City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. June 17, 2025 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 21 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2024-2025 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on Juen 17, 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, Mrs. Jessie Foster, Mrs. Kellie Artrip, and Mr. Guy Wohlford. Others present were as follows: Mr. Craig Meadows, Interim City Manager Ms. Melissa Skelton, Community Development Director Mr. Mike Bedsaul, City Attorney MINUTES APPROVAL: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to approve the minutes of April 28, 2025 as presented, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 MINUTES APPROVAL: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the minutes of May 12, 2025 as presented, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Beth Barber – shared she was living in income based housing for 2 years, and recently moved to an efficiency apartment. Her rent went up and utilities have sky rocketed. Her income is $1500 per month. Last electric bill was $193, with a fee of $63. A few months ago, she had a $500 bill, thankful she was able to get assistance to help with that. Even though income is small, she is concerned if bills keep going up, how does someone on fixed income supposed to function. She wished more people would come to council and speak up. She also asked why are they not able to access the aquatic center in Christiansburg for free, come July. She added that she had requested a bus shelter on Midkiff Lane and wanted to make that request again. PUBLIC HEARING: SUBJECT: F.Y. School Board Budget Amendment SUMMARY: The Radford School Board has requested to increase their F.Y. 2025 Budget from $38,098,270 to $51,890,511. The total increase is $13,792,241 and reflects additional funding and expenditures across all eight funds. A full summary of the amendment is included in the packet. No additional City General Fund dollars are required. **Clerks Note: The public hearing has been advertised as required.** Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:11pm. No Comments Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:11pm. SUBJECT: Ordinance 1817 SUMMARY: The City is proposing to issue $6 million in general obligation bonds to restructure a portion of the city’s existing debt, reimburse the City for the costs associated with several previous capital projects, and pay associated costs of issuance for the debt issue. **Clerks Note: The public hearing has been advertised as required.** Mayor Horton opened the public hearing at 7:12 pm No Comments Mayor Horton closed the public hearing at 7:15 pm OLD BUSINESS: SUBJECT: F.Y. School Board Budget Amendment SUMMARY: The Radford School Board has requested to increase their F.Y. 2025 Budget from $38,098,270 to $51,890,511. The total increase is $13,792,241 and reflects additional funding and expenditures across all eight funds. A full summary of the amendment is included in the packet. No additional City General Fund dollars are required. Mr. Gillespie shared that with Mr. Meredith joining the City soon, they would work together and have some work sessions moving forward with new manager and school board. ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to approve the school board budget amendment on it’s first reading; Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: Mrs. Artrip YES Mrs. Foster YES Mr. Gillespie YES Mr. Wohlford YES Mayor Horton YES ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the second and final reading; Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Discussion REDI Grant 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 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. At the March 24, 2025 meeting Council moved to table any action on this item until the May 12, 2025 meeting and action was then again tabled until the June 17, 2025 meeting. Mayor Horton read the following statement regarding the request for REDI reimbursement; “The Radford Economic Development Incentive (REDI) Program was established to promote economic development within the City of Radford. The REDI Program provides for certain eligible businesses (i.e., new businesses and existing businesses that are expanding) to receive tax-equivalent grants of up to 80% of the real property taxes paid in a grant year in the form of a REDI Grant. The amount of the REDI Grant depends upon the level of investment by the business and the terms of a performance agreement. The REDI Program is an economic development incentive program of the Radford EDA that is supported by appropriations by the Radford City Council. According to the terms of the REDI Program, all REDI Grants are subject to appropriation of funds by City Council. The Radford EDA, the Radford University Foundation, and the City entered into a Performance Agreement, effective January 1, 2023, for a REDI Grant related to the construction of the Highlander Hotel property in the City. The Agreement with the Foundation outlines a 10-year grant period, with eligibility for reimbursement of 60% of the real property taxes assessed against the Highlander Hotel, plus 20% of the combined meals and transient occupancy taxes remitted by the operator of the Hotel to the City, up to a maximum total amount equivalent to 80% of the real property taxes assessed against the Hotel-in other words, the maximum amount of the REDI Grant in any grant year cannot exceed 80% of the real property taxes assessed against (and paid) by the Hotel. This reimbursement is subject to meeting various requirements of the grant, and review and approval of the annual funding request by the EDA and City Council. Also, under the Performance Agreement, all obligations of the EDA and the City, including approval of any REDI Grant, are subject to appropriation of funds by City Council on an annual basis. The Foundation has submitted a request to the EDA for a REDI Grant for the current year in the amount of $128,686. The EDA has reviewed the request and determined that the Foundation is eligible for a grant in accordance with the terms of the Performance Agreement. In addition, the EDA has submitted a recommendation and request to City Council to appropriate funds to the EDA to support the grant. The City finds itself in an extremely challenging financial situation this fiscal year and, due to these circumstances, would like to propose that the EDA and Foundation discuss an amendment to the Performance Agreement that would defer consideration of a REDI Grant until the next fiscal year and extend the term of the Performance Agreement by an additional year. This would allow the Foundation to be eligible to receive the number of years of grant awards as originally contemplated, subject to the requirements listed in the Performance Agreement. The City Council is supportive of the REDI Program and recognizes the important role the program provides in support of economic development efforts in the City. The City is grateful for the investment made by the Foundation with the Highlander Hotel property and has every intention of supporting the REDI Grant program next year, and in future years. The issue has been discussed with the Foundation CEO and the EDA leadership, and that there is consensus with these terms. I think all of us fully recognize the need for economic development and do not want incentive programs to end for the EDA or City but for this year to pause the REDI grant agreement with the Foundation.” ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to not make the appropriation to the EDA for this fiscal year and request that the EDA and Foundation develop an amendment to the Agreement that would extend its term by an additional year to allow the Foundation to be eligible to receive the number of years of grant awards as originally contemplated, subject to the other terms of the Agreement, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: Mrs. Artrip YES Mrs. Foster YES Mr. Gillespie YES Mr. Wohlford YES Mayor Horton ABSTAIN NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Ordinance 1817 SUMMARY: The City is proposing to issue $6 million in general obligation bonds to restructure a portion of the city’s existing debt, reimburse the City for the costs associated with several previous capital projects, and pay associated costs of issuance for the debt issue. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Ordinance 1817 on the first reading, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: Mrs. Artrip YES Mrs. Foster YES Mr. Gillespie YES Mr. Wohlford YES Mayor Horton YES SUBJECT: Ordinance 1818-Pole Relocation Agreement SUMMARY: The City of Radford maintains electrical poles, wires, and related facilities in the Norfolk Southern right-of-way. To support the installation of a layover track in the future, the City and Norfolk Southern have agreed to the relocation of one of the electrical poles and related wires and facilities. ACTION: Mrs. Artrip made a motion to approve Ordinance 1818 on the first reading, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Appointments to Boards and Commissions SUMMARY: Appointments are needed to several boards and commissions. ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to appoint the follow table of members; Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion.  Board/Commission Member Appointed Agency on Aging Sally Anne Stapleton Economic Development Board Jeff Cumberland Library Board Joshua Osemobor Carol Herd Recreation Commission Joe Johnson Nancy Brossoie Building Code Board of Appeals Chris Quesenberry Zoning Board of Appeals John Gieson VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: F.Y. 2026 Council Calendar SUMMARY: The City Council “regular” meeting calendar for 2025-2026 calls for eighteen meetings. The schedule takes into account the holidays in November, December and May, as well as no second meeting in the summer months of June, July, and August. ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to approve the calendar as presented; Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1802.30 SUMMARY: Each year the New River Resource Authority distributes a $5,000 grant to localities who apply for litter management programs. The funds are to be used for records retention and shredding, adopt-a-spot programming, and other environmental activities. Radford received $5,000 this year with no match required. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance 1802.30 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 1802.30, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Meadows thanked council for working together and coming to a consensus on the items before them this evening. He shared that his plan is to work with staff and council over the next few weeks to help with a smooth transition for Todd Meredith. There are a lot of challenges, but with that are opportunities. He recognized Don Green, water/wastewater superintendent and his crew for repairing the sewer and storm water that broke due to a sinkhole. Engineer’s estimate repairs to be over $400,000 to fix, and Mr. Green had shared that they were able to fix it for about $150,000. This is another example of the City’s Director’s continually seeking opportunity to help the city. He added that we need to continue to point out the positives. He shared that the approval of tonight’s bond allows the city not to borrow an additional RAN for $4mil. It will provide flexibility going into July, catch the schools up and begin addressing the past due AEP bills. Mr. Meadows stated as of last week the City had $5 mil in bank. They were able to catch up on a number of bills last week. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Gillespie shared that he along with Ms. Artrip and the Mayor were able to attend an event with Morgan Griffith who discussed Economic Opportunities. He thanked public works for being very responsive to a couple of citizen complaints that were brought before him. He mentioned that Planning Commission is finalizing the Zoning Ordinance after working on it for a number of years. Mr. Gillespie shared that he believes in economic development and providing incentives, but this year just doesn’t allow for it, and hopes they will be able to utilize in the future. He thanked Craig for his work during the Interim period and sees him as friend and mentor and has done a lot of good work. Mr. Wohlford thanked staff who have decided to stay with us during the hard time’s and appreciates their loyalty. To those who left, we appreciate their service and wish them well. Mrs. Foster shared she met with Rachel Doyle from Radford Coffee Company and she shared they are going to transition from giving donations internationally to supporting locally and that she is dreaming up organizing a Zombie 5k in the fall. She provided an updates on her Amphitheater, CPMT, Heritage Foundation, Noon Rotary and DSS meetings. She attended the employee service award ceremony and thanked them for their time served. She mentioned a citizen had reached out to her regarding overgrown branches on the Sundell path and hope we can address that. She met with Charlie Goanes, Director Recreation Department, he provided her update on the FEMA reimbursements. And he will take over the sponsor signage from the Chamber. Since the last meeting she attended the Field of Honor, the Chamber Golf tournament, Radford Farmers market and the Change of Command at the Arsenal. Mrs. Foster thanked Craig for creating the pathway they need to be going down. Mrs. Artrip shared her appreciation to all our employees. She specifically thanked to Don Green for his hard work. She mentioned that the event with Morgan Griffith today was good and he is a huge advocate for brown fields. She reminded everyone that Community Fest is August 23rd, She thanked Craig for his mentorship and fresh perspective and looks forward to the financial update. Mayor Horton shared it’s a busy time in Radford, with a lot of activity going on recently. Boy’s State is visiting Radford University this week, with 600 young men learning about local and state government. It gives him hope for the future watching these students. The Mayor stated that the City has many positive examples of employees, for instance there are team going around repairing potholes and getting repairs done. He shared that he and Seth attended the Army’s 250-year anniversary at the arsenal and spoke with the new Commander Huff. He added that Morgan Griffith mentioned working with Radford and Pulaski trying to earmark $1.9 million dollars to provide crossing at the old train trestle, expanding the pathway and connecting our communities. He mentioned that the Literacy Foundation will hold its annual 5k fundraiser on Saturday, August 23rd at 8:30am. He shared there have been a lot of challenges, and he is appreciative of all the council members for working together to solve them, and is thankful to the school board and administration. Mr. Gillespie made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 seconded by Mrs. Foster. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Melissa Skelton, Deputy City Clerk