City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. March 11, 2024 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 13 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2023-2024 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on March 11, 2024 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. Melissa Skelton, Deputy City Clerk MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Gillespie and seconded Mr. Davis that the minutes from January 8, 2024 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Ms. Foster and seconded Mr. Gillespie that the minutes from February 26, 2024 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Mr. Wilson Rankin, 2308 Eight Street, came regarding the development from the Teaton Crest. He read a passage out of the Comprehensive Plan regarding the character of the neighbor, and believes the Comprehensive Plan is a document that is to aspire to. He asked that they look at the houses on Forest Street, the 4 proposed homes. It is very tight/crowded, and has safety concerns. He understands the city is pressed for building sites, but thinks it’s important to blend the old with the new. Especially when it’s going to be tighter than the surrounding area. Barry Nichols, shared he has lived at 806 Forrest since 1989. They have seen a lot of growth especially around where they are, it’s been a nice, quiet neighborhood. They realize life goes on and the land will be developed, but were surprised when saw the plans and homes planned to be built in that field. He shared the Speed limit is 25 and most people exceed that and those 4 houses with pull out driveways, he can foresee it could create accidents and people being injured. He shared that the 10 being discharged out of Chesley, you drive through there you see basketball goals and people walking, and then have additional vehicles coming through there, that’s 20 more vehicles coming through there. So from a safety standpoint its something that needs to be looked at. Shane Kennedy, lives at 807 Chesley, he said if you have not been out there the 800-900 block of Chesley Street has cul-de-sacs on both ends. The only ingress is off of Ninth Street. He said it’s quite nice, and at heart of the walking trail. Echoes about basketball goals and best place to trick or trick in the city. People come from all over to Forest Park. He does not know if we have studied the traffic along Forest and Seventh? The percentage of increase of traffic, there is only 7 houses down there, you are going to see the cultural vibe there will take a hit for the neighborhood and he doesn’t like it. He has lived there for about 20 years and this is not something he wants. Ms. Maulk - 807 Forest Ave, shared her family sold the property in 2020. She said Caleb Chaffin was supposed to develop it with similar homes in the neighborhood, she wished they had come back and sold it back to them. She shared the biggest issue is the traffic from Rock Rd to W. Main St, it is heavily traffic and don’t want to see anyone get hurt or injured. She stated if her mother was here, she did not want them to sell until they sold the whole thing. They had problems with field being mowed and the received letters sent to them time and time again that it had to be mowed. So, she and brothers got together, and decided to sell. She is sorry they did that. She asked please don’t develop the patio homes, it’s just not the area for it. Carson Morgan, mother lives at 900 Chesley Street, shared that she will be impacted the most because she lives right at the existing cul-de-sac. He recommended that they put a privacy fence and some sort of cover to keep dust from getting onto his mother’s property. He said with all the dust, the would like the house to be power washed every eight months or so, said it could be three years before project is completed. His said another one of his mother concerns was if the fire trucks and school buses will have space to access and turn around. The biggest concern they have is the impact on her house with the dust. COUNCIL RESPONSE: Mr. Davis shared his appreciation for everyone coming forward to share their opinion, they will think through everything and consider everything mentioned. Ms. Foster shared she has taken some notes, and will make a point to drive through there, maybe even walk. They take all comments very seriously and you do have a great neighborhood and certainly don’t want to compromise it. She said that in regards to emergency vehicles that will be looked at as part of the process, they must be able to access the roads for emergencies. Mr. Gillespie thanked everyone for bringing their concerns, they will look at it this and follow up. Mr. Horton thanked everyone for coming out, that’s what these meetings are for, is to have a dialogue to help inform Planning Commission members, City Council members and City Staff as we move through this entire process. He knows change can be challenging and they have to consider everything as they move forward. PROCLAMATIONS: SUBJECT: Women’s History Month SUMMARY: The month of March is nationally recognized as “Women’s History Month”. The designation highlights the historic and ongoing critical roles that women have made to the economy, culture and social progress, the leadership, workforce, the military, as well as equal opportunity. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented Ms. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Emergency Management Professionals Week SUMMARY: March 19-23, 2023 is “Energy Management Professionals Week” in the State of Virginia. The event proclaimed by the Virginia General Assembly and the Virginia Development of Emergency Management is to recognize, honor and show appreciation for the dedication of those that work in the profession of Emergency Management. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented Ms. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PUBLIC HEARINGS: SUBJECT: Ordinance #1798 Transfer of Property to EDA: West Radford Commerce Park: SUMMARY: The City of Radford purchased approximately 80 acres of property adjacent to Bolling Street, formally known as the Radford Foundry site/VCI Property. The property is planned for development and reuse as an industrial site to stimulate economic development, job creation and private investment. The property, known as the “West Radford Commerce Park” would be transferred to the EDA for the development portion of the project. Proposed Ordinance #1798 has been provided for consideration indicating the expectations and conditions. *The public hearing was advertised as required* The Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:24 There were no comments. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:24 SUBJECT: Rezoning– 402 West Rock Road SUMMARY: Balzer & Associated submitted an application on behalf of Jones Builder, LLC seeking approval of a rezoning for <.43 acres 402 West Rock Rd, Radford VA 24141 Portion of Tax Map # 12-(2)-SEC 2-8 and all of Tax Map # 12-(2)-SEC 2-9,10,11 & 12. The request is to rezone from B-1, Limited Business to R-3, Single-Family Residential District to allow the property owner to redevelop existing building into duplex and (1) Single Family Resident. *The public hearing was advertised as required* Planning Commission opened their meeting and have a quorum, members present: Mr. Bart Castleberry Present Mr. Barry Collier Present Mr. Seth Gillespie Present Mr. Rob Gropman Present Dr. Annie Pearce Present Mr. Horton added this is a real win for this neighborhood and spent a lot of time trying to get this property cleaned up. The Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:33 There were no comments. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:33 SUBJECT: Special Use Permit Request – 402 West Rock Road SUMMARY: Balzer & Associated submitted an application on behalf of Jones Builder, LLC seeking approval of a rezoning for <.43 acres 402 West Rock Rd, Radford VA 24141 Portion of Tax Map # 12-(2)-SEC 2-8 and all of Tax Map # 12-(2)-SEC 2-9,10,11 & 12. The request to allow the property owner to redevelop existing building into duplex. *The public hearing was advertised as required* The Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:33pm There were no comments. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:33 pm OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Teaton Crest Development SUMMARY: Golden Triangle Development LLC is requesting a subdivision to Parcel # 19-(1)- 32A, consisting of 4.010 acres to allow for the development of 14 single family homes. The property is located off of Forest Ave and will also have access off of Chesley Street. The property is zoned R-2, Single Family Residential. The developer is proposing four (4) homes having access off of Forest Ave and the remaining ten (10) off of Chesley Street. The HOA will only be for the ten (10) homes off of Chesley Street. At their February 21, 2024 meeting, the Planning Commission made a recommendation for City Council to approve the preliminary plat and HOA. Ms. Artrip asked staff what the definition of By-Right? Ms. Skelton responded means the property meets all the zoning requirements without special exemption. Ms. Artrip asked that with the property being by-right it makes it difficult for them, as long as they are following the guidelines that the City has set in their zoning and other parameters that there are, that as long as they are following those, it makes it difficult for them to essentially say no, because they are following the rules? She said she just wants to make sure that it public knowledge that if they doing everything that they are supposed to, that maybe the city needs to update their verbiage. Ms. Skelton shared the historical data of the zoning ordinance back to 1975, that the lot sizes have remained the same. Ms. Artrip asked for Ms. Skelton to clarify that the developers have met the parameters set by the city. Ms. Skelton said correct. Ms. Artrip shared that she drives this road every single day, in the dark and coming up over that hill, so putting 4 driveways there is a concern. It may not be a VDOT concern, but it will be at least 8 additional cars possibly backing up onto Forest. She said while they are following all the parameters set by the zoning and the City, sometimes you have to look at what’s best for the community and the people that are there. Maybe cut back on the maximum of what you can do and what may fit better. She that she looked up the definition of by-right and its states what is legally and morally correct. So we need to make sure people are considering the moral part of it and not wanting to build to the maximum. She added that she knows they are not and have room to add more, but at the same time they need to be considerate of each other and the space that we are inhabiting. She thanked everyone for coming out and speaking. They did it the right way. They brought their informative concerns, respectfully to City Council and Planning Commission and appreciates that. Ms. Artrip asked Ms. Maulk to not hold this on her shoulders, it’s not her fault. Mr. Gillespie stated that he thinks Kellie did a very good job and didn’t want to echo what she said. He said even when you are within the guidelines and parameters, you are looking big picture and making sure we are taking into consideration the concerns of the community. And they all take seriously. He asked what were some things the City could do; can we add signage coming up over that hill? Are there markings or signage that can help? Mr. Ridpath responded that they can look at signage Mayor asked Mr. Gillespie as Planning Commission representative, if there is anything he wants to share from that meeting that the rest of them should know. Mr. Gillespie responded that they heard the same comments at Planning Commission that were stated this evening. Mayor Horton asked the Planning Commissioners if they had anything else they wanted to add? Planning Commissioners had nothing to add. Ms. Foster asked about the emergency vehicles and the parameters of the road, she understands the importance of that. Ms. Skelton responded that as part of the site plan review, they are required to meet those standards. Ms. Artrip asked if they could step back, that Ms. Foster is planning to go look at the area, do we have sufficient information to move forward? Are there repercussions because they are not doing anything wrong? Mayor Horton asked if there was any issue if they were to table the until March 25 meeting, to be able to gather some more information? Ms. Artrip shared that maybe the developers need to be aware of the comments. Ms. Skelton shared the developer has had representation at both meetings. Ms. Foster said she would like to go back and look at the specific concerns, if that’s okay with Council. ACTION: Ms. Artrip motioned to table the vote, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 Ms. Foster and Mr. Davis asked if developer would be available to meet them on site. Ms. Skelton responded she would reach out to the developer to arrange that. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1787.25 - Sheriff Department vehicle equipment upgrade SUMMARY: The Sheriff’s Department has requested $11,458 from the restricted Courtroom Security Fund for equipment upgrades on two vehicles included in the F.Y. 2024 original Budget. The upgrades include blue lights and radios. ACTION: Ms. Artrip made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinances 1787.25 on the first reading, Mr. Davis seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinances 1787.25, Mr. Davis seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath stated that we have had a few trying weather events, with lots of wind. Nothing major has occurred, the upkeep of city’s right of way have made a big impact on minimizing the tree’s causing outages. He shared the City held three really nice events with over 100 teams to this event. He appreciates all the support from the Recreation Department. He added that we are going after the VHSL tournament again this year, the application has been submitted. Radford hosted the event for a number of years and moved to Salem a few years ago. So they are hopeful to move it back to Radford. Mr. Ridpath said the budget process is occupying all of their time now. The budget scheduled is on the website, they will keep it updated as it goes along. They are looking at all revenue sources and trimming back where possible and will be moving quickly with that process. He shared that the current budget is still on target, and watching our cash flow. This is looked at every Tuesday and Wednesday. Mayor Horton asked if there is anything he is aware of that is unpaid, or outstanding? Mr. Ridpath responded that we are catching up on AEP bill, but everything else is good. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Gillespie thanked everyone that came out this evening and shared their concerns. He thanked the Recreation Department for doing a great job. He is excited to hear that we are trying to bring back VHSL and that RU is in supportive of this. He thanked Mr. Ridpath and city staff for putting in the cross walk at the corner of W. Main Street and Walker, Thompson Tire had reached out to him to thank us for doing so Mr. Ridpath added that with spring just around the corner, they are sprucing all of the fields, so as a reminder that if anyone wants to advertise on the ballfields to please contact the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Davis thanked Ms. Skelton for presentation and for everyone coming out. It makes a difference and they will make a point to go out and review the site. Ms. Foster shared her moment of silence was in honor of Elliott Howe, he was killed in action during WWI. She provided an update to the boards and commissions that she sits on. The Amphitheater at RU is still moving forward. The university is working hard to come up with funds for that build and they are looking at different ways they can partner with the University. She had a CMPT meeting and will be providing them information soon on how many kids are in foster care, how many CPS notifications they have made and snapshot of the benefits provided in the last three months. She was notified by the noon Radford Rotary, and wanted her to remind everyone that their Field of Honor, located in front of Glencoe Museum, will be occurring again this year. It will be honoring veterans, First Responders, EMT, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Teachers, Business Associates and anyone who has made a positive impact in your life, the flags will be on display from Memorial Day to Independence Day. There are different levels of sponsorship, small flags are $50 and goes up to $2,500. The proceeds from this goes to Radford High School Scholarships at RU, Radford/Fairlawn Daily Bread, Glencoe Museum, Elf Shelf, WRC, Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, The Wheelchair Foundation, VFW Post 776 and Sunset Park. Ms. Artrip shared she does not have a whole lot, her family have has suffered from the flu and trying to get well. She mentioned that we are limited in the square footage within the city to build and grow and shared an email they received, praising Melissa, Chris Childress, Jay Eanes, Don Green and several other people on how nice it is to work with the City. It is a good testament for how hard the staff works and what makes building in our area attractive. She said she likes the fact that Jones Builders are planning to redo the store and making it fit with area they are building in. She shared City/University Joint Commission was supposed to have a meeting tomorrow, but decided to pushed that out until April. RU wants to make sure they have the right people at the table to hear what the City has to say and to make decisions that are a joint effort and good for the community. She wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s day and hope everyone finds a little bit of luck this month and stays healthy. Mayor Horton said he wanted to reiterated what Kellie and some of the other council members shared. Working to develop Radford has been one of our challenges, trying to make sure we have enough homes for the people who need and want to live here. Trying to have a good housing stock is a challenge for our community. This is a process and the conversations is part of the process, to help them make a decision together. He shared that 420 W. Rock Road is a huge win for them. There has been challenges with this property, they heard from neighbors for a long time that they felt this historic store had become blighted. Staff worked hard to get property cleaned up and now to get it redeveloped into beautiful homes is the model they are hoping to do more with. That we look at redevelopment where you can. He wanted to mention a couple of new businesses and to reiterate David’s point that it’s a great opportunity to advertise at our sports complexes. Armando’s had a soft opening last week, and New River Blends located at the Central Depot is reopening under new ownership. Karen Wolfferd had reached out to him and for everyone to come on by. He shared that it is great to see so many new businesses. He added that anytime you can support a local business, it makes a difference for all of us because that money stays in our community, for schools, roads ect. Mayor Horton stated that there is a lot of information out there that may not be 100% accurate, so please, reach out to council or city staff. If you have any concern regarding the City just ask, we are here. We do not want information to be inappropriate or misconstrued. They are addressing some of the budgetary issues. He stated that on March 19th, they will have a budget work session, the time is to be determined. He asked for people to please come out and be a part of it. It’s not done in secrecy, its transparent and all working together to find these solutions. Radford is on an upward trajectory, we have our challenges, but this is a place where people want to be. It’s a place that is growing and not shrinking and together we can all overcome some of the pitfalls and challenges. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 pm, Ms. Artrip seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: ________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, Deputy City Clerk