City Council

416 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION April 3, 2017 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, April 3, 2017, at 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 (arrived late), Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle (arrived late), 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, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Members Bestpitch and Trinkle were not present when vote was recorded.)  417 CITY COUNCIL: A communication from Council Member David B. Trinkle, Chair, City Council Personnel Committee, requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a personnel matter, being the selection process for a City Manager, 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 Dykstra moved that Council concur in the request of the Council Member Trinkle as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Members Bestpitch and Trinkle were not present when vote was recorded.) CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a proposal for the disposition of publicly-owned property located at 13 Church Avenue, S. E., 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, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris 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 Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Members Bestpitch and Trinkle were not present when vote was recorded.) At this point, Council Member Bestpitch entered the meeting (9:05a.m.). 418 CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: 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, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Inasmuch as she is the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia, Inc., Council Member Dykstra acknowledged a personal interest in the abovementioned closed meeting and read the following statement into record. "STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST I, Michelle L. Dykstra, state that I have a personal interest in the agenda item regarding 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., because my employer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia, Inc., has an interest in a lease transaction with a party interested in the disposition of this City-owned property. The lease transaction would be between Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia, Inc. and the interested party with respect to the City-owned property that is the subject matter of this agenda item. Therefore, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3112, I must refrain from participation in this matter. I ask that the City Clerk accept this statement and ask that it be made a part of the minutes of this meeting. Witness the following signature made this 3rd day of April 2017. S/Michelle L. Dykstra, Michelle L. Dykstra Member of Council" (See Statement of Conflict of Interest on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was not present when vote was recorded; and Council Member Dykstra abstaining from voting.)  419 ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00 P.M. AGENDA. NONE. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. BRIEFINGS: YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD UPDATE Vice-Mayor Anita Price gave an overview on youth services Initiative activities, highlighting the following areas: • Youth Services Initiative Activities o Celebrate Youth Leaders Event- February 18, 2017 o National League of Cities - March 11-15, 2017 o 2017 Roanoke Youth Summit- August 5, 2017 • Youth Services Citizen Board Members (See copy of update in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor commented on core issues - access to jobs, development of soft skills, dress for success guidance, etc., along with suggestions for increase/involvement in programs, engage volunteers, financial/human capital, and access to employment, and working with businesses for gainful employment and skills. In response to question raised by Council Member Ferris whether the initiative could continue without budgetary funding; whereupon, it was noted that services would remain, and supplemental for funds was being reviewed. In closing, the Vice-Mayor stated that it was incumbent for the Council to continue to support the program and be advocates for the youth. FY2018 Budget/Financial Planning Work Session Amelia Merchant, Director of Management and Budget and the Director of Finance, presented the following update on the FY 2017 - 2018 budget development process and recommendations and highlighted the following topics: (See briefing presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 420 Ms. Merchant advised that since FY2007 the budget was reduced by $30.5 million to facilitate budget balancing, including reduction of full time equivalent positions and since 2008 full time positions decreased by approximately 150 positions with 20 resulting from the creation of the storm water utilities and positions moving from the General Fund, ultimately resulting in fewer employees to do more work in an effort to maintain the critical services that the City provides. The City Manager advised that through it all the City of Roanoke has maintained an AA+ Bond Rating with both Fitch and S&P bond rating agencies who took an external look into the process in which the City must make changes and sacrifices to balance the budget and provide key services to its citizens. At this point, Council Member Trinkle entered the meeting (9:34a.m.) The Director of Finance advised that the real estate tax increased modestly by one and a half percent, but does not compare to the historical pre-2008 increase ranging from 4 to 7 percent. She noted that transient occupancy lodging tax, experienced a decline, but was beginning to show signs of improvement and reviewing all other local taxes those decreases add up to slightly over $3 million. Ms. Merchant continued stating that preliminarily the budget was balanced at $280.6 million with a buffer of $460,000.00 in the contingency fund. She noted that - following the March 6 briefing Directors went back and reduced the base budget by $480,000.00 from the reduced base in order to help with balancing and were able to include $2.8 million of base restoration and about $5 million of supplemental requests which were critical, including a 1. 75 percent compensation increase for employees. She advised that in terms of base restoration and supplementals a representative sample of those items included--funding to support the activities of the legislative liaison, reinstate 14 positions effecting local tax, real estate and family services. restoration to allow for employee development, tipping fees, youth supporting events security, library electricity, travelers aid, social services, security service, cremation service for the indigent and children services at cost. She added that new supplemental funding was provided for agreement based performance agreement, additional operating support for the new location of the City Registrar, postage, insurance, grant increase for the homeless assistance team and five social services positions to support family services and resource parent training. She further advised that supplemental funding included the anticipated medical and dental rate increases, line of duty act mandated by the state, compensation and was also included in the contingency as a buffer for further revenue decline leading up to the budget completion, but would be removed during final balancing activities.  421 Ms. Merchant reviewed the items not funded within each priority and advised that in the Livability Category, small brush piles, tipping fees and recycling education would not be restored meaning small brush piles would not be picked up and must be added to the bins and educate the public to alert returning to the former process. In the education category, the youth service initiative was reduced from $25,000.00 to $11,250.00 and noted the components that would be reduced include--the funding for the National League of Cities Trip to Washington, D.C. of $5,000.00, the Kids to Parks Day funding reduced to $3,750.00 and the Melrose Fall Festival decreased by $2500.00. Vice-Mayor Price commented on the removal of the $5,000.00 funding for the National League of Cities Conference, noting the Youth Services Citizen Board were reviewing other options, such as fund raisers. Council Member Bestpitch also commented that this was an opportunity to reach out to businesses and organizations for assistance as well as an opportunity for the young people to get involved and raise funds through efforts like bake sales and car washes. Discussion ensued with regard to the youth summer employment initiative; whereupon, Council Member Ferris commented that he had no objection to promoting summer youth employment, but given the other hard choices to balance the budget, funds should not be spent to supplement private enterprise. Council Member Bestpitch suggested that staff revisit the youth services employment initiative to determine if it was the best use of money to reach the largest amount of youth possible. Council Member Garland inquired if the 50 youth to be employed were underprivileged; and who would otherwise not be employed without the employer supplement; wherein, the City Manager replied that the goal was to offer work and provide life skills for the kids; also some small businesses were worried about taking on new payroll so Good Will provided the pay roll service for them; and he suggested exploring if there was a model where to work with Good Will or another nonprofit to provide the life skills and pay roll, but do not supplement the salary and convince the businesses that they will receive young people, do good for the community, and help build future leaders and the City would help in other ways. In conclusion, Council Member Dykstra remarked that this was an opportunity for public/private collaboration. Mayor Lea expressed appreciation to the Vice-Mayor for her advocacy for youth services. With regard to balancing options, the Director of Finance explained that the water utility tax could be increased; however State Code provisions were still being reviewed. 422 The City Manager mentioned it was a common tax in Virginia, but more research would have to be conducted on the matter. The City Attorney added that the there was no State Code provision that capped the tax for commercial and industrial customers, but the City Code included a monthly cap on the size of the bill for all utility customers, which leads credence to the issue that the City's current position was grandfathered and that particular section of the Code was last revised in 1999 or 2000. Ms. Merchant explained that the basis for considering a fee or tax increase was not limited to Fiscal Year 2018 balancing and Fiscal Year 2018 was preliminarily balanced without fee or tax increases; however $2.8 million of the budget items remain unfunded. She further stated that the variance between the revenue expenditure fluctuates from $3.4 million in excess of $18 million over the course of the next five years and absent from natural increase in revenue through improvement in the economy, the City's only option would be an expenditure reduction, which would not be invisible to the public. Ms. Merchant further stated that the next revenue option was to discuss implementation of a solid waste fee, adding the City of Roanoke provides extensive services under Solid Waste Management; that the Fiscal Year 2017 residential service was budgeted to cost $7.2 million; and to fully cover the cost of those services, it would be approximately $15.00, per month, per service unit. She proposed Council consider the rate going into Fiscal Year 2018, and as an example, an $8.00 per service unit monthly rate would generate $3.3 million. She also shared information on Solid Waste Fee Comparison among localities in the State; whereupon, extensive discussion ensued and from that discussion the following points were raised: Council Member Dykstra inquired about the correlation between the increase in the real estate tax to cover a portion of the solid waste services and the implementation of a solid waste fee; and a comparison of all resident fees versus services provided by the Cities of Roanoke and Salem and Roanoke County. In response to the inquiry, the City Manager advised that Council raised the real estate tax by three cents equating to approximately $2 million of revenue, in which only 60 percent was allocated to governmental services that solid waste was a small part of. He further advised that more governments have been forced to implement fee based services just to continue providing services and the City may have been able to avoid fees for 20 years while most cities began charging in the 1990's, but the City was not immune to changes in the economy.  423 Council Member Ferris commented that what was proposed was to take the resources devoted to solid waste management and shift them to other priorities in an attempt to continue to provide those services and then implement the solid waste fee to make up the difference. He expressed concern that it may happen again in two years if the income streams continue to deteriorate, not to say the economy in Roanoke was deteriorating, but the way Roanoke was conducting business was shifting. He explained that the City of Salem and Roanoke County were not experiencing the same decrease in revenue that the City of Roanoke was because of online shopping and even though the Virginia sales tax was paid, those taxes were not remitted to Roanoke, but sent to the locality in which the goods were shipped and that was the basis of the argument of marketplace fairness. He added that when there was a shift in internet sales and shift in the economy, it would affect Roanoke more severely than other jurisdictions because of the dependence on the tax. Council Member Bestpitch added that the goal was to grow the City, grow the economy as well as grow the incomes of the residents in an effort to lower the real estate tax again. Council Member Ferris commented with no disrespect toward staff at all, but he was not confident that the anticipated revenue numbers moving forward would hold. He suggested that revenues be increased by implementing the solid waste fee and the utility tax on water, because it distributes the fee evenly to everyone who uses City services. Council Member Trinkle inquired if it was possible to approve half of fleet and maintenance now and implement the other half later; whereupon, the City Manager replied in the affirmative. Council Member Garland weighed in on the discussion stating that he would like the two youth services items, the two infrastructure neighborhood items, alley maintenance, and salary increases to remain in the budget; whereupon, Vice-Mayor Price added that she was in favor of keeping the items with safety and infrastructure in the budget and not in favor of keeping the small brush pile pick up. Council Member Dykstra commented that having a fee for such an important service was much more palatable because it involves a service already provided to the citizens versus the water utility tax. Ms. Merchant inquired if it was the Council's desire to move forward to prepare a legal advertisement to keep the Solid Waste Fee under consideration and the Water Utility Tax increase if it was learned that the cap did not restrict the City of Roanoke; whereupon, Mr. Lea replied in the affirmative. 424 The City Manager added that a few more comparisons would still be provided and the advertisement was just for consideration. The Assistant City Manager for Community Development advised that Fiscal Year 2015 was the last time monthly fees were raised significantly that generated an increase between 2015 and 2016, noting revenue between 2016 and 2017 resorted to flat. He pointed out that operating expenses continue to go up and it was anticipated that Fiscal Year 2017 may close with a positive outcome of approximately $650,000.00 in retained earnings to be used to maintain the parking garages. He further advised that currently two of the three elevators in the Church Avenue Garage were in the process of being upgraded and that project alone was approximately $350,000.00; followed by elevator upgrades scheduled for the Market and Center in the Square Garages at approximately $200,000.00. Mr. Townsend reviewed the current and proposed parking fees and asked the Council to consider establishing a parking fee at the Elmwood Park Garage for events that take place in Elmwood Park, currently the garage housed monthly parkers and did not operate on an hourly or pay entry basis; and the fee would help to recover that revenue during the summertime when events take place to assist with the maintenance on the garages. Council Member Ferris inquired as to what downtown private parking lots charge for event parking; whereupon, Mr. Townsend responded that private have a variable rate of $5.00, $10.00 up to $15.00 depending on the location of the lot and the event. Council Member Bestpitch inquired about the surface parking lot adjacent to the Elmwood Park garage and if the fees would apply to both; whereupon, Mr. Townsend replied that the fee would apply to the garage where it was gate controlled on Tazewell Avenue and Williamson Road, but the lot to the south of the garage would not be included in the proposal. Lastly, Mr. Townsend explained that currently the parking fines do not align which confuses citizens as to why they were charged a certain fee if they violate something on-street versus off-street and for ease of administration the parking fines would match, only impacting revenue impact at about $,000.00 per year. He added that the proposal was to raise the monthly parking late fee from $5.00 to $10.00 to promote people to pay their bills on time.  425 The Assistant City Manager for Operations advised that in terms of the Greater Roanoke Transit Company, the last fare increase was in 2007 and over the last 10 years operating expenses continued to increase and the operating revenue e received continued to decrease as well as the federal and state matching contributions have also decreased, but the local subsidy burden has increased. He reviewed comparisons of other local transit fares and asked Council to consider a fare increase of .25 cents from $1.50 to $1.75 which would increase revenue by approximately 19 percent with the potential to reduce the subsidy burden in the aggregate amount of $324,000.00. He further advised that if the Council was willing to consider the fare increase, the next steps would be for the Greater Roanoke Transit Company, Board of Directors to authorize a public hearing for the purpose of receiving public comment; furthermore, if the Board decided to increase the fare, action would be taken and the Council would be asked to ratify the action. Further discussion ensued; whereupon, Mr. Stovall explained that the states of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia have to implement a safety improvement program or plan and since that was not completed by the deadline, the Federal Transit Administration has opted to withhold 5 percent of the allocation to each entity. He noted that Valley Metro's share was approximately $70,000.00 to be withheld from the fiscal year 2017 allocation to be repeated in 2018 as well. In conclusion, Mr. Stovall advised that pertaining to the para transit system or RADAR, the grant funding used to reduce the amount Valley Metro must pay RADAR for the provision of that service will expire at the end the current fiscal year which will increase the expenditure for the provision of para transit services; and the main focus was trying to maintain the level of services currently provided as well as trying to implement, over the next couple of years, some of the short-term recommendations included in the Regional Transit Division Plan. There being no further comments and/or questions from the Council Members, the Mayor advised that the briefing would be received and filed. At 12:51 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, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building; and thereafter to be reconvened at 2:00p.m., in the Council Chamber. At 2:00p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding. 426 PRESENT: Council Members William D. Bestpitch (arrived late), 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. At this point, Council Member Bestpitch entered the meeting (2:02p.m.). The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Francis R. Brown, Pastor, United Metaphysical Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Mayor Lea recognized the AmeriCorps Vista volunteers. He presented each volunteer with a Certificate of Appreciation. ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-COLLEGES: Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution recognizing the 175th anniversaries of Hollins University and Roanoke College, respectively: (#40786-040317) A RESOLUTION recognizing and congratulating Hollins University and Roanoke College for their achievements and successes during their celebrations of their 175th Anniversaries. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 23.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40786-040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  427 Mayor Lea presented ceremonial copies of Resolution No. 40786-040317 to President Nancy Oliver Gray, Hollins University; and President Michael C. Maxey, Roanoke College. ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-DECEASED PERSONS: Council Member Trinkle offered the following resolution as a means of recording the City Council's deepest regret and sorrow at the passing of the late John Henry "Jack" Parrott, II, former City Council Member and avid volunteer in the Roanoke Valley: (#40787-040317) A RESOLUTION memorializing the late John (Jack) Henry Parrott, II, a former City Council member and Roanoke native. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 25.) Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40787-040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. Following sincerest condolences and recognition of Mr. Parrott's contributions by the Council Members, Resolution No. 40787-040317 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. The Mayor presented a ceremonial copy of Resolution No. 40787-040317 to Mr. Parrott's son, John Parrott and family. ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-CITY MANAGER: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution recognizing the outstanding services rendered to the City by Christopher P. Morrill as City Manager: (#40785-040317) A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending the meritorious services rendered to this City by Christopher P. Morrill as its City Manager and expressing the gratitude and appreciation of the City and its people for his service. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 21.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40785-040317. 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. 428 Following commendations and accolades about Mr. Morrill's service to the City of Roanoke by the Council Members, Mayor Lea announced that an official copy of the resolution would be presented to Mr. Morrill at a Fond Farewell Dinner on Tuesday, April 4, commencing at 6:00 p.m. at The Hotel Roanoke HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: 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. COMPLAINTS: Constance R. Finney, 1114 Jackson Avenue, S. W., appeared before Council regarding night light exposure from Safeside Tactical, an indoor and shooting range facility. Following questions and remarks by the Council, the matter was referred to the City Manager for investigation and report to Ms. Finney and the Council. 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 . ... called attention to the resignation of Christopher P. Morrill, as the City Manager, effectiveApril14, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. CITY MANAGER: A communication from Christopher P. Morrill tendering his resignation as the City Manager of the City of Roanoke, effective April 14, 2017, at 11 :59 p.m., was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle moved that the resignation be accepted with regret and the communication be received and filed. 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. YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Paula Page Williams as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board, effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  429 Council Member Trinkle moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. 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. FINANCIAL REPORTS: A communication from the Director of Finance transmitting the Financial Report for the month ended February 28, 2017, was before the Council. (See Financial Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle moved that the Financial Report be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: BUDGET-CABLE TELEVISION: Elaine Bays-Murphy, Cable Access Director, Roanoke Valley Television, transmitted the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Budget with the City's share being $218,846.00. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Price offered the following resolution: (#40788-040317) A RESOLUTION approving the recommendation of the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee to approve the annual operating budget for Fiscal Year 2017 - 2018 for the operation of the regional government and educational access station, Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV, Channel 3), and for the City to provide partial funding. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 27.) 430 Vice-Mayor Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40788-040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. BUDGET-ROANOKE-BLACKSBURG REGIONAL AIRPORT: Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director, transmitted the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission Fiscal Year 2017 - 2018 Budget and Proposed Capital Expenditures. (See documents on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#40789-040317) A RESOLUTION approving the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission's 2017 - 2018 proposed operating and capital budget upon certain terms and conditions. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 28.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40789-040317. 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. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: GRANTS-POLICE-BUDGET: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of funds from the Department of Justice Federal Asset Forfeiture Sharing Program and the Department of Treasury Federal Asset Sharing Program to enhance law enforcement operations. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  431 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#40790-040317) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Department of Justice Federal Asset Sharing Program and the Department of Treasury Federal Asset Sharing Program for enhancing law enforcement operations, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2016 - 2017 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 29.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40790- 040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: Non e-O. GRANTS-POLICE-BUDGET: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of funds from the State Asset Forfeiture Sharing Program for enhancing law enforcement operations. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following budget ordinance: (#40791-040317) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the State Asset Sharing Program for enhancing law enforcement operations, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2016 - 2017 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 29.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40791- 040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 432 LIBRARIES-EASEMENTS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of an above ground and underground utility easement across City-owned property located at 3837 Williamson Road, N. W., to Appalachian Power Company, in connection with the renovation and expansion of the Williamson Road Library. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance: (#40792-040317) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the conveyance of a forty (40) year non-exclusive above ground and underground utility easement, with an approximate width of twenty (20) feet, across City-owned property located at 3837 Williamson Road, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia, designated as Official Tax Map No. 2090601, known as the Williamson Road Library, to Appalachian Power Company ("APCO"), 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. 79, page 30.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40792-040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: - AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. PARKING GARAGES: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of additional amendments to the contract with THP Limited, Inc., for professional services in connection with the Parking Structure Inspection Program for all seven City parking garages. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution:  433 (#40793-040317) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager's issuance and execution of additional Amendments to the City's Contract with THP Limited, Inc. ("THP") for additional services to include, but not be limited to, design services and coordination of contractor work on structural and waterproofing repair efforts in all seven (7) City parking garages; and authorizing the City Manager to take certain other actions in connection with such Amendments. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 31.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40793-040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to waive hotel opening liquidated damages related to an agreement for deferral of certain performance obligations pertaining to hotel development, construction, operation and maintenance by and between the City of Roanoke and South Commonwealth Partners, LLC. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution: (#40794-040317) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to waive the Hampton Inn & Suites' Hotel Opening Liquidated Damages in the amount of $29,750.00 related to the Deferral Agreement between the City of Roanoke ("City") and South Commonwealth Partners, LLC ("Developer"); 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 waiver. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 32.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40794-040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra. 434 The City Manager gave a brief overview regarding the waiver of the Hotel's opening liquidated damages, noting that the delayed opening was due to unique challenges of constructing a facility on top of an operating public parking garage. The City Attorney also commented on the liquidated damages as required by agreement, adding that the opening of the hotel did not generate revenue, along with unforeseen issues regarding the trash compactor adjacent to the property. He also opined that adoption of the proposed resolutions will conclude all dealings with the owners of the Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel. Following remarks by the City Manager and City Attorney, Resolution No. 40794- 040317 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution: (#40795-040317) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement between the City of Roanoke ("City") and South Commonwealth Partners, LLC ("Developer") regarding the use of the trash compactor constructed and installed by the City on property of the City situated at 13 Church Avenue, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia ("Compactor") by Developer in connection with the operation of the Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel constructed, developed, and owned by Developer and situated at 27 Church Avenue, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia, bearing Official Tax Map Nos. 4015006, 4015007, and 4015008 ("Hotel"); 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 Agreement. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 35.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40795-040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  435 COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER: The City Manager offered the following comments: Pacesetter Award: • Last week, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading announced its 2016 Pacesetter Honors and, once again, the City of Roanoke's "Star City Reads" initiative has been honored as a Pacesetter. • Roanoke was recognized for exemplary work in eliminating barriers faced by children from low-income families on the path to becoming proficient readers. • Pacesetter Honors are among the highest awards presented by the GLR Campaign, and the announcement recognized 48 Pacesetter communities across the nation. • Roanoke has received five Pacesetter Honors this year for making measurable progress in summer learning, overall grade-level reading, and for exemplary work encouraging parent success, cross-sector collaboration, and supporting our community's most vulnerable children. • The Campaign's continued recognition of Roanoke is due especially to the leadership provided by the Roanoke Public Libraries and the strength and breadth of the partners involved in Roanoke's sponsoring coalition. E-911 Center Re-accreditation: • The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (GALEA) has awarded the City of Roanoke's E-911 Center with its third re- accreditation. The E-911 Center received initial accreditation in 2008. • The agency underwent a successful Gold Standard Assessment and received the designation of "Accreditation with Excellence." • The award represents the culmination of self-evaluation, concluded by a review from independent assessors and GALEA's Commissioners. The E- 911 Center is required to maintain continuous compliance throughout the award period. • GALEA is a professional organization which maintains set standards as they relate to the agency's ability to comply with state-of-the-art standards in policy, procedures, administration, operations and training. Gateway Mural: • If you haven't seen it yet, I encourage you to drive down Tazewell Avenue and see the new gateway mural installed beneath the 1-81 Overpass. • The mural encompasses 2,500 square feet of painted surface. A total of 18 columns on the north and south sides of the overpass bridge are covered with 36 separate mural panels, adhered like wallpaper. • The mural includes images that represent Roanoke-the Star on Mill 436 Mountain, local flowers, railroad tracks, and people playing music, riding bikes, backpacking, and walking in the neighborhoods. • A dedication ceremony for the mural was held last Friday, and Brenda Council!, the artist who created the mural, attended and thanked the city for the opportunity to be involved in this special project. CITY ATTORNEY: LEASES: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending approval of a contract between the City of Roanoke and Taxing Authority Consulting Services, P.C., for collection of delinquent taxes and other charges, retroactive to January 1, 2014. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution: (#40796-040317) A RESOLUTION approving the contract entered into between the City of Roanoke and Taxing Authority Consulting Services, P .C. ("TACS"), dated January 1, 2014 ("Contract"), retroactive to January, 1, 2014; and authorizing the City Manager to sign any documents necessary to administer, continue, enforce, and effectuate the Contract, including any and all existing renewals, upon certain terms and ,..,. conditions. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 36.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40796-040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. Following remarks by Council Member Garland regarding the Taxing Authority Consulting Services to collect taxes, Resolution No. 40796-040317 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. DIRECTOR OF FINANCE: TAXES: The Director of Finance submitted a written report recommending authorization to establish the percentage reduction for personal property tax relief for the 2017 Tax Year. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  437 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#40797-040317) A RESOLUTION setting the allocation percentage for personal property tax relief in the City of Roanoke for the 2017 tax year. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 37.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40797-040317. 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-?. NAYS: None-0. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: CITY MANAGER: Council Member Trinkle, Chair, City Council Personnel Committee, submitted a written communication recommending election and appointment of R. Brian Townsend to serve as Acting City Manager for a term commencing on April 15, 2017, at 12:00 midnight, and ending on June 30, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.; and election and appointment of Sherman M. Stovall to serve as Acting City Manager for a term commencing on July 1, 2017, at 12:00 midnight , and ending on the date on which a City Manager has been elected and appointed. (See report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#40798-040317) A RESOLUTION electing and appointing R. Brian Townsend as Acting City Manager for the City of Roanoke for the period of April 15, 2017, through and including June 30, 2017; electing and appointing Sherman M. Stovall as Acting City Manager for the City of Roanoke for the period commencing July 1, 2017, and continuing until City Council elects and appoints a City Manager; and ratifying the terms and conditions of their temporary assignment. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 38.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40798-040317. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle. 438 Following comments by Council Member Trinkle regarding the recruitment process to select a City Manager, and compliments about both Assistant City Managers, Resolution No. 40798-040317 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: VETERANS: Council Member Bestpitch thanked Vice-Mayor Price and Council Member Garland for their participation during the Vietnam Wreath Laying Ceremony held at Lee Plaza on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 12:00 Noon in honor of Vietnam Veterans. At 4:03 p.m., Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in recess for continuation of a Closed Session in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building. At the conclusion of the Closed Meeting, Council Members Dykstra and Trinkle did not remain for the Certification of the Closed Meeting or any action to be taken by the Council prior to the adjournment. At 4:46 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of Council in attendance, with the exception of Council Members Dykstra and Trinkle. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: ....  439 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 Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Members Dykstra and Trinkle were absent.) Mayor Lea noted for the record that Council Member Dykstra having previously disclosed a personal conflict of interest regarding disposition of City-Owned property located at 2750 Hoover Street, N. W., was not present during the Closed Meeting regarding the matter; however, she was present and participated in discussions regarding the remaining three requests for Closed Meeting - vacancies on Council- appointed bodies, discussion regarding selection of a City Manager, and disposition of publicly-owned property located at 13 Church Avenue, S. E. ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Charles Meidlinger as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates for a term of office ending June 30, 2018; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Byron L. Hamlar. There being no further nominations, Mr. Hamlar was appointed as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates to fill the unexpired term of office of Charles Meidlinger ending June 30, 2018, by the following vote: FOR MR. HAMLAR: Council Members Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Members Dykstra and Trinkle were absent.) YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Paula Page Williams as a Citizen at Large member of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a term ending June 30, 2018; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. 440 Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of John Lewis. There being no further nominations, Mr. Lewis was appointed as a Citizen at Large Member of the Youth Services Citizen Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Paula Page Williams ending June 30, 2018, by the following vote: FOR MR. LEWIS: Council Members Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Members Dykstra and Trinkle were absent.) ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY COMMITTEE: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the expiration of the three-year term of office of Terri F. Workman as the Private Sector City representative of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee ended March 31, 2016; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Neal Cummings. ,,,- There being no further nominations, Mr. Cummings was appointed to replace Ms. Workman as the Private Sector City representative of the Roanoke Valley- Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee for a term ending March 31, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MR. CUMMINGS: Council Members Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Members Dykstra and Trinkle were absent.) ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the expiration of the three-year term of office of Bittle Porterfield as a City representative of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission ended March 9, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Dr. John R. Clements. There being no further nominations, Dr. Clements was appointed to replace Mr. Porterfield as a City representative of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission for a term ending March 9, 2021, by the following vote: -  441 FOR DR. CLEMENTS: Council Members Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Members Dykstra and Trinkle were absent.) SCHOOLS: As part of the selection process for School Board Trustees, Mayor Lea announced that Council reviewed and considered 13 applications; and thereafter, agreed to publicly interview the following eight applicants, commencing at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber on May 1 and May 15, respectively: Caren Pauline Coker-Jones Anne-Paige Thomas Darby Ruth Elizabeth (Beth) Deel Jeanne Puckett Fishwick William B. Hopkins, Jr. Elizabeth Cori Shields Jamison Keysha Guthrie McNeil Joyce Watson Watkins There being no further business to come before the Council, the Mayor declared the Council meeting adjourned at 4:42 p.m. APPROVED ~~-J_Jr Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Mayor