City Council

1 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION October 5, 2017 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in joint session with the Roanoke City Planning Commission on Thursday, October 5, 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. 40879-070317 adopted by the Council on Monday, July 3, 2017. PRESENT: Council Members William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: Council Member David B. Trinkle-1. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. ROANOKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Karri B. Atwood, Sarah Glenn, Lora J. Katz, Angela S. Penn, James E. Smith and Chair Kermit Hale-6. ROANOKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Anthony Russell-1. Representing the Roanoke City Planning Commission: Chris Chittum, Director, Planning, Building and Development; lan Shaw, Agent, City Planning Commission; Wayne Leftwich, Senior City Planner; and Tina Carr, Secretary. Mayor Lea asked for a Moment of Silence in memory of the victims of the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. He welcomed everyone to the meeting, and thereafter, recognized Chairman Hale for comments. 2 Chairman Hale offered brief remarks; and then called on the Planning Staff for an overview of the following items: • Annual Report for Fiscal Year July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 • Downtown Plan Update Status • Upcoming Zoning Ordinance and City Code Text Amendments • Comprehensive Plan Update Process (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) lan Shaw, Agent, City Planning Commission, reviewed the Commission's activities over the prior fiscal year, noting that the Commission averaged about 20 cases last year consisting of 11 rezonings four amendments to the Planned Unit Development Plans, and five right-of-way vacations. Wayne Leftwich, Senior City Planner, explained that staff had been working with the Planning Commission on the Downtown Plan since June 2017, with big goals to build strength, recognize the history, cultural, natural assets of the area, as well as fill in the storefronts, connect sidewalks, enhance public spaces for residents, pets and other recreational needs in an effort to celebrate the wonderful downtown area. With regard to the upcoming Zoning Ordinance and City Code text amendments, Chris Chittum, Director, Planning Building and Development, advised that the initial thought was to rewrite the section on the Wireless Telecommunications Policy, but so far that was not needed, the changes within the section on signs was compliant, but does not radically change the way signs were regulated in the City; and the homestays and short-term rentals section was being fine-tuned and a registry would be created to keep track of such businesses and operations. He further advised that in updating the City's Comprehensive Plan several initiatives have already begun, such as working with the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission to develop a demographic profile for the City as well as each neighborhood. He noted that a citizen planning academy, consisting of people interested in planning was underway; and there was an ongoing Facebook group to discuss different planning issues in an effort to build a group of citizens that would be willing to help out in terms of the Comprehensive Plan throughout the next couple of years. He noted that discussion would be needed with regard to housing because it was changing more dramatically than in previous decades and was a nationwide problem, not just a City of Roanoke issue.  3 Vice-Mayor Price questioned if the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority would be consulted with regard to the housing pattern over the next 20 years; whereupon, Mr. Chittum replied that the Housing Authority was indeed a stakeholder in the process, especially with patterns of homeownership going down and the single family home model becoming less and less attractive to the current generation. Council Member Bestpitch encouraged everyone, in terms of transportation options, to use the trolley system, identify the City's objectives of the Plan as well as support and even incentivize the private sector objectives with regard to the Comprehensive Plan. Council Member Garland inquired how the City remained progressive and kept the zoning compatible with changes and trends; whereupon, Mr. Chittum advised that the whole idea was to enforce consistency and compatibility to deal with the new trends, such as tiny homes. Ms. Katz commented that the Comprehensive Plan presented an opportunity to tap into the youth population with regard to community involvement in hopes of sparking an interest in planning; whereupon, Vice-Mayor Price concurred in the comment and expressed that it would be a great topic at an upcoming Youth Summit. The City Manager expressed excitement to working with the planning staff on the Comprehensive Plan and commended the leadership of the Director of Planning Building and Development and Assistant City Manager for Community Development. Following several accolades by the Council Members, Mayor Lea thanked the Planning staff for their time and dedication to the challenges and issues that face the City of Roanoke. There being no further business, Chairman Hale thanked the Council for the opportunity to discuss relevant topics and declared the Roanoke City Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 10:03 a.m. There being no further business, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in recess at 10:03 a.m., to be reconvened in the Council Chamber. At 12:03 p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception of Council Member Trinkle. The Mayor called attention to the following Items for Action: 4 VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES: A communication from Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss vacancies on certain authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by Council, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD: A communication from Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the 2017 Citizen of the Year Award, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1 0), 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 Mayor as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.)  5 DISPOSITION OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of an approximately .3607 acres of City-owned property located at 120 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. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) ACQUISITION OF INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the acquisition of interests in real property by the City for public purposes, whether in fee simple and/or in leasehold, where discussion of the City's acquisition of interest in real property 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 Dykstra 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, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) 6 PROSPECTIVE BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY/EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY WITHIN THE CITY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry within the City where no previous announcement has been made of the business' or industry's interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(5), 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 City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) 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: Public Assembly Permit Policy/Process: Mark Jamison, Manager of Transportation, gave an update of the public assembly permit policy and process to address challenges, advising approximately one year ago, the City formed a stakeholders group to assess City Code as it pertains to management of assembly permits; the group consulted with other localities and jurisdictions in Virginia and North Carolina for feedback and a draft policy was developed; and the following items were discussed: • Assembly Permits • Downtown • Challenges • Special Events Policy • Stakeholder Group  7 • Process • Policy • Submission Deadlines • Security Deposits • Post-event Evaluations • Notification • Limitations on Events • Other Considerations • Next Steps • Questions (For full text, see copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) In connection with comments regarding the Christmas Parade, Mayor Lea inquired who may and may not participate in the parade; wherein, Tina Workman, President, Downtown Roanoke, Inc., responded that Downtown Roanoke works with the City to select participants who must follow the policy regulations and must have a Christmas theme to participate, adding that a parade committee was created last year that included the City Attorney. As discussion ensued, Mr. Jamison informed the Council that the Transportation Department will publish a special event planning guide that will provide details and information on alternative venues and will focus on standard parade routes and security. Without objection by the Council, Mayor Lea advised that the briefing would be received and filed. At 12:33 p.m., Mayor Lea 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 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber. At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding. PRESENT: Council Members William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra (arrived late), Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: Council Members David B. Trinkle-1. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. 8 The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. Mayor Lea asked for a Moment of Silence in memory of Thomas Cain who passed away on June 29, 2017 and was memorialized on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Loudon Avenue Christian Church. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Keith S. Wagner, Minister, Roanoke Church of Christ. At this point, Council Member Dykstra entered the meeting (2:03p.m.) The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NONE. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: NONE. 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 is desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.)  9 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Thomas T. Cullen as a Director of the Economic Development Authority, effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Steven Stinson as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) REGIONAL VIRGINIA ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM POLICY BOARD: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the vacancies on the Regional Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board and Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board created by the resignation of Samuel Roman as Deputy Police Chief of the City of Roanoke, serving as the Police Chief designee, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 10 Council Member Ferris moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Della Watkins as a City representative of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Board of Directors, effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) BOARD OF EQUALIZATION ANNUAL REPORT: A communication from the Honorable William D. Broadhurst, Judge, Twenty-third Judicial Circuit of Virginia, transmitting the Annual Report of the Board of Equalization for the Taxable Year July 1, 2017- June 30, 2018, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the report be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.)  11 ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION: Report of qualification of Samuel Lionberger, Ill, as a member of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission for a three-year term of office, commencing October 1, 2017 and ending September 30, 2020, was before the Council: (See Oath or Affirmation of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the report of qualification be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: 2016 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance and appropriation of funds from the 2016 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus air packs and accessories for City firefighters. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 12 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#40968-1 00517) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the 2016 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program made to the City of Roanoke by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 346.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40968-100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#40969-100517) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 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 346.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40969- 100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.)  13 BELMONT NEIGHBORHOOD: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance and appropriation of funds from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources for survey and nomination of the Belmont Neighborhood for inclusion on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#40970-1 00517) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of a Certified Local Government grant from the Department of Historic Resources, and authorizing the execution of necessary documents, upon certain terms and conditions. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 347.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40970-100517. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price. Following comments by Council Member Garland regarding the nomination and encouraged neighborhood organizations to take advantage of monies that are available each year, Resolution No. 40970-100517 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) Council Member Ferris offered the following budget ordinance: (#40971-100517) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) for the Belmont Historic District Survey, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 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 348.) 14 Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40971- 100517. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-D. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) RECLASSIFY AND IDENTIFY RESPECTIVE REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending adoption of a budget ordinance to reclassify and identify respective revenues and appropriations in connection with the FY2017 budget. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following budget ordinance: (#40972-1 00517) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from grants, donations, cost sharing, and other shared activities, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2016 - 2017 General Fund, Capital Fund, and 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 349.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40972- 100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) AMENDMENT AND ENACTMENT OF THE EXTRATERRITORIAL ARREST AGREEMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending amendment and enactment of the Extraterritorial Arrest Agreement to delete Section 3 titled "notifications" as a result of the discontinuance of the Roanoke Area Criminal Justice Information Network (RACJIN) system. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  15 Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance: (#40973-100517) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute an Amendment to the Extraterritorial Arrest Agreement ("Agreement") among the City of Roanoke, County of Roanoke, Town of Vinton, and City of Salem, to eliminate the requirement of notice within forty-eight (48) hours of an extraterritorial arrest; authorizing the City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 350.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40973-100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. Following comments by Council Member Ferris regarding the change in the agreement to eliminate the requirement of notice within 48 hours of an arrest, Ordinance No. 40973-100517 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) REGIONAL COLLISION REPORTING CENTER AGREEMENT AND FIRST SUPPLEMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of an extension of the Regional Collision Reporting Center Agreement and First Supplement among the City of Roanoke, County of Roanoke and City of Salem. (Forfull text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance: (#4097 4-1 00517) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute the First Supplement amending a Regional Agreement among and between the City of Roanoke, the County of Roanoke, and the City of Salem to provide tablets to the Roanoke City Police Department, authorizing the extension of the original Agreement for a five (5) year term, and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 351.) 16 Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40974-100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: The City Manager offered the following comments: • CityWorks (X)po VII: This event starts today and sessions will be held through October 7 in Grandin Village. This is a national idea exchange and festival conference for anyone who is passionate about the work of placemaking and creating stronger communities. As City Manager, I have been invited to participate in a Q&A with attendees. • Star City Reads Fall Festival: Saturday, October 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m. at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, 2502 Melrose Avenue, N. W., Suite D. Event includes a Petting Zoo, Skechers Shoe giveaway, free books for kids and other activities. In anticipation of this event, this week Roanoke Public Libraries took delivery of 40,000 books from the First Book Foundation. These books will be given to children who attend the festival. • Melrose Avenue Revitalization: An open forum will be held Monday, October 9 at 6:00 p.m., at the Goodwill Campus on Melrose Avenue. Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in the City's Melrose- Orange Target Area are invited to participate. Staff from the Department of Planning Building and Development will showcase a neighborhood development concept plan. We encourage those who live and work in the Melrose-Orange Target area to come out and give us your input on this plan. • 'SoiSmart Bronze' Award: Roanoke recently received this designation, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, indicating our city is leading the region in solar best practices. A SoiSmart designation is a signal that the community is "open for solar business," helping to attract solar industry investment and generate economic development and local jobs. Roanoke is one of two cities in Virginia to receive this award (the other is Charlottesville).  17 Kudos to our Sustainability staff for the work they have done to put Roanoke in the spotlight for solar energy. We will be inviting them to attend a future City Council meeting so that we can formally recognize their efforts to earn this recognition. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution reappointing Duke Baldridge as a Director of the Economic Development Authority for a four-year term of office ending October 20, 2021: (#40975-100517) A RESOLUTION reappointing a Director of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke to fill a four (4) year term on the Board of Directors. (For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 352.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40975-100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution reappointing Vickie Bibee as a Director of the Economic Development Authority for a four-year term of office ending October 20, 2021: (#40976-100517) A RESOLUTION reappointing a Director of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke to fill a four (4) year term on the Board of Directors. (For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 353.) 18 Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40976-100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) MOUNTAIN VALLEY PIPELINE PROJECT: Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution urging the Commonwealth of Virginia to ensure that the vital interests of all localities within the Roanoke Valley are protected from increased sediment load in the Roanoke River and its tributaries that will occur from the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Mountain Valley Pipeline Project: (#40977-100517) A RESOLUTION urging the Commonwealth of Virginia to protect the vital interests of localities within the Roanoke Valley affected by the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Mountain Valley Pipeline project (MVP Project) by (i) preventing any increase in baseline, or annual, sediment loading for the Roanoke River or any of its tributaries as a result of the MVP Project; and (ii) holding the developers, owners, and operators of the MVP Project financially responsible and accountable to construct, operate, and maintain water quality improvements necessary to mitigate any increased sediment loading. (For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 353.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40977-100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. After additional comments from Dwayne D'Ardenne, Stormwater Management Manager, reiterating his reasons for approval of the measure and Council Members regarding the need for the measure as a vital tool, Ordinance No. 40977-100517 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.)  19 HISTORIC TAX CREDIT PROGRAM: .Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution urging the President of the United States and the United States Congress to continue the federal Historic Tax Credit program as a critical economic development tool for states and localities throughout the United States: (#40978-1 00517) A RESOLUTION urging the President of the United States and the United States Congress to continue the federal Historic Tax Credit program. (For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 356.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40978-100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra. Following comments by Council Members Bestpitch, Ferris and Garland regarding the benefits of the historic tax credits, Resolution No. 40978-100517 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent) MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: GREATER ROANOKE TRANSIT COMPANY BOARD: Council Member Bestpitch called attention to a public hearing being conducted by the Greater Roanoke Transit Company Board of Directors on Thursday, October 26 at 7:00p.m., in the EOC Conference Room, Room 159, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, to receive comments regarding the proposal to adopt a revised passenger fare schedule, effective January 1, 2018. 20 ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION: Council Member Bestpitch distributed a handout regarding Regional Leaders Survey Summary as prepared by Southeast Regional Directors Institute; and he highlighted portions of the meeting, noting the Commission appointed Vinton Town Mayor Bradley Grose as Chair and Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Chairman Joe McNarmara as Vice-Chair He also gave a brief update regarding the Regional Commission Summary Financial Data, which document was shared during the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission meeting. The City Manager announced the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission 48th Annual Dinner will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at The Ballast Point Brewing Company (Banquet Room), Botetourt County. Council Member Ferris commented on his involvement in a focus group, adding that the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission belongs to all local governments and encouraged elected officials to learn more about the Commission in order to be of assistance. (See copy of Regional Leaders Survey Summary and Summary Financial Data on file in the City Clerk's Office.) TRAGIC EVENT IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Council Member Garland called attention to the tragic event that occurred on October 2, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada, when a gunman in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino opened fire on a concert. AWARDS PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE: Mayor Lea called attention to certain localities in Virginia that received various awards at the Annual Virginia Municipal League Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia on October 2, 2017, and encouraged the City Administration to submit nominations in the future. He also congratulated Vice-Mayor Price on her election as the Virginia Municipal League President-Elect for 2017- 2018. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: Vacancies to be considered during Closed Meeting. At 2:52 p.m., the Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building. At 3:55 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception of Council Member Trinkle. ..  21 CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded Council Member Dykstra moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: {1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: TOWING ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year term of office of Rick D. Clark as a {Law Enforcement) member of the Towing Advisory Board ending October 31, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Lieutenant Jason Holt. There being no further nominations, Lieutenant Holt was appointed to replace Rick D. Clark as a {Law Enforcement) member of the Towing Advisory Board for a term of three years ending October 31, 2020, by the following vote: FOR LIEUTENANT HOLT: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the resignation of Ray Bemis, Ill, {Public Sector) ending June 30, 2018; and expiration of the three-year term of office of Marcus Huffman {Citizen at Large) and the one-year term of office of Kenai Hunt (Alternate Student/William Fleming High School) ended June 30, 2017; as members of the Youth Services Citizen Board; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Stephanie Doyle, Aaron Deane, and Briana Wilson. 22 There being no further nominations, Ms. Doyle was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Ray Bemis, Ill, (Public Sector) ending June 30, 2018; Mr. Deane was appointed to replace Marcus Huffman (Citizen at Large) for a term of office ending June 30, 2020; and Miss Wilson was appointed to replace Kenai Hunt (Alternate Member/William Fleming High School) for a term of office ending June 30, 2018, as members of the Youth Services Citizen Board, by the following vote: FOR MS. DOYLE, MR. DEANE AND MISS WILSON: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) Council Member Bestpitch moved that the City residency for Ms. Doyle as a (Public Sector) member of the Youth Services Citizen Board be waived in this instance. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and unanimously adopted. COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM REGIONAL COMMUNITY CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the resignation of former Deputy Police Chief Samuel Roman as the Chief of Police Designee of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2019; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Captain Eric Charles. There being no further nominations, Captain Charles was appointed as the Chief of Police Designee of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board to fill the unexpired term of office of former Deputy Police Chief Samuel Roman ending June 30, 2019, by the following vote: FOR CAPTAIN CHARLES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) BLUE RIDGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year term of office of Paula Prince as a City Representative of the Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare Board of Directors ending December 31, 2017. Inasmuch as Ms. Prince having served three consecutive terms of office, she is not eligible for reappointment; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations.  23 Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Daniel Karnes. There being no further nominations, Mr. Karnes was appointed to replace Paula Prince as a City representative of the Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare Board of Directors for a term of office of three years, commencing January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MR. KARNES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of three-year terms of office of Robert H. Logan, Ill, Bryan Musselwhite and Frederick Bromm as members of the Board of Zoning Appeals ending December 31, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Robert H. Logan, Ill, and Bryan Musselwhite. There being no further nominations, Messrs. Logan and Musselwhite were reappointed as members of the Board of Zoning Appeals for terms of office of three years, each, ending December 31, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MESSRS. LOGAN AND MUSSELWHITE: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) REGIONAL VIRGINIA ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM POLICY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the resignation of former Deputy Police Chief Samuel Roman as the Chief of Police Designee of the Regional Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Captain Eric Charles. 24 There being no further nominations, Captain Charles was appointed as the Chief of Police Designee of the Regional Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board to fill the unexpired term of office of former Deputy Police Chief Samuel Roman ending June 30, 2020, by the following vote: FOR CAPTAIN CHARLES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) ROANOKE CULTURAL ENDOWMENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the initial two-year term of office of Patice Holland as a Citizen at Large member of the Roanoke Cultural Endowment Board of Directors ending December 31, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Patice Holland. There being no further nominations, Ms. Holland was reappointed as a Citizen at Large member of the Roanoke Cultural Endowment Board of Directors for a term of office of three years ending December 31, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MS. HOLLAND: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) ROANOKE VALLEY BROADBAND AUTHORITY: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the four-year term of office of Michael McEvoy as the City's Citizen at Large member of the Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority ending December 12, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Michael McEvoy. There being no further nominations, Mr. McEvoy was reappointed as the City's Citizen at Large member of the Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority for a term of office of four years ending December 12, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MR. MCEVOY: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.)  25 TOWING ADVISORY BOARD: Council Member Bestpitch moved that the City residency requirement for Joseph Wood, who was reappointed as a (Tower) member of the Towing Advisory Board at the September 18, 2017 Council meeting, be waived in this instance. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and unanimously adopted. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting adjourned at 3:59 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~rv.. ~N1~J-N)·M~ Stephanie M. Moon Rey~~lds~MMC ~~~l-~ Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor