City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. September 9 , 2013 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 4 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2013-2014 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. Tim 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. Jenni Wilder, Public Input Coordinator Mr. Donald Goodman, Police Chief 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. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger, seconded by Mr. Cox, that the minutes of August 12, 2013 are approved with corrections. Vice-Mayor Harshberger was presiding and not Mayor Brown VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson NAYES: None-0 ABSTAIN: Mayor Brown INTRODUCTIONS SUBJECT: Chief Simpkins introduced Sparky the Fire Truck Robot SUBJECT: Chief Goodman introduced two new Communication Officers Sean Weston Emily Thomasson SUBJECT: Special Recognition. Chief Goodman recognized Senior Police Officer Bryan Mayberry for his recent service to our country while serving in Afghanistan. Officer Mayberry thanked Council for the welcome home and is happy to be home and presented the City of Radford with a flag that was flown over Afghanistan. Mayor Brown shared what a special gift this is and honored to receive it on behalf of the City. PROCLAMATION SUBJECT: Radford High School Hall of Fame Committee SUMMARY: The Radford High School Hall of Fame Committee has requested that City Council consider recognizing the week of September 16 through September 22 as “Radford High School Hall of Fame Week” and that Saturday September 21, 2013 be recognized as “Radford High School Hall of Fame Day!” Eight new members will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for 2013, bringing the total number of student athletes to fifty-eight. CITY OF RADFORD PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the City of Radford and Radford High School has a special and valued tradition in supporting its student-athletes, and WHEREAS, Radford High School established its Hall of Fame in 2008 and created a committee of Radford citizens to help select the finest members to their Hall of Fame, and WHEREAS, Radford High School has now inducted 58 student athletes in to the Hall of Fame, sixteen (16) members in 2008, ten (10) members in 2009, nine (9) members in 2010, seven (7) members in 2011, and eight (8) members in 2012, and WHEREAS the Hall of Fame committee for Radford High School has voted and will induct eight (8) new members into the RHS Hall of Fame on September 21, 2013 at the Radford High School Auditorium, and Class of 2013 Virginia Deryline Dehart Hamilton Robert A. “Bobby” Jordan Doug Barton Donald Dickens Donald W. Leighton Melissa “Missy” Poff Heath Chester Black Paige Martin Krabill WHEREAS the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place the Saturday following the Friday night football game against our old Archrival Blacksburg, and NOW THEREFORE, in recognition and celebration of our great student-athletes, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED that the week of September 16, 2013 through September 22, 2013 be known as RADFORD HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME WEEK, and that Saturday September 21, 2013 be RADFORD HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME DAY and that each honoree be given a copy of this Proclamation as a gesture of the City of Radford’s appreciation for their days “on the hill” as a Bobcat. ___________________________ Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: September 9, 2013 ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, seconded by Mr. Nicholson. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTION SUBJECT: DGIF Boat Ramp Application SUMMARY: The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) is offering grants to construct and improve access points to public waterways. The City of Radford has a boat ramp at Riverview Park used to access the New River for recreational and emergency purposes. If approved, project funds could be used for ramp improvements, expanded parking, lightning and restroom facilities. The $50,000 grant would require a 25% match in cash or in-kind contributions. A resolution of support by the governing body is required. Radford’s match is planned from in-kind site improvements. A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES GRANTS TO LOCALITIES PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC BOATING ACCESS FACILITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is currently accepting applications for its Fiscal Year 2014 funding cycle; and, WHEREAS, the City of Radford desires to improve the medium boating access point in Riverview Park; and, WHEREAS, the Riverview boating access plays a vital role in the City’s economic development and tourism efforts; and, WHEREAS, the Riverview boating access enjoys significant use by both sportsman and recreational users while also providing emergency access to the New River; now, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Council of the City of Radford hereby supports this application to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Grants to Localities Program. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST: Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: September 9, 2013 ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion to approve the resolution as presented and authorize Mayor Brown to sign and attested by Melissa Skelton, seconded by Mr Marshall. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: Ordinance # 1655-Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program SUMMARY: The Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention program protects the public water supply from contaminates entering the system from low water pressure or improper service connections. The program is mandated by the Virginia Health Department. The proposed Ordinance replaces the existing program and conforms to modern requirements and practices pertaining to administration, enforcement, penalties, customer responsibility, as well as maintenance and inspection. The city has had a program since 1996. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7:32 p.m. No Comments Mayor Brown closed the public input hearing at 7:32 p.m. Clerks note: Notice of the public hearing has been duly advertised. SUBJECT: Ordinance # 1656-Meth Lab Clean-up Recovery Cost SUMMARY: Legislation was approved in the 2012 legislative session of the General Assembly enabling localities to seek reimbursement for the cost and expense related to methamphetamine lab cleanup, following conviction. Expenses eligible for recovery, cost associated with clean-up, removal or repair of the affected property and the replacement of personal protective equipment. The Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Commonwealth Attorney have reviewed the proposed ordinance. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7:35 p.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. OLD BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider First reading of Ordinance 1654 – Miscellaneous Offenses- Guns and Weapons SUMMARY: City Council authorized a public hearing at its meeting on June 24, 2013 to consider comments concerning an amendment to Chapter 70, section 35 through 44 of the Radford City Code pertaining to “guns and weapons”. The revisions are necessary to address changes in state code sections pertaining to carrying concealed firearms, discharge of firearms, sale of weapons, as well as regulations associated with air guns, BB guns, crossbows and pneumatic guns. VOTE: No Action was taken CITIZENS COMMENTS: Steve Shaffer, Radford resident, requested that Council recommend to the Radford City School Board that they move their September 10th meeting to accommodate the large turnout they are expecting. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1648.09: $8,236 Homeland Security Grant. SUMMARY: The Virginia Homeland Security program has awarded the City of Radford a grant in the amount of $8,236. The grant is awarded specifically, to the Regional Haz-Mat team to purchase equipment. No local match is required. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion, seconded by Mr. Cox, to place Appropriation Ordinance 1648.09 on its first reading. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, 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, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1648.10: $5,800 for Veterans Recognition. SUMMARY: City Council has been discussing possible ways to recognize Radford’s Veterans and those who have lost their lives defending our Nation’s freedom. An Appropriation Ordinance was requested at the August 12, 2013 meeting to purchase two bronze plaques 24"x30" for the City Administration Building and Municipal Building, recognizing these heroes. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, to place Appropriation Ordinance 1648.10 on its first reading. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, to dispense with the second and final reading. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider First Reading of Ordinance # 1656 – Reimbursement for expenses incurred from methamphetamine lab clean-up SUMMARY: Legislation was approved in the 2012 legislative session of the General Assembly enabling localities to seek reimbursement for the cost and expense related to methamphetamine lab cleanup, following conviction. Expenses eligible for recovery, cost associated with clean-up, removal or repair of the affected property and the replacement of personal protective equipment. The Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Commonwealth Attorney have reviewed the proposed ordinance. ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion to place Ordinance # 1656 on its first reading, seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider request to close Norwood Square Lot for the “Harvest Festival Carnival”. SUMMARY: New Horizons Church has requested that the Norwood Square parking lot, located at the intersection of Virginia Street and East Main Street, be closed to accommodate a “carnival” associated with the annual “Trick or Treat Trail”, sponsored this year by the Radford Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2013. The lot will be closed from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to accommodate children’s activities, including games, inflatables, music and face painting. Access to the businesses through the lot will not be impacted by the special event. Public Works will take care of the set-up and procedures related to closing the lot. Mr. Nicholson asked if the Chamber of Commerce supports this event. Michelle Linkous responded that the Chamber of Commerce is in support and is overseeing the trick or treat trail. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve the request to close Norwood Square Lot for the “Harvest Festival Carnival”, seconded by Mr. Marshall. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider scheduling a public hearing to amend Sections 120.1-107 & 120.1- 114, and 120.1-90 (2) of the Zoning Ordinance SUMMARY: In the development of the Zoning Ordinance in 2007, a section of the “permitted uses” was omitted in the development of the M-1 (light industrial) and the M-2 (Heavy industrial) zoning regulations. The code should have included a provision to allow any “use or structure permitted in the B-2 (General Business District)” in the M-1 district, as well as any “use or structure permitted in M-1 district” should have been included in the M-2 district. In addition to these Ordinance upgrades, section 120.1-90(2) should be revised to state “any use deemed to be in compliance with the definition of retail stores or shops. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to schedule a public hearing for September 23, 2013, seconded by Mr. Nicholson. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider SUMMARY: ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to appoint Judith Dill to the Alcohol Safety Board, seconded by Mr. Cox. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath shared that the weather has finally improve and we are able to move along with the sports complex and the Second Avenue project is progressing nicely. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mayor Brown acknowledged that Mrs. DeVilbiss had a medical procedure today and was unable to join us this evening. He commented that he would be remised if he didn’t recognized the Radford High School AP Government students who are in attendance this evening, they picked a good evening to join them. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:03, seconded by Mr. Cox. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Vice-Mayor Harshberger NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk of Council