City Council

289 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION January 3, 2017 10:00 a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, January 3, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., instead of 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., presiding, 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. 40579-070516 adopted by the Council on Tuesday, July 5, 2016. PRESENT: Council Members William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. 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. ITEMS FOR ACTION: CITY COUNCIL: A communication from Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., 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. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 290 CITY COUNCIL: A communication from the Senior Assistant City Attorney requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for consultation with legal counsel pertaining to actual litigation where such consultation and briefing in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(?), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle moved that Council concur in the request of the Senior Assistant City Attorney as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CITY COUNCIL: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a proposal for the disposition of City- owned property located at 2750 Hoover Street, N. W., where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00P.M. AGENDA: NONE. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE.  291 BRIEFINGS: Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare Debbie Bonniwell, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, briefed the Council on statistics regarding services offered by Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare (BRBH), which addressed mental health disorders, intellectual disabilities, and substance abused disorders; and highlighted the following information: • Prevalence of Mental Illness • Community Services Board (CSB) • Community Services Board - Local and State Government • Clients Served by Disability Area • Funding Sources • Client Payment Resources • Successes • CSB Emergency Services • CSB Challenges • CSB Needs (See copy of presentation in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Bonniwell concluded the presentation with a request of the City of Roanoke for funding for the local match for fiscal year 2017-2018, per utilization formula and 10% local match ratio, being $654,501.00. Council Member Trinkle inquired about plans to close Catawba Hospital; whereupon, Ms. Bonniwell responded that the hospital intends to keep services at the same level as years past; and is unaware of any proposal for closure. In response to same day services, Ms. Bonniwell replied that same-day access and service was still available to clients with clinical staff and access specialists in place to provide said services. Council Member Ferris commented that the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, and the Western Virginia Regional Jail were all affected by mental health issues which stream into the criminal realm. He noted that many persons were self-medicating to address other underlying issues. Ms. Bonniwell advised that Blue Ridge Behavioral Health Care provides substance abuse services to the jails, adding that many of the inmates were being treated for pre-existing mental health conditions. 292 Vice-Mayor Price inquired about funding for pediatric psychiatric services, stating that it was an ongoing challenge to locate psychiatric services for young children as well as going through the referral process; whereupon, Ms. Bonniwell replied that there was a shortage in pediatric psychiatry; and noted that a newer model of care was disseminated along with discussion about integrating primary care and behavioral health care. In response to a statement by Council Member Ferris that the City of Roanoke almost matched services rendered to contribution at 59-58 percent, respectively. Marlene Bryant, Chief Financial Officer, provided information with regard to total costs of services in connection with service and support hours. Council Member Dykstra commented that there was a large amount of focus on substance abuse and stated that focus should be on educating the public about pre- existing mental health issues, too; reiterated the importance of open conversation with regard to treatment. Mayor Lea asked if Blue Ridge Behavioral Health would be affected if the Affordable Care Act was eliminated; whereupon, Ms. Bonniwell replied in the affirmative that changes would affect the market and could significantly impact the community mental health system. Following additional comments from the Council, Mayor Lea thanked Ms. Bonniwell for an informative presentation, noting that the briefing would be received and filed. General Real Estate Reassessment Susan Lower, Director, Real Estate Valuation, provided an overview of the FY2018 Real Estate Assessment Projections and informed the Council of the following statistics: • Assessment History 2011 - 2018 • New Construction History 2011 - 2018 • History of Sales and Foreclosures • Median Residential Sales Price 2008 - 2016 (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  293 Ms. Lower reported that the real estate assessments on the City's 45,000 parcels were up more than two percent, the largest increase in recent years and for the first time since 2012, single-family home values increased by a modest 0.8 percent with the majority of the increase coming from multifamily and commercial properties. She continued stating that the City's residential assessed values showed a slight overall increase of 0.95 percent, commercial properties increased in assessed values of 3.92 percent, total assessment change was projected at 2.02 percent with the apartment sector continuing to experience growth. Lastly, she reported that sale ratios remained in line with State standards. With regard to citizens wanting to appeal an assessment, Ms. Lower shared that citizens could file an appeal with the Board of Equalization and if said citizen was in disagreement with the Board of Equalization's decision, citizens could ultimately file suit in Circuit Court. The Director of Finance reviewed current year real estate tax collected revenue, percent of change from prior years, and real estate fiscal impact for FY2018. In response to inquiry from Council Member Garland as to a proactive method for management of real estate billing for blighted homes, homes in decline, and homes with continued code enforcement issues, Ms. Lower, advised that she was unaware of any such program; whereupon the City Manager stated he was also not aware of any cities in Virginia having such a program and would further investigate the matter. Council Member Garland suggested that the City of Roanoke implement a more aggressive process for handling foreclosed properties, whereupon, Evelyn Powers, City Treasurer, interjected that the Treasurer's Office offered a 36-month payment plan for citizens who were delinquent and currently living in the home and added that the Freedom First Bank has a mortgage program available for citizens who may need to refinance and catch up on past due taxes. There being no additional comments, Mayor Lea advised that the briefing would be received and filed. Budget/Financial Planning FY18 Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Management and Budget and Barbara A. Dameron, Director of Finance, briefed the Council on the development of the FY 2017- 2018 budget process. (See briefing presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 294 Ms. Merchant and Ms. Dameron highlighted the following: • Estimated Local Tax Revenue Fiscal Year 2017 The Director of Finance advised that at present the overall performance was doing well with the exception of sales and transient lodging taxes. She noted that sales tax was performing seven percent below budget expectations and the lodging tax did very well in November with a 13 percent increase; however, even with the improvement the tax was performing about five percent below budget expectations and lastly she explained that the business professional and occupational license tax would be impacted by the decline in sales performance. In response to an inquiry with regard to the definition of the business professional and occupational license tax, the Director of Finance advised that the tax was based on gross receipts and the rates differ by types of businesses for retail versus services and unfortunately there was a year delay in the reporting. Following brief dialogue with regard to the business professional and occupational license tax, Council Member Garland inquired as to what City departments handled each tax. .._ Ms. Dameron replied that meals, lodging and admissions taxes were handled by the Department of Finance and the Commissioner of the Revenue was responsible for the business professional and occupational license tax and as of July 1, 2017 the Commissioner would take responsibility for all trust taxes. Furthermore, Council Member Garland commented that he wanted to ensure due diligence was done and that current taxes were paid, so citizens already paying their taxes so were not faced with an increase to make up for the people not paying taxes. The City Manager added that it took good data analysis, being proactive in reviewing the numbers and conducting audits in an effort to improve and develop better systems. • FY 2017 Expenditure Update • Estimated Local Tax Revenue Fiscal Year 2018 The Director of Finance advised that in comparing the estimates to the adopted budget for fiscal 2017, a $1.3 million decrease in the FY 2018 budget was anticipated. o Sales Tax o Business License Tax o Transient Occupancy Tax  295 In terms of the tax estimates, Ms. Dameron indicated that the sales tax forecast was $19.8 million or a ten percent decrease with an anticipated $20 million in the 2018 budget, the business license tax forecast was a 6.8 percent increase estimating $12.9 million in 2018 or an increase of 1.6 percent and for the transient occupancy tax the forecast was $4.1 million for 2018 or a 1.2 percent increase. • Dates to Watch for Refinement of Local Tax Estimates (update) • FY 2018 Funding to Schools Based on Funding Formula • Net FY2018 Local Tax Impact Ms. Merchant advised that the net impact on the local taxes would be approximately $586,850.00, if expenditure adjustments from the schools, the Roanoke Valley Convention and Business Bureau and district taxes were subtracted from $1.3 million. • Preliminary Identified FY 2017-2018 Expenditure Adjustments • Aquatics R. Brian Townsend, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, advised that in 2015, a consultant conducted an assessment on the Washington Park Pool and identified necessary improvements of $150,000.00 to bring the pool back in good operating condition as was completed at Fallon Park four years ago. He pointed out that the intention was to fund the project out of year end funds for 2016 and because of the declines, the project was not able to be funded, adding the consultant also recommended that if the capital improvements were not made prior to the spring, it could affect the operations of the pool. He continued that the net operating cost, even with the help of the YMCA, was about $80,000.00 for operating the pools for ten weeks. He further noted that the City operated Fallon Park Pool three days per week and Washington Park Pool three days per week and the YMCA operated Washington Park Pool the other three days of the week. Mr. Townsend advised that one option was to close both pools next year and delay the $150,000.00 improvements needed at Washington Park Pool. He further advised that option would provide a savings of approximately $35,000 in Fiscal Year 2017 and $80,000.00 in Fiscal Year 2018. Council Member Ferris inquired if any further deterioration of the facility would take place if the pool was not operational in 2017; whereupon, Michael Clark, Director, Parks and Recreation, replied there would be no further degradation of the facility that would affect the cost of the repairs. 296 Mr. Townsend interjected that the second option was to close Washington Park Pool and move operations to Fallon Park Pool which would allow the YMCA to operate there and have one pool open for three or six days per week depending on the costs the YMCA was willing to cover; previously, the YMCA covered the labor of operating the Washington Park Pool for three days a week, but the overhead costs were still covered by the City. Lastly, he explained that third and final options were to not operate the Fallon Park Pool and ask the YMCA to operate Washington Park Pool for three or six days, which would have less cost savings to the City and require the City to do the maintenance capital improvements at Washington Park Pool; and the final option was to operate the pools like in Fiscal Year 2016 and hire one set of lifeguards and the cadre move back and forth between both pools on the three days and hopefully YMCA would operate Washington Park Pool on the opposite three days as they did in the past. He pointed out that basically the City would incur the same costs historically--$35,000.00 to open the pools, $80,000.00 for operations, as well as the $150,000.00 for the capital maintenance at Washington Park Pool. Mr. Townsend added that although a decision was needed, the February 6 briefing would provide more information on the cost of government and a clearer picture on revenue including the offers that have been submitted by the departments, but the ...... decision on the pools would have to be made no later than the first week of February in an effort not to fall behind on neither capital maintenance work, nor starting the recruitment for the lifeguards to ensure operation in June. The City Manager added that because of the size of the City pools, two nonprofit private swim teams also utilized each pool and that the decision would affect those entities as well. Following comments of several Council Members, Council Member Ferris questioned if there was an alternative way to introduce swimming to kids in the part of town that does not have access to swimming pools and if there was a less expensive alternative such as paying the YMCA $40,000.00 instead of $80,000.00 to keep the two pools open and provide the services to the most needy population. He added that hopefully the revenues would bounce back and Council could further discuss being in the public pool business long-term. Mr. Townsend pointed out that over ten weeks Fallon Park Pool alone served approximately 4,000 admissions; and replied that further discussion would be engaged with the YMCA to ask what they're willing to do in terms of pool operation, expansion of what they have done in the last three seasons and any alternative services they could provide that focus on safety and education.  297 Mayor Lea reminded the Council that fruitful discussion would ensue on the .,,. matter and once the constituents hear about the options, they would contact the Council with their concerns as well. Ms. Merchant concluded that all departmental budgets were due today and Management and Budget staff would review those budgets and begin the work of the priority teams and recommendations. She noted that information would be presented again on February 6 including the full price of government, budget offers, capital planning and five year model updates. Mayor Lea thanked Ms. Merchant for the informative presentation and advised that the budget briefing would be received and filed. At 1:02 p.m., the Mayor declared the Council Meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting to be held in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451; and thereafter to be reconvened at 2:00p.m., in the Council Chamber. At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding. PRESENT: Council Members William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. 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 Sherman P. Lea, Sr. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: 298 ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-CITY EMPLOYEES: Mayor Lea presented the 45 year tenured City employees- Marion Smith and Betty Smith with Key to the City Plaques, and recognized certain City employees with 30, 35, and 40 years of dedicated service. He announced that the Annual Service Awards Breakfast in recognition of certain City employees will be held on Thursday, January 19 at 7:30a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Valley View. 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 will be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he may deem appropriate. CAPITAL INSTITUTE WORKSHOP: Brian McConnell appeared before the Council and requested that the City host a workshop in conjunction with the Capital Institute. CONSENT AGENDA The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Members of Council and will be enacted by one motion in the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion are desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. He "''""!'it called attention to a request of the City Manager for a public hearing on the adoption of an updated Solid Waste Management Plan. MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, September 19, 2016, and recessed until Friday, September 23, 2016, was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  299 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: A communication from the City Manager .... requesting that Council advertise a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, or such later date and time as the City Manager may determine, to receive citizen comments on the adoption of an updated Solid Waste Management Plan, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra moved that the Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. BONDS: A report of the Director of Finance advising that no additional action is required by the Council with respect to the City Council Agenda Report dated December 19, 2016, regarding adoption of a resolution in order to authorize the reimbursement from 2018 Bond Funds for the sum up to $500,000.00, was before the body. (See copy of report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra moved that the report be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. FINANCIAL REPORTS: A report of the Director of Finance transmitting the Financial Report for the month ended November 30, 2016, was before the Council. (See copy of Financial Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 300 Council Member Dykstra moved that the Financial Report be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. AUDITS: Minutes of the Audit Committee held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, was before the Council. (See minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra moved that the Minutes be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-PERSONEL AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES COMMISSION-ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION-CITY PLANNING COMMISSION: ...... Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before the Council: Patrick D. Crandall as a (Citizen at Large) member of the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission to fill the unexpired term of Geraldo Correa, Jr., ending June 30, 2018; Richard Morrison as a (City employee) member of the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission for a three-year term of office ending June 30, 2019; Thomas L. McKeon as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission for a three-year term of office ending June 30, 2019; and Karri B. Atwood as a member of the City Planning Commission for a four- year term of office ending December 31, 2020. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  301 Council Member Dykstra moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: LEGISLATION: Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution urging the United States Congress to assist State and Local governments in the collection of revenues that are essential to the expansion of the local and regional economy, by enacting the Marketplace Fairness Act during its 2017 Session: (#40737-01 0317) A resolution urging the United States Congress to assist State and Local governments in the collection of revenues that are essential to the expansion of the local and regional economy, by enacting the Marketplace Fairness Act during its 2017 Session. (For full text, see Resolution Book No. 78, page 656.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40737-010317. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price. The City Attorney pointed out that the original measure which had been included in the Council packet was revised and the proposed measure read into the record, was the amended version. Council Member Ferris gave a brief overview of the history of the Marketplace Fairness Act, noting that local businesses estimate that the City of Roanoke has lost millions of uncollected sales and use taxes from remote online sales; and the Council is requesting the U. S. Congress adopt the Marketplace Fairness Act or other legislation to collect and remit sales taxes structured on a system of collection based on the purchaser's location through the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives during its 2017 session. 302 The following individuals appeared before the Council and spoke in support of the adoption of the resolution: Jeannie Keen, 1312 Kings Crest Drive, Salem, Virginia Josh Baumgartner, 1501 Westover Avenue, S. W. Jane Johnson, 2940 Phillips Brook Lane, Salem, Virginia Larry Davidson, 412 S Jefferson Street Following additional comments by Council Members Bestpitch and Dykstra, Resolution No. 40737-010317, as amended, was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 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-ENTERPRISE ZONES: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of additional funding for Enterprise Zone One A to provide for program grants and rebates to meet the increased grant request activity for Fiscal Year 2016 - 2017. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: "AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from Capital Projects Contingency to the Fa9ade Grants and Enterprise Zone Permit and Development Fee Rebates Projects, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2016 - 2017 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance."  303 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of the Budget Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle. R. Brian Townsend, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, noted that the funding source as set forth in the ordinance is incorrect; and requested that the matter be continued until the January 17, 2017 Council Meeting. Council Member Bestpitch offered a substitute motion to continue the matter until the next regular session of Council scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and unanimously adopted. BUDGET-STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to acquire real property rights for the Troxell Road/Mabry Avenue Stormwater Drainage Improvements Project. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle offered the following ordinance: (#40738-01 0317) An Ordinance approving authorization to acquire real property rights for the Troxell Road/Mabry Avenue Stormwater Drainage Improvements Project. (For full text, see Ordinance Book No. 78, page 658.) Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40738-010317. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: Franklin Road Bridge Replacement Detour Begins Today • The Franklin Road Bridge will be closed as crews begin replacement work. • All vehicles will be detoured to Reserve Avenue and Jefferson Street. • Signs will be in place to direct drivers. 304 .. • A detailed map of the detour will be available at roanokeva.gov/franklinbridgedetour. • The construction project is expected to last approximately two years. • For more information, contact the city's Engineering Division at 853-2731. Solid Waste Collection Schedule • City offices were closed yesterday for the New Year's holiday. • For residents, this week's collection will be delayed one day. • If your normal collection day is • Monday, collection will be on Tuesday • Tuesday, collection will be on Wednesday • Wednesday, collection will be on Thursday • Thursday, collection will be on Friday • The Central Business District will be worked on schedule. • City residents who have real Christmas trees may place them on the curb any week for collection with brush. We ask that you remove lights and decorations from the trees before placing them out for collection. • If you have questions, call 853-2000 and select option 1. Art By Bus Public Art Project • The Roanoke Arts Commission, Ride Solutions, and the Greater Roanoke Transit Authority are partnering once again to present Art by Bus, a unique public art project, in spring 2017. • One part of the project will be selecting someone to ride city buses and write about their experiences. • The writer will be issued a one-month bus pass and paid an honorarium of up to $1,000.00 to create a unique work of literature while riding different bus routes. • Applications can be downloaded at roanokeva.gov/artsandculture, and are due by 5:00 p.m. on January 20. • A second component of the project is to display artwork selected from the city's regional Public Art Collection on four Valley Metro buses during the months of March and April. • The project is intended to draw attention to public art and the important role public transportation plays in connecting our neighborhoods and communities. • Art by Bus is part of a larger promotion by Ride Solutions throughout March and April, which will include other activities such as live musical performances, sculpture, activities at the bus stops, partnerships with local schools, and more. • Citizens may contact Roanoke Arts and Culture Coordinator Susan Jennings at 853-5652 or susan.jennings@roanokeva.gov for more information.  305 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: CELEBRATIONS: Mayor Lea called attention to the following two events: • Roanoke Chapter SCLC Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 5:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn - Valley View; and • 19th Annual North Carolina State University - Roanoke Alumni Chapter Martin Luther King, Jr., Breakfast on Monday, January 16, 2017 at 8:00 a.m., at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE. COUNCIL: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded Council Member Dykstra 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 Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 306 . There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting adjourned at 3:43 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~~~~~ Stephanie M. Moon City Clerk Re~~ds~ ~C ~'S:&~ Mayor