City Council

26 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION October 16, 2017 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, October 16, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, 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 Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Walter L. Wood, former Pastor, New Life Christian Ministries. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH: The Mayor declared the month of October 2017 as National Arts and Humanities Month. (See ceremonial copy of proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Mayor Lea presented the ceremonial copy of the proclamation to Susan Jennings, Arts and Culture Coordinator. RED RIBBON WEEK: The Mayor declared the week of October 22- 28, 2017 as Red Ribbon Week. (See ceremonial copy of proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office.}  27 Mayor Lea presented the ceremonial copy of the proclamation to Karen Pillis, Chair, Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC). NATIONAL LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK: The Mayor declared the week of October 22 - 28, 2017 as National Lead Po•soning Prevention Week. (See ceremonial copy of proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Mayor Lea presented the ceremonial copy of the proclamation to Ann Billings, Program Manager; and Marla Robertson, Outreach Coordinator, LEAD Safe Roanoke. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATIERS: The Mayor advised that City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters would be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he may deem appropriate. ERADICATING CRIME IN THE INNER-CITY NEIGHBORHOODS: Robert Gravely, 3360 Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared before the Council and spoke about eradicating crime in the inner-city neighborhoods. 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. He called attention to three requests for a Closed Meeting. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday September 18, 2017; recessed until Friday, September 22, 2017, was before the body. (For full text, see Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that 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 Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 28 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, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the Council concur in the request of the Mayor to convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 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 2.23711 (A)(1 ), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. A list of current vacancies is included with the agenda for this meeting, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor to convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 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 interests 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.)  29 Council Member Ferris moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager to convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Cheryl W. Hartman as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board, effective September 29, 2017, 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 Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. AUDITORS OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS: A communication from Martha S. Mavredes, CPA, Auditor of Public Accounts, Commonwealth of Virginia, advising that the Commonwealth collections and remittances of the Treasurer, Commissioner of the Revenue, Sheriff, and Commonwealth's Attorney indicated for the year ended June 30, 2017, are in compliance with state laws, regulations and other procedures relating to the receipt disbursement and custody of state funds, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 30 OATHS OF OFFICE-ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD-ROANOKE VALLEY- ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY COMMITTEE-PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD- ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION-VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS-PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES COMMISSION- ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before the Council: Bill Mason and Katherine Coffield Gutshall as members of the Architectural Review Board for four-year terms of office, each, ending October 1, 2021; Neal Cummings as the City representative (Private Sector) of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee for a three-year term of office ending March 31, 2020; Jared Rigby as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Steve Stinson ending March 31, 2019; Landon C. Howard as a member of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission for a three-year term of office ending September 30, 2020; Renee "Butch" Craft as a City representative of the Visit Virginia's Blue - Ridge Board of Directors for a one-year term of office ending June 30, 2018; Jackie Clewis as a (Classified Service) member of the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission for a term of office ending June 30, 2020;and Christina Hatch as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates to fill the unexpired term of office Scott Horchler ending June 30, 2019. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  31 REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY: Council Member David B. Trinkle and Aisha Johnson, Assistant to the City Manager, highlighted the following topics with regard to the Senior Quality of Life Initiative: • Roanoke Work Group Timeline • Roanoke Work Group Members • Survey Format • Survey Demographics • Survey Data • Where do we go from here; what does this all mean? • Age Friendly Community Committee • AARP Community Rankings • AARP Roanoke Ranking • AARP Roanoke Ranking Comparison • Next Steps (See copy of presentation, on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle explained that in October 2014, the Milken Institute conducted surveys on the aging population and concluded that Roanoke was not a good place to age and as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, he felt like the City should be more proactive in attending to the needs of the aging community and hopefully move the needle on some of the demographic data to show that the aging demographic was actually an asset along with the growing younger population. Ms. Johnson summarized the survey results, stating that the majority of the people who completed the survey were females, with birth years from 1914 to 1967 and household incomes of $10,000.00 to $29,000.00 annually. With regard to wants and needs of the senior community, Ms. Johnson noted that 89 percent wanted reliable transportation and accessible transportation to grocery stores, 69 percent to doctor's offices, 65 percent to worship services and 59 percent wanted accessible public transportation. Council Member Trinkle advised that the League of Older Americans and AARP recently began an initiative in June 2017, identifying transportation as its focus area and partnering with Blue Ridge Independent Living Center, City of Roanoke, United Way of the Roanoke Valley, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, Virginia Commission on Aging, Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech Center of Healthy Aging. 32 He proposed that the Council endorse and support the Age Friendly Community Committee made up of those partners and allow the Committee to come back early in budget season with recommendations of things the locality can do to improve the engagement and the livability of Roanoke for the seniors, adding that the proposal also would be shared with the City of Salem and Roanoke County. In closing, it was stated that the next steps for the initiative included seeking designation as an AARP Network Age-Friendly Community, generate a City specific score, resurvey the area to improve Milken Ranking, and the Age Friendly Community Committee to present recommendations annually to municipalities. Council Member Garland inquired if the score given was the rating of the health conditions of the seniors; whereupon, Council Member Trinkle replied that even with a growing population of healthcare providers, it still was an access and transportation problem and many seniors do not have primary care. He pointed out that when seniors get sick, their needs were greater and a big part of the initiative was improving access, getting them to primary care and ensuring that they follow-up. Council Member Bestpitch commented that it would be useful in the survey to also ask in terms of demographics, how long have you lived in Roanoke, because their health problems may have begun prior to moving to Roanoke; and pointed out that many have come to Roanoke from other places to get the quality health treatment that the City of Roanoke offers. He further commented that the City of Roanoke should be promoted not just as a great place to come raise and family, but also as a great place to - retire. At the conclusion of the presentation, Mayor Lea thanked Council Member Trinkle and Ms. Johnson for an informative presentation, noting it would be received and filed. 2017 WRITER ON THE BUS PROGRAM: Susan Jennings, Arts and Culture Coordinator, gave a presentation on the 2017 Writer on the Bus Program. (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Jennings called attention to a book written by Shari Dragovich, "The Thirty Minute Neighborhood"; and introduced David Ramey, Jr., son of the gentleman for whom the book was dedicated to. Ms. Dragovich shared a brief passage of her writing with the Council.  33 Following comments by the Council Members and expressions of appreciation to Ms. Dragovich, Mayor Lea advised that the presentation would be received and filed. VIRGINIA STATEWIDE NEIGHBORHOOD CONFERENCE, INC.: Estelle H. McCadden, President, Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference, Inc., shared information with regard to the 2019 Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference being held in Roanoke; and she requested financial assistance from the City. (See copy of documents on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following positive remarks regarding Ms. McCadden's commitment to neighborhood issues, Council Member Bestpitch inquired what was being required by the City to sponsor the 2019 Statewide Neighborhood Conference; whereupon, Ms. McCadden called attention to the sponsorship information that was included in packets, which had been distributed; and she indicated that SunTrust Bank had donated $10,000.00 for the past three years, respectively. There being no further discussion, Mayor Lea commented that it made the Council proud to have Ms. McCadden attend the State and National meetings as well as her commitment to the neighborhoods; and that the matter would be referred to the City Manager for follow-up. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: FRANKLIN ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance and appropriation of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) funds for the Franklin Road Improvement Project; and execution of the VDOT Standard Project Administration Agreement. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle offered the following resolution: 34 (#40979-101617) A RESOLUTION accepting the Virginia Department of Transportation's ("VDOT") award of funds to the City in the total amount of $1,432,946.00 for the Franklin Road Improvements project; authorizing the City Manager to execute a VDOT Standard Project Administration Agreement for Federal- aid Projects and Appendix A; and authorizing the City Manager to take certain other actions in connection with the above matters and project. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 358.) Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40979-101617. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Trinkle offered the following budget ordinance: (#40980-1 01617) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation Funds to the Franklin Road Pedestrian Improvements project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 359.) Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40980- 101617. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. FY19 AND FY20 REVENUE SHARING PROGRAMS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to submit an application to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for funding of the FY19 and FY20 Revenue Sharing Programs to construct or improve the City's infrastructure systems. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  35 Council Member Dykstra offered the following resolution: (#40981-101617) A RESOLUTION supporting an application and authorizing the City Manager to submit such application to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for funds from VDOT's Revenue Sharing Program in the amount of $10,000,000.00 for FY 2019 and FY 2020 for certain projects; and authorizing the City Manager to take certain actions in connection with such projects. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 360.) Council Member Dykstra moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40981-101617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle. After in-depth discussion about the changes in the application cycle and reduction of funds in connection with the VDOT Revenue Sharing Program, Resolution No. 40981-101617 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. FY19 LOCAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE SET ASIDE/HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to submit an application to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the FY19 Local Assistance Program in Transportation Alternative Set Aside and additional Highway Safety Improvement Program funds to construct or improve the City's infrastructure systems. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution: (#40982-101617) A RESOLUTION supporting an application and authorizing the City Manager to submit such application to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) FY19 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside Program Funds for the construction of the Tinker Creek Greenway project and the Highway Safety Improvement Program Funds for the addition of the bicycle and pedestrian crossing infrastructure at the intersection of Orange Avenue (Route 460) and Gainsboro Road; and authorizing the City Manager to take certain actions in connection with such application. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 361.) 36 Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40982-101617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. FY18 URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance and appropriation of funds in connection with the FY18 Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry to staff a part-time Urban Forestry Planner. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Price offered the following resolution: (#40983-101617) A RESOLUTION accepting a FY 2018 Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry to fund a part-time Urban Forestry Planner to work under the Urban Forester, and authorizing the execution of any required documents in connection therewith, upon certain terms and conditions. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 362.) Vice-Mayor Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40983-101617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle. Following Council Member Bestpitch's concerns about the reduction in funds for replacement of trees, Resolution No. 40983-101617 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Vice-Mayor Price offered the following budget ordinance: (#40984-101617) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Urban and Community Forestry Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017-2018 General and Grant Funds Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 363.)  37 Vice-Mayor Price moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40984-101617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager commented on the following: Envision Roanoke • Monday, October 30, 2017 • 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. • Virginia Western Community College, in the Fralin Multi-purpose Room. • Citizens are invited to attend this event to discuss how the city can become a cleaner, greener, and healthier place to live. • Topics will include green living at its best - clean air and clean water, renewable energy, alternative transportation, local foods, energy and water conservation, safe products, and much more. • The event is free but RSVP is required, space is limited. Deadline to register is Wednesday, October 25, 2017. • Contact Nell Boyle, Sustainability and Outreach Coordinator with the City of Roanoke, at 540-853-5430 or at nell.boyle@roanokeva.gov. Annual City Neighborhoods Potluck Dinner & Awards Celebration • Friday, November 10, 2017 • 6:00p.m. • Jefferson Center Fitzpatrick Hall • This is an annual potluck dinner sponsored by the Roanoke Office of Neighborhood Services and Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates, in partnership with Roanoke City Council • During the dinner, members of Roanoke City Council and Roanoke Arts Commission will present the 2017 Neighborhood Partnership Awards from the pool of submitted nominations. 38 Williamson Road Branch Library Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony • Monday, November13,2017 • 9:30a.m. • The renovated facility will nearly double the children's area, significantly increase space offered for tutoring and meetings, and enhance the "Library to Your Door" program offered to seniors and homebound patrons. • One critical goal of the project was to improve the energy-efficiency of the building by incorporating a number of modern features such as LED light fixtures, daylight harvesting, automatic lighting controls, and operable blinds. CITY ATTORNEY: REPEAL OF CHAPTER 4, AIRPORT, CODE OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE (1979), AS AMENDED: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending the amendment of the City Code to repeal Chapter 4, Airport, and enact Chapter 4.1, Airport, to explain and clarify the repeal of Chapter 4. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#40985-1 01617) AN ORDINANCE repealing Chapter 4, Airport, Code of the City of Roanoke ( 1979), as amended, in its entirety; updating cross references, footnotes and editor's notes accordingly; amending and reordaining the Code of the City of Roanoke ( 1979), as amended by adding a new Chapter 4.1, Airport, Article I, In General; providing for an effective date; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 364.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40985-101617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris. In connection with the matter, the following individuals appeared before the Council: Bob Caudle, Jr., 4231 Belford Road, S. W., spoke about the infractions of rules and regulations at the Airport and advised that City Cab was the contracted transportation provider of the Airport. He urged the Council to put the tools in place to ensure the enforcement of the transportation rules and regulations at the Airport during daytime and evening hours. •' . .,.  39 Troy Larimer, 3800 Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, spoke about repealing Chapter 4 of the City Code and commended the Council for relinquishing responsibility to the Airport with regard to the rules and regulations. Ben Early, 1415 Antrim Street, Salem, spoke about repealing Chapter 4 of the Code and indicated it was unlawful for Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport to sell the public cab stand to City Cab. Following an overview for the amendment of the City Code by the City Attorney, Council Member Bestpitch noted his support of a work group being created as suggested in a communication dated October 16, 2017 from the City Attorney regarding regulation of taxicab fares within the City. Mayor Lea recognized Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport; and Cynthia Lawrence, City representative Member, Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, who were in attendance. There being no additional comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 40985-101617 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: The Roanoke City School Board submitted a written report requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and the City Manager submitted a written report recommending that Council concur in the request. (For full text, see reports on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#40986-1 01617) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth grants and the Schools general funds for various educational programs, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 School 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 366.) 40 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40986- 101617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL. PROSPECTIVE BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY OR EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY: Mayor Lea called attention to a communication from the City Manager requesting that City Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a - prospective business or industry, or the expansion of an existing business or industry, where no previous announcement has been made of the business' or industry's interests in locating or expanding its facilities in the community, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(S), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the Council concur in the request of the City Manager to convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  41 DISPOSITION OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1950 BLUE HILLS DRIVE, N. E.: Mayor Lea called attention to a communication from the City Manager requesting that City Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of approximately 12.032 acres of City-owned property located at 1950 Blue Hills Drive, N. E., 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 the Council concur in the request of the City Manager to convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULATIONS OF TAXICAB FARES WITHIN THE CITY: Council Member Ferris called attention to a communication from the City Attorney dated October 16, 2017, regarding regulation of taxicab fares within the City. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following comments, he moved that the Council concur in the recommendation as set forth in the abovementioned communication to establish a working group to include City Administration, the Roanoke Police Department, taxicab operators, and other constituencies to discuss an approach and make a recommendation to City Council regarding the regulation of taxicab operations within the City. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and unanimously adopted. BLACK HISTORY OF ROANOKE TOUR: Council Member Garland called attention to a Black History of Roanoke Tour on Tuesday, October 24 from 9:30a.m.- 1:30 p.m., at the Gainsboro Library. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL. To be discussed in Closed Meeting. At 4:23 p.m., the Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting to be held in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building; and thereafter to be reconvened in the Council Chamber. At 7:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., presiding. 42 ... PRESENT: Council Members Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Joseph Pjecha, Pastor, Faith Alliance Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea. CITY COUNCIL: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member Bestpitch moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: ( 1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting .... was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM REGIONAL COMMUNITY CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three- year term of office of the Honorable Jacqueline F. Ward Talevi as the General District Court representative of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board ended June 30, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of The Honorable Francis Burkart, Ill, Presiding Judge, General District Court. There being no further nominations, Judge Burkart was appointed to replace Judge Jacqueline F. Ward Talevi as the General District Court representative of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2020, by the following vote:  43 FOR JUDGE BURKART: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. Council Member Bestpitch moved to waive the City residency requirement for the Judge Burkart, as the General District Court representative of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board, in this instance. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and unanimously adopted. VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the one-year term of office of Douglas Robison ended June 30, 2017; and the resignation of Della Watkins for a term of office ending June 30, 2018, as City representatives of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Board of Directors; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Shaleen T. Powell and Meg Carter. There being no further nominations, Ms. Powell was appointed to replace Douglas Robison; and Meg Carter was appointed to fill the unexpired term of office of Della Watkins as City representatives of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Board of Directors for terms of office, each, ending June 30, 2018, by the following vote: FOR MS. POWELL AND MS. CARTER: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: ROANOKE CITY SCHOOLS: Pursuant to instruction by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, October 16, 2017, at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of Roanoke City Public Schools to amend the Planned Unit Development Plan for property located at 1525 Salem Avenue, S. W., bearing Official Tax Map No. 1210320, previously zoned to INPUD, Institutional Planned Unit Development District, during the comprehensive rezoning by the adoption of Ordinance 37269-120505, on December 5, 2005, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 and Tuesday, October 3, 2017. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 44 The Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval of the rezoning request finding that the Original Application is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan Hurt Park/Mountain View/West End Neighborhood Plan, and Zoning Ordinance as an existing elementary school will be able to add a gymnasium in a manner appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#40987 -1 01617) AN ORDINANCE to rezone certain property located at 1525 Salem Avenue, S. W., bearing Official Tax Map No. 1210320, by amending a Planned Unit Development Plan; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 368.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40987-101617. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price. Michael Woolwine, Vice-President, Hughes Associates, appeared in support of the amendment. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 40987-101617 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  45 SHENANDOAH CABLE TELEVISION, LLC: Pursuant to instruction by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, October 16, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of Shenandoah Cable Television, LLC, to repeal existing conditions proffered as part of a previous rezoning, and add new conditions on property located at 169 Carver Avenue, N. E., from Downtown District, to Light Industrial District, with conditions, and while doing so, repealing existing conditions proffered as part of a previous rezoning and adding a new condition on the property at 169 Carver Avenue, N. E., bearing Official Tax Map No. 2041816, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 and Tuesday, October 3, 2017. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval of the rezoning request finding that the Amended Application No.1 is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Williamson Road Neighborhood Plan, and Zoning Ordinance as the subject's property will be redeveloped for a use appropriate to the surrounding area. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance: (#40988-101617) AN ORDINANCE to rezone certain property located at 169 Carver Avenue, N. E., from D, Downtown District, with conditions, to 1-1, Light Industrial District, subject to certain conditions proffered by the applicant; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 369.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40988-101617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle. Ben Crew, Associate, Balzer & Associates, Inc., appeared before the Council in support of the rezoning request. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. 46 There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 40988-101617 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OTHER BUSINESS: THE BEST SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE (CITIZENS' CLIMATE LOBBY) Dr. David L. Dixon, Ill, and Ross Merriam, Members, Roanoke Valley Chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby, presented a briefing regarding the following issues related to climate change: • Who Are We? • Science is Conclusive • The Challenges of Pricing Carbon • The Best Solution: Carbon Fee & Dividend • • • Impact of CFD Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI): Household Refunds Increase REMI: Real Disposable Personal Income by Region - • REMI: Job Growth • REM I: Report Summary • Climate Action Endorsements • Our Ask (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Pastor Michael Duval, Journey Church, and Joy Sylvester Johnson, former Executive Director, Roanoke Rescue Mission, also commented on the matter. In connection with the presentation, Council Member Trinkle believed Roanoke was doing enough in regards to changing the carbon footprint, monitoring the carbon footprint, and implementing practices to battle climate change; and he was interested in what other localities have done in support of climate control. In closing, he announced that the Virginia Tech School of Medicine will be holding a Forum on Thursday, October 26 on environmental impacts, not just climate change, but on man-made problems in the environment, such as the pipeline that will have a real medical perspective on the health consequences on environmental changes.  47 Vice-Mayor Price concurred in Council Member Trinkle's comments and reiterated that Roanoke has put in place initiatives to support climate control issues and inquired whether the Climate Control lobbyist had engaged high school students and asked for elaboration on efforts to create awareness amongst the youth; wherein, Ms. Johnson responded that the agenda of the local chapter was attempting to create public awareness from the grassroots standpoint and was seeking endorsements from businesses; and in terms of the children, there was a lawsuit brought by the children's trust co-sponsored by Citizens' Climate Lobby and children are leading the way in grassroots efforts. Council Member Ferris expressed concern about carbon tax and understood the importance climate change and recognizing that something needs to be done. However, he was not sure what the solution should be; consequently, he joined Council Member Trinkle in perhaps a need for a Roanoke-centric approach and wanted his colleagues to understand the political realities and would urge the legislators to study the matter. After commenting on the matter, Council Member Dykstra suggested that the matter be referred to the City Attorney to examine this issue as a broader approach of what the City is hoping to accomplish. Following extensive discussion, and without objection by the Council, Mayor Lea referred the matter to the City Manager and City Attorney for study and response to the City Council. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTER: NONE. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~R~~!;~o 'V~ Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor