City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. September 9, 2019 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 1 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2019-2020 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, and Ms. Naomi Huntington. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy Clerk 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 Ms. Huntington that the minutes for the August 12, 2019 Regular Meeting are approved as amended. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTION: SUBJECT: Service Above Self Citizenship Award SUMMARY: The Resolution recognized Annyce Levy, for her contributions to our community and specifically, her civic engagement, leadership as well as service in many civic organizations. The Resolution reflects the ideas of the Robert Allen Hall Humanitarian Service Award established by City Council in 2011 associated with service and citizenship. The nominee was the Radford P.E.O. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the Resolution as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PRESENTATION: SUBJECT: 2020 United States Census SUMMARY: A presentation was made by Janiele Hamden, Partnership Specialist for the United States Census. The presentation focused on specific local procedural efforts, census importance, promotion and outreach, as well as the overall count process. A local “Complete Count Committee” was requested by the Census staff. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to for City Council to bring nominees for the Complete Count Committee to the September 23 meeting, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: Appointments were needed to the Economic Development related Boards and Commissions to replace the temporary appointment of Basil Edwards, who served while the city hired the Economic Development Director. The positions include Virginia’s First, Onward NRV, and the Airport Commission. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to appoint the Kim Repass to the Virginia’s First, Onward NRV and the Airport Commission, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Mr. Scott Farmer lives at 305 Meadow Ridge and came to Council to express concern over the condition of the water/wastewater line that backs into his home. His home has had sewage back into it before and while crews have worked to find a solution Mr. Farmer is concerned about the long term feasibility of the system in place. Mr. Farmer has requested for a plan and timeline to be development to create a permeant solution. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Public Input CDBG CAPER PY 2018 SUMMARY: The Virginia Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that a “Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report” (CAPER) for the City of Radford be available for public comment. The Program Year 2018 report has been prepared, as required and illustrates project funding for the Section 108 Loan Payment, housing assistance, sub-recipients as well as emergency housing needs. The comprehensive program was implemented with $214,992 in Community Development Block Grant funding. The CAPER is available for public inspection at the Library, City Administration Office and the City Website. SUBJECT: Bucket Truck-Award Contract SUMMARY: An Aerial Device/Bucket Truck was programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2020 Annual Budget for the Electric Department. The Department procured a truck through Sourcewell, a state contract provider, for a 2019 Altec Aerial Device with Cab/Chassis. The proposal meets all specifications. The cost of the truck is $215,921 and does not require an Appropriation. The truck will replace a 2008 unit. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to award the contract to Altec Aerial Device, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Award Contract-Wastewater Line Department Camera SUMMARY: The Water/Wastewater Lines Department uses a pipe line video system extensively to inspect, evaluate and solve problems related to sanitary sewer lines. The cameras are helpful in finding blockages, determining repair needs, as well as do system planning. The system currently in use has surpassed its expected life and has functional issues. Bids have been received from Virginia Public Works equipment Company and MSC Equipment, Inc. Based on the service needs, quality and durability the video system, Envirosight Rover X, proposal by Virginia Public Works Equipment Company is recommended. The cost of the pipe line video system is $74,639 and is higher than the proposal of MSC Equipment, but meets all of the City’s specifications, is upgradable for the future, has laser profiling and digital technology. The Company also provides training and technical support, as well as has a proven relationship with the City. No Appropriation is required, since funds are available in the F.Y. 2020 “Equipment Budget” for the Department ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to award the contract Virginia Public Works Equipment Company for the Envirosight Rover X, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Ordinance 1716-Humphry Property SUMMARY: Three parcels of property totaling .45 acres, located adjacent to Bisset Park, has been offered to the City of Radford for purchase Humphrey Properties, LLC. The parcels have supported auxiliary needs for events in Bisset Park over the past decade. The purchase supports recreation, riverfront protection and public open space needs. The property has been surveyed and appraised. The purchase price is $14,500. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to approve Ordinance 1716 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: Mr. Gropman made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Ordinance 1716, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Resolution-Design Contract McHarg Elementary School SUMMARY: City Council asked the School Board to advance the design phase of the McHarg Elementary School renovation and additions. The estimated $14.8 million project includes mechanical, structural and physical design, as well as design work associated with parking lots, new building construction for gymnasium, cafeteria, kindergarten wing and new entrances. The School Boardselected the firm of Thompson and Litton to provide architectural and engineering services during the planning and design phase of the project. The firm was selected from a pool of nine proposals and three interviews by a “Selection Proposal Team” made up of the School Board, teachers, parents, students and administration. The resolution reflects City Council’s commit to public education, quality school facilities and the School Board contract with Thompson and Litton. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the Resolution as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Ordinance Defining Citizen SUMMARY: City Council has expressed interest in considering a more descript definition of “citizen” when making appointments to boards and commissions, that are not “State” code defined. A draft has been provided for your review and consideration as prepared by the City Attorney. DISCUSSION: Ms. Huntington stated that at this time Council needs more information before proceeding. Ms. Huntington cautioned against changing policy and code and over legislating. Ms. Huntington stated that advisory member’s expertise is invaluable and more information from other localities on how they handle their boards and commissions would be helpful before making a decision. Dr. Harshberger stated that as a City we need to be careful about what message we are sending; as a City we are thinking more regionally. As a city we need to make sure through this we are sending the right message to those in and surrounding our community. Ms. Foster thinks that City Council needs to have a broader perspective on who is allowed to serve on a board or commission and therefore have a broader view of the word citizen. Ms. Foster stated there are members of our community who have a vested interest in serving on different boards and commission and should be allowed to do so. Mr. Gropman stated that he does not think we should craft policy on a hope and that the Boards and Commissions members need to be residents/taxpayers in the City of Radford. Mayor Horton stated that whatever Council decides needs to be consistent across the board and that it might be a good idea to reach out to chairpersons of boards and commissions to get their opinions. Ms. Huntington concluded by saying that serving on a Board or Commission is a great service to the City, but yet a privilege and that the City gets great benefit from the member, but also the member gets a chance to build experience and learn about City and value from the service. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to table discussion of this ordinance, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1713.08 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 $10,000 from the special revenue account for E-Ticket to purchase additional licenses and equipment associated with the program. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1713.08 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 Appropriation Ordinance 1713.08, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1713.09 SUMMARY: The Police Department requested use of a portion of its State “Asset Forfeiture” dollars for use in the purchase of vehicle equipment, safety equipment for officers and repairs of current equipment. The request is for $64,971. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1713.09 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: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1713.09, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated that the community has doubled in size since Council last met. Mr. Ridpath stated that the economy is doing well and that there are a number of upcoming events in October including Highlanders Festival and the Carson’s Courtyard concerts. There are also a number of projects include the Carson’s Courtyard rehab, the triangle transition, as well as progress on the University Drive Bridge Project and Tyler to East Main project. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington reminded everyone about the Train Observatory opening at Glencoe tomorrow. Mr. Gropman thanked Planning Commission for sending him to the Planning Commissioners Training. Mr. Gropman ask if there is a way to begin to cleanup sidewalks and curbing and invested in a painted plan, that might even use the help of the trustees from regional jail. Mr. Gropman asked if the City can send a letter the rental companies to help remind tenants to clean up their up trash, as trash begins to appear again around the University. Mr. Gropman reminded everyone to come out to the Highlanders Festival and ended by saying he was fortunate toi do a ride along Saturday night, and the police department was effective and acted with precision and execution. Mr. Gropman stated that we are all in good hands and he thanks the police department. Mr. Gropman concluded by stating that 18th anniversary of 9/11 is in two days and may we all take time to remember. Dr. Harshberger reminded everyone about the Adopt-A-Spot Program and that when people care about our City we can really see a difference. Ms. Foster dedicated her moment of silence to Beverly Graham. Ms. Foster stated the quote of the day is our bridges are down and the moats are filled in. Ms. Foster asked again for the opportunity to host community meetings. Ms., Foster also went on a ride along with Radford Police Department and wanted to commended the young men and women who have so much character and act with courage and grace in difficult situations. Ms. Foster stated the Heritage Foundation has also been busy and has many upcoming events including an art show, as well as the possibility of a Norfolk and Southern Train display. They are also in the process of a gift shop reconfiguration. Mayor Horton stated ditto on all the awesome everts and things happening in Radford. As new businesses come to town citizens need to get out and support them. Dr. Harshberger made a motion, seconded by Ms. Foster to convene a closed meeting for the purpose of Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and evaluation of performance of departments, under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A) (1). 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 item for which it was convened, Mr. Gropman 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 9:30 p.m., seconded by Mr. Gropman. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, Clerk of Council