City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. March 9 , 2015 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 14 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2014-2015 A work session meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 6:00 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, and Mr. Robert Nicholson III 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 Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Mrs. Patricia Cox, Finance Director Mrs. Chelista Linkous, Asst. Finance Director Mrs. Jenni Wilder, Public Information Officer Mr. Parker Mabe, Finance Mrs. Jenni Wilder, Public Information Officer The following items were discussed during the workshop meeting:  The City Manager reported on the 2014/2015 Budget accomplishments, City Financial conditions and the F.Y. 2016 Budget expectations and calendar 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, City Attorney Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Mrs. Jenni Wilder, Public Information Officer Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, an invocation was pronounced by Rev. John McCandlish. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, that the minutes for February 23, 2015 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTIONS: SUBJECT: Robert “Big Al” Hall Humanitarian Service-Above-Self Citizenship Award SUMMARY: The resolution recognizes Nelda Pearson for her overall service, dedication and contributions to our community. The Resolution reflects the ideals of the Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service Award established by City Council in 2011. City of Radford Resolution Honoring Nelda K. Pearson 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, Nelda Pearson has made a significant impact throughout Radford by founding Beans and Rice, Inc. and serving as Executive Director of Beans and Rice for 14 years, without earning a salary, as well as serving on the board from 2012-2014, and WHEREAS, Nelda’s volunteer efforts on behalf of low income children and families earned her state and regional volunteer awards including the 2000 Virginia Governor’s Community Service and Volunteerism Award, the 2006 Excellence in Virginia Government Community Enhancement Award, and the 2010 New River Valley Leading Lights Neighbors Helping Neighbors Award, and WHEREAS, Nelda was named Executive Director Emeritus of Beans and Rice Inc., upon retirement, but her many contributions to the community can still be seen today through the growth and success of Beans and Rice, and WHEREAS, Beans and Rice Inc. still operates with the same vision, mission and core values, which Nelda instilled in the organization; these include neighbors helping neighbors, work with people, not at them, building proactive citizens, and real change begins with ourselves, and WHEREAS, Nelda Pearson retired from Radford University is 2006 where she served as Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, as well as Chair of the Race, Class, and Gender Studies Program, she is a Professor Emeritus, and WHEREAS, Nelda has done community development work using learning circles with the farm women of Canada, the Inupiat of Arctic Alaska, and with several communities in Central Appalachia, and WHEREAS, Nelda is known throughout Radford for her vision to improve the economic well-being of low to moderate income families and children through programs such as, hunger relief, after school enrichment programs, small business development creation, and savings programs for children and their families. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Radford City Council does hereby honor Nelda K. Pearson for dedication and service to the City of Radford, by presenting her with the Robert Allen “Big Al” Hall Humanitarian Service-Above-Self Citizenship Award. ______________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: March 9, 2015 Mr. Nicholson read the resolution for the benefit of the audience. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: City/University Advisory Commission on Public Affairs SUMMARY: The resolution recognizes Renie Price for her years of service and contributions to the City appointed Committee. Radford City/University Joint Advisory Commission on Public Affairs Resolution Honoring Ms. Renie Price WHEREAS, Radford City Council established the Radford City/University Joint Advisory Commission on Public Affairs to engage in discussion of mutual problems, to formulate actions to promote good relations, and to make recommendations to governing and administrative bodies, and WHEREAS, the affairs of this community and the affairs of Radford University are inextricably intertwined and maintenance of communications between the representative of each community is essential, and WHEREAS, the twelve member committee has six representatives from the City of Radford, as well as six members from Radford University and together the group discusses issues of mutual concern and coordinates efforts to respond to opportunities that will benefit the City and the University, and WHEREAS, Ms. Renie Price was appointed to the Joint Commission in 1997 and then again in 2010, as the representative of the East Ward of Radford, and served the committee with distinction for five years, and WHEREAS,Renie served the Joint Commission faithfully and providedexemplaryservice,insight,andadvice, which fostered a stronger relationship between Radford City and Radford University,and WHEREAS, Renie’s love of the Radford Community is shown daily through her willingness to serve those in her community and lend a helping hand whenever called upon, and WHEREAS,duringhertenureontheJoint Commission,Renieloyallydemonstratedhersupportofthe City andUniversitybyattendingnumerous meetings, activities and events held by both Radford University and the City of Radford. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Radford City Council, that Ms. Renie Price is recognized, commended, and appreciated for the extraordinary service she has rendered to Radford City and Radford University, as well as for her contributions to the citizens and students of both communities. ______________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: March 9, 2015 Dr. Harshberger read the resolution for the benefit of the audience. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: City/University Advisory Commission on Public Affairs SUMMARY: The resolution recognizes Joe King for his years of service and contributions to the City appointed Committee. Radford City Council Resolution Honoring Dr. Joseph King WHEREAS, Radford City Council established the Radford City/University Joint Advisory Commission on Public Affairs to engage in discussion of mutual problems, to formulate actions to promote good relations, and to make recommendations to governing and administrative bodies, and WHEREAS, the affairs of this community and the affairs of Radford University are inextricably intertwined and maintenance of communications between the representative of each community is essential, and WHEREAS, the twelve member committee has six representatives from the City of Radford, as well as six members from Radford University and together the group discusses issues of mutual concern and coordinates efforts to respond to opportunities that will benefit the City and the University, and WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph King was appointed to the Joint Commission in 2003, as the Radford University faculty representative and has served the committee with distinction for twelve years, and WHEREAS,Joe served the Joint Commission faithfully and providedexemplaryservice,insight,andadvice, which fostered a stronger relationship between Radford City and Radford University,and WHEREAS, during his tenure on the Joint Commission, Joe provided invaluable insights into student perspectives and behavior bydrawing from his experience as a faculty member and head of the Honors Program to inform Commission discussions and deliberations for the betterment of both Radford University and the City of Radford. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Radford City Council, that Dr. Joseph Kingis recognized, commended, and appreciated for the extraordinary service he has rendered to Radford City and Radford University, as well as for his contributions to the citizens and students of both communities. Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Adopted on March 9, 2015 Dr. Harshberger read the resolution for the benefit of the audience. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the resolution as presented; Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 OLD BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Second Reading of Ordinance 1670 - Right-of-Way Vacation Request from Summit Development. SUMMARY: Summit Development, Co has requested that the City vacate 1.6 acres of public right-of-way adjacent to property they own on Tyler Avenue to accommodate future development of the site, as well as reduce complications associated with setbacks and site use. City Council held a public hearing on February 14, 2011 as well as appointed a Board of Viewers. The Viewers reviewed the application and found no inconveniences associated with the request, provided the city had no future utility needs. City Council approved the “first” reading. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion, to place Ordinance #1670 on it second and final reading, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. Mr. Turk stated he believes they should have gone with the Appraisers value of $123,000. Mr. Marshall added that we as Council are not real estate appraisers, but even so it’s up to Council to set a cost and rely on the experts that we hire along with our own good judgment to set a good price. The price was much higher than the majority recommend we do. He stated that if they felt this appraisal was incorrect or wrong they should have gotten a second appraisal. He believes the $32,000 that was established by the majority is a little low and tried to recommend another figure of $75,000. Mr. Nicholson said he respects his colleges comments and understand their perspective with reference to the appraised value verses what the price the City Council has set, he believes you have to look back at the history of this property and the adjourning properties which were purchase at $25,000 per acre in 2008 and immediately went into recession in 2010, at which time the property was appraised for $20,000 per acre and now we waited until 2015 to come to conclusion to sell the right-of-way and in all fairness if we have acted in 2010 then it probably would have been assessed differently than it did today. His suggestion came comparable to 2010 figure rather than 2015 figure. Mayor Brown said he is proud of this Council because we make decisions and may not agree but will agree to disagree and will move forward. If we do this again it will be done differently. He shared the reason they needed the right-of-way and appreciates where Mr. Turk and Mr. Marshal are coming from and we are hoping it will result in a good commercial development. VOTE: Dr. Harshberger: Yes Mr. Marshall: No Mr. Nicholson: Yes Mr. Turk: No Mayor Brown: Yes CITIZEN COMMENTS: No Comments NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Ordinance #1671 - Property Tax Relief SUMMARY: The City of Radford provides “property tax relief” to owners of real estate who are 65 years of age or permanently disabled that meet certain income and eligibility requirements. Currently, eligibility requirements include a household income of no more than $20,000, total assets that cannot exceed $69,000, exempts any value of the home that exceeds $115,000, as well as exemption on $100,000 of home value. City Council expressed an interest at the February 23, 2015 meeting in providing more significant property tax relief to our elderly and disabled citizens. Cathy Flinchum, Commissioner of Revenue shared her recommendations: The total income cannot exceed $20,000 Increase to $23,000 – 25,000 (Includes all types of income of anyone in the home) The total assets cannot exceed $69,000 Increase to $70,000 or not increase Any value of the home that exceeds $115,000 Increase to $180,000 or eliminate Provides exemption on $100,000 of value Increase to $180,000 or eliminate Mr. Marshall said he brought the idea before Council, because it was an issue he heard from a lot of elderly people, particularly widows and he had talked to Cathy and they realized it’s been 15 years since the City has looked at this. He thinks some moderate changes can be made to be able to help people. He shared he is not married to any of the numbers that Ms. Flinchum provided. Dr. Harshberger suggested that the total income not to exceed $25,000. Mr. Marshall added that they could split down the middle of Cathy’s suggestion and set the income limit to $24,000. Mayor Brown added that in order to qualify for the relief you have to meet all criteria’s and not just one and believes they need to look at increases in all areas. Mr. Marshall shared he favored increasing the home value to $180,000 and see what impact we have by the increases. Cathy Flinchum shared they have to qualify each year because circumstances could change. Mr. Marshall stated that he believes they will only be helping a few more citizens and the people he has spoken with are missing the cutoff by just a few hundred dollars. Dr. Harshberger commend Mr. Marshall for calling this to their attention and what he recommended is good $24,000 for income increase, total assets can’t exceed $70,000 and total value of home can’t exceed $180,000. Mrs. DeVilbiss shared she was hoping to have better information on 2014 tax rates because that would have given up to date data on what other localities are doing and that directly relates to what Council is doing. It would show you how other localities median income and average price of the homes. What’s interesting with Radford is the excess gets added back in and we are one of the few localities that does that and it gives you a false read. Mr. Nicholson added that we think that we know what the impact will be, but really won’t know until we go through the applied process and agreed with Mr. Marshall to move forward but do so cautiously. And after we go through it this year we will have a better feel for it and can make an adjustment if needed. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to schedule a public hearing at the March 23, 2015 Council meeting and to have Ordinance drafted with the values set at $24,000 for income increase, total assets can’t exceed $70,000 and total value of home can’t exceed $180,000, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appointment to City/University Advisory Commission on Public Affairs SUMMARY: We have received an application from Daniel Wilson regarding his interest in the vacant position on the City/University Advisory Commission on Public Affairs. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to appoint Daniel Wilson to the City/University Advisory Commission on Public Affairs, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENT: Mr. Ridpath informed Council that we have salt in our bins again, but hopes that it will not snow again this winter. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: Mr. Nicholson shared that there was an article in Roanoke Times in reference to Salem, as they are looking at revamping up the downtown business district which is something they have been looking at for long time. And it falls in line with the recent article in the Virginia Municipal League magazine that focused on the differences in the generation and their expectations of what they want in their community. It was a good article and is something for us to think about. Dr. Harshberger added that the boomers and the millennial are looking at housing at same type of housing, patio homes, and we don’t have that stock in Radford and could use it. Mayor Brown reminded the audience that the School Board has a meeting tomorrow night. Mr. Turk wanted to recognize Devin Fisher, Finn Martin, Taylor Aires, Devin finished 2nd and Finn and Taylor both finished first in the State Wrestling Championship. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m., Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk