City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. November 13, 2017 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 6 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2017-2018 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, there was a moment of silence. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded by Mr. Marshall that the minutes for the October 9, 2017 Regular Meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PRESENTATION: SUBJECT: Holiday Artwork SUMMARY: The Radford High School Art Department has been creating an ornament to represent Radford on the Virginia State Tree at the Governor’s Mansion during the holidays, as well as a City Christmas card. Kimberly Reese, the Art Teacher, and her students presented both projects to City Council. SUBJECT: Chamber Presentation SUMMARY: Keith Weltons was present to demonstrate the Economic Incentives Matrix the Chamber of Commerce has been working on over the past six months. The Chamber plans to roll the matrix out to businesses within the next month. SUBJECT: Community Calendar SUMMARY: The Tourism Department, Recreation Department and Chamber of Commerce have been working on a joint community calendar highlighting local events and activities. Deb Cooney presented an overview of the calendar and their progress. PROCLAMATIONS: SUBJECT: Veterans Day SUMMARY: A Proclamation formally recognizing Veterans Day in Radford on November 11, 2017. The Proclamation recognizes the Men and Women who have served our Nation and represented our community, as well as protected the ideas of freedom, justice and liberty. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve the Veterans Day Proclamation as presented, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Small Business Saturday SUMMARY: Saturday, November 25, 2017 is nationally recognized as “Small Business Saturday.” The Proclamation is a local designation of the importance of small businesses to the local economy, jobs and quality of life. The Proclamation encourages our citizens to support and shop at local businesses. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve the Small Business Saturday Proclamation as presented, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTION: SUBJECT: Sanitation Equipment Lease SUMMARY: The F.Y. 2017/2018 Radford City Budget included the purchase of a new sanitation truck. The scheduled purchase replaces an eight-year-old unit and is essential to sanitation collection services. The acquisition of the truck was planned through a capital lease. The lease will be paid over a 60-month period at a 3.34% rate. The truck and packer were procured from Mid Atlantic Equipment in the amount of $177,962.36. The truck came in less than budget projections. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve the Sanitation Equipment Lease as presented, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Special Use Permit: Ordinance 1695 SUMMARY: The NRV Group, LLC and Betty L. Radford have requested a special use permit to construct a duplex on three parcels of property adjacent to Forest Avenue that includes tax map 18-(5) – Sec 3, #16, 17 and portion of 18. The .264 acre parcel is zoned R-3(single family residential) and requires approval of a Special Use Permit for a duplex. City Council and the Planning Commission held a joint public hearing at its meeting on October 9, 2017, with no objections. The Planning Commission considered the request at its regular meeting on October 16, 2017 and recommended approval by City Council of the Special Use Permit. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to receive the recommendation of the Planning Commission, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve Ordinance 1695 as presented, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved dispense with the second reading and to approve Ordinance 1695 as presented, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: None NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Water Agreement SUMMARY: The Montgomery County Public Service Authority has requested that the City of Radford provide water and sanitary sewer connections to Lot #6 in Cold Mountain Subdivision. The property is located adjacent to the City corporate limits along Rock Road. The MCPSA cannot serve utilities to the lot. The applicant will extend service to the City mains and will pay all City connection and availability fees. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve the Water Agreement, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ABSTAIN: Mr. Turk SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: The Radford Planning Commission has a vacancy from the resignation of David Shelor. The City received two applications from the posting of the vacancy. The applicants are Shannon Lenahon, Carolyn Young, and Carol Colby. ACTION: Mr. Gropman nominated Carolyn Young and Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CONSENT AGENDA: SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.05 – Extreme Recruiter: SUMMARY: The Department of Social Services has been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $140,325 to assist with child adoption services. The “Extreme Recruiters Grant”, developed by the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, focuses on intensive recruitment for permanent placement for youth who have parental rights terminated, have been in the system a long time for an adoptive family, or are at risk of aging out of the foster care system. The City will receive 100% reimbursement for all cost associated with the program. The only local requirement of the City is to provide a computer for the program. This award is the second renewal of a possible 3-year grant. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.06-Lois Carr Memorial SUMMARY: The Beautification Commission has received funds to honor the contributions and legacy of teachers and volunteer, Lois Carr. A memorial has been established on the south side of the Gazebo in Bisset Park that includes a raised flower bed and plantings. The second phase of the project includes two park benches and patio area. Appropriation of the funds for the project from the restricted donations account is required for expenditure by the Beautification Commission. The Appropriation is for $11,537. The project is $22 over the donations which will be made up from the Recreation Budget. The project was originally endorsed by the Beautification and Recreation Commissions. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.07-CDBG: SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received Community Development Block Grant funding in the amount of $152,192 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds will be used to support the 2017 CDBG Action Plan approved by City Council on August 14, 2017. Projects will include repayment a significant portion of the principal balance of the section 108 loan and support of Planning and Administration. The funds will also continue to support funding for several agency partners. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.08 – DMV Alcohol: SUMMARY: The Police Department has received a grant in the amount of $7,750 from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for “enhanced alcohol enforcement”. The grant will be used for overtime associated with reducing alcohol violations. A $3,875 match is required and can be accommodated in the Police Department budget. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.09 – DMV Speeding Grant: SUMMARY: The Police Department has received a grant in the amount of $4,050 from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to support efforts to reduce speeding violations. The grant will be used for overtime associated with program enforcement. A $2,050 match is required and can be accommodated in the Police Department Budget. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.10 – Victim Witness: SUMMARY: The Police Department has received a grant in the amount of $4,050 from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to support efforts to reduce speeding violations. The grant will be used for overtime associated with program enforcement. A $2,050 match is required and can be accommodated in the Police Department Budget. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.11- Transit RTAP: SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received a grant from the Rural Transportation Assistance Program in the amount of $911. The funds support the attendance of our Transit Manager at its annual training. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.12- Armory Improvements: SUMMARY: Repairs to the former Armory Building located on Scott Street to get it back in service have included lightning improvements, boiler and heat duct repairs, painting the floor, plumbing and windows repairs and cleaning. An Appropriation ordinance in the amount of $15,000 is needed to complete the project and get the building back in use for recreation and educational purposes in the next few weeks. Roofing and flooring replacements, as well as asbestos and lead paint removal was completed in the spring. The building is in excellent condition and ready for reuse. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.13- Crisis Intervention Center: SUMMARY: The Sheriff’s Department has requested an Appropriation in the amount of $280,852 to continue efforts with New River Community Services for the Crisis Intervention Center. The State General Assembly provided local funding for mental health crisis response and assessment centers. The New River Valley Community Services Board received funds to support officers, training, equipment and supplies for the Radford Sheriff’s Department who was tasked with the security detail for the Crisis Intervention Team Center. The “center” provides a secure location where individuals, who may be experiencing a mental health event, can be evaluated by a clinician to determine the need for hospitalization or release. The legislation and program was a result of mental health related incidents which occurred around the state. All costs are reimbursed 100% to the City of Radford for this service SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.14- Litter Grant SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received a grant in the amount of $6,038 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for F.Y. 2018. The funds will be used to support litter prevention and recycling efforts, as well as promotion of environmentally friendly activities. No matching funds are required. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.15- Four for Life: SUMMARY: The Fire Department needs three computers for the two ambulances and a fire truck to replace older units. The computers will improve efficiency and allow our service providers to report from the field. The purchases can be made with the Four for Life restricted account in the amount of $9,200. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.16- State Asset Forfeiture: SUMMARY: The Police Department has requested use of a portion of its state “Asset Forfeiture” dollars for use in drug investigations, purchase of a police vehicle and related equipment. The request is for $38,089. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.17-Police Donations SUMMARY: The Police Department has requested use of its donated funds for crime prevention related activities and purchase of marketing materials. The request is for $5,000. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.18-Federal Asset Forfeiture SUMMARY: The Police Department has requested use of its Federal Asset Forfeiture Funds in the amount of $30,863. The funds will be used for purchase of a police vehicle and related equipment. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve the consent agenda of Appropriation Ordinances 1691.05, 1691.06, 1691.07, 1691.08, 1691.09, 1691.10, 1691.11, 1691.12, 1691.13, 1691.14, 1691.15, 1691.16, 1691.17, and 1691.18 on the first reading, Dr. Harshberger second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve Appropriation Ordinances 1691.05, 1691.06, 1691.07, 1691.08, 1691.09, 1691.10, 1691.11, 1691.12, 1691.13, 1691.14, 1691.15, 1691.16, 1691.17, and 1691.18 and dispense with the second reading, Dr. Harshberger second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated the leaf collection program in underway, and the Parade and Library Tree Lighting are all set for December 5. He also mentioned the sanitation schedule will be altered for Thanksgiving. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Turk wished the RHS Volleyball team good luck in their playoff game Tuesday night. Mayor Brown said everyone did a good job cleaning up the chlorine leak, good job to the Commonwealth Attorney and PD for securing the Asset Forfeiture funds, and good job to the Highlanders Festival Committee it was a great Event. Mayor Brown also reminded everyone to get signed up for the Parade of Lights and to come out to both the Tree Lighting and Parade on December 5. Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Mr. Turk to convene a closed meeting for the purpose of Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and evaluation of performance of departments, “to review contracts associated with the City Manager and City Attorney,” under Virginia Code Section 2.2- 3711 (A) (1). Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property, for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A) (3). VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 No action was taken in the closed meeting. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Marshall made a motion to re-convene the regular meeting, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING: Mr. Marshall made a motion that Council did not discuss anything in the closed meeting other than the two items for which it was convened, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m., seconded by Mr. Turk. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, Clerk of Council