City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. October 24, 2016 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 6 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 Development Director Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by local Veterans, and the invocation was led by Rev. John McCandlish. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded by Mr. Marshall that the minutes for September 26, 2016 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 INTRODUCTION: SUBJECT: K-9 Jekyll SUMMARY: The Radford City Police Department has received its new K-9 for use in locating people and drug detection. Jekyll, a Blood Hound, will be assigned to Officer Robbie Stultz. Jekyll was briefly introduced to City Council by the Chief Goodman. REPORT: SUBJECT: Delegate Joseph Yost-General Assembly Report SUMMARY: Joseph Yost, our 12th District Representative, to the General Assembly House of Delegates provided an overview of activities and expectations as we approach the 2017 session. Delegate Yost thanked Council for the opportunity to address them. Mr. Yost noted that the 2017 Session will begin on the 2nd Wednesday of January and will include more than 2500-3000 pieces of legislation, the State Budget, projected revues and revisions, as well as addressing the 1.5-billion-dollar deficit. City Council addressed several concerns for Radford including economic development, transportation and infrastructure, and grant availability. Delegate Yost advised Council to reach out to his office for any help relating to economic development projects and grant funding. Delegate Yost noted that his office is always available and they will work to assist Radford City the best they can, just contact them. PRESENTATION: SUBJECT: Radford High School Arts Department SUMMARY: The Radford High School Art Department has been creating an ornament to represent Radford on the State tree at the Governor’s Mansion during the holidays, as well as a City Christmas Card. Kimberly Reece, the Art Teacher, and her students presented both projects to City Council. PROCLAMATIONS: SUBJECT: Veteran’s Day SUMMARY: The Proclamation formally recognizes Veterans Day in Radford on November 11, 2016 and the men and women who have represented our community in serving our Nation and the ideas of freedom, justice and liberty. City of Radford PROCLAMATION Veterans Day, 2016 WHEREAS, the citizens of the City of Radford and the United States of America live in freedom because of the contributions and personal sacrifices made by those who have served and by those now serving in the Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, the words of the first Veterans Day Proclamation signed by President Eisenhower still ring true: “Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on the foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain”; and WHEREAS, our Nation has fought and continues to fight battles around the world for the ideals of liberty, freedom, and justice; and WHEREAS, Virginia is blessed to be the home of more than 840,000 veterans and tens of thousands of military families and the City of Radford has veterans from every branch of Armed Services; and WHEREAS, we remember with gratitude those men and women who have served in the military with distinction and valor as sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines; and WHEREAS, as we reflect upon the enormous contributions made to our City, Commonwealth, and Country by the sons and daughters who served bravely to defend the principles on which our nation was founded, we also pay tribute to a new generation of Virginians who have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces and remain committed to sustaining the legacy of unyielding patriotism; and WHEREAS, the City of Radford is incredibly proud and humbled to be the hometown of so many American heroes, who serve as shining examples of honor, bravery and service to our country; and WHEREAS, we will endeavor to always honor the contributions and sacrifices of the millions who have, over centuries, served in the military as well as those presently serving, both home and abroad; and WHEREAS, we are proud to recognize our Country’s and community’s veterans and extend the appreciation to those who wear the uniforms of the United States Armed Forces and serve on the front lines, preserving freedom and liberty. NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Mayor and Radford City Council that all citizens observe November 11, 2016 as Veterans Day and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions of our veterans who fought for peace and defend democracy abroad. ________________________ Bruce E. Brown, Mayor Adopted: October 24, 2016 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the proclamation, as presented, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Robert Allen Hall Service Above Self Citizenship Award SUMMARY: The Resolution recognized Darrell and Michelle Mullins for their contributions and support of our community activities, as well as their business success. The Resolution reflects the ideals of the Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service Award, established by City Council in 2011. The nominee was recommended by Mayor Brown. City of Radford Resolution Honoring Darrell and Michelle Mullins Recipient of the “Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service Above Self Citizenship Award” WHEREAS, the City of Radford wished to honor Robert Allen “Big Al” Hall by establishing a Humanitarian Service- Above-Self Citizenship Award in 2011, and WHEREAS, the establishment of this award recognizes unsung heroes that contribute to making 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, Darrell and Michelle Mullins have been operating in Radford since 1983, when they purchased Seaver-Sanders Funeral Home, from Mr. Sanders; and WHEREAS, Mullins Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. added a crematory on the premises in 1995, which gave them the name they have today; and WHEREAS, in 2010 Mullins continued to grow their business by building a new large chapel and visitation area, which helps families visit with loved ones during their time of need; and WHEREAS, Mullins Funeral Home and Crematory takes pride in being a family owned and operated funeral home, offering a welcome atmosphere to help relax families through this trying time; and WHEREAS, Darrell and Michelle Mullins are always willing to give back to the Radford community by donating to causes such as the Braveheart 5K, Run with the Law, and RCPD K9 unit, Memorial Day Plaques, as well as many others; and WHEREAS, Darrell and Michelle Mullins are full of Bobcat Pride and can often be found at Bobcat sporting events, or supporting the Bobcat Booster Club; and WHEREAS, Mullins Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. is a perfect example of a local business that is invested in the community it serves, by donating of time and funds back into Radford without hesitation. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Radford City Council does hereby honor Darrell and Michelle Mullins for their dedication and service to the City of Radford, by presenting them with the Robert Allen “Big Al” Hall Humanitarian Service-Above-Self Citizenship Award. ________________________ Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, City Clerk Adopted: October 24, 2016 ACTION: Mayor Brown made a motion to approve the proclamation, as presented, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Retirement K-9 Ruckus SUMMARY: Ruckus, a K-9 with the Radford City Police Department, has served our community since 2010. His duties with the City of Radford have focused on criminal apprehension and narcotics detection. The Resolution recognized Ruckus’s service to our community and transferred ownership to his handler, Robbie Stultz, for care. A RESOLUTION DECLARING K9 OFFICER RUCKUS RETIRED FROM SERVICE FROM THE RADFORD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT AND DONATING HIM TO HIS PARTNER AND HANDLER, POLICE OFFICER ROBBIE STULTZ OF THE RADFORD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, K9 Officer Ruckus is a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd Mix, serving the Radford City Police Department since 2010; and WHEREAS, Ruckus has helped the Radford Police Department rebuild its K9 program, with extensive training in criminal apprehension and has also been used as a detector dog for illegal narcotics to include; heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana; and WHEREAS, Ruckus’ primary function with the Radford City Police Department has been that of a protection function for the officers; and WHEREAS, Ruckus as has assisted with many warrant services in perimeter containment, as well as conducted building searches for breaking and entering suspects; and WHEREAS, K9 Officer Stultz’s states one of K9 Ruckus’ biggest accomplishments occurred in the peaceful resolve of a protest on May 11, 2011; and WHEREAS, K9 Ruckus and Officer Stultz have assisted partner law enforcement agencies to resolve situations associated with crowd control and public safety; and WHEREAS, Ruckus has assisted with numerous apprehensions without a single bite and his mere presence has resolved incidents that could have escalated into greater uses of force; and WHEREAS, K9 Ruckus will be retired from service to the Radford City Police Department and Officer Robbie Stultz will accept full responsibility for him. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Radford City Council of Radford, Virginia, that K9 Officer Ruckus is hereby declared retired and same is authorized to be donated to Officer Robbie Stultz of the Radford City Police Department. Dr. Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, City Clerk Adopted: October 24, 2016 ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to approve the proclamation, as presented, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING: SUBJECT: Vacation of Right-Of-Way, Scott Street SUMMARY: Mark Armentrout has requested the vacation of the unimproved section of Scott Street, adjacent to his property at 93 Ninth Street. The area is approximately 60'X326'. The vacation would improve the residential development potential of the adjacent vacant lot. At the September 26, 2016 meeting Mr. Gropman made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing for the October 24, 2016 meeting. Mayor Brown opened the public input hearing at 7:52 Comments: Mr. Armentrout stated that this is a new process to him and he is aware this vacation has been explored by City Council before, he is hoping to revisit this and thanks City Council for the opportunity. Mayor Brown closed the public input hearing at 7:54 Clerks note: Notice of the public hearing has been duly advertised. OLD BUISINESS: SUBJECT: Amending Zoning Ordinance – Craft Beverage 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. A public hearing was held at the September 12, 2016 meeting. Several public comments were made in favor of amending the ordinance. The Planning Commission met on September 19, 2016 and have recommended on a 6-1 vote to City Council to consider approval of the Ordinance 1686. City Council voted 4-1 at the September 26, 2016 meeting to approve amending Ordinance 1686 on its first reading. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve amending Zoning Ordinance 1686-Craft Beverage Manufacturing, on its second reading, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. Mr. Marshall stated that he wanted to go over why he voted no on the first reading. The Ordinance is not specific towards beer, there is a paragraph which adds in hard liquor. His concern is more over the distilleries. Mr. Marshall stated that he believes these businesses should stay within the special use permit process, every business location may not be the best site for a distillery, by keeping it in the special use permit process input into where the business would be could be factored in. Mr. Marshall stated that this should stay as a special use permit, Radford should be a little more selective rather than giving blanket approval. VOTE: Mr. Gropman: AYE Dr. Harshberger: AYE Mr. Marshall: NAYE Mr. Turk: NAYE Mayor Brown: AYE 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. A public hearing was held at the September 12, 2016 meeting, no comments were received. A three- member Board of Viewers was appointed at the September 26, 2016 meeting to inspect the right- of-way and report on any inconvenience that may result from discontinuing the public right-of- way. The Board of Viewers met on October 10, 2016 and have reported that no “inconvenience” to the public is created if the Right-of-Way is closed. The Planning Commission, Board of Viewers and City Staff have recommended that the Right-of-Way be vacated and a utility easement retained. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to Receive the Report of the Board of Viewers, 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 authorize staff to determine the location of the permanent easement, as well as the valuation of the proposed right-of-way, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS NONE NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: New River Valley Regional Detention Agreement/Resolution SUMMARY: The City of Radford has been a member of the New River Valley Juvenile Detention Commission since 1971 along with Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties. The four jurisdictions own and operate a regional facility in Christiansburg for the purpose of detention of juvenile offenders. A service agreement is needed to reaffirm the formal structure of the commission, its creation, expectations and investments. The agreement generally addresses membership, powers and authority, bonding, liability, disillusionment, operation funding, as well as user participation. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the resolution, endorsing the agreement and the governing commission, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: Mr. Gropman: AYE Dr. Harshberger: AYE Mr. Marshall: AYE Mr. Turk: AYE Mayor Brown: AYE CONESNT AGENDA: SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682.15: $83,405 for Street Maintenance Fund SUMMARY: The Virginia Department of Transportation is providing $2,299,966 in funding to the City of Radford for its street maintenance program for F.Y. 2017. The funding is based on the total lane miles of City roads, as well as Appropriation by the General Assembly. Following approval of the F.Y. 2017 Annual City Budget in April, the City was notified that the allocations would be increased. The Appropriation allocates an additional $83,405 for the Urban Highway Maintenance budget to be used to expand the paving program. No matching funds are required. SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682.16: $20,000 for Riverview Park Shelter Improvements SUMMARY: The fifty year old picnic shelter at Riverview Park was removed this past summer due to its age and overall poor condition. The shelter was originally donated by the Radford Rotary Club. The Parks and Recreation Department has received bids to replace the 16'X28' picnic shelter. The best price was received from Zenecar, LLC in the amount of $16,273. The existing concrete pad is in good shape and will be reused as the shelter flooring. An additional $3,727 is needed to remove the old retaining wall and purchase new picnic tables. The project has been reviewed and supported by the Recreation Commission. The Riverview Park Shelter is used for reunions and special events. SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682.17: $5,217: Litter Grant SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received a grant in the amount of $5,217 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for F.Y. 2017. The funds will be used to support litter prevention and recycling efforts, purchase of receptacles, as well as promotion of environmentally friendly activities. No matching funds are required. The grant funds were not programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2017 Annual Budget, therefore requiring City Council appropriation. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to place the consent agenda Appropriation Ordinances 1682.15, 1682.16, and 1682.17 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 Appropriations 1682.15 1682.16, and 1682.17 on the first reading, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1682.18: 462,275 School Board Budget Amendment SUMMARY: The Radford City School has requested a F.Y. 2017 budget amendment in the amount of $462,275. The amendment is necessary to reflect additional grant revenue related to Security ($4,335), Extended School Year ($212,240) and Parent Resource Center ($10,000). The remaining $235,700 is to account for the City Appropriation for the Amory roof approved on July 11, 2016 (A.O. #1682.02). An Appropriation is required since the funds were not programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2017 Annual Budget. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place Appropriation Ordinance 1682.18 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 reading and approve Appropriation 1682.18 on its first reading, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Surplus Property SUMMARY: The Public Works Department is coordinating an auction of the City’s surplus vehicles and equipment. The last auction was in October, 2014 and was very successful. The surplus items come from all departments and have been evaluated based on their age, safety and service to the departments. The list includes vehicles, office supplies and equipment. The auction will be sealed bid and will be advertised in the newspaper, Channel 11 and on the City Website. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to approve the Surplus Property List, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated that the pavers will be coming back in the next week to fix the pavement on Second Avenue. Mr. Ridpath also stated that the month of October has been busy with the Highlanders Festival, Homecoming Weekend, Mary Draper Ingles Weekend and more, there are lots of people in our community with lots going on. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger stated that the unveiling of the Mary Draper Ingles statue was well attended, with several hundred people in attendance. The event was great and a first step in a number of other things that will be happening, including trying to bring back The Long Way Home, an outdoor drama sharing her story. Mr. Gropman presented Mr. Ridpath with the VML Green Government Challenge Certificate. Radford received a “Gold” Certification and Mr. Gropman accepted the award on behalf of Radford at the VML annual conference. Mayor Brown thanked the Bring Mary Home Committee for all their work. Mayor Brown mentioned that Chief Goodman might look into an ecommerce exchange area, as well as posting surveillance cameras in high crime areas and Memorial Bridge to prevent crime and suicides. He also mentioned that we might post something on Facebook about Christmas decorations going up beginning in November. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:23p.m. Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, City Clerk of Council