City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. May 9 , 201 6 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 18 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 Mr. Basil Edwards, Econonic Developer 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 James Henagar. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger seconded by Mr. Turk, that the minutes for April 25, 2016 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTION SUBJECT: Robert “Big Al” Hall Humanitarian Service-Above-Self Citizenship Award SUMMARY: The Proposed resolution recognizes Tommy Meredith for his community spirit, enthusiasm for Bobcat sports and dedication to all things Radford. City of Radford Resolution Honoring Tommy Meredith Recipient of the Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service-Above Self Citizenship Award WHEREAS, the City of Radford wishes to honor Robert Allen “Big Al” Hall by establishing a Humanitarian Service- Above- Self Citizenship Award, and WHEREAS, the establishment of this award will recognize unsung heroes that contribute to make the City of Radford a better place, and WHEREAS, a humanitarian is recognized as one who extends benevolence and kindness, by putting others before one’s self, and WHEREAS, the City of Radford wishes to recognize and honor Tommy Meredith for being known as a friend to all and a true cheerleader for Radford; and WHEREAS, Tommy has been a loyal member of Grove United Methodist Church, as well as Central United Methodist Church and is known for his soulful singing in the church choir, as well as involvement in church activities; and WHEREAS, Tommy uses his vocal talent to bless others throughout the community, by singing at various churches, in holiday choirs, at nursing homes, and at special events; and WHEREAS, Tommy is a faithful supporter of the Radford Bobcats, attending most home and away basketball games, as well as listening to the bobcat football games on the radio; and WHEREAS, Tommy is a true cheerleader for all things Radford and can be found at all major events, including the Spirit of America Celebration and Memorial Day Ceremony; and WHEREAS, Tommy is known throughout Radford as a friend to all, he loves life and assists those who are going through difficult times, out of the goodness of his heart, not looking for any recognition. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Radford City Council does hereby honor Tommy Meredith for cheering for Radford through the good and bad times and showing the community how to overcome adversity, by presenting him with the Robert Allen “Big Al” Hall Humanitarian Service-Above-Self Citizenship Award. _______________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: May 9, 2016 Mayor Brown read the resolution for the benefit of the audience. ACTION: Mayor Brown made a motion to 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: Special Use Permit request from East Radford Development Corp. SUMMARY: East Radford Development Corporation has requested a special use permit for the property located at 702-708 East Main Street, Parcel # 2-(1)-3 and 3A. The developer plans to construct a mixed use development for the site with commercial use on the main floor and residential use on the upper floors. The property is zoned B-2, General Business, and requires a special use permit for the residential component of the mixed use development. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7:25. John McCandlish, Radford resident, stated that the City already has a number of empty retail space and to add additional retail space is a concern. Mr. David Shelor, current member of Planning Commission, stated that more often than not, due to a lot of data, they are forced to make reactive decisions vs proactive. There is the perception that there a lot of empty retail space and apartments. He shared that Mark and Jeff build exception residences and businesses, and this draws students that want to be closer to campus from the outlying residential areas but his concern with the addition of commercial with residential on top and wants to know if there any data that we have access to that says yes, we need more apartments or do we not. It would help if we had concrete data to help them make their votes. Mayor Brown closed the public input hearing at 7:29. Clerks note: Notice of the public hearing has been duly advertised. REPORT: Economic Development YouTube video SUMMARY: Jenni Wilder, PIO, shared a brief overview of the proposal for a Radford “YouTube” channel. The videos would focus on Radford as a business and shopping destination and assist in our marketing outreach services associated with economic development. OLD BUSINESS: none CITIZENS COMMENTS: Guy Gilmore, Radford resident, thanked staff for getting better access into the river at Riverview Park. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Receive Planning Commission’s recommendation for the Special Use Permit request from East Radford Development Corp. SUMMARY: East Radford Development Corporation has requested a special use permit for the property located at 702-708 East Main Street, Parcel # 2-(1)-3 and 3A. The developer plans to construct a mixed use development for the site with commercial use on the main floor and residential use on the upper floors. The property is zoned B-2, General Business, and requires a special use permit for the residential component of the mixed use development. Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 18, 2016 and recommended the approval of the Special Use Permit. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to receive Planning Commisions Recommendation, seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ABSTAIN: Mr. Turk SUBJECT: Consider first reading of Ordinance #1684 - the Special Use Permit request from East Radford Development Corp. SUMMARY: East Radford Development Corporation has requested a special use permit for the property located at 702-708 East Main Street, Parcel # 2-(1)-3 and 3A. The developer plans to construct a mixed use development for the site with commercial use on the main floor and residential use on the upper floors. The property is zoned B-2, General Business, and requires a special use permit for the residential component of the mixed use development. ACTION: Due to public comments, it will be moved to the June 13th meeting. Dr. Harshberger shared that he has been involved with one of the Graduate Programs at Radford University and is the Co-Chair on the Joint Commission and said he believes that the Graduate programs are growing and this type of housing for young professional is underserved. They aren’t looking for housing within the undergraduate community. SUBJECT: Acceptance of Program Year 2016 CDBG Action Plan SUMMARY: Each year, an “Action Plan” is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development relating to expenditures by communities under the Community Development Block Grant Program. The City anticipates receiving $184,067 in allocations for program year 2016-2017. The City plans on funding service organizations, planning and administration, section 108 repayment, beautification and infrastructure improvement. A public hearing is required prior to adoption of the plan. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion, to approve the resolution as presented, seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.28: $226,967 for encumbered expenses as of June 30, 2015 SUMMARY: The City of Radford had several encumbrances/purchase orders outstanding at the end of the 2015 fiscal year. The purchase orders generally related to computer equipment and software, EMS equipment, electric department line construction, water line engineering and treatment maintenance contracts. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to place 1673.28 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 1673.28, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.29: $415 for remainder of Police Funds SUMMARY: The appropriation will be used in drug investigations and will clean up accounting for an inactive bank account that had funds designated specifically for “narcotic” related use. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place 1673.29 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 readings and approve Appropriations 1673.29, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Resolution for River Street Acquisition. SUMMARY: Since 2004, the City has used and maintained six lots along New River Drive, formerly River Street, to compliment recreational activities, as well as enhance preservation of the Radford Riverfront. The City had “first right of refusal” in the event that the owners decided to sell the property. ACTION: Mr. Nisholson made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.30: $27,000 for River Street Acquisition of River Street property. SUMMARY: Since 2004, the City has used and maintained six lots along New River Drive, formerly River Street, to compliment recreational activities, as well as enhance preservation of the Radford Riverfront. The City had “first right of refusal” in the event that the owners decided to sell the property. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place 1673.30 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: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second and final readings and approve Appropriations 1673.30, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Resolution to award contract to Hydro Consulting & Maintenance Services Inc. SUMMARY: Approval of the resolution authorizes a contract for the construction and rehabilitations, improvements and upgrades to the Little River Dam. Hydro Consulting & Maintenance Services provided the most responsive bid. The firm has extensive experience in the hydro-electric industry and could perform all of the required tasks to get the facility operational again in fourteen months. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, seconded by Mr. Turk. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.31: $2,704,615 for Hydro Electric Repairs. SUMMARY: The appropriation will fund the capital improvements to the Little River Dam. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place 1673.31 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 readings and approve Appropriations 1673.31, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.32: $124,220 for carryover of grants in progress & Appropriation Ordinance 1673.33: $238,771 for carryover of capital projects in progress. SUMMARY: The City had several grants and capital projects outstanding at the end of 2015 fiscal year that need to carry over into F.Y. 2016 budget. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place 1673.32 and 1673.33 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 1673.32 and 1673.33, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath shared that VHSL announced that the city will once again host the spring jubilee games in 2017 and 2018. He informed Council that the Grove Avenue water lines are in the process of being replaced and our paving contractor will be here next week to begin replacing the pavement. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Nicholson congratulated Dr. Harshberger for his reelection onto City Council and to Rob Gropman for his election onto City Council, for the schoolboard, the election of Adam DeVries and John Hester. He complimented Jenni and Basil, for the work they are going to do with YouTube and trying to get the information out. He shared that the Roanoke Times referenced the Italian Restaurant in Blacksburg where Sal’s was selling the restaurant. The focus of the article was on Radford and Joe’s reasoning to wanting to come back and put all of his time in Radford. He said he thought it was a spectacular article showcasing what Radford had to offer. Mayor Brown shared that there is some Council contingency money remaining and suggested that they transfer that money to the Festival of Lights and place it on next month’s agenda. He said he would like to follow up on the recognition of our hometown hero’s. Mayor Brown also shared a note that he received from President Kyle. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m., seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk of Council