City Council

The “New River” City 10 Robertson St. September 8, 2025 Radford, Virginia WORK SESSION Prior to the regular meeting, Radford City Council and School Board met in a work session starting at 6:00 pm. The following City Council and School Board members were present: Mayor Horton Chairperson Gloria Boyd Vice- Mayor Gillespie Vice-Chairperson Jane Swing Mrs. Jessie Foster Mr. Chris Calfee Mrs. Kellie Artrip Mr. Brian Dobbins – via phone Mr. Guy Wohlford Ms. Amanda Winter Others present were as follows: Mr. Todd Meredith, City Manager Mr. Adam Joyce, School Superintendent Dr. Melissa McDaniel, Asst. Superintendent Ms. Kerry Long, Clerk of School Board Ms. Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Dr. Joyce shared a Glance overview of SY 2024-2025. He provided a job listing, the main priority is hiring a Spanish teacher. Overall turnover is very low, with employees leaving due to family and life reasons. Dr. Joyce provided updates on capital items that have been completed. He shared the track has been lined and they will be running track on it soon, the auditorium chairs and sound have been upgraded along within concessions and new playground equipment has been installed at McHarg. He shared that all schools are fully accredited. Mrs. Foster asked how the block scheduling was going? Dr. Joyce shared its going very well and is lining the City up with surrounding schools and Universities. He added that the teachers were provided a lot of professional development to help with the switch to block time. Dr. Joyce gave an update on Capital needs. He shared that Mclure provided energy solutions for the Intermediate and High School. The heating and cooling concerns him the most. It’s 4 pipe system that will take months for the new install. He said that he will get an RFP out to for a needs assessment and hope to have that done by December. Mayor Horton did share that anything that can be pushed back for a little bit to please do so. Dr. Joyce responded that the most important item is the 4 pipe replacement and plan to have further discussion in the fall. He shared he and Todd had a great meeting last week. Dr. Joyce shared that the LCI, Local Composite Index, will change in December, but expects the funding should be stable and will share it with Council when its announced. They discussed the need to plan for a new school in next 10 years. Mr. Gillespie asked about mowing and resources officers. Dr. Joyce talked about a joint mowing plan. The goal is to have 1 entity to mow all the properties, along with snow removal. Meeting Number 3 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2025-2026 The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on September 8, 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 Ms. Melissa Skelton, City Clerk MINUTES APPROVAL: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the minutes of August 21, 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. Wolhford made a motion to approve the minutes of September 2, 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: Mr. Fry shared he has a home solar system and when it was installed they followed all permit rules. He shared there is no written on net metering and asked who made decision to make changes to yearly to monthly? Shouldn’t it be city council who makes those decision? The process had been changed and with no notification. Council policy shouldn’t be made make up as go along! He stated it is wrong to take energy from citizens and profit from it. As a municipality Radford has right to make policy, but be fair and ethical and don’t take for own profit and economic need. Nancy Brossoie – member of the Parks and Recreation Commission was there on behalf of residents who want it back up and going. She shared that prior to the hurricane about 200 households were using the dog park. Especially during the summer months. She stated the current dog park is conveniently located and is beautiful. It is quality of life for many people and would like for it to remain a part of Bisset Park. She adds that 2 years prior to the hurricane they created a dog supply swap box and a bulletin board for information. The flood interfered with this but didn’t weaken their spirits. She shared that people are still reaching out, to see what they can do and if they can fund raise to get this going. Fred Singer shared he has invested in solar power and financially, solar power it’s a terrible investment. It takes 20 years to see a return. Producing solar power reduces stress on the grid, he knew they would be able to bank excess energy, then Radford changed its policy and they no longer can bank surplus energy to use during winter months. Changing the policy will discourage other people to invest in solar power, not to mentioned it will stigmatize Radford as a place that does not support environmental initiatives. He shared it’s not too late to change the policy. Mr. Meredith thanked them for comments on solar power. He shared they did send a message out this evening. The root issue is it constitute a use of the electrical grid, and there’s a cost for providing that grid. The City estimates that each customer should be paying $25 month to supporting that, including solar. He shared they are working on policy and want to promote use of solar energy. Mr. Gillespie thanked Nancy for coming for the dog park. Mr. Wohlford said they have received all emails and want to get done fairly and is on the list of things to get done. Mayor Horton responded that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done as a result from Helene and it is a big cost for the city. The fence has been replaced 5 times in the past 12 years. It has become a challenge due to extreme weather. Mrs. Foster recommend list of names for those wanting to help to get the work done and set a meeting with them and the recreation commission group. REPORT: Dr. Angela Joyner –V.P. for Economic Dev’ & Corporate Education, Radford University provided City Council with a report on many of the programming that they are providing. Mrs. Artrip shared it is her honor to serve on the joint commission. She shared that RU is an asset to the City. And thanked Dr. Joyner for an excellent presentation and wished the community would realize all they have to offer. Mr. Gillespie thanked Angela for coming and had a great time at Community Fest and is a great new event for the city. He appreciates all the hard work. Mr. Wohlford thanked her for all the information, there is a lot he didn’t realize the community had access to and asked if they could get copies of the presentation. Mrs. Foster shared she is very excited about the amphitheater and they have been in discussion with RU for a couple of year are being an amazing partner and appreciates their investments. Mayor Horton thanked both Dr. Joyner and Nicole, who works at the HUB and is excited for all the great thing they have and are experience. CONSENT ANGENDA SUBJECT: Proclamation - RHS Winter/Spring Recognitions SUMMARY: The School Board and City Council have established a plan to recognize sport and activity awards in the Winter and Summer of each year for the 6 previous months of success. The Proclamations this evening recognize the championships, outstanding achievements and awards from January 2025 to June 2025. ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to approve the consent agenda for RHS Winter/Spring Recognitions, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Proclamation - Constitution Week SUMMARY: The week of September 17-23, 2025 is nationally recognized as “Constitution Week”. The Daughters of the American Revolution set aside the week to formally commemorate the importance of the document as a testament to liberty, freedom and inalienable rights. ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to approve the proclamation, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Proclamation – Patriot Day SUMMARY: Patriot Day, is a holiday observed in the United States on September 11 to commemorate the lives of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Virginia and those who perished when the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania. The proclamation recognizes the significance of this event and the lives lost. ACTION: Mrs. Artrip made a motion to approve the proclamation, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Proclamation – “Tribute to Heroes” SUMMARY: The Radford Noon Rotary in collaboration with the Radford Heritage Foundation have had the “Tribute to Heroes” flags on display since Memorial Day. They will be holding a closing ceremony on September 11, 2025, starting at 5:30 and would like to support their efforts in honoring our heroes. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to approve the proclamation, Mr. Wohlford seconded the motion. Jessie shared the proceed for the purchase of the flags Mrs. Foster provided the list of recipients who the raised funds will be distributed to. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Super Game Station SUMMARY: This resolution is in celebration of Super Game Station’s 10th Anniversary, where Owner John Yamine recognized the need for this type of shop and the opportunity presented with a growing video game market. ACTION: Mayor Horton made a motion to approve the resolution, Mrs. Artrip seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Resolution – Hazard Mitigation SUMMARY: Hazard mitigation plan is a comprehensive strategy to reduce the long-term risk of future disasters by identifying hazards, assessing vulnerabilities, and developing specific actions to protect life, property, and infrastructure. It includes a risk assessment, a capability assessment, a mitigation strategy, and plan maintenance procedures, and is a requirement for certain FEMA grants. The goal is to prevent repetitive damage cycles by creating more disaster-resilient communities through proactive mitigation efforts before, during, and after a disaster. This New River Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan update is the third revision to the region’s original plan, adopted and approved by FEMA in May 2005. Christy Straight, Director of Environmental Resources, with the New River Valley Regional Commission provided an overview of the updated plan ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the resolution, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Radford Heritage Foundation – Memorandum of Understanding SUMMARY: The Radford Heritage Foundation has provided a Memorandum of Understanding for F.Y. 2026. 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, will present an overview of accomplishments for F.Y. 2025 and plans for F.Y. 2026. ACTION: Mr. Gillespie made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. Mr. Gillespie shared his appreciation for all his work and can see his passion for the work he does. Mr. Wohlford shared he is very impressed with what he has done there. Mrs. Foster shared the latest newsletter and membership forms. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Ordinance # 1821 – Amend Budget - Temporary Stipends SUMMARY: This Ordinance supports the temporary stipends to the current Building Official and the Community Development Director/Transit Coordinator. ACTION: Mr. Wohlford made a motion to approve Ordinance # 1821, Mrs. Foster seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None SUBJECT: Appointment to Boards and Commissions- Social Services Board SUMMARY: Radford Social Services Board has a vacancy. Lisa Brosius, from New River Valley Community Services has interested in serving. ACTION: Mrs. Foster made a motion to nominate Erin Brosius to the Social Services Board, Mr. Gillespie seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Mrs. Artrip, Mrs. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: None CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: Mr. Meredith bragged on staff and talked about how they are working on our organizational culture and service quality. He read the statement of purpose that staff developed. He shared it is rooted in public service motivation. Within the past week he is laying the foundation of projects to improve quality and be as efficient as we can. He said it was great to see everyone at Community Fest and ReNew the New and looks forward to attending the events in the future. He shared that work on the Foundry site is underway. He was able to go on ride along with Chief Holdaway and it was very busy from 9:30pm to 3:30 am and thanked the Chief for his leadership and to the officers for all they do. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mrs. Artrip thanked Angela for coming and hope everyone will check out everything Radford University has to offer and what an asset they are. She informed everyone that McHarg is having pop up store with Bobocat gear on September 17th from 5:30 to 7:00. She thanked the School Board for an excellent meeting, the lines of communication are extremely important and got a lot of feedback and looks forward to more meetings like that. She shared that Community Fest was well organized and attended, and the City and RU worked really well together to get that done. Mrs. Foster thanked the school board for great meeting, the more they communicate the more empowered they will be. She thanked Todd and shared her appreciation towards him and hiring him is one of the most important decision she has made. She congratulated the students with all their accomplishments. She shared the Heritage Foundation have been meeting weekly to prepare for the upcoming closing ceremony on September 11th where they will be honoring our military and first responders. She shard she visited a new business downtown, Beauty House, they do eyebrow threading and she feels like a new woman. She is on New River Community Justice Board and didn’t feel like she was able to offer much, since most members are from the law enforcement field. So, she reached out to Chief Holdaway and asked him to attend the next meeting with her and will see what the transition looks like for him to be the City representative. She gave a shout out to Volunteer Montgomery who made baskets to deliver to all first responders in the area on September 11. Mr. Gillespie thanked everyone who came out this evening, it is always a good night when they can celebrate the bobcats. He shared as the Recreation Commission representative, he will take back some of the issues with the Dog park and the scoreboards. He thanked Todd again and is confident in the team they have with all our challenges. He had a great time at Community Fest and appreciated all the presentations this evening. Mr. Wohlford shared he, Seth and the Mayor represented the City with a table at the Bobcat Tailgate and had RU students were there as well. It was a great time. He shared the Radford Paper wrote an article regarding Kelly McCoy’s appointment to the Professional Standards Committee by the Governor, and wanted to congratulate her. Mayor shard it has been an amazing meeting, a night to celebrate all the amazing things in Radford. He congratulated Belle Heth for raising $20,000 from the Color Run, and thanked Kim, Melissa, Regional Commission and all volunteers who came out to help clean up the river. Mayor Horton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:02pm, seconded by. VOTE: AYES: Ms. Artrip, Ms. Foster, Mr. Gillespie, Mr. Wohlford, Mayor Horton NAYES: NONE-0 ATTEST: _____________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk