City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. March 25, 2019 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 18 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. Melissa Skelton, Community Development Director Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Horton led citizens in a moment of reflection. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Gropman and seconded by Dr. Harshberger that the minutes for the March 11, 2019 Regular Meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATION: SUBJECT: Environmental Awareness Month SUMMARY: April is Nationally recognized as “Environmental Awareness Month”. The Proclamation recognizes the importance of the Earth’s environment through educational programs, special events, demonstration projects, and clean-up activities. Our staff “Environmental Awareness Committee” has several activities planned for April for citizens to take part. The Proclamation calls on our local citizens to recognize the environment during the month of April. ACTION: Mayor Horton 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 SUBJECT: Earth Day SUMMARY: April 22, 2019 is nationally recognized as “Earth Day”. The local Proclamation encourages citizens to “recycle, reduce and reuse” to promote a healthy environment and a sustainable society. Earth Day will be formally recognized during our Environmental Awareness Month activities. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Arbor Day SUMMARY: April 26, 2019 is nationally recognized as “Arbor Day”. The local Proclamation encourages our citizens to protect our trees and woodlands, as well as recognize the benefits of our forests. Several Arbor Day events are planned by our Public Library, Beautification Commission, and City Horticulturist to heighten awareness of trees and planting in our environment. 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: National Library Week SUMMARY: April 7-13, 2019 is “National Library Week”. The week recognizes the significant contributions that libraries make in meeting the communities’ economic needs, providing a place for education, opportunities for life-long learning, as well as offering a host of community services for citizens of all ages. The Proclamation recognizes “National Library Week” locally, as well as encourages our residents to visit the Radford Public Library. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Local Government Education Week SUMMARY: April 1-7, 2019 has been designated by the Virginia General Assembly as “Local Government Education Week” in honor of the formation of the Council – Manager form of government on April 2, 1908. The Virginia Local Government Manager’s Association (VLGMA) asked that all Virginia localities pass a similar Resolution to increase awareness of students and youth in local government, as well as the career opportunities that are available. 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 SUBJECT: National Service Recognition Day SUMMARY: RSVP of Montgomery County and Radford requested that City Council join in proclaiming April 2, 2019 as “National Service Recognition Day”. The Proclamation illustrates the importance of citizen service, shows support for non-profit and national service groups, recognizes the role that national service members play in focusing community volunteers and inspiring more individuals to serve in our communities. Support of this Proclamation is being sought from Mayors across the country by the Corporation for National and Community service. Council supported the Proclamation in past years. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: National Public Health Week SUMMARY: April 1-7, 2019 is National Public Health Week. The New River Health District is promoting the event to encourage healthy living, wellness behavior and walking challenges. They asked City Council to consider a local Proclamation of the week. ACTION: Ms. Foster 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: National Crime Victim’s Rights Week SUMMARY: The week of April 7-13, 2019 is recognized as “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.” A local proclamation was requested by our Victim Witness Office. The Proclamation calls on our citizens to recognize the emotional, physical, psychological and financial effects of crime on its victims, as well as highlights the programs, service providers and criminal justice professionals who respond to the needs of victims of crime. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PUBLIC HEARING: AT&T Franchise Agreement Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to close the bidding on the franchise agreement, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 *Clerks note the Public Hearing has been advertised as required. OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Special Use Permit-Radford Trading LLC 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. A public hearing was held on March 11, 2019 with several citizens commenting about dust concerns, truck traffic and operational details. General conditions in the resolution include following local, state and federal requirements, all zoning and special use provisions, planning commission approval of a plan of development associated with landscaping, as well as application provisions. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to move the reading of the resolution to the April 8, 2019 meeting, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: AT&T Franchise Agreement SUMMARY: AT&T Mobility Corporation is planning and designing infrastructure improvements associated with the need for enhancement wireless service. The request will include new construction and possible co-location of transmission equipment, wireless support structures and related maintenance. The Virginia Code requires approval of a Franchise agreement within the corporate boundaries as well as open request for additional proposals. City Staff and the City Attorney have been working on the request details with AT&T. The Franchise addresses right-of-way use, facility expectations, maintenance, insurance, infrastructure removal and fees. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve Ordinance 1711 on the first reading, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Ms. Blair Hoke addressed the Radford community and used her moment to thank the residents, colleagues in the economic development industry, and the Radford City Staff for being so welcoming and helping her during her time with the City. Ms. Hoke stated that while her time in Radford was short, she will hold these relationships in her heart. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Special Collection Rates SUMMARY: The month of April is Environmental Awareness Month. To encourage neighborhood clean-up, as well as promote the environment, the City will offer reduced rates for brush and special solid waste collections. The rates for large loads will be reduced to $41.00, small loads to $20.50 and furniture and appliances will be half price for the month of April. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the special collection rates, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: EDA Property Transfer-Ordinance 1712 SUMMARY: The City of Radford and the Economic Development Authority, formerly the Industrial Development Authority, developed the property on the South side of Rock Road at its intersection with West Main Street (US Route 232). In the process of the project, property was transferred to the EDA which has a City power sub-station on it. The Ordinance transfers the .398 Acre parcel back to the City of Radford. ACTION: Mr. Gropman moved to approve Ordinance 1712 on the first reading, Ms. Foster 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 Ordinance 1712, Ms. Foster second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath informed Council that April has many events coming up. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington informed Council of a project coming through the Beautification and Recreation Commissions. The Commissions are working on murals to clean up the graffiti in Wildwood Park and are now soliciting donations for the projects. The Commissions have seen mock ups of the murals and they are beautiful. Ms. Foster stated her moment of silence was dedicated to Mr. Clinton Dunahoe. Ms. Foster encouraged Council to go do the morning announcements at McHarg if they have not yet, as well as visit the fire house with pizza. Ms. Foster mentioned she attended a DSS meeting where the State Commissioner was visiting Radford and she learned a lot of new information. Ms. Foster asked if Council could schedule for Mr. Gabe Martin to come present on Section 8 Vouchers and HUD, as well as if Council would reach out to BAE to meet with the commander quarterly. Ms. Foster requested that the City look into sister cities, and that she will be looking into data center solar farms. Dr. Harshberger mentioned the Council retreat that was held this past Saturday and that it was a wonderful retreat, bursting with ideas. Mayor Horton thanked Council and staff for participation in the retreat and that he is excited Council is on the same page to move Radford in positive directions. Council has a shared vision to attract people to want to be in Radford and Council is ready to tackle challenges and look at opportunities. Mayor Horton listed off many of the upcoming events in Radford and mentioned to stay tuned in to the City’s webpage to see all of the events. Dr. Harshberger made a motion, seconded by Ms. Foster 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). Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to permit the closure of a meeting merely because an attorney representing the public body is in attendance or is consulted on a matter. 2.2-3711 (A) (8). VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to re-convene the regular meeting, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, 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. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.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