City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St August 8, 2016 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 2 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2016-2017 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00p.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. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Mrs. Gail Cook DeVilbiss, City Attorney Mr. Basil Edwards, Economic Developer Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Ms. Melissa Skelton, Community Developer Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, and the invocation was led by Chaplain Jim Henagar. Mayor Brown made remarks about Irena Sendler, who during WWII got permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto, as a plumbing and sewage specialist. She had an ulterior motive, which was to smuggle out infants and children from the ghetto and prevent them from becoming victims of the Nazis. During her time of doing this she managed to save over 2,500 children and infants from the Nazis; she was eventually caught and the Nazis broke both of her legs, arms and severely beat her. She did however keep a record of many of the children she helped to escape and after the war tried to relocate the children with their families. In 2015 she was a Noble Peace Prize Nominee and in memoriam of her heroic actions her story was being shared around on Facebook. Mayor Brown commented that this story ties into a future action of Council to appoint a WWII/WWII Commission. Mayor Brown also commented that he believed this was a good way to start the meeting, putting in perspective that in a wicked world there is hope. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger seconded by Mr. Marshall that the minutes for July 11, 2016 are approved with the addition of the City of Radford to page one under adoption of Storm Water Ordinance. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATION SUBJECT: RHS Hall of Fame SUMMARY: The Radford High School Hall of Fame Committee has requested that City Council consider recognizing the week August21, 2016 through August 27, 2016 as "Radford High School Hall of Fame Week" and Saturday, August 27, 2016 as "Radford High School Hall of Fame Day." Five new members were inducted into the Hall of Fame for 2016. Mr. Marshall 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 75 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, eight (8) members in 2015, and WHEREAS the Hall of Fame committee for Radford High School has voted and will induct five (5) new members into the RHS Hall of Fame on August 27, 2016 at the Radford High School Auditorium, and Class of 2016 Rose Rogers -40’s Tony Dehart-70’s Ervin Butch Whitt-50’s Sheryl “Chris” Garber-80’s Joe Mannon-50’s WHEREAS the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place the Saturday following the Friday night football game against George Wythe High School, and NOW THEREFORE, in recognition and celebration of our great student-athletes, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED that the week of August 21, 2016 through August 27, 2016 be known as RADFORD HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME WEEK, and that Saturday, August 27, 2016 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. ______________________________ Bruce E. Brown, Mayor Adopted: August 8, 2016 ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to pass the proclamation as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTIONS 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. To reach this amount of relief, the rate proposed for 2016 is 52% for personal property valued at $1,001 to $20,000. Business vehicles, motor homes and vehicles valued under $1,000 are excluded.  A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RADFORD, VIRGINIA SETTING THE ALLOCATION PERCENTAGE FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR QUALIFYING VEHICLES IN THE CITY OF RADFORD FOR THE 2016 TAX YEAR WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 58.1-3524 (C) (2) and Section 58.1-3912 (E) of the Code of Virginia, as amended by Chapter 1 of the Acts of Assembly and as set forth in item 503.E (Personal Property Tax Relief Program or “PPTRA”) of Chapter 951 of the 2005 Acts of Assembly, a qualifying vehicle as defined in Code of Virginia 1950, as amended, §58.1-3523, (a “Qualifying Vehicle”), with a taxable situs within the City commencing January 1, 2014, shall receive personal property tax relief; and, WHEREAS, this Resolution is adopted pursuant to Ordinance Number 1517 enacted by the Council of the City of Radford on December 12, 2005. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RADFORD, VIRGINIA, as follows: 1. That tax relief shall be allocated so as to eliminate personal property taxation for a Qualifying Vehicle valued at $1,000 or less. 2. That a Qualifying Vehicle valued at $1,001-$20,000 will be eligible for 52% tax relief. 3. That a Qualifying Vehicle valued at $20,001 or more shall only receive 52% tax relief on the first $20,000 of value; and 4. That all other vehicles which do not meet the definition of Qualifying Vehicle will not be eligible for any form of tax relief under this program. 5. That the percentages applied to the categories of Qualifying Vehicles are estimated fully to use all available PPTRA funds allocated to the City of Radford by the Commonwealth of Virginia. This resolution shall be effective from and after the date of its adoption, this 8th day of August, 2016. Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gropman, to approve the foregoing resolution as presented. Recorded Vote: Mr. Gropman: YES Dr. Harshberger: YES Mr. Marshall: YES Mr. Turk: YES Mayor Brown: YES _______________________________ Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________ Jennifer G. Wilder, City Clerk ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to pass the resolution as presented, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: New River Resource Authority SUMMARY: Landfill operations associated with the disposal of solid waste from the City of Radford are managed by the New River Resource Authority. The operation of the landfill in Pulaski County, as well as the participation in the Authority by the five member jurisdictions, is by a "User Agreement" with the NRRA. In August, 2015 the NRRA Board voted to amend the user agreement to allow the Authority to contract with other public entities for emergency assistance needs, without seeking Board approval. The NRRA has asked the member jurisdictions to ratify a Resolution noting this change in the "User Agreement". Mr. Ridpath added that in the last few weeks the other jurisdictions have approved the agreement as well. Dr. Harshberger remarked that there had been a risk assessment done on the agreement and that there is equal risk for both jurisdictions. Mr. Ridpath followed up with the comment that the agreement took so long because of the hang up; making sure it is a reciprocal agreement with just Roanoke, for a short time period, during an emergency. Mrs. Devilbiss stated, this is a single user agreement that is reciprocal. RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City of Radford is a member of the New River Resource Authority (the "NRRA"); and WHEREAS, the Articles of Incorporation of the NRRA provide that the NRRA may, with the consent of all member jurisdictions, enter into contracts with other political subdivisions; and WHEREAS, the Agreement of expansion of the NRRA dated April 14, 1998 (the "Agreement") provided that the NRRA is to be utilized only for the disposal of waste in the member jurisdictions and only such areas outside of those geographical limits as the governing bodies of the member jurisdictions may agree; and WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority (the "RVRA") has proposed to contract with the NRRA for the acceptance by NRRA of non-hazardous solid waste from RVRA on a temporary basis in the event of an unexpected emergency and will offer a reciprocal acceptance of such waste from the NRRA, in the event of an unexpected emergency affecting the NRRA, on a temporary basis; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the above provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and Agreement, the consent of all member jurisdictions of the NRRA is required for approval of such contracts; and WHEREAS, the NRRA desires to amend the User Agreement to allow for such reciprocal emergency contracts to include an agreement to provide emergency assistance to the RVRA; and WHEREAS, the NRRA also desires to amend the User Agreement to allow the NRRA to accept waste from other political subdivisions outside the geographical limits of the member jurisdictions on a temporary basis upon the occurrence of an unexpected emergency, without the requirement of the separate consent of all member jurisdictions of the NRRA, since such emergency situations, by definition, would not permit sufficient time for the consent of all member jurisdictions to be obtained in such time as to provide emergency assistance to other political subdivisions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that: 1. The NRRA is hereby permitted to contract with the RVRA for the acceptance of municipal solid waste in the event of an unexpected emergency under such terms and conditions as the NRRA and the RVRA may agree, provided that the agreement is reciprocal ; and 2. The City of Radford hereby approves the Fourth Amendment to the User Agreement in the form attached hereto as Attachment A, which includes the requirement of reciprocity. The City Manager is authorized to execute the Fourth Amendment. 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately. 4. The City Manager is authorized to take such further actions and execute additional documents as may be needed to implement and administer such Fourth Amendment, and such additional documents, if any, are to be approved as to form by the City Attorney. This Resolution shall be effective as of the date of its adoption on this eighth day of August, 2016. A motion to approve the foregoing Resolution was made by Mr. Gropman, and seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: Mr. Gropman: YES Dr. Harshberger: YES Mr. Marshall: YES Mr. Turk: YES Mayor Brown: YES Dr. Bruce Brown, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________ Jennifer G. Wilder, City Clerk ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to pass the resolution as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: Cell Tower Agreement AT&T Mobility SUMMARY: AT&T Mobility has 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. Mr. Turk made a motion to permit City Attorney to schedule public hearing at the July 11, 2016 City Council Meeting, for amendments for AT&T Mobility agreement. Mr. Ridpath stated the towers were built a number of years ago when a number of users were involved. Currently there is a good rental income generate from the towers, as well as the use of the tower site for public facilities. Mrs. Devilbiss remarked that the leases are different leases and that they are 25 year leases. The first agreement (AT&T) is straight forward with a 15 year lease extension that would continue with the 3% rate. The (NCWPCS MPL) agreement offers a number of options, with a reduced rate, fixed for 5 years, with a 10% rate increase thereafter. We are now in the last 10 years of the leases. She remarked that they have run numbers and it is interesting to see where those numbers come out. Mr. Ridpath stated the public hearing has been notified as required. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7:22p.m. No Comments Mayor Brown closed the public input hearing at 7:23p.m. Clerks note: Notice of the public hearing has been duly advertised. PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: Cell Tower Agreement NCWPCS MPL 30-Year Sites Tower Holding LLC SUMMARY: NCWPCS MPL 30-Year Sites Tower Holding LLC has 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. Mr. Turk made a motion to permit City Attorney to schedule public hearing at the July 11, 2016 City Council Meeting, for amendments for NCWPCS MPL 30-Year Sites Tower Holding LLC agreement. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7:23p.m. No Comments Mayor Brown closed the public input hearing at 7:24p.m. Clerks note: Notice of the public hearing has been duly advertised. OLD BUSINESS NONE CITIZEN COMMENTS Mr. Rob Graham, Superintendent of Radford City Schools came forward to thanks City Council as they start the school year. He stated that he is amazed by the support from the city and listed examples of ways Radford City has help the school system, including: changing the landscaping and security of the back of Radford High School, with the help of Rodney Haywood and Timmy Lytton, back of the Armory has been opened up for extra parking, work around McHarg, including tearing down some old learning cottages, creating a more safe and secure environment, as well as the ability to call RCPD anytime they are concerned or need anything. Mr. Graham reiterated his appreciation for all that Radford City Council does for the school system and invited the members to Convocation Wednesday, August 10, 2016, 8:00 RHS auditorium. He also noted that RHS won the Wells Fargo Cup for Academics and was only a few points shy of winning the Athletic Cup in 2015. Mrs. Lisa Davis, Radford Chamber of Commerce Director requested the use of Glencoe Field for the location for the Chamber's new "WestEnd Wednesday's" program. They have had several requests for more live music, summer concerts, and also market vendors that would like more than one Saturday morning a week at the Farmers Market. This will help to increase events on the West End, support more local music, farm to table opportunities as well as allow market vendors more opportunities to sell their produce and art. Mrs. Davis proposed the first and third Wednesday of every month, starting in September and noted that she is currently working with the Mite league football team to see if they can work out the field schedule during football practice. ACTION: Mr. Marshall accepted Mrs. Davis' proposal and made a simple motion to allow the Chamber of Commerce to use Glencoe Field for "WestEnd Wednesday's", Mr. Turk second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Richie Davis spoke on behalf of the Economic Development Authority, Chairwoman Flo Graham, Abraham Williams were also in attendance. Mr. Davis then listed the members of the EDA, stating they all serve at leisure of Council. Mr. Davis stated we want to work with City Council. Mr. Davis went on to say that this would be his last term on the EDA and he wanted to end strong and do good things for Radford. Dr. Graham, Chairwomen, has compiled some thoughts, many of which mirror Council’s thoughts. Mr. Davis proceeded to discuss how Radford is now at the moment where we see businesses shutting down and we need to do something to help the Radford economy. The EDA does not want to waste time, Mr. Graupman has accepted the invitation to the next EDA meeting and all of Council should expect individual invitations to future meetings. Mr. Davis concluded his comments by stating that the EDA and City Council need to work together and hear each other’s concerns. It is a different Radford, but we all have interest in making sure this economy gets better. He pleaded with City Council to work with the EDA, give them direction and authority and he guarantees the EDA will take the ball and run. Mr. Andrew Tucker the pastor at Christ Lutheran Church thanked City Council and Staff for their service. Mr. Tucker then spoke about refugee resettlement and offered his support for resettlement in Radford. He stated that resettlement could make Radford grow economically and as a community and that Radford could and should welcome those in need to our town. He concluded that he wanted Council to be able to put a face with letter and that if they had any questions or comments about the possibility of refugee resettlement please contact Mr. Tucker. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682.04: $22,500 for HAZMAT SUMMARY: The local area HazMat Team hosted by Radford and includes Pulaski, Wythe, Giles, Bland, Floyd, Montgomery and Tazwell counties, needs a Power Take Off Generator on one of the service trucks. The generator is needed to light scenes and work areas during night- time events improving response conditions and reducing the chance of injuries to the responders. The cost of $22,500 and funds are available from the “HazMat Reserve” account. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place 1682.04 on its first reading, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second and final readings and approve Appropriation 1682.04, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682.05: $147,886 for Community Development Block Grant SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received Community Development Block Grant funding in the amount of $147,886 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds will be used to support the 2016 CDBG Action Plan approved by City Council on May 9, 2016. Projects will include emergency home repair, neighborhood beautification, and repayment of the section 108 loan, continued sidewalk and lightning improvements on West Main Street and Sunset Park improvements. The funds will also support local planning and administration and funding for several agency partners. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to place 1682.05 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. Gropman made a motion to dispense with the second and final readings and approve Appropriation 1682.05, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682.06: $126,873 for the Victim Witness Program SUMMARY: The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office has been awarded a grant from the Virginia Department of Justice in the amount of $126,873. The funds will be used to support the comprehensive services of the Victim Witness Coordinator located in Radford and a full-time person in Floyd that assists individuals who have been victims/witnesses of felony or misdemeanor crimes. The program has served the citizens of Radford and Floyd for the past 22 years. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place 1682.06 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: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second and final readings and approve Appropriation 1682.06, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682:07: $38,912 for Asset Forfeiture SUMMARY: The Police Department has received $38,912 in State Asset Forfeiture funds. The funds will be used for Police Department equipment purchases, drug investigations, and repairs. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place 1682.07 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 1682.07, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Vacation of Right-Of-Way SUMMARY: Scott Hill requested the vacation of the unimproved section of Henry Street, adjacent to his property at 1312 Fourth Street. The area is approximately 60'X140'. The vacation was requested to increase the size of his lot for additional single family construction. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to permit City Attorney to schedule public hearing on September 12, 2016; the requested vacation of right of way, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to refer the requested vacation of right of way, located at 1312 Fourth Street to the Planning Commission for review, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. Dr. Harshberger suggested that the Planning Commission look at the Vacation of Right-of-Way in terms of the comprehensive plan and if there was any thought on building through on Henry Street. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Authorization to proceed with Fire Truck Order SUMMARY: Engine #7 an E-One Pumper purchased in 1994 needs to be replaced. A new truck was planned in the development of the FY 2017 Budget. Features on the new truck will include a 75’ ladder and 500 gallons of water storage capacity. The cost of the truck is $882,987 and will be paid for by a $300,000 contribution from Radford University, the trade of Engine #7 value at $22,000, and a capital lease on the $560,987 balance. The Pierce truck will be purchased from the state contract provider, Atlantic Emergency Solutions, and will be delivered in the Fall of 2017. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion of authorization from City Council, to proceed with the fire truck order from Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. SUBJECT: Third Avenue Parking Lot Closure Request by the Radford Chamber of Commerce SUMMARY: The Radford Chamber of Commerce has requested that the upper portion of the Third Avenue Municipal Parking Lot be closed on Saturday, October 15, 2016 for a special event, “Craft and Draft”. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the request to close a portion of the Third Avenue Lot on October 15, 2016, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Schedule a Public Hearing to Receive Comments Regarding Amending Zoning Ordinance-Craft Beverage and Manufacturing SUMMARY: The Code of Virginia permits localities to consider “Craft Beverages”, manufacturing and distribution, with appropriate local ordinances. The Planning Commission has discussed including the provision in the B-1 (Business Neighborhood), B-2 (General Business) and B-3 (Central Business) Zones of the Radford City Code. As a result of their meeting on July 18, 2016, the Planning Commission has requested that City Council schedule a public hearing to consider an amendment to the zoning ordinance for this purpose. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to permit City Attorney to schedule public hearing on September 12, 2016, for comments regarding amending the Zoning Ordinance-Craft Beverage and Manufacturing, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath remarked about upcoming events in Radford including the Friday after Five Concert on August 12, Saturday in the Park/Lucky Duck Race on August 13. Mr. Ridpath went on to discuss improving sidewalks/crosswalks and signage around the RCPS and RU. On Second Avenue, from Lawrence Street, Boxley the paving company will be returning to mill up and replace the pavement completed in May. Mr. Ridpath commented on the Business Leaders Meeting, Dr. Hemphill, President for Radford University hosted the previous week, where Dr. Hemphill went over plans for the University over the next year or so, as well as the relationship the University wants to have with the business community. Mr. Ridpath stated that this was good start and we look forward to working with him. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger commented that he liked Mr. Richie Davis' remarks about the Economic Development Authority and he is happy Mr. Gropman will be bringing his economic development ideas to the committee. Mr. Marshall thanked Mr. Richie Davis for the lead in to his upcoming comments regarding ideas and approached for moving Radford forward. Mr. Marshall then began to discuss the article the he and Mr. Turk wrote for the Radford News Journal. He gave background as to why the wrote the article and where they were coming from, which included Mr. Turk and Mr. Marshall both growing up in Radford and their deep love for Radford and while there are many positive things that happen in Radford there comes a time when you see problems and need to address those with new approached and ideas. Mr. Marshall then addressed the three points written in the News Journal, he stated these points are not all inclusive and their ideas are not the only ones, many dovetail perfectly with what the EDA wants to do, but that together they can be an effective team. Ideas: 1. Business Retention: Mr. Marshall stated that it does little good to recruit new businesses if we cannot keep our old. The City needs to communicate with the existing businesses we have. All businesses, should receive something from Council specifically. City staff attempts to do many of those things, Mr. Marshall stated he is not critiquing staff, but himself and City Council, and is pledging to do a better job at proactively communicating with Radford's businesses. 2. Business Recruitment Team: Mr. Marshall stated that Radford already has a great one with the Economic Development Authority, but it is hard for the EDA to have direction if Council doesn’t have a direction. City Council needs to sit down lay out goals. Mr. Marshall commented on the team should be comprised of Radford's successful business people and that by using their expertise in business creation, as well as the Commissioner of the Revenue's knowledge of business taxes, the Economic Development Director's input, Radford should be able to do a better job of setting goals and recruiting businesses. 3. Working with Elected Officials: Mr. Marshall discussed working with elected officials, regardless of party affiliation. There is a specific day in January, which is an  elected officials' time, at the General Assembly, where members can meet directly with those representatives. Mr. Marshall commented that Radford City Council should be there, and that as a Council specific achievement goals should be created to discuss with representatives on that day. Mr. Marshall stated that Council will need staff help and staff member to accompany them to elected officials day. Mr. Marshall concluded his comments by stating that we are all on the same team and that Council needs to sit down and talk about the three items mentioned. Mr. Marshall requested to add discussions on these three items to the September 12, 2016 agenda. ACTION: Mr. Turk made a motion to schedule a work session on August 22, 2016 at 7:00p.m. to discuss the ideas outlined by Mr. Marshall, as well as Mr. Gropman's ideas regarding Economic Development. Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mayor Brown stated that this was something Council started back in March. Council requested an inventory of businesses that are vacant on Main Street regarding who owns the business, what previous business had been there, and what they could be. Mayor Brown commented that Council had also discussed creation of a Radford YouTube Channel that would feature the attributes of the community. Mayor Brown stated that he does not have any reservation that as a Council they cannot come up with a solution. Some of it is ideas, with implementation coming through the Radford City Staff. Mrs. Devilbiss stated the date of the next Economic Development Authority meeting was on August 18, 2016. Mr. Gropman clarified that the invitation was to just him for the upcoming meeting, while Mr. Richie Davis clarified that all of Council would be invited individually to future meetings, they just could not have them all attend the same meeting. Mayor Brown discussed a letter received from the Mayor of Orlando regarding the letter Council sent to Orlando in the days after the Pulse nightclub shooting. Mr. Brown stated he was aware that the Virginia Municipal League is going to be accepting ornaments from each locality again, for the tree at the Governor's mansion. Mayor Brown also received notification from Representative Morgan Griffith and Senator Warner about Radford' designation of a Tree City U.S.A. The Commonwealth is also creating a WWI and WWII Commemorative Commission which would put on events that would hold economic, tourism, and educational benefits, while honoring veterans and preserving histories. Radford already has begun this, for example the living history of Veterans. With the commission a $5000 tourism marketing grant becomes available and Radford has the opportunity to create a local committee to work with the commission, which City Council can put on an upcoming agenda. Mayor Brown then remarked that Mr. Ridpath and he meet with Delegate Joseph Yost at least four times a year and that in the past City Council has been to General Assembly Day for elected officials, as well as that Delegate Yost presents an overview of the on goings of the General Assembly, at Council, at least twice a year. Dr. Harshberger commented on how Delegate Yost and Representative Griffith are both approachable and accessible. Mr. Marshall thanked Mr. Williams with the Patriot Newspaper out of Pulaski, VA and thanked him for showing interest in Radford City. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10p.m., seconded by Mr. Gropman. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, City Clerk of Council