City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. March 22, 2021 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 16 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2020-2021 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on March 8, 2021 in the Radford City Council Chambers, located at 10 Robertson Street Radford, VA. 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 participated remotely, Mr. Forrest Hite and Ms. Huntington. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager-Participated Remotely Mrs. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton Mr. Mike Bedsaul, City Attorney Ms. Foster was out of town on vacation, but asked to participate remotely. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to allow Ms. Foster to participate remotely, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Laurie Murphey with Mountain Trotter Arts spoke about her support of the Amphitheatre project. He also expressed some concerns and made some suggestions to loop in the Farmer’s Market Group and what the cost to use the space would be to outside organizations. COUNCIL RESPONSE: Mayor Horton thanks Ms. Murphey for her comments and said it is important to connect with everyone involved in using the space as part of the study. Ms. Huntington Thanked Ms. Murphy and Mountain Trotter Arts for all they do for Radford and for her comments. PRESENTATION: SUBJECTL: ARC Downtown Study SUMMARY: The City of Radford received a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to conduct a study of its downtown. Elements of the study include identification of physical and economic blight, methods to decrease vacant and underutilized properties, creation of tools to increase and promote economic activity, as well as build partnerships to focus on community initiatives. The planning study is being conducted by the New River Valley Regional Commission at a cost of $80,000. Alphi Fancon and Sharp, both Regional Planners with the Regional Commission, presented an overview of the project. PROCLAMATION: SUBJECT: Environmental Awareness Month SUMMARY: April is Nationally recognized as “Environmental Awareness Month”. The Proclamation recognizes the importance of the Earth’s environment through educational programs, special events, demonstration projects, and clean-up activities. The Proclamation calls on our local citizens to recognize the environment during the month of April. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mr. Burress seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 PROCLAMATION: SUBJECT: Earth Day SUMMARY: April 22, 2021 is nationally recognized as “Earth Day”. The local Proclamation encourages citizens to “recycle, reduce and reuse” to promote a healthy environment and a sustainable society. Earth Day will be formally recognized during our Environmental Awareness Month activities. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Arbor Day SUMMARY: April 30, 2021 is nationally recognized as “Arbor Day”. The local Proclamation encourages our citizens to protect our trees and woodlands, as well as recognize the benefits of our forests. Several Arbor Day events are planned by the Beautification Commission, and City Horticulturist to heighten awareness of trees and planting in our environment, as well as to advance our “Tree City” designation. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: National Library Week SUMMARY: April 4-10, 2021 is “National Library Week”. The week recognizes the significant contributions that libraries make in meeting the communities’ economic needs, providing a place for education, opportunities for life-long learning, as well as offering a host of community services for citizens of all ages. The Proclamation recognizes “National Library Week” locally, as well as encourages our residents to visit the Radford Public Library. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week SUMMARY: The week of April 18-24, 2021 is recognized as “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.” A local proclamation has been requested by our Victim Witness Office. The Proclamation calls on our citizens to recognize the emotional, physical, psychological and financial effects of crime on its victims, as well as highlights the programs, service providers and criminal justice professionals who respond to the needs of victims of crime. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Distracted Driving Awareness Month SUMMARY: The week of April 18-24, 2021 is recognized as “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.” A local proclamation has been requested by our Victim Witness Office. The Proclamation calls on our citizens to recognize the emotional, physical, psychological and financial effects of crime on its victims, as well as highlights the programs, service providers and criminal justice professionals who respond to the needs of victims of crime. ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mr. Burress seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Special Collection Rates SUMMARY: The month of April is Environmental Awareness Month. To encourage neighborhood clean-up, as well as promote the environment, the City will offer reduced rates for brush and special solid waste collections. The rates for large loads will be reduced to $45.00, small loads to $22.50 and furniture and appliances will be half price for the month of April. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve the rates as presented, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: Appointments are needed for vacancies on the Board of Zoning Appeals and Onward New River Valley. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to appoint Ms. Mullins to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Mr. Burress 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 appoint Ms. Repass and Mr. Williams to the Onward NRV Board, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Home Consortium Renewal SUMMARY: The City of Radford participates in a consortium of local governments that includes Montgomery, Pulaski, Giles and Floyd Counties to address housing related issues and projects. The Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the consortium members to renew its participation in the program every three years, as well as appoint two members to serve on the Board. Our three year program ends in July, 2021 ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to renew participation in the Home Consortium, 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 appoint Vicky Collins and Melissa Skelton to the board, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Special Use Permit-1129 East Main Street SUMMARY: Ellett Valley Investments, LLC has requested a Special Use Permit for the former Bondurant Center at 1129 East Main Street. The company plans to develop 11 residential units on the second floor of the commercial building. The property is zoned B-3, Central Business, and requires a Special Use Permit for residential upper floor use. A public hearing is required and was scheduled at the March 8, 2021 meeting. Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. Mayor Horton read Mr. Castleberry’s comments. No other public comments Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. SUBJECT: Audit Engagement Services SUMMARY: The Audit Services Contract for the City of Radford, Radford City Schools and the EDA ended with, the 2020 Audit. A “Request for Proposals” for “Audit Services” was issued with two respondents, Robinson, Farmer, Cox and Associates and Brown Edwards. The services needed include the City annual audit as well as the component units (school and EDA), Cost Allocation Plan, Post-Employment Benefits (OPED) preparation, as well as special fund audit such as Transit, CDBG and Cares funding. Robinson, Farmer, Cox and Associates was the top proposer and could provide all of the needed services. Audit services for F.Y. 2021 will be $49,500 and are programmed in the F.Y. 2022 Budget. The service is for three years with two one-year renewals. The firm has provided the City with Audit services for the past fifteen years, is well respected and knowledgeable in the field. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to award the contract to Robinson, Farmer Cox and Associates, Mr. Burress seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Ms. Foster, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.28 SUMMARY: The General Assembly has appointed additional state aid for Virginia local librarians. The City will receive an increase of $18,487 from our original allocation. The additional $18,487 will be used for the purchase of digital and printed books, as well as to purchase a new server for the Integrated Library System. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.28 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. Hite made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1726.28, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.29 SUMMARY: The Virginia Risk Sharing Association has approved a grant in the amount of $4,000 for the City of Radford. The grants are used to expand risk management programs to promote safety, education and training. The funds will be used to purchase three Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to be placed in City facilities. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.29 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 1726.29, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.30 SUMMARY: The Circuit Court Judge had requested that several of the outward facing windows on the Municipal Building be tinted to increase security and safety for the employees working in the building. The cost of the project is $7,223. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.30 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 1726.30, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.31 SUMMARY: The Police department has requested to use $12,983 in “Police Donation” funds. The Appropriation will be used to support crime prevention programs, employee appreciation, police training, office supplies and computer upgrade. The donations are in a restricted account and requires appropriation for use. ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.31 on the first reading, Mr. Burress, 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 1726.31, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Ms. Repass gave a brief overview of economic development in the City of Radford. Mr. Ridpath stated that spring cleanup is underway. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Hite reminded everyone that there is an election tomorrow. Mr. Burress echoed Mr. Hite’s comments and thanked everyone for the birthday wishes. Mayor Horton thanked staff for all the hard work they are doing. Mr. Burress made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 seconded by Mr. Hite VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Wilder, City Clerk