City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. April 28, 201 4 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 16 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. Timothy 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 Developer Mrs. Gail Cook-DeVilbiss, City Attorney Mrs. Jenni Wilder, Public Information Officer 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 Mayor Brown. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, that the minutes of April 14, 2014 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATION SUBJECT: Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Week SUMMARY: The State of Virginia has proclaimed the week of May 11-17th, 2014 as “Law Enforcement Officers” Memorial Week”, to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to those who put their lives in danger each day protecting and serving our communities. Dr. Harshberger read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. CITY OF RADFORD PROCLAMATION LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL WEEK WHEREAS, the safety and well-being of the citizens of Radford are of the utmost importance to the prosperity and livelihood of Radford’s families and community; and WHEREAS, individuals have committed their lives to protecting and serving Radford’s families, businesses, neighborhoods, schools and community; and WHEREAS, these individuals risk their lives in the line of duty to maintain the safety of our community while striving to uphold the rule of law; and WHEREAS, all citizens of Radford value the courage, commitment and leadership demonstrated by our state and local law enforcement officers, who work diligently to ensure our safety; and WHEREAS, we pay tribute to the officers who have fallen in the line of duty and recognize the sacrifices made by the families of those officers, as well as the families of those who continue to protect and serve our communities; and WHEREAS, is it critical that we understand the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement officers within our communities, and commemorate and pay tribute to the dedicated service of officers past and present; NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Radford does hereby recognize May 11-17, 2014 as LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL WEEK in the City of Radford, and to call this observance to the attention of all our citizens. ____________________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: April 28, 2014 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented and authorize Mayor Brown to sign and Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk to attest, Mr. Cox seconded the motion. Insert proclamation VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 OLD BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider second reading of Ordinance # 1660, F.Y. 2014-2015 Budget. SUMMARY: A balanced $59,278,393 budget for FY 2015 was approved on its first reading on April 14, 2014. The proposed budget provides sufficient revenues to pay for expenses, maintains adequate fund balances, and provides resources for maintenance and improvements to infrastructure, supports core customer services and equipment improvements, as well as funds for debt service. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to place Ordinance # 1660 on its second and final reading, seconded Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: Mr. Cox Yes Dr. Harshberger Yes Mr. Marshall Yes Mr. Nicholson Yes Mayor Brown Yes SUBJECT: Consider Second reading of Ordinance # 1661: Establishes the 2014 Tax Rate SUMMARY: This ordinance will approve the F.Y. 2014 Tax Rate with Real Estate tax rate of $ 0.76, Personal Property at $2.44, Machinery and Tools at $1.76, and other personal property at $1.76. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place Ordinance # 1661 on its second and final reading, seconded by Mr. Cox. VOTE: Mr. Cox Yes Dr. Harshberger Yes  Mr. Marshall Yes Mr. Nicholson Yes Mayor Brown Yes CITIZENS COMMENTS: Rob Gropman, Radford resident, wanted to express that he thought the budget was a strong one and appreciates all the work Mr. Ridpath and staff did to put it together. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1648.35: $66,055 for carryover of Grants in progress SUMMARY: At the end of F.Y. 2013, there was $66,055 in grant funds that were still in progress. The Appropriation will formally carry the grand funds into F.Y. 2014. ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion to place Appropriation Ordinance 1648.35 on its first reading, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider scheduling a public hearing to receive comments regarding carryover of Capital Projects in progress. SUMMARY: At the end of F.Y. 2013, there were several Capital Improvement Projects that were still in progress into F.Y. 2014. The cost of these projects exceeds 1% of the total City Budget, therefore requiring a public hearing. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to schedule a public hearing for May 12, 2014, Mr. Cox seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider scheduling a public hearing to receive comments regarding Program Year 2014 CDBG Action Plan. SUMMARY: The Action Plan for F.Y. 2014-2015 CDBG program is planned to include funding for service organization, planning and administration, section 108 loan repayment and improvements to West Main Street. A public hearing is required to received comments. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to schedule a public hearing for May12, 2014, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENT: Mr. Ridpath shared we expect a large amount of rain over next couple days and crews have been going around cleaning out drains. He also informed Council that improvements to Robertson Street have begun with sidewalks and lighting being added. He also hoped to get back on track with the New River Sports Complex, and the boat ramp design is in, and will be finalized soon. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger shared the Bring Mary Home committee had a meeting and so far has raised over half the money to purchase the statue. They are planning on going public to try and raise the remainder of the money. He also shared that the Child Development project is moving along, the original service provider decided not to follow through with their intent and the now have 4 affirmative letters of interest, two of them are very serious providers willing to provide the highest standards in order to meet accreditation. Mayor Brown thanked the City and citizens for their warm, genuine outpouring during this sad time. He shared that Kenny Ford and Mr. Nicholson came to Front Royal to his mother’s memorial and truly appreciates it. He shared that there are a number of events coming up, the election is on May 6th, Bus Rodeo in Blacksburg, Radford Student in Government day, and the Ride of Silence. He mentioned that he sent David and Gail’s evaluation to other Council members and need to be sure they meet in regards to them before the new Council. They will also plan to hold the reorganizational meeting on July 1st. Mr. Nicholson agreed that the evaluations needed to be done prior to the new Council. Council agreed that Mr. Ridpath’s and Mrs. DeVilbiss evaluations would be held on June 9, 2014. Mr. Ridpath added that we just received an award from VA Institute of Government for the City’s quick responsiveness. Dr. Harshberger asked if it was a transparency award. Mr. Ridpath responded, yes he believe so. Mr. Nicholson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 p.m., 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