City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. April 27, 201 5 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 17 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 Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, an invocation was pronounced by Rev McCandlish. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger, seconded by Mr. Turk, that the minutes for April 13, 2015 are approved as corrected. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATIONS SUBJECT: Law Enforcement Officers Week SUMMARY: The State of Virginia has proclaimed the week of May 10-16, 2015 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. A similar Proclamation has been prepared for City Council consideration for a local designation declaring the week of May 10-16 2015 as “Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Week”. 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 10-16, 2015 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 27, 2015 Vice-Mayor Marshall read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, to approve the proclamation and authorize Mayor Brown to sign and Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk to attest. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown SUBJECT: Older American Month SUMMARY: The month of May, 2015 is “older Americans Month”, The Agency on Aging has requested that City Council consider a Proclamation that recognizes the contributions of older Americans to our community, as well as the community opportunities that support independent living, wellness, volunteerism and social inclusion. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion, seconded by Mr. Turk, to approve the proclamation and authorize Mayor Brown to sign and Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk to attest. City of Radford  PROCLAMATION OLDER AMERICANS MONTH 2015 Whereas, the City of Radford includes a thriving community of older Americans who deserve recognition for their contributions and sacrifices to ensure a better life for future generations; and Whereas, the City of Radford is committed to helping all individuals live longer, healthier lives in the communities of their choice for as long as possible; and Whereas, since 1965, the Older Americans Act has provided services that help older adults remain healthy and independent by complementing existing medical and health care systems, helping prevent hospital readmissions, and supporting some of life’s most basic functions, such as bathing or preparing meals; and Whereas, these programs also support family caregivers, address issues of exploitation, neglect and abuse of older adults, and adapt services to the needs of Native American elders; and Whereas, we recognize the value of community engagement and service in helping older adults remain healthy and active while giving back to others; and Whereas, our community can provide opportunities to enrich the lives of individuals of all ages by:  Promoting and engaging in activity, wellness, and social inclusion.  Emphasizing home- and community-based services that support independent living.  Ensuring community members of all ages benefit from the contributions and experience of older adults. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Radford, do hereby proclaim May 2015 to be Older Americans Month and urges every resident to take time this month to celebrate older adults and the people who serve and support them as powerful and vital individuals who greatly contribute to the community. __________________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: April 27, 2015 VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. REPORT: Radford Chamber of Commerce The Director of the Radford Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Davis, presented and overview of the chamber activities and services. RESOLUTION SUBJECT: Chapman Deed of Dedication SUMMARY: The City is constructing a storm drainage system to carry water runoff in the area of West Main Street between Preston Street and Denby Street. To accommodate the construction and future maintenance, a 15’ easement is needed from Robert and Lessie Chapman. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Marshall, to approve the resolution and authorize Mayor Brown to sign and Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk to attest. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Consider Second Reading of Ordinance # 1673: FY 2015 – 2016 Budget SUMMARY: This ordinance will approve the F.Y.15-16 Annual Budget for the City of Radford and Radford City School Board. As proposed, the total budget will be $58,504,235. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place Ordinance # 1673 on its second and final reading, seconded by Mr. Nicholson. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Second Reading of Ordinance #1674: Establishes the 2015 Tax Rate SUMMARY: This ordinance will approve the F.Y.15 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: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place Ordinance #1674 on its second and final reading, seconded by Mr. Nicholson. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITIZENS COMMENTS: None NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1660.18: $23,828 from Asset Forfeiture Transfer Grant SUMMARY: The Police Department has received State Asset Forfeiture finds in the amount of $23,828 due to some law enforcement activities with the town of Christiansburg. The funds will be used to purchase tasers, holsters, training cartridges and shotguns. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place 1660.18 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 1660.18, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider scheduling a public hearing to receive comments regarding Program Year 2015 CDBG Action Plan. SUMMARY: The Action Plan for F.Y. 2015-2016 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 receive comments. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to schedule a public hearing for May11, 2015, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath shared that we have had a very active couple of weeks; we have dealt with the flood where the river crested at 15 feet. Not much damage was done; it was mainly cleaning up the mud. He mentioned that they were excited that the New River Sports Complex opened up this evening. He informed Council that due to all the rain, we are behind on mowing and will be working on catching up on that along with getting our paving project underway. Mrs. DeVilbiss reported that she is ¾ of the way through completing the employee handbook and is pleased with the progress and are on target. Mr. Ridpath added that the employee handbook should be before them at their June meeting. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Brown shared an article from the paper that quoted “In other action fifty years ago, Council voted to have defunct municipal swimming pool filled with dirt. A recent bond referendum which was rejected by Radford voters would have financed the building of a new pool. The existing facility, City official said, if not worthy of repair.” He stated this is like déjà vu all over again. He said what was interesting that they looked at a bond referendum, maybe that’s what it will take to get a pool. Another article he found interesting was from 75 years ago, “before Radford Council, a delegation from the West End School brought a petition signed by 106 persons representing 214 families requesting that ordinance be past that prohibit the running of large cows in the city west of Staples Street such an ordinance is in effect in all other parts of the City.” Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m., seconded by Mr. Turk. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk of Council