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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Actions 03-11-97 JtMtg JOINT MEETING ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL THE ROANOKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER 4TH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM 5204 BERNARD DRIVE ROANOKE, VIRGINIA Tuesday, March 11, 1997 - 12:00 Noon AGENDA A. WELCOME: Bob L. Johnson, Chairman Roanoke County Board of Supervisors B. INVOCATION AND LUNCH C. ROLL CALL Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Roanoke City Council D. OPENING REMARKS Chairman Johnson Mayor Bowers REQUESTS TO ADD TO OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF AGENDA ITEMS. Fe DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS 1. Request for a team of volunteers to offer assistance to flood vicfim~ in the Midwest. (Requested by Roanoke County) o Habitat for Humanity (Requested by Roanoke City. CONTINUED FROM NOVEMBER 4, 1996) Low Band Tourist Radio System. (Requested by Roanoke County and Roanoke City) 4. Segregation in the Roanoke Valley. (Requested by Roanoke City) Discussion of tipping fees at the landfill. (Requested by Roanoke County) o Discussion of Specialized Transit Arranged Rides (STAR) bus service. (Requested by Roanoke City) o Changes in the General Assembly to the Personal Property Tax and Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) Tax. (Requested by Roanoke City) G. ADJOURNMENT FEB · Blue Ricl ie I-Iou in [ Development: ¢orpo 'ation AFFORDABLE HOUSING . . . ~E FOUNDA~ON Of OPPO~N~ AlViN NasH, PRESIDENT P.O. bOX 20708 rOANOKe, va 240 I 8 PHONE: (540) 774-7408 FAX: (540) 774-805 I February18,1997 Elmer Hodge Roanoke County Administrator 5204 Bernard Drive SW Roanoke, VA 24018 Dear Elmer: TAP has been operating its Housing Programs out of the Pinkard Court School Building roi: the past two and a half years. Roanoke County donated the building to us so that we could develop affordable housing. One of the decisions we made after listening to the residents was that additional people in the neighborhood would not be appropriate at this time. Since Roanoke County and the residents of Pinkard Court had legitimate concerns, we felt it was our responsibility to try and balance out these issues. Therefore, we decided to operate our Housing Programs out of the facility and to do everything we could to make sure housing services were provided to Roanoke County residents. Please fred enclosed a report titled "The Pinkard Court Report." This report is a detailed description of the affordable housing programs that we have been operating out of the facility. Our objective is to operate cost effective programs and coordinate those programs as to maximize resources, staff coordination, and have a positive impact on the Roanoke County community. In addition to TAP's Housing Programs, we have also created The Blue Ridge Housing Development Corporation, which is a community development corporation (CDC) whose sole function is the development of and education about homeownership. Most of our programs are continuous and ongoing, although we continue to seek resources and find ways to deliver quality services to those who need it. We believe Roanoke C,p~.~.~,~_h.~ significantly contributed to the develor~ment of affordable wath a quality ~ml[{ty ~om whicl{ to oper[i{~ There is a need for the development of new affordable homeownership programs in Roanoke County and to upgrade existing housing stock in some of the older, low to moderate income communities. We intend to work with the appropriate departments to assess the possibilities and develop a working strategy. We know your office and the Board of Supervisors is extremely concerned about the problem of affordable housing at all income levels and it is because of that concern we can develop a creative plan. I especially don't want to walt until there is negative criticism toward the County about doing its fair share regarding affordable housing in the Roanoke Valley. I thir~_. Roanoke ~u~,,~.g ~o~g.}ts, ~[~..s~,ar~,.t.o.~ard_~qg~d~d~le housin however ~ need ~ you Ior your support and cooperation over the Past few year~ ~m~t w;'i ;0Xh krd to some positive results in 1997. Finally, I hope you will fred "The Pinkard Court Report" helpful and informative. I would be willing to discuss the report with you in the near future. Please feel free to contact me at (540) 774-7408. Deputy Director of TAP President, Blue Ridge Housing Development Corp. The Pinkard Court Report TAP/Blue Ridge Housing Development Corporation Roanoke County Affordable Housing Programs Roanoke County Section 8 Emergency Home Repair HUD Housing Counseling Weatherization Assistance Indoor Plumbing/Rehab Crisis Intervention Program Share/HiP - Homeless Intervention Program Welcome Home - BRHDC's Homebuyer Education Club P.O, Box 42~0 PINKA'RD STREET ROANOKE, VA 240 I 8 PHONE: (540) 774-7405 FAX: (540) 774-805 I Roanoke CoUnty Section 8 This program provides familteslindividuais with safe, sanitary and decent affordable housing through supplemental rental funds. Routine inspections are done to ensure that all the units meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards. Eligibility: Meet low income guidelines, which is 60% below median area income. Fees: None. Service Area: Roanoke County, Salem and Vinton. Supported bF. Federal and State funds. Under TAP~BRHDC's management the number of vouchers have increased from 45 to 68. 1996 1995 Housi ~ ent $2,760 Tenants Pavme~tt~ $1,560 $2,660 $1,478 Salem $2,888 $1,741 $3,453 $2,126 Vlnton Total $4,594 $1,347 $3,896 $10,24~ $10.009 $1,629 Emergency Home Reuair/Re~sh Provide emergency home repairs and improvements. Provide minor and major repairs to rural and city homes, and provide handicap ramps and other needed alterations. EligibilltF. Low income families/individuals, elderly and handicap. Must own home needing None. e Area- Fifth Planning District, Rockbrldge, Buena Vista and Lexington. Supported by: Federal, State and local funds. The goal of the Emergency Home Repair Program is to improve the living conditions of low income persons by removing imminent health and safety hazards and/or barriers to habitability in their homes. The progrsm~ obJect~ves are to repair and/or make physical improvements to housing units occupied by low income persons to remove health and safety hazards. To make necessary adaptations and/or improvements to housing units occupied by Iow income persons with disabilities. The emergency repairs performed In 1995 and 1996 include roof repair/replacement, repair/replacement of heating' systems, plumbing repairs, structural repairs where hazards exist, (i.e., roofs, ceilings, wall.~_ floors, stairs, eic.). ' 1996-97 $4,090 2-YearTotal= $12,241 $970 27 Clients have been served thus far in 1996-97 25 Clients were served in 1995-96 1995- 96 $6,476 $100 Fees: None. This program provides conn,~eling for pre-rentals, rental delinquencies, pre-purchases and homeowners. The program provides mortgage assistance counseling with FHA & HUD insured mortgagors. The program also provides rental assistance to subsidized renters and regular renters through local resources in alliance with TAP. Eligibility: Low to mo~derate income and previously self-sufficient. Service Area: Fifth Planning District. Supported by: State funding, private, and nonprofit funds. 1994-95 1995-96 Roanoke County $488 $312 Salem $770 $258 Vinton $480 n/a ' Total $1,738 $570 2 - Year Total = $2,308 Clients Served 23 10 'HECM ~ome Heuitv Conversion Mortgage) This program provides counseling to seniors 62 years or older on Reverse Mortgage Loans (a loan on the equity built up in the home). Loan usage can be for home repairs, or to pay off medical bills. The loan is due when 1) tn the event of death, 2) move from the home, or 3) sell the home. HECM Eligibility: 62 years or older. Must own or ~!,~ost own your home (owe less than $10,000) and you must reside in the home. Fees: None. Service Area: Fifth Planning District. Roanoke County 5 Clients served tn 1995-96 Total = $500 Share-HIP ./Homeless Intervention Pro,ram) Provide rental, mortgage and security deposit assistance to families/individuals in Jeopardy of /losing their homes due to eviction or foreclosure, orin need of moving into housing. aid is provided in the form of loans and~or grants. Financial EligibllltT:. Low income, cause of the crisis and previously self-sufficient. -m~- Fees: None. Service Area: Fifth Planning District, Rockbridge, Buena Vista and Lexington. Supported by: Federal and State funds. 1996-97 1995-96 Rents $5,905. $25,410 Mortgages $2,124. $800 SecurityDeposits $573* $700 2- Year Total -- $35,512 13 Clients have been served thus farin 1996-97 32 Clients were served in 1995-96 *This amount reflects services through December 1996. What is the value of this program to Roanoke County and its residents? We have prevented foreclosures. We have given people time to recuperate from unexpected crisis/emergencies thus keeping 'f~mlll es intact. ~ We have prevented homelessness. We have provided budget counseling thus enabling the client to do a better job with managing their money. Indoor Plumbin~! R~l~b Prom'~m Install indoor plumbing in housing units without plumbing or in units where the existing water ~j~ delivery or waste water disposal systems are failing. Provide repair to substandard housing and make accessibility improvements. ~~ Eligibility: Households must lack functionln~ indoor plumbing. Gross combined household ~ ,,~/J/ income must be below 80% of the median income adjusted for family size for each locality. ~ Fees: Loan Program. Service Area: Rockbrldge County, Buena Vista, Botetourt, Roanoke County, Salem and Lexington. Supported by: Federal and State funds. 1995-1996 1994-1995 $79,600 $37,615 2- Year Total -- $117,215 Clients served in 1994-95 ~ 3, this represents installation of indoor plumbing in one home. Clients served in 1995-96 -- 6, this represents installation of indoor plumbing in two homes. This program provides an energ~y conservation pro,ram to stop air infiltration and cut the costs of high fuel bills. Provides an inspection of the heating system, insulation of sidewalls and attics, duct wrapping and other technology to improve thermal efficiency and help reduce utillty costs. Services being provided are: ~f Vent and insulate attics and sidewalls ~f Weather strip doors ~ Replace broken glass )f Inspect heating and cooling equipment )f Insulate floors and water heaters, and keel seal trailer roofs Eligibility: Elderly, handicapped, low income homeowners, and Iow income renters. Fees: None. Service Area: Fifth Planning District, Buena Vista, Lexington and Rockbridge. Supported by: Federal and State funds, private and nonprofit funds. 1995-96 Total Homes 40 Total Clients 108 Averse cost Per house -- $1,964 Total Costs ~ $78,574 'Crisis Intervention Pro~.m The Crisis Intervention Program Is a program that provides assistance to eligible households with unsafe or inoperable heating systems. This effort is an interdepa~-~nental effort between the local Department of Social Services, the Department of Housing and Commllntl~ Development and the Weatherization Assistance Program. By the coordination of these factions the Crisis Intervention clients will be assured of good quality work from trained inspectors and contractors who are dedicated to their professions and who take a true interest in assuring that Crisis clients receive the best job possible. The Department of Social Services provides crisis assistance funds for emergency heating equipment, repairs and purchases to be handled by the Department of Housing's Weatherization Assistance Program. If needed the Weatherisation Program can supplement funds to assist in serving eligible households. The program begins on November 1st of each year and continues through March 31st. In 1995-96 ninety three households were served in the program. This represents total revenues of approximately $II1,430, expenses of $100,205 and total administration of $11,225. This program helps to solve the problems that low income f~mt]tes and individuals face when there is only a limited or fixed income in the household, and the heating system suddenly stops in the middle of winter and they are faced with the decision of whether to get the heating system repaired or replaced or eat and pay the rent. The Crisis Intervention Program solves that problem for them. Being that this program is available to them, they can continue to pay their bills, buy food, clothing, and for the elderly, buy much needed medical supplies. Crisis Intervention St~tt~cs. 1995- 1996 Number of homes that received services in Roanoke County ~ 17 Number of furnace repairs -- 5 Number of furnace replacements -- 12 Total cost of repairs -- $1,500 Total cost of replacements -- $19,200 Total monies spent = $20.700 Summary of Services and Dollar Amount.~ Snsnt for Roanoke County. Salem and Vintnn' Gran~l Total Spent -- $287,301 Total Number of Clients Served --- 269 Average Cost Per Client = $1,068 TAP/Blue Ridge Housing Development Corporation Staff Alvin Nash Barbara Rlggs James Robinson Paulette Dixon Sharon 1~fltenack Andrea Hager Sandra Ferguson Angle Smith James Lesnlak Donald Reynolds Eric 0tey David Penn Robert Boyd Deputy Director of TAP TAP Housing Component Director President, Blue Ridge Housing Development Corporation Assistant Director, TAP Rousing Director of Operations, Blue Ridge Housing Development Corporation Weatherization Manager, TAP Housing Coor/inator of Client Services, TAP Rousing Admint,~trative Assistant, TAP Housing Welcome Home, BRHDC's Homebuyer Education Program Housing Counselor for Share~HIP and HUD Counseling Programs, TAP Housing Roanoke County Section 8 Supervlsor/Rehab Specialist, TAP Housing Planner/Program Developer, TAP Housing Weatherization Crew Chief Asst. Crew Chief Weatherzation Technician Weatherlzation Technician IY~H~--~t~---L~r 1~:~1 CI I¥ CL~RK'$ OFFICE 540 8~1145 P.02 J TOTAL P.02 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 March 7, 1997 The Honorable Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Members of Council: The Quarterly Luncheon Meeting of the Roanoke City Council and the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 1997, at 12:00 noon at the Roanoke County Administration Center, 5204 Bernard Drive, S. W. I am forwarding copy of the agenda for your information. Best personal regards. Sincerely, David A Bowers Mayor DAB:MFP:sm Enc. pc: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney James D. Grisso, Director of Finance Robert H. Bird, Municipal Auditor Mary F. Parker, City Clerk Willard N. Claytor, Director of Real Estate Valuation James D. Ritchie, Sr., Assistant City Manager William F. Clark, Director, Public Works Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations Glenn D. Radcliffe, Director, Human Development George C. Snead, Jr., Director, Public Safety H:~COUNCIL,OT~JARTERL.COU 252 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS March 11, 1997 12:00 noon A joint meeting of the Roanoke City Council and the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors was called to order on Tuesday, March 11, 1997, at 12:00 noon, at the Roanoke County Administration Center, 5204 Bernar~ Drive, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia, with Mayor David A. Bowers and Chairman Bob L. Johnson presiding. ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Nelson Harris, John H. Parrott, Carroll E. Swain, Linda F. Wyatt and Mayor David A. Bowers -5. ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: James O. Trout and William White, Sr. ............................................................... 2. ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Fenton F. Harrison, Jr., Harry C. Nickens, Lee B. Eddy, H. Odell Minnix and Chairman Bob L. Johnson ................................................ 5. ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ABSENT: None.. ROANOKE CITY STAFF PRESENT: W. Robert Herbert, City Manager; James D. Ritchie, Sr., Assistant City Manager; Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney; James D. Grisso, Director of Finance; Mary F. Parker, City Clerk; Kit B. Kiser, Director, Utilities and Operations; Glenn D. Radcliffe, Director, Human Development; and George C. Snead, Jr., Director, Public Safety. ROANOKE COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; John M. Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Don C. Myers, Assistant County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; Diane D. Hyatt, Director of Finance; Ann Marie Green, Public Information Officer; Mary H. Allen, Clerk to the Board of Supervisors; and William J. Rand, III, Director, General Services. Following lunch, the business session convened at 12:25 p.m. Chairman Johnson called attention to numerous efforts of the two governing bodies regarding joint cooperation, viz: a joint Request for Proposals for health cars, joint ventures in the 800MHZ Trunking Radio System, Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade, extraterritorial arrest powers to the City and County Police Departments, overlay districts for backing up fire and rescue efforts, $12 million at Smith Gap with 253 the refuse transfer station in Roanoke City, and the Roanoke Regional Airport. He stated that the two governing bodies should commend themselves and apprise the citizens of the Roanoke Valley that there are no confrontational issues between the City and the County that, through a series of negotiations and cooperative ventures, cannot be overcome. He suggested that the Public Information Officers from both localities coordinate a documentary program to be televised on RVTV Channel 3 featuring cooperative efforts of Roanoke City and Roanoke County. FLOOD REDUCTION/CONTROL: Chairman Johnson called attention to devastating flooding conditions in West Virginia and parts of Kentucky and Arkansas, etc., and advised that he would request the Board of Supervisors at its meeting later in the day to ask staff to coordinate efforts to render assistance to those in need in the flood areas. He suggested that Roanoke City also join with the County in providing assistance. Without objection by Council, Mayor Bowers requested that the matter be referred to the City Manager for appropriate response. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: The County Administrator reviewed a report in regard to Pinkard Court in Roanoke County, which facility was donated by the County to Total Action Against Poverty .(TAP). He stated that Roanoke County has a good record insofar as working with Total Action Against Poverty, that TAP compiled a report of its activities over the past two years, and the information is shared with Roanoke City to demonstrate that numerous successful programs have operated out of the Pinkard Court Office. Mr. Eddy clarified that Pinkard Court is a school building which was constructed in the 1960's, and the County gave the building to TAP for its housing program. He stated that the issue of affordable housing will be addressed in the County's Comprehensive Plan, and Roanoke County would welcome any suggestions from its neighbors as to a regional approach to the issue. Chairman Johnson advised that the water and sewer tap fees are approximately $5,000.00 in Roanoke County, and in view of the high cost, unless incentives are offered to encourage citizens to construct houses within a certain price range, many $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 homes will be constructed. Mr. Eddy called attention to an offer by a Roanoke Valley resident to donate land to Habitat for Humanity in the Starkey Road area; whereupon, the County Administrator advised that Billy H. Branch offered five - six acres of land in the Starkey Road area, however, a problem with regard to access to the property has not been resolved. 254 Chairman Johnson advised that Roanoke County will continue to work on the issue. LOW BAND TOURIST RADIO-STATE HIGHWAYS: Mayor Bowers advised that a Iow band tourist radio system involves the posting of signs along the interstate highway or along the Blue Ridge Parkway inviting travelers to dial a specific number on their AM band radio for tourist information. He stated that millions of visitors travel 1-81 and approximately two million visitors travel the Blue Ridge Parkway annually. He added that the matter was discussed last week at a meeting of Roanoke City Council with Congressman Robert W. Goodlatte who was requested to contact the Blue Ridge Parkway Service, Asheville, North Carolina, with regard to working with the City to provide better signags on the Blue Ridge Parkway leading into the City of Roanoke and to assist in the development ora Iow band tourist radio system. He explained that the initial cost would be approximately $17,000.00 for the City of Roanoke. Mr. Eddy advised that Augusta County is used as a model, with four transmitters having been installed at a total cost of $45,000.00 initially, and an annual maintenance cost of approximately $8,000.00. He stated that the County of Augusta, Cities of Waynesboro and Staunton, and the Virginia Department of Transportation each shared equally in the cost which amounts to an initial investment of approximately $1t,000.00 each, plus annual maintenance cost of - $2,000.00. He added that the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau has agreed to coordinate the necessary updates to the information. Mayor Bowers advised that the Virginia Department of Transportation has indicated that installation along the Roanoke Valley's section of 1-81 would be approximately $15,000.00 - $30,000.00. Mr. Minnix advised that the Roanoke Valley should promote activities that will make the area a destination point for travelers before they leave home instead of as they listen to the radio while traveling. He stated that he would like to review statistics on Iow band radio systems used by other localities to determine if it is a worthwhile venture. He explained that a traveler en route to another location would most likely not be inclined to stop in the Roanoke Valley, no matter how good the radio announcement might be, because the traveler has a destination point in mind and a pre-set limited amount of time for arrival. Mr. Eddy advised that the Fifth Planning Dis~ct Commission, in conjunction with Virginia Tech students, engaged in a survey at the rest stops along 1-81 two years ago, and of the persons surveyed, 75 per cent said they were traveling for pleasure rather than business and of those numbers, 70 - 75 per cent said they would likely tune in to a radio station if they saw the sign on the highway. 255 Chairman Johnson advised that the matter will be discussed during the County's 1997-98 budget study process. Vice-Mayor Wyatt advised that a Iow band radio system would cost in the range of $50,000.00, and if confronted with the choice of $50,000.00 for a Iow band radio system or $50,000.00 for the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, her vote would go to the Convention & Visitors Bureau. SEGREGATION/INTEGRATION-HOUSiNG/AUTHORITY-SCHOOLS: The City Manager referred to a newspaper article in ~.~/9_B~1~]~ dated January 30, 1997, entitled, "Roanoke - Most Segregated City Study Says". He stated that the article was part of a study performed by staff at the University of Michigan, Population Study Center, which referred to the 1990 census. He advised that he requested the City's Economic Development staffto review the study which revealed that levels of new construction have a direct bearing on the change in residential segregation, and since the 1980's, the City of Roanoke has had few new residential units constructed within its corporate limits due to lack of available land and the fact that citizens choose to purchase new housing more frequently than existing homes, thus, the trend is to move into new housing which is more abundant in the outlying areas. He advised that the analysis also revealed that many of the integrated cities were the result of annexation that had taken place in the surrounding suburbs during the past decade. He added that other questions which entered into the study pertained to economics, race and education. He stated that the City has reviewed the University of Michigan study, and based on the above factors, there are no quick fixes, it is a regional question, and it is not surprising that some of the statistics might be skewed looking at independent cities versus counties, as well as other factors such as the inability to annex and the lack of one common school system. REFUSE COLLECTION-ROANOKE VALLEY RESOURCE AUTHORITY: Chairman Johnson expressed concern with regard to tipping fees at the regional landfill which will have an impact on local budgets. The County Administrator advised that the impact on the County's budget will be $185,000.00, Roanoke County has discussed the matter with the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority to determine what can be dons to cause more major refuse companies to use the regional landfill, and it has been determined that it would be advantageous to engage a consultant to study the matter. Mr. Minnix suggested that long range efforts should include consolidation of operations/offices of Roanoke City and Roanoke County refuse collection. 256 BUSES: The City Manager advised that Roanoke City previously notified Roanoke County that the Specialized Transit Arranged Rides (STAR) bus service would be terminated on June 30, 1997. He explained that earlier in the year, Roanoke City requested Roanoke County's financial participation in the program which would cost approximately $35,000.00 per year, however, Roanoke County declined and elected to proceed with its CORTRAN service. He stated that Greater Roanoke Transit Company personnel provided Roanoke County with a list of County residents who used the STAR service on a regular basis, and it is the City's understanding that the County is working to insure a smooth transition. LICENSES-TAXES-LEGISLATION: Mr. Grisso called attention to changes in Stats law regarding the Business, Professional and Occupational License Tax which will take effect in fiscal year 1999. He noted that during its Financial Planning Session on March 8, 1997, City staff advised Council that the estimated cost to the City of $125,000.00 in annual revenues have eliminated the $50.00 fee on those businesses that pay a tax rata of $100,000.00 in gross receipts. He stated that the Business, Professional and Occupational License tax is not a fair tax, the City has requested an altarnative, and lobbying efforts for local flexibility at the General Assembly level will continue. He further stated that discussions have taken place with regard to making the personal property tax a Stats tax, with the Stats assuming certain responsibilities that are now inherent upon local government, and the Lieutenant Governor is chairing a study committee charged with the responsibility of reviewing the matter during the year. Mr. Minnix called attention to the possibility that the Business, Professional and Occupational License tax may be phased out, and Roanoke City and Roanoke County should prepare an alternata plan because when the tax no longer exists, the citizens of the Roanoke Valley will have to assume the burden. RECYCLING: Mr. Eddy advised that in the future, it would be advantageous to have a universal systam of recycling, and inquired about Roanoke City's future plans. The City Manager advised that Roanoke City has approximately 3,500 - 5,000 households that are not currently on line for recycling; that studies show, over the long term and depending on the buy-back rata which fluctuatas from year to year, that the program has been cost effective by diverting material from the landfill and coming close to covering the City's operating costs. With Council's approval, he statad that it would be his goal to add the balance of citizens to the City's recycling program by the end of this calendar year. 257 INSURANCE: Ms. Hyatt advised that the Employee Health Care Subcommittee met on February 20, 1997, to review a proposed schedule of activities, each locality was given a Request for Proposals for review, and it is proposed to advertise the Request for Proposals by April or May, with the review process to be completed by the end of August, followed by negotiations with potential bidders, and a recommendation to City Council and to the Board of Supervisors by late August, for a January 1, 1998 implementation date. There being no further business, the Mayor declare~'the Roanoke City Council meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m., and the Chairman declared the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors meeting in recess until 3:00 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: Mary F. Parker City Clerk David A. Bowers Mayor