City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. August 11, 2025 Radford, Virginia Meeting Number 2 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2025-2026 Mr. Gillespie made a motion, seconded by Mr. Wohlford to convene a closed meeting for the purpose of Discussion or consideration of the investment of public funds, where competition or bargaining is involved, where, if made public initially, the financial interest of the governmental unit would be adversely affected, specifically concerning local match for VEDP for Foundry Property. 2.2-3711 (A) (6). Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(8), for purposes of consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel; specifically, concerning local match for VDEP for Foundry Property.” VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 Mr. Gillespie made a motion to adjourn the closed meeting, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mrs. Foster Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 Mr. Gillespie made a motion to re-convene the regular meeting, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING: Mr. Gillespie made a motion that Council did not discuss anything in the closed meeting other than the one item for which it was convened, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Davis, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Artrip, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:13 p.m. on August 11, 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. Todd Meredith, City Manager Mr. Mike Bedsaul, City Attorney Ms. Melissa Skelton, Community Development Dir., Deputy City Clerk Mayor Horton request to amend the agenda to add two additional recognitions, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 MINUTES APPROVAL: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to approve the minutes of July 14, 2025 as presented, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 CITIZEN COMMENTS: Ryan Webb requested that the city reopens the recreation center in the early mornings hours. He shared this will allow for people with families to be able to work out. He shared a petition of about 60 people and ask that the petition be forwarded to the Recreation Commission. He shared that they are not asking for it to open early every day, but just a few days to fellowship with their peers. Mr. Gillespie thanked him for bringing the petition to them, He has had several people reach out to him and will be happy to send him date of the next Recreation Commission meeting and to keep him updated. Mrs. Artrip shared she had a number of people reach out to her as well. Mrs. Foster said she thought the commission had been asked to revisit this. Mr. Gillespie responded that they had a couple meetings where there was not a quorum. RECOGNITIONS SUBJECT: Jenni Webb SUMMARY: After 15 years of public service to the City of Radford, Jenni Webb has taken another position with Virginia Tech. The proclamation recognizes Jenni’s accomplishments throughout her tenure here with the city. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Radford City Police Department SUMMARY: The Radford City Police Department has several staff recognitions. These include Ms. Abigail Gravley, who recently received the Gold Line Telecommunication Continuing Education Scholarship and Training and Captain Mansdoerfer whose efforts have helped the department receive over $500,000 in grant funding. SUBJECT: Resolution – Recognizing Mr. Green SUMMARY: The resolution authorizing the first day of school, August 13, 2025 as “Mr. Green Day”, in recognition of the recent passing of Mr. Josh Green. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to approve the resolution to as presented, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Resolution recognizing Coach Lineburg SUMMARY: The resolution authorizing the first home Football game, August 29, 2025 as “Coach Norman Lineburg Day”, in recognition of the recent passing of Coach Norman Lineburg. ACTION: Mayor Horton 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 PRESENTATIONS SUBJECT: Radford Community Fest Update 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 23, 2025. The event will be held on East Main Street between Third Avenue and Tyler Avenue. Highlights include food trucks, bands, craft and business vendors as well as informational tents. Melissa Skelton and Tricia Smith, co-chairs of the committee, presented an overview of the special event. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Appointment – City Clerk SUMMARY: City Council has a vacancy for the Clerk of Council position that needs to be filled. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to appoint Melissa Skelton as Interim City Clerk, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Appointments – NRV Passenger Rail Station Authority SUMMARY: In 2022, both David Ridpath and Mayor Horton were appointed to the NRV Passenger Rail Station Authority where term limits were not designated. Since we now need to appoint Todd to replace Craig, the NRVRC has asked that we formally clarify these terms. The City has two representatives, both with four year terms, which are staggered by two years and they are as follows: Todd Meredith – Term is through 12/31/2026 David Horton – Term is through 12/31/2028 ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to appoint both David Horton and Todd Meredith to the NRV Passenger Rail Station Authority, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None 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. To reach this amount of relief, the rate proposal for 2025 is 33% for personal property valued at $1,001 to $20,000. Business vehicles, motor homes and vehicles valued under $1,000 are excluded. 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: Resolution – Opioid Abatement (Purdue-Sackler) SUMMARY: The Resolution approves the new settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, Where the City’s share of the $39.7 million is $98,059.00. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to approve the resolution, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: Mrs. Artrip YES Mrs. Foster YES Mr. Gillespie YES Mr. Wohlford YES Mayor Horton YES SUBJECT: Resolution – Opioid Abatement (The Manufacturer’s) SUMMARY: The Resolution is to approve the settlements with opioid manufacturers Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivor, Mylan, Sun, an Zydus. Whereas the City’s share of the $6.273 million is $15,494.31. ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to approve the resolution, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: Mrs. Artrip YES Mrs. Foster YES Mr. Gillespie YES Mr. Wohlford YES Mayor Horton YES SUBJECT: DMV License Agents Memorandum of Agreement SUMMARY: The purpose of this agreement is to establish the terms and conditions under which the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has appointed Agent to establish and maintain a License Agency of DMV (DMV Select) in the City of Radford. ACTION: Mayor made a motion to table item until they receive additional information, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Ordinance 1819 – Correction to Appropriation Ordinance Reference Numbers SUMMARY: At your July 14, 2025 meeting, city council approved (6) Appropriation Ordinance’s, 1814.01thru 1814.06. It has been brought to our attention that there was an error in the reference numbers to the AO’s. The FY 2026 Budget is Ordinance # 1815 and the AO’s for FY 2026 need to reflect this. Ordinance #1819 will amend those reference numbers and will now be 1815.01 thru 1815.06. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the Ordinance #1815, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the Ordinance #1815, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1815.07 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 $10,000 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. 2026 Budget, therefore requiring appropriation. No matching funds required. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance’s 1814.07 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. Foster made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance’s 1814.07, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1815.08 SUMMARY: The City of Radford Sheriff’s Office received a grant through the Attorney General’s Office to fund a Kids Summer Camp. The grant is $2,500 with no local match required. The camp was held in late July. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance’s 1814.08 on the first reading, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance’s 1814.08, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Appropriation Ordinance 1815.09 SUMMARY: Radford City Police Department has been awarded the VDEM NG911 Additional Funding Grant for FY26 in the amount of $150,000. Funding for this grant will be utilized to replace aging equipment critical to operations, purchases of new equipment that enhance interoperability/ continuity of operations, and incentives for recruitment and retention of staff. No local match is required. ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to approve Appropriation Ordinance’s 1814.09 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. Wohlford made a motion to dispense with the second reading of Appropriation Ordinance’s 1814.09, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Meredith shared it has been a great first month on the job meeting staff and the residents. He said he and staff have taken the first critical steps toward establishing a continuous improvement culture within the organization and looks forward to further working that out in the coming weeks. He shared he knows finances weigh heavily on everyone’s mind and looks forward to working with staff in the coming weeks to get an accurate forecasting and additional information to everyone so they can make accurate decisions. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Gillespie – stated that it has been a hard few weeks losing both Mr. Green and Coach Lineburg. Both were great men who did everything for the right reasons. He thanked Jenni for her 15 years and wished her well in her new career. He welcomed Todd and shared the more he gets to know him the more he knows they made the right decision. He attended the National Night Out and thanked the Police Department for a great event. He wished everyone a happy and healthy school year. Be Safe! He wanted to reiterate that they have had to take some tough measures through the budget process with several cuts and increases with rates to try to stabilize and address the deficit the city is facing. He shared they have initiated a hiring freeze as a measure to meet our budgeted $1 million personnel reduction which equates to about 17 employees. They have been over 30 employees down consistently. To see exactly where the city stands, track their progress, and make course corrections as needed, it's essential form them to have produce monthly financial documents that include a current P&L, balance sheet, cash flow statement, and an actual versus a budgeted report. He added without those, the city is flying blind on an $80 million budget. He added that a monthly financial report was one of the first things they were hoping to be able to get and it’s been a struggle to produce it. He said he feels like they are making headway appreciate the efforts, but whatever conversations need to have between the finance department and the treasurer's office to be able to produce those fundamental reports moving forward need to happen. Mrs. Foster provided an update from her most recent CPMT meeting. She shared after taking children into their care who were exhibiting behaviors of detox, they began instituting drug testing the children. She added that as a community, they have to finance this program and there is no way to set a budget. But it looks like they came close to budget this past year. She shared that the Heritage foundation hosted a Radford City new teacher’s luncheon. They had about 45 new teachers in attendance. She mentioned that she has asked Chief Holdaway to attend the next New River Community Justice Board meeting, she shared she is the only Council person on the board, that most appointees have law enforcement backgrounds and feels the Chief may be a better asset to that board. Mrs. Foster welcomed backed the whole education community, and asked everyone to be more diligent as we approach fall, mornings tend to have heavy fog. Mrs. Artrip said she heard that the meet and greets at the schools went well today. She thanked everyone that donated to the McHarg PSA table and they are collecting new or gently used clothes to help fill the closet at the school. She shared she did not know Mr. Green as a student, but as the treasurer at McHarg for the past six years, he always made her feel welcomed and was the most dedicated person you could ever have in a school system. She shared a recent memory of Coach regarding her husband and how he still remembered all of his players, down to their names and what they did. She thanked Jenni for all she did and she would not have gotten through her early council term without her help. She thanked the staff that were recognized earlier this evening. In addition, appreciates all the staff who are taking on additional roles as employee’s leave. She shared she took her six-year-old son, who loves cars, to the NRV, Classic Cruisers, event that was held in Bisset Park. She said there were so many cars and her son wanted pictures in front of all of them. What stood out the most for her was when the event coordinators asked everyone to stand and sing the national anthem and you could see everyone stop and turn to the flag. It really touched her to be able to live in a community that is so dedicated to our community and our country. Mr. Wohlford express his love and admiration for Mr. Green and Coach Lindberg. They were two men, with the highest character and integrity that he has ever known and will be missed. He encouraged everyone to go to that website for the community fest and check out what is going on. He shared the Bobcat tailgate is before the first game on August 29th, from 4:00-6:00, with the game starting at 7:00. He thanked everybody who works so hard to help them continue to be the city that we have always been and try to help get them back to where they want to be. Mayor Horton asked to schedule a council retreat for August 2nd or 3rd to set priorities. Council members agreed to meet on September 2 at 6:00 for an informal retreat to discuss budget and to chart a course of action where they want to go. He reminded everyone that on September 8th, they have a work session scheduled at 6:00pm with the school board. And later that evening during the regular meeting, where they are going to recognize all the Radford High School winter and spring accomplishments. He thanked Mike Wyms, the Rosa Peters Parks folks, and the Radford Church of God in Christ. They sponsored a back- to-school event in downtown Radford today just outside of Cut Nice Barber Shop. They provided tons of haircuts to kids, boys and girls, along with back to school items’ He shared one of the biggest challenges they have with serving on this council is not having the tools to know exactly where they are, how they are doing, where they are going, and what they need to do. And they need Todd, staff, the constitutional officers, and everybody to make sure that they are all on the same page and that we're all working together for the success of the city of Radford. He point out that Mary Draper Ingle’s Day held at the end of July was another fabulous celebration. He thanked Melissa and Trisha for the work on Community Fest. It has been a vision for some time to get some more life in downtown Radford and this is exactly what Community Fest is doing. Mayor Horton to adjourn the meeting at 8:20pm. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk