City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. June 9 , 201 4 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 18 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2013-2014 The special closed meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 5:00 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 Mrs. Gail Cook-Devilbiss CLOSED MEETING: Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Dr. Harshberger, to convene 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: The purpose of the closed meeting is for the 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’s Evaluation b. Personnel, City Attorney’s Evaluation And that Council member elect, Michael Turk, be included in the meeting as an observer. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting. Mr. Cox seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Marshall made a motion to re-convene the regular meeting. Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING Mr. Marshall made a motion that Council did not discuss anything in the closed meeting other than the items for which it was convened. Mr. Cox seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:54 p.m. Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 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 Mrs. Patricia Cox, Finance Director Mr. James Hurt, City Engineer Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, an invocation was pronounced by Chaplin James Henagar. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger, seconded by Mr. Marshall, that the minutes of May 12, 2014 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 RECOGNITIONS: SUBJECT: Water Treatment Plan – “Excellence in Water Works Operations” SUMMARY: The Virginia Department of Health has selected the City of Radford Water Treatment Plant to receive its “Silver” designation for “Excellence in Water Works Operations”. Jessica Martin received the award on behalf of the Water Treatment Plant. SUBJECT: Radford City Police Department – Re-Accreditation SUMMARY: The Radford City Police Department has received “Re-Accreditation” by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. The reaccreditation team included Gail Sojka, Angie Fry and Pete Rutzinski. Gary Roach, DOJ Richmond and Gary Dillon, Town of Pulaski spoke on behalf of the standards commission. RESOLUTION SUBJECT: Bob Thomas SUMMARY: The proposed resolution recognizes Bob Thomas for his 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 Bob Thomas Recipient of the Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service-Above Self Citizenship Award WHEREAS, the City of Radford wishes to honor Robert Allen “Big Al” Hall by establishing a Humanitarian Service- Above-Self Citizenship Award, and WHEREAS, the establishment of this award will recognize unsung heroes that contribute to make 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, the City of Radford wishes to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication of Bob Thomas to the City of Radford’s, Memorial Day Celebration and Spirit of America Celebration; and WHEREAS, Bob shows his dedication time and time again to Radford special events with volunteerism, promotional talent, and leadership; and WHEREAS, Bob has organized Radford’s signature Memorial Day Tribute for 15 years and has emceed the Spirit of America Celebration for 10 years; and WHEREAS, Bob Thomas aides Radford City Schools by preparing and editing the Radford City Public Schools quarterly newsletter; and WHEREAS, Bob shows his love for the Radford community by dedicating his time and talent to make the special events memorable for all who attend. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Radford City Council does hereby honor Bob Thomas for his years of dedication and service to Radford special events by presenting him with the Robert Allen “Big Al” Hall Humanitarian Service-Above-Self Citizenship Award. _____________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: June 9, 2014 ACTION: Mayor Brown made a motion to approve the resolution as presented and authorizes the Mayor to sign, seconded by Mr. Nicholson. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: Stormwater Management Act SUMMARY: A public hearing is required to received citizens comments. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7:25 p.m. No Comment Mayor Brown closed the public input hearing at 7:25 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, updated Council on the events and highlights in preparation of the 2014 July 4th celebration in Bisset Park. SUBJECT: Riverview Park Boat Ramp SUMMARY: Basil Edwards, Economic Developer, has been coordinating the project and shared with Council that the project has been in preliminary design by Gay and Neel Engineering and is now ready to be advanced to the final design with construction drawings for “bidding”. The Recreation Committee reviewed the project and has endorsed the project design. SUBJECT: Radford Chamber of Commerce SUMMARY: Wolly Gallo, President Radford Chamber of Commerce, introduced Lisa Davis as the new Executive Director to the Chamber of Commerce. She shared she was really excited about the position and she has asked a lot of questions and has been spending most of her time really trying to get to know about the businesses. She mentioned many of the owners stated that they would like to see the Chamber have more interaction with the businesses community. She also shared they are currently working updating the website and trying to improve the social media aspect. People are really backing the Chamber by volunteering and sponsoring the events and is very happy to see the positive momentum of the Chamber. Dr. Harshberger asked about the Farmers Market. Mrs. Davis responded that they have a vendor coordinator, Holly Moore, who has taken charge and she has been reaching out to other local markets and trying to contact the farmers to see if they want to join Radford Farmers Market. Mr. Nicholson asked about first concert that the Chamber is hosting. Mrs. Davis responded that it is this Friday in Bisset Park and the Floor Boards will be. Mayor Brown asked are you looking at having an associate membership for those citizen who would like to help the Chamber of Commerce. She responded that you don’t have to have a business in order to donate to the Chamber and if anyone is interested it is tax deductible. Mr. Cox shared that he has been very impressed with her work and how she has taken the ground running. One thing she has been doing is to go out and knock on the businesses doors and that’s exactly what is needed to be done and I’m sure your still finding doors to knock on. Mrs. Davis responded that there are a lot of the doors that I never knew existed. CITIZENS COMMENTS: John Nemeth, Radford Noon Rotary Club, spoke to Council about an idea that the noon time rotary are considering. It is called the Little Free Library; the idea behind this is people provide these boxes throughout their community and people “take a book, return a book” and share books with one another. Mr. Nemeth shared he hopes that the City would be accepting of their idea. Rhonda Seltz – spoke on behalf of the Partnership for Access to Healthcare “PATH”, where she has been a part of for 15 years. This group is made of up of a number of health and human organizations within the New River Valley and the PATH group this has allowed us get together to identify unmet healthcare needs. Our goal is to approach local Governments and asked them to consider passing a Resolution to help close the coverage gap. Our legislators need to work together and come up with something to help close this gap. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Ordinance # 1662 – StormWater Management Act SUMMARY: The Virginia General Assembly has established legislation (code section 62.1-44.15:27) requiring localities to adopt mandatory storm water management controls by July 1, 2014. A public hearing on the Ordinance was scheduled at the May 12, 2014 City Council Meeting. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to place Ordinance # 1662 on its first reading, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Resolution for City of Radford VRS Contribution SUMMARY: The 2013 Appropriation Act allows localities and school divisions to elect their contribution rates to the Virginia Retirement System, every biennium. Two rates are offered by the VRS Board of Trustees for the F.Y. 2015-2016 biennium, the “certified” rate of 13.11% (7.67% schools) or an alternate rate of 10.49% (6.38 % schools). It is recommended that the full 13.11% for the City Employees. The alternate rate is designed to ease the burden on localities: however the lower rate would reduce benefit assets and could result in higher contribution rates in the future. ACTION: Mr. Cox made a motion to approve the resolution as presented and authorizes the Mayor to sign, seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Radford Public School Boards VRS Contribution SUMMARY: The 2013 Appropriation Act allows localities and school divisions to elect their contribution rates to the Virginia Retirement System, every biennium. Two rates are offered by the VRS Board of Trustees for the F.Y. 2015-2016 biennium, the “certified” rate of 13.11% (7.67% schools) or an alternate rate of 10.49% (6.38 % schools). The Radford City School Board reviewed the VRS rates at their meeting on May 29, 2014 for employees of the school division. The Board also endorsed the VRS Board-certified rate of 7.67%. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to approve the resolution as presented and authorizes the Mayor to sign, seconded by Mr. Nicholson. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1648.38: $10,000 for Tourism Grant SUMMARY: The Virginia Tourism Corporation has awarded the City of Radford a grant in the amount of $10,000 for its local tourism efforts. The funds will be used for marketing purposes, specifically the development of an electronic newsletter, a brochure in the state’s eleven “Welcome Centers, dues and advertising. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place Appropriation Ordinance 1648.38 on its first reading, Mr. Cox seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading, Mr. Cox seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Vice-Mayor Harshberger NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Resolution for Cafeteria Plan SUMMARY: Discovery Benefits has provided the proper documentation for our pre-tax benefits effective July 1, 2014. Plan Documents are required for any company that offers flexible spending accounts and/or health benefits at a pre-tax level to employees. A resolution adopting the plan is required. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to approve the resolution as presented and authorizes the Mayor to sign, seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cox, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Recognition of Councilmember Tim Cox SUMMARY: Mayor Brown presented Mr. Cox with a plaque and shared that Tim has had a colorful career with City Council and showed appreciation for all the work he has done, he understands the financial aspect and has contribution to the Chamber has made a huge difference with the business community downtown. Mr. Cox followed up by expressing his appreciation and thanked the citizens for the opportunity to serve them. He offered that we need to continue to take advantage of partnerships in the region and work on building a healthy and dynamic work force. He believes Radford is in good hands and Michael Turk will fill this position nicely and is very optimistic with the future of Radford and offered his service anytime that he is needed. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Nicholson thanked Mr. Cox for his service to the City and for his reflections and will take him up on his offer to service anytime needed. Dr. Harshberger added that we will miss you!! Mayor Brown informed the audience that an advertisement notice for Boards and Commission had been the paper for citizens to serve on. He also shared that Council doesn’t have many closed session anymore but annually we have evaluation for the City Manager and City Attorney and is happy to report that we have best City Manager and Attorney. Mayor Brown told Mr. Turk that they look forward to working with you and a swearing in ceremony is scheduled for the next formal meeting. Mr. Nicholson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 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