City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. April 9, 2018 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 15 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. David Michael Turk. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Mr. Don Goodman, Chief of Police Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy City Clerk/Community Development Director Mrs. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by local Veterans, Mr. Marshall led the invocation. PRESENTATION SUBJECT: “RoboCats” SUMMARY: The Radford High School RoboCats recently participated in State competition. They presented an overview of their program. REPORT SUBJECT: Radford Public Library SUMMARY: The week of April 8 to April 14, 2018 is National Library Week. The Director of the Radford Public Library, Elizabeth Sensabaugh, presented an overview of the programs and services of our local library. SUBJECT: Radford City Schools Budget SUMMARY: Radford City School Superintendent, Rob Graham presented the proposed F.Y. 2019 School Board Budget, as well as an update on their facility needs assessment. PROCLAMATION SUBJECT: April 8-14, 2018 is “National Library Week”. The week recognizes the significant contributions that libraries make in meeting the communities’ economic needs, providing a place for education, opportunities for life-long learning, as well as offering a host of community services for citizens of all ages. The Proclamation recognizes “National Library Week” locally, as well as encourages our residents to visit the Radford Public Library. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve and adopt the proclamation as presented, Mr. Marshall, seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: Ordinance 1701-Golf Carts SUMMARY: The 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 right-of-ways 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 has conducted an evaluation of the speeds, volume of traffic and character of the vehicle used on the streets around the university. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing at 8:04 p.m. No comments Mayor Brown closed the public hearing at 8:04 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENTS: Georgeann Lavery told City Council that she is a proud bobcat and educator and is asking that Council supports the total budget proposal from Radford City Schools. The funding will go a long way to support teachers and funding needs for educators and staff. Supporting the budget will give the schools and staff the tools they need to keep RCPS moving forward. Shannon Kessler is the Radford Education Associations Compensation Chair representative and thanked City Council for their continued support of Radford City Schools. She reminded Council that as educators the students are always their top priority and that funds are important to make that possible. Kate McConnell discussed that as a transplant to Radford, she chose to move here because of the schools and that it is time for City Council to view education as economic development and invest in our educators and Radford City Schools. Charlie Cusmotto discussed that sometimes there are proposals that look large, but are actually worth the investment. Richard Fischer is a 6th grade teacher at Belle Heth, and discussed that his family is dependent on his salary and insurance and that the teacher salary increase in important in allowing him to continue to teach. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Ordinance # 1701 Golf Carts SUMMARY: The 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 right-of-ways 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 has conducted an evaluation of the speeds, volume of traffic and character of the vehicle used on the streets around the university. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve Ordinance #1701 on the first reading, Dr. Harshberger, seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to dispense with the second reading and approve Ordinance #1701, Dr. Harshberger, seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CONSENT: SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.24-Radford Transit SUMMARY: The City of Radford received a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for staff training. The $1,414 grant was used to attend a required Federal procurement training program that focused on compliance with regulations and “best practices”. No match was required. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1691.24 on the first reading 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 and adopt Appropriation Ordinance 1691.24 on the second reading Mr. Turk, seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance #1691.25-Radford Transit SUMMARY: The City of Radford received a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to support Radford Transit for staff training. The $1,106 grant was used to attend a procurement training program on “Contract Administration”. No local match was required. ACTION: Mr. Marshall moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1691.25 on the first reading 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 and adopt Appropriation Ordinance 1691.25 on the second reading Mr. Turk, seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUJBECT: Special Event Lot Closure SUMMARY: Mountain Trotters and the Green Heron have requested that the western portion of the Third Avenue Municipal Parking Lot be closed on Saturday, October 20, 2018 for a special event, “Craft and Draft”. The event features music, food trucks, and “craft and draft” related beverages vendors. Staff have reviewed details of the third annual event and do not foresee any issues. The thirteen parking permit holders will be relocated to the lower end of the lot during the event and access will be maintained from Third Avenue. The Mountain Trotters is a 501 C3 organization and the two organizations are taking on the event formerly hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve the closure of the Third Avenue Lot for Craft and Draft, 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 reminded everyone that April is Environmental Awareness Month and that there are several events still going on throughout the City. Mr. Ridpath also stated that the City is still doing storm clean up and will continue to pick up brush and debris from the snow storm. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger said that Radford is an extraordinary city. Case in point was Elizabeth’s talk about the library. Radford needs to boast about all we can boast about. Mayor Brown stated that it is National Animal Care and Control Week and that Adele is the ultimate professional and citizens can always help by donating to the shelter. April 8-14 is also National Public Safety Telecommunication Week and he recognize their service to Radford. Mayor Brown also noted that Household Hazardous Waste Removal Day and Drug Take Back Day are coming up in April. Mayor Brown noted that Ben Beagle an old bobcat recently passed away and that Council and School Board should find a special way to recognize him because that is what bobcats do. Mr. Gropman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 p.m., seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, Clerk of Council