City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. December 10 , 2012 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 10 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2012-2013 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 10 Robertson Street, Radford, VA. The Mayor of the City, Dr. Bruce Brown, was present and presiding. Other members of City Council present were Mr. Cox, Dr. Richard Harshberger, Mr. Keith Marshall, and Mr. Robert Nicholson III. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Mrs. Gail Cook-DeVilbiss, City Attorney Mr. Basil Edwards, Economic Director Mrs. Patricia Cox, Finance Director Mr. James Hurt, City Engineer Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, the invocation was pronounced by Jim Henagar. MINUTES APPROVAL: On a motion by Mr. Nicholson, seconded by Dr. Harshberger that the minutes of November 26, 2012 were approved with minor corrections. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: New Horizon’s Church SUMMARY: Mayor Brown apologized to those in the audience who came solely for the public hearing, but due to a technical issue the petitioner requested to reschedule the meeting. Mr. Nicholson made a motion to reschedule public hearing to January 14th 2013, seconded by Mr. Marshall. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTION SUBJECT: Richard Davis Family SUMMARY: The proposed resolution recognizes Richard “Dick” Davis and family for their dedication and contributions to the City of Radford. The Resolution reflects the ideals of the Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service Above Self Award. Mayor Brown read the resolution for the benefit of the audience. City of Radford Resolution Honoring Richard W. Davis and Family 2012 Recipients of Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service-Above-Self Citizenship Award WHEREAS, the City of Radford wished to honor Robert Allen “Big Al” Hall by establishing a Humanitarian Service-Above-Self Citizenship Award in 2011, and WHEREAS, the establishment of this award recognizes unsung heroes that contribute to making the City of Radford a better place, and WHEREAS, a humanitarian or group is recognized as the individual or individuals who extend benevolence and kindness by putting others before one’s self, and WHEREAS, Richard W. Davis, born July 9, 1931, in Rocky Mount, Virginia, served his country as First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force from 1952-1957; and WHEREAS, Richard and Mary Alice Davis, his wife of 43 years, set an early standard for giving back to the community by volunteering their services to the City of Radford; and WHEREAS, Mary Alice Davis went on to be known as one of Radford’s true volunteers, known for her work for the RHS Booster Club, Radford’s Girl’s State, Radford’s PEO and for Radford Hospital’s Meals-On-Wheels program for the elderly; and WHEREAS, Richard W. Davis was named the Spoke Award winner by the Radford Jaycees in 1962, the Radford Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award winner in 1966, and represented the Radford Kiwanis as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Kiwanis Club’s Lieutenant Governor in 1969; and WHEREAS, Richard W. Davis was chosen by the Virginia Legislature as Radford’s General District Court Judge in 1962 and he served as judge in our city for eighteen years until 1980; and WHEREAS, Richard W. Davis was admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1959 and soon thereafter established his law firm in the City of Radford, which now has as its partners his sons Beverly McDonald Davis and Richard W. Davis Jr. The law firm was awarded the Citizen’s Award in 2009 by the Radford Police Department for their continued donations to law enforcement projects; and WHEREAS, Richard and Mary Alice Davis raised five children in the City of Radford and each has continued to help set the standard for community leadership in the City of Radford, serving in the following capacities: Debra Dawn Davis Sydnor of Radford, Virginia – who continued her mother’s standard of volunteer work for the Radford Booster Club while her daughters lead RHS to two Girl’s State Basketball Championships. Debbie also works at our local hospital and serves as Carilion Clinic’s Senior Marketing Advisor; Julia Woods Davis O’Kelly of Richmond, Virginia – who currently works for Virginia’s Board of Bar Examiner’s office as its Senior Administrative Assistant, helping organize the annual bar exam for the admittance of lawyers into the Commonwealth of Virginia; she is also known for putting together meals for social events just like her mother; Richard W. Davis, Jr. of Radford, Virginia – who donates his time to the Radford Rec. Department as a coach for football, basketball and soccer; and who serves on the RHS Hall of Fame Committee; he is currently serving as a member of Radford’s IDA helping bring economic growth to the City of Radford; he is also a radio broadcaster for the Radford Bobcats; and was awarded the Citizen’s Award in 2006 by the Radford Police Department for his efforts in preventing a suicide in our city; Beverly McDonald Davis of Radford, Virginia – who donates his time to the Radford Rec. Department as a coach for football and basketball; he and his brother Richie served as JV football coaches; he currently as a basketball coach on Rick Cormany’s staff at RHS; he is a valued member of the Radford Booster Club and has helped the club donate several meals to both the football and basketball teams; Robert William Davis of Tampa, Florida –is serving his country for the twenty-second year in the United States Army, currently based at Fort MacDill; he works at the headquarters for the United States Special Operations Command; he has been stationed throughout the United States and the world, including North Korea, Germany, Iraq and Qatar; and WHEREAS, as Richard W. Davis and his family continue to be a model neighbor and major contributor to our local schools, sports programs, and community charities; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Radford City Council does hereby honor Richard W. Davis, his family and his law firm for their dedication and service to the City of Radford, by presenting to Richard W. Davis and his family the 2012 Robert Allen “Big Al” Hall Humanitarian Service-Above-Self Citizenship Award. ________________________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, Deputy City Clerk Adopted: December 10, 2012 Richard Davis shared how appreciative he is of this award. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve the resolution as presented and authorizes the Mayor to sign, seconded by Mr. Marshall. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 OLD BUSINESS None CITIZEN COMMENTS: None NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Ordinance 1645 – Refinancing of 2003 & 2004 Series Bond SUMMARY: The City of Radford issued two bonds that were used for water system improvements for $8 million with Suntrust Bank and $1.96 million with Carter Bank. The interest rates for both are about 3.5% with maturities in 2019. Legal Council and staff are recommending that the bonds be refinances at a new rate of 1.99% with an issue size of about $4,650,000 and a maturity date of 2019 with Suntrust Bank. The estimated savings for the life of the refinancing would be about $507,000. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion, to approve Ordinance 1645 as recommended, seconded by Mr. Cox. Clerks Note: The form of bond will be attached to the Ordinance. VOTE: Mr. Cox Yes Dr. Harshberger Yes Mr. Marshall Yes Mr. Nicholson Yes Mayor Brown Yes Consent Agenda SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1634.16: $5,000 for Digital Radios. SUMMARY: The Police Department Dispatch Center has converted its radio communications equipment to a “digital signal. Improvements are needed to the Sheriff’s Department equipment to be able to communicate with dispatch and police vehicles due to the incompatibility of digital and analog devices. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1634.17: $6,200 for HVAC at Public Works SUMMARY: The twenty year old HVAC system at the Public Works Building has stopped functioning. Due to the age of the system, it is not cost effective to make any significant repair. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Mr. Cox, to place the consent Appropriation Ordinances 1634.16 and 1634.17 on its first reading. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion, seconded by Dr. Harshberger, to dispense with the second and final reading. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Regular Agenda SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1634.18: $120,896 for Automated Meter Reading. SUMMARY: The electronic transmitters attached to the water meters are in need of replacement. Due to issues with compatibility, warranty, read accuracy and efficiency we are moving to a new product made by Orion. ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, to place Appropriation Ordinance 1634.18: $120,896 on its first reading. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, to dispense with the second and final reading. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Purchase of Transit Buses SUMMARY: The Radford Transit System requires expansion due to high volume routes and equipment demands. The “Operational Plan” programmed two, 35’ heavy duty transit buses for F.Y. 2013. The 53+ passenger buses would be funded through the grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. A 9% match is required and would be provided by Radford University. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve purchase of two buses not to exceed the cost of $832,500 as presented in the plan and they be purchased from Newflyer Industries and authorizes that David Ridpath sign all paperwork necessary, Mr. Cox seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider refinancing request from Commerce Park. SUMMARY: The Commerce Park “oversight” committee, made up of representatives from the eleven participating localities, is considering refinancing the debt on the regional industrial park. The Committee has requested that the local governments support the refinance plan. Basil Edwards, Economic Director, shared that the climate for refinancing is good and the Commerce Park is looking at consolidating the loans at lower interest rate. Another reason we are looking at refinancing, is right now the land is the collateral on that debt and when dealing with prospects they want you to give them some incentive and typically its free land. Mr. Ridpath reported that the driving factor is that Rural Development and possible two banks hold the deed of trust on the property, and by holding that they cannot market, sell or give away or do anything with the land without releasing a portion deed of trust and that’s what causing one of the complication and this gives more flexibility to free that up. He highly recommends that we support the project, but not the moral obligation. ACTION: Mayor Brown asked council if they were in support of the letter to support the refinance plan. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commissions. SUMMARY: John McClandlish has resigned from the New River Community Action Board. A request has been received from Lura Ann Pitchford who is interested in serving. ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion, to appoint Mrs. Lura Ann Pitchford to the New River Community Action Board, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Nicholson wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday’s Dr. Harshberger wanted to thank Nick Nicholson and Marceline Hunter for their untiring efforts to the community and for lighting us up for Christmas. Mayor Brown shared that our City was once again recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for Distinguish Budget Presentation and Trish, David and staff deserve a lot of credit for that. Mayor Brown shared that one of the key features of this evening meeting is to go to the lobby to unveil the Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Award and unveil the plaque and portrait. Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:06, Seconded by Mr. Nicholson. ATTEST: _________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk of Council