City Council

The New River City 10 Robertson St. May 11, 2020 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 20 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2019-2020 The special meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 10 Robertson Street, Radford, VA. The Mayor of the City, Raymond David Horton, as well as all other members of City Council were present VIA ZOOM were Mrs. Jessie Foster, Mr. Robert Gropman, and Dr. Richard Harshberger. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Mrs. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy City Clerk Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Horton led citizens in a moment of reflection. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Dr. Harshberger and seconded by Ms. Foster that the minutes for the April 20, 2020 Meeting are approved as amended and the minutes for the April 27, 2020 meeting are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 JOINT PUBLIC HEARING: SUBJECT: Ordinance 1731: Flood Plain Revisions SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Association requires that local floodplain Ordinances and mapping be updated periodically. Ordinance #1731 amends Ordinance #1611 establishing the floodplain districts of the Zoning Ordinance. The Flood Ordinance is established to provide safety from a floodway, facilitate the provisions of flood protection, as well as protect against loss of life, health or property from a flood. An overview of the ordinance includes provisions associated with administering the ordinance, uses and construction in flood prone areas, permitting and variances, as well as enforcement provisions. Mayor Horton asked Mr. Howard to confirm there was a quorum of the Planning Commission present. Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 5:14 p.m. No Public Comments. The Planning Commission conducted their meeting and made a recommendation to City Council to approve Ordinance 1731 as presented. Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 5:24 p.m. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Ordinance 1731: Flood Plain Revisions SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Association requires that local floodplain Ordinances and mapping be updated periodically. Ordinance #1731 amends Ordinance #1611 establishing the floodplain districts of the Zoning Ordinance. The Flood Ordinance is established to provide safety from a floodway, facilitate the provisions of flood protection, as well as protect against loss of life, health or property from a flood. An overview of the ordinance includes provisions associated with administering the ordinance, uses and construction in flood prone areas, permitting and variances, as well as enforcement provisions. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to accept the recommendation from the Planning Commission, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Ordinance 1731 on the first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Ordinance 1731, Mr. Gropman seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, , Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: CDBG Amendment SUMMARY: The City of Radford will receive an additional $105,448 of support for our CDBG initiatives as a result of federal CARES funding associated with the Coronavirus pandemic. The F.Y. 2017-2021 five-year plan requires amending and update to account for the additional funding. Eligible expenditures for the CARES funding includes programs that eliminate slum and blight, meet an urgent need or benefit low and moderate income people. The Amendment proposal increases funding in the 2019 CDBG Action Plan to support the Homeless Intervention Program administered by the New River Community Action ($42,700), rental, mortgage and utility assistance provided by the Women’s Resource Center ($15,000), as well as provide meals in conjunction with the Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread ($42,700) and the Bobcat Backpack Program ($10,000). We will also provide a portion of the funds to support emergency response and supplies to COVID-19 by the City ($44,393). The amendment revises the original plan total to $315,182. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the CDBG Action Plan with the CARES Amendment, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Lodging Tax PH SUMMARY: The Transient Lodging Tax was established in 2007 by Ordinance #1554 based on Virginia Code Section 58.1-3840. The rate has been 6%. City Council requested that a rate increase to 8% be developed for consideration. Ordinance #1732 updates the provisions of the tax on hotels, motels and other lodging facilities, as well as increases the tax imposed on these facilities from 6% to 8%. ACTION: Mr. Gropman made a motion to schedule a Public Hearing for the June 8, 2020 meeting, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Foster dedicated her moment of silence to two teenage brothers in Alexandria, Virginia diagnosed with COVID-19. Ms. Foster also stated that she is looking for areas of sunshine during these times and wanted to give a shout out to Lauri Murphey for creating and making RadMasks. Ms. Foster stated that the Registrar has been busy doing all he can to keep voters safe and constructed shields for the voting sites. Ms. Foster suggested everyone check out Glencoe Mansion Museum and Gallery on Facebook to learn more about Radford’s history and in exciting news the RHS Senior Banners are going up around town. Mr. Gropman read the following poem in honor of Police Week: “Each day they risk their lives For those they have not met They fight for what’s right They’re sworn to serve and protect Their families often wonder “Will my loved one come home tonight?” Or was that hug the last as I said, “Have a good night.” They come when you need help And they take constant abuse And yet, no matter what They would lay down their life for you Remember they are human With their own hopes and dreams They have families who love them And all they want is peace Don’t ever take them for granted But treat them with respect Thank them for all they do And let us never forget...” Mr. Gropman also mentioned that is National Craft Beer Week and thanked crews for installing the flags on the bridge. Dr. Harshberger mentioned that Kim Repass has a package of information on CARES Funding and if you have any questions you should talk to her. Mayor Horton mentioned the upcoming local election and all the Registrar is doing to make voting safe. Mayor Horton mentioned that National EMS Week is next week and National Police Week is this week. Mayor Horton also stated that West End Wednesdays is doing a Wednesday at home on Facebook this Wednesday from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Mayor Horton stated he is proud of all of our citizens for supporting businesses through COVID- 19 and with some businesses reopening on Friday we need to continue to support businesses while practicing social distancing. Mayor Horton stated the Regional Commission put together a document Working Smart. Working Safe. to help guide businesses through reopening. Mayor Horton reminded the community to be patient and steadfast in what you are doing and support others where you can. Mayor Horton also mentioned that Laurie Buchwald will have an updated on the annual Memorial Day Service in the coming week. Mr. Gropman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m. seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster Mr. Gropman, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: Jennifer G. Wilder, Clerk of Council