City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. February 14, 2022 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 11 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2021-2022 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, Vice- Mayor Huntington, Ms. Jessie Foster, and Dr. Richard Harshberger. and Mr. Forrest Hite was absent. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Jenni Wilder, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy Clerk CITIZEN COMMENTS: NONE COUNCIL RESPONSE: NONE MINUTES APPROVAL: ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the minutes from January 24, 2022, as amended, Ms. Foster second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PROCLAMATION: Black History Month SUMMARY: The month of February is recognized nationally as Black History Month, to reflect on the achievements and contributions made by African-Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development of our Nation. The local Proclamation encourages the celebration of our diverse heritage and culture, as well as recognition of this important designation. . ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS SUMMARY: Appointments of a representative and alternate to the Peppers Ferry Regional Water Authority is needed. Action was deferred from the January 10, 2022 meeting. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to appoint Chris Campbell as the alternate, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 NEW BUSSINESS: SUBJECT: F.Y. 2021 Supplemental Appropriation SUMMARY: The F.Y. 2021 Audit has been completed by Robinson, Farmer, Cox and Associates. One of the recommendations required that the Water/Wastewater Fund and the Electric Fund receive a supplemental appropriation to correct the negative balances. Since the line items were balanced from other departmental accounts. The amounts included $39,319 for the Water Fund and $61,625 for the Electric Fund. Both have already been accounted for in the F.Y. 2021 Audit, but require formal action to closeout. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.36-Police Department SUMMARY: The Police Department has received a grant from the Virginia 911 Services Board, in the amount of $3,000. The funds will be used for Emergency Medical Dispatch training in the 911 Communications Center ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.36 on the first reading, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.36, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.37-Police Department SUMMARY: The Police Department has received a grant from the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, in the amount of $5,874. The funds will be used to purchase 8 replacement portable radios capable of supporting newer frequency upgrades. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.37 on the first reading, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.37, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.38-DSS SUMMARY: The Department of Social Services has received a grant in the amount of $2,000 from the Virginia Housing Development Authority. The funds will provide for 5 emergency housing vouchers to advance affordable housing options to low-income families and individuals. The $2,000 can be used for utility deposits, security deposits, or housing search assistance. No local match is required ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.38 on the first reading, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.38, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.39-DSS SUMMARY: The Department of Social Services has received a grant in the amount of $30,955 from the Virginia Housing Development Authority. The funds will be used to support the Housing Choice Voucher Program by providing administrative support. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.39 on the first reading, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.39, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.40-DSS SUMMARY: The Department of Social Services has received a grant in the amount of $6,435 from the Virginia Housing Development Authority. The funds from the “Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program”, will be used to assist children and families by providing services associated with family preservation, family support, family unification, as well as adoption promotion and support. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.40 on the first reading, Ms., Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.40, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.41-DSS SUMMARY: The Department of Social Services has received a grant in the amount of $5,746 from the Virginia Housing Development Authority. The funds will be used to help administer the Adult Protective Services Program by expanding and improving investigative services associated with allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. No local match is required, and the program is associated with American Rescue Plan Act funds. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.41 on the first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.41, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated that we are continuing to watch the action in the General Assembly, the roundabout has been repaired, and the lease for the Community garden will need to be renewed, but can be handled in the administration office. Mr. Ridpath also stated there are several projects underway and we are gearing up to cleanup with fresh eyes for spring. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington discussed her ride a long, or rather sitting in with Dispatch, she stated all they do in one evening is very impressive and she enjoyed her time with them. Ms. Foster went on a ride along with Officer Brewster and she detailed the events of the evening. Ms. Foster also discussed sitting on the panel at Radford University, her discussion with Jason Ballard and how he wants to be an advocate for the City of Radford. Dr. Harshberger commented on how well Ms. Foster did on the Radford University panel. Dr. Harshberger also spoke on how he is beginning to meet with his respective committees. Mayor Horton spoke about upcoming events in the City at the Library and the Polar Plunge. Mayor Horton also spoke about the recent violence in Blacksburg and how the Regional Commission is looking for a new office space because they are growing. Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:12, seconded by Ms. Foster. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Goodman, City Clerk