City Council

98 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION December 4, 2017 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, December 4, 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 Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. 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. ITEMS FOR ACTION: 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 Trinkle moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  99 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 Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland 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 2:00 P.M. AGENDA: NONE. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. Joint Meeting of Council and the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission Mayor Lea welcomed everyone to the meeting and, recognized Cynthia. Lawrence, Chair, Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, for comments; and thereafter, catted on Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, who highlighted the following items: • ROA Airline Service • US Airline Hubs • Peer Markets • Statistics • ROA Funding Sources for Capital Projects • Current Projects • Future Projects (Large) • ROA Funding Sources for Air Service Development and Promotion (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 100 With regard to airline service Mr. Bradshaw advised that the Airport has approximately 57 carriers and two cargo carriers, FedEx and UPS averaging 40 daily arrivals and departures. With regard to the loss of the Detroit flight back in 2014, Council Member Ferris inquired as to what would have to happen to get that service back; whereupon, Mr. Bradshaw advised that the Airport was applying for a grant to incentivize Delta to return. He further advised that the Airport may be in danger of losing the second American airlines flight to LaGuardia due to low performance standards. In response to an inquiry with regard to engagement with the regional partners in marketing the Airport, Brad Boettcher advised that although the Airport is engaged with the community partners, such as Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge and the Roanoke Regional Partnership, the challenge is that the Airport does not set the fares or the schedules, the carriers do. At 9:45 a.m., Mayor Lea relinquished the Chair to Vice-Mayor Price and left the meeting. Discussion ensued with regard to current capital projects; whereupon, Mr. Bradshaw mentioned the Airport was working on a walkway canopy, sealcoating both runways, tunnel lighting replacement, a Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC), various sealcoats for roads and parking lots, and a Runway Approach Obstruction Survey; and noted that the Airport was going to build a combined rental car facility next to the Terminal that will free up many spaces in the parking lot. In response to an inquiry from Council Member Trinkle about the cab companies, Mr. Bradshaw commented that rules and regulations were implemented to regulate the cab service and currently nine companies provide limousine, cab and hotel shuttle services which were working well. He noted that the taxi cab concession and limousine service would be up for bid again in September 2018 and that the parking lot shuttle was running again due to construction. In response to questions by Council Member Ferris regarding funding from the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) and Virginia Aviation Fund, Chairman Lawrence felt confident about the FAA funding, but not as much with the public aviation funding because of uncertainties in the funding formula. Vice-Mayor Price thanked the Commission and airport staff for their time and dedication and reiterated that future meetings should be held on a regular basis.  Following comments by the Council and Airport Commissioners, Chairman 101 Lawrence thanked the Council for the opportunity for open dialogue, asked the Council to be champions for their efforts as they begin to formulate a taskforce and strategy, to continue reaching out to colleagues and municipal leaders in the region and encourage their participation. Chairman Lawrence declared the, Roanoke Regional Airport Commission meeting adjourned; and Vice-Mayor Price declared the Council meeting in recess at 10:39 a.m., respectively. At 10:52 a.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Vice-Mayor Price presiding. BRIEFINGS: Roanoke Prevention Alliance 2017 Youth Survey Presentation Dr. Paula Prince, Board Member, Roanoke Prevention Alliance, gave a 2017 Youth Survey presentation, highlighting the following items: • Middle Schooi30-Day Substance Use- 2007-2017 • High School 30-Day Substance Use- 2007-2017 • Past 30-Day Use • Summing it up: o Middle School Depression/Suicide o High School Depression/Suicide • Summing it up: o Drug-Free Communities o Teen drinking is not the norm o Project Sticker Shock (For full text, see copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra left the meeting during closing remarks by Dr. Prince regarding Summing it up- Middle School Depression/Suicide (11 :07 a.m.) Following the presentation, Council Member Garland was dismayed regarding the suicide statistics; wherein Dr. Prince encouraged the community to take every opportunity to support the youth and/or youth activities. Council Member Bestpitch suggested youth participation at Council Meetings and that groups such as the Youth Services Advisory Board, community groups, and faith groups focus on the positive happenings. 102 At this point, Mayor Lea reentered the meeting (11 :21 a.m.) and the Vice-Mayor relinquished the Chair back to the Mayor. Following comments by the Council, Mayor Lea thanked Dr. Prince for the informative update and advised that the presentation would be received and filed. At 11:28 a.m., the Council Meeting was declared 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 2:00p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: Council Member Michelle L. Dykstra-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. The Invocation was delivered by Vice-Mayor Price. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: PROJECT LIFESAVER: Mayor Lea recognized Sheriff Tim Allen and six deputies for their participation in the Project Lifesaver Program. 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. MISCELLANEOUS: Martin Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council regarding the sale/purchase of properties in historic Gainsboro. HOMICIDES IN THE NORTHWEST COMMUNITY: Robert Gravely, 3360 Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared before the Council and expressed concern about the recent homicides in the northwest community.  CONSENT AGENDA 103 The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Members of Council and would be enacted by one motion in the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion was desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, November 20 2017, was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Dykstra was absent.) SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, December 18, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, or such later date and time as the City Manager may determine, to consider the sale of approximately 1.2016 acres of City-owned property located at 201 Carver Avenue, N. E., to RYT, L.L.C., to expand the existing wrecker sales, installation and service business located at 210 Carver Avenue, N. E., was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Dykstra was absent.) 104 CITY MARKET BUILDING: A communication from the Assistant City Manager for Operations in response to an inquiry from Council Member John A. Garland with regard to the operation of the City Market Building, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle moved that the report be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Dykstra was absent.) BLUE RIDGE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION: A communication from Kathy B. Smith, Program Manager, Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District, notifying the Council of the nomination of Byron Brooks to replace George Pace as a Director (At-Large) of the Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2018, was before the body. ~""" (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) • Council Member Trinkle moved that the communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Dykstra was absent.) OATHS OF OFFICE-COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM REGIONAL COMMUNITY CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD-ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION-BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY-VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE-HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before the Council:  105 The Honorable Francis Burkhart, Ill, 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; Janet Carty as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission for a term of office ending June 30, 2018; Jeffrey S. Shawver as a Property Management representative of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a three-year term of office ending June 30, 2020; Matthew Fink as a Director of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke for a term of office ending October 20, 2018; Shaleen T. Powell as a City representative of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Board of Directors for a term of office ending June 30, 2018; and Vivian Sanchez-Jones as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board for a four-year term of office ending November 30, 2021. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Dykstra was absent.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: 106 BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: GREATER ROANOKE TRANSIT-COMPANY: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending approval of a fare increase for the Greater Roanoke Transit Company, effective January 1, 2018. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk:s Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41016-120417) A RESOLUTION approving/establishing a revised passenger fare schedule for the Greater Roanoke Transit Company (GRTC), dba Valley Metro; and authorizing the City Manager to take any necessary action to accomplish the implementation of such fare schedule. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 409.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41016-120417. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price. Following comments by Council Members Bestpitch and Ferris, Resolution No. 41016-120417 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Dykstra was absent.) COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager shared the following comments: Fall Leaf Collection Continues • Solid Waste crews will collect leaves in city neighborhoods during the weeks of December 4- 7, and December 11 - 17.  107 Roanoke has retained its National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating • The Stormwater Division recently received notification from FEMA confirming that the City of Roanoke will remain at a Class 7 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System. • The floodplain management and flood mitigation activities implemented by the city will continue to qualify flood insurance policyholders in the community for a 15 percent discount in premium costs for NFIP policies issued or renewed in Special Flood Hazard Areas. Downtown Winter Activities • Dickens of a Christmas The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting last Friday was a big hit with attendees. Still to come: o December. 8 -the Dickens Winter Carnival o December 9 - Christmas Parade o Dec.ember15 -The RVSPCA Pet Costume Contest • Elmwood on Ice o Enjoy ice skating and ice sliding in Elmwood Park between now and January 28, 2018. • More information about Dickens and Elmwood on Ice is available at www.downtownroanoke.org REPORTS OF COMMITIEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NEIGHBORHOODS: Discussion regarding homicides in the northwest community; and public safety of the citizens in the community. CHURCHES: Hill Street Baptist Church and Roanoke College will present "The History of the Civil Rights Era in Roanoke" at Hill Street Baptist Church from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m. on Friday, December 8. 108 CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: 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 Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Dykstra was absent.) HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the resignation of Cheri Hartman as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board for a term of office ending November 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Jash Bansal. There being no further nominations, Mr. Bansal was appointed as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Cheri Hartman ending November 30, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MR. BANSAL: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Dykstra was absent.) ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: The Mayor called attention to the resignation of Antwyne U. Calloway as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Michael Cherry, II. There being no further nominations, Mr. Cherry was appointed as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates to fill the unexpired term of office of Antwyne U. Calloway ending June 30, 2020, by the following vote:  109 FOR MR. CHERRY: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Dykstra was absent.) WESTERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL FACILITY AUTHORITY: The Mayor called attention to the resignation of Wayne Bowers (Economic Development Director) as the Roanoke City appointee of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority ending February 4, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager. There being no further nominations, Mr. Cowell was appointed as the Roanoke City appointee of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority to fill the unexpired term of office of Wayne Bowers ending February 4, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MR. COWELL: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Dykstra was absent.) There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~~.~~IV Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, MMC ~J~~I Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor