City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. September 12, 2022 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 3 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2021-2022 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on September 12, 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: NONE MINUTES APPROVAL: ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve the minutes from August 8, 2022, as presented Ms. Huntington second the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PRESENTATION SUBJECT: Life Skills Camp SUMMARY: The Radford Sheriff’s Office held a “Life Skills Camp” for Radford’s school age children in August. The camp provided experiences associated with real life situations that children encounter in a fun and safe environment, as well as skills they can use as they grow. The Camp was supplemented with motivational speakers. Mark Armentrout, Sheriff, reported on the camp. SUBJECT: Constitution Week SUMMARY: The week of September 17-23, 2022 is nationally recognized as “Constitution Week”. The Daughters of the American Revolution set aside the week to formally commemorate the importance of the document as a testament to liberty, freedom and inalienable rights. 2022 is the 235 anniversary of the drafting of the U. S. Constitution. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the Constitution Week Proclamation, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Appointments to Board and Commissions SUMMARY: Appointments to Boards and Commissions is needed for the Beautification Commission, Virginia Work Force, and the Board of Zoning Appeals. The BZA appointment must be recommended to the Circuit Court Judge for approval. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion that Mr. Howard be recommended for appointment to the BZA, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Right of Way Vacation-Price Williams LLC SUMMARY: Price Williams, LLC has requested the vacation of public parcels of 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 related to the process. A public hearing was held at the June 13, 2022 meeting. There were no objections or comments. The staff reviewed the request and does not see a conflict with the vacation or need to retain the excess right-of-ways. Several easements for utilities will be necessary. A 3-member Board of Viewers was appointed at the Council meeting on June 8, 2022. The Board reviewed the Right-of-Way Vacations on August 19, 2022 and found no conflicts or inconveniences that would result from the vacations. Easements were recommended to be retained where utilities exist. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to receive the Board of Viewers Report, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to authorize the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance for Vacation of Right of Way Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Ordinance 1769-Tyler toe East Main Right of Way acceptance SUMMARY: The first phase of the “Tyler Avenue to East Main Street” corridor project and transportation enhancement is nearing construction after a decade plus of planning. The project has two phases due to the availability of funding and the size of the project over the long-term. Planning, design and development of bid documents for the corridor roadway from Tyler Avenue, at Auburn adjacent to Super 8, North to East Main Street have been underway since 2019. The initial phase of the project includes about 1000ꞌ of roadway, bikeway, lightning and related amenities that will promote economic development and enhance transportation. The project cost is estimated at $2.91 million with 80% - 98% VDOT funding, depending on the category element of the project. Whitman, Requardt and Associates has been the engineer. VDOT has approved the final location and the acquisition of all right-of-way to support the project. The project has been managed in-house but guided by a VDOT timeline and their schedule of the procedures as they relate to engineering, design, funding, review, bidding and construction. The right-of-way is being donated by the adjacent property owners, Summit Development Company, LLC, in exchange for the abandoned original section of Auburn Avenue at the end of the project. The area of the right-of-way is 2.13 acres. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the Ordinance 1769 as presented, accepting the right of way, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading, Ms. Huntington seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Ordinance 1771-Norwood Square Parking Lot SUMMARY: The City of Radford has maintained a lease for the property located at the intersection of East Main Street and Virginia Street with Price-Baker, LLC since 1997. The property, known as “Norwood Square”, is used for parking to support the business district, a Farmers Market and special events throughout the year. The lease was up for renewal in August, 2022. The Ordinance provides for a five-year extension of the lease at a fixed rate of $3,800 per month. The property owners will pay the real estate taxes on the property. The lease also provides the option of first right of refusal to purchase at the end of the five years or renew for another five- year term with an increase based on the average consumer price index over the previous five years. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve Ordinance 1771 as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second reading, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE SUBJECT: Right of Way Vacation Sowers SUMMARY: The Trustees for the Clarence E. Sowers estate have requested the vacation of an alleyway between Oakland Avenue and Forest Avenue. The unimproved alleyway is 20ꞌ wide and approximately 175ꞌ long and separates two parcels of the Sowers estate at 300 Oakland Avenue. There are no utilities located in the right-of-way. The first step in the right-of-way vacation process is to schedule a public hearing on the request. A public hearing can be held on September 26, 2022. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to schedule the public hearing for Sept. 26, 2022. Mr. Cosmato seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: 2024 Reassessment SUMMARY: The City of Radford has requested proposals from professional firms to conduct the 2024 citywide property references. The City received one proposal from Wampler Eanes Appraisal Group in the amount of $127,000. The company met all of the specification requirements, provided many references and has experience in Radford by conducting the 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 references. The first portion of the assessment cost was included in the development of the F.Y. 2023 Budget, so no appropriation is necessary. An independent reassessment is required by code every four years to determine the valuation of real estate in the City of Radford for tax assessments. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to award the bid to Wampler Eanes Appraisal Group, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Ordinance 1770-S Cellular Tower Agreement SUMMARY: The City has a guyed wired communications tower on Prospect Street adjacent to Wildwood Park. U.S. Cellular has requested equipment upgrades to the tower, however the engineering evaluation did not support the upgrade due to structural issues related to the tower. U.S. Cellular has agreed to replace the 60 year old tower with a monopole that will support the needed equipment replacement for the company. They will also relocate the other communications equipment by other providers, as well as the City to the new tower. The tower will be turned over to the City once the new facility is installed and the old tower removed by Network Building and Consulting, the engineer and contractor. The general provisions of the lease includes a ground area of 1,800 sq ft, 5 year term with renewals, a lease rate of $1,100/mo, an access easement and liability insurance. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the lease provisions. Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. There were no comments: Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. **the public hearing was advertised as required. ACTION: Ms. Huntington made a motion to approve Ordnance 1770 on the first reading, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading, Ms. Huntington seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT:FIRE TRUCK SUMMARY: A new Fire Truck is needed to replace a 1994 Model E-One Pumper. The new truck, a Pierce, will provide 1,000 gallons of reserve water capacity and possesses modern instrumentation. The truck is needed to keep our high ISO, “3” rating, provide safe and efficient fire protection for our community, as well as keep the Department furnished with the latest and best equipment. The truck is expected to cost $858,773 and will take two years to build. The truck will be funded from our restricted “Aid to Locality” funding. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to award the contract to Atlantic Energy Solutions, Mr. Cosmato seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Municipal Improvements-Grounds SUMMARY: Parking area improvements were programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2023 City Budget for the Municipal Building grounds located on Second Avenue. The project includes milling of the old asphalt and paving on the Eastern side of the Building, paving the gravel lot across from the main entrance on Second Avenue, asphalt sealing the rear parking lot and drive entrance, as well as replacement of all parking lot markings. Two bids were received from Adams Construction Company ($119,371) and Southwest Virginia Asphalt Paving, LLC ($85,370). No Appropriation is needed ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to award the contract to SW Virginia Asphalt Paving, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Municipal Improvements-Building SUMMARY: In the development of the F.Y. 2023 City Budget, funds were provided for improvements to the Municipal Building on Second Street. Improvements include restroom upgrades, exterior painting, replacements of the dumpster enclosure and other general repairs. Only one bid was received from the “Request for Proposals”. Extreme Construction, Co. provided a contract price for the work of $76,360. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to award the contract to Extreme Construction Co, Ms. Huntington seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Dr. Harshberger, Ms. Huntington, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CONSENT AGENDA: Appropriation Ordinance #1763.02 – Voter Registrar The Voter Registrar has been notified by the State Board of Elections that the “Advocate Poll Books” have been decertified throughout the Commonwealth. The ePollTab, poll book system will need to be replaced at a cost of $14,176. The purchase includes all software, training and support from Civix Dem -Tech who specializes in precinct management systems. We have had eleven years of experience with the company. Appropriation Ordinance #1763.03 - Police Department The Police Department has received a grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services in the Amount of $75,961. The funds are for the provision of a School Resource Officer for Dalton Intermediate School. No match is required. The funds were established from the Governors initiative to strength school safety. Appropriation Ordinance #1763.04 - Police Department The Police department has received additional grant funding from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services in the amount of $159,404. The funds are for the continued support of the existing two School Resource Officers Positions in Belle Heth and McHarg Schools. No match is required. Appropriation Ordinance #1763.05 - Police Department The Police Department has received a grant from the Bureau of Justice Association, Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program in the amount of $3,766. The funds will be used to purchase a “License Plate Reader” camera to strengthen crime control. No Match is required. Appropriation Ordinance #1763.06 - CDBG The City of Radford received $183,174 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds follow the “2022 Action Plan” approval by City Council on April 25, 2022. The funds will support Planning and Administration, Emergency Home Repair, Facade Improvements in the Business District, Beautification efforts, planning and improvements to East Main Street and the Third Avenue Parking Lot, improvements in equipment and facilities at the Bisset Park Tennis Courts, as well as continued support of our sub recipients programs. The sub recipients include New River Community Action, the Women’s Resource Center, the Bobcat Backpack Program, Radford Daily Bread and the Radical Change Commission. Appropriation Ordinance #1763.07 - Library: The State has increased its support of Virginia Libraries by $2.5 million. The increase for Radford is $23,479 for a total of $190,068. Funds will be used for books, equipment, furniture, educational support and supplies. The original $167,575 was appropriated in the development of the F.Y. 2023 City Budget. Appropriation Ordinance #1763.08 – Sheriff’s Office The Radford Sheriff’s Office held a “Life Skills Camp” for Radford’s school age children in August. The camp provided experiences associated with real life situations children encounter in a fun and safe environment, as well as skills they can use as they grow. The Appropriation provides for the expenditure of the $2,050 in donations received for the program. Approval by City Council of the Appropriation is recommended. The second reading may be dispensed with, if there are four affirmative votes. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinances 1763.02-163.08 as presented, Mr. Cosmato seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Ms. Huntington, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None DISPENSE: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second readings, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Ms. Huntington, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated there are several projects to help better quality of life in the community underway and welcomed back all the students to Radford. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Ms. Huntington stated it is nice to see the fruits of our labor from the past 4 years coming to fruition. The improvements are exciting and it will be wonderful over the next few years to see how more improvements pan out and grow Ms. Foster stated it would be great to hear an update on the East Main Street project gave a shout out the Sheriff’s Department for the life skills camps and ask for an adult version next year. Ms. Foster also talked about Hidden in Plain Sight training and gave a special shout out to Dr. Harshberger for hosting the Wharton’s War book reading and signing. Ms. Foster also discussed her opportunity to speak to a freshman class at Radford University and what a great experience interacting with the students always is. Dr. Harshberger spoke about all the cooperation between the University and City to include the Joint Commission and Economic Development in the City. Dr. Harshberger also discussed some of the items he is hoping to learn about at the VML Conference. Mr. Cosmato thanked the Police department for his opportunity to do a ride a long. He stated he learned a lot about our community and department and is impressed by our officer’s ability to interact and engage with the community. Mayor Horton stated there was a very busy end to august and busy start to September. There are many events coming up including Homecoming for both the University and High School, Family Weekend, and the Inauguration to name a few. Mayor Horton also spoke about upcoming October events including the Highlanders Festival on October 8. Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 pm seconded by Mr. Cosmato. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Cosmato, Ms. Foster, Ms. Huntington, Dr. Harshberger, Mayor Horton NAYES: None ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Goodman, City Clerk