City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. July 11 , 201 6 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 1 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2016-2017 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 Mr. Robert Gropman, Dr. Richard Harshberger, Mr. Daniel Keith Marshall 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, Economic Developer Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, and the invocation was led by Chaplin James Henegar. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger seconded by Mr. Turk, that the minutes for June 13, 2016 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Marshall seconded by Mr. Turk, that the minutes for July 6, 2016 are approved. Mr. Marshall asked for the clerk to make note that Jack Brockway is the alternated to the appointment to the Resource Authority. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Second reading of Ordinance #1681 – Storm Water Management – Illicit Discharge SUMMARY: The City of Radford adopted Ordinance #1662 in October, 2014 to address regulations associated with the new Virginia Stormwater Management Act. The Act addresses requirements for local stormwater quality plans related to pollution prevention, permitting, record keeping, inspections, public education and enforcement. Staff has been working with the new Virginia Code requirements, as well as the local Ordinance and has been advised by DEQ to address “illicit discharge.” The proposed Ordinance #1681 establishes regulations to address uncontrolled discharge of pollutants into the local Municipal Storm System. Elements of the Ordinance include prohibited discharges, inspections and monitoring, as well as enforcement. A public hearing was held on the proposed ordinance at the April 11, 2016 meeting. First Reading occurred at the June 13, 2016 meeting. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place Ordinance # 1681 on its second and final reading, seconded by Mr. Marshall. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Second 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: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve Ordinance #1684 on its second and final reading, seconded by Mr. Gropman. Mr. Marshall shared that good people can disagree on things and this SUP is no different and he and Mr. Turk have found themselves on the disagreeing end on several Special Use Permit requests, and Mr. Turk will recluse himself because his wife’s family has some involvement in the purchase of the land. His concern is with the continued influx of student housing and that we are possibly overbuilding the market. What happens when the other apartments are not being rented? He stated that this particular property is not zoned for this type of housing and needs a special permit to do so. He is not convinced that this is best for the City. He believes we are overdue for a systematic and informative housing study to see if we need more of this type of housing. They keep discussing that we need more single family housing and it’s not happening, what do they as a council, need to do to help incentivize the development of single family housing. He believes that there are a lot of questions that need to be answered and doesn’t believe this request rises to level of granting a special use permit. Dr. Harshberger said he understands Mr. Marshall’s objections to this, but doesn’t agree with him. He shared that a lot of 4 bedrooms apartments have been built for undergraduate students in recent years and Radford University had proposed, in their Master Plan, to build 3 more dorms on the campus, but RU has since decided not to build them and to allow private enterprise to deal with it. In this particular case, these are not 4 bedroom apartments, mainly one and two bedroom with the possibility of a couple 3 bedroom. These are aimed at the graduate students and young professional, who want to live near campus but not within the undergraduates. He believes this is greatly needed within our community. Mr. Marshall stated he appreciates Dr. Harshbergers comments but will point out that we have approved all Special Use Permits that have been brought before them, with all of them being a 3- 2 vote. These apartments will be located where Canton and Cooks Clean Center currently are located and the proximity to the University leads him to believe the likelihood that this will be mainly for student housing. Mr. Gropman shared that he has been a pro-growth proponent for many years, even prior to his desire as being a member of council, he believes we need to grow and build and this project will add to our tax base. And hope that some students who have moved into family neighborhoods will move into these apartments and make available the single family housing. VOTE: Mr. Gropman Yes Dr. Harshberger Yes Mr. Marshall No Mr. Turk Abstain Mayor Brown Yes SUBJECT: Council Appointment to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: Council agreed on the following slate: New River Community Services Board Gropman NRV Planning District Commission Marshall Radford Planning Commission Turk Social Services Board of Directors Marshall Fire Dept Board of Trustees Marshall Fairview District Home Board Harshberger New River Valley Economic Development Brown VA First Regional Industrial Development Turk Chief Elected Official Board Gropman City/Univ Joint Advisory Commission Harshberger Chamber of Commerce Harshberger Radford Heritage Foundation Harshberger Highlander Festival Commission Gropman Tourism Commission Harshberger Recreation Commission Marshall CPMT Turk ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to approve the slate as presented, seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Citizen Appointment to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: Council agreed on the following slate: Agency on Aging Mary Ann Semones Sally Anna Stapleton Beautification Commission Clyde Kessler Pat Fluke New River Community Action Gina Rhea Radford Economic Alliance Bruce Chase Abram Williams Richie Davis NRV Alcohol Safety Naomi Huntington Library Board Annyce Levy Emma Brockway Radford Planning Commission Tracy Howard Recreation Commission Beth Dalton John Phillips Mark Craig Peppers Ferry Doyle Barton Robert Asbury (term adjusted) Lawrence Rice Social Services Board Jenene Lewis Gina Rhea Board of Zoning Appeals Tracy Howard New River Resource Authority Robert Asbury Jack Brockway (alternate) Western VA EMS Council Rodney Haywood NRV Regional Jail Gary Young (alternate) NRV Economic Alliance Larry Sams  City/University Joint Commission Danny Wilson Tourism Felicity Taylor Chelsea Koonce Rachel Doyle ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to approve the slate as presented, seconded by Mr. Turk . VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITIZENS COMMENTS: Charles Bias, Radford resident, first wanted to thank the council members for the sacrifice they make with their families while serving. He shared that he and his wife moved to Radford 11 months ago, and are very impressed with the schools, the amenities, and the nice sense of community. They have lived overseas for 10 years and feel like they have found their home here. He stated that he understands that there may be the potential of refugees coming to Radford and understands that the decision doesn’t rest at this level, but hoped he could share his opinion and when a discussion with the State occurs, it may make a difference. He opposes the notion of refugees coming to Radford, it is his opinion that this direction lacks wisdom. He shared that he has ministered to hundreds of refugees and loves them. But he fundamentally disagrees with our National administrations thoughts as to the wisest ways to help refuges. Has our National Administration wisely increased unity among the conglomerate whole of its citizens or practiced sound economic policy. In his opinion, the administration fails the wisdom test on policy and therefore has no confidence in this administrations intentions to provide policy that will impact his home. John McCandlish, Radford resident, shared that he has lived in Radford over 30 years and has pastored for many of them. He was here in the 90’s when they served the refugees from Kosovo. In his experience, he found that a lot of people came together to make it happen, both the church and non-church, it was a way to bring cohesiveness to this community. He feels the current conversation on refugees is a bit troubling because of its tone. What message are we sending about our community because he always saw it to be a welcoming community? That’s a sense he’s always had and some of the comments he has seen have been unwelcoming. He said he is not a part of any group who is pro or con, it is just his observation of how this represents our City . If people see Radford as unwelcoming place, they will pass us by and there will be many other communities who will welcome them. He believes we have to be careful of what we say and what we think. There is a lot of work to resettle refuges, and these people who come as refugee, they are here because they are being displaced. His bias is the Lord, and he says, what have you done for the least of these, and as you have done it for the least of these, you have done it to me. He hopes the tenor of the conversation from council is positive, regardless of what the outcome might be. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682.01: $8,384 for Byrne JAG Grant SUMMARY: The Police Department has been awarded a grant from the Virginia Department of Justice. The grant will be used to purchase body cameras. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place the Appropriation Ordinance 1682.01 on its first reading, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to dispense with the second and final readings and approve Appropriation 1682.01, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682.02: $247,450 for Armory roof replacement. SUMMARY: A recent assessment study identified that the Armory roof is in need of replacement. Bids were received from four firms. Roofing Solutions, Inc. provided the lowest bid. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place the Appropriation Ordinance 1682.02 on its first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to dispense with the second and final readings and approve Appropriation 1682.02, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Award contract to Altec for Digger Derick SUMMARY: The Electric Department received two bids for the new Digger Derick, Altec provided the lowest bid and meets all the required specifications. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to award contract to Altec Industry, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682.03: $108,883 for Digger Derick SUMMARY: A portion of the Digger Derick was programmed into the FY 17 Budget and requires appropriation of the residual. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place the Appropriation Ordinance 1682.03 on its first reading, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to dispense with the second and final readings and approve Appropriation 1682.03, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Surplus Equipment – 2005 Digger Derick SUMMARY: The 2005 Ford Digger Derick, unit #607, valued at $15,000 will be used for trade in the purchase of the new unit and needs to be declared surplus. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to declare the 2005 Digger Derick as surplus, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Schedule public hearings for amendment to cell tower agreements from SUMMARY: AT&T Mobility and NCWPCS MPL 30-Year Sites Tower Holding LLC have requested that the City agree to certain proposed lease extensions, amendments, options, and/or modification, to the terms and conditions of an existing Land and Tower Agreements and a public hearing is required. ACTION: Mr. Turk made a motion to permit City Attorney to schedule public hearing on August 8, 2016, for amendments for AT&T Mobility and NCWPCS MPL 30-Year Sites Tower Holding LLC agreements, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ABSTAIN: Mr. Marshall SUBJECT: Norwood Parking lot closure for Friday after Five SUMMARY: Radford Visitor’s Center and the Radford Chamber of Commerce would like to partner to host one concert on Friday, August 12th and request to have the Norwood Parking lot closed for the event. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the request to close a portion of Norwood Square Parking Lot on August 12, 2016, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: None CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Gropman shared that during his campaign he ran on many new ideas, one idea that he believes would have the most impact is the Finders Keepers Program, this program consists of a small finder’s fee for a citizen who recruits a business from out of the area to set up in Radford, and at five year intervals if both participants are still within the city receive a 5% rebate of the tax revenue generate. The City would be the first City to pay its citizens to help drive businesses into the City. He asked Mr. Ridpath if he could look into seeing if this is feasible and could he appoint a liaison from staff to help get this going. Mr. Ridpath responded that he do research on this and get them a report on it. Dr. Harshberger stated that when he previously served as vice-mayor, he had set some major goals, one of them was to find a way to work with Pulaski County and possibly Montgomery County to expand their water usage, since we have excess capacity. He and Mr. Nicholson worked closely with Pulaski County to work out a water agreement. He also wanted to find a way to get quality child care in Radford and he helped bring in the Radford Early Childhood Education Center. He shared that his major goal now is to find ways to strengthen businesses and industry. He promised to support Mr. Gropman with his ideas and we need to organize and promote a marketing plan. Mayor Brown thanked the community for Fourth of July Spirit of America celebration. It takes a lot of people to pull it off. He said this has been an informative few weeks, this council has become educated and aware about the refugee resettlement. It is a national issue that impacts the local community. They are going to work hard to do their homework and make sure those interests are represent and that they have reached out for information and clarity on this matter. He thanked everyone for coming this evening. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m., seconded by Mr. Gropman. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _________________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, Deputy City Clerk of Council