City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. June 12, 2023 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 19 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2022-2023 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on June 12, 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, 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: NONE COUNCIL RESPONSE: NONE 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, achievement, as well as a continued focus on addressing racial injustices in our society. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PROCLAMATION: 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. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 RESOLUTION: SUBJECT: Virginia Living Magazine SUMMARY: Virginia Living Magazine has recognized twenty-eight Radford Chamber of Commerce Businesses in its “Best of Virginia” survey. The Businesses include Tuck Chiropractic, New River Valley Pediatrics, New River Dermatology, Thompson & Litton, Patrick Moore, P.C., Mullins Funeral Home, Virginia Furniture Market, Macado’s, Sal’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Radford Coffee Company, Thai This Express, Pete Dye River Course, NRV Community Services, The Hair Loft, Sams Brothers Inc., Carter Bank and Trust, Carilion, Brickhouse Pizza, Long Way Brewing, Sinkland Farms, Central United Methodist Church, Blacksburg Boxing and Fitness, Carilion New River Valley, Garrett’s, Gates Florist and Gifts, PR Sturgill Jewelry, Truist and Member One. A Resolution has been provided promoting the success of these businesses with its patrons. The Chamber of Commerce invited the businesses to the City Council meeting to accept the resolution. ACTION: Ms. Artrip made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 RESOLUTION: SUBJECT: Community Garden SUMMARY: Jim Graham has overseen the “Community Garden” program located on Pulaski Avenue since 2010. The project coordinator has a number of responsibilities which include the scheduling of plowing and tilling of the plots, promotion of the 41 garden agreements, general oversite of the facility, as well as serve as the primary contract. Jim has worked with a number of community groups, City Council, City Staff and the Recreation Commission, over the years. The Recreation Commission has recommended that the Community Garden be named in honor of Jim’s service on the project and to our community. A resolution recognizing the naming of the community garden was presented. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 RESOLUTION: SUBJECT: Apollo 13 Recovery SUMMARY: Radford’s Inland Motors Corporation/Kollmorgen has been a manufacturer of specialty torque motors, contributing to the NASA Apollo missions. Their products were an instrumental success in the recovery of Apollo 13 safety back to Earth in 1970. The Resolution recognizes the contributions of Inland Motors history in our community, to technology and space operations. Bill Fliesher worked on the program and was present to introduce the details of the program. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Ms. Artrip seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 REPORT: SUBJECT: Spirit of America Celebration SUMMARY: Greg Holbrook, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented an overview of the July 4th activities planned for 2023. The report will include event programming associated with music, craft and food vendors, children’s activities, fireworks, as well as parking accommodations. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Water Line Inventory SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received a grant from the Virginia Department of Health to conduct a water line inventory to identify possible points of lead intrusions. The grant is driven nationally by the Environmental Protection Agency in response to the water system contamination issues in communities throughout the Country. The City has solicited engineering service through a formal RFP with four responders. CHA Consulting, Inc. has been selected to advance the project due to their experience, system knowledge and project approach. The project will provide several stages including an inventory, data identification, field sampling and testing, public notification and education, as well as development of an improvement plan, if lead issues are identified. The work will be completed by October, 2024. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to award the contract to CHA Consultants INC, Ms. Artrip seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1763.36, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1763.36, Ms. Artrip seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Tyler Avenue to East Main Street Transportation Porject SUMMARY: The first phase of the “Tyler Avenue to East Main Street” corridor project and transportation enhancement is advancing to 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. Project bidding is ready to proceed once the funding has been established. The cost of the project has increased due to inflation and materials and labor increases. Sufficient funds are not available and the City has opted to apply for Revenue Sharing. The application will request $1.5 million to cover any contingency, however costs are not expected to exceed $500,000. ACTION: Ms. Artrip made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: F.Y. 2024 Council Calendar SUMMARY: The City Council “regular” meeting calendar for 2023-2024 calls for eighteen meetings. The schedule takes into account the holidays in November, December and May, as well as no second meeting in the Summer months. ACTION: Ms. Artrip made a motion to approve the Calendar as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Ordinance 1790-East Main Street Lease VEC SUMMARY: The Virginia Employment Commission is moving to permanent office space at 51 West Main Street following the building renovations by the owners and contractors. They have requested temporary facilities from the City of Radford at the former Wells Fargo Building at 1040 East Main Street. The VEC would use the facility from June to September and pay $18.36/sq.ft valued at $1,888/month. A lease has been provided and has been approved by the City Attorney. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Ordinance 1790 on the first reading, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Ordinance 1790, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commission SUMMARY: Appointments to Boards and Commissions is needed for Agency on Aging, Beautification Commission, Library Board, Recreation Commission, New River Valley Regional Commission, Social Services Board, Building Code Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, City/University Joint Commission and the Tourism Commission. The vacancies have been advertised. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the below table of individuals, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. Citizen Appointment Slate Board/Commission Position Current Member Up for Reappointment Agency on Aging 1 Sally Anna Stapleton 1 Alternate Robin Troxel Beautification Commission 1 Michael Mangialardi Library Board 1 Teen Rep Isabelle Calfee Recreation Commission 1 Rick Slavings 1 Sam Hubbard 1 Sr. Rep Mandy Martin Building Code Board of Appeals 1 (3 year term) Bruce VanArsdale Planning Commission 1 Ryan Watson 1 Charley Cosmato City/University Joint Commission 1(city rep) Robert Towle 1(business rep) Jeff Martin New River Valley Regional 1 Jeff Martin Commission STAFF APPOINTMENTS New River Valley Community Emily Hite Services VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1763.35 SUMMARY: The City of Radford had several encumbrances/purchase orders outstanding at the end of the F.Y. 2023 fiscal year. The purchase order totals $1,139,967 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. 2023, an Appropriation is needed. The funds are greater than 1% of the total City Budget, so a public hearing is required and has been advertised. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1763.35, Ms. Artrip seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1763.35, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1763.37 SUMMARY: The Police Department has received a grant from the Department of Criminal Justice Services in the amount of $476,000. The funds must be used for law enforcement equipment and technology needs. The equipment includes 6 police vehicles, a Flock camera, 4 public security cameras, a drone with accessories and 35 new generation Glock guns with holsters. No match is required. ACTION: Ms. Artrip made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1763.37, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1763.37, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Mr. Ridpath spoke about the upcoming July 4th event, the increase in building permit numbers and the paving program for F.Y. 24. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Gillespie spoke about how well attended the Chamber Golf Tournament was and that Dan is doing well with the Radford Chamber. Mr. Gillespie commented on what a good person Jim Graham is and how deserving he is of the naming of the Community Garden and how amazing it is to hear the story and celebrate those who worked on Apollo 13. Mr. Gillespie spoke about his excitement for July 4th and the Dobbins Park Ribbon Cutting. Mr. Gillespie spoke about how special Radford is as a whole. Ms. Foster echoed the comments of Mr. Gillespie and stated her moment of silence was dedicated to Elmer J. Vaught. Ms. Foster spoke about attending the Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony, the Chamber mixer and golf tournament, and asked if industrial tours could begin again. Ms. Foster commented on the resignation of Rob Graham and wishes him the best of luck, he will be missed. Ms. Artrip echoed the comments above and congratulated the Derek Wagner Dance Center for their summer recital. Ms. Artrip commented on Radford on the River, the upcoming concert series and thanked all the city employees for working extra to make all the special things happen this summer. Mayor Horton also echoed the comments of his fellow council members. Mayor Horton spoke about the Field of Honor, Memorial Day Program, the passing of Bob Thomas and the concert series. Mayor Horton spoke about Dobbins Park ribbon cutting and how as a community we need to be ambassadors for Radford and continue to promote the good and move Radford forward. Ms. Foster made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 seconded by Mayor Horton. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Goodman, City Clerk