City Council

392 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION February 16, 2016 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, pursuant to Chapter 2, Administration, Article II, City Council, Section 2-15, Rules of Procedure, Rule 1, Regular Meetings, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, and pursuant to Resolution No. 40280-070615 adopted by the Council on Monday, July 6, 2015, with Mayor David A. Bowers presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Raphael E. Ferris, Sherman P. Lea, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch, and Mayor David A. Bowers-6. ABSENT: Council Member Court G. Rosen-1. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Christopher P. Morrill, City Manager; Daniel J. ·"" Callaghan, City Attorney; Barbara A. Dameron, Director of Finance; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by Mayor David A. Bowers. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Bowers. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT-FINANCE: Mayor Bowers recognized Monday, February 22, 2016 as the 2841h birthday of the first President of the United States of America, George Washington. He presented a ceremonial copy of proclamation to Phil Sheridan, First Vice President; and AI Linton, Secretary, Fincastle Resolutions Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution; and Dr. M. Rupert Cutler, Preston Memorial Committee Co- Chairman.  393 ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT-DECEASED PERSONS: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution as a means of recording the City Council's deepest regret and sorrow at the passing of Alphonzo LaSalle Holland, Sr.: (#40433-021616) A RESOLUTION memorializing the late Alphonzo LaSalle Holland, Sr., 2003 Citizen of the Year and a native of Roanoke. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 78, page 146.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40433-021616. The motion was seconded by Council Member Price. Following sincerest condolences and recognition by the Council Members of the indelible legacy left by Mr. Holland, Resolution No. 40433-021616 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT-POLICE: Vice-Mayor Trinkle offered the following resolution recognizing, applauding and expressing City Council's appreciation to Christopher C. Perkins for his distinguished and exemplary service to the City of Roanoke and its citizens over 24 years with the Roanoke Police Department, including more than five years of service as Police Chief: (#40434-021616) A RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION paying tribute to Chief Christopher C. Perkins on the occasion of his retirement after 24 years of service with the City of Roanoke Police Department. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 78, page 148.) After the Mayor presented the Key to the City to Police Chief Perkins for his extraordinary service to the City and its citizens, Resolution No. 40434-021616 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) 394 HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Mayor advised that City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters would be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he may deem appropriate. NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Chris Craft, 1501 East Gate Avenue, N. E., President, Wildwood Civic League, appeared before the Council to request amenities in East Gate Park. CONSENT AGENDA The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda were considered to be routine by the Members of Council and would be enacted by one motion in the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion was desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. The Mayor called attention to three requests for Closed Meeting and an additional request for a Closed Meeting from the City Attorney. COUNCIL: A communication from Mayor David A. Bowers requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss vacancies on certain authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by Council, pursuant to Section 2.2- "''"""' 3711(A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the Council concur in the request of the Mayor and City Manager as above described. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.)  395 CITY-OWNED PROPERTY-ROANOKE RIVER: A communication from the City Manager requesting that the Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of City-owned properties located at Jae Valley Road, Roanoke County, Virginia, bearing Roanoke County Official Tax Map Nos. 008900-03-2901 and 008900-03-2902, and adjacent to Back Creek, a tributary of the Roanoke River, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the Council concur in the request of the City Manager as above described. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) EASEMENTS-WESTERN VIRGINIA WATER AUTHORITY: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council schedule a public hearing for Monday, March 21, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as a matter may be heard, or at such later date and time as the City Manager may determine, regarding the proposed conveyance of the permanent sewer line easement and temporary construction easement to the Western Virginia Water Authority, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the Council concur in the request of the City Attorney as abovedescribed. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) 396 MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meetings of Council held on Monday, June 15, 2015; Monday, July 6, 2015; Monday, November 16, 2015; and the Special Session of the Council held on November 20, 2015, were before the body. (See copies of minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS-ROANOKE VALLEY- ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION: A communication from the City Clerk advising that Jerry Smith has tendered his resignation as a City representative of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission and as a member of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals, effective immediately, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the resignation be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) CITY ATTORNEY: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting regarding consultation with the City Attorney and briefing by staff pertaining to actual litigation, where such consultation and briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating position of City Council. Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.A.7, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  397 Council Member Ferris moved that the Council concur in the request of the City Attorney as above described. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: BUDGET-GRANTS-JUVENILE JUSTICE SERVICES-SCHOOLS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Title II Grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to be expended on the Roanoke City Public Schools to create and administer the Positive Alternatives to School Suspensions (PASS) Project. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#40435-021616) A RESOLUTION accepting the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Title II Grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 78, page 150.) 398 Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40435-021616. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) Council Member Price offered the following budget ordinance: (#40436-021616) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2015 - 2016 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 78, page 151.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40436-021616. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle and adopted by the .... following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) GRANTS-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE-POLICE: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending. acceptance from the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the 2016 Violence Against Women Act (V-STOP) Grant to employ the Police Department's full-time non-sworn Domestic Violence Specialist. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Lea offered the following resolution: (#40437-021616) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the 2016 V-STOP Grant made to the City of Roanoke by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 78, page 152.)  399 Council Member Lea moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40437-021616. The motion was seconded by Council Member Price. Following Council Member Lea's accolades and expression of appreciation to Police Chief Christopher C. Perkins on his leadership and continued efforts to maintain the position in the Police Department, Resolution No. 40437-021616 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) Council Member Lea offered the following budget ordinance: (#40438-021616) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Police Department Domestic Violence Program Grant (VSTOP), amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2015 - 2016 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 78, page 153.) Council Member Lea moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40438-021616. The motion was seconded by Council Member Price and was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) GRANTS-EQUIPMENT-TRANSPORTATION: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of grant funds from the Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign for the City to purchase a propane powered box truck for use by the Transportation Division. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 400 Vice-Mayor Trinkle offered the following budget ordinance: (#40439-021616) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from James Madison University for the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance program funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2015 - 2016 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 78, page 154.) Vice-Mayor Trinkle moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40439-021616. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) BUDGET-GENERAL REGISTRAR: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of funding for tenant upfit and furniture, fixtures and equipment in connection with relocation of the General Registrar's Office to 317 Kimball Avenue, S. W. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#40440-021616) AN ORDINANCE to transfer funding from the Capital Improvement Reserve to the Registrar's Office Tenant Upfit and Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE) project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2015 - 2016 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 78, page 155.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40440-021616. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle.  401 Mayor Bowers voiced concern about the relocation, while stressing that the office needed to remain in the Municipal Building since the building was centrally located and accessible by public transportation. There being no further comments by the Council Members, Budget Ordinance No. 40440-021616 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-5. NAYS: Mayor Bowers-1. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) BUDGET-EQUIPMENT-FLEET MAMANGEMENT-FIRE-EMS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of Fleet Management Fund Retained Earnings for replacement of a ladder truck in the Fire-EMS Department. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following budget ordinance: (#40441-021616) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Fleet Management Fund Retained Earnings for the replacement of a ladder truck, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2015 - 2016 Fleet Management Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 78, page 156.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40441-021616. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen is absent.) 402 BRIDGES: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to issue and execute additional amendments to the City's Contract with Mattern & Craig, Inc., for additional professional services for the second year of the City's Transportation Structures Inspection Program 2014-2018. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Trinkle offered the following resolution: (#40442-021616) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager's issuance and execution of additional amendments to the City's Contract with Mattern & Craig, Inc., for additional professional services for the second year of the City's Transportation Structures Inspection Program (2014-2018); and authorizing the City Manager to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to provide for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of such Contract, as amended. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 78, page 156.) Vice-Mayor Trinkle moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40442-021616. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) BUDGET-CITY JAIL: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to execute Amendment No. 4 with CONMED, Inc., for additional medical services for care of inmates housed at the City Jail, retroactive to July 1, 2015. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Trinkle offered the following resolution: (#40443-021616) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager's issuance and execution of Amendment No. 4 to the City Contract with CONMED, INC., in an amount not to exceed $3,419,868.00 for additional medical services for care of inmates housed at the City Jail; and authorizing the City Manager to execute such amendment retroactive to July 1, 2015. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 78, page 158.)  403 Vice-Mayor Trinkle moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40443-021616. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) Vice-Mayor Trinkle offered the following budget ordinance: (#40444-021616) AN ORDINANCE to increase the medical services expenditure for Roanoke Jail Inmates, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2015 - 2016 General Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 78, page 159.) Vice-Mayor Trinkle moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40444-021616. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) REGIONALISM-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of an Amended and Restated New River Valley Commerce Park Participation and Revenue Sharing Agreement to reflect changes in the Commerce Park Project and to address other related provisions. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 404 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#40445-021616) AN ORDINANCE approving an Amended and Restated New River Valley Commerce Park Participation and Revenue Sharing Agreement (Restated Agreement); authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute and attest, respectively, such Restated Agreement; authorizing the Mayor and/or the City Manager to take such actions and execute such documents as necessary to implement, administer, and enforce such Restated Agreement; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 78, page 159.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40445-021616. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle. The Assistant City Manager for Community Development gave an update regarding changes that the Commerce Park Project would accomplish. He reported that the Restated Agreement will not change the extent or amount of the City of Roanoke's original, ongoing or future financial obligations to the Commerce Park, nor will it change the City's membership role, responsibilities or voting privileges for the Commerce Park Project. • ,.., There being no further comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 40445-021616 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) LEASES: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of a regional agreement among and between the City of Roanoke, the County of Roanoke, and the City of Salem, jurisdictions to open a Regional Collision Reporting Center. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  405 Council Member Price offered the following ordinance: (#40446-021616) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to enter into a regional agreement among and between the City of Roanoke, the County of Roanoke, and the City of Salem to open a Regional Collision Reporting Center, upon certain terms and conditions, and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 78, page 161.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40446- 021616. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle. Several Council Members complimented the Police Chief on his efforts, and most importantly for being open to suggestions for a successful outcome. Council Member Ferris added that the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County and the City of Salem were partnering together to become the first jurisdictions in the United States to open a Regional Collision Center. There being no further comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 40446-021616 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager commented on the following items: • Deputy Chief Tim Jones will serve as Acting Police Chief, effective March 1, 2016. • The City will conduct a national search for a new police chief. Reception for Police Chief Christopher Perkins • Friday, February 26 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Municipal North Lobby to honor Chief Perkins. • Chris began working for the Roanoke Police Department in 1992, and his service has been an asset to our city and its leaders. • As Police Chief, he was one of my first hires when I arrived in Roanoke and I couldn't be more proud of the work he's done for our citizens. 406 • He has initiated new methods and programs to make our city a safe place, and his efforts will have a lasting impact on not only the Police Department, but our entire city. • City Council and the public are invited to the reception to thank the Chief for his service and in wishing him well. George Takei Coming to Roanoke • Actor George Takei has accepted an invitation from Roanoke City Council and Local Colors of Western Virginia to come to Roanoke on May 4, 2016. • We are calling it "An Evening with George Takei: On Inclusion and Diversity." • Mr. Takei will share remarks about his personal experience as a Japanese- American held in American internment camps with his family in World War II. • Admission to the event will be free and open to the public, but tickets will be required for entrance. • Staff is working with Local Colors to iron out details. • More information will be shared as the event date nears, so stay tuned. Voter Precincts Changes • The City of Roanoke has recently realigned its 32 precincts into 21 precincts. Many voters will now be voting in a different location than they have in previous elections. • New voter notices were sent in the mail to every registered voter in the city. • Each notice contains important precinct information and voting location with a map. If your address of record is not up to date, you may not receive this important notice. • To verify or to update your voter registration information, go to www.elections.virginia.gov, or call the Office of Voter Registration and Elections at 853-2281 . • The City of Roanoke will have four elections this year. Please take the time to review and update your voter registration information. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: BUDGET-SCHOOLS: The Roanoke City School Board submitted a written report requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and the Director of Finance submitted a written report recommending that Council concur in the request. (For full text, see reports on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  407 Vice- Mayor Trinkle offered the following budget ordinance: (#40447-021616) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Federal Government and the Commonwealth grants and the Schools General Fund for various educational programs, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2015 - 2016 School Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 78, page162.) Vice-Mayor Trinkle moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40447-021616. The motion was seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: VIRGINIA TECH-ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Council Member Lea offered the following resolution extending best wishes to Coach Frank Beamer as head football coach at Virginia Tech for 29 years. (#40448-021616) A RESOLUTION saluting the career and contributions of Coach Frank Beamer on the occasion of his retirement. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 78, page 163.) Council Member Lea moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40448-021616. The motion was seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) 408 MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: LEGISLATION: In-depth discussion was held regarding one series of bills that would eliminate the authority of locations to regulate homestay operations within a locality under the locality's zoning ordinance; and an amendment to SB 468 to exempt all "land owned by a railroad and located within its right-of-way". It was requested that City Council authorize Rob Catron, the City's Legislative Liaison, to oppose enactment of these legislative efforts. Council Member Bestpitch moved that Rob Catron, Legislative Liaison for the City, be authorized to represent the interests of the City in opposing legislation (i) preempt local ordinances that regulate homestays, or AirBnB operations; and (ii) exempt property of railroad corporations from stormwater utility fees assessed on all property owners within a locality. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. _,...,, NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen was absent.) MISCELLANEOUS: Council Member Bestpitch announced the UBU Honors Together We Stand event scheduled on March 25 at the Jefferson Center; and expressed appreciation to Troy Daniels, a professional basketball player, for returning to his Alma Mata - William Fleming High School for recognition of the retiring of his jersey. He noted that Mr. Daniels met with neighborhood youth. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE. At 3:50 p.m., the Council meeting was declared in recess for continuation of the Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building. At 4:37 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Mayor Bowers presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception of Council Member Rosen.  409 COUNCIL: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded Council Member Bestpitch moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that (1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion was seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Lea, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Bowers-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Rosen is absent.) Inasmuch as there were no public hearings scheduled, the Mayor announced that the 7:00p.m. Council meeting had been cancelled. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Bowers declared the Council meeting adjourned at 4:37 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~~·~.~ City Clerk