City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. February 8, 2021 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 15 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2020-2021 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on February 8, 2021 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 participated remotely. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Mrs. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy Clerk PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance 1747-Vacation of Right of Way Scott Hill Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. Mr. Ridpath spoke about development of his property, which access would be limited to should Mr. Hill be granted the vacation of right of way. Mr. Ridpath expressed objection to the City vacating the property to Mr. Hill, due to the cost he would incur should he decided to develop his property in the future. Mr. Hill explained that he is ready to move forwarded with development of his property and ask for action from Council as soon as possible. Council discussed the development of both properties with both property owners, as well among each other. Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Ordinance 1747-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. Ridpath Properties, LLC has provided an objection to the vacation request citing access needs to their property located on the unopened portion of Staples Street and Sixth Street. The property is not considered an adjacent property to the vacation area since it is located about 50’ away. The portion of the Sixth Street right-of-way adjoining their property is not impacted by the vacation request. City Council received the report of the Board of Viewers and authorized the City Attorney to develop an Ordinance for disposal of the property at its meeting on January 7, 2021. Ordinance #1747 has been prepared for consideration by City Council. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to defer action on Ordinance 1747 until the February 22 meeting, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update SUMMARY: A brief update of the Coronavirus testing and vaccination process was provided. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.25 SUMMARY: The Virginia Tourism Corporation has awarded the New River Valley Tourism Offices a marketing grant for regional promotion. The funds will be used for public information segments related to special events to attract visitors. The $20,000 grant requires no match and will promote regional amenities, special events and themes, as well as travel ideas. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.25 on the first reading, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Ms. Huntington, Mr. Hite, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.25, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Ms. Huntington, Mr. Hite, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.26 SUMMARY: The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Service has awarded the City of Radford a grant in the amount of $25,511. The grant is the result of a Governor’s initiative focused on recruitment ($4,000), retention ($10,000) and criminal justice reform ($11,450). The funds will be used for recruiting tools to help attract minority candidates, promote employee wellness, and advance accreditation standards associated with accountability, leadership and building community trust. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.26 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 1726.26, 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 there is a water Line break on East Main Street at Grove Avenue and that repairs are underway. Mr. Ridpath commented on the winter weather and the great job done by city crews during this time. Mr. Ridpath also stated that University Drive project bids will go out in the next week. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington gave a shout out to everyone in Radford are helping in the Regional effort to get out COVID vaccinations. Ms. Foster sent loving vibes out there to all those impacted by COVID. Ms. Foster clarified that there has not been any change in the cost exchange for utilities. Mr. Burress gave a shout out to Deb for the Radford Magazine and took the time to acknowledge Black History Month, Garrett Morgan, who updated the traffic light system and Maggie Walker, first black female who chartered and was a president of a bank. Thank everyone and be safe out there. Mayor Horton agreed to shop local and let people know where you are shopping and dining local. Mayor Horton echoed the sentiments of his colleagues through this tough COVID times. Radford you have stepped up and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Mr. Burress made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 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