City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. April 22, 2024 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 16 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 and Ms. Artrip. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Melissa Skelton, Deputy City Clerk MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Ms. Artrip_ and seconded by Mr. Davis that the minutes for the April 8, 2024 regular meeting is approved with amendments. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Gary Harris, Commander of VFW, shared he received a phone call asking why there is not a flag pole and flag at the park. He shared he had one installed three days. He thanked the Electric and Public works for assisting with the installation. Bill Fleischer, wanted to take the time to complimented the Water Department, he needed them to come out and shut the water off and they did and got there in a very timely manner. Not everything is always that simple in other area’s and states. He also appreciates the questions toward the school board and the equity between the other city employees. PROCLAMATION SUBJECT: National Cities, Towns & Villages Month SUMMARY: The month of May is recognized as “National Cities, Towns & Village’s Month.” The Proclamation commemorates the strength of local leadership, the influence of the impact of local programs and operations on communities, as well as recognizes that local governments are the bedrock of democracy. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: Ridgewood Water Tank – Cell Tower SUMMARY: U.S. Cellular has an agreement with the City of Radford for the installation, repair and operation of cellular communication services on the City water tank located at 110 Ridgewood Lane. The lease has been in effect since April 12, 2004 and is up for renewal in May. Two actions are required by City Council…Accept proposals for private sector services for the Ridgewood Tank and consideration of an agreement. The formal process is required because a public facility is proposed to support the private service. Only one proposal was received from U.S. Cellular. *The public hearing was advertised as required* One bid was received by US Cellular. The Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:12 pm No Comments The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:12 pm SUBJECT: Electric & Waste/Water Rates SUMMARY: The F.Y. 2024 Budget is supported by revenues generated from taxes, fees and utility rates. Electric and Sanitary Sewer rate revisions are needed to support the approved Budget. Waste water rates are programmed to increase from $14.32 to $16.24 for 2,000 gallons of usage. The rate increases are to support the cost of operations, Capital Improvements, as well as increases in the treatment of sanitary sewer at the regional Peppers Ferry facility. Electric rates are programmed to increase due to base rate and wholesale power cost adjustment increases from our supplier, AEP. The electric base rates increase to $107.97/1000 kwh and the Wholesale Power Cost adjustment would increase to .056087/kwh. *The public hearing was advertised as required* The Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:20 pm The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:21 pm. OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Resolution Special Use Permit – New River City RV Resort 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. 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 not advance by the developer. Staff sees no issues with preliminary proposal as it relates to development considerations and floodplain requirements. City Council held a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission 2024 at the April 8, 2024 meeting. There were no objections or issues. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the details of the Special Use Permit after review at its meeting on April 15, 2024. ACTION: Mr. Davis made a motion, to approve the resolution on it’s first reading, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion, to approve the resolution on its second and final, Ms. Foster seconded the motion VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Ordinance #1804 Ridgewood Water Tank SUMMARY: ACTION: Mr. Davis made a motion to approve Ordinance #1804 on it’s first reading, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Ordinance #1804 on it’s second and final reading, Mr. Davis seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Ordinance #1805 Electric & Waste/Water Rates SUMMARY: The F.Y. 2024 Budget is supported by revenues generated from taxes, fees and utility rates. Electric and Sanitary Sewer rate revisions are needed to support the approved Budget. Waste water rates are programmed to increase from $14.32 to $16.24 for 2,000 gallons of usage. The rate increases are to support the cost of operations, Capital Improvements, as well as increases in the treatment of sanitary sewer at the regional Peppers Ferry facility. Electric rates are programmed to increase due to base rate and wholesale power cost adjustment increases from our supplier, AEP. The electric base rates increase to $107.97/1000 kwh and the Wholesale Power Cost adjustment would increase to .056087/kwh. ACTION: Mr. Davis made a motion to approve Ordinance #1802 on its first reading, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: F.Y. 2025 Fee Resolution SUMMARY: The F.Y. 2025 Budget is supported by utility and service user fees. Fee increases are associated with Recreation Department memberships, new service connection fees and water meter costs. The Recreation Commission has recommended the increase in the membership fee. All other fees are generally level to reflect actual cost for services. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve F.Y. 2025 Fee Resolution, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Community Development Block Grant - Program Year 2024 Action Plan SUMMARY: The City of Radford receives funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Urban Development as an Entitlement Community to support low and moderate income projects and reduce slum and blight conditions. Every five years, the City is required to develop a “Consolidated Action Plan” identifying housing and community development priorities under the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). The 2024 Plan year, our F.Y. 2025 fiscal year, has a projected allocation of $204,683 with an additional $27,000 in carry over funds from the previous year for a total of $231,683. Projects proposed support emergency home repairs, façade improvements and beautification, a water and sanitary sewer project on Seventeenth Street, general administration of the program, as well as agency support for the Women’s Resource Center, New River Community Action, August Kids, Bobcat Back Pack Program, and Radford- Fairlawn Daily Bread. ACTION: Mr. Davis made a motion to approve PY 2024 Action Plan, Ms. Artrip seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Tech Lab Resolution– Extension on Lease Agreement SUMMARY: City Council has amended the restrictive covenants on the Radford Industrial Center for TechLab that provided a construction time frame limitation on the future development of the adjacent lot. The City has granted four extensions by Resolution in 2011, 2016, 2019, and 2021.Techlab is requesting another waiver and modification as to the extension of time for the Radford Industrial Center Lot 11 (7.02 acres) for an additional 36 months from the current date of December 12, 2023 to December 12, 2026. It is TechLabs intent to pursue commercial development and usage of the parcel within the course of the requested extension. Staff sees no issues with the proposal as a support to the existing industry, future job growth and private investment. Mr. Gillespie thanked Mr. Harvey for their time in giving them a tour and hope they will be with them for years to come. ACTION: Mr. Davis made a motion to approve the resolution, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1787.27 – REDI Program – Highlander Hotel SUMMARY: The Radford University Foundation Hotel Land, LLC. has constructed a 125-unit hotel, restaurant and conference facilities at 604 Tyler Avenue to advance economic development and community offerings. The investment is assessed at $24.4 million and opened in April after two years of planning and construction. The Performance Agreement is based on the provisions of the Radford Economic Development Incentive Program established in 2018. The REDI generally provides annual calendar year relief on Real Property Taxes up to 80% of the payment over 10-years. The agreement provides operational expectations and “clawback” provisions, if the terms are not met. The taxes are paid by the Foundation and reimbursement by Appropriation. The EDA reviewed the performance measures provided by the Radford University Foundation Hotel Land, LLC for reimbursement of a portion of its calendar year 2023 Real Property Taxes. The EDA concurred that the Hotel had met the requirements for reimbursement of $150,199 at its meeting on March 7, 2024 overall revenues exceeded $300,000. Mayor Horton made a statement that since he is employed by the university and receives a salary of more than $5,000 annually, and that the approval of the performance agreement may directly or indirectly affect the RUF Hotel Land LLC's ability to repay the loan to the university, he has a personal interest in this matter. He, however is a member of a business, profession, occupation or group that may be affected by council's decision and therefore am able to participate pursuant to Sections 2.2 D3112 (d1) and 2.2 D3115 (h) of the Virginia conflicts of interest act. He is also able to participate in this matter fairly and objectively and in the public interest. Mr. Gillespie shared that his accounting firm Daryl Gillespie, CPA, until very recently provided the payroll services for the Radford University Foundation, located at PO Box 6915 Radford, Virginia 24142. He will be abstaining from this vote. Abram Williams, EDA Chair, shared that the EDA is happy with the result of the performance agreement and that the hotel met the guidelines within 8 months of opening. Mayor asked if they think it’s a good tool for the EDA to have. Mr. Williams shared it’s very important to help with offsetting cost of development. They feel good of the terms and decisions of the REDI Program. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinances 1787.29 on the first reading, Mr. Davis seconded that motion. VOTE: Ms. Artrip YES Mr. Davis YES Ms. Foster YES Mr. Gillespie ABSTAIN Mayor Horton ABSTAIN SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1787.29: Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant SUMMARY: The Radford Heritage Foundation has received a grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry in the amount of $4,400. The funds will be used for plants, supplies and promotional materials associated with the beautification of the Glencoe Mansion grounds. No match is required. The City is serving as the fiscal agent on the project and will be reimbursed by the RHF. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinances 1787.29 on the first reading, Mr. Davis seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinances 1787.29 on the second and final reading, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath shared they are working hard finding grants for the W. Radford Commerce Park, we are on top list in the state for help to remove the old slab. He shared that Comcast has followed back up with him and they have an interest. Mr. Bedsaul explained Comcast will have a similar process as the lease that was before them this evening. Mr. Ridpath shared that there are lots of events going on. We have everything from River activities to Farmers Market. The Concert Series will begin soon. COUNCIL COMMENTS: The Mayor shared that several of them on council met with Sen Warner and Sen Hackworth today, along with leader from the region to talk about Economic Development. Mr. Gillespie added that he appreciates both Sen. Warner and State Sen. Hackworth for taking the time to come meet with them and discuss some of the economic development. He thanked both the EDA and School Board for coming and helping them through the process. He congratulated the Ford’s for the approval of their proposed RV Resort and is looking forward to them opening that. It can help open that area up of the City. He shared that this Saturday, Shoot for Shakeem Tournament will be at the recreation center and to come and support. There is a Re-dedication of Hodge Field on April 29, 5:30, to please join them. Ms. Foster shared a number of items she would like follow up on. She heard BAE will be modernized, and would be nice for them to come visit and provide an update. She shared she attended an ACCE Banquet in Giles County and it was very touching to hear personal stories and would love if we could do something similar. She would like to invite Angie Covey to come and give update on the ACCE Program. She also would like presentation of our PoP Program, to let people know what they have and provide the community with this information. She asked what the next steps were to get the no panhandling signs? And asked if they can include available resources? She shared some updates from the Heritage Foundation. The Mary Draper Ingles Festival has added a 4.2k Bike, Walk, run to commemorate how many days it took her to journey back home. She thanked the Highlander Hotel, Pulaski County (Ingles Tavern) and Ingles Castle for all collaborating with the Festival. She said they continue to actively seek grants and are in the second phase of grant cycle in the amount for $225,000 to help with restorations of Glencoe. Mr. Davis shared his appreciation for the School Board being here today and our success will be determined by working together. Ms. Artrip thanked Mr. Harris and Mr. Fleischer, it is nice to hear what we are doing right. She again thanked the school board. She said K&J Properties is planning on doing some very great things with the RV Resort. She mentioned that the City/University Joint Commission meeting has made some member changes on the RU side, and expect to see a more active committee. She said they have a great side committee who has been working for 18 months on the very first Radford Community Festival which will be held on August 24, 2024, from 11-7. She said her son started his Tee Ball career and the park is very busy, so please be careful driving. Mayor Horton thanked everyone who has been working on it. This week is environmental improvement month. Friday is Arbor Day, there are many events in the City and on RU Campus. He will be working with Pathways and the Radford Beautiful Commissioned with tree plantings on Saturday morning, He shared that the Whole You Wellness studio has an open house on Saturday, April 27th., and reminded everyone that the Farmers Market is open now through October. Ms. Artrip made a motion to adjourn the meeting 8:04p.m. seconded by Mr. Davis. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Melissa Skelton, Deputy City Clerk