automobile traffic, lack of pe- destrian scale, and high volume intersections. The use of public roadways for trails must be coordinated with the appropriate local and state departments of transportation. River and Stream Corridors Early settlers chose to live in the Valley for reasons such as its proximity to streams and rivers. Perennial and intermittent streams flow through numerous subdivisions and neighborhoods on their way to the Roanoke River. There are several major tributaries of the Roanoke River within the study area, including Mason Creek, Tinker Creek, and Back Creek. Mason Creek flows south along Highway 311 in Roanoke County and through the City of Salem to the Roanoke River. T'mker Creek also flows south towards the Roanoke River from the Hollins area through Roanoke, just west of the Vinton town limits. Back Creek parallels Route 221 and runs east towards the river in the southern part of Roanoke County. Along with these major tributaries, numerous streams, such as Murray Run, Peters Creek, and Glade Creek all have potential as possible greenway corridors. Every natural water feature and flood plain in the urban area has exporienced urban encroachment to some extent. The increasing amounts of impervious surfaces within these flood plains are taxing both the health and basic function of these stream and river comdors, resulting in poor water ':~ quality and flooding during peak storms. Comparatively spoaking, the larger stream corridors are less urbanized than the smaller ones such as Murray Run. There are several stretches of Tinker Creek, for example, that are presently undeveloped and that should he preserved with greenways. The threat of flooding has been somewhat of a deterrent to development in several of the,~ corridors, except for those who could afford to channelize the stream (which has occurred in several areas). It will he critical in the future to preserve these corridors with greenways, not only to provide trail resources, but to also protect flood plains from further degradation. Many communities are also working to restore channelized streams to their original meandering and forested condition, so that they can again serve the function of filtering and slowing stormwater. The Roanoke River near Downlown Roanoke "Paper" Streets Some roadways have been abandoned from future use, or may have never been built by the municipalities. These rights-of-way are often called "paper streets". While papor streets hold potential as publicly-owned, linear spaces, they are often short and discon- tinuous. In some cases, plans for building these streets may have been abandoned be- C~ ~ ~C~~ aOANOKE VALLEY CONCEPTUAL GREENWAY PLAN PACE 31 cause of environmental limitations that might also affect trail development. These corridors should not be ruled out as potential trail connections, particularly for short segments of a larger system of off-road trails. The use of dedicated, but unopened, streets must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis as the public may have only limited rights for certain purposes. ROA NO ~ VAI'J'gY CONC~'*n~TUAL GRF'INWAY Iwn'AN ~~~ Section 6: Conceptual Greenway Route Plan A main objective of this plan is to produce a conceptual greenway route plan for dis- cussion, study and implementation throughout the Roanoke Valley and as the basis for further action by governing bodies. Several preparatory steps have taken place so that this can happen. The following section explains the process of identifying potential routes. 6.1 Route Planning Route planning decisions made as part of this study were primarily a function of public input combined with input from the Greenways/Open Space Steering Corn- mince and direction from the consultant. Excellent turnout at public workshops enabled project planners to identify specific corridors in high demand for im- provements. Over 140 citizens attended the first public workshop, held on July 24, 1995. Following keynote presentation on greenways throughout the U.S., partici- pants broke into five groups to "brainstorm" on poten- tial goals and objectives for the greenway system, as well as the destinations their ilteal greenway system would link. All participants were given the opportunity to share their suggestions during the break-out session. By this process, a set of goals was established. The goals were divided into six categories and are discussed in detail in the Goals and Obiectives sec- tion found earlier in this report. Public Workshop The linkages recorded during the break-out session of the first workshop formed the basis of the route plan. Additional routes were added following the second and third public workshops based on participants' input. Po- tential greenway routes were established by directly applying the desired linkages to the existing features map. Where potentially vi- able off-road corridors were known to exist, a route was included on the plan. Where no known viable off-road corridor existed, on- road corridors were identified. The Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan recommends many on-road bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the metro- politan area. In general, this system of on- road bicycle and pedestrian facilities is de- signed to capitalize on already-planned road improvement projects. These are termed Local Citizens vote on their prior,ties for the Roanoke Valley Greenway Systetn "incidental" improvements, and are far less expensive than "independent" improvements that are not combined with a regular roadway widening project. Roadways scheduled for widening in the 20-Year Tcansportation Improvement Pre- gram were evaluated for potential bicycle and pedestrian demand - as gauged by the linkages requested by local citizens who participated in Workshop #1. Where these streets satisfied public demand, they were identified on the Conceptual Greenway Route Map. 6.2 Greenway Route Descriptions Listed below are the numbered ~outes identified on the Roanoke Valley Greenway Route Plan. This listing has bee ompiled in order to suggest potential routes for use by local communities and the s~ mg committee in futura trail development. These routes rangu in type and length, c ~nding on their location, which include both on-road and off-read corridors. When reading these descriptions, it is important to remember the following: 1) This is a conceptual plan, and fu~her detailed design and feasibility studies are needed for each route. 2) Through further study, some may be deemed feasible, while others will be elimi- nated- from consideration due to factors that are unknown at this time. 3) Other routes may be added as opportunities arise. 4) The Roanoke River (route 32) is the "spine" of the system. It will be important to update and modify this plan often as the design process becomes more detailed. Included in these descriptions is an explanation of historical resources. Route 1: Highway 785/Blacksburg Road This stretch of highway in the northern portion of Roanoke County runs east/west and has been designated a bicentennial bikeway. It traverses the Catawba Valley. Named for early Native American inhabitants, this valley qualifies for the National Register designation of "Rural Historic District" due to the retention of cultural resources, some of which date back to the 1760's. in this region is an outstanding collection of 19th century architecture including farms, schools, churches and agricultural buildings. Route 2: Highway 622/Bradshaw Road This route, running almost parallel to and south of Hwy 785, is another popular on-road link to Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. Route 3: The Appalachian 'grail This existing popular hiking trail runs from Craig County east through northern Roanoke County into Botetourt County. The Appalachian Trail was designed in 1937, and has long been considered the premiere multi-state scenic hiking trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine. ROA NO K~ VALLEY eONC[iNIJA L Gii EE/4WAY irl. A N PAGE Route 4: Mason Creek Mason Creek runs south from the northern part of Roanoke County to the Roanoke River. The stream, which parallels Hwy 311 for much of its distance, would make an excellent off-ruad route linking Roanoke and Salem with the Appalachian Trail and the northern on-road routes. Near the intersection of Routes 311 and 419 is the site of the Battle of Hanging Rock, fought on June 21, 1864. Mason Creek also played a rule in the settlement of the Valley. One of the earliest families in the region, the Garsts, built Kessler Mill here. The mill went out of business in the 1920's. Route S: Timberview Road Timborview Road links Mason Creek and Carvins Cove. It runs east/west just north of I-$1. Route 6: Wood Haven Road This on-road route is in the northern portion of the County of Roanoke. It serves as a linkage from schools and suburban neighborhoods to both Mason Creek and Peters Creek Road. Kingstown Community was once located in this area. This community was established in the 1870's by freed slaves. A number of 19th century buildings and descendants of the original inhabitants still remain in this area. Route 7: Horse Pen Branch This off-road route links with Timberview Road to complete the east/west corridor to Carvins Cove. This links neighborhoods along Mason Creek in northern Salem and Roanoke County with the outlying area of Carvins Cove. Route 8: Link to Appalachian Trail This route in the northeastern portion of Roanoke County serves the need for a future linkage that could connect to the Appalachian Trail in Botetourt County. Route 9: Carvin Creek Carvin Creek runs south from Carvins Cove toward Roanoke City. It would provide an ideal off-ruad linkage for neighborhoods and schools in the Hollins area. Route 10: Paint Bank Branch This small tributary of the Roanoke River runs north to south through the western portion of Salem. This route would link neighborhoods in this area to Main Street and the proposed Roanoke River Greenway. Route 11: Horner's Branch This tributary of the Roanoke River could serve as an off-road route for suburban Salem neighborhoods linking to the Roanoke River Greenway. Route 12: Roanoke River Tributary The headwaters of this unnamed stream begin in the Havens Wildlife Management Area. This stream mas through downtown Salem and could serve as an off-road corridor to link Salem neighborhoods with both the wildlife area and the Roanoke River Green- way. Route 13: Red Lane Red Lane could serve as an on-road corridor linking Salem neighborhoods with Ha- vens Wildlife Management Area, north of Salem. Route 14: Gish Branch Gish Branch feeds into Mason Creek which eventually connects to the Roanoke River. This stream could link neighborhoods in the northern area of Salem with the Hanging Rock Trail (see Salem Rail Trail, Route 15). Route 15: Salem Rail Trail The Salem Rail Trail is the Roanoke Valley's first rail-to-trail conversion. This former rail corridor runs north/south along Kessler Mill Road in Salem. It will link Hanging Rock to Salem with an off-road trail that ends near Branch Street. There are several neighborhoods nearby that will have access to the trail. The route ends near the site of the Battle of Hanging Rock, fought in 1864. Also located near this route (on Mason Creek) is the former site of Kessler's Mill. At one time, this was one of the area's largest operating mills. Route 16: Peters Creek Road/Green Ridge Road This on-road corridor would link the northern part of the City of Roanoke with other corridors that extend directly into downtown Salem and Roanoke. It would connect schools and neighborhoods, such as Glen Cove Elementary and Meadow Wood Estates, with other important transportation routes. Route 17: Hershberger Road Hershberger Road is an important east/west transportation route through the northern part of the City of Roanoke. Parts of this busy road ate slated for improvement in the 20 Year Transportation Improvement plan(TIP). This creates an opportunity to imple- ment provisions for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Route 18: Plantation Road This on-road corridor would mn north/south through the northern portions of Roanoke City and County. It would link neighborhoods and schools in the Hollins area with downtown Roanoke. Tombstone Cemetery is located along this corridor. This cem- etery contains the Denton Monument, "Old Tombstone", which is listed on the National Register. Route 19: Hollins Road Hollins Road parallels Plantation Road on the east. It would provide another linkage between neighborhoods in this area, such as Meadewood and Bryant Heights. This road served as a pioneer road in the 18th century. PAGE ~6 Route 20: M~in Street, Salem This east/west on-road route mns directly through downtown Salem linking many important destinations. Shopping centers, schools and neighborhoods would be acces- sible from this route. Downtown Salem is rich with both commercial and residential historic architecture. Route 21: Lick Run Lick Run is a small stream that would provide an off-road corridor linking neighbor- hoods, such as Fairland, with parks and schools, such as Washington Park and Lincoln Terrace Elementary School. Route 22: 10th Street This corridor would provide an important on-road mute into downtown Roanoke from the north. This portion of 10th Street is already slated for some improvements in the 20 Year Tlr' and should include provisions for pedesuian and bicycle traffic. Route 23: Williamson Road This on-road corridor would link the northern section of the City of Roanoke (Hollins area) with downtown Roanoke. Route 24: Tinker Creek Tinker Creek is a major tributary of the Roanoke River. With its head waters near Hollins, Tinker Creek mns north to south. This off-mad greenway route would create an ideal link from Hollins area neighborhoods and schools to Roanoke and Vinton. Tinker Creek is the Roanoke Valley's largest tributary to the Roanoke River. Settlement along Tinker Creek dates back to the 1740's and 1750's and included farms, mills, churches, and schools. (See "Routes Not Shown On Map" for more information on Tinker Creek Routes.) Route 25: Highway 460/Challenger Rd. This on-road route would link outlying Roanoke County neighborhoods with Roanoke City. Route 26: Glade Creek Glade Creek runs in a southwest direction from Roanoke County into Vinton. This stream would serve as an off-mad route, linking schools and neighborhoods with each other and downtown Vinton. Route 27: Glenwood Horse ~-ail Link This route would provide a connection with existing horse trails in Botatourt County, to the northeast of Roanoke County. (~ ~1~ ~(~~ ROANOKE VALLEY CONCEPTUAL GREENWAY PLAN PAGE 37 Route 28: River Tributary This unnamed tributary from Twelve O'Clock Knob connects to the Roanoke River in southern Salem. It would serve to link neighborhoods in this area with the proposed Roanoke River G-reenway. Route 29: Proposed Peters Creek Road Extension Once built, this new section of roadway, extending south from the existing Peters Creek Road, would link area neighborhoods with the proposed Roanoke River Greeaway, and complete a portion of a bicycle transportation route toward downtown Salem and Roanoke. Rome 30: Lynchburg/Salem Turnpike This roadway, when modified, could serve as a primary tcax~sportation route between Salem and Roanoke. Route 31: Dale Avenue/Virginia Avenue Dale Avenue would serve as an on-road connection between downtown Roanoke and Downtown Vinton (where it is called V~rginia Avenue). This congested urban route would primarily serve commuters. Route 32: The Roanoke River The Roanoke River stretches through the middle of the Roanoke Valley. It crosses all four jurisictions and would serve as the backbone for the greenway system. It links numerous parks, schools, neighborhoods and shopping areas. Many historic features can be found along the Roanoke River Corridor. "Nature's Own Swimming Hole" was a popular recreation spot on the river located between the two historic communities of Wabun and Glenvar. On the ~outheastern side of the county, the Niagara Dam, built in 1906, is still in operation. In the City of Roanoke, Memorial B ridge, built as a memorial to Roanoke soldiers who died in World War 1, crosses the river to the west of Wasena Park. Route 33: Stewartsviile Road (State Route 24) This on-road route would leave Vinton to the east and connect neighborhoods with the Blue Ridge Parkway. Route 34: Dry Hollow This route would use a stream corridor to link a former YMCA camp (now owned by Roanoke County) as well as a future reservoir recreation area to the proposed Roanoke River Greenway. Route 35: Highway 639fHarbourwood Road This on-road route would serve as a connection to the Green Hill Park Equestrian Center which is located in this part of Roanoke County. ROANOKE VALLEY CONCEPTUAL GREENWA¥ PLAN PAGE 38 Route 36: Barnhardt Creek This creek could serve as a linkage to the Roanoke River for several suburban neigh- borhouds in southwest Roanoke, including Farmingdale, Medmont Lake, and Crest- wood. Route 37: Mudlick Creek Mudlick Creek would be a valuable off-road corridor, providing linkages for many sub- urban neighborhoods, schools, and libraries in the Cave Spring area of Roanoke County and Southwest Roanoke City. This route passes by Cave Spring Comers Shopping Center, Melody Acres and Lee Hy Gardens. Route 38: Brandon Road This short on-road corridor would link to Grandin Road, providing cyclists with a direct route into downtown Roanoke from the southwest. Route 39: Grandin Road Grandin Road would provide a direct on-road route into downtown Roanoke from the southwest. This route would link a densely populated suburban area with the Roanoke River and other amenities such as schools and shopping centers. Route 40: Colonial Avenue Colonial Avenue is slated for improvements in the 20 Year 'I'IF which would provide an opportunity to include provisions for bicycles and pedestrians. This is an important corridor for commuter traffic in southwestern Roanoke City and County, and would serve alternate transportation needs. Route 41: Garnand Branch Gamand Branch is a small stream located in southeast Roanoke City that could connect neighborhoods, schools and parks in this area with the Roanoke River and downtown Roanoke. Route 42: Rutrough Road This on-road corridor would link the Blue Ridge Parkway with the entrance to Explore Park in southeast Roanoke County. This would provide on-mad access to Explore Park for pedestrians and bicyclists. Route 43: Murray Run This stream meanders through neighborhoods and parks in and around the Cave Spring section of the Valley. This linkage would provide an important connection with the Roanoke River. Route 44: Routes to Mill Mountain There are two routes that lead to Mill Mountain. The route on the north side of Mill Mountain would utilize Prospect Road and connect the park at the summit with down- town Roanoke. (This route is not shown on the map, due to scale) The other route would link the south side of Mill Mountain with the Blue Ridge Parkway. Both would serve as ideal on-road routes, providing scenic and functional ways to the park on top of Mill Mountain. Mill Mountain is a popular tourist site and includes a zoo as well as spectacular views of the Roanoke Valley. Mill Mountain was named for Evans Mill, which was located at the base of the mountain. It is the original site of the "incline" rail system that took visitors to Rocldedge Inn which was established in 1890's. Route 45: Back Creek Back Creek is a major tributary to the Roanoke River. It runs across much of the south Roanoke County, paralleling Highway 221 and crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway. This off-roM route would provide scenic access to this relatively lightly populated but de- veloping area. Elijah Poage built a sawmill and grist mill in the vicinity of Back Creek in 1848. Route 46: Route to Smith Mountain Lake Smith Mountain Lake is located southeast of Roanoke County and is fed by the Roanoke River. The Roanoke River corridor could serve as a viable link to the Smith Mountain Lake recreation area. Route 47: Hwy 221/Brambleton Avenue Parts of this on-road corridor are scheduled for improvement making this route a can- didate for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. This could provide an iroportant al- teroative transportation route in southwest Roanoke City and County. Route 48: Highway 419 This route links parts of southwest Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Salem with Tanglewood Mall, which is an important shopping destination for area residents. Route 49: Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway already serves as a highly popular on-road scenic route and draws tourists from all over the eastern U.S. It passes through the southeastern portion of Roanoke County, offering some of the most scenic views of the Roanoke Valley. The Parkway has been established as a greenway system for close to sixty years. The portion of the Parkway that travels through Roanoke County was completed in the 1960's, and incorporates many scenic views of the Roanoke Valley. Route 50: Highway 220 This portion of 220 leaves Roanoke going south. As an on-road corridor it would link communities in southern Roanoke with the Blue Ridge Parkway. Route 51: Wolf Creek This small tributary of the Roanoke River at the boundat3t of Vinton and Roanoke County would link schools and neighborhoods with the Roanoke River corridor. ROANO ~ VAt'I'I'''¥ ceNc'~''I~TUA L GRg~'I6VAY I%/~'NPAGE 6.3 Routes Not Shown On Map The following is a list of routes, which due to size and scale could not be included on the Greenway Route Plan but should be officially recognized as recommendations of this document. Route to Explore Park A new road, providing direct access to Explore Park from the Blue Ridge Parkway, will be constructed. It will be important to include on-mad facilities to accommodat~ bicycles and pedestrians. Roanoke City Within the City of Roanoke there are many possibilities for greenway corridors utilizing a combination of City streets, sidewalks, alleys and open space. Three categories of corridors merit special attention: · Linkages among and between neighborhoods, shopping areas, schools, and parks; · Rail trails located on abandoned railway beds; and · Corridors located on or near sewer interceptor lines or other utility fights-of-way. Six corridors within the City of Roanoke have been identified for inclusion in this conceptual plan. · Mill Mountain to Downtown Roanoke: Mill Mountain is a resource to the entire Roanoke Valley as are the City Market and the Central Business District. A cor- ridor linking the park at the summit of Mill Mountain with the downtown, by way of Prospect Road and including Riverview Park, would connect these two impor- tant tourist attractions. This linkage could incorporate Elmwood Park and the City Market and could be extended to the Hotel Roanoke and beyond, through the Gainsboro neighborhood and Washington Park, to the Roanoke Civic Center. · The Roanoke Center for Industry and Technology (RCIT) to Tinker Creek: The newest of the City's industrial centers, the RCIT features clean and progressive industries and corporations in a park-like setting. Tinker Creek was important to the early development of the Roanoke Valley and contains valuable historic and cultural resources. Preliminary designs for a Tinker Creek greenway have already been developed. · Mudlick Creek to Patrick Henry High School Complex: This corridor would utilize City streets, sidewalks and alleys to connect Mudlick Creek and its tributar- · les-- and the adjacent Greater Deyerle and Raleigh Court neighborhoods -- with the high school complex and surrounding community. · Tanglewood Mall to Virginia Western Community College: This segment of the greenway system could extend from the Tanglewood Mall through the old Jefferson Hills Golf Course to Virginia Westem Community College and Madison Junior High School and Fishbum Elementary schools. Extending this corddor to the Patrick Henry High School complex by way of Shrine Hill Park would enable it to connect to the corridor linking the high school complex with Mudlick Creek. (~ ~1~ ~(~~ ROANOKE VALLEY COSC~PTUAL GRF.,F. JqWAY PLaN PAGE 41 Fleming Ruffner Schools Complex to Lick Run: A corridor linking the Ruffner Middle School/William Fleming High School complex to Lick Run would provide educational resources as well as opportunities to expand in several directions, possibly incorporating the Man'iott Hotel and the Sheraton Inn, Countryside Golf Course and several multi-family housing developments in the area. Valley View Mall to Lick Run: This segment would offer the opportunity to link nearby neighborhoods with Lick Run by way of Valley View Mall, thus encourag- ing pedestrian access and providing a means to reduce motor vehicle traffic to the mall. Downtown Salem and Downto,,~n Vinton While no walking tours currently exist in these downtowns, many routes on the Green- way Route Plan lead into these town centers. Here as greenway planning continues, it will be important to design safe access for bicycles and pedestrians to these downtown are~. Equestrian Trails Members of the Green Hill Park Equestrian Center have produced a map showing proposed dedicated bridle paths throughout the Roanoke Valley. This trail map also shows linkages with equestrian trails in Botetourt County. During planning for green- ways throughout the Roanoke Valley, it will be important to include the proposed eques- trian trails. They utilize existing utility corridors for the most part and extend through- out the Valley. From the south they follow the Blue Ridge Parkway east toward the Glenwood Horse trails, and to the west they criss-cross over Bent Mountain toward Green Hill Park Equestrian Center. From the equestrian center they extend northeast towards the Carvins Cove Reservoir. 6.4 Priorities for Route Development Priorities for route development was a topic of discussion throughout the planning process for the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan. During the first commu- nity workshop, local citizens were asked what linkages they felt were most important. During the third community workshop, participants voted on their top priority routes. This process confirmed that Valley residents feel the top priority should be a greenway along the Roanoke River, and that residents also want other trails located close to home and linking nearby destinations. Creeks and streams scored high among local citizens as potential greenway routes. The Roanoke Valley Greenways/Open Space Steering Committee examined the public input, along with the consultant's review, and developed the priority list below (list does not imply any priority order): mOA NOKE VALleY CONC~I~rUA L C I~INWAY Iq'A N PAGE · Roanoke River · Mudlick Creek/Garst Mill · Blue Ridge Parkway (on-road and off-road facilities) · Salem Rail Trail (Hanging Rock) · Tinker Creek · Downtown Roanoke to Explore Park (via Mill Mountain) · Connection to Appalachian Trail via Carvins Cove · Electric Road/Rt. 419 (on-road and off-road facilities) · Wolf Creek · Stewartsville Road/Rt. 24 to the Blue Ridge Parkway · Connection to existing horse trails The mutes on the list above should be considered as "starting points" for greenway implementation. While the list indicates the routes that are most desired for greenway development, the actual feasibility of such routes is yet unknown. The availability of land in these areas has not been determined, nor have potential trail alignments been explored. These and related issues will be resolved during the next phase of greenway planning and design. Section 7: Getting the Greenway System Built Development of this Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan is the initial step in a process that will require more planning, on a ~'ail-by-trail basis. This plan does not address the specifics of trail development along each corridor, such as land ownership, trail installation, and environmental constraints. An implementation schedule for the Roanoke Valley Greenway System is found in this section of the report. This schedule addresses the practical aspects of greenway planning and design (below), as well as the programmatic activities that should occur in the years to come (reference "Strategies for Success*, Section 2). 7.1 Greenway Planning and Design Step 1: Greenway Feasibility Studies The first step in determining the viability of a priority route in the Roanoke Valley is a feasibility study. This step is especially impotent in cases where corridor ownership is in question or land acquisition will be necessary. The feasibility study also allows for public input in the early stages of project planning and it allows municipalities to determine citizen support for specific routes and political feasibility prior to making firm commitments to develop particular trails. It also provides additional time to disseminate information about the benefits of greenways to trail opponents, and to plan for security issues. A typical trail feasibility study would examine the following aspects of trail development: · What are the options for trail routing and what are the pros and cons of each? · For comdors that are not presently owned by the local government: what is the feasibility of either obtaining the land or getting a public-access easement to use the land? Are there special areas that would represent design challenges that may be impossible or cost-prohibitive to resolve? If such challenges exist, it may be helpful to enlist the help of a trail designer to provide possible solutions and their costs. What are the estimated costs of each trail routing option? Based on information obtained, which is the preferred routing alternative? What agencies need to be involved to make this facility a reality? What permits will be necessary? · What is the targeted funding source of this facility, and is funding sufficient for detailed trail design, surveying, land acquisition and construction? Does this funding source have particular requirements that must be considered early in the trail planning process? (If the source of funds is the Transportation Enhancements Program, there are strict requirements for land acquisition and U'ail design). PAGE 45 Step 2: Greenway Master Planning Once a corridor has been selected for greenway development, and the corridor has been acauired or leased for use. (see land acquisition techniques in this section) a master plan should be developed. A master plan specifies the series of actions that must be carried out by the agency that is responsible for greenway development. The master plan examines all issues relevant to the consU'uction, maintenance and opomtion of the greenway. The plan must also be defensible and should be prepared through a participato~ process that involves local residents in key design decisions, such as the location of access points to the corridor, the treatment of the interface between public and private properties, the type of facilities to be located in the corridor and maintenance and management of the facilities. The level of detail in a maser plan for a particular corridor will vary from project to project, however, enough information should be provided, both graphically and in written form so that local residents, government staff, private-sector advocates and elected officials can understand the vision for the corridor and the series of steps requited to implement the project. The involvement of the public is a key component of developing a master plan. It is suggested that a small working group, made up of local residents, greenway advocates, government officials and other interested citizens, be established to work on the preparation of the master plan. As the work of this group progresses, interim public information meetings should be held to discuss the objectives of the master plan and to receive input from other residents. When a final master plan has been completed, it will need to be reviewed for compliance with local, state and federal laws. If the local governments are asked to sponsor development of the greenway, the plan will need to be reviewed and approved by the local officials. Addressing Crime and Privacy Concerns of Local Landowners Greenways in the Roanoke Valley can provide safe recreational environments. Some of the most effective deterrents to crime have involved local citizens' becoming more aware of their neighbor- hoods and participating in community watch programs. Green- ways have proven to be an effective program for encouraging local residents to participate in neighborhood outdoor programs. In other communities, law enforcement officials have found that parks and greenways are land uses that typically have the lowest incident of reported criminal activity. By providing entrance bollards or other such devices that restrict motor vehicles on the greenway system, crime and vandalism is less likely to be a prob- lem. Loss of privacy for adjacent land owners can also be avoided through sensitive trail development. Vegetation should be preserved where it provides a natural screen. Where needed, additional vegetative screens and fences can be constructed to provide visual screens and barriers. PAGE PAGE 47 Step 3: Construction Documentation Construction documents a~ drawings and specifications that describe the materials, wodm~anship and finished form of all facilities to be built within the corridor. The level of complexity of these drawings depends to a great extent upon the type of greenway: a five foot wide hiking trail does not require the same construction documentation as a ten foot paved multi-use greenway. Construction documents must be prepared to meet minimum public-use standards established by federal, stat~ and local governments. These will vary depending on the type of users served by the greenway, and the type of landscape being traversed by the corridor. National standards have been established for all paved trails designed for bicycle transportation and can be referenced in the AASHTO publication, Guidelines to the Development of Bicycle Facilities. Conslruction drawings and specifications should describe materials, style and form for all proposed facilities; they will be used to build the greenway. Documents can be prepared in-house by local staff or by a consulting landscape architect and/or engineer. They are typically produced at either 20 scale or 50 scale (1" = 50'), and should include cross sections at 100' intervals. Trail details should include trail clearing and grading, trail tread design, cross slope drainage, storm drainage design, erosion control measures, signage placement and design, and any other design elements. Trail layout plans should include stationing and curve data. 7.2 Finding Land for Greenway Development Some of the off-road greenway corridors identified by the conceptual plan extend across privately owned lands. This section of the report identifies mechanisms for obtaining public access to these areas. Greenway lands can be preserved and protected through a variety of mechanisms. The amount of greenway land to be preserved in any given situation is based on two factors - the size of a parcel of land and an evaluation of the parcel's greenway value. The most successful greenway programs encourage voluntary involvement among landowners, rather than relying on the power of eminent domain. Landowners should be given the option of deciding what land they would view as being included in the greenway system. Landowners should also he eligible to benefit from economic incentives for voluntary participation in the program. Landowners may have the following options in participating in a greenway program: · Landowners can donate all or a portion of their land for greenway PU~P°ses, thereby becoming eligible for Federal tax deductions. Property proposed for donation, whether in fee-simple, conservation easement or other manner, must meet certain eligibility requirements set forth by federal and state agencies to qualify for tax benefits. In addition, only approved governmental and private agencies may be the receiving organizations. The property owner may choose to dedicate greenway lands in fee-simple title, or the owner may choose to convey a conservation easement nOANOK~ VALLEY CONCEPTUAL GnE~4WAY I~AN ~ ~ ~~~n~ in which issues such as maintenance and public access are negotiated with the receiving organization. · Landowners can lease greenway lands to the responsible jurisdiction for long-term public access and/or conservation. Landowners can offer the jurisdiction first right of refusal in purchasing the land. Purchase would be made using money from an established greenway trust fund or another source of greenway funds. 7.21 Greenway Easements The purpose of greenway easements is to establish legally binding contracts based on a mutual understanding of the specific use, treatment and protection that greenway lands will receive. Property owners who grant easements retain all rights to the property except those which have been granted by the easement. The property owner is responsible for all taxes associated with the property, less the value of the easement granted. Easements are generally restricted to certain portions of property, although in some cases an easement can be applied to an entire parcel. Easements are usually transferable through title transactions, thus the easement can remain in effect in perpetuity. Three typ~s of gree. nway easements which may be appropriate for use in the Roanoke Valley are: Conservation Easements This type of easement generally establishes permanent limits on the use and develop- ment of land in order to protect the natural resources of that land. Dedicated conservation easements usually qualify for beth federal income tax deductions and state tax credits. Preservation Easements This type of easement is intended to protect the historical integrity of a stmctore or important elements of the landscape by sound management practices. Preservation easements may qualify for the same federal tax deductions and state tax credits as conservation easements. Public-Access Easements Right-of-public-access easements provide the general public with the right to use a specific parcel of property. Both conservation easements and preservation easements may contain clauses for the right of public access and still be eligible for tax incentives. 7.22 Greenway Development through Regulation The following are regulatory tools that can meet the challenges of projected urban and suburban growth and development and, at the same time, conserve and protect greenway resources. While many of the methods below can be used in Virginia others require changes in state law. Some of the methods require zoning ordinances that do not currently exist in the Valley, or do not exist for all local jurisdictions. Therefore, the use of some of the methods would require ordinance revisions and staff resources to implement the new requirements. Reservation of Land A reservation of land does not involve any transfer of property rights but simply constitutes an obligation to keep property free from development for a stated period of time. Reservations are normally subject to a specified period of time, such as 6 or 12 months. At the end of this period, if an agreement has not been reached to transfer certain property rights, the reservation expires. Conditional Zoning Also known aa conditional rezoning, this mechanism can be used to create public and private greenways through special conditions voluntarily offered by the property owner requesting a rezoning. Conditional rezoning allows the owner to perform some act or make site improvements to make the proposed rezoning more compatible with the surrounding area. This mechanism allows planning officials to accommodate property owners, to not conflict with the Land Use Plan, and to protect greenways within the jurisdiction. Buffer/Transition Zones This mechanism recognizes the problem of reconciling different, potentially incompatible, land uses by preserving greenways that function aa buffers or transition zones between uses. Care must be taken to ensure that use of this mechanism is rea- sonable, is narrowly and directly focused, and will not destroy the value of a property. Density Bonuses One regulatory method currently used in James City County, V'u~nia, is incentive zoning - also termed density bonuses. Under this mechanism, developers am encouraged to provide amenities within the community (such as trails, buffers, or scenic views) by allowing greater densities than normally allowed by the zoning ordinance. Conservation Overlay Zones This mechanism could allow local jurisdictions to place a conservation development zone in a location identified for greenway development. Conservation development zones allow for a closer grouping of buildings on one part of a property so that the remaining open land can be conserved and/or used for recreation (this is also called "cluster zoning"). This would require a conservation-development-zoning ordinance. Resource Overlay Zones By establishing resource overlay zones through local zoning ordinances, Valley are~ governments can protect undeveloped land along streams and rivers. This method places restrictions on development activity in and around important historic sites, or near sensitive natural resources such as streams and rivers. While this method would not require greenway development, it could preserve critical greenway lands from further urban encroachment. Planned-Unit Development Ordinances A PUD ordinance can enable a jurisdiction to require a certain percentage of land area to be set aside for recreation or for common open space. This zoning ordinance, combined with a greenway plan that identifies a proposed route within the property, can be used to secure additional greenway lands. ROA NO Kg VA LLEY COI~ICEIq~A L C REI~'~IWAY I~,,A N PAGE Subdivision Exactions A subdivision exaction is a condition of subdivision approval which requires the subdivider/developer to provide for certain public improvements at its own expense. Section 15.1-466 (A) (5) authorizes the exaction of certain improvements ("any right- of-way located within any subdivision .... any street, curb, gutter, sidewalk, bicycle trail, drainage or sewer system, water line as part of a public system or other improvement dedicated for public use"). If authorized by local ordinance, this authorizes requiring the developer to dedicate parts of its land for public use or to construct at its expense, and in accordance with defined standards, needed facilities serving the subdivision. The courts permit the needed facilites serving the subdivision. The courts permit the use of on-site mandatory dedication and exactions when the need for pat~dcul~ facilities can he closely related to the development. Section 15.1-466 (A) (10) authorizes developers to pay for certain off-site improvments for sewage, water and drainage facilities. There are statutory limitations and guidelines for calculating the amount of the developer's pro-rata share of these improvements. Section 15.1-466 (E) authorizes localities to include in local subdivision ordinances reasonable provisions for voluntary funding of off-site road improvements. Agricultural and Forestai Districts (AFDs) AFD's are a land conservation and preservation effort that can only he enacted by a landowner. Through this special district, the landowner agrees to limit development on the property for the life of the agreement, which is usually 4-10 years. This method can be used to preserve future greenway lands in developing areas, particularly where the landowner desires to keep the property intact in the years prior to greenway development. In return, the property owner is taxed on the use of the land, rather than its fair market value. 7.23 Greenways Land Acquisition The third method of developing greenways in the Roanoke Valley is through the acquisition of property. A variety of methods can be used to acquire property for greenway purposes, including: Donation/Tax Incentives, Fee-Simple Purchase, Easement Purchase, Purchase/Lease Back, Bargain Sale, Option/First Right Of Refusal, Condemnation, and Impact fees. Each of these is described in Appendix B. 7.3 Sources of Funding for Greenway Projects The most common method for funding grecnways is to combine local, public-sector and private-sector funds with funds from state, federal and additional private-sector sources. Many communities involved with greenway implementation are choosing to leverage local money as a match for outside funding sources, in essence multiplying their resources. During future greenway development in the Roanoke Valley, local advocates and government staff should pursue a variety of funding sources for land acquisition and greenway construction. A grecnway program that relies on limited funding sources may one day come to a grinding halt should these funding sources dry up. ROANOK~ VALLI~Y CONCEPTUAL GREENWA¥ PLAN PAGE 51 The funding sources cited below represent a few of the greenway funding opportunities that have been pursued by o~her communities. This list provides a place to "get started". (Addresses and phone numbers of national organizations which provide technical assistance for greenway projects can be found in Appendix C of this report.) 7.31 Local Funding Sources Bond Referendums for Greenways Communities across the nation have successfully placed on local ballots propositions to support g~enway development. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, NC, area passed four consecutive referendums that generated more than $3 million for greenways. Guilford County, NC, passed a referendum in 1986 that appropriated $1.6 million for development of a specific greenway corridor. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, a greenway bond referendum was used to fund the first three miles of local greenways. Residents throughout the United States have consistently placed a high value on local grcenway development and voted to raise their own taxes in support of greenway implementation. Considering the popularity of greenways in the Roanoke Valley, bond referendums may be successful. Greenway Funding through Local Ci~'s Perhaps the line measure of local government commitment to greenways is a yearly appropriation for trail development in the Capital Improvements Program. In Raleigh, NC, greenways continue to be built and maintained, year after year, due to a dedicated source of annual funding (administered through the Parks and Recreation Department). In addition, the City of Raleigh's Real Estate Department has its own line item budget for greenway land acquisition. Roanoke Valley Greenway ~'ust Fund Another strategy used by several communities is the creation of a trust fund for land acquisition and facility development that is administered by a private greenway advocacy group, or by a local greenway commission. A trust fund can aid in the acquisition of large parcels of high priority properties that may be lost if not acquired by private sector initiative. Money may be contributed to the trust fund from a variety of sources, including the municipal and county general funds, private grants, and gifts. Local Private-Sector Funding Local industries and private businesses may agree to provide support for greenway development in the Valley through: donations of cash to a specific greenway segment; · donations of services by large corporations to reduce the cost of greenway implementation, including equipment and labor to construct and install elements of a specific grcenway; · reductions in the cost of materials purchased from local businesses which support greenway implementation and can supply essential products for facility development. [ROANOK~vALLEY CONc~P13JALGIO~P'~/WAY [~ANPAGIe ~'2 One example ora successful endeavor of this type is the Swif~ Creek Recycled Green- way in Cary, NC. A total of $40,000 in donated constmctinn materials and labor made this trail an award-winning demonstration project. This method of raising funds re- quires a great deal of staff coordination. (Note: Some materials used in the "recycled trail" were considered waste materials by local industries!) 7-32 Volunteer Assistance and SmalI-Seale Donation Programs Greenway Sponsors A sponsorship program for greenway amenities allows for smaller donations to be received both from individuals and businesses. The program must be well planned and organized, with design standards and associated costs established for each amenity. Project elements which may be funded can include mile markers, call boxes, benches, trash receptacles, entry signage and bollards, and picnic areas. Volunteer Work Community volunteers may help with greenway construction, as well as conduct fund- raisers. Organizations in the Roanoke Valley could include the Boy Scouts, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, the Sierra Club and local civic clubs such as the Kiwanis, Rotary and Lions Clubs. A point in case is Cheyenne, Wyoming's volunteer greenway program. The Greater Cheyenne Grecnway has motivated an impressive amount of community support and volunteer work. The program has the unusual problem of having to insist that volunteers wait to begin landscaping the trail until construction is completed. A manual for greenway volunteers was developed in 1994 to guide and regulate volunteer work. The manual includes a description of appropriate volunteer efforts, request forms, waiver and release forms, and a completion form (volunteers are asked to summarize their accomplishments). Written guidelines are also provided for volunteer work in 100-year floodplains. To better organize volunteer activity, Cheyenne developed an "Adopt-a-Spot" program. Participants who adopt a segment of trail are responsible for periodic trash pick-up, but can also install landscaping, prune trail-side vegetation, develop wildlife enhancement projects, and install site amenities. All improvements must be consistent with the Greenway Development Plan and must be approved by the local Greenway Coordinator. Adopt-a-Spot volunteers are allowed to display their names on a small sign along the adopted section of greenway. Volunteers have included the Boy Scouts, the Southeastern Wyoming Mental Health Center, and F. E. Warren Air Force Base. Cheyenne's Job Training Partnership Program has become involved in building trail-side benches and picnic tables. School groups have also raised funds to build trail amenities. Other volunteers have participated in a stream bank improvement project, donating labor and materials. Estate Donations Wills, estates and trusts may be also dedicated to the appropriate agency for use in developing and/or operating the greenway system. ROANOKE VALLEY cONC£PTUA L GREzNwAY PLAN PAGE 53 "Buy-a-Foot" Programs "Buy-a-Foot" programs have been successful in raising funds and awareness for trail and greenway projects within North Carolina. Under local initiatives, citizens are encouraged to purchase one linear foot of the greenway by donating the cost of construction. An excellent example of a successful endeavor is the High Point Greenway "Buy-a-Foot" campaign, in which linear greenway "feet" were sold at a cost of $25/ foot. Those who donated were given a greenway T-shirt and a certificate. This project provided over $5,000 in funds. 7.33 State Government Funding Sources Virginia Depa~a,~ent of 'l~ansportation (VDOT) VDOT is the state agency that administers federal funding from the Intermedal Surface Transportation Effciency Act (ISTEA) of 1991. Along with the federal requirements for this money, VDOT has application policies and procedures. The following list provides key policies that apply to this source. (Excerpts below were taken from VDOT's Enhancement Procedure Checklist and the Enhancement Program Reimbursement Procedures and Match Requirements.) · This is a reimbursment program, so costs are reimbursed only if they were incurred after authorization. Approved costs include land acquisition and design services. · Greenway lands must be owned as rights-of-way, rather than exist as easements across private property. Furthermore, strict federal guidelines apply to land acqui- sition for trail use (per the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Ac- quisition Policies Act). · An environmental document is required during the Preliminary Engineering Phase. · Consultant selection for design-development services must conform to certain state and federal procedures. · Funding is contingent on a minimum 20 percent local match. · Private contributions of donated right-of-way can be used to make the local match. 7.34 Federal Government Funding Sources Some Federal programs offer financial aid for projects that aim to improve community infrastructure, transportation, housing and recreation programs. Some of the Federal programs that can be used to support the development of greenway systems include: The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) The primary source of federal funding for greenways is through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), which is authorized through fiscal year 1997. There are many sections of the Act that support the development of bicycle and pedestrian transportation corridors. Those sections that apply to the creation of greenway systems include: · Section 1302: Symms National Recreational Trails Fund Act (NRTFA) A component of ISTEA, the NRTFA is a funding source to assist with the development of non-motmized and motorized trails. In fiscal year 1994, Congress did not fund this national program, and it has become apparent that this funding source is not as stable as it was once envisioned by the national trail community. In 1993, Congress appropriated only $7.5 million ora $30 million apportionment. The Act uses funds paid into the Highway Trost Fund from fees on non-highway recreation fuel used by off-road vehicles and camping equipment. Motorized and non-motorized trail projects receive a 30 percent share of annual appropriations. Forty percent of the appropriation must be spent on projects that accommodate both user groups. States can grant funds to private and public sector organizations. NRTFA projects are 100 percent federally funded during the first three years of the program. Beginning in 1995, grant recipients must provide a 20 percent match. Projects funded must be consistent with the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. · Section 1047: National Scenic Byways Program This component of ISTEA is designed to protect and enhance America's designated scenic roads. Money is available for planning, safety and facility improvements, cultural and historic resource protection, and tourism information signage. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities can be developed in conjunction with scenic roadway projects. Some states with Scenic Byway Programs have developed greenways in conjunction with this initiative. · Section 1008: Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program The CMAQ program was created to reduce congestion on local streets and improve air quality. Funds arc available to urban communities designated as "non- attainment" areas for air quality, meaning the air is more polluted than federal standards allow. Since the Roanoke Valley is not currently classified as a non- attainment area for air quality, it is not eligible for this funding. However, this funding source should be considered in the event that the air quality in thc Valley deteriorates. The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and Environmental Protection Agency. A grant recipient must demonstrate that its project will improve air quality throughout the community. Funding requires a 20 percent local match. Community Development Block Grant Program The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers financial grants to communities for neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and improvements to community facilities and services, especially in Iow and moderate- income areas. Several communities have used HUD funds to develop grecnways, including the Boscobel Heights' "Safe Walk" Grecnway in Nashville, TN. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants This Federal funding source was established in 1965 to provide "close-to-home" park and recreation opportunities to residents throughout the United States. Money for the fund comes from the sale or lease of nonrenewable resources, primarily federal offshore oil and gas leases and surplus federal land sales. LWCF grants can be used by communities to build a variety of park and recreation facilities, including trails and greenways. LWCF funds are distributed by the National Park Service to the states annually. Communities must match LWCF grants with 50 percent of the local project costs through in-kind services or cash. All projects funded by LWCF grants must be used exclusively for recreation purposes, in perpetuity. Couservatlon Reserve Prognm The U. S. Deparunent of Agriculture (USDA), through its Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, provides payments to farm owners and operators to place highly erodible or environmentally sensitive landscapes into a 10-15 year conservation contract. The participant, in return for annual payments during this period, agrees to implement a conservation plan approved by the local conservation disLrict for converting sensitive lands to less intensive uses. Individuals, associations, corporations, estates, trusts, cities, counties and other entities ate eligible for this program. Funds from this program can be used to fund the maintenance of open space and non-public-use greenways, along bodies of water and ridge lines. Wetlands Reserve Progrmn The U.S. Depamnent of Agriculture provides direct payments to private landowners who agree to place sensitive wetlands under permanent easements. This program can be used to fund the protection of open space and groenways within riparian corridors. Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention (Small Watersheds) Grants The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) provides funding to state and local agencies or nonprofit organizations authorized to carry out, maintain and operate watershed improvements involving less than 250,000 acres. The NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to eligible projects to improve watershed protection, flood prevention, sedimentation control, public water-based fish and wildlife enhancements, and recreation planning. The NRCS requires a 50 percent local match for public recreation, and fish and wildlife projects. Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program The USDA provides small grants of up to $10,000 to communities for the purchase of trees to plant along city streets and for greenways and parks. To qualify for this program, a community must pledge to develop a stroet-tree inventory; a municipal tree ordinance; a tree commission, committee or department; and an urban forestry-management plan. Small Business Tree Planting Program The Small Business Administration provides small grants of up to $10,000 to purchase trees for planting along streets and within parks or greenways. Grants are used to develop contracts with local businesses for the plantings. Economic Development Grants for Public Works and Development of Facilities The U. S. Department of Commerce, Economic Developmant Administration(EDA), IROA ~qO ~ VALLI~Y CONcI~Iq'UAL G RF'EI~WAY tq'A NPACE provides grants to states, counties and cities designated as redevelopment areas by EDA for public works projects that can include developing trails and greenway facilities. There is a 30 percent local match required, except in severely distressed areas where federal contribution can reach 80 percent. Design Arts Program The National Endowment for the Arts provides grants to states and local agencies, individuals and nonprofit organizations for projects that incorporate urban design, .historic preservation, planning, architecture, landscape architecture and other community ~mprovement activities, including greenway development. Grants to organizations and agencies must be matched by a 50 percent local contribution. Agencies can receive up to $50,000. 7.35 Grants through Private Foundations and Corporations Many communities have solicited greenway funding from a variety of private foundations and other conservation-minded benefactors. American Greenways DuPont Awards The Conservation Fund's American Greenways Program has teamed with the DuPont Corporation and the National Geographic Society to award small grants ($250 to $2000) to stimulate the planning, design and development of greenways. The awards are intended to: 1. Develop action-oriented greenway projects; 2. Assist grassroots greenway organizations; 3. Leverage other money for greenway development; and 4. Recognize and encourage greenway orghnizations. Grant recipients are selected according to the following criteria: 1. The importance of the project to local greenway development efforts; 2. The extent to which the grant will result in matching funds or other support for public or private sources; 3. Demonstrated community support for the project; 4. Likelihood of tangible results; 5. Capacity of the organization to complete the project; and 6. The degree to which the project serves as a model for planning and developing greenways. These grants can be used for activities such as mapping, conducting ecological assess- ments, surveying land, holding conferences, developing brochures, producing interpre- tive displays and audio-visual materials, incorporating land trusts, building trails and greenway facilities, and other creative projects. Grants cannot be used for academic research, institutional support, lobbying or political activities. REI Environmental Grants REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated) awards grants to organizations interested in protecting and enhancing natural resources for outdoor recreation. Grants of up to $500 are available through this program and can be used for: 1. Preservation of wildlands and open space; 2. Advocacy-oriented education for the general public on conservation issues; 3. Building the membership base of a conservation organization; 4. Direct citizen action (lobbying) campaigns for public land and water recreation issues; and 5. Projects that serve to organize a trails constituency or enhance the effectiveness of a trail organization's work as an advocate. Wnlldng Magazine ~ Restoration Fund Walking Magazine, hoping to encourage more volunteer efforts among trail users, established this fund for the restoration of urban, suburban or rural w~king trails. The magazine provides small grants, generally from $200 to $500, to help walking clubs and other groups purchase trail maintenance equipment or supplies. Coors Pure Water 2000 Grants Coors Brewing Company and its affiliated distributors provide funding and in-kind services to grsssroots orgapi~'~fions that are working to solve local, regional and national water-related problems. Coors provides grants, ranging from a few hundred dollars to $$0,000, for pwjects such as dyer cleanups, aquatic habitat improvements, water quality monitoring, wetlands protection, pollution prevention, water education efforts, groundwater protection, water conservation and fisbefies. World Wildlife Fund Innovative Grants Program This organization awards small grants to local, regional and statewide non-profit organizations to help implement innovative strategies for the conservation of natural resources. Grants are offered to support projects which: 1. Conserve wetlands; 2. Protect endangered species; 3. Preserve migratory birds; 4. Conserve coastal resources; and 5. Establish and sustain protected natural areas, such as greenways. Innovation grants can help pay for the administrative costs for projects including planning, technical assistance, legal and other costs to facilitate the acquisition of critical lands; retaining consultants and other experts; and preparing visual presentations and brochures or other conservation activities. The maximum award for a single grant is $10,000. IR cA I~O~ v ALLgY cnN~IvrUAL On-AY XIq''A NPACE Section 8: Greenway Maintenance and Management A maintenance and management program is critical to the long-term success of greenways in the Roanoke Valley. Several issues should be addressed prior to the project being approved for funding and implementation including: liability and risk manage- ment, safety and security, and routine maintenance. 8.1 Liability/Risk Management The design, development and management of each greenway project must be carefully and competently planned and executed in order to provide a resource that protects the health and welfare of the public. Liability most often occur~ when a greenway has been inadequately designed to handle the volume of use; when management of the facility is poor;, or when unexpected accidents occur because potentially hazardous areas haven't been effectively dealt with. The following measures should be taken to reduce liability: · Develop a thorough maintenance program that defines appropriate duties and designates a greenway management organization or agency. · Prepare a risk management plan that describes potential liability and government insurance issues for the greenway system. This should be reviewed by each jurisdiction's legal department. · Complete a safety and security plan for the greenway system that addresses law enforcement (cooperatively with multiple jurisdictions if the project crosses municipal boundaries), and establishes appropriate emergency-response mechanisms. Public use of greenways should be covered under existing municipal policies for the use of parkland, public spaces and city property. Jurisdictions should exercise care in the construction of greenway facilities to minimize hazardous and public nuisance situations. Additionally, by setting specific hours of operation, any individual found using greenways outside the permitted hours of operation would not be covered by the insurance policies for public use. 8.2 Safety and Security Considerations In order to provide a standard of care that offers reasonable safety measures, gmenway management agencies should prepare and implement a safety and security plan. This plan should address the following: · law enforcement procedures; · emergency and fire-response guidelines; · user rules and regulations; and · a system for accident reporting and analysis. PAGE 59 Plans should identify all points of access to trails in the Roanoke Valley and should provide details for making these access-points safe and secure, as well as accessible to law enforcement officials. The plans should also specify if and where a system of cellular-type emergency phones should be located along greenways. Procedures for emergency response should be developed in conjunction with local fire and rescue stations. An emergency response system should specify which agencies will respond to 911 calls, and should provide easy-to-understand routing plans and access points for emergency vehicles. Greenway managers should discourage the general public from using any segment of a greenway that is under construction. Such segments should not be considered officially open for public use until a formal dedication ceremony and opening has occurred. 8.3 Routine Maintenance Regular greenway maintenance is important to protecting the public health, safety and welfare. Normal maintenance includes the removal of debris, trash, liter, and other foreign matter. Removal of vegetation should be done with discretion. The objective in controlling the growth of existing vegetation should be to maintain clear and open lines of sight along the edge of greenways, and to eliminate potential b~?~rds that could occur due to natural growth, severe weather and other unacceptable conditions. The following are typical guidelines for vegetation removal: All vegetation should be clear cut a minimum distance of three (3) feet from each edge of the greenway trail. Selective clearing of vegetation should be conducted within a zone that is defined as being between three (3) to ten (10) feet from each edge. At any point along the greenway, a user should have a clear, unobstructed view along the centerline of the trail, 300 feet ahead and behind his/her position. The only exception to this policy would be where terrain or curves in the trail serve as the limiting factor. Removal of vegetation by individuals other than local government employees or approved volunteers should be unlawful and subject to fines and/or prosecution. All greenway trail surfaces should be maintained in a safe and usable manner. Rough edges, severe bumps or depressions and cracked/unevan pavement should be repaired so that the surface is maintained as a continuous, even surface. The greenway manager should minimize the number of areas where pending water OCCURS. Section 9: Trail Design Trail design is a broad topic that covers many issues. For the purposes of the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan, the consultant has provided a general design overview. Below are mferonces with other appropriate design standards that provide moro in-depth information. · Greenwavs - A Guide to Planning. Design and Develonmellt Published by Island Press, 1993 Authors: Chuck Flink and Robert Seams · Trails for the 21st Century_ Edited by Karun Lee Ryan, Rails-m-Trails Conservancy · Guide to the Development of Bicycle Facili6~n* Updated in 1991 by the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials · Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devic¢~ Published by the US Department of Transportation · Mountain Bike Trails: Techniques for Design. Construction and Maintenance. Published by BikeCentgnnial · Construction and Maintenance of Hor~e Trail~ Published by Arkansas State Parks *If the trail is intended for bicycle transportation or will be funded by Virginia Department of Transportation, these minimum national standards must be followed. 9.1 Trail Tread Design Trail design on a conceptual level typically occurs during the master planning process. After the general route of the trail has been established and the intended user groups identified, trail planners should determine the most appropriate design for the trail tread. The trail tread consists of the actual materials and design specifics of the trail surface. Provided below are several types of trail treads: 1) Single Tread/Single Use: This tread is designed for single trail user groups, such as walkers or bicyclists. These can include trails within street/road/highway rights-of-way, off-road trails and sidewalks outside of rights-of-ways, and other pedes- trian ways and trails that meander through a variety of urban, suburban, rural or wilderness landscapes: These trails may have different uses depending upon the sea- Single ~-ead/Single Use (~ ~l~ ~~~- ROANO K~ VALLEY {~ONC~ISTUAL GREENWAY pLA N PAGE 61 · 0-10Mi. ~ 10-20Mi. Single TreaddMultiple Use Zones son, such as a hiking trail that doubles as a cross-coun- try ski trail in the winter. 2) Single Tread/Multiple Use: These txalls are de- signed to accommodate multiple wail users on a single tread or pathway, and are most common. Facilities vary in width, from 5 feet to more than 20 feet. Some facilities will have striping, signage or other usage control features to separate users. 3) Single 2~.ad/Multiple Use Zones: Arelatively new concept in the United States, trail zoning provides areas or segments of a uail for different users, physically separating conflicting uses by limiting them to a specific distance they can travel. For example, ff a trail is 30 miles long, walkers could use a segment between milepost zero and I0, bicyclists could ride between milepost 10 and 20, and horseback riders could ride between mileposts 20 and 30. Zones can be rotated so that all users can eventually experience all segments of a pa~icolar trail. 4) Multiple Tread/Multiple Use: This approach al- lows for multiple use within the same right-of-way, but on separate treads. This tread typo generally requires a wider right-of-way in order to accommodate the di- versity of users. For example, a hard surfaced trail would be developed for bicycle use and a walking path would utilize an unsurfaced earthen trail. Treads could be developed parallel along an entire corridor, or a por- tion of it. Multiple Tread/Maitre Use 9.2 Trail Tread Width 7~ypically, tread width depends on the amount of usable land within the corridor, the uses of the uail, volume of use, potential for conflict among users, desire for one-way or two-way travel, environmental sensitiv- ity, and the cost of constructing various tread types. Individual treads can range from a 20-inch wide track for hikers in remote wilderness terrain to more than 20 feet wide for multiple users in heavily congested urban are. as. Speed of travel is also an important consideration in determining trail width. For example, the accommodation of bicyclists and rolierbladers on the same trail tread would necessitate a wider trail. The following chart provides standards that meet or [ ROANOKE VALLEY coNeF. PTUALGItEF. h'WAY PtaNpAGE S2 (~ ~1~ ~C~~ exceed existing AASHTO standards for trail tread development in the Roanoke Valley, based on the targeted user groups: Recommended Trail Widths for Single-Use and Multi-Use Trails Trail Users Bicyclists only Pedestrians, bicyclists and rollerbladers HikersYCross-Count~y Skiers Pedestrians only (wheelchair accessible) Equeslxians only Hikers and Equestrians Equestrians and Mountain Bicycliats 10 foot minimum (2-way travel) 12 foot urban, 10 foot rural 5 foot urban; 4 foot rural 8 foot urban, 6 foot rural 5 foot urban and rural (8 foot cleared width) 6 foot urban, 5 foot rural (8 foot clear~ width) (not recommended as dual use) 9.3 Design of the Trail Cross Section Trail surfaces must be carefully designed and constructed to support long term use. It is important to determine the design load for the tread cross section, and to determine if the surface must withstand the weight of emergency and/or maintenance vehicles. Once these issues are resolved, the component parts of the trail tread: sub-grade, sub- base and surface course can be designed. Advantages and Disadvantage of Trail Surface Materials Surface Material Native soil Advantaees Natural material; lowest cost; low maintenance; can be altered f6r future improvements Disadvantages Dusty, ruts under heavy use; not an all-weather surface;uneven surface; limited uses. Soil Cement Uses natural materials; supports more usage than native soils; smoother surface; Iow cost unevenly; not an all weather surface; erodes; difficult to achieve correct mix Graded Aggregate Stone Hard surface supports heavy use; moderate costs; natural material; accommodates multiple uses. Angular stones can require continuous maintenance; uneven surface; erosion, ruts. Granular stone (limestone, cinders) Shredded wood fiber Soft but firm surface; natural material; moderate costs; smooth surface; accommodates variety of modes. Soft, spongy surface; good for walking; moderate cost; natural material. Surface can wash away; rats; erosion; constant maintenance to keep smooth surface. Decomposes under high temperature, moisture and sunlight; (~ ~l~ ~C~~,- ROA NOI(~ VALLEn/CONCI~PTUAL GREENWAY PLAN requires replenishment; long term expense Wood (boardwalks, bridge decking) Pliable surface; excellent for malti-use; natural material blends with native landscape; spans sueams, ecologically sensitive areas, and soft soils; only surface that places u'all user above surrounding grade. High installation cost, easy to vandalize; expensive to maintain; deteriorates with exposure to sun, wind and water; susceptible to fire damage; can be slippery when wet. Asphalt Concrete Hard surface; supports most types of use; all weather; does not erode; accommodates most users simultaneously; Iow High installation cost; costly to mpal~; not a naturel surface; leaches toxic thaw can crock surface; difficult access for cons~'uction vehicles. Concrete surface Hardest surface; easy to form to site conditions; supports multiple use; low maintenance; resists freeze/~haw; can be colored; all weather. Joints result in bumps, high installation cost; costly to repair; not a natural looking surface; access for construction vehicles difficult. Source: Greenways, A Practical Guide to Planning, Design and Management, Island Press 1993 9.4 Bridges and Boardwalks Many trails require the construction and installation of special structures. Structures such as bridges, boardwalks, and ramped walkways are normally the mo~t expensive items of trail development. It is usually advisable to use natural materials in construction, so as to blend with the surrounding landscape. However, recycled materials and some metals, such as cot-ten steel, can be suitable for use in trail projects. Design and construction specifications for bridges vary greatly from project to project and must be based on site specific criteria. Regardless of the type of bridge selected, it is absolutely necessary to have them designed and/or checked for capability by a structural engineer. 9.5 Trail Intersections Since trail user safety is of prime importance, safe intersections with roadways is crucial. A evaluation of potential conflict at all intersections should be performed for each project. This would include examining: pedestrian/vehicle conflict potential; geometric ROANOKE VALLEY CONCEPTUAL GREF. NW&Y PLAN (~1~ ~ g~ conditions of the intersection; speed of vehicles through intersection (not posted speed); distance to alternative crossing points; traffic volume; and time of crossing based on the most physically disadvantaged user. Treatments of intersections can range from striping new crosswalks, installing flashing amber lights to warn motorists of the intersection, and installing special signalization at the intersection to constructing overpasses (bridges) or underpasses (tunnels). 9.6 Trail Signage For each Roanoke Valley corridor project, siguage should be carefully designed and appropriately installed to provide all users with essential information, guidance and supplemental data that will serve to enhance the greenway experience. Avoid over- signing a trail facility -- it can create visual and physical clutter, confusing messages, and information overload. Signage is the primary source of direct communication with each user, therefore, it must be clear, concise, and legible to a wide variety of people. Pictographs, sometimes referred to as "symbol signs", are the best way to communicate information to a wide range of user groups. There are several types of signs for trails: 1) I~ Orients users to their position within the trail system: "You are here"; provides an overview of the types of facilities, programs and activities available; and describe routes or modes of travel required to reach these facilities. 2) ~ Provides users with instructions regarding their bearing and route of travel. Most directional signage is in the form of graphic symbols and brief descriptions or listings. For example, directional siguage would include arrows that indicate a heading (direction of travel), and descriptive text such as "this way," "keep to the right," or "south, one-mile." 3) RevulatQrv*; Describes the governing laws and regulations that apply within the trail, such as permitted uses, hours of operation/accessibility, speed limit, allowable activities, and legal requirements for use. Regulatory signs must be uniform and standard in terms of size, location and information. All regulatory signs should have black lettering on white reflective background. Regulatory information should not conflict in any way with other components of the signage program, or vice- versa. 4) Warning*: Used to caution trail users of various hazardous conditions, such as sharp curves in the trail, slippery bridges, roadway crossings, steep downhill or uphill conditions, blind intersections, changes in trail surface condition, and related messages about environmental conditions of the greenway. All warning signs should be of uniform size and shape, located a minimum of 50 feet in advance of the condition the user is approaching, and labeled with black lettering on a reflective yellow background. 5) ~: Also called interpretive signage, it is used to describe the unique qualities or significance of natural or cultural features along the greanway. Edu- cational signagn provides the user with specific information about the features, such as age, habitat, and historical relevance. *Regulatory and warning sign standards for bicycle transportation facilities are contained in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (U.S. Department of Transportation). 9.7 Site Furni. hings There are a wide range of' iii and site furnishings that can enhance the experience or improve the safety and f~ ion of a trail system. These include benches and seating areas, trash cans and w,~ e disposal areas, water fountains, shelters, restrooms, decorative landscaping, fencmg, safety railing, and others. Each trail in the Roanoke Valley System will have unique needs and a different "personality." The greenway designer will need to develop site furnishings for each trail that best suit its opportunities and constraints. 9.8 Typical Trail Cost Estimates The greenway designer/developer should thoroughly research funding sources and determine costs for each and every greenway project within the Roanoke Valley. The following provides typical development costs for recreational trails based on national industry standards. The Virginia Department of Transportatinn should be able to assist in the verifying these cost estimates. Trail Development Costs for Grecnwavs Trail development costs can vary from project to project depending on the existing conditions at each individual site, and depending on the particular type of trail that is to be developed. For instance, a 6 foot wide bare earth hiking path costs approximately $5.00 per linear foot to construct, while a 12 foot wide asphalt multi-purpose trail costs approximately $25.00 per linear foot to construct. These estimates are based on national industry averages, and they account for the installation of only basic facilities. They do not include costs for design, permitting, conformance with environmental protection, contingencies, or other local regulatory considerations. Other aspects of trail development not included in this cost estimate are signage, site furniture, parking lots and general maintenance expenses. ROANOK~ VALLEq/CONCEI'rUAL GIIEF-'NWAY PLAN (~ ~ ~C~~ PAGE ~6 Appendix Appendix A: Overview and chronology: the Roanoke Valley conceptual greenway planning process Two recent initiatives culminated in the publication of the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan: interest and action on the part of Roanoke Valley citizens and graasroots organizations which have resulted in increased awareneas of greenway oppommities, and months of hard work by members of the regional Greenways/Open Space Steering Committee and staffs of the Fifth Planning District Commission and the four Valley governments. The following chronology traces these initiatives, and subsequent planning activities, from late 1993 to November 1995. October - December 1993: Sponsored by the Valley Beautiful, Edward MeMahon, director of the American Greenways Program, visits the Roanoke Valley. An open-space study is reqaested by the City of Roanoke through the Fifth Planning District Commission. October - December 1994: A citizens group supporting greenways sponsors a presentation by Sam Rogers, one of the founders of the Tennessee greenway system. Enthusiastic response results in a standing-room-only crowd. Valley Beautiful President Lucy Ellett and area builder Bob Fetzer make presentations on grecnways to elected officials of Valley governments and request the appointment of a greenway commission in each jurisdiction. January -March 1995: Elected officials of the four Valley governments appoint representatives to serve on the Roanoke Valley Greenways/Open Space Steering Committee. Staff support for the steering committee is to be provided by the Fifth Planning District Commission. The regional steering committee is comprised of: Barbara Duerk, Lucy Ellett (Chairperson) and John Marlles, representing Roanoke City; Charles Blankenship, Butch Kelly and Donald Witt, representing Roanoke County; Ed Riley and Joe Yates, representing Salem; Bradley Grose, Anita McMillan and John Sell, representing Vinton; and Lee Eddy, representing the Fifth Planning District Commission. Planning staff in each of the four Valley jurisdictions develop a map showing all public and semi-public land. Short-term objectives for the greenway planning effort are developed by the steering committee. Lucy Ellett is elected chairperson of the steering committee. April - June 1995: Steering Committee members view videos of Nashville, Tennessee's, greenway symposium which featured nationally known greenway experts Randall Arendt, Ron Flanagan, Chades Flink and Anne Lusk. Based on a request from the Roanoke Valley Oreenways/Open Space Steering Committee, local governments provide funding on a pro-ram basis to support a greenway conceptual planning effort and to hire a greenway expert to work with the steering committee. Funding is provided, as follows: City of Roanoke - $14,400; Roanoke County - $10,800; City of Salem - $3,600; and Town of Vintun - $1,200. Steering committee chairperson Lucy Ellett appears before each jurisdiction's elect&l officials to explain the planning process and present the funding request. The steering committee develops and approves a schedule of activities and target completion dates for the conceptual planning process. Key components of the planning process are: visits by the steering committee to see greenway systems in North Carolina and Tennessee and to talk ',vith greenway staff; selection of a green- ways expert to work with the steering committee to prepare the conceptual plan; a series of three public workshops in the Valley to obtain input from residents on how and where greenways should be developed; and the submittal of an application in January 1996 for ISTEA funds to help in the construction of the first official cor- ridor of the greenway system. To assist the steering committee and provide continuity, a technical sub-committee is formed which consists of staff planners for the four Valley governments and the Fifth PDC. To learn more directly about greenway systems, steering committee members and planning staff make site visits to Kingsport and Knoxville, Tennessee, or Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina. The greenway manager in each city conducts the tour and provides information about the planning, development and implementation of the corridors. Photos, slides and video footage of the site visits are taken for use later. A selection subcommittee is formed to oversee the hiring process for the greenway expert. Subcommittee responsibilities include: · developing a scope of work for the greenways expert; · developing the Request for Proposal; (It was advertised in The Roanoke ~rnes [ROANOK~ vALLEY CONC~I~rUAL GRzENWA¥ I~ANPAGE and ~rginia Business Opportunities and sent to a listing of experts compiled by the greenways steering committee and staff.) · developing the criteria to use in ranking the proposals and the qualifications of responding consulting fu'ms; · ranking consultants' proposals and tn'ms and informing the steering committee of which candidates are to be interviewed; and · interviewing candidates and negotiating contract terms with the top-ranked can- didate; (selection and terms are subject to final approval by the steering committee). July. September 1995: Green. ways Incorporated and Pr~ident, Chuck Flink, are hired by the steering comnuttee to provide technical expertise and work with the group in preparing the regional greenways conceptual plan. The steering committee requests the help of the National Park Service's Riv- ers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Division. The first newsletter is published by the Roanoke Valley Greenways/Opcn Space Steering Committee. Its purpose is to inform citizens about the regional greenway planning effort and to promote attendance at the serie~ of three public workshops, scheduled for July 24 at the Roanoke Civic Center, August 17 at William Byrd High School in Vinton and August 30 at Salem High School. On July 24, the first public workshop signals the official beginning of the re- gional greenway planning effort. It is preceded by an extensive public information campaign which includes the appearance of steering committee members and af- filiated staff on area public interest programs, in-depth coverage of the greenway issue by The Roanoke I~mes, the distribution of public service announcements to the Valley's news media and the issuing of invitations to over 500 interest groups and individuals. A luncheon for about 100 elected officials and community leaders at the Vinton War Memorial precedes the first workshop. The event is underwritten by The Roanoke Iitmes and features as speaker Chuck Flink of Greenways Incoq~orated, the newly hired greenways expert. His address and slide show focus on the benefits of greenways, including their positive impact on economic development and qual- ity of life. The first workshop--at the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibition Hall--draws approximately 130 citizens from across the Roanoke Valley. Chuck Flink and Greenways Incorporated staff present a general information session on greenways and discuss greenway opportunities in the Roanoke Valley. In breakout sessions, citizens brainstorm goals for the regional greenway system and each participant votes for his or her top-rated goals. Citizens also identify greenway corridors they believe should be included in the regional conceptual greenway plan. Each of the believe should be included in the regional conceptual greenway plan. Each of the three workshops is preceded by a "drop-in session" for citizens at which they can see the maps and plans for greenway systems in other communities as well as videos on greenways by organizations such as the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. In order to update citizens on the goals they established and other input received at the first public workshop, a s~ond newsletter is published and distributed early in August by the regional greenways steering committee. The second workshop is conducted August 17 at William Byrd High School in Vinton. At this workshop, attended by approximately 60 people, the top ten goals from the fa'st workshop am presented, as are proposed greenway mutes. In breakout sessions, citizens discuss route and facility issues. At the third workshop on August 30 at Salem High School, 54 area residents review the proposed greenway route plan which was prepared by Greenways Incorporated based on input provided at the earlier workshops; they also learn about historic and cultural resources and linkages from a representative of the West Main Design Collaborative of Charlottesville and vote for the greenway corridors in each locality they consider the most important. The greenways steering committee receives a $4,000 grant from Valley Beauti- ful, the Urban ForesUy Council and the Virginia Department of Forestry to develop a slide show to inform Roanoke Valley citizens about greenways and to promote their support of a regional system. Greenways Incorporated is selected to produce the show and the contract with the firm is amended to reflect the project. Technical staff initiate preparations for an ISTEA application for regional greenway funds and develop a timetable for the application process for steering committee review and action. October - December 1995: The first complete draft of the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan is received by the regional steering committee. A review process begins, involving the steering committee and technical s~aff in frequent, often weekly, meetings. The steering committee focuses special attention on the plan's goals and objectives/ strategies and the proposed greenway corridors, all of which were developed using the input provided by citizens at the three public workshops. The steering committee reviews the plan--refining it, rounding out information and ranking issues where required--with the purpose of ensuring that when it is presented to local elected officials for review later in the fall, it will be a comprehensive, accurate and usable document. Simultaneously, work leading to the preparation of an application for ISTEA funds continues. If received, IS'lEA funding would be used to implement the fin-st official corridor of the regional greenway system. The steering committee directs the technical subcommittee to develop criteria for screening potential greenway corridors and ranking and selecting a f'mal comdor. The criteria are presented and approved and the steering committee narrows approximately 10 proposed corridors to four. Additional research and analysis for each of the four possible IS'lEA application sit~s is conducted by local governments' planning staffs. The steering committee ranks the sites and selects the corridor extending from Downtown Roanoke/City Market to Explore Park in Roanoke County by way of Mill Mountain. Next steps: As the conceptual planning process and the initial work of the Roanoke Valley Greenways/Open Space Steering Committee draw to a close, p~parations are being made to: (1) develop and submit an ISTEA application for funding the first phase of the Downtown Roanoke to Explore Park corridor; and (2) present the proposed regional conceptual greenway plan to the elected officials of each Roanoke Valley government. PAGE 71 Appendix B: Following are descriptions of greenway land aquisition methods referenced in Section 7.2.3; Donation/Tax Incentives A local government agency agrees to receive full title to a parcel of land at virtually no cost In most cases, the donor is eligible to receive federal and state deductions on personal income, as previously described under conservation easements. In addition, property owners may he able to avoid inheritance taxes, capital gains taxes and recurring property taxes. Fee-Simple Purchase This is a common method of acquisition where a local government agency or private gteenway manager purchases property outright. Fee simple ownership conveys full title to the land and the entire "bundle" of property rights including the right to possess land, to exclude others, to use land, and to alienate or sell land. Easement Purchase This mechanism is the fee simple purchase of an easement. Full title to the land is not purchased, only those rights granted in the easement agreement. Therefore the easement purchase price is less than full title value. Purchnse/Lense Back A local government agency or private greenway organization can purchase a piece of land and then lease it back to the seller for a specified period of time. The lease may contain restrictions regarding the use and development of the property. Bargain Sale A property owner can sell property at a price less than the appraised fair market value of the land. Sometimes the seller can derive the same benefits as if the property were donated. Bargain Sale is attractive to sellers when the seller wants cash for the property, the seller paid a low cash price and thus is not liable for high capital gains tax, and/or the seller has a fairly high current income and could benefit from a donation of the property as an income tax deduction. Option/First Right of Refusal A local govemment agency or private organization establishes an agreement with a public agency or private property owner to provide the right of fcrst refusal on a parcel of land that is scheduled to he sold. This form of agreement can be used in conjunction with other techniques, such as an easement, to protect the land in the short term. An option would provide the agency with sufficient time to obtain capital to purchase the property or successfully negotiate some other means of conserving the greenway reSOUrce. Condemnation The practice of condenming private land for use as greenways is viewed as a last resort policy. Using condemnation to acquire property or property rights can be avoided if private and public support for the Greenway Program is present. Other successful "greenway communities" have seldom used condemnation for the purpose of dealing with an unwilling property owner. In most cases, condemnation for greenway purposes has been exercised when there has been absentee property ownership, when title to the property is not clear, or when it becomes apparent that obtaining the consent for purchase will be difficult because there are numerous heirs located in other parts of the United States, or in different countries. The community must exercise caution in using Eminent Domain. It is reconu'nended that the right of eminent domain for a specific property be exercised by the community only if all of the following conditions exist: a) the property is valued by the community as an environmentally sensitive parcel of land, significant natural resource, or critical parcel of land, and as such has been defined by the community as an irreplaceable property; b) written scientific justification for the community's claim that the property possesses such value is prepared and offered to the property owner; c) all efforts to negotiate with the property owner for the management, regulation and acquisition of the property have been exhausted and that the property owner has been given reasonable and fair offers for compensation and has rejected all offers; d) due to the ownership of the property, the time frame for negotiating the acquisition of the property will be unreasonable, and in the interest of pursuing a cost effective method for acquiring the property, the community has deemed it necessary to exercise the right of eminent domain. Impact Fees Impact fees are monetary one-time charges levied by a local government on new development to offset some of the cost of providing public facilities for new development. Unlike subdivision exactions, impact fees can be applied to finance facilities located outside a specific land use development and can account for the impact of a development on facilities beyond the boundary of the development. The purpose of impact fees is not to raise revenue, but to ensure that adequate capital facilities will be provided to serve and protect the public. They can be levied through the subdivision or building permit process. The Virginia General Assembly has granted certain local governments (any county over 500,000 population, cities and counties adjacent thereto, cities contiguous to such adjacent counties and cities, and towns therein) limited authority to assess impact fees for "road improvements", defined to include construction of new roads or improvements or expansion of existing roads to meet increased demand attributable to new development. This legislation is quite specific as to the manner in which the impact fees are assessed and used. Current State law would have to be amended to authorize the use of impact fees for greenway purposes in the Roanoke Valley. The Dolan vs. Tigard Supreme Court Case and it's Effect on Greenways in the Roanoke Valley In July 1994, the United States Supreme Court in the case of Dolan v Ttgard examined the circumstances under which a property owner could be required to transfer land to ROANOKI~ VALLEY CONC~I~rUAL G REENWAY PLA N PAGE 73 a local government, with no monetary compensation, for a bicycle-pedestrian trail, as a condition of receiving a permit for enlarging an existing store. The Dolan family, owners of a local plumbing supply store in Tigard, Oregon, were required by the City to dedicate for public use a fifteen foot strip of land for a segment of the City's planned greenway and bicycle/pedestrian corridor as a condition of receiving a pen'nit to enlarge the store. Conditions such as these are commonly called "development exactions" or "dedications" and are used extensively by local governments throughout the nation as a mechanism for keeping pace with rapid population growth and land use development. Local governments are burdened with the responsibility of providing services, facilities and infrastructur~ to new developments and in the last ten years have begun to rely on exactions as a method for "pay-as-you-go" community growth. In 1987 the Supreme Court decided ~qollan vs. California Coastal Commission, holding that an exaction must be directly related, both in nature and extent, the impact of the proposed development. The Commission granted a permit to the Nollans to replace a small bungalow on their beach front lot with a larger house upon the condition that they allow the public an easement to pass along their beach, which was located between two public beaches. The Nollans challenged the condition to the permit as an unconstitutional taking. The Court agreed, holding that the imposition of the beach access easement condition could not be treated as a reasonable exercise of its land use regulatory power since the condition did not directly serve the public purposes related to the building permit r&luirement. The court likened the requirement for this condition to "an out- and-out plan of extortion". There must be a direct relationship between the reason for the condition and what is being exacted. Nollan cited Board of Su~rvisors vs. Rowe, a Virginia exaction case in support of its decision. In Rowe the local zoning ordinance required landowners, as a condition to the right to develop their land, to dedicate a portion of their property for the purpose of providing a service road (including curbs, sidewalk, and landscaped median strip) which was substantially generated by public traffic demands, rather than by the proposed development. The Virginia Supreme Court found that the local ordinance constituted an unconstitutional "taking" since the enabling legislation did not authorize this "tak- ing'' and that it violated Article I, Section 11 of the Constitution of Virginia. This "taking" was not so much for the benefit of the properties from which the land was to be acquired as it was for a more general public good. After this decision the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia opined that subdividers may not be required to dedicate land for public park, school, or recreation purposes or to make cash payments in lieu thereof, as a precondition for subdivision plat approval, since these facilities are not specifically authorized by section 15.1-466. Dolan added another requirement: that the exaction must be "roughly proportional" to the impact of the new development. In applying this test, the Supreme Court first recognized that a pedestrian/bicycle trail provides a useful alternative means of transportation for workers and shoppers that could serve to reduce automobile congestion and improve traffic flow. Nonetheless, the Court held that the dedication was a taking, in the case of Dolan, because Tigard had failed to make an "individualized determination" that the trail would or was likely to offset some of the additional traffic IROANOKE VALLIjY cONcEPTUAL GREENWAY PLANPAGE generated by the expanded store. Thus, where the u'ansfer of land is required as a condition of receiving development approval, Dolan makes clear that local governments, and not the property owner, are burdened with demonstrating that the condition of approval bears the required relationship to the impacts of the proposed development documented at the time of imposing the conditions. Critical to the outcome of Dolan was Tigard's failure to include individualized findings at the development site review stage, quantifying both the impacts of Dolan's development and the extent to which the bicycle/pedestrian trail would respond to those impacts. While the Court did not require mathematical precision in determining the relationship of approval conditions to development impact, it does require that assumptions must he justified by "rough proportionality." Dolan v. Tigard served to clarify the rules under which local governments can conditionally require the dedication of land for public-use facilities, such as greenways. While some hail the Court's action as a "victory for private property owners," the more accurate assessment of the decision is that it provides clearer definition for both landowners and local governments engaged in land development review and approval. For the Roanoke Valley, the decision clarifies the need for new programs, such as the proposed Roanoke Valley Greenway Plan, to establish fair, equitable and justifiable objectives for protecting the Valley's stream corridors and floodplains. The first step in achieving these objectives is the adoption of this plan. Appendix C: Contacts for Technical Assistance Federal Agencies US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Bicycle and Pedestrian Program - HEP 23 400 Seventh Street, SW Washington, DC 20590 (202) 366~5007 (httermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act Funds) US Department of the Interior National Park Service Rivers and Trails Technical Assistance Program Post Office Box 37127 Washington, DC 20013-7127 (202) 343-9578 (Planning and Design Assistance only) US Department of Housing and Urban Development Office for Community Planning and Development Main Street Program Washington, DC 20410-7000 (CBDG project development only) US Forest Service Woodcrest Office Park 3205 John Knox Road, Suite F-100 Tallahassee, Florida 32303 (904) 422-1404 (Technical Assistance Forest Service related projects) National Recreaflon and Parks Association 3101 Park Center Drive Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 820-4940 (Planning and Technical Assistance) National Organizations Rails-to-Trails Conservancy 1400 Sixteenth Street, NW Suite 300 EOANOKE YALLEY CONCEPTUAL GEZm'NWAY PLAN (~ ~1~ ~~~ PAGE 76 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 797-5400 National Trust for Historic Preservation 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 673-4000 (Cultural resource protection identification) American Greenways Program The Conservation Fund 1800 North Kent Street Suite 1120 Arlington, Virginia 22209 (703) 525-6300 (Small Grants/Grecnway Projects) Land Trust Alliance 900 17th Street, NW Suite 410 Washington, DC 20006 (Technical Assistance) Bicycle Federation of America 1818 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 332-6986 (Technical Assistance) American Trails 1400 Sixteenth Street, Nh3/ Suite 300 Washington, DC 20036 (Technical Assistance) Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE Cay Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk February 10, 1997 File #2-60-207-450 Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk James D. Grisso Director of Finance Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Grisso: I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 33250-020397 amending and reordaining certain sections of the 1996-97 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, providing for appropriation of $78,150.00 to the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology Addition/Prol:~ly Account, representing land sale proceeds from the sale of property to On/is Roanoke, Inc., for the purpose of marketing and developing the 140-acre RCIT Addition. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regul~' meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Barry L. Key, Manager, Office of Management and Budget Phillip F. Sparks, Chief, Economic Development IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33250-020397. AN ORDINANCE to amend and reordain certain sections of the 1996-97 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and providing for an emergency. VVHEREAS, for the usual daily operation of the Municipal Government of the City of Roanoke, an emergency is declared to exist. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that certain sections of the 1996-97 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read as follows, in part: Appropriations General Government RCIT Addition - Property (1) .................................. $ 8,410,993 3,130,992 1) Appropriated from General Revenue (008-052-9629-9003) $ 78,150 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that, an emergency existing, this Ordinance shall be in effect from its passage. ATTEST: City Clerk. Honorable Mayor David A. Bowers and Members of City Council Dear Members of Council: L February 3, 1997 Subject: Appropriation of $78,150 to the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology CRCIT) Addition/property account from sale of property to Orvis Background: City_ of Roanoke sold a 13.69 acre tract of land, Tax Map # 7210107, to the Orvis Company for the purpose of expanding their business in the RCIT. Land sale proceeds of $78.150 were deposited in Revenue Account # 008 008 1234 1157 in the Capital Fund entitled "Sale of Land to Orris". Current Situation: A. The City is marketing 140 acres in the RCIT Addition for industrial development. Account # 008 052 9629 9003 entitled "RCIT Addition Property" has been established for the purpose of providing funding for the development of the available land in RCIT. Issues.' A. Funding. B. E 'D mn. Alternatives: A. ' ' ' $78,150 in land sale proceeds to Account # 008 052 9629 9003 entitled "RCIT Addition Property" for marketing and developing the 140 acre RCIT Addition. 1. Funding is available in Revenue Account # 008 008 1234 1157 in the Capital Fund entitled "Sale of Land to Orvis." 2. ' D v I n program ofthe City will be enhanced by providing funds for the purpose of creating new jobs and new revenue for the City. Mayor and Members of City Council February 3, 1997 Page 2 B. City Council not appropriate $78,150 to Account # 008 052 9629 9003 entitled "RCIT Addition Property" for marketing and developing the 140 acre RCIT Addition. Fdlg.0klg is not an issue. Economic Development Pro_aram of the City will not progress in that a~ppropriate funding will not be available to market and develop the RCIT Addition. Recommendation: City Council an~ronriate $78,150 in land sale proceeds to Account # 008 052 9629 9003 entitled "RCI~ ~d~ition Property" for marketing and developing the 140 acre RCIT Addition. Sincerely, W. Robert Herbert City Manager WRH/EDC:kdc cc: Director of Finance Management and Budget Assistant City Manager Chief of Economic Development MARY E 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 February 10, 1997 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk File #72-110-137-200-326-412-450 J. Lee E. Osborne, Chairperson Fifth Planning District Regional Steering Committee P. O. Box 2569 Roanoke, Virginia 24010 Dear Mr. Osborne: I am enclosing copy of Resolution No. 33251-020397 endorsing the creation of a regional partnership to be known as the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance, and appointing the Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor, and W. Robert Herbert, City Manager, as members of the organizing Board of Directors of the Alliance. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wayne G. Strickland, Executive Director, Fifth Planning District Commission, P. O. Box2569, Roanoke, Virginia 24010 Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Barry L. Key, Manager, Office of Management and Budget Sandra H. Eakin, Deputy City Clerk IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33251-020397. A RESOLUTION endorsing the establishment of the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance and making appointments to the organlzlng Board of Directors of the Alliance. WHEREAS, §§15.1-1227.1 through 15.1-1227.5, Code of Vir.%,inia (1950), as amended (Regional Competitiveness Act), permit counties, cities, and towns within a planning district to establish a regional partnership for the purpose of encouraging local governments to exercise the options provided by the Act for their mutual benefit and the benefit of the Commonwealth; WHEREAS, the Fifth Planning District Commission has coordinated the regional Steering CommiRee to investigate establishing a regional parmership under the Act, and this Committee has recommended the formation of the "Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance"; WHEREAS, the Fifth Planning District Commission has agreed to provide administrative staffand research support to the proposed Alliance; and WHEREAS, the guidelines for Virginia's Regional Competitiveness program require that participating local governments withl, the region adopt a resolution of participation; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Co,mcil of the City of Roanoke as follows' 1. Pursuant to the Regional Competitiveness Act (Act), this Council endorses % creation of a 'regional partnership to be known as the Fhgh Planning District Regional Alliance and agrees to participate in such alliance with other local governments of the Fifda Planning DisUict that agree to participate. 2. The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor, and W. Robert Herbert, City Manager, are hereby appointed as members of the organizing Board of Directors of the Alliance. 3. The Chair of the Fifth Planning District Commission shall also serve as a member of the organizing Board of Directors of the Alliance. 4. The organizing Board of Directors shall nominate and select additional members to serve on the Board of Directors of the Alliance to include the representation enumerated in § 15.1-1227.4 of the Act. 5. The Board of Directors of the Alliance shall adopt by-laws for orgsni?ation and operation of the Alliance. 6. RecommendAtions for distribution of any incentive funds under the Act shall be approved by the governing body of each local government participating in the Alliance. 7. The Clerk is directed to forward an attested copy of this Resolution to J. Lee E. Osborne, Chairman, Regional Steering Committee. ATTEST: City Clerk. February 3, 1997 Report No. 97-03 The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia SUBJECT: Formation of the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance Under the Provisions of the 1996 Regional Competitiveness Act Dear Mayor Bowers and Member of City Council: I. BACKGROUND: The Urban Partnership was created in 1994 which consisted of 18 of Virginia's largest cities and counties, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Business Council. The Partnership focused its attention on the economic competitiveness of Virginia in regional, national and global markets, and the impact of urban conditions on that competitiveness. A Regional Development Plan was molded by the Urban Partnership after over eighteen months of study, research and broad based community input from across the State of Virginia. Two of the characteristics found by the Partnership to exist in high performance regions of the southeast with which Virginia's regions compete are collaborative regional governments and a lesser disparity among areas within the region. Major incentives would need to be provided to the State's regions to advance regional decision making and counteract the reality of multiple political boundaries with regions. The Regional Competitiveness Act was approved by the Virginia General Assembly during its 1996 session. The purpose of the Act was to encourage Virginia's cities, counties and towns to exercise the options provided by the law to work together for their mutual benefit and the benefit of the Commonwealth. The law requires several specific elements: The creation of an active "Regional Partnership" composed of local government, business, education and civic leaders. The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of City Council Page Two The Regional Partnership may be based on the geographical boundaries of a planning district. Each Regional Partnership must develop a regional strategic economic development plan that identifies the critical issues of economic competitiveness for its region. Each regional partnership must issue an annual report describing a region's progress with respect to median family income and job creation and its progress in addressing the critical issues of economic competitiveness identified in the regional strategic economic development plan. Each regional partnership must identify existing and proposed joint activities between and among the governments of a region. The Fifth Plannim, District Commission expressed a willingness to coordinate with local governments within the District to explore the formation of a partnership under the Regional Competitiveness Act. City Council unanimously endorsed a resolution on September 16, 1996 approving the City of Roanoke's participation on a Steering Committee to investigate the formation of a regional partnership under the terms of the Regional Competitiveness Act. Il. CURRENT SITUATION The Commonwealth of Virginia 1996-1998 biennium budget was allocated $3 million by the General Assembly to fund incentives for regional cooperation and $5 million is available from the Governor's Opportunities Fund. Additional funding to bring the fund to $50 million has been requested from the General Assembly at the 1997 Session with the ultimate goal to reach $200 million to fully fund the incentive fund. Roanoke City Council unanimously endorsed this fundinu formula in its 1997 Legislative Program. D. Funding will be available to qualifying regions on July 1, 1997. The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of City Council Page Three The Fifth Planning District Commission has agreed to provide administrative staff and research support for the proposed partnership. The State Guidelines for the Virginia Reoional Comt~etitiveness program require that participating governments within a region adopt a resolution of participation. IlL ISSUES: A. Timing B. Incentive Funds C. City Council's Vision D. Legal IV. ALTERNATIVES City Council endorse (1) the formation ora regional partnership to be known as the "Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance" and (2) the appointment of the Mayor and the City Manager to serve on the organizing board of directors. Timing is critical. Regions must begin to work immediately to meet all the qualification criteria and to identify regional initiatives by July 1, 1997. Incentive funds will be available to qualifying regions on or after July 1, 1997. Eligibility is based on meeting the guidelines of regional configuration, partnership, strategic plan and receiving at least twenty points in the scoring system incorporated in the law. 3. City Council's Vision will be advanced by the spirit of the Act to encourage partnership of leaders from local government, business, education, and civic organizations to enhance the regional competitiveness of our region, and to advance the quality of life and learning opportunities for our region and the Commonwealth at large. 4. Legal re(~uirements of the Regional Competitiveness Act will be satisfied. The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of City Council Page Four City Council not endorse (1) the formation of a regional partnership to be known as the "Fifth Planning District Regional All ance nor (2) the appointment of the Mayor and the City Manager to serve on the organizing board of directors. 1. Timing would not be an issue. 2. Incentive funds would not be available on or after July 1, 1997. 3. City Council Vision would not be advanced through this initiative. 4. Legal requirements of the Act would not be an issue. Recommendation is that City Council an~rove Alternative "A" which would (1) endorse the formation of a regional partnership to be known as the "Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance" and (2) the appointment of the Mayor and the City Manager to serve on the organizing board of directors. Respectfully submitted, W. Robert Herbert City Manager WRH/DJM/dh Attachment CC~ City Attorney Director of Finance Manager, Office of Management and Budget FIFTH PLANNINGDISTRICT COMMISSION 313 Luck A,,enue, SW Post Office Box 2569 E-mail: plan{i~e@infi.net Roanoke, Virginia 240! 0 http~//www, infi neL/~p[amive t540) 343-4417 · fax 1540) 343-44~6 January ~, I997 Mayo~ David A. Bowem City of Roanoke 215 Church Avenue, SW Roanoke, Virginia 24011 The Regional Steering Committee to investigate the formation of a regional partnership under the 1996 Regional Competitiveness Act has been meeting regularly for several months. The Committee has had an opportunity to hear knowledgeable individuals discuss various issues related to forming a regional partnership under the Competitiveness Act. The Steering Committee, at its December Regional Allrance' be formed to serve as the Ptannfnf I)f~Tict's re~omtl IMFtner3tflg unckn- the Regional Competitiveness Act. A copy of the Steering Committee's report is enclosed for your review. The report presents the following: (1) an overview of the Regional Competitiveness Act; (2) a brief review of the activities of the Steering Committee; (3) the benefits of participating in the Competitiveness Act by local governments in the Planning District; and (4) the recommendations of the Steering Committee to member governments of the Plannin_~ District Commission. Based on the ~ the formation of the proposed Alliance requires that each participating local government adopt a resolution stating its commitment to joining the Alliance. The Code also stipulates that the Alliance must be composed of representatives from local governments, th~ b~!siness community, higher education, elementary/secondary education, and civic asso¢ialiol~.. T[~ Steering CommiRee is recommending that local governments do the following: ( 1 ) Adopt th~ alt~ched resolution committing to participate in the Alliance by February 1, 1997. (2) Appoint the chief elected official and the chief administrative official to serve on the Alliance as thc "Organizing Directors". The Organizing Directors shall include: (a) thc highest elected official of each city, county and town (with a population of 3,500 or greater); (b) the chief appointed official of each city, county and town (with a population of 3,500 or greater); and (c) the chairman of the Fifth P~anning District Commission. Serving Alleghany County, 8u~.=~..,urt CounW, Cliftan Forge, Cc~Jngton, Craig Courtty, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, and the Town of Vinton Page -2- Once every participating local government has adopted the resolution and appointed their reptr..sentatives, the Organizin~ Directors will conveaa to develop bylaws for the organiTation and will be the Dir~ors who represent business, higher education, elementary/secondary education and civic associations). On behalf of the Steering Committee, I want to express appreciation for the City of Roanoke's interest in forming a regional trarmership under the Regional Competitiveness Act. The Steering Committee hopes that Roanoke City will adopt their resolution of participation by February 1. I would be willing to address City Council concerning the formation of the regional partnership if you feel it would be helpful. Sincerely, J. Lee E. Osborne ~ StP.~ri.ll~ Committe~ Enclosures cc: Members, Fifth Planning Dislrict Regional Steering Committee REPORT OF THE FIFTH PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION'S STEERING COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE FORMATION OF A REGION~tL PARTNERSHIP UNDER ~ REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS ACT Prepared by the Fifth Planning District Regional Steering Committee for Member Governments of the Fifth Planning District December 1996 Executive Summary and Recommendations In Sunc of 1996, the Fifth Planning District Commission contacted local governments within the District seeking interest in the creation of a Steering Committee to investigate forming a regional parmership under the provisions of the, 1996 Regional Competitiveness Act. The Act becam~ eff~ve on July 1, 1996. On Auguat 1, the PDCt'equested thateach locat govetm-ne~ interest~ in looking at the benefits of the Regional Competitiveness Program for the District, adopt a resolution supporting the establishment of a steering committee and to appoint one elected official arid the chief' adl:ll~.ts' 1la~ve Official tO serve on the committee. ~ steerln~ ¢ornmJtt~ wa~ fot'n~d. and held its first meeting in September. Paz~ipating local governments on the Steering Committee include tile CottaGes of Attegtlally, Botetou~, Craig, and Roanoke; the Cities of Roanoke and Salem; and the Town of Vinton. The Steering Committee report is intended to (I) provide local governing bodies an overview of the Regional Competitiveness Act (its purpose and program guidelines); (2) review the activities of the Steering Committee over the last four months; (3) discuss the benefits of the Competitiveness Program; and (4) provide recommendations to member governments of the District. According to the program guidelines for the-Competitiveness Act, the Competitiveness Program is intended to both reward existing regional cooperative activities among local governments ~ A~lxty. Tim izmemive f*affds am ay ailable m loczlities wl~ci~ ct~aase m work together to cart~ out new levels of regional cooperation. TI~ 1996-98 bicanium badger allocated $3 million for the Compotitiveness Incentive Fund. These ~unds are available on July I, 1997. Additional funding will most likely be considered during the 1997 session of the General Assembly. The Act calls for the following sectors of the community to be involved in a partnership to help improve regional economic competitiveness: government, business, education and civic leaders. All of these groups must participate to create a successful partnership. The Steering Committ~- ~ IX) L~7.QI:I]Z~ t~ ~ L~Ut,lO~e~ ~ tO bl~ e,w~t,.~4 ~ Competitiveness Act be called the TW& Planning District Regional Alliance" so that there would be no confusion between this group and the existing Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership. In its deliberations, the Steering Committee determined that some of the benefits to local gow,-~,~--r* ~ in ttm Coa~.~'v~.~s Program iaclude: The Regional Competitiveness Act provides a financial incentive (i.e., a "carrot") for local governments to work together in adclressing regional problems and opportunities without a State mandate to do so (i.e., the "stick" approach). Because of the incentive funding, the Competitiveness Act provides for "win-win" simadon for all pa~dcipating local governments in the Planning District. Local governments will receive funds directly as a result of their cooperative regional activities. -1- The Act requires representatives of local governments, the business community, higher education, elementary/secondary education and civic organizations to work together to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the region and to identify goals to enhance regional economic competitiveness. become members of n ~ezmersbip. Ttmy must also ~p~ove ~e ~md~g formuh f'or distributing competitiveness funds in the region. Additionally, local elected officials and admini.~zative officials must serve on the parmership's Board of Directors. Therefore, local government will be integrally involved in the direction and goals of the partnership. Since the Fifth PDC has agreed to assist in c.~adina~n of the parmership, and to provida research support as the partnership is formed, there will be no additional costs to local governments who elect to participate in this cooperative effort. One of the key issues discussed by the Steering Committee involved how the proposed regional partnership should be structured. The Committee recommended that the following organization process be followed. The partnership should have an initial, or Organizing Board of Directors that will be composed of the chief elected official and the' chief administrative official from each participating local govermnent in tbe Planning District. The Chairman of the Fu~ PDC will business, education and civic or~api~,ntlons. The Organizing Board will also begin work on bylaws and may choose to adopt a charter. Once the full Board of Directors is in place, the Board will adopt bylaws and recommend a funding formula for distribution of Competitiveness Funds to be approved by resolution of each participating local government. Based on the months of discussion and review of issues critical to the formation of a regional pazmmsl~as auu'mea~ ~ tim 1~ Rexiom~l Comlmifiveam$ ~ the Semsiag Commitme is recommending that the local governments of the ~fth Planning District take the following actions. . Pass a resolution by February 1, 1977 which commits the local government to participate in the partnership (known as the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance) following the provision~ of tbe Regional Competitivenms Act. The Cnmmittee has prepared a resolution Appoint th~ chief elected official and the chief administrative offi~;ial ~o serve as members of the Orgnni~Jng Boal'd of Directors. -2- Introduction In June of 1996. the Fifth Planning District Commission contacted local governments within the District asking support for the creation of a Steering Committee to investigate forming a regional partnership under the provisions of the 1996 Regional Competitiveness Act which waa goin~ into eiYecr on Suly 1, I996. OnAu~ast LthcPEIC ~ ii, each local goverms~t, looking at the benefits of the Regional Competitiveness Program for the District, adopt a resolution supporting the establishment ora steering committee and to appoint one elected official and thc chief administrative official to serve on the committee. The steering committee was formed and held its f'u~t meeting in September. Seven of the nine member governments in the Planning District have ac. tivaly par, ic~p~_ on tha commio~. This report is intended to (1) provide local governing bodies an overview of the Regional Competitiveness Act (its purpose and program guidelines); (2) review the activities of the Steering Committee over the last four months; (3) discuss the benefits of the Competitiveness Program; and (4) provide recommendations to member governments of the District. General Overview of the RegiOnal Competitiveness Act (Section 15.1-1227.1.15.1-12275 of the Code of Virginia) During its 1996 session, Vir~nia's General Assembly adopted the Regional Competitiveness Act. The purpose of the Act is to encourage Virginia's counties, cities and towns to exercise the options provided by law to work together for their mutual benefit and the benefit of the Commonwealth. To can3, out this purpose, the Act established an incentive fund to promote joint activities designed to address regional economic competitiveness needs. The 1996-98 biennium budget ~ $3 rnill!aa loc th,,, ("orn.rv,,.titiVe_ne.ss l, age. ali~ ~ The~ ~ a~ available on July 1, 1997. Additional fundin~ will most likely be considervd during tl~ 1997 session of the General Assembly. · According to the program guidelines for the Act, the Competitiveness Program is intended to both reward existing regional cooperative activities among local governments and to stimulate regional thinking and action toward new initiatives. This Program was not mandated by. the General Assembly. TI~ finds ~ht~ to localities whi~ ~ m ~ ~ to c-~ry out new levels of regional cooperation. Regions which do not demonstrate a "significant increase" in regional activity will not qualify for incentive funding. The Act calls for va-ions sectors of the community to be involved in a partnership to help improve regional economic competitiveness. The Act calls on government, business, education and civic leaders to assist in charting a course to help address regional competitiveness. All of these groups must participate to create a successful partnership. -3- An Advisory Committee was appointed by Govemor Allen in the fall of 1996 to provide policy guidance in the development of the Competitiveness Program. The Pro~'am Guidelines arose f~'~ C~ l~:~at~a~:li~.o~l~ona~ pul~d~ ~r~'~e'~t!'~'~ ~ ~fmm inpu~ from the (]overnor's Advisory Commi~"" Thc following are highli/laa of tha Pml~un Guidelines. Orgnn~=a~on of Regional Partnerships --- A re~ion comprises ~ae cities, counties and towns above 3,500 population within a planning district commission which indicate their commitment to forming a regional partnership thm~h a~solution of their governing body. Any other configuration of a region requires prior approval from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD). VDHCD will determine if a non-PDC based configuration might result in fragmentation of the region. * A region's funding eligibility will be based on meeting the guidelines on regional configuration, partnership and strategic plan and receiving at least 20 points in the scoring system. * Once the partnerships eligible for funding have been determined, the population of ail eligible regions will be totaled. Each eligible that population total. * Within eligible regions, the incentive funds shall be distributed to the localities on the basis of a formula mutually agreed to by all of the localities of the region. * Eligible regions will receive annual incentive fund payments for a five-year period as long as the regional partnership continues to exist and function effectively. * There is no requiremeut fo~ matching funds from tim pal:mcrship oc fmmA~.ali~ies within tl~ * There must be a resolution adopted by local governing bodies of the region giving the pannership approval to carry out the provisions of the Regional Competitiveness Act. * To tim ~reatest extent po_~ihlc, timm must be the following and the chief administrative officer of each member locality; corporate leaders within the region; the president of each institution of higher education in the region; one or more chairman of local school boards (or school superintendents); and board chairs of local civic associations whose missions are relevant to addressing issues affecting regional competitiveness. * Each partnership shall adopt bylaws which will outline sector group representation, bow members will be selected and how decisions.~ be made and implemented by the organization. Regional Strategic Plan Required Scoring System Performance Accountability * Any agreed upon formula for fund distribution shall be endorsed by resolution from each governing body. * The Competitiveness Program is intended to encourage regional efforts to identify key issues aff~.ing econou~ competitive~s and support ~tive, ~ional initiativ~ designed to address those issues. The method for identifying those key issues and building consensus for action is the regional economic competitiveness strategic plan. * F3cisting local aud regional strategic plans should be reviewed by the pa~tu~rship in the beginning of its deliberations to provide baseline information. * Members of the partnership shall play an active role in reviewing and analyzing regional information; shall participate in completing a critical analysis of the region; shall participate in identifying and prioritizing issues of regional competitiveness; and shall identify key actions necessary to address competitiveness issues. * The partnership shall solicit public participation in, the process. * The partnership shall.officially adopt the strategic plan. * Parmerships shall make application to VDHC'D to be scored under 20 poh~ is mquiratt m qualify for funding. * No more than 10 points shall be awarded for joint activities in existence prior to July 1, 1996. A minimum of 10 points is required from expanded or new joint activities to qualify for Regional Competitiveness Funds. * No more than 10 points shall be awarded for activities within a single issue area. * Existing joint activities which ar~ expanded in scope or number of loeali~s may be cn.~i.-~,,.,~ a ~ join~ activity bat shall not r~eive the full value of points. * VDHCD will evaluate each existing and proposed joint activity using the following criteria: (1) significance of the activity based on its impact on the region - 50%; (2) significance of the activity on improving cooperative working relationships among local govemmeam- 35%; (3) tho ~ ia c.a~iag out tl~ activity - 5~; (4) tim amount of riscal resources committed to implementation- 5%; and (5) the number of localities participating in the activity - 5%. * Eligible regions must submit an annual report identifying progress in reaching imp~ milestones described in tim funding application. Annual reports will be due to VDHCD in May prior to July funding distribution. -5- * Eligible regions that show satisfactory implementation will automatically receive the next year's funding allocation. Those regions that have not been able to show progress toward implementation will not receive funds unless the region can show pmseni'~ and accepted by VDHCD, the region will b_ave 6 mnnth~ in which to "catch up". * Changes to a region's configuration and partnership structure may impact implementation of its joint activities. VDHCD will review such changes with the parmenhip to determine the impac~ on implementation and the region's funding eligibility. Activities of the Fifth Planning District Regionni Steering Committee The Steering Committee is composed of an elected official and an administrative official from the following local governments: the Counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke; the Cities of Roanoke and Salem; and the Town of Vinton. As of December, 1996, ~he Cities of Clifton Forge and Covington have not adopted resolutions indicating an interest in participating on the Regional Steering CommiRee. TI~ first meming ofth~ Col~nvaite~ wa~ held on Sepmm~ 18, 1996. ~. Bill ~elmn, ~u~ ~t~ for ~e V~ ~nt of Hom~g md Co~u~ ~velopmetu (~HCD), w~ ~ked to a~nd to ~scu~ ~e ~nt of ~e Re~on~ Com~veness Act, m review ~ssible ~i~ ming to e~b~ f~ m~om, md m ~nd to s~ific qu~om ~m ~e Co~ttee. ~. Shelton m~ewed ~e Act ~d ~g~ ~ wo~ of ~e ~vemofs Adviso~ Co~R~ on ~e Compe~veness ~. It wm nord ~at ~. ~ ~dy, a ~m~r of ~e Re~on~ Stee~ng Co~R~, wm g~g on ~e Advi~ Co~. Some of ~e key issues ~scussed d~ng ~e ~g w~ ~ (1) Would both large and small communities benefit from participating in the regional partnership? Response.- Yes, the Competitiveness Program is a *'win-win" situation in that . implementation of the required regional suategic plan will assist all communities in becoming mom economically competitive. Economic impmvemants in one community can assist in economic ~rov,~h in adjacent communities. All participating local governments will (2) Would the amount of money in the competitiveness fund be increased by the General Assembly? Response: There is a good chance that the funds for the competitiveness program will be increased. The Urban Parmership and other organizations wRI be lobbying to increase the funds. Governor Holton will aasist in this lobbying effort. A key to increasing funding will be evidence of interest shown by regions to form regional partnerships a~l their interest ia the Competitiveness Act. If several regions are in the process of fo~ning partnerships, this will show the General Assembly that the Act is (3) When does a regional partnership have to be in place to ensure thai the region is eligible for funding? Response: Partnerships should be in place by July 1, 1997. It is important to move as quickly as possible in forming a partnership so that a region can be eligible for funding after July 1. The next meeting of the Steering Cow. n'dttee was held on October ~. Mr. Barry Duval, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Partnership, ~tt~ded to discuss the history and the organi~a, tional structure of that region's partnership. Additionally, Ms. Linda McMinimy, Project Director for the Urban Partxler~hi~, atrellded the meeting to discuss the history and activities of the u~~ Mr. Duval noted that the Hampton Roads Partnership was formed as a result of a possible crisis in the economy when the federal government was threatening to close some military installations in the region. The local governments worked with the private sector to find a way to work more closely together and the idea of forming a partnership was established. The local governments and the private sector pooled their financial resources and created the partnership. Each local governing body was required to adopt a resolution to become a member of the ParTnership and had to contribute funds to the group. Approximately $300,000 in public and private funds were obtained to open the Partnership's office and hire staff. The Hampton Roads Partnership currently has about 55 Board members representing local governments, the business community, educational provides technical support to the Parmership as a part of the PDCs regiotmi service to ttmir local governments. The Hampton Roads Partnership felt that the chief elected official and chief adm!nistrative official needed to serve on the Partnership along with the most influential business people in the region. The Board of Directors of the Partnership meets only twice a year while its executive committee meets monthly. Most of the work of the partnership gets done through special colnrnittees. Ms. McI~dinimy discussed the role of the Urban Partnership in spea~beading the Regional Compe~ Acc The Urbs~ P'arme~hip, formed in 1994, is an atlisnc~ of 18 local governments, business representatives from each of these localities, and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. The Partnership saw the Regional Competitiveness Act as a way for the State to provide a "carrot" to local governments to encourage them to work together to e.nhance economic development. Th~ Act does not tell regions what their goals should be; instead, the Act recognizes thai each region.of tl~ Commonwealth possesses different needs and will have differing goals. Thc Ufaa~ ~_~. ~ltlm~ l~ayiag ti~ ~ As~m~y to ~ tim c,,,,,~. ',i~ Funding to $50 million over the next two years. Some of the central issues that arose out of the October 22 meeting were -- (1) Before forming a pannership, it is important that an area identify itself as a region and thai it possess some commonalities. (2) The main idea behind ti~ Competitiveness Act is not to rewaid communities for work that is al~ady being done; but instead, to reward them for reaching a greater level of regional coo~ra~io~ ~ ~ i~i~v~ or ~xpa~led cool~z~v¢ (3) It is important that key government officials, influential business representatives, and leaders of education all participate actively in the partnership. The Steering Committee meetings held on November 13, December 3, and December 19 Di.sUict to paxxicipato iix a regional partnership; wha~ are the po~-~il~to ways to or2~-~?~ suclx ~ l~hip; who shoukl participate on the pax~hip's board of di~; will oper~ng a partner*ap cost the localities any money; if a partnership is recommended for the re~iou, how should the Committee [a*OC~ on this recommendation; when does a pannership need to be in place in order to I~ quaii~ed for Competitiveness Funds; and wha~ o~*r issues should tbe Steering Committee continue to discuss. These issues, as well as other items, were discussed at length. The following reflect the conclusions of the Committee concerning (I) the benefits of forming a partnership under the Competitiveness Act; (2) the organization of the partnership; and (3) recommendations for local governments in the District related to forming a partnership. Benefits to Local Governments and the Region The Regional Competitiveness Act provides a financial incentive (i.e., a "carrot") for local governments to work toieth~ in addressing regional problems and opportunities without Competitiveness Act pxovides a 'win-win" situation for all particll~iag local govenunen~s in the Plaoning District. Local governments will receive funds directly as a result of their cooperative regional activities. The Act requires representatives of local governments, the business community, higher education, elementary/secondary education and civic organizations to work together to identify the sUengths and weaknesses of the region and to identify goals to enhance regional Bec~mse of tbe way th~ legislation is w~c~eu, ~ ~wvm~ must adopt resolutioe, s to become members of a partnership. They must also approve the funding formula for distributing competitiveness funds in the region. Additionally, local elected officials and admires' trative officials must serve on the pattuership*s Board of Directors. Therefore, local government will be inte~'ally involved in the direction and goals of the pm'tuership. Sinc~ the Fn'X,.h PDC has agreed to assist in coordination of the partnership, and to provide governments who elect to participate in this cooperative effort. Organization of the Partnership The partnership should have an initial, or Organizing, Board of Directors that will be composed of the chief elected official and the chief administrative official from each ~rdl'ti~l~ lo{~l go~rlllLr!_ _ _~'~_ _ m ~ Hanrtin~ Di~l~ ~ ~ of ~ ~ ~ will also serve on the Organizing Board of Directors. TI~ Organizing Board will be responsible for nominating other Board members from business, education and civic organizations. The Organizing Board will also begin work on bylaws and may choose to adopt a charter and incorporate. Once tl~ full Boatxi of ~ i~ in place, the Board will adopt bylaws and recommend a funding formula for distribution of Competitiveness Funds to be approved by resolution of each participating local government. Steering Committee Recommendations to Local Governments Pass a resolution by February 1, 1977 which commits the local government to pacdcipate in the partnership (known as the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance)' following the provisions of the Regional Competitiveness Act. Appoint the chief elected official and the chief administrative official to serve as members SAMPLE RESOLUTION RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A REGIONAL ALLIANCE UNDER THE 1996 VIRGINIA REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS ACT A RESOLUTION' providing for the establishment of a regional alliance and for the appointme~ of local et~ and local appointed officials to serve as members of the Organizing Directors of th~ full Board of Directors of the Alliance. WHEREAS, Section 15. I-1227. I through Section I$.1-1227.$, ~, as amended, permits counties, cities, and towns within a planning district to establish a regional partnership for the purpose of encouraging local governments to exercise the options provided by law to work together for their mutual benefit and the benefit of the Commonwealth (known as the Regional Competitiveness Act); and WHEREAS, the Fifth Planning District Commission has coordinated the regional Steering Committee to investigate establishing a regional alliance under the Regional CompetitiVeness Act and this Committee has recommended the formation of the "Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance"; and staffand r~seereh ~ m the proposed Alliance; and WHEREAS, the guidelines for Virginia's Regional Competitiveness program require that participating local governments within the region adopt a resolution of participation; (1) (2) that: (1) THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the (city or county of} agrees to: Establish the Fifth Planning District Regional Alliance, under ~ provisions of tho 1996 Regional Comp~,tiv~s ~ in c~,.juu,.~k,~ with ~ other panicipel~g m~mber governments of the Fifth Plannln~ District; and Ai~point the chief elected official (mayor or chair of the board of supervisors) and chief appointed official (city/town mml~ger or county administrator) as members of the Organizing Board of Directors, The Chair of the Fifth Planning District Commission will also serve as a BE IT THEREFORE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the (city or county_ nO understands The .O~.ganizing Board of Directors will nominate and select other Board members to carry out the provlszons of the Regional Competitiveness Act. The Board of Directors will prepare and adopt the organization's bylaws; and 5pec. if~meommend,ations f-or determining distritnv, ion of Regional Competi~'eness funds must be endorsed by each governing body. Mary F, Parker, CMC/AAE city c~ CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File #27-60-468 James D. Gdsso Director of Finance Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Gdsso: I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 33252-020397 amending and reordaining certain sections of the 1996-97 Sewage Treatment Fund Appropriations, providing for the transfer of $30,200.00 from a Capital Account for design and related work for connection of the Tinker Creek interceptor sipho~ box, on the plant side of the Roanoke River, to the headworks at the Water Pollution Control PlanL The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regula~ meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Eric. pc: The Honorable Marsha C. Fielder, Commissioner of the Revenue W. Robert Herbert, City Manager William F. Clark, Director, Public Works Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations Steven L. Walker, Manager, Water Pollution Control Plant D. Darwin Roupe, Manager, Supply Management Dolores C. Daniels, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Relations Chades M. Huffine, City Engineer Ellen S. Evans, Construction Cost Technician Diane S. Akers, Budget Administrator, Office of Management and Budget IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33252-020397. AN ORDINANCE to amend and reordain certain sections of the 1996-97 Sewage Treatment Fund Appropriations, and providing for an emergency. WHEREAS, for the usual daily operation of the Municipal Government of the City of Roanoke, an emergency is declared to exist. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that certain sections of the 1996-97 Sewage Treatment Fund Appropriations, be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read as follows, in part: Appropriations Capital Outlay Tinker Creek Interceptor Construction (1-2) ....................... Additional Tinker Creek Interceptor (3-4) ......................... $ 26,880,743 6,226,695 30,200 1) Appropriated from Bonds 2) Appropriated from Other Govemments 3) Appropriated from Bonds 4) Appropriated from Other G~temments (003-056-8467-9001) (003-056-8467-8999) (oo3-o56-84 -9ool) (003-056-8466-8999) $ (13,862) (16,338) 13,862 16,338 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that, an emergency existing, this Ordinance shall be in effect from its passage. ATTEST: City Clerk. February 3, 1997 Council Report No. 97-111 Honorable Mayor and Members o~ City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of City Council: Subject: CONNECTING SEWER LINE AND ADDITIONAL WORK FOR TINKER CREEK SEWER, HEADWORKS, AND CONNECTION BOX WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT Backoround on the subject in chronological order is as follows: Haves. Seav. Mattern & Mattern. Inc., desioned the Tinker Creek Sewer InterceD1;~)r. Their contract included the river crossing siphon and the siphon boxes on either side of the river, but stops when the sewer pipe gets on sewer plant property. Malcolm Pirnie. Inc.. was employed to desian the addition to the sewer olant starting with the new headworks (the interceptor box that receives the new Tinker Creek and Roanoke River trunk lines). The Roanoke River interceotor desian starts with the headwork~ and proceeds upriver. There is no contract for the desian of the 54" sewer (which is approximately 20' deep and runs along the river for approximately 1,243') that connects the Tinker Creek siohon box on the olant side of the river to a new connection box at the headworks. Malcolm Pirnie. Inc.'s sub-consultant for site work and local coordination i,-, r r i . They have quoted a fee of $20.700 for the design of the trunk line, ~3,200 for design of a connection box (15'0" x 19'8" x 20'0" deep) and $4,800 to design a sump pump used to empty several of the aeration- nitrification basins that drain into the old Tinker Creek interceptor that is to be abandoned. II. ~ is as follows: A. Desian work needs to be funded for the connection of the Tinker Creek siDh0n box, on the olant side of the river, to the headworks. Ill. Issue~ in order of importance are as follows: A. Fundino B. Timina Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council CONNECTING SEWER LINE AND ADDITIONAL WORK FOR TINKER CREEK SEWER, HEADWORKS, AND CONNECTION BOX WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT February 3, 1997 Page 2 iV. Alternatives in order of feasibility are as follows: City Council authorize the transfer of fuqdir~g from a Capital Account for the design of the Tinker Creek interceptor from the plant side siphon box to the headworks and related work. Funding for the design of this project is available in the Tinker Creek Interceptor Sewer Construction Account. The construction cost for this work is estimated to be $800,000 to $1,000,000, which should be available in the Plant Expansion funding. Timino is essential to connect the Tinker Creek trunk line to the headworks. B. City Council not authorize the transfer of fund.~ for the design work. 1. Fundino would have to be encumbered from another source. = Timino delay would not permit the connection of the Tinker Creek trunk line to the headworks of the plant. V= ~is as follows: City Council concur in alternative "A" and take the following action: A= Authorize the transfer of funding as follows from the Tinker Creek Interceptor Construction Account no. 003-056-8467-9001 and 003-056-8467-8999 to a design account as established by the Director of Finance entitled "Additional Tinker Creek Interceptor." Trunk line design $20,700 Sewer pump design 4,800 Connection box 3,200 Contingency 1.500 Total $30,200 Respectfully submitted, W. Robert Herbert City Manager Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council CONNECTING SEWER LINE AND ADDITIONAL WORK FOR TINKER CREEK SEWER, HEADWORKS, AND CONNECTION BOX WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT February 3, 1997 Page 3 WRH/LBC/kh Attachments City Attorney City Clerk Director of Finance Director of Public Works Director of Utilities and Operations Assistant to City Manager for Community Relations City Engineer Construction Cost Technician Accountant, Contracts and Fixed Assets Budget Administrator Manager, Office of Supply Management Commissioner of Revenue M~ry F. Parker, CMCIAAE c~y c~rk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File #27-53-237-405-468-514 W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke held on Monday, February 3, 1997, Council Member Swain inquired as to the number of pending storm drain projects in the City, estimated cost broken down by project, and timetable for completion. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm pc: Rose M. Woodford, Executive Secretary, City Manager's Office. Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE cay Ck~rk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk February 10, 1997 File #27-53-60-237-405-468-514 8andra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk James D. Gdsso Director of Finance Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Grisso: I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 33253-020397 amending and reordaining certain sections of the 1996-97 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, providing for appropriation of $45,000.00 from 1996 General Obligation Bond proceeds to fund an engineering contract with T. P. Parker & Son, Engineers & Surveyors, Ltd., for design of the Baker Street Drainage Project. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:am Enc. pc: The Honorable Marsha C. Fielder, Commissioner of the Revenue W. Robert Herbert, City Manager William F. Clark, Director, Public Works Chades M. Huffine, City Engineer Ellen S. Evans, Construction Cost Technician Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations D. Darwin Roupe, Manager, Supply Management Diane S. Akers, Budget Administrator, Office of Management and Budget Delores C. Daniels, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Relations IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33253-020397. AN ORDINANCE to amend and reordain certain sections of the 1996-97 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and providing for an emergency. WHEREAS, f~ the usual daily operation of the Municipal Government of the City of Roanoke, an emergency is declared to exist. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that certain sections of the 1996-97 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read as follows, in part: ADDrODrlationa Sanitation Baker Street Drainage Project (1). .............................. Capital Improvement Reserve Public Improvement Bonds - Series 1996 (2) ...................... $ 290,699 45,000 $19,776,731 16,993,076 1) Appropriated from Bond Funds 2) Storm Drains (008-052-9642-9001) $ 45,000 (008-052-9701-9176) (45,000) BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that, an emergency existing, this Ordinance shall be in effect from its passage. Al-rEST: City Clerk. February 3,1997 Council Report No. 97-112 Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of City Council: SUBJECT: BAKER STREET DRAINAGE PROJECT ~_~JTJ~.q.~z~!J~ on the subject in chronological order is as follows: A sionificant drainaoe oroblem has existed for over 20 years on Shenandoah Avenue between Baker Street and Luckett Avenue. Shenandoah Avenue carries over 14,000 vehicles per day and is frequently flooded to depths that slow or impede traffic. Also, several businesses located in this area of Shenandoah Avenue are repeatedly flooded by the lack of proper drainage. The Baker Street Drainaoe Proiect received a hioh Drioritv ratino and fundin¢l was established in the 1996 General Oblioation Bond Issue, The Engineering Department has established a priority index system for rating drainage projects, and the Baker Street Drainage Project is currently one of the highest rated projects due to its impact on the traveling public and existing businesses. II. ~is as follows: An advertisement for consultant services for the desion of the Baker Street Drainaoe Proiect was oublished in the November 3, 1996, issue of The Roanoke Times. T. P. Parker & Son. Enoineers & Surveyors. Ltd.. was selected to perform design services following review of consultant qualifications and interviews. The orooosed contract with T. P. Parker & Son. Enoineers & Surveyors. Ltd.. orovides for an enoineerino desion of the Baker Street Drainaoe Proiect to stay within the existing construction budget of $595,000. The engineering design will extend storm drain improvements, as allowed within budgetary constraints, from the intersection of Johnson Avenue and Baker Street to the intersection of Luckett Street and Shenandoah Avenue. III. Issues in order of importance are as follows: A. P_U _bJJ C,_s_g f_e_~ B. Fundino C. Schedules Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council BAKER STREET DRAINAGE PROJECT February 3, 1997 Page 2 IV. ~ in order of feasibility are as follows: ri 4 from the 1996 General Obligation Bond proceeds to fund an engineering contract with T. P. Parker & Son, Engineers & Surveyors, Ltd., for design of the the Baker Street Drainage Project. ~ will be improved with construction of the proposed drainage improvements. Fundino totaling $45.000 is available from the Storm Drain Category of the 1996 General Obligation Bonds and may be appropriated to an account to be entitled "Baker Street Drainage Project." ~7,Jg_e,_~LL~ for the construction of the proposed improvements will be expedited by having a consultant perform the design. Do not aDgroDriate $45,000 from the 1996 General Obligation Bond proceeds to fund an engineering contract with T. P. Parker & Son, Engineers & Surveyors, Ltd., for design of the Baker Street Drainage Project. ~ will not be improved with construction of the proposed drainage improvements. Fundino totaling $45,000 will remain available from the 1996 General Obligation Bonds. Schedules for the construction of the proposed improvements will be delayed. ~3J3~u~ is that City Council concur in Alternative A, and take the following specific action: A ri 4 from the 1996 General Obligation Bond proceeds account number 008-052-9701-9176 to an account to be entitled "Baker Street Drainage Project." Respectfully submitted, W. Robert Herbert City Manager WRH/JGR/kh Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council BAKER STREET DRAINAGE PROJECT February 3, 1997 Page 3 City Attorney City Clerk Director of Finance Director of Public Works Director of Utilities and Operations Assistant to City Manager for Community Relations City Engineer Construction Cost Technician Accountant, Contracts and Fixed Assets Budget Administrator Manager, Office of Supply Management Commissioner of Revenue 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 February 10, 1997 File #144-253 SANDRA H. EAKIN Depuly City Clerk Rebecca S. Baker, General Manager Kav Kan Disposal P. O. Box 325 Daleville, Virginia 24083 Donald Bensen, Operation Manager Virginia Container Service 701 Irvine Street, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24015 Chris Rooney, Division President Waste Management of Virginia - Blue Ridge 2508 W. Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153 Dear Ms. Baker and Gentlemen: I am enclosing copy of Resolution No. 33254-020397 accepting the bid of BFI Waste Systems, Inc., made to the City to provide bulk container collection service, for a period of one year, with an option to renew for two additional one-year periods, at a cost of $24.88 per unit, per pick-up; and rejecting all other bids made to the City. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 February 10, 1997 File #144-253 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy C~t? Clerk Scott Axelson District Vice-President BFI Waste Systems, Inc. 341 - 24th Street, N. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24017 Dear Mr. Axelson: I am enclosing copy of Resolution No. 33254-020397 accepting the bid of BFI Waste Systems, Inc., made to the City to provide bulk container collection service, for a pedod of one year, with an option to renew for two additional one-year pedods, at a cost of $24.88 per unit, per pick-up; and rejecting all other bids made to the City. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr., City Attomey James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Kit B. KJser, Director, Utilities and Operations D. Darwin Roupe, Manager, Supply Management William F. Clark, Director, Public Works James A. McClung, Manager, Fleet and Solid Waste Management Barry L. Key, Manager, Office of Management and Budget IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33254-020397. A RESOLUTION accepting a bid made to the City for providing bulk container collection service; and rejecting all other bids made to the City. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that: 1. The low bid of BFI Waste Systen~ Inc., made to the City, offering to provide, for a period of one year, with an option to renew for two additional one-year periods, Bulk Container Collection Service at a cost of $24.88 per unit, per pick-up, which bid is on file in the Office of Supply Management, is hereby ACCEPTED. 2. Thc City's Manager of Supply Management is hereby authorized to issue the requisite purchase order therefor, incorporating into said order the City's specifications, the terms of said bidder's proposal, and the terms and provisions of this resolution, as more particularly set out in a report to this Council dated February 3, 1997. 3. Any and all other bids made to the City for the aforesaid service are hereby REJECTED; and the City Clerk is directed to notify each such bidder and to express to each the City's aplm~:iation fo~ such bids. ATTEST: City Clerk. Roanoke, Virginia February 3, 1997 97-312 Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of Council: SUBJECT: Bids on Bulk Container Collection Service, Bid No. 96-12-1 I. Background on the subject in chronological order is: Bulk Refuse Containers are located at various City Facilities and require collection services to be performed on a scheduled basis. The container locations and pick up schedule is shown on Attachment "A" of this report. In a coo erative effort with the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, specifications were developed and along with Request For Quotations were sent to Ten (10) vendors currently listed on the City's bid list. A public advertisement was also published in the Roanoke Times and Roanoke Tribune. The Roanoke City Schools could not participate at this time as they currently are under an agreement for this service. This bid did provide for the Schools ability to participate at the expiration of their existing agreement. Bids were _received, publicly opened and read at 2:00 p.m. on December 18, 1996 in the Office of the Manager of Supply Management. S~3ecifications requires that all bulk collections be delivered to and emptied at the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Solid Waste Transfer Station. A bid tabulation is attached. The Eight (8) cubic yard containers are the City's. The other units belong to the Housing Authority. Bulk Container Collection Services Bid No. 96-12-1 Page 2 I1. II1. IV. Current Situation is: All bids received were evaluated in a consistent manner by representatives of Public Works, Solid Waste Management, Supply Management and Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority. At present the City's Bulk Collection Service is being provided by BFI Waste Systems, Inc. at a cost of $25.00 per each Eight (8) cu. yd. units. Bids specification reauested that the collection service be provided for a period of One (1) year with the option to renew for Two (2) additional One (1) year periods. The lowest responsible bid is submitted by BFI Waste Systems, Inc. meeting all required specifications. Issues in order of importance are: A. License reauirements B. Compliance with Specifications C. Funding Alternatives in order of feasibility are: City Council award the bid to provide Bulk Container Collection Services to BFI Waste Systems, Inc. for a period of One (1) year with the option to renew for Two (2) additional One (1) year periods for the cost of $24.88 per unit, per pick up. License reauirements to operate a bulk container collection service have been met by BFI Waste Systems, Inc. Compliance with Specifications has been met with the bid submitted by BFI Waste Systems, Inc. Funding for this necessary service is available in Solid Waste Management account 001-052-4210-2010. Bulk Container Collection Service Bid No. 96-12-1 Page 3 CC~ 1. License re uirement would not be a factor in this alternative. Compliance with Specifications would not be a factor in this alternative. Funding available and designated for this service would not be expended at this time. Recommendation is that City Council concur with Alternative "A" to award the bid to provide Bulk Container Collection Service to BFI Waste Systems, Inc. for a period of One (1) year with the option to renew for Two (2) additional One (1) year periods for the cost of $24.88 per unit, per pick up and reject all other bids. Respectfully Submitted, W. Robert Herbert City Manager City Attorney Director of Finance City Clerk Director, Public Works Management & Budget Manager, Solid Waste Management Manager, Supply Management E E 0 Department of Finance City of Roanoke, Virginia February 3, 1997 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council James D. Grisso, Director of Finance December Financial Report This financial report covers the first half of the 1996-97 fiscal year. The following narrative discusses revenue and expenditure trends to date. REVENUE Total General Fund revenues reflect an increase of 4.47% or $2,308,000, on a year-to-date basis, compared to FY96. Variances in specific categories of revenue are as follows: General Property Taxes are up .76% or $159,000 due to an increase in real estate tax revenues, offset by decreases in personal property and public service tax revenues. The second half of real estate taxes, due April 1, 1997, and personal property taxes, due May 31, 1997, are anticipated to increase to the adopted estimate increase of 3.78%. Other Local Taxes are up 3.19% compared to 4.9% increase projected in the annual revenue estimate. Year to date sales tax revenues are up 4.72% with utility tax and business license tax trailing our projected increase. Prepared food and beverage tax is up 4.2%. Business license tax due date is March 1 and decal fees are due May 31. The performance of this category will improve during the second half of the fiscal year and is expected to meet the adopted estimate. Permits, Fees and Licenses are up 13.01% or $41,000 due to increased revenues from building inspections and street opening permits. Street opening permits have more than doubled since FY96 due to a more stringent enforcement of the requirements to obtain such permits. Fines and Forfeitures increased $55,000 or 11.89% due to increased General District Court fines which have risen as a result of increases in several traffic fines and a more aggressive collection approach. General District Court and Circuit Court collection fees have also increased. Revenue from the Use of Money and Property decreased $160,000 or 25.45% due to a decline in interest earnings. This decrease has resulted from a reduction in the General Fund's cash balances which occurred when the new Risk Management Internal Service Fund was established July 1. The Risk Management function was previously part of the General Fund. Honorable Mayor and Members Roanoke City Council February 3, 1997 Page 2 Grants-in-Aid Commonwealth have increased $1,538,000 or 13.98%. Revenue from shared expenses has grown by $512,000 due to increased revenue for the Sheriff's department which has more employees in FY97 as a result of the City Jail expansion. Welfare related revenues have risen by more than $1.0 million, with increases in Day Care, Foster Care and Comprehensive Services Act making up the majority of the growth. Grants-in-Aid-Federal Government are up about $10,000 due to higher FEMA payments this year. Miscellaneous Revenue has increased $18,000 or 14.44% due to increased revenues from the sale of surplus items. Internal Services have increased 9.32%, adding $75,000 in revenues. Cross Connection inspections are a new source of interfund revenues, and they have generated $50,000, as budgeted. Increased building maintenance billings contribute to the remaining growth in this category. EXPENDITURES AND ENCUMBRANCES Expenditures and encumbrances in the General Fund have increased 4.11% or $3,201,000 since FY96. Variances in individual expenditure categories are discussed as follows: General Government expenditures have decreased $102,000 or 2% following the establishment of a new Internal Service Fund to separately account for Risk Management activities. As mentioned before, Risk Management was previously part of the General Fund. Health and Welfare expenditures have increased $1,365,000 or 16.63%. Cultural and Human Services contributions have increased by $227,000, mostly because some contributions previously included in the Parks, Recreation and Cultural category are now in Health and Welfare. As such, the contributions to the Center in the Square, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, Harrison Cultural Center, Roanoke Sister Cities, and Explore Park are now in this category. Social Services costs have risen due to increased personnel costs, higher CIS charges, and increased foster care, daycare, and subsidized adoption expenditures. CSA expenditures have risen by over $700,000, continuing the trend exhibited over the past year of increased children in the program and more at very expensive facilities due to the high level of supervised care they require. Parks, Recreation and Cultural expenditures have decreased $101,000 or 3.58% due to a decrease in cultural contributions. As mentioned above, contributions to cultural and human services organizations, which were included in this category in the past, are now reported as Health and Welfare expenditures. Honorable Mayor and Members Roanoke City Council February 3, 1997 Page 3 I would be pleased to answer any questions which City Council may have regarding the monthly financial statements. IDG/AHA/pac Attachments Director of Finance CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA GENERAL FUND CONTINGENCY BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 1996 Balance July 1,1996 Ordinance Number 33067 33O75 33105 CMT045 33175 CMT087 33200 33213 Department Director of Utilities and Operations Recreation Dues, Memberships and Affiliations City Attorney Social Services - Services Planning & Community Development Commonwealth's Attomey Juvenile Detention Home Balance December 3'1, 1996 Purpose City's Share of Governmental Electric Rat~ Negotiation Costs Roanoke City Boxing Association Equipment Purchases Graenways/Open Space Steering Committee Local Government Attorneys of Virginia Membership Family Preservation Program Ward System Task Force Additional Funds for Personal Services Additional Staffing $367,576 (23,086) (15,000) (28,800) (1,8oo) (7,563) (3,000) (6,882) (55,119) $226,326 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA GENERAL FUND STATEMENT OF REVENUE General Property Taxes Other Local Taxes Permits, Fees and Licenses Fines and Fon'eitures Revenue from Use of Money and Property Grants-in-Aid Commonwealth Grants-in-Aid Federal Government Charges for Services Miscellaneous Revenue Internal Sen,ices Total Year to Data for fire Period July 1- De~ 31 July 1- Dee 31 Percentage 1996-96 1996-97 of Change Current Fiscal Year Percent of Revised Revenue Revenue Estimata Estimates Received $21,018,666 $21,177,983 15,596,166 16,094,047 315,451 356,482 460,497 515,260 631,919 471,126 11,004,863 12,543,361 16,154 26,247 1,641,399 1,716,340 120,195 137,547 802,882 877,704 0.76 % $62,236,700 34.03% 3.19 % 48,446,356 33.22% 13.01% 562,200 63.41% 11.89 % 875,500 58.85% (25.45)% 1,138,326 41.39% 13.98 % 34,082,348 36.80% 62.48 % 25,000 104.99% 4.57 % 3,312,010 51.82% 14.44 % 310,500 44.30% 9.32 % 1,824,000 48.12% $81,608~192 $83~916~097 4.47 % $182~812~940 36.28% STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES AND ENCUMBRANCES Expenditures Year to Data for the Period Current Fiscal Year July 1- Dec 31 July 1- Dec 31 Percentage Unencumbered 1996-96 1996-97 of Change Balance Percent of Revised Budget Appropriations Obligated General Government $5,127,917 Judicial Administra~on 1,984,824 Public Safety 17,542,346 Pu blic Works 12,255,616 Health and Welfare 8,201,427 Parks, Recrea~on and Cultural 2,801,635 Community Development 595,266 Transfer to Debt Service Fund 6,444,356 Transfer to School Fund 19,099,593 Nondepartmental 3,804,555 Total $77,857,635 $5,025,523 (2.00)% $5,164,294 $10,189,817 49.32% 1,923,404 (3.09) % 2,216,855 4,140,259 46.46% 18,171,517 3.59 % 19,218,054 37,389,571 48.60% 12,700,771 3.63 % 10,479,691 23,180,462 54.79% 9,565,679 16.63 % 10,531,962 20,097,641 47.60% 2,701,365 (3.58)% 2,315,938 5,017,303 53.84% 602,096 1.15 % 775,125 1,377,221 43.72% 6,776,714 5.16 % 2,534,086 19,750,603 3.41% 19,313,703 3,841,648 0.97 % 2,349,565 9,310,800 72.78% 39,064,306 50.56% 6,191,213 62.05% 81.97% $81,089,320 4.11% $74,899,273 $166,958,593 2 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA SCHOOL FUND STATEMENT OF REVENUE Revenue Source State Sales Tax Grants-in-Aid Commonwealth Grants-in-Aid Federal Government Charges for Services Transfer from General Fund Special Purpose Grants Total Year to Date for the Period Current Fiscal Year Percent of Revised Revenue July 1-Dec 31 July 1-Dec 31 Percentage Revenue Estimate 1995-96 1996-97 of Change Estimates Received $3,547,037 $3,327,720 (6.18)% $8,090,895 41.13% 15,410,321 15,267,904 (0.92)% 30,904,880 49.40% 572,066 851,605 48.86 % 2,353,996 36.18% 831,872 871,260 4.73 % 2,850,206 30.57% 19,099,593 19,750,603 3.41% 39,064,306 50.56% 5,155,182 4,591,514 (10.93)% 5,287,844 N/A $4~4,616,071 $44,660,606 0.10 % $88,552,127 50.43% STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES AND ENCUMBRANCES Year to Date for the Period Current Fiscal Year Percent of July l-Dec 31 July 1-Dec 31 Percentage Unencumbered Revised Budget 1995-96 1996-97 of Change Balance Appropriations Obligated Exl~enditures Instruction General Support Transportation Operation and Maintenance of Plant Food Services Facilities Other Uses of Funds Specia{ Purpose Grants Total $26,180,487 $27,637,642 5.57 % $34,082,973 $61,720,615 44.78% 1,327,648 1,268,272 (4.47)% 1,888,054 3,156,326 40.18% 1,331,208 1,197,272 (10.06)% 1,656,619 2,853,891 41.95% 4,347,232 4,410,348 1.45 % 5,096,223 9,506,571 46.39% 1,480,884 1,633,869 10.33 % 1,931,827 3,565,696 45.82% 2,588,718 1,959,166 (24.32)% 1,959,166 100.00% 2,203,947 2,916,849 32.35 % 383,592 3,300,441 88.38% 5,228,440 5,287,844 1.14 % 5,287,844 N/A $44,688,564 $46,311,262 3,63 % $45,039,288 $91,350,550_ 50.70% CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES, ENCUMBRANCES, AND UNENCUMBERED APPROPRIATIONS SUMMARY AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 Expenditures Unexpended Outstanding Unencumbered Budget To Data Balance Encumbrances Balance General Government $8,332,343 $5,397,847 $2,934,496 $270,155 $2,664,341 Public Safety 9,694,206 9,406,761 287,445 101,952 185,493 Educa~on 19,890,309 14,328,510 5,561,799 4,894,787 667,012 Community Development 1,041,000 82,269 958,731 958,731 Recreation 692,879 279,933 412,946 129, 703 283,243 Streets and Bridges 13,781,357 10,505,936 3,275,421 1,208,506 2,066,915 Sanitation Projects 245,699 93,285 152,414 100,756 51,658 Traffic Engineering & Communications 1,775,300 1,380,188 395,112 51,960 343,152 Other Infl'astructure Projects 7,304,034 3,355,522 3,948,512 170,892 3,777,620 Capital Improvement Reserve 19,821,731 19,821,731 19,821,731 Total $82,578,868 $44,830,251 $37,748,607 $7,887,442 $29,861,165 4 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA WATER FUND COMPARATIVE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1996 Operating Revenue Commercial Sales Domestic Sales Indus~al Sales Town of Vinton County of Roanoke City of Salem Customer Services Total Operating Revenue Operating Expenses Personal Services Operating Expenses Depreciation Total Operating Expenses Operating Income Nonoperating Revenue (Expenses) Interest on Investments Rent Miscellaneous Revenue Interest Expense Total Nonoperating Revenue (Expenses) Net Income 1996 1995 $1,616,027 $1,642,964 1,432,680 1,498,945 119,868 129,226 11,997 22,344 975,957 998,536 4,268 1,606 240,462 184,830 4,401,259 4,478,451 707,100 704,313 1,835,677 1,559,744 469,385 469,385 3,012,162 2,733,442 1,389,097 1,745,009 135,176 35,117 1,516 1,650 19,692 17,310 (791,430)(1} (635,046) 54,077 $754,051 $1,799,086 Note (1) This amount represents interest paid on the 1992 Water Bonds. Interest was previously capitalized as part of the construction costs related to the Carvins Cove improvements, which were substantially complete in February 1996. CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA SEWAGE TREATMENT FUND COMPARATIVE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1996 Operating Revenue Sewage Charges - City Sewage Charges - Roanoke County Sewage Charges - Vinton Sewage Charges - Salem Sewage Charges - Botetourt County Customer Services Interfund Services Total Operating Revenue Operating Expenses Personal Services Operating Expenses Depreciation Total Operating Expenses Operating Income Nonoperating Revenue Interest on Investments Miscellaneous Revenue Total Nonoperating Revenue Net Income 1996 $3,717,798 463,265 132,160 459,194 55,851 77,238 46,205 4,951,711 829,758 2,531,954 467,732 3,829,454 1,122,257 204,745 7,192 211,937 $1,334,194 1995 $3,342,835 378,946 77,345 345,919 51,158 49,499 45,638 4,291,340 845,518 1,838,090 467,732 3,151,340 1,140,000 107,778 10,556 118,334 $1,258,334 6 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA CiViC CENTER FUND COMPARATIVE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1996 Operating Revenue Rentals Parking Fee Event Expenses ^dverlJsing Admissions Tax Commissions Novelty Fees Total Operating Revenue Operating Expenses Personal Services Operating Expenses Depreciation Total Operating Expenses Operating Loss Nonoperating Revenue Transfer from General Fund Transfer from Materials Control Fund Interest on Investments Miscellaneous Total Nonoperating Revenue Net Income 1996 $172,529 64,966 56,254 1,025 44,272 102,581 33,877 475,504 554,803 563,468 191,579 1,309,850 (834,346) 929,771 16,405 3,770 949,946 $115,600 1995 $212,250 59,137 40,069 925 47,009 51,609 5,422 416,421 525,228 513,845 191,579 1,230,652 (814,231) 779,636 114,896 18,173 1,741 914,446 $100,215 7 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA TRANSPORTATION FUND COMPARATIVE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1996 Operating Revenue Century Station Parking Garage Williamson Road Parking Garage Market Square Parking Garage Church Avenue Parking Garage Tower Parking Garage Surface Parking Lots Total Operating Revenue Operating Expenses Operating Expenses Depreciation Total Operating Expenses Operating Income Nonoperating Revenue (Expenses) Transfer from General Fund Transfer from Materials Control Fund Operating Subsidy for GRTC Interest on Investments Interest Expense Miscellaneous Total Nonoperating Revenue (Expenses) Net Income 1996 $154,584 202,635 81,767 200,992 109,538 54,519 804,035 350,504 260,257 610,761 193,274 1,001,133 (400,000) (2,149) (365,542) 6,263 239,705 $432,979 1995 $144,574 159,741 87,622 209,087 108,049 62,337 771,410 266,849 260,257 527,106 244,304 872,665 43,165 (300,00O) 5,944 (329,869) 2,994 294,899 $539,203 8 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA NURSING HOME FUND COMPARATIVE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1996 Operating Revenue Private Patient Fees Medicaid Patient Fees Medicaid Reimbursements Total Operating Revenue Operating Expenses Personal Services Operating Expenses Depreciation Total Operating Expenses Operating Loss Nonoperating Revenue Transfer from General Fund Interest on Investments Total Nonoperating Revenue Net Income 1996 $3,29S 150,586 459,677 613,559 646,372 272,652 11,814 930,838 (317,279) 545,022 18,905 563,927 $246,648 1995 $16,586 145,985 486,694 649,265 652,193 261,798 11,814 (276,540) 504,210 10,267 514,477 $237,937 9 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA HOTEL ROANOKE CONFERENCE CENTER FUND COMPARATIVE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1996 1996 CONFERENCE COMMISSION (1) CENTER (2) TOTAL 1995 Operating Revenue Commission Conference Center $ $ $ $ 1,131,268 1,131,268 751,147 Total Operating Revenue 1,131,268 1,131,268 751,147 Operating Expenses Commission Conference Center Depreciation Expense 40,975 40,975 46,678 925,766 925,766 793,258 222,038 22,434 244,472 222,038 Total Operating Expenses 263,013_ 948,200 1,211,213 1,061,974 (263,013) 183,068 (79,945) (310,827) Operating Income (Loss) Nonoperating Revenue (Expenses) City Subsidy Virginia Tech Subsidy Proceeds from Brick Sales Interest on Investments Conference Center 175,000 175,000 175,000 175,000 175,000 175,000 150 150 1,025 2,728 2,728 5,421 2,527 2,527 (23,633) Total Nonoperating Revenue (Expenses) 352,878 2,527 355,405 332,813 $89,865 $185,595 $275,460 $21,986 Net Income Notes to Financial Statement: (1) The column entitled "Commission" represents Commission activity in the City's financial records. (2) The column entitled "Conference Center" represents actual revenue and expenses of the Conference Center, as provided by Doubletree Management. 10 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS COMPARATIVE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1996 TOTALS Operating Revenue Charges for Services Total Operating Revenue Operating Expense. Personal Services Operating Expenses Depreciation Total OpM'ating Expenzee Operating In(~ome (Lou) Nonoperating Revenue (Expenses) Transfer from General Fund Transfer from Materials Coatrol Fund Transfer from School Board Transfer to Civic Center Fund Transfer to City Information System Transfer to Transportation Fund 53,534 (3,753) 5,542 34,988 30,152 239,571 360,034 177,692 67,253 244,945 66,572 212,600 20,000 (114,8~6) (212,600) (43,165) Nat Nonoperating Revenue (Expeneea) 231,226 (3,763) E,642 34,888 87,406 238,671 ~04,978 40,2:~4 Net Income NMe (t) The Rick Management Fund was eatabllshed on July t, 18N. 11 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA CITY TREASURER'S OFFICE GENERAl STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE MONTH ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 TO THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE: GENERAL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE CITY TREASURER OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA FOR THE FUNDS OF SAID CITY FOR THE MONTH ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996. GENERAL ($385,910.75) $5,925,780.87 $11,718,412.86 WATER 5,937,199.27 503,917.40 111,795.97 SEWAGE 22,466,814.36 1,605,568.08 1,413,493.25 CIVIC CENTER 586,132.44 220,267.96 268,409.53 TRANSPORTATION 228,544.36 109,776.90 87,754.26 CAPITAL PROJECTS 35,023,262.74 227,107.15 1,251,702.75 NURSING HOME 1,015,747.69 102,999.88 123,675.38 CONFERENCE CENTER 215,523.78 172,615.00 0.00 DEBT SERVICE 8,932,471.30 37,781.72 0.00 CITY INFORMATION SYSTEMS 2,045,815.97 85,597.92 76,170.40 MATERIALS CONTROL (120,660.69) 112,438.99 MANAGEMENT SERVICES 217,194.97 11,918~08 4,733.90 UTILITY LINE SERVICES 1,399,642.47 4.55 FLEET MANAGEMENT 1,060,817.42 4,812.50 80,210.42 i PAYROLL (11,971,511.96) 13,423,781.28 12,409,255.16 RISK MANAGEMENT 10,329,692.42 479,586.76 1,343,168.88 SCHOOL BOARD 10,704,033.69 5,239,934.65 5,141,644.57:. FDETC (131,141.95) 299,477.87 91,885.72 GRANT 514,830.30 342,968.96 351,083.76 TOTAL $87,969,832.26 $30,412,838.15 $35 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE FOREGOING IS A TRUE STATEMENT OF MY ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, FOR THE FUNDS OF THE VARIOUS ACCOUNTS THEREOF FOR THE MONTH ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996. THAT SAID FOREGOING: CASH: CASH ON HAND CASH IN TRANSIT INVESTMENTS ACQUIRED FROM COMPETmVE PROPOSALS: COMMERCIAL PAPER OVERNIGHT INVESTMENT REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS U. S. TREASURY NOTES VIRGINIA AIM PROGRAM (U. S. SECURITIES) TOTAL DATE: JANUARY 10, 1997 DAVID C. ANDERSON, TREASURER 12 CITY OF ROANOKE PENSION PLAN STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENSES FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1996 Revenue Contributions Investment Income Gain on Sale of Investments Bond Discount Amortization TotalRevenue 1996 $2,995,294 2,404,375 3,165,574 27,517 $8,592,760 1998 $3,132,361 2,371,491 2,712,473 115,316 $8,331,641 Exoenses Pension Payments Fees for Professional Services Bond Premium Amortization Administrative Expense Total Expenses Net Income $4,066,860 205,821 153,964 183,852 4,610,497 __$3,982,263 $4,026,328 202,093 78,672 137,766 4,444,859 $3,886,782 13 CITY OF ROANOKE PENSION PLAN BALANCE SHEET DECEMBER 31, 1996 A__ssets Cash Investments: (marketvalue: 1996 $226,745,212 1995 $201,936,131) Due from Other Funds Other Assets Total Assets 1996 $723,440 177,302,079 0 18,000 $178,043,51 1995 $893,361 162,671,800 717 18,000 $163,583,878 Liabilities a~!d Furl~ Balance Liabilities: Due to Other Funds Total Liabilities $848,295 848,295 173,212,961 3,982,263 177,195,224 $178~43,519 $768,893 768,893 158,928,203 3,886,782 162,814,985 $1631583,878__ Fund Balance: Fund Balance, July 1 Net Income - Year to Date Total Fund Balance Total Liabilities and Fund Balance 14 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 February 3, 1997 File ff.467 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Pursuant to Chapter 9, ~[U.~.JJg. D, of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, establishing a procedure for the election of School Board Trustees, this is to advise you that the three year terms of Mafilyn L. Curtis, Marsha W. Ellison, and John H. Saunders will expire on June 30, 1997. On June 30, 1997, Mrs. Curtis will complete her third consecutive three-year term of office and is not eligible for reappointment. Pursuant to Section 9-16 of the City Code, on or before February 15 of each year, Council shall announce its intention to elect trustees of the Roanoke City School Board for terms commencing July 1 through (1) public announcement of such intention at two consecutive regular sessions of the Council and (2) advertisement of such intention in a newspaper of general circulation in the City twice a week for two consecutive weeks. Section 9-17 of the City Code provides that applications must be filed in the City Clerk's Office by March 10 of each year. Application forms will be available in the City Clerk's Office and may be obtained between the hours of 8:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Information describing the duties and responsibilities of School Board Trustees will also be available. During the next four months, I will keep the Council informed as to the various steps required to be followed throughout the selection process. With kindest personal regards, I am Mary CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm H:'~SCHOOL'~NNOUNCE.WPD Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandm H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File ft80-467 Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr. City Attorney Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Dibling: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke held on Monday, Februmy 3, 1997, you were requested to prepare the proper measure recognizing the service of Marilyn L. Curtis as a Trustee of the Roanoke City School Board from May 2, 1988 to June 30, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm 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; (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File ~-467 The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Please note the following dates on your calendar with regard to the School Board selection process: (1) On Monday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m., Council will hold an informal meeting (reception), which will be open to the public with all candidates for school trustee in the Emergency Operations Center Conference Room, Room 159, first floor of the Municipal Building. (2) On Monday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, Council as a Committee of the VVhole, will review and consider all candidates for the position of school trustee. At such meeting, Council shall review all applications filed for the position and may elect to interview candidates for such positions. (3) On Monday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, Council will, by public vote, select from the field of candidates, those candidates to be accorded the formal interview and all other candidates will be eliminated from the school trustee selection process. The number of candidates to be granted the interview will not exceed three times the number of positions available on the Roanoke City School Board, should there be so many candidates. The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council February 10, 1997 Page 2 (4) On Monday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, Council will hold a public hearing to receive the views of citizens. (5) On Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chamber, Council will hold a meeting for the purpose of conducting a public interview of the candidates for school trustee. I have arranged for the interviews to be taped by RVTV Channel 3 to be televised at a later date. (6) On Monday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, Council will hold an election to fill the three vacancies on the Roanoke City School Board for terms commencing July 1, 1997, and ending June 30, 2000. With kindest personal regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Pad,er, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm pc: Marsha W. Ellison, Chairperson, Roanoke City School Board, 2030 Knollwood Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Dr. E. Wayne Harris, Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools Cindy H. Ramsuer, Clerk, Roanoke City School Board M. Michelle Bono, Public Information Officer Angela J. McPeak, Cable Television Government Access Director, RVTV Channel 3, Suite 145, Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24016 MARY E 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: (540) 853 2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk February 3, 1997 File ~-467 The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: On June 30, 1997, the three year terms of Marilyn L. Curtis, Marsha W. Ellison, and John H. Saunders as Trustees of the Roanoke City School Board will expire. Ms. Curtis is not eligible for reappointment. Pursuant to Chapter 9, Education, of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, establishing a procedure for the election of School Board Trustees, Council must hold certain meetings and take certain actions during the months of March, April and May to conform with the selection process. Therefore, I have discussed the matter with the Mayor and request the concurrence of Council in establishing the following dates: (1) On Monday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m., Council will hold an informal meeting (reception) which will be open to the public with all candidates for school trustee in the EOC Conference Room, Room 159, first floor of the Municipal Building. (2) On Monday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m., Council as a Committee of the Whole, will review and consider all candidates for the position of school trustee. At such meeting, Council shall review all applications filed for the position and may elect to interview candidates for such positions. The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council February 3, 1997 Page 2 (3) On Monday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m., Council will, by public vote, select from the field of candidates, those candidates to be accorded the formal interview and all other candidates will be eliminated from the school trustee selection process. The number of candidates to be granted the interview shall not exceed three times the number of positions available on the Roanoke City School Board, should there be so many candidates. (4) On Monday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m., Council will hold a public hearing to receive the views of citizens. (5) On Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m., Council will hold a meeting for the purpose of conducting a public interview of candidates for the position of school trustee. With the concurrence of Council, I will arrange for the interviews to be taped by RVTV Channel 3 to be televised at a later date. (6) On Monday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m., Council will hold an election to fill the three vacancies for terms commencing July 1, 1997, and ending June 30, 2000. Your concurrence in the abovestated dates will be appreciated in order that applicants may be advised of the proposed schedule. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY IF. 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853~1145 February 10, 1997 File #192 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy C~t? Clerk Alyce Fuller General Manager Ticketmaster-New York, Inc. 4456 Corporation Lane, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462 Dear Ms. Fuller:. I am enclosing copy of Resolution No. 33255-020397 renewing the computerized ticketing serwce contract agreement between the City of Roanoke and Ticketmaster-New York, Inc., formerly knowrt as Ticketmaster-Mid-Atlantic, Inc., for a period of five years from February 3, 1997 and terminati~ on February 2, 2002. The abovereferencod measure was adopted by the Council of the Ci~ o{ Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: James W. Stephens, Chairperson, Roanoke Civic Center Commission, 2130 Deyerie S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr., City Attomey James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations Bobby E. Chapman, Manager, Civic Center Facilities Vivian D. Nelson, Secretary, Roanoke Civic Center Commission IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33255-020397. A RESOLUTION renewing the computerized ticketing service contract agreement between the City of Roanoke and Ticketmaster-New York, Inc., formerly known as Ticketmaster-Mid- Atlantic, Inc., for a period of five years. WHEREAS, the Roanoke Civic Center Commission has decided that the ticketing service contract between the City of Roanoke and Ticketmaster-New York, Inc., should be renewed for a period of five years; and WHEREAS, the Roanoke Civic Center Commission has reported to the Council of the City of Roanoke the above decision for implementation. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. The computerized ticketing service contract agreement dated February 3, 1992, between the City of Roanoke and Ticketmaster-New York, Inc., formerly known as Ticketmaster- Mid-Atlantic, Inc., providing for computerized ticketing services for the Roanoke Civic Center, is hereby renewed for a period of five years from February 3, 1997, and terminating February 2, 2002, all as more particulan'y set forth in the report to this Council dated February 3, 1997, which includes a revised service and handling charge schedule as set forth in that report. 2. Tha City Manager or the Assistant City Manager and the City Clerk are hereby authorized on behalf of the City to execute and attest, respectively, the contract renewal with Ticketmaster-New York, Inc., said contract renewal to be in such form as is approved by the City Attorney. ATTEST: City Clerk. Report No. 97-313 Roanoke, Virginia February 3, 1997 Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Subject: Computerized Ticketing Service for the Roanoke Civic Center I concur with the Roanoke Civic Center Commission's recommendation relative to the above subject and submit it to you for appropriate action. Respectfully submitted, W. Robert Herbert City Manager Attachment cc: City Attorney Director of Finance Director of Utilities and Operations Chairman and Members, Civic Center Commission Civic Center Manager Roanoke, Virginia February 3, 1997 Honorable Mayor and City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Subject: Computerized Ticketing Service for the Roanoke Civic Center I. Backaround ae Civic Center ticket sales have been contracted thru major computer ticketing firms since January, 1983. Be City solicited bids in September, 1990 from the major computer ticketing firms throughout the country, pursuant to the Procurement Chapter of the Roanoke City Code. C. Bids were received from Ticketron and Ticketmaster. De City Council adopted a resolution on January 7, 1991 to accept the bid of Ticketron. Contract with Ticketron was never executed by Ticketron officials, possibly because of knowledge that a take- over by Ticketmaster was imminent. City received notice that Ticketmaster took over all Ticketron assets on June 1. 1991. City entered into an aqreement with Ticketmaster Mid- Atlantic. Inc. on February 3, 1992 to provide computerized ticketing service for the Roanoke Civic Center. This contract provides for one (1) additional five (5) year renewal by mutual agreement of the parties. II. Current Situation Current contract with Ticketmaster Mid-Atlantic, Inc expires February 3, 1997. Be Notice was qiven to City in writing by Ms. Alyce Fuller, General Manager, that Ticketmaster Mid- Atlantic, Inc. would like to exercise the additional five (5) year renewal. Ticketmaster is the only computerized ticketing service of its kind available in the market. Ticketmaster requires no up-front capital expenditure and provides equipment, hardware, software, supplies and outlet support. D. Ticketmaster's customer service char~es and internal per ticket charge cover their operating costs. At the January 21, 1997 meetinq, the Civic Center Commission voted to extend the contract with Ticketmaster Mid-Atlantic, Inc. for five (5) additional years, subject to approval by the Council of the City of Roanoke. III. Issues A. Competitive Procurement B. Timing C. Continuity of Service D. Fees IV. Alternatives Renew current contract with Ticketmaster Mid-Atlantic, Inc. for five (5) years to provide computerized ticketing service for the Roanoke Civic Center. Competitive procurement. Ticketmaster is the only source practicably available for the needed electronic ticketing service. Timing is important to ensure continued pt ' uninterru ed service. Continuity of servic~ would be maintained at present level by a proven provider of the required service. 4. Fees are as follows: ae Ticketmaster's charqe to the City shall remain the same as follows: (1) Box Office - .07¢ per ticket (2) Outlets - .10¢ per ticket (3) Telephone - 2.8% of gross sales Service and handlina charqes to the customer will be as per Attachment nB" which references increases to the Customer Convenience Charges and Handling Fees for the next five (5) years of the agreement. Ve DO not renew contract with Ticketmaster Mid-Atlantic, Inc. to provide computerized ticketing service for the Roanoke Civic Center. 1. Competitive procurement would not be an issue. 2. Timinq would become a problem. Continuitv of serv~c~ may be interrupted and level of service to Civic Center patrons would decrease. 4. Fees by Ticketmaster would not be an issue. Recommendation JWS:vn Attachment CC Council concur with Alternative ~A" and authorize the City Manager to renew the current contract with Ticketmaster Mid-Atlantic, Inc. for five (5) years to provide computerized ticketing service for the Roanoke Civic Center. City Manager City Attorney Director of Finance Director of Utilities & Operations Chairman and Members, Civic Center Commission Civic Center Manager ATTACHMENT "B" SERVICE AND HANDLING CHARGES Per Ticket Outlet Service Charge YEAR# 6 Sports $2.00 $2.85 Con/Non $2.25 $3.40 Family $1.75 $2.25 YEAR#7 Sports $2.00 $2.85 Con/Non $2.25 $3.40 Family $1.75 $2.50 YEAR# 8 Sports *$2.25 *$3.00 Con/Non $2.50 $3.65 Family $2.00 $2.75 YEAR# 9 Sports *$2.25 *$3.00 Con/Non $2.75 $3.75 Family $2.00 $2.75 Per Ticket Telephone Service Charge Per Order HaDdlin,~ Charge On Telephone Sales $1.50 $1.50 $1.50 $1.50 $1.75 $1.50 $1.75 $1.75 $1.50 $1.75 $2.00 $1.75 YEAR # 10 Sports *$2.25 *$3.00 $1.75 Con/Non $2.75 $3.75 $2.00 Family $2.00 $2.75 $1.75 *If there is an increase in the cost of Sporting Event Tickets in year 8 of the Agreement this service charge is applicable. Otherwise, there is no increase. Ringling Bros./Disney On Ice Tickets will be per Ringling's national deal with Ticketmaster. $1.75 per Ticket for each Ticket sold at the outlets and $2.00 per Ticket for each Ticket sold by Telephone, with a cap of $8.00 per order on Telephone sales. Increases as Ticketmaster & Ringling Bros. agree upon. MARY lq'. PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFHCE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 February 10, 1997 File #192 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk Stanley G. Breakell, President Breakell, Inc. 2314 Patterson Avenue, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Dear Mr. Breakell: I am enclosing copy of Ordinance No. 33257-020397 accepting the bid of Breakell, Inc., to construct a new roof over the entrance to the Exhibit Hall at the Roanoke Civic Center, in the amount of $126,702.00, to include additive Bid Item Nos. 1 and 2, upon certain terms and conditions; authorizing the proper City officials to execute the requisite contract for such work; and rejecting all other bids made to the City for the work. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE City Clerk MFP:sm Eno. pc: The Honorable Marsha C. Fielder, Commissioner of the Revenue W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations D. Dan&in Roupe, Manager, Supply Management Bobby E. Chapman, Manager, Civic Center Facilities William F. Clark, Director, Public Works Charles M. Huffine, City Engineer Chadie M. Anderson, Project Manager Ellen $. Evans, Construction Cost Technician Diane S. Akere, Budget Administrator, Office of Management and Budget Dolores C. Daniels, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Relations 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: 1540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File #192 John P. Whittle, President Thor, Inc. General Contractor P. O. Box 13127 Roanoke, Virginia 24031-3127 Dear Mr. Whittle: I am enclosing copy of Ordinance No. 33257-020397 accepting the bid of Breakell, Inc., to construct a new roof over the entrance to the Roanoke Exhibit Hall at the Civic Center, in the amount of $126,702.00, to include additive Bid Item Nos. 1 and 2, upon certain terms and conditions; authorizing the proper City officials to execute the requisite contract for such work; and rejecting all other bids made to the City for the work. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. On behalf of the City of Roanoke, I would like to express appreciation for submitting your bid on the abovedescribed project. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP'.sm Enc. IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33257-020397. AN ORDINANCE ~pfingthebid ofBreak~l, ~c.,to construct anew roofoverthe euhance to the Exhibit Hall at the Civic Center, upon certain terms and conditions, and awarding a contract th~efor, authori~ng the proper City officials to execute the requisite contract for such work; rejecting all other bids made to the City for the work; and providing for an emergency. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. The bid of Breakell, Inc., to construct a new roof over the entrance to the Exhibit Hall at the Civic Center, in the total amount of $126,702 to include additive Bid Item No. 1 and 2, as is more particularly set forth in the February 3, 1997, report to this Council, such bid being in full compliance with the City's plans and specifications made therefor and as provided in the contract documents offered said bidder, which bid is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, be and is hereby ACCEPTED. 2. The City Manager or the Assistant City Manager and the City Clerk are hereby authorized on behalf of the City to execute and attest, respectively, the requisite contract with the successful bidder, based on its proposal made therefor and the City's spec'ffications made therefor, said contra~ to be in such form as is approved by the City Attorney, and the cost of said work to be paid for out of funds heretofore or simultaneously appropriated by Council. 3. Any end all other bids made to the City for the aforesaid work are hereby REIECTED, and the City Clerk is directed to notify each such bidder and to express to each the City's appreciation for such bid. 4. In order to provide for the usual daily operation of the municipal government, an Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File f/60-192 James D. Gdsso Director of Finance Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Grlsso: I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 33256-020397 amending and reordaining certain sections of the 1996-97 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, providing for the transfer of $139,500.00, in connection with construction of a new (roof) cover over the entrance to the Exhibit Hall at the Roanoke Civic Center. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm ERC. pc: The Honorable Marsha C. Fielder, Commissioner of the Revenue W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations D. Darwin Roupe, Manager, Supply Management Bobby E. Chapman, Manager, Civic Center Facilities William F. Clark, Director, Public Works Charles M. Huffine, City Engineer Charlie M. Anderson, Project Manager Ellen S. Evans, Construction Cost Technician Diane S. Akers, Budget Administrator, Office of Management and Budget Dolores C. Daniels, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Relations IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33256-020397. AN ORDINANCE to amend and reordain certain sections of the 1996-97 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and providing for an emergency. WHEREAS, for the usual daily operation of the Municipal Government of the City of Roanoke, an emergency is declared to exist. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that certain sections of the 1996-97 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read as follows, in part: ADDrODrlatlons Capital Improvement Reserve Public Improvement Bonds - Series 1996 (1) .................... $19,682,231 16,898,576 General Government $ 8,471,843 Cover at Entrance to Exhibit Hall (2) .......................... 139,500 1) Buildings 2) Appropriated from Bond Funds (008-052-9701-9183) (008-052-9697-9001) $ (139,500) 139,500 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that, an emergency existing, this Ordinance shall be in effect from its passage. AI-I'EST: City Clerk. February 3, 1997 Council Report No. 97-102 Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of City Council: Subject: BID COMMITTEE REPORT COVER AT ENTRANCE TO EXHIBIT HALL ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER 710 Williamson Road, N.E. Bid No. 96-12-05 and 96-12-62 I concur with the Bid Committee recommendation relative to the above project and recommend it to you for appropriate action. Sincerely, W. Robert Herbert City Manager WRH/CMA/kh Attachment: Tabulation of Bids City Attorney City Clerk Director of Finance Director of Utilities & Operations Director of Public Works Manager, Civic Center Assistant to City Manager for Community Relations Manager, Supply Management City Engineer Project Manager Construction Cost Technician Accountant, Contracts and Fixed Assets Budget Administrator Commissioner of Revenue February 3, 1997 Council Report No. 97-102 Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of City Council: Subject: BID COMMITTEE REPORT COVER AT ENTRANCE TO EXHIBIT HALL ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER 710 Williamson Road, N.E. Bid No. 96-12-05 and 96-12-62 We, the undersigned Bid Committee, hereby submit the attached report and recommend it to you for approval. Respectfully sub~ ~Chairman JHP/CMH/kh Attachment: Tabulation of Bids C: City Attorney City Clerk Director of Finance Director of Utilities & Operations Director of Public Works Manager, Civic Center Assistant to City Manager for Community Relations Manager, Supply Management City Engineer Project Manager Construction Cost Technician Accountant, Contracts and Fixed Assets Budget Administrator Commissioner of Revenue February 3, 1997 Council Report No. 97-102 Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of City Council: Subject: BID COMMITTEE REPORT COVER AT ENTRANCE TO EXHIBIT HALL ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER 710 Williamson Road, N.E. Bid No. 96-12-05 and 96-12-62 Background on the subject in chronological order is as follows: A. Public access to the Exhibit Hall at the Civic Center is accommodated via a series of steps which lead down from the parking lot level to the floor level approximately 15 feet below. Since there is no roof cover (canopy) above this entrance way, the steps and landings are susceptible to the accumulation of snow and ice; and, the lower and intermediate landings and a number of individual steps pond water following periods of precipitation. With colder temperatures, these areas freeze over and thus become potential safety hazards to the public using the facility. The current Capital Improvements Program includes a project to provide a cover (roof closure) over the entrance to the Exhibit Hall. The complete project, part of an overall on-going improvements program at the Civic Center, was estimated to cost about $100,000, which includes the cost of protective louvers to prevent driving rain from penetrating the open end on the western side of the canopy, and new ground mounted flagpoles to replace the present wall mounted flagpoles which conflict with the installation of the new roof cover. Several preliminary desiqn concepts for roof cover were prepared by the staff of the Office of City Engineer and reviewed with representatives of the Civic Center and the City administration. The scope of work for the project, based on the approved preliminary concept, includes construction of a structural standing metal roof system supported on steel purlins, structural steel frames and concrete columns, and new light fixtures. Final construction plans and contract documents were also prepared by the Office of City Engineer with two alternate (additive) bid items included in the bid package - the first to provide protective louvers at the west end of the roof cover; a second to provide new flagpoles, lighting and associated pavement. BID COMMITTEE REPORT COVER AT ENTRANCE TO EXHIBIT HALL ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER February 3, 1997 Page 2 To reduce costs, the decision was made to solicit separate bicl~ to furnish and install new shrubbery and ground cover landscaping materials in plant beds located at each side of the entrance steps to the Exhibit Hall. The existing trees must be removed and the remaining plant stock will be severely damaged by construction work required for the new roof canopy. II. Current situation is as follows: "Notice of Invitation to Bid" was advertised in The Roanoke Times on December 8, 1996 and The Roanoke Tribune on December 12, 1996. A (non-mandatory) pre-bid conference, held at the Civic Center on December 17, 1996, was attended by two potential bidders. Two (2) bids were received, publicly opened and read aloud before the Manager of Supply Management on January 7, 1997, with Breakell, Inc. submitting the Iow bid in the amount of $126,702, which includes both alternate (additive) bid items, and a time of construction of ninety (90) consecutive calendar days. Separate quotations were requested from four local landscape contractors to provide new landscaping materials in plant beds adjacent to entrance steps. Two (2) bids were received, publicly opened and read aloud before the Manager of Supply Management on January 7, 1997, with Laurel Creek Nursery submitting the Iow bid in the amount of $2,980. III. Issues in order of importance are as follows: A. Public safety B. Amount of the bid C. FundinR D. Completion time IV. Alternatives in order of feasibility are as follows: A. Award a contract to Breakell, Inc., in the amount of $126,702, to include Additive Bid Items No. 1 and No. 2, in accordance with the contract documents. 1. Public safety concerns will be alleviated. BID COMMITTEE REPORT COVER AT ENTRANCE TO EXHIBIT HALL ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER February 3, 1997 Page 3 Amount of the bid is acceptable. Funding for the project is being provided through General Obligation Bonds approved by voters in the 1994 bond referendum and available in the 1996 issue. Completion time will be ninety (90) consecutive calendar days, which is acceptable. B. Reiect all bids and do not award a contract at this time. 1. Public safety would continue to be a concern. 2. Amount of the bid will likely increase if rebid at a later date. 3. Funding would not be encumbered at this time. 4. Completion time will be extended. Recommendation is that City Council concur with Alternative A, and take the following specific actions: Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contractual aqreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, with Breakell, Inc. in the amount of $126,702, to include Additive Bid Items No. 1 and 2, and (90) consecutive calendar days, to construct a new (roof) cover over the entrance to the Exhibit Hall at the Civic Center in accordance with the contract documents. Office of City En,qineer will issue a purchase order to Laurel Creek Nursery in the amount of $2,980 to provide the landscaping materials for plant beds. Transfer $139,500 from proceeds from the sale of 1996 bonds (Account No. 008- 052-9701-9183) to a new Capital Projects Fund account entitled "Cover at Entrance to Exhibit Hall, Roanoke Civic Center." The breakdown shown on page that follows provides for the installation of new signage to identify the Exhibit Hall entrance, services to be provided during the construction phase by the Office of City Engineer, technical services from an outside consultant, services of an independent testing laboratory that might be required during construction, a contract contingency of approximately three percent (3%), and $250 in expenses related to publicly advertising the project for bids. BID COMMITTEE REPORT COVER AT ENTRANCE TO EXHIBIT HALL ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER February 3, 1997 Page 4 ITEM Contract Amount Landscaping Signage City Engineer's Services Consultant Services Testing Services Contingency Advertising Total D. Reiect all other bids received. COST 26,702 2,980 500 2,000 2,250 1,000 3,818 250 39,500 JHP/CMA/ca Attachment: Tabulation of Bids (each project) C: City Attorney City Clerk Director of Finance Director of Utilities & Operations Director of Public Works Manager, Civic Center Assistant to the City Manager for Community Relations Manager, Supply Management City Engineer Project Manager Construction Cost Technician Accountant, Contracts and Fixed Assets Budget Administrator Commissioner of Revenue 0 0 0 0 ._o o BID TABULATION LANDSCAPING OF TWO PLANT BEDS ENTRANCE TO EXHIBIT HALL ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER 710 Williamson Road, N.E. Roanoke, Virginia Bid Number 96-12-62 Bids Received: 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 1997 BIDDER BASE BID LAUREL CREEK NURSERY $ 2,980.00 PLANTATION NURSERY No Bid YAGLE NURSERY, INC. $ 3,300.00 Estimated Cost: $3,000 to $4,000 Office of the City Engineer Roanoke, Virginia Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE C~y C;erk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the Clerk Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File #162-362-468 W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: I am attaching copy of Resolution No. 33258-020397 amending the Environmental Policy Relat~g to Acquisition of Real Property adopted by City Council on July 26, 1993, pursuant to Resolution No. 31605-072693. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: Wilbum C, Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations William F. Clark, Director, Public Works Chades M. Huffine, City Engineer IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33258-020397. A RESOLUTION amending the Environmental Policy Relating to the Acquisition of Real Property adopted by this City Council on July 26, 1993, pursuant to Resolution No. 31605-0'/2693. WHE~, by Resolution No. 31605-0'/2693, adopted by this Council on July 26, 1993, Council approved an Environmental Policy Relating to the Acquisition of Real Property; and WHEREAS, there is a desire to amend such Policy with respect to reporting requirements only; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. The Environmental Policy Relating to the Acquisition of Real Property adopted by this Council on July 26, 1993, pursuant to Resolution No. 31605-072693, is hereby amended by the deletion of the last sentence of the first paragraph under Policy on Page I, and by substitution of the following language for the deleted language: The City Mm~iger shall semi-annually transmit a summary report of all such approvals, which shall for each such approval contain a statement of the grounds for not conducting a complete environmental assessment, to the City Council and to the City Attorney. 2. The Environmental Policy relating to the Acquisition of Real Property except to the extent amended by this Resolution, remain in full force and effect. 3. Resolution No. 31605-072693, adopted July 26, 1993, is hereby amended to the extent of any inconsistency with this Resolution. Except to the extent of any inconsistency with this Resolution, such Resolution shall remain in full force and effect. ATTEST: City Clerk. February 3, 1997 Report No. 97-302 Honorable Mayor and City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Subject: Notification Letter - Environmental Site Assessments The attached staff report was considered by the Water Resources Committee at its regular meeting on January 21, 1997. The Committee recommends that Council amend the Environmental Policy relating to Real Property Acquisition to provide for a semi-annual summary report, in accordance with conditions stated in the attached report. Respectfully submitted, (inCa F. Wyatt, Ch~i rio e rs~-c n~> LFW:KBK: afm Attachment Water Resources Committee W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Kit B. Kiser, Director of Utilities & Operations William F. Clark, Director of Public Works Charles M. Huffine, City Engineer Report No. 97-302 CITY OF ROANOKE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION DATE: January 21, 1997 TO: FROM: THRU: Members, Water Resources Committee Direct~.~_~tilities & Operations Rob ~'~ W. ert HerlSert, City Manager SUBJECT: Notification Letter - Environmental Site Assessments I. Background: The first page of the Environmental Policy relating to the Acquisition of Real Property, adopted per the attached July 26, 1993 report to Council, requires "the City Manager shall immediately transmit a copy of any letter approving the acquisition of property rights without a complete environmental assessment to City Council and the City Attomey". Numerous instances of property rights acquisition do occur for which a complete environmental assessment is not felt warranted. This results in numerous letters to Council. Co Some members of Council have indicated that the receipt of these numerous letters is not meaningful and would ~ual summa~_ report instead. II. Issues: A. Timely notifications B. Meaningful correspondence Page 2 III. Alternatives: A. Water Resources Committee recommend that the Environmental Policy relating to the Acquisition of Real Property be amended to require a semi-annual summary report to members of Council for property right( s) acquisition( s) for which a complete environmental assessment is not performed noting that any member of Council is always welcome to call the City's Environmental Compliance Officer should there be any question regarding any contemplated property right acquisition. . 1. Timely notification will not be as prompt; however, any available information can be given to members of Council at any time if there are questions or concerns. 2. Meaningful correspondence will be provided. B. Water Resources Committee not recommend any changes to the current policy of notifying Council. 1. Timely notification is provided; however, it does not seem to meet the needs of some members of Council. 2. Meaningful correspondence will continue to be in question. IV. Recommendation: Water Resources Committee recommend that Counci 1 amend the Environmental Policy relating to Real Property Acquisition to provide for a semi-annual summary 'report in accordance with Alternative "A" . KBK:afm Attachment cc: Wilburn C. Dibling, City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance William F. Clark, Director of Public Works Charles M. Huffme, City Engineer ;';"}roI f ~.. _ . .. "" -~ ;;1 .~~ '- Roanoke, Virginia July 26, 1993 Honorable Mayor and City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Subject: Property Acquisition - EnVironmental Audits I. Backqround: A. Property acquisition for the purpose of this document includes any property interest, e.g. fee simple, easements, rights-ot-way, leasehold interests, etc. B. Types of real property transactions typically engaged in by the City are: I. Lessee of Property 2. Lessor of Property 3. Right of Entry for inspection, survey, and/or construction 4. Easement on property on which another easement is already owned 5. Easement on property on which no other interest i9 already owned G. Easements needed for which the City ham an option as to whether or not to proceed -~o. Easements needed for which the City has no practical option as to whethe~ or not to proceed 00 Easements 1n anticipation of land disturbance or excavation 9. Easements in anticlp~tion of a right-of-way or above surface cle~~lnq only with no or minimal land disturbance 10. Fee ~imple acqul$ltlofi where no other property ~i9ht, e.qo ea~emene" exi~t~ Page 2 11. Fee simple acquisition where other property right, e.g. easement, exists 12. Property interest adjacent to property suspected of being contaminated 13. Property interest adjacent to property not suspected of being contaminated 14. Property interest donated to the City as part of a subdivision or other development with no land disturbance or excavation immediately prior to donation, e.g. an easement for a future utility pipe or a drainage right-of-way 15. Property interest donated to the City as part of a subdivision or other development immediately following land disturbance or excavation, e.g. a street or utility easement after construction is completed 16. Various combinations of the above examples Environmental site assessments are typically completed in three (3) phases after a preliminary evaluation. Preli~inary evaluation - Walk over which indicates if there has been any substantive human activity on site or adjacent sites or a site that has already been stripped to undisturbed earth. 1. Phase I s Chain of title search for a period of at least 60 years to determine prior owners and uses of property. Review historic data from transferor, Tax Assessor, Fire Marshall, Building Inspector, state and federal agencies. Conduct walk-through survey of site and buildings on site. Page 3 Check for asbestos in buildings built prior to 1978. 2. Phase II (when recommended based on Phase I data) Additional research and testing (e.g. radon testing, ground water & ·oil testing). Conduct very detailed and specific investigation. 3. Phase III (if required) · Develop remediation plan. · Usually requires regulatory approval. Environmental laws that potentially place liability on the purchaser in land acquisitions are: Comprehensive Environmental Response~ Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA); 42 U.S.C. Sections 9601-9657 (1982 and Supplement III 1985) a) Imposes liability on organizations and persons which may have caused environmental problems with hazardous substances (excludes petroleum products). Potentially responsible parties include owner, generators, transporters, and lenders (management or foreclosure). b) Liability may be imposed without regard to fault and is usually assigned by EPA to "deep pockets". c) Only protection: Third party defense incorporating claims of "Innocent Landowner" or exercise of eminent domain by federal, state, and local governments. Superfund Amendments and Re-authorization Act, (SARA), P.L. 99-499 a) Includes additional authorizations and amendments to CERCLA. b) Includes "Community Right-to-Know" provisions. Page 4 Establishes reporting requirements for hazardous and toxic materials. Notification requirement for uncontrolled releases. c) Only protection: Third party defense incorporating claims of "Innocent Landowner" or exercise of eminent domain by federal, state and local governments. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. Sections 6901-6987 a) Regulates generation, transport, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials (including petroleum products). b) Requires clean-up of sites posing imminent or substantial danger to health and environment. c) Includes leaking underground storage tanks under disposal. d) Does not include any exemptions from liability. Innocent landowner can only be used as a defense to liability under CERCLA and SARA by establishing the following: The environmental contamination was caused solely by the act of a third party with whom the innocent landowner does not have a direct or indirect contractual relationship. 2. Due care with hazardous substances was exercised. Precautions against foreseeable acts or omissions of the third party were taken. At. the time of the acquisition the innocent landowner did not know and had no reason to know that any hazardous substance had been disposed of on site. The property was acquired after the hazardous waste had been disposed. The use of an environmental site assessment prior to purchase and routine site inspections can be used as Page 5 evidence that the purchase conducted an appropriate inquiry regarding the site and therefore satisfies condition number 4 known as the "innocent landowner" defense. II. Current situation: Phase I environmental site assessments are currently recommended for all land acquisitions by the City in a memorandum dated March 12, 1991 from the City Attorney. Roanoke River Flood Reduction Project is an example of a project currently on hold subject to negotiations on acceptable levels of hazardous materials. With respect to the Roanoke River project, the environmental concerns on "hold" are related not only to acquisition but also to earth moving and disposal issues arising out of construction. These concerns are not addressed by this report. This issue is further complicated due to the lack of guidelines from federal and state agencies as to what are acceptable levels of contamination which in turn is dependent on the types of activity and potential exposure which will occur on the area. Typically, acceptable levels are only defined on a site-by-site case during the mitigation and clean-up phase (Phase III) after very lengthy negotiation procedures with regulatory agencies. Future pro~ectS°such as sanitary sewers, water lines, storm drains, and Jail expansion could be adversely affected like the Roanoke River project. A land acquisition policy will help ensure all reasonable efforts are made to make decisions as expeditiously as possible. De Few areas, if any, in the City have been exempt from human activity or the effects of human activity. It would be helpful for the City to designate a qualified person to weigh future additional risk to the City for property interest acquisition under a policy adopted by the City Council which balances the need to protect the City from undue risk and liabilities without preventing projects and facilities needed for the health and welfare of our citizens and the orderly development of the City. Page 6 III. Issues: A. Liability B. Leqal C. Cost D. Tlminq IV. Alternatives: Adopt the attached land acquisition policy that requires some form of environmental site assessment evaluation for all property interest purchases. Ail properties shall be walked by the Director of Utilities and Operations or his designee to determine to the extent field conditions Justify an environmental site assessment. Liability to the City would be recognized on those parcels on which the City has little or no choice as to whether or not to proceed or already had a property interest. Where the City has option on if or how to proceed and there is evidence of land disturbance, a more informed decision can be made based on formal assessment procedure results. Leqal obligations to prove innocent landowner and to avoid underground petroleum storage tanks will be met on virtually all parcels to be acquired. Cost to the City for a Level I environmental site assessment is usually $1,500 to $2,000 each. Given that most non-fee simple land acquisitions are of values less than $1,500 to $2,000, this policy attempts to strike a balance between potential liability and cost of avoiding liability. Timinq on most projects would be enhanced by this policy by reducing the number or need for environmental site assessments. Establish a City land acquisition policy that requires a detailed formal environmental site assessment for ali parcels. Liability would be limited to City parcels currently owned that were improperly used in past. the Page 7 Legal requirements under CERCLA, SARA, and RCRA would be met. Cost to the City would be astronomical. Currently, the City purchases approximately 250 parcels a year. This would require an expenditure of nearly $500,000 for Level I environmental assessments. This cost assumes that the City would require developers to submit a complete environmental site assessment for all subdivisions that dedicate property to the City. Timinq - The City would literally delay most City projects for a minimum of one (1) year. Establish a City land acquisition policy that does not require any environmental site assessments. Liability to the City would be enormous. One industrial parcel in the City could cost over $27 million to clean up. Legal requirements under CERCLA, SARA, and RCRA would not be met. Cost to the City in potential liability cannot be determined~ but would certainly exceed all land values acquired. 4. Timinq on project would be a moot issue. V. Recommendation: Council concur with Alternative "A" by adopting the attached City land acquisition policy that requires some form of environmental site evaluation on all property interest purchases. WRH:KBK:afm Attachment cc: City Attorney Respectfully submitted, W. Robert Herbert City Manager Aqting Director of Finance ~-D~irector of Utilities and Operations Director of Public Works City Engineer r. NVIRONMENTAL POLICY RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY It is the intent of this policy to protect the City from environmental liability in the acquisition of any interest in real property. This policy attempts to protect the City from environmental risks and liabilities associated with property acquisition without prejudicing the ability of the City to carry out projects needed to advance the health, welfare and safety of our citizens and the orderly development of the City. POLICY Except as hereinafter provided, prior to the acquisition of any interest in real property by the City, an environmental assessment shall be conducted by a qualified staff member with environmental expertise or an environmental consultant retained by the City. Upon written approval of the City Manager, after consultation with the Environmental Compliance Officer, Risk Management Officer and City Attorney, the City may purchase or othe~wise acquire property without conducting the complete environmental assessment defined below. The City Manager shall immediately transmit a copy of any such approval, which shall contain a statement of the grounds for not conducting a complete environmental assessment, to Clty Council and the City Attorney. If the results of the Phase I environmental assessment indicate the need for further analysis of the potential environmental liability associated with the property, the City's Environmental Compliance Officer, in consultation with the Risk Management Officer and the City Attorney, shall assess the potential environmental liability associated with the proposed acquisition and make a recommendation to the City Manager whether to proceed to a Phase II environmental assessment prior to making the decision whether and on what terms and conditions to proceed with the acquisition. The City shall not accept any interest in real property by gift without a satisfactory environmental assessment of the property performed by a qualified staff member with environmental expertise or by an environmental consultant of the city's choice, which at the sole discretion of the City may be at the expense of the grantor or donor. Definitions Environmental Compliance Officer shall mean that individual desigRated by the City Manager to initiate, monitor and evaluate environmental compliance and risks for the City. Interest in real property shall include but not be limited to fee simple title, easement interests, leasehold interests, and rights of way. Environmental Assessment shall mean a series of studies regarding a property to determine if there are any potential or actual environmental hazards or hazardous substances present on or adjacent to the pr~mtsss, or in any structure located on the premises· The purpose of an environmental assessment is to permit the City to qualify and quantify the environmental risks associated with property acquisition. 4. Phase I Environmental Assessment shall include: A® A chain of title search for a period of at least sixty (60) years to determine the nature of prior owners and uses of the proper~y; Review of data and documents from the transferor, prior site owners and occupants, and neighbors which should include prior uses, environmental compliance data, and data on prior enforcement actions and/or lawsuits; Ce Review of data and documents from governmental agencies, including the EPA and other federal agencies as well as state and local entities such as the local Building Commissioner (e.g. building and demolition permits; Property inspection of the site and the interior of each building on the property, including prior review of descriptions and maps of the property; A search for the location of and determination of the contents of any underground storage tanks· Phase II Environmental Assessment shall include sampling and analysis of site materials to determine the nature and extent of the contamination. 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 February 10, 1997 File #209-354-373-468 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy C~I~ Clerk Robert D. Smith, President Quantum Medical Business Service, Inc. 2840 Electric Road, B. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Dear Mr. Smith: I am enclosing copy of Resolution No. 33261-020397 authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Quantum Medical Business Services, Inc., to provide emergency medical service billing and collection services for a term commencing February 1, 1997 and ending January 31, 1998, ,anttt the City Manager having the option to renew the contract for two additional one-year terms. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Griseo, Director of Finance D. Dana Long, Chief, Billings and Collections Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations D. Darwin Roupe, Manager, Supply Management William F. Clerk, Director, Public Works Charles M. Huffine, City Engineer Diane S. Akera, Budget Administrator, Office of Management and Budget George C. Snead, Jr., Director, Public Safety James Grigsby, Chief, Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department IN THECOUNCILOFTHECITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA~ The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33261-020397. A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Quantum Medical Business Services, Inc., to provide Emergency Medical Service billing and collection services. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. The City Manager or the Assistant City Manager and the City Clerk are hereby authorized on behalf of the City to execute and attest, respectively, an agreement with Quantum Medical Business Services, Inc., to perform Emergency Medical Service billing and collection services for a monthly rate of 8% of net collections if net collections per month do not exceed $94,916 and 8.45% of net collections if net collections per month exceed $94,916. 2. The term of the agreement shall commence February 1, 1997 and end January 31, 1998, with the City Manager's having an option to renew the contract on behalf of the City for two (2) additional one (1) year terms. 3. The colih'act shall contain such other terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the City Manager, and the form of the contract shall be approved by the City Attorney. ATTEST: City Clerk. February 3, 1997 Report No. 97-309 Honorable Mayor and City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Subject: Contract and Lease for Emergency Medical Services Billing The attached staff report was considered by the Water Resources Committee at its regular meeting on January 21, 1997. The Committee recommends that Council authorize the execution of a new contract for EMS billing and collection services and lease of City property to Quantum Medical Business Services, Inc., in accordance with conditions stated in the attached report. Respectfully submitted, Linda F. Wyatt, Chairperson Water Resources Committee LFW:KBK:~m Attachment CC~ W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Kit B. Kiser, Director of Utilities & Operations George C. Snead, Director of Public Safety William F. Clark, Director of Public Works Charles M. Huff.me, City Engineer Diane S. Akers, Budget Adminisu'ator James Grigsby, Chief, Fire/EMS D. D. Roupe, Manager, Supply Management DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: 97-309 January 21, 1997 .mbers, Water Resources Committee -- Kiser, Director, Utilities & Operations thru W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Contract and Lease for Emergency Medical Services Billing II. Background on the subject in chronological order is: ~j~L~LpjL~3~ contracts for billing and collection services related to EMS Ambulance transports. ~ with Quantum Medical Business Services, Inc. was at the rate of 10% for the first $50,000 per month collected and 13% all over $50,000 collected. A Dart of the Contract was a Lease Agreement for use of City property in the Municipal Building to provide space for the provider's billing clerk to handle City accounts. Soecifications were developed for the EMS billing and collection services. Request for proposals were sent to Eleven (11 ) Firms providing such services. A public advertisement was also published in the Roanoke Times and Roanoke Tribune. Current Situation is: ~ were received. The Firms submitting proposals are as follows: Quantum Medical Business Services, Inc. SoftWise, Inc. Interviews were conducted with both Firms in accordance to the requirement of the Code of the City of Roanoke by representatives of Fire/EMS, Billings & Collections and Supply Management. Quantum Medical Business Services. Inc. was determined to be ranked first after the interview process. Negotiations were conducted. Lease Aareement for the space for the billing clerk needs to be authorized for the same period as the Contract to provide EMS billings and collection services. Emergency Medical Services Billing Page 2 III. IV. Issues in order of importance are: A. Need of City. B. Need of Contract Provider C. Timin(3 D. Revenue Alternatives in order of feasibility are: Water Resources Committee recommends that City Council authorize the following: CitY Manager to execute a contract in a Form approved by the City Attorney, with Quantum Medical Business Services, Inc. to provide EMS billing and collection services for a period of One (1) year with the City having the option to renew for Two (2) additional One (1) year periods. The billing service commission shall be calculated based on the net monthly collections which shall mean gross cash receipts less refunds. If the monthly net collections total less than $94,916.00, the commission shall be 8% of collections. If the net monthly collections total $94,916.00 or more, the commission shall be calculated at a rate of 8.45%. City Mana(3er to execute a new Lease Agreement in a Form approved by the City Attorney, with Quantum Medical Business Services, Inc. for a term of One (1) year with the City having the option to renew for Two (2) additional years in a form approved by the City Attorney. Need to City is to have EMS transporting services billed and collected. Need to contract Provider is to have appropriate space to provide requested billing and collection services. Timing will allow for the new Contract and Lease Agreement to be implemented at the same time. Revenue estimate as the result of the Contract and Lease Agreement is anticipated to be ~ annually. Emergency Medical Services Billing Page 3 Ve Water Resource Committee not recommend that City Council authorize a new Contract for EMS billing and collection services or Lease Agreement for space in Municipal Building. ~ to have EMS billing and collection services provided would not be met. Need to Contract Provider to use City property would not be met. Timino for Contract and Lease Agreement to be concurrent would not be a factor in this alternative. 4. Revenue anticipated will be zero with this alternative. Water Resource Committee recommendation is that City Council authorize execution of New Contract for EMS billing and collection services and Lease of City Property to Quantum Medical Business Services, Inc. in accordance with Alternative "A" of this report. City Attorney Director of Finance Director, Public Safety Director, Public Works Director, Utilities & Operations City Engineer Management & Budget Chief, Fire/EMS Manager, Supply Management Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE C~y Clark CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk February 10, 1997 File #166-262-383-468 Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: I am attaching copy of Resolution No. 33263-020397 approving and adopting the City of Roanoke Policy with regard to wireless telecommunications facilities located on City property dated January 21, 1997, in accordance with the recommendation set forth in a report of the Water Resources Committee under date of February 3, 1997. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parkar, CMC/ME City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: Donald F. Matey, President, DanCell, Inc,, 821 8. Navy Boulevard, Pensacola, Flodda 32507-3334 Thomas Whiffaker, Director, Network Operations, CFW Wirelees, P. O. Box 1990, Waynesboro, Virginia 22980-7590 Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operatioas Jesse H. Perdue, Manager, Water Department Ronald L. Wade, Acting Manager, Communications Department William F. Clark, Director, Public Works John R. Marlles, Chief, Planning and Community Development Evelyn D. Dorsey, Zoning Administrator [N THECOUNCILO~THEClTYO~ KOANOKE, VI~GU~, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33263-020397. AN RESOLUTION approving and adopting the City of Roanoke Policy as to Wireless Telecoi~mnications Facilities located on City property dated January 21, 1997, in accordance with the recommendation of the Water Resources Committee report to this Council dated February 3, 1997. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that: 1. This Council approves and adopts the City of Roanoke Policy as to Wireless Telecommunications Facilities located on City property dated January 21, 1997 in accordance with the Water Resources Committee report dated February 3, 1997. 2. The City Manager, or his designee, is hereby authorized to take appropriate action to implement this Policy. ATTEST: City Clerk. February 3, 1997 Report No. 96-365 Honorable Mayor and City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Subject: Communication Antenna on City Owned Facilities The attached staff report was considered by the Water Resources Committee at its regular meeting on January 21, 1997. The Committee recommends that Council adopt the attached policy to authorize providers to place antenna on City facilities for a negotiated fee, in accordance with conditions stated in the attached report. Respectfully submitted, Li~n~a F Wyatt, Chairperso~n~ Water Resources Committee LFW:KBK:afm Attachment CC~ W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Kit B. Kiser, Director of Utilities & Operations Jesse H. Perdue, Water Department Manager Ronald L. Wade, Acting Communications Manager Evelyn Dorsey, Zoning Administrator Donald F. Matey, U. S. Cellular Tom Whittaker, CFW Wireless Report No. 96-365 CITY OF ROANOKE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION DATE: January 21, 1997 TO: FROM: THRU: Members, Water Resources Committee K'~i~B/~K~ser~. 'D~rector of · . ' , ' Utilities&Operations W. Robert Herb~ ,, City Manager SUBJECT: Communication Antenna on City Owned Facilities I. Background: A desire to locate cellular (Cell) and/or Personal Communication System (PCS) antenna on two of our water tanks has been expressed by CFW Wireless, a PCS provider, and by United States Cellular, a Cell provider. These systems provide communication service via car phones and/or portable hand held phones. Four (4) to twelve (12) antenna per provider would be placed around the top of, but not projecting above, each water tank in question. As of this writing, there are only two requests and these requests are for two different tank sites. CFW is interested in the Washington Heights tank, located just south of Hershberger Road, N.W. United States Cellular is interested in the 220 tank located adjacent to the Summit Apartment complex beside U. S. Route 220 as it exits the southern City limits. Personal communication devices are becoming an even greater demand, therefore, there will be ever increasing need for antenna towers, or other fixtures supporting antenna, to support the personal communication devices. Page 2 Local government's role, e.g. your role as the governing body of the City of Roanoke, will be to decide siting issues dealing with: The use of City owned facilities Possible interfacing with the 911 emergency phone system Zoning issues Aesthetics Neighborhood issues Precedent setting is a major concem since it is quite possible that if one company is allowed to place antenna on a City-owned facility, then we may not be able to prevent other companies from also placing antenna on the facilities. A proliferation of antenna on a water tank under different company controls could create conflicts, should a problem arise with the City facility, that would not be easily resolved. Other amenities., other than antenna placement, will be the need for telephone and electrical service plus a ground lease for cabinets or a building for each company on which to place their communication hardware. A general policy is desired which addresses the placement of antenna on City facilities, to include but not limited to water tanks. Ho Financially, each company is expected to offer $600 to $1,000 per month per site. II. Current situation: A policy is needed regarding if, and if so, how communication antenna are to be placed on City facilities. III. Issues: A. Precedent setting B. Accountability Page 3 C. Zoning D. Neighborhood concerns E. Citizen desire for continuous communication service F. Revenue IV. Alternatives: Ao Committee recommend that Council adopt the attached policy for leasing space on City owned facilities on the basis of non-interference with City operations. The policy generally provides for the following: Space will be provided on a first come basis as long as space is available. Should there be conflicts between providers, it will be up to the providers to resolve conflicts or the last provider leaves the facility. ii. A design will be presented to the City by a registered professional structural engineer, showing the method of attachment of the antenna and appurtenance and a statement that the installation will not damage the City facility or interfere with its operation. iii. The City Manager, or his designee, will determine whether there is space available for ground lease for a building for the communication equipment, telephone and electrical access, ice bridge, etc. If space is not available for proper operations and maintenance of the facility, then the facilities will not be leased. iv. Term of lease shall not exceed five (5) years. Page 4 Payments for lease shall be established on a negotiated basis and will be generally $600 - $1,000 per site per provider per month with $750 being the standard and adjusted annually based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index as of January 1, 1997 and January 1 of each year thereafter. vi. Antenna and appurtenances shall not extend above the height of the City facility. Antenna and appurtenances shall be painted to match, or closely match, the color of the City facility. vii. Provider shall indemnify and hold the City harmless from any and all claims for property damage or personal injury. Appropriate general liability insurance shall be provided with the City named as additional insured and in the amount of $3,000,000 per location or such other limits as recommended by the City's Risk Manager. viii. There cannot be any conflicts with zoning, or if so, the burden to resolve these conflicts rests with the provider. 1. Precedent setting will be established in a controllable fashion. 2. Accountability will be provided. 3. Zoning will be addressed by the potential provider. Neighborhood concerns may continue to be an issue, but are better served by this policy rather than stand alone towers. o Citizen desire for continuous communication service will be realistically addressed. Page 5 6. Revenue will be $750 per month per tank site per provider as a general rule. B. Committee not recommend that Council change the current operating policy of using City facility for public purposes only. 1. Precedent setting will not be an issue. 2. Accountability will not be an issue. 3. Zoning will be a significant issue as providers seek to establish communication towers at high elevations. 4. Neighborhood concerns could be a significant issue with stand alone communication towers 5. Citizen desire for continuous communication service will continue to increase. 6. Revenue will not be an issue. Recommendation: Committee recommend that Council adopt the attached policy to authorize providers to place antenna on City facilities for a negotiated fee in accordance with Alternative "A". go KBK:afm Attachment cc: City Attomey Director of Finance City Clerk Water Department Manager Acting Communications Manager Zoning Administrator Donald F. Matey, U. S. Cellular Tom Whittaker, CFW Wireless CITY OF ROANOKE POLICY AS TO WIRELESS TELECOM~CATIONS FACILITIES LOCATED ON CITY PROPERTY January 21, 1997 Wireless telecommunications facilities (towers, antenna and buildings) may be located on City of Roanoke (City) property pursuant to written lease with the approval of City Council. Grant of the privilege of using City property for such facilities shall be made on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis. No such lease shall exceed five (5) years in length, and all such leases, which shall be negotiated by the City Manager or his designee, shall require payment of fair and reasonable monthly rental fees or equivalent compensation and incorporate the terms of this policy. All applicants who wish to locate a wireless telecommunication antenna or tower on City owned property must submit to the City Manager a completed application and detailed plan along with other pertinent information requested by the City. Ail wireless telecommunications facilities shall comply with all applicable City zoning and development ordinances and regulations, all applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and property maintenance codes, and all other applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations of the City. All wireless fac'flities shall comply with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including Federal Communications Commission regulations. No wireless facility shall interfere with the use of City property or any City facility for the purpose for which it is intended by the City. Furthermore, the location of any wireless facility shall be subject to City approval and a determination that sufficient space is available. Recognizing that there is limited space available for wireless telecommunications facilities on City property, the privilege of using City property for such facilities shall be awarded on the following priority of use. Priority for the use of City owned land or any City owned tower, building, or other structure (City facility) for wireless telecommunication facilities will be given to the following entities in descending order: A. City of Roanoke; Public safety agencies, including law enforcement, fire and ambulance services which are not part of the City of Roanoke and private entities with a public safety agreement with the City of Roanoke; Other governmental agencies, for uses which are not related to public safety; and Entities providing licensed commercial wireless telecommunication services including cellular, personal communication services (PCS), specialized 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. mobilized radio (SMR), enhanced specialized mobilized radio (ESMR), paging, and similar services that are marketed to the general public. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any wireless telecommunications facility located on City property to maintain such facility in an attractive, clean, safe and sanitary condition and to ensure such facility will not have any significant adverse impact on surrounding private property. The owner of any wireless telecommunications facility located on City property shall be responsible for providing or causing to be provided any utilities (electricity, gas, telephone, water, sewer, etc.) required to serve such facility. The cost of utility services shall be billed directly to the owner and paid promptly. The structural integrity and safety of any wireless telecommunications facility located on City property shall be certified to the City by an independent professional engineer licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The engineer will be selected by mutual agreement of the City and Lessee, but all costs and expenses shall be paid by Lessee. When a wireless telecommunications facility is attached to or located on a City facility, such certificate shall state that the structural integrity and safety of the City facility will not be adversely affected by the attachment or location of the owner's wireless telecommunications facility. In the event any interference is caused to any television, radio, telephone, electronic, or other communications device on or off of City property by a wireless telecommunications facility located on City property, it shall be the responsibility of the owner of the wireless telecommunications facility located on City property to resolve any complaints in a timely fashion or remove its facility. Aesthetics of wireless telecommunications facilities are a primary concern of the City. Wireless telecommunications facilities located in City parks, in City right-of-way or on other City property shall be designed to blend into their natural environment and be painted a color intended to blend into such environment. Any wireless telecommunications facility located on the ground shall be adequately screened by a dense planting of evergreen trees or shrubs which shall be maintained in good condition by the owner oftbe wireless telecommunications facility. Vegetative screening plans shall be approved in advance by the City Manager or his designee. Wireless telecommunications facilities attached to or located on any City facility shall be painted the same color as the City facility or such other color as the City may designate and shall be no higher than such City facility. Insurance of the types and in the amounts specified by the City's Risk Manager shall be provided by the owner of each wireless telecommunications facility. Indemnification and/or security approved by the City Attorney shall be required of the owner of each wireless telecommunications facility. The owner or operator of any wireless telecommunications facility shall cooperate with the 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. City's objective to promote co-location and thus minimize the number of tower or antenna sites that may be requested or required. When a wireless telecommunications facility is to be placed on or near City water towers or near any City water supply, the owner of such facility shall satisfy the City that such facility will not increase the risk of contamination of the City's water supply. The presence of a wireless telecommunications facility on City property or City facility shall not increase the upkeep or maintenance cost of the City property or City facility. The City Council reserves the right and may terminate any lease [fit determines that any of the following conditions exist: A potential user with higher priority cannot find another adequate location and the potential use of such higher priority user would be incompatible with the existing use of the wireless telecommunications facility; A user's frequency broadcasts unreasonably interferes with other users of higher priority, regardless of whether or not this interference is adequately predicted in the technical analysis; or An owner or operator of a wireless telecommunications facility located on City property or City facilities violates any of the standards in this policy or the conditions attached to the City permission to use City property or City facilities or violates any of the provisions of the lease with the City. Before taking action, the City will provide notice to the owner of the wireless telecommunications facility of the intent of termination and reasons for it and provide an opportunity for the owner to address City Council regarding the proposed termination action. This procedure need not be followed in an emergency situation. Notwithstanding anything set forth in the above policy, City Council hereby reserves the right to deny, for any reason, the use of any or all City property or City facilities by any one or all owners of wireless telecommunications facilities seeking to use City property or City facilities. This policy shall be effective after its adoption by the City Council. 3 Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File #165-166-188-237-468 W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 33265-020397 approving the Garden City Property/Relocation Program - Acquisition Policy; authorizing you, or your designee, to execute the appropriate documents to implement the program; authorizing the fee simple acquisition of properties in conformance with the Acquisition Policy;, and authorizing you to fix a certain limit on the consideration to be offered by the City. The aboveraferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting heed on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities end Operations Dolores C. Daniels, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Relations William F. Clark, Director, Public Works Chade$ M. Huffine, City Engineer Sarah E. Fitton, Engineering Coordinator Diane $. Akera, Budget Administrator, Office of Management end Budget IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33265-020397. AN ORDINANCE approving the Garden City Property/Relocation Program - Acquisition Policy; authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the appropriate documents to implement this program; authorizing the fee simple acquisition of the properties in conformance with the Acquisition Policy; authorizing the City Manager to fix a certain limit on the consideration to be offered by the City; and providing for an emergency. WHEREAS, the Garden City Neighborhood experienced extensive flooding on June 28, 1995; and WHEREAS, the City received a Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster on July 1, 1995; and WHEREAS, this Council adopted Resolution No. 32553-070695 declaring a local emergency and authorized the City Manager to make application for Federal and State assistance; and WHEREAS, on November 15, 1996, the City received notification of the approval of the application and obligation of the funds by the Virginia Department of Emergency Services (VDES) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Property/Relocation Program. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of Roanoke that: 1. This Council approves and adopts the Property/Relocation Program - Acquisition Policy, Attachment A of the Water Resources Committee Garden City the City of Garden City as set forth in report to this Council dated February 3, 1997. 2. The City Manager, or his designee, is hereby authorized to execute the appropriate documents, in form approved by the City Attorney, to implement this program. 3. The proper City officials are authorized to acquire for the City in accordance with the Garden City Property/Relocation Program - Acquisition Policy, the fee simple interest of property as identified in the Water Resources Committee Report and Attachments thereto dated February 3, 1997. Such acquisitions shall be for such consideration as deemed appropriate by the City Manager, subject to certain limitations and applicable statutory guidelines, as more specifically set forth in the Water Resources Report and Attachments thereto to this Council dated February 3, 1997. Upon the acceptance of any offer and upon delivery to the City of a deed or option, approved as to form and execution by the City Attorney, the Director of Finance is directed to pay the respective consideration to the owners of the interest conveyed. 4. The total amount of City funds to be expended for this program shall not exceed $500,000 without additional authorization by this Council. 5. 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. Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File ft60-165-166-188-237-468 James D. Grlsso Director of Finance Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Grlsso: I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 33264-020397 amending and reordaining certain sections of the 1996-97 General and Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, providing for appropriation of funds in connection with the Garden City Property/Relocation Program Acquisition Policy. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations Delores C. Daniels, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Relations William F. Clark, Director, Public Works Charles M. Huffine, City Engineer Sarah E. Fiffon, Engineering coordinator Diane $. Akers, Budget Administrator, Office of Management and Budget IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33264-020397. AN ORDINANCE to amend and reordain certain sections of the 1996-97 General and Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and providing for an emergency. VVHEREAS, for the usual daily operation of the Municipal Government of the City of Roanoke, an emergency is declared to exist. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that certain sections of the 1996-97 General and Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read as follows, in part: General Fund Aoorooriations Nondepartmental Transfers to Other Funds (1) ................................. Fund Balance Reserved for CMERP - City (2) ................................ $55,111,306 55,142,829 $ 3,551,717 Capital Prolect~ Fund A~OroDriatione.~ General Government Garden City Property/Relocation Program (3-5) .................. Revenue Due from Federal Government (6) ............................. Due from State Government (7) ............................... $11,010,244 2,538,401 $ 1,952,~1 ~,400 1 ) Transfer to Capital Projects Fund 2) Reserved CMERP-City 3) Appropriated from General Revenue 4) Appropriated from Federal Grant Funds 5) Appropriated from State Grant Funds 6) Due from FEMA 7) Due from VDES (001-004-9310-9508) $ 500,000 (001-3323) (500,000) (008-056-9696-9003) 500,000 (008-056-9696-9002) 1,952,001 (008-056-9696-9007) 86,400 (008-1236) 1,952,001 (008-1235) 86,400 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that, an emergency existing, this Ordinance shall be in effect from its passage. Al-rEST: City Clerk. February 3, 1997 The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of City Council' SUBJECT: Garden City Property/Relocation Program - Acquisition Policy Please reserve space on your agenda for a 15 minute briefing regarding the above subject. Respectfully, W. Robert Herbert City Manager WRH:WFC:pr CC: City Attorney Director of Finance Director of Public Works February 3, 1997 Report No. 97-311 HonOrable Mayor and City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Subject: Garden City Property/Relocation Program - Acquisition Policy The attached staff report was considered by the Water Resources Committee at its regular meeting on January 21, 1997. The Committee recommends that Council take the following actions in accordance with conditions stated in the attached report: Approve the Garden City Property/Relocation Program Acquisition Policy and authorize the purchase of properties set forth in Exhibit B attached to the Policy for the Garden City Property/Relocation Program in conformance with the attached Acquisition Policy and to further authorize the City Manager or his authorized representative to execute the appropriate documents to implement this program. Appropriate $500,000 which has been reserved in the prior year CMERP funds for the Garden City Property/Relocation Program to a new Capital Programs fund to be established by the Director of Finance entitled "Garden City Property/Relocation Program". Appropriate FEMA grant funds of $1,952,001 and state grant funds of $86,400 to the same account and establish a receivable account for the grant reimbursements. LFW:KBK:afm Attachment CC2 Respectfully submitted, da F. Wyatt, Chairpersol5 Water Resources Committee W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Kit B. Kiser, Director of Utilities & Operations Delores D. Daniels, Assistant City Manager for Community Relations Charles M. Huffine, City Engineer Sarah E. Fitton, Engineering Coordinator Rosemary Trussell, Accountant, Contracts and Fixed Assets Diane S. Akers, Budget Administrator CITY OF ROANOKE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION Report No. 97-311 (REVISED) DATE: TO: FROM: THRU: SUBJECT: January 21, 1997 ~.e ~~.e.i~.~er Resources Committee ~ ~ieSr~ r ,H ~ri~U~ il iMt iaer~ ~ Operations GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM - ACQUISITION POMCY J~ on the subject in chronological order is as follows: The Garden City Neiohborhood exoerienced extensive floodino on ~ This neighborhood is located south of Riverland Road and east of Mill Mountain in the extreme southeast quadrant of the City. The Garnand Branch watershed which flows through this neighborhood is mountainous and subject to flash flooding conditions. On July 1. 1995. the City of Roanoke received a Presidential Declaration of ~ As a result of this declaration, the City became eligible to apply to the Virginia Department of Emergency Services (VDES) for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant. On July 6, 1995. the City Council oassed Resolution No. 32553-070695 declarino a local emeroencv and authorizino the City Manaoer to make aoolication for Federal and State assistance. A task force made up of neighborhood citizens and Public Works Department representatives was formed to study the flooding problems in this neighborhood and review possible solutions. The task force recommended a ten-phase stormwater management plan for the Garden City Neighborhood. One phase of the proposed solutions was the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. For this phase, the task force supported the City's application for a FEMA grant to purchase 42 structures and the related properties which had been damaged by repetitive flooding. The City submitted application to the VDES for a FEMA grant in November, 1995. On November 15. 1996. the City was notified bv VDES that FEMA had aooroved the aoolication and oblioated funds for the Garden Citv Prooertv/Relocation Prooram. This is the first property acquisition program implemented under FEMA in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The approved program included purchasing all 42 structures at an estimated total cost of $2,553,950. FEMA obligated $1,915,462 (75% of total program) for program costs and an additional $36,539 for administrative costs. The remaining funding (25% of total program) will be the responsibility of the City. The Commonwealth of Virginia has committed to contribute $86,400 toward the h\REED~WRC\GCBUYOUT REV Members, Water Resources Committee GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM - ACQUISITION POLICY January 21, 1997 Page 2 City's 25% responsibility, and may have additional funds available in their next fiscal year budget. II. ~is as follows: Ao Under the Hazard Mitioation Grant Prooram. the City of Roanoke is reouired to ourchase and maintain oermanent future open soace on any property included iR the oro(3ram. The purpose of FEMA's program is to remove future flooding liabilities from the community. As a result, this program requires the City to control future development on these properties by maintaining public ownership. Following acquisition, the City will be responsible to maintain these properties for conservation, recreation, or other approved open space uses for perpetuity. Future maintenance costs will be the responsibility of the City. Following purchase of these properties by the City, no new structures or improvements may be constructed other than restrooms or other public facilities that are open on all sides and functionally related to the open space. Also following purchase by the City, these properties will not be considered for any future disaster assistance from any Federal source. The Garden City Prooertv/Relocation Prooram Acouisition Policy establishes a uniform criteria for the ourchase of orooerties under this Drooram. This Acquisition Policy has been written to conform with the requirements of FEMA and VDES. Under this Droaram. the City of Roanoke is not obli(3ated to purchase any oarticular orooerties and the orooertv owners must voluntarily sell their properties, No powers of eminent domain can be used for this program, Market value aooraisals will be oerformed for each orooertv by an independent, licensed appraiser, selected by the City. This appraisal will form the basis for the purchase price. Aoorooriate environmental assessments will be performed on each property prior to purchase. All renters must be relocated in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA). All existin(3 structures must be removed from the property following purchase and relocation of tenants. Once ourchased, the orooerties must remain as oublic ooen soace, and cannot be developed at any time in the future for other than approved uses. I:\REED~WRC~GCBUYOUT.REV Members, Water Resources Committee GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM - ACQUISITION POLICY January 21, 1997 Page 3 III. Issues in order of importance are as follows: A. ~ B. Funding IV. Alternatives in order of feasibility are as follows: Aoorove the Garden City Property/Relocation ProGram Acouisition Policy and authorize ourchase of orooerties set forth in Exhibit B attached to the Policy for the Garden City ProDertv/Relocation ProGram in conformance with the attached ProGram schedules will be maintained. Property owners who are currently waiting for financial relief from flood related damages could begin the Acquisition process. A tentative program schedule could be targeted: · February 3, 1997 - Acquisition Policy approved by City Council · February, 1997 - Public meeting with Program property owners · March, 1997 - Begin meetings with individual Program property owners to initiate appraisals and environmental surveys · May, 1997 - Begin offers to Program property owners · September, 1997 - Begin closings This represents a very aggressive schedule, which would be targeted for the most critical properties. The remaining properties would be processed over a slightly longer time frame. Due to the complicated nature of a program of this type, circumstances will undoubtedly delay this acquisition process for many property owners. It is estimated that completion of this Program for all included properties will require from 18 to 24 months. Funding is available from FEMA on a reimbursement basis for 75% of the actual costs up to $1,952,001. Funding is available from the Commonwealth of Virginia in the amount of $86,400. Funding is available from the City of Roanoke Capital Maintenance and Equipment Replacement Program (CMERP) funds in the amount of $500.000. Being a voluntary program, some property owners may choose not to participate, which would reduce the total program cost. However, actual program costs may be higher than those estimated, which would increase the total program cost. If the total estimated program cost is achieved, the City would be responsible for an additional ~52,088. However, the appropriation of $500,000 is considered adequate in light of the many program variables at this time. The $500,000 City appropriation will Members, Water Resources Committee GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM - ACQUISITION POLICY January 21, 1997 Page 4 represent the working funds for this program. Expenses will be submitted to VDES for reimbursement on a monthly basis as work proceeds. Do ilot aoorove the Garden City Property/Relocation Prooram Acauisition Policy and do not authorize ourchase of Drooerties for the Garden City Property/Relocation Pro,ram. 1. ~g~33.~[~ will be indefinitely delayed. 2. Fundin~ from FEMA and the Commonwealth of Virginia will be lost. Committee's recommendation is that City Council concur in Alternative A, and take the following specific actions: AoDrove the Garden City Property/Relocation Prooram Acouisition Policy and ~uthorize the ourchase of properties set forth in Exhibit B attached to the Policy for the Garden City Prooertv/Relocation Prooram in conformance with the attached ~ and to further authorize the City Manager or his authorized representative to execute appropriate documents to implement this program. Al~roDriate $500.000 which has been reserved in the prior year CMERP funds for the Garden City Property/Relocation Prooram to a new Capital Programs fund to be established by the Director of Finance entitled "Garden City Property/Relocation Program." Appropriate FEMA grant funds of $1,952,001 and state grant funds of $86,400 to the same account and establish a receivable account for the grant reimbursements. WRHIKBK/JGRIkh Attachments C.' City Attorney City Clerk -. Director of Finance Director of Public Works Director of Utilities and Operations Assistant to City Manager for Community Relations City Engineer Construction Cost Technician Engineering Coordinator Accountant, Contracts and Fixed Assets Budget Administrator I:\REED~WRCIGCBUYOUT REV GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM ACQUISITION POLICY ,lanuary 21, 1997 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA Program Summary 1 Garden City Neighborhood Acquisition Policy 2 Acquisition Worksheet 7 Voluntary Transaction Agreement 1 1 Request to Withdraw From Consideration 1 2 Request for Addition to Waiting List 13 Map of the Garden City Program Area 14 Listing of Property Owners in Current Program 1 5 GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM PROGRAM SUMMARY The purpose .of the Garden City Property/Relocation Program is to reduce the number of structures located in the floodplain and subject to flooding damages. The federal government is involved in this Program and considers it to be cost beneficial because it will reduce the demand for disaster assistance in the event of additional flooding in the future. The governing agencies involved in this acquisition program are the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Virginia Department of Emergency Services (VDES), and the City of Roanoke. The program will be funded with 75% from FEMA Section 404 Hazard Mitigation grant funds, and with 25% from a combination of Commonwealth of Virginia and City of Roanoke funds. The acquisition program is voluntary, meaning that the City of Roanoke is not obligated to purchase any particular properties and the property owners must voluntarily sell their properties to the City of Roanoke. The City of Roanoke will not use the power of eminent domain for this particular program. Once purchased, the properties must be publicly maintained for conservation, recreation, or other suitable open space designation for perpetuity. No future federal disaster assistance will be available for the subject properties purchased under this program. This acquisition program is subject to the 75% funding from FEMA. Should this funding not be provided in whole or in part, the program may be reduced in scope or terminated. GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM City of Roanoke, Virginia January 21, 1997 Following are the procedures and polices for the program: Definitions Disaster Declaration Date: FEMA: NFIP: Post-flood: Pre-flood: Program: VDES: SBA: URA: July 1, 1995 Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood Insurance Program Following the flood of June 28, 1995 Prior to the flood of June 28, 1995 Garden City Property/Relocation Program Virginia Department of Emergency Services Small Business Administration Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act I. Priorities of Acouisition Prooram: Properties located in the floodway or floodplain in the Garden City Neighborhood, as shown on the attached map, marked as Exhibit A, and whose owners have indicated an interest in selling, are the priority target areas for this acquisition program. Properties included in the original list submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for approval will be given first consideration. This original list is attached and marked as Exhibit B. Upon conclusion of the acquisition process for properties on the original list, property owners in the Garden City Neighborhood that meet the eligibility criteria and have requested to be included in the acquisition program by adding their property(les) to the waiting list, will be considered in the order the request to be placed on the waiting list is received by the City. Ao II. -- - ' : The following eligibility requirements will be used for this program: Garages or outbuildings must be located on the same property to be considered a part of the program property. Vacant lots can be purchased in the acquisition when the property is contiguous to and assessed with the primary structure to be included in the program. The tit!e must be clear of all liens before the City of Roanoke will take title to the property. The property owner will agree to satisfy all liens or have the lien amount deducted from the purchase offer prior to the acquisition and authorize the City to pay off alt liens at the closing with those funds. All acquisition applicants will sign a statement recognizing that the program is voluntary. Ir~ addition, the City of Roanoke may, in its sole discretion, reject a property for acquisition based on the eligibility requirements, limitation of available grant funds, or for any other considerations. Current property owners will be responsible for the property taxes on the structure from the first of the year through the date of the closing on a pro-rated basis. Demolition costs and liability expenses for a flood damaged structure will be the responsibility of the City of Roanoke only after completion of the closing. The property owner remains solely responsible for the property and the structure and the risk of all loss remains with the property owner until completion of the closing. The warranty deed on all purchased properties will include covenants to ensure that the properties must be publicly maintained for conservation, recreation, or other suitable open space designation for perpetuity. No future federal disaster assistance will be available for the subject properties purchased under this program. This acquisition program is subject to the 75% funding from FEMA. Should this funding not be provided in whole or in part, the program may be reduced in scope or terminated. III. Market Value Determination: The following procedures w/l/be used to establish fair market value of the structures to be purchased: A licensed, independent appraiser, selected by the City, will conduct a pre-flood appraisal of the property, land and structures, to be purchased. Based on this appraisal, property owners will be offered pre-flood fair market value less any duplication of benefits as defined in the following section. Propertyowners will be afforded the opportunity to provide information to the appraiser regarding major pre-flood improvements to the property which can be documented. In the event that a structure(s) has already been demolished due to health and/or safety concerns prior to the date of appraisal, the appraiser shall determine an appraisal price for the structure(s) based on the pre-flood market value for comparable structures in the area and the City of Roanoke assessment for June 1995. In the event that the appraisal less duplication of benefits is a negative figure and the property owner still desires to sell the property in the acquisition, the property 3 I:\REED\WRC\BUYPOLIC owner will be offered the assessed value of the land only (not the structure) as determined by the pre-flood City of Roanoke assessment. However, the City of Roanoke will take fee simple ownership to both the structure and the land. For tracts of land over one acre in size, the City of Roanoke will have the option to include only the land under and immediately around the structure (1 acre or less) to be agreed upon by the property owner and the City of Roanoke. The cost to survey and record the smaller parcel and necessary attorney's fees will be paid by the acquisition program. If the property owner purchased the property after the disaster declaration, then the City of Roanoke cannot offer the owner more than the post-flood fair market value. The property owner will not be offered pre-flood fair market value if they were not the property owner during the flood of June 28,1995. In addition, any benefits the previous property owner received for repair of the property will not be deducted from the offer to purchase. The City of Roanoke reserves the right to modify any guideline in this policy to conform with state or federal regulations or as otherwise deemed necessary by the City. Federal regulations require that previous federal dollars related to structural home repair or replacement will be considered an offset (cash advance) toward the purchase price of the acquisition property. The offset amount must be deducted from the settlement offer, unless the property owner is able to produce documentation that the awards were reinvested into the flooded property. Review of the Hazard Mitigation Duplication of Benefits is managed by FEMA. Process A preliminary review of each property on the original list (not waiting list) will be submitted to FEMA including the damaged dwellings address, homeowner's name, address, and phone number; and any information regarding assistance received for the flooded property. An official duplication of benefits request will be submitted on each property after the appraisal has been completed. Information on benefits received will be provided by FEMA to the Iocat community for the purpose of determining the purchase offer only. This information will be considered privileged information and will only be provided to the property owner and the grant administrator. This information will not voluntarily be provided to any other entities unless required by applicable laws or regulations. 4 I;\REED~WRC~BUYPOLIC, C. Tyoes of Duplication of Benefits The following are the types of assistance that will be deducted from fair market value above: National Flood insurance Program (NFIP) Settlements - NFIP deductions will be researched and figured for any homeowners involved in the acquisition that have received NFIP settlements for real property. The real property settlement is the only portion of an NFIP settlement that will be considered. Any settlement for contents will not be deducted from the purchase offer. If the homeowner has already made repairs as outlined in the Property Information section of the Garden City Property/Relocation Program Worksheet, the amount verified by repair receipts will not be deducted. Funding from other federal state or local agencies received specifically for structural repairs. If the homeowner has already made repairs as outlined in the Property Information section of the Garden City Property/Relocation Program Worksheet, the amount verified by repair receipts will not be deducted. V. ReDlacement Reouirements: In the event that the property owner obtained a post-flood Small Business Administration (SBA) loan to repair and/or replace a structure included in the program, any proceeds from the acquisition must first be applied to the SBA loan. If there is a balance on the SBA loan, the balance will be transferred as a lien on the new property purchased by the property owner with the loan funds. Any properties involved in the acquisition that were rented a minimum of 90 days prior to the presentation of the acquisition offer, the property owner will be required to follow the requirements of the URA. Renters will be offered relocation assistance directly from the grant funds. Rental relocation assistance will be figured as follows: the new rental amount (comparable housing) plus average utilities minus the old rental amount times 42 months OR $5,250.00, whichever is less. Rental or lease-to-own properties will be addressed on a case-by-case basis depending on contract stipulations. In the event that FEMA modifies the relocation policy for renters, the City of Roanoke reserves the right to modify this acquisition policy to reflect the national guidelines. Each property owner is responsible for any and all applicable taxes on any proceeds from this program. VI. Steos of Acauisition Process: The following is a brief outline of the steps of the acquisition process for property owners: A. Public meeting with program overview. B. Appraisal/title search completed. C. Duplication of benefits determined. D. Property owner presented the offer to purchase (appraisal less any duplication of benefits). Property owner given 60 days from receipt of the offer to consider the offer. E. Meet with property owners to accept or reject the offer to purchase after the consideration period. If accepted, purchase agreement to be signed by the property owner. F. Appropriate site and structural environmental assessments G. Property owner has 90 days to remove all belongings and salvage material from structure prior to closing. This time period may be reduced or eliminated at the request of the property owner and upon agreement of the parties. H. Meet with property owners following required time period to close on property and transfer title to City of Roanoke. I. Demolition contract bid and commencement of demolition of purchased structures. J. Demolition completed. K. Reuse plan for properties implemented by the City of Roanoke. If any provision of this program, or the application of any provision hereof to a particular entity or circumstance, shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or agency of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of the program shall not be affected and all other terms and conditions of the program shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. I:IREED~WRCIBUY POLIC GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM Worksheet Name(s) as they appear on the property deed: Owner Suoolied Information Name Social Security No. Date of Birth 2. Current mailing address: Telephone Number: Address of flooded property: (Home) (Work) Tax Parcel Number: Type of Property (circle one): Commercial Residential House Mobile Home Outbuilding Garage Other (specify); Property Owner's Estimate of Value of the Structure: $ Property Owner's Estimate of Value of the Land: $ Combined Value: $ Amount of Structural Damage from June 28, 1995 (do not include personal property damage): $ Owner Occupied Secondary Dwelling (vacation home) 10. Have repairs been made on the structure? (circle one) Yes/No If repairs have been made, what is the total amount of repairs which can be documented with receipts? $ 11. Was the structure covered by flood insurance at the time of the June 28, 1995 flood? Yes/No If yes, policy number: Amount of structure insurance coverage: $. Amount of claim payment for structure only: $. 12. Are there any liens against the flood damaged property? Yes/No If yes, list the liens against the property: Name of lien holder: Name of lien holder: Name of lien holder: Occuoancv Information 13. On the date of disaster (June 28, 1995), was the property: (circle one) Owner Occupied Renter Occupied Vacant Secondary Dwelling (vacation home) 14. What is the current occupancy status of the structure: (circle one) Renter Occupied Vacant Demolished Other (specify): If the property is currently ~, provide the following information regarding the tenants: Name: Address: Phone: 15. 16. 17. Have you relocated from the flood damaged structure? (circle one) Have you PU.rchased a new home? (circle one) If yes, answer #17; if no, answer #18. If yes, address of new home: Yes/No Yes/No 18. 19. 20. Purchase price of new home: $ Is the new home outside of the 100-year flood plain? (circle one) If no, (a new home has not been purchased), answer the following: What type of residence are you currently residing in? Yes/No Apartment Rental Home Family Member Residence Other: Do you plan on purchasing a new home? Rental Trailer Nursing Home Yes/No Do you need assistance in obtaining permanent housing? Family size: Did you receive any grant or assistance for flood damage repairs to your property? If yes, list the types and amounts of assistance: Amount Yes/No Yes/No If you received FEMA assistance, FEMA Control #: 9 I:\REED\WRC\BUYFOLIC 21. Yes/No Did you receive any flood insurance settlement(s) for structural damage(s)? If yes, list the types and amount of assistance: . Type Amount Date 22, Did you receive a Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan? Yes/No Name of lender and amount of mortgage: Lender: Amount: SBA Control #: ~)wner Statement of Interest As a property owner(s), by signature it is hereby stated that I/we request participation in the Garden City Neighborhood voluntary property acquisition program. It is understood that any misleading or fraudulent information contained herein may result in disqualification or delays in the voluntary acquisition of the property. Further, by signature, I/we hereby authorize the City of Roanoke to gather information from FEMA, SBA, National Flood Insurance or my homeowner's insurance, and other applicable sources or agencies pertaining to the flood recovery programs to determine non-duplication of benefits. Property Owner{s): Signature Print Full Name Date Signature Print Full Name Date Signature Print Full Name Date 1 0 I:IREED~WRC~BUY POLIC I/we GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM Voluntary Transaction Aaraement am/are the owner(s) of the property identified by the following address: Tax Parcel Number(s): I/we have been notified by the City of Roanoke of their interest in purchasing the above property, and that, if I/we agree to sell, it will be necessary for the property to be permanently vacated. I/we have been notified by the City of Roanoke that pre-flood market value of the property will be offered as determined by an appraisal process. I/we have been informed by the City of Roanoke in writing that I/we are not required to sell the above property to the City of Roanoke and that the City of Roanoke will not use the power of eminent domain in connection with this particular program. I/we understand that this means that I/we do not have to sell this property to the City of Roanoke, I/we have been notified by the City of Roanoke that, if the above property is sold voluntarily, I am not entitled to relocation benefits provided by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, which is available to persons forced to abandon their property involuntarily, and I/we will not claim any such benefits. The City of Roanoke stipulates and agrees that the above property as of the date noted below is not a part of an intended, planned, or designated project area where all or substantially all of the property within the area would be acquired within a specific time frame; and that the information described in paragraphs 2 through 5 has been provided to the property owner(s) noted herein, Property Owner(s): Signature Print Full Name Date Signature Print Full Name Date Signature Print Full Name Date City Manager/Assistant City Manager Date GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM Reouest to Withdraw from Consideration I/we, (property owner[s] names) hereby certi~fy that I/we are the rightful owners to the following property (address of flooded property,): Tax Parcel Number: I/we hereby wish to notify the City of Roanoke of our desire to remove our property from consideration the Garden City Neighborhood Acquisition Program. I/we hereby acknowledge that by signature of this form the above property will not be appraised, and that I/we will not be given the opportunity to sell the above property to the City of Roanoke to be purchased under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Section 404 Hazard Mitigation Program. I/we conclude that by signing, I/we forfeit all of our rights of opportunity for consideration for the Garden City Neighborhood Acquisition Program. Property Owner(s): Signature Print Full Name Date Signature Print Full Name Date Signature Print Full Name Date *All property owners listed on the warranty deed to the property must sign this form. In the event th~t there are questions regarding the withdrawal from consideration for the acquisition, the following is an address and phone number at which the above property owners may be reached: Address: Phone: GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM Reouest to be added to Waitim] List (//st of all property owners listed on the warranty deeo~ hereby certify that we are the rightful property owners to the following property (address of floodedpropertyJ: Tax Parcel Number: I/we hereby would like to request being added to the waiting list for consideration of the · voluntary acquisition program for the Garden City Neighborhood. I/we understand that in the event of an excess of funds after the initial list of properties has been considered, that our property will be considered for acquisition in the order of the date of receipt of this request by the City of Roanoke, subject to eligibility requirements. I/we also understand that the acquisition remains voluntary and that by signing this form, I/we have only expressed a request to be considered for future purchase in the acquisition program, and that I/we can withdraw this request at any time prior to signing a Purchase Agreement. I/we also understand that a future or expanded acquisition program may not be funded, in which case, my property would not be eligible for purchase. Property Owner(s): signature Print Full Name Date Signature Print Full Name Date Signature Print Full Name Date *All property owners listed on the warranty deed to the property must sign this form. EXHIBIT A GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM FLOODPLAIN AREA MAP DATE: FLOODPLAIN JANUARY 1997 SCALE: 1" = 1,600' EXHIBIT B GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM ORIGINAL PROPERTY LIST Tax Parcel Number Last Name First Name Property Address 2310 Garden City Blvd. I 4360302 Adams Eldridge L: Roanoke, VA 24014 2608 Bandy Road 2 4370436 Adams EId~idg& L. Roanoke, VA 24014 1013 Gearhart Road 3 4290110 Anderson Donald M., Roanoke, VA 24014 2340 Garden City Blvd. 4 4360404 Asbury E. $. Roanoke, VA 24014 1014 Ray Road I 5 4290102 ~.tkins Nelson W. Roanoke, VA 24014 1323 Craig Robertson Rd 6 4370404 Bally Paul G. Roanoke, VA 24014 2609 Bandy Road 7 4370501 Bikuladge Isobel P. Roanoke, VA 24014 2912 Bonlyn CircJe 8 4190522 Cofer Robert E. Roanoke, VA 24014 1315 Rose Ave. 9 4360305 Combs David M. Roanoke, VA 24014 2442 Garden City Blvd. 10 4360504 Dearing Richard A. Roanoke, VA 24014 2414 Garden City Blvd. 11 4380517 Dearing Richard A. Roanoke, VA 24014 4360503 2430 Garden City Blvd. 12 4380502 Dearing Richard A. Roanoke, Va 24014 2725 Garden City Blvd. 13 4260304 Drummond Lewis M., Sr. Roanoke, VA 24014 1013 Ray Road 14 4290204 Ferguson Jeffrey Lynn Roanoke, VA 24014 1301 Rose Ave. 15 4380301 Ferguson William Brooks Roanoke, VA 24014 1315 Craig Robertson Rd. 16 4370403 Ferguson William Brooks Roanoke, VA 24014 4380405 2346 Garden City Blvd. 17 4380406 Gillespie James W., Jr. Roanoke, VA 24014 1004 Ethel Road 18 4290218 Gray Robert W. Roanoke, VA 24014 2508 Garden City Blvd. 19 4370402 Hicks John A. Roanoke, VA 24014 1319 Thomason Road 20 4380520 Horsley Gray Roanoke, VA 24014 2402 Garden City Blvd. 21 4380516 Jackson Melvin E. Roanoke, VA 24014 3047 Welcome Valley Rd. 22 4520208 Johns Elizabeth D. Roanoke, VA 24014 1320 Thomason Road 23 4380423 Johnson Gordon H. Roanoke, VA 24014 1/22/97 GCLIST1 .XLS EXHIBIT B 1 2 /97 GARDEN CITY PROPERTY/RELOCATION PROGRAM ORIGINAL PROPERTY LIST Tax Parcel Number Last Name First Name Property Address 1320 Findlay Ave. 24 4260506 Leonard Katherine Roanoke, VA 24014 1314 Findlay Ave. 25 4260505 Leonard Ronald E. Roanoke, VA 24014 2336 Garden City Blvd. 26 4360403 McComas Robert R. Roanoke, VA 24014 4290318 4290319 4290320 1020 Tipton Ave. 27 4290321 McGhee Wayne M. Roanoke, VA 24014 2502 Garden City Blvd. 28 4370401 McNutt Myd N. Roanoke, VA 24014 4290303 1013 Ethel Road Roanoke, 29 4290304 Mills Clinton H. VA 24014 1311 Findlay Ave. 30 4260507 Mitchell Pamela M. Roanoke, VA 24014 2673 Garden City Blvd. 31 4260111 Moore Michael D. Roanoke, VA 24014 4290301 1005 Ethel Rd 32 4290302 ;Murphy Patsy Weaver Roanoke, VA 24014 1009 Ray Road 33 4290203 Patsel Nancy Mary Roanoke, VA 24014 2913 Bonlyn Circle 34 4190519 Roach Clyde M. Roanoke, VA 24014 2907 Bonlyn Circle 35 4190518 Stinette John M. Roanoke, VA 24014 1018 Ethel Road Roanoke, 38 4290219 Stump Clyde C., Jr. VA 24014 4380303 2314 Garden City Blvd. 37 4380304 Taylor Wendell D. Roanoke, VA 24014 1016 Tipton Ave. Roanoke 38 4290317 Williams Janice L. Va 24014 4360401 2328 Garden City Blvd. 39 4380402 Wilson Kathy C. Roanoke, VA 24014 2667 Garden City Blvd. 40 4260110 Wimmer Phyllis Cook Roanoke, VA 24014 2662 Garden City Blvd. 41 4260504 Wood Robert L., Jr. Roanoke, VA 24014 GCMSTI.XL$ Gamand Branch Drainage Study March 1, 1996 Report to the City Manager GARNAND BRANCH DRAINAGE STUDY Prepared by the Garden City Drainage Task Force and Office of the City Engineer Office of the City Engineer Room 350, Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, V'u'ginia 24011-1587 (540) 981-2731 City of Roanoke, Oilic~ of the City En~neer page I Garnand Branch Drainage Study March 1, 1996 I. BACKGROUND The Garnand Branch watershed is located in the southeastern section of the City of Roanoke in an area known as Garden City. This 2,100 acre watershed is mountainous with over 1,200 feet of vertical relief, and has many existing buildings located within the 100 year floodplain. A previous drainage study of this watershed was prepared by the City's Engineering Department in 1992. The purpose of the previous study was to identify substandard drainage facilities which contributed to flooding, and to recommend conceptual improvements. This study proposed increasing the channel and bridge capacities to convey a 10 year storm. The estimated cost for this work in 1992 dollars was $6.5 million. Since that time, one of the bridges (Craig Robertson Road) within the study area has been replaced with a new bridge in conformance with the recommendations of the drainage study. The 1992 study concentrated on the lower and more severely affected areas of the watershed, and did not include Phase IV or Phases VII through X of this study. On June 28, 1995, the G-arnand Branch watershed received over 4 inches ofrainfail within a 75 minute period. For five of the previous seven days leading up to June 28, rain had saturated the ground in this watershed. The resulting runofffi.om this intense storm and saturated ground caused severe flash flooding and flood stages approximately equal to a 40 year storm in the Garnand Branch and Gum Spring channels. The estimated damage to private property fi.om this storm alone was over $700,000. There are currently about 85 buildings located within the 100 year Federal Emergency Management Agency CinEMA) floodplain and 31 of these structures are within the FEMA floodway. Many of these buildings have experienced flooding on a nearly annual basis. The FEMA floodplain in the Garden City area is approximately 11,200 feet in length and represents about 5% of the regulated floodplain within the City of Roanoke. As a result of the June 28, 1995 storm, the Garden City area received a presidential disaster declaration for individual assistance (business and residential) and became eligible for a FEMA HnT~rd Mitigation Grant. This Federal Grant was established to reduce future flooding damages by modifying the flood-prone buildings as opposed to increasing channel and bridge capacities. In order to take advantage of this Federal Grant, the 1992 study has been moditied to replace some of the proposed channelization with the proposed purchase and removal of flood-prone buildings. The resulting project is Phase II of the attached report. Following a meeting on July 6, 1995 between the residents of Crarden City, and representatives of the City of Roanoke, State and Federal agencies, a Task Force made up of eight citizens fi.om the Garden City area was formed. The Task Force was requested to review the flooding problems in this watershed with City Engin~g staff, and to prepare a pre 'luninary report with recommendations to the City Manager by February, 1996. The attached report is the result of eleven meetings of this Task Force, community wide questionnaires and resulting studies by City Engineering Department staff.. City of Roanoke, Office of the City Engine~ page 2 Garnand Branch Drainage Study March 1, 1996 2. RECOMMENDED PROJECTS The recommendations of the Garden City Drainage Task Force and the City Engineering Department for addressing the flooding problems in the Garnand Branch watershed are presented in the following paragraphs. Phase I - Consists of the replacement of two bridges crossing Gamand Branch, one on Thomason Road and the other on Bandy Road. Funding is currently in place for these bridges and construction is scheduled to be~n in the summer of 1996. The attached map shows the location of this project. Estimated Cost $670,000 Phase ri. Consists ora FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant project to purchase and remove approximately 42 buildings fi.om the floodplain of Gamand and Gum Spring Branches. This project would remove the buildings in this watershed which are the most vulnerable to serious and repetitive flooding. This project will begin as soon as it is approved by FEMA and the funds become available. The grant application is being administered by the Vir~nia Department of Emergency Services (VDES). Following their review, the VDES recommended full funding and forwarded the application to FEMA for their review in mid January, 1996. The attached map shows the location of this project. Estimated FEMA Cost $2,022,000 Estimated State & City Cost $ 674,000 Total $2,696,000 Phase m - Consists of a channe!iTation and culvert replacement project on Gum Spring Branch between Garden City Blvd. and Gearhart Road and installation of stormdraln between Gearhart Rd. and Tipton Ave. This project would increase the size of the Gum Spring Branch channel and the corresponding street culverts to convey a 10-year storm within the channel banks. This project also includes replacing two culverts on Yellow Mountain Road. The attached map shows the location of this project. $2,661,000 Phase IV - Consists ofedding a neighborhood stormdraln system along Springvale, Bear, Baltimore and Spring Branch Roads. The attached map shows the location of this project. Estimated Cost $1,260,000 City of Roanoke, O~ce of the City En~inee~ p~e 3 Garnand Branch Drainage Study March 1, 1996 Phase V - Consists of replacing the bridge at Riverland Road, charmelization of Garnand Branch between the Roanoke River and Rose Avenue, and between Bandy Road and Sample Avenue. This project would protect Riverland Road and Garden City Blvd. fi.om flooding from up to a twenty five-year storm. Estimated Cost $ 1,652,000 Phase VI - Consists of clearing and limited channelization along Crarnand Branch fi.om its confluence with Gum Spring Branch to Yellow Mountain Road. The attached map shows the location of the Phase VI project. Estimated Cost $ 400,000 Phase VII - Consists of instal!inS a culvert on Yellow Mountain Road east of Garden City Boulevard to reduce flooding to business proper~ on Yellow Mountain Road. The attached map shows the location of the phase VI~ project. Estimated Cost $ 128,000 Phase VIH - Consists of grading a ditch along Welcome Vailey Road fi.om its intersection with Yellow Mountain Road, upstream approximately 600 feet, to reduce flooding along Welcome Valley Road. The attached map shows the location of the Phase IX project. Estimated Cost $ 79,000 Phase IX - Consists of installing a stormdrain along Sample Avenue to reduce flooding of 2812 and 2816 Sample Ave., due to street water rising above Curb level and flowing down driveways and into basements. The attached map shows the location of the Phase VII project. Estimated Cost $ 81,000 Phase X - Consists of rngrading and adding curb and gutter to Moran Street and Hlllview Avenue, between Mabry Avenue and Gamand Branch, to reduce flooding to private residences caused by street runoff crossing private property. The attached map shows the location of the Phase X project. Estimated Cost $ 250,000 City of Ro,~oke, Offi~ ofth~ City En~n,~*r pa~ 4 Garnand Branch Drainage Study March 1, 1996 3. FUNDING SUM_MARY City & State Funds FEMA Grant Total Phase I $ 670,000 Phase II $ 674,000 $2,022,000 $2,696,000 Phase III $2,661,000 Phase IV $1,260,000 Phase V $1,652,000 Phase VI $ 400,000 Phase VII $ 81,000 Phase VILI $ 128,000 Phase IX $ 79,000 Phase X $ 250,000 Totals $7,855,000 $2,022,000 $9,877,000 4. PROJECT SUMMARY When completed, the above drainage improvements for the Garden City area would provide a minimum of 10-year storm protection for the majority of this community. Funding for these projects will be a primary determining factor in their timing. The Phase II project is unique in its potemial to be funded primarily fi.om State and Federal sources. If the FEMA Ha-~rd Mitigation Grant is approved for Phase R, it would represent the first time that this type of federal grant has been received by the City of Roanoke. Early indications fi.om both the State and Federal review agencies have been positive regarding the potential for grant approval, however, as of this date, these fimding sources have not been secured. If the funding fi.om FEMA is not approved, the City may be required to fund the Phase II project with local funds. The FEMA grant is primarily set up to mitigate private building dsm~es as opposed to channeli-~tion. On a locally fimded project, the City would not be under these same constraints. The City could construct the channelization project proposed by the 1992 report instead of removing structures. Although the cost would be similar for both options, the channelization option would not provide as much protection as the proposed purchase and removal option listed in this report. Therefore, at this time, the purchase and removal option is recommended for Phase II regardless of funding sources. Phase I is the only project which is currently funded and the remaining phases will require additional future fimding sources. City of Roanoke, Office of the City Et~neer p~e 5 GARNAND BRANCH PHASE II WATERSHED ~ I t° = 600' GARNAND BRANCH PHASE WATERSHED III II 600' NI t GARNAND BRANCH VATERSHED PHASE I V BATE' $CALE' 1 ° = ,600' ARNAN]3 t~RANCH WATERSHED PHASE V 600' III GARNAND BRANCH WATERSHED PHASE VI ]ARNAND BRANCH WATERSHED PHASE VII TO X 600' MeW F, Perker, CMC/AAE Cay Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk 8andre H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File f~24-120-353 W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke; Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 33243-020397 amending and reordaining subsection (c) el' §20-76, Parkina sDeDes reserved for Demons with disabilities, and subsection (c) of §20~1. Exemotions from certain reauirements of Derkina meter reaulationn, Code of the City of Rom'toke (1979), as amended, by limiting to four hours the time in which a vehicle displaying a disal~l license tag or placard may be parked in a parking zone limited as to time or in a metered ~ without paying the required fee. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council ~ N City of Roanoke on first reading on Tuesday, January 21, 1997, also adopted by the Coum:~ o~ second reading on Monday, February 3, 1997, and will be in full force and effect ten days foilow~ the date of its second reading. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. W. Robert Herbert, City Manager February 10, 1997 Page 2 pc: Christine A. Montgomery, President, Mayor's Committee for the Disabled, 622-A Walnut Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Evelyn Jefferson, Vice-President - Supplements, Municipal Code Corporation, P. O. Box 2235, Tallahassee, Flodda 32304 Raymond F. Leven, Public Defender, Suite 4B, Southwest Virginia Building, Roanoke, Virginia 24011 The Honorable Roy B. Willett, Chief Judge, Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia The Honorable G. O. Clemens, Judge, Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia The Honorable Clifford R. Weckstein, Judge, Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia The Honorable Diane McQ. Strickland, Judge, Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia The Honorable Richard C. Pattisall, Judge, Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia The Honorable Robert P. Doherty, Judge, Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia The Honorable Julian H. Raney, Jr., Chief Judge, General District Court The Honorable George W. Harris, Jr., Judge, General District Court The Honorable Vincent A. Lilley, Judge, General District Court The Honorable William D. Broadhurst, Judge, General District Court The Honorable Jacqueline F. Ward Talevi, Judge, General District Court The Honorable John B. Ferguson, Chief Judge, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Distdct Court The Honorable Joseph M. Clarke, II, Judge, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Distdct Court The Honorable Philip Trompeter, Judge, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court The Honorable Joseph P. Bounds, Judge, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court The Honorable Arthur B. Crush, III, Clerk, Circuit Court Ronald S. Albright, Clerk, General District Court Bobby D. Casey, Office of the Magistrate Michael Meise, Acting Law Librarian Patsy A. Bussey, Clerk, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance George C. Snead, Jr., Director, Public Safety James L. Viar, Acting Chief, Police Department ~NTHECOUNC]LOFTHECITy OF ROANOK~,VIRG~NT~ The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33243-020397. AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining subsection (c) of {}20-76, ~aces reserved for persons with disabilities and subsection (e) of §20-81, Exemptions bom certain reauirements of parking meter re~,,Jlations. Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, by limiting to four hours the time in which a vehicle displaying a disabled license tag or placard may be parked in a parking zone limited as to time or in a metered space without paying the required fee. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that: 1. Subsection (c) of§20-76, Parkins~ spaces reserved for Demons with disabilities. Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, is hereby amended and reordained to read and provide as follows: §20-76. Parkinn suaces reserved for persons with disabilit~ (c) A disabled person, vehicle owner or volunteer for an institution or organi:,~,fion to which disabled parking license permits, organizational removable windshield placards, permanent windshield placards or temporary windshield placards are issued or any person to whom disabled parking license plates have been issued under section 46.2- 739 Code of V'u'ginia (1950), as amended, shall be allowed to park the vehicle on which such license plates or placards are displayed for up to four (4) hours in parking zones restricted as to length of parking time permitted and for up to four (4) hours in parking meter zones without paying parking meter fees. This subsection shall not apply to any provision of this chapter which creates parking zones for special types of vehicles nor shall it apply to any provision of this chapter which prohibits parking during heavy traffic periods, during specified rush hours or where parking would clearly present a traffic hazard. 2. Subsection (c) of §20-81, Exemptions from certain reouirements of parking meter regulations, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, is hereby amended and reordained to read and provide as follows: §20-81. Exemptions from certain requirements of Darklne meter re~.!nt~o=- A disabled person, vehicle owner, or volunteer for an institution or organization to which disabled parking license plates, organizational removable windshield placards, permanent windshield placards, or tempormy windshield placards are issued or any person to whom disabled parking license plates have been issued under §46.2-739 of the Cede of Vil~inia (1950), as amended, shall be allowed to park the vehicle on which such license plates or placards are displayed for up to four (4) hours in I:Ut~'king meter zones without paying parking meter fees. ATTEST: City Clerk. WILBURN C. DIBLING, CITY A~i'OR NEY CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY 464 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 215 CHURCH AVENUE, SW ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 24011-1595 WILLIAM X PARSONS STEVEN J. TALEVI GLADYS L. YATES GARY E. TEGENKAMP ASSISTANT CiTY ATTORNEYS January 21, 1997 The Honorable Mayor and Members Roanoke City Council Roanoke, VA Re: Proposed Amendments to §§20-76(c) and 20-81 (c) of the Code of the City of Roanoke Dear Mayor Bowers and Members of Council: Section 46.2-731 of the Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended, provides that persons operating vehicles displaying a parking permit for disabled persons shall be permitted to park in a metered parking space without paying a fee for up to four hours. Such persons may also park in parking zones limited as to length of parking time for up to four hours. The State Code provision states that it takes precedence over all local ordinances. Currently, §§20-76(c) and 20-81(c) &the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, permit such persons to park for an unlimited time in metered parking places. It is my recommendation that City Council adopt the enclosed ordinance which would amend the City Code to conform to the requirements of the state statute. The City Manager and Chief of Police concur in this recommendation. I will be pleased to answer any questions which members of Council may have about this matter. With kindest personal regards, I am Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr. City Attorney WCD/lsc cc: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager George C. Snead, Jr., Director Public Safety ChiefM David Hooper, Police Department H:'v~M ISCUIN DP RK.COU MaW F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandm H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File ft-467-514 The Honorable Arthur B. Crush, III Clerk of Circuit Court Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Crush: I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 33247-010697, for proper recordation in your office, authorizing the alteration and closing, by barricade, of the easternmost terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S. W., near the rear entrance of Hidden Valley Junior High School. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke on first reading on Tuesday, January 21, 1997, also adopted by the Council on second reading on Monday, February 3, 1997, and will be in full force and effect ten days following lt~ date of its second reading. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm pc: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE C~y C~rk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File ft-467-514 W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: I am attaching copy of Ordinance No. 33247-020397 authorizing the alteration and closing, by barricade, of the easternmost terminus of Mount Holland Drive, $. W., near the rear entrance of Hidden Valley Junior High School. The aboverafemnced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke on first reading on Tuesday, January 21, 1997, also adopted by the Council on second reading on Monday, February 3, 1997, and will be in full force and effect ten days following the date of its second reading. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: Mr. Clement B. Binnings, 1701 Driftwood Lane, 8. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Deanna Gordon, Superintendent, Roanoke County Schools, 5937 Cove Road, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Mr. Jack Butcher, 4904 Mount Holland Drive, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Estate of Marion B. Via, c/o Moss & Rocovich, P. C., P. O. Box 13606, Roanoke, Virginia 24035 Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator, County of Roanoke, P. O. Box 29800, Roanoke, Virginia 24018 W. Robed Herbed, City Manager February 10,1997 Page 2 pc: Mr. and Mrs. W. David Pdce, 4930 Mount Holland Drive, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lubbs, 5007 Mount Holland Ddve, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Ms. Elizabeth Brooks, 4950 Mount Holland Ddve, 8. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Edmund M. Donohue, 5020 Bruceton Road, 8. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Ms. Rebecca Cheatwood, 5004 Mount Holland Ddve, 8. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. James Helba, 5025 Bruceton Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 The Reverend and Mrs. Andrew Berkner, 5012 Mount Holland Ddve, 8. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. Albert 8choester, 5055 Bruceton Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Ms. Suzanne E. Barnett, 5031 Bruceton Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thacker, 4929 Mount Holland Ddve, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Steve Fox, 5031 Gatewood Avenue, 8. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. Todd E. Stafford, 4924 Mount Holland Ddve, $. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Ms. Sharon S. Mitchell, 4938 Mount Holland Drive, 8. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018-1630 Mr. Richard L. Stroupe, 2072 Mcvitty Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 MS. Anne Tilley, 4956 Mount Holland Ddve, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. James Walker, 4950 Keithwood Street, 8. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. Rutledge Robertson, 1514 Bruceton Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. John L. Aker, 1709 Ddf[wood Lane, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 David Blevins, Principal, Hidden Valley Junior High School, 4902 Hidden Valley S~ Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Sherry Buckner, President, Parent Teacher Association, Hidden Valley Junior High School, c/o Hidden Valley Junior High School, 4902 Hidden Valley School Road, S. W., Roanoke. Virginia 24018 Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney Steven J. Talevi, Assistant City Attorney Willard N. Claytor, Director of Real Estate Valuation Nancy J. Brown, Appraiser Aide, Real Estate Valuation Kit B. Kiser, Director of Utilities and Operations William F. Clark, Director of Public Works Charles M. Huffine, City Engineer Ronald H. Miller, Building Commissioner, w/enclosura John R. Madles, Agent, City Planning Commission, w/enclosure Evelyn D. Dorsey, Zoning Administrator, w/enclosure Martha P. Franklin, Secretary, City Planning Commission IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33247-020397. AN ORDINANCE authorizing the alteration and closing by barricade of a certain public right-of-way in the City of Roanoke, Virginia, as more particularly described hereinafter. WHEREAS, the City Manager filed an Application with the Council of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, in accordance with law, requesting the Council to alter and close by barricade the public right-of-way described hereinafter; and WHEREAS, the City Planning Commission, which after giving proper notice to all concerned as required by S30-14, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, public hearing on the matter, has Council; and WHEREAS, public hearing was and after having conducted a made its recommendation to held on said Application by the City Council on January 21, 1997, after due and timely notice thereof as required by S30-14, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, at which hearing all parties in interest and citizens were afforded an opportunity to be heard on said Application; and WHEREAS, it appearing from the foregoing that the land proprietors affected by the requested closure by barricade of the subject public right-of-way have been properly notified; and WHEREAS, Mount Holland Drive, S.W., and other local streets connecting it to Route 419 are narrow, winding streets which are residential in nature; and WHEREAS, opening Mount Holland Drive, S.W., on a permanent basis to traffic coming from, or going to, Hidden Valley Junior High School is contrary to the Comprehensive Plan and would adversely affect the public safety, welfare and convenience; and WHEREAS, the safety of the persons attending Hidden Valley Junior High School is also a concern to the Council; and WHEREAS, a traversable barrier at the easternmost terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., would permit vehicles in the event of an emergency to enter and exit the property on which Hidden Valley Junior High School is located; and WHEREAS, from all of the foregoing, the Council considers that no substantial inconvenience will result to any individual or to the public from altering and closing by barricade said public right-of-way, on the conditions set forth below, and that such alteration will promote the safety, welfare and convenience of those using the subject public right-of-way and the right-of-way in the vicinity of the right-of-way to be closed. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, that the public right-of-way situate in the City of Roanoke, Virginia, and more particularly described as follows: The easternmost terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., near the entrance to Hidden Valley Junior High School, be, and hereby is, altered and closed byway of a barricade capable of being traversed by police, fire, rescue and other emergency vehicles in the event of any future emergency on Hidden Valley Junior High School property. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that City forces install appropriate curbing to effect the alteration by closure of the easterly terminus in the form of a landscaped island, and install landscaping material, shrubs, etc., at a controlled height, sufficient to allow for the passage of emergency vehicles over the barricade, in the event of any future emergency on Hidden Valley Junior High School property, the design of which shall also provide for pedestrian and bicycle access. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the City Engineer be, and he is, directed to mark "altered and closed by barricade" on said right- of-way on all maps and plats on file in his office on which said right-of-way is shown, referring to the book and page of ordinances and resolutions of the Council of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, wherein this Ordinance shall be spread. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the City Clerk deliver to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, an attested copy of this ordinance in order that said Clerk may make proper notations, if any, of the alteration and closing by barricade as described above on all maps and plats recorded in that office on which Mount Holland Drive, S.W., appears. ATTEST: City Clerk. 4938 Mo=t Holl~n~l Dr;v, S. W. Roanoke, Virgi,,i~ 24018-1630 SUPERINTENDENT GORDON'S REMARKS TO THE ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL CONCERNING THE VACATION OF A SEGMENT OF MT. HOLLAND DRIVE JANUARY 21, 1997 Good evening Mr. Bowers--Members of City Council I am Deanna Gordon, Superintendent of Roanoke Coanty Schools. I appear on behalfofthe Roanoke County School Board to ask that the City not vacate any portion of Mt. Holland Drive as has been recommended by the Planning Commission. This road is important to Hidden Valley School, its patrons, its staffand its students. You know the history of Mt. Holland Road and you know that it is not currently used, but it has not been vacated. In the past two decades, growth in traffic on Route 419 has been significant, and the unsignalized intersection at Hidden Valley School Road has grown increasingly dangerous. As has been reported, there have been several accidents at the intersection and there is the certain prospect of others. You and the Roanoke County School Board have a mutual obligation to act to assure the safety of our children. Retaining the opportunity for the school to have access to Mount Holland Road and a signalized intersection at Keagy Road will advance that cause dramatically. We are advised by our counsel that the City does indeed have the authority to vacate its streets. But this authority possesses reasonable limits. The City may act only on a finding that the vacation of any portion of a street will not unduly create inconvenience to the traveling public. The focus is therefore on the use to which a public way may be placed. The question that the General Assembly has required to be asked is not wl~ether those who reside along that street will be inconvenienced by its use. Moreover, the focus is not on the inconvenience that will be occasioned by the retention of a street in use, but by its discontinuance. Thus the General Assembly has created a presumption that a public right-of-way once created is to remain a public right-of-way. Streets are properly vacated when there is no need for them, not when the need is great and growing. In analogous circumstances involving the vacation of streets by counties, our Supreme Court has said that it was not the General Assembly's purpose to deprive interested parties of access to a public highway by abandoning any part of that orad, and that it is not necessary to show that a road is indispensable for travel, but only that it is necessary for "reasonable accommodation" to the traveling public. Here, it is simply not possible to conclude that the discontinuance of Mt. Holland Road will inconvenience anyone other than the students, parents and faculty of Hidden Valley Junior High School, who have the lawful right to the use ora public way that was voluntarily not used--at a time when alternative access by Hidden Valley School Road was superior and did not present the hazard that time and growth have created. Vacating a segment of Mt. Holland will defeat the interests of the traveling public, and particularly the traffic safety interests of the children of the school. We feel that we must take steps to protect our students, teachers, and administrators, and we know that you do not disagree with that goal. We also know that this a better solution would be the placement of traffic signals at the intersection of Mt. Holland and Route//419. There seems to be no indication that this will happen. We have also indicated that we do not intend to use the connection as a principal access to the school. We are interested primarily in assuring that Mt. Holland remains available for restricted use. We have seen the City Manager's report and are aware that the proposal is to construct a barrier that can be breached in emergencies. We remain concerned that the vacation of this street creates legal questions as to the ownership of the underlying right-of-way, and that it may be extended to more dramatic restriction of the school's rights. We ask that this connection not be vacated. Roanoke City Planning Commission January 21, 1997 The Honorable David A. Bowers, Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: Subject: Request from the City of Roanoke to alter by closure with barricades, the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., pursuant to Section 30-14 of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended. Terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., as requested for closure is located east of the Route 419/Keagy Road intersection. Street terminus abuts property owned by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and occupied by Hidden Valley Junior High School. Hidden Valley Junior High School opened in 1972. School's original access to Route 419 was provided by way of Mount Holland Drive and McVitty Road (see attached map). School property was at that time located in Roanoke County. School property was subsequently annexed into the City on January 1, 1976. Residents in the Mount Holland Drive area expressed strong objections and protests at that time over the County's decision to route heavy school traffic through their neighborhood. Roanoke County Board of Supervisors consequently adopted a resolution in which it resolved that the public welfare and safety of its citizens, including its school children, would best be served by having a single and sole means of access for all traffic to the school property, by way of Dean Road from State Rout~ 419. Roanoke County Board of Supervisors subsequently adopted a resolution on April 10, 1973, in which it resolved that a dire need existed for a satisfactory entrance to Hidden Valley School due to the following existing conditions: There has been much confusion and objection in the residential areas over the channeling of school traffic through the adjoining subdivisions; and Room162 MunicipaIBuilding 215ChurchAvenue, S.W. Roanoke, Virginia24011 (703)981-2344 Members of Council Page 2 the Dean Road entrance originally considered is now deemed to be unsatisfactory and dangerous even after the future development of State Route 419. Resolution further accepted a proposal from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the design and construction of a new accessway to Hidden Valley School. Hidden Valley_ School Road, $.W., (Route 1442) was constructed shortly thereafter. VDOT determined, at that time, that a signal light was not needed at the new road's intersection with Route 419. Accesswav to Route 419. via Mount Hollan0 Drive was closed offat that time and a gated barricade was installed on school property just beyond the terminus of Mount Holland Drive. According to County officials, this accessway has not been reopened or used for school traffic during the past 23 years. ~ was installed in 1994 at the intersection of Keagy Road and Route 419. Hidden Valley school officials have since raised the question of reopening, on a permanent basis, the previously barricaded accessway via Mount Holland Drive, S.W., to allow school traffic to access this signalized intersection. Public meeting was held on July 30, 1996, at Hidden Valley Junior High School. Meeting was scheduled by Roanoke County school officials for the purpose of meeting and discussing with residents of the affected neighborhood, the possible re- opening of the Mount Holland Drive accessway. Residents in attendance at the meeting voiced strong objections to all suggestions of re-routing school traffic through the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Residents were advised that school officials would provide them with at least a 24 hour notice prior to any future opening of the existing Mount Holland barricade (gate). City Council, on August 19, 1996, directed the City Manager to file a petition to vacate or close by barricade, Mount Holland Drive, S.W. City Manager was further directed to take necessary and appropriate action to support Roanoke County's request to VDOT for a traffic signal at the intersection of Route 419 and Hidden Valley School Road, S.W. Application to close Mount Holland Drive, S.W., was filed on September 4, 1996, and a public hearing was scheduled for the matter to be heard by the Planning Commission on September 18, 1996. Members of Council Page 3 Request for the matter to be nostponed for a period of 60 days was thereafter submitted to the City Manager by Deanna W. Gordon, Superintendent of Roanoke County Schools. Request proposed that an interim meeting be held between representatives of the Roanoke County School Board, Roanoke City Council, and citizens of the neighborhood to develop an appropriate and responsible approach to resolving the matter. .P~1131~I111~5~ at the request of the City Manager, postponed its scheduled hearing on the subject closure until its December 4, 1996, meeting. Representatives of the Roanoke County School Board. Roanoke City Council. and citizens of the affected nei~,hborhooda met on the evening of October 1, 1996, in an effort to resolve the matter in a fair and reasonable manner. After considerable discussion, all parties present acknowledged that a mutual agreement on the matter could not be reached. ~, at its regular meeting of December 4, 1996, reviewed the City's application to alter by closure with barricades, the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W. A copy of the draft minutes are attached for Council's information. In response to the Commission's request for public comment, the following individuals expressed their concerns and opposition to the proposed closure: Deanna Gordon, Superintendent of Roanoke County Schools (Ms. Gordon's comments are attached to this report). 2. Dave Blevins, Principal at Hidden Valley Junior High School Sherry Buckner, President, Parent Teacher Association, Hidden Valley Junior High School The following residents expressed their support for the closure of the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W. 5. 6. 7. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lubbs, 5007 Mount Holland Drive, S.W. Anne Tilley, 4956 Mount Holland Drive, S.W. Linda Donahue, 5020 Bruceton Road, S.W. Ms. Donahue also presented written comments to the Commission, which are attached to this report. Jim Walker, corner of Keithwood and Bruceton, S.W. Todd Stafford, 4942 Mount Holland Drive, S.W. Rutledge Robertson, 1514 Bruceton Road, S.W. Lin Price, 4930 Mount Holland Drive, S.W. Members of Council Page 4 III. Issues: Albert Schoester, 5055 Bruceton Road, S.W. Mr. Schoester also presented a written statement from the Greater Deyerle Neighborhood Association expressing their support for the proposed closure of the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W. (statement attached). C. Public safety_. D. Creation of a dead-end street E. Relationship to the comnrehensive plan. IV. Alternatives: Am)rove the City's apnlication tO 0,1ter by closure with barricade the easterly terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W.,thereby authorizing the City Manager to take certain actions as outlined in Section V. of this report. Existing barricade (gate) is located on Hidden Valley school property and can be opened or removed at any time by school officials. Closure by installation of a second barricade at anoint within the ~ of Mount Holland Drive will ensure that this former accessway is not re-opened for school traffic in the future. Hidden Valley Junior High School will continue to use Hidden Valley School Road as its single means of access to Route 419 as initially intended by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors (see attached resolution). City will support Roanoke County's request for a traffic signal at the intersection of Route 419 and Hidden Valley Road as a means of facilitating the County's efforts to improve ingress and egress of school traffic to and from Route 419. Members of Council Page 5 2. Traffic impact: Closure by barricade of the terminus of Mount Holland Road will have no impact on the exi,fing traffic conditions in the Mount Holland Drive area. Closure will have no impact on Hidden Valley school traffic. School traffic will continue to access Route 419 in the same manner that it has accessed Route 419 for the past 23 years. Closure will ensure that ~ will occur in the existing traffic conditions of the area. 3. Public safety_: Closure will effect no change in the existing and current conditions as they relate to public safety in the general area. Traffic signal at Route 419 and Hidden Valley School Road is needed to increase the level of public safety at that intersection. Proposed use of Mount Holland Road as a means of access for school traffic would be detrimental to the existing residential environment and public safety of the adjacent neighborhoods. Creation of a dead-end ~treet Mount Holland Drive has existed as a dead- end street for the past 23 years. Closure will preserve the existing dead-end status of this street. Relationshin to the comprehensive plan. Closure would be consistent with the intent of the comprehensive plan in that it will ensure that: (a) safe and convenient vehicular and pedestrian movement on adjacent neighborhood streets will be preserved; and (b) the character and stability of adjacent neighborhoods will be protected and maintained. Deny the City's application to alter by closure with barricade the easterly terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W. 1. N i hborh odim a t: Existing barricade on Hidden Valley school property could be removed at any time in the future to allow school traffic access through the adjacent neighborhood to the signalized intersection at Keagy Road/Route 419. Members of Council Page 6 Character and stability of the adjacent neighborhood could be undermined. 2. Traffic impact: Existing level of vehicular and pedestrian activities within the adjacent neighborhoods could be adversely affected by a radical change in traffic conditions. Level of school traffic accessing Route 419 from Hidden Valley School Road may decrease. Public safe~_: Safety level for pedestrian and vehicular movements within the adjacent neighborhoods may decrease. 4. Creation ora dead-end street: Dead-end street could be reopened. Relationshin to the comprehensiv0 plan: Denial of the request to close, by barricade, the terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., would be inconsistent with the intent of the comprehensive plan for the following reasons: (a) Roanoke County school officials could subsequently remove the existing barricade on their property to allow school traffic to access neighborhood streets; and (b) character and stability of the adjacent neighborhoods could be sacrificed in an effort to alleviate a school traffic problem. V. R omm ndation: Planning Commission, by a vote of 4-0-1 (Mrs. Coles and Mr. Butler absent and Mr. Jones abstaining) recommends that City Council approve the City's application to alter by closure with barricade the existing easterly terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., and authorize the City Manager to undertake the following actions: Direct City forces to thereafter install appropriate curbing to effect the alteration by closure of the easterly terminus of Mount Holland Drive in the form of a landscaped island. Install landscaping material, shrubs, etc., at a controlled height, sufficient to allow for the passage of emergency vehicles over the barricade, in the event of any future emergency on Hidden Valley Junior High School property. The design of the barrier shall provide for pedestrian and bicycle access. Members of Council Page 7 JRM:ERT:mpf attachments cc: City Manager Assistant City Attorney Director of Public Works Respectfully submitted, Carolyn H. Coles, Chairman Roanoke City Planning Commission 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: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 January 10, 1997 File ff.467-514 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: Pursuant to provisions of Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke on Monday, Apdl 6, 1981, I have advertised a public headng to be held on Tuesday, January 21, 1997, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request'of the City of Roanoke to close and discontinue, by barricade, the easternmost terminus of Mount Holland Ddve, $. W., near the rear entrance of Hidden Valley Junior High School. I am attaching copy of a report of the City Planning Commission recommending approval of the City's request. If you have questions, please contact John R. Marries, Chief of Planning and Community Development, at 853-2344. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm EH(:. pc: Mr. Clement B. Binninga, 1701 Driftwood Lane, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Deanna Gordon, Superintendent, Roanoke County Schools, 5937 Cove Road, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Mr. Jack Butcher, 4904 Mount Holland Ddve, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Estate of Madon B. Via, c/o Moss & Rocovich, P. C., P. O. Box 13606, Roanoke, virginia 240035 Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator, County of Roanoke, P. O. Box 29800, Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. W. David Price, 4930 Mount Holland Drive, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lubbs, 5007 Mount Holland Drive, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Ms. Elizabeth Brooks, 4950 Mount Holland Drive, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Edmund M. Donohue, 5020 Bruceton Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 W. Robert Hart)art City Manager January 10, 1997 Page 2 po: Ms. Rebecca Cheatwood, 5004 Mount Holland Drive, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. James Helba, 5025 Bruceton Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 The Reverend and Mrs. Andrew Berkner, 5012 Mount Holland Ddve, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. Albert Schoester, 5055 Bmceton Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Ms. Suzanne E. Barnett, 5031 Bruceton Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thacker, 4929 Mount Holland Drive, $. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Steve Fox, 5031 Gatewood Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. Todd E. Stafford, 4924 Mount Holland Drive, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Ms. Sharon S. Mitchell, 4938 Mount Holland Drive, $. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018-1630 Mr. Richard L. Stroupe, 2072 McVitty Road, $. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Ms. Anne Tilley, 4956 Mount Holland Drive, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. James Walker, 4950 Keithwood Street, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Mr. Rutledga Robertson, 1514 Bruceton Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 2,~018 Mr. and Mrs. John L. Aker, 1709 Driftwood Lane, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 David Blevins, Principal, Hidden Valley JUnior High School, 4902 Hidden Valley School Road, $. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Sherry Buckner, President, Parent Teacher Association, Hidden Valley Junior High School, c/o Hidden Valley Junior High School, 4902 Hidden Valley School Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Ad Number: 10387003 Publisher's Fee: $51.20 MARY F. PARKER, CITY CLE ROOM 456, MUNICIPAL BUIL 215 CHURCH AVENUE, S.W. ROANOKE, VA 24011-1536 The Roanoke Times STATE of VIRGINIA CITY of ROANOKE AFFIDAVIT of PUBLICATION I, (the undersigned) an authorized representative of the Times-World Cor- poration, which corporation is publisher of The Roanoke Times, a daily newspaper published in Roanoke, in the State of Virginia, do certify that the annexed notice was published in said newspapers on the following dates: 01/03/97 FULL RUN - Friday Witness, this 6th day of January 1997 Authorized Signature NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The Council of the City of Roanoke will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 21, 1997, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Council Chamber in the Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., on the issue of whether to close and discontinue by barricade, the following public right-of-way: The easternmost terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., near the rear entrance of Hidden Valley Junior High School. A copy of this proposal is available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, Room 456, Municipal Building. All parties in interest may appear on the above date and be heard on the question. GIVEN under my hand this 31st day of December , 1996. Mary F. Parker, City Clerk. Publish in the Roanoke Times, once on Friday, January 3, 1997, and once on Friday, January 10, 1997. Send publisher's affidavit and bill to: Mary F. Parker, City Clerk Room 456, Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Publish in the Roanoke Tribune. once on Thursday, January 9, 1997, and once on · Thursday, January 16, 1997. Send publisher's affidavit and bill to: Mary F. Parker, City Cleric Room 456, Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE ROANOKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The Roanoke City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 8, 1997, at 1:30 p.m. or as soon as the matter may be heard, in the City Council Chamber, fourth floor, Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., in order to consider the following: Application to amend Section 36.1-25. Zoning, Code of City of Roanoke, 1979, as amended, by amending the definition of"Lot coverage" as contained in Section 36.1-25. Definitions. A copy of said application is available for review in the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 162, Municipal Building. All parties in interest and citizens may appear on the above date and be heard on the matter. Martha P. Franklin, Secretary Roanoke City Planning Commission Please prim in newspaper on Tuesday, December 24, 1996 and December 31, 1996 Please bill and send affidavit of publication to: Department of Planning and Community Development Room 162, Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24011 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA Application of the City of Roanoke to alter by closure with barricades, the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., pursuant to S30-14 of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended ) APPLICATION FOR ) ALTERING AND ) CLOSING A PUBLIC ) STREET ) TO THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: The City of Roanoke hereby applies, pursuant to the Motion adopted by City Council on August 19, 1996, to alter by closure with barricades, the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., pursuant to Section 30-14, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended. The City of Roanoke, Virginia, states that the grounds for this application are as follows: An existing gate at the entrance to Hidden Valley Junior High School at the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive has been proposed to be opened. Opening of such gate will result in Mount Holland Drive and adjoining neighborhood streets becom/ng ways of ingress and egress to and from the School for school personnel, students, parents and other visitors, and will result in heavy volumes of vehicular traffic on Mount Holland Drive and adjoining neighborhood streets. Such heavy volumes of traffic will negatively affect the health, safety and welfare of residents of Mount Holland Drive and the surrounding neighborhood, are incompatible with the Comprehensive Plan, and will cause great public inconvenience. Residents of Mount Holland Drive support the closure of Mount Holland Drive at the above-described location. T~ie~Applicant proposes to close Mount Holland Drive at the. above-described location by removal of pavement, install'atlon of curb, guttering and fill, and other appropriate measures. The location of the above-described barricades is described in the attached maps. (Exhibits A, B.) A llst of the adjoining landowners affected by the subject closure is attached. (Exhibit C.) WHEREFORE, the City of Roanoke, Virginia, respectfully requests that the above-described location on Mount Holland Drive, S.W., be altered by closure with barricades, on a permanent basis, as described herein. Respectfully submitted, W. Robert Herbert City Manager ~(Date) __Approved as to form ~ssi~t~nt C ty Attorney ~ATI= Pl~OPo~ '"r'I~F'FIC I~f~TBXT A Street Closing Mount Holland Drive, S.W. Adjoining 9roperl:¥ owners= Official Tax No. 5110201 Clement B. Blnnings 1701 Driftwood Ln., S. Roanoke, VA 24018 Official Tax No. 5120115 Roanoke County School Board 5937 Cove Road, N.W. Roanoke, VA 24019 Official Tax No. 5120209 Jack Butcher 4904 Mt. Holland Dr., Roanoke, VA 24018 Se We Official Tax No. 5120308 Marion B. Via Estate c/o Moss & Rocovich, P.C. P. O. Box 13606 Roanoke, VA 24035 N=,h:L,b~L I: C T (2) ,nov dlyl included - if n~ 4ed, April b..~ma paid holidayl for teachers Imf ItUdenci. ~r. Gillispb, Supervisor of Transportation, presented the request i ~tch prices Co purchase from Ward B~y Co.any, Co~y~ Ar~naas~ bodies for the 13 ~s chaee~e pr~ouely app~v~ by the ~ard; and 7 additional 67 passenger bue~e and one add~t~o~l ~8 passenger special education ~s co. laCe vtCh l~fc sacs ~m BO~F ~r~n~ IncorreCt, · c scats bid price. ~ ~C~on of ~. Fisher, seeond~ by ~e. Rueh~ns, the Soard app~v~ porchaoins the ~ses as Listed belay: 13 ea. 7 ea. 7 ea. el. es, Ward bodies FOB Convey, Arkansas @ $3,633.00 $&7,229.00 International Chassis v/paver steering and 'l~o~e Bodies FOB High Point, R.C. @ $7,902.00 $$$,31&.00 48 passenger spuetal education bus .- International chassis and Thomas Body v/lift gate $ 8,67% The Superintendent referred to a letter from N~. H. E. Wood, Jr., District gnsineer of the Virginia Deparement of RIshvaye, advising of · desisned ney access Co ~dd~ Vall~ Znee~inCe S~ool. access ~uld ~M ~C onto (Route LAA2). ~e cecal ~.e of the p~Jeee b ..C~c~ ac $116,L91.~ of ~t~ She S~I ~a~ ut asa ~. After carehl r~t~ of she maser, the ~a~, on melon sE ~. T. C. Fisher, Jr., second~ by ~e. Pal ~sh~g, Xtghvay D~a~nC ~ drafed ~e foll~ resoluC~ so stacks ice incenc~ ~EREAS, the Roanoke County School Board Im dire need for a esttsfacCory nCranca to the Hidden Valley lntoreedtate School, vhich is both safe'and acceptable for the traffic of both the school bus transportation syot~el sod tho ge~orel public ~or activities during and beyond school honess ami I~REAS, the Dean Itoad eutrnoe or~ginally considered in nov deemed to be un~at~-faceory and dangerous evu after the fut~lra : develolmmnlr of Se~te louts AIg, and ~ the Seb~.. 1 Bead in mluatin$ the possibility of constructing yet anouer school on the Hidden Valley' grounds uhich · veil came additional traffic eateries ~onte &lO, and I~RKAf, h~Fin$ df~aeaod vith the Vlrgtnv- Department of Wishvaye che-Sch~l Boerdee interest in · peemanant, sntiehatory entrance to Chess schools, Bo ?'* .Tn U .U. ss rt _USOLVn the coue schoo arm eoan neee ~ eJ~ 0ti an oat ~' ' ' of HIahueye es mere in ~he esot for ~his p~oJee4 as ~d~c~ in cor~ee~ndence pree~C~ chLo da7 dit~ hr~ ~9~ 1973 fm ~. ~ ~d, Jr., Die~rXct ~8~ee~, .~ ~ a re~ ~ce. ~ero o~ she ~a~ ~e~ as foll~: R~h~s0 T. C. F~aher, ~ys ~ ~ne ~rchels c New School Resolution Rev Accesa to Ridden Valley Iuteruedta: School 4/10/73 ~uu~\C' '. TO STATE ROUTE 419 BY WJ OF DEAN I'.OAD: AND U. ZI4G 9lIE; ROANUKE COUNTY SCIIOOL BOARD TO PROVI bt.: SAYIE UE IT RE$OLVLD, that the Board of Supervisors et Ro~ok~ Cot,.~.¥ ,s o~ ~hc c]~tl~dn that the P~lic welfare and safety of its c~ i ze~l~din~ f~s school children,, would best be se=red [,y hav,.q a simile and sole matins o~ access for all tralfio to the ~ch~)ol I.rol,erty (fo~rl~ the (;rah~ property) located adjacent tr~ Stat,. Ire.re 419 be by way of Doan Road from State Route 419~ ,uJd u.ar, t ,,! Supervisors betfsg advised--that the Department of llighways -would .-t rc£Uso the use et th~ said bean Rofd foe such purpose; and el; IT FURTlf~R RESO~D tha~ the Cl~rk of this Board transmit c~rtified copieu of this Resolution to the Superintendent of tho I'ounoke County Schools and to the Ro~oke County School Board. ~)n motion of l;upervisor C. Lawrence ~8on, st]conded hY l;ul'l'l ',taut R. K. lillton, Jr. and adopted by the following IH.: IT FURTIIER RESOLV/:D, that the Board o~'S perv£sors County · '--' '- /' . tho ~o~ Co~t~ School,'to provide suc~.~ t~-xC~gltofl Of othe~. M~I of access., the it YL;S: (:. Lawra.n.~ D~....aon,--Rlg. h_!.r_q_C._Flora, a. ~. 'lq,omae: l~tleby~ llllto~:, Jr., J. :;i;:;'l'A[IJl..I,: ,;ohn G. Seibel IE~.~be~ W. Stokes Board of Su;ervisom, Roanoke Court/y, Va. Hidden Vall, Road/Route 419 Intersection Proposed Barricade Keagy Road Intersection Existing Barricade Residential Neighborhood Fax Cover Page Date/Time: Subject: From; To: Pages: November 27, 1996 / 9:0lAM Planning Commission Public Hearing ~ Dec. 4, 1996 Mike 'l'hacker Planning Commission Members I, including this. It has been a couple of months since th~ issue of the closure of Mt. Holland Dr. was 0rigi- nally scheduled to be heard by your C~mmission. I spoke ~ most, if not all, of~ou priOr tO the originally scheduled meeting and urged you to carefully review this request and endorse thc recommendation of staff to permanently close Mt. Holland Dr.. Tlie .t?e.at.to this community of traffic to 4d from Hidden Valley Junior High School t~ not .dimmashed. In fact, recently publicized plans to increase enrollment at the school further increase the potential for the County tct attempt to solve their problem at the expenge of City residents and the int~egrity of our ~eighborhood. I again urge you to recommend to City Council that Mt. Holland Dr. be closed in a manner that allows access only b~ emergency vehicles. Your COOl. ration and ' ~ ' support will be greatly appr~cmt~d. TOTIqL P. m~ ROANOKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 4, 1996 MINUTES DRAYl' The regular meeting of the Roanoke City Planning Commission was held on Wednesday, December 4, 1996. The meeting was called to by Richard Jones, Vice Chairman, at 1:45 p.m. Attendance was as follows: Present: John Bradshaw Kent Chrisman Barbara Duerk Melvin Hill Richard Jones Absent: Gilbert Butler Carolyn Coles The following items were discussed: 1. Approval of Minutes -October 2. 1996 and November 12, 1996 Mr. Jones asked for additions and/or corrections to the October 2, 1996, minutes. Mr. Chrisman moved the minutes be approved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hill. Mrs. Duerk stated that she would like her remarks on page 2, third paragraph from the bottom, stricken from the record since they did not relate to the subject. There being no further additions and/or corrections, Mr. Chrisman moved the minutes be approved as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hill and approved 5-0. Mr. Jones asked for additions and/or corrections to the November 12, 1996, minutes. Motion was made by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Duerk and unanimously approved to approve the minutes. Reauest from the City of Roanoke to alter bv closure with barricades, the eastern terminu~ of Mount Holland Drive. S.W.. pursuant to Section 30-14 of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979~. as amended. Stating he had a conflict of interest, Mr. Jones removed himself from discussion and vote on the above matter. Mrs. Duerk nominated Mr. Bradshaw as temporary chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Hill and approved 4-0. Mr. Bradshaw opened the hearing by stating the Commission understood there were sentiments both for and against the closure of Mount Holland Drive. He said that this particular closure affected both the City and the County and he understood that the road had been closed for all intents and Roanoke City Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 December 4, 1996 purposes for many years. He advised that the Commission could not close any street within the City, but would make a recommendation to City Council. Mr. Ted Tucker, City Planner, gave the staffpresentation on the matter. He said that the request was to close Mount Holland Drive at its terminus. Using a graphic display, Mr. Tucker pointed out the surrounding streets and neighborhood as well as the location of the proposed barricade and school property. He noted that the area had been annexed into the City in 1976. Mr. Tucker presented all information outlined in the written staff report which had been mailed to the Commission previously. He said that it was staff's opinion that the Commission should recommend to City Council that the street be altered by barricade to insure the integrity and stability of the adjoining neighborhood, as outlined in the City's comprehensive plan. He said that safety was both a concern with the school and the neighborhood. He also noted that the City would do what they could to assist the school in securing a traffic light at Hidden Valley School Road and Route 419. Mr. Chrisman questioned the emergency egress and what types of vehicles would be able to use the egress. Mr. Tucker responded that emergency egress would not be an open and shut type gate, but would be a traversable barrier, which could be crossed by any vehicle, with the exception of those Iow to the ground. He also noted that the barricade could easily be traversed by pedestrians and bicyclists. Mr. Bradshaw asked if the egress would go in either direction. Mr. Tucker said that it would. Ms. Deanna Gordon, Superintendent of Roanoke County Schools, appeared before the Commission and read from a prepared statement, which is attached to and made part of these minutes. Mr. Hill asked Ms. Gordon to explain her statement about the use of egress for emergencies and then the statement that the exit should be open to any type of vehicular traffic. Ms. Gordon stated that there could possibly be emergencies where parents would have to pick up their children at school or buses will have to transport children through the emergency egress. Mrs. Duerk asked if there was ingress/egress from Dean Road. Ms. Gordon responded that there was not. Mr. Bradshaw asked MS. Gordon if he understood that the school board had no objection to a gate, but had objection to a Iow, planted area. Roanoke City Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 December 4, 1996 Ms. Gordon said that the closure was the objection and that barricades were on other people's terms. She said that a gate could be opened and closed. She also noted that if the school's gate were removed and the barricade installed, that vandalism would be more likely to occur. Mr. Bradshaw stated there were a number of low barriers within the City and that four-wheel drive vehicles could traverse them. He said that if there was a gate, with a lock and key, then someone would have to be responsible for that. Mr. Dave Blevins, Principal at Hidden Valley Junior High School, appeared before the Commission and thanked them for the opportunity to speak. He spoke about the changes that had taken place in the area of I-Iidden Valley Junior High school since annexation and that it was not a simple task to the leave the school property. Mr. Blevins said that when the traffic light was installed at Keagy Road, school officials had thought about opening the gate for traffic because of the congestion on Route 419. He said that had not happened. He also said that the school had never advocated taking the gate down, however, there had been suggestions that at times during the school year another ingress/egress was necessary through the neighborhood. He said that to his knowledge, the gate had never been opened. He said there was a gate currently in place that might never be opened, but could be in case of emergency. He then asked that the road not be closed with a permanent barricade. Mr. Hill said that he was not clear on whether the concern was that closure would eliminate the street for emergency use or whether closure would eliminate a street that could be opened for convenience. Mr. Blevins said there were two issues: (1) whether the road was available for school use; and (2) whether the road would be permanently closed. He said that the gate might never be opened, but that if the street were closed by barricade and the gate remained, there was a safety issue. Mr. Hill said that he was still confused about whether Mr. Blevins was opposed to closure for convenience or emergency. Mr. Blevins said that the issue was whether or not it was appropriate tc~ close the street by permanent barricade that could be used for an emergency exit. Mr. Chrisman asked if most children were evacuated by school bus in emergency. Mr. Blevins said that was correct, but some parents did pick their children up. There was continued discussion of the type of barricade proposed for the area and Mr. Tucker explained that any vehicle with a 13"-15" wheel base should be able to traverse the barricade. He said that plantings would have to be reinstalled if the barricade were traversed. Roanoke City Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 December 4, 1996 Mrs. Duerk referenced a letter she had received from Hidden Valley School and asked if the school had access to traffic control on Route 419. Mr. Blevins responded that Roanoke County police provided a crossing guard 90% of the time and that ifthera were evening activities, school officials called the County police before dismissal and were sometimes successful in securing a police officer to direct traffic from the school grounds. Ms. Sherry Buckner, President of the PTA, appeared before the Commission and stated that she had been involved in the neighborhood meetings and understood the concerns of the neighborhood. She said that the issue of opening the gate one time a year had been raised and the PTA planned to limit the cars. She said that the PTA was concerned about the health and safety of the children and were also concerned about a permanent barricade. She said that she now understood what type of barricade was being proposed, but wanted to keep the gate in place. She again stated that the PTA did not want to let cars out on the neighborhood streets anytime they desired, but were concerned about the type of barricade installed. Mr. Chrisman said that it seemed that several concerns raised centered on vehicular access for the average citizen over the barricade. He asked ifa second gate had ever been considered by the City of Roanoke. Mr. Tucker said that to his knowledge there had never been any discussion about. He said that a second gate would mean another key and someone would have to be responsible for that. Mr. Tucker further stated that over the years, traversable barriers had become psychologically acceptable. Mr. Daniel Lubbs (5007 Mount Holland Drive, S.W.) appeared before the Commission and stated that the Hidden Valley PTA newsletter had been circulating which had stated that the gate was being permanently closed and emergency vehicle use would be prevented. He said that the newsletter had caused some of the problem in the neighborhood. He said that the neighborhood had appreciated the closure for over 23 years and that their neighborhood had changed very little over the years. He further noted that there were a number of streets throughout the City which had been closed by barricade. He asked the Commission approve the request. Mr. Bradshaw clarified for the record that some of the closures by barricade were not traversable, and other were. Mrs. Anne Tilley (4956 Mount Holland Drive, S.W.) appeared before the Commission and commented on the quiet, peaceful neighborhood. She said that she crossed her street many times a day to visit her daughter and enjoyed the neighborhood. She also mentioned that a number of joggers and pedestrians used the neighborhood streets. She noted there were seven retired senior citizens in the area. Mr. Bradshaw asked Ms. Tilley if she were opposed to the emergency vehicles using the street. Roanoke City Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 December 4, 1996 Mrs. Tilley said she was not. Mrs. Tilley said she had no objection to that at all, but objected to the gate being opened for PTA meetings. Mrs. Chris Lubbs (5007 Mount Holland Drive, S.W.) appeared before the Commission and stated she was committed to her neighborhood and the neighbors looked out for each other. She said that the neighborhood afforded the residents a sense of security and safety. She said that there was no problem with emergency vehicles going through the neighborhood and that was not an issue. Linda Donohue (5020 Bruceton Road, S.W.) appeared before the Commission and stated that she had children at Hidden Valley Junior High School and was concerned about safety at the school. She asked what the County was doing to solve the problem with traffic, noting that Hidden Valley School Road was a major problem. She suggested that the road could possibly be widened to allow vehicles making a left turn to have a separate lane. Ms. Donohue stated she was concerned about how many times a month the gate would be opened for activities and was not opposed to the use of the roadway for emergency vehicles. Ms. Donohue presented a written statement detailing the reasons to install a permanent barrier to close the end of Mount Holland Road, such statement is on file in the Department of Planning and Community Development. Ms. Donohue also stated that the County needed to address the issue from their side. Mr. Jim Walker (comer of Keithwood and Bruceton) appeared before the Commission and stated he was opposed to opening up the gate. He said that he would like to see a barricade a little higher than the one being proposed and would like the barricade to be installed so that only emergency vehicles could traverse it. He said that he was also disappointed that Roanoke County had not made any improvements to Hidden Valley School Road. Mr. Walker stated he had had discussions with Delegate Morgan Griffith about the possibility of the General Assembly asking for a traffic light at the intersection of Hidden Valley School Road and Route 419. He also stated that sensors could be put in Hidden Valley School Road that would trigger the lights at Allstate and Keagy Road. He again stated he would like a higher barricade. Mr. Todd Stafford (4942 Mount Holland Drive, S.W.) appeared before the Commission and stated that the Hidden Valley PTA had approached the neighborhood with a compromise of opening the gate for a couple of nights. He said that the neighborhood's problem with that was that it was a short-term issue, but the potential existed for the situation to get even worse. He said that he was in favor of the barricade for emergency egress only. He said that the problem was not going away and it was very important for him and his family that the streets in the neighborhood remain as they are. Rutledge Robertson (1514 Bmceton Road, S.W.) appeared before the Commission and stated that with increases in traffic, real estate values declined. He handed out a map depicting the traffic pattern and its eff'ect on the homes on Bmceton, Mount Holland and Keithwood, if the gate were opened in the flature. Roanoke City Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 December 4, 1996 Mr. Albert Schoester (5055 Bruceton Road, S.W.) appeared before the Commission and stated that a petition had been circulated and the neighborhood was unanimously in favor of a permanent barricade. He said there was no objection at all to passage of emergency vehicles. He further stated he had a copy of a letter from Jeff Rodgers, President of the Greater Deyerle Neighborhood Association, supporting the request to close. Ms. Lin Price (4930 Mount Holland Drive, S.W.) appeared before the Commission and stated that she would be opposed to children being picked up at the terminus of Mount Holland Drive. She also questioned who de~ermined when an emergency situation arose. Mr. Bradshaw said that the emergency would have to be determined by the principal since Hidden Valley School's gate would still be in place and locked. Ms. Price said that installation of another gate had been mentioned. She said that she did not want that. She said that she did not want anything to happen to any of the students nor to the neighborhood residents. She noted, however, that she wanted the neighborhood protected. Ms. Gordon commented that she would like it clarified that the City, under State Code, built and maintained their own roadways; whereas the County had no funding for building and maintaining streets. She said that VDOT was responsible for that. She also noted that the only way the school could improve Hidden Valley School Road would be through VDOT. Mr. Marlles stated that was basically correct, however, Roanoke County did have input into the programming process of VDOT. Mr. Bradshaw also noted that the roadway was located on school property and the school was responsible for it. He then declared the public hearing portion of the meeting adjourned. Mrs. Duerk said that the City supported strong neighborhoods and one of the issues has been cut through traffic. She said that the closure request was not a City/County issue, but a neighborhood concern. Mr. Hill commented that the Commission should base their decisions on the City's comprehensive plan, which states that closures should ensure the preservation of safe and convenient vehicular and pedestrian movement on adjacent neighborhood streets and the protection of the character and stability of adjacent neighborhoods. He said that the barricade would allow emergency access. Mr. Bradshaw asked if there was a motion to approve the City's recommendation. Motion was made by Mr. Hill, seconded by Barbara Duerk and approved 4-0-1 (Mr. Jones abstaining) to approve the barricade of Mount Holland Drive, S.W. 3. Other Discussion Roanoke City Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 December 4, 1996 Mrs. Duerk advised the Commission that a Transportation/Utilities/Facilities Subcommittee meeting had been held on November 25, 1996 and the following had been discussed: intersection design at Bennington, S.E; design of bridge at Main and Wasena, S.W.; 10th Street widening project and how that might interface with greenway and bicycle plan; and 1-581 ramp. She also commented that the ISTEA application would be due in January; that the public hearing on the bicycle plan would be held in January; and that the greenway plan should be coming to the Commission in the near future. Mrs. Duerk stated she would like information on how the demolition on the two structures in Gainsboro occurred. Mr. Marlles briefed the Commission on what he knew about the demolitions, noting that demolitions were approved and permitted by the Building Department, not by the Planning Department. Mr. Marlles stated that he would like for the Commission to give him permission to schedule a public heating on possible zoning amendments. Mr. Bradshaw moved to schedule a public hearing for the Commission's January meeting. He said that in the meantime he would talk with the Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hill and approved 5-0. Mrs. Duerk stated that the Commission had raised the issue of the status of the Roanoke River Corridor Study at the joint City/County meeting. She asked if staff had pursued the matter. Mr. Marlles responded that he had discussed the matter with the City Attorney and the City Attorney had asked him to prioritize the five ordinances currently under review. He said that the City Attorney had also stated that a number of ordinances were close to completion and suggested that those ordinances be given top priority. He said the City Attorney would provide him with a timetable. Mr. Marlles introduced Madam 3dam, Partnership Coordinator, and Chris Chittum, Neighborhood Planner There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m. COMMENTS TO THE ROANOKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ON THE MATYER OF CLOSING THE EASTERN TERM/NUS OF MOUNT HOLLAND ROAD BY BARRICADE DECEMBER 11, 1996 My name is Deanna Gordon. I am superintendent of Roanoke County Schools and I come before you today to represent the interests of the Roanoke Count' School Board and the staff, students and parents of Hidden Valley Junior High School which is located at the eastern terminns of Mount Holland Road. I would first like to make the point that the schools have tried to be considerate neighbors to the residents of the Mt. Holland area. The gate has been kept closed for more I'han twenty years. When we began to receive requests fi:om the parents of Hidden Valley School smdants that they have some limited access to Mt. Holland Road as a safer and more convenient exit fi:om the school, we responded by inviting the city residents of that area to come to the school to talk with us about that possibility. We took no rash action and we tried to seek all other alternatives to provide for safe exiting fi:om the school without increasing traffic through this neighborhood. Never, at any time, did we propose or consider routing buses through the neighborhood. Never did we consider full access to the use of Mt. Holland Road. We believe that it is an overreaction for the City of Roanoke to move fi:om an open discussion about the possibility of limited use of a street to full barricading of a street that is an essential part of any emergency plan for rapid evacuation of the students fi:om Hidden Valley School. I do not believe that the members of this commission would want to leave as the only access to this school a single, faixly narrow road that could be easily blocked by any number of possible accidents on Route g419, by flooding, or other highly unlikely, but possible disastrous events. I repeat. This exit is absolutely required as an emergency exit. It must be open to any type of vehicular traffic, not just large emergency vehicles that might be able to nm over trees, shrubs and concrete curbing. Further, as a moral issue and as a issue of regional cooperation, I find it unconscionable that Roanoke City policy makers and decision makers would erect yet another banicade between these two political entities. All of us are interested in finding ways to work together and today you are being asked to erect a barricade that will loom as high and as wide as the infamous Berlin Wall in the minds of hundreds of Roanoke County citizens whose children attend Hidden Valley School. How can we hope to break down the political differences that separate us, if we erect a bamcade that makes a mockery oftaik about regional cooperation? Ia the interest of the safety and welfare of the children who attend Hidden Valley and in the interest of being good neighbors, I call upon you to refuse to recommend the erection of a barricade between Roanoke City and Roanoke County. The street is still closed by a gate. Gates indicate friendly relationships between neighbors. Barricades indicate ill wilt. ' I a LD REASONS TO INSTALL A PERMANENT BARRIER TO CLOSE THE END OF MT HOLLAND DR TO HVJI-I SCHOOL IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN: 1. LIMITED TRAFFIC THROUGH THE BRUCETON/KEITHWOOD/MT HOLLAND NEIGHBORHOOD. 2. SAFETY: - RESIDENTS; BOTH ELDERLY AND ADULTS WALKING OUR STREETS DURING THE DAYTIME AND AFTER DARK. - CHILDREN; PLAYING IN THE ROAD, ROLLERBLADING, SKATEBOARDING, AND PLAYING BALL IN THE ROAD. -PROPERTY; FROM ACCIDENTS AS WELL AS VANDALISM. -NEIGHBORING RESIDENTS; WHO ROUTINELY USE OUR STREETS TO JOG, WALK, AND ROLLERBLADE. -HVJH TRACK AND CSHS CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS BOTH UTILIZE THE SAFETY OF OUR STREETS TO RUN/TRAIN 3. MAINTAIN OUR SAFE/SECURE NEIGHBORHOOD WHICH HAS LITTLE OR NO VANDALISM/CRIME. 4. MAINTAIN PROPERTY VALUES. REASONS HVZI-I SCHOOL/PARENTS MIGHT WANT TO OPEN THE GATE AT MT HOLLAND DR TO TRAFFIC AT HVJH: 1. SAFETY; DRIVERS COMING/LEAVING HVJH PROPERTY WOULD HAVE AN ACCESS TO THE TRAFFIC LIGHT ONTO RT 419 AT KEAGY. 2. ESTABLISH A SECOND ENTRANCE/EXIT FROM I-1VJH DURING AND AFTER SCHOOL HOURS (24 HRS DAY/7DAYS WEEK). HOW COULD WE PROTECT THE SAFETY OF ALL THOSE NEEDING ACCESS TO HVJH PROPERTY WITHOUT OPENING THE MT HOLLAND GATE? 1. WIDEN THE HVJH ACCESS RD (HVJH RD) TO ACCOMMODATE TWO LANES EXITING AND ONE LANE ENTERING HVJH DR. (CURRENTLY, THE FIRST AND SECOND CARS IN LINE ESTABLISH THE BACKUP OF TRAFFIC BECAUSE THERE IS NO ROOM FOR THE TI-IIRD OR SUBSEQUENT CARS TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN ONTO RT 419. EVERY DRIVER MUST WAIT UNTIL THE FIRST AND SECOND CARS HAVE PULLED OUT ONTO RT 419 IN ORDER FOR THEMSELVES TO BE ABLE TO MOVE INTO POSITION TO TUKN LEFT OR RIGHT. 2. ESTABLISH A LIGHT AT RT 419 AND HVJH DR THAT WILL ONLY TRIGGER WHEN SIDE TRAFFIC HAS PULLED UP TO THE INTERSECTION. (COULDN'T THE DISTANCE BE GAUGED SO THAT, AS AN EXAMPLE, A DISTANCE OF 4 CAR LENGTHS WOULD NEED TO BACK UP BEFORE THE LIGHT WOULD TRIGGER? IE: ONE OR TWO CARS AT HVJH DR WOULD NOT TRIGGER A LIGHT CHANGE.) WHAT TRAFFIC CURRENTLY USES HVJH DR AND, IF THE I-IVJH GATE WERE TO BE OPENED AT THE END OF MT HOLLAND DR, WHAT ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC WOULD POSSIBLY USE THIS ACCESS AND WHAT AFFECT WOULD IT HAVE ON THE BRUCETON/KEITHWOOD/MT HOLLAND AREA? (IT MUST BE UNDERSTOOD THAT ONCE THE GATE IS OPENED, IT WILL BE OPEN 24 I-IRS A DAY, EVERY DAY. WE FEEL THIS A LEGITIMATE CONCERN BASED UPON THE FACT THAT HVJH LAST WINTER INCURRED REPEATED VANDALISM ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS. THIS VANDALISM WAS DONE BY MOTOR VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF THE MAIN GATE CROSSING HVJH DR NEAR THE SOCCER FIELD HAD BEEN CLOSED AFTER SCHOOL HOURS. IF THE SCHOOL DID NOT LIMIT ACCESS TO THEIR PROPERTY FOLLOWING THE FIRST INCIDENT OF VANDALISM, IT MUST BE REASONABLE TO ASSUME THE GATE WOULD NEVER CLOSE. AND THEREFORE, THE BRUCETON/KEITHWOOD/MT HOLLAND AREA WILL BE ACCESSIBLE FROM HVJH AT ALL TIMES.) 1. 900+ STUDENTS CURRENTLY ATTEND HVJH. NOT ALL STUDENTS RIDE THE BUS TO SCHOOL. NON-RESIDENTS, EARLY (0 PERIOD) STUDENTS, TUTORED, AND THOSE NOT WISHING TO RIDE A SCHOOL BUS DAILY ARE DROPPED OFF BETWEEN THE MORNING HOURS OF 7:30 TO 8:20 AM, WITH THE MAJORITY OF STUDENTS AND ALL 15 SCHOOL BUSES ARRIVING AND LEAVING I-IVJI--I BETWEEN 8:05 AND 8:25 AM. 2. APPROXIMATELY 88 FACULTY/OFFICE PERSONNEL ARE ASSIGNED TO HVJH. 3. NEXT SCHOOL YEAR, (1997-98), ROANOKE COUNTY WILL BEGIN SENDING RISING JR. HIGH STUDENTS FROM CAVE SPRING ELEMENTARY TO HVJH. UP TO THIS TIME, CAVE SPRING ELEM. STUDENTS DO NOT ATTEND HVJH UNLESS THEY VOLUNTEER TO ATTEND. NEXT YEAR, THEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY ATTEND I-IVJH UNLESS THERE IS AN OLDER SIBLING CURRENTLY ATTENDING CAVE SPRING JR HIGH, IN WHICH CASE THE STUDENT MAY OPT TO ATTEND CSJH RATHER THAN HVJH. TI-I~S WILL INCREASE ENROLLMENT AT HVJH AND WILL INCREASE TRAFFIC. AFFECT: ROANOKE CITY SCHOOL BUSES ARE IN THE BRUCETON/KEITHWOOD/ NiT HOLLAND AREA TO PICK UP STUDENTS AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES: MIDDLE SCHOOL: 7:15 AM HIGH SCHOOL : 7:55 AM ELEMENTARY : 8:25 AM (NOTE: ROANOKE CITY STUDENTS ARE WALKING TO ONE OF ONLY TWO BUS STOPS IN THE ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD AND MANY ARE CROSSING AN INTERSECTION AND WALKING TO THE BUS STOP BY WAY OF EITHER A BLIND CURVE OR AN APPROXIMATE 30 DEGREE GRADE HILL. ) CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WOULD BE WALKING TO OR WAITING AT THEIR BUS STOP AT THE SAME TIME THAT FACULTY/PERSONNEL/BUS/AND CAR-RIDING HVJH STUDENTS WOULD BE DRIVING TO HVJH THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. THIS SITUATION WOULD CAUSE A DEFINITE CONCERN FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD CHII DREN'S SAFETY. 4. HVJH STUDENTS/BUSES/FACULTY ARE ARRIVLNG AND LEAVING THE SCHOOL IN THE AFTERNOON PRIMARILY BETWEEN THE TLME OF 2:45 AND 3:30 PM. AFFECT: ROANOKE CITY SCHOOL BUSES ARE DROPPING OFF NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES: MIDDLE SCHOOL : 2:30PM HIGH SCHOOL 3:00 PM ELEMENTARY 3:30 PM ONCE AGAIN, HVJH TRAFFIC WOULD BE COMING THROUGH THE CITY NEIGHBORHOOD AT THE SAME TIME OUR CHILDREN WOULD BE GETTING OFF THE SCHOOL BUS AND WALKING HOME. 5. HVJH DANCES: SCHOOL DANCES ARE SCHEDULED ON FRIDAY NIGHTS APPROXIMATELY 6 TIMES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. SIXTH GRADERS ATTENDING THE DANCES MUST BE PICKED UP AT 9:30 PM. OLDER STUDENTS ARE PICKED UP AT 10:00 PM. AFFECT: THE NEIGHBORHOOD WOULD BE INUNDATED WITH 100'S OF CARS DROPPING OFF, PICKING UP, AND EXITING THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD 6 TIMES DURING THE COURSE OF ONE DANCE! 6. PTA MEETINGS, CLASS FIELD TRIPS, VARIOUS MEETINGS HELD AT HVJH, ROANOKE COUNTY ADULT ED CLASSES, HVJH TEAM SPORT PRACTICES AND GAMES, CAVE SPRING HIGH SCHOOL TEAM SPORT PRACTICES, AND ROANOKE COUNTY REC DEPARTMENT TEAM SPORTS PRACTICES AND GAMES, WILL ALL ADD TO ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC WANTING TO ACCESS THE TRAFFIC LIGHT ON RT 419 BY WAY OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD! (ROANOKE CO. REC DEPARTMENT UTILIZES THE SOCCER AND BASEBALL FACILITIES LOCATED ON HVJH DR 4 TO 6 DAYS A WEEK FROM APRIL UNTIL OCTOBER, USING THE FACILITIES FOR PRACTICE AS WELL AS GAMES.) WE WOULD INVITE ROANOKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS TO DRIVE THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. YOU WILL FIND THAT WE ARE A SMALL COMMUNITY WITH BASICALLY ONE WAY IN AND ONE WAY OUT (DUE TO A DIVIDED MEDIUM STRIP WHICH LLMITS ACCESS INTO AND OUT OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.) WE HAVE WITHIN OUR 3 STREETS AND A SECTION OF MCVITTY RD, 4 BLIND CURVES AND TWO STEEP HILLS. RESIDENTS DAILY PARK THEIR CARS IN AND AROUND TWO OF THESE BLIND CURVES WHICH MEANS THAT VEHICLES ARE ROUTINELY DRIVEN LEFT OF CENTER THROUGH THESE CURVES. AREA RESIDENTS ARE AWARE OF THESE PARKED CARS AND MAKE ACCOMMODATIONS. HOWEVER, WOULD OR COULD WE EXPECT THAT 100'S OF NEW DRIVERS COMING INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, IN A HURRY TO GET WHERE THEY'RE GOING AND GET OUT, WOULD BE AS CAUTIOUS AND ACCOMMODATING? HAVING LIVED ON THE BLIND CURVE ON THE LOWER END OF BRUCETON RD FOR 23+ YEARS, WE HAVE RESIDED HERE LONG ENOUGH TO HAVE WITNESSED THE TEENAGERS WHO ROUNDED THE FIRST BLIND CURVE TOO FAST AND LOST CONTROL OF THEIR CAR AND WOUND UP AGAINST A TREE 1N THE FRONT YARD AT 5055 BRUCETON. WE CAN RECALL THE TEENAGER WHO LATE ONE NIGHT LOST CONTROL OF HIS CAR AND RAN INTO OUR NEIGHBOR'S TRUCK PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AT 5026 BRUCETON. THIS ACCIDENT WAS PARTICULARLY UNNERVING TO US SINCE IF HE HAD NOT HIT THE TRUCK AND STOPPED, HE WOULD HAVE RUN INTO THE CORNER OF OUR HOUSE WHERE OUR INFANT DAUGHTER WAS ASLEEP IN HER CRIB NOT 15 FEET FROM THE PARKED TRUCK! OR HOW ABOUT THE TWO ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED 1N THE SECOND BLIND CURVE. ONE ACCIDENT TOOK DOWN THE MAILBOX AND THE OTHER ACCIDENT INVOLVED THE CAR CRASHING INTO A ROW OF PINE TREES. AGAIN, Il: THE TREE HADN'T STOPPED THE CAR, IT ALSO COULD HAVE DRIVEN INTO THE HOUSE. WE ARE NOT ASKING THAT EMERGENCY VEHICLES BE BARRED FROM ENTERING OUR NEIGHBORHOOD TO ACCESS HVJI-I SCHOOL. THEY MIGHT REQUIRE ANOTHER ENTRANCE IN AN EMERGENCY. WE ARE ASKING THAT A BARRIER BE PLACED AT THE END OF MT HOLLAND DR TO BAR HVJI-I CAR/TRUCK/BUS TRAFFIC FROM ACCESSING THE SCHOOL THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. NO ONE WOULD DENY THAT HVJH SCHOOL HAS A MAJOR TRAFFIC AND SAFETY PROBLEM. AND IT IS A SITUATION THAT MUST HAVE A RESOLUTION SOON. BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED TRYING TO PULL OUT ONTO RT 419 FROM I-IVJH DR. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED BY ROANOKE COUNTY RESIDENTS AND A RESOLUTION ARRIVED AT THAT DOES NOT JEOPARDIZE THE LIVES AND PROPERTY OF ROANOKE CITY NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS WHO WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED! LINDA M. DONOHUE EDMUND M. DONOHUE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA PERTAINING TO THE STREET CLOSURE REQUEST OF: Request from City of Roanoke to close by barricade Mount Holland Drive, S.W., at its eastern terminus. ) )AFFIDAVIT COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ) ) TO-WIT: CITY OF ROANOKE ) The affiant, Martha Pace Franklin, first being duly sworn, states that she is Secretary to the Roanoke City Planning Commission, and as such is competent to make this affidavit of her own personal knowledge. Affidavit states that, pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.1-431, Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended, on behalf of the Planning Commission of the City of Roanoke, she has sent by first-class mail on the 25th day of November, 1996, notices of a public hearing to be held on the 4th day of December, 1996, on the closure captioned above to the owner or agent of the parcels listed below at their last known address: Parcel Owner. Aeent or Occupant Address 5110201 Clement B. Binnings 5120115 Roanoke County School Board 5120209 Jack Butcher 5120308 Marion B. Via Estate c/o Moss & Rocovich, PC Others Notified: Elmer C. Hodge, Co. Administrator County of Roanoke P. O. Box 29800 Roanoke, VA 24018-0798 Mr. and Mrs. W. David Price 4930 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lubbs 5007 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. and Mrs. John L. Aker 1709 Driftwood Lane, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24018 1701 Driftwood Ln., SW Roanoke, VA 24018 5937 Cove Road, NW Roanoke, VA 24019 4904 Mount Holland Drive Roanoke, VA 24018 P. O. Box 13606 Roanoke, VA 24035 Mr. and Mrs. James Helba 5025 Bmceton Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Ms. Elizabeth Brooks 4950 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Edmund M. Donohue 5020 Bruceton Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Ms. Rebecca Cheatwood 5004 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Reverend & Mrs. Andrew Berkner 5012 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. Albert Schoester 5055 Bruceton Road, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24018 Ms. Suzanne E. Barnett 5031 Bruceton Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thacker 4929 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Steve Fox 5031 Gatewood Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. Todd E. Stafford 4942 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Ms. Sharon S. Mitchell 4938 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018-1630 Mr. Richard L. Stroupe 2072 McVitty Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Ms. Anne Tilley 4956 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 ~fi~lart~a Pace'Franidl-n SIJBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me, a Notary Public, in the City of Roanoke, Virginia, this 25th day of November, ~96. My Commission Expires: ~J~/ /qq~7 CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA PERTAINING TO THE STREET CLosuRE REQUEST OF: Request from City of Roanoke to close by barricade Mount Holland Drive, S.W., at its eastern terminus. ) )AFFIDAVIT COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ) ) TO-WIT: CITY OF ROANOKE ) The affiant, Martha Pace Franklin, first being duly sworn, states that she is Secretary to the Roanoke City Planning Commission, and as such is competent to make this affidavit of her own personal knowledge. Affidavit states that, pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.1-431, Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended, on behalf of the Planning Commission of the City of Roanoke, she has sent by first-class mall on the 9th day of September, 1996, notices of a public hearing to be held on the 18th day of September, 1996, on the closure captioned above to the owner or agent of the parcels listed below at their last known address: Parcel Owner. Aeent or Occupant 5110201 Clement B. Binnings 5120115 Roanoke County School Board 5120209 Jack Butcher 5120308 Marion B. Via Estate c/o Moss & Rocovich, PC Others Notified: Elmer C. Hodge, Co. Administrator County of Roanoke P. O. Box 29800 Roanoke, VA 24018-0798 Mr. and Mrs. W. David Price 4930 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lubbs 5007 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. and Mrs. John L. Aker 1709 Driftwood Lane, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24018 Address 1701 Driftwood Ln., SW Roanoke, VA 24018 5937 Cove Road, N3V Roanoke, VA 24019 4904 Mount Holland Drive Roanoke, VA 24018 P. O. Box 13606 Roanoke, VA 24035 Mr. and Mrs. James Helba 5025 Bmceton Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Ms. Elizabeth Brooks 4950 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Edmund M. Donohue 5020 Bmceton Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Ms. Rebecca Cheatwood 5004 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Reverend & Mrs. Andrew Berkner 5012 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. Albert Schoester 5055 Bruceton Road, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24018 Ms. Suzanne E. Barnett 5031 Bruceton Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thacker 4929 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. and Mrs. Steve Fox 5031 Gatewood Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Mr. Todd E. Stafford 4942 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Ms. Sharon S. Mitchell 4938 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018-1630 Mr. Richard L. Stroupe 2072 McVitty Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Ms. Anne Tilley 4956 Mount Holland Drive, SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Martha Pace Franklin SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me, a Notary Public, in the City of Roanoke, Virginia, this 9th day of September, ~1996. Notary Public My Commission Expires: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE ROANOKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The Roanoke City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 4, 1996, at 1:30 p.m. or as soon as the matter may be heard, in the City Council Chamber, fourth floor, Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., in order to consider the following: Request fi.om the City of Roanoke that the easternmost terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., near the rear entrance to Hidden Valley Junior High School, be altered, by closure, with barricade, pursuant to Section 30-14 of the Code of the City of Roanoke, 1979, as amended. A copy of said application is available for review in the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 162, Municipal Building. All parties in interest and citizens may appear on the above date and be heard on the matter. Martha P. Franklin, Secretary Roanoke City Planning Commission Please print in newspaper on Thursday, August 22, 1996 and Wednesday, August 28, 1996 Please bill and send affidavit of publication to: Department of Planning and Community Development Room 162, Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24011 MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.V~, Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 September 4, 1996 File #514 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk Carolyn H. Coles, Chairperson City Planning Commission 1501 Cove Road, N. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24017 Dear Ms. Coles: Pursuant to Section 30-14, Procedure for altering or vacating City streets or alleys; fees therefor, of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, I am enclosing copy of an application from the City of Roanoke requesting that the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S. W., be altered by closure with barricades on a permanent basis. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: Mr. C. Michael Thacker, 4929 Mount Holland Drive, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24018 The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council W. Robert Herbert, City Manager John R. Marlles, Agent, City Planning Commission Martha P. Franklin, Secretary, City Planning Commission Edward R. Tucker, City Planner Ronald H. Miller, Building Commissioner Steven J. Talevi, Assistant City Attorney IN RE: IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, Application of the City of Roanoke to alter by closure with barricades, the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., pursuant to §30-14 of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended VIRGINIA ) APPLICATION FOR ) ALTERING AND ) CLOSING A PUBLIC ) STREET ) TO THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: The City of Roanoke hereby applies, pursuant to the Motion adopted by City Council on August 19, 1996, to alter by closure with barricades, the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive, S.W., pursuant to Section 30-14, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended. The City of Roanoke, Virginia, states that the grounds for this application are as follows: An existing gate at the entrance to Hidden Valley Junior High School at the eastern terminus of Mount Holland Drive has been proposed to be opened. Opening of such gate will result in Mount Holland Drive and adjoining neighborhood streets becoming ways of ingress and egress to and from the School for school personnel, students, parents and other visitors, and will result in heavy volumes of vehicular traffic on Mount Holland Drive and adjoining neighborhood streets. Such heavy volumes of traffic will negatively affect the health, safety and welfare of residents of Mount Holland Drive and the surrounding neighborhood, are incompatible with the Comprehensive Plan, and will cause great public inconvenience. Residents of Mount Holland Drive support the closure of Mount Holland Drive at the above-described location. The Applicant proposes to close Mount Holland Drive at the above-described location by removal of pavement, installation of curb, guttering and fill, and other appropriate measures. The location of the above-described barricades is described in the attached maps. (Exhibits A, B.) A list of the adjoining landowners affected by the subject closure is attached. (Exhibit C.) WHEREFORE, the City of Roanoke, Virginia, respectfully requests that the above-described location on Mount Holland Drive, S.W., be altered by closure with barricades, on a permanent basis, as described herein. Respectfully submitted, W. Robert Herbert City Manager Date ) _Approved as to form ~.ssistant City Attorney HOSP~T'AL. r~ pRoPosE, b ~__.. LOSU R:~. Street Closing Mount Holland Drive, S.W. Adjoining property owners: Official Tax No. 5110201 Clement B. Binnings 1701 Driftwood Ln., Roanoke, VA 24018 So W, Official Tax No. 5120115 Roanoke County School Buard 5937 Cove Road, N.W. Roanoke, VA 24019 Official Tax No. 5120209 Jack Butcher 4904 Mt. Holland Dr., S. W. Roanoke, VA 24018 Official Tax No. 5120308 Marion B. Via Estate c/o Moss & Rocovich, P.C. P. O. Box 13606 Roanoke, VA 24035 MARY F. PARKER, CMC/AAE Cily Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S,W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 2401 ~-1536 Telephone: (540) 853-2541 Fax: /540) 8534 145 February 10, 1997 File #15-110-207 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy Cit~ Clerk William L. Bova 2719 Lofton Road, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24015 Dear Mr. Bova: I am enclosing copy of Resolution No. 33266-020397 appointing you as a Director of the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, to fill the remaining portion of the four year term of Stanley R. Hale, which commenced on October 21, 1993, and will expire on October 20, 1997. Resolution No. 33266-020397 was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. I am also enclosing a Certificate of your election. Your Oath of Office was administered on January 22, 1997, and is on file in the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court and the City Clerk's Office. Pursuant to Section 2.1-341.1, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, I am enclosing copy of the Freedom of Information ACt. On behalf of the Mayor and Members of City Council, I would like to express appreciation for your willingness to serve the City of Roanoke as a Director of the Industrial Development Authority. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: Samuel H. McGhee, III, Chairperson, Industrial Development Authority, 701 First Street, S. W, Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Margaret R. Baker, Secretary, Industrial Development Authority, 2140 VVindsor Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24015 Sandra H. Eakin, Deputy City Clerk COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ) ) To-wit: CITY OF ROANOKE ) I, Mary F. Parker, City Clerk, and as such City Clerk of the Council of the City of Roanoke and keeper of the records thereof, do hereby certify that at a regular meeting of Council held on the third day of February, 1997, WILLIAM L BOVA was appointed as a Director of the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, to fill the remaining portion of a four year term of Stanley R. Hale, which commenced on October 21, 1993, and will expire on October 20, 1997. Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Roanoke this tenth day of February, 1997. City Clerk 1NTHECOUNCILOFTHECITYOFROANOKE, VIRGINIA, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33266-020397. A RESOLUTION appointing a Director of the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, to fill the remaining portion of a four (4) year term on its Board of Directors. WHEREAS, the Council is advised that Stanley R. Hale, a Director of the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Vir~nia, resigned effective May 22, 1995, and the vacancy has not been filled; WHEREAS, § 15.1-1377 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, provides that appointments made by the governing body of such Directors shall, after initial appointment, be made for terms of four (4) years. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke tha~ William L. Bova is hereby appointed as a Director on the Board of Directors of the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, V~ginia, to fill the remaining portion of the four (4) year term of Stanley R. Hale which commenced on October 21, 1993, and will expire on Octobe~ 20, 1997. ATTEST: City Clerk. 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy Cily Clerk February 10, 1997 File ~0-132 Ms. Patricia W. Kost, Clerk City of Lynchburg 900 Church Street Lynchburg, Virginia 24504 Dear Ms. Kost: I am enclosing copy of Resolution No. 33267-020397 memorializing the late Junius A. Haskins, Jr., Member, Lynchburg City Council. The Members of the Roanoke City Council and the citizens of the City of Roanoke extend their deepest regrets and sympathy. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File ~80-132 Mrs. Claudette S. Haskins 1510 Madison Street Lynchburg, Virginia 24504 Dear Mrs. Haskins: I am enclosing copy of Resolution No. 33267-020397 memorializing the late Junius A. Haskins, Jr., Member, Lynchburg City Council. The Members of the Roanoke City Council and the citizens of the City of Roanoke extend their deepest regrets and sympathy. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGIlqIA, The 3~cl day of February, 1997. No. 33267-020397. A RESOLUTION memorializing the late Junius A. Haskins, Jr., Member, Lynchburg City Council. WHEREAS, the members of this Council have learned, with sorrow, of the passing on January 17, 1997, of the Honorable Junius A. Haskins, Jr., Member, Lynchburg City Council; WHEREAS, Mr. Haskln~ had served on the Lynchburg City Council since 1992 and died in the service of his City while on a trip to Washington, D.C., and he had also served as a member of the Lynchburg City School Board from 1985 to 1992; WHEREAS, Mr. Haskins had served as the President of the Lynchburg Chapter of the NAACP for twelve years and was dedicated to the principles of equal rights and justice for all people; WHEREAS, the influence of Mr. Haskins, who had recently been elected to the Executive Commiltee of the Vil~'ni~ Municipal League, extended far beyond the boundaries of the City of Lynchburg, and this dedicated public servant was widely known throughout the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS, Mr. Haskinn' friends on the City Council of the City of Roanoke desire to take special notice of the passing of this distinguished Vir~t, inlan; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. The City Council adopts this means of recording its deepest regrets at the passing of the Honorable Junius A. Haskins, Jr., Member, Lynchburg City Council, and extends to Claudette S. Haskins, his widow, the sympathy of this Council and that of the citizens of this City. 2. The City Clerk is directed to forward an attested copy of this Resolution to Mrs. Haskins and to the Clerk of the Lynchburg City Council. ATTEST: City Clerk. Mary F. Parker, CMC/A~.E c~ Cl~k CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File #11-178-227 W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke held on Monday, February 3, 1997, Council Member VVhite referred to a newspaper article which appeared in the Thursday, January 30 edition of the Roanoke Times listing Roanoke as the most segregated City in Virginia. You were requested to report to Council with regard to data/factors which were used to compile the national study. Council Member Swain requested that Council be apprised of any irregularities reported to the Fair Housing Board. Sincerely, /~~ Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm pc: Dolores C. Daniels, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Relations Rose M. Woodford, Executive Secretary, City Manager's Office IN TH~COUNCI~OFTHECITYOF ROANOKE, VIRGrNIA, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33268-020397. ARESOLUTIONauthorizingsettlement ora claim. WHEREAS, commencing in 1991, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia ~Blue Cross) served as third party administrator for the City's health care plan; WHEREAS, Blue Cross negotiated provider discounts with various hospitals in and about the Roanoke area; WHEREAS, the City believes that the discounts were improperly withheld from the City; WHF.~REAS, Blue Cross maintains it had the right to retain part or all of the hospital discounts under its contract with the City; and WHEREAS, to avoid the costs of litigation, the City and Blue Cross have agreed to settle their dispute over the allocation of hospital discount credits between the City and Blue Cross. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. The City Attorney is hereby authorized to execute, on behalf of the City, a settlement agreement and general release with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia. 2. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the City shall receive the sum of $193,951 on or before February 10, 1997. 3. By ~ecutin$ the settlement agreement and general release, the City shall release B Cross from any and ail claims which the City may have arising out of the crediting or retention of provider discounts. ATTEST: City Clerk. Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File 20-132-178-277 W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke held on Monday, February 3, 1997, Council Member Parrott requested that the matter of providing parking for persons residing in downtown Roanoke be referred to you for study, report and recommendation. He celled attention to the practice of some Iocelities of issuing a sticker to be applied to the windshield of the vehicle. Vice-Mayor Wyatt asked that you explore the feasibility of providing parking in the downtown parking garages. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm pc: Rose M. Woodford, Executive Secretary, City Manager's Office Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE c~y Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE Office of the City Clerk Sandra H. Eakin Deputy City Clerk February 10, 1997 File #5-132 W. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Herbert: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke held on Monday, February 3, 1997, Council Member Swain addressed the isaue of additional space needs of the Police Department. He requested a report on the feasibility of police substations, and called attention to the former Best Products building on Hershberger Road as a possible location. Sincerely, Mary F. Parke~, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm George C. Sneed, Jr., Director, Public Safety James L. Viar, Acting Chief, Police Department Rose M. Woodford, Executive Secretary, City Manager's Office 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: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1]45 February 10, 1997 File #15-110-200 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy Ci[) Clerk Ms. Carolyn H. Coles 1501 Cove Road, N. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24017 Dear Ms. Coles: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke held on Monday, February 3, t997, you were reelected as a member of the City Planning Cornmissio~ for a ten~ ending December 31, 2000. Enclosed you will find a Certificate of your reele,~tlon and an Oath or Affirmation of Office which may be administered by the Clerk of the Cimuit Court of the City of Roanoke, located on the third floor of the Roanoke City Courts Facility, 315 Church Avenue, S. W. Please return one copy of the Oath of Office to Room 45~ in the Municipal Building pdor to serving in the capacity to which you were reelected. For your information and pursuant to Section 2.1-341.1, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, I am enclosing copy of the Freedom of Information Act. On behalf of the Mayor and Members of City council, I would like to express appreciation for your willingness to serve the City of Roanoke as a member of the City Planning Commission. Sincerely, Mary F. Park~', CMC. JAAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: John R. Marllas, Agent, City Planning Commission Martha P. Franklin, Secretary, City Planning Commission Sandm H. Eakin, Deputy City Clerk COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ) ) To-wit: CITY OF ROANOKE ) I, Mary F. Parker, City Clerk, and as such City Clerk of the Council of the City of Roanoke and keeper of the records thereof, do hereby certify that at a regular meeting of Council held on the third day of February, 1997, CAROLYN H. COLES was reappointed as a member of the City Planning Commission for a term ending December 31, 2000. Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Roanoke this tenth day of February, 1997. City Clerk MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W, Room 456 Roanoke. Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 February 10, 1997 File #15-110-200 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk Mr. Willard G. "Bill" Light 2066 Kenwood Boulevard, $. E. Roanoke, Virginia 24013 Dear Mr. Light: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke held on Monday, February 3, 1997, you were reelected as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term ending December 31, 1999. I am enclosing a Certificate of your reelection. Your Oath of Office was administered on February 4, 1997, and is on file in the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court and the City Clerk's Office. Pursuant to Section 2.1-341.1, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, I am also enclosing copy of the Freedom of Information Act. On behalf of the Mayor and Members of City Council, I would like to express appreciation for your willingness to serve the City of Roanoke as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. pc: Robert R. Copty, Chairperson, Board of Zoning Appeals, 3009 Bumleigh Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Evelyn D. Doreey, Zoning Administrator Lisa cooper, Secretary, Board of Zoning Appeals Sandre H. Eakin, Deputy City Clerk COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ) ) To-wit: CITY OF ROANOKE ) I, Mary F. Parker, City Clerk, and as such City Clerk of the Council of the City of Roanoke and keeper of the records thereof, do hereby certify that at a regular meeting of Council held on the third day of February, 1997, WILLARD G. "BILL" LIGHT was reappointed as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term ending December 31, 1999. Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Roanoke this tenth day of February, 1997. City Clerk MARY E 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: (540} 853-2541 Fax: (540) 853-1145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Depuly C~t~, Clerk February 10, 1997 File ~58-501 S. Owen Hunt Associate Counsel Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield P. O. Box 27401 Richmond, Virginia 23279 Dear Mr. Hunt: I am enclosing copy of Resolution No. 33268-020397 authorizing settlement of a claim w~th Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia, in the amount of $193,951.00, on or befo~'e February 10, 1997. The abovereferenced measure was adopted by the Council of the City of Roanoke at a regular meeting held on Monday, February 3, 1997. Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm Enc. W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney I~THECOUNCILOFTHECITYOFROANOKE, V~RGINIA, The 3rd day of February, 1997. No. 33268-020397. ARESOLUTIONauthorizing settlement of a ~aim. WHEREAS, commencing in 1991, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia (Blue Cross) served aa third party administrator for the City's health care plan; WHEREAS, Blue Cross negotiated provider discounts with various hospitals in and about the Roanoke area; WHEREAS, the City believes that the discounts were improperly withheld from the City; WHEREAS, Blue Cross maintains it had the right to retain part or all of the hospital discounts under its contract with the City; and WHEREAS, to avoid the costs of litigatiou, the City and Blue Cross have agreed to settle their dispute over the allocation of hospital discount credits between the City and Blue Cross. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by th~ Council of the City of Roanoke aa follows: 1. The City Attorney is he~9oy authorized to execute, on behalf of the City, a settlement agreement and general release with Blue Cross and B~uz Shield of Virginia. 2. Pursuant to the settlement agreeme~ the City shall receive the sum of $193,951 on or before February 10, 1997. 3. By executing the settlement agreemmt and general releaae, the City shall release Blue Cross from any and all claims which the City may have arising out of the crediting or retention of provider discounts. Al-l't~ST: City Clerk.