City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. January 11, 2021 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 13 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, and Mr. Forrest Hite. Ms. Huntington participated remotely. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Mrs. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy Clerk OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Ordinance 1746- 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. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve the Ordinance on the first reading, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Ordinance 1746, Mr. Burress 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: Vacation of Right of Way-Scott Hill SUMMARY: Scott Hill has requested the vacation of an unopened portion of Sixth Street adjacent to property he owns between 604 and 504 Robertson Street. The right-of-way is topographically challenged and would not be opened as a street and it does not contain any utilities per our staff evaluation. The applicant has paid the $800 application fee. A public hearing was held on February 24, 2020 with no comments or objections. Action has been on hold during the COVID-19 outbreak. A Board of Viewers was appointed on August 19, 2020 to review the request and make a recommendation. The Board of Viewers has met and provided their findings associated with the petition concerning topography, property impact and utilities. ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to accept the report from the Board of Viewers, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Chamber of Commerce Memorandum of Understanding SUMMARY: The Radford Chamber of Commerce has provided a proposed contract for services to the City of Radford for F.Y. 2021. Generally, services include assistance in economic development, involvement in local government initiatives, fostering of communication, “Festival of Lights” support, promotion of Radford Tourism and business, and increased marketing. A report will be provided at the meeting ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve the 2021 Chamber of Commerce MOU, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update SUMMARY: A brief update of the Coronavirus was provided. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.22 SUMMARY: The Governor allocated $100 million of State Cares Act funding to provide relief to customers experiencing difficulty in making utility payments associated with electric, water and wastewater services. The City has received $182,159 after making application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for customer accounts specifically impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic. The funds were not programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2021 Budget, therefore requiring appropriation. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.22 on the first reading, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.22, Mr. Burress seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath said happy new year to all and moving fast into the F.Y. 22 budget year. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington stated Monday is Martin Luther King Junior Day, there is a virtual ceremony on Sunday at 3:30. Ms. Foster stated to still shop local and enjoy our local restaurants. Mr. Hite took a moment to remember Senator Chafin. Mr. Burress happy new year everyone and reminded everyone there are resources out there for those that need help and reminded everyone to remain diligent as COVID-19 is still out there. Mr. Burress informed everyone that BT’s has breakfast so get out and enjoy it. Mayor Horton mentioned Radford restaurant week as a part of Winterfest. Mayor Horton mentioned Martin Luther King Jr. Day and that all who can participate in an act of service. Times have been tough, but Radford has rallied. Mr. Burress made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. seconded by Mr. Hite. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Wilder, City Clerk