City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. January 25, 2021 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 14 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 Mr. Michael Bedsaul, City Attorney PUBLIC HEARING: F.Y. 2022 Transit Operating Budget SUMMARY: The City makes an annual application to the Federal Transit Administration for funding to support Radford Transit. The process requires that the public have an opportunity to provide comments on the application and proposed use of the $1,706,238 for Operating, $855,000 for Capital and $72,000 for New Service Connectors of the F.Y. 2020 Budget. A public hearing was scheduled as required. Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:02 No comments Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:08 NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update SUMMARY: A brief update of the Coronavirus testing and vaccination process was provided. SUBJECT: F.Y. 2022 Transit Operating Budget SUMMARY: The City makes an annual application to the Federal Transit Administration for funding to support Radford Transit. The process requires that the public have an opportunity to provide comments on the application and proposed use of the $1,706,238 for Operating, $855,000 for Capital and $72,000 for New Service Connectors of the F.Y. 2020 Budget. A public hearing was scheduled as required. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve the F.Y. 2022 Transit Operating Budget, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.23 SUMMARY: The Sheriff has requested that $17,000 be used from the designated “courtroom security” fund. $12,000 is needed for overtime for Deputies and $5,000 for police related supplies such as tasers and firearms. The equipment is needed to outfit the Deputies for security functions. These are both qualifying uses of the “restricted” funds. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.23 on the first reading, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: ABSTAIN: Mr. Hite ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.23, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ABSTAIN: Mr. Hite SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.24 SUMMARY: Donations have been made to the TRIAD program. The $1,400 was used to support thirty-six gift boxes for Radford Senior Citizens. The donation was not programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2021 Budget, therefore requiring appropriation for expenditures. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.24 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 1726.24, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated the City is hoping to begin spring cleanup as the winter weather winds down. Good things coming Radford’s way this spring including the LOVE letters and bike repair station. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Huntington suggested citizens send their ideas for the budget into the Council members as budget season ramps up. Ms. Foster moment of silence was dedicated to a Radford resident who lost his mother last night due to COVID complications. Ms. Foster stated that the LOVE letters are a blank slate and can be a fun moving piece of art for Radford. Mr. Hite encouraged people to reach out as they think of budget priorities. March 23 there is a special election. Mr. Burress echoed all the other Council members about sending in budget comments. Mr. Burress recognized Hyrum Rebels first black member of the senator and Dr. Warton Jr. first black CEO of a fortune 500 company. Mayor Horton requested that we spend some time talking about Economic Development at a future meeting and move to in person format in February if possible. Mayor Horton mentioned Winterfest and the Polar Plunge and this year the polar plunge is virtual. Make sure to continue to shop and dine local and support our local restaurants and businesses. Mr. Burress made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 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