City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. July 9 , 2018 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 1 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2018-2019 The special organizational meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 10 Robertson Street, Radford, VA. The Mayor of the City, Raymond David Horton, was present and presiding. Other members of City Council present were Ms. Jessie Critterton, Mr. Robert P. Gropman, Dr. Richard Harshberger, Ms. Naomi Huntington. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy Clerk Ms. Blair Hoke, Economic Developer Mrs. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk The Pledge was led by the local veterans. Mayor Horton led the Moment of Reflection, he reflected on July 4th including the City’s Celebration. He reflected on freedom, change and the founding father’s concept of freedom. Following the moment of reflection there was a moment of silence. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Gropman and seconded Dr. Harshberger that the minutes for the June 11, 2018 Regular Meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger NAYES: None-0 MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Ms. Critterton and seconded by Ms. Huntington that the minutes for the July 2, 2018 meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS Mr. Bobby Farmer stated that he has probably been to more council meetings than anyone else in the room and it bothers him that the prayer was taken away. Mr. Farmer went on to state that he didn’t know why Council would want to have silence, he was raised in church and been in public service and knows what Council is going through and God helps. Mr. Mark Tapp congratulated Ms. Critterton and Ms. Huntington on their win and said the campaign was a well-run campaign by all. Mr. Tapp read messages from each campaign, which all had a common theme community engagement and involvement. Mr. Tapp stated by not advertising that changing the invocation was on the agenda they have betrayed the trust of the people of Radford and he asks that Council go back and open this up for public comment. Ms. Laurie Murphy thanked all the Council members for being out and about in the community and at community events, she sees their faces everywhere. Ms. Murphy stated that it was not expected to have the Lord’s prayer read this evening and while she respects their right to prayer, the prayer disrespected her because she doesn’t pray. Ms. Murphy wants to come to meetings to listen to what is going on in the City and during the moment of reflection people can chose to pray to themselves. Thank you Council for this decision. Mr. Ken Alderman asked Council how many of them knew this decision would take place at the meeting and then stated at least two maybe three knew they would make a decision of this magnitude. Transparency and the will of the public is important when making decisions and this idea could have been tabled and discussed publicly. Mr. Alderman requested that if there is this much concern in the community that citizens have input in the decision. He ended by stating never lose the trust of the community. Ms. Catherine Catrupi thanked Council for making the meetings more inclusive, she enjoys the moment to sit and reflect on what the City Council is doing and what she is doing in the community. Ms. Catrupi thanked Council for serving the community and making Radford a more inclusive and aware place. Ms. Jenny Rife thanked Council for the opportunity to speak on the Moment of Silence. Ms. Rife stated that she is kind, generous, loving, thoughtful and many more things. She stated that she profoundly loves her family, community and friends; however, she is not religious. Ms. Rife stated that she still has morals and principles and a desire to make the world and community a better place. She ended by stating we don’t all have to agree or like each other, but if we go in peace we can do this together. Mr. Keith Weltons stated that he is a practicing Catholic, but in his line of work he draws on studies, charts and decisions are based in facts and numbers. Mr. Weltons stated that with that said he hopes Council made the decision based on facts and numbers. Mr. Weltons stated that there is a need in Radford and he fails to understand why we would turn down any help publicly, whether that is from God, family, volunteers or community members. Turning God and help away is the furthest thing from progressiveness and Council should look at the economic impact of this decision. Mr. William Ratcliffe stated that he is a local minister and has known some of Council for several years. Mr. Ratcliffe had a good feeling when this Council got elected, but that has since changed. Mr. Ratcliffe stated he felt as though the majority was not taken into consideration when the decision was made to remove prayer and the prayer needs to be added back in. Mr. Ron Lawson asked why one of the first actions taken by City Council was so divisive in the community. Ms. Connie Cook is a proud nurse and has taken care of all types of people. Ms. Cook stated that she prays with patients when they want it and that when people are in need they will take care of them. Today’s society offends everyone and only a few are silenced. Ms. Cook asks if she can pray and stated she won’t be silence even if it offends you. Ms. Laurie Buchwald stated the old saying if your friend jumped off a bridge would you? She read off what other localities do in regards to the moment of silence. Ms. Buchwald thanked Council for their bravery and that citizens have no idea how hard it is to make decisions on that bench. Ms. Buchwald echoed Ms. Catrupi’s comments of how nice it is to see a room so full of citizens. Mr. Bill Flesher thanked Council for the opportunity to talk. Mr. Flesher stated that he appreciated the foresight of our founding fathers and that we all need guidance from above. The invocations do not need to be Christian, but if you want to pray that is fine. He doesn’t want anyone telling him to pray so he wouldn’t do that to anyone else. Mr. Flesher stated he is not sure why this issue had to be voted on first. Ms. Carol Colby stated that she is an atheist and is glad for the inclusivity of the new moment of reflection. Ms. Colby read from a pamphlet “A Christian Nation.” Ms. Hannah Martin has lived here for 26 years and wanted to thank Council for including everyone with the moment of silence. Ms. Martin stated that it is what is in your heart that makes you a good person and she appreciates the way one of her former principals stated his feelings about the innovation, while another former principal preach bigotry and hatred on the internet. Mr. Chris Bradbury thanked Council for all they do and stated he does not envy their job. Mr. Bradbury stated that this is a much more complicated issue than we have been told tonight and maybe these decisions should be brought back up for vote or discussions, because he believes many will support Council’s decision. Mr. Bradbury stated that your soul is not in danger because the invocation is removed and that no one wants to wish you harm or take your god away many just want to feel safe in our own community. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: FY 2018 Pavement Maintenance Program SUMMARY: The City has received bids for its 2018 “Pavement Maintenance 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 $354,530. Adam’s has a very good reputation in the business and worked with the City in the past. The bid reflects a cost of $94.32 per ton for limestone aggregate asphalt (used in neighborhoods) and $99.48 per ton for non-polishing asphalt (used in heavy traffic areas). A total of 2,941 tons of asphalt with related milling are planned. Pavement maintenance funds are provided in the F.Y. 2018 Annual Budget; therefore, no appropriation is necessary. Streets in the Summer overlay program include, West Main Street from Walker Street to Grove Avenue, 114 East Main Street to 130 East Main Street (West Bound Lane), Stump Street from 1116 to dead end, Leonard Street from Walker Street to Route 11 Bridge, Hidden Valley Drive from Fairway Drive to dead end, Park Road from Sundell Drive to Round Hill Drive, Grove Avenue from First Avenue to Third Avenue. Paving is planning in August. Dr. Harshberger stated that Adams does top tier work. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to award the paving contract to Adams Construction. Ms. Critterton seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Emergency Medical Services SUMMARY: The City of Radford operates two front line ambulances as required by the Virginia Department of Medical Services to provide emergency medical services. One of the ambulances needs to be replaced to maintain service reliability and a modern fleet. The ambulance to be replaced is a 2008 Ford. A ten-year life is expected on these vehicles based on age, mileage and use. The cost of a new ambulance is $256.000 for the cab, chassis and box. The vehicles are a custom order on state contract from Goodman Specialized Vehicles and will be built by P.L. Custom Ambulances in the New Jersey and is under state procurement. The build time is about 250 days. The truck would be funded by a grant from the Virginia Rescue Squad Assistance Fund ($114,129) and the remainder by Capital Lease. A new Heart Monitor and Power Cot will be required and can be accommodated from the Four-for- Life account. Delivery of the truck would be in March, 2018. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to authorize the purchase of the new EMS truck. Ms. Huntington seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1691.31- Department of Social Services SUMMARY: The State Appropriation increased for the F.Y. 2018 Budget for the Department of Social Services. The original budget for the City was $836,783 and the final budget for the state was $864,536, an increase of $21,235. The state funding formula results in an overall decrease in local funds of $14,015. The funding change at the state level was not planned in the development of the F.Y. 2018 City Budget, therefore, requiring a local appropriation. Social Services Administration funding would increase $27,753 with the local match and would be applied to salaries, benefits and operational line items. The Social Services local pass through would decrease the local match from $18,317 to $4,302. ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1691.31, on the first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1691.31, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1691.32- Internal Services SUMMARY: The City Garage operation had several expenses impacting the F.Y. 2018 Budget that included increases in vehicle and equipment repair cost, rising fuel cost, growth in the fleet from the new Emergency Medical Services and the need for a new lift. The $53,715 increase was not programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2018 Budget therefore requiring appropriation. Funds are available from the “Internal Services Reserves” for the cost of the $13,734 lift. The remaining $39,981 will be spread proportionally among all departments. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1691.32, on the first reading, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve and adopt Appropriation Ordinance 1691.32, on the second reading, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1691.33-Sheriff’s Department SUMMARY: The Sheriff’s Department is assisting with security in the public schools by providing a presence of Deputies most days in each school. The school is providing assistance with the cost by appropriating $7,412 in support for Off Duty Officers. The additional revenue was not provided in the development of the FY 2018 Budget, therefore requiring Appropriation. ACTION: Ms. Critterton moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1691.33, on the first reading, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1691.33, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.01-Extreme Recruiter SUMMARY: The Department of Social Services has been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $119,520 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 receives 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 third renewal of a possible 3-year grant. Mr. Gropman stated that as someone who was adopted, this is a great program ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.01, on the first reading, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1702.01, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.02-Medicaid Expansion SUMMARY: The Virginia General Assembly approved a provision for expansion of Medicaid in the adoption of the FY 2019 State Budget. The increased funding will assist with the additional administrative dollars associated with the expected increase in Medicaid applicants. The City will receive $60,758 for salaries, benefits and office related expenses in the Department of Social Services. ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.02, on the first reading, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1702.02, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Sustainability Task Force SUMMARY: A mission oriented task force would be established to develop ideas, advance promotions and encourage efforts related to community sustainability initiatives. The objectives could include recycling measures, litter prevention, forestation initiatives, protection of wetlands, environmental awareness activities and health river shed projects. The “Task Force” could be made up of five to seven people Dr. Harshberger stated the Radford has done a lot already and there is a lot more still to do. This group needs to be task oriented with specific goals. Ms. Huntington stated that she thinks this is fantastic and a great way to have more community involvement. Ms. Critterton stated that this would help show commitment in maximizing Council’s efforts for tourism and community contentment. Mr. Gropman expressed concerns about calling the group a task force and wants it to be called a work group. Mr. Horton stated that Winchester has had a similar group that has been working since 2015 this group would encourage environmental stewardship, education. Ms. Huntington will serve as the Council Rep. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to authorize the formation of a Sustainability work group. Ms. Huntington seconded that motion. Ms. Huntington stated that while this committee has not been assigned, even those who are not officially appointed are more than welcome to attend and be involved. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated that it has been a busy couple of weeks. Special thanks to the staff who gave up their time on July 4th to help make a successful event in the Park. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington stated that this has been a very humbling experience, and she wants to make something clear to all. Ms. Huntington stated that it was her motion and she wants to be transparent. Last Monday was the very first time that I sat in this seat and there is room to grow. Ms. Huntington stated she believed the organizational meeting was the time to make that change. Ms. Huntington stated that the motion was not to exclude anyone from the process, but to make everyone feel welcome here. Radford is a strong community the more inclusive we are. Ms. Huntington also discussed her experience on July 4th in Bisset Park, where she has the chance to chat with some who were so happy to take their children and not have to pay for them to attend the festival or participate in the event. Radford is very fortunate to have such an event and to have all the City employees who work so hard for the City to make the event possible. Mr. Gropman echoed the sentiments on July 4th and once again stated he is worried about the end game of the sustainability task force and if it will go from a working group to a power of authority. Dr. Harshberger said that is why it is so important to charge the group properly. Ms. Critterton said she has served this community before and that sometimes in these seats you have to make difficult decisions. It is impossible to be liked by everyone in the community every day. Ms. Critterton assured the community that she gave the vote a lot of thought and that everyone is welcome here, this vote was not to exclude anyone, everyone is welcome here. Ms. Critterton also asked if we could look into quarterly meetings, similar to a town hall, where community members could all sit down together have coffee and talk about issues with Council. Mr. Horton stated that Council is looking at doing things differently. The Sustainability work group, as well as other work groups will have a charge, not a mandate, flexibility will allow these groups to find answers to challenges and solutions. Mr. Horton stated that the decision to have a moment of reflection was not one that was discussed prior to the meeting, but was an appropriate time for Ms. Huntington to bring it up, as the meeting was an organizational meeting and the structure of the Council meeting was to be discussed. This is a time to move forward together, respect one another, and chose to do what you do to prepare for the meeting. The idea is to be able to be as inclusive as possible and work together. Mr. Horton then discussed some upcoming calendar items including Belle Heth night at BT’s, the Bobcat Backpack program, Mary Draper Ingles play, and the American Roots Concert in Bisset Park. Mr. Horton concluded by saying there are lots of things happening in Radford and many good things to come. Ms. Huntington made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m., seconded by Mr. Gropman. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Wilder, City Clerk