City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. December 14 , 201 5 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 8 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 Mrs. Gail Cook DeVilbiss, City Attorney Mrs. Jenni Wilder, Public Information Officer Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, and the invocation was led by Chaplin Jim Henegar. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Nicholson seconded by Mr. Marshall, that the minutes for November 9, 2015 are approved with corrections. Second to last page of minutes, correct ordinance # is 1675 VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 OLD BUSINESS SUBJECT: Naming roundabout “Armentrout Circle” SUMMARY: City Council held a public hearing on November 9, 2015 to consider a citizen’s request to name the roundabout. The recommendation is to name the round-about at the intersection of Sundell Drive, Park Road and Second Ave, “Armentrout Circle”. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the resolution a, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1673.15:$47,000 Cultural Heritage Project SUMMARY: A committee has been working through the Radford Heritage Foundation since 2010 to increase our community’s cultural heritage and history related tourism opportunities. The goals for the committee are to create a train viewing platform, an amphitheater and statue commemorating Mary Draper Ingles, on a 1.36 acre tract of property donated by Norfolk Southern, adjacent to Glencoe. The project is short about $32,000 and the committee is requesting assistance from the City. Mayor Brown shared that he thought Mr. Turk made a good observation a couple weeks ago in regards to the amphitheater being another vital part of this project. He has some reservation about the $15,000 that was to go towards the viewing platform and this could end up costing less or costing more. He shared he is comfortable with paying for the rest of the statue, but reducing the Appropriation Ordinance by $15,000, to allow staff to look at the exact costs of the amphitheater and viewing platform. Mr. Nicholson agreed with the Mayor and that the viewing platform cost figures may change and would hate to proceed and not have enough funding. He stated to allow them more time to get those exact numbers it would be prudent to remove the $15,000 request at this point. He shared that he would like to look at including the amphitheater and viewing platform in the capital improvement projects as we move forward. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to place 1673.15 with the reduced amount of $32,000 on its first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. Dr. Harshberger added that he also hoped to put the additional project in the capital improvement plan. Mr. Marshall said he would like to just look at the whole project during budget time and believes it should be budgeted and not pull out of reserves. Dr. Harshberger: Yes Mr. Marshall No Mr. Nicholson Yes Mr. Turk No Mayor Brown Yes SUBJECT: Ordinance #1675 Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Second Reading SUMMARY: The Planning Commission has been considering an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, Division 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, would allow apartments above, as well as below the Main Street level elevation of structures with a special use permit. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 20, 2015 and City Council held a public hearing on August 10, 2015 to consider comments concerning the proposed Ordinance. No public comments were received. The Planning Commission considered the request at its meeting on August 17, 2015, and recommended that City Council approve Ordinance # 1675. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve Ordinance #1675, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. Mr. Turk shared that he is not against this, but at this time he believes we have too many apartments and doesn’t think that our school system can handle anymore. If Radford University increased their attendance by 2,000 students, he could see it being warranted, but at this time he does not think it’s the right thing to do. Mayor Brown share a housing study by Harvard University and how it demonstrates the changing demographics and why this has been brought forward to City Council to consider. He shared that in 1995, 43% of people over 40 lived in apartments, in 2005, 47% and in 2015 it is 51%. The article stated that much of the apartment construction is catered to wealthier households looking to liver near restaurants, parks, gyms and offices. People like to live where they can shop. Planning Commission looked at all of this and it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. He respects Mr. Turks and Mr. Marshalls concerns, because he has the same concerns, because when you build new apartments, students tend to move into those and that leaves residual apartments. But what we have seen from the development in the City, those are being upgraded, and believes the millennials and the boomers are looking to no longer live in homes and that is why it is brought back up. Dr. Harshberger added that anything proposed under this zoning would still require a special use permit. City Council would still have the ability to deny or accept the request for the special use permit. Mr. Marshall stated he would disagree with Mayor Brown. He shared he believes that most of the new development is not for middle aged people and it is built for college students. He said he is not opposed to student housing, but what he is opposed to is more student housing than you can put students into. They are going to choose the newest and the best around campus, and don’t blame them. But what we are seeing happen is we see some of the older apartments turn towards the lower income. He knows it is a tough to have, but it is an honest one that we have to have. If you are directing development towards college students it needs to match to the enrollment rates. If Radford University would increase enrollment rates, then he would agree. At this time they are not increasing their enrollment rates at this time, but yet we are increasing the number of student housing. He believes in order to prevent older apartments becoming run down, we need to look at a direct study of what our housing is in the City. He believes we have too much housing in that area. Mr. Nicholson said as they look this change, we looked ways to increase housing opportunities in the business environment, as well as foot traffic within the business environment. If look at businesses located between Walker Street and Wadsworth, you have business owners who are creating a business environment on the first floor and apartments on the second floor. And each business owner will tell you that the apartments on the second floor they helping to pay for the business on the main floor. That is what the Planning Commission was trying to create when it looked at this actual proposal, was to help the developer create this type of environment. VOTE: Dr. Harshberger: Yes Mr. Marshall No Mr. Nicholson Yes Mr. Turk No Mayor Brown Yes CITIZENS COMMENTS: NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1673.16:$537,240 School Board Budget Amendment SUMMARY: The Radford City School Board has requested that the F.Y. 2016 Budget for the Radford City Schools be amended in the amount of $537,240. The amendment is necessary to accommodate two grants the school system received. The funds will be programmed for use to support classroom instruction, library and building services, as well as operation. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to place 1673.15 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. Nicholson made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading and approve Appropriation 1673.15, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Aquatic Center Membership Agreement SUMMARY: The City of Radford requested consideration by the Town of Christiansburg for membership of Radford City Residents in their Aquatic Center. The Town has approved a $5/day membership cost with a maximum of 200 visits/month. The program would begin on a trial basis from January, 2016 to June, 2016 at a projected cost of $1,000 per month, the cost may be higher or lower depending on the actual use per month. Radford residents would use their Recreation Center identification card to get issued an Aquatic center badge. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the agreement for the use of Aquatic Center and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appointment to Board of Equalization SUMMARY: The City is required to complete reassessments of its Real Estate every four years. The firm of Wampler Eanes was chosen to conduct the 2016 assessment. A Board of Equalization is established to give property owners an “Appeal Process” if they are not satisfied with the assessor’s final valuation. Council is required to recommend a three to five member board, consisting of one realtor, for consideration and appointment by the Circuit Court Judge. Gail made a notation when real estate professional, not a realtor. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to appoint the board listed, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Resolution for Guilliams Easement dedication SUMMARY: The City of Radford and the property owner of the site the Probation and Parole office was recently constructed, collaborated on the improvement of storm drainage along that section of West Main Street, as well as service for the new structure. A 30” storm line was constructed across the property owned by Johnny and Flora Guilliams to accommodate the stormwater needs for the 2000 block of West Main Street and the needs of the development. A 25’ wide easement has been development and agreed to by both parties on a .14 acre parcel of property. Mrs. Gail Cook-DeVilbiss stated that there was a typo and it is a 20’ wide easement. And provided them a new one. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve the resolution accepting the easement, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Ordinance #1676 Holiday Bonus SUMMARY: Ordinance #1676 authorized a bonus to recognize the hard work, dedication and performance of our employees over the past year in keeping cost down, providing high quality service and meeting our corporate goals. The F.Y. 2014 Audit reflects positive revenues to support the consideration of the Ordinance and related appropriation. The recommendation is to provide $270 to full-time employees and $55 to part-time employees. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve # Ordinance 1676 be approved, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Scheduling Public hearing for IDA Name Change SUMMARY: The Industrial Development Authority has requested that City Council change its commission designation to Radford Economic Development Authority to reflect broadened interest in not only industrial development, but also commercial and residential development. The recommendation was approved on November 19, 2019 by the IDA. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to schedule a public hearing on January 11, 2016, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Scheduling Public hearing Right-of-Way for Interstate 81 Bridge Project SUMMARY: The Virginia Department of Transportation has scheduled the replacement of the North bound lane of Interstate I-81 bridge beginning in 2016. The City owns two parcels of property under the bridge that is needed to accommodate the construction and bridge piers. One parcel contains .752 acres and is appraised at $2,700. The other is .246 acres and is appraised at $700. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to schedule public hearing for January 11, 2016, 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 shared the amended schedule for Christmas and New Year’s and please refer to the website for sanitation pickup. He shared that they will begin the budget process in the near future. He informed Council that the West Main Street light improvements is nearly done. And the boat ramp opened today. He thanked Council on behalf of the employees, for passing the holiday bonus ordinance. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger asked if they wanted to discuss the letter from Rob Graham requesting the transfer of the former Armory to the School Board. Mayor Brown responded that we can discuss it if they would like. He added that a letter from Rob Graham was provided in their packet for Council to consider the transfer. He said he believes there is a feasibility study underway and the plan at this time is to sit down with Rob, David, Kenny and himself to look at the projected needs. Mr. Nicholson asked if would be in the position to receive report on that at their next meeting or would that be too early. Mayor Brown responded that would be too optimistic. Mr. Turk added that he thought the study would be ready at the end of February. Mr. Ridpath stated what they are looking from the report is to get them a better idea of what needs to be done and the cost estimate as far as the improvements that need to be made. Mayor Brown said another piece of the puzzle is where the schools are going to meet with New River Community College and look at partnering with CTE and Stem, they have some resources that every school division by themselves couldn’t afford to do. He said on behalf of Council, they appreciate everyone coming out tonight. That they work hard to do their homework and to make the best decisions that they can make. He shared that over the last three to four years it has been very interesting, from allegations that they no longer have a Christmas Day Parade, that the City has a holiday parade and if it’s on the internet then it must be true. But the most interesting one he has heard was why the City was putting up Stars of David all up Main Street, realizing they were referring to the snowflakes. CLOSED MEETING Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Dr. Harshberger to convene a closed meeting for the purpose of 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. Mr. Turk 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. Mr. Turk 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. Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m., seconded by Mr. Marshall. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk of Council