Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates

Minutes from RNA Meeting on July 10, 2013 Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building Room 159 (EOC) at 5:30 p.m. Committee Members in Attendance Braxton Naff, Chair Johnny Williams, Vice-Chair Scott Tate, Secretary Tony Adams Valeria Alphin Philip Clements Brian Harris Princess Moyer Dallas Powell Committee Members Absent Asia Smith Guests Mr. Lee Lovern Mrs. Joel Reichert Welcome to Members and Guests Chair Naff called the meeting to order at 5:33 PM. Reading and Approval of Minutes Copies of the June 2013 meeting minutes were distributed for review. Mr. Powell moved to approve the Minutes and the motion was seconded by Ms. Alphin. Hearing no further discussion, the minutes were unanimously approved by consensus. Guest Presentations Chair Naff welcomed Mr. Phil Schirmer, Roanoke City Engineer, for a presentation concerning the Storm Water Issue. Mr. Schirmer delivered a presentation to provide the RNA with background on storm water concerns. Mr. Schirmer described the new emphasis on non-point source pollutants, such as water run-off from pavement and parking lots, which affects neighboring rivers and streams. Heavy rainfalls, as Mr. Schirmer stated, washes pollutants into streams and rivers. He mentioned that Roanoke is at the bottom of the bowl, surrounded by mountains with a number of different watersheds that are affected. Roanoke has 13 watersheds within the city, nine of which are listed as “impaired” by the state DEQ. Mr. Schirmer shared information on new regulations beginning to take effect concerning non-point source pollutants in order to improve water quality. Cities that do not take steps to address the non-source pollutants face heavy fines. Neighboring cities have had to pay heavy non-compliance fines. RNA July 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 To tackle the problem, Roanoke faces costs of 4.1 million per year, $3 million for capital projects. Right now, Roanoke spends about 1 million per year. Mr. Schirmer posed the question of how to decide who to pay for the increased costs. The city is proposing a storm water utility fee that will be based upon the amount of impervious pavement on one’s property which means that almost all property owners will pay a share. In 2010, an initial proposal was made by the city to generate the additional revenue for storm water costs. Due to timing and citizen concerns, that proposal was tabled. Mr. Schirmer’s stated his office has delivered numerous public presentations on storm water issues to a wide range of groups. They have also initiated public school activities concerning water quality. He stated that these efforts have been well received. Mr. Schirmer offered more details on Roanoke’s approach. The proposal includes measurements of all impervious surfaces on developed parcels and a billing rate per 500 square feet of impervious surface. He described the process for measuring impervious surface using GIS and aerial photography. Mr. Harris asked if gravel driveways would be considered impervious, and Mr. Schirmer replied that under the proposed policy they would. The city assumes that 450,000 billing units will be available, and the rate would need to be in the range of .85 to .90 per 500 square foot billing unit per month. The implementation of the rate would be phased in over a 3-year period starting at a lower rate. Mr. Schirmer shared information on the rates from other cities around the state, and also discussed credits and incentives meant to encourage on-site storm water management. Credits, for example, would be proportional to the permanent reduction in runoff. The city is also exploring grant funds to help incentivize retrofitting and other measures to reduce discharge and runoff. He shared a timeline for next steps. In the fall, a formal proposed ordinance will be offered for the consideration of city council. By November, his office plans to complete an impervious area determination for all parcels in the city. Mr. Harris asked about rain gardens and how they might help. Mr. Schirmer responded in some detail, outlining the natural filtration process that can be created. Mr. Powell suggested that the government should bear some responsibility for the city’s water quality problems rather than simply being a problem arising from individual property owners. Mr. Schirmer acknowledged that many parties have a shared part in both the problem and proposed solutions including agricultural operations. He mentioned that separate measures would address agricultural operations. Chair Naff thanked Mr. Schirmer for his time. The presentation closed at 6:23. Neighborhood Reports Mr. Harris reported on Melrose-Rugby efforts to respond to new CDBG fund processes. The grant-funded entrance column gargoyle sculpture repairs were also successful. RNA July 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 Mr. Williams shared information on Gainsboro neighborhood. Participants were concerned about animals and rodents and had plans for upcoming activities. Ms. Alphin asked about neighborhood associations she had heard had recently merged. Mr. Clement responded that the Dorchester and Grandview Neighborhood Watch groups had decided to work together on common issues. Unfinished Business A. Neighborhood Assignments The topic as tabled until next month’s meeting. B. Review of RNA applicants Chair Naff welcomed Mr. Lovern and asked him to share his interest in serving on the RNA. Mr. Lovern described his work with TAP and on housing-related issues and this in turn had enhanced his interest in helping Roanoke’s neighborhoods. Chair Naff thanked Mr. Lovern for his attendance and excused him so that the RNA might discuss the current applicants. The RNA engaged in a general discussion of the two pending applications. Both applicants had been invited to attend the meeting: Mr. Corp was invited but did not attend and Mr. Lovern was in attendance though he does not reside in the city of Roanoke. Following a brief discussion, Ms. Alphin motioned that the RNA appoint Mr. Lovern for a 3 year term commencing on July 10th, 2013. Mr. Powell seconded the motion. The motion was approved with five members voting yes, two voting no, and one abstention. C. Selection of RNA officers A brief discussion took place regarding the selection of new RNA officers. Mr. Powell motioned that the RNA keep the current slate of RNA officers until December when the By-laws require an election of new officers take place. Ms. Moyer seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. D. Review of RNA Strategic Business Plan and Discussion RNA members discussed the language concerning the length of RNA term appointments and decided to take no further action at this time. There was also a general discussion regarding the business plan and how to make it actionable. Chair Naff volunteered to draft an annual work plan to assist with the achievement of goals set forth in the RNA Strategic Business Plan. . Mr. Tate offered to assist. Once the work plan is drafted, it will be shared with the RNA membership for input and then formal approval. Once approved, RNA members will have an opportunity to identify areas they are interested in personally contributing to. New Business Open Forum/Announcements Mr. Clement reminded the RNA of the following important dates and activities taking place: A. Parks and Arts – Mill Mountain Park, July 13, 11-2 B. Parks and Arts – Eureka Park, Saturday, July 20, 11-2 C. VSNC Award Nominations Close – July 31 D. National Night Out – Tuesday, August 6 E. VSNC Early Registration Closes – August 30 F. Roanoke Citizen of the Year Nominations due by September 30 Adjournment Chair Naff adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m. RNA July 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3