City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. January 24, 2022 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 10 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2021-2022 Ms. Foster made a motion to allow Ms. Huntington and Mr. Hite to participate remotely, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. Both Ms. Huntington and Mr. Hite stated their reasons for participating remotely, from their homes, was because of COVID19 exposure. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 Mayor Horton made a motion, seconded by Ms. Foster to convene a closed meeting for the purpose of Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and evaluation of performance of departments, under Virginia Code Section 2.2- 3711 (A) (1). "Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel; specifically, to discuss collective bargaining request and legal requirements." . 2.2-3711 (A) (8). VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to re-convene the regular meeting, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING: Dr. Harshberger made a motion that Council did not discuss anything in the closed meeting other than the two items for which it was convened, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Mayor Horton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on January 24, 2022 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, Ms. Jessie Foster, and Dr. Richard Harshberger. Vice-Mayor Huntington and Mr. Forrest Hite participated remotely. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy Clerk Dr. Harshberger made a motion to allow Ms. Huntington and Mr. Hite to participate remotely, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. Both Ms. Huntington and Mr. Hite stated their reasons for participating remotely, from their homes, was because of COVID19 exposure. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: NONE COUNCIL RESPONSE: NONE MINUTES APPROVAL: ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve minutes from November 22, as presented, Dr. Harshberger second the motion. Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the minutes from January 10 as amended and Dr. Harshberger seconded VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PUBLIC HEARING: Radford Transit F.Y. 2022 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 $2,500,000 planned for Operating funding, $500,000 for Capital investment, as well as $35,000 for equipment in the F.Y. 2023 Budget. A public hearing has been scheduled as required. Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:05 *No comments* Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:05 *The public hearing was advertised as required. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the budget as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PRESENTATION: Radford Chamber of Commerce SUMMARY: The Radford Chamber of Commerce has provided a proposed contract for services to the City of Radford for F.Y. 2022. 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 was provided at the meeting. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the MOU as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 OLD BUSSINESS: SUBJECT: Collective Bargaining Resolution SUMMARY: Members of the Radford Fire and EMS Department have advanced membership consideration in the International Association of Fire Fighters. The Professional Association is a membership based Union with focus on benefits, training, mitigating employee rights and lobbying legislation impacting the occupation. Virginia legislation approval last year, allows for “collective bargaining” associations in local governments begin May 1, 2021 with local approval. Jessica Burton, the local 5330 President, presented an overview, the expectations from the City and its organizational plans at the May 10, 2021 meeting. City Council approved an Ordinance on August 20, 2021 that established the provisions, guidelines and requirements for an employee group to be considered for recognition by the City. The Local IAFF submitted a request to be formerly recognized by the City in Collective Bargaining on October 6, 2021. The City has 120 days to act on the request per the state provisions. The guidelines of the Ordinance were fulfilled and now requires formal action associated with recognizing the local IAFF, for collective Bargaining recognition. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Mayor Horton NAYES: Ms. Huntington NOTE: The resolution approved by City Council was against the forming of unions for public employees. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated sidewalk cleanup is underway from the snowstorm. The economy is doing well and there are a couple patio home developments about to begin construction. Repair of Armentrout circle should begin in the coming week. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington reported that Kim Repass has a number of events planned for the next year; the Planning Commission will be doing an overall rewrite of the zoning ordinance. Lastly, Ms. Huntington stated that the nrvroadrowellness.com website has a wealth of information regarding COVID19, testing, etc. Ms. Huntington concluded by stating it is a pleasure to serve with her fellow council members, even though disagreements they still respect one another. Mr. Hite stated that was well spoken by the Vice-Mayor. Dr. Harshberger is working to make connections with all his new boards. Ms. Foster’s moment of silence was dedicated to Paul Cameron King. Ms. Foster updated the community on all that is going on at Glencoe including the gift shop and upcoming events that hope to bring the entire community together. Mayor Horton stated the community is working hard building the plan for moving forward out fo the pandemic and this time stay safe, wear your mask, and get vaccinated. Mayor Horton stated there are many people in Radford that make this City run well and he is looking to do an unsung heroes spotlight. Mayor Horton made a motion, seconded by Ms. Foster to convene a closed meeting for the purpose of Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and evaluation of performance of departments, under Virginia Code Section 2.2- 3711 (A) (1). VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Ms. Foster made a motion to re-convene the regular meeting, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING: Mayor Horton made a motion that Council did not discuss anything in the closed meeting other than the two items for which it was convened, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Mayor Horton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Wilder, City Clerk