City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. September 22, 201 4 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 5 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2014-2015 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 Dr. Richard Harshberger, Mr. Daniel Keith Marshall, Mr. Robert Nicholson and Mr. David Michael Turk. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Mr. Basil Edwards, Economic Developer Mrs. Gail Cook-DeVilbiss Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, an invocation was pronounced by Rev John McClandlish. RESOLUTION SUBJECT: Bill Armentrout SUMMARY: The proposed resolution recognizes the contributions of William “Bill” Armentrout, to the City of Radford. Bill served as a Radford business owner for fifty- five years and was involved in many civic and business organizations. Bill also served on the Industrial Development Authority from 1999-2014. City of Radford Resolution Honoring Bill Armentrout WHEREAS, the City of Radford wishes to recognize and honor Bill Armentrout and his service to the Radford community, dedication to others and service on the Industrial Development Authority; and WHEREAS, Bill Armentrout moved to Radford in 1966 and 48 years later, after his passing, left a legacy of an exceptional family man, small business owner and church goer; and WHEREAS, Bill Armentrout used his friendly personality, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit to grow Radford Drug into a business that has been a staple on Main Street for generations; and WHEREAS, Bill Armentrout served on the City of Radford Industrial Development Authority for 15 years, from 1999-2014; and WHEREAS, Armentrout’s experience, insight and dedicated service to the Industrial Development Authority helped guide numerous commercial and industrial projects within Radford; and WHEREAS, Bill Armentrout will be remembered in Radford as a dedicated business man, who strived to make Radford a better place to live and do business. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Radford City Council does hereby recognize Bill Armentrout for his service on the Radford Industrial Development Authority and his service to the Radford community. ___________________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Approved: September 22, 2014 Jeff Irby, Chair of the Radford Industrial Development Authority read the resolution for the benefit of the audience. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. Dr. Harshberger shared that there is a lot things that Bill did for so many, that people didn’t know about. AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 REPORT SUBJECT: Radford Industrial Development Authority – Basil Edwards SUMMARY: Mr. Edwards provided council and members of the audience with a presentation of many of the projects that the Industrial Development Authority has been a part of over the last thirty-five years. Mayor Brown asked Mr. Edwards how he saw the IDA looking forward now that they are moving away from industrial use, are they looking more towards commercial/retail? Mr. Edwards responded that the IDA has discussed the retail aspect but need to be careful because retail is so risky. We can provide minor help to smaller companies like advertisement, but for IDA to be involved financially it would need to be a national retail company that has an excellent track record, because there is high level of turnover and failure in retail. If a small local business were to approach the IDA for assistance, they would have to show an excellent financial history, and that would have to be defined by the IDA. He believes that the future of city lies in the old foundry property and they have been nudging New River Casting to see where they stand with the future of the property. They are still looking at spring time before they finish capping the old landfill off and once they get past that their intent is to turn their efforts into doing something with that site. We stand ready to help them when they are ready. After the shell building took so long to sell the IDA is hesitant in building a new spec building. Mr. Turk asked if the majority of corporations contacted them or do they go out seeking corporations. Mr. Edwards responded that the way it works that we are regional partner in the alliance and the State of Virginia pulls a fair number of prospects in on annual bases and they push them all out to the region and we all have fair share at them and right now we don’t have any product to show them. When we do get prospects we don’t own any land and when we do have prospects I do send them to property owner. We have provided Billy Weddle a couple of shots. Mayor Brown asked Mr. Edwards if he thought with the Crooked Road affiliate, if that was something the IDA can leverage and partner with the university and do something like what Rocky Mount did and took the old Coca Cola factory and turned it into the Harvester, a venue for bands like Marshall Tucker. Mr. Edwards responded that he thinks a venue like that you would at least have the real estate to turn over if it wasn’t successful, he sees a lot of community fabric coming back in and it’s the tourism side of it. What people don’t realize is the NRV while we think we are big, we only have 180,000 people with that low of population; retailers are looking at large urban centers. Dr. Harshberger shared that bringing people into the community thru tourism will increase the impact of population counts and actual profile will be looked at differently. Mr. Edwards commented that Radford is still in transition from the old manufacturing base has changed quite a bit and he thinks we are trying to define who we are moving forward. We are a university town and we need to figure out what we want to be in addition to a University town. Mayor Brown commented one of the things Mr. Edwards had mention in the power point, is that Guy Gentry was helpful with the IDA to get the Virginia High School league here and that was huge to terms of bringing a lot of people to come down to see this part of the state. He shared that there was a report in Monday paper where the Standards and Poor’s looked at all the States and with the income caps taking place and the shrinking middle class you don’t have traditional revenue sources to fund state, federal and local governments, so the more types of things that we do help leverage funding. Mr. Edwards stated that we have a strong IDA who have an intense love for Radford and all want the best for Radford. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger, seconded by Mr. Marshall that the minutes for regular meeting of September 8, 2014 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Community Development Block Grant – Consolidate Annual Performance and Evaluation Report SUMMARY: Ms. Skelton provided an overview of the Community Development Block Grant accomplishments for F.Y 2014. PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: Community Development Block Grant – Consolidate Annual Performance and Evaluation Report SUMMARY: The Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the City of Radford be available for public comments prior to submission. The report illustrates project funding for neighborhood beautification, community infrastructure improvements, as well as homeless and housing needs. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7:41p.m. No Comment Mayor Brown closed the public input hearing at 7:41 p.m. Ms. Skelton informed Council that she did receive one comment from a property owner. Clerks note: Notice of the public hearing has been duly advertised. OLD BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Second reading of Ordinance #1663 – Rezoning Westside Crossing SUMMARY: The project known as Westside Crossing, located on the corner of Lawrence St. and Second Avenue requires the rezoning of four land parcels that have “split” zoning. These parcels, identified as 6-13-3, 4, 5 and 7 are partially zoned R-3 (single family residential). R-4 (multi-family) is required to support the apartment complex. These parcels were required by the developer after the project began, from Radford City Schools. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to place 1660.06 on its second and final reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. Mr. Turk shared that at the previous meeting he had legal issues with this thing and they were clarified by Council, and believes that we need to meet with David and Basil. He is very disturbed allowing apartment’s complex to subdividing into LLC that could have huge consequence in the future and need to discuss that. Mr. Marshall asked Mr. Ridpath and staff if we have ever been given the raw numbers of the availability of student housing in the City? Specifically do we know how many are available verses how many are needed. Have we had any discussion with Radford University about their future growth? I hear a lot that we need to be careful of overbuilding in that demographic because you could wind up having older buildings or those further away from campus become run down or being turned into something else. Have we ever sat down with RU to discuss that to get an idea moving forward what we need to have? Mr. Ridpath responded yes, we meet with Radford University and go over the enrollment projections each year. This gives us idea on utilities provisions and street and road and helps us looking at economic development and the types of businesses that are needed. The numbers of units come from census counts and Basil and Melissa keep up with that. The vacancy rates we get from real estate agencies and it is estimated at about 2-3% and we have ongoing conversation with property owners and developers. Keith stated that he hears rumbling from different developers who are interested in getting in the area and wonder if we will wind up overbuilding and allow the vacant building to become dilapidated or be rented by a different demographic, because they are going to rent their building. Mr. Ridpath responded that he doesn’t believe so right now. Radford University has been closing dorms and there has been transition of students moving in and out. Mr. Marshall said he heard that Greenhill Apartment is looking at developing more student housing. Mr. Ridpath responded that they have spoken with Radford University and are not under the impression that they will be building more dormitories. Mr. Marshall asked if they have given us idea of what they project their future enrollment to be. Mr. Ridpath responded that 10,000 is the number that we were given and working with. Dr. Harshberger added that 9,014 this time and 741 transfer students who are not freshmen. Mr. Marshall asked what numbers were now Mayor Brown stated that they are just under 10,000, about 200 less of their projection. Their census is 10,000 that’s what they are authorized by the General Assembly to get to. He shared an interesting demographic and that about 35% of people enrolled at NRCC don’t live in the New River Valley Community College service region; they come from northern Virginia, Tidewater and Richmond following their friends in hopes to matriculate into Radford University. Mayor Brown shared his confusion on this particular Ordinance; we have had public hearings regarding the rezoning of 2 parcels that were zoned single family and multifamily and make them consistent, he’s not sure how they got to the point where they are worried about LLC’s and splitting this stuff up to me this is a straight forward vote in terms of zoning. These other issues that I think are valid are for the Planning Commission and I’m along with Keith we get a lot of conversation about houses like the one on the corner of Tyler and Jefferson where now that’s student housing for the baseball team, we have to work on that type of stuff and if we had dealt with this 30 years ago we might not be in some of the places where we are. And Ian Griffith is a colleague of mine who lives in Copper Beach, there are a lot of my daughters demographic who can’t afford a home and want to live in apartments and townhomes. I respect Michael and Keith comments because there some of the broader issues that the Planning Commission and the Comprehensive Plan looks at but we have a second vote on an ordinance that approves the conversion of split zoning to multi-family housing and think we need to vote on that Mr. Marshall agreed but makes no apologies for asking a question that raises concerns and will continue to do that. Mrs. DeVilbiss commented that when private money that’s invested, you have to treat everyone the same and equal and that where you can get in trouble with regard to making a decision to what you think is best and what the private investors should do in the city. Mr. Marshall agreed that we should treat every private investor the same. Mayor Brown clarified that his questions were not to subvert anyone’s question it was simply to bring everyone back to the vote in question. VOTE: Dr. Harshberger Yes Mr. Marshall Yes Mr. Nicholson Yes Mr. Turk No Mayor Brown Yes CITIZEN COMMENTS: Chief Goodman wanted to take a moment to recognize Corporal Frost. He shared that on September 12th there was a disturbance on Memorial Bridge where there was someone who was wanting end his life. Corporal Frost was able to talk him down from taking his own life. Chief Goodman felt he it was appropriate to present Corp. Frost with the Chiefs coin, in recognition of his actions. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1660.07: $9,625 for Department of Motor Vehicles Alcohol Grant SUMMARY: The City of Radford has been awarded a grant in the amount of $9,625 from the Division of Motor Vehicles. The grant will be used to support local efforts to reduce crime associated with alcohol violations. The funds will be used for overtime for enforcement issues related to “Driving under the Influence” and “Drunk in Public”. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place 1660.07 on its first reading, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second and final readings and approve Appropriations 1660.07, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider request to close Norwood Square Lot for the “Harvest Festival Carnival” event SUMMARY: New Horizon’s 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 Friday, October 31, 2014. 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. Mr. Crotty, representative from New Horizon’s shared that they have spoken with the business owners and are in support of the event. Dr. Harshberger asked if the 30 minutes before and after give them enough time to set up and take down. Mr. Crotty responded that it does. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion, to approve, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Surplus Property – 2 Public Works Truck SUMMARY: The Public Works Department has two trucks, a 2002 GMC and 1997 International that will be surplused due to their age and limited service to the department. One of our agency partners, the New River Resource Authority, has expressed an interest in acquiring the trucks for use at our regional landfill. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion, to approve the sale of the 2 surplus trucks, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Community Boards and Commissions ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to appoint Jeff Weaver to the Beautification Commission, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to appoint Steve Harvey to the Radford IDA, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENT: Mr. Ridpath reminded Council and members of the audience that the Highlander Festival is this coming up in two weeks. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: Mr. Marshall shared that he didn’t want to say anything earlier while the Armentrout family was here but reflected that if Bill could tell them one thing now it would be that I helped build this City, don’t screw it up. Mayor Brown added that Bill was very interested in seeing the Second Avenue be improved and proud that Council approved to do that. He mentioned that Duke from WSLS did a story over the weekend. It’s an app that been developed by VA Tech that you have and when you leave an event. As long as you have that phone it doesn’t worry about you but as soon as you are away, it calls 911. It’s called Safelife and believes it’s something that’s overdue in light of what’s happening at UVA. He shared that he is concerned about the shelters not being put up. We need to get them in place as quickly as we can. He would also like to see something done with the traffic lights coordinated between 3pm and 6pm at the intersection of Dalton and Main. The leading green on Dalton Drive doesn’t work and its gridlock during this time. I think it would help a whole lot if we can do something during this time span. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:08p.m., Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk