HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 20, 2004 MINUTES SPEC
CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
"COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME"
ITY COUNCIL
MAYOR MEYERA E. OBERNDORF, At-Large
VICE MAYOR LOUIS R. JONES, Bayside - District 4
HARRY E. DIBZEL, Kempsville - District 2
MARGARET L. EURE, CentervilJe - District I
REBA S. McCLANAN, Rose Hall - District 3
RICHARD A. MADDOX, Beach. District 6
JIM REEVE, Princess Anne - District 7
PETER W. SCHMlDT, At-Large
RON A. VILLANUEVA, AI-Large
ROSEMARY WILSON, At-Large
JAMES L. WOOD, Lynnhaven -District 5
JAMES K. SPORE, City Manager
LESLIE L. LIUEY. City Attorney
RUTH HODGES SMITH, MMC, City Clerk
CITY HALL BUILDING I
2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23456-8005
PHONE: (757) 427-4303
FAX (757) 426-5669
E MAIL:Ctycncl@vbgov.com
SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION
20 April 2004
I.
BUDGET WORKSHOP
- Council Conference Room -
A, FY 2004-05 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
1.
2,
3,
Quality Education and Lifelong Learning
Department of Public Libraries
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
3:00 PM
II.
CITY MANAGER'S PRESENTATIONS
4:30 PM
A. RURAL AREA PRN ATE UTILITIES CONNECTING TO PUBLIC WATER AND SANITARY
SEWER SYSTEM
Thomas M, Leahy, Water Resource Manager - Public Utilities
B, BACKUP POWER FOR SEWER PUMP STATIONS
Thomas M, Leahy, Water Resource Manager ~ Public Utilities
III.
CITY COUNCIL RECESS
5:30 PM
IV. SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION
- Council Chamber -
6:00 PM
A. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Meyera E. Obemdorf
1. READING OF THE MAYOR'S CALL FOR FORMAL SESSION
B. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
1. LODGING TAX RATE
2. REAL ESTATE TAX RATE
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MAY 4, 2004 COUNCILMANIC ELECTION
City Council cancelled their Regular Sessions
and encourages all citizens to experience their right to vote in Virginia Beach
MINUTES
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
Virginia Beach, Virginia
20 April 2004
Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf called to order the BUDGET WORKSHOP re FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT PLAN in the Council Conference Room, City Hall, on Thursday, April 20, 2004, at
2:12 P.M.
Council Members Present:
Harry E. Diezel, Margaret L. Eure, Reba S. McClanan, Mayor Meyera E.
Oberndorf, Jim Reeve, Peter W Schmidt, Rosemary Wilson and James L.
Wood
Council Members Absent:
Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones
[Entered: 2:30 P.M.]
Richard A. Maddox
[Entered: 3: 15 P.M.]
Ron A. Villanueva
[Entered: 2:40 P.M.]
- 2-
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
2: 12 P.M.
ITEM # 52489
QUALITY EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Catheryn Whitesell, Director - Resource Management, advised the FY 2004-2005 Resource Management
Plan includes $771.9-MILLIONfor the business area of Quality Education and Lifelong Learning, which
is comprised of$720.5-MILLlONfor the Operating Budget and $51.4-MILLlON in the Capital Budget. This
business area represents 52%for the total $1.4-BILLION budget. Schools represent the largest portion of
the funding with 46% coning from the City government, 45% from the State and 9% from the Federal
Government. The City-School Revenue Sharing Formula is providing $323-MILLION in local support to
education, or $171-MILLlON more than required under the State's Standards of Quality (SOQ) formula.
The Revenue Sharing Policy requires debt service be the first item funded through the Formula and $41-
MILLION has been allocated in the proposed budget to cover school related debt service. The School Board
allocated $6. 9-MILLION from the Formula revenue to support school construction needs and reduce future
debt service costs. The remaining $275-MILLlON is allocated to support the School's operating budget.
Fundingfor the libraries, includes the staffing needed to open a new Oceanfront area library. Included in
the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) under the Quality Education and Lifelong Learning business area
is the continued effort to renovate older libraries, as well as to modernize additional schools. Fundingfor
the new south Rosemont Library has been delayed one (1) year to pursue an agreement with Tidewater
Community College for a larger library serving both the College and the community. State funding received
by the Department of Public Libraries is through the State Aid to Libraries Program. This revenue stream
has decreasedfrom $276,000 in FY 2003 to $259,000 in the proposed Budget.
Funding is also included in the Capital Improvement Program to address the City Council's commitment
to Tidewater Community College as it expands to meet growing demand for services. Funding is included
in the proposed CIP to construct a new alternative education facility to replace the current facility located
at the corner of Witch duck Road and Virginia Beach Boulevard. Also included is additional classroom space
at several of the existing high schools to address overcrowding issues at the high school level. The School's
budget is based on the Governor's proposed budget. Schools were provided $16.3-MILLlON in additional
State revenue. Federal funds increased by $3-MILLlON from the current year's budget with the majority of
that increase related to Federal grant funding. The remaining revenuefor Schools is provided through the
Revenue Sharing Formula and through fees charged for various programs.
Council Goals
Great schools
Expanded school technology
Year-round schools
Academy programs
SOL performance
Project X-CD
School modernization
New and replacement schools
Improved customer service, service delivery
and City services
Replace Oceanfront Library
Cost Reduction Initiatives
April 20, 2004
- 3 -
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
2: 12 P.M.
ITEM # 52489 (Continued)
QUALITY EDUCA TION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Marcy Sims, Director - Libraries, advised the Central Library has two (2) group study rooms. The prototype
library, Princess Anne, has also has two (2) group study rooms. The School system's method of teaching
has gone more into groups i.e. teams of students compiling reports. The Tidewater Literacy Council also
utilizes these rooms for one-on-one tutoring either adults learning to read English or English as a second
language. In conjunction with the Department of Human Resources and Management Services, a prototype
staffing design was conducted. This prototype staffing was designed to keep the libraries open seven (7) days
a week. This prototype staffing was instituted in the Princess Anne Library. Unfortunately, with these lean
economic times, this same staffing plan for even six (6) days a week cannot be utilized at the Oceanfront
library. Security guards are in all libraries. The cost to keep Kempsville and Princess Anne libraries open
on Sunday is approximately $155,000. The cost to fully staff the Oceanfront Library for only six (6) days per
week would be approximately $157,000. The libraries are busy every hour of every day. The Kempsville
Library was opened in 1989-1990 and has had Sunday hoursfor approximately fourteen (14) years. The
Princess Anne Library was opened in October 5, 2003, with Sunday hours. Internet access is the high
growth business area. Therefore, a customer's internet access has been limited to one-half hour. Relative
revenue generators, Mrs. Sims advised libraries are in the process of receiving bids for a coffee shop in
the lobby of the Central Library. The computer system has a button where the library visitor could purchase
a certain book from Amazon and the library would receive proceeds. The Friends of the Library operates
a used book shop and, since its inception over, $100,000 has been received in proceeds. The Friends
allocated $ 75,000 worth of grants to the libraries. If a book does not sell (donations as well as discarded
library materials), these books are shipped to "Amazon ", an on-line book sale corporation. Proceeds are
received from these sales.
April 20, 2004
- 4-
ITEM # 52490
Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf called to order the BUDGET WORKSHOP re FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT PLAN, re Virginia Beach City Schools in the Council Conference Room, City Hall,
on Thursday, April 20, 2004, at 2:35 P.M.
Council Members Present:
Harry E. Diezel, Margaret L. Eure, Reba S. McClanan, Mayor
Meyera E. OberndOlf, Jim Reeve, Peter W Schmidt, Rosemary Wilson
and James L. Wood
Council Members Absent:
Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones
[Entered: 2:30 P.M.]
Richard A. Maddox
[Entered: 3: 15 PM.]
Ron A. Villanueva
[Entered: 2:40 P.M.]
School Board Members Present:
Chairman Daniel D. Edwards and Jane S. Brooks
School Board Members Absent:
A. James DeBellis
Emma L. Davis
Dan R. Lowe
Vice Chairman Neil L. Rose
Sandra Smith-Jones
Michael W Stewart
Arthur T Tate
Carolyn D. Weems,
Dr. Lois S. Williams
[Entered: 3:40 P.M.]
[Entered: 3:00 P.M.]
April 20, 2004
- 5-
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
2: 35 P.M.
ITEM # 52490
QUALITY EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Schools
Chairman Daniel B. Edwards, presented the Virginia Beach Schools' FY 2004-2005 Operating Budget, as
well as their Capital Improvement Program (CIP). A substantial portion of the School Budget is derivedfrom
the State. The Budget proposal still utilizes the Governor's budget, although Schools is prepared to make
significant adjustments until adoption of the General Assembly's budget. The School's Operating Budget
is unique to the extent to which the caDital reQuirements have been proposed to be sUDDorted from the
oDeratinr! funds. The School's Operating Budget is based on the Revenue Sharing Formula. In the past,
schools has requested more than the formula provided. There are shortfalls in which schools will have to
continue to reply upon year-end funds. Sensitive to the pressures re tax rates for property taxes, as the City
and Schools both utilize this revenue stream, a significantly larger portion of the School budget is based
on property taxes than is the remaining City's budget. The School's official enrollment in 1996 referred to
as "Average Daily Membership" (ADM) was 75,898. The enrollment actually increased the next three (3)
years and has decreased slightly in the past four (4) years. The net difference is about seven hundred (700)
students or less than 1% of the School's enrollment. With this l%flexibility over the past eight (8) years, the
Schools have successfully implemented Standards of Learning (SOL) accountability and testing and
realigned the curriculum and teaching methods to have the schools accredited. Competitive compensation
has been maintained for teachers and staff. The State actually provided no funds for raises in three (3) of
the pastfour (4) years. In thefourthyear, there is a 2.25% mid year raise which is the equivalent of a 1.2%
raise. An additional 440 special education students has been absorbed into the enrollment. The special
needs of these students must be met as it is the law. The Virginia Beach Schools is complying with the most
recent major unfunded Federal Mandate referred to as "No Child Left Behind" Because of this mandate,
forty-six (46) new data entry positions are necessary to cover the fifty-five (55) elementary schools and
have been added at a cost of$I.I-MILLION. From the Capital Improvement Program, a Middle School
renovation has been eliminated and the pace of renovations has been slowed well beyond the forty-year
cycle sought to maintain. The only new items are two (2) required high school additions. The other priorities
remain the Alternative Education Center, related support building moves, a new bus garage and a new
elementary school in the Bayside area to eliminate serious overcrowding at Betty F. Williams and Newtown
Road Elementary Schools. Virginia Beach Schools are seeking to borrow an additional $92-MILLION over
the next six (6) years. Iflottery proceeds are included, reliable streams of revenue are available to support
same.
Dr. Timothy R. Jenney, Superintendent, Virginia Beach Schools, advised the Virginia Beach School System
has given the citizens their most favorable return on City Council's investments.
School System of Excellence
Full accreditation of95% of our schools
Marked improvement on Stanford 9 tests
Increased enrollment in academies
Successfulyea~roundschoo~
Improved Advanced Placement scores
Greater possibility of achieving industry certification through varied
course offerings
Increased number of National Merit Scholar semifinalists
National leader in Instructional Technology
April 20, 2004
- 6-
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
ITEM # 52490 (Continued)
QUALITY EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Schools (Continued)
Strategies
Improve compensation to attract quality personnel
Provide resources and accountability measures to ensure
meeting of goals
Improve all infrastructure systems
Dr. Jenney advised the proposed spending plan includes a set-aside of $35.4-MILLION to improve
compensationlbenejits package. The proposed Operating Budget will raise the bottom of the teacher's
salary scale to $33,730 and the top to $59,396. Included in these funds are $I7.6-MILLION for a 5%
compensation increase, $3.3-MILLION for increase in employer contribution to health insurance. $14.5-
MILLION for rising Virginia Retirement System (VRS) rates. Dr. Jenney displayed a map detailing
Elementary School membership from September 2002 to September 2003. Division-wide, the decline was
three hundred thirty-four (334) students. Nine (9) attendance areas have actually increased in enrollment.
Twenty-seven (27) attendance areas are relatively stable, gaining or losing no more than twenty-five (25)
students. The balance depicts a net decline of twenty-five (25) and above. Twenty-three (23) schools have
been renovated, rebuilt, or newly constructed since 1997. Now is not the time to slow down. Old buildings
cannot accommodate the needs for first-rate programs. Alternative education needs a more coordinated,
proactive funding approach. Inadequate facilities result in needy students going without services. Alternate
education facilities are located throughout the City in the oldest facilities, and in some cases, temporary
or "make shift" quarters. Inadequate facilities force Schools in a stance of suspending some students who
then go without services during the school year. The implication of students with unaddressed educational
needs and behavioral problems remaining at home during school hours is significant to the community at
large. Middle school children are enrolled in the Center for Effective Learning, a fifty-six (56) year old
building which has not known the benefit of renovation. Some students attend classes underneath an old
stadium. Virginia Beach Central Academy operates in a 44-year old former department store. Open campus
is a commendable program that provides an intense accelerated schedule. This schedule affords another
opportunity to students who may have previously dropped out of school, or who need additional courses for
employment, admission to higher education or enlistment in the military. Unfortunately, the program
operates largely out of portables on the premises of Green Run High School. The Princess Anne Center for
pregnant teens operates out of four (4) portables on the grounds of Princess Anne High Schoo/. If these
programs were housed under one roof, delivery of services could be improved considerably and $1.2-
MILLION could be saved annually in operational costs. School Plant Services are working on the outdated
campus of the Center for Effective Learning and Central Academy. The Bus garage is a 44-year old facility
that is willfully inadequate to address the needs of the second largest public school transportation system.
The bays can only accommodate 64-passenger buses while many in this industry utilize 84-passenger buses.
Facing such situations, the School Board made a conscious decision to submit a proposed six-year $601-
MILLION Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Schools will commit to moving $5.5-MILLION annually
from the Operating Budget to the Capital Improvement Budget.
April 20, 2004
- 7 -
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
ITEM # 52490 (Continued)
QUALITY EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Schools (Continued)
Tony L. Arnold, Director of Facilities, Planning and Construction, advised six (6) high schools are being
reviewed to determine which two (2) require additions: Green Run, Salem, Cox, Tallwood, Ocean Lakes and
Landstown.
Victoria Lewis, Chief Financial Officer - Virginia Beach City Schools, referenced the comparison of the FY
2003-04 and FY 2004-05 Operating Budget (based on the Governor's Budget)
FY 2003/04
FY 2004-05
Increase in dollars
State (Governor's Budget)
City
Increase in percent
State (Governor's budget)
City
$ 534,343,721
$ 571,788,731
$ 37,445,010
$ 16,400,000
$ 20,600,000
7.01%
5.84%
8.08%
September 30 Enrollment
FY 2003-04
FY 2004-05 Projected
Reduction
Average reduction per school
Average reduction per grade level
K- 8 (6 grade levels)
6- 8 (3 grade levels)
9-12 (4 grade levels)
75,424
74.938
486
5.71
.95 students
1.90 students
1.43 students
State Funding - $279.4-M/LLION
Sales Tax - $57.2-M/LLION
Allocated based on number of school-age children living in
Virginia Beach
Funded by $.01 of State Sales Tax
Subject to fluctuations in the economy
Part of the Basic Aid Formula
6.5% increase over FY 200-04 BUDGET
Other State funds - $222.1-M/LLION
Standards of Quality Programs (SOQ)
Per pupil amounts
Regular/gifted/special/vocational education
Incentive Programs
Requires a match based on composite index
Usually shown as a grant
Categorical
No match required
ESL, Foster Care, Homebound
April 20, 2004
- 8-
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
ITEM # 52490 (Continued)
QUALITY EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Schools (Continued)
The Revenue Sharing Formula was adopted by City Council in February 1997, the only change from the
initial policy was to permit the Schools to share in actual over-budget in the same percentage shared in
budgeted revenues. The City provides an estimate of those amounts in the Fall and in January, a revised
estimate is presented. The allocation for this year is $323.5-MILLION:.
Recommended allocation
Debt Service
Pay As you Go CIP
Operating Budget
$ 4I.3-MILLlON (Mandatory allocation)
$ 6.9-MILLlON
$ 275.3-MILLION
Expenditures
Required Costs
Salary and benefits overhangs
Changes in mandates rates - i.e. VRS retirement
Changes in Federal/State grant matches
Student programs
Enrollment projections
New schools
Mandates
Compensation enhancements
Baseline capital replacements
Position Additions
Net New Positions
175.30
Instructional
Instructional Support - school based
Elementary security
Bus Drivers
School Plant - Preventative Maintenance
Various clerical support
69.90
50.90
18.00
13.00
6.00
17.50
Tony Arnold presented highlights of the 2004-05 Capital Improvement Program, adopted by the School
Board on March 16, 2004. Since 1997, the School Division has constructed or modernized twenty-three (23)
facilities.
April 20, 2004
- 9-
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
ITEM # 52490 (Continued)
QUALITY EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Schools (Continued)
New Schools
Christopher Farms Elementary School 1997
Corporate Landing Middle School 1997
New Castle Elementary School 1999
Landstown High School 2001
Advanced Technology Center 2002
Elementary School 2005
(Located behind Three Oaks subdivision)
Where Have We Been?
Replacements Modernizations
Linkhorn Park Elementary School (1998) Creeds Elementary School (2000)
WT Cooke Elementary School (1999) Shelton Park Elementary School (2001)
Seatack Elementary School (2000) Thalia Elementary School (2001)
Bayside Elementary School (2000) Luxford Elementary School (2001)
Kemps Meadows Elementary School (2002 Kempsville Elementary School (2003)
Woodstock Elementary School (2002) Malibu Elementary School (2003)
Hermitage Elementary School (2004) Pembroke Elementary School (2004)
Arrowhead Elementary School (2004) Lynnhaven Elementary School (2004)
Trantwood Elementary School (2004
What is Included in the Proposed City Manager's 2004/2005 CIP?
Continue modernizations
Alternative Education Facility - Phase I
(School Plant/Supply Facility)
Virginia Beach Middle/Kemps Landing Magnet replacement facility
Elementary School 2005
Elementary School 2007
Two high school additions
Great Neck Middle School replacement
Miscellaneous renovation/replacement projects
April 20, 2004
- 10-
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
ITEM # 52490 (Continued)
QUALITY EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Schools (Continued)
What is NOT included in the proposed City Manager's 2004-2005
Capital Improvement Program?
More aggressive modernization schedule
Bus Garagefacility ($11.6-MILLION)
Alternative Educationfacility - Phase II (U5-MILLION)
Mrs. Lewis advised the Revenue haring Formula is used to allocate funds between the City and the Schools
was adopted in February 1997. This also affects City Operations; howeverJor the City, it is not the sole
source offunding. The School System must use these funds for all of their needs: Debt Service, Capital
Improvement Program and the Operating Budget.
School Capital Improvement Program Funding
Lottery proceeds (state)
Construction grants (state)
Revenue Sharing Formula - Pay As You Go Funding (PAYGO)
Operating Budget reversion
Cannot be spent on recurring expenses
Revenue Sharing Formula actual over budget
Cannot be spent on recurring expenses
Capital Improvement Program
City
School
Difference
$ 509,312,259
$ 601,084,238
$ 91,77/,979
Overall Net Debt per Capita
Inflationary re-evaluation value'
$/,775
City indicator value for FY 04/05'
$2,051
"The explanation for exceeding this threshold is the issuance of debt
associated with the Major Projects and Open Space Initiatives. "
"This level of debt can be supported without negatively impacting the
City's bond rating. "
". .population growth has unexpectedly slowed.. Since the initial policy
decision was made to issue this debt. "
"...if debt associated with the Convention Center Theater and Open
Space program are excluded, the City is within their policy thresholds. "
"..Net Debt to Income Per Capita should not exceed 6.5%, and is
comfortably below this threshold for each year. ""
'Page 39 - Executive Summary - FY 2004/08 Resource Management Plan.
"Page 50 - Executive Summary - FY 2004/05 Resource Management Plan
April 20, 2004
-11-
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
ITEM # 52490 (Continued)
QUALITY EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Schools (Continued)
School Capual Improvement Program
Capital Improvement Program reflects the priorities of the Board
Allocates $5.5-MILLlON per year for PA YGO
Effect of additional Debt Service
Additional $92-MlLLION in Debt to be paid from the Revenue
Sharing funding streams
Balance of funds allocated to Operating Budget
April 20, 2004
-12 -
ITEM # 52491
Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf called to order the CITY MANAGER'S PRESENTATIONS re Rural Area
Private Utilities Connecting to Public Water and Sanitary Sewer System and Backup Power for Sewer
Pump Stations in the Council Conference Room, City Hall, on Thursday, April 20, 2004, at 4: 15 P.M.
Council Members Present:
Harry E. Diezel, Margaret L. Eure, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, Reba
S. McClanan, Richard A. Maddox, Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf, Jim
Reeve, Peter W Schmidt, Ron A. Villanueva, Rosemary Wilson and
James L. Wood
Council Members Absent:
None
April 20, 2004
-13 -
CITY MANA GER 'S PRESENTA TION
RURAL AREA PRIVATE UTILITIES CONNECTING
TO PUBLIC WATER AND SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
4:15P.M.
ITEM # 52491 (Continued)
Thomas M Leahy, Water Resource Manager - Public Utilities, advised Clarence Warnstaff - Director -
Public Utilities and Gary Jones - Manager of the Engineering Division, were in audience. From time to
time, the Department of Public Utilities has been asked to approve the installation of privately-owned utility
lines in the public right-oI-way for the purpose of connecting a property to the public water or sanitary sewer
system. Though this practice is discouraged, it is generally allowed north of the Green Line or in the
Princess Anne/Transition area if there are no practical means to serve the property with the public system,
and if the on-site systems are not providing an acceptable alternative (a hardship exists). In December
2003, City Council adopted a new Comprehensive Plan that contains additional guidance with respect to
urban/suburban infrastructure in the vicinity of the Green Line and Princess Anne/Transition Area
boundaries. However, this Comprehensive Plan is not as absolute in its guidance as the 1997
Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Leahy referenced page 33.
"Residents of the City, whether urban or rural, deserve reasonable
response to basic health, safety and welfare concerns due to existing
or longstanding conditions, and the Green Line is not intended to
prevent investment to remedy such concerns. "
Recently, Public Utilities was approached by approximately three (3) property owners to extend private
utility lines to connect to the public system from properties that are in the rural area across the Green Line
and into the Transition Area. Two of these owners have commercial properties on Sandbridge Road,
approximately ~ mile west of the Oceanfront and one of the owners has a residential lot on the other side
of Indian River Road. Public Utilities concluded it is appropriate to reevaluate its policy and therefore met
with representatives of the Planning Department, Development Services Center and the City Attorney:
Robert J. Scott - Director - Planning,
Tom Pauls - Comprehensive Planner
Tom Leahy - Water Resource Manager, Public Utilities
Gary Jones - Manager, Engineering Division
Charles Hassen - Director, Development Services Department
William Macali - Deputy City Attorney
Public Utilities concluded it was appropriate to reevaluate its policy.
Proposed Policy for Private Utilities in Rural Area Connecting to Public System
Public Utilities will not extend public facilities into the Rural Area
Public Utilities will permit private utilities in the Rural Area to
connect to the public system when:
Existing development only
On-site system is failing
No practical alternatives
Capacity sized for existing use only
No public funding
Very stringent encroachment agreement
April 20, 2004
- 14 -
CITY MANA GER 'S PRESENTA TION
RURAL AREA PRlV ATE UTILITIES CONNECTING
TO PUBLIC WATER AND SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
ITEM # 52491 (Continued)
By Consensus, this item relative revised Policy of Rural Area Private Utilities Connecting to Public Water
and Sanitary Sewer System, shall be scheduledfor a City Council Public Hearing on May 11, 2004, with
a vote by City Council at thefollowing Formal Session of May 27,2004.
April 20, 2004
- 15 -
CITY MANAGER'S PRESENTATION
BACKUP POWER FOR SEWER PUMP STATIONS
4:50 P.M.
ITEM # 52492
Thomas M. Leahy, Water Resource Manager - Public Utilities, advised during Hurricane Isabelle, three
hundredfifty-eight (358) of three hundred eighty-nine (389) sewer pump stations were out of power for
up to five (5) days. Prior experiences were less than two hundred (200) stations out for one to three days.
Debris from Isabel was twice the debris from hurricane Bonny. The Public Utilities' forces and available
equipment were overwhelmed
Sewer Pump Station Reliability
Public Utilities has investigated two long-term options and an
immediate short-term action
Alternative I: Backup power at all 389 pump stations. $40-50-
MILLION ($6-MILLION per year)
Alternative 2: Backup power at ninety seven (97) Tier 1 Pump Stations.
Electrical "quick-connects" at two hundred ninety-two (292) stations.
More portable generators (in-house, contract). $I7-21-MILLION
($2. 6-millionlyear)
Both alternatives would require at least jive (5) years to fully
implement.
The debris from Hurricane Bonney was approximately y:'-MILLION cubic yards. The debris from Isabel
was slightly less than I-MILLION cubic yards.
Tier I Sewer Pump Stations
Serve many connections or receive fiow from other pump stations
Serve an emergency shelter, critical care facility (hospitals, etc) or
other essential facilities
Function as a repeater site for the system
Could generate Sanitary Sewer overflows that would reach a public water supply
Could cause Sanitary Sewer overflows in homes or businesses
Alternative 1 is not recommended. Sanitary Sewer overflows (SSO's) occur for many other reasons. The
goal should be to minimize the total number and volume of all SSO's, not just those caused by power
outages. Alternative 2 is recommended - in concept. Immediate actions are also recommended.
April 20, 2004
-]6 -
CITY MANAGER'S PRESENTATION
BACKUP POWER FOR SEWER PUMP STATIONS
ITEM # 52492 (Continued)
Immediate Actions
Purchase and replace at least twenty (20) portable generators
Generators dedicated to service areas with potential for Sanitary
Sewer overflows inside structures
Contracts for leasing more generators and pumps during/after a storm
Permanent backup at as many Tier] stations as possible (about 30 -
39 already have electrical quick connects)
$5-MlLLION from retained earnings, no rate increase necessary
The City Manager's staff is not ready to recommend that Alternative 2 is the solution. More studies are
necessary. The City Manager advised additional information will be provided City Council in the Fall. The
staffis not even ready concerning the "immediate actions" as more engineering work and other studies are
needed. Within the next few months, requests for funding shall be scheduled for consideration by City
Council.
The Workshop ADJOURNED at 5:18 P.M. to RECONVENE the SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION in the
City Council Chamber at 6:00 P.M.
April 20, 2004
- 17-
FORMAL SESSION
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
April 20, 2004
6:00 P.M.
Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf called to order the SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEACH
CITY COUNCIL re Public Hearing of the PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005 RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT PLAN in the in the Council Chamber, City Hall Building, on Tuesday, April 20, 2004,
at 6:00 PM..
Council Members Present:
Harry E. Diezel, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, Reba S. McClanan,
Richard A. Maddox, Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf, Jim Reeve, Peter
W Schmidt, Ron A. Villanueva and James L. Wood
Council Members Absent:
Margaret L. Eure
[Left 5:00 P. M]
Rosemary Wilson
[Left 7:00 P.M.]
INVOCATION: Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Mayor Oberndorf requested prayers in memory of Tara Drake - Development Services Center.
April 20, 2004
- 18-
MAYOR'S CALL TO SPECIAL SESSION:
ITEM # 52493
The Mayor read the CALL TO SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION:
"THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
In accordance with the Virginia Beach City Code Section 2-21, and
by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach,
I hereby call a SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA
BEACH CITY COUNCIL on Tuesday, April 20, 2004, at 6:00 P.M.,
in the City Council Chamber, City Hall Building, 2401 Courthouse
Drive.
The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION:
Public Hearing:
FY 2004-2005 Resource Management Plan
Lodging Tax Rate
Real Estate Tax Rate
This Special Formal Session and Public Hearing will follow the
regularly scheduled City Council Workshop (Conference Room, City
Hall).
Sincerely,
s/Meyera E. Oberndorf
Mayor"
April 20, 2004
City c:>:1 Virgi:r:da
Beach
MEYERA E. OBERNDORF
MAYOR
MUNICIPAl_ CENTER
BUILDING 1
2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23456-9000
(757) 427-4581
FAX (7571426-5699
MOBERNDO@VBGOVCOM
March iO, 2004
THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
In accordance with the Virginia Beach City Code Section 2-2i, and by the authority vested in me
as Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach, I hereby call a SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA
BEACH CITY COUNCIL on Tuesday, April 20, 2004, at 6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chamber, City Hall
Building, 240i Courthouse Drive,
The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION:
Public Hearing:
FY 2004-05 Resource Management Plan
Lodging Tax Rate
Real Estate Tax Rate
This Special Formal Session and Public Hearing will follow the regularly scheduled City Council
Workshop (Conference Room, City Hall),
Sincerely,
~
Meyera E. Oberndorf
Mayor
cc: Mayor and Members of City Council
James K. Spore, City Manager
Leslie L. Lilley, City Attorney
Ruth Hodges Smith, MMC, City Clerk
Charles W. Meyer, Chief Operating Officer
Susan Walston, ChiefofStaff
Steven Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
David Sullivan - Chief information Officer
Diane Roche, Assistant to the City Manager
.for Communications and Media Relations
Gwen Cowart - Director, Communications
and Information Technology
-19 -
Item V. AlB
ITEM # 52494
Mayor Oberndorf DECLARED a PUBLIC HEARING:
PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
A. Lodging Tax
B. Real Estate Tax Rate
The following speakers registered to speak:
Herb Maher, 405 High Point Avenue, Phon: 427-8559, requested the Consumer Affairs Office
not be eliminated from the Operating Budget. Mr. Maher was in SUPPORT of the Real Estate
Tax Rate
Robert 0 'Connor, President - Citizens' Action Coalition, Inc., 204 52"" Street, Phone: 428-0902, spoke
relative the Real Estate Tax Rate and distributed a petition of 2,632 signatures requesting the Real
Estate Tax Rate be lowed to $1.04 per $100 of assessed value. Said petition is hereby made apart
of the record.
Al Strazzullo, 3120 Sand Pine Road, Phone: 481-0024, spoke relative the Real Estate Rate, and supported
a real estate tax rollback
Henry Ryto, 408 Jasper Court, Phone; 687-8585, Director - Council of Civic Organizations and the CCO's
voting representative with the Resort Advisory Commission, supported a real estate tax roll back.
House Bill 30 of the General Assembly Budget from the Regular Session gave Virginia Beach
$25.4-MILLION more in FY 2005 than in FY 2004 and a 7.8% increase over the Biennium Budget.
William Bailey, 4841 Rosecroft Street, Phone: 495-0637, represented Virginia Beach Coalition of Public
Employees, Virginia Beach Professional Firefighters, the Police Benevolent Association, Police
Supervisors Association and the Virginia Beach Education Association (17,000 City and School employees)
Mr. Bailey read a letter on behalf of the membership and requested the real estate tax rate not be lowered.
Mr. Bailey also referenced the Police are very much underpaid.
Maury Jackson, 1125 Ditchley Road, Phone: 428-1470, advised the assessment on his small house increased
$60,000, ($750 more in taxes due). Mr. Jackson requested the Real Estate Tax Rate be lowered.
Daniel Baxter, 2001 Drumheller Court, Phone: 495-7224, represented the Council of Civic Associations,
and requested the Real Estate Tax Rate be lowed to $1.10 per $100 of assessed value
Reid Greenmun, 2621 Sandpiper Road, Phone: 426-5589, First Vice President, Council of Civic
Organizations, resident of Sand bridge, advised his house has doubled in value within three (3) years. Mr.
Greenmun requested the Real Estate Tax Rate be lowed to $1.10 per $100 of assessed value. Catheryn
Whitesell, Director of Management Services, will confer with Mr. Greenmun and the Council of Civic
Organizations, to develop a $36-MILLION list of possible cuts to lower the Real Estate Tax rate. Mr.
Greenmun advised the CCO is not requesting the Operating Budget be cut from last year, but requesting
the real estate rate of increase be slowed this year.
April 20, 2004
- 20-
Item V. A/B
ITEM # 52494 (Continued)
Ken Taylor, represented the Virginia Beach Hotel/Motel Association, advised discussion at the Board of
Directors March Meeting re the sunset of the $1.00 per room night contribution to the advertising and
marketingfund and the 1/2% hotel tax for events programming. The Board of Directors remains committed
to the long standing partnership with the City to develop and improve tourism and provide a strong
calendar of events for the citizens and tourists. Virginia Beach Hotel/Motel Association voted unanimously
to support the renewal of both of these taxes and extend the sunset to June 30, 2008
Paul Hamaker, 1813 Barkading Court, Phone: 479-3133, urged curtailment of growth, OPPOSED to
Real Estate Tax Increase. Mr. Hamaker supported devoting one cent of the Real Estate
Tax to the acquisition and maintenance of open space. This open space fund is being depleted
Tom Langley, Langley and McDonald Engineering, spoke in SUPPORT of the Proposed Fiscal Year
2004-2005 ResourceManagement Plan and the Real Estate Tax Rate. Mr. Langley also represented several
groups of waterfront residents on the Lynnhaven River, requesting the dredging of the Lynnhaven River be
accelerated from the 2007-2008 Capital Improvement Program
Chris Cutchins, 1000 Wessex Lane, Phone: 523-0438, represented Endependence Center, Incorporated
(ECI) and requested City Council's continued support with an increasefrom $42,500 to $70,000 due to an
increase of participants. Mrs. Cutchins, with a dual disability of visual and hearing loss, is a participant.
Dominic Melito, 4246 Beasley Court, Phone: 729-5672, Vice President-Elect, Virginia Beach Education
Association, and represented the Virginia Beach Coalition of Public Employees, spoke in OPPOSITION to
reduction of Real Estate Tax rate
Teresa Bowling, 1104 Snowbird Lane, Phone: 437-1193, SUPPORTED reduction of the Real Estate
Tax Rate and requested the reinstatement of Sunday hours at Princess Anne Library
Tom Coghill, 804 Surfside Avenue, Phone: 422-3425, resident of Croat an area, spoke in SUPPORT of the
Real Estate Tax rate
Debbie Dear-Rutecki, Vice Principal- Alanton, 4325 Delray Drive, Phone: 460-2989, parent of a
handicapped child, spoke in OPPOSITION to reducing the Real Estate Tax Rate. When her special needs
child graduates, the Community Services Board has advised on July First, there will be no further
schools for her to attend. Inadequate State Waiver funds are received
Frank Doyle, 5372 Lynnbrook Landing, Phone: 490-0842, spoke in SUPPORT of the Real Estate Tax. His
home is his largest investment and he is more than willing to pay the taxes. Mr. Doyle also spoke in
SUPPORT of the eighteen (18) Ladder Captain positions of the Fire Department
Marylayne Castelluzzo, Speech Pathologist with Virginia Beach City Schools, 5189 Stratford Chase Drive,
Phone: 424-4346, spoke in OPPOSITION to the increase in the Real Estate Tax rate
There being no further speakers, Mayor Oberndorf CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING.
April 20, 2004
- 21 -
Item VI.
ADJOURNMENT
ITEM # 52495
Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf DECLARED the Special Formal City Council Session ADJOURNED at 7:40
P.M.
~~~~!~~--
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Meyera E. Oberndorf
Mayor
City of Virginia Beach
Virginia
April 20, 2004