City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. March 24, 2025 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 14 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2024-2025 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on March 24, 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, Community Development Director MINUTES APPROVAL: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Ms. Carol Andrews commented on her concern about the city budget and financial position. Ms. Andrews commented on her worry about the city remaining a city and how Council cannot tax the citizens to get out of this hole. Ms. Andrews stated she is not in favor of returning tax revenue to Radford University, when they are already off the tax rolls. Ms. Andrews commented on the need for economic development within the city and the need to generate business and bring in revenue. Ms. Nicole Watson came to speak on behalf of the recreation center and how changing the morning hours has now impacted the fitness class that she has taught for over 17 years. Ms. Watson spoke about the fact that many use that facility in the morning and that she understands there are cuts needed, but we need to be equitable in the way hours are distributed. Mr. Wilson Rankin thanked Council for listening to the many speakers who came and out and expressed concerns about the closing of the library. Mr. Rankin also commented on the use of the drop center and how that is another wonderful service Radford offers to help property owners clean up their own properties. Mr. Rankin asked that Council keep the drop center opened. Mr. Richard Fisher is a long time resident of Radford and came and spoke about the impact closing the recreation center in the morning hours. Mr. Fisher spoke about the amount of people that use the facility in the morning and how Radford offers such great amenities, but we need to make sure all are being served. Mr. Clavin Andrews spoke about his family’s history in Radford and they investment his family has had in Radford over the years, he spoke about how Radford has always been a leader in the region and while we have fallen behind now, we will be a leader again. Mr. Andrews talked about the small cuts that have been made and how Council is going to remember the words of former Mayor Brown and think outside of the box as we move forward. Mr. Andrews asked Council to think about the impact increases will have on the elderly and commended Council on making tough decisions. Mr. Rodger Walters discussed the loss of industry to Radford and how the City needs to be looking for industry to help boost the economy. Mr. Walters discussed the impact the university has on the city and stated we do not need to be giving them everything we have. Mr. Walters spoke on the need for business development and what a great city Radford is. PROCLAMATION: SUBJECT: Environmental Awareness Month SUMMARY: April, 2025 is nationally recognized as “Environmental Awareness Month”. The Proclamation recognized the importance of protecting the Earth’s environment through educational programs, special events, demonstration projects, and clean-up activities. The Proclamation called on our local citizens to recognize the environment during the month of April. ACTION: Mrs. Artrip made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Earth Day SUMMARY: April 22, 2025 is nationally recognized as “Earth Day”. The local Proclamation encouraged citizens to “recycle, reduce and reuse” to promote a healthy environment and a sustainable society. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mr. Wolford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Arbor Day SUMMARY: April 25, 2025 is nationally recognized as “Arbor Day”. The local Proclamation encouraged our citizens to protect our trees and woodlands, as well as recognize the benefits of our forests. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Ms. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Distracted Driving Awareness Month SUMMARY: The month of April, 2025 is nationally designated as “Distracted Driving Awareness Month”. The Proclamation recognized and promoted safe driving behaviors, motor vehicle safety and distraction-free vehicle operation. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week SUMMARY: April 13-19, 2025 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. Wohlford made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week SUMMARY: April 13-19, 2025 is “National Animal Control Officers 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: Mrs. Foster made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: National Library Week SUMMARY: April 6-12, 2025 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 recognized “National Library Week” locally, as well as encouraged our residents to visit the Radford Public Library. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week SUMMARY: The week of April 6-12, 2025 is recognized as “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.” The Proclamation called on our citizens to recognize the emotional, physical, psychological and financial effects of crime on its victims, as well as highlighted the programs, service providers and criminal justice professionals who respond to the needs of victims of crime. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the resolution as presented, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None Opioid Litigation: ACTION: Mrs. Artrip made a motion to add an item pertain to opioid litigation to the agenda, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.23 SUMMARY The Radford City Police Department has been awarded a grant to help address the overpopulation of stray and unaltered pets in the City of Radford. The VFHS& SPAYVA Grant provides for long term benefits with regard to animal welfare and public safety by reducing stray overpopulation, shelter overcrowding, and euthanasia rates. Radford City Animal Control has been awarded $1,000 from the 2025 VFHS & SPAYVA Spay/Neuter Grant. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1802.23 on the first reading, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None ACTION: Mrs. Artrip made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance 1802.23, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.24 SUMMARY The Radford City Police Department was awarded funding towards upgrade projects for Next Generation 9-1-1, NG911. These services ensure that 9-1-1 phone systems are upgraded to meet the current demands of telephone communication and geolocation technologies. The upgrade also seeks to ensure that PSAPs operate with technology that is interoperable to ensure the fastest access to public safety services possible. Radford City was approved for a total of $137,519 with no required matching of funds for the upgrade. These funds ensure existing call handling equipment and recorders are compatible with the upgrade to NG911 as well as cover 24 months of operating costs. ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1802.24 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 1802.24, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.25 SUMMARY The Radford City Police Department was awarded funding through the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LOLE) in the amount $3,200.00. This grant provides funds through the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to support localities and their efforts to reduce crime and improve public safety. The funds will be used on equipment for training scenarios. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1802.25 on the first reading, Mrs. Artrip 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 1802.25, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.26 SUMMARY : The EDA entered into a Performance Agreement dated January 1, 2023, with the RUF Hotel Land, LLC under the REDI Grant Program. The EDA has completed its review of the request and determined the Hotel has met the requirements of the agreement for grant consideration for grant year #2. On February 20, 2025, the EDA passed a motion recommending City Council consider appropriating funds in support of the REDI Grant Program in the amount of $128,686.37. 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. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to reconsider this item at the May 12, 2025 meeting, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Opioid Litigation SUMMARY: The City of Radford has been involved in opioid litigation for several years and a new settlement has been awarded from Henry Shine. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to authorize the city manager to work with the city attorney to work alongside outside legal counsel on a proposed settlement in the opioid litigation with Henry Shine, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Meadows discussed the upcoming budget meetings on April 7 and April 14 and announced that there will be fireworks in the city this year, but on July 3 thanks to a sponsor. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mrs. Artrip thanked citizens for their comments and concerns and assured citizens we do not take these decisions lightly. Mrs. Artrip encouraged people to come out and comment because it helps all have perspective. Mrs. Artrip thanked the telecommunications staff for all they do and thanked animal control and the library for their services as well. Mrs. Artrip thanked Craig and the legal counsel and staff for always getting them the information they need, Mrs. Artrip stated she appreciates Council as they move forward together. Mrs. Foster echoed the comments of Mrs. Artrip and reiterated how much Council appreciated the community’s input moving forward. Mrs. Foster commented on the work the Heritage Foundation is doing through the Field of Honor and how they have been awarded a massive grant while will allow for improvements to Glencoe moving forward. Mr. Gillespie echoed what was said previously and thanked staff for all they do for the community that are all appreciated and thanks for the long hours as we work to get budget done. Mr. Gillespie commented on how generous it is for a donor to donate the fireworks and thanked all for being so committed to our community. Mr. Wohlford reiterated all the above stated he appreciated the citizens of Radford, stating we all love Radford, send him all your ideas. Mayor Horton thanked all who came out to speak and discussed how Council is aware how this affects all and that as a community there are challenges, but we need to invest in infrastructure and look into every possibility for savings and revenue generation. Mayor Horton discussed the need for more business in Radford and highlighting the ones we currently have. Mayor Horton thanked all who work in the city and spoke about how Council does not take any of these decisions lightly. Mayor Horton concluded by discussing the restoration efforts along the riverbank made by Nursery Natives. Mrs. Artrip asked the City Manager and Recreation Director to look into the Recreation hour changes and let citizens know they are working to review that. Mrs. Artrip made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 seconded by Mayor Horton. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Jennifer Goodman, City Clerk