City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. March 11, 2019 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 17 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 Foster, 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 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to allow Ms. Foster to participate in the meeting remotely; Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. Ms. Foster stated she was in Venice, Florida visiting family and thanked Council for allowing her to call into the meeting. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Horton reflected on the sun finally coming out in Radford and how the community continues to come together to support each other. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded by Mr. Gropman that the minutes for the February 25, 2019 Regular Meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATION: SUBJECT: VFW SUMMARY: The local VFW is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. A Proclamation and plaque were presented reflecting the service of the VFW to our nation and our community. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: RED CROSS MONTH SUMMARY: March is American Red Cross Month. The Red Cross has requested that the City consider a local proclamation to help recognize those who volunteer, donate blood, take life- saving courses or provide financial donations to help support the Red Cross and its mission. The Proclamation formally recognized the Month of March as “Red Cross Month”. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PRESENTATION: SUBJECT: Sustainability Work Group SUMMARY: Naomi Huntington, Council representative on the “Sustainability Committee” presented an overview of the objectives and work progress to promote recycling and the environment. ACTION: Mayor Horton gave the Sustainability Work Group a formal charge to further research potential resource management, connectivity and productivity of sustainability efforts, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Paint, Optimize, Plant SUMMARY: The Economic Development Authority has initiated a program to support facade enhancement. The “Paint, Optimize, Plant” (POP) program will provide grants to qualifying businesses and property owners for street scape improvements. The program will be funded through the EDA with support from the private section, Virginia Main Street and the City. Paul Pallante presented an overview of the program. A funding request from the EDA will be considered in the development of the F.Y. 2020 Budget. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to support the program in theory, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING: SUBJECT: Radford Trading LLC, Special Use Permit SUMMARY: Radford Trading, LLC. has submitted a request to operate a recycling, resource recovery and reclamation operation at 1501 West Main Street. The proposed use would be located in the facility formerly used by New River Castings and would accommodate the processing of electronic and other related materials, including a copper wire chopping line and ferrous and non- ferrous bulk scrap recycling. The property is zoned M-2 Industrial and a Special Use Permit is required for the proposed use. City Council scheduled a public hearing on March 11, 2019. Tommy Bishop, representing Radford Trading, LLC, presented an overview of the project at the City Council meeting on February 25th for informational purposes. The public hearing has been advertised as required. Mayor Horton Opened the Public Hearing at 8:16 Mr. Kendall Clay stated he is an attorney in Radford who own s Kendall Clay, attorney in Radford partner that owns adjoining property to this site. Mr. Clay addressed concerns with the actual permit itself and suggested that the special use permit needs to be clarifies to state that whether or not the plant would be used for processing. Ms. Christine Mitchell expressed concern of the long term effects the facility will have on air quality and the environmental impacts the company will have over time. Mr. Jack Ratcliffe stated he spent a lot of time in those buildings, the air quality concerns would be minimal compared to the air quality the used to occur there. Mr. Ratcliffe pointed out that the company has to listen to federal agencies such as the EPA. Mr. Ratcliffe concluded by stating his support for the Special Use Permit. Mr. Jim Hardy asked if there was an environmental impact study conducted yet and also commented that there is an R2 facility in Bristol and one South of Martinsville. He suggested to conduct an environmental impact study. Mr. Rob Whisinett expressed his concerns over the cleanliness of the recycling facility in Chilhowie and stated he hopes this facility would not have the same problems. Mr. Bobby Phillips questioned the process for separating the wiring. Mayor Horton Closed the Public Hearing at 8:27 *The public hearing was advertised as required. OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding-Radford Heritage Foundation SUMMARY: The Radford Heritage Foundation has 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. Scott Gardner, Executive Director of the Heritage Foundation, presented a report of their accomplishments over the past year, as well as planned activities for F.Y. 2019. The City has budgeted $10,000 to the Heritage Foundation, upon approval of the MOU. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the Radford Heritage Foundation MOU, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding-Radford Chamber of Commerce SUMMARY: The Radford Chamber of Commerce has provided a proposed contract for services to the City of Radford for F.Y. 2019. Generally, services include assistance in economic development, involvement in local government initiatives, fostering of communication, “Festival of Lights” support, promotion of Radford Tourism and business, and increased marketing. A report of activities and program planning has been provided by the Chamber of Commerce with quantitative measures. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve the Radford Chamber of Commerce MOU, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Emergency Medical Services-Ambulance SUMMARY: City Council approved the purchase of a new Ambulance for our Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department in July, 2018. The ambulance will replace a 2008 Ford. The new ambulance cost $270,821 and is being constructed by P.L. Custom Ambulance in New Jersey. The ambulance is scheduled for delivery in March. A grant from the Virginia Rescue Squad Assistance Fund provided $122,604 toward the purchase with the remaining $148,217 to be funded by Capital Lease. It is recommended the ambulance be funded for five years at 4.05% with an annual payment of $33,261.48 with AES Financial. The payment would be structured in the development of the F.Y. 2020 Budget. The new ambulance is expected to have a ten-year life. This company has financed other fire equipment for us in the past. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to approve the Agreement for Ambulance Services Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Anneice Leavy suggested that City Council consider a hard surface parking lot near the gazebo to allow those with mobility problems better access to the special events in the park. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: A vacancy exists on the Social Services Board. The position has been advertised. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to appoint Ms. Stephanie Whitehead, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington NAYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Mayor Horton ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to appoint Ms. Valerie Leake, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Mayor Horton NAYES: Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1702.27-E-Ticket SUMMARY: The Police Department began issuing E-Tickets in 2016 as an alternate to paper tickets and summons improving efficiency of process, as well as reducing time and errors. The City receives a portion of revenue ($5.00) for each ticket under Virginia Law to support the program. The Police Department requested $1,419 from the special revenue account for E-Ticket to purchase additional licenses and equipment associated with the program. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1702.27 on the first reading, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1702.27, Mr. Gropman second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath asked Council to schedule a public hearing for a Special Use Permit for the April 8 meeting. Ms. Huntington made a motion to schedule the public hearing for the April 8 meeting, Mr. Gropman and seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mayor Horton informed the public that there will be a City Council Retreat on March 23, 2019 in the Council Chambers. Mayor Horton also mentioned that there are many events coming up in April for Environmental Awareness Month. Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:01p.m., seconded by Ms. Foster. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, Clerk of Council