City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. November 13, 2018 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 10 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 Mrs. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Chief Don Goodman The Pledge was led by the local veterans. The moment of reflection was led by Mayor Horton. Mayor Horton reflected on Veterans Day and the service of our Veterans. Mayor Horton also reflected on the service of all those in Radford and how blessed the City is to have many that serve. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Gropman and seconded Ms. Critterton that the minutes for the October 22, 2018 Regular Meeting are approved as amended. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 INTRODUCTION: SUBJECT: New Police Officers SUMMARY: The Police Chief introduced our three new Police Officers who just completed the academy and have begun departmental training. They are Megan Brown, Jamie Rose and Chase West. PRESENTATION: SUBJECT: Holiday Artwork SUMMARY: The Radford High School Art Department created ornaments and a holiday card to represent the City of Radford with other localities on the Virginia State Christmas Tree on public display at the Governor’s Mansion. The ornaments will adorn the tree throughout the holidays. This is the fourth year of this state tradition. The Art Department has also created a City Christmas Card, the third in the series. Kimberly Reece, the Art Teacher, and her students presented both projects. SUBJECT: EDA SERVICE AWARDS SUMMARY: The Radford Economic Development Authority would like to recognize three of its long- term members for their service. Members include Jeff Price, Jeff Irby and Albert Mah. EDA Chairman Flo Graham will present the awards. PROCLAMTION: SUBJECT: Small Business Saturday SUMMARY: Saturday, November 24, 2018 is Nationally recognized as “Small Business Saturday”. The Proclamation is a local designation of the importance of small businesses to the local economy, jobs and quality of life. The Proclamation encourages our citizens to support and shop at local businesses. ACTION: Ms. Critterton moved to approve the proclamation as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: VOTING PRECINT PROPOSAL SUMMARY: The East Radford precinct has twice as many voters as the Central and West Precincts and is expected to grow another 1,000 registered voters by the 2020 election. The Voter Registrar and the Radford Electoral Board have recommended a split in the East Precinct to improve service, accessibility, as well as meet the statutory requirements of the Virginia Code. The Registrar made a presentation at the City Council meeting on September 10, 2018. Dividing the East Precinct into two precincts requires two ordinances: 1) To create a new precinct with defined boundaries and a polling place; and 2) to redefine the boundaries of the existing East Precinct. The proposal is to name the new precinct the “New River Precinct” and use Grove United Methodist Church as its polling place. The redefined “East Precinct” shall maintain the Radford Recreational Center as its polling place. City Council scheduled public hearings on both ordinances at its meeting on October 22, 2018. All advertising requirements have been met. Mayor Horton Opened the Public Hearing at 7:35 Mr. Tom Starnes suggested splitting the East Precinct and move about 1,500 voters toe the Central Precinct instead of the addition of a new precinct. He stated that this would be a cost savings to the City and help lines continue to run smoothly and provide for a simple change. Ms. Lucinda McDarment Pirogot spoke in support of the new precinct and stated that is wonderful to allow for the students, who are residents in our community while they are here, vote here. Ms. Lauri Murphey stated she supported the addition of the new precinct and thanked the City for this change. She concluded by saying everyone has the right to vote. Mr. Lucas Hodge suggested the precinct be located at Unity Christian Church because of the demographics of the population voting at this precinct. This will allow for better walkability and more efficiency within the precinct. Nashia Price spoke on behalf of the students of color at Radford University and suggested the precinct be at Unity Christian Church. She stated that students are informed and want the City to move forward and be involved in that process. Mr. John Register stated that he considers Radford his home and that he believes the precinct being located at Unity Christians Church will allow for more accessibility to the students who feel Radford is also their home. Ms. Karen Harris questioned why other options besides Tyler Avenue were not considered. Ms. Harris expressed concerns regarding the traffic on Tyler for a safe polling place. Mr. Ken Alderman welcomed all the Radford students and agrees should all have a place to vote; however, he believes this precinct is strictly a political move and the City needs to look at other options. Mr. Andrew Crane is a poll worker in the East Precinct and the system at the East Precinct works, but is stressed and this additional precinct is needed to accommodate the enormous number of people who come to vote. Mr. Geoffrey Preudhomme is a senior at Radford University and calls Radford home. He believes that he and his friends are making history in Radford by turning out and registering young people to vote and want to continue to do so by having a place to vote. Ms. Phillis Turk is a member of the electoral board and feels very strongly that there needs to be an additional precinct. Ms. Turk explained that the reason Unity Christian wasn’t chosen because the precinct isn’t just for student and there is not adequate parking and accessibility for all who would vote there. Ms. Brooke Love asked about how to provide better access for the lower income citizens to vote. Mayor Horton Closed the Public Hearing at 7:59 p.m. *The Hearing has been advertised as required. OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Ordinance 1706-East Voting Precinct Change SUMMARY: The East Radford precinct has twice as many voters as the Central and West Precincts and is expected to grow another 1,000 registered voters by the 2020 election. The Voter Registrar and the Radford Electoral Board have recommended a split in the East Precinct to redefine the boundaries of the existing East Precinct The redefined “East Precinct” shall maintain the Radford Recreational Center as its polling place. SUBJECT: Ordinance 1707-Creation of the New River Precinct SUMMARY: The East Radford precinct has twice as many voters as the Central and West Precincts and is expected to grow another 1,000 registered voters by the 2020 election. The Voter Registrar and the Radford Electoral Board have recommended a split in the East Precinct to create a new precinct with defined boundaries and a polling place. The proposal is to name the new precinct the “New River Precinct” and use Grove United Methodist Church as its polling place ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to consider Ordinance 1706 and 1706 at the November 26 City Council meeting, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Ms. Pat Fluke thanked the over 50 volunteers for coming out to the Wildwood Park Cleanup. Mr. James Ratcliffe of the Pulaski Town Council came to say hello to Radford from across the bridge and that if Radford ever needs anything Pulaski is there. Ms. Brooke Love thanked everyone for participation and support of the Radford Farmer’s Market this season and suggested some sustainability art for underneath the bridge in Wildwood Park. Don Goodman-sports reporter-won in three sets Mr. Geoffrey Preudhomme invited the community out to the ERA Bus Tour on Friday at Dalton Hall. This is an equal rights amendment bus tour helping to educate the community on equal rights. Ms. Lucinda McDermott informed the community that the RHS Drama Troop won districts and is moving on to regionals this coming Saturday. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Award Bid for Electric Department Dump Truck SUMMARY: The Electric Department received proposals for a 2018 cab and chassis with a dump body. They had two responsive bidders, however only one met all of the specifications of the procurement. The responsive proposer was Magic City Motor Corp. with a bid of $53,115. The funds were approved for the equipment in the F.Y. 2019 annual Budget and do not require Appropriation. The trunk replaces a 2001 GMC Dump Truck (Unit #466). ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to award the contract for the purchase of the Dump Truck, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Award Paving Maintenance Contract SUMMARY: The City received an additional allocation of funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide enhanced overlay to our 2019 program. The additional projects include the Northbound lane of US Route 11 at Memorial Bridge and the North and South Bound lanes of West Main Street/U.S. Route 232 from Rock Road to Midkiff Lane. Bids were solicited with responses from Adam’s Construction and Boxley Paving. The low bid was from Adams Construction in the amount of $145,640. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to award the paving maintenance contract to Adams Construction, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.18-CDBG Allocation SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received Community Development Block Grant funding in the amount of $165,992 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds will be used to support the 2018 CDBG Action Plan approved by City Council on May 14, 2018. Projects will include repayment of the principal balance of the section 108 loan, support Planning and Administration, as well as be used for beautification and improvements to slum and blighted areas. The funds will also continue to support funding for several agency partners. ACTION: Ms. Critterton moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.18, 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 1702.18, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.19-Litter Grant SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received a grant in the amount of $6,163 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for F.Y. 2019. The funds will be used to support litter prevention and recycling efforts, as well as promotion of environmentally friendly activities and education. No matching funds are required. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.19, 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 1702.19, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.20-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 computer equipment and software enhancements, as well as provide resources for drug investigations. The request is for $34,368. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.20, 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: Mr. Gropman moved to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1702.20, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.21- Sheriff’s Department SUMMARY: The Sheriff’s Department has requested that $6,923 be appropriated from the designated “Courtroom Security Fund” for additional police supplies, as well as assist in providing equipment needed for fleet upgrades. The funds were not budgeted in the development of the F.Y. 2019 Budget, therefore requiring the Appropriation. ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.21, 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 1702.21, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.22-EMS SUMMARY: The Fire and EMS Department have requested that $12,125 be appropriated from the designated “Four-for-Life Fund” to purchase computer and emergency medical related equipment. The Appropriation will enhance the department’s technology, pre-hospital patient care and employee safety. The funds were not budgeted in the development of the F.Y. 2019 Budget, therefore requiring Appropriation. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.22, 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 dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1702.22, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. David Ridpath stated that there is weather in the forecast for this Thursday. He also stated that the paving project may be moved to Spring due to all the weather and the University Drive Project will begin next week. Happy Thanksgiving to all. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Critterton dedicated her moment of silence to her deceased father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. Ms. Critterton also spoke about the Women is Politics Panel and how she always enjoys learning from the people in the room at these panels. Ms. Critterton also ask the audience a question to ponder for thought…What advice would you give your freshman self? Ms. Critterton stated that the American Legion Building is in the design phase and they will be contacting volunteers as the project moves forward. Ms. Critterton also said she is interested on endorsing an ERA Proclamation and that her Fire Department visit was fun and reminded citizens to stop by, bring them food or just say hey! Dr. Harshberger mentioned that at the Joint Commission meeting the University spoke about getting students to take place in safe, responsible events, as well as the zoning regulations around the University and transportation penetration into the city. Mr. Gropman thanked the poll workers who make voting in Radford go so smoothly, he also welcomed the new Police Officers and asked when the Hydro would be back online. Mr. Gropman concluded by saying next year the City should do a Pumpkin Chunking Contest. Ms. Huntington mentioned that on her recent vacation she was inspired by the recycling efforts in the community she went to visit and that she has not forgotten about her initiative to bring curbside recycling to Radford. Ms. Huntington hopes to have a work session on this information soon. She concluded by thanking everyone for coming out to tonight’s meeting. Mayor Horton stated it was wonderful to have some many people come out tonight and that the following few weeks will bring a bit of a different schedule, with a meeting on November 26, a special meeting at the Schools on November 29, and the final meeting of the year on December 10. Dr. Harshberger made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gropman. to convene a closed meeting for the purpose of 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, under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A) (3). VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING: Dr. Harshberger made a motion that Council did not discuss anything in the closed meeting other than the two items for which it was convened, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 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