City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. March 25, 2013 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 17 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. Basil Edwards, Economic Director Mrs. Gail Cook-DeVilbiss, City Attorney Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mr. Frank Duffy, an invocation was pronounced by Rev. McCandlish. MINUTES APPROVAL: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger, seconded by Mr. Marshall that the minutes of March 11, 2013 were approved as presented, with minor edits. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CONSENT AGENDA PROCLAMATIONS: ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion, to approve the proclamations as presented and authorize Mayor Brown to sign and Melissa A. Skelton to Attest, seconded by Mr. Cox. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Recognition of John Ripley SUMMARY: April 2, 2013 is the anniversary of the destruction of the Dong Ha Bridge during the Vietnam War in 1972, saving the lives of over 30,000 Americans. Radford native, Colonel John W. Ripley’s heroic efforts were instrumental in preventing the advancement of enemy troops. The Proclamation recognizes the life, significant accomplishments and heroic efforts of John W. Ripley City of Radford PROCLAMATION Honoring Colonel John W. Ripley ’s Heroic Actions at Dong Ha Bridge On April 2, 1972 WHEREAS, John W. Ripley was born 1939, graduated from Radford High School in 1957, and earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy; and WHEREAS, Colonel Ripley was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, where he joined the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines as commander of “Lima” Company and fought in battle in the “Leatherneck Square” area of Vietnam; and WHEREAS, Colonel Ripley fought in the Vietnam War and during the 1972 North Vietnamese Easter Invasion, he heroically spent hours attaching explosives under the Dong Ha Bridge, while encountering enemy fire; and WHEREAS, this heroic action ultimately led to the destroying of the Dong Ha Bridge, which prevented the onslaught of 20,000 enemy troops; and WHEREAS, April 2, 2012 marked the 40th anniversary of the Easter Invasion and destruction of the Dong Ha Bridge, which ultimately saved over 30,000 American lives; and WHEREAS, Colonel Ripley was awarded the Navy Cross for these noble and gallant actions, known as “Ripley at the Bridge,” which was selected to symbolize the actions of all Naval Academy graduates in the Vietnam War with a diorama displayed at the Naval Academy; and WHEREAS, Colonel Ripley ultimately earned six valorous and fourteen personal decorations, including the Navy Cross, Silver Star, two awards of the Legion of Merit, and two awards of the Bronze Star with Combat “V”, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnamese Distinguished Service Order; and WHEREAS, Colonel Ripley’s valor at Dong Ha is still remembered today, but more than that, he is remembered for being a sterling example of leadership, integrity and honor throughout his Marine career and his entire life; and WHEREAS, Radford City Council wishes to recognize Colonel John Ripley and his heroic military career by naming April 2, Colonel John Ripley Day, in the City of Radford; and WHEREAS, the City of Radford is incredibly proud and humbled to be the hometown of Colonel Ripley, who serves as a shining example of honor, bravery, and service to our country. NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Mayor and Radford City Council that all citizens recognize the heroic efforts of Colonel John W. Ripley on April 2, 2013. ________________________ Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: March 25, 2013 Mr. Cox read the Proclamation for the benefit of the audience; Mr. Frank Duffy received the proclamation on behalf of the Ripley family. SUBJECT: Declaring April Environmental Awareness Month SUMMARY: April is national “Environmental Awareness Month.” The month is publicly recognized to highlight the importance of the earth’s environment through educational programs, special events, demonstration projects and clean-up activities. The Proclamation calls on our local citizens to recognize the month. City of Radford PROCLAMATION Environmental Awareness Month WHEREAS, various organizations and citizens show concern for the Earth’s environment; and WHEREAS, the problems of the Earth’s environment affect all the citizens of Radford, as well as the entire population of the planet; and WHEREAS, the City of Radford encourages Radford citizens to participate in global appreciation of the Earth through educational programs, special projects, demonstrations, cultural events, lectures, clean-up activities, etc. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Radford does hereby designate the month of April, 2013 as ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MONTH and calls all citizens of Radford to support, recognize, and appreciate the importance of participating in this special month. Approved this 25th day of March, 2013. ________________________ Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST:_____________________________ Mr. Nicholson read the Proclamation for the benefit of the audience and presented the proclamation to Jenni Goodman on behalf of the City Environmental Awareness Team. SUBJECT: Recognition of Earth Day on April 22nd. SUMMARY: April 22, 2013 is nationally recognized as “Earth Day”. The local Proclamation encourages citizens to recycle, reduce and reuse to promote a healthy environment and a sustainable community. City of Radford PROCLAMATION Earth Day WHEREAS, April 22, 2013 is recognized as National Earth Day; and WHEREAS, a sound natural environment is the foundation of a healthy society and a robust economy, and WHEREAS, there are sound economic, environmental, and social reasons for local governments to initiate energy efficiency and renewable energy practices, and WHEREAS, the City of Radford encourages and endorses participation in events supporting Earth Day, NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Radford does hereby proclaim the day of April 22, 2013 as EARTH DAY and does hereby encourage all of our citizens to participate in the ongoing efforts to recycle, reduce and reuse, as well as other activities which promote a healthy environment and sustainable society. Approved this 25th day of March, 2013 ________________________ Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST:_____________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Mayor Brown read the Proclamation for the benefit of the audience. SUBJECT: Recognition of Arbor Day on April 26th. Dave Horton, Radford Beautification and Forestry Commission Chair, shared with Council and members of audience that the City of Radford has been recognized as Tree City USA, by the State Forestry Association. This status shows that the City of Radford cares for our trees and urban forest. And he wished to thank Council for their support. SUMMARY: April 26, 2013 is nationally recognized as “Arbor Day”. The local Proclamation encourages citizens to protect our trees and woodland, as well as recognize the benefits of our forests. CITY OF RADFORD PROCLAMATION Whereas, in 1872, a special day was set aside for the planting of trees, and Whereas, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees, and Whereas, 2013 is the 141th anniversary of the holiday and Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and Whereas, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife and Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and beautify our community, and Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal and Whereas the City of Radford established the Commission for Beautification and Municipal Forests to enhance and maintain the health and vitality of the community’s urban landscape, and Whereas this is the first year that the City of Radford has achieved the designation of Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation indicating community support for the propagation and proper maintenance of our trees to the benefit of our municipality, NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Radford does hereby proclaim April 26th, 2013 as the 141st anniversary celebration of Arbor Day in the City of Radford, Virginia and joins with the Radford Commission for Beautification and Municipal Forests to urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and Further, urges all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. Dated this 25th day of March, 2013. ________________________ Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST:_____________________________ City Clerk Dr. Harshberger read the Proclamation for the benefit of the audience and presented the proclamation to David Horton on behalf of the beautification committee. SUBJECT: RHS Boys Basketball Team SUMMARY: The Radford High School Boys Basketball team had a very successful 2013 season. The Bobcats won the Three Rivers District Championship, the Region C Tournament and the Group A Division II State Championship. The Proclamation recognizes the success of the Bobcat Boys’ Basketball Team by proclaiming the month of April 2013, as “Radford Bobcat Boys Basketball Month.” City of Radford PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the 2013 Radford High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team was made up of: Josh Little D’Andre Cook Zach Bradley Marcus Finley Nate Jones Isaiah Phillips Rasheed Jordan Drew Cox Anthony Miano Luke Wheeler Eli Facemire Monari Gichana Head Coach: Mr. Rick Cormany Assistant Coaches: Mr. Tommy Hilton, Mr. Bill Nichols, Mr. Ben Fisher, Mr.Jeff Little, Mr. Bev Davis WHEREAS, the RHS Boys Basketball Team showed exemplary skill throughout the regular season by averaging 66 points a game while holding opponents to an average of 49, and winning the Regular Season Three Rivers District Championship; and WHEREAS, the team easily defeated Chilhowie in the first round of the Region C tournament, where they proceeded to beat Glenvar by scores of 91-48 and 58-51, respectively; and WHEREAS, the team beat Graham by a score of 68-46 in the Region “C” Tournament Finals to win its first regional title since 2004, and went onto beat the Region “D” Runner-ups Virginia High 59-42 for a state semifinal birth; and WHEREAS, Radford faced off against Essex, rallying in the fourth quarter lifting the Bobcats to a 54-40 victory and a trip to the state championship game; and WHEREAS, the team faced Gate City, and overcame a 30-27 halftime deficit to seal the deal 72-58, to take the title of 2013Group A Division II State Champion; and WHEREAS, the team concluded the season with 20 straight wins, an impressive 28-2 record and the additional distinction of winning three State Basketball Championships in Five years. NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Mayor and City Council that April 2013 in the City of Radford will forever be known as Radford Bobcat Boys Basketball Month Approved this 25th day of March, 2013 _________________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Mr. Marshall read the Proclamation for the benefit of the audience and presented the proclamation to Coach Cormany. Mayor Brown took a moment to share his experience with the team and honor Coach Cormany by presenting him with the key to the City. OLD BUSINESS SUBJECT: Receive recommendation from Planning Commission for Special Use Permit for Catholic Diocese of Richmond – Pregnancy Resource Center. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion, to receive the Planning Commission’s recommendation relative to Ordinance 1647, seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Ordinance 1647 – Catholic Diocese of Richmond – Pregnancy Resource Center SUMMARY: The Pregnancy Resource Center of the New River Valley has requested a Special Use Permit to operate a “clinic” at 1016 Fairfax Street. The property is owned by Catholic Diocese of Richmond. The site is zoned R-4, “multi-family residential” and requires approval of a special use permit. A joint public hearing was held on February 25, 2013 with the Planning Commission. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place Ordinance # 1647 on its first reading, seconded Dr. Harshberger. Mr. Nicholson shared that the Planning Commission had a lengthy conversation about the parking along with the congestion of parking within the zone itself. When you read the ordinance you will notice that there are a number of proffers that apply to the parking, the goal was to minimize the impact. The challenge is trying to monitor what they have promised; much of the responsibility will be on the organization to make sure that they stay in compliance with what they proffered. Mr. Marshall thanked everyone for all the emails he had received today, supporting the Pregnancy Resource Center and looks forward to the impact they will have on the City Dr. Harshberger echoed Mr. Marshall’s comments. Mrs. Cook-DeVilbiss commented that the date of the public hearing date is incorrect and will update the Ordinance for the second reading to reflect that. VOTE: Mr. Cox Yes Dr. Harshberger Yes Mr. Marshall Yes Mr. Nicholson Yes Mayor Brown Yes VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITIZENS COMMENTS: Wanda Pearce, President of Main Street Radford, presented Council with the Virginia Main Street milestone award, which Main Street Radford received for fostering more than 250 downtown improvement projects and presented that award to the City. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Reduced Rates for Special Collection SUMMARY: The month of April is Environmental Awareness Month. To encourage neighborhood clean-up, as well as promote the environment, the City will offer reduces rates for brush and solid waste pick-up. The rate charges for large loads will be reduced to $35, small loads $17.50 and furniture and appliances will be half price for the month. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Cox, to approve the special rates for the month of April. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Main Street Request – Norwood Square SUMMARY: Main Street Radford has requested that the Norwood Square Parking lot, be closed to accommodate two special events for 2013. These events are the opening of the Farmer’s Market on May 4 and a Halloween Carnival on October 31. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the request from Main Street Radford, seconded by Mr. Nicholson. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Request a public hearing to receive comments to consider the F.Y. 2014 Budget. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to schedule a public hearing at their April 8, 2013 meeting, Mr. Cox seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath shared that the Second Avenue project is about to begin pending the weather, and anticipate a ground breaking in the next few days. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mayor Brown shared that one of the City’s Relay for Life team is having a fundraiser at El Charro’s this evening. He also mentioned that they will need to have a public hearing for the naming of the bridge that is being dedicated to John Ripley. We are lucky to have a really active Veterans committee. Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:52, seconded by Mr. Marshall. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk of Council