City Council

471 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION May 1, 2017 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, May 1, 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 Raphael E. Ferris Michelle L. Dykstra, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. OFFICERS PRESENT: R. Brian Townsend, Acting City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; Barbara A. Dameron, Director of Finance; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES PRESENT: William B. Hopkins, Jr., Laura D. Rottenborn (arrived late), Lutheria H. Smith and Vice-Chairman Lori E. Vaught-4. SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES ABSENT: Mark E. Cathey, Richard "Dick" Willis and Chairman Annette Lewis-3. Representing Roanoke City Public Schools: Dr. Rita D. Bishop, Superintendent; P. Steve Barnett, Deputy Superintendent; Timothy R. Spencer, Legal Counsel; and Cindy H. Poulton, Clerk of the Roanoke City School Board. SCHOOLS: Mayor Lea welcomed the Roanoke City School Board and recognized the Vice-Chairman for comments. Vice Chairman Vaught announced that the Chairman was out of town, School Board Trustee Cathey had a scheduling conflict, School Board Trustee Willis had a work emergency, and School Board Trustee Rottenborn would be arriving late to the meeting. The Mayor recognized and commended Vice-Chairman Vaught on her nine-year tenure as a member of the School Board, effective June 30. 472 At this point, School Board Trustee Rottenborn entered the meeting (9:04a.m.) Items for Discussion/Comments by City Council/School Board Trustees: Board Announcements Vice Chairman Vaught stated that the School Division will be entering graduation season and extended an invitation to the Council members to participate in a number of upcoming events, including the high school baccalaureate ceremonies, Forest Park Academy end-of-year ceremony, and high school graduations. High School Baccalaureate ceremonies: • Sunday, May 21 at 3:00 p.m. (William Fleming Auditorium) • Sunday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. (Patrick Henry Main Gymnasium) Graduation ceremonies at the Berglund Center: • Friday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. (William Fleming) • Friday, June 2 at 2:00 p.m. (Patrick Henry) Forest Park Academy End of the Year Ceremony, Wednesday, May 31 at 6:00 p.m. (The Jefferson Center) She further stated that additional information would be forthcoming regarding specific dates and times of the events, and that the School Board encourages participation as their schedules permit. Report of Carnegie Hall Experience As a proud mother of a saxophonist, Trustee Smith shared she was able to accompany the 111-member Patrick Henry Symphonic Band to New York City for a performance at Carnegie Hall, noting the performance consisted of four difficult pieces-"Belle of Chicago," Sousa/Byrne, "Simple Gifts: Four Shaker Songs," Ticheli, "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor," Bach/Lopez, and a percussion arrangement that had been commissioned specifically for the performance entitled "Fake News" by Bryce Owen. She expressed appreciation to Alex Schmitt for applying for the performance opportunity and thanked the Superintendent and members of the community for their financial support to ensure the students had the necessary funds to participate. Division of Highlights and Accomplishments Vice Chairman Vaught called attention the following Division highlights and accomplishments for 2016-17: o District's on-time graduation rate is 87%. o In May, Forest Park Academy will graduate its 1 ,OOOth student.  473 o In addition to the performance by the Patrick Henry Symphonic Band at Carnegie Hall, the Patrick Henry Orchestra performed at The Kennedy Center in March. o Fairview Elementary, under the direction of William Fleming graduate Rhonda Painter, won the Les Paul Legacy Classroom Project Award. This national award was made possible thanks to the Les Paul Foundation and VH1 Save the Music Foundation. o For the fifth consecutive year, RCPS has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM). o Patrick Henry High School's Orchestra Director Jeff Midkiff will receive the Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award in June at Yale University. Following Mr. Midkiff's March performance at The Kennedy Center with the Boulder Philharmonic, he was featured in an article written by renowned music critic Alex Ross for The New Yorker Magazine. o Reid Tenzer, a sophomore at Patrick Henry High School and the Roanoke Valley Governor's School, was one of two Grand Award winners at the Regional Science Fair. She will compete at the International Science Fair in Los Angeles, California. o The William Fleming High School Boys Indoor Track Team won William Fleming's first State Championship in Track and Field in 32 years. o The Patrick Henry High School Girls Swim Team won its second consecutive State Championship. o Ryan Smith of Patrick Henry High School placed first at the English-Speaking Union Southwestern Virginia Branch Shakespeare Monologue Competition. She will compete at the national competition in New York City. o Dr. Mark Frazier of the Roanoke Valley Governor's School was named this year's Outstanding High School Chemistry Teacher by the Blue Ridge Section of the American Chemical Society. o For 47 years, Music Teacher David Lipps has taught students in Roanoke City. Mr. Lipps was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association. o In June, Cindy Bohland of the Roanoke Valley Governor's School will receive the George Olmsted Prize for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching from Williams College. o This year, all of Roanoke City's elementary students are learning the basics of coding. o Roanoke City's eighth, ninth, and tenth graders received laptops as part of the District's Portable Anytime Student Systems (PASS) program. The program will be extended to eleventh graders in 2017-18 and to seniors in 2018-19. Vice Mayor Price asked that the list of accomplishments be shared with City Council. 474 In response to an inqumng relative to the coding efforts, the Superintendent stated that as elementary students move into middle school, the District will expand the instruction, adding this is a community collaboration as Mike Hamlar was instrumental in obtaining a grant that assisted the Mathematics Supervisor in facilitating the effort at the elementary schools at no cost to the District; and she expects him to keep the tremendous initiative going for students. Vice Mayor Price asked if the initiative would continue through Career and Technical Education offerings at the high schools; whereupon, the Superintendent responded in the affirmative, noting she would work with the President of Virginia Western Community College and ROTEC Director Kathy Duncan on this joint effort. Council Member Garland advised that there is a great legacy in the School's Music Program, that he recently rented a home in the southeast area to a family because of the summer music program at Fallon Park. The Superintendent noted that Fallon Park has a very large RCPS+ program with a great music teacher. Council Member Trinkle was amazed at how many good bands on tour came out of the Schools' music, He asked about the State's graduation rate as compared to the RCPS rate of 87 percent; wherein the Superintendent stated the State's rate is 90 percent and for urban divisions, 85 percent is good. Vice Chairman Vaught interjected that in addition to the increased graduation rate, the District has also closed the gap between Black and White students and the graduation rate is now the same for both groups. Council Member Bestpitch mentioned that typing was a requirement for students when he was in school and he expected coding would be a basic expectation for students in the near future; that while everyone is proud of the gains made in the graduation rate, he expected the Board and Superintendent would not be satisfied until RCPS exceeds the State rate, and he was confident steps were being taken to move in that direction. Council Member Dykstra commented that during Council's public hearing regarding the budget, which was held on Thursday, April 28, several individuals expressed concern regarding cuts to the Schools' budget, and asked the Superintendent to speak on the budget process for the Schools. The Superintendent stated that the Categorical Budget is submitted to City Council during the month of March; and thereafter, the Line Item Budget that is approved later. She stated that none of the cuts planned for 2017-18 will directly impact students, and the District is most appreciative that it has a specified revenue source from the City and will always be cooperative. She thanked the Council for their support of the students and pledged to always do her best for the students too.  475 Council Member Bestpitch mentioned that there were not a lot of divisions in other counties and cities that have a designated revenue amount or a formula for revenue, however, in Roanoke when there are more revenues than projected, the Schools receive 40 percent; that some divisions are not allowed to maintain a fund balance -- leftover funds must be returned to the locality; in Roanoke City, the School Board maintains a fund balance, which is at this time significant and will take care of any reduced revenues the City has experienced. He further stated when there is a decrease in revenues, it impacts both; however, the Division receives 40 percent regardless of how well revenues increase, and it is up to all involved to help the public understand this. Vice Chairman Vaught interjected that Virginia school boards have no taxing authority and, therefore, must rely on the localities for funding. Trustee Rottenborn noted that RCPS will embark on construction of a new building at Fallon Park Elementary. Vice-Chairman Vaught added that the plans will be reviewed with City Council at the August 7 joint meeting at 9:00 a.m., at Fallon Park, which will be hosted by the School Board. In connection with the construction timeline, Deputy Superintendent Steve Barnett stated it will be a two-year project. Leadership Roanoke Valley Program Regarding the Leadership Roanoke Valley (LRV) Program held on April 26 featuring education in Roanoke City, Dr. Bishop noted that several guest speakers from the District participated in the program, and the participants were impressed following tours of William Fleming High School, Forest Park Academy and ROTEC, along with a closing ceremony at Patrick Henry that featured a musical presentation of Amazing Grace by the Orchestra's horn section. The Superintendent stated there no other school divisions in the area have an orchestra in each of its middle and high schools, and she attributed funding from VH1 Save the Music Foundation to the elementary schools as a key factor in strengthening the music programs at the secondary level. Dr. Bishop further stated in two years William Fleming will have a band and orchestra at a level where they will be able to play such venues as The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall; and the District boasts a strong chess program, and Fallon Park has one of the most robust programs in the area, which is why the plans for the new school will include a park-like atmosphere with outdoor chess tables. 476 Standards of Learning The Superintendent reported that the District has entered the "merry month of May" when the middle school Standards of Learning writing test results come in and testing begins across the grade levels; adding that school personnel working very hard to support the students. Council Member Garland appreciated meetings such as this where Council has the opportunity to learn about what is happening in the Schools, and he appreciated the buddy system which ensures better communications between the Board and Council. Council Member Trinkle commented about the positive things relating to RCPS and that people are moving into the City because of the schools as compared to five years ago; he encouraged everyone to stay on top of this effort including keeping the realtors updated about accomplishments and highlights. In connection with Council Member Trinkle's comments, Council Member Ferris reiterated his suggestion regarding the to involve and educate realtors and is of the opinion that the best thing to do is continue to say and demonstrate the successes through the Division's accreditation status, performances such as Carnegie Hall, and other accomplishments. He commended the Superintendent and School Board for their efforts to demonstrate that diversity is strength; and if there is a misperception, both City and Schools need to try and turn it around. Trustee Smith commented on conversations with families that have relocated students from private schools to Roanoke City Schools who are "singing our praises." Council Member Dykstra added she was grateful to live in a City where her child sees and participates in the diversity. Council Member Bestpitch mentioned the Schools' report card is straight As and while it is known that there is room for improvement, the basics are in place and there will be continued improvement. He called attention to his involvement in the Happy Healthy Cooks Program at Fairview Elementary School and how impressed by a second grade teacher of the most diverse classroom he has seen. Trustee Rottenborn added that her oldest was completing his first year in Roanoke City Schools and there is no place else she would put her children. The Superintendent stated this is a stressful time of the year for teachers, and in the end it is about the relationship between teacher and student that is so critical. The Mayor commended the School Board and Administration for their work, noting that City Council meets with the School Board more than any other group due to their involvement and effect on the City.  477 In closing her comments as a School Board Trustee, the Vice Chairman encouraged City Council to keep the appointed board model and not move to an elected board, and with the abundance of political talk about charter schools, she believes Roanoke City Schools offer a superb product from a dedicated staff that would not be found in any charter school. In addition, she appreciated the opportunity to serve and if any decision she made during her tenure helped one student, she is satisfied that her time on the Board was well served. The Mayor thanked Vice-Chairman Vaught for her commitment to the Schools and her years of dedicated service; and on behalf of City Council, he presented her with a gold star paperweight. There being no further business, Vice-Chairman Vaught declared the School Board meeting adjourned at 10:01 a.m. There being no further business, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in recess at 10:01 a.m. At 10:07 a.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding, and all Members of the Council in attendance, calling attention to the following Items for Action: 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, comm1ss1ons and committees appointed by Council, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1 ), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. A list of current vacancies is included with the agenda for this meeting. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch 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: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 478 CITY COUNCIL: A communication from the Acting 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 Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the Acting City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Dykstra abstained from voting.) CITY COUNCIL: A communication from the Acting City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of an approximately 1.4-acre portion of City-owned property located at 2424 Brambleton Avenue, S. 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 Ferris moved that Council concur in the request of the Acting City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CITY COUNCIL: A communication from the 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)(7.), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  479 Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the City Attorney as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, 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. At this point, Mayor Lea relinquished the Chair to Vice-Mayor Price, and left the meeting (1 0:13a.m.). BRIEFINGS: FY18 Budget Development The Acting City Manager advised that at the April 17 meeting, a balanced budget was presented and explained that the briefing was a summary of items that required additional discussion prior to the budget adoption on May 15. Amelia Merchant, Management and Budget Director, highlighted the following agenda items: Percent for Art • Provide a consistent method for funding works of public art to: • Enhance the quality of life for Roanoke's citizens; • Create a heightened sense of place and community identity; • Enliven the visual quality of public space; and • Stimulate Roanoke's vitality and economy. • Eligible projects • New construction or major renovation of public buildings, decorative or commemorative structures, parks and recreation facilities, and parking facilities • Generally not intended to apply to street and sidewalk construction or utility installations • 1% of construction costs to be provided from separate one-time funding source for public art 480 • Maximum of $100,000.00 per eligible project • Historical Funding • FY2013-2014 $89,000.00 • FY2014-2015 $38,900.00 • FY2015-2016 $32,200.00 • FY2016-2017 $21,500.00 • FY2017-2018 $50,400.00 (Recommended) *Note: FY2017-2018 recommendation based on five-year smoothing calculation. Arts Endowment • Creation and development of a private, charitable organization to provide a sustainable revenue source for arts and cultural organizations that serve the citizens of Roanoke • Funding • Total appropriated to date: $625,000.00 • $125,000.00 currently uncommitted in project account • $125,000 .00 included for FY2018 from one-time funding Solid Waste Fee • Rates • $8.00/month for single family; $96.00/year • $16.00/month for multi-family; $192.00/year • $12.00/month for commercial/institutional/non-residential;$144.00/year • Elderly and Disabled qualified residents- rate reduction of $3.00/month • Effective date of : 01/01/2018 • Billing Frequency: • FY2018: 1 billing (separate statement) • FY2019: 2 billings (on Real Estate tax bill) Neighborhood Infrastructure • FY2016-2017 Reduction FY2017-2018 -Alley Maintenance $428,282.00 ($41 ,604.00) $386,678.00 -Sidewalk Repair & $642,319.00 ($20,000.00) $442,319.00 Maintenance -Demolition 30,000.00 ($1 0,050.00) $ 19,950.00 Youth Summer Employment • Initial Plan Revised Plan Goodwill Serve 50 students Serve 100 students Correct time sheets and Collect time sheets and process payroll process payroll Provide student liability Provide student liability insurance insurance  481 Provide two high school Provide two job fairs and job fairs weekly job readiness training Assist students with Provide transportation for writing resumes and students for first two cover letters, proper weeks of employment interview techniques Certificate for youth who complete program City of Roanoke Half of hourly rate for 50 students Businesses Half of hourly rate for 100% of hourly rate for 50 students 100 students Budget $45,000.00 $40,000.00 Timeframe June12 - July 28 June12 -July 28 (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch inquired as to what type of parks and recreation facilities were included under the eligible projects; whereupon, Ms. Merchant replied that there were no parks and recreation projects. The Acting City Manager interjected that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan funding was generally for the rehabilitation of various parks, facilities, construction of restroom facilities, an amalgamation of building maintenance and replacement of a large number of playgrounds. He noted that it was a challenge to identify for parks and recreation which projects applied to the policy because of the mixture of improvements to the park system. Council Member Bestpitch wondered why parks and recreation facilities were listed in the eligible items for the Percent for Art Program, if all the parks and recreation construction programs were disqualified; whereupon, the Acting City Manager advised that the focus was more on brick and mortar facilities than in-fill improvements; however, if the Council chose to broaden the interpretation, guidance and direction would be followed. Council Member Bestpitch requested that the information be clarified and considered for discussion at a future Council meeting. 482 Council Member Garland inquired about the smoothing number and if the Percent for Art Program amount would potentially increase if the Capital Improvement Program funding increased. The Assistant City Manager for Operations advised that the budget is reviewed over a five-year period; and thereafter a smoothing number is calculated, which is adjusted each year as the Capital Improvement Program is updated . Council Member Garland suggested further discussion on bridges since the Franklin Road Bridge had not been included in the percent for art projects; wherein, the Acting City Manager noted that infrastructure projects were not included. The Assistant City Manager for Operations added that the matter could be discussed, but it may entail a revision to the policy inasmuch as the policy Council adopted clearly referenced parks and other facilities and excluded bridge structures as well as curb and gutter and sidewalk projects. Regarding Arts Endowment, Ms. Merchant stated that the arts endowment was purposed for the creation and development of the private, charitable organization to provide a sustainable revenue source for arts and cultural organizations that serve the citizens of Roanoke; that to date $625,000.00 had been appropriated to a project account, with $500,000.00 transferred to the endowment itself, $125,000.00 remaining uncommitted in the project account and an additional $125,000.00 to be allocated in the Fiscal Year 2018 budget from one-time funding. In response to an inquiry from Council Member Ferris with regard to the placement of Fiscal Year 2017 funding of $125,000.00, Ms. Merchant advised that the funding had yet to be transferred to the project account. In connection with the recommended Solid Waste Fee, Ms. Merchant reminded the Council that the Solid Waste fee was included in the Fiscal Year 2018 Recommended Budget as protection against further decline in Fiscal Year 2018 revenues while looking forward into Fiscal Year 2019 and beyond in consideration of budget challenges to be faced in future years. Council Member Dykstra inquired if there was a list of elderly and disabled qualified residents who would be eligible for the reduction of $3.00 per month; and how could those residents apply for the credit who have yet to qualify; whereupon, Ms. Merchant replied in the affirmative regarding a list of qualified elderly and disabled residents and the Assistant City Manager for Operations added that residents could contact the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office for the eligibility requirements because it was income based and also means tested from the standpoint of net worth.  483 Council Member Bestpitch asked if the properties within the City that have commercial dumpsters for solid waste and City pick up for recycling, would be charged a fee . The Assistant City Manager for Operations pointed out that the City no longer provides recycling services to businesses that have commercial dumpsters. In order to receive recycling services, those businesses would have to hire a private provider. Following additional dialogue with regard to recycling services provided by the City of Roanoke, Council Member Bestpitch requested future discussion on ways to incentivize the City's recycling services. In response to Council Member Garland's inquiry with regard to budget impacts related to neighborhood infrastructure, Ms. Merchant reported that there were three offers identified that impacted the neighborhood infrastructure area-alley maintenance, sidewalk repair and maintenance and demolition, with all three being contracted services. She explained that alley maintenance was reduced by $41,604.00 impacting the Fiscal Year 2018 budget by ten percent; sidewalk repair and maintenance was reduced by $20,000.00, impacting the budget by only four percent; and demolition was reduced by $10,050.00, with $19,950.00 available based on the trends in funding levels needed for demolition. Council Member Garland expressed concern with the number of repairs needed versus the amount the City was spending; and consequently encouraged further discussion with regard to alley maintenance, and he would also like the City to be aggressive in removing blighted houses from the neighborhoods. Lastly he advocated increasing funding in the future to address such problems. The Assistant City Manager for Operations stated that the Council's concerns were understood. He pointed out that alley vegetation is the responsibility of the property owner to the centerline of the alley; and with respect to sidewalk repair and maintenance, a portion of the $20,000.00 reduction would be offset by the reallocation of capital project funds primarily targeted for new sidewalks. However, past practices had been to allocate up to 20 percent of funds to maintenance. Mr. Stovall further stated that when the City previously received revenue sharing funds for sidewalk maintenance -- which no longer qualifies under the State Revenue Sharing Program -- the plan was too revert back to past practice so the $20,000.00 should be offset through the allocation of capital project funds for maintenance. The Acting City Manager commented that it is only a frontage of 50 feet that is the property owner's responsibility in the alley to keep clear of vegetation; subsequently, to change policy and the City become responsible for dealing with all vegetation in all alleys would be a financial burden given the budgetary challenges. 484 With regard to the Youth Summer Employment Program, Ms. Merchant explained , from a funding perspective, the Program was not currently included in the Recommended Budget; and if Council desired to implement the Program. A funding source would have to be identified to address the sustainability of the program; and if it was a one-time funding, there would need to be successive direction for subsequent years, private funding or sponsorships to support the Program. As background information, Mr. Townsend added that the summer employment initiative stems from a program sponsored for the past five years by Goodwill; and if the Council desires to attempt to participate in the Program over the summer, staff could monitor it in terms of participation, success, feedback from the businesses and participants to further determine sustainability. Council Member Bestpitch commented that with the Program ending on July 28, there would be ample time to receive feedback -- prior to the Strategic Planning Session in the fall-- to make a decision whether sustainability made sense or not; and he asked if the participating businesses were paying 100 percent of the hourly rate for the students, why would Goodwill process the time sheets and payroll. Council Member Ferris interjected that it was a significant administrative effort to add people to payroll and by taking that burden off of the businesses; it would be one less thing for them to do especially for short-term employees. Following extensive dialogue regarding the summer youth initiative, Council Member Trinkle hoped the Program would not become dependent upon government funding year after year; adding he looked forward to receiving more data on the sustainability of other programs. As the discussion concluded, Council Member Ferris commented that he viewed the budget items collectively; even though he supports the Percent for Art Program and the Art Endowment, he felt those items were not "needs" of the City; and suggested that said items be deferred for reevaluation within the next six months, noting the budget should not be balanced depending upon the recommended Solid Waste Fee. Council Member Bestpitch expressed the importance of maintaining the stability of the Percent for Art Program; that the Art Endowment currently had $1.3 million in donations, including the $800,000.00 raised which exceeded the $750,000.00 of public money from the City. In conclusion, he was in favor of all five agenda items as presented , along with the additional $40,000.00 for the youth summer initiative. Council Member Trinkle concurred in the comments of Council Member Bestpitch. He stressed that budgetary decisions were difficult due to the multiple items strategically tied together to move the City forward, i.e., help the vast array of neighborhoods, all services, the quality of life of all citizens, etc.  485 Council Member Dykstra commented that in order to be good stewards of the recommended Solid Waste fee, the money should be placed in a reserved account in an effort to understand what will happen in the future of Roanoke City's economy. And with regard to Percent for Art Program, the Art Endowment, infrastructure and youth summer employment; the City should look at the figures for the Percent for Arts Program and the Art Endowment and consider funding the programs for six months as opposed to a full year; in order to provide a funding source for the Summer Youth Employment Program. As discussion ensued with regard to the Percent for Art Program and the Arts Endowment; Vice-Mayor Price indicated that the Percent for Art Program is a City Program and the Art Endowment is an initiative the Council supported to ensure its sustainability. She questioned if the funding amount for the Art Endowment could be changed. The Acting City Manager implied that funding allocated to support the Art Endowment was at the discretion of the Council. There being additional in-depth discussion of the Percent for Art Program and Arts Endowment funding, the Acting City Manager alluded that if the programs were not funded, the one-time funding would go into the Capital Project Contingency which would have no impact on the balancing of the budget. He further noted with regard to the recommended Solid Waste fee, it was strategically important in terms of ensuring the City would not have a mid-year crisis next year based on the continued decline in other sources of revenue. The Assistant City Manager for Operations added that implementation of the Solid Waste fee was to address the downturn of revenue performance in Fiscal Year 2018 as well as provide a head start on Fiscal 2019 strategically. Inasmuch order to allow the Mayor an opportunity to comment on the FY18 Budget briefing, the Acting City Manager suggested that the discussion be continued during the 2:00p.m. regular session of the Council At 12:08 p.m., Vice-Mayor Price 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 Raphael E. Ferris Michelle L. Dykstra, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7 ABSENT: None-0 486 The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: R. Brian Townsend, Acting 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 The Reverend C. Shaun Arthur, Pastor, Melrose Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NONE. 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. CITY MANAGER: Brian McConnell, 32 Elm Avenue, S. W., Apartment 303, appeared before the Council to express his views concerning the Council's search for a new City Manager. (See copy of comments on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 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. MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meetings of City Council held on Monday, December 5, 2016 and Monday, December 19, 2016, were before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  487 Council Member Ferris moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, 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 nine months ended March 31, 2017, was before the Council. (See copy of Financial Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the Financial Report be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. AUDITS: Minutes of the Audit Committee held on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, was before the Council. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the Minutes be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-CITY MANAGER: Report of qualification of R. Brian Townsend as Acting City Manager of the City of Roanoke for the period of April15, 2017, through and including June 30, 2017, was before the Council. (See Oath or Affirmation of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 488 Council Member Ferris moved that the report of qualification be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland , Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7 . NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF ACTING CITY MANAGER: ACTING CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: BUDGET-HOUSING: The Acting City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance and execution of the 2016 Continuum of Care (CoC) Planning Grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide services to the Continuum of Care and the Blue Ridge Interagency Council on Homelessness (BRICH). (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution: (#40806-050117) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the 2016 Continuum of Care (CoC) Planning Grant Award to the City of Roanoke from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"), in the amount of $40,500.00 upon certain terms and conditions; authorizing the City of Roanoke to be the fiscal agent for the distribution of the grant proceeds; and authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute any necessary documents necessary to accept such funding. (For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 49.)  489 Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40806-050117. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Ferris offered the following budget ordinance: (#40807-050117) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Continuum of Care (CoC) Planning Grant, 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 50.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40807-050117. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. LICENSES-PARKS: The Acting City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of license agreements with BH Media Groups Holdings, d/b/a Richmond Times Dispatch, The New York Times and Redux Pictures for use of certain photographs of Governor A. Linwood Holton, Jr., for public display at Holton Plaza; and waiving the City's sovereign immunity in connection therewith. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#40808-050117) A RESOLUTION authorizing the waiver of the City of Roanoke's ("City") sovereign immunity in connection with license agreements between the City and BH Media Group Holdings, Inc., dba Richmond Times Dispatch, and Redux Pictures, LLC and The New York Times, for the use of certain photographs by the City for public display at Holton Plaza located in downtown Roanoke; and authorizing execution of the license agreements between the City and BH Media Group Holdings, 490 Inc., dba Richmond Times Dispatch, and Redux Pictures, LLC and The New York Times for such purposes. (For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 51.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40808-050117. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris. Council Member Bestpitch commented on the tree planting ceremony that was held in December 2016 in Holton Plaza (formerly known as SunTrust Plaza) in lieu of a groundbreaking ceremony in recognition of the substantial contributions made by Virginia Governor A. Linwood Holton, Jr., to both the City of Roanoke and the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. He added that it became very clear during the event and discussions with members of the Holton family that the Governor was under the impression that the City of Roanoke had more or less forgotten all about him; and consequently was deeply appreciative of the recognition. Council Member Bestpitch expressed appreciation to the Acting City Manager Brian Townsend, Assistant to the City Manager Aisha Johnson, and the Park and Recreation Department staff for their assistance with the preparations. He indicated that the proposed Resolution will allow use of certain photographs by the City for display at the Holton Plaza of Governor Holton's life beginning with the early life education and military career, his time in Roanoke, his time as Governor and what he accomplished and then his accomplishments after leaving the Governor's mansion in Richmond. There being no additional comments by the Council Members, Resolution 40808- 050117 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF ACTING CITY MANAGER. The Acting City Manager offered the following comments: Roanoke is a finalist for the 2017 All-America City Award • Last week, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading announced finalists for the 2017 All-America City Award, and Roanoke is included in that list. • Twenty-seven communities across the nation are vying to receive the Award, which was created 67 years ago by the National Civic League. • This year, the League is working with the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading to recognize communities that have made measurable progress for low-income children on the key drivers of early reading success: school  491 readiness, school attendance , summer learning, and grade-level reading . • Award recipients will be formally announced and honored on June 16, 2017 at the All-America City Awards gathering in Denver, Colorado . A Downtown Plan Open House Meeting is Scheduled • Tuesday, May 9, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the City Market Building on the second floor on the Campbell Avenue Mezzanine. • The Open House will display the major themes and key ideas being proposed within the new Downtown Plan. • The event is "come and go," and citizens will be invited to review the information at their own pace, with staff on hand to answer questions and listen to comments. • The Downtown Plan is available at roanokeva.gov/downtownplan, or contact Wayne Leftwich , Senior City Planner at (540)853-1104, wayne.leftwich@roanokeva.gov for more information. Neighborhood Month Begins Today, May 1, 2017 • This is Roanoke's annual month-long celebration of community and neighborhood pride. Events are hosted by Roanoke neighborhood organizations. • A schedule of events is available on the City's website at roanokeva.gov/Neighborhood-Month. Community School's Strawberry Festival is Coming to Elmwood Park • Friday, May 6, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 7, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. • Free admission. • This fund raising event for Community School is in its 3ih year. River's Edge to Host Gallop 4 the Greenways • Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 3:00 p.m . - 9:00 p.m. • Home base will be at River's Edge Sports Complex. • This is an annual fundraising event to support our growing network of pedestrian and bicycling trails. • To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission and Pathfinders for Greenways, this year an Adventure Triathlon has been added to the event. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. 492 MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NEIGHBORHOODS: Council Member Garland announced his attendance at the Neighborhood Month "Kick-Off" Conference that was held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the First Christian Church Community Room, noting the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates assisted by the Roanoke's Office of Neighborhood Services kicked off the 2017 Neighborhood Month activities; and he encouraged citizens to visit https://www.roanokeva.gov/1403/Neighborhood-Month for scheduled events. KIWANIS CLUB: Council Member Bestpitch announced the 2017 Haley Toyota Kiwanis Pancake and Auction Day scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Berglund Center. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, and drinks, along with local items and gift certificates to buy; and all proceeds to benefit the Roanoke Valley community. In addition, tickets $5.00 in advance (available from Kiwanis Club of Roanoke members) or $6.00 at the door. COUNCIL: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded Council Member Ferris 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 Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. (Having noted at a previous meeting a personal conflict of interest, Council Member Dykstra abstained from voting on the request regarding proposal for disposition of City-owned property at 2750 Hoover Street, N.W.; and it was also noted during the Closed Meeting that although Council Member Ferris has a personal interest in the matter regarding consultation with legal counsel pertaining to actual litigation, he could fairly and objectively in the best interest of the City could participate in the discussion, and did not believe he had a conflict of interest.) VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL:  493 OATHS OF OFFICE-PARKS AND RECREATION: The Mayor called attention to vacancies created by the expiration of the four-year term of office of Lauren E. Hartman, Chris Bryant and Geoffrey W. L. Manning as members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ended March 31, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Ferris placed in nomination the names of Lauren E. Hartman, Chris Bryant and Melanie Crovo . There being no further nominations, Ms. Hartman and Ms. Bryant were reappointed for a four-year term of office, each; and Ms. Crovo was appointed to replace Geoffrey W. L. Manning for a term of office ending March 31, 2020, respectively, as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board by the following vote: FOR MS. HARTMAN, MS. BRYANT AND MS. CROVO: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. OATHS OF OFFICE-CITY OF ROANOKE PENSION PLAN: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the four-year term of office of Gregory W. Feldmann as a Citizen at Large representative of City of Roanoke Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, ending June 30, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Ferris placed in nomination the name of Gregory W. Feldmann. There being no further nominations, Mr. Feldmann was reappointed as a Citizen at Large representative of City of Roanoke Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, for a four-year term of office ending June 30, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MR. FELDMANN: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. OATHS OF OFFICE-BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year terms of office of Christopher T. Link (Citizen at Large) and Jeffrey S. Shawver (Property Management) as members of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals ending June 30, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Ferris placed in nomination the names of Christopher T. Link and Jeffrey S. Shawver. There being no further nominations, Messrs. Link (Citizen at Large) and Shawver (Property Management) were reappointed as members of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for three-year terms of office, each, ending June 30, 2020, by the following vote: 494 FOR MESSRS. LINK AND SHAWVER: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra , Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. OATHS OF OFFICE-COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year terms of office of Stephen Poff (Chief Magistrate) and John Varney (Public Defender) as City representatives of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board ending June 30, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Ferris placed in nomination the names of Stephen Poff and John Varney. There being no further nominations, Messrs. Poff (Chief Magistrate) and Varney (Public Defender) were reappointed as City representatives of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board for three-year terms of office, each, ending June 30, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MESSRS. POFF AND VARNEY: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. OATHS OF OFFICE-DEFINED CONTRIBUTION BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the four-year terms of office of Amelia C. Merchant (City Manager Designee) and Andrea Trent (Director of Finance Designee) as members of the Defined Contribution Board ending June 30, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Ferris placed in nomination the names of Amelia C. Merchant and Andrea Trent. There being no further nominations, Ms. Merchant (City Manager Designee) and Ms. Trent (Director of Finance Designee) were reappointed as members of the Defined Contribution Board for four-year terms of office, each, ending June 30, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MS. MERCHANT AND MS. TRENT: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. OATHS OF OFFICE-MILL MOUNTAIN ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year term of office of John B. Rottenborn as a member of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board ending June 30, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Ferris placed in nomination the name of John B. Rottenborn.  495 There being no further nominations, Mr. Rottenborn was reappointed as a member of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board for a three-year term of office ending June 30, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MR. ROTTENBORN : Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle and Mayor Lea-7. VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE: The Mayor announced the following reappointments to the 2017-2018 Virginia Municipal League Policy Committees: Finance- Barbara A. Dameron, Director of Finance Human Development and Education- Vice-Mayor Anita J. Price and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk Economic Development- Council Member, David B. Trinkle and Wayne Bowers, Economic Development Director General Laws- Daniel J. Callaghan., City Attorney Environmental Quality- Christopher Blakeman, Environmental Administrator Transportation- Mark Jamison, Transportation Manager OATHS OF OFFICE-HOTEL RONAOKE CONFERENCE CENTER COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the expiration of the four-year term of City Manager Christopher P. Morrill (City Employee) as a member of the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Commission ended April 12, 2021, whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. (Mr. Morrill was reappointed as the City Employee on February 6, 2017; however due to his resignation as the City Manager of the City of Roanoke, he did not have the Oath of Office administered) Council Member Ferris placed in nomination the name of R. Brian Townsend. There being no further nominations, Mr. Townsend, was appointed to replace Christopher P. Morrill (City Employee) as a member of the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Commission for a term of office ending April 12, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MR. TOWNSEND: Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, Price, Trinkle, and Mayor Lea-7. At this point, the Acting City Manager was called upon for continuation of the FY18 Budget Study briefing. 496 Continuation of the FY18 Budget Hearing Follow -up Mr. Townsend advised that further discussion was needed regarding the budget items discussed during the 9:00 a.m., FY18 budget briefing in an effort to gain consensus from the Council; that in terms of the Council's concurrence there was significant discussion on funding a revised version of the Summer Youth Employment Program at $40,000.00, with an unanimous consent from the Council to fund it from the Budget Contingency. The Acting City Manager recalled with regard to neighborhood infrastructure reductions in alley maintenance, sidewalk repair and maintenance and demolition of $41,000.00, $20,000.00 and $10,000.00, respectively, previous discussion lead to support from Council Members Ferris, Bestpitch, Trinkle and Garland to retain the reductions in the adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2018. He pointed out that Vice-Mayor Price and Council Member Dykstra did not concur; thereby leaving four Council Members in favor of retaining the reductions in the Recommended Budget that would become a part of the adopted budget for consideration by the Council on May 15, 2017. Council Member Garland commented that he no longer support retaining the reductions , but prefer to restore funding for alley maintenance, sidewalk repair and maintenance and demolition. Council Member Bestpitch reminded the Council that there was discussion regarding the availability of other funding for the projects; whereupon, the Acting City Manager advised that there is an additional $33,000.00 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that can be used towards demolition for the same purpose that was a supplement in the operating budget, which will be considered for approval at the May 15 Council meeting; in addition, in terms of the sidewalk repair and maintenance, the City uses about 20 percent of the capital funding and is currently at $1.5 million in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding for next year, and in essence the total amount that will go toward that effort will actually increase in the year if the CIP was combined with the Operating Budget contribution ; and in closing remarked that there is no other funding for alley maintenance unless another funding source is identified. Council Member Bestpitch was of the opinion that alley maintenance was the responsibility of the property owners adjacent to the alleys, including the portion in the public right-of-way; and stated his support of the recommended amounts listed in the Recommended Fiscal Year 2018 budget.  497 Mayor Lea asked if there were other options to fund those cuts; whereupon, the Acting City Manager explained that currently the budget was balanced and it would entail moving funding from another item to fund the cuts. The Assistant City Manager for Operations added that the amount could be taken from the Budget Contingency, and since it was also the source being considered to fund the Youth Summer Employment Program, however if Council desired to fund those three items, the contingency level would be lower than the current year allocation for budget contingency. Due to cuts across the board, Council Member Dykstra suggested that City Council consider cutting half of the $125,000.00 allocated to the Art Endowment to $62,500.00 as well as the Percent for Art Program funding because the two amounts together were similar in scope to the amounts being cut from the neighborhood infrastructure. She further stated that in order to be good stewards of taxpayers' dollars the cuts should be made across the board equally. The Acting City Manager offered an additional option that had been previously discussed -- to review some of the expenditures subject to revenue performance about mid-year for Fiscal Year 2018 (December 2017 or January 2018) and retain those reductions in the adopted budget, but also hold back the $72,000.00 out of the $125,000.00 from the Art Endowment; and if the Council desired to restore the funding for the three neighborhood items, at the same time consider releasing the other half of the Art Endowment funding. He added that holding the Art Endowment funding was not going to change the balance and status of the budget, but it would demonstrate that the funding was held until such time as the revenue performance allowed the items to be restored to the operating budget mid-fiscal year. Mayor Lea commented that he liked the idea of reviewing the revenue performance in six months in an effort to restore funding and it was a good compromise to make cuts across the board. Council Member Trinkle objected to the compromise, explaining that the Art Endowment had been reduced and the plan was to increase the allocation to the Endowment as previous allocations to Center in the Square and the YMCA rolled off. Council Member Ferris commented that he was in favor of the Summer Youth Employment Program as it was redrafted and withhold funding on the abovementioned items for review in six months due to the unpredictability of the future with regard to the anticipated revenues. Following extensive, in-depth dialogue with regard to the Art Endowment funding, Council Member Bestpitch pointed out that the private sector had exceeded the City's donation and from the standpoint of maintaining good faith in a public-private partnership, it would be a mistake to change the $125,000.00 amount. 498 In conclusion, the Acting City Manager advised that based upon comments of the Council, the Percent for Art Program would be funded at the percent formula amount; the Arts Endowment fu·nding would be reduced to $62,500.00; the recommended Solid Waste Fee was approved; the reduction in neighborhood infrastructure items were to be reviewed in six months as well as the Art Endowment and the Summer Youth Employment Program allocation of $40,000.00. There being no additional comments and/or questions by the Council, the Mayor advised that the briefing would be received and filed. Following a brief recess, the Council meeting reconvened with Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance. Mayor Lea announced that the following interviews have been scheduled, commencing at 3:00p.m. (Interviews commenced at 3:14p.m.): • 3:00 p.m. Elizabeth Cori Shields Jamison (Copy of Opening Statement on file in the City Clerk's Office) • 3:30p.m. Joyce Watson Watkins • 4:00 p.m. Anne-Paige Thomas Darby • 4:30 p.m. Pauline Coker-Jones He mentioned that the rema1n1ng four applicants were scheduled to be interviewed on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber. Lastly, on Monday, June 5, City Council will elect two successful applicants to serve on the School Board. The Mayor shared the following questions had been sent to the applicants, in advance: QUESTIONS FOR SCHOOL BOARD APPLICANTS The schools recently with the help of a temporary \fix acc_ umulated a large fund balance. What level of fund balance should be reserved, c;md under what circumstances should it be used. As a school board member, how will you interact with city council? How do you see that relationship? The schools have out-sourced many operational items. Do you see ·this as working or not? How do you monitor the success of these programs and are there other pieces of operations that should be considered for out- sourcing?  499 Over many years, the schools have attempted to share in certain operations that made sense with the city. Some have worked and some haven't. Ideas have included health insurance, playgrounds, recycling, and lawn maintenance. As a school board member, what are your thoughts on such programs? Should they remain separate or are there opportunities for improved services at lower costs? What is your experience working on boards or with large groups? How do you contribute, what do you bring to the table? Do you see yourself as one that can challenge opinions and suggestions or one that aims to take advice and try to keep group harmony? Meeting demands on our urban school system while staying within budget is one of the primary tasks of the school board. How do you intend to contribute to this task? School Board often has to deal with personnel issues. These are vital to the success of the system and include hiring and retaining qualified teachers and administrators. However, the school board is only directly involved in hiring the superintendent. What experience in personnel would you bring to the school board? How would you handle personnel issues through the superintendent? Suppose in the next few years you were tasked with hiring a superintendent, how would you approach that? As a School Board Trustee, describe your role and relationship with the School Superintendent. The Roanoke Education Association is exploring the possibility of creating a referendum on changing from an appointed to an elected school board. What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of each?" There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m. APPROVED . - - 'm -M~·-no~ Stephanie M. Moon Reyn~, ~~ ~~~ Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor