City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. March 27, 2017 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 14 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. Michael Turk. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Mr. Don Goodman, Chief of Police Ms. Melissa Skelton, Community Development Director Mr. Basil Edwards, Economic Development Director Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the invocation was led by Rev. McCandlish. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Marshall and seconded by Mr. Turk that the minutes for March 13, 2017 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATIONS: CONSENT AGENDA: SUBJECT: Environmental Awareness Month SUMMARY: April is nationally recognized as “Environmental Awareness Month”. The Proclamation recognizes the importance of the Earth’s environment through educational programs, special events, demonstration projects, and clean-up activities. Our staff “Environmental Awareness Committee” has several activities planned for April for citizens to take part. The Proclamation calls on our citizens to recognize the environment during the month of April. SUBJECT: Earth Day SUMMARY: April 22, 2017 is nationally recognized as “Earth Day”. The local Proclamation encourages citizens to “recycle, reduce and reuse” to promote a healthy environment and a sustainable society. Earth Day will be formally recognized during our Environmental Awareness Month activities. SUBJECT: Arbor Day SUMMARY: April 28, 2017 is nationally recognized as “Arbor Day”. The local Proclamation encourages our citizens to protect our trees and woodlands, as well as recognize the benefits of our forests. Several Arbor Day events are planned by our Public Library, Beautification Commission, and City Horticulturist to heighten awareness of trees and planting in our environment. The Chair of the Beautification Commission, David Horton, accepted the Proclamation. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve the Environmental Awareness Month Proclamation, Earth Day Proclamation and Arbor Day Proclamation, the motion was seconded by Mr. Turk. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: CONSENT AGENDA: SUBJECT: Local Government Education Week SUMMARY: April 1-7, 2017 has been designated by the Virginia General Assembly as “Local Government Education Week” in honor of the formation of the Council – Manager form of government on April 2, 1908. The Virginia Local Government Manager’s Association (VLGMA) has asked that all Virginia localities pass a similar Resolution to increase awareness of students and youth in local government, as well as the career opportunities available. Representatives from the School Board Office, the Radford High School government teachers and several students accepted the Proclamation. SUBJECT: Give Big NRV SUMMARY: The Community Foundation of the New River Valley has requested Council’s consideration of a Proclamation to recognize April 26, 2017 as “Give Big NRV Giving Day”. The event encourages citizens to support nonprofit organizations through funds or by providing volunteer service that enhances the living conditions of residents of the community. SUBJECT: National Service Recognition Day SUMMARY: RSVP of Montgomery County and Radford has requested that City Council join in proclaiming April 4, 2017 as “National Service Recognition Day”. The Proclamation illustrates the importance of citizen service, shows support for non-profit and national service groups, recognizes the role that national service members play in focusing community volunteers and inspiring more individuals to serve in our communities. Support of this Proclamation is being sought from Mayors across the country by the Corporation for National and Community service. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve the Local Government Education Week Proclamation, the Give Big NRV Proclamation, and the National Service Day Proclamation, the motion was seconded by Mr. Turk. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Zoning Amendment Ordinance 1690 SUMMARY: The Zoning Ordinance requires a Special Use Permit and a 100' setback for “Recreational Facilities” in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 single family zoning districts, as well as in the R-4 Multi-family district. The Planning Commission has been considering an amendment to the zoning ordinance to retain the special use requirements, but consider the setback based on the proposed use and zoning impact. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on February 22, 2017 and received no public comments. The Planning Commission approved recommending Ordinance #1690 to City Council with six affirmative votes (one member absent). City Council “received” the report and scheduled a public hearing at its meeting on February 27, 2017. There were no public comments at the hearing. The first reading of the Ordinance was approved by City Council on March 13, 2017. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Ordinance 1690 on the second reading, the motion was seconded by Mr. Turk. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES SUBJECT: Right- of- Way Vacation – Price/Williams/Tyler Avenue: SUMMARY: Price Williams Developers/East Radford Development Corporation LLC, has requested the vacation of the residual unimproved right-of-way adjacent to Tyler Avenue. The site is located on the West side of Tyler Avenue adjacent to the Rock Road intersection and consist of 2.195 acres. The vacation would enhance the development of the adjacent commercial property. City Council referred the request to the Planning Commission for review and recommendations as it relates to the City map, as well as authorized a public hearing at its meeting on February 27, 2017. There were no comments received during the hearing. The Planning Commission reviewed the right-of-way vacation at its March 20, 2017 meeting and unanimously voted (4 members, 3 absent) that the request was compliant with the Comprehensive Plan as future businesses. City Staff have also reviewed the request and foresee no conflicts or issues with the proposed vacation. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to receive the report from the Planning Commission, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gropman. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to appoint Doyle Barton, Bob Nicholson, and Abraham Williams to the Board of Viewers, the motion was seconded by Mr. Turk. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: CITIZEN COMMENTS: Mr. McCandlish recommended considering fencing for the median on Tyler Avenue to prevent people from crossing in the median forcing them to cross in the crosswalk. NEW BUSISNESS: SUBJECT: Reduced Rates for Special Collections SUMMARY: The month of April is Environmental Awareness Month. To encourage neighborhood clean-up, as well as promote the environment, the City will offer reduced rates for brush and special solid waste collections. The rates for large loads will be reduced to $37.00, small loads to $18.50 and furniture and appliances will be half price for the month of April. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to approve the reduced rates, for special collections, during the month of April, 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 spoke about the multiple events coming up in April, including the Outdoor Expo. Mr. Ridpath also informed Council that the Budget is coming together and crews are busy cleaning up for spring. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger informed citizens of a Shred-a-Thon taking place on campus on April 21, from Noon-4:00 p.m. Mr. Marshall introduced his daughter to Council and staff and then updated City Council on the progress of the Economic initiatives. The Economic Recruitment Team has had a couple of meetings with good prospects and things are going well. Mr. Turk and Mr. Marshall went to Richmond in January to meet with State Legislators and discuss ways to develop and promote the foundry property. In addition to that Mr. Marshall added he recently a NAACP Chapter 2 meeting. At this meeting legislators were open and honest and discussed that to get things done council and citizens need to build a personal relationship with the legislators, so they know you when you call. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 p.m., Mayor Brown seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, City Clerk of Council