City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. May 8, 2017 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 17 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 Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by local Veterans, the invocation was led by Chaplain Jim Henagar. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded by Mr. Turk that the minutes for the April 17, 2017 Regular Meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded by Mr. Turk that the minutes for the April 24, 2017 Regular Meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATION: SUBJECT: Law Enforcement Officers’ Week SUMMARY: The State of Virginia has proclaimed the week of May 15-21, 2017 as “Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Week”, to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to those who put their lives in danger each day protecting and serving our communities. A similar Proclamation has been prepared for City Council consideration for a local designation declaring the week of May 15-21, 2017 as “Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Week”. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve the Law Enforcement Officers’ Week Proclamation, the motion was seconded by Mr. Marshall. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: SUBJECT: Mental Health Month SUMMARY: The month of May, 2017 is Mental Health Month in the Commonwealth. The New River Valley Community Services has requested that City Council consider a Proclamation to help broaden public awareness and understanding of mental health conditions, as well as the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people. Councilman Gropman serves as Council’s representative on the NRVCS Board. ACTION: Mr. Turk moved to approve the Mental Health Month Proclamation, the motion was seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: RESOLUTION: SUBJECT: City University Advisory Commission SUMMARY: The City University Advisory Commission was established in 1985 with the goals of discussing mutual issues, promoting relationships and making recommendations to Council and the University related to policies, events and programming. The Commission membership consisted of four members representing the City Council, public safety, business or civic organizations and a representative of the residential east ward. The membership was expanded in 1992 to include the Planning Director and a Radford landlord. In 2014 the Commission did a self-evaluation related to its structure and purpose and recommended that the “East Ward” representative be reclassified as a “local resident”. The recommendation had never been forwarded to City Council for consideration, but was brought up by the Council representatives at the meeting on April 24, 2017 for consideration. Since the “East Ward” position on the Commission is currently vacant, they believed now was a good time to consider the change. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve the City/University Advisory Commission Resolution, the motion was seconded by Mr. Marshall. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: PUBLIC HEARING: SUBJECT: Special Use Permit Valley Bible Church Mayor Brown opened the public hearing at 7:15 No Comments Mayor Brown closed the public hearing at 7:15 Clerks Note: The hearing was advertised as required. Planning Commission had a quorum at the meeting. OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Right-of-Way Vacation 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. City Council referred the request to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation as it relates to the City map. A public hearing was held at its meeting on September 26, 2016. No comments were received. All adjacent property owners have been notified of the vacation request. The Planning Commission reviewed the right-of-way vacation at its November 19, 2016 meeting and unanimously voted that the request was compliant with the comprehensive plan, provided a 15' utility easement is maintained. City Staff also reviewed the request and foresees no conflict, as long as an easement is retained for the current and future utilities. City Council appointed a three-member Board of Viewers on December 12, 2016 to review the request and make a recommendation. The Board of Viewers met on January 24, 2017 and reported that no “inconveniences” to the public are created if the Right-of-Way is closed. The Planning Commission, Board of Viewers and City Staff recommend that the right-of-way be vacated and a utility easement retained. City Council “Received” the Report of the Board of Viewers and authorized staff to determine the location of the permanent easement, as well as the valuation of the proposed right-of-way at its meeting on February 13, 2017. A survey of the Right-of-way has been performed by Balzer and Associates and a permanent easement area for current and future utilities has been identified. An Appraisal was conducted by McCraw Appraisal and the value established at $13,581 for the area of the vacation, as requested by the applicant. The appraisal has not been discussed with the applicant pending City Council’s concurrence of the value. Ordinance #1688 incorporates all aspects of the Right-of-way vacation request by Mark Armentrout, the retention of the easement for utilities and the valuation, as well as the recommendations of the Board of Viewers, the Planning Commission and City Staff. DISCUSSION: Mr. Marshall stated that there a couple of things Council should look at and how to treat people fair and the same on these. Is the property useful to the city, are we losing revenue if it is not on the books, who can purchase the property, and look at what can of work has the owner done to the property to make the property to make it more valuable. Mr. Armentrout spoke to the work he has done to the property. Mr. Armentrout stated the is right across from his house, bought it 2008 and it was a steep lot with wooded area. Over time Mr. Armentrout cut trees down and put backfill in, 2,700 truckloads later of dirt, the lot is very suitable for a future home site. He also stated they completed the final grading, grass seeding, etc. And a couple years of work and several thousands of dollars later the property is suitable to be sold. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve Ordinance 1688 on its first reading, with the 50% of value of the assessed property at $6790.50 the motion was seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES CITIZEN COMMENTS: Ms. Laurie Buchwald came forward to remind Council, Staff and Citizens about the upcoming Ride of Silence, it is the 10th year, of the police escorted ride, reminding all that roads are not just for vehicles. Ms. Buchwald also stated that she is honored to serve as co-chair on the City of Radford Memorial Day service on May 29 in Bisset Park. Ms. Buchwald stated that she is working to engage more women in civics, and would like the most recent list of Boards and Commissions. She recommends that Council look at women when appointing members to various Boards and Commissions. Mr. Armentrout, stated he wanted to go back to the vacation request and thank Council for the 50% discount. The discount goes a long way for him personally, and knowing that you are willing to work with me, he appreciates you. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: F.Y. 2017 Pavement Maintenance Program SUMMARY: The City has received bids for its 2017 “Pavement Overlay Program”. Two responses were received form Boxley Paving and Adam’s Construction Co. to provide asphalt, milling services, equipment and labor for the program. The low bid is from Adams Paving Co. in the amount of $352,234. Adam’s has a very good reputation in the business and worked with the City in the past. The bid reflects a cost of $84.77 per ton for limestone aggregate asphalt (used in neighborhoods) and $87.72 per ton for non-polishing asphalt (used in heavy traffic areas). A total of 3,272 tons of asphalt with related milling are planned. Pavement maintenance funds are provided in the F.Y. 2017 Annual Budget; therefore, no appropriation is necessary. Streets in the Spring overlay program include Walker Street (Main to Tenth), Sixth Street (Walker to Harvey), Jefferson Street (East Main to Tyler), Fairway Drive (Ridge Crest to Buckeye) and Preston Street (Sutton to Forest). Several additional neighborhood Streets may be added and are being evaluated. Paving is planned in June. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to award the paving contract to Adam’s Construction Company, the motion was seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES SUBJECT: Student Government Day Items SUMMARY: Student Government Day is held each year to provide an opportunity for Radford High School Seniors to learn more about local government, shadow City Officials and explore Community Development. There is also a student City Council meeting with an agenda of student driven ideas. This year two ideas emerged that could be considered by the City.  Library Pedestrian Safety – Students expressed thoughts about the speed of vehicles entering and exiting the Public Library. The Library Director, Engineering Technician and Public Works Director have reviewed the concern and student ideas. Safety improvements include a pedestrian crossing in conjunction with a “speed bump”, improved signage and sidewalk enhancements.  Pet Waste Stations: The students recommended that two additional Pet Waste Stations be added to Bisset Park to support increased pet activity along the walkways and open areas. The cost of the station is $361.95 each and can be easily installed by the Recreation Department Staff. The locations recommended include areas adjacent to the Second and Third shelters. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to improve the Library Pedestrian Safety and vehicular access, as well as, purchase and install two additional pet waste stations, the motion was seconded by Mr. Turk. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES SUBJECT: The City has a vacancy on the City University Advisory Commission to represent the residential interest on the Board. Several names were discussed at a previous meeting. Steve Harvey’s appointment to the New River Community College Board is expiring. He has requested reappointment and is eligible. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to appoint Josh Smith to the University/City Joint Commission the motion was seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to appoint Steve Harvey to the NRCC Board, the motion was seconded by Mr. Turk. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated that we do have some individuals that stager in throughout the year, but typically appointments are in July and December. Mr. Ridpath also stated that there is a lot of activity going on including economic development related activities, the Water Plant received a Gold Award for Performance. Activities coming up include sporting tournaments, spring jubilee, Memorial Day service, farmers’ market opening, etc. Development related the library safety enhancement is upcoming, roof is being repaired at Glencoe, as well as expansion of the parking lot and ADA accessibility, as well as lighting improvements. Spring planting is beginning. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger reminded citizens of the West End Wednesday on May 10th at Glencoe and also mentioned the resurrection of the Mary Draper Ingles Story, the outdoor drama, which will be taking place at Nesselrod, every last Sunday of the month from June through September. Dinner and the show for $45 and just show for $10. Rob Gropman gave a special thanks to staff for his first Students in Government Day experience, staff knocked it out of the park. Mayor Brown stated he was excited to meet on May 17 with the Heritage Foundation Committee, at the request of Jack Ratcliffe which will discuss entertaining a hometown heroes type of a venue at Glencoe. David is there potential to take the surplus bus and initiate a bobcat/highlander trolley? Parking on Tyler is basically prohibited, by working with transit to create a transportation vehicle from the Third Avenue Parking Lot around East End to get people out and about and shopping and dining there. Mayor Brown also stated that he is hoping as we finish this fiscal year, our agenda of synchronization of Main Street lights is possible. Last thing, end of last year debrief meeting on July 4, there was discussion of pavers between the gazebo and planter. NRDRC is having an open house on Tuesday May 16, in Christiansburg, new center for independent living. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 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