City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. March 23, 2015 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 15 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, City Attorney Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Mrs. Jenni Wilder, Public Information Officer Mr. Rodney Haywood, Asst. Fire Chief Ms. Cathy Flinchum, Commissioner of Revenue Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, there was a moment of silence. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger, seconded by Mr. Turk, that the minutes for March 9, 2015 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 REPORT: 2015 General Assembly Delegate Joseph Yost presented a brief overview of his perspective on the 2015 Virginia Assembly session. A couple of Highlights included: HB #1744 - Provision of grievance procedure; Local employee grievance procedure: Requires that the final step in an employee grievance procedure adopted by a local governing body, providing for a hearing before an administrative hearing officer or an impartial panel hearing, be selected by the aggrieved employee. Currently, the selection of this final step requires the agreement of both parties. The bill also permits a school board to conduct a teacher grievance hearing before a three-member fact-finding panel. Under current law, the school board has the option of appointing a hearing officer or conducting such hearing itself. The bill contains technical amendments. HB #1352- General Assembly; consideration of the conference committee report on the biennial budget or general appropriation act. Provides that no legislative action shall be taken on the conference committee report on the biennial budget or general appropriation act until the conference committee report has been posted to the General Assembly's website for at least 48 hours. CONSENT AGENDA - PROCLAMATIONS SUBJECT: Child Abuse Prevention Month SUMMARY: The Town of Christiansburg has requested that the City, as well as the other New River Valley communities join them again this year in recognizing the month of April, 2015 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month”. The Proclamation emphasizes the need to prevent child abuse and neglect, as well as heightens awareness of effective child abuse prevention programs, organizations and resources. Mr. Turk read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. PROCLAMATION APRIL 2015 CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH WHEREAS, preventing child abuse and neglect is a community goal that depends on involvement among people throughout the community; and WHEREAS, child maltreatment can occur when people find themselves in stressful situations, without community resources, and without the ability to cope; and WHEREAS, the majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable in an engaged and supportive community; and WHEREAS, all citizens should become involved in supporting families in raising their children in a safe, nurturing environment; and WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among families, social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Radford, Virginia does hereby proclaim the month of April 2015 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and does call upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in community efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and neglect, and strengthening the community in which we live. CITY OF RADFORD, VIRGINIA ________________________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTESTED: ________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Adopted on the 23rd day of March, 2015. SUBJECT: National Crime/Victims Right Week SUMMARY: The week of April 19-25, 2015 is recognized as “National Crime Victims Rights Week”. The Proclamation calls on our citizens to recognize the emotional, physical, psychological and financial effect of crime on its victims, as well as highlights the programs, service providers and criminal justice professionals who respond to the need of victims of crime. Mr. Marshall read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. PROCLAMATION APRIL 19-25, 2015 NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS ’ WEEK Whereas, Americans are the victims of more than 26 million crimes each year, and crime can touch the lives of anyone regardless of age, national origin, race, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration, or economic status; and Whereas, crime exacts an emotional, physical, psychological, and financial toll on victims as they have lost loved ones, life savings, physical and mental health, and often their sense of security that has the potential to irrevocably change the course of their lives forever; Whereas, Engaging victims’ communities and learning from leaders about their unique needs helps service providers foster a supportive and culturally relevant atmosphere in which victims seek help and healing; and Whereas, Victims know best how to direct and manage their own lives, and true recovery from crime will incorporate a victim’s cultural, religious, economic, social, and personal interests; and Whereas, our history teaches us that, by working together, we can help victims of crime reshape their destinies and ensure that they receive the support they need, the respect they deserve, and the rights they have earned; Whereas, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19-25, 2015, is an opportune time to commit to working together to insist on better treatment for victims,even those who are challenging to reach or serve, to help them overcome the harm caused by crime; and Whereas, the City of Radford is hereby dedicated to building partnerships with trusted sources of support, including community leaders, religious groups, schools, and other agencies to better reach and serve all victims of crime; and NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Radford does hereby proclaim the week of April 19-25, 2015, as Crime Victims’ Rights Week and express our sincere gratitude for those victims and crime survivors who have turned personal tragedy into a motivating force to improve our response to victims of crime and build a more just community and further express our appreciation for those community members, victim service providers, and criminal justice professionals who are committed to improving our response to all victims of crime so that they may find relevant assistance, support, justice, and peace. ______________________ Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: March 9, 2015 SUBJECT: Environmental Awareness Month SUMMARY: April is “National Environmental Awareness Month”. The Proclamation recognizes the importance of the earth’s environment through educational programs, special events, demonstration projects, and clean-up activities. Our staff “Environmental Awareness Committee” has many activities planned for April for citizens to take part. The proclamation calls on our local citizens to recognize the environment during the month of April. Mr. Nicholson read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. PROCLAMATION APRIL 2015 Environmental Awareness Month WHEREAS, various organizations and citizens show concern for the Earth’s environment; and WHEREAS, the problems of the Earth’s environment affect all the citizens of Radford, as well as the entire population of the planet; and WHEREAS, the City of Radford encourages Radford citizens to participate in global appreciation of the Earth through educational programs, special projects, demonstrations, cultural events, lectures, clean-up activities, etc. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Radford does hereby designate the month of April, 2015 as ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MONTH and calls all citizens of Radford to support, recognize, and appreciate the importance of participating in this special month. Approved this 23rd day of March, 2015. ________________________ Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST:_____________________________ SUBJECT: Earth Day SUMMARY: April 22, 2015 is nationally recognized as “Earth Day”. The local Proclamation encourages citizens to “recycle, reduce, and reuse” to promote a healthy environment and a sustainable society. Earth Day will be formally recognized during our environmental awareness activities. Dr. Harshberger read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. PROCLAMATION APRIL 22, 2015 Earth Day WHEREAS, April 22, 2015 is recognized as National Earth Day; and WHEREAS, a sound natural environment is the foundation of a healthy society and a robust economy, and WHEREAS, there are sound economic, environmental, and social reasons for local governments to initiate energy efficiency and renewable energy practices, and WHEREAS, the City of Radford encourages and endorses participation in events supporting Earth Day, NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Radford does hereby proclaim the day of April 22, 2015 as EARTH DAY and does hereby encourage all of our citizens to participate in the ongoing efforts to recycle, reduce and reuse, as well as other activities which promote a healthy environment and sustainable society. ________________________ Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST:________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Approved this 23rd day of March, 2015 SUBJECT: Arbor Day SUMMARY: April 24, 2015 is nationally recognized as “Arbor Day”. The local Proclamation encourages our citizens to protect our trees and woodlands, as well as recognize the benefits of our forests. Several Arbor Day events are planned by our Public Library, Beautification Commission, and City Horticulturist to heighten awareness of trees and planting in our environment. Mayor Brown read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. PROCLAMATION APRIL 24, 2015 Arbor Day Whereas, in 1872, a special day was set aside for the planting of trees, and Whereas, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees, and Whereas, 2015 is the 143nd anniversary of the holiday and Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and Whereas, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife and Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and beautify our community, and Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal and Whereas, the City of Radford established the Commission for Beautification and Municipal Forests to enhance and maintain the health and vitality of the community’s urban landscape, Whereas, the City of Radford’s commitment to the preservation and propagation of trees within the community has been demonstrated over many years and recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation through the designation of Radford as a Tree City USA community for the second year, NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Radford does hereby proclaim April the 24th, 2015 as the 143nd anniversary celebration of Arbor Day in the City of Radford, Virginia and joins with the Radford Commission for Beautification and Municipal Forests to urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and Further, urges all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. ________________________ Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST:_______________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Approved this 23rd day of March, 2015 SUBJECT: Local Government Education Week SUMMARY: April 1-7, 2015 has been designated by the Virginia General Assembly as “Local Government Education Week” in honor the formation of the Council-Manager form of government on April 2, 1908. The Virginia Local Government Manager’s Association (VLGMA) has asked that all Virginia Localities pass a similar Proclamation to increase awareness of students and youth in local government, as well as the career opportunities available. Mr. David Ridpath read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. PROCLAMATION APRIL 1-7, 2015 LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION WEEK WHEREAS, since the colonial period, the Commonwealth of Virginia has closely upheld the institutions of local government; and WHEREAS, local governments throughout the Commonwealth provide valuable services to the citizens of the communities they serve; and WHEREAS, citizen services such as, law enforcement, public health and safety, recreational and leisure opportunities, and educating local children, are most often delivered at the local level; and WHEREAS, in recognition of the work performed by local governments, the Virginia General Assembly, designated the first week in April as Local Government Education Week in Virginia; and WHEREAS, April 2, 1908 was the creation of the Council-Manager form of government in the City of Staunton thereby making the first week in April appropriate for this designation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the City of Radford that April 1-7, 2015 is hereby designated as Local Government Education Week; and BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Radford City Council in conjunction with the Radford School Board will partner to promote civic education and engagement in an effort to educate citizens about their local government, strengthen the sense of community, and engage the next generation of local government managers. Adopted on the 23rd day of March, 2015. CITY OF RADFORD, VIRIGNIA By: ___________________________ Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTESTED: ________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the consent agenda of proclamations as presented, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mayor Brown presented the Arbor Day proclamation to Mr. David Horton. RESOLUTION: SUBJECT: Emergency Operation Plan SUMMARY: The Virginia Department of Emergency Management requires localities to maintain a local “Emergency Operations Plan”. The plan addresses the processes associated with the preparation, response and recovery from natural and manmade disasters relate to the well-being of its citizens and property. Generally, the plan addresses roles and responsibilities, establishment of the emergency operations center, overall organization, declaration of emergencies, training, finance as well as emergency support functions. Appendix 9 – Resolution of Adoption of EOP Resolution Emergency Operations Plan WHEREAS, the City Council of City of Radford, Virginia recognizes the need to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and manmade disasters; and WHEREAS, City of Radford has a responsibility to provide for the safety and well being of its citizens and visitors; and WHEREAS, City of Radford has established and appointed a Director and Coordinator of Emergency Services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of City of Radford, Virginia, this Emergency Operations Plan as revised is officially adopted, and IT IS FUTHER RESOLVED AND ORDERED, that the Director of Emergency Management, or his/her designee, are tasked and authorized to maintain and revise as necessary this document over the next four (4) year period or until such time be ordered to come before Council. ______________________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST:_____________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, Clerk City of Radford City Council Adopted this 23rd day of March 2015 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 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: 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, and formally drafted an outline of an Ordinance at the March 9, 2015 meeting, to provide more significant property tax relief to our elderly and disabled citizens. The concept of the proposed ordinance would provide additional relief by increasing total household income to $24,000, increasing total asset value to $70,000 and raising the exemption on the value of the home to $180,000. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7:34 p.m. No Comment Mayor Brown closed the public input hearing at 7:34 p.m. Clerks note: Notice of the public hearing has been duly advertised. OLD 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, and formally drafted an outline of an Ordinance at the March 9, 2015 meeting, to provide more significant property tax relief to our elderly and disabled citizens. The concept of the proposed ordinance would provide additional relief by increasing total household income to $24,000, increasing total asset value to $70,000 and raising the exemption on the value of the home to $180,000. The public hearing was held earlier in the meeting. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion, to place Ordinance #1671 on it first reading, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. Dr. Harshberger thanked Vice-Mayor Marshall for bringing this issue to their attention. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion, to place Ordinance #1671 on it second and final reading, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: No Comments NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Ordinance #1672- Refinance of USDA with VRA SUMMARY: The City of Radford has a 2010 General Obligation Bond with the USDA for the improvements and renovations made on the development of the Public Safety Building and Administration Offices located on Robertson Street. The original $6.5 million loan has an interest rate of 4% and a 40 year maturity. Options were explored to refinance the debt service with better terms. The Virginia Resources Authority will refinance the remaining balance on the loan at a projected rate of 2.97% and reduce the maturity to 25 years. The refinance is expected to save the City and its tax payers approximately $2.3 million (present value) over the life of the loan with only a minimal increase in the annual payment. Mr. Ridpath shared refinancing will have a significant savings for our community. Mayor Brown asked who our Bond Council was? Mr. Ridpath responded that it is still Paul Jacobson. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion, to place Ordinance #1672 on it first reading, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion, to place Ordinance #1672 on it second and final reading, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1660.16: $38,400 EMS Quick Response Vehicle. SUMMARY: The City of Radford has a contract with Carilion to provide Emergency Medical Services. The City provides the equipment and Carilion provides the technicians and over all service needs to our citizens. The “Quick Response Vehicle”, an SUV, is in need of replacement due to its age and declining reliability. The cost of the vehicle is $38,400. Adequate funds are available in the “Four-for-Life” grant. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to place 1660.16 on its first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to dispense with the second and final readings and approve Appropriations 1660.16, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider establishing reduced special collection fees during month of April SUMMARY: The month of April is Environmental Awareness Month. To encourage neighborhood clean-up, as well as promote the environment, the City will offer reduced rates for brush and special solid waste collections. The rates for large loads will be reduced to $35.50, small loads to $17.50 and furniture and appliances will be half price for the month of April. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to approve the recommended reductions as outlined in memo, 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 shared we are moving into final development stages of the FY 2016 budget. He also mentioned that VDOT is beginning to move forward on the final plans for the I81 bridge replacement at Exit 105 and we have a piece of right-of-way that they will need. Mr. Ridpath informed Council and members of the audience that the Second Avenue project is being finalized with seeding and tree plantings only needing to be done. He announced that the budget presentation will be on April 6, 2015. Mrs. Gail Cook-DeVilbiss shared that we have received notification from the Virginia Department of Alcohol Safety of a pending application for – Slouvaki’s which is expected to be opening up soon. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: Mr. Marshall thanked his colleagues for their support of the property tax relief and encouraged us all to do a good job in getting word out to as many people as we can. Mr. Nicholson mentioned that in light of it being Environmental Awareness Month he wanted to bring to special attention to the regional household waste day on April 11th and that it has been moved to a new location, Lot C at the Radford University’s Dedmon Center. He suggested placing a sign at the old location giving direction. Mayor Brown shared he was asked if the light at Food Lion along with the one at CVS could be looked at because they appear not to be working efficiently. He asked Lynn Burress, School Board member, if the public forum for Public School looking for superintendent was still scheduled for the following night. Mayor Brown informed the audience that Annie Pearce, Planning Commissioner; class is building a Panther room for the City’s Animal shelter. And finally, mentioned that we have lost a good friend and fixture to the City, Marvin Sutphin passed away and will be dearly missed. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m., Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk