City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. November 12, 2019 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 7 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 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 Ms. Foster and seconded by Ms. Huntington that the minutes for the November 12, 2019 Regular Meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 REPORT: SUBJECT: Agency on Aging SUMMARY: Shannon Hamonds, representing the Executive Director of the Agency on Aging, provided a report to City Council on the Agency’s activities and program usage. OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Ordinance 1720 SUMMARY: The Virginia General Assembly enacted new legislation regulating motorized skateboard, bicycles and scooters on public property. The legislation was predicated on the growth of the “Pedestrian Motorized Transportation” business sector. The State requirements established two needed local actions…Amend Chapter 55, Article IV of the Radford City Code pertain to motorized pedestrian transportation “use”. Action was taken by City Council on November 11, 2019 to defer Ordinance #1719 associated with “use” requirements. The second action is to adopt an Ordinance regulating motorized skateboards, bicycles and scooters “for hire”. The Ordinance places controls on motorized skateboard, bicycles and scooters that may be hired for transportation purposes. Ordinance provisions includes overall regulations, expectations of the “scooter” provider, enforcement and penalties. Action was taken by City Council on November 11, 2019 to approve Ordinance #1720. The first reading was approved with three affirmative votes. The second reading was deferred to December 9, 2019 to further discuss Ordinance modifications, details and expectations. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to amend the Ordinance to include a line stating that if vehicles are left in the river it is the companies responsibility to remove the vehicle within 48 hours, the motion was seconded by Ms. Foster. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to pass Ordinance 1720 on the second reading, as amended, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Mr. Seth Criner spoke in favor of Radford becoming a Second Amendment Sanctuary City. Mr. Criner spoke about how the legislation is letting hearts rule over logic and that the legislation will create an increase in crimes, as well as nullifies the intent of the founding fathers. Mr. Corey Shepesy stated that he is a Marine Veteran and he swore an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution. Mr. Shepesy thanked the police department for providing a police presence every day in our schools since Sandy Hook. Mr. Shepesy stated that we cannot continue to live in fear or let fear trump logic. This legislation will make law abiding citizens felons and Radford needs to pledge to become a Sanctuary City to protect that. Mr. Jodi Piles stated that it is unfortunate that today our local governments have to meet to decide whether to side with the Constitution or the people they were sworn into represent. These laws that are past will only protect those who are law abiding. Mr. Piles sated that he understands we are a Dillion Rule State and cannot do much against the legislation, but Mr. Piles urges Council to side with the people who trusted you enough to elect you and send Richmond and the Governor a loud message this legislation is unacceptable. Mr. Aaron Gleason said he would like to express the same sentiment as the last few speakers. Mr. Gleason encouraged Council to pass and make Radford a second amendment sanctuary city and urged Council to consider what happens if Radford is not one. Mr. Gleason stated that there will likely be backlash and boycott by gun owners of City restaurants, and businesses which will result in a loss of revenue to Radford. Mr. Frank Matthews recounted a story of a friend who turned down an opportunity to speak at Radford University because he could not carry a gun. Mr. Matthews wondered what made his friend feel he had to have one, what could we do to make him feel safer, is doing nothing the only answer. Mr. Larry Bernath served in the military during the Vietnam era and received training on multiple guns and military weapons. Mr. Bernath stated that guns are a divisive issue in our society, citizens fall at both ends and all over the middle of the spectrum and adopting Radford as a Second Amendment Sanctuary will not represent all citizens. Citizens have the right to express opinions in the state government who will take up this questions in the near future. Ken Alderman spoke in favor of second amendment sanctuary city. Mr. Alderman looked back to the founding fathers for guidance on this issue. Mr. Alderman quoted Thomas Jefferson and his stance on governments regulating citizens owning guns. Mr. Carson Poole spoke in favor over supporting the second amendment. Mr. Poole stated that the citizens need Council’s voice to reach up. Mr. Poole stated even his neighbors have been talking about this and how they have each other’s back on the issue and would be there to have each other back if something bad happened. Mr. Poole stated he has a lot of respect for this community and that there is nothing wrong with good guys having gun, it is always the bad guys that punish everybody. Mr. William Lawson stated that guns are necessary for our welfare. It does not promote welfare by depriving citizens of their right to bear arms and defend themselves. Council should decline to enforce the laws, if passed in the General Assembly. Ms. Anna Wetxel Rucker stated the following. I have been a citizen of the City of Radford for over 26 years. I wanted to speak tonight and bring up points from a Domestic Violence point of view. The main question Survivors of Domestic Violence have is; where are their Abusers getting their guns. Currently there's no federal laws for Domestic Gun Violence. Virginia; however, does have a specific law for Domestic Gun Violence already, because Domestic Violence IS unconstitutional too. The Virginia Law states: “...it is illegal for someone to purchase or transport any firearm if there is an emergency, preliminary or final protective order issued against him/her due to: Family abuse; An act of violence, force or threat; Protective order as a part of a divorce An order issued due to abuse/neglect of a child; Or a similar restraining order as any of the above that was issued by another state” Although there are protective and restraining orders in domestic violence cases, these pieces of paper do not help the Domestic Abuse Survivor unless they are enforced. We could use more funds; ENFORCING these restraining orders, securing Women’s shelters with a gated and keyed entries, enforcing and convicting the illegal sales of guns on the streets, within the Domestic Violence court cases. “...1 in 3 women will experience Domestic Violence in their lifetime; but, 3 women on average are murdered by their husband or boyfriend everyday”, (act.liveyourdream.org). After all the gun that was held to my head by my ex-husband, my abuser, while I had a restraining order, here in the City of Radford over 16 years ago, that gun was bought illegally on the streets. I was too terrified to call the police as my abuser threatened me and more importantly, he threatened my sons; who were children at the time. In closing, I feel strongly that we focus on; supporting the enforcement of the CURRENT Domestic Gun Violence Laws. Domestic Violence is unacceptable and it’s unconstitutional. Mr. Gary Harris stated he is not speaking for the VFW, but for We the People that like the second amendment. Mr. Harris stated one of his best friend was killed in Vietnam, but had he been alive today he would have been right here with him. Mr. Harris stated we have been fighting for our freedom and that he is worried not only about this legislation, but also about our country. Mr. Harris concluded by saying God help this city, our Country and we the people will continue to fight. Mr. Greg Sherman stated that we are touched by acts of gun violence and he proceeded to tell one a personal story about how complex this issue is. Mr. Sherman stated that he has a family member who suffered from mental illness and decided to acquire a gun legally and gunned down her boss in the workplace, the boss survived. Sensible legislation examining this family member’s want to acquire a gun in the first place is the one thing that could have stopped this, mental health legislation and sensible gun legislation in necessary. However, Council should not put a label on something that is far too complex. Ms. Carol Colby stated that idea of passing a resolution to declare Radford a second amendment sanctuary city appears to be a highly irregular use of City Council time. There are processes for that and citzens should elect different representatives in the General Assembly if they do not agree with this legislation. The legality of the legislation can also be challenges. Council cannot control this legislation and the resolution would not be worth the paper it is written on. Ms. Colby stated that her son stated that his classroom would be the first one a gunman went into based on it’s location. Mr. Mike Godheart stated that he is pro second amendment. He stated that media sensationalized the mass shooting stories. Presence of a firearm prevents crime from happening and that two million times a year guns are used for personal protection. Mr. Luke McCoy stated he is extremely passionate about the issue. He is the president of the Pulaski County Gunman Sporting and Hunting Club and this legislation would make him and his fellow club members felons Mr. McCoy stated he moved to the mountains of Southwest Virginia to teach his kids how and be able to use firearms safely. Instead of this legislation we should be teaching people the safe use and handling of firearms. Being a second amendment sanctuary is about citizens being able to protect themselves against who they want to, how they want to, against anyone who comes at them. Ms. Carol Andrews spoke in favor of becoming a Second Amendment Sanctuary City. Ms. Andrews stated she is a law abiding concealed carry permit holder and has a gun for her protection. She stated that a lot of what happens in society is not a gun problem, but a head and heart problem. Mr. Lawrence Buzzard stated he has been in Radford City since1969. He stated he was watching The Little Rascals with his grandkids and they could not believe the children were running around without their parents. A lot of things have changed since when he was a kid and he owns firearms to protect himself. Mr. Buzzard stated that making criminals out of good people is not addressing the problem. Mr. Ben Buzzard stated he has heard the statistics about more people killed with hands, fists, hammers than rifles. Mr. Buzzard stated that all anyone here is looking for is reassurance from City Council. This legislation is leaving a lot of people feeling exposed and not protected. We are scared we are not going to have an opportunity to vote out these representatives before becoming felons. This is going to hurt local businesses like Alexander Arms and the citizens are coming to Council looking for reassurance of protection. Mr. Andrew Crane spoke about the financial concern this is going to have on Radford if Radford goes against the proposed legislation. Mr. Crane explained and read State Code regarding being a Dillon rule state and firearms. Mr. Crane stated that Council should consult with legal counsel before voting and exposing the City to any financial impact refusing to enforce this legislation might have on Radford. Ms. Zoey Tapp stated that she is a student at Radford High School and stated that it disappoints her to be here today. She stated that the people who are supposed to be adults cannot get over their politics and find a solution. Ms. Tapp stated she feels like a prisoner in her own school because of all the locked doors and lockdown drills. Children deserve a life and education that is not filled with fear. If Council goes against gun legislation passed in the state it will send a message that laws do not matter, do not consider this. Ms. Carly Terry stated that being a student today with the threat of guns is scary. Students need to be able to learn in an environment that feels safe. If VA passes any sort of gun control law, the City should not block it. Ms. Terry read the names of many of the schools that had Mass School Shootings, she then stated that she does not want Radford to be on this list and to not put guns before the lives of children. Mr. Chris Calfee stated that he is a legal concealed carry holder and has never caused any harm to anyone with use of his firearm. Mr. Calfee stated he is what this law is turning into a felon. The language in the legislation is more verbose than the second amendment. Mr. Calfee encouraged Council to remember their oath of office and the citizens in front of them and do not turn citizens into felons. Anonymous: Stated he is for the second amendment need something to protect himself with and that is the reason he is here. Mr. Jeff Martin thanked the students from Radford High School for speaking. He understands their concerns about the safety of our schools; however, there are millions who died fighting wars for freedoms we have in this country today. This is not about the guns, it about the government coming to take away a right that was given to citizens from the beginning. Citizens are looking for Council to protect them and also saying that if they cannot do it then maybe someone in this group can do it or will do in the coming years. Mr. Martin stated to not come after our bibles, children, and guns. Ms. Betty Jones stated that at this point we don’t know what legislation may or may not be passes and cautioned against taking action that might put the City in an adversarial relationship with the State. Ms. Jones encouraged Council to take no action that might limit the City’s ability to respond to the legislation in an informed and appropriate manner. Ms. Stacy Taylor stated that tonight she wanted to start off by talking about the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms, she stated this right belongs to individuals for self- defense. Ms. Taylor stated that we are those individuals and that the banning or removing of certain guns or weapons will only cause more problems. Ms. Taylor stated that the cities with the toughest gun laws have the highest crime rate per capita. Ms. Taylor also read statistic stating what causes of death in order of most deaths. Mr. Frank Napolitano stated that the beauty of our country is we can disagree with each other and still be neighbors. Mr. Napolitano understands that a lot of his neighbors carry guns and I respect that. I do believe that votes matter and the right to vote is just as important as the right to bear arms. If you want to change the laws, you have to vote in the representatives you believe will enact those laws. City Council cannot and does not have the authority to forgo laws that are passed by the legislature and citizens do not either. There is a constitutional way to go about disagreeing and changing laws and this is not the right way to do so. Mr. Jim McCandlish stated that he is not a gun owner and never has been, but appreciates and respects those who want to use and own guns. Mr. McCandlish stated that this movement is perhaps supposed solution that is looking for a problem; the General Assembly has not yet met and this is putting the cart before the horse and is not a good idea. Mr. McCandlish stated that no part of our constitution is an absolute, there are limitations that can be placed. We as Americans need to find sensible ways to deal with these issues, there is a poll from Roanoke College, majority of surveyed Virginians back controlled measures. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: RESOLUTION SUMMARY: A contract was awarded to Stewart Cooper Newell Architects at the November 11, 2019 City Council meeting to do a planning and feasibility study for the Fire and EMS facility needs. The project will include a planning, evaluation and preliminary design for renovating and/or expanding the existing facility on Wadsworth Street, as well as a conceptual look at the feasibility of a second station in the more densely populated area around the University. A detailed design will be conducted in the second phase of the project with the possibility of seeking bids and proceeding with construction within the next twelve to eighteen months. A bond may be required on the project for financing. In order for the City to recover its cost on the planning and design work, a “Reimbursement Resolution” is required for an amount not to exceed $4 million. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the Resolution as presented, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: City Council appointments are needed to the Recreation Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1713.19 SUMMARY: Private donations are made to Radford Animal Control each year. The funds are used to support vaccinations for adopted animals, as well as purchase micro-chips and assist with animal medical costs. The fund total $5,564 and must be appropriated for expenditures. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1713.19 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 1713.19, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1713.20 SUMMARY: The Radford Tourism Department has received a grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation in the amount of $10,000. The grant was awarded for a collaboration effort with Pulaski County and the Town of Pulaski to celebrate 400 years of Virginia history. The funds will be provided to four organizations promoting history, education and tourism. Radford’s portion of the grant is $1,950 to support a special event associated with Mary Draper Ingles. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1713.20 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: Ms. Huntington made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1713.20, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: RESOLUTION SUMMARY:. TechLab requested combination of both Lots 11 and 12 in the Radford Industrial Center, into one lot to allow their business to expand to meet current business demands. The resolution outlines the details of the lot combination and the agreement with the City. ACTION: Mayor Horton 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 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated that lots of holiday things have been happening around the City, including the Holiday parade, Tree Lighting and Glencoe Open House. Mr. Ridpath stated that RU graduation is Saturday and a lot of projects including the Triangle lot are beginning to finish up. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington said: I’d like to begin by thanking everybody who has reached out to me to have conversations about the second amendment sanctuary cities and why they feel they are necessary. I’ve had a number of conversation with people that have been very productive, and they have helped me have a broader perspective on this issue than I’ve had in the past. More importantly, these conversations have led me to believe that we have far more similar goals in common than it sometimes seems, and if we are willing to put in the hard work of admitting where we may be wrong, acknowledging room for compromise, and truly listening to the concerns that other people have, I believe we can make Virginia a safer place, while also preserving the liberties that are fundamental to all of us and guaranteed by the Constitution. Many people have asked that the City of Radford adopt a resolution that makes us a second amendment sanctuary city. Although there is no such resolution before us tonight, I have read these suggested resolutions. Like all of you, I have also followed this issue on the news and on social media. There has been quite a bit of discussion over these issues, and I believe that has led to a number of misconceptions. I’m hearing some of these tonight. I’d like to read one comment here as an example of such a misunderstanding. This was in response to my question of what effect this type of resolution would have in Radford. She wrote: “One thing the resolutions will do, is IF the bill passes in January, protect gun owners from being prosecuted, thus becoming felons and losing their right to vote! It will also send a clear message to Richmond that we have NO intention of enforcing ANY unconstitutional law!” Just to begin with, I’d like to point out that the suggestion that the city council may determine who is and who is not prosecuted is fundamentally false. We have no authority over the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. The Constitution of Virginia, the laws of this Commonwealth, and our own city charter ensure that the decision of who is prosecuted is left out of the hands of the city council, as it should be. I swore to uphold the entire Constitution, and part of that means the division of powers. The suggestion that we, as a council, could choose not to prosecute someone, because we passed a resolution declaring this city to be a second amendment sanctuary, is simply wrong. I would also like to address the suggestion that we, as a council, get to determine whether or not a bill, passed by the state legislature and signed into state law, is constitutional. That is not for us to decide. That will be for the courts to determine. As a criminal defense attorney, I could very easily find myself on the front lines of that fight. If I find myself representing someone who has been prosecuted under a brand new law that potentially infringes upon the Second Amendment, it will be my duty as their attorney to argue in front of the courts that the law is unconstitutional. That is how laws are challenged. A gentleman tonight said he was looking for reassurance. I will say this: I am proud of our law enforcement officers. I am of the opinion that the City of Radford has some of the most professional law enforcement in the Commonwealth. If the courts determine that a particular law is unconstitutional, I have no doubt that it will not be enforced in the City of Radford. But until that determination is made by the courts, this council cannot simply declare it to be so. That’s not how this government works. As one final point, I’d like to talk to you all about what I think the people in this room can do to impact state legislation. The first thing that I think we should all be doing is sitting down with someone that we know has a difference of opinion. One on one, and not on Facebook, where it is far too easy to make personal attacks against those with whom you have a political disagreement. On a personal note, I will share with you that for me, that person is often my husband. Many of you may be surprised to learn that my family is one that would be affected by some of the bills that have been introduced, as my husband is one of the gun owners in the Commonwealth who could be affected by these bills. Over Thanksgiving, I broke the cardinal rule, and talked politics with a cousin. He is a career law enforcement officer and lifelong gun owner. We acknowledged that there were certain things that we would probably never agree on. We didn’t solve the world’s problems. But as we talked about gun safety legislation, we realized that there were also ideas about firearm safety where we found common ground. We all want to live in a Commonwealth that is safe. Let’s have these hard conversations, and find out where we can agree. Those are the things that our legislators should be focusing on first and foremost. I find that those conversations are far more powerful than any symbolic gesture this council could enact. I know, because they have opened my own mind. Thank you, again, to everyone who has come out tonight. Thank you for helping me have a broader perspective on this issue. I look forward to continued conversations about how we can make Virginia and the City of Radford a safer place for us all. I pledge to discuss this issue with every single person who reaches out to me. We’ll sit down. It may take a while, but I am happy to do it. Thank you. Mr. Gropman stated: First of all I would like to thank all of our speakers tonight. While the voting booth is usually where most think democracy happens, it can also happen in council chambers all across this great country. In Thomas Jefferson’s’ “the commonplace book” he quoted Italian criminologist Cesare Beccaria, “the laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes… such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man” We are here tonight and in the coming months, because of the potential new laws which governor Northam and the now majority in the state house may do to our federally protected 2nd amendment rights. “shall not be infringed” was written by James Madison, a Virginian and founding father. Madison made sure that the 2nd amendment was enshrined into our bill of rights. With the stroke of a pen, some Richmond lawmaker’s attempts to classify, 2.5 million Virginians and thousands of Radford citizens, as felons overnight is an outright obscenity. Doctors, lawyers, judges, pilots, veterans, police officers, firemen, delivery drivers, bankers and many, many more might have their lively hoods placed in jeopardy, for something they have cherished for over 240 years. I fully recognize that the resolutions pertaining to the sanctuary city laws are largely just a political statement from participating jurisdictions and may not hold up in a court of law, but by adopting such a resolution sends a message to the governor that he cannot just moonwalk over the constitution of the united states. The draconian laws proposed by the new majority are an insult to the law abiding citizens of this city and state. Governor Northam could end this debate right now- however his deafening silence gives us a glimpse of his intentions. Patrick henry, another Virginian, argued “are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction, and having them under the management of congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands? After Heller and after McDonald the supreme court heard Caetano vs Massachusetts. In 2016 the courts reaffirmed “that the 2nd amendment extends, prima facie, to all instruments that constitute bearable arms, even those that were not in existence at the time of the founding and that the 2nd amendment right is fully applicable to the states”. The legal precedent has been established the states cannot usurp the constitution. Let me emphatically say that myself and no other law abiding citizen wishes harm on anyone especially with the use of a firearm. Absolutely no one wants these senseless tragedies to occur. But if this debate was truly about death and violence and not about control than we would have to take a look at banning knives, bats, hammers, vehicles or even water since more than 1,000 children perish a year by drowning, from the American academy of pediatrics in a cnn article from July 2019. Our modern world is rife with danger. Ben franklin wrote” those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety”. Our liberty and freedoms are an essential component to the united states success. The 10th amendment to the bill of rights gives power to the states- of all other regulation save the amendments and the constitution. States have the right to regulate the bats, knives, hammers and vehicles if they so choose, since these items are clearly not in the constitution. The firearm phobia does not out way the federally protected rights of our citizens of this city or this state. Samuel Adams, a Bostonian, said it best “the constitution be never construed to authorize congress to infringe the just liberty of the press, or the rights of conscience; or to prevent the people of the united states, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms” As a firearm owner and a concerned citizen of the city of Radford, I will proudly stand with the law abiding firearm owners of Radford and the commonwealth of Virginia and make a motion to adopt the resolution for sanctuary city status with the amendments changing the county language to include the city of Radford in its place. I will close with a quote from Abraham Lincoln. He said “we the people are the rightful masters of both congress and the courts, not to overthrow the constitution, but to overthrow the men who would pervert the constitution” Mr. Gropman made a motion to Adopt a Second Amendment Sanctuary City Resolution. The motion died, due to no second. Dr. Harshberger stated that he was not going to second the motion because Council does not vote on items which are not on the agenda and that do not have unanimous or near unanimous support. Dr. Harshberger stated his personal views on gun legislation and that he is in favor of banning assault weapons and creating tougher mental health and background check regulations for purchasing of firearms. Dr. Harshberger stated is not in favor of limiting freedom of responsible adult citizens and not in favor of removing guns or making public spaces gun free zones. Ms. Foster stated that she dedicated her Moment of Silence to her mother in law Jan Foster. Ms. Foster stated that as you can see the room is divided and Council is divided on this issue; however, Council was not voted in to make these decisions, but rather decisions regarding zoning, fire station feasibility and how to make Radford the best place for our citizens. Ms. Foster stated that her personal opinion is really irrelevant because at the end of the day this decision does not affect the quality of life here in Radford. Council will continue to focus on what you voted us in to do and remember to vote locally, vote on the state level and vote federally to have your voice heard. Also, please sign up for Boards and Commissions and we will hopefully see you all more often. Mayor Horton stated that he appreciates each and every one for coming out tonight. Getting up to speak is not easy to do and it may make it difficult to have conversations with neighbors, but I encourage you to do so, having these conversations is important. As a Council, we will share the addresses of our delegate and senator in the General Assembly and also send to them the minutes, audio, and video of this meeting so we can carry your voice to them. This Second Amendment Sanctuary really concerns me. There is a lot with it that could be a negative for Radford. For someone to have the perception that a law didn’t apply to them could cause great harm to you and others in the community. Mayor Horton stated that he will uphold the constitution of the commonwealth and the United States and it is the whole Constitution, if we diminish one piece, we diminish all of it. There is a process for how we address things, share your thoughts with your delegates and senators and we as a Council will share them on your behalf. For those of you looking for reassurance, we will protect all of your rights, not just a portion of your rights, there are many things we are all passionate about, some in this room are probably not happy with this outcome, while other are probably very happy and that is the beauty of our diverse community. Mayor Horton stated this is the time of year where we should be coming together, Friday was beautiful because I saw the unity in our community, all of us are smarter than any one of us. Have a wonderful holiday season, please support our local businesses, shop and eat local and help out the people in our community. Ms. Foster made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m., seconded by Ms. Huntington. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, Clerk of Council