City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. August 10 , 201 5 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 2 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2015-2016 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 10 Robertson Street, Radford, VA. The Vice-Mayor of the City, Mr. Daniel Keith Marshall, was present and presiding. Other members of City Council present were Dr. Richard Harshberger, 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 Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Mrs. Jenni Wilder, Public Information Officer Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Vice-Mayor Marshall, an invocation was pronounced by Chief Goodman. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Nicholson seconded by Dr. Harshberger, that the minutes for July 13, 2015 are approved with correction to the July 13th meeting number. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTION SUBJECT: Personal Property Tax Relief SUMMARY: The State of Virginia requires localities to provide tax relief to local citizens on a portion of their “Personal Property”. The percentage of relief on qualifying vehicles is established for each tax year and is based on an amount set by the state, which is currently $625,657 for Radford. The proposed rate for 2015 is 54% for personal property valued at $1,001 to $20,000. Business vehicles, motor homes and vehicles valued under $1,000 are excluded. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Sections 120.1-86 & 120.1-91 SUMMARY: The Planning Commission has been considering an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, Divisions 9, Section 120.1-86 (B-1 Limited Business District) and Division 10, Section 120.1-91 (B-2 General Business District). The proposed Ordinance #1675, if approved, would allow apartments above, as well as below the Main Street level elevation with a special use permit. Vice- Mayor Marshall opened the public input hearing at 7:03 p.m. No Public Comment Vice- Mayor Marshall closed the public input hearing at 7:04 p.m. Clerks note: Notice of the public hearing has been duly advertised. OLD BUSINESS: None CITIZENS COMMENTS: No Comments NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding for Passenger Rail Service SUMMARY: The City of Bristol has approached several New River Valley localities, including Radford, to support a Memorandum of Understanding extending passenger rail services from Roanoke to Bristol and points beyond. Rail Passenger service is slated for Roanoke by 2017 and service to the New River Valley by 2020. Support of the service will promote connectivity to southern hubs, as well as strengthen support of the need for passenger service in Southwest Virginia. Dr. Harshberger commented that supporting the Memorandum of Understanding makes a strong case for passenger rail to come to Radford. This is another example of us helping regionally. Vice-Mayor said we are asked to support things like this a lot, what purpose does this have in us supporting this. Mr. Ridpath shared that the interest came about when the two historic train made their trips to Radford and Bristol’s councils saw the importance of the connectivity, not only from Roanoke and New River Valley, but to the Tennessee/Chicago HUB. And together we have a better chance of getting the rail past Roanoke than doing so on our own. Mr. Nicholson added that Bristol is being very aggressive to let the power that be in Washington, recognize that its a bigger operation that we are contemplating than just another connection. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for Passenger Rail Service to Bristol, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.02: $8,500 Flooring for Animal Control. SUMMARY: The Animal Control facility on Pulaski Avenue needed some repairs to its flooring to meet state inspections standards. Vice-Mayor Marshall asked if this facility is regularly inspected. Chief Goodman said they had attempted to make the repairs themselves but didn’t meet State requirements. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place 1673.02 on its first reading, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading and approve Appropriation 1673.02, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.03: $89,702 Victims Witness Grant SUMMARY: The Commonwealth Attorney’s office has been awarded a grant from the Virginia Department of Justice. The funds will be used to support the comprehensive services of the Victim Witness Coordinator (salary, benefits, travel and office supplies) that assist individuals who have been victims/witnesses of felony or misdemeanor crimes. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to place 1673.03 on its first reading, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading and approve Appropriation 1673.03, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.04: $7,459 Bryne Justice Assistance Grant SUMMARY: The Police Department has been awarded a grant from the Virginia Department of Justice under the Byrne Justice Assistance Program. Funds will be used to purchase supplies and equipment to support efforts to reduce crime and improve public safety. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place 1673.04 on its first reading, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading and approve Appropriation 1673.04, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.05: $226,108 Crisis Intervention Team SUMMARY: The State General Assembly is providing local funding for mental health crisis response and assessment centers. The New River Valley Community Service Board will receive funding to support officers, training, equipment and supplies for the Radford Sheriff’s Department who will be tasked with the security detail for the Crisis Intervention Team Center. The “centers” provide a secure location where individuals who may be experiencing a mental health event can be evaluated by a clinician to determine the need for hospitalization or release. The legislation and program is a result of metal health related incidents which have occurred around the state. Sheriff Armentrout shared that he was approached by New River Valley Community Services about helping with an assessment center. To manage the new assessment center and help with mental health instances. Kit, from NRVCC shared that in 2004 they official started a law enforcement collaboration with mental health and with communities to provide support, with the goal that they would develop a crisis center. Two years ago they started one at Montgomery Regional Hospital and has been very successful. A grant opportunity came about this year to open a second site and he approached Sheriff Armentrout about managing one here in Radford that would fund additional positions, which would augment the one in Blacksburg. Sheriff Armentrout added that the mental health evaluation part of it will be the primary duties of the new deputies, but if there is no in the Assessment Center that needs to be evaluated, his office gets the benefits of being able to use the deputies for civil process and court room security. Vice-Mayor Marshall asked what would happen to these jobs if the State decides to no longer fund the positions. A representative from NRCS stated that from her experience, she does not foresee the funding going away. They have been receiving funding since 2007 and have been successful with this program. But added that there is no expectation, if the money were to go away, for the city to subsidize the funding. Sheriff Armentrout added that the new deputies will be aware that the jobs will contingent of the funding. Dr. Harshberger asked where the new Assessment Center will be located. Sheriff Armentrout responded that it will be located at the corner of Bolling Street, at the old B & B Garage. He added that the Assessment Center will help keep Radford City Police on the Streets. Chief Goodman shared that over the last 2 years they have seen a 100% increase in the amount of mental health calls they are responding to. And for them to do their part in field and to get in the position to be evaluated. And this is a good way to streamline the process and get his officers back on the street. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place 1673.05 on its first reading, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading and approve Appropriation 1673.05, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Award Bid for Water Plant Chemicals SUMMARY: The Water Treatment Plan has received bids for one of the significant chemicals, Poly Aluminum Chloride (PAX XL8), used in our treatment process of potable water. We received one bid from Kemira. Vice-Mayor Marshall asked why only one bid was received and how do we advertise the request for proposals. Mr. Ridpath responded that there just aren’t enough companies close by that can provide it economically. We have looked at partnering with Peppers Ferry, but they use a different chemical. He said we put a notice in paper and send out to companies who sell the company. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a award the Water Plant Chemical bid to Kemira, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath shared that the Antique Car show that was held this past weekend was a successful event. We had a big turnout. The last Radford after five is this Friday. He shared that we finally replaced the water line that comes out of the plant goes up the hill towards First Street. Despite the age of the line, it was still clean and not warn down. The pipe joints were put together with lead packing’s, and can no longer get parts to fix them. Dr. Harshberger asked how he assessed the antique car show down in the park. Mr. Ridpath said it was a great show with good quality cars, with 232 entries. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger said he had been over the new personal manual and thinks the staff should be applauded and feels a lot safer going to bed at night knowing this manual is in place. This is a good manual and love some of the changes that have been made. And thinks the Supervisors will be really pleased with it. He also asked when the additional bus shelter would be installed. Mr. Ridpath responded that we were waiting on Blacksburg procurement and we should have all shelter in September, to be installed by November. Vice-Mayor read a letter from Grucci who does our fireworks. They thanked the City for being a loyal partner and trusting them for doing the fireworks and look forward to working with us in the future. He also thank Third Security who donates the money for fireworks and Fourth of July celebration. Mr. Turk made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m., seconded by Mr. Nicholson. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Vice-Mayor Marshall NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk of Council