City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. August 12, 2024 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 2 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2024-2025 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on August 12, 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. Foster, Ms. Kellie Artrip, and Mr. Bobby Davis. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Jenni Webb, City Clerk CITIZEN COMMENTS: Ms. Beth Barber presented her petitions to Council for traffic improvements on Pepper’s Ferry in front of the Arsenal and for a shelter at the Transit Stop by Riverbend apartments. Mr. James Abernathy discussed a possible sidewalk on Tyler Avenue between Auburn Avenue and Food Lion due to the heavy pedestrian traffic. MINUTES APPROVALS: On a motion by Ms. Artrip and seconded by Ms. Foster that the minutes for the July 8, 2024 were approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PRESENTATION: SUBJECT: Community Fest SUMMARY: The City/University Advisory Commission has been working to bring the City and University community together for a fun and social event. “Community Fest” has been established and scheduled for August 24, 2024. The event will be held on East Main Street between Harrison Street and Tyler Avenue. Highlights include food trucks, bands, craft and business vendors as well as informational tents. Melissa Skelton, presented an overview of the special event. REPORT: SUBJECT: ACCE PROGRAM SUMMARY: Angie Covey, Director of the New River Community College Foundation, provided an overview of the ACCE Program, as well as its direct benefits to Radford. The City contributes $50,000 to the program for Radford High School students. PROCLAMATIONS: SUBJECT: Radford High School Recognitions SUMMARY: The Proclamation recognizes the accomplishments of the Radford High School Choir. Throughout the 2023-2024 school year. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the choir proclamation as presented Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 PUBLIC HEARING: SUBJECT: Franchise Consideration SUMMARY: The City of Radford received a request from Comcast in May, 2024 to operate a franchise in the City of Radford. The request is to conduct, maintain, replace, repair and operate a system of cable network services and transmission within the City of Radford along roadways, easements, alleyways and on public grounds. The agreement term proposal is for a period of 10 years and includes a Pole Attachment Agreement for $30/ pole annually. Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:41pm No comments Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:42 OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Comcast Franchise SUMMARY: The City of Radford received a request from Comcast in May, 2024 to operate a franchise in the City of Radford. The request is to conduct, maintain, replace, repair and operate a system of cable network services and transmission within the City of Radford along roadways, easements, alleyways and on public grounds. The agreement term proposal is for a period of 10 years and includes a Pole Attachment Agreement for $30/ pole annually. There were no comments during the public hearing; however, the City Attorney requested the item be moved to the September meeting to give time to review the agreement. ACTION: Mrs. Artrip made a motion to defer action until September, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: An appointment was needed to the City/University Joint Advisory Commission. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to appoint Bill Ratcliffe to the Joint Advisory Commission, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding Radford Heritage Foundation SUMMARY: The Radford Heritage Foundation has provided a Memorandum of Understanding for F.Y. 2025. The MOU covers contract services expected between the City and the RHF which includes support of the Executive Director’s salary and RHF operations. In exchange for funding support, the RHF will promote historic tourism, operate the museum at Glencoe Mansion, oversee the appropriate use of the mansion and surrounding grounds, hold special events, provide educational research, as well as oversee the cultural Heritage Park. Scott Gardner, Executive Director, presented an overview of accomplishments for F.Y. 2024 and plans for F.Y. 2025. The RHF asked for a $2,000 increase to support the Mary Draper Ingles Weekend. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the memorandum of understanding as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Resolution-Personal Property Tax Relief SUMMARY: The State of Virginia requires localities to provide tax relief to local citizens on a portion of their “personal property”. The percentage of relief on qualifying vehicles is established for each tax year and is based on an amount set by the State, which is currently $625,657 for Radford. To reach this amount of relief, the rate proposal for 2023 is 36% for personal property valued at $1,001 to $20,000. Business vehicles, motor homes and vehicles valued under $1,000 are excluded. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mrs. Artrip seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CONSENT AGENDA: SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.06 SUMMARY: The City of Radford received a grant from the Virginia State Police for their “Help Eliminate Auto Theft” (HEAT)Program. The grant supports the enforcement, prevention and education efforts to deter motor vehicle theft. The $12,500 support will provide maintenance subscription for the City’s four Flock cameras used to read the license plates of stolen vehicles. The funds were not programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2025 Budget, therefore requiring appropriation. No matching funds required. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.07 SUMMARY: The Police Department has requested appropriation of $82,622 of its Asset Forfeiture Fund. Virginia Code allows for a portion of seized assets to be used by law enforcement agencies. The funds will be used to further investigations, training and career development for offices, equipment and community education. There is no financial impact or requirement by the City. The funds were not programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2025 Budget, therefore requiring appropriation. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.08 SUMMARY: The Police Department has received $4,779 in donations. The Department would like to use the funds to support the Community Engagement Unit Program for crime prevents and outreach programs. There is no financial impact to the City. The funds were programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2025 Budget, therefore requiring appropriation. ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinances 1802.06, 1802.07, and 1802.08 on the first reading, Mr. Gillespie seconded that motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ACTION: Ms. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinances 1802.06, 1802.07, and 1802.08, Mr. Davis seconded that motion. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.09 SUMMARY: The Radford Department of Social Services has received additional state funds under the “Auxiliary Grant Program” to help adults maintain a standard of living that meets basic needs. The state funds for the program are $22,279 and are matched with $5,569 in local funds for a program total of $27,848. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.10 SUMMARY: The Radford Department of Social Services has received additional state funds under the Children’s Services Act to assist with the salary and benefit needs to oversee youth services. The additional state funds are $13,405 and are matched with $3,423 in local funds for a program total of $16,828. The fund will be matched with existing department funding. SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.11 SUMMARY: The Radford Department of Social Services has received an additional $69,008 in funding to support Medicaid Expansion. No local match is required. The funds will be used to support administration cost associated with administering the program. The funds were not programmed in the development of the F.Y. 2025 Budget, therefore requiring appropriation. ACTION: Mr. Davis made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinances 1802.09, 1802.10 and 1802.11 on the first reading, Mr. Gillespie 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 1802.09, 1802.10 and 1802.11, Ms. Foster seconded that motion. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Mr. Ridpath thanked the departments for all they do for the City from getting grant money to being ready to go during hurricane season. Mr. Ridpath also talked through emergency plans, the City’s financial position, as well as upcoming events including Community Fest, the Concert Series, and Fall events such as the Highlanders Festival. Mr. Ridpath complimented Kim for the 3.5 million dollar grant to work on the West Commerce Park. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mrs. Artrip commented on the success of the ACCE PROGRAM, and all Glencoe has done this year. She also invited everyone to Community Fest this weekend and complimented the planning committee. Ms. Artrip asked a question about soccer fields being available for use when the park are open. Mrs. Foster dedicated her moment of silence to the Lineburgs, with the passing of Joanne. Mrs. Foster talked about National Night Out and asked for another corporate tour. Mrs. Foster commented on her committee meetings including the Virginia Housing staff and the amphitheater, as well as CPMT. Mrs. Foster asked to bring back up the TechLab Covenant extensions. Mr. Gillespie stated he was thinking about the Lineburgs. He also commented on the success of the ACCE Program, the 3.5 million dollar grant for the West Commerce Park and talked about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library coming to Radford. Mr. Gillespie stated his prayers are with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office for the loss of their officer. Mr. Gillespie stated good luck bobcats. Mr. Davis thanked citizens for their comments and compliments Kim for a job well done. Mr. Davis stated that they is a lot of good happening in the community. Mayor Horton commented on all the good events happening in Radford from the Mary Draper Ingles weekend to the Hodge Field dedication, as well as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Mayor Horton promoted upcoming events such as the Potter in the Park Race and reminded citizens to get signed up for emergency alerts. Mr. Gillespie made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. seconded by Ms. Artrip. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Foster, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Goodman, City Clerk