City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. December 11, 2018 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 12 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. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Blair Hoke, Economic Development Director Ms. Angie Frye, Deputy Chief of Police Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Horton led the moment of reflection discussing the holiday season kick off in Radford and how much joy we all have with one another during this time of year. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Gropman and seconded by Dr. Harshberger that the minutes for the November 26, 2018 Regular Meeting are approved as amended. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTION: SUBJECT: Sal’s Restaurant SUMMARY: A Resolution was passed recognizing Sal’s. The restaurant, owned by Pugliese family, is celebrating its 40th year of business specializing in Italian cuisine. The Resolution reflects the impact of the business on the local economy, dedication to service, tourism and job creation. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve the Resolution as presented, Mr. Gropman second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Cut Nice SUMMARY: A Resolution was passed recognizing Cut Nice. The full service barbershop, owned by Mike Wyms, is celebrating its 20th year of business. The Resolution reflects the local roots of the business, its impact on the local economy, service and job creation. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve the Resolution as presented, Ms. Critterton second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 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 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. Ordinance 1706 redefines the boundaries of the existing East Precinct. 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. Several comments were made at the public hearing held on November 13, 2018. The first reading was approved at the November 26, 2018 meeting. ACTION: Mayor Horton moved to approve the Ordinance 1706 on the second reading, second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: Mr. Gropman 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 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. Ordinance 1707 creates 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 City Council scheduled public hearings on both ordinances at its meeting on October 22, 2018. Several comments were made at the public hearing held on November 13, 2018. Action on the proposed Ordinance was deferred until November 26, 2018. ACTION: Mayor Horton moved to approve the Ordinance 1707 on the second reading, Dr. Harshberger second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Ms. Liz Alteri encouraged City Council to pass the ERA Resolution and that Virginia could be the final state to ratify the amendment. Ms. Alteri stated she cannot see why there would be any opposition to the resolution and it will be heard by legislators in Richmond. Ms. Carol Colby read a letter of support of the ERA resolution from Laurie Buchwald, who could not attend the meeting. Ms. Colby concluded with her own thoughts stating this should be the easiest vote of your entire term. Ms. Sarah Hastings recommended the Council approve the resolution endorsing ratification of the ERA, many women feel equal, but it is time to make it permanent. Ms. Kate Brennan stated that for our children and daughters we need to approve this resolution, because what would it say to them that women aren’t equal in Radford. Mr. Andrew Crane said as a male he wanted to offer his support for the resolution and that to not move forward with approval would not make sense. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Equal Rights Amendment SUMMARY: Localities throughout the Commonwealth have passed a resolution showing support of ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Radford passed a similar resolution. DISCUSSION: Dr. Harshberger talked about how far the country has come in equal rights and that women are as good as men and that in the United States we need to continue to value women and instill a sense of belief in them that they can achieve anything. Mr. Gropman stated he was in favor of equal rights for all, but the passing of the resolution is more a process thing for him and he had only known about this being on the agenda for three days and would like to table the resolution to the January meeting. Mr. Gropman made a motion to table the resolution until the January 14, 2019 meeting, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion and then explained why. Ms. Huntington stated she was a woman studies major in college and believes she is where she is today because of women like Alice Paul. Ms. Huntington stated she is confident in the way she feels about this movement and the ERA; however, she wants more time to hear from community members on this resolution. Ms. Huntington reassured citizens to not be disheartened by this motion, but that this is rather an issue of process. Ms. Critterton stated that this movement has been tabled long enough. Ms. Critterton stated she wanted to stand up and fight for the women in the audience and for love, unity and equality for all. Radford has an opportunity to be a beacon for women. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to table the resolution until the January 14, 2019 meeting, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gropman, Ms. Huntington NAYES: Ms. Critterton, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton ACTION: Ms. Critterton moved to approve the resolution as presented, Dr. Harshberger second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Opioid Litigation SUMMARY: City Council received proposals from two law firms pertaining to “Opioid Litigation.” After considering both proposals, Council has decided to proceed with the investigation and potential prosecution of the City’s claims in the Opioid Litigation with the firms, Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP and Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. Council passed a resolution authorizing approval of the retainer agreement between Radford and the law firm. ACTION: Mayor Horton moved to approve the Resolution as presented, Ms. Huntington second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Radford Heritage Foundation SUMMARY: Scott Gardner, Executive Director of the Heritage Foundation, reported on the accomplishments over the past year, as well as planned activities for F.Y. 2019 SUBJECT: Stormwater Management SUMMARY: The Erosion and Sediment Control and the Stormwater Management Ordinances have both been rewritten to update the language to match current state code. The Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance was previously updated in 2008. The Stormwater Management Ordinance was originally written in 2014, when Radford became a part of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). A representative from Draper, Aden and Associates, Radford’s Stormwater consultants, provided an overview of the Stormwater Management Program, as well as both Ordinance proposals. ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to schedule a public hearing for Ordinance 1709 on January 14, 2019, Ms. Critterton second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to schedule a public hearing for Ordinance 1710 on January 14, 2019, Ms. Critterton second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Ordinance 1702.01-Radford City Schools Budget Amendment SUMMARY: Radford City Schools requested an amendment to their F.Y. 2019 Budget. The amendment is necessary to incorporate additional grant revenue they received, as well as funding adjustments. The total amount of the Amendment is $329,649. ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to approve Ordinance 1702.01 on the first reading, Ms. Critterton second 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 Ordinance 1702.01, Ms. Critterton second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Ordinance 1708-Employee Bonus SUMMARY: Ordinance #1708 authorized a bonus to recognize the hard work, dedication and performance of our employees over the past year in keeping cost down, providing high quality service and meeting corporate goals. The bonus provided $300 to full-time employees and $70 to our part-time employees ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to approve Ordinance 1708 on the first reading, Ms. Critterton second 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 Ordinance 1708, Ms. Critterton second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath thanked Council for their support of staff with the holiday bonus. Ms. Hoke discussed the hospitability training offered by Virginias Main Street and how well attended the training was, she thanked NRVCS for hosting. Mr. Ridpath stated that Winter Storm Diego had an impact on Radford and Public Works did a great job clearing roadways with 50% of the staff being new hires. Mr. Ridpath reminded citizens and business owners it is their responsibility to clear their sidewalks. Mr. Ridpath stated that the University Drive Bridge design work is underway and the Tyler to East Main connector road project is moving forward with a firm selected, we are just waiting on VDOT review. Mr. Ridpath concluded by saying thank you again so much for the support of staff, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Critterton stated that her moment of silence was dedicated to TP Bacon. She also said she is pleased Radford passed the ERA Resolution and that the American Legion design work is moving forward. Dr. Harshberger commended city staff for working to clear roads all night in 17 degree temperatures. Mr. Gropman stated that until you get up on the bench you have no clue all the work that goes on in the City. He echoed the statements of Dr. Harshberger and stated that he is thankful for all of City Staff and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Ms. Huntington stated that the New River Valley bike trail committee met a few weeks ago and there were over 50 people in attendance, which shows there is strong support in the region ofr the development of the trails. Ms. Huntington thanked the community and employees and stated that 2018 has been one of the best years of her life. Mayor Horton thanked everyone for stepping up during the storm. Mayor Horton also stated that our staff really make a difference and Council is proud and appreciative of them. There are great things happening n the City of Radford. Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. seconded by Mr. Gropman. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, Clerk of Council