City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. December 11, 2017 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 7 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, Jim Henagar led the invocation. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded by Mr. Marshall that the minutes for the November 13, 2017 Regular Meeting are approved as amended. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTION: SUBJECT: Robert Allen Hall Service Above Self Citizenship Award SUMMARY: The proposed resolution recognizes Annie Pearce for her contributions to our community and specifically her involvement in the planning and construction of the addition on the Animal Control facility. The Resolution reflects the ideals of the Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service Award established by City Council in 2011. The nominee is Adele Katrovitz, our Animal Control Officer. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve 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: Hazardous Mitigation SUMMARY: The Hazardous Mitigation Plan is prepared in conjunction with FEMA to address pre-disaster hazards associated with preventing or minimizing the physical, financial and human impacts of natural and manmade disasters. The 2017 proposed plan updates the 2012 plan and includes participation from Floyd, Giles, Pulaski and Montgomery Counties, the City of Radford, as well as Virginia Tech and Radford University. Mitigation opportunities for Radford focus on Little River Dam, Water System threats, flooding, storm water detention and additional storm drainage basin map improvements. Many items in the 2012 plan has been accomplished including storm drainage map improvements, removal of the cross-tie yard adjacent to the New River, implementation of Code Red, study and improvements to Little River Dam, mutual aid agreements, storm drainage improvements and an inventory of City trees. Christy Straight, a Planner from the New River Valley Regional Commission, presented an overview of the report. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve the Hazardous Mitigation Resolution as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Radford High School Foundation Lease SUMMARY: The City of Radford has leased the property on George Street, adjacent to the Radford Recreation Center, to the Radford High School Foundation, Inc. since 2004. The agreement was established to help foster support, private donations and construction of a baseball field on the 5+ acre City owned site. The original lease was established in 2004 for a five-year term. It was renewed in September, 2008 under new conditions for another five-year term, renewed in October, 2014 for one year and renewed in October, 2015 for a two-year term. The Foundation has requested an additional renewal term with the City through December 31, 2020, to continue its fund raising and project development. The ongoing lease has worked out well in the management, maintenance and development of the facility. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve the Foundation Lease Resolution as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Mutual Aid Agreement with Montgomery County SUMMARY: The City has Mutual Aid Agreements with our area partners and localities in providing public safety services. The Radford Fire Department began providing Emergency Medical Services in December and modifications in the agreement are needed to recognize the new service. The Agreement updates mutual aid with our partner departments in the jurisdiction of Montgomery County for shared personnel, equipment and volunteers for both fire and rescue services. The previous agreement reflected our previous contract with Carilion. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve the Mutual Aid Agreement Resolution as presented, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PRESENTATION: SUBJECT: Bus Stop Safety SUMMARY: The New River Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the local transit system owners and operations have been working together on a study to evaluate accessibility and safety at area bus stops. The research was conducted by the New River Valley Regional Commission on fifty stops. System users were surveyed and University partners engaged in development of the study. Priorities are established to improve connectivity, enhance ADA accessibility and promote bus stop amenities. The Report was presented by Michael Gottfredson. PUBLIC HEARING: SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan SUMMARY: Kevin Bird with the New River Valley Regional Commission presented an overview of the Comprehensive Plan, before the Public Hearing was opened. *The Public Hearing has been advertised as required. *Planning Commission had a quorum present: Tracy Howard Guy Gilmore Scott Armentrout Annie Pearce Ryan Watson Mayor Brown opened the Public Hearing at 7:57. No Comments Mayor Brown closed the Public hearing at 7:58. CITIZEN COMMENTS: None NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan SUMMARY: A Comprehensive Plan is a document used to provide guidance for a community’s future development as it relates to physical, social and economic factors. The Plan is required by state code to guide both manmade and environmental goals associated with the areas of historic and natural resources, economic development, transportation, public services and facilities, parks and recreation, housing and land use. The Planning Commission has been working on the update of the plan for the past several years with the New River Valley Regional Commission. The 2017 Comprehensive Plan is complete and ready for public hearing. A Joint Public Hearing was scheduled at the request of the Radford Planning Commission and has been advertised, as required. The Plan has been on the City Website and a printed copy available at the Radford Public Library and City Administrative Offices. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger 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. Gropman moved to adopt the Comprehensive Plan as presented, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Radford High School Foundation Armory Proposal SUMMARY: The former Radford Armory site has gone back into service following roof replacement, asbestos removal and interior improvements. The Radford High School Foundation has requested that the City Council consider a proposal to use a $75,000 donation as “seed” funding for investment in the Armory for use as a multi-purpose athletic fieldhouse. The Foundation would like to discuss a partnership with the City of Radford and the School Division. The facility has a large gymnasium and several classroom spaces in the 11,500 sq ft structure. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve the proposal from the Foundation, with the stipulation that the City Staff will work on a Letter of Intent for use of the property to be signed by both the Foundation and City, joining the two in a public/private partnership, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Award Contract for Bucket Truck SUMMARY: The F.Y. 2017/2018 Radford City Budget included a provision for the purchase of a 2018 Aerial Device with Cab and Chassis (Bucket Truck) for the Electric Department. The scheduled purchase replaces a twelve-year-old, 2007 Ford Bucket Truck (Unit 112), and is needed to insure reliability, as well as safety of employees and property. The City received only one qualifying bid from Altec Industries in the amount of $139,011. The City has had good experience with this company and its products and recommends the award of the contract to Altec. The bid met all required specifications and is less than the original budget projection. Another bid was received from Terex, but was late and did not meet specifications for consideration. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to award the contract to Altec Industries in the amount of $139,011, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Schedule a Public Hearing for Ordinance 1696 SUMMARY: The State changed the process for handling refunds associated with unused or damaged cigarette tax stamps by allowing a purchaser/business to receive a full refund. The legislation was effective July 1, 2017 by HB 1950. The refunds are processed by the local Commission of the Revenue. The local Cigarette Tax Ordinance needs to be amended to reflect the new state requirements associated with refunds. A public hearing is required and can be accommodated on January 8, 2018. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to schedule the public hearing for the January 8, 2018 meeting, 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 Lease Renewal King Company SUMMARY: The City of Radford owns a .42-acre parcel of property at the intersection of West Main Street and Walker Street. The property has been leased to the King Company since 1993. The twenty-year lease expired and the Principal of the company, Dr. Bill King, has requested that the lease be renewed. He is working on a proposal for the City Council on the amount of the lease and the length of the term. A public hearing is required to consider a new lease and can be accommodated on January 8, 2018. The lease accommodates the forty-one parking spaces that support the use of the adjacent commercial building. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to schedule the public hearing for the January 8, 2018 meeting, Mr. Gropman, seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.19-Recreation Department SUMMARY: The Recreation Department has requested $8,419 from their “restricted” account to purchase blinds for the fitness rooms. The new blinds will prevent glare, reduce heat, are easier to maintain and are a quality product. The request was endorsed by the Recreation Commission at its November meeting. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve the Appropriation Ordinance 1691.19 on the first reading, Mr. Turk second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1691.19 and dispense with the second reading, Mr. Turk second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.20- Municipal Building SUMMARY: One of the heating and cooling system units has quit working at the Municipal Building. The 15 ton unit is approximately twenty years old. An appropriation is needed to replace the system, reconnect the ducts, connect all electric and drain lines, as well as remove the old unit. The cost of the new unit and associated work is $20,120 and would be funded from reserves. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve the Appropriation Ordinance 1691.20 on the first reading, Mr. Turk second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1691.20 and dispense with the second reading, Mr. Turk second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Ordinance 1697-Holiday Bonus SUMMARY: Ordinance #1697 authorizes a bonus to recognize the hard work, dedication and performance of our employees over the past year in keeping cost down, providing high quality service and meeting corporate goals. The bonus would provide $150 to full-time employees and $40 to our part-time employees ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve the Ordinance 1697 on the first reading, Mr. Gropman second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve Ordinance 1697 and dispense with the second reading, Mr. Gropman second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve the Appropriation Ordinance 1691.21 on the first reading, Mr. Turk second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1691.21 and dispense with the second reading, Mr. Gropman second 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 Hydro work is almost complete and should be finished in early 2018. Mr. Ridpath also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger stated that he thinks the idea of a River Museum should be researched and worked actively on for Radford. Mr. Gropman stated that the Workforce Development Council wants Radford to become an ACT Work Ready Community (NCRC), there will be more to come in the coming months. Mayor Brown said he has the opportunity to go to a presentation put on by the schools and loved seeing the new and innovative technology and ways of learning Radford City Schools is incorporating into the classroom. Mayor Brown also said he was disappointed the parade had to be cancelled, Radford had over 155 participants, but when scheduling there were conflicts with alternate rain dates, and we as a community will live and learn. The 2018 Parade is already being planned. Mr. Marshall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 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