City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. August 8, 2022 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 2 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2021-2022 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on August 8, 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, Mr. Charlee Cosmato, and Dr. Richard Harshberger. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Jenni Goodman, City Clerk CITIZEN COMMENTS: Rev. Jerry Wymms came to Council to address a trash concern in the road across from his Church. He outlined the steps he has taken so far to resolve the situation and asked if the City Council please do something. Ms. Georganne Lavry spoke about the Mary Draper Ingles Festival and told Council of the Shawnee narrative in the story and that often that part of the story is missing and needs to be told and included. William Ratcliff reminded everyone that bobcat football season is upon us and we need to come out and show support for our team! MINUTES APPROVAL: ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the minutes from June 13, 2022, as amended, Ms. Foster second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 INTRODUCTION SUBJECT: Interim City Council Member SUMMARY: Charles Cosmato has been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Forest Hite that was vacated on July 9, 2022. The appointment will be in place until the “special” election is certified in November. INTRODUCTION SUBJECT: Radford University President SUMMARY: The New President of Radford Universality, Brett Danilowicz was introduced to City Council, as well as to the Community. President Danilowicz has a PHD in Zoology, a MBA and a BS in Biology. He has been the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Florida Atlantic University. RESOLUTION SUBJECT: Mr. Green’s Way SUMMARY: The Radford City School Board recommended that the “private” drive entrance to McHarg Elementary School be named “Mr. Green’s Way”. The naming is to recognize the service, dedication and many years that Josh Green has provided to the Radford City Schools and the children of Radford. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the Mr. Green Way Resolution, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Radford Transit Title VI Plan SUMMARY: Title VI of the Civil Rights act, provides non-discriminating efforts by the City of Radford to ensure its programs, policies, services and other activities are available and accessible to all individuals. Since a new provider, RTW Management, has been contracted with by the City to operate Radford Transit, the Federal Transportation Administration requires an updated Title VI Plan associated with transit. The plan and related updates is required since the transit system is supported with federal funds. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the Title VI Plan, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Personal Property Tax Relief SUMMARY: The State of Virginia requires localities to provide tax relief to local citizens on a portion of their “personal property”. The percentage of relief on qualifying vehicles is established for each tax year and is based on an amount set by the State, which is currently $625,657 for Radford. To reach this amount of relief, the rate proposal for 2022 is 34% for personal property valued at $1,001 to $20,000. Business vehicles, motor homes and vehicles valued under $1,000 are excluded. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the Public Works Week Proclamation, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to remove the decal fee for this year at a cost of $25 per vehicle for Radford residents, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE PROCLAMATION SUBJECT: Our Daily Bread SUMMARY: The Radford-Fairlawn Daily Bread is celebrating its 30th year of serving free meals to those in need. A Proclamation recognizing the organization, its volunteers and its efforts to enhance community living conditions was presented. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the Our Daily Bread Proclamation, Mr. Cosmato seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE OLD BUSINESS: Subject: Appointments to Boards and Commissions ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to appoint Bart Castleberry to Planning Commission Kim Repass and Donna Wolfe to the Highlanders Festival and David Ridpath and David Horton to Pepper’s Ferry, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: NRV Passenger Rail Authority SUMMARY: The local governments, businesses and institutions of higher education in the New River Valley have been working on a plan to bring rail passenger service to our area since 2013. The efforts have included studies to identify support, ridership, site locations, site ownership and state maintenance. Partners have included Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, Legislators, the New River Valley MPO and the New River Valley Regional Commission. The project will be overseen by a Regional Authority that will examine equitable cost-sharing; final location decisions and operations. City Council endorsed Radford’s participation in the project and an Authority by Ordinance 1755 at the October 11, 2021 meeting. All of the local governments and institutions of higher education in the New River Valley have approved the “Participation Agreement”, as well as the “New River Valley Rail, State Authority” with the exception of Floyd County. The New River Valley Regional Commission has requested that two representatives be appointed from each of the governing bodies. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to appoint David Ridpath and David Horton to the NRV Passenger Rail Authority, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Radford Public Library Roof Replacement SUMMARY: The roof on the main section of the Radford Public Library, as well as the Children’s wing is twenty-four years old. Replacement of the roof was programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2023 Budget. Bids were received from two contractors, John T. Morgan Roofing and Sheet Metal Co., as well as Roanoke Roofing and Sheet Metal Co., following a formal procurement process. The lowest responsive bid was received from John T. Morgan Roofing and Sheet Metal Co. in the amount of $105,849 with a 20 year warrantee on the roofing system. The company has worked with the City in the past and has an excellent reputation. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to award the bid to John T. Morgan Roofing and Sheet Metal Co. Mr. Cosmato seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated the East Main Project is advancing on the planning side and there are lots of things planned for the month of August with students returing, the concert series continuing, and the upcoming car show. The City is also looking to paint and stripe pavement in areas throughout the city. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Foster asked if we could get the arsenal Commander to come speak, she also complimented the Farmer’s Market for helping her to eat healthier and thanked the Police Department for recuing her mom’s dog patty cakes. Ms. Foster commented on the overgrown brush at Belle Heth and asked if we could trim those areas. Dr. Harshberger spoke about the upcoming book reading Wharton’s War. Mayor Horton spoke about Mary Draper Ingles Weekend and gave a special thanks to all who made that a great success. Mr. Cosmato thanked the Council and City for the opportunity to serve briefly. Ms. Foster made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25pm seconded by Dr. Harshberger. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Ms. Huntington, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None-0 Pepper’s Ferry Water Treatment Authority ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to appoint David Ridpath and David Horton to the Pepper’s Ferry Water Treatment Authority, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Goodman, City Clerk