City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. March 27, 2023 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 15 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2022-2023 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on March 27, 2023 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 Seth Gillespie, Ms. Jessie Foster, Mr. Bobby Davis, and Ms. Kellie Artrip. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Jenni Goodman, City Clerk Mr. Mike Bedsaul, City Attorney CITIZEN COMMENTS: Mr. John Ashley came to Council and showed a three-minute video expressing his frustrations with the City of Radford in relation to custody of his child. COUNCIL RESPONSE: NONE MINUTES APPROVAL: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the minutes for March 13, 2023 as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PROCLAMATIONS: SUBJECT: Environmental Awareness Month SUMMARY: April, 2023 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: Ms. Artrip made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Earth Day SUMMARY: April 22, 2023 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: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Artrip seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Arbor Day SUMMARY: April 28, 2023 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, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Distracted Driving Awareness Month SUMMARY: The month of April, 2023 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: Mr. Davis made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Artrip seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 OLD BUSINESS: 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: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the reduced rates as presented, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated that the spring is already busy with budget, unusual weather, and events. Special thanks to all our departments for their help during the stormy/windy weather and putting on the Easter Egg Hunt. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Gillespie commented on the success of the Easter egg hunt and thanked staff for putting on such a huge event. Mr. Gillespie also spoke about the tournaments in Radford over the weekend being well attended. Mr. Gillespie also asked about a feasibility study for the cracker’s neck area as we head into budget season. Ms. Foster dedicated her moment of silence to Mr. Ernest Kyle and thanked all the businesses that helped sponsor the eggs in the Easter Egg Hunt. Mr. Davis said likewise on the egg hunt and he was excited his grandson won the golden egg to Dollywood. Ms. Artrip stated she hated to miss the egg hunt, but she was out of town for a wedding. Thanks to all for putting that on. Ms. Artrip also extended her condolences to the Starnes family of the loss of their matriarch and wished her daughter Olivia Happy Birthday! Mayor Horton also extended condolences to the Starnes family. Mayor Horton discussed all the good going on in Radford. Mayor Horton thanked all for helping with the egg hunt and stated there are many more events popping up in April. Ms. Foster made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. seconded by Mr. Gillespie. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Goodman, City Clerk