City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. September 27, 2021 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 5 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2021-2022 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on September 27, 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, Mr. Forrest Hite and Ms. Huntington. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy Clerk CITIZEN COMMENTS: Ms. Karen Gerlach and Ms. Lucinda McDermott Pero came to advertise Craft and Draft taking Place on October 16, 2021. It is a free event put on by MountainTrotter Arts. COUNCIL RESPONSE: Council members thanked Ms. Gerlach and Ms. Pero for coming to speak and mentioned how excited all of Council is to attend Craft and Draft. MINUTES APPROVAL: On a motion by Mr. Burress and a second by Ms. Foster the minutes for the September 13, 2021 meeting were approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 Proclamation: SUBJECT: Public Power Week SUMMARY: The week of October 3, 2021 through October 9, 2021 is Public Power Week. The week is established nationally to recognize our electric employees, the importance of power in building strong communities, the 2000 community-owned utilities across the country, as well as the significance of reliable power. The Proclamation recognizes the significance of the week locally. ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to approve the Proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Fire Prevention Week SUMMARY: The week of October 3, 2021 through October 9, 2021 is Nationally recognized as “Fire Prevention Week”. The Proclamation locally endorses “Fire Prevention Week in Radford”. The proposed Proclamation encourages recognition of this important week by promoting smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as fire safety at home, at work, in our schools and in our forests. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve the Proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 OLD BUSSINESS: SUBJECT: American Legion Building SUMMARY: The American Legion Building, located at 27 West Main Street is in need of repairs. The 90 –year old historic structure has served the community as a voting precinct, interim courthouse, office space for Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce, dance hall space, Senior Center, as well as home to the “Harvey-Howe-Carper Post 30” of the American Legion. The building needs roof, bathroom, HVAC and cosmetic upgrades. The building was built to honor World War I Veterans and has served as a continuous meeting space for the American Legion for nearly a century. The Legion has asked the City for financial support for need repairs. The Legion obtained quotes for the roof, guttering, soffits, asbestos removal, and flashing from specialty contractors. City Council received three proposals from the American Legion that included Roanoke Roofing, Sams Brothers, and Crockett Improvements. Staff was asked to review the proposals for consideration at the September 27, 2021 meeting, as well as provide an Appropriation Ordinance to the American Legion to support the project and a related Memorandum of Understanding. Appropriation Ordinance #1749.16 and a Memorandum of Understanding has been prepared. A Resolution is also required that “approves” the MOU. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the MOU with the changes presented to the City Attorney, 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 approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.16 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. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.16, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Right-Of Way Vacation Harvey Street SUMMARY: Kevin Entrekin, a property owner at 300 Ninth Street, has requested that Harvey Street be vacated from Eighth Street to Ninth Street. This section of Street was never opened due to the steep slope on the southern end. The applicant has paid the processing fee. A public hearing is required and was scheduled by City Council at its July 12, 2021 meeting for September 13, 2021. The public hearing has been advertised as required and the adjacent property owners notified. Following the public hearing, the next step in the process is to appoint a 3-member Board of Viewers. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to recommend that Mr. Ridpath and staff chose from Mr. Castleberry, Mr. Lane and Mr. Gillespie, as well and Jennifer Bondurant who was recommended at the September 13 meeting to serve on the Board of Viewers, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: CDBG CAPER SUMMARY: The Virginia Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that a “Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report” (CAPER) for the City of Radford be available for public comment. The F.Y. 2020-2021 report has been prepared, as required and illustrates project funding for a water infrastructure improvement project, sub-recipients, beautification, as well as homeless investing programs. The comprehensive program was implemented with $200,010 in Community Development Block Grant funding. The CAPER is available for public inspection at the Library, City Administration Office and the City Website. SUBJECT: Gibsondale Drive SUMMARY: A rezoning has been requested by Jones Real Estate Investment to accommodate the development of nine townhomes on Gibsondale Drive. The property is zoned partially industrial and requires rezoning to R-4, multi-family to accommodate the townhome development. The Joint Public Hearing with the Planning Commission can be accommodated on October 25, 2021. The Planning Commission recommended the advancement of the hearing. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to schedule the public hearing for October 25, 2021, Mr. Burress seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Harvest Festival SUMMARY: Oasis Church has requested that the Norwood Square parking lot, located at the intersection of Virginia Street and East Main Street, be closed to accommodate a “Harvest Fest” event associated with the annual “Trick or Treat Trail”, sponsored by the Radford Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held on, October 29, 2021. The lot will be closed from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to accommodate a trunk or treat, children’s activities, including games and inflatables. Access to the businesses through the lot will not be impacted by the special event. Public Works will take care of the set-up and procedures related to closing the lot and the Police Department will assist in traffic control. ACTION: Mr. Horton made a motion to approve the lot closure as presented Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.17-Sheriff’s Department SUMMARY: The Sheriff’s Department has request that $14,000 be appropriated from the Courtroom Security Fund for safety training and equipment improvements. The funds would be used to purchase ammunition and ballistic vests for Sheriff’s Department personnel. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.17 on the first reading, Mr. Burress seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ABSTAIN: Mr. Hite ACTION: Mr. Burress a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.17, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ABSTAIN: Mr. Hite SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.18- Virginia Outdoors Foundation SUMMARY: The City received a grant from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in the amount of $24,499. The funds will be specifically used to improve James Oakley Field at Sixteenth Street and Wadsworth Street and Dobbins Park on Seventeenth Street. The grant will provide sensory play equipment, landscaping, field improvements, benches and drainage improvements. Community Development Block Grant funds will also be used for landscaping. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.18 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 1749.18, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.19- Asset Forfeiture SUMMARY: The Police Department has requested $81,294 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 1749.19 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: Mr. Hite made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.19, Mr. Burress seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.37- CARES FUNDING POWER GRANT SUMMARY: The City received CARES Act Funding in F.Y. 2021 to assist in the Coronavirus mitigation. The Power Grants awarded to small businesses by the City and the EDA exceeded the original allocation, requiring additional appropriation from the CARES Revenue of $20,026. The City awarded 87 grants valued at $365,027 for use in business operations to support payroll, advertising, cleaning, etc. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.37 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 1726.37, Mr. Burress seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.38- Litter Program SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received a grant in the amount of $5,608 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for F.Y. 2021. The funds will be used to support litter prevention and recycling efforts, as well as promotion of environmentally friendly activities and education. No matching funds are required. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1726.38 on the first reading, Mr. Foster 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 1726.38, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Burress, Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1726.39- ARAP SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received a grant in the amount of $5,608 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for F.Y. 2021. The funds will be used to support litter prevention and recycling efforts, as well as promotion of environmentally friendly activities and education. No matching funds are required. ACTION: Mr. Burress made a motion to schedule a public hearing for October 11, 2021, 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, there are several projects underway including road improvements, the University Drive Bridge Project, and special note Radford Highlanders Festival is on campus on October 9, 2021. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Foster stated her moment of silence was dedicated to R.J. Horne. Ms., Foster made note that the Heritage foundation will be going through historic documents in the building this Wednesday and seeing what is there and can be preserved. Ms. Foster made a note that there are only a few weeks left of the Farmer’s Market and she’s excited for Craft and Draft. Mr. Burress stated Men’s and Women’s basketball tickets for Radford University are on sale and that Highlanders Festival is October 9, so come out and support your Highlanders/ Mayor Horton stated there is a lot going on in Radford from Homecoming weekends to the Highlanders Festival and Craft and Draft, come out and support all things Radford. Mayor Horton made a motion, seconded by Mr. Burress to convene a closed meeting for Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property, for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A) (3). VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Mr. Burress made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Mayor Horton made a motion to re-convene the regular meeting, Mr. Burress seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING: Mayor Horton made a motion that nothing was discussed other than for which the closed session was convened, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Burress, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Mr. Burress made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 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