City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. September 14 , 201 5 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 3 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 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 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 Mr. Nicholson seconded by Mr. Marshall, that the minutes for August 10, 2015 are approved with correction to the meeting number. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, ABSTAIN: Mayor Brown- absent NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATIONS SUBJECT: Radford High School Hall of Fame Week SUMMARY: The Radford High School Hall of Fame Committee has requested that City Council consider recognizing the week August 30, 2015 through September 5, 2015 as “Radford High School Hall of Fame Week” and that Saturday, September 5, 2015 as “Radford High School Hall of Fame Day.” Eight new members were inducted into the Hall of Fame for 2015. Dr. Harshberger read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. CITY OF RADFORD PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the City of Radford and Radford High School has a special and valued tradition in supporting its student-athletes, and WHEREAS, Radford High School established its Hall of Fame in 2008 and created a committee of Radford citizens to help select the finest members to their Hall of Fame, and WHEREAS, Radford High School has now inducted 67 student athletes and contributors in to the Hall of Fame, sixteen (16) members in 2008, ten (10) members in 2009, nine (9) members in 2010, seven (7) members in 2011, eight (8) members in 2012, eight (8) members in 2013, nine (9) members in 2014 and WHEREAS the Hall of Fame committee for Radford High School has voted and will induct eight (8) new members into the RHS Hall of Fame on September 5, 2015 at the Radford High School Library, and Class of 2015 Posie Amos -50’s David DeHart-70’s Ron Ridpath-60’s Nancy Glass-80’s Dick Wall-60’s Mike Young – Contributor Tommy Edwards-60’s Peyton Brewer- Contributor WHEREAS the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place the Saturday following the Friday night football game against Galax, and NOW THEREFORE, in recognition and celebration of our great student-athletes, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED that the week of August 30, 2015 through September 5, 2015 be known as RADFORD HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME WEEK, and that Saturday September 5, 2015 be RADFORD HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME DAY and that each honoree be given a copy of this Proclamation as a gesture of the City of Radford’s appreciation for their days “on the hill” as a Bobcat. ______________________________ Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: September 14, 2015 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Arts and Humanities Month SUMMARY: This proclamation formally recognizes the Arts and Humanities and their importance to our community, its citizens and our youth. It recognizes the contributions of art, music, stage and dance, to our community along with National Arts and humanities month in October. Mr. Nicholson read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. PROCLAMATION October 2015 National Arts and Humanities Month WHEREAS, the arts and humanities are the embodiment of all things beautiful and entertaining in the world, the enduring record of human achievement; and WHEREAS, the arts and humanities enhance every aspect of life in the City of Radford improving our economy, enriching our civic life, driving tourism, and exerting a profound positive influence on the education of our children; and WHEREAS, arts education research shows that the arts help to foster discipline, creativity, imagination, self-expression, and problem solving skills while also helping to develop a heightened appreciation of beauty and cross-cultural understanding; and WHEREAS, we use the humanities: history, literature, and philosophy, to explore what it means to be human; and WHEREAS, the arts and humanities play a unique and intrinsically valuable role in the lives of our families, our communities, and our state; and WHEREAS, the month of October has been recognized as National Arts and Humanities Month by thousands of arts and cultural organizations, communities, and states across the country, as well as by the White House and Congress for more than two decades: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Council of the City of Radford, Virginia does hereby proclaim the month of October 2015 as National Arts and Humanities Month, and does call upon the citizens of Radford to celebrate, explore, and participate in the arts and culture of the City of Radford. CITY OF RADFORD, VIRGINIA ________________________________ Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTESTED: ________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk Adopted on the 14th day of September, 2015. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Nicholson shared they have asked some of the school representatives to join us this evening to share some of the things they would like to do in the upcoming year. The intent is from time to time, we can bring attention to our community with the focus on the Arts. Not only within public schools system, but within our whole community. Superintendent Graham shared the arts and humanities are as good as they are within the City because of the teachers and students. They spend countless hours in. He highlighted a few programs and stated that they make up a part of the Wells Fargo Cup along with Athletic and academics. He thanked Council for everything that they do for their support they provide them. Mrs. Sandy Finely, Elementary Music Specialist, shared beyond the 35 weekly classes, they offer the 3 after school programs; Belle Heth harmonies choir, an elementary art show and a musical in the spring. The Radford Strings program is in its third year, a VT professor comes with this program. They have over 40 students who have sign up to learn to play. Their goal is to help prepare students for middle and high school and/or good consumers of music. Mrs. Lois Castinway, Radford High School Choir Director, spoke on behalf of Theater teacher, and encouraged everyone to attend the play Rumors, that is currently being conducted at the high school. She mentioned that their next play is the Charlie Brown Christmas and will have a spring musical. She thanked Council for supporting them, especially during a time when so many cuts are being made to the Arts throughout the State. She shared that she has students that will be auditioning for the Southern Division Honors Choir where they will travel to Chattanooga in the spring. Many students participate in district choirs. They have received superior ratings in their assessments and is very proud and please with all the support they receive. Mrs. Reese, Radford High School Art teacher, who is also representing Kristy Bryant, Dalton Intermediate Art Teacher, shared that the Middle School will be participating in the Scholastic Art Contest, the 12th District art contest and Virginia Tech Poster for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Mrs. Reese shared that the High School will also be participating in the National Scholastic Art Contest, the School Board art contest, and will hold their Annual Radford High Art Show in May. She said she is very excited to share that her class is working with Mrs. Woteira’s first grade class, to pair a high schooler and a first grader together to make books. Michelle Saunders, Elementary Art Specialist, thanked them all again for this recognition. She shared that the 4th grade class is working on an art show for the Highlander Festival. And 6th grade is working on a project with the Lions Club and soon, will be getting ready for Mr. Grahams Holiday Art Show. Mr. Garrett Chandler, Brass Captain for the Marching Band, shared that the marching band performs at the pep rallies, Homecoming and Radford Christmas parades. Their marching competition begins next week and will be having their holiday and spring concert. The High School Band performs for the Annual Memorial Day Service, along with the High Schools graduation ceremony. PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: CDBG Consolidate Annual Performance and Evaluation Report SUMMARY: The Virginia Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that a “Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report” (CAPER) for the City of Radford be available for public comment. The F.Y. 2014-2015 report has been prepared, as required and illustrates project funding for neighborhood beautification, community infrastructure improvements, as well as homeless and housing needs. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7:32 p.m. No Public Comment Mayor Brown closed the public input hearing at 7:32 p.m. Clerks note: Notice of the public hearing has been duly advertised. OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Consider accepting Planning Commission recommendation to amend Sections 120.1-86 & 120.1-91 of the Radford Zoning Ordinance. 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. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to accept Planning Commission’s recommendation, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider approving placing Ordinance #1675, Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Sections 120.1-86 & 120.1-91, on its first reading. 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. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve Ordinance #1675 on its first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. Mr. Marshall said he had requested information regarding the amount of this type of housing and the vacancy rates and has yet to receive it, and believe we have more than we need, so until he receives this information he doesn’t feel comfortable supporting this or any other special use to create more. Mr. Turk asked how it came about and what prompted this to come up. Tracy Howard shared that an initial request from the owner of Quick Way came in for a Special Use Permit to put apartments above the store. Planning Commission decided to look at both the B-1 and B-2 Districts for the intent to support the commercial with the apartments above. Mayor Brown stated he shares Mr. Marshall, concerns, as rental housing become more prevalent in the community, and people tend to move towards the newer development and leaves the older property in disrepair. One thing that’s a challenge with our community is that nearly 44% is nontaxable because it’s owned by University and Churches and if we are going to have a revenue stream, we are going to have to find creative ways to try and encourage commercial, as well as housing development. He does think it is prudent for them to get annualize data that shows them the vacancy. VOTE: Dr. Harshberger: YES Mr. Marshall: NO Mr. Nicholson: YES Mr. Turk: NO Mayor Brown: YES CITIZENS COMMENTS: Rev. McCandlish took a moment to express his appreciation for the Second Ave and Park Rd project. He thinks it has made a big improvement for the City and has increased safety, and the traffic flow is better than it was. Ms. Shaffer, Radford High School student, asked Council if there was a way to increase the amount of recycling within the City, and if we could provide more bins throughout the City, which would give more opportunity for people to recycle. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Surplus Property – Brush Truck SUMMARY: In 2006 the Fire Department purchased a brush truck (Engine #4) for use off-road and in alleyways during emergency events. Due to the size and weight of the vehicle, its intended purpose was never met and the vehicle sits idle at the station. The Department has requested that it be surplus and plans are to replace the engine with a heavy duty pick-up with capacity for 250 gallons of water, hose reels and field equipment. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion declare the Brush Truck to be surplused, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.06: $13,800 for Radford Parks and Recreation Donations. SUMMARY: The Recreation Department has received donations from businesses and individuals for use in departmental programs, maintenance and activities. These revenues were not programmed in the F.Y. 2016 budget and therefore, require appropriation for expenditures. The funds are marked for facility improvements at the Dog Park, as well as equipment purchases including soccer goals, an infield machine, park benches and basketball goal extension devices. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place 1673.06 on its first reading, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading and approve Appropriation 1673.06, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider motion to proceed with Phase 1 Planning for Safe Routes to School project. SUMMARY: At the November 6, 2014 Radford City Council meeting, Council endorses a Resolution to apply for planning funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation for Safe Routes to School Project in the McHarg Elementary School area. The project has been approved by the VDOT Board for F.Y. 2016. The Transportation Enhancements for this project would be surveyed, designed and constructed from McHarg Elementary School to Forest Park. The project would include 2,475 linear feet of sidewalk along Twelfth Street and Preston Street, related crosswalks, stop bars, ADA requirements and signage to improve pedestrian safety, as well as asphalt and storm water improvements. Mr. Hurt shared with Council the background for the Safe Routes to School program. He noted that we used these funds in conjunction with the Second Avenue Project, and in order for them to have received the funds, we had to provide a sidewalk plan. He mentioned that only 16% of Radford’s streets have sidewalks. Mr. Hurt shared the sidewalk plan with council members. A part of the Safe Route to School program required the school system adopt a plan that provided a walkout zone from each school. Their goal is to have the walkout zones safe for all pedestrians and reduce the reliance of school buses. Mr. Ridpath shared that this was brought to them last year when we put an application in for the project. It has been approved and will need to make application for construction next year. Mayor Brown asked who has done the engineering and design work up to now. Mr. Hurt responded that the design work has been done in house with some opinions of the firm. Mayor Brown said the reason he has asked is because the last couple of projects we have had, the engineering firms have been out of whack when we get the cost projections Mr. Hurt stated that he has been taking his opinions from other localities who has been doing this Safe Routes for School program for a long time. Mr. Marshall stated that it appears that these sidewalks will mainly serve the kids from the Forest Park area and is curious if we have done any study to show how many kids will actually have the opportunity to utilize this walkway. And how do we know how many students live within the walkout zone. Mr. Hurt shared that they used the actual enrollment addresses. Mr. Turk asked if we have had any feedback from the neighborhood. Mr. Ridpath said as far as he knows they have not. Mayor Brown stated that he believes the sidewalks will be used more by the residents looking to exercise verses the school kids. There is a lot of match that they have to come up with for this project. Mr. Marshall said that in face value, he is in favor of having a safe walking place for kids. But when his kids were that age he was scared to let them walk to school. Our kids are growing up in a different time. His concern is that a lot of parents feel the same way and is wondering if we have taken the time to contact the parents to see if they will use it if we build it. If they are not going to, then why would we build the sidewalks? Mr. Hurt stated that a survey was conducted in 2008 and was adopted by school system. And there is a whole report showing that Radford parents were requesting this. Mayor Brown asked Mr. Hurt to clarify for Council when they needed to have something from council, does he need an answer by November 1st to move forward. Mr. Hurt responded that the Engineering grant before them, has already been approved. If we are going to do the project then we need to move forward with procuring an engineering firm and apply for construction grant for next year. Mayor Brown asked if they have wiggle room between the application due date to see if there is still an interest from the neighborhood. Mr. Ridpath said it would be a tight window to get that information. We are looking at this concept of the project itself. We are also building on the backbone of the bikeway/walkway network that connects all the neighborhoods, from McHarg, down Sundell, onto Belle Heth at a fraction of the cost. Mr. Nicholson said many years ago, the City had a program to add sidewalks throughout the City and as budgets came and went, moneys were diverted from sidewalks to other things. So we didn’t get them completed as anticipated and this Safe Routes to School program came about, where some communities have utilized it to add sidewalks. We have talked for a number of years about making our community a walkable community. Right now to walk in our community, in many cases, you have to walk in the street. Granted we are talking about elementary kids whom we probably won’t let them walk themselves to school. But will use the Safe Routes to School project we just completed along Second Avenue, it connects Belle Heth and the High School which is being heavily used, not necessarily mainly by kids, but it is being well used by track teams, along with all other age groups. Mr. Nicholson asked if they don’t proceed tonight is there time to proceed at a future date. Mr. Ridpath said they have until November 1st. If you don’t do it this time around, you can apply again next year. Mr. Turk said his only reservation is that the neighborhood hadn’t been contacted. He thought that would have been one of the things we would have done. Mayor Brown shared that he would like to us reach out to the community to see if they agree with spending the money this way. Mr. Nicholson shared that he is in support with the project, and is trying to get us opportunity to get answers we are looking for. You don’t want to start putting money into a project unless you follow through with it. Council decided to move this item to the September 28th agenda. SUBJECT: Consider awarding contract for Boat Ramp in Riverview Park SUMMARY: The City of Radford received a grant from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to upgrade the boat ramp, lighting and related parking at Riverview Park. The project has been designed by Gay and Neel Engineering and approved by the Recreation Commission and DGIF. The project was bid and only received one proposal due to the specialty of the work and project size. The bid is from William Simmons Company from Narrows. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to award contract to William Simmons Company for $94,940, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. Mayor Brown asked for assurances that this company knows what they are doing and we are not going to be surprised. Mr. Ridpath responded that this company knows what they are doing and can’t promise that there will be any surprises. Mayor Brown stated that doesn’t assure him, he hasn’t heard of this company before. Mr. Edwards shared that this company had done a DGIF project in Pembroke and have worked in the river. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.08: $67,931 Boat Ramp in Riverview Park SUMMARY: The City of Radford received a grant from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to upgrade the boat ramp, lighting and related parking at Riverview Park. The project has been designed by Gay and Neel Engineering and approved by the Recreation Commission and DGIF. The project was bid and only received one proposal due to the specialty of the work and project size. The bid is from William Simmons Company from Narrows. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place 1673.08 on its first reading, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. Mr. Marshall commented that he has no doubt that this will be used and is a very popular ramp. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading and approve Appropriation 1673.08, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath reminded Council and the audience that the annual Highland Festival is in 2 weeks. And City crews are back on the Staples Street sanitary sewer project. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mayor Brown shared that he received a card from Coach Pridgen, thanking Council for recognizing him. He also received a letter from Violet Mulinski who has visited this area a couple of times and each time have looked forward to visiting Glencoe Museum and recognized Scott Gardner for giving them a special tour. Mayor Brown shared that we lost a prominent citizen and happy they were able to recognize her brother John Ripley prior to Suzie Goodykoontz passing. She left a tremendous footprint through music and arts and will be greatly missed. He shared that tonight he had a couple of guest here this evening, Dr. Yuda Green from Radford University and a student, Kristine Huta, a medical student from Germany. She is interested to learn about how City Government works. He presented the key to the City to her. CLOSED MEETING Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Mr. Turk to convene a closed meeting for the purpose of Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and evaluation of performance of departments or schools of public institutions of higher education where such evaluation will necessarily involve discussion of the performance of specific individuals, under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A) (1). Discussion, or consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, under Virginia Code Section 2.2- 3711 (A) (3). Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body; and consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A) (7) VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 No action was taken in the closed meeting. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting. Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Marshall made a motion to re-convene the regular meeting. Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING: Mr. Marshall made a motion that Council did not discuss anything in the closed meeting other than the two items for which it was convened. Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m., seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk of Council