City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. October 14, 2019 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 5 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, 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 Ms. Foster and seconded by Dr. Harshberger that the minutes for the September 23, 2019 Regular Meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATION: SUBJECT: Arts and Humanities Month SUMMARY: The month of October is nationally recognized as “Arts and Humanities Month.” The proclamation locally recognizes the significant contributions of art, music, stage and dance to our community, citizens and youth. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Red Ribbon Week SUMMARY: The week of October 23, 2019 through October 31, 2019 is Nationally recognized as “Red Ribbon Week”. The proclamation recognizes the dangers of drugs and the negative impact they have on our society and communities. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: 2020 Census Complete Count Committee SUMMARY: A presentation was made by Janiele Hamden, Partnership Specialist for the United States Census at the September 9, 2019 meeting. The presentation focused on specific local efforts, census importance, promotion and outreach, as well as the overall count process. A local “Complete Count Committee” was recommended by the Census organizers to assist in the discharge of the Radford Count. Elizabeth Sensabaugh, Vicky Collins, and Robbie Hilton Smith were recommended to join the committee. Mayor Horton also asked the Council for permission to appoint members as more volunteers become available. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to appoint the above members to the complete count committee, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Dr. Harshberger mentioned that the City is interested in building and operating an amphitheater and to keep your ears open for more on that. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1713.12 SUMMARY: The City of Radford received a grant from the Virginia 911 Service Board. The Police Department will use the $3,000 grant for Geographic Information System education and training. No local match is required. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1713.12 on the first reading, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1713.12, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath mentioned that the audit is nearing and that the Fire House project is moving forward, with hopes of presenting a firm to City Council at the November 12 meeting. Mr. Ridpath also mentioned that reassessment is nearing completion and that the VDOT Tyler to East Main project is moving into the design phase. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington mentioned that she participated in the Triathlon for the ACCE program and that it was a great example of what we can do on our riverfront. Ms. Huntington mentioned that she has been doing some research on curbside recycling and recommended that City Council schedule a work session to discuss the program and whether it would be feasible for Radford. Dr. Harshberger stated that he attended the VML conference and attended a seminar on regional airports and that we as a city really need to get behind the expansion of the New River Regional Airport. Dr. Harshberger also mentioned that he attended the National Superintendents Round table on education and creativity and that Radford Schools are doing a great job with this. Ms. Foster dedicated her moment of silence to Forest Nelson. Ms. Foster discussed how the Department of Social Services has a lot of siblings being adopted together and getting the lifetime families they deserve. Ms. Foster discussed several of the topics she learned about at the VML Conference including drainage improvement plans, oyster restoration plans, urban canopy restoration, cable franchising and e-scooters. Ms. Foster mentioned looking into Sister Cities again as well as looking at the Farmers Market coming back under the City’s umbrella. Mayor Horton mentioned that the Highlanders Festival was back on campus and gave a special thanks to all who helped prepare and put on the festival. Mayor Horton mentioned that the Friday Night Jam Sessions are going to continue for a few more weeks. Mayor Horton also mentioned that it would be great to have music every night in the city. Mayor Horton also attended the VML Conference and had very meaningful conversation outside of the session about what each community is doing to enhance their community and that here in Radford we are doing great and good things are happening. Mayor Horton stated that the City would like to have an ampitheatre, but will need the right person to manage and run the facility. Mayor Horton mentioned looking into the healthy eating and active lifestyle program the state runs and see if that is something the City can take place in. Mayor Horton congratulated the Golf Team for winning state and concluded by saying good things are happening in Radford and we need to continue to promote that. Ms. Foster made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m., seconded by Ms. Huntington. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, Clerk of Council