City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. January 14, 2019 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 13 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. Melissa Skelton, Community Development Director Ms. Angie Frye, Interim Chief of Police Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Horton led the moment of reflection speaking about how 2019 will be a new year with new opportunities and he is excited for all the year has in store. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded by Ms. Critterton that the minutes for the December 11, 2018 Regular Meeting are approved as amended. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING: SUBJECT: Ordinance 1709-Erosion and Sediment Control and Ordinance 1710- 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). Mayor Horton opened the Public Hearing at 7:03. No Comments Mayor Horton closed the Public Hearing at 7:04. *Both Ordinances have been advertised as required* OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Ordinance 1709-Erosion and Sediment Control SUMMARY: The Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinances has 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). ACTION: Ms. Critterton moved to approve the Ordinance 1709 on the first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Ordinance 1710-Stormwater Management SUMMARY: The Stormwater Management Ordinance has 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). ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve the Ordinance 1710 on the first reading, Ms. Critterton second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Radford Heritage Foundation SUMMARY: The Radford Heritage Foundation provided a proposed contract for services to the City of Radford for F.Y. 2019. Activities include operation of the Glencoe Museum, conducting historical and cultural related special events, as well as identifying and expanding educational activities and opportunities. The amount of the request is $10,000. ACTION: Ms. Critterton moved to table the discussion of the MOU until the January 28 City Council Meeting, Mr. Gropman second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: None NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Chamber of Commerce SUMMARY: Lisa Davis, presented City Council with an overview of 2018 accomplishments, before introducing the new Chamber Director and President to present the F.Y. 2019 MOU. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to table discussion of the MOU until the January 28, City Council Meeting, Ms. Critterton seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Tyler Avenue to East Main Street Project – Engineering Contract: SUMMARY: The City of Radford received five proposals for engineering services for the Tyler Avenue to East Main Street transportation planning project. The scope of the project would include all surveying, right-of-way identification, and design associated with the first 1,000’ (Phase 1) of a corridor roadway. The “top” firm as it relates to experience with these types of projects, demonstrated competence and transportation understanding, accessibility to the administration, project approach as well as strong references is Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP. The engineering is expected to cost $434,316. This is one of three transportation projects identified for Radford in the “Virginia Department of Transportation Six Year Plan” and is allocated $2.91 million for planning, design, and construction. The project generally aligns with Auburn Avenue adjacent to the Super 8 Motel and includes North and Southbound vehicular lanes, a shared use bike and pedestrian path, lighting enhancements, intersection improvements and safety enhancements. A 2% local match is required and is anticipated to be accommodated from donated right-of-way. The project will be “Locally Administered” by the City. VDOT will have project oversight and provide cost reimbursement. Design and construction are expected to take eighteen months. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to award the contract for engineering services for the Tyler Avenue to East Main Street Project in the amount of $434,316 and any minor adjustments resulting from VDOT’s pre-award review to Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP, Dr. Harshberger second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: New River Valley Jail Board SUMMARY: There is a vacancy on the New River Valley Jail Board. Josh Smith submitted an interest in the position. ACTION: Ms. Huntington moved to table the appointment to the January 28 meeting, Ms. Critterton second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.23-Local Emergency Planning Grant SUMMARY: The Fire Department received a grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to support local emergency planning. The $7,500 grant will be used to purchase equipment for our Emergency Operations Center. An equal $7,500 local match is required and will be provided through in kind personnel cost towards the project. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.23 on the first reading, Mr. Huntington second 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 Ordinance 1702.23, Ms. Critterton second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: F.Y. 2020 Transit Operating Budget SUMMARY: Each year, the City makes applications to the Federal Transit Administration for funding to support Radford Transit. The process requires that the public have an opportunity to provide comments on the application and proposed use of the $1,605,000 (Operating), $220,000 (Capital) and $65,000 (New Service Connectors) associated with the F.Y. 2020 Budget. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to schedule the public hearing for January 28, 2019, 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 stated that it has been a busy time. Radford Transit has received new buses and is beginning to look toward the budget cycle and triennial review. Staff has been working on obtaining grants through Main Street for broadband and wireless connections throughout Radford. Mr. Ridpath also stated that the City revived a good ISO rating, as it pertains to building codes and that the paving program is about 6 months behind due to weather, but they hope to pick it back up in the Spring. Mr. Ridpath concluded by stating that the City is ramping up for budget season and there will be many planning meetings in the near future. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington stated that she went to Richmond to attend a seminar on the Budget State Budget and the opportunities for the local budget. Ms. Huntington mentioned that Senator Stanley’s bill for school funding is in a hurry up and wait phase. Ms. Huntington stated that eventually Radford is going to have to update the 911 systems, along with the system statewide and that we need to continue to keep using opportunity zones to help build a more attractive community for the future. Ms. Huntington stated that we have a lot of work here to do in Radford in the coming year and concluded by inviting everyone to attend the MLK Jr. Ceremony and Shafer Memorial Baptist Church on January 20. Mr. Gropman stated that we as a city are much better off than some of our peers and we are doing great in so many areas throughout Radford. Dr. Harshberger commented on his excitement for the future of the Chamber =, but wants to recognize the past and what has been accomplished and where we can head from here. Ms. Critterton thanked the City workers who have been working so hard with the ice storm and winter weather. Ms. Critterton mentioned that her moment of silence was dedicated to Frank O’Bailey. Progress is being made on the American Legion Building, they now have liability insurance to begin work and the nonprofit status has been established. Ms. Critterton gave a special thanks to all the collaborators helping and donating time and resources on the building and mentioned that a Go Fund me page will be circulating soon. Mayor Horton stated that great things are happening here in Radford and that there are several special meetings ahead for Council regarding Budget and planning. Mayor Horton also mentioned all should come out to Chamber night at the Highlander Basketball Game and that if anyone has service projects for Radford University, they have over 400 volunteers for MLK Jr. Day of Service. Radford University is also hosting a service for MLK Jr. Day and Bobcat Backpacks is in the process of collecting 16 oz. jars of peanut butter. Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. seconded by Ms. Critterton. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Critterton, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, Clerk of Council