City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. February 10, 2025 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 12 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2024-2025 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on February 10, 2025 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, Ms. Kellie Artrip, and Mr. Guy Wohlford. Others present were as follows: Mr. Craig Meadows, Interim City Manager Ms. Jenni Goodman, City Clerk Ms. Melissa Skelton, MINUTES APPROVAL: Mrs. Artrip made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: NONE PROCLAMATIONS: SUBJECT: Black History Month SUMMARY: The month of February is recognized nationally as Black History Month, to reflect on the achievements and contributions made by African-Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual, and the political development of our Nation. The local Proclamation encouraged the celebration of our diverse heritage and culture, as well as recognition of this important designation. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to approve the proclamation recognizing the sporting events as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: 25th Anniversary Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam SUMMARY: The Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam has been hosted in businesses, parks, and churches throughout Radford for 25 years. The proclamation recognized the “jam” and the years of fellowship and music it has brought to Radford. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS: SUMMARY: Brame Family Properties, LLC applied for the rezoning on property known as 901 8th Street, Tax Map #’s # 14-(5)-SEC12-6-7; 14-(5)-SEC12-8. The request is to rezone from a portion of (R-3), Single-Family Residential to (B-1) Limited Business; and a portion from (B-1) Limited Business to (R-3), Single-Family Residential. **The public hearing was advertised as required.** Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. No comments. Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m. SUMMARY: Katrina Compton applied for a Special Use Permit on a parcel known as 2016 Fourth Street, Tax Map #’s 18-(3)-SEC 19 Lots 12&13. The request is to demolish an existing house and to build a duplex. **The public hearing was advertised as required.** Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Mr. Jimmy Simpkins expressed concern about how a duplex will bring renters and he does not want the type of people who rent on east Radford living next time him in west Radford. Two separate homes would bring two families versus the possibility of college student renters. Mr. Conner Compton is the owner of the property and stated that the property would be used as a duplex because that is the most cost effective for him. He said he and his fiancé will live on one side and rent out the other side. He reassured the Council that they want to live there and stay there and have good neighbors who share a wall with them. - Ms. Nancy Smith lives across the street and has no objections to the development, but would like the water runoff and sewer system issues int eh neighborhood to be looked into prior to development. Mr. Timmy Simpkins presented a petition to Council and expressed his concerns regarding traffic. Ms. Patty Trail lives in the adjacent lot and she expressed concerns with the sewer system as hers is the one that backs up when there is a sewer issue on the street. Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: An appointment to the New River Community Action board was needed to fill a vacancy. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to appoint Mrs. Jenny Rife to NRCA, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Franchise Consideration SUMMARY: The City of Radford received a request from Shentel Cable to renew their franchise agreement with the City of Radford. A public hearing is required. ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to schedule the public hearing for March 10, 2025, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.20 SUMMARY The Radford City Office of Elections received grant funds to purchase a Poll Print (ballot on demand printer) system ahead of the 2024 General Election. The $8,615.00 is from the Virginia Department of Elections to the General Registrar’s voting equipment budget. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1802.20 on the first reading, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1802.20, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Meadows commented on the storm preparation occurring throughout the City, as well as preparation for the F.Y. 26 Budget. Mrs. Webb commented on the City’s emergency alert system RAVE, as well as a breakdown of the City’s electric bill. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Gillespie thanked all for the comments this evening, thanked Ms. Webb for giving an overview of electric rates and updated all on the Chamber Gala. Mr. Gillespie asked for updates regarding recovery from Helene and encouraged all to stay tuned for the Budget meeting on February 18. Mr. Gillespie concluded by thanking crews for all they do during the winter weather. Ms. Foster dedicated her moment of silence to Same Liley, talked about her two new adopted dogs, and thanked all for coming and expressing concerns to Council this evening. Ms. Foster thanked the crews and first responders for all they do. Mrs. Artrip has been laying low but gave exciting news regarding Derek Wagner Dance Studio moving to Eat Main Street. Mrs. Artrip thanked all for their hard work in the coming days. Mr. Wohlford commented on the Chamber Gala and how wonderful it was, he congratulated the award winners. Mayor Horton congratulated the award winners from the Gala and encouraged all to attend upcoming events such as Highlander Basketball Games, Bobcat events, and the Polar Plunge. Mrs. Artrip made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 seconded by Mayor Horton. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Goodman, City Clerk