City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. December 14, 2020 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 12 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2020-2021 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on December 14, 2020 via ZOOM due to COVID-19. The Mayor of the City, Raymond David Horton, was present and presiding. Other members of City Council present were Mr. Onassis Burress, Ms. Jessie Foster, Mr. Forrest Hite and Ms. Huntington. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Mrs. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton Mr. Michael Bedsaul PRESENTATION SUBJECT: Business Continuity Team SUMMARY: The Business Continuing Team was established by the New River Valley Task Force as a response to COVID-19. The program operates in conjunction with our local health district in providing assistance to businesses impacted by the Coronavirus. Activities includes consultation, cleaning, testing and messaging associated with businesses that have employees that became infected with the virus. Ashley Briggs, program Coordinator, presented an overview of the program, service and level of activity. OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Vacation of Right of Way-Radford University Foundation SUMMARY: The Radford University Foundation has requested the vacation of the right-of-way located between Tyler Avenue and First Avenue and Calhoun Street and Lawrence Street. The vacation is required to support the planning and development of the 125 unit hotel with all amenities, a restaurant and 5000 sq ft conference facility. The relocation of electric utility and sanitary sewer services will be required. The property was rezoned to B-2 General Business to support the development. Public Hearing: Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. No comments Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. *The public hearing was advertised as required. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to accept the report from the Board of Viewers, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to accept the report from the Planning Commission, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to refer the action to the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance for the Vacation, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Telecommunications Working Group SUMMARY: City Council requested that we seek interest from the community in members that would serve on a working group to look at Broadband services. The group would be tasked with evaluating Broadband and wireless availability, accessibility, service providers, as well as speed of service. Fran Eccles, Carl Mitchell and James Radford are all interested in participating and the working group will be formed at the beginning of the year. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Resolution-Riverbend Apartments SUMMARY: SP Riverbend, LLC has requested up to $7,500,000 in Revenue Bonds. The funds are being used for the acquisition, rehabilitation and equipment purchases of property in Radford. The property included in the bond is the 60 unit Riverbend Apartment Complex. The complex is 8.8 acres, contains 15 buildings totaling 64,887 sq ft in area and is located at 108 Midkiff Lane. The loan, available through section 147 (f) and section 15.2-4906 of the Code of Virginia, will provide tax exempt financing associated with the purchase and improvements of the affordable housing complex. The request for project financing has been considered by the Economic Development Authority. The EDA held a public hearing on November 19, 2020 and approved the issuance of a Revenue Bond. Similar bonds have been issued in the past for Willow Woods, New River Garden Apartments and Fairfax Village Apartments. The bond does not constitute a debt, moral obligation by the City of Radford. ACTION: Mr. Horton made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.15 SUMMARY: The Neighbor-to-Neighbor program has been established and used to help citizens with winter utility stabilization. The program has been broadened to specifically help customers specifically impacted by the Coronavirus with utility payment assistance. An Appropriation has been established to provide $70,000 to the program to assist customers impacted by job loss, childcare, and business loss as a result of COVID-19. The funding would be provided from the allocation to Radford under the CARES ACT. An application and information has been prepared by the Department of Social Services. Marketing of the program is underway. ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.15 on the first reading, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.15, Mr. Burress seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.16 SUMMARY: The E-Ticket Program, established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2016, provides Police Officers with an alternate to “paper” tickets and summons. The system has several benefits for our Officers including improved efficiency of process, reduction of time and errors, as well as reduced contract with the public. Since the program reduces officer contact with the public, therefore promoting social distance, reducing the possibility of the spread of COVID-19, CARES ACT funding can be used in E- Ticket support. An Appropriation has been provided in the amount of $26,745 to provide nineteen officer/units with mobile data terminals, scanners, printers, licenses and vehicle mounts. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.16 on the first reading, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.16, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.17 SUMMARY: The Fire and EMS Department needs to replace the dayroom and bunk room furniture. The furniture is getting in poor condition due to extensive use and age. The purchase would be supported from the “Hazardous Materials Operation Fund” and cost $25,000. The furniture is reusable, if the facility is modified in the future. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.17 on the first reading, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.17, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.18 SUMMARY: The Fire and EMS Department have requested $37,000 to purchase manikins for use in CPR and AED training. The manikins will also be used for outside instructional training programs. The source of funds is the “Aid to Localities” account. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.18 on the first reading, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.18, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.19 SUMMARY: The Fire and EMS Department has received a grant in the amount of $7,500 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. The funds will be used to purchase televisions, a projector and technology needed to support the Emergency Operations Center when in use in disaster planning and operations. Matching funds are required and will be provided by in-kind and existing departmental funding. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.19 on the first reading, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.19, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.20 SUMMARY: The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office has been awarded a grant from the Virginia Department of Justice in the amount of $129,410. The funds will be used to support the comprehensive services of the Victim Witness Coordinator located in Radford and a full-time person in Floyd (salary, benefits, travel and office supplies) that assists individuals who have been victims/witnesses of felony or misdemeanor crimes. The program has served the citizens of Radford and Floyd for the past 25 years and served over 569 victims. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.20 on the first reading, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.20, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.21 SUMMARY: The Police Department has requested $77,111 from its Asset for Forfeiture Account. The funds will be used for drug investigations and supplies needed for drug enforcement and training. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.21 on the first reading, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.21, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated staff is focused in on wrapping up the CARES funding. Utility relief program is also underway. The City is preparing for our first winter weather event. Thanks to everyone who is working on the holiday events and all who have tried to make those special during a tough year. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington this is a year of recognizing all the heroes in our community. Ms. Huntington reminded everyone to continue to protect each other and we can see the end in sight, wash your hands, wear your mask, and watch your distance. Joyous and healthy season to all. Ms. Foster extend the moment of silence one of her own children who has COVID. Remind everyone to buy local if you can, maybe even extend gift cards and enjoy the magical season. Mr. Burress stated if you are a small business owner make sure to use the Business Continuity Team resources. Use the neighbor to neighbor program if you need to. Radford Health and Rehab Center are doing a drive for Senior Citizens. Holidays and joyous and depressing, knowing that be aware of one another and aware of the health implications associated with COVID. Happy Holidays to all! Mr. Hite thanked Vicky and David for all their work on the Neighbor to Neighbor program. Shout out to those who set up the Holiday Market this evening and a special shout out to our city staff for all the hard work everyone has put in this year, it is noticed and appreciated. Stay safe Radford and Merry Christmas. Mayor Horton thanked City staff as well. Radford is stepping up to help one another and we should continue to do so. There has been new business opening in Radford. Come out and participate in the Cruise Thru. All of these things are to keep a sense of normalcy in our community through a tough year. Thanks to the colleagues on Council and those running the pop-up market. Mayor Horton mentioned Winterfest! Thank you to everyone and happy holidays to all! Mr. Burress made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 p.m. seconded by Ms. Foster. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Wilder, City Clerk