City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. March 26, 2018 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 14 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: Ms. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy City Clerk/Community Development Director Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by local Veterans, Rev. McCandlish led the invocation. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded by Mr. Turk that the minutes for the February 26, 2018 Regular Meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PRESENTATION SUBJECT: VFW Police Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, Paramedic of the Year SUMMARY: Representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars presented the awards to Thad Beasley, Evan McManus, Ryan Hibbard, Sean Reid. RECOGNITION: SUBJECT: Radford Animal Shelter SUMMARY: McHarg Elementary School students were tasked with developing their own Sandwich in recognition of “National Sandwich Day” on January 11, 2018. The contest winner’s hamburger was featured at Sharkeys. All the proceeds were donated to the Radford Animal Shelter. Animal Control Officer, Adele Katravitz and Chief Goodman presented Zoey with a chief’s coin to recognize her hard work and compassion that benefited the Radford Animal Shelter. CONSENT AGENDA PROCLAMATIONS SUBJECT: Red Cross Month SUMMARY: March is American Red Cross Month. The Red Cross has requested that the City consider a local proclamation to help recognize those who volunteer, donate blood, take life- saving courses or provide financial donations to help support the Red Cross and its mission. The Proclamation formally recognizes the Month of March as “Red Cross Month”. 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 local citizens to recognize the environment during the month of April. SUBJECT: Earth Day SUMMARY: April 22, 2018 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 27, 2018 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. SUBJECT: Local Government Education Week SUMMARY: April 1-7, 2018 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. SUBJECT: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week SUMMARY: The week of April 8-14, 2018 is recognized as “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.” A local proclamation has been requested by our Victim Witness Office. The Proclamation calls on our citizens to recognize the emotional, physical, psychological and financial effects of crime on its victims, as well as highlights the programs, service providers and criminal justice professionals who respond to the needs of victims of crime. SUBJECT: National Service Recognition Day SUMMARY: RSVP of Montgomery County and Radford has requested that City Council join in proclaiming April 3, 2018 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. SUBJECT: National Public Health Week SUMMARY: April 2-8, 2018 is National Public Health Week. The New River Health District is promoting the event to encourage healthy living, wellness behavior and walking challenges. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve all the proclamations on a consent agenda, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: 212 Third Avenue SUMMARY: Rohit Sansoa has requested consideration of a Special Use Permit to convert the second level of his property at 212 Third Avenue into apartments. The property is zoned B-3, Business District, and requires a Special Use Permit for residential uses above the first floor. The building was the location of the former Health Department and is currently vacant. The first floor would be a commercial/business use Clerks Note: The public hearing was advertised and a quorum of the Planning Commission is present. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing at 7:28. No Comments *note there was one phone call to Mr. Gropman, from Mr. Mosby on whether or not it would be a negative for the apartments to be filled. Mayor Brown closed the public hearing at 7:30. CITIZEN COMMENTS Katie Miller spoke to City Council about a barking dog problem in her neighborhood, which has been ongoing for four to five years. Ms. Miller believes the City Ordinance against dog barking should be better enforced by Radford City Police Department. Joe Freeman also spoke about the barking dog problem and how it has affected his life. Mr. Freeman ask Council to request that the City Ordinance against dog barking be strictly enforced by City Police. Gary Long stated that the dog barking in Radford Village is habitual and City Council and Police need to meet and define what habitual is so the Ordinance can be better enforced. John McCandlish thanked the City for keeping things going through the ongoing winter weather. Staff has done an excellent job plowing and keeping the City running throughout winter and he wanted to make sure staff heard that. NEW BUSINESS 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 $41.00, small loads to $20.50 and furniture and appliances will be half price for the month of April. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve the special collection rates, Mr. Turk, seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Home Consortium SUMMARY: The City of Radford participates in a consortium of local governments that includes Montgomery, Pulaski, Giles and Floyd Counties to address housing related issues and projects. The Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the consortium members to renew its participation in the program every three years, as well as appoint two members to serve on the Board. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to renew Radford’s participation in the Home Consortium, Mr. Marshall seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to appoint Melissa Skelton and Vicky Collins to the Home Consortium, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Recreation Services Proposal – Bisset Park: SUMMARY: The Recreation Commission received two proposals to provide recreational services on the New River and the Riverway for 2018. The proposals came from Tangent Outfitters and New River Adventure, LLC. The Recreation Commission met on March 19, 2018 and recommended award of the service to New River Adventure, LLC. Elements of the proposal includes an extended season, tubes, Kayak and paddleboard rentals for the New River, food truck service, Bike Rentals and extensive promotions. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to award the contract to New River Adventure LLC., Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Subdivision Plat – Central Depot Condominiums: SUMMARY: The owner of Central Depot, Garrett Weddle, located at 301, 303 and 307 West Main Street has requested approval of the development into condominiums. The structure contains twenty-seven residential units on the upper three floors and four commercial units on the main floor. The property is zoned B-3 business. The proposal meets all zoning and subdivision requirements. The Planning Commission reviewed the request at its meeting on March 19, 2018 and recommended approval to City Council of the subdivision plat, as well as the and “Declaration of Condominiums”. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to receive the recommendation of the Planning Commission, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve the subdivision play date December 12, 2016, as well as the Declaration of Condominiums, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1691.23-EMS Training SUMMARY: The Fire and Emergency Services Department has received a grant from the Department of Labor through the Mount Rogers Workforce Development Council. The $11,790 grant was used to help train seven employees as Emergency Medical Technicians. The grant was not programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2018 Budget and therefore requires appropriation for expenditure. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1691.23 on the first reading Mr. Gropman, seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve and adopt Appropriation Ordinance 1691.23 on the second reading Mr. Gropman, seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Ordinance #1701 – Golf Carts: SUMMARY: Use of Golf carts on public roads requires a local designation and posting of the roadway for this specific use. Radford University uses golf carts and utility vehicles along the public roadways around the campus and between their facilities. The City Attorney has drafted an ordinance for Council consideration to formalize the practice of the University’s use of these vehicles for maintenance, special events, and university related operations. The Engineer’s Office is working on an evaluation of the speeds, volume of traffic and character of the vehicle used on the streets around the university. A public hearing on the Ordinance is required and can be held on April 9, 2018. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to schedule a Public Hearing for April 9, 2018, 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 stated that the past weekend was challenging with the winter weather and crews are now beginning clean up. Reminder to citizens that the drop center has now changed locations and is across the street at the Public Works Building and that brush can be dumped at the Old Incinerator site. The City Budget Presentation is coming up for the first week in April. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger had a factoid about the reliability of Radford’s electric service, stating that we are ahead of surrounding localities at getting the lights back on when the power goes out. Thank you to all the departments that worked to keep the power on and clean up from the storm. Mr. Gropman agreed with Dr. Harshberger and reminded citizens of the Library bracket for March Madness. Mr. Gropman also stated that he is going to drop his idea of the Finders/Keepers program through legal counsel. Mr. Marshall and Mr. Turk thanked City employees for their hard work during and after the storm this past weekend. Mayor Brown thanked Mrs. Marshall and stated that the families are invested as well when family members are on City Council. Mayor Brown also suggested that the bench should have a place to plus in cell phones and that Council Packets should be moved to electronic format, such as iPad. Mr. Marshall made a motion, seconded by Mr. Turk to convene a closed meeting for the purpose 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. Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A) (3). Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body; and consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel. For the purposes of this subdivision, "probable litigation" means litigation that has been specifically threatened or on which the public body or its legal counsel has a reasonable basis to believe will be commenced by or against a known party. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to permit the closure of a meeting merely because an attorney representing the public body is in attendance or is consulted on a matter. Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A) (7). 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 8:25p.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