City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. April 8, 2024 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 15 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2023-2024 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on April 8, 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. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy City Clerk CITIZEN COMMENTS: Mr. Bill Fleischer, shared he heard different stories regarding the initial agreement with the hotel, and asked if they could provide the history for those of them who don’t know. COUNCIL RESPONSE: Mayor Horton shared that in 2018 council wanted to provide an incentive program through the EDA, one that helped industries to assist in tax relief. The idea for the incentive, was to provide a rebate on the taxes paid for new development, up to 80%. Ms. Foster said another reason for the program was for transparency, not only to encourage businesses to come and create jobs, but wanted everyone to know that no sweetheart deals or secret handshakes were being made. Mr. Ridpath shared that performance agreements are also required in order to receive the rebate, in case of hotel, it included meals and lodging tax. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Gillespie and seconded by Mr. Davis that the minutes for the March 25, 2024 regular meeting is approved. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Proclamation – National Telecommunications Week SUMMARY: April 14 - 20, 2024 is “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week”. The week is designated to recognize the professionals who are first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services. Public Safety Telecommunicators serve as a vital link to police and fire personnel by monitoring their activities, relaying information and establishing the link from the caller to the scene. ACTION: Mr. Davis made a motion to approve the proclamation, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Proclamation – National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week SUMMARY: ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the proclamation, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Proclamation – Crime Victim’s Rights Week SUMMARY: April 21-27, 2024 is “National Animal Control Officer’s Appreciation Week”. The week is designated to celebrate and promote the professionalism and service within the Animal Control field for all they do in protecting the welfare of animals, providing public information and education, as well as enforcing animal control laws. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the proclamation, Mr. Davis seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 Teresa McKenzie, Asst Director of Radford City/Floyd County Victim Witness, came on behalf of Sarah Cambell who was unable to attend. She shared that they will be having their annual 5k fundraiser at Bisset Park on April 27th. She shared they are partnering with the Dept. of Corrections, and will be broadcasted across the state, inmates in different prisons will be participating virtually. She shared that prisoners actually put the names of their victims on their chest, as part of the healing process. She appreciates all the support from Council. SUBJECT: Proclamation – Library Week SUMMARY: April 7-13, 2024 is “National Library Week”. The week recognizes the significant contributions that libraries make in meeting the communities’ economic needs, providing a place for education, opportunities for life-long learning, as well as offering a host of community services for citizens of all ages. The Proclamation recognizes “National Library Week” locally, as well as encourages our residents to visit the Radford Public Library. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the proclamation, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Proclamation – National Laboratory Professionals Week SUMMARY: The week of April 14-20, 2024 is state and nationally recognized as “Medical Laboratory Professional’s Week”. The week is recognized to celebrate the medical professionals who play a vital role in healthcare and patient advocacy, as well as the critical high standards of healthcare. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: Special Use Permit – Recreational Vehicle Park SUMMARY: New River City RV Resort has requested a Special Use Permit to construct and operate a Recreational Vehicle Park on Tax Parcel #24-1-8. The 36-acre site is adjacent to the New River and West Main Street at the Westward City limits at 3080 Little River Road. The Planning Commission reviewed the request and has recommended that a joint hearing be scheduled for the April 8, 2024 meeting. 180 recreational vehicle spaces are proposed. The property is zoned CD (conservation) and M-1 (industrial) and requires a Special Use Permit for a Recreational Vehicle Park. A similar project was approved in 2019 but did advance by the developer. Staff sees no issues with preliminary proposal as it relates to development considerations and floodplain requirements. City Council scheduled a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission as recommended on March 25,2024 for the April 8, 2024 meeting. Planning Commission opened their meeting and have a quorum, members present: Mr. Bart Castleberry Present Mr. Barry Collier Present Mr. Seth Gillespie Present Mr. Ryan Watson Present Dr. Annie Pearce Present Mr. Cosmato Present *The public hearing was advertised as required* Mayor Horton shared the letter from Montgomery County, their comments include the following: 1) Due to the visibility of the project site from Interstate 81, the County wishes to ensure that proper maintenance of the facility is a priority. 2) Due to the nature of recreational vehicles entering and exiting along Little River Damn Road, adequate visibility at the entrance should be ensured. 3) Due to the location of the property within the Floodway/proximity to the New River, the County wishes to ensure that efforts will be made to prevent any pollutants, trash, or debris from entering the river and impacting properties upstream of the development. The Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:33 Mr. Ed Harless, adjacent property owner, shared he really thinks it’s a great opportunity for the City of Radford and wishes he was young enough to have an endeavor like this. He shared this location has a lot of history; the Ingles Mill, and Daniel Boone Crossed the river at that point. He said if could bring the trail to connect to the city trails it would be great. Mr. Foster thanked him for coming in support, we don’t normally see people come in support. Mr. Davis asked if he lived in the trailer next to the property. Mr. Harless responded that he did. Mr. KJ Ford shared they do have a vision of this property. He said in response to Montgomery County’s comments, he said they will ensure that all trash is kept up, it’s a habit for them to just pick up trash. He invited everyone to come visit their existing RV Resort, Lake Ridge in Hillsville VA, and see how well kept it is. He added that in regards to the entry way, they will have limited light pollution and looking at entry way site distance and will be sure there is adequate visibility. Mr. Davis asked for the restrictions on the length of the trailer that can be brought in. Mr. Ford responded that all spots will be 70’, which can accommodate a 40’ trailer and two parked Ms. Foster asked to elaborate on the functions and activities they anticipate having there. Mr. Ford responded, Kayaking, tubing, arcade, snack bar, activity pads, corn hole tournament. They are interested in connecting the trail to the rest of the City of Radford. Ms. Foster shared she is a stickler on terms of stay. She shared the last time a proposal for this site came before them, they limited the stay to 6 months. She shared that when she visited the site with the Fords, the point they made was that there is a season for campers, which is 7 months. She said that there has to be a term, but have a valid argument as to why it should be longer. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:43. SUBJECT: Ordinance #1801 Unauthorized SUMMARY: City Council had requested an Ordinance for consideration to address the hours of operation and abandoned personal property at our City Parks. The Ordinance establishes general hours for park openings at 5:00 a.m. and closing at 12:00 a.m. each day. Violations will constitute trespassing. The Ordinance also addresses personal property that is left unattended for more than 24-hours in the parks, that will be considered abandoned and may be disposed of by the City. The restrictions do not limit access to the public boat ramps for launching or retrieving watercraft. Parks and Recreation, as well as the Police Department have reviewed the Ordinance and concur with the expectations ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Ordinance #1801 on it’s first reading, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis Yes Ms. Foster Yes Mr. Gillespie Yes Mayor Horton Yes NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Ordinance # 1801 on its second and final reading, ______ seconded that motion. Mr. Davis VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis Yes Ms. Foster Yes Mr. Gillespie Yes Mayor Horton Yes SUBJECT: Appointment to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: Appointments are needed to the Library Board Teen Rep and the Recreation Commission. The positions have been posted on the Website. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion, to approve Joshua Osemobo to the library board, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Carl Rigby to the Recreation Commission, Mr. Davis seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1787.28 – VRSA Grant SUMMARY: The City received a grant from our insurance carrier, VRSA. The $5,000 award are used by its members to address risk management areas associated with safety equipment, training and education. The grant will support the purchase of two-dog tracking collars for the Police Department, as well as two body harnesses and a tripod for the Water/Wastewater Department to use in confined space work. A small match is required and can be accommodated from existing departmental funding. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinances 1787.28 on the first reading, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Davis made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinances 1787.28, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath shared this is environmental awareness month, the city has a number of adopt a spot streets available, and encourages people to sign up. He shared city crews are patching up the potholes throughout the city. He stated that he received a number of questions on signal lights. He shared we have an agreement with VDOT, they are placing the sensors on our lights which will allow faster sensors, and will also be programmable in case of emergency. He reminded everyone that the budget is online, at the library and here in the municipal building, with the public hearing will be on April 16th. The budget, water and electric rate have all been advertised. Mayor Horton added that VDOT is funding the sensor project, and they are not red light cameras for ticketing. It simply controls the traffic signals. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Gillespie thanked everyone who was recognized tonight. He said the Easter egg hunt was a huge success. It’s a great event and Kim has done a great job. He thanked staff for working on budget and knows it been long hours. He shared that Dan McKinney previously mentioned there is a push for Ballpark signs, he said it’s a good opportunity for businesses to promote their business. He thanked the Fords for their presentation and think it will be a game changer and is very excited about the project. Mr. Davis shared his appreciation for everyone coming up and speaking. He stated that all the proclamations speak a lot about our community. We all work together. He’s excited about the prospect down on the river and it could bring a lot of business to Radford. He thanked everyone for hanging in there in the budget process, especially Mr. Ridpath. Ms. Foster informed everyone that she would be providing information in the front lobby regarding advertising banners that the Chamber is selling spots on behalf of the City. They can be places at Hodge Field, Veterans Field, New River Sports Complex, with all the games/tournaments it is estimated to have an attendance of 9000 people. She also shared that she will be providing information regarding the Field of Honor that is displayed at Glencoe. The proceeds go so Radford High school scholarships, the Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread, Glencoe Museum, the Elf shelf, Women’s Resource Center, Alzheimer's Research Trust, Sleep in Heavily Peace, the Wheelchair Foundation, Rotary effort to eradicate polio, VFW Post 776 and Sunset Park. She shared that the Chamber is having their annual Golf Tournament on April 29th, their website has all the information. She displayed the book that Michael Rader dropped off for them today. She said a lot of people have been asking about the PoP Program and what is available out there. She said she would like to continue with the corporate tours. She is still interested in meeting the Arsenal Commander and hope they can come to council soon. She noticed some updates with the sidewalks on Wadsworth Street and asked if they would be wheel chair assessable. She mentioned the City working on Panhandling signs, wants to be sure we are still moving forward with that, said she was very close to an accident when someone in front of here was trying to hand out money. She shared that the Electric Dept. set up a display light across from Theater for the public to give input. Ms. Foster mention that the Dept. of Social Services, one of the committees she sits on, has established their new logo. It took a little longer than anticipated but it is complete. Mayor Horton thanked everyone who helped out with Special Events. He agreed with Ms. Foster, to get back on the corporate piece, it would be neat to showcase what is being made here in Radford. He shared Council always wants to thank those who work hard and to recognize people within our community, and if there is something we have not recognized or celebrate, to please let them know. He thanked the Chamber for all of their help with our events. He is excited to see Social Services new logo. He shared the RedBud, Radford’s signature tree, is in bloom, just in time for this weekend’s Redbud festival that will be across the river at Nesslerod. Mayor Horton informed everyone of a number of events taking place all month, he will share more about Arbor Day and Earth Week at their next meeting. He said that Councilwoman Foster and himself had an opportunity to meet with some of our friends from the Student Government Association at Radford University. He shared he always love an opportunity to talk about getting more people involved in elections. He said Jesse did an amazing job as always and thanked to Lisa Ghidotti, Executive Director of Government Relations at Radford University, who helped coordinate the program. Which reminded him that we need to reach out to our school board as well to see about bringing back Student Government day here in Radford at a higher level. It has been a little while, but that is a wonderful program. Mr. Ridpath added that we got approval for flags on Bridge, and the REDI program will be on April 22nd agenda. Ms. Foster made a motion to adjourn the meeting 8:11p.m. seconded by Mr. Gillespie VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Melissa Skelton, Deputy City Clerk