City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. March 28, 2022 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 15 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2021-2022 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on March 28, 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 Mr. Forrest Hite, Ms. Jessie Foster, and Dr. Richard Harshberger. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Jenni Goodman, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy Clerk CITIZEN COMMENTS: Mr. Bill came to commend council and compliment them on their work in Radford and all the great things they have done and are doing to make quality of life better in Radford. COUNCIL RESPONSE: Mayor Horton thanked Bill for his kinds words and that this is a community effort to make Radford better! Ms. Foster thanked Bill and stated it is nice to have someone expresses gratitude for all Council does. Dr. Harshberger stated Bill is man about town and when he speaks, Council listens. Harshberger man about town we listen Mr. Hite thanked Bill for coming out and expressed his gratitude to staff and community members for making all this happen. MINUTES APPROVAL: ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the minutes from March 14, 2022, as presented, Ms. Foster second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PROCLAMATION: 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: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE PROCLAMATION: Earth Day SUMMARY: April 22, 2022 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: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE PROCLAMATION: Arbor Day SUMMARY: April 29, 2022 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, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE PROCLAMATION: National Library Week SUMMARY: April 3-9, 2022 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: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE PROCLAMATION: National Public Safety Week Telecommunicators Week SUMMARY: April 10 - 16, 2022 is “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week”. The week is designated to recognize the professionals who are first and most critical contract our citizens have with emergency services. Public Safety Telecommunicators serve as a vital link to police and fire personnel by monitoring their activities, relaying information and establishing the link from the caller to the scene. ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE PROCLAMATION: National Animal Control and Appreciation Week SUMMARY: April 10 -16, 2022 is “National Animal Control Officer’s Appreciation Week”. The week is designated to celebrate and promote the professionalism and service within the Animal Control field for all they do in protecting the welfare of animals, providing public information and education, as well as enforcing animal control laws. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE PROCLAMATION: Distracted Driving Awareness Month SUMMARY: The month of April, 2022 is nationally designated as “Distracted Driving Awareness Month”. The Proclamation recognizes and promotes safe driving behaviors, motor vehicle safety and distraction-free vehicle operation. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE 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: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the Special Collection Rates, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Fire and EMS Ambulance-Appropriation Ordinance 1749.44 SUMMARY: The Fire and Rescue Department equipment has been heavily used during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Due to the use, cleaning required between calls and order time, a new ambulance is planned. The ambulance will be procured through Goodman Specialized Vehicles, LLC on the State contract. The cost is estimated at $344,498 to include the cab and 4x4 chassis, ambulance body, necessary medical equipment and Stryker Power Stretcher. The build and delivery is expected to be 18-24 months. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to authorize to proceed with the contract with Goodman Specialized Vehicles, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.44, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.44, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Special Use Permit-Oakmont Atlantic, LLC SUMMARY: Oakmont Atlantic, LLC has requested a Special Use Permit for 644 West Main Street. The property is zoned B-2 General Business District and requires a SUP for upper floor residential use. The owner plans to renovate the second and third floor into three studio apartments. The ground floor will be used for a commercial/Business use. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to schedule a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission on April 25, 2022, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.45 SUMMARY: The Animal Shelter has received donations and restitution funds to support operations and improvements. The Animal Control Office would like to use, $42,730 to make improvements to the “cat room”. Improvements include betterment of the accommodations for the animals with separate living area from feeding areas and little boxes, as well as provide a more inviting area for adoption. ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.45, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.45, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath discussed the upcoming events for Environmental Awareness Month, the East Mian Project Improvements, the upcoming budget presentation, and the CDBG 5 year plan. Mr. Ridpath had Ms. Goodman speak to the new Adopt A Spot signs and program revamp, as well as Ms. Skelton discuss the CDBG public input sessions. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Foster discussed her Zoom classed with the Political Science students, her new tour of McHarg and updated the Council on the Fire Department improvements and meetings. Dr. Harshberger discussed the reception for the new project manager at VA First Commerce Park. Mayor Horton thanked Council members for their service on various commissions and discussed upcoming improvements to Dobbins Park, public safety, and investment in education, as well as investment in East Main Street. Mayor Horton discussed that throughout this budget season this council is going to do all it can to make sure there is no stone unturned to make life better in Radford. Ms. Foster made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 seconded by Mr. Hite. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Foster, Mr. Hite, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Goodman, City Clerk