City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. May 13, 2013 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 23 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2012-2013 The special closed meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 5:30 p.m. in the City Manager’s Conference Room, 10 Robertson Street, Radford, VA. The Mayor of the City, Mr. Bruce Brown, was present and presiding. Other members of City Council present were Mr. Tim Cox, Mr. Keith Marshall, Dr. Richard Harshberger, and Mr. Robert L. Nicholson III. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager/City Clerk CLOSED MEETING: Mr. Cox made a motion, seconded by Dr. Harshberger, to convene into a closed meeting for the purpose of discussion of the following subjects as provided in Section 2.2-3711 A, paragraph 1 of the Code of VA 1950 as amended which reads as follows: Discussion, consideration or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation of specific public officers, appointees or employees of any public body; a. Personnel, City Manager Evaluation VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Cox made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting. Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Cox made a motion to re-convene the regular meeting. Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING Mr. Cox made a motion that Council did not discuss anything in the closed meeting other than the items for which it was convened. Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Cox made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _______________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk 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 The news media was represented by Radford News Journal. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, an invocation was pronounced by Chaplin Jim Hanagar. CONSENT AGENDA MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Nicholson, seconded by Mr. Marshall that the minutes of April 22, 2013, April 24, 2013 and May 2, 2013 are approved as presented as consent items. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTIONS SUBJECT: Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service Award – Dr. Nick Pappas SUMMARY: The proposed resolution recognizes Dr. Nick Pappas for his many contributions to the youth of the City of Radford. The resolution reflects the ideals of the Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service above Self Award establish by City Council in 2011. Mr. Cox read the resolution for the benefit of the audience. City of Radford Resolution Honoring Dr. Nicholas John Pappas  Recipient of the 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 is recognized as one who extends benevolence and kindness, by putting others before one’s self, and WHEREAS, Dr. Nicholas John Pappas is a 1963 graduate of Shepherd University, where he was a multi-sport athlete, lettering in football and was also a member of the track team; and WHEREAS, in 2008 Dr. Pappas and his wife Pamela Pappas were recognized by Shepherd University as Outstanding Alumni of the Year for their service to their community; and WHEREAS, upon graduation from Shepherd, Dr. Pappas served as a platoon officer in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1964- 1966, where he was wounded in Vietnam and received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service to our country; and WHEREAS, Dr. Pappas determined that he wanted to teach young minds and received his M.A. in American Government and Ph.D. in Foreign Affairs, from the University of Virginia before going on to become an Assistant Professor at Radford University, teaching political philosophy and international relations from 1984 until 2005; and WHEREAS, even after retirement from Radford University, Dr. Nicolas Pappas has continued to teach students and enlighten minds, as a part time faculty member of the Political Science Department; and WHEREAS, Dr. Pappas is also known as Coach Pappas to many young athletes at Radford High School, where he has served in various coaching positions since 1978, including aiding the football team, coaching the cross country team, and as a weight lifting coach for students who wanted to learn how to lift properly, and WHEREAS, Coach Pappas has been the shot-put and discus coach for the Radford High School Track Team for over 25 years and has helped produced 4 state champions in shot-put and 4 in discus, with the hopes of a current thrower following in the footsteps; and WHEREAS, Dr. Pappas is a remarkably intelligent and humble individual who enjoys enlightening the young minds of Radford High School students and Radford University students, and whose influence is left with all those he teaches and coaches. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Radford City Council does hereby honor Dr. Nicholas Pappas for dedication and service to the City of Radford, by presenting him with the Robert Allen “Big Al” Hall Humanitarian Service-Above-Self Citizenship Award. __________________________ Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: May 13, 2013 ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion, to approve the resolution as presented and authorize Mayor Brown to sign and Melissa A. Skelton to Attest, seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Fairview District Home SUMMARY: Craig County wishes to withdraw from the Fairview District Home Board and a resolution is required to approve the agreement. RESOLUTION OF THE RADFORD CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AGREEMENT ALLOWING CRAIG COUNTY TO WITHDRAW FROM THE FAIRVIEW DISTRICT HOME BOARD WHEREAS, the Fairview District Home Board is comprised of the County of Craig, Virginia, County of Giles, Virginia, County of Montgomery, Virginia, County of Pulaski, Virginia, and the City of Radford, Virginia (the “Localities”); and WHEREAS, the Localities that make up the Fairview District Home Board are members (the “Members”) of the Fairview District Home Board, and own real property and the improvements thereon located in the County of Pulaski, Virginia, at 5140 Hatcher Road, Dublin, Virginia 24084, commonly known as the “Fairview District Home” (the “Property”) ; and WHEREAS, each Locality as a Member of the Fairview District Home Board has a duly authorized and appointed representative from each Locality on the Fairview District Home Board; and WHEREAS, each Locality as a Member of the Fairview District Home Board is obligated to participate in the upkeep and maintenance of the Property; and WHEREAS, the County of Craig, Virginia, has requested to withdraw from the Fairview District Home Board; and WHEREAS, the Localities that make up the Fairview District Home Board have negotiated a Withdrawal Agreement whereby Craig County, Virginia, will convey its interest in the Property of the Fairview District Home Board unto the remaining Members by Deed, in consideration of the remaining Members agreeing to release Craig County, Virginia from having to pay their current outstanding liability owed the Fairview District Home Board in the sum of Twenty-Four Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty One and 00/100 Dollars ($24,961.00); and WHEREAS, the duly authorized remaining Members of the Fairview District Home Board, consisting of the Localities of the County of Giles, Virginia, County of Montgomery, Virginia, County of Pulaski, Virginia, and the City of Radford, Virginia (the “Remaining Locality Members”) are in agreement, subject to the terms and conditions as set forth herein, and subject to the express authority and consent of the governing bodies of each Locality; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Radford, Virginia, has determined it is in the best interest of the City and the Localities to accept the withdrawal of Craig County, Virginia, from the Fairview District Home Board, and to accept the Property by Deed to the Remaining Locality Members, as set forth in the attached Withdrawal Agreement between the Localities, as proposed and presented, subject to the approval and consent of each of the governing bodies of each Locality; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to approve the Withdrawal Agreement and the acceptance of the Property as set forth therein and presented herewith for and on behalf of the City of Radford, Virginia. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Radford, Virginia, that the City Council hereby agrees to allow Craig County, Virginia to withdraw from the Fairview District Home Board pursuant to the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by the Members of the Fairview District Home Board and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof, and hereby authorize the Mayor, Dr. Bruce Brown, or the City Manager, David C. Ridpath, either of whom may act, to execute the Withdrawal Agreement and to accept the City’s portion of Craig County’s share of the Fairview District Home Property, by Deed, for and on behalf of the City of Radford, Virginia. The City Attorney shall be authorized to finalize the terms and conditions of the Withdrawal Agreement and Deed, and shall approve the same as to form for the City. _______________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: _______________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion, to approve the resolution 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: Disposal of the old Public Safety Building SUMMARY: Since a year has passed without acting on the public hearing that was held on February 27, 2012, the City Attorney recommends that another public hearing be held prior to the transfer to the City’s Industrial Development Authority. A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONVEY SURPLUS PUBLIC REAL PROPERTY OF THE CITY BY DEED OF GIFT TO THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF RADFORD, VIRGINIA WHEREAS, City of Radford owns public property consisting of the real estate and the improvements thereon located at 601 West Main Street, Radford, Virginia, identified as Tax Map Parcels 13-(1)-4 and 13-(1)-5, containing a total area of containing 0.303 Acre, which formerly served as the physical facility for the Radford City Police Department; and WHEREAS, the Radford City Police Department has now been re-located to a new public safety building located at 20 Robertson Street, Radford, Virginia; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a general public input hearing on January 23, 2012, to receive general public comments as to the use or disposal of the public property, and thereafter Council duly advertised and held a public hearing on February 27, 2012, to receive public comments on the dispose of the property to the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Radford, Virginia (the “IDA”), and no negative comments were received at either hearing in opposition, after discussion Council took no additional formal action at the time to await the receipt of a report on the status of the property and the willingness of the IDA to accept the property; and WHEREAS, due to the period of time that has passed, it is necessary to hold another public hearing for the same purpose; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined the property is in a state of disrepair and in need of substantial maintenance, which maintenance and repair would be a financial burden to the City, and there is not currently another City use for the public property, and City Council desires to convey the property to the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Radford, Virginia; and WHEREAS, Virginia Code § 15.2-953(B) authorizes a locality to make gifts of real estate located in the City to industrial development authorities, for the purposes of promoting economic development; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that conveying the City owned real estate will serve to promote economic development; and WHEREAS, the Council desires and is required to hold a public hearing pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1800(B) prior to conveying any City owned property, and is required to set forth the intended disposal of the property in the public hearing notice prior to making any disposal of the aforesaid public property; and WHEREAS, Section 2.13, of the Radford City Charter further requires any action approved by Council to convey any rights in and unto City owned property, shall be taken only by Ordinance enacted by the City Council; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Radford, Virginia on this 13th day of May, 2013, the City Manager be and he hereby is authorized to advertise a public hearing to allow for presentation and public comment for the purpose of considering the proposed conveyance of City owned real estate known as Tax Map Parcel 13-(1)-4 and 13-(1)-5, containing a total area of 0.303 Acre, being the public property located at 601 West Main Street, Radford, Virginia to the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Radford, Virginia, with no consideration, pursuant to Code of Virginia § 15.2-953 and § 15.2-1800(B), and the City of Radford Charter § 2.13 and § 2.14. ______________________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Resolution Approved: May 13, 2013 ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion, to approve the resolution as presented and to schedule a public hearing for June 10, 2013, seconded by Mr. Cox. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATION SUBJECT: Cultural Heritage Tourism Week SUMMARY: The Radford Tourism Advisory Commission has requested that City Council proclaim the week of May 20th-26th, 2013 as “Cultural Heritage Tourism Week”, which will recognize the significant opportunities available for the cultural arts and rich history of the City. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion, to approve the proclamation as presented and authorize Mayor Brown to sign and Melissa A. Skelton to Attest, seconded by Dr. Harshberger. CITY OF RADFORD PROCLAMATION Cultural Heritage Tourism Week Whereas, the City of Radford, Virginia, and its residents have demonstrated a commitment to supporting preservation of its heritage and to creating opportunities for the cultural arts; and Whereas, that commitment began several decades ago with the establishment of “The Long Way Home,” an outdoor drama commemorating the strength and courage of Mary Draper Ingles, one of Radford’s most famous citizens who in 1755 after escaping her Indian captors made a famous 400-mile return by foot to the New River Valley; and Whereas, that play was viewed by thousands of tourists and residents alike for more than two decades, was designated as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official Outdoor Historic Drama, and became the impetus for a major novel and several films; and Whereas, the story continues to be told today through Cabin Days at the Ingles Homestead, one of the most significant historic sites in Virginia and listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, and through a 22-foot-tall obelisk constructed in West View Cemetery with chimney stones from Mary’s original cabin; and Whereas, the development of a Cultural Heritage Park is now underway at the Glencoe Museum site and will eventually feature a bronze statue of Mary Draper Ingles, walking trails, and a railroad viewing platform to honor the City’s rail history; and Whereas, the citizens of Radford have expressed their support of historic Glencoe Museum, home of Civil War General Gabriel C. Wharton, and have recognized the museum’s many purposes—as a repository of city and regional history, as a gallery for local and regional artists and, as a Visitor’s Center. Whereas, the Radford City Tourism Department, the Tourism Advisory Commission, and the Radford Heritage Foundation have worked tirelessly to market our municipality’s many cultural/ heritage activities, including the annual Pow Wow that celebrates the Native American Indians and the Highlanders Festival that recognizes the influence of the Scots-Irish settlers, and have reached out to regional partners to assist in such projects as The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail and ´Round the Mountain Artisan Trail; and Whereas, the City of Radford also supports the establishment of commercial art galleries and heritage music venues in its business districts and partners with Radford University to promote the institution’s many cultural arts events each year; and Whereas, 2013 represents the 200th anniversary of the birth of Dr. John Blair Radford, the City’s namesake, and NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Radford does hereby recognize May 20th -26th 2013, as Cultural Heritage Tourism Week and recognizes the importance of heritage and cultural arts events and their contribution to historic preservation, education, and economic development. __________________________ Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST:_________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: May 13, 2013 VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: CDBG 2013-2013 Action Plan SUMMARY: The City anticipates receiving $135,297 in allocations for program year 2013- 2014. Council’s approval of the Annual Action Plan is required for the submittal. A public hearing is required. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7: 35p.m. No Comments. Mayor Brown closed the public input hearing at 7:35 p.m. Clerks note: Notice of the public hearing has been duly advertised. REPORT SUBJECT: Fourth of July Spirit of America Celebration SUMMARY: Ken Goodyear, Director of Parks and Recreation provided an update to City Council on the events, highlights and preparation related to the 2013 July 4th celebration in Bissett Park. OLD BUSINESS SUBJECT: Receive recommendation from the Board of Viewers -Radford University – Right-of-Way Vacation SUMMARY: Radford University has requested the vacation of several right-of-ways adjacent to the Hurlbert Student Center and the old Downey Street right-of-way. The right-of-ways are necessary to accommodate the construction of the new student fitness and wellness center. A public hearing was held on February 11, 2013. The Board of Viewers found “no inconveniences” that would result from the vacation of the right-of-ways. SUBJECT: Receive recommendation from the Board of Viewers -Radford University – Easement Vacation SUMMARY: Radford University has requested the vacation of several utility easements in the area of the new College of Business and Economics, adjacent to Jefferson Street. A public hearing was held on February 11, 2013. The Board of Viewers found “no inconveniences” that would result from the vacation provided the University dedicates public utility easements for the existing public utilities as they currently exist. ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion to receive the recommendation from the Board of Viewers for the vacation of the Right-of Way and Easement and authorize the City Attorney to draft up the Ordinances, seconded by Mr. Nicholson. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITIZENS COMMENTS: Deb Cooney, Tourism Director invited everyone to come out and participate in the Ride of Silence which starts at 7pm on Wednesday. This event promotes bike safety. James Stewart, Radford resident, shared he is honored to announce that Radford’s Relay for Life event raised over $35,000 and the combined total of the two events held by the City and the University was $50,000. He thanked the entire community for sponsoring the event. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1634.29: $600, Library Grant SUMMARY: The Radford Public Library has obtained a grant from the Community Foundation, the funds will be used to purchase “IPod Touches” to be used by students and teachers for instructional purposes associated with the “Mango” foreign language program. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Dr. Harshberger, to place Appropriation Ordinance 1634.29: $600 on its first reading. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall 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 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1634.30: $800 for “Be There Campaign”. SUMMARY: This appropriation is for t-shirts to help support the Radford Public Schools, “Be There Campaign”. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, to place Appropriation Ordinance 1634.30: $800 on its first reading. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion, seconded by Mr. Marshall, to dispense with the second and final reading. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Approval of the CDBG 2013-2014 Action Plan ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve the Annual Action Plan, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. 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 rezoning a portion of East Main Street. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to schedule a public hearing at their June 10, 2013 meeting, Mr. Nicholson 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 we were luckily spared of any destruction from Storm Achilles that swept through the City last week. He also reminded Council and the audience that the City offices are closed Memorial Day and the Friday prior. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Nicholson asked if Council could officially present the proclamation that was passed this evening to the Heritage foundation. Mr. Marshall wanted to take a moment to recognize Witt and Akers, a local business who have been in operation for 58 years, has closed this past weekend. It’s sad to see the businesses closing in the West End. He shared that he feels we need to try and help with the West end of town. Mayor Brown added that there was an interesting article in the paper referencing them closing and shared that some of the changes in the requirements are having an impact on local businesses. Dr. Harshberger thanked Mr. Marshall for sharing that, and added that Buddy was more of a friend. Mayor Brown commented that we won’t be meeting until June 10th. He also shared that on Memorial Day we will be celebrating the 15th annual Memorial Day program which has been a highlight in the New River Valley, the event is very moving and meaningful. He also wanted to acknowledge that he received cards from Coach Cormany and the Basketball team, thanking us as a Council for recognizing them. He shared that this council is dedicated in recognizing these folks that make a difference in this community every day. And on the 20th of this month, Mr. Marshall will speak on behalf of council; there will be a kickoff luncheon for VHSL Spring Jubilee. That will take place before we meet again on June 10th. This is a big weekend for the City, by hosting these types of events; it gives us an opportunity to showcase the City. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05, seconded by Mr. Nicholson VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk of Council