City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. June 13, 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 June 13, 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, Mr. Forrest Hite, and Dr. Richard Harshberger. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy Clerk CITIZEN COMMENTS: Pastor Wyms came to address to council that vehicles have hit his house at least 4 times; they continued to have speeding on his road and most recently a car hit a girl. He also shared that sometimes city trucks come pass faster than they should. He shared that he spoke with Mr. Ridpath and they trimmed the trees that helped some. On Thursday night a truck came by and veered to the left onto staples street and there was a mailbox that was struck from the truck. He shared that the street needs to be widened. David R responded that the police have been sent to check with the speeding a number of times and will have them follow up with him. COUNCIL RESPONSE: RECOGNITION: Water Treatment Plant Award The Virginia Department of Health has awarded the Water Treatment Plant a “Gold” award for calendar year 2021. The award recognizes best practices in water filtration, clarification and filter backwash. This is our 7th Gold award. A representative from the VDH will attend to present the award. Mr. David Dawson, Deputy Field Officer and District Engineer Lisa Crabtree came to present that award. REPORTS SUBJECT: Summer Concert Series SUMMARY: The Tourism Director, Kim Repass, presented an overview of the Summer Concert Series and upcoming Special Events. SUBJECT: July 4th, Spirit of America Celebration SUMMARY: Ken Goodyear, Director of Parks and Recreation, gave an overview of the July 4th activities planned for 2022. The report will include event programming associated with music, craft and food vendors, children’s activities, fireworks, as well as parking accommodations. Ken shared that as of now they have 11 food trucks. SUBJECT: Radford Chamber of Commerce “Welcome” Video SUMMARY: The Chamber of Commerce will present a video that was produced by Radford University Students. The Video is a “Welcome to Radford” theme with history, events, businesses and quality of life featured. Dan Mckinney, the Executive Director, presented the video. Dan McKinney introduce Ben, intern from Radford University, who assisted with the production of the video. Mrs. Foster thanked them for all the hard work they did on this and were able to capture the sites and the people in our community. PROCLAMATION SUBJECT: Juneteenth SUMMARY: June 19th is nationally recognized to commemorate African American freedom and the ending of slavery in the United States. The day also emphasizes education and achievement. Mrs. Foster read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to adopt the proclamation, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Pride Month SUMMARY: The month of June is nationally recognized as PRIDE month. The declaration recognizes the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York advancing the LGBTQ movement and self- affirmation. Ms. Huntington read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to adopt the proclamation, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Radford City Public School Staff Appreciation SUMMARY: A Proclamation has been prepared to recognize the employees of Radford City Public School System. The Proclamation focuses on the dedication, communication, well-being, safety, education, as well as maintenance of all things associated with Pre K-12 grade children, parents and volunteers. Mr. Hite read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to adopt the proclamation, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS: SUBJECT: Rezoning request of a portion 10 Forest Avenue – Apostolic Church SUMMARY: The Apostolic Church has acquired a portion of property located at 10 Forest Avenue to construct a church facility. The 9-acre parcel is zoned M-2, Heavy industrial, and would need to be rezoned to B-1, limited Business, to support church related uses. A public hearing is required and has been scheduled for June 13, 2022. The hearing will be a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission. The public hearing has been advertised and property posted, as required. *The public hearing has been advertised as required Planning Commission opened their meeting and have a quorum, members present: Mr. Ryan Watson Mr. Barry Collier Mr. Seth Gillespie Ms. Janiele Hamden Mrs. Naomi Huntington Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:43. Reverand Wyms pastor church adjacent to the proposed property, welcomed the church and hopes they can work together, Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:44. SUBJECT: Franchise Renewal, Ordinance #1765- Atmos Energy SUMMARY: The City of Radford has a Franchise Agreement with Atmos Energy Corporation to conduct, maintain, replace, repair and operate a system of natural gas mains, services and transmission within the City of Radford along roadways, easements, alleyways and on public grounds. The agreement was last renewed June 10, 2002, Ordinance #1407 for a period of 20 Years and is set to expire on June 10, 2022. Atmos has requested that the City extend the franchise for an additional 30 years. The Company operates under the regulations provided by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The City receives a 1.5% of the gross revenues from the Atmos Energy business operations. *The public hearing has been advertised as required Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:46. No Comments Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:46. Mayor asked the audience if there were any other bids that were provided. No other bids were presented to council. SUBJECT: Right-of-Way Vacation Request- Price Williams SUMMARY: Price Williams has requested the vacation of public parcels of the property adjacent to several of their properties throughout the City. The locations include five parcels along Tyler Avenue, one on Berkley Street and one on Arlington Avenue. All fees have been paid to initiate the process. The first step in the process is to hold a public hearing on each of the requests at the June 13, 2022 meeting. The hearings have been advertised as required. The staff does not see a conflict with the request or need to retain the excess right-of-ways. *The public hearing has been advertised as required Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:53. No Comments Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7;43 OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Atmos Energy Franchise Renewal – Ordinance 1765 SUMMARY: The City of Radford has a Franchise Agreement with Atmos Energy Corporation to conduct, maintain, replace, repair and operate a system of natural gas mains, services and transmission within the City of Radford along roadways, easements, alleyways and on public grounds. The agreement was last renewed June 10, 2002, Ordinance #1407 for a period of 20 Years and is set to expire on June 10, 2022. Atmos has requested that the City extend the franchise for an additional 30 years. The Company operates under the regulations provided by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The City receives a 1.5% of the gross revenues from the Atmos Energy business operations. ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to approve Ordinance 1765 on the first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to approve Ordinance #1765 on the second reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Vacation of Right-of-Way SUMMARY: Price Williams has requested the vacation of public parcels of the property adjacent to several of their properties throughout the City. The locations include five parcels along Tyler Avenue, one on Berkley Street and one on Arlington Avenue. All fees have been paid to initiate the process. The first step in the process is to hold a public hearing on each of the requests at the June 13, 2022 meeting. The hearings have been advertised as required. The staff does not see a conflict with the request or need to retain the excess right-of-ways. Mrs. Huntington nominated Jennifer Bondurant and Abram Williams. Mayor Horton asked Mr. Fleisher, who was in the audience, if he was willing to sit on the board of viewers. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to appoint the following to the Board of Viewers, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. Jennifer Bondurant Abram Williams Mr. Fleisher VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Special Use Permit – 644 West Main Street 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. A Joint Public hearing was held at the meeting on April 21, 2022. There were no objections. The Planning Commission met on May 16, 2022 and recommended that the Special Use Permit be approved as requested. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to receive the report from Planning Commission, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to approve the Resolution, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Subdivision Plat Duncan Lane- JW Radford Contracting SUMMARY: J. W. Radford Contracting is planning to construct four single family homes along Duncan Lane. The 1.03 Acre parcel is zoned R-3, single family residential, and permits the proposed use. A subdivision plat, approved by City Council and the Planning Commission is required. The Planning Commission received the request at its meeting on May 16, 2022 and recommends approval. All utilities and public access are available. Staff sees no issue with the subdivision request. Naomi said she appreciated the contractor listening to the community and changing the direction of the development. ACTION: Mr. Hite made a motion to approve the Subdivision Plat, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. Mrs. Foster shared that the housing study showed that the need for single family homes is needed and this is helping to meet that. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Ordinance #1766 and Ordinance #1767- Definition of Clutter SUMMARY: The Virginia General Assembly amended the definition of “clutter” in 2021 to mean mechanical equipment, household furniture, containers, and similar items that may be detrimental to the well-being of a community when they are left in public view for an extended period or allowed to accumulate, provided however that the provisions of this article related to clutter shall not apply on land zoned for or in active farm operations. Two Ordinances are required to address the “clutter” definition. Ordinance #1766 would amend the “Trash and Weed Ordinance” #1723. Ordinance #1767 would amend the “Receptacle” provisions of the Code, Ordinance #1725. The proposals strengthen Code Enforcement efforts to reduce nuisances impacting health, safety and welfare. Mrs. Huntington said it is primarily concern that citizens want neighborhoods to look nice and clean. And this is another tool that we can use. Dr. Harshberger shared that there is a lot of pride in personal property and think this is an excellent tool for staff to use. Mrs. Foster said there are programs available so if there are things that you need moved, there are opportunity for the city to provide assistance in that. Mr. Ridpath said they need to contact public works and April is half price, but there is an affordable rate each month for citizens to use. Mayor Horton commended Chris Childress and Terry Nicholson who works on this, it’s not just about writing a ticket and causing hardship on the homeowner/ property owner, it’s about finding avenues to help keep property in good shape for the benefit of all. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion approve Ordinance #1766 on it’s first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion approve Ordinance #1767 on it’s first reading, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: SCADA System – Award the Contract and Appropriation Ordinance SUMMARY: The Electric and Information Technology Departments have been planning and designing our SCADA, “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition” network needs. The SCADA system is used in controlling, monitoring and analyzing electrical devises and controls. SCADA is a critical piece of equipment and technology in the efficient operation of our electric system within the City of Radford, Fairlawn and Little River Dam service areas. It is generally, the outage management system that monitors our overall electric system transmission and distribution. The system components provide many functions including…The detection of power outages, monitors the load on equipment in real time, as well as provides data for historical and analytical use. The system provides the highest of functions and increases the speed in identifying problems to us quickly to establish repairs. New technology also offers capabilities for interface with customer meters for information, load management and outages through a OMS (Outage Management System). The original SCADA system was a 2003 model and received a significant upgrade in 2013. SCADA replacement is necessary due to its modern technology improvements, and the hardware and software needed to support Radford’s daily 30-35 Megawatt system. Request for Proposals were sought for replacement and improvement of the SCADA system. One proposal was received that met our specifications, Survalent, Inc. at a price of $298,421. Mr. Logwood, Director Electric Department, shared this will help monitor the system during good and bad times. The outage management system will allow them to improve reliability in response time when outages occur. Mr. Hite asked about the discrepancy between the proposal and AO, Tim responded there is additional funding for support. Mayor Horton asked if Mr. Logwood knew the timeline. Mr. Logwood responded it will take 12 months. There is an interface system with GIS system and that will take longer. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to award the contract to Survalent, Inc, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mrs. Foster moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.52, on the first reading, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.52, on the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.52, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 Mrs. Foster shared that the community can reach out if they come across areas that need more lighting. SUBJECT: Skateboard Park SUMMARY: ZMM Architects & Engineers and American Ramp Company have been working diligently with the City to develop a plan to construct a Skateboard Park that is very nice, practical in its costs approach from our perspective, provide COVID mitigation, as well as meet our recreational and outdoor activity objectives for our youth. The plan fits well in Bisset Park, is consistent with the park’s Masterplan and is located on high-ground, out of the floodway. The project has been planned in two distinct phases. Phase 1 includes Quarter Rail, 45-degree Pyramid corner and Wedge, Bank Ramp, Hubba Ledge, Flat areas, half Rails, 90-degree Pyramid Corner, Jump Box, 2 rolls and related concrete work. The cost of the project is $250,000 and supported with ARPA funding. American Ramp Company builds quality and durable equipment for Skateboard Parks, as well as has a “best” reputation in the business. The Company returns every 5 years to do a treatment/resurface of the concrete for protection, as well as provides safety check of the equipment and mounts. They were the contractor for the Town of Christiansburg and Town of Pulaski facilities. American Ramp Company is a “Sourcewell” certified provider, so they are good to go as far as procurement and have provided a discount in the pricing. Bill Shelton, senior Engineer ZMM Architects & Engineers provided a presentation and stated that they came up with a hybrid park. This will be a phased approach, with 6000 sq ft will be completed in phase 1, and an additional 4500 sq ft for the remaining phases. Mr. Ridpath shared this was one of the priorities that Council had during their retreat. Mrs. Huntington asked about the expected life span of the modular units in phase one, along with the maintenance cost that they can expect every year. Mr. Shelton responded that it is mainly cleaning, if surface is worn there are surface repair kits, with repainting every 5-6 years. Christiansburg equipment is 20 years old and still in good shape. Mrs. Foster shared that this is very exciting for our community. And want our parks to have something for everybody. She stated that Pickle ball will be added soon and they are looking at disc golf, we have been increasing bike/walking path and they have been discussing a splash pad for the little ones. She thanked council for being open-minded with being supported with this. Mr. Hite added that this is very exciting and will have something fresh source of activities within the community. Mrs. Foster shared that they are open to corporate sponsors to help with the last phase. Mrs. Huntington asked how we are funding this project? Mr. Ridpath responded that they have a onetime exemption for the ARPA funding and will utilize this funding. Mrs. Huntington shared they need to challenge themselves to make sure we are utilizing this. and it’s important to make sure that we invest in our park system. But want to be sure that it is being well utilized before starting with Phase 2. Mrs. Foster thanked Mr. Ridpath in helping to get this project to move forward. Mr. Ridpath added that they will be working on the updating the rules, and the park will remain open from dusk to dawn for safety reasons. Mrs. Foster shared she had a conversation with Christiansburg Mayor to ask what challenges they had and he shared they have not had any issues and that those who utilize the park have been very respectful. Mr. Ridpath asked when they could realistically he start? Mr. Shelton responded that he didn’t have an exact timeline, but expects it could move very quickly. It depends the supply chain. He can expect by the fall. How will the modular ramps hold up from flooding? Mr. Shelton responded that they will be anchored in the concrete and had asked that question to American Ramp and they said this is fairly common. Mayor Horton thanked everyone for the hard work, this has been a long time coming. ACTION: Mrs., Foster made a motion to award the contract to American Ramp, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mrs. Foster moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.53, on the first reading, Mr. Hite seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mrs. Foster moved to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1749.53, on the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1749.52, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1749.54: Encumbrances: $1,557,562 SUMMARY: The City of Radford had several encumbrances/purchase orders outstanding at the end of the F.Y. 2021 fiscal year. The purchase order totals $1,557,562 and relate to Electric Department equipment, Information Technology, the Tyler to East Main Capital Project, Radford Transit, and various small General Fund departmental planned expenses and transfers. To carry the funds into F.Y. 2022 an Appropriation is needed. The funds are greater than 1% of the total City Budget, so a public hearing is required. City Council scheduling a public hearing on July 11, 2022 is recommended to consider the F.Y. 2022 Budget amendment. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to schedule a public hearing for July 11, 2022, Dr. Harshberger VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated that he’s watching the inflation cost on projects and holding off when able to, one of them is the spring paving. The cost of paving is very high right now, so City crews are working on patching potholes. And in the fall will do a double paving. East Main Street median improvement is taking longer to mill and excavate than anticipated. Hopefully in the next week or so the contractor will be in to put in median. This project will serve two purposes, one to introduce you into the area and serve as a traffic calming. This will be the first phase and later this summer will be coming back to council with ideas for East Main Street revitalization. He stated that we have another Transit Bus that need to be “surplus” ahead of the operational transfer to RTW. This bus is located on the NRVCS lot and will need to be towed before they stop operations June 30. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to surplus vehicle # 315, seconded by Ms. Huntington. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Resolution Lawrence Rice Dr. Harshberger read the proclamation for the benefit of the audience. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adopt the resolution; Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Hite thanked everyone for being here this evening and thanked them for staying interested in what is getting done in the city. He asked if there was any clarity of what the ballots will look like in November? Mr. Ridpath responded that Mike Bedsaul and Tracy Howard are working with the Attorney General for that answer. He spoke on regarding his announced that he was resigning from his position on council in early July. He shared it has been a very challenging season for his family. He is trying to understand what will be best for them and will be moving to North Alabama. For him this part, being on council and boards has been the most difficult part of all of this. He shared he really loves Radford and to be a part of the community and to be part of the change that is happening has been life changing. The exact date is still to be determined, but it will be between July 1st and July 11th. This will most likely be his last meeting. He wanted to express his gratitude to Mr. Ridpath, all city staff, and Council. He stated that this has been an emotional time and will never stop loving Radford and believes the best is ahead for the city. Mr. Horton thanked him for everything he has done for the City and wishes him well. Mrs. Huntington shared with Mr. Hite that they have not always seen eye to eye but have really respected each other and appreciates that they can have those discussions for the goal of the community and will miss him. She added that they received a complaint regarding the lighting in the gym and they promptly got a plan together to get better lighting and appreciated how quickly the Recreation Department moved to resolve the problem. Mrs. Foster said that they had some interesting conversations as well, she shared something that stuck with her that personifies Forrest, was during a lunch meeting they had and he asked her what can he do to help her as he was preparing to leave. For her, that really signifies a lot of his attitude through all of this. She said, at the end of the day, we are all in this together and she told him to live his life and be happy and it has been a pleasure to serve alongside him. Dr. Harshberger said he admired his courage, fortitude and resolve. One of the greatest virtues you can have is kindness and thinks he has that. He shared they have great things coming with the Commerce Park. Mayor Horton reiterated he appreciates Forrest and one of most important is that everyone has a voice at the table and its important and wish him well. Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 pm seconded by Mr. Hite. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Hite, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Melissa Skelton, Deputy City Clerk