City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. August 13 , 2018 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 3 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2018-2019 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, 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. The moment of reflection was led by Mayor Horton. He commented on the storm that recently passed through Radford and how City workers immediately came in to clean up the damage and get the power back on. Mayor Horton proceeded to read a poem about utility workers. The moment of reflection was followed by a moment of silence. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded Ms. Huntington that the minutes for the July 30, 2018 Regular Meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATION SUBJECT: RHS Hall of Fame Week SUMMARY: The Radford High School Hall of Fame Committee has requested that City Council consider recognizing the week of August 26, 2018 through September 1, 2018 as “Radford High School Hall of Fame Week” and that Saturday, September 1, 2018 be recognized as “Radford High School Hall of Fame Day”. Six new members will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for 2018, bring the total number of athletes and contributors to ninety-two since the program began ten years ago. ACTION: On a motion by Mr. Gropman and seconded Ms. Critterton that the RHS Hall of Fame Proclamation is approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTION SUBJECT: Personal Property Tax Relief SUMMARY: The State of Virginia requires localities to provide tax relief to local citizens on a portion of their “personal property”. The percentage of relief on qualifying vehicles is established for each tax year and is based on an amount set by the State, which is currently $625,657 for Radford. To reach this amount of relief, the rate proposal for 2018 is 51% for personal property value at $1,001 to $20,000. Business vehicles, motor homers and vehicles valued under $1,000 are excluded. ACTION: On a motion by Mr. Gropman and seconded Dr. Harshberger that the Personal Property Tax Relief Resolution is approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: VDOT Project Authorization SUMMARY: The City receives funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation to support pavement and overall roadway improvements within Radford. They have requested that City Council update a Resolution authorizing the City Manager’s signatory and budgetary authority on VDOT related contacts and agreements. ACTION: On a motion by Ms. Critterton and seconded Ms. Huntington that the VDOT Project Authorization Resolution is approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 OLD BUSINESS SUBJECT: Sustainability Work Group SUMMARY: City Council discussed the concept of creating a special work group to focus on community sustainability initiatives. The objectives of the group would be to develop ideas, promotions and special projects associated with the environment, such as recycling measures, litter prevention, forestation initiatives, beautification efforts, protection of wetlands and waterways and public education. The Council appointed work group would operate on a defined timeline and established goals. There was discussion about how the group’s first charge would be to come back with an overarching plan for sustainability to Council in a month and bring general concepts and areas of focus. ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved that official appointees be residents, Mr. Gropman, second that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: Ms. Critterton ACTION: On a motion by Mr. Gropman and seconded Dr. Harshberger that the follow work group be appointed: WORK GROUP MEMEBERS: Heather Governor Jennifer Bondurant Amanda Thornton Annie Pearce Brooke Love Jane Fisher John Register Pat Fluke Katie McFall VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: City Council made Appointments to Boards and Commissions at its “organizational” meeting on July 2, 2018. The Commission on Municipal Forests and Beautification still has two vacancies that need filling. The Chairman, Pat Fluke, has indicated that there are two citizens interested in the work of the Commission, Peter Whities and Georgeanne Lavery. ACTION: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded Ms. Critterton that the Ms. Lavery and Mr. Whiteis are appointed to the Beautification Commission. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS Mr. Lew Sheckler stated that he is a retired professor from Radford University. He stated that none of Council campaigned on banning prayer from the City Council Meetings and if they had they probably wouldn’t have been elected to Council. Mr. Sheckler stated that by banning prayer the Council is being less inclusive, which is the opposite of why they said they were banning prayer. Mr. John Register thanked staff for the quick response to the storm and getting the power back on so quickly. He also thanked Council for all they do and thinks they are doing a great job leading the City. Mr. Jordan McKinny thanked staff for getting the power back on and asked Council to define residents. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.06-VML SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received a grant award in the amount of $3,825 from the Virginia Municipal League Insurance Program. The program distributes $250,000 annually to members expanding their “risk management” programs. The grant will be used to purchase three defibrillators for the Recreation Department and Administration Building. ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.06, 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: Ms. Huntington moved to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1702.06, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.07-E-Ticket SUMMARY: The Police Department began issuing E-Tickets two year ago as a means for officers to issue electronic tickets and related summons improving efficiency. The City receives a portion of revenue ($5.00) from each E-ticket under Virginia Law to support the program. The Police Department has requested that $21,054 be appropriated for use in purchasing digital software, the implementation of the software, printers and license scanners, as well as purchasing consoles for the police cars to mount equipment. Appropriation from the special revenue fund is required for expenditure. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.07, 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 1702.07, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.08-Victim Witness SUMMARY: The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office has been awarded a grant from the Virginia Department of Justice in the amount of $129,410. The funds will be used to support the comprehensive services of the Victim Witness Coordinator located in Radford and a full-time person in Floyd (salary, benefits, travel and office supplies) that assists individuals who have been victims/witnesses of felony or misdemeanor crimes. The program has served the citizens of Radford and Floyd for the past 24 years and served 556 victims. ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.08, 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 1702.08, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.09-Federal Asset Forfeiture SUMMARY: The Police Department has requested use of its Federal Asset Forfeiture Funds in the amount of $31,174. The funds will be used for purchase of two police vehicles and related equipment. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.09, 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 1702.09, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.10-State Asset Forfeiture SUMMARY: The Police Department has requested use of a portion of its State “Asset Forfeiture” dollars for use in the purchase of a two police vehicles and related equipment. The request is for $24,093 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.10, 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 1702.10, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.11-Help Save the Next Girl SUMMARY: The Police Department has requested $3,380 from the Police Department Donation Account to be used for the “Save the Next Girl” program. The funds will be used to assist with crime prevention. The Appropriation of the donated funds is required to spend the funds. ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.11, 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: Ms. Huntington moved to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1702.11, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated the Radford Farmers Market is doing well at the new location and this past Saturday the Car Show in Bisset Park was well attended by citizens and visitors. Mr. Ridpath also stated that the paving went faster than anticipated and the second wave of paving will take place after Radford University move, in. Mr. Ridpath stated that crews and staff did a great job cleaning up from the thunderstorm on Sunday and the Electric Department did an excellent job getting the power back on so quickly. Special thanks to all staff public utilities, public safety especially, who are willing to be called on in any situation. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington state that there is great excitement surrounding the Farmers Market in its new location and if anyone knows any local business owners or anyone to set up a table to tell them to get in contact with the Farmers Market. Mr. Gropman stated it might be a good idea for the sustainability work group to look into planting fruit trees to donate fruit to those who are less fortunate as well as the red solo cup littering problem. Mr. Gropman also mentioned it might be a nice idea to do privately funded memorials when someone passed you can purchase a tree and plaque to put somewhere in the City. Dr. Harshberger stated that the reliability of Radford’s public utilities as well as public safety is second to none and is worth mentioning when attracting businesses. Ms. Critterton discussed attending a reception for new faculty at Radford University and how nice it was to speak to people from all over the world who have picked our community to live and teach in. Ms. Critterton also commented on how well the new location of the Farmers Market is working and that West End Wednesdays has also been a success. Ms. Critterton cautioned Council to be careful on what a citizen is. Mayor Horton stated that he appreciates the City for all they do in times of crisis. He also mentioned that schools are coming back and so are students, so be welcoming as they return to our community. Mayor Horton also mentioned the Main Street Program and was wondering when we would hear back on that. Mayor Horton discussed the upcoming September 10, 2018 meeting, which will be a joint meeting between Council and the School Board. He concluded by echoing all the above comments on the Farmers Market. Ms. Critterton made a motion, seconded by Dr. Harshberger to convene a closed meeting for the purpose of Discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business' or industry's interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community 2.2-3711 (A) (5). VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 No action was taken in the closed meeting. Ms. Critterton made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Ms. Critterton made a motion to re-convene the regular meeting, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING: Ms. Critterton made a motion that Council did not discuss anything in the closed meeting other than the two items for which it was convened, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Mr. Gropman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:28 p.m., seconded by Ms. Critterton. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Wilder, City Clerk