City Council

409 S. Main Street City of Harrisonburg Harrisonburg, VA 22801 Meeting Minutes - Final City Council Mayor Christopher B. Jones Vice-Mayor Richard Baugh Council Member Ted Byrd Council Member Kai Degner Council Member Abe Shearer Tuesday, May 12, 2015 7:00 PM Council Chambers 1. Roll Call Present: 5- Mayor Christopher B. Jones, Vice-Mayor Richard Baugh, Council Member Ted Byrd, Council Member Kai Degner and Council Member Abe Shearer Also Present: 5- City Manager Kurt Hodgen, Assistant City Manager Anne Lewis, City Clerk Erica Kann, City Attorney Chris Brown and Captain Richard Sites 2. Invocation Vice-Mayor Baugh offered the invocation. 3. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3.a. Proclamation - Police Week Mayor Jones recognized the Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) for Police Week. Mayor Jones commended the three officers that were inducted into the HPD last week. Mayors Jones asked for everyone to commend HPD officers as well as the Sheriff's Department this week. 4. Comments from the public, limited to five minutes, on matters not on the regular agenda. (Name and address are required) James "Bucky" Berry, 30 West Washington Street, stated he would like to see take home vehicles reduced for city employees. 5. Consent Agenda (any item placed on the consent agenda shall be removed and taken up as a separate matter, if so requested by any member of Council, otherwise all items will be voted on with one (1) motion) A motion was made by Council Member Byrd, seconded by Council Member Degner, that the Consent Agenda be approved. The motion carried with a recorded roll call vote taken as follows: Yes: 5- Mayor Jones, Vice-Mayor Baugh, Council Member Byrd, Council Member Degner and Council Member Shearer No: 0 City of Harrisonburg Page 1 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 5.a. Minutes These Minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 5.b. Consider a supplemental appropriation for the General Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $39,819 This Supplemental Appropriation was approved on second reading. 6. Unfinished Business 6.a. Consider amending the Zoning Ordinance Section 10-3-30.1; Parking Lot Landscaping regulations, by proposing minor modifications to add flexibility and to improve and clarify its application Stacy Turner, Director of Community Development, reported that no comments were received by the Shenandoah Valley Builders Association (SVBA) after contacting the group twice following the discussion during April 28, 2015 Council Meeting. A motion was made by Vice-Mayor Baugh, seconded by Council Member Byrd, that this Zoning Ordinance be approved on first reading. The motion carried with a recorded roll call vote taken as follows: Yes: 5- Mayor Jones, Vice-Mayor Baugh, Council Member Byrd, Council Member Degner and Council Member Shearer No: 0 7. Public Hearings 7.a. Consider a request from Alan E. Strawderman to rezone a 0.45-acre parcel zoned B-2C, General Business District Conditional by amending existing proffers on the property located at 1320 Port Republic Road Vice-Mayor Baugh recused himself from the rezoning request. Adam Fletcher, City Planner, stated the written report shows the history of the property and then reviewed the property and surrounding properties. Mr. Fletcher stated the use of the property is restricted with the existing proffers. Mr. Fletcher stated because of the existing limitations, the applicant is requesting to rezone the property by amending the existing proffers to the following: use restrictions: all uses delineated in Harrisonburg’s Zoning Ordinance, Article Q. B-2 General Business District, § 10-3-90 (1) and (15) shall be permitted on the property except that no drive-thru, restaurant or shopping centers will be allowed; sign restrictions: the total square footage of all freestanding signs will not exceed 24 sf (each side), the freestanding sign height will be limited to 6 feet, no electronic message boards or flashing signs shall be permitted on site; the building will not be open later than 11:00 p.m. and not open before 6:00 a.m.; and, a six-foot opaque privacy fence shall be installed adjacent to any new parking lot area along the northern and eastern property lines. In addition, an evergreen vegetated screen shall be installed along the same City of Harrisonburg Page 2 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 boundaries. At the time of planting, such plantings shall be at least six feet in height and planted a minimum of seven feet on center so as to form a dense screen. Such vegetation shall be maintained and replaced when necessary. Mr. Fletcher presented a non proffered layout of the property. Mr. Fletcher noted a triangular ingress-egress easement on the right side of the property as well as an 18 foot private easement on the left side of the property for the mobile home park. If the request is approved, the differences between the currently permitted uses and what the proposed proffers would allow includes the following: personal service establishments would be added as an allowable use along with the previously permitted mercantile establishments, which promote the show, sale and rental of goods-the site would no longer be required to permit only a use substantially the same as VIP Scooters, or for the building to be renovated and reduced in size or a new smaller building constructed in its place so that minimum parking requirements could be met; the open space area north of the building could be fully utilized for any of the allowed uses including it being a parking area for those uses; the site could operate until 11:00 p.m. rather than being limited to 9:00 p.m.; no electronic message boards or flashing signs would be permitted along with the current sign restrictions; and, the site would be required to screen any new parking lot area along the northern and eastern property lines with a six-foot privacy fence and a dense evergreen screen. Mr. Fletcher stated although some may believe there are few differences, staff believes those differences are quite impactful and is recommending denial of the request. Mr. Fletcher reviewed staffs concerns which included the following: hardship for surrounding property owners with extended hours; property not conforming with the Comprehensive Plan's Land Use Guide; Public Works noted no additional turn lanes would be needed, recommended the applicant consider ways to limit backing from parking spaces into the shared driveway and the driveways for the mobile home park and the commercial use would be kept separate; staff recommended accommodations be made with the ingress-egress easement and noted the large landscape island to the right side of the property to force individuals from the travel aisle; there are five public school bus stops at the site during the school year; concerns with pedestrian traffic mainly due to the student housing complex (Aspen Heights) located nearby in the county and there is no designated street crossing located near the site; and, the property across the street was heavily proffered. Council Member Byrd questioned if there was anyone in the current property, if it was zoned B-2 conditional and if anyone had contacted Harrisonburg Transportation. Mr. Fletcher stated to his knowledge the property is currently vacant and zoned B -2 conditional and the applicant can speak more about his conversation with Harrisonburg Transportation. Mr. Fletcher did note the applicant was considering a safe zone for a bus stop, but it wouldn't have been located on the site. Council Member Degner asked if a crosswalk had been considered when the Health Center was put in across the street. Mr. Fletcher stated not to his knowledge. At 7:18 p.m., Mayor Jones closed the regular session and called the first public hearing to order. A notice appeared in the Daily News-Record on Monday, April 27, 2015 and Monday, May 4, 2015. City of Harrisonburg Page 3 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 Ed Blackwell, Blackwell Engineering, representing the applicant of this request, stated he met with Mr. Smith with Harrisonburg Transportation and he noted that the stop wasn't any worse from any others, but there was a special needs bus that needed to pick up and drop off a student at the location. Mr. Blackwell stated whether this request is approved or not the applicant is going to give an easement to the Harrisonburg City Schools to pull onto the property to pick up and drop off that one particular student. Mr. Blackwell stated the applicant has received e-mail approval from the adjacent property owner, mobile home park, to place a bus shelter and pad on the south end of the property which would be an easement to the city. Mr. Blackwell stated several of the neighbors are here tonight in support of the request and the building has been located there for 52 years. Mr. Blackwell stated the driveway located on the south side can't be closed even though they own the property due to an easement for the mobile home park. Mr. Blackwell stated parking is going to be added to the north end of the property to pull the parking away from the south driveway. Mr. Blackwell informed council that when the city widened the property there is now a culvert that blocks the access to the easement on the south side, so the applicant is going to provide a new easement to the adjacent neighbor so they can access their 18 foot easement. Mr. Blackwell stated he has been involved with several rezonings and he has never seen this many people in favor of something and he stated traffic doesn't seem to be a problem at the property. Alan "Butch" Strawderman, owner of the property, stated he appreciated some of the comments and he has spent a lot of time in surrounding area with neighbors which are in favor of the request and not a person showed opposition to the proposed 11:00 p.m. proffer. Mr. Strawderman stated it doesn't matter if this request is approved or not, a handicap bus will be allowed on the property. Ina Thompson, lives directly behind store, stated she has lived there for 32 years and hasn't seen any problems with the property or children getting on or off the bus. Ms. Thompson stated she loved when the property was a store and hopes that a store will return. Walter Price, another mobile home resident, stated he has lived there since 1972 and doesn't see a problem with the request. Children spoke on behalf of their parents Maria and Adolfo Ramirez, 1310 Parkview Road, stated their parents are in favor of the request and the property not being vacant. They noted the applicant taking time and making an effort to make the property better for the neighbors and feel that the college students can cross the street without any problems. Alexandra Falconi, 1182 Neilson Drive, stated she works at the hospital and this would add more value to the neighborhood. At 7:34 p.m., Mayor Jones closed the public hearing and the regular session reconvened. City of Harrisonburg Page 4 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 The following discussion took place: property was annexed, is zoned B -2 and building already exists; simple changes being made to current proffers; support for a local business; neighbors in favor of the request; even if it doesn't comply, there are perfect things in this request to make an exception; good community planning for those living close which is noted in Section 8 in Comprehensive Plan; thanked the applicant for outreach to the surrounding community; and, follow-up on the easement for the bus stop and handicap school bus pick up and drop off location. A motion was made by Council Member Byrd, seconded by Council Member Shearer, to approve the zoning proffer amendments as stated. The motion carried with a recorded roll call vote taken as follows: Yes: 4- Mayor Jones, Council Member Byrd, Council Member Degner and Council Member Shearer No: 0 Abstain: 1- Vice-Mayor Baugh 7.b. Consider Middle River Regional Jail agreement At 7:40 p.m., Mayor Jones noted there wouldn't be a presentation and closed the regular session and called the second public hearing to order. A notice appeared in the Daily News-Record on Saturday, May 9, 2015. Rus Leinbach, 1287 Greystone Street, provided background of himself and stated he feels that the solution to overcrowding is not buying into more jail cells because incarceration is a failed system. Mr. Leinbach stated 85% of people placed in jail have been there before. Mr. Leinbach questioned why we should put more money into a failed system. Mr. Leinbach is in favor of alternatives and feels that even if half or a quarter of this money was put to alternatives incarceration would drop. Mr. Leinbach stated the Restorative Justice Initiative is a significant step, spending more money on a failed system is not that answer and he would like his tax dollars be spent on alternatives. Tom Domonske, 461 Lee Avenue, agreed with what Mr. Leinbach said and he would like his tax dollars spent differently. Mr. Domonoske stated that funding jails creates a place for breeding and if we want more crime to approve the deal. Mr. Domonske stated he understands something needs to be done, but long discussions have more effective outcomes. Mr. Domonoske would like council to vote to redo the Community Criminal Justice Plan that would go out into the community and survey all the people who are providing services. Mr. Domonoske noted the Moseley report application stated the following: due to time and funding constraints they would not be doing the community survey. Mr. Domonoske asked council not to vote for the MRRJ buy-in, but to put it off for a year and put the money towards a Community Justice Plan. Noel Lavan, 156 Maryland Avenue, stated he has been an occupational therapist for 45 years and a mediator for 10 years. Mr. Lavan stated with his training and experience, meaningful engagement and meaningful employment both have a great City of Harrisonburg Page 5 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 role in one's person being in a society. Mr. Lavan stated he is not in favor of the buy-in with MRRJ. Mr. Lavan noted the studies from both in and out of the United States that have shown to some degree what may work better. Mr. Lavan applauded the Restorative Justice Initiative. Mr. Lavan would like the data analysis to take place prior to spending money with MRRJ. Mr. Lavan stated when people have meaningful engagement they don't have the need to commit crimes. Dr. Panayotis "Poti" Giannakouros, 98 Emory, stated there was a small group of supporters in the room, but a petition had well over 1,000 people listed. Dr. Giannakouros noted the rough estimates regarding the jail shows it will cost $ 38.00 a day per bed. Dr. Giannakouros reviewed the different faces of crimes here in Harrisonburg. Dr. Giannakouros noted that he wished the Restorative Justice Initiative was in place when his bike had been stolen because he chose to do nothing since it was a little crime. Dr. Giannakouros invited all to visit buildingbettercommunities.org to find out more information about the data. Diane Orndoff, 401 N. Main, stated when she first heard about the deal she had heard it was a done deal and she kept hearing the word engagement. Mrs. Orndoff stated she is still struggling to find out more, that she and others are engaged because they want to do better. Mrs. Orndoff stated we haven't failed like other larger communities, but our failure is measurable. Mrs. Orndoff feels that people are in jail due to the economic downfall and with this excitement she would like council to hold on and give the community a little more time. Ricardo Cortes, 434 West Bruce Street, stated he echoed everything that has been said, is in favor of council to vote against the deal, and doesn't understand why it is a ten year deal. Mr. Cortes asked if council thought crime was going to rise. Joanne Benjamin, 1031 Toppin Boulevard, praised council for the vote after hearing the public comments in connection with the previous agenda item. Ms. Benjamin noted that lesbian, gay, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) are represented in our jails and would like to know a number, but we don't have those numbers because we haven't looked at it close enough. Ms. Benjamin stated she was one out of five kids and her parents never went to crime, but she can understand why some people do . Ms. Benjamin praised what the Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) is doing and a lot of issues being brought up are ones bigger than Harrisonburg. Ms. Benjamin noted others look to HPD as an example and would like for others to look towards Harrisonburg as an example for criminal justice. Hermelinda Cortes, 338 West Water Street, stated that there is a defeated tone in everyone’s voice speaking on this matter and hopes the group can bring something that can receive a yes vote like a Community Innovation Plan. Isabel Castillo, 727 North Liberty, stated she echoed what had been said and as a tax payer urged council to vote no. Ms. Castillo asked everyone to stand up that was present in opposition of the proposal. City of Harrisonburg Page 6 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 Earl Martin, 1013 College Avenue, stated he came thinking about mental health issues and how it impacts the jail study. Mr. Martin stated he has a son that has struggled with mental illness. Mr. Martin noted that police have been receiving crisis intervention training, which is a weeklong training and he and his son have been able to share their story. Mr. Martin stated these discussions are exciting and there seems to be more alternatives other than incarceration. Mr. Martin noted a lot of inmates have mental crisis and feels that these alternative paths can do something magnificent for our community. Mr. Martin wished wisdom, compassion and intelligence as council makes this decision. At 8:17 p.m., Mayor Jones closed the public hearing and the regular session reconvened. City Attorney Brown reviewed the following about each document: Buy-in Agreement - between Augusta County, City of Staunton, City of Waynesboro, Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg; $21,543,588 with 10% of that payable prior to June 30, 2015, with the city paying half; annual payments for ten years with 2.17% interest, with the city responsible for half; and, Authority will work together to come up with alternatives to incarceration. Support Agreement - that is held between the Virginia Resources Authority, MRRJ and both the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County; moral agreement to pay debt service. Service Agreement - between Authority and all the jurisdictions; governs day -to-day operations; and, how expenses are calculated. Resolution - serves as a document to approve the other three documents discussed. The following discussion took place: committing to 150 bed per day; after three years, it would be adjusted to the rolling average, with the first year being assumed at 150 beds; buy-in is up to 250 beds; as of July 1, 2015 from an operational view there are 150 prisoners; and, immediately alleviates double bunking. The following points were discussed by Vice-Mayor Baugh: doesn't feel the issue is that complicated; although some data isn't available, there is key data available; the current jail is designed for 208 inmates; the lowest number of incarcerated people is back in 2006 at 238 individuals; the facility was not built for double-bunking; haven't averaged below 312 since 2008 and below 400 since 2013; supports alternatives, but something has to be done now regarding additional capacity; supports incarceration to no more than it needs to be; you only know in hindsight if we should rent or buy; buying-in is fixed and predictable, is important for financial outlook and uses existing infrastructure; incarcerating, sentencing and diverting money from jail operations are issues not at the hand of council; it would be great if we could solve the incarceration issue by simply adopting a Progressive Incarceration Reduction Program; positive things have happened during the last year during these discussions; to provide services we need space; no more data is needed to tell us that our jail is overcrowded; City of Harrisonburg Page 7 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 discussions need to continue; and, this approval is not a defeat but an opportunity. The following points were discussed by Council Member Shearer: Vice-Mayor Baugh is spot on; efforts to reduce and issues can't be resolved in the criminal justice system; $1.5 million being allocated for programming for new initiatives; noted the overcrowding issue which is not directly related to current discussions; currently don't have the space downtown to implement alternative programs; facts are before us and we have to respond to those facts; and, address needs that can't be addressed in the criminal justice system. The following points were discussed by Council Member Degner: worked hard to get votes to deny the submission of a proposal for a new jail; hasn't worked hard against this mainly to those points that Vice-Mayor Baugh pointed out; appreciative of the efforts that have been done with being responsive, so much more needs to be done; council can't do it all it has to be in partnership; the vote tonight doesn't properly acknowledge the thoughtful opposition on the other side; voting to acknowledge to show community input and there is work to be done; and, asked if the application that was sent to Richmond could be pulled. It was noted for that application to be pulled, Rockingham County would also vote to do so. The following points were discussed by Council Member Byrd: thanked Vice -Mayor Baugh for his comments; this was one of the options for the city and county to look into during the December 2014 meeting; reaching a point in the process that there are additional alternatives; linear in one phase but opportunities to alternatives and opportunities forthcoming; as a former Community Criminal Justice board member, it was recognized there is an overcrowding issue and it needed to be a joint effort. Vice-Mayor Baugh stated however this is approved, he is saddened with disconnect of the community. Vice-Mayor Baugh stated the community has been has had an enormous impact and hope it continues. Council Member Degner noted there are pilot studies underway and more information will be made available. Council Member Degner stated there is so much we don't know about and a lot of it is stuff out of our control. Council Member Degner noted a new jail would not be built in the region due to using space that already exists. Mayor Jones stated he did not want a new jail and noted Vice-Mayor Baugh's actions to making sure something would happen that we wouldn't have to build a jail and there is more work to be done. Mayor Jones noted those individuals who are broken need more engagement and we need to work together to stop children from becoming criminals. A motion was made by Vice-Mayor Baugh, seconded by Council Member Byrd, to approve the proposal as presented. The motion carried with a recorded roll call vote taken as follows: City of Harrisonburg Page 8 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 Yes: 4- Mayor Jones, Vice-Mayor Baugh, Council Member Byrd and Council Member Shearer No: 1- Council Member Degner At 8:59 p.m., Mayor Jones called the regular meeting to recess. At 9:04 p.m., Mayor Jones reconvened the regular meeting. 8. Regular Items 8.a. Consider approval of the FY 2015-2016 CDBG Action Plan Ande Banks, Director of Special Projects and Grant Management, reminded council of the presentation that was given during the March 24, 2015 Council Meeting and that the city will receive $542,005 for the 2015-16 program year. Mr. Banks reviewed the projects that were recommended for the program year and they were as follows : Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA), Harrison Heights Renovation ($140,000); Mercy House, Shelter Unit Bathroom Upgrade ($10,330); West Mosby Sidewalks Phase 2 ($77,000); Price Rotary Senior Center Renovation ($143,740.30); administration to receive $108,401; Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board: Pathway to Employment ($13,691.24); JMU IIHHS: Suitcase Clinic ($24,552.36); VPAS: Meals on Wheels ($15,500.00); Open Doors: Emergency Shelter ($4,040.10); and, The Arc ($4,750.00). Mr. Banks stated no further comments were received after the March 24, 2015 Council Meeting. Mr. Banks reviewed the schedule and stated the Annual Action Plan is due to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office by May 15, 2015. Brief discussion was held about the process and it was noted that Mr. Banks is very professional and individuals sometimes don't want to hear what is said about their programs. A motion was made by Council Member Shearer, seconded by Council Member Byrd, that this FY 2015-2016 Action Plan be approved. The motion carried with a recorded roll call vote taken as follows: Yes: 5- Mayor Jones, Vice-Mayor Baugh, Council Member Byrd, Council Member Degner and Council Member Shearer No: 0 8.b. Receive Planning Commission’s findings, New Elementary School on Garbers Church Road City Manager Hodgen stated this agenda item is to show the official transmittal of the hearing from Planning Commission to City Council regarding the new elementary school and no action is needed. City Manager Hodgen stated Planning Commission found the location of the new school is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan . Vice-Mayor Baugh stated a lot of time was spent on this matter at Planning City of Harrisonburg Page 9 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 Commission and a lot of public comment was received. Planning Commission’s review under Virginia State Code 15.2-2232 finds the general or approximate location, character, and extent of the Project is substantially in accord with the city’s adopted Comprehensive Plan. 8.c. Consider adopting the appropriation ordinance of the City of Harrisonburg, Virginia for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2016 for the first reading City Manager Hodgen stated council had the appropriation ordinance that didn't include the adjustments that were noted during the budget work session and made himself available for questions. The following points were made by Council Member Shearer: in 2014-15 FY a $0.06 increase on real estate tax was approved which totaled $2.3M and then a month later ended a year with a $6.3M surplus; this year we're looking at increasing an additional $0.06 real estate tax increase; last year was also a 20% increase in personal property tax; already a stormwater management fee being proposed which as a city we have very little control over this fee; another surplus possible at the end of this fiscal year; another tax increase will be looked at next year; can't vote for another tax increase this year; can't look at the revenues without looking at expenses; and, a $ 3M revenue budget growth within our budget within the last year. The following points were made by Council Member Byrd: as a body an hour and a half was spent yesterday where we were able to identify savings of roughly $ 300K of capital line items, a penny on the real estate and eliminating the proposed $ 3.00 increase to the solid waste management fee by pulling from the reserve fund; hard time raising taxes when 70% of students are on free and reduced lunch; mean income of the city is below state average; and the taxes being considered are disproportionate on our low-in-come families; and, and more ideas we can look at. Mayor Jones stated he would be in favor of another work session and legally we have to pass this as a first reading and the second reading can make changes. Discussion took place in regards to decreasing the proposed tax increase and then finding items to cut to match. The following points were made by Vice-Mayor Baugh: not in favor of decreasing the proposed tax increase without knowing what we are going to cut; different reasons for different years to why tax increases are reviewed; in some regards this one is due to a hiring freeze pre-recession; the city has more services and is bigger and we have been operating with less people; willing to review items to save money; and, certainly open to another work session. Council Member Byrd feels there is a penny or maybe two to reduce and is in favor of another work session. The following points were made by Council Member Degner: has voted against budgets due to increases in the past; finance committee can review; statistics show City of Harrisonburg Page 10 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 that the dollars per capita are low with services being high; everything that we do may not have to be done; in favor of continued discussion; and, feels that we are right in the middle of a step of services provided per number of residents. After further discussion, council was in favor of a work session. A motion was made by Council Member Degner, seconded by Vice-Mayor Baugh, to approve the budget as presented with the reduction of real estate taxes to $0.05, eliminating the $3.00 solid waste management fee and reducing the utility expense for the Public Safety Building by $40,000 on the first reading. A motion was made by Council Member Degner, seconded by Vice-Mayor Baugh, to amend the motion to include a second budget work session to be held by council. The motion carried with a recorded roll call vote taken as follows: Yes: 5- Mayor Jones, Vice-Mayor Baugh, Council Member Byrd, Council Member Degner and Council Member Shearer No: 0 9. Reallocations 9.a. Consider the reallocation of budgeted funds for the Economic Development Department in the amount $15,000 Mr. Banks stated these grant funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development are being reallocated from the Economic Development budget to the Revolving Loan Fund for disbursement to the winners of the What's Cooking business concept competition in the form of 0% interest loans. A motion was made by Council Member Degner, seconded by Mayor Jones, that this Reallocation be approved on first reading. The motion carried with a recorded roll call vote taken as follows: Yes: 5- Mayor Jones, Vice-Mayor Baugh, Council Member Byrd, Council Member Degner and Council Member Shearer No: 0 10. Other Matters Council Member Byrd noted the National Police Week Ceremony that was held on Monday and thanked police personnel for their service. Mayor Jones thanked Officer Langhans for his service and that is was great to see three new officers be inducted to the Harrisonburg Police Department. Mayor Jones also noted his and Council Member Shearer's participation in National Day of Prayer and Council Member's Degner's participation at the HPD inductee ceremony. City Manager Hodgen stated a bid had been received for Reservoir Street project and it was $6M over budget. City Manager Hodgen stated the group will review and a rebid will be scheduled for later in the summer or early fall. City Manager Hodgen City of Harrisonburg Page 11 Printed on 5/27/2015 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 12, 2015 stated if the bids continue to remain high, we will look into a phased approach. City Manager Hodgen stated the project could probably scale back beyond Lucy Drive and noted we had a good few years of lower bid projects. City Manager Hodgen noted the right-of-way needed has been obtained. City Manager noted the discussion was held regarding tax increases last year, this year and next year. City Manager Hodgen stated the following year will most likely be a tax increase as well due to the operations of the new school. City Manager Hodgen stated after this year’s number are in, it will be helpful for the next few years. City Manager Hodgen stated this past April was the first time we have received over $1M in meals tax. Sales and lodging taxes are both trending upward. Mayor Jones noted that with that news, there is good growth in Harrisonburg. 11. Boards and Commissions 11.a. Community Services Board A motion was made by Council Member Byrd, seconded by Vice-Mayor Baugh, to re-appoint Ben Risser, 141 Crescent Drive, to the Community Services Board to expire June 30, 2018. The motion carried with a recorded roll call vote taken as follows: Yes: 5- Mayor Jones, Vice-Mayor Baugh, Council Member Byrd, Council Member Degner and Council Member Shearer No: 0 12. Adjournment At 9:35 p.m., there being no further business and on motion adopted, the meeting was adjourned. ________________________________ ________________________________ CITY CLERK MAYOR City of Harrisonburg Page 12 Printed on 5/27/2015